Chapter Text
Dark storm clouds gather overhead as the once tranquil palace grounds turn into a battleground. The air is thick with tension, the sounds of clashing swords and battle cries echoing through the courtyard. The palace guards, donned in their shining armour, stand united against a formidable force of rebel fighters led by a fierce and battle-hardened warrior named Akimitsu Hibiki.
King Tenshouin, resolute and adorned in royal armour, surveys the chaos from the palace steps. His heart aches as he realises that the kingdom he once ruled with pride is now engulfed in a bloody civil war.
His eyes, piercing through the dark sky, turn to face the man at his side. “This was not the path I wanted for our people. Why have we come to this?”
His trusted advisor, Chancellor Fushimi, stands by his side, his face etched with a similar sorrow, yet full of determination.
Fushimi couldn’t say anything to that, but seeing the distant march of the troops urged him to open his mouth regardless. “Sometimes, Your Majesty, when principles clash and power is at stake, there can be no peaceful resolution.”
Outside, the battle rages on. The clashing of swords and the screams of fallen soldiers fill the air. The fifth contingent, the ones trained by the king himself, are now fully armoured and leading a contingent of loyal palace guards, fighting valiantly against the rebels.
“For the kingdom! “ They shout, unsheathing their swords. “Protect the king at all costs!”
Their bravery inspires those fighting beside them, but the rebels fight with a fierce resolve, determined to overthrow the monarchy. How it crumbled down so fast still shocked the royal palace, but with Reimei’s latest advancements, no one has any clue what they’re plotting.
As the battle intensifies, the rebel leader breaks through the palace guards' defence, charging towards the king with a savage determination in his eyes. King Tenshouin, though weary from the day's events, stands firm, ready to defend his throne.
Tenshouin grips his sword. “This kingdom is my responsibility. I will not yield to those who seek its destruction.”
He turns towards Fushimi, whose eyes are clouded with darkness, before nodding. “Go. Ensure Eichi is safe. As the second heir to the throne, I want no harm to befall him. Already that boy is frail enough.”
The rebel leader swings his massive sword with deadly precision, and the king parries each blow, but the rebel leader's strength is formidable. The clash of their swords sends sparks flying in every direction.
Meanwhile, in the distance, a woman stands on a hill, dressed in a nursemaid's clothing. But the stance she takes on is that of a warrior, as she cocks an arrow in a bow and takes aim at Hibiki. The look in her eyes is helplessly torn, as if embroiled in conflicting feelings, but at long last she makes her decision.
She whispers a silent plea. “Forgive me, my prince.”
She releases the arrow, and it finds its mark, striking the rebel leader in the shoulder. He grunts in pain, momentarily distracted, and King Tenshouin sees an opportunity. With all his might, he delivers a powerful strike, disarming him and knocking him to the ground.
King Tenshouin pants, the fight clearly tiring him out. He isn’t quite young either, and his family bloodline’s deteriorating health doesn't help his condition either.
“It does not have to end like this, Hibiki. Lay down your arms, and we can find a way to reconcile.”
Hibiki glares at the king, his eyes filled with defiance.
Hibiki gritted his teeth.His long pale blue hair was sullied with specks of blood and dirt. “I will never surrender! This kingdom deserves a new beginning, free from tyranny!”
Just as Hibiki raises his sword for one final attack, a loud horn blares in the distance. Both sides freeze, looking up in alarm.
Fushimi rushes out from the palace door’s, eyes looking frantically before he calls out. “Reinforcements from the neighbouring kingdom!”
Indeed, a battalion of knights and soldiers from a neighbouring ally arrives, rushing towards the palace grounds. Hibiki's forces, outnumbered and facing a formidable foe, retreat hastily.
“Crap.” Tenshouin curses beneath his breath. Yumenosaki had it under control, so why did Reimei have to barge in and cause even more trouble. Reinforcements? It must be a ploy. .
Hibiki, capitalising on the moment of hesitation, leaps up, spins around and slashes Tenshouin's shoulder. Groaning in pain, the king clutches his bleeding shoulder, stumbling.
“Hibiki!-”
The once vibrant and beautiful palace grounds are now marred by the shadows of war as the forces of the Itsuki clan clash with the palace guards. The courtyard echoes with the clashing of swords and the roaring battle cries of warriors.
Akimitsu Hibiki, the skilled and tactical leader of the Hibiki clan, surveys the chaotic scene with a heavy heart. He had once served the kingdom faithfully, but corruption and injustice had pushed him to take up arms against the monarchy he once believed in.
Hibiki flees back, turning to one of his warriors. “This is not what I wanted. We fight to restore honour and justice to this land.”
By his side, a fierce and agile warrior, stands resolute, her loyalty to Akitmitsu unwavering.
“We must show them the truth,” She says. “The palace has lost its way, and the people deserve better.”
The warriors fighting for the cause, all came from different walks of life. Skilled in both swordplay and strategy, fight with a sense of purpose. Their cause is not for personal gain but for the sake of the suffering people they vowed to protect.
As the battle rages on, Tenshouin, leading the palace guards, clashes swords with Akimitsu.
“Akimitsu!”, Tenshouin says. “This doesn't have to be this way! We can find a peaceful solution!”
Akimitsu, remembering his promise to his family, shakes his head. “Unfortunately, Tenshouin—my old friend—you were blind to the corruption in the palace! We fight for a better future!”
Their swords clash fiercely, but neither seems to have the upper hand. Tenshouin can see the fire in Akitmitsu's eyes, knowing that he is fighting for what he believes is right.
As the battle continues, Akitmitsu and his team manage to breach the defences, charging towards the palace with a few of his most trusted warriors. King Tenshouin, defending his realm, stands firm, meeting Tenshouin's gaze with a mix of regret and understanding.
Tenshouin, panting heavily as he stands his ground, calls out, “You were like family to us. Why has it come to this?”
Hibiki doesn’t answer him. After all, he’s learnt, from a while back, not to trust his words.
Akimitsu and Tenshouin engage in a duel, their swords clashing with the weight of history and friendship between them. The clash of their swords is a poignant symbol of the shattered bond that now separates them.
Amidst the chaos, a second horn blares in the distance, signalling the arrival of reinforcements from the neighbouring kingdom.
Hibiki leaps backwards, digging his sword into the ground to maintain some space between the two of them.
“It seems our time here is done. We will retreat for now, but this fight is far from over.”
Akimitsu calls a horse over, and the reinforcements from Reimei come to back him up as he jumps on a white horse, grabbing its reins and urging it to go from the battlefield. Tenshouin could only look in despair as the enemy got away.
With a mournful look back at the palace, Akimitsu orders the retreat, leaving the palace grounds in the hands of the newly arrived reinforcements.
The courtyard falls into an eerie silence as both sides tend to their wounded and reflect on the price of their convictions. The clash between the clan and the palace guards marks a turning point in the kingdom's history, where loyalties are tested, and the battle for justice and redemption takes centre stage. Meanwhile, Tenshouin's eldest son, Prince Akira Tenshouin, looked on from the courtyard, and could only sigh in despair.
Eichi doesn’t know what time it is, but he finally remembers hearing the loud voices of his father, shouting over who knows what. He sits up on his bed, small hands rubbing his eyes as his blankets pool at his feet.
He does have some trouble getting down from the bed, his short legs barely managing to land on the floor right. He’s only five, after all.
The floor is cold, and Eichi slips his little shoes on. The dimly lit corridor outside Akira's chamber is fraught with an air of tension, heavy as the weight of secrets and uncertainties. Eichi, the curious younger brother, stands concealed in the shadows, his ears attuned to the hushed conversation drifting from within. A woman's voice, measured yet laden with guilt, mingles with Akira's restless words.
"I can't believe you shot Akimitsu," Akira's voice, tinged with a touch of anger, carries a note of disbelief.
The woman's response is solemn, "I had to protect the royal family first. I did what I had to."
Eichi's heart quickens as the implications settle in. He knows that his brother has responsibilities, duties that one day Eichi has to take over too. Akira's actions have led to dire consequences, and his brother was caught in the crossfire of loyalties.
In the silence that followed, Eichi imagines the turmoil on Akira's face, the heavy burden of his choices etched into his very being. Then, as if reading his thoughts, the woman's voice echoes again, softer now, "Stay safe out there, Akira. Don't risk your life unnecessarily."
Eichi sees through the door, how Akira is sitting on the windowsill, the wind going through his platinum hair. In his chosen attire of commoners' clothing, Akira became a master of disguise, concealing his royal identity beneath the fabric of anonymity. The opulent trappings of his princely garb are replaced by a simple yet purposeful ensemble, each piece carefully selected to blend seamlessly into the tapestry of everyday life.
Upon his tall frame, Akira wears a weathered brown tunic, its fabric telling tales of countless journeys and humble endeavours. The tunic hangs loosely, draping him in a guise of unassuming modesty. The earthy hue of the garment harmonises with the world around him, a chameleon's cloak that allowed him to fade into the crowd.
Beneath the tunic, he sports a faded linen shirt, its threads a testament to the passage of time. The shirt's collar, once crisp and formal, now lay open in a casual manner, a departure from the regal constraints that marked his usual wardrobe. A touch of ruggedness clings to the shirt, hinting at the hidden depths that lay beneath Akira's princely exterior.
His trousers, worn and frayed at the edges, completes the ensemble, bearing the marks of labour and movement. They flow gently around his legs, affording him both comfort and freedom of movement—an essential quality for the path he had chosen to tread. A simple leather belt encircles his waist, practical yet subtly adorned, holding his attire together with an unassuming grace.
Upon his feet, Akira dons well-worn boots, each scuff and scrape telling stories of countless footsteps taken on diverse paths. These boots, once reserved for the trails of the palace gardens, now embrace the unknown avenues of the world beyond, a reflection of Akira's determination to uncover truths hidden in the shadows.
The world would see a simple traveller, a face lost in the crowd, but Akira's attire speaks a different truth, a truth that Eichi recognizes, a truth that whispers of destinies intertwined and the relentless pursuit of answers that lie shrouded in mystery.
Eichi strains to hear his brother's response, a whispered assurance that holds both determination and vulnerability, "I will."
Just as the weight of the conversation settled over Eichi, the chamber door creaks open. Startled, he watches as a chambermaid hurried down the corridor, her dress dishevelled and dirtied, a clear sign of hastened steps. Eichi's curiosity piques further as he observes her fleeting presence, her eyes downcast and steps quickly.
And then, in a moment that felt like destiny interceding, Akira emerges from his chamber. The contrast is stark; moments ago, his face had worn the mask of a burdened prince, and now, a bright smile illuminates his features, a stark juxtaposition that sends shivers down Eichi's spine.
"Hey, Eichi, lil bro, what're you doing here?" Akira's voice is warm, an embrace that beckons Eichi into the light.
Eichi steps out of the shadows, his eyes meeting Akira's, the intensity of the unspoken words a current flowing between them. "I... I heard voices," Eichi says slowly, his gaze never wavering.
Akira's smile remains, a bittersweet manifestation of his complex emotions. "Just a conversation, nothing to worry about."
But Eichi knows better. The woman's words, the urgency in her voice, the undercurrent of conflicting loyalties, everything points to a looming storm, one that threatens to engulf them all.
As the chambermaid's hurried footsteps fade into the distance, Eichi's heart clenches. He wonders about the secrets that had just brushed past him, the choices that would shape his brother's fate. The bond between them feels stronger and more fragile than ever, a thread stretched taut between loyalty and duty.
Eichi returns Akira's smile, a smile that holds the weight of a kingdom's destiny, and whispers, "Stay safe out there, brother, for whatever it is."
"I will," Akira's response carries a promise that hangs in the air, a promise of a destiny forged in the bonds of torn loyalties and the unbreakable bond of family.
Akira disappears into the darkness of night, and Eichi roams the hallways of his castle. It isn’t until he approaches the throne room that he hears loud voices coming from that direction.
The Council Chamber is filled with nobles, ministers, and advisors, gathered for an emergency meeting. King Tenshouin presides at the head of the long table, his frustration still evident. The room hums with tense whispers as the topic of corruption arises. Chancellor Fushimi, a trusted advisor, stands to address the issue.
“The west port is having financial problems again, and the workers are getting restless over the lack of supplies.”
“Hm.” Eichi sees his father, hand running through his blond hair as he furrows.
“Your Majesty”, Fushimi starts off, a hand at his chest as he bows in respect towards the king. “Esteemed members of the council, we cannot ignore the elephant in the room. Corruption has infiltrated our kingdom at every level, and it's exacerbating our financial problems.”
A murmur of agreement ripples through the room, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Tenshouin coughs, his hand covering his mouth as he nods. “Indeed, Chancellor,” he says gravely. The tax collectors in some regions have been demanding bribes and manipulating records, leading to substantial losses in revenue.”
“And the contractors who are supposed to carry out public projects? Many of them are inflating costs and pocketing the excess funds.” One other woman, dressed in sparkly jewels that little Eichi thinks doesn’t look too well on her, speaks up.
The room fills with discontented expressions, revealing the widespread corruption that has permeated the kingdom.
Tenshouin bangs his fist on the throne, and Eichi stands back into the shadows, surprised at seeing his father act with such vigour. His father is usually sickly, and sent him to lessons then he was forced to. Eichi purses his lips.
“How can our own people betray the trust we place in them? These acts of corruption not only drain our coffers but also inflict suffering upon our citizens.”
Fushimi nods.“You are right, Your Majesty. It's a cancer eating away at our kingdom's prosperity and weakening the fabric of our society.”
Eichi’s eyes are darting all across the room, when another minister, with greyer hair speaks. “We must take decisive action against those who engage in such dishonest practices. The people deserve a government they can trust!”
Tenshouin sighs, tapping his fingers on his cup as he sips some water. “You speak the truth, Minister Takeshi. We cannot let this continue unchecked. We must root out corruption from every corner of our kingdom.”
Fushimi nods, clearing his throat as he takes some paper out, noting down some details. “Your Majesty, I propose establishing a special investigative task force, answerable only to you. They will have the authority to conduct thorough probes into corrupt activities and bring those responsible to justice.”
Eichi gasps audibly, making some of the members of the council turn towards the dark corner, and Eichi quickly hides behind the pillar.
Minister Hasumi nods approvingly. “And we should strengthen the protections for whistle-blowers, encouraging citizens to come forward with information about corrupt officials.”
Tenshouin nods, clearly agreeing with whatever the other party is saying. Eichi cannot really understand what these people are trying to say, but since it was all hush-hush, it had to be important.
“These are necessary steps. We must rebuild the trust between the throne and our people.” “However,” Tenshouin pauses, looking across a room before speaking again, much slower this time. “We must be cautious in our actions, for some corrupt individuals may hold significant influence.”
Lord Kanzaki, with his purple hair braided, sitting at the far corner of the room speaks up this time. It’s pretty hard for Eichi to hear, since the man is soft spoken. “Perhaps it is time to reconsider the alliances we hold with certain powerful families. Some may be exploiting their position for personal gain.”
The council members nod in agreement, acknowledging the necessity of reevaluating certain ties that may have allowed corruption to fester. As the council members continue to discuss their plans, Eichi's eyes dart between each speaker, trying to piece together the puzzle of what they're talking about.
Tenshouin stands up, his strong presence silencing everyone in the room. “From this day forth, we shall embark on a path of transparency and accountability. We will cleanse our kingdom of corruption and rebuild it, stronger and united.”
Corruption? Eichi frowns. Corruption in the kingdom of Yumenosaki?
And then, the dream ends.