Chapter 14: The Red Throne
The land was shaking as thousands of Kou soldier were moving together towards the southeast. They were on their journey back to Kou Empire after receiving the news of Emperor Koutoku's death. In the middle of the cavalry, a big beautiful carriage was spotted. The carriage was actually used to carry the Kou Imperial Princes.
The soldier move with caution and urgency as they knew that they might encountered an obstacles along the way. An emperor death was a very delicate and crucial issue as it may serve as a basis for coup de tat or civil war.
Suddenly, a dark lightning attacked the royal carriage. It caused the carriage to be caught with fire. The cavalry was ambushed with masked assassin. A man approached the carriage with the intention of finishing his evil deed. However, he was suddenly attacked by triple arrows. The arrow buried in his chest.
He looked closely to the figure that came out from the destroyed carriage. "You're not Kouen." He said in shock as he saw two womanly figure behind the smoke.
"Did we fool you?" Xue Feng asked teasingly.
-Flashback-
"Are you sure?" Kouen asked shortly. Xue Feng looked at him along side with his three retainers, Koumei and Mei Hua.
"This is the only safest way for you to avoid Al-Thamen's sneaky attack." Xue Feng answered calmly. They were in a discussion about the journey back to Kou for Emperor Koutoku's funeral. "During our journey to Shimla and Balbadd, they had been trying to harm you in any possible way. I believe that with the Emperor's death, they have a more valid reason to kill you, your highness."
"During the time I traveled the world, I had also been asked by the Shishou to find any possible secret passage or route that people don't or never use. Sometimes, the Bailian use it in order to escape ordeal when the country that we had gone for trading encountered coup de tat or political arrest." Xue Feng stood up as she pointed out a route on the map that was laid on their discussion table. "This is one of the secret route that will lead you straight to Kou Capital City. Although it'll take much longer time than usual and may not be the safest route but it's the best chance that you can get."
"Hem, how can we trust you..."
Kin Gaku usual accusation was cut short with Xue Feng murderous deadly glare.
"Shishou was my master. He was the one who assigned me to help you with the safe passage to come back home alive. I'll not fail him." Xue Feng answered coldly. However there's a pain in her eyes when she mentioned the word 'shishou'. Even without her angry and sad emotion, she could still felt pain of losing someone dear to her.
"Very well. 1/3 of our army plus the Bailian member will travel to Kou using the normal route while the remaining will use this secret with me and my lord brother." Koumei stated after a long silent. "May we all be able to come back to our country safe and sound."
"We shall." Xue Feng said in determination.
-End of flashback-
"You wrench!" The member of Al-Thamen muttered a word to activate his dark metal vessel. The arrows were forced from his chest with a dark force.
"Dark metal vessel..." Xue Feng muttered.
"Oh, you know about this 'baby', huh? I want to use during my fight with the Flame Emperor. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with a bunch of weakling like you." The man sighed as he touched his metal vessel. "No matter, I'll heal my disappointment by killing all of you!"
Xue Feng gripped her saddle as she saw a dark lightning coming towards her. It didn't matter any more. What matter now, Kouen will be able to claim his throne!
-X-
Ren Kouen, the First Imperial Prince of Kou Empire entered the throne hall which full with the Emperor's retainer. His firstly recognized his cousin or step siblings, Hakuei and Hakuryuu.
"Long time no see, Hakuryu, Hakuei." He said.
"Lord Kouen." Hakuei muttered.
One of the eunuch announced Kouen presence as all the people in that hall knelt towards him. However, Hakuryuu stubbornly stand without blinking an eyes. Kouen pressed his lip, knowing to well that Hakuryuu was making a stand. He would not acknowledge Kouen as his superior anymore. He had heard Hakuryuu story in Sindria. How that little prince had conquered a dungeon without Judar's help.
Kouen approached Hakuryuu as he put his hand on his cousin shoulder. "You lost an arm but I heard you had conquered a dungeon. Good job," he said as he walked past through Hakuryu.
"It should take Kouha half a day to arrive." Koumei stated.
"Then, we will wait for him. We'll go to his majesty's side after we are all reunited." Kouen stated.
"Yes, sir." Koumei answered politely.
Kouen stopped for a while before asking, "Have you heard any news about her?"
Koumei expression became grim. "Not for now. We had lost contact of Lady Xue Feng and her subordinates immediately after our army went through the special route. Even Bailian people in Bo An port didn't know where they are." Koumei explanation caused Kouen to stood silent for a moment. Although his face remained stoic but his eyes full of worries.
"My lord brother?" Koumei called his older brother who seem dazed.
"Prepare for the worst case scenario." Kouen stoically stated.
"Yes, your highness!"
-X-
Kouen closed his book. His candle had almost burn out. He remembered his conversation with Hakuryu, Hakuei and Kyogyoku just now. How he tell his dream of making the world one so that no more conflict and war could arise. He sincerely wished that Hakuryu could lend his strength. However, he also knew that boy had already far trapped in the sea of revenge.
"Revenge..." He muttered. Before he had conversation with Xue Feng. The woman accused him of using someone else dream. He couldn't refuted that. Hakuren death was the burning amber for him to achieve the late prince's will. To eradicate the war by uniting the world. The wish wasn't wrong, it was for the benefit of the Kou's people and also the world. Was it so wrong to live a dead man wish?
Kouen eyes turned to his three metal vessel; Agareth that reside in his war spaulders, Astaroth that reside in his favorite sword and Phenex that dwelt on his hilt ornament on his sword. He touched the metal spaulder which was the gift from his father before he when to his first maiden war. His father had always thought differently from other. While everyone was showering him with various weapon, his father choose to give him a spaulder in other to protect his sword-wielding shoulder. He remembered that his father would flicker his forehead when his teased about the present.
"What? Don't underestimate the power of shield! Shield was the one of the two things that you need when you're under unforeseen danger." Koutoku stated.
"What is the other thing beside shield?" Kouen who only nine years old asked.
"Pray that you'll survive." Koutoku answered naughtily. They both laughed heartily. That was the last time they'll ever laugh together again.
Meanwhile the his favourite sword was the give from the late Emperor Hakutoku; also was gifted before he when to his maiden war. The sword was name Yonggan which mean the Brave. Before he idolized the late Emperor, admiring his vision and bravery that unite the Three Kingdom and built the Kou Empire.
He then touch Oath keeper which he received from Xue Feng. The sword host no djinn nor thus its had special abilities. However, he felt much driven whenever he held the sword. He remembered again his old oath.
"I, soldier of Kou, hereby swear an oath to protect Kou people's freedom and happiness at any cost. I will bear responsibility of making the Kou kingdom a place where everyone can live as equal and one!"
Emperor Hakutoku. Emperor Koutoku. The two were brother; one was courageous and strong another was wise and kind. Both left the world while protecting the empire that they so much. Now, it was up to him to protect it with all that he got.
-X-
The next day, all Kou Imperial Princes and Princesses entered the throne hall with had become the mourning hall for the Emperor. As the door opened, they could see Empress Gyoukuen held the lifeless hand of Emperor Koutoku which full of reddish and ugly boil. Not only that, his whole body was also covered with it.
"Welcome back, my beloved children..." Gyokuen said nonchalantly, with a fake smile on her lips. "What's the matter? Come here. We haven't seen the princesses since they had been married. I'm sure his majesty would be pleased."
All the Kou princesses including Kourin and Kougyoku were shocked and stunned with their late father hideous appearance. It caused them to retreated behind Kouen.
Kouen held his hand, trying to calm his sisters. "Did his majesty died because of an illness?"
"Yes he was ill for a long time but it suddenly gone worse." Gyokuen answered. "Come on everyone. Bid your farewells to your father."
All the princes and princesses walked up the stair where Koutoku's body was laid to rest. All of a sudden, Gyokuen came towards Kouen and hugged him.
"Kouen, I only have you now. Will you support me, my most loved son?" Gyokuen asked, seductively.
The princes and princess were disgusted with the spectacle of Gyokuen trying to seduce Kouen. Kouen firmly pushed her away.
"That old witch! In the, past she fawned over En nii-sama, but it seem like she has finally decided to move on from our father to him." Kouha muttered angrily. He felt disgusted with the empress's behavior.
"Well then, we will begin to read his majesty testament." One of the royal attendant stated.
"In that case, we don't need to hear the statement right?" Kouha said to Koumei. Of course, Kouen was going to be crowned the new emperor. Who else would be able to challenge his lord brother authority?
"Mind you manner. Look forward." Koumei muttered nonchalantly.
"Had you heard anything about the Bailian? Is it true that the Snow Phoenix and her people were missing?" Kouha changed the topic.
Koumei looked grim. He also felt worried over Mei Hua's where about. He could only stood firm in his belief that the Bailian wouldn't perished that easily. Especially not with the cold and calculative Snow Phoenix on their side. Xue Feng must had predicted all this to happen. 'Am I right to believe in your mistress, Mei Hua?'
"I leave this posthumous imperial edict before facing my end. By means of this document, I will assign the position of the emperor. The third emperor of the Kou Empire is Ren Gyokuen. And she shall be assisted by the imperial priest in tending all national affairs."
"Haah?!" Kouha exclaimed in shock. All the people in the throne hall also felt the same. There never had been in the history of Kou Empire or even before, the Kou nation, that a woman let alone a wife of an emperor ascend the throne. Especially when there are male heirs are still alive!
"This is an unavoidable measure. Originally, the one who should have inherited the title emperor is Kouen but at the moment he is the general commander of the Western Subjugation Army, a very important task. To relieve him from his post would be a foolish act that would end his majesty's ambition without achieving anything. Therefore, I will be the temporary emperor until the continental subjugation is complete. This is the emperor's will." Gyokuen said as tears flowed down her cheek. However, no sincerity could be dictated from her cold face.
"Cut the crap, vixen!" Kin Gaku screamed, unable to control his anger much longer.
Gyokuen's Imperial Priest stood behind her with venomous aura as Koumei, Kouha and the three princes' retainer prepared to wield their weapon as soon as they received Kouen's command. Kouen stood firm. He also couldn't believed the fact that Gyokuen had finally put down her mask and showing her truth intention to control the Kou Empire.
'This doesn't look good! The imperial court will be split into two. The vassals supporting Lord Kouen won't settle this way!' Hakuei said in her heart. She proceed to kneel as she said, "M-mother! Please reconsider. Even if this is his majesty's testament, with this..."
Hakuryu stepped in as he cut his sister words. "The Emperor's will...are you sure that it isn't actually you will, my dear mother?"
People were shocked to hear Hakuryu's statement. Although they knew that there was a possibility that Gyokuen would tamper the emperor will but they didn't say it as they had no prove. However, Hakuryuu confidently stated that as if he had evidence that Gyokuen was plotting to gain the throne.
"Why...that's a surprise." Gyokuen said. "Are you accusing me of plotting a treason, my beloved son?"
"Everyone in this hall is thinking the same things." Hakuryu stated firmly, as he exchanged glance with Kouen.
"Oh really? And where is the prove for that?" Gyokuen asked as she tried to fake her smile. In truth, she was fuming with anger.
"The evidence is right under your nose, your majesty." A voice echoed to from the throne hall gigantic door. All the people in the throne hall turned around to see a black hair woman with red eyes stood alone in front of the opened door.
"Xue Feng?"
-X-
'Xue Feng...' Even Kouen was shocked with the Snow Phoenix's presence. Xue Feng smirked as she walked to the middle of the throne hall.
'What's going on? She was supposed to be death!' Gyokuen muttered in her heart before she ordered to her magician's army. "Capture that woman! She and her trading company was suspected to be the one behind the Emperor illness!"
Suddenly, lime dozen people appeared out of nowhere and as they protected Xue Feng. They were all clad with silver armor. Mei Ha and Fang was spotted among them.
"I could accuse the same thing to you, your majesty." Xue Feng stated. "You bet I dare. How could the decree be trusted when the Emperor was detained in his Imperial chamber alone with only the empress as his caretaker. Who could be the witness that his majesty was not forced to stamp the decree?"
"How dare you trying to accuse her majesty?" One of Gyokuen imperial priest exclaimed angrily.
"If that the case, why don't we asked the person who stamp the seal then." Xue Feng stated causing Gyokuen to laugh maniacally. The other were shocked to see her true persona.
"You must be crazy? The emperor is already dead." Gyokuen said as she pointed at the lifeless body of Koutoku.
Xue Feng smirked; causing Gyokuen to frown. "Is that really what you think, your majesty?"
Gyokuen quick her pace to Koutoku as she touched the hand of the dead man. Suddenly, she realized something was wrong. The late emperor body was melting!
"It was ashamed that all of you would be tricked by an ice magic. Looks like I need new Imperial Priest." A voice echoed from above.
"Judar?!" Gyokuen was caught off guard when Judar landed beside her.
Judar whispered into her ears, "I have already told you before, the only way for the game to start is by changing the player. Have you never thought that player was you?"
As he ended his whisper, Koutoku body shattered into broken made by ice shattered. "Well played, old man." He said as he faced the silver armor clad people. Xue Feng and her other subordinates formed to line as they made way for a single person who had been with them all this time. That person lowered his red hood as he looked towards the throne.
"That's the Emperor!" One of the royal vessels exclaimed.
"The emperor is alive! The emperor is alive." Another shouted as people were buzzing around like bees in a swarm. They were all too surprised to learn about the shocking twist.
"Impossible." Gyokuen stumbled to the ground.
"I told you before." Koutoku smirked. "Your downfall will be your arrogantly underestimate my people."
"Arrest the traitor and all her accomplice!" The Second Emperor of Kou Empire shouted.
All of the royal retainers attacked Gyokuen ad her magician's army. However, the empress unleashed a dark aura that numbed their movement.
"You all are a thousand years too young to kill me!" She acclaimed as she float in the air. Only now that the Kou Imperial family and retainer saw the power of the woman who held their empire for more than two decade. She who was before considered as the most beautiful woman in the Kou nation was actually a powerful magician!
Gyokuen looked at Xue Feng with anger. "You wrench girl! I will not let you die easily!"
Xue Feng didn't felt fear as she ordered her people. "Protect the Emperor!" They all surrounded Koutoku and brought out magical items which created barrier from magic. Meanwhile, Kouen's magician also helped them by unleashing borg; creating a second layered barrier.
Kouen and his family who had metal vessel changed into their extreme magic mode. They fought hardly as the empress proved to be a strong opponent. However, with their combined power and Judar's magic, they were able to weaken the empress.
In the end, it was Hakuryu who pushed his sword through Gyokuen body.
"Hakuryu, you..." Gyokuen held Hakuryu shoulder as she trembled in pain. Hakuei was shocked to see the view, she startled as she covered her mouth.
"Farewell, mother." Hakuryuu said coldly as he pulled the sword out. He looked at Gyokuen who knelt on the ground; refusing to die in a pathetic state.
"Hahaha," Gyokuen laughed weakly. "There will never be a farewell between you and me. As long as my blood run through your vein." Suddenly Gyokuen body glow in dark light before exploded. The explosion caused the entire throne hall to be destroyed. Thank goodness that Judar formed a big magic borg to protect them all.
"Well that's one hell of fight. All for the bloody throne." Judar said, teasingly. Koumei switch off his extreme magic. For some reason, he didn't feel that the fight was over yet. The fight ended easily that imagined. However, Kouen tapped his shoulder.
'It's over for now. I believe that we need to focus one problem at a time, brother.' Kouen said in his heart.
Koumei nodded his head once; as if he could hear his brother thought.
"Your highness!"
Their break were stopped for a while with the shouting of Kouen's magician. Kouen looked to the sources of the voices.
"The Emperor collapsed!"
-X-
"It's great to see all my children presence in my death bed." Koutoku said as he looked at all his children. All of them were looking at him awkwardly. They never seen their father so jovial before. "Sorry, you all must feel awkward with me being like this. Imagine that I had to spent a decade and a half putting a act, the greedy, cold-hearted and cruel emperor. The dreadful life that I had to take."
"However," Koutoku signaled toward his royal attendant. "We still need to proceed with the inheritance. My daughters, you're after all the consort of prince and king. So I presume that you will have lack nothing. Just a humble give from your bad father. Koulin, you had always fond playing erhu. So, I'll give a erhu for you to play in spare time."
"Kouling, this is brush that was made with the finest white horse hair. You'll be able to write your poem efficiently. "
"Koushan, I had instructed my people to built a midnight lily garden at your palace so that you would always be surrounded with your favourite flower."
"Koulei, this is the dress that was made from your old drawing."
"Kouran, I had seen a pair of panda to your palace."
"Kourin, this is a device that will help you to see the star more clearly."
"And Kougyoku..."
"Yes, your majesty!" Kougyoku nervously answered. She was present with a red beautiful pendant.
"This is a ruby pendant." Koutoku stated. Kougyoku was happy to received the beautiful pendant before Koutoku explained more, "A fake one."
Kougyoku couldn't hide her feeling of shock. Koutoku gave a weak laugh. "It was your mother only treasure."
Kougyoku then touched the pendant with the feeling of joy and sadness mix into one.
"For the boys, Kouha, this is your mother diary. Koumei, this is a go board that use to play with my best friend."
The seven princesses and two princes were surprise that Koutoku was able to remember about their hobby and interest. They suddenly realized that there was other kind and caring side of their lord father than they could ever imagined.
"Now, leave me with you elder brother will you." Koutoku ordered. His children except Kouen slowly left the royal bed chamber.
"Was is worth it?" Kouen asked straight forwardly. "Was it worth it to be hated by your son for your people?"
"Of course." Koutoku answered with a smile.
Kouen knelt beside his father, unable to say anything. He was afraid that he couldn't contain his emotion if his mouth start talking. There were so much that he wanted to ask to his father. There were so much things that he wanted to share with his beloved father. But...he couldn't. He didn't have the luxury of time for that. The feeling guilt stabbed his heart.
Koutoku smiled as he touch Kouen hand. "Noblesse Oblige...It's mean..."
"The inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged." Kouen stated.
"Yes." Koutoku agreed. "We're born in a privilege family, with a high status and luxury. Because of the privilege that we have, we are also burden with a huge responsibility. To help to less fortunate and less privilege than us. I understand it more than anyone why you wish to unite this world. But rather than uniting the world, it would be great if you find a way to heal it."
'Heal the world...'
"Well, that's your homework for as long as you become the emperor. The last gift and curse that I'll give to you, Xiao En." Koutoku said with a naughty smile.
-X-
In dark shroud of the night, a glimpse of bluish light was seen between the dark cloud. Wind was blowing with an ominous chilling aura. The wind traveled through the inner palace of Kou where Emperor Koutoku's chamber reside.
For some strange reason, palace guards' and palace maids' started to yawn. They felt tired and sleepy all of sudden. Even Koutoku children who were waiting in their father chamber started to felt tired and thus fell under a deep slumber.
A lone figure dress in white hooded robe appeared behind the rustle silk curtain of Koutoku's chamber. She walked carefully passing through Koutoku's princesses as she went to Koutoku who eyes were closed.
"You are late as usual." Koutoku whispered as he opened his eyes weakly. He wasn't actually sleeping.
The hooded figure lowered the hood to reveal her pale complexion and icy blue eyes. However, her eyes shone with an ominous power. 'Xue Feng' pressed her lips together as she sat down on Koutoku's bed. "Tsk, tsk, look at you, Koutoku. How much have you sacrifice just to protect this small kingdom?"
"Ceh, until the end your nagging continue to annoy me." Koutoku answered casually as if he was talking to an old friends.
'Xue Feng' smirked as she sighed. "If only that you were the first prince of Kou nation, then you would become the King of Kou Nation. You would be able to find a way to stop war and conflict without that Witch taking control your country."
"Never use the word 'if' for life. For no one can see what lies ahead, we're bound to face thorny and bumpy road. Sometimes, we'll regretted our choice and wish we could turn back time, but it impossible, a selfish act even to think like that, coz' for every choice that we make whether with good intention or bad, we have to pay the price for that." Koutoku answered back causing 'Xue Feng to smirk again.
"Jayathri...well you both had always share the thought anyways. To sacrifice everything for the sake of other. Why didn't you tell your boy that it was Hakutoku who brought Al-Thamen into Kou? Why didn't you tell him that your brave heroic brother was actually had to depend on that Witch in order to win the war?"
"My brother did what he think was right for the sake of our people. It's his choice and he had paid his price." Koutoku said bitterly.
"The things is, Koutoku, the fight is far for over. This is just the beginning. The beginning of the end."'Xue Feng' said in a mysterious tone.
"They will overcome this. Together...all of them." Koutoku started to look weak.
"You really had a high expectation on them, huh?"
"That is what we called faith. I had faith in them. That they could save the world." Koutoku said confidently.
'Xue Feng' looked toward the window view where the crescent moon was shining brightly. "Faith, it's been a long time since I had encountered that term."
"Don't you think it's time for you to take my magoi?"
'Xue Feng' stood up as she faced the door instead of Koutoku."Forget it. This ring couldn't even dictate your magoi anymore. Save it, your body need to be able to look well for the funeral."
As soon as she said that, a swarm of yellow butterfly rukh surrounded Koutoku body as his reddish full of boils skin turn into a healthy white yellowish skin. "This is my last gift to you, Emperor Koutoku. I shall meet you in your other form."
"Thank you, 'Ling'." Koutoku said before his eyes slowly turned lifeless.
-X-
Word meaning:
Erhu-a Chinese two-stringed musical instrument held in the lap and played with a bow
Ling- number zero in chinese
Spaulders- a single plate of steel or iron covering the shoulder with bands joined by straps of leather or rivets.
Author note:
What a twist! In the real manga, Hakuryu was supposed to be one who support Gyokuen installment as Emperor. I decide to change it so that it'll be relevant with the part 2 story that I had already came up with. There are so many question that need to be answered in this chapter. Why did Hakuryu change his mind? Why did Judar decide to ally with the Kou royal family? How did Xue Feng was able to come to Kou save and sound? Who exactly is this 'Ling'? Most of it (yes, most of it ;p) will be answered in the next last chapter of The Red Fire of Destiny Part 1!