He'd watched the fortunes of the Mantis rise like an unstoppable tsunami. He rejoiced when Yoritomo stormed Otosan Uchi, and gained for his clan Great Clan status. He felt pride when the Alliance gained recognition and fame throughout Rokugan with its valiant exploits.

He felt the pangs of betrayal when the Crane attacked his Lord's army in an act of treason. He wept inwardly when he learned of the foolish act of the Phoenix in killing Yoritomo's envoys, precipitating a declaration of open warfare.

Now he was back in his ancestral provinces. Despite all that he has seen and remembered, the years have indeed been kind to him.

"Are you sure about this, Toshokan'in-san?" Yoritomo Ajiajin broke into his train of thought. The young gaijin was looking at him wistfully, with what could be described as fondness.

Yoritomo Toshokan'in smiled as he continued to don his armor. The mon of the Crab was a bit faded, but it still thrust out proudly from the armor's chest.

"Ah, Ajiajin-san. Your concern warms my heart. But of the few score warriors that we have, I am one of those who know this land by heart. You should remember, that I was once, a Kaiu."

"I know. It's just that..."

"I'm too old for such tasks?" Toshokan'in rasped, and shook his head. "I may be too old, but this quest invigorates me." Another smile immediately broke out on his face.

He laid a well-callused hand on the gaijin's shoulder and looked at his young, shining eyes for a few moments.

"Ah, how I will miss this gaijin," he thought. "May he prove his mettle in the years to come."

"I will be going now, Ajiajin-san. Have you prepared our things? Are my men ready?"

The gaijin nodded. "Of course, Toshokan'in-san. They are ready to leave at your bidding."

The old man's gaze went far beyond the gate, and then at the early morning sky. "Then we shall move while the day is still young."

Yoritomo Toshokan'in turned his back to Ajiajin and faced the yawning gate of the portion of the Wall where they chose to help the Crab defend against the ravening Horde. The rays of Amaterasu were sickly pale that day, Ajiajin would remember.

The rest of the small party mounted, and waited for their leader to do likewise.

"I'm home again," Toshokan'in thought wistfully.

Yoritomo Ajiajin stood watching the party move on into the fog-shrouded Shadowlands, staying on until he could no longer see the green and gold of the Mantis banner that Toshokan'in held.

Then he turned on his heel to see to his duties, and to confer with the newly arrived Falcon contingent.

With one last glance, he looked out into the wastes of the Shadowlands.

And felt fear.