It didn't take long to reach the Imperial capital of Nara, given our motivations and the noble white horses we rode. We were stopped by a guard just outside of the gates, who asked to see some form of identification. I pulled out the envelope with the Elder's seal on it, and waved it across his vision.
“You don't need to see our identification.” I said.
“I don't need to see your identification.” he said.
“You want to give us directions to the Imperial Palace.”
“The Imperial Palace is down that way, and to the west.”
“We can go about our business.”
“You can go about your business.”
“Move along."
“You may pass.”
We led our horses through the gate, and followed the directions the guard had given us. Aislin turned to me and said “Showoff.”
“You're just jealous that you didn't think of it first.” I said teasingly.
“Damn right I am...”
We rode down the street towards the Imperial Palace. We went in, and asked a courtier how to request an audience. Ten minutes later, I was beginning to regret ever even contemplating following courtly procedure. I was attempting to formulate an excuse for excusing myself, when the large doors in the antechamber opened, and a dignified-looking man strode out, followed by the Empress. I'd not seen her before, but royalty has always strived to look the part, and Empress Gemmei was no exception. She noticed us standing there (we also kind of stood out, but in a different way) and asked who we were. Aislin and I bent down on our knees (royalty is royalty, after all, and blades are just as sharp wherever you go) and introduced ourselves, presenting the Elder's invitation. She motioned for us to follow, and soon we had an audience with the Empress of Japan.
“What is it you seek from the Chrysanthemum Throne?” she asked imperiously.
“We seek information about the energies known as Magic and Force.” I stated formally. “We seek any masters of this knowledge in the land. More than anything else, we seek information about using this information to return to our home.”
“You ask this in exchange for slaying Yamato-no-orochi?” she asked.
“We do.” I affirmed.
“Then it seems I have little choice than to accept.” she said. “There are few who know of the divine powers of Magic and Force, and those of the Imperial line are among them. I am the expert you seek.”
“You know of the Multiverse?” I asked.
“I do.”
“Then I will explain our situation.” I began. “We are from what you would call the future. We were traveling to the Japan of our era, but there was some kind of error. We came to Japan, but in the wrong time. We seek to return to our proper time, but in order to do that, we would need to understand how the error occurred in the first place.”
The Empress sat thoughtfully for a few moments, and then began to speak.
“There have been unusual storms plaguing our outlying farmlands. From the reports I received, they seem to be powered by both Magic and Force, and seem to recur periodically. The period of time between each storm seems to increase with each recurrence. But I digress. That much energy in one area is bound to affect processes using the same energies.”
“These storms are occurring now?” Aislin asked.
“Yes, near the borders.”
“If we were to channel some of the energy of the storms, we might be able to return to our time.” I said.
“If you could mollify the Divine Wrath, we would be thankful.” the Empress said. “The storms are quite destructive.”
“Then our next course is clear.” I said. “Thank you, Empress.”
“Be safe.” she said, rising. “My servant will show you out.”
And on that note, she left.
“Come, I will show you where to go.” the courtier said.
As we were mounting our horses, I had a thought.
“Do you think you could open a dimensional portal with an energy blast?” I asked.
“Well, I don't know.” she said. “You think you can do all that bullshit you just said?”
We shared a brief moment of “...”, and set off for the farms of Nara.
The skies were clear when we arrived at the farm of a man known as Testuo. He showed us around, gave us some food, and expressed his hope that we would succeed. Three hours in, the clouds came. And boy, did they ever. Great, roiling black clouds appeared from what seemed like nowhere, spitting green lightning bolts. We ran out to the field, getting drenched in the process. I begin to concentrate on Kusanagi, focusing my will. The energies began to swirl around us, and they began to dissipate. I heard Aislin gasp, and we looked up. A bolt of green lightning flashed towards us, and we each had time of only one word.
Aislin went with a simple, we're-so-screwed utterance of “Shazbot.”
I remembered that the farmer was bringing out some food, so I ended up shouting “Tetsuooooo!”
Then it kind of went black.
------------------------------------------------
I was surprised to open my eyes, but I did. The sun was high in the sky, and I blinked until my irises adjusted properly. I sat up (I had been lying on the ground), and noted a skyline. Or rather, what had once been a skyline. The ruined husks of a great metropolis surrounded us, echoing eerily with the wind. Aislin was nowhere in sight. Suddenly, one of the ruined skyscrapers caught my notice. It had rather clearly once been the Sears Tower. I laid back down.
“I knew I should have stayed home today...”
Elsewehere, Aislin Avari opened her eyes as well. It was dark, and it took her a while to adapt. She seemed to be in an empty transit station of some sort. No, not just empty. It showed signs of neglect and disrepair that pointed more to 'abandoned'. Experimentally, she yelled “Hello out there!”. No one answered, and she wondered where everyone was. Who wouldn't? She decided to look around, so she picked a direction. Upon reaching the top of an escalator (temporarily stairs, sorry for the inconvenience), she recognized the architecture at last. It was Union Station.
“Well crap.”
In the ruins of the Museum of Science and Industry:
“Beep. Beep beeeeeeep beep."
The machine's incessant beeping woke Richard Gregarus from his reverie. He checked a display, and then double-checked it.
“It can't be...” he said, in fearful awe.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
We Interrupt This Narrative For A Brief Announcement
This just in: expanded information on the back story if our main narrative has just been spotted at http://metaphysicalsupplement.blogspot.com/. We advise caution, as spoilers have been rumored and it may prove a serious risk to your sanity and/or free time.
We now return to your regularly scheduled program.
We now return to your regularly scheduled program.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Chapter 1: Drip
Chapter 1: Drip
David, Deirdre, Aislin, and I sat around a fireplace at the Key of Solomon Agency. I had a mug of chicken broth, the others had hot cocoa. I was never much for cocoa. It was only mid-December, but there was still a festive holiday cheer in the air. The lobby area with the fireplace was done up in reds and greens, with little bells and boughs of holly here and there. The weather in the Midwest is moderately schizophrenic, and this winter's 'cold' was more of a 'vaguely chilly'. It was about 40 degrees out, and it somehow still managed to be chilly. I guess it's psychosomatic. In any case, anyone who lives in the Midwest eventually needs a break from it, which was the current topic of conversation.
“What about Vegas?” David asked. “Great nightlife, awesome accommodations, liberal interpersonal customs.” He put a special lascivious emphasis on that last part, winking at Deirdre.
Before violence could ensue, Aislin cut in. “Wil and I were thinking of Japan, actually. There's all manner of interesting historical sites there.”
David kind of snorted, and I made a face.
“Think what you will, David, but I've always wanted to visit a Shinto shrine. Immerse myself in another culture, one that's almost incomprehensible to me. Feel lost for once in my life.”
“Huh.” he said. “Most people avoid culture shock.”
“Even if that were a valid reason for me to avoid it, it wouldn't be. I love strange experiences.”
“Point.”
“Well, why not do both?” Deirdre suggested. “You two go to merry old Nippon to sample the new pocky flavors, and we can go to Vegas and do Jell-o shots.”
“I'll tell you why bloody not.” David said. “The travel budget won't cover two airfares. Maybe it covers two trips while there, but Japan is a long flight.”
“As if that matters.” I said. “Say, this chicken juice could be warmer.” I teleported to the kitchenette and set the microwave loudly. Then I 'ported back. “Any questions?”
“Yes. Can you get me some more marshmallows?”
“...”
--------------------------------------------------------
“Whelp, we're all packed.” I said. “Ready to go?”
I was giving them a ride to the airport. And by 'ride', I of course mean 'teleport'. We arrived at the mid-sized suburb known as O' Hare a decent half-hour before their flight. We went in, and bade them farewell. “I'll bring back a poker chip from each casino on the strip if you bring back a sample of every flavor of pocky.” he said.
“No deal.” I said. “The number of pocky flavors can only be expressed as a function of infinity.”
“Okay, the five weirdest, then. In your own reckoning.”
“Deal.”
He set off for his flight, arm in arm with Deirdre.
“Oh. My. God.” Aislin said. “Are they skipping?”
“We may need to pick up another jar of sap to replace what they're using up.” I said. “Anyway, we ought to get going too. Two week's paid vacation is ticking by as we speak. Quick checklist. Small, light, yet roomy luggage?”
“Check.”
“Light yet stylish traveling outfit with matching hat?”
“Check.” she said, with a twirl.
“Passport?”
“Boring check.” she said. “Now I'll do you.”
I gave her a sideways look.
“Oh, you know what I mean. Solar powered messenger bag?”
“Check.”
“Light traveling outfit that is nicely coordinated, yet leaves you secure in your masculinity?”
“Vaguely annoyed check.”
“Passport?”
“International check!”
“Then let's go. The vacation clock's a-tickin'!”
I close my eyes and focus on the Shinto shrine I had researched earlier. I began the 'porting process, which takes about 20 seconds mentally, and 5 in transit. In between the '20' and the '5', I noticed that something had gone horribly wrong. What, you didn't think this was a vacation story, did you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We tumbled out of whatever space we travel through as a shortcut through normal space, and fell out into a forest. Times Square, one day. I swear it. Whatever transition we used to get there kicked up a lot of wind, and dead plant matter blew all over the place. At least I could walk this time.
“Oof.” I said.
“Don't look now, Toto.” said Aislin. “But we may not be in Kansas anymore.”
“I do wonder where we landed.” I said. “I mean, this is not a Shinto shrine.”
“Well, perhaps we should ask them.” she said, indicating two people hiding rather badly behind a tree.
I pulled out my phrasebook. “Ah, konnichiwa. Watashi no hobākurafuto wa unagi de ippai desu.”
“What is a 'hovercraft', and why would you fill it with eels?” one of them said. The other made as to shush them, and I gave my phrasebook a distasteful look. I was then struck by a thought.
“You speak English?” I asked.
“No, I do not believe so.” the braver of the pair said, pulling off of the other.
“Sure sounded like it.” I said to Aislin.
“Yep.” she said, nodding.
I heard a beeping sound from my wrist, and my watch showed a message on its screen. “I'm quite good with translation.” See, my watch isn't exactly a watch. It's an AI named Puck, which was accidentally fused with my watch some time ago. He had vast knowledge of the multiverse, an unfortunate tendency to pun, and an excellent sense of time.
“You might have mentioned that before.” I admonished annoyedly.
“Yes, I might have.”
I was about to continue, but Aislin nudged me on the arm to get my attention. The two Japanese people were doing an odd combination of bowing and kneeling.
“Um, are you bowing to us?” I asked tentatively.
“It is not every day one meets a god.” the timid one ventured.
“A god!?” I exclaimed. “Oy, oy, oy, what a mess this will be...”
I felt a growing pain behind my eyeballs, and bent down.
“Look, get up. Get up.” I said, trying for a kind tone. “We're not gods. We're people. Just like you. Seriously, don't bow to us. We're no better than you are.”
They stood hesitantly, as if they were expecting this to be a trick of some sort. I held out my hand.
“My name is Wil. Take my hand.”
The bold one took my hand tentatively, and I shook it gently. “What's your name?”
“Osamu.” he said. “This is my wife, Katsumi.”
“Honored.” she said, bowing slightly.
“I'm Aislin.” said Aislin, extending her hand, which Osamu shook, but Katsumi still seemed wary of.
“See? We're practically friends.” I said genially. “Now, I have a question. Where are we?”
“This is the village of Heijō-kyō.” he said. “Well, the outskirts.”
“Ah.” I said. “That information is not as useful as I might have liked. Do either of you have a phone?”
“A phone?” asked Osamu.
“Or a map.” I said. “I just want to get my bearings.”
“The chronicler might have a map.” he said. “Why do you need one?”
“I'm just wondering how far it is to Tokyo.” I said. “I need to contact my friends. Do you have wi-fi?”
“Ahm, Wil..?” Aislin said, directing my attention to the village of Heijō-kyō, some ways away. It consisted of a moderately sized grouping of wooden houses, with various farming implements and livestock visible.
“Ah. That's a 'no' on the wi-fi, then.” I said dumbly.
“Yeah, it's a no.” she said. “Osamu?”
“Yes, Aislin?” he asked.
“Take us to your leader.”
“Yes. Yes, of course. Follow me.” he said, starting off to the village.
Aislin grinned at me. “I've always wanted to say that.”
About half an hour later, we were seated around a short-legged table. Osamu, Aislin, and myself each sat on a side, and the village elder sat on the fourth. Aislin started off the conversation.
“Honored elder.” she began. “We are travelers, but we have gotten lost. We may not be able to get home for some time, and we request to be allowed to remain here for a time.”
“This is a request I cannot grant.” the Elder said. “This village is dangerous, so we cannot allow guests to stay. It would put them in danger.”
“How is this village dangerous?” she asked.
“The demon Yamato-no-orochi preys on our farms, and our people. Many have been slain by his hand. We have no way to fight this scourge.”
“If Yamato-no-orochi were to be defeated, would you grant our request?”
“Yes, if the demon were to be defeated, our lands would be safe, and we would be able to grant hospitality once more.” he said. “But one may as well expect the sun not to rise.”
“I don't know about the sun.” Aislin said. “But if Yamato-no-orochi is killing your people, then we will have to deal with the matter.”
“Deal with the matter? I cannot allow you to face the monster. It would mean your death, and I cannot have you do this for room and board.”
“We do not do this for room or board, but because it is the right thing to do. If you cannot assist us, we accept this.”
“I can see that you will not be dissuaded. If you are determined to attempt this, it would be a disservice to withhold information. Yamato-no-orochi comes every third day, two hours after the dawn. His skin is as the strongest metal, and his teeth are scythes.”
“I thank you for your help.” Aislin said, beginning to rise.
“Wait.” he said. “You should not face this monster unarmed. Osamu is our smith, he will give you what you need.”
“Please come with me.” Osamu said.
“I still would prefer you simply leave.” said the Elder.
A few minutes pass, and we arrive at Osamu's forge.
“The Elder means well.” he says. “But he does not know who you are.”
“We're not gods.” I said.
“Yes, of course.” he said, winking.
“Ugh...”
“Well, gods or no, you can use some decent weaponry.”
“We don't actually need weapons, you know.” Aislin said.
“Yeah, but a decent katana never hurt anyone.” I said.
Aislin gave me a look, and I amended. “Well, no one it wasn't supposed to. If properly used.”
“This is a bow.” Osamu said, cutting in.
“I know it's a bow.” Aislin said. “Got the arrows?”
“Yes, here.” he said. “And of course a go- a good person would know what a bow is.”
“Nice save.” she said. “And I'm sorry for snapping at you.”
“It is nothing.” he said. “And this is for you.”
He handed me a very nicely crafted katana. I don't know anything about katanas, and even I could tell that it was a fantastic katana.
“This is Kusanagi-no-tsurugi.” he said. “It belonged to my father, and his father, and their fathers before them. It is even rumored that it is enchanted.”
“Wait, he gets a magic sword, and I get a plain old bow?” Aislin said indignantly.
“I have no ancestors that were archers.” said Osamu, not quite shrugging. “Perhaps I will encourage my children to take it up.”
“Well, it looks to be a bow of the finest quality in any case.” I hazarded a guess. “When did Orochi last visit?”
A scream sounded from outside, followed by an odd hissing roar.
“About three days ago, I'll bet.” Aislin said. “Come on!”
We hurried out to the outskirts, where the dread Yamato no Orochi was chasing after Katsumi.
“It would be her...” I said, grimacing.
“Charge?” Aislin suggested.
“Yeah, sounds good.” I said, raising Kusanagi.
As we ran towards the monstrous eight headed snake thing, I noticed that Kusanagi almost seemed... well it seemed like it wanted Force. Like it wanted to show me what it could do with it. As if it was a sieve, which would channel Force from me, into itself and things we attacked. So I gave it some Force.
Yamato no Orochi never knew what hit it.
Kusanagi began to glow with a blue fire that seemed to also resemble lightning. I started levitating, flying this way and that, keeping Orochi's heads busy. Aislin seemed to draw inspiration from my technique, as she began charging arrows with magic blasts. I continued to harry it from above, while Aislin kept the heavy artillery coming. After a few minutes, it began to tire, and its reflexes slowed. I was fine, having taken minimal damage. I was close to a metaphorical Limit Break. So in keeping with that metaphor, I flew straight up, raised Kusanagi above my head, and combined kinetic force with essential Force in a deadly final blow. Yamato no Orochi gave a final, terrible howl, and dissolved into a black ichor-like sludge.
The Elder came out a few minutes later, followed by the people of Heijō-kyō.
“You have slain the demon.” he said simply.
“That we have.” I said, equally simply.
“There are no words for what you have done this day. There is nothing that could ever repay this service that you have done for us.” he said, bowing. The others followed suit.
“It was necessary to remove this evil from the world.” I said. “But there is one thing you could do for me.”
“Anything.” he said.
“Never, ever bow down to me again.” I said, offering him a hand to help him up.
He smiled, and took my hand.
A few days later, we were sitting at the Elder's table again.
“I have looked into our records, and have come up empty handed.” he said. “There is no mention of Magic or Force in these lands.”
“That's unfortunate.” I said, thinking.
“However, there is one who may know of things not in our records.” he said. “The Imperial line is entrusted with many secrets, told only to the Emperor, known only by few. I can get you an audience with the Empress, as you are the slayers of Yamato no Orochi. The rest will have to be your doing.”
“The rest?” I asked.
“You know, the part where she tells us closely guarded religious secrets that maybe ten people know.” Aislin clarified.
“Right.”
“It is said that this knowledge is held for a specific purpose.” the Elder said. “After all, why else keep it? Perhaps it is meant for you.”
“Very well then.” I said. “What is the Empress's name?”
“She is Empress Gemmei.” he said. “And she is very busy these days. You should make haste. I have prepared a formal letter of introduction for you. It should get you an audience.”
“You're not coming?” Aislin asked.
“I am an old man.” he said. “And my place is here. Now go. Osamu wished to speak with you before you left, so I left your horses with him.”
“Horses?” I asked.
“Well, unless you know the way to the Imperial Palace well enough to teleport...” Aislin pointed out.
“Point.”
We left, and went to visit Osamu's forge. He was working on a sword of some sort as we walked in, but he paused when he saw us.
“So, you're going off to see the Empress.” he said.
“Yes.” I said. “It's nice here, but it is not our home.”
“Yes, I can understand.” he said, pausing slightly before continuing. “I wish you to carry this with you on your travels.”
He took Kusanagi-no-tsurugi down from a rack on the wall, and handed it to me.
“I can't take this.” I said. “It's your family's legacy.”
“No.” he said. “My family's legacy was keeping it ready for you. My father told me that I would know the one for whom it was meant if we ever met. And I don't believe anyone else could do what you have done with this sword.”
“I suppose that's true.” I said. I took the sword, and said “I commend you on carrying out your duty. Your responsibility is fulfilled.”
“Thank you.” he said. “I'm afraid I could not repair the bow, however.”
“Yes, it kind of melted.” said Aislin. “But it lasted as long as it needed to. A testament to its craftsmanship.”
“Perhaps I will craft a new bow, for shooting fire arrows.” Osamu said.
“If anyone can, I believe you can, Osamu. Live long and prosper.”
“And you as well, Wil-san.”
He led us to two very white horses, and we rode off to the Imperial Palace, to meet with Empress Gemmei of the Chrysanthemum Throne, find a way back to our time, and perhaps get a bite to eat.
David, Deirdre, Aislin, and I sat around a fireplace at the Key of Solomon Agency. I had a mug of chicken broth, the others had hot cocoa. I was never much for cocoa. It was only mid-December, but there was still a festive holiday cheer in the air. The lobby area with the fireplace was done up in reds and greens, with little bells and boughs of holly here and there. The weather in the Midwest is moderately schizophrenic, and this winter's 'cold' was more of a 'vaguely chilly'. It was about 40 degrees out, and it somehow still managed to be chilly. I guess it's psychosomatic. In any case, anyone who lives in the Midwest eventually needs a break from it, which was the current topic of conversation.
“What about Vegas?” David asked. “Great nightlife, awesome accommodations, liberal interpersonal customs.” He put a special lascivious emphasis on that last part, winking at Deirdre.
Before violence could ensue, Aislin cut in. “Wil and I were thinking of Japan, actually. There's all manner of interesting historical sites there.”
David kind of snorted, and I made a face.
“Think what you will, David, but I've always wanted to visit a Shinto shrine. Immerse myself in another culture, one that's almost incomprehensible to me. Feel lost for once in my life.”
“Huh.” he said. “Most people avoid culture shock.”
“Even if that were a valid reason for me to avoid it, it wouldn't be. I love strange experiences.”
“Point.”
“Well, why not do both?” Deirdre suggested. “You two go to merry old Nippon to sample the new pocky flavors, and we can go to Vegas and do Jell-o shots.”
“I'll tell you why bloody not.” David said. “The travel budget won't cover two airfares. Maybe it covers two trips while there, but Japan is a long flight.”
“As if that matters.” I said. “Say, this chicken juice could be warmer.” I teleported to the kitchenette and set the microwave loudly. Then I 'ported back. “Any questions?”
“Yes. Can you get me some more marshmallows?”
“...”
--------------------------------------------------------
“Whelp, we're all packed.” I said. “Ready to go?”
I was giving them a ride to the airport. And by 'ride', I of course mean 'teleport'. We arrived at the mid-sized suburb known as O' Hare a decent half-hour before their flight. We went in, and bade them farewell. “I'll bring back a poker chip from each casino on the strip if you bring back a sample of every flavor of pocky.” he said.
“No deal.” I said. “The number of pocky flavors can only be expressed as a function of infinity.”
“Okay, the five weirdest, then. In your own reckoning.”
“Deal.”
He set off for his flight, arm in arm with Deirdre.
“Oh. My. God.” Aislin said. “Are they skipping?”
“We may need to pick up another jar of sap to replace what they're using up.” I said. “Anyway, we ought to get going too. Two week's paid vacation is ticking by as we speak. Quick checklist. Small, light, yet roomy luggage?”
“Check.”
“Light yet stylish traveling outfit with matching hat?”
“Check.” she said, with a twirl.
“Passport?”
“Boring check.” she said. “Now I'll do you.”
I gave her a sideways look.
“Oh, you know what I mean. Solar powered messenger bag?”
“Check.”
“Light traveling outfit that is nicely coordinated, yet leaves you secure in your masculinity?”
“Vaguely annoyed check.”
“Passport?”
“International check!”
“Then let's go. The vacation clock's a-tickin'!”
I close my eyes and focus on the Shinto shrine I had researched earlier. I began the 'porting process, which takes about 20 seconds mentally, and 5 in transit. In between the '20' and the '5', I noticed that something had gone horribly wrong. What, you didn't think this was a vacation story, did you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We tumbled out of whatever space we travel through as a shortcut through normal space, and fell out into a forest. Times Square, one day. I swear it. Whatever transition we used to get there kicked up a lot of wind, and dead plant matter blew all over the place. At least I could walk this time.
“Oof.” I said.
“Don't look now, Toto.” said Aislin. “But we may not be in Kansas anymore.”
“I do wonder where we landed.” I said. “I mean, this is not a Shinto shrine.”
“Well, perhaps we should ask them.” she said, indicating two people hiding rather badly behind a tree.
I pulled out my phrasebook. “Ah, konnichiwa. Watashi no hobākurafuto wa unagi de ippai desu.”
“What is a 'hovercraft', and why would you fill it with eels?” one of them said. The other made as to shush them, and I gave my phrasebook a distasteful look. I was then struck by a thought.
“You speak English?” I asked.
“No, I do not believe so.” the braver of the pair said, pulling off of the other.
“Sure sounded like it.” I said to Aislin.
“Yep.” she said, nodding.
I heard a beeping sound from my wrist, and my watch showed a message on its screen. “I'm quite good with translation.” See, my watch isn't exactly a watch. It's an AI named Puck, which was accidentally fused with my watch some time ago. He had vast knowledge of the multiverse, an unfortunate tendency to pun, and an excellent sense of time.
“You might have mentioned that before.” I admonished annoyedly.
“Yes, I might have.”
I was about to continue, but Aislin nudged me on the arm to get my attention. The two Japanese people were doing an odd combination of bowing and kneeling.
“Um, are you bowing to us?” I asked tentatively.
“It is not every day one meets a god.” the timid one ventured.
“A god!?” I exclaimed. “Oy, oy, oy, what a mess this will be...”
I felt a growing pain behind my eyeballs, and bent down.
“Look, get up. Get up.” I said, trying for a kind tone. “We're not gods. We're people. Just like you. Seriously, don't bow to us. We're no better than you are.”
They stood hesitantly, as if they were expecting this to be a trick of some sort. I held out my hand.
“My name is Wil. Take my hand.”
The bold one took my hand tentatively, and I shook it gently. “What's your name?”
“Osamu.” he said. “This is my wife, Katsumi.”
“Honored.” she said, bowing slightly.
“I'm Aislin.” said Aislin, extending her hand, which Osamu shook, but Katsumi still seemed wary of.
“See? We're practically friends.” I said genially. “Now, I have a question. Where are we?”
“This is the village of Heijō-kyō.” he said. “Well, the outskirts.”
“Ah.” I said. “That information is not as useful as I might have liked. Do either of you have a phone?”
“A phone?” asked Osamu.
“Or a map.” I said. “I just want to get my bearings.”
“The chronicler might have a map.” he said. “Why do you need one?”
“I'm just wondering how far it is to Tokyo.” I said. “I need to contact my friends. Do you have wi-fi?”
“Ahm, Wil..?” Aislin said, directing my attention to the village of Heijō-kyō, some ways away. It consisted of a moderately sized grouping of wooden houses, with various farming implements and livestock visible.
“Ah. That's a 'no' on the wi-fi, then.” I said dumbly.
“Yeah, it's a no.” she said. “Osamu?”
“Yes, Aislin?” he asked.
“Take us to your leader.”
“Yes. Yes, of course. Follow me.” he said, starting off to the village.
Aislin grinned at me. “I've always wanted to say that.”
About half an hour later, we were seated around a short-legged table. Osamu, Aislin, and myself each sat on a side, and the village elder sat on the fourth. Aislin started off the conversation.
“Honored elder.” she began. “We are travelers, but we have gotten lost. We may not be able to get home for some time, and we request to be allowed to remain here for a time.”
“This is a request I cannot grant.” the Elder said. “This village is dangerous, so we cannot allow guests to stay. It would put them in danger.”
“How is this village dangerous?” she asked.
“The demon Yamato-no-orochi preys on our farms, and our people. Many have been slain by his hand. We have no way to fight this scourge.”
“If Yamato-no-orochi were to be defeated, would you grant our request?”
“Yes, if the demon were to be defeated, our lands would be safe, and we would be able to grant hospitality once more.” he said. “But one may as well expect the sun not to rise.”
“I don't know about the sun.” Aislin said. “But if Yamato-no-orochi is killing your people, then we will have to deal with the matter.”
“Deal with the matter? I cannot allow you to face the monster. It would mean your death, and I cannot have you do this for room and board.”
“We do not do this for room or board, but because it is the right thing to do. If you cannot assist us, we accept this.”
“I can see that you will not be dissuaded. If you are determined to attempt this, it would be a disservice to withhold information. Yamato-no-orochi comes every third day, two hours after the dawn. His skin is as the strongest metal, and his teeth are scythes.”
“I thank you for your help.” Aislin said, beginning to rise.
“Wait.” he said. “You should not face this monster unarmed. Osamu is our smith, he will give you what you need.”
“Please come with me.” Osamu said.
“I still would prefer you simply leave.” said the Elder.
A few minutes pass, and we arrive at Osamu's forge.
“The Elder means well.” he says. “But he does not know who you are.”
“We're not gods.” I said.
“Yes, of course.” he said, winking.
“Ugh...”
“Well, gods or no, you can use some decent weaponry.”
“We don't actually need weapons, you know.” Aislin said.
“Yeah, but a decent katana never hurt anyone.” I said.
Aislin gave me a look, and I amended. “Well, no one it wasn't supposed to. If properly used.”
“This is a bow.” Osamu said, cutting in.
“I know it's a bow.” Aislin said. “Got the arrows?”
“Yes, here.” he said. “And of course a go- a good person would know what a bow is.”
“Nice save.” she said. “And I'm sorry for snapping at you.”
“It is nothing.” he said. “And this is for you.”
He handed me a very nicely crafted katana. I don't know anything about katanas, and even I could tell that it was a fantastic katana.
“This is Kusanagi-no-tsurugi.” he said. “It belonged to my father, and his father, and their fathers before them. It is even rumored that it is enchanted.”
“Wait, he gets a magic sword, and I get a plain old bow?” Aislin said indignantly.
“I have no ancestors that were archers.” said Osamu, not quite shrugging. “Perhaps I will encourage my children to take it up.”
“Well, it looks to be a bow of the finest quality in any case.” I hazarded a guess. “When did Orochi last visit?”
A scream sounded from outside, followed by an odd hissing roar.
“About three days ago, I'll bet.” Aislin said. “Come on!”
We hurried out to the outskirts, where the dread Yamato no Orochi was chasing after Katsumi.
“It would be her...” I said, grimacing.
“Charge?” Aislin suggested.
“Yeah, sounds good.” I said, raising Kusanagi.
As we ran towards the monstrous eight headed snake thing, I noticed that Kusanagi almost seemed... well it seemed like it wanted Force. Like it wanted to show me what it could do with it. As if it was a sieve, which would channel Force from me, into itself and things we attacked. So I gave it some Force.
Yamato no Orochi never knew what hit it.
Kusanagi began to glow with a blue fire that seemed to also resemble lightning. I started levitating, flying this way and that, keeping Orochi's heads busy. Aislin seemed to draw inspiration from my technique, as she began charging arrows with magic blasts. I continued to harry it from above, while Aislin kept the heavy artillery coming. After a few minutes, it began to tire, and its reflexes slowed. I was fine, having taken minimal damage. I was close to a metaphorical Limit Break. So in keeping with that metaphor, I flew straight up, raised Kusanagi above my head, and combined kinetic force with essential Force in a deadly final blow. Yamato no Orochi gave a final, terrible howl, and dissolved into a black ichor-like sludge.
The Elder came out a few minutes later, followed by the people of Heijō-kyō.
“You have slain the demon.” he said simply.
“That we have.” I said, equally simply.
“There are no words for what you have done this day. There is nothing that could ever repay this service that you have done for us.” he said, bowing. The others followed suit.
“It was necessary to remove this evil from the world.” I said. “But there is one thing you could do for me.”
“Anything.” he said.
“Never, ever bow down to me again.” I said, offering him a hand to help him up.
He smiled, and took my hand.
A few days later, we were sitting at the Elder's table again.
“I have looked into our records, and have come up empty handed.” he said. “There is no mention of Magic or Force in these lands.”
“That's unfortunate.” I said, thinking.
“However, there is one who may know of things not in our records.” he said. “The Imperial line is entrusted with many secrets, told only to the Emperor, known only by few. I can get you an audience with the Empress, as you are the slayers of Yamato no Orochi. The rest will have to be your doing.”
“The rest?” I asked.
“You know, the part where she tells us closely guarded religious secrets that maybe ten people know.” Aislin clarified.
“Right.”
“It is said that this knowledge is held for a specific purpose.” the Elder said. “After all, why else keep it? Perhaps it is meant for you.”
“Very well then.” I said. “What is the Empress's name?”
“She is Empress Gemmei.” he said. “And she is very busy these days. You should make haste. I have prepared a formal letter of introduction for you. It should get you an audience.”
“You're not coming?” Aislin asked.
“I am an old man.” he said. “And my place is here. Now go. Osamu wished to speak with you before you left, so I left your horses with him.”
“Horses?” I asked.
“Well, unless you know the way to the Imperial Palace well enough to teleport...” Aislin pointed out.
“Point.”
We left, and went to visit Osamu's forge. He was working on a sword of some sort as we walked in, but he paused when he saw us.
“So, you're going off to see the Empress.” he said.
“Yes.” I said. “It's nice here, but it is not our home.”
“Yes, I can understand.” he said, pausing slightly before continuing. “I wish you to carry this with you on your travels.”
He took Kusanagi-no-tsurugi down from a rack on the wall, and handed it to me.
“I can't take this.” I said. “It's your family's legacy.”
“No.” he said. “My family's legacy was keeping it ready for you. My father told me that I would know the one for whom it was meant if we ever met. And I don't believe anyone else could do what you have done with this sword.”
“I suppose that's true.” I said. I took the sword, and said “I commend you on carrying out your duty. Your responsibility is fulfilled.”
“Thank you.” he said. “I'm afraid I could not repair the bow, however.”
“Yes, it kind of melted.” said Aislin. “But it lasted as long as it needed to. A testament to its craftsmanship.”
“Perhaps I will craft a new bow, for shooting fire arrows.” Osamu said.
“If anyone can, I believe you can, Osamu. Live long and prosper.”
“And you as well, Wil-san.”
He led us to two very white horses, and we rode off to the Imperial Palace, to meet with Empress Gemmei of the Chrysanthemum Throne, find a way back to our time, and perhaps get a bite to eat.
Book II, Chapter 0: Hydrogen and Oxygen
Call me Ishmael. It's not my name, but your using it would make me laugh. Laughing is fun. I'm Wilhelm Mikhail Zurn, but my friends call me Wil. I suppose you could, too. We're not exactly friends, but you're obviously a reader with discriminating tastes, and I can work with that.
A while ago,some strange stuff happened. It was the interesting kind of strange, so I thought I'd write it all down and try to get it all straight in my own head. Of course, there's always the possibility of publication, sales, royalty checks and such, and those are neat, too. Plus, I really do love telling stories. Anyway, I've found that the best place to begin these things is at the beginning, if there is such a thing. There is, in this case. It begins at about 9:30 PM, on December 15th, 2009. As it opens, our intrepid protagonists are sitting around a fireplace, drinking various warm beverages.
A while ago,some strange stuff happened. It was the interesting kind of strange, so I thought I'd write it all down and try to get it all straight in my own head. Of course, there's always the possibility of publication, sales, royalty checks and such, and those are neat, too. Plus, I really do love telling stories. Anyway, I've found that the best place to begin these things is at the beginning, if there is such a thing. There is, in this case. It begins at about 9:30 PM, on December 15th, 2009. As it opens, our intrepid protagonists are sitting around a fireplace, drinking various warm beverages.
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