Thud
Whack
Smash
These sounds could be heard in the forest heading to Jouto Village. Two boy can be seen sparring with swords and in the middle of a extremely good fight. One boy has hair styled with a small ponytail and wears a long sleeve blue Yue shirt fastened with a black cloth belt, the other boy wore the same type of clothing except it was greenish and his hair was down making it seem longer.
The boy with longer hair swung down on the other forcing him to block. The boy with a ponytail retaliates it's sending the boy flying but the boy corrects himself need flight lands on his feet sword ready for more. The boy in blue had jumped towards the other boy and swung down as well but the boy with long hair dodged and ended up putting his foot on the sword winning in the battle.
"All right! Let's see that gives me 333 wins, 332 loses, and 587 draws." The boy in green said then laughed. "Though that one was just because I guess right."
"Guess or not, a loss is a loss and I would be dead if that was a real fight." The boy in blue answered. "Dammit!"
The boys then started to head to the long haired boy's home, not noticing a rider on the top of the hill that was watching their spar.
"Hey walk right. If we don't hurry, I'll get yelled at again, Shin." The boy in green said grabbing for the other boy.
"Let me go, I can walk on my own." The now named Shin said.
The rider watched them leave and started taking a different path to the village while thinking.
"He's just as ferocious as his father but he is showing signs of his mothers great intelligence as well, Li Yan will be happy when I report." The man thought.
Later that day at dinner.
"What the hells with the taste of this." Came a shout from a fat man sitting between a boy, a woman, Shin on the other end. "Who made this?"
Shin raises his hand.
"Shin, what did you put in this?" The man says.
"Unlike Hyou, Shin really is useless." The boy said coming up with a stick in hand. "He sucks at cooking, and he is the most useless guy in the whole of Qin."
Shin then glared at the boy causing him to recoil.
"Wah! He glared at me Dad! Shin glared at me!" The boy screamed.
What! Gimme that!" The man said. "Who do you think you are?! Who are you glaring at Shin?! Have you got a problem or something huh?! Who do you think you have to thank for the roof over your head?! Huh?! Who do you think did all this?!
The man abruptly stopped and just look at him with hatred then started screaming again.
"You just showed one day and have been coming around since. Even though it is my duty as the Mayor i've looked after you! But for 10 whole years Shin! Did you forget what you owe me?! Huh?! Can't you just be civil for once?! Got it Shin?! You idiot!"
In one of the guest rooms.
"It is a good thing he stopped when he did or he would have been dead tomorrow idiot himself is on his last chance." The man from earlier said to himself. "When everyone is set to go to bed I'll go back and switch out."
Later in the slave building
"What the fucks he mean he's supporting me? All high and mighty like that." Shin said as he kicked a bucket.
They'll hear you, you idiot! Your voice is echoing out from this building." Hyou said. "And it wouldn't be a problem if you actually took credit for some things you do."
If I did, the first thing I would do is give that little brat the tongue lashing of his life and that would get me nowhere." Shin said, pulling out some round pieces of wood from under the bed in the room and putting half of them in a weird formation in front of him and hand the rest to Hyou.
"Here take half I'll get done quicker and then can focus on the game more." Hyou said handing Shin some thread and beginning their game.
At unknown castle not far away from the village
The man who was watching the boys today walked into a huge courtroom. Outside of the pillars the room was completely open except for at the end where two sets of stairs were. In front of the stairs was an open walkway and to both sides were kneeling or sitting cushions some more thicker than others. At the back of sides were tables for work, on the far side of the room were the stairs. The first set was only five up and on each side of the stairs was a cushion and the next set of stairs was only another five but instead had a seat there.
What immediately caught the man's attention was the fact that both cushions below the seat were occupied which could mean trouble. The man walked to the edge of the stairs where another man was already and knelt before the two men.
"Li Yan, Gan Tong my lords, I have a report." The man said.
So do we but you shall go first Qu Ying." The one the left said.
My lord Li Yan Lord Shin continues his practice in the sword, he has fought his friend using makeshift forms of other weapons but they tend to stick with swords because they're easier to move around with. He is hiding his mothers side from the mayor as to not pop off and cause trouble. I hid in the rafters of the slave living area and watched them play Kriegsspiel one night. He was very sneaky about it but I get the feeling he was trying a different strategy that night from the conversation they were having and what he does during battle. They played again tonight and when I left I was pretty sure he was winning. The mayor is getting more restless and acting out. I don't think he knows anything but after last time he does know not to go to far less he wants to die which he almost did tonight. That is all." Qu Ying said.
"That is interesting good job Ying, Gan Tong what did you have to tell us about." Li Yan said turning to Gan Tong.
"I have received a report that Shou Bun Kun has been poking around the area not for the Lord's information but if he continues and pressures the wrong person he might find out too much." Gan Tong said.
"That is a problem Hou Bie you must keep a close eye on Shin and his surroundings if he is approached, do not get involved unless it is necessary, if Shou Bun Kun does after you must remind him why he is not supposed to be in the region. and if he refuses, kill him." Li Yan said.
Yes Lord Yan, I will take my leave so I can get some rest before tomorrow." With a nod Hou Bie got up and left.
"Li Yan with the court the way it is and acting up we will not be able to protect him, we must make preparations to return him back soon." Gan Tong said sharply.
"I know but we must do this right so it doesn't get out, tomorrow I will call Cai Yi and Lu Fei and we will go from there. We all know this is his only true release from the stresses of his duties so we must be very careful how we take it away from him because if we're wrong he's going to be very mad. And Gan Tong don't forget your place, Qu Ying sorry for keeping you please go get some rest." Li Yan said get up and leave as well.
The next day at the mayor house
"Mom where did Hyou and Shin go?" The boy asked.
"They're still out on errands and aren't back yet." The mom answered.
"Those two always take forever when they go out. And who the other guys who keep staying at our house?" The boy thought.
In a field
Shin and Hyou were in a field fight and both were using a very new variation of swordsmanship that they created called the Freedom Style. Hyou had just swung for Shins head then swung low force Shin to jump. Much to Hyous chagrin that's what Shin wanted because he came down with a lot of his power forcing Hyou on the defensive but Hyou just smiled.
As they continued a carriage strode by with a man in it watching them. As soon as the man got a good look at Hyou he ordered the carriage driver to stop.
What's with that bird." Hyou said trying to distract Shin.
Who the hell would fall for that." Shin said striking at Hyou when he saw something. "Ah, wait someone's coming."
"You're the one who's uninspiring." Hyou hitting the distracted Shin. "Huh?! I got a hit in? Huh?"
Hyou turned to see a man staring at him. After a few seconds Shin was back up and pissed.
"What are you looking at old man. Ah?" Shin said, walking towards the man forgetting his current disguise.
Hyou grabbed Shin and dragged him back to prevent anything, while telling him he was an idiot.
Look closely! Those clothes and that carriage! This guy is clearly from a pretty high status warrior family!" Hyou said trying to pacify his friend.
"That doesn't matter! I'm get my.." Shin started.
"IT DOES YOU COULD BE KILLED." Hyou said sharply.
"What's going on with you two?" The man said. "You were fighting but you seem to be getting along relatively well."
That wasn't a fight it was a match! And because of you I lost… old man!" Shin said. "This was our 1253rd match I have 332 wins 334 losses in 587 ties! It's the first time there's been a difference of two between us in a year! Why do you do that?"
"1253rd? You kids, are you trying to ridicule me?!" The man said.
When nether boy even showed signs of deceit, he realized they were telling the truth.
"Have you really had fierce battles like that over 1000 times? That seems completely insane." The man said exasperated.
"I wouldn't expect someone of your stature to understand, but we're orphans. He and I lost our parents in a war and of course our parents didn't leave us anything all we really have are the strong bodies." Hyou said smacking his chest. " but that's plenty as long as we have bodies that can swing a sword that's more than enough for Shin and I! for everything we lost from fighting will take back with fighting!"
"As soon as we can enter war, we will and raise our military standing. With the strength and technique we've developed together we will gain some great achievements." Shin said. "We'll build our own houses and have our own families, not be the servants, but to take back the path that we were on before it was ripped away, to become what we were always meant to be."
"And one day our names will echo across all China, and we will be the most powerful generals under the heavens." They both said making a pose.
"Their names across all of China?! The greatest generals under the heavens?!" The man thought.
Then the man laughed.
"Why are you laughing at us?" Shin said, noticing something out of the corner of his eye.
"This meeting may bring about what is needed to tear apart the dark clouds that hang over our state of Qin." The man thought.
He released the boys to go to whatever they were doing. While he was returning to his carriage he spotted a rider next to it.
"Shit I thought I would get out before they honed in on me." The man thought.
"Shou Bun Kun." Hou Bie said.
"You seem to have me at a disadvantage. You know me but I don't know you." Shou Bun Kun said warily.
"And you shall not, you know, no one is allowed in the region with out previously asking no matter how high up they, except the king, I'm here to warn and remind you of what happened the last time a court member came uninvited into the lords region and how it almost collapsed the trade. Leave or else." Hou Bei said.
"I know I will make my way out as soon as possible." Shou Bun Kun said he had been caught red handed.
"Make it so, the next time you will have to deal with Li Yan." Hou Bie said warningly, before disappearing ahead.
"Damn I need to do this quick and get out, the royal court can't afford to make enemies of The Twelve Zodiac Vassals, not even the Chancellors would be daring right now, and the leader Lord Shi Ba probably knows I've been around uninvited, dammit!" Shou Bun Kun thought.
The next day
Shin and Hyou were returning from the fields carrying baskets.
"We're back. Hm" Shin said before seeing someone with the mayor.
Ah they're back. They're back." The mayor said excitedly.
"Huh the old man from yesterday." Shin said recognizing Shou Bun Kun.
The mayor approached Hyou and removed his basket, acting kind.
"Ah, thanks for all your hard work young Hyou. You can just leave that here. Come, come inside." The mayor said directing Hyou towards the house.
"Young Hyou?! Did he hit his head or something?" Shin thought.
"You come in but be quiet, please !" The mayor said to Shin.
Shin went in, sat down at a table separate from the big one and listened.
Young Hyou, this man is called Shou Bun Kun. A very powerful nobleman of the state of Qin. And one of the ministers that in the royal palace." The mayor said.
"Serves the royal palace." Hyou thought extremely shocked.
"A minister… wait a minute they aren't supposed to be in my region without permission and to get permission, I and the king must give it which means he's not here for any legal reason." Shin thought shocked as well.
Hyou, today this man is paying for your freedom." The mayor said.
This shocked both boys.
Hyou. Starting tomorrow you will be working at the royal palace!" Shou Bun Kun said, shocking the boys more.
Me, at the royal palace. Um I'm not sure I understand…" Hyou started.
"I cannot discuss Palace matters with you here but it's not a position of servant or anything like that. Should you except you'll be taking a duty of utmost importance." Shou Bun Kun said.
"Are you saying I can be a government officer?!" Hyou shouted.
"That is correct." Shou Bun Kun responded.
"Government officer at the royal palace? Awesome! That's awesome!" Hyou said. "Then let Shin come with me, Shin is as Strong as I am."
"No! I will only bring one person with me! Only you, Hyou!" Shou Bun Kun said.
Hyou hesitated.
"What's wrong Hyou? Hurry you must accept." The mayor said.
Can I please have one more day to make my decision?" Hyou asked.
"Hyou?!" The mayor screamed.
"I understand. I will return tomorrow. And only Tomorrow." Shou Bun Kun said.
While leaving he recognized the look of the boy in the corner's eyes and realized he had to get out soon because the boy knew he wasn't supposed to be there somehow.
Later that night
Shin and Hyou laying on the bed.
"Why didn't Hyou just accept right then and there?" Shin thought. "A servant in a country village suddenly being an officer in the Royal Palace?! Stories like that don't even happen in dreams! There's no way this guy could be planning on refusing from my sake could he, if that's what's happening.."
"I barely understand what's happening, but.." Shin started.
"I've been training in order to raise myself up step-by-step on my own power. I didn't work hard with you every day in order to take a shortcut like this." Hyou said.
"You id…" Shin started turning around to face Hyou.
"Do you think I'd really say that, Shin?" Hyou said. "I'm going!"
"Good!" Shin said before pulling out the wood pieces. "But there are some things that we need to finish before you."
An hour later in a field
"We might not be able to continue for a while." Hyou said holding his wooden sword.
"Yeah." Shin said.
"I don't mind making this match worth two." Hyou said.
"What not three?" Shin said.
"No just two." Hyou said.
"Yeah ok fine." Shin responded.
Then they began their spar.
One month later
Shin had ended up stay the house much to the chagrin of his Vassals and was in the market buy stuff for himself.
"Shin you've changed a little haven't you?" The shop owner said.
"Really?" Shin said.
"Yeah like a baby monkey turning into a child monkey." The man said.
"What did you say?!" Shin said indignantly.
Wahahaha. Don't get mad I'm complimenting you!" The man said
"You're making fun of me and you know it. Go ahead and give me the usual thing." Shin.
Here is your tip and part of the money for your last haul." The man said handing Shin a bag of forty Copper coins. "Figured I'd give Hyou share as well you two can figure it out from there. Give me round number of what you are at now."
"Well 1 Gold coin, to 100 Silver coins, to 1000 Copper coins." Shin thought before saying. "I'd have to count again but I'm pretty sure it close to 30 silver and with this around 50-60 copper. I wanted to have at least three gold before I broached the topic of buying him a home and setting him free."
Well you been at it for eight years and you're get better at finding useful things so it shouldn't be to many years now." The man said. "Now, go get some goat milk or something over there. Heheh."
"Now I'll kick your ass man!" Shin said.
Later at a table area.
Shin was chilling enjoying his "goats milk" when he heard.
"I'm telling you there's big trouble going on at the Royal Palace!" Some guy said.
"Yer lying it's just a rumor." The man sitting across from him said.
"I ain't lying! I'm a merchant. I was able to go into the royal capital up until just a few days ago. Listen here something really bad is going on with the country right now." The merchant said. " Country folk like me and you might not know it but The king isn't at the age where he's old enough to govern right now, all of the real powers being held by the chancellors and the Lord of War. But in the royal palace there's a lot of ministers that are unhappy with that. The kings younger brother Lord Chenjiao is stepping up trying to take power away from him. And has been secretly expanding his power."
"The king's younger brother is trying to steal the throne?! What a scandal!" Some people around said.
Yes quite so! Even if he does take the throne Lord Chenjiao is also to young and someone in the kings younger brother's faction will govern. So it comes down to the king's younger brother's faction wanting to be the next ones in power." The merchant said.
"It's not good that there's internal conflict in the royal family. No only will this kingdoms power be considerably decreased, if the other six states find out they'll do nothing but attack us. If only there was someway to stop it." Other people said.
"Apparently Chancellor Ryo has done everything he can to quell discord but, things have finally started to happen!" The merchant says.
"Huh." The crowd said.
"I heard that a few nights ago, a fire was lit, in the palace. And last night some people some mountains of corpses was transported through the rear gate. And they said they were all bloody with arrows and sword wounds." The merchant said. " The king's younger brother faction must have decided they have a good chance of victory and started to make their move. That King's younger brother's faction is quite fearsome, they've been training a large number of assassin groups. You can bet that the royal palace is a sea of blood right now."
"YOU'RE LYING." Shin said, appearing out of nowhere and grabbing the man's collar.
"Shin." Someone in the crowd said.
"Who is this brat?" The merchant asked.
"A few days ago a guy who's as close as a brother to him went to the royal palace to become a government officer." A man responded.
"The royal palace! Who made him a government officer?!" The merchant asked.
"An old man named Shou Bun Kun." Shin responded.
"Did you say Shou Bun Kun?! He is the closest of the close aides to the king! The ones the King's younger brothers faction will go after first is his party! I'm sorry to break it to you kid but your brother is probably ain't in this world anymore." The merchant said.
"Tell me everything you know." Shin said.
"God dammit, we been waiting for news that might not come. As soon as they are asleep tonight I need to report this, we might have to bring him home immediately to avoid him getting caught in it unwillingly." A man at the other side of the area thought to himself.
Later that night
"There is no way he'd die." Shin thought gathering up his clothes to make a mad dash for the city to rally his forces for a conflict that might be heading that way.
Flash back
Shin and Hyou were in the middle of their last spar.
"Shin. Will be saying goodbye for a while! But hurry and catch up to me!" Hyou said. " We are both going to the same place!"
"Got it i'll overtake you before you know it!" Shin said as they continued their spar.
Flashback end
Just before Shin could got to the door he heard something outside and heard a loud sound. When he went to and he saw nothing until he looked down. He saw a boy in fancy clothes and holding his stomach which was bleeding.
I'm back.., Shin." Hyou said weakly.
HYOU! Shin screamed, jumping to turn him over. " pull yourself together Hyou! Open your eyes! Open them!"
"What's going on Shin! Robbers?!" The mayor said coming out with a club.
"Mayor, get a doctor! A doctor fast!" Shin yielded to the man..
"Hyou?! What's all this blood?! Hurry get a doctor!" The mayor yelled.
"Shin, it doesn't hurt. I don't need a doctor." Hyou said weakly.
"You got caught up in the King's younger brother's rebellion. Didn't you?" Shin said.
The King's little brother's rebellion." The mayor said worried.
"So what was happening in the royal palace reached your ears? Good it'll make this quick the king's younger brothers' forces became great enough to overthrow the capital. And they're tenacious, they'll follow the trail of blood and get here soon, mayor when that happens tell them someone you didn't know just broke into the shed and died so they'll just leave the corpse as it is." Hyou says.
"I won't let them touch you. I won't let a single one of them leave her alive! Not one!" Shin said coldly.
"I'm delighted to hear that vigor Shin. I have a favor to ask you." Hyou said holding up a piece of paper.
"A map." Shin said unrolling the paper.
"It's a map of the Village west of here called Heibei Village. I came here to give you this. Go there right away.." Hyou said.
"Hyou what is going on, you aren't making any sense." Shin said.
"Then listen carefully Shin, this is all in your hands now." Hyou said.
"I got it I got it already just please don't die on me not like this, what about our dream. Wasn't that our train to become the greatest generals in history." Shin said.
"And we will be shin, our physical strength and the strength of our hearts are the same, the two of us are one. Shin, if you take flight to the heavens then I'll be there with you, take me to those heights, please." Hyou before dying.