The Wrath Of the Forgotten

by Michael Ignacio

  The air in the chamber felt different almost immediately. A sudden thickness had coated every deep breath that Tov inhaled. Rather than be a solid, physical thickness, the air felt overly saturated with energy. He tasted something pungent on his tongue. Tov’s eyes started to sting.

  A beam of energy shot from the gem and barreled into Tov’s chest. Every cell in his body felt like it grew twice its size before shrinking back again. His head swam in the energy pulsating from the gem. Breaths became sweeter, and yet, more painful at the same time.

  The beam stopped. A cloud of steam rose up from Tov’s chest. His body still tingled.

  Tov asked, “W-what did you do to me?”

  We have made you more like us. That is your first step to ascension. You will no longer appear sickly to the humans. You are immune to disease. You will not age anymore. Your power is increased, and you will be able to communicate with us without using the gem armband. There are other gifts as well, but you will discover them in time as your body attunes to its new abilities. This transformation comes with a boon as well.

  Tov gaped at the large gem in the room. “Wait, this increase is not my reward?”

  The room filled with the laughter of the unseen. No, we ascended you because we value you above all other Yaoguai. We need you and those you trust. You are now a Yaoguai Knight. The boon is this: You can pass on this gift to four others. They will become your personal troops. Once you have ascended your fellow Yaoguai, then you will rest a week. After that, we will need you and your unit. There is another enemy that we must have you deal with. One that is the most dangerous of them all.

  Tov frowned as he rested his hands in front of him. “What enemy is more dangerous than humans?”

  The Masters said a single word in Tov’s mind.

  Tov trembled.

  THE FADING LIGHT of the day poured in through one of the windows of the corridor. As the sun got lower in the sky, a particularly focused beam kept getting right in Nori’s eyes. At first, he squinted, but then he moved a little. Apisa and Rayko sat on a couch on the opposite wall. Luxi and Vihori sat on couches on either side of them. No one said anything. They sat in one of the many elegant halls of the Imperial Palace. The floors were made from marble, but they were also painted with the most harmonious and delightful pictures. A depiction of a small phoenix sitting on a purple dragon’s shoulder adorned the floor of this particular section. Both the dragon and the phoenix appeared to be reading a scroll lay out before them. The script of the scroll was written in the format of a letter to someone of great importance. The ceiling was thirty feet above them, and it was painted to resemble the clear blue sky.

  Nori crossed his arms over his chest, and he let out another weary sigh. As soon as they got to Xian Ba, Flara had insisted on having an audience with her mother. That had been two hours ago. What had kept them engaged for that long?

  Luxi finally broke the silence. She peered over at Nori. “So what’s she like? The Empress I mean?”

  The others focused on him now, and each sought the same answer just as desperately as Luxi did.

  Nori bit the inside of his lip and shifted in his seat. “How am I supposed to know? I’ve never actually met her. I was merely displayed in front of her and her daughters like a prized head of cattle.”

  “Well, you are the only one of us who’s actually spent any considerable time in Xian Ba,” Luxi said. “Have you heard of any rumors about her? Is she unreasonably cruel? Is she kind? Give us something to digest on.”

  Nori grimaced. “You do realize we’re in the Imperial Palace right? As an imperial Qu-Tar, you’ll understand if I only have glowing things to say about our matriarch. Truth be told, I’ve not heard much.”

  “How is that possible?” Rayko asked. “As a member of the royal family’s bodyguard corps, I would assume your order would have juicy details on court gossip.”

  Nori replied “We’re trained to listen for threats and keep an ever vigilant eye out for our wards. We have no reason to listen to or care about court gossip. I wish I could provide you better insight into who she is.”

  Apisa placed her hands behind her head and leaned back a little on the couch. “Can you tell us what it’s like living in Xian Ba? My mama always said you could tell a lot about the leadership of a place if you look at how prosperous their area of control is. My mama usually only meant that kind of stuff for farms. I think it applies here too though.”

  The others gave silent nods, and then turned to him again. Once more, they waited for him to reveal some wondrous secret.

  Nori shrugged. “Well, in Xian Ba, there are good laws that keep people safe and keep the businesses operating fairly. There are numerous programs designed to offer homeless people jobs and homes. The whole economic infrastructure is depended on keeping everyone employed, and somewhat happy about their stations. Taxes do exist, but they’re fair. If citizens have issues with the way a law is being implemented, they’re welcome to appeal it to a court. Usually, crime in Xian Ba is fairly low in the better parts of the city. We still have slums though. I have heard that the Empress takes care of her people. From my experience, that has always been true.”

  A deep voice resonated through the hallway. “As a member of the Qu-Tar, I’m pleased that you feel that way.” A large man, although not as large as Nori walked out of a chamber with elaborate doors.

  Flara had entered that same door two hours earlier.

  The man had ornate battle armor and a sword hanging from his belt. His skin looked dark like smoke. A pair of dark eyes focused on Nori.

  Nori immediately stood up. “Commander Hijiyap.” Nori’s hands went to his sides, his shoulders went back, and his eyes looked forward.

  Apisa stood up, but she paused before trying to adopt the same pose as Nori. Rayko stayed seated, but she kept bouncing her gaze between the commander and Nori.

  Commander Hijiyap stepped right up to Nori’s face and glared into his eyes. “Princess Flara has finally finished telling the Empress her story. Is what she claims true?”

  Nori’s jaw tightened. “I will defend every one of Princess Flara’s words as truth, Commander.”

  The commander placed his hands behind his back, but kept his chest pressed up against Nori’s. Nori kept utterly still.

  Commander Hijiyap scoffed a little. “I would expect nothing less from one of my Qu-Tar. Well done. As soon as you have some free time, you will report to me for debriefing. Do you understand?”

  Nori asked “Am I being reassigned to another duty, Commander?”

  “That is neither your decision nor mine,” Commander Hijiyap replied. “You will serve where you are told. Report to me when you are finished. Enter into the audience chamber, but you will say nothing unless you’re spoken to.”

  Nori side-stepped away from the commander, and then moved into the room. Apisa, Rayko, Luxi, and Vihori all moved behind him.

  Nori’s stomach swirled in on itself, and the desire to hurl on the palace floor nearly over took him. Nori walked down a long hallway and finally entered into the Empress’s audience chamber. Like the outer hallways, the floors of the audience chamber consisted of elegant marble with a painting covering its surface. The images of the sun and moon adorned the center of the floor. Within the giant sun was an opened scroll, while a drawn sword was within the image of the crescent moon. Between the sun and the moon was a golden throne. The throne was painted to be glowing with magical light.

  Flara stood before an elevated platform with three thrones sitting side by side. The throne in the center sat the tallest tier, while the other two chairs rested on lower tiers. Three women sat in the thrones, and they all engaged Flara in conversation.

  The woman to the right of the throne wore an elegant silk dress that had light blue, green, purple and pink patterns woven within it. Her black hair had been tied into a single pony tail that trailed down her back. A pair of magenta eyes lifted off of Flara and fell upon the group.

  The woman who sat to the left of
the throne looked younger than the first, but still older than Flara. She wore a silk dress as well, only hers had various shades of blue and purple rather than the lighter colors. A pair of black pig tails fell over each of the second woman’s shoulders. Her blue eyes also turned from Flara. Nori became the object of her speculation.

  The woman on the highest seat looked the most regal of all. A golden crown rested upon her black hair, and she wore the most exquisite red silk dress Nori had ever seen.

  Flara turned to regard them. She gestured to the women.

  “My friends, please allow me to introduce you to my family. Princess Twisha Cestise is the heir to the throne, and she is also advisor to my mother.”

  The woman to the right nodded.

  Flara gestured to the woman to the Empress’ left. “This is my second sister Twisha Lusianis, she is in charge of the military actions and decrees my mother sets forth.”

  Lusianis’ eyes narrowed, and she remained silent.

  “Lastly, may I introduce you to the Empress of all of Korrine, Twisha Fausa,” Flara said.

  She turned back to the thrones and bowed to the women before her. After that, Flara took her place beside Apisa and Rayko.

  Empress Fausa sat back in her chair and beamed a regal grin at the group. “Which of you is Tadaga Vihori?”

  Vihori stepped forward and kept his back straight. He bowed low before the throne. “I am here at your service, my empress.”

  Cestise leaned forward in her chair. Her voice sounded airy like a beautiful spring morning. “I find your use of the words ‘my empress’ most intriguing. It was my understanding that Gohoda declared independence from the Empire. My sister Flara has attempted to rectify this complication, but is this what your mother really wants?”

  Vihori swallowed hard for a moment. “My mother simply wants to secure the prosperity of the people of Gohoda. She and I fought many battles to ensure that the pirate lords no longer devoured the people who lived there. We do not want war with the Empire, but she refuses to be replaced by someone who does not know the culture of the city.”

  Lusianis shook her head. Each word came forth from her lips like an icy night alongside the ocean. “The insolence. We could send a fleet of our finest ships and starve out your pirates if we chose to. You’re quite fortunate that my mother is so eager to cement a peaceful transition.”

  Empress Fausa raised her hand, and both princesses eased back in their thrones. The amusement in the Empress’ eyes grew. “My daughters are very protective of the honor and legacy of our empire. I would assume the same can be said of your people in Gohoda? My daughter Flara has spoken very highly of you, and she has also spoken highly of the contribution your city could bring to the empire. There is much we can trade with one another.”

  Vihori placed his hand to his chest. “It is as you say, my empress.”

  The empress rubbed her index finger and thumb against her chin several times. “Very well. I will accept this marital arrangement provided that it is something that Flara really wants.”

  A great pause extended within the audience chamber.

  Flara squeaked. “O-oh yes. This is something that is necessary for the survival of the empire and for Gohoda. I humbly submit myself for the good of the people.”

  “Very well,” Empress Fausa said. “After this matter with the Celestial Ones is handled, Tadaga Vihori will be wed to Twisha Flara. Until such time, I will honor and recognize Tadaga Amori as permanent governor of Gohoda and grant all benefits and requirements that any other imperial city receives.”

  Vihori bowed all the lower. “Thank you, my empress.”

  “Welcome to the family,” she replied. “I would like to address Alfana Luxi next.”

  Luxi took Vihori’s place. Rather than be the boisterous river captain Nori knew her to be, Luxi appeared demure and reserved.

  Cestise spoke up. “You are the captain who ferried our sister from Jadai?”

  Luxi placed her hands behind her back, and met eyes with Princess Cestise. “I am. The fee that was to be charged was fifty thousand golden coins. The reason I…”

  Lusianis interrupted her. “We are well aware of the reason. Though the price still seems high, you risked your life and the lives of your crew during such a dangerous period. I admire your courage and recommend sixty thousand, rather than fifty. I am even willing to pay the additional ten thousand coins from my own treasury.”

  Empress Fausa nodded. “Very well. Captain Alfana Luxi, in addition to the fee of sixty thousand coins, I would invite you and your crew to stay in the palace until your ship can be outfitted and repaired. Do you accept my offer?”

  “O-outfitted, my empress?” Luxi asked.

  Lusianis said, “You may not decide to remain in Xian Ba for the coming struggle. Do or don’t, we would like your ship improved so it may survive anything it may come across. The news about this Yaoguai is most troubling.”

  Luxi bowed and pressed her head to the floor. “Thank you for your generosity.”

  “You have more than earned it,” Cestise replied. “Who next, my Empress mother? Who shall we address next?”

  Empress Fausa leaned forward slightly and pointed beyond Nori. “I would like to look upon the two women my daughter calls ‘best friends.’ Please step forward.”

  Apisa and Rayko moved before the throne together.

  The Empress winced. “Flara told me how you risked your life to save her on the ship. I have healers who could erase that scar for you. Would you like that?”

  Rayko grasped both hands before her waist and let out a little sigh. “I do appreciate the offer, my empress. I would like to keep my scars. A good friend of mine told me recently that scars demonstrate the strength and endurance I have within me. I earned this gash across my face protecting one my best friends. I am not ashamed of it.”

  “Nor should you be,” Lusianis said. “I also carry scars that tell tales of my character. You have a wise friend.”

  Rayko said, “I do indeed.”

  Empress Fausa smiled at them. “Flara has written to me of your many exploits. I am most pleased that she has found two exceptional friends amidst this wide world of strangers. What boon could I offer you in return for the kindness you have shown my daughter?”

  For a moment, Apisa and Rayko just looked at one another. Apisa stepped forward a little. “No offense, my empress, but there is nothing you could give that would be worth the amount of kindness your daughter returned to us. We’re friends, and friends are supposed to look out for one another. We’re not supposed to be getting anything extra for being a good friend. Just having Flara in our lives is boon enough.”

  Rayko grabbed Apisa’s arm. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  Both princesses smiled down at them as well.

  “You have our thanks then,” Cestise said. “Though I don’t know how much they are worth when compared to that of our sister.”

  The delight on the empress’ face faded. “And now for Daisko Nori. Step forward.”

  Nori took Apisa and Rayko’s place.

  Both Princess Lusianis and Princess Cestise adorned neutral expressions. Empress Fausa looked downright grim. She sat back in her throne, and kept her hands at her side.

  She said, “I have been made aware that you had dreams about the fate of your people, is this correct, Qu-Tar Daisko?”

  “Yes, my empress.”

  “And did this Yaoguai villain also inform you of your city’s demise?” Empress Fausa asked.

  This time, Nori hesitated for a moment. The back of his throat closed up a little. “Yes, my empress.”

  The empress closed her eyes. “I regret to inform you that Onista has been destroyed. I am sorry, Qu-Tar Daisko. There was nothing we could do to save your people. I may be able to offer some solace though. Throughout your journey, you have protected my daughter and her friends in very dangerous situations. You have demonstrated your immense skill, dedication, and honor. I would like to provide you with the o
pportunity to get your revenge. Commander Hijiyap has been informed of Flara’s request, but he still would like to debrief you after this audience is completed.”

  Nori stiffened, but kept his stare neutral. “What service do you need of me, my empress?”

  Lusianis spoke. “Our sister has proposed to do something quite dangerous. She will need an able protector to accompany her on her quest.”

  Apisa stepped forward. “I beg your pardon, my princesses, but if Flara is going, then so are we.”

  Rayko nodded affirmatively.

  “I suppose you can count us in as well,” Luxi said. “I like your daughter, and her friends.” Luxi’s glance lingered on Nori for a moment longer than anyone else.

  “And I have to make sure my future wife survives,” Vihori said.

  Princess Cestise giggled slightly. “You don’t know what she proposed yet. You’re all willing to just follow her along, just like that?”

  No one said otherwise, and Nori couldn’t hide his smirk.

  Empress Fausa crossed her arms over her chest. “You have the great wealth of wonderful friends. I am pleased for you, my daughter. Go on, tell them what your plan is.”

  Flara shrank a little, but then she took a deep breath. “If we’re going to be fighting a powerful enemy like the Celestial Ones, we are going to need two things.”

  “And they are?” Rayko asked.

  Flara held out her two fingers. “We’re going to need more knowledge… and stronger allies. I have an idea on a group of allies we could look for. The quest to find them is …going to be difficult and perilous.”

  A wild tickle emerged in Nori’s stomach. “Why is it going to be perilous? Who are we looking to make our allies?”

  Flara said a single word that sent shivers down Nori’s back.

  “Dragons.”

  About the Author

  Michael Ignacio was born in California, but he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He is half Chamorro, and is very proud of his Pacific Islander heritage. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an Emphasis on Social Studies Education from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southeast Missouri State University. He is currently employed at Southeast Missouri State University, working with the federal TRIO programs to help students coming from underrepresented populations to graduate college. Michael had three cats, and their names are John Gotti, Lucy, and Peppa Jack.