by Jay Noel
“King Hideaki was gracious enough to allow me to address you, my fellow citizens,” Kyta said to the High Council. She swiveled towards Zen. “Something terrible is coming our way, and we must be prepared.”
Kyta removed a cubical crystal from her robe and hurled it up into the air. Zen hadn't noticed that Takeo had left his side until the general caught the cube and walked to the pictogram projector. Takeo placed the crystal into an opening on the top of the machine and turned a crank. Gears and cogs turned, and the machine illuminated the entire chamber with white projected light.
The projector created a three-dimensional ghostly image floating above their heads. As the image sharpened, it was revealed to be a man climbing into a machine. The contraption, like armor made from polished steel, stood several feet higher than the man, and it seemed to swallow him whole. The machine possessed interlocking gears and other moving parts at the joints. The steel monster's head was a glass dome where the man was able to see out.
As he moved his limbs, gouts of steam rushed out from two exhaust pipes coming from its shoulders. It raised its right arm, but instead of a hand, it looked to be a barreled weapon. Bursts of fire erupted from the muzzle as hundreds of empty shells spilled onto the ground.
The metal beast lumbered towards a stone wall. It raised its left arm which held a sword-like blade instead of a mechanical hand. With one swift punch, he blasted a hole through the wall. The explosion sent shards of rock in every direction.
Kyta broke the silence with her husky and commanding voice. “The Iberians call this machine an exomechia. It is a type of armor a soldier can climb into, controlling it with his own movements. The exomechia moves with him, like a second skin, yet it increases his strength fifty-fold. The Iberian Empire will bring them to the border it shares with Western Xia.”
The pictogram image faded once Takeo stopped turning the projector's crank, and the guards reignited the chamber's gas lamps. Takeo removed the crystal from the small machine and sat near the Council members. Zen wondered if this was his own cue to sit back down, but he couldn't move his legs.
Kyta turned her back on the delegates and spoke to Zen directly. “This footage was recorded twenty days ago. Your father has been reviewing knowledge given by reliable sources near Iberia. If they build an army of these exomechias they will be unstoppable.” Kyta bowed and looked up to the pulpit. “Thank you, Excellency, for allowing me to speak.”
Hideaki acknowledged his adviser with a slight nod, and Kyta swept across the floor and disappeared into the shadows. Nervous whispers among the council members grew. Takeo wore a worried look as he remained in his seat among the chatter.
“Nearly two thousand years ago, Nihon led the Sun Nation against the invading forces of Byzantia,” Hideaki said. “Five hundred years later, the Albions swept across the world, capturing Xian provinces in its wake. Once again Nihon took action, and we cast them out, sending them back to their isle. After liberating our neighbors, we allowed Xia to keep its sovereignty. That was a mistake. Once again, fate is calling us to resurrect this old alliance and stand up to tyranny. We will not make the same mistake again.”
The chamber filled with tentative applause. Zen wondered about his father's intentions with Xia. If efforts to bring the Sui and Jin factions together constantly failed, Zen didn't see any other way to secure Xia's allegiance to a new Sun Nation alliance.
Hideaki looked down at Zen, as if reading his mind. “I have been in contact with the kingdoms of the Eastern Powers, and I am confident I will be able to solidify their support. Xia, on the other hand, is another matter. The Western Jin and Eastern Sui remain locked in a stalemate in their century-old civil war. Blinded by their hatred for each other, they fail to see the danger looming from Iberia. That is why our most immediate mission is to find the lost Sky Blade of legend in order to gain Xia's allegiance.”
Zen heard a gasp, but he couldn't be sure it wasn't his own.
Kyta walked onto the edge of the stage near the pictogram projector. “The Sky Blade is sure to bring Xia into the fold.”
All eyes turned to Zen, and for a moment, his mind went completely blank. He turned to Kyta, then to Hideaki. Words finally came to his brain, and he wondered if addressing his father at this moment was appropriate. Zen raised his face up towards the pulpit.
“Did you say the Sky Blade?” Zen asked. “From the bedtime stories?”
Hideaki opened his mouth to reply, but Kyta spoke first. “Yes, but there is truth behind the stories.” The old woman stroked her hair with frail fingers. “The metal extracted from the rock that fell from the heavens is the same material my staff was forged from. The alien metal is extremely powerful. The sword has both the power to destroy or the power to heal. The one chosen to wield the Sky Blade will possess the power to unify the Sun Nation and defeat the Iberian Empire and their machines.”
Zen's mind raced. “Or destroy the world, as the story goes.”
“That is why the one chosen to find it must be noble and incorruptible,” Hideaki said. He left the pulpit and stepped down to meet Zen face to face. “The High Council has chosen you to go on this quest.”
Zen's breath left him, and his chest quivered. He stared at the faces of the High Council, each man adorned in his respective clan's colors. They wore the look of determination, which didn't make Zen feel any better.
“How will finding the Sky Blade help us?” Zen asked. “It is just a fairy tale.”
Hideaki replied, “We are a nation derived from faith, holding steadfast to our traditions. Our faith makes us strong. Too many of us have come to depend on the things we can only see with our eyes and touch with our fingers.”
Kyta shuffled towards the center of the stage. “Many of our people have lost their faith. Faith is what weaves Nihon and Xia's fate intricately together for all time. The story of the Sky Blade originated in Xia, and they are a nation of believers. The keeper of the sword is the rightful and sovereign ruler of Xia. It is a most powerful symbol, and one that commands obedience.”
Zen nodded, their words starting to make sense. Takeo still looked worried, and Zen wondered if he should be too.
“If we are to successfully defend our homeland, we must rekindle our faith,” Kyta continued. “Now is the time to return to the old ways most of us have forsaken.”
She struck the wooden floor with her staff and every lamp in the Great Chamber sparked. The flames grew in intensity and illuminated the chamber. “The world is still full of mysteries, and the Sky Blade is the greatest mystery of them all.”
Hideaki placed a hand on Zen's shoulder. “Finding the Sky Blade will force the Jin and Sui to end their civil war...to become whole once again. You will rule Xia, as it has been foretold. When you come before the Xian people with the Sky Blade in your grasp, the people will cry out in support of their ordained leader. Then you and I will resurrect the Sun Nation alliance. Together.”
Hideaki looked at Zen with exhausted eyes. He produced something shiny with his free hand and lifted the object into the air. “This amulet contains a piece of the same terrestrial rock that fell from the sky and was used to forge the Sky Blade. Master Kyta has assured me it will assist you in finding this mystical artifact.”
Zen noticed the blue stone's glow, its radiant light cascading on his father's face. Hideaki took the amulet's chain in both of his hands, and Zen lowered his head. He felt the cold metal slide down his neck, but the warmth of the pulsating stone soothed him.
“We will honor the traditions of the Sacred Quest,” Hideaki continued. “As it was written, the champion to find the Sky Blade must be pure of heart. Zenjiro, you must go alone on this Holy Pilgrimage. As our solitary hero, you will go on this quest with no money, no provisions, and no assistance. You will rely solely on your strength and courage.”
Zen struggled to speak, and he spoke loudly to hide his uncertainty. “The world is vast. Where do I start?”
“Master Kyta led our finest scholars in an in-depth study of
several Xian scrolls,” answered Hideaki. “Within several ancient texts, the authors all describe a wild and vast land where the ancient weapon was hidden. The continent is covered in snow, sand, wheat, many rivers, and lush trees. The Xian king that wielded the Sky Blade abused its power, forcing his people to steal and hide it. We believe the Sky Blade is hidden on Agrios.”
Zen had read about the Wild Land, the continent recently named Agrios by the Iberian Empire. It was mostly uncharted territory inhabited by bloodthirsty savages. Iberia managed to settle along the eastern coast of Agrios, but the natives fought back any effort to expand foreign colonization.
The chamber fell silent, and everyone waited for Zen to say something. Kyta's metal staff seemed to illuminate, the soft blue glow pulsating in rhythm with the stone around his neck.
“I accept this Sacred Quest,” Zen declared.
The dignitaries rose to their feet in applause and left their seats to congratulate him. Hideaki's mouth began to form words, but his tears overwhelmed him. Zen's father put his arms around him, and the two embraced, forsaking proper Nihon etiquette.
Zen missed his mother more than ever, and he wished she were there in the flesh to witness the greatness she predicted.
THE ROYAL GROUNDS WERE EERILY quiet the morning Zen was to depart. The colorful banners and flags still lined the road from the celebrations five days ago. Zen gazed at the awakening city from his balcony. His mind recorded every pagoda, temple, building, and garden within his wide field of vision. He wondered what cities looked like in Agrios.
Zen packed the night before, and he had placed only the bare necessities in his canvas knapsack. The sacred pilgrimage mandated that he only take with him the things to help sustain him. Other than a couple changes of clothes, Zen packed his armor and gauntlets, a straight razor, a metal canteen, a toothbrush, his pistol cleaning kit, and several boxes of ammunition.
When he reached the courtyard, Zen found Takeo waiting for him near the covered entrance.
“All ready?” Takeo pointed at Zen's full rucksack.
Zen took notice of the new red armor Takeo wore. Two days ago, his father had promoted Takeo to Shogun. It was the highest honor any warrior could ever dream of having, yet his friend didn't celebrate after being chosen. Takeo wasn't the celebrating type.
“I must confess, I have my reservations about your quest,” Takeo said. “You are the heir to the throne, so you should not be going on this dangerous mission. Your father and the High Council are not following protocol.”
Zen felt his cheeks flush. “We both know I am worthy. Why question this?”
Takeo shook his head. “I do not question your bravery, and I especially do not question your abilities. You are the prince of Nihon. You should remain here. You should be Shogun.”
“To be chosen for something as special as this Sacred Quest is all I have ever wanted.” Zen slowed his breath and allowed his anger to pass. “This journey encompasses everything I have trained and fought for. For generations to come, when people speak my name, they will recall my victories and heroic deeds. Had I not been chosen, I would have gone on my own. I will not be denied this glory.”
Takeo broke the tension with a chuckle. “I am not surprised.” He looked down at the amulet Zen wore around his neck. “Regarding your magic charm, I have even further doubts.”
“If it was fashioned by Master Kyta, it will work.” Zen held the stone up to the sun. It was a swirl of dark colors, dominated by dark gray and blue with glints of silver.
“If you say so,” said Takeo with a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
Zen slid the amulet back underneath his shirt. “I am a warrior of faith. That is why I was chosen.”
“Of that, I am sure.” Takeo turned to him while they walked. “If the Sky Blade is the path to bringing Xia under our kingdom without war, then you must find it. You are our country's greatest, Zen. Perhaps of all time.”
Zen swelled with pride. Takeo had been a constant presence in his life since childhood, and he felt homesick already.
Takeo led them to a small road that cut a narrow path through the royal grounds. “It is time, Zenjiro.”
“You are not coming to the harbor?” Zen asked, already knowing his friend's answer.
Takeo gestured toward Yamutori Mountain. “I must attend to business at the palace. We have much to do while you go adventuring across the ocean to the Wild Land.”
“It has been an honor serving under you, Shogun.” Zen felt uneasy with giving him a final goodbye. “I do hope we will be able to share the battlefield once again someday.”
“When you first began your training, you were just a boy. It has been my honor to fight at your side and watch you grow into a man.” Takeo smiled. “However, I have seen how you get while on the high seas. I believe your first battle will be with seasickness. I pray you do not vomit on yourself.”
The two friends shared one final laugh.
“Honor first,” said Zen.
“Honor first.”
They took hold of each other's forearms before sharing the customary bow. Without saying another word, Takeo left to enter the palace through the main gates. Zen watched him disappear around a corner.
Movement to his far right caught Zen's eye, and he spotted a hooded form lurking behind the lush green foliage. At first, he wondered if it was one of the palace servants tending the garden, but when the lurker pulled back his cape, there was no mistaking the man's blue Kaga armor. Zen hurried toward him, and recognition set in. It was the man who had challenged his father for the right to rule Nihon.
“Governor Kaga,” Zen said with a bow. “Are you here to see me off?”
The old man was short, shrunken with age, but his arms remained strong and taut. “Prince Kanze, your quest is a perilous one. Many of Nihon's finest would be trembling in their boots. But not you.”
Zen wondered if the governor carried a grudge for his sound defeat. His senses began to heighten, just in case Kaga decided to avenge his loss. “I know no fear, Governor Kaga. This quest is vital to all of us.”
“Indeed.” Kaga's narrow eyes flashed indecision. “Our clans have been enemies longer than you have been alive. Despite that, my warriors spoke of your honor. Even enemies can respect one another.”
Zen bowed at the compliment.
“As a member of the High Council, it was difficult to agree to allow you to go on this quest.” Kaga scratched his nose. “I do not know how to say this.”
“I am next in line to the crown,” Zen said. “Sending me to the Wild Land on a dangerous mission might not be prudent. Yes, I have heard this before.”
Governor Kaga sighed. “It is more than that, Your Highness.”
A familiar female voice called out Zen's name from afar. Zen turned around to see Kyta waiting at the end the brick walkway on the other end of the courtyard and gestured for him to join her.
“I must go, Governor.” Zen bowed.
Kaga bent his body, keeping his eyes pointed downwards as he spoke. “Things are not what they seem, my lord.” When he straightened his back, he looked Zen in the eyes. “Be very wary of those you trust most.”
The governor pulled the hood over his head and did an abrupt about face before exiting the courtyard. Kaga's cryptic message disturbed him, but for now, he pushed it aside. The quest and Master Kyta awaited him.
Zen secured his backpack before hurrying to the old woman. The two of them strolled in silence together through the tranquil gardens. The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom, and the soothing breeze made it rain down twirling pink petals. They reached the end of the brick-laden road and found themselves at the gravel walkway.
The amulet's sudden heat under his shirt startled him. Against the cool wind, the stone brought welcomed warmth, but this was something more. It felt as if it moved. He stopped to lift it from under his coat, marveling at the soft bluish glow of the stone.
“Master?”
“Your stone is reacting to my presence.
” Kyta's walking staff continued to glow. “The amulet is also set to your personal vibration, as my staff is to mine. These are our tools, connecting us to the realm of the sacred. During your travels, use the amulet as a guide.”
Zen took the pulsating stone in his hand. The chain tightened, and he feared it might break free from his grasp and float towards the old woman. “It will lead me to the Sky Blade?”
Kyta chuckled. “It will lead you to whatever your destiny is to be.”
“What will guarantee Xia's allegiance once I find the Sky Blade?” Zen asked.
“There is no guarantee, Zenjiro. Much of Nihon might place its fate in the hands of science and technology, but Xia remains the spiritual epicenter of The East.”
Kyta shot him a quizzical look. “Do you see yourself as the one to wield the Sky Blade?”
“Of course I do, Master,” Zen answered.
“Good. Only one who is pure can own the mighty sword.”
Zen scratched his head. “Pure? The ancient scrolls say that King Jiang was evil. Far from pure. Yet he used the power of the Sky Blade to maim and murder. Enslaving his own people.”
“Pure does not necessarily mean righteous,” Kyta said. “You must know yourself. Not one shred of doubt about who you are can exist in your heart. King Jiang became a tyrant, because he knew just how black his soul had become. If you are to use the Sky Blade, you must be sure of who you are.”
Zen never saw himself as a great philosopher, but he knew himself well enough to know he was worthy of facing such a challenge. However, something about the far western empire intrigued him, and Zen asked, “The Iberian emperor is known to have been a magnificent soldier himself in his youth, and rumor has it that he has become deranged in his old age. Is this true?”
Kyta tightened her robe around her thin neck as the wind picked up. “Emperor Leon Garza was an honorable warrior in his prime. For the last two decades, he has allowed a religious order to influence his actions, forcing his new subjects to submit to his religion. His cruelty has surpassed even the most brutal of dictators. Whether or not the stories are true, it is clear that Emperor Leon wants to force his will upon all of the nations of the world.”