by Bryce Allen
Kenji felt himself losing the test of strength and acted.
Kenji’s back leg kicked off the ground. He rotated his body and put all the power he had into his knee. It struck Hiroshi’s wounded side. Kenji’s knee dug into the cut, tearing it open.
Hiroshi choked back a gasp and folded over. He clutched his side and barely held his sword.
Kenji cut at him as he fell back. The tip of the Zettai caught Hiroshi at his shoulder and cut across his torso. The cut didn’t stop until the Zettai ran out of flesh to split.
The cut wasn’t deep, but it ended the conflict.
Hiroshi fell onto his back. The sword rolled from his hand. Kenji came to his side as the dust around him settled. Hiroshi’s body was consumed by a light tremor. The champion’s robe he wore was entirely soaked with blood, most of it his own.
Hiroshi rolled his head in jerky, pained movements. He met Kenji’s eyes.
“Kill me.”
Blood came up with the words, but they were clear enough for Kenji to understand.
Kenji raised the Zettai above his head. He pointed the blade at what was left of Hiroshi’s heart. Hiroshi deserved to die. Kenji deserved to kill him.
Kenji tensed and tried to drive the sword through Hiroshi. His body wouldn’t move. The indecision of his mind bled through his anger and all he felt was conflict. He cursed himself. Why couldn’t he do this one last thing?
“Kill me.”
More blood came up as the words tore through Hiroshi’s throat. Kenji noticed a soft whimper. Hiroshi wasn’t asking or demanding, he was begging.
Kenji lowered the sword and looked to the new emperor. Taijin was at the ledge watching the events with wide eyes. The boy was frightened and just as conflicted at Kenji.
“Emperor Taijin, what would you have me do?” Kenji said, forcing strength into his words that he didn’t have.
Taijin stared at Hiroshi, searching for the answer.
“What . . .” Taijin’s voice cracked, but he straightened his posture and spoke again. “What would my father have done?”
Kenji nodded and looked down at Hiroshi. Kenji already knew what Taishi would have wanted. He’d known it all along.
“Emperor Taishi would forgive him.”
Taijin’s face twisted for only a moment. It wasn’t the answer he wanted. It was a difficult task to forgive the man that killed your father, but with time, it would become possible.
“Hiroshi, for crimes against the empire I strip you of all titles, authority, and wealth,” Taijin declared. “But you will keep your life. I hope that, one day, you atone for your sins.”
Taijin gestured to some of his aides. Within moments, a group of doctors ran out from the staging area. Hiroshi groaned, and the doctors slid him onto a stretcher.
Hiroshi was fading. His eyes fluttered as he moved in and out of death’s grasp. Before the doctor’s carried him away, his eyes found Kenji one last time.
He started to speak, but no words came out, only blood. The doctors rushed away, leaving a trail of crimson in their wake.
Kenji looked back to the emperor for more guidance. He was surprised to find that his eyes wouldn’t focus long enough to see the emperor or the balcony. He felt his body sway with the breeze. The coldness that he felt before was developing in his hands again, working its way up his limbs.
He looked down at Sagura. He was still on the ground. He looked concerned. He was reaching out to Kenji. Sagura spoke, but Kenji couldn’t hear anything. He only heard his own steady, but labored, breath.
Darkness pulsed around him, closing in on his vision. Kenji didn’t fight it, he welcomed it. He fell. Before he could hit the ground, darkness swept him away.
Epilogue
Three faces surrounded him. Two were tired. He could tell from the bags under their eyes and their broken posture. They huddled over him, waiting. The third person was busy. He was older than the others. He seemed to be inspecting something.
“Kenji?”
It was a woman’s voice, young and defiant. He blinked slowly, forcing his eyes to focus. He tried to say her name, but his throat was so dry. He only coughed.
“Sip this,” the older man said.
He held the saucer to Kenji’s lips and gave him a short sip of the liquid. It was warm, and it reminded him of something. In the fog of his mind he knew he’d tasted it before. He just didn’t know when or where.
Some of it ran down Kenji’s cheek, but the old man wiped it away. Kenji cleared his throat and tried to speak again.
“Kami?”
“I’m here. Emperor Taijin is, too.”
Kenji closed his eyes and offered a weak smile. He was surprised he was alive, but he was thankful for it. One question came to his mind the moment he had the clarity to form it.
“Did Hiroshi live?” Kenji wasn’t sure why he asked, but the answer seemed important.
Taijin said, “He did.”
Kenji gave the slightest nod but didn’t speak.
“The empire, is it whole?”
Taijin gave a soft chuckle, apparently amused by Kenji’s question, “It is. We exposed Hiroshi’s crimes and most people returned their loyalty to the empire. A few fled the city, but not enough to matter.”
Kenji sighed, a sign of his understanding.
The most important questions out of the way, Kenji glanced around the room. He was careful only to move his eyes. He was in his Gawan dormitory. The shelves were lined with healing implements, and his bed was elevated off the ground, but Kenji knew where he was.
“How long has it been?”
“Three weeks,” Kami said.
Suddenly, Kenji was aware of something in his hand. It had a warmth to it, but it wasn’t alive. He lifted his head off his pillow to see what it was.
The sheathed Zettai was at his side.
He started moving his hand, but the doctor placed a firm hand on his wrist.
“Don’t let go of that just yet. The strength is helping you heal.”
Kenji’s eyes narrowed with hints of fear. The doctor knew immediately what was on his mind.
“You will make a full recovery, you just need more time.”
Kenji calmed himself and nodded. He allowed himself to relax and settle into the bed. The doctor let him sip more of the liquid.
Kami, Taijin, and Kenji sat in silence for a while. Kenji wasn’t sure if they were enjoying it as much as he was. He hadn’t been surrounded by people that cared for him in some time, and he no longer took it for granted.
As the fog around his mind cleared, another question came to him. The shock of it made him sit up, if only a little. The sudden movement made Taijin start. The doctor put a hand on Kenji’s shoulder, leaning him back.
“Where is Sagura?”
Kami and Taijin glanced at each other. They were hesitating. After a few moments, Taijin responded. He spoke softly, as if consoling Kenji.
“After the tournament, he spoke to the leaders of the empire. He explained what you and Ebusu did for the empire. He told them of Hiroshi’s rage for Kaito and the plot to win the Zettai.”
Taijin paused, searching for the right words. Before he could begin again, Kami interjected.
“Then he left.” She shrugged. “He fastened his leg with boards and rope and he left.”
Kenji opened his mouth to ask the obvious question, but Kami shook her head.
“He didn’t tell anyone where he was going or what he was doing. He didn’t go back to Gawa, either.”
“I had men track him for a while, but they lost him along the eastern coast.”
Kenji nodded his understanding. Thinking about Sagura twisted his mind into knots. The man had manipulated him, yes, but everything he’d done since the beginning was for the empire. It was hard for Kenji to believe and more difficult for him to comprehend.
He didn’t want to question Sagura, he wanted to thank him. He wanted Sagura to know that Ebusu had trusted him the entire time. Kenji didn’t know why, but if felt important th
at he know.
Ultimately, Kenji understood Sagura. Without condemning or condoning, he understood. Sagura did what he thought was right without hesitation or fear. He didn’t let honor, loyalty, or pride cloud his judgment.
Kami, noticing the cloud of contemplation that came over Kenji, decided to interrupt.
“There is one last thing.”
The chipper, energetic tone of her voice snapped Kenji to attention. Kami was glowing with a surprise of some kind. Her grin spread into a full-blown, mischievous smile. Kenji cocked an eyebrow in her direction.
Taijin, too, was beginning to smile. Kenji had no clue what was happening, but the smile was contagious. A hesitant grin emerged on his face. It was an unfamiliar feeling.
Taijin nodded to the doctor. The doctor nodded back and shuffled out of the room. The rice-paper door slid shut behind him, but he was only gone a moment. Kenji heard the muffled response of a new voice.
His interest piqued, Kenji pulled himself upright. His old wounds resisted him a bit, but the doctor did good work. They were little more than annoyances.
The doctor stepped back in and moved to the side, clearing the way for the person behind him.
“Kenji?” Her voice quivered, but it didn’t break.
Kenji swallowed hard, fighting the tears. “Mother.”
Saske took a step closer. Kenji almost didn’t recognize her. Her eyes were alert. She studied him with a motherly concern that Kenji hadn’t seen in a decade. The color had returned to her face, and Kenji thought that maybe her hair had been combed.
“Are you alright? Does it hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Kenji said in disbelief. “You seem—”
Kenji couldn’t finish. His mother dove in, wrapping him in a strong embrace. All thoughts left Kenji and he pulled her close. They held each other as if for the first time.
“Tadashi would be proud.”
She whispered the words into his ear. It was a message that only Kenji needed to hear.
She pulled away until they were face to face, only inches apart.
Her eyes darted over his face, taking in every detail. Her eyes swelled with tears, but only one fell. Her smile was bright and strong. Kenji didn’t know what to say. He was in shock.
“I don’t understand . . . Are you well?”
Saske backed away. She sat on Kenji’s bedside, seemingly unsure how to answer. She looked to the doctor for guidance.
“She is better every day. The mind is a muscle that can shrivel or grow strong. With the correct regiment of medicines and practices, she will grow stronger.”
Kenji was at a loss. He didn’t know how to repay such kindness. His mother was returned to him.
“Thank you. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay this kindness.”
Taijin bowed. “You already have.”
There was a moment of peace. Everything seemed right in the world.
The doctor ended the silence with a soft clap. “Alright, everyone, Kenji needs rest.”
Saske squeezed Kenji’s hand and gave him a soft smile. She stepped out of the room, followed by Taijin. Kami turned to follow, but Kenji called after her. The doctor gave them both a stern face, looking from one to the other.
“Just a moment?”
The doctor sighed and left the room. The door slid shut and they were alone. Kami sat by his side and waited.
“What will you do now?” Kenji asked.
Kami shrugged. “Not sure. I suppose I will go back to North Toku and start training for the next Tenno Tournament.”
Kenji laughed and Kami grinned. Once the laughed faded, Kenji gave a long sigh.
“It was one crazy tournament, huh?” Kami said quietly.
“It was.”
“Thank you for everything,” Kenji said. “You were stronger than me at every step.”
Kami snorted a laugh and smiled. “It all worked out.”
Kenji knew it was true. Kami was resolute when he faltered. He retreated into exile when she fought against the odds. She was a warrior unlike any other. Kenji may have defeated Hiroshi, but it was Kami that made it possible.
Kenji felt honored to have such an ally.
“When will you leave?” Kenji asked.
“Now that I know you are well”—Kami pondered for a second—“A day or two from now.”
Kenji nodded. “Do me one last favor? Wait a week.”
Kami thought about it, and Kenji got the impression that she wasn’t in a rush to return home.
“Alright, I’ll wait a week. Now get some rest.”
Kami left the room, and Kenji was alone. He settled into his bed and closed his eyes. His thoughts drifted from Sagura to his father to Hiroshi. So much had happened.
His only regret was that Ebusu was not with him to share the victory. Kenji knew that, in a way, Ebusu was with him. Not only in spirit, but in the skills that he taught Kenji. It didn’t replace his stern old master. Nor did it replace the constant source of wisdom and compassion that he provided.
However, Kenji felt a responsibility now. He felt the weight of Ebusu’s teaching guiding him. He wished for his master’s firm, caring hand, but he knew what to do now.
Kenji let his thoughts slip away. He drifted into the most restful sleep he could recall.
Kenji dropped to his knees and performed a low bow. His forehead brushed the ground, and a few droplets of sweat fell. He had no partner, but he was paying respect to the masters that came before him. The doctor had finally allowed him to train, and he pushed himself.
Training with the Zettai was an experience unlike any other. He and the sword came to understand each other. Without the fear of an opponent, he tested himself in ways he didn’t think possible. With the entire royal training facility, his power grew.
He’d only been awake five days, but with the help of the doctor and the mystical Zettai, Kenji’s body wove itself back together. He had scars, more than he could count, but he was alive and able.
Kenji put more into his practice that day for other reasons, as well. Taijin was making an announcement to the people. The gates of the walled city were opening to the masses and Taijin would solidify his rule.
The wielder of the Zettai would have his position finalized as well. It was part ceremony, part public address. Kami promised she would accompany him to the event. He wanted his mother to go, but she still suffered from bouts of confusion and weakness. The doctors said she needed more time, and she would have it.
Kenji ended his daily training and cleaned himself. He’d been given new champion’s robes. He was told that the blood-soaked ribbons he wore before would not be suitable for the occasion.
He could hear the crowd filling the streets before he even left his room. Their voices were jubilant, filling the cherry blossom street with cheers and laughter. The sharp pop of handheld fireworks inspired more cheers. Kenji could hear the music of celebration in the distance. It was a beautiful sound.
He stepped out into the street and turned towards the palace. He cursed himself for refusing Taijin’s offer of an escort. The crowd stretched the entirety of the street, filling every corner. Only the occasional street performer earned enough space to put on a show.
Kenji kept his head down and weaved through the crowd. It was a slow process. On the stairs of the palace, in the distance, the ceremonial platform was already filling with dignitaries. Kenji felt a pinch of anxious energy. He didn’t want to embarrass himself, not today of all days.
“Mom, I think that’s Kenji, from Gawa!”
A little boy tugged at his mother’s sleeve and pointed an accusing finger in Kenji’s face. Kenji blushed, smiled, and held a finger to his lips. Even with the legendary Zettai at his side, the gesture didn’t silence the child. Several others took notice and began clamoring around him.
Before the crowd enveloped him, a raucous voice behind him shouted over the people.
“Make way for the champion of Gawa!”
Kenji turned to see the face of a man
he didn’t recognize. His rosy cheeks and amused grin told Kenji he might have had a drink or two. The man winked at Kenji and patted him on the back.
When Kenji turned back to the palace, he found his way clear. The crowd parted before him, creating a path directly to the stage.
Kenji wasn’t sure what to do. Hundreds of people were making way for him. It was a simple gesture, but a powerful one. Kenji held his head high and walked through the people.
They cheered for him. Every face he saw was filled with gratitude. Some were weeping tears of joy. Some of them thanked him. Many reached out their hands to Kenji. He reached out to them and took their hand, connecting with them for only a second.
As Kenji moved through the crowd, he felt the tears roll down his cheeks. He hadn’t realized they were there. The power of the people supporting him was overwhelming. This was not the crowd of people at the arena, begging for entertainment, but the unified voice of an empire.
Kenji just kept mouthing the words ‘thank you’ to anyone who locked eyes with him. It was all he could think to do.
He reached the platform and wiped his tears away. He looked up to find Taijin smiling down at him. Taijin held out a hand and helped Kenji onto the stage. They exchanged a bow, followed by a friendly embrace.
Kami approached Kenji next. Unable to contain the grins on their faces, they bowed to each other. She, too, had been given new robes. She walked with an awkward stiffness, an air of annoyance in her gait. Regardless, she was stunning, shaved head and all.
Taijin signaled for the crowd to silence so the ceremony could begin. Kenji, Kami, and the handful of other officials took their seats on the side of the stage. Taijin stood front and center.
The hush came over the crowd quickly. The jubilant chaos was replaced by respect, interest, and curiosity. It was tradition for a ceremony to take place after a Tenno Tournament, but this tournament was unique. The people didn’t know what to expect.
“We will begin with a moment of silence for the great men we lost in the events of the past months. Taishi, Ebusu, and proud soldiers of the empire lost their lives defending all of us. They will not be forgotten.”