Sky of Paper: An Asian Steam-Driven Fantasy Tale

by Matthew Seaver

  Dae Jung came up behind him and pressed a calming hand on his shoulder. He leaned in and whispered into the child's ear. After a long moment, the boy subsided, nodding despairingly to the elderly man's words.

  Afterwards, Dae Jung guided him back down the hall; an entourage of priests, guards, court officials and other imperial consorts following close behind. The golden hairpin was swiftly swept-up by a court maiden who glowered sourly at me before joining the others.

  "As you can see," the Boar said. "The Young Emperor has yet to mature and accept his divine place in this world. We must protect him until Rui Nan can be returned to its proud ways."

  "He's still just a boy." Kassashimei said frankly. "And even if his family is gone and he is the new emperor, what could he possibly rule? This ship? Is this ship his kingdom now?"

  This time, Kassashimei did not speak in her usual mocking tone. Instead, she was bringing to light the ominous reality of that moment. Surely, the Boar had already understood such things, but for me, as Kasshimei regarded me with rare sincerity, I’d come to realize that I was trapped in another cage, filled with people who had only recently become outcasts in their own country, though their loyalty to the Imperial Family had spurned them on, even at great risk to themselves.

  Ren Tzu acknowledged that Kassashimei had stepped out of bounds and nudged her gently on the shoulder to keep silent.

  "As a people, we are alone now," the Boar said. "This much is true. While we tried, with great effort, to save the Imperial Family, we failed, save for their youngest son. Whether or not the others are still alive, we do not know, but for now, we must do all we can to preserve what’s left of the old regime, we must leave this country and seek safety in the western continent of Kin Ju."

  ***

  I was enthralled by the majesty of the Emperor's prized airship. Meticulous effort was made to hide every obtuse piece of metal. Not a single pipe or beam could seen, as it was all expertly hidden. There was a strange need to wonder and gawk at every wooden carving, every brass statue and silk curtain, but these feelings were quickly dampened by the seemingly hopeless look on Kassashimei's face. For me, though desperate as the times had become, this was a dream realized. But to see her in that manner, it would have been easy to conclude that she thought we were all cursed.

  Entering the ritual room with the Boar was like entering another one of the ship's atriums, except this particular room was made completely of glass; the walls, the ceiling, even the floor. We found ourselves encased in an enormous glass egg, framed in brass-colored steel. Instead of having been a part of one the lower decks, as it commonly was, the entire structure was mounted just forward of the leading edge of the bow. From that all-encompassing spot, all could be seen; the sky, the ground, and the very reaches of the distant horizon, both ahead and towards the rear of the vessel.

  So taken was I by that sacred room, that I remember being struck by the ignorance of others decades later, when a museum guide pointed me towards the ship's humble model, and said that the egg-like room at the front was an observation deck for the luxury of the passengers. In my old age and frail temper, I was quick to insult the poor museum guide, and tell her in a loud accusing voice, that she knew nothing of Rui Nan's history. I reluctantly apologized and left the museum, cursing myself; for in my outburst, I had almost broken my oath to keep the secrets of the past in obscurity.

  Waiting for us in that very room was a person I’d thought I’d never see again. She was in the center where the shyo mu typically positioned themselves. Her listless brown eyes turned in my direction.

  "I know the sound of that breath, and the shape of that shadow," Ai said in her familiar gentle tone.

  Her entire body was in motion, like an elegant serpent, curving and swaying gracefully about. I thought that she was dancing at first, but then the motions became obvious to me. It was Kaikua; but not the sort that I’d been taught. There were no sudden movements, no abrupt stops or jerks of the limbs. She seemed more like a branch swaying rhythmically to some phantom breeze.

  When she stopped, the world outside began to ripple. The star-filled sky, the swaying grass fields below, all billowed and swelled, as if some thin, transparent curtain that was once drawn taut in the air was left to flutter ever so slowly to the ground.

  Another pair of children were waiting patiently beside her. They bowed as she left the center circle and reverently approached us. The children took their places, and the shyo mu committed himself to the same, graceful motions that Ai had done, while his shyo mah studiously watched on, manipulating the ether in accordance with his actions. It was then, that the silk curtain outside was lifted and tightened again, and after a short time, the ripples subsided.

  "I recognize the sounds of my father's tea servant," Ai said, her lips giving away the smallest hint of a smile.

  "These two are the last ones," said the Boar. "I entrust them to you."

  How strange it was to walk the corridors with a blind girl leading us on. The Boar had left to attend to other things, but noble Ren Tzu was still with us, tending faithfully to his duty as our guardian.

  "Ai, may I ask you a questions?" I said.

  "You may ask as many as you wish," she answered.

  "What were you doing in the ritual room?"

  "I was changing the ether. Sometimes, you can use it to hide things; in certain cases, things as large as an airship."

  My curiosity slowly gave way to doubt. Seeing her do the things she did tested even my belief in what our venerable craft was capable of.

  "Will I learn to do that?"

  "Well, most chienkuu ko learn to harness their skills around one specific purpose. Some learn to read the ether in order to predict the weather, some learn the art of stone dancing so that they may entertain the crowd by artfully floating small objects through the air, while you are currently refining your ability to fly airships."

  "You're Ai, Master Lu's daughter?" Kassashimei asked.

  "I am." Ai kept her back to us, slowing her pace in such a way that must have hinted at her discomfort with the question.

  "You're the daughter of the traitor," Kassashimei blurted.

  I darted an angry look at her, but there was no apology for her brazen words to be found in the defiant smirk on her face.

  "I know you want to defend her Terr," she said. "You've been giving her that certain look, so say something."

  My face grew hot as my anger subsided to embarrassment. I opened my mouth to scold her, but Ai was quick to take advantage of my brief silence.

  "My father had always been an ambitious man. Our family’s reputation had grown from a long line of accomplished chienkuu ko, but my father was not content with our honored lineage. He wanted much more than that. All his life, he tried ever so hard to curry the favor of the emperor so that he might serve in his court. He’d been declined so many times. But when General Fung came to him and announced his plan to overthrow the Imperial Family, he became completely consumed by his passion for rule.

  They both control the country now. I worry for him; helping to lead a country was not his divine right. I fear that his future may suffer because of it."

  She was silent for a moment, perhaps dwelling on the sorrow she felt for her father; then she stopped.

  She turned to face me and lowered her eyes.

  "Do you still have the tamma I gave you?" she asked.

  "Yes, yes I do.”

  I reached into my tamma bag and held it up to her. She didn’t bother to take it, but instead, cupped her hand over the sphere. The tips of her fingers touched my palm, which immediately caused my cheeks to warm.

  "Dae Jung, the emperor's advisor knew of the turmoil that was growing in the country, so he tasked me with seeking out children like you to aid the emperor in times such as this. Those chosen are marked with these imperial tammas. But this one you hold in your hand, was once mine. Please take good care of it."

  "I will," I said confidently, then gave a short, hesitant pause before
I asked her another question. "Ai, is Masa here?"

  It was obvious that she was unwilling to answer at first. She turned her head slightly as if she were afraid she might shame herself.

  Then, in a grim tone, she said, "no, he is not. As Dae Jung and I gathered every loyal subject capable of escaping the Imperial Palace, I searched everywhere I could for him. Eventually I learned from Paya, Master Lu's personal servant, that my brother had been sent away to the southern province with the other chienkuu ko from the Imperial Temple. Like the others, he is to serve the military. Indeed, that was my brother's punishment for what he did that day at the temple when he tried to take me away."

  We were taken to the section of ship’s quarters where the other children were kept. Ren Tzu waited at the entrance. True to the ship's traditional decor, the rooms were identical to the ones I’d grown accustomed to at the Imperial Temple. Every frame, every pillar and floor board, from the paper sliding doors to the shelves where we stored our shoes before entering, was made of delicate, gleaming wood, artfully carved and painted in black and red lacquer. From the rafters, hung the imperial banners, where, true to the temple traditions, we were required to bow as we came to and from the entrance.

  The quarters caretaker greeted us and showed us to our room. As was our custom, a room was assigned to every shyo mu and shyo mah pair. Though elegant and clean, each one was mostly empty; devoid of furniture and decorations, save for a single, large tatami mat that was laid out in the center. There were sliding doors along the back wall, that revealed a small storage closet, and the thin walls made it easy to see the silhouettes of the occupants in the neighboring rooms.

  As we came down the small, narrow hall, every child came out of their rooms and stood rigid, bowing their heads slightly and greeting Ai as she passed.

  "I will watch over you," she said after the caretaker had shown us our room, "but you must watch over each other as well. In each of us, we carry the traditions and the very spirit of our people’s true identity. Dae Jung would most certainly give his life to protect it, as would I. Someday, the country will return to the way it was, but until that time, this ship shall be our nation."

  Once Ai had left, hardly a moment past before another familiar face came leaping into our room. Etsu, relieved at the very sight of us, wasted no time in wrapping her arms around us both.

  "Terr, Kassashimei," she squealed. "You made it. You're both finally here. After the both of you were expelled from the Imperial Temple, everyone became concerned. There were rumors of course. Some mentioned servitude to one of the nobles while others talked about banishment from the country. Others even said that the both you were put to work at one of those terrible coal factories. You have to tell me what happened. Tell me nothing bad happened to either of you."

  "Nothing happened," I said, gently pulling away from her embrace and feeling a warm blush spread across my cheeks. "At least none of those things you mentioned."

  "What are you saying Terr?" Kassashimei said offended. "Of course things happened. Lots of things did." -She placed her hands on Etu's shoulders, leaning towards her with a proud grin.- "We flew airships all over the country and even flew a government official's personal ship during a formal party. Terr and I are well known at the capital now-"

  "Terr!" Etsu interrupted, lunging towards me. She looked at me squarely in the face. "What happened to your eyes?"

  She reached out to touch them, but I swept her hand away and turned my head sharply.

  "They're nothing," I uttered.

  "But aren't they supposed to be green? Why are they gray?"

  "They're silver," Kassashimei interjected, upset that Etsu had so rudely diverted her attention. "Not gray. It's an omen. It means he has a grand destiny ahead of him."

  "And what destiny is that?" Etsu asked, keeping her gaze directly at me.

  "I'm here aren't I?" I said. "Where I come from, no one would have even imagined finding themselves anywhere near the Imperial Court, let alone sharing a ship with a son of the Imperial Family. But here I am, living in his floating palace. How much more honor could I ever hope to gain."

  "Lots more." Kassashimei grinned. "For the sun and the moon, there is no equal, and no boundary that we cannot pass."

  The dragon visited my dreams again that night.

  He was lying in the fields. A low, fierce rumbling vibrated in his throat.

  I found myself standing next to him as he lifted his mighty head and gazed menacingly at me, like a hawk watching a mouse. Though I was a bit nervous, I was no longer scared of him.

  At that moment, I realized a feature about him that I had not noticed before. His eyes were the same brilliant silver as mine.

  "When my world ends," he bellowed, "you will become just like me, a solitary creature, alone amongst the wheat."

  I wanted to ask him what he meant by his words, but his enormous tail swung into my chest, striking the air from my lungs. My body flew backwards and tumbled to the ground, but I quickly propped myself back up, determined to present my question. The creature struck me again before I could ask.

  I woke up, to see Kassashimei, who had earlier been sleeping in the futon next to me, rasping her fist against my chest.

  "Wake up," she demanded.

  "Stop it." I sat up and grabbed her hand. "That's really rude you know. And it's still night. What could you possibly want?"

  "There's something happening on this ship, I can feel it."

  "What's happening? What are you talking about."

  She gave me a certain triumphant gaze, as if she were proud of realizing some hidden secret. In the time that I’d spent with her, I’d come to fear that look.

  "The spirits are restless tonight," she said. "Something is going to happen. You must follow me."

  "No, I won't," I said, lying back down and pulling the covers over my head. "You can go and explore as much as you want for all I care, but I'm not going to risk getting into trouble again."

  I heard her grumble, then felt her hand reach underneath the covers and yank at my collar. I squirmed in protest, but she managed to drag me out of the futon. Sprawled across the bare floor, I groaned in frustration. She kneeled down next to me and hovered her face over mine.

  "You must trust me."

  There was a smugness about her, the kind that pretended to boast that she knew more about the world than anyone else. She then got up and slid the door open, waving me to follow her.

  I knew that no matter what I did or said, I could not convince her to stay in the room. Though I imagined it would’ve probably served her right if she got caught, I felt the reluctant need to keep her safe. So, with a dreary groan, I proceeded to follow her.

  We slipped past the quarters caretaker who slept in a small room at the dorm entrance. All was silent except for the subtle creaks that whispered from the hull and the small snores that emanated through the thin walls of some of the rooms.

  "Why do you keep doing this?" I whispered. "You never make any sense. This is the emperor's ship, we must behave ourselves."

  I took Kassashimei by the wrist in hopes of taking her back. When she faced me, I suspected that she was finally starting to listen, but instead, she reached up and flicked her finger on my forehead. She then pursed her lips and watched me with inspecting eyes, humming curiously to herself. No doubt she was a strange girl, but tonight she seemed even stranger still.

  "Are you, or are you not the little dragon boy?" she asked.

  I squeezed my grip and savagely shook her.

  "How do you know that name?" I hissed.

  "You sound like you're ashamed it." Her face was oddly calm as she reached down and slowly pulled her wrist away. For the briefest of moments, I thought I saw Mr. Takaya, the very person who had first called me by that name, looking back at me. "You should not be ashamed of that name. Someone probably once called you that because you were courageous. And you really should stop talking in your sleep.” She smiled and waved me on. “Come little dragon boy, the air is mo
ving differently tonight, and I want to know why."

  Against my better judgment I continued to follow her, but kept a certain distance between us, still wary of the things she’d said. I never told her much about my life or how I lived before coming to the temple, and yet, she acted as though she’d known me all along.

  For a time, I wondered if there were in fact spirits that she spoke to, if there were indeed secrets she knew because of them. Or if there was in fact, some truth to me talking in my sleep.

  I was already lost, but she seemed eerily confident in knowing which turns to take, which corridors to traverse. We were largely ignored by the few people that walked by. I suspected that we were hardly important or suspicious enough to warrant questioning.

  After a while, the walls began to change. No longer were they made of wood or finely shaped brass. We came to a part of the ship that had the familiar dull gray of steel and metal. Bolts and beams littered the ceiling and along the walls while snake-like pipes curved in and out of various nooks and crannies.

  I asked Kassashimei again, why we were here, but my question was ignored. Surely, if we were caught wandering in such an area, we would certainly be in trouble.

  It wasn‘t long before I noticed the air was growing heavier. There was a strange, sickly scent that immediately made me cover my nose. She pressed her hand on a hatch at the end of a long metal-grated walkway. There was a long pause before she presented a sly sort of smile.

  "I can change your future, just by opening this door," she said. "Do you want me to do it?"

  Her look, her mysterious words, all filled me with an unusual feeling of uncertainty that wrested a tingling sensation of fear from deep in my belly. I quickly pulled her away from the hatch and glared at her sternly.

  "I don't understand a single thing you're doing, or what you‘re saying," I said. "Why are we here?"