Hey, so I'm telling all you potential followers this ahead of time: most of my stories have chapters that are much, much more lengthy. I'm intentionally shortening the chapters in this story so that I can update faster. I hope that's ok with you! :)
The palace was just as large as I remembered it to be. The rich red painted pillars and elegant woodwork were familiar to me and brought forth a sense of nostalgia. I was pretty excited as I walked up the steps; of course, I didn't show that on my face. I had to remain calm for a bit longer.
"I'm here to see the Emperor," I said to the guards in front of his chamber.
"His Majesty is resting," replied the first guard, the one on the right. He had a childish face, which compelled me to discount his statement. I didn't, though. Instead I turned to the other guard.
"I received word that the Emperor is ill. It is urgent that I see him. I bring good news," I said, and then I smiled, "Perhaps that good news will lift his spirits when he most needs it." I readjusted the pack I was carrying on my shoulders.
The guard narrowed his eyes, "What news do you speak of?"
I dropped my smile, "What makes you think that I would tell you? That I could tell you?"
"I'll tell the Emperor that you're here. What's your name?" asked the second guard.
I sighed, "Ji Feng." I didn't want to have to tell them my name, but it seemed to be the only way to gain entrance to the Emperor's chambers. The second guard's eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open. The first, the baby-faced one, just looked at me like an idiot.
"Y-You…"
"What? Who is she?"
"She's Ji Feng!" He pointed to me and I nodded. "The one who's been missing for years! The one who everyone assumed was dead because she went on a suicide mission!" Baby-face's eyes went wide and he turned his face back to me.
"Please, enter!" he said, pulling the door open, "The Emperor will be glad to see you."
"Thank you," I said and stepped inside. I paused and turned around, "Please don't tell anyone I've returned yet. It's best that my return to the palace be kept a secret for now." The guards nodded and I shut the doors. I sighed and pressed my forehead to the cold wood. For some reason, I was suddenly feeling nervous. When I'd gathered up the courage I turned around.
"Ji Feng, you've returned. I knew you had not perished. I could feel it in my heart." I could hear his sickness in his voice as he spoke in rasps. As soon as I heard that, I rushed to his bedside. I dropped my pack beside me and took his hand. It was withered.
"I had no idea it was this bad! All I heard was that you were sick!" I said desperately. His eyes were dull, nothing like how I remembered. I guess the palace had changed while I'd been gone after all.
"Oh, it's not the end of the world," said the Emperor. I smiled and nodded.
"Of course not, but you should have at least sent word," I said, bowing my head. I released his hand, remembering my place. I fell to my knees and bowed, touching my forehead to the floor.
"I bring good news," I said, attempting to drop the familiarity from my voice and hide the worry that I was feeling at that moment.
The Emperor sighed, "Yes, yes. What is it?"
I lifted my head and opened up my pack, pulling out the contents, "I've succeeded, Your Majesty."
"I wish you wouldn't be so formal," he mumbled, sitting up a bit. I wanted to stand up and help him, but I held back.
"You know I can't do that," I said.
"You could if I ordered you to," he said with a small smile. I nodded and hid my own smile. "Well, let me see it."
I immediately complied, and unwrapped the parcel I was holding. I placed it on his bed, "The Blood Sword, Your Majesty."
He gasped as he examined it, "It's just as the legend says. It's beautiful." The sword's blade was a ruby red, hence its name. The legend states that a warrior asked the earth for help to defeat his enemies and was given a mighty weapon in return, the Blood Sword. It spoke of untold beauty, and it spoke the truth. The sword shimmered in the light. Rubies were embedded on the golden hilt and on the sheath. A dragon made its way around the handle and a ways up the flat of the blade. It was truly a sight to behold.
"I'm as proud as I've ever been," he said, resting the sword on his lap. He slid it back into its sheath.
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask," I began, "Would you happen to know where Ling Yao is?"
The Emperor smiled solemnly, "He's doing what he does best."
I hesitated and then my spirits sank, "Don't tell me he's…"
The Emperor nodded, "He's off chasing some legend in some faraway land, risking his life in doing so."
I rested my head on the bed and sighed. The reason for my excitement had vanished. I hadn't seen Ling in so long, and he was gone. That idiot! He could have at least hung around to welcome me back. Then again, no one even knew I was coming back. Oh no…what if he thought I was dead too!?
"I have a favor to ask of you," the Emperor whispered, "But don't let anyone know, alright. Most importantly, don't let Ling know!"
I raised my head and looked him in the eye. I raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"
The Emperor held out the sword to me and I took it, confused as I'd ever been, "Your Majesty?"
"Would you go look after that child for me?" My eyes went wide.
"You wish for me to follow Ling?" I asked. My heart leapt to my throat.
He nodded slowly, "Be sure to protect him. He's gone to Amestris in search of a philosopher's stone. I fear that dangers lurks there, a great danger."
I bowed to the Emperor, "If his life is in my hands, I will do my best to protect him. I will lay down my life if I must."
The Emperor took my chin with one finger and raised my face, "Let me look at you, Ji."
I smiled and put my hand on his, "I won't be long. I'll bring that stupid prince back here soon enough, safe and sound."
The Emperor's eyes looked sad, "I'm sure you miss him. I'm sorry he couldn't have been here to welcome you."
I nodded and kissed his palm, "Goodbye, Father." With that I turned and sprinted out of the room. I slammed the door behind me and ran down the hallway. I did a small leap for joy and zoomed out the door. I wasn't going to waste any time. I had to find Ling…no, I wanted to find Ling. It'd been years since I'd seen him, and I couldn't wait to see him again.
Well, there was one little problem. Eh, it was just a desert.
Alright! The first, (tiny), chapter(ish) segment is posted! Be sure to R&R, please! Also, I suppose I should acknowledge something: Ji Feng called the Emperor 'father.' I dunno if you noticed that, but I'll explain that. (Don't worry! Ling and Ji are not siblings!)
