Onmyoji

"So, I've returned," Hiromasa told Seimei.

In his story, the servant had been crying and trembling, the light having just vanished.

"Was that the night before yesterday?"

"Yes."

"And last night?"

"As a matter of fact, I heard the biwa last night, too." 

"Did you seek it out?"

"I did, but this time, I went alone."

"To Rashomon?"

"Yes, alone. I listened to the biwa for a while, but that kind of musical talent is beyond living humans now. I called out, and again the biwa fell silent, and the lantern blew out. But this time I was ready, quickly relighting the lamp and climbing the gate."

"Ah, I see."

He was a recklessly courageous man. It wasn't just a nighttime shadow but true darkness at the top of the gate. Even if the other person was a human being, if Hiromasa was attacked from above with a blade, he wouldn't survive.

"However, I stopped."

"You want to try again?"

"Yes. When I'd climbed halfway, I heard a voice." 

"A voice?"

"Like a beast's howling... it was a dreadful voice." He said. "I'd climbed up, looking out over the shadowy city, when something fell on my face from above."

"What was it?"

"If you go down there and look this evening, you'll see it, a decaying human eye. I wonder which grave it came from." Because of that, Hiromasa didn't have the heart to climb the gate anymore. "It's beyond my power to handle it myself, and climbing it again would be tedious."

"So, when shall I go?" Seimei asked. Already, the sake and sweet fish were gone. 

"Tonight - I'll accompany you."

"You're going back?"

"Yes, I'll go."

"Does the Emperor know?"

"Ah, not yet, I intend to resolve this first. My servant is tough, yet he refuses to speak of what happened." 

"Hmm."

"Whoever's on Rashomon gate... it's not a human." Hiromasa said.

"Is it not? Then what is it, if it's not a human?"

"Oh, I don't know, perhaps a demon. In any case, if it isn't a human, then this is a job for you, Seimei."

"Is that so?"

"I will retrieve the biwa, but... I can't help wanting to hear that music again."

"Let's go together."

"Yes, let's."

"Though, perhaps only one of us is needed after all."

"What?"

"Bring the sake."

"Sake?"

"I want to drink sake and listen to the biwa."

As Seimei spoke, Hiromasa stared intently at his face, and remained silent until he finished, and said, "Very well."

"Let's go."

"Let's go."

And that is what happened.