by Bryce Allen
Taijin’s voice was clear. He was shouting the words, but they came out stately and controlled. Kenji was impressed. For a boy of his age, he addressed the crowd with authority.
Even surrounded by a thousand people, Kenji could hear the soft consistency of Kami’s breath beside him. Kenji bowed his head with the rest of the crowd. The silence was powerful. It was truly a moment befitting his late master.
Taijin broke the silence.
“I come before you today to declare my full ascension to the position of emperor. I am young, but I am my father’s son. I will do all that is in my power to continue the peace and prosperity that he created.”
Taijin took a deep breath and looked over the crowd. “I humbly request your acceptance.”
Taijin lowered himself to his knees and bowed to the people. It was a surprising gesture. The leaders on the platform cast confused gazes at each other. Emperors didn’t need acceptance.
The crowd exploded. The sound of a thousand people screaming their praise nearly knocked Kenji off his seat. People waved their flags and cheered for as long as Taijin held his bow.
Even if Taijin didn’t need it, he had their acceptance, love, and devotion. Their roar evolved into a chant.
They called in deafening unison, “Taijin! Taijin! Taijin!”
Kenji and Kami joined in the chant. Taijin got back to his feet and smiled. His jaw flickered, just slightly, and Kenji knew the emperor was holding back tears of his own. Without another word, Taijin gestured to Kenji and stepped back.
Kenji readied himself for what was about to happen. He was tasked with the responsibility of addressing the people, an entire empire.
He stood and stepped to the center. Taijin’s chant ended and a respectful silence fell over the people.
Kenji cleared his throat and began. “I am honored to serve the emperor. I will do so with integrity. I have learned much, and with your help, we will flourish.”
Kenji paused. That was the most he’d thought through. He was relieved that his voice didn’t crack. It didn’t echo in the stately manner that Taijin’s did, but he was clear. A small outburst of cheers took the crowd for a moment, but it faded when Kenji held his hand to speak again.
“I will not carry the Zettai, nor did I rightfully win the tournament.”
Rumbles of confusion spread over the crowd. Kenji was close enough to see some disappointed faces. He cast a glance at Taijin. He was still and stoic. He only moved to give a slow nod of understanding to Kenji.
“Kami of North Toku will wield the Zettai. She fought against those who’d see this empire divided with a passion stronger than I’ve ever seen. She is the rightful victor of the Tenno Tournament. May she wield it for decades to come.”
The silence almost pained him. He looked out over the blank faces of the crowd. Kenji turned to Kami and gestured for her to stand. Shock and hesitation mixed on her face. It was a look that she didn’t wear often.
After a second, more aggressive wave, Kami stood. When she did, the crowd came together in support. The applause was so abrupt it nearly caused Kenji to start. A thin, emotional smile replaced Kami’s hesitation, and Kenji watched her fight the giddy excitement he admired her for.
The power of the crowd built. The stand beneath Kenji’s feet hummed with their power. It was clear. They accepted Kami as the wielder of the Zettai.
Kami stood before Kenji. In one smooth motion, Kenji untied the woven strands that fastened the Zettai to his belt. He slid the sheath out of his belt and held it before him. Even now, he felt the warmth of its energy.
They bowed to each other. They held the bow for as long as the occasion permitted. After several breaths, Kenji straightened his posture. Kami followed suit.
Kami reached out to the blade. Her hand was slow, testing the air between her and the Zettai. Her fingers brushed the handle and carefully tightened around the grip. Her other hand ran over the details of the sheath, admiring its beauty.
She lifted the sword from his hands and a shiver raced down Kenji’s back. A part of him wanted to reach out and keep a hand on the blade. His limbs didn’t feel weak, like he expected, but he felt the power evaporate from his body. The strength left him like smoke leaves a fire, twisting into the air before disappearing entirely.
His old wounds, although healed, ached with a renewed presence. Kenji took a deep breath. He was still standing, and that was all that mattered. He needed to look strong and confident, for the empire.
Once Kami was done marveling at the Zettai, she slid the sword into her belt. She tied the knot securing it in place. She pressed her shaking hands to her side and turned to the crowd.
A low bow was all she could manage, but it pleased the masses. Their cheers could be heard throughout Tenno. Kami turned back to Kenji and surprised him with a firm embrace.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“You deserve this,” Kenji responded.
He meant it.
The festival lit up the night. It would continue for days. Taijin and Kami toured the streets and greeted the people. Feasts, festivals, and merriments consumed the city.
Kenji found himself in the palace. The empire had earned the celebration that was taking place, but it didn’t feel right for Kenji to participate. He wandered to the training room and knelt at its center.
He let his mind empty of all thoughts. Fireworks, music, and cheers could still be heard, but Kenji had the clarity to push them out of his mind. He focused on his breath and began the slow process of rediscovering his abilities without the Zettai.
Kenji heard Taijin approach before the door even slid open. He had known the emperor would find him eventually. Kenji ended his meditation and bowed.
Taijin took short, respectful steps around Kenji. They smiled at one another and enjoyed the silence. The stoic emperor was gone, replaced by the boy that Kenji remembered from their last encounter. Taijin knelt before Kenji.
“I see you are carrying Master Ebusu’s sword,” Taijin observed.
“It seems fitting.”
Another silence filled the space between them, and Kenji wondered when Taijin would ask the question he came to ask. Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long. Taijin didn’t waste time on pleasantries.
“What will you do now? Will you return to Gawa?”
A particularly explosive firework lit up the night in a flash of green light. The windows lining the training hall let the light in, illuminating them both for.
“I have a proposal, and one not to be taken lightly,” Kenji replied.
Even in the darkness, he could see Taijin’s eager eyes light up. He had been in Taijin’s place only a few short years earlier. He didn’t want to be left alone. They hadn’t known each other long, but they were connected now.
“I will take you as my student. I will teach you the way of the sword”—Kenji paused—“if you are ready for such a commitment.”
Taijin opened his mouth, but the words didn’t come for several moments.
“I . . . I would be honored.”
“This isn’t a simple task to be completed. It is a way of life. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
Kenji nodded. He allowed himself to take a few breaths. He wanted Taijin to understand the seriousness of the undertaking.
“We begin tomorrow, at sunrise.”
“Yes, master.”
Author’s Note
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I can confidently say that this has been my favorite project so far.
If you are interested in reaching out or simply want to know more about what I am working on, find me on Facebook at Bryce Allen Writes, here.
I also want to share a free story with you. I am pretty excited about it. It is a story about Ebusu during the end of Kaito’s Rebellion. It also provides the tiniest teaser for the second book…
Here is the link for the free story. All it requires is an email address. I will also send you a li
ttle bit more information about myself, and extra content from Chosen by the Blade.
Again, thank you for reading.
Bryce
Acknowledgments
Ryan – I don’t think I need to say much. Thank you.
Mom – Thank you for the constant inspiration and assistance. What little work ethic I have, I owe to you.
Sophia – You did your best, but I finished the book anyway.
Oliver – Even with Sophia’s help, you two couldn’t stop me. Just kidding. Love you both.
Dad – Thank you for the advice on how “The Facebooks” works. 2011 was a great year.
Grandma Darla – For decades, you told me to write. Thanks for believing in me.
