Chapter 24
Serpent’s Gap, Chūgoku Mountains: late afternoon

Empress Rin watched as Satoko fired the last of her enchanted arrows into the fleeing army. With that final arrow the last of her power faded. Like her sister Satomi she too had reached her limits. The two maiko maidens had been pushing themselves next to the rebel forces for the last several hours. Despite everything they had done to shorten the battle. The fighting had been nonstop from the moment that the alchemist battle ended. Without the power of the four Dragon Samori alchemists to add in the battle the fighting had ground to a bloody slug fest. Those four teenage girls had given their all and now they could barely stand.

Even with the return of the six majestic dragons the Emperor’s soldiers had not given up the fight. Even when those great beasts attack the soldiers directly, they refused to surrender. Not even when their armored wagons were destroyed one by one with blast of dragon fire and ice. Not even when their field artillery units were turned to dust by poison gas and steam. Nor when their trenches were covered in crushing crystal or blasted with bolts of lightning.

“We’ve reach the last of their entrenchments, Majesty. If your brother is going to hit us with his reinforcements. It’s going to be now.” Setsu told her daughter as she pulled the trigger of her rifle one more time. Her target died as he ran from the fighting. Most of the fighting had been close range and hand-to-hand. Being able to actually use her rifle for its intended purpose relaxed her. “Though I doubt he has the reserves to counterattack at this point.”

“Okay mom. How do you figure that?” Rin snarled as she gunned down an Infantry man trying to sneak into her mother’s blindside.

“Because he would have thrown them at us the moment, we crossed the first trench line. Though I don’t understand why your brother’s generals didn’t do that exactly that. We were out in the open. The perfect time to hammer our troops.” Setsu explained as she sighted in on her next target.

“Because his only real reinforcement troops were those Airborne Troopers with the armored airships. Thanks to that Dragon Knight and those six monsters. They never got the chance to come into play.” One of Rin’s commanders answered.

“Whatever the reason we press our attack while we have the momentum. I want my brother standing before me today.” Rin ordered then turned to Shogun Nishimura. “How is our surprise delivery going sir?”

“They’ve taken up position on the far end of the gap. They have completely cut off any escape route for the false Emperor and his guards, your Majesty. The only direction left to him is right into our hands.” Shogun Nishimura grinned evilly.

“Then I suggest we hasten his arrival, sir. Send the signal for our surprise to close in on his basecamp.” Rin ordered without a second thought. “Also have our artillery direct their fire along the outer edges of the valley floor.”

“What about the dragons, majesty?” Satomi asked as she walked up to impromptu gathering of Rebellion leadership. “Where do you want them for the final act?”

“I need them to pull back. We’re going to be way too close with the Impearl army. They come in for one of their strafing runs now. They may just take out our own people.” Rin explained as she looked towards the six dragons high overhead. “Something that I would really like to avoid right now. We’ve lost enough of our people to enemy fire. It’s bad enough that we lost the entire Velvet Vanguard and Bold Arrows contingents. It doesn’t matter that they took out those damned gatling guns and heavy cannons of the five-twenty-eighth.”

“At least they died with honor.” Nishimura sighed heavily. “A waist of damned fine troops on both sides.”

“They knew what they were getting into when they signed on, Nishimura. Like we all did.” The commander for the Moonfist Warriors grunted.

“You know you’re one cold blooded bastard Amazake. Don’t you feel anything for the men and women have died on this battlefield?” Nishimura demanded.

“I do feel for them my Lord. Their loss will be greatly felt among our number. It doesn’t matter how long it takes us. We the Moonfist Warriors will avenge their deaths.” Amazake snarled as left his rifle to his shoulder. The bark of the rifle signaled the end of another Empyreal soldier. “We will send every last one of those worthless dogs to their markers.”

“You will restrain your men, sir. Our enemy is not the soldiers, but the false Emperor. We are the Empress’s army. We show mercy to a fallen foe.” Setsu barked. When the man went to tell her no, Setsu drew her sword with a blinding speed. As the head of Amazake rolled across the ground Setsu looked at the rest of the gathered leaders. “Let this be the final warning. The Empress was the one who gave the ordered to spare the wounded and those who surrender. Only the Emperor and his top commanding officers are to be held accountable for this war.”

“There are men among those soldiers who have committed crimes against the people, Captain Suda. What of those animals? Will they just be allowed to walk away?” Nishimura asked of Setsu.

“They shall face the High Courts for their crimes, Lord Nishimura. Have no fear that. Those that survive this day that is.” Rin told the Shogun honestly. “Now, let us find my dear brother. It is time to stamp paid on his account.”

Command Camp for Emperor Moronari Souma.

As the gathered leaders moved towards the camp of Moronari Souma the Emperor was raising hell with his military commanders. “What the HELL is happening? How in the name of all nine hells can this rabble be winning?!”

“Sire, please. Worry not. Our greatest weapon has yet to arrive. Once the armored zeppelins arrive the tide of battle will change. Commodore Umemura has never failed to carry out his assigned duties. The nineteenth Tactical Air Armada is the most powerful Naval Airship unit in the nation.” Admiral Jomie Seno said trying to pacify the enraged Emperor. The only problem was the 19th should have arrived hours ago.

“Where the hell are those damned airship, Admiral? Shouldn’t they have arrived already? Better yet why haven’t our air defense artillery cannons been able to kill those damned dragons? You assured me that they could punch through their hides.” Moronari demanded of his ADA Commanders.

“Please sire, our gun crews have been trying to target those Dragons. The problem is that Dragons are not like flying wings or zeppelins sire. They don’t move the same way. We cannot led them the way that we do with normal man-made aerial aircraft. The moment we get one in our gunsights they change direction. They can do so within the length of their body. All without warning. As fast as our flying wings are, they still need some distance to change their direction of travel. As for zeppelins it takes more even distance and time to change their direction.” General Manabu Sanda explained in hopes of saving his soldiers’ lives.

“What about the armored wagons? Why haven’t they stopped the enemy’s advance?” Moronari demanded of his generals once again.

“Those boulders spread across the valley floor hampers their efforts to stop the enemy. The enemy is using those boulders for hit and run attacks. Striking from ambush. Using firebombs to kill the crews inside the wagons. There is also the problem of the Dragons strafing the few wagons that made it back out of the boulder field. They’re using some kind of breath weapon to destroy the armor wagons completely.” Sanda explained with a heavy sigh. “Before you ask about using our artillery to stop the attacks by the enemy infantry the answer is, we can’t. There is too great a danger of hitting our own men by accident. There is no way of controlling exactly where an artillery shell will hit. Even a near miss by one the heavy cannon shells is enough to flip or destroy an armored wagon.”

“Are you telling me. That those overpriced pieces of metal are now worthless?” Moronari screamed at the top of his lungs.

“In some many words, yes. This battle has come down to the will of the individual Infantrymen in the field.” Sanda explained with real fear in his voice. “Sadly, our soldiers lack the same conviction of our enemy.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Moronari asked coldly.

“Without our Military Alchemists to back up the common soldier. Our troops started to retreat the second that fight ended in victory for the Dragon Samori.” One of the generals answered just as coldly. “They see our armored wagons being destroyed one by one. There is no sign of the nineteenth and their airborne troops. In short, sire. Our soldiers have lost all hope of winning and in their Emperor.”

“What the hell do you mean General Tanaka?” Moronari snarled as he slowly pulled his katana from its scabbard.

“In the words of great man. You’re a moron.” Everyone in the tent spun around to at the soft feminine voice that came from nowhere. Swords and pistols were pulled in reaction to the sudden ghostly appearance of the Kyamo no Sa. Unlike the last time the vision was life-size. With a very impudent wave it greeted them all. “How’s it going fuck face? Nice to see you haven’t tried to run away.”

“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO THE EMPEROR THAT WAY WOMAN?” Screamed Sanda.

“Oh, shove it up your ass General. You’re not worth the buck-fifty to blow your ass to hell. As for this fuck stick you call Emperor. He’s nothing more then a usurper of the first order. The Celestial Dragons have decreed that the true rule of this nation is Empress Rin Suda. Child of the first concubine. Rightful heir to the Dragon Throne.” The image of Chiyoko waved at Moronari. “That fool in nothing more than the off-cast sperm of a demented old man.”

“If you were here before me woman. I would remove your head from your neck.” Moronari snarled as he raised his sword in defiance. “I would do it myself with this sword. The sword of my father.”

“Don’t worry little boy. You’ll get your chance. I’ll be there way before the Empress and her army.” The image chuckled. “As for using the sword of your father. I suggest you put that one away. That sword belongs to the last Emperor, not your father. If you want to kill with your father’s weapon. I suggest you find a pig farmer and barrow his butcher knife. After all your mother did fuck the palace pig herder in a moment of drunken passion the night you were conceived.”

“I will have you on your knees before me bitch. After I let my personal guards ravage your body for their pleasure. All five hundred of them. If you should survive them. I’ll show you mercy by having you drawn and quartered in the Capital Courtyard. After which I’ll bury you in an unmarked grave.” Moronari spat out.

“You know something. I was thinking about letting the Empress end this battle with a one-on-one fight between the two of you.” The image sighed. “Now, I think I’ll save her the fucking hassle. I’ll see you soon, you pathetic piece of pig swell.”

“Only if you can get pass the Dragon Kings whore! They’ll deal with you slut!”

“Oh, you mean those pitiful excuses for mages? Well, if I were you. I wouldn’t be counting on them showing up any time soon. You see. They’re all dead.” The image chuckled at the looks of total disbelief on the faces of the gathered men. “I killed them all. Their ghosts will haunt the vastness of the Void for all eternity.”

“How the hell could you. A mere woman kill those men of power?” Demanded Admiral Seno. “We have all witnessed their power. For you to defeat them is inconceivable.”

“You really should look into the meaning behind that word, fatso. Because there is one place where MY power rules absolute. They dared to face me there in personal combat. I would be happy to face you all there. Only your minds and souls would crumble before the power of the Void itself.” The image chuckled.

“You dared to battle in the VOID? Are you mad woman?” Seno asked for the gather commanders. The idea of battling in the Void was too terrible to imagine for them.

With each passing moment of the conversation the image became more and more solid. By this point the image of the young woman was no longer that of a ghostly apparition. It was almost as if she physically stood in their presence. Until now it had stood in one place. Then to their amazement the image began to walk around the tent. As it passed the individual commander it placed its hand on their shoulder. With each touch that man fell to the floor unconscious. This happened until it just the image and Emperor Moronari.

“You know I could have killed them all, Moronari. Instead, they’re only sleeping. You on the other hand. Are a totally deferent matter.” The image said smiling.

“What do you want?” Moronari asked as he stumbled back away from the image turned real. He figured it out faster than his generals. Here before him stood the Kyamo no Sa in the flesh. How she had managed the feat was beyond his comprehension. “Just ask and it shall be yours. Money. Land. Power. Just spare my life.”

“Only now at the end do you truly understand the fear that the people of this nation have lived with under your rule.” Chiyoko told him with a heavy sigh as she fully formed inside the tent. Until now her trip from the Void had been like a long slow walk through the Halls of History. The control it had taken her to make the journey home was unlike her crossing into the Void.

“You know something Moronari. If you had actually tried to rule with mercy and justice. The way you should have. The Celestial Dragons would not have dragged my ass into this world. If you had only killed the Dragon Kings when they first showed their faces. Then we would not have reached this point.” Chiyoko told him bluntly.

“What do you mean, woman? I have ruled the way that a true Emperor should rule. The weak must be forced to realize their place in the world. If not, then anarchy rules. This nonsense of protecting the weak and ruling with mercy. Is just that, nonsense.” Moronari countered bluntly. “Only the strong have the right to rule.”

“That is where you are sadly mistaken, Moronari. Political power and military strength mean nothing. The more you oppress a people the more they will cry out for revolution and freedom. They will raise up and overthrow any corrupt government. It doesn’t matter when or where it will happen. In your ignorance you have overlooked one of the greatest fundamental aspects of human life.” Chiyoko raised her right and point towards her heart. “Inside of very human beats a heart yearning to be free. To live a life in pursuit of happiness.”

“Lies. Freedom is nothing more than a delusion of the masses. They are weak willed fools. Easily led astray from the path of civilized behavior. The only way to rule the masses is through force and terror.” Moronari countered quickly. “If you show them mercy they will rebel just as quick.”

“You’re a fool Moronari.” Chiyoko interrupted him harshly. “Force and terror will only fuel the masses desire for freedom even more. History is filled with examples of this. The greatest example of this is the Revolutionary War of Liberion. Do you believe that you’re better than that foolish king? Not only did the people of Liberion rebel, but they also destroyed the army that was sent in to suppress them. You want to why? They rebelled because they could no longer live under that king’s tyrannical rule. They had to be free.”

“That would never have happened here if that whore had just remained dead.” Moronari sputtered as he stepped away from the woman that stood before him.

“Yes, it would have, Moronari. You see the Liberians have a saying. ‘The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.’ Let put this simply for your feeble little mind.” Chiyoko grinned nastily. “It means that as a tree needs water and nourishment, so does liberty. Patriots must be willing to sacrifice their own blood and the blood of those that would destroy liberty in order to keep it alive. Liberty requires defending with war from time to time. When tyrants would dare to rule the world through fear and oppression. True patriots will rise up to destroy them. Even without Empress Ren to lead them. Sooner or later the people of this nation would rise up against you and tear down your false throne. Once they had done, they would have drug your ass to the nearest tree to stretch your fool neck until you were dead, dead, dead! The best you could have hoped for is a burial at sea.”

“That would never happen. I am the one chosen by the Gods to rule. It is my Devine right to rule this nation.” Moronari countered.

“No one has the Devine right to rule, Moronari. You rule by the grace of the people. They and they alone allowed you to park your arse on that throne. In turn you betrayed their trust and ruled through fear and intimidation.” Chiyoko explained for the now very confused defeated Emperor. The sounds of gunfire reached their ears from outside the tent. “Your subjects have come for you Moronari. Will you face them like a man, or will you take your chances with me?”

“Will you use your magic or face me with that sword on your hip?” Moronari asked as he pointed towards Chiyoko’s left hip.

“I’ll meet you with steel. If that is what you desire.” Chiyoko smiled then popped her knuckles. “Personally, I would prefer to just beat the fuck out of your with my bare hands. I always found a good no-holds-barred fist to be rather satisfying.”

“For some strange reason I believe you would have the advantage over me in a fist fight, Kyamo no Sa. Let us finish our fates with our blades.” Moronari answered with more civility than Chiyoko expected from the man. With shallow bow to Moronari, Chiyoko drew her katana. “Before we begin. May I know your name my Lady?”

“Those who know my name call me sister. When I was brought to this world the Dragon Gods gave me the name of Chiyoko Hakuryū.” Chiyoko smiled as she raised her katana.

“The White dragon’s thousandth generation child.” Moronari chuckled as he translated the meaning behind Chiyoko’s name. “A befitting name for the woman who would end a thousand-year dynasty. Shall we begin?”

“To the death?” Chiyoko asked.

“To the first blood. No need for me to kill you or myself to die at your hands.” Moronari said as he returned Chiyoko’s bow and took up his stance. “Luck.”

“Same.” Was all Chiyoko said in reply before charging. The two swords clashed with a ringing that drowned out the gunfire from outside the tent. Chiyoko knew she could end the fight by simply calling upon the power of her sword. The only thing that held that power back was her own sense of honor. This fight about more than just two people trying to kill each other. It was a fight for the soul of nation’s people. That was something that Chiyoko wasn’t going to jeopardized. For anything.

Moronari knew that he had the advantage in strength and reach over the young woman. There was where his advantage ended. Skill for skill they were equal. Speed and agility belonged to Chiyoko. He knew that it didn’t matter. The longer this fight went on, the more the advantage would fall to Chiyoko. As she had the power of the Celestial Dragons following through her blood.

Again, and again their blades clashed. The harder he pushed her the harder she pushed back. The first casualty of their fight was the chairs. They fell to the slashing blades of the two combatants. Next was the smaller tables inside the tents. The last casualty was the conference table used by Moronari’s war staff. Though the two combatants were giving it their all they avoided the unconscious bodies of Moronari’s war staff. By unspoken accord they left the eight men out of their fight.

The two combatants had become so engrossed in their battle that they never heard the gunfire come to an end. Nor did they notice the arrival of Rin, Setsu, and the rest of the Dragon Knights. Even Miles had joined his sisters-in-arms as they entered the tent. With a final clash of steel, the two stood locked blade to blade. The two stood there looking each other in the eyes panting heavily.

The Dragon Empress and her Knights stood staring at the sight before them. Rin and Setsu had no idea of how Chiyoko could be standing there before them. Satomi and Satoko leaned against each other with smiles of satisfaction over the return of their student. Akane, Chikako, Kasumi and Yoshie just shook their heads in disbelief as Miles chuckled. Of all the Dragon Knights only he understood the power that Chiyoko held inside her small frame. Rin’s gathered military leaders stood behind around them. Outside the Empyreal Army lay in defeat and ruin. Once again, a small but determined band of rebel forces had done the impossible.

“It seems that your missing sister has decided to host her own little party.” Rin said to the four teenage girls who had become more than just advisors to her. “Do you think we should interrupt their conversation?”

“No Empress. This is one time that we must let our student finish what she has started.” Satomi said out of the blue. Then asked at the confused look of those gathered to witness this final act of the war. “Don’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?” Akane asked sharply.

“Death has come for one of them.” Satoko sighed. “The battle may be over, but the war has yet to be won. They shall decide the fate of this nation with their blades.”

“It seems that we have gained an audience, Lady Chiyoko.” Moronari panted. “Do you think your brother and sisters will interfere with our battle.”

“If I know them. They’ll leave us to finish our fight in piece.” Chiyoko coughed out between breaths. “Though I believe that our fight must change slightly, Sir Moronari. Shall we finish sir?”

“I believe that you are correct Lady Chiyoko. As you suggested at the start. To the death, then.” With those words the two combatants pushed away from each other one last time and square off. No words were spoken between the two as they took up their positions in their personal dance of death.

For the last time Chiyoko and Moronari clash with a ring of steel on steel. Both understood the simple fact that their fight was now to the death. Their reward was simple, life or death. In the blink of an eye Chiyoko ended their battle with a thrust to the center of Moronari’s stomach. The rush of pain from having 60cm of steel forge folded more than one-thousand times and sharpened to a razor’s edge. A blade blessed by the Dragon God King Ryōjin himself. Even as the blade of the Emperor fell from his hands Moronari knew that his time on this earth had come to an end. With a slow steady pressure Chiyoko withdrew her sword from Moronari. She let the man fall to his knees before her.

“Any last words Lord Moronari?” She asked with respect for a fallen foe.

“I have dishonored my family. There are no words to cleans my soul. Strike cleanly Lady Chiyoko. I have desire in facing my sister’s brand of justice.” Moronari answered through clenched teeth. “Honor is light as a feather. Duty is heavier than a mountain. Until now I never truly understood the meaning of those words.”

“Then I hope you find your punishments in hell to be light.” Chiyoko sighed then brought her sword down across the back of Moronari’s neck in one swift motion. The strike was clean. Effortlessly severing the man’s head from his neck. “May the Gods show you mercy Moronari. I hope you find peace in your enteral rest.”

“Only the Gods know the answer to your prayers kōhai. I doubt they shall be forthcoming with a reply anytime soon.” Satomi told her as she walked up to stand next to her young charge. Placing a hand on Chiyoko’s shoulder. “You are the blade of war, Chiyoko. Like the katana in your hands, your time to return to the scabbard has come. Your work here is done for now.”

Chiyoko gave her teacher a sad smile and sheathed her katana. With this final act of sheer iron will the young woman collapsed into the Maiko’s waiting arms. Rin and the rest of her commanders were stunned by this sudden turn of events. Only the other Dragon Knights understood what had just happened. Miles, Akane, Chikako, Kasumi and Yoshie all moved as one. With reverent care the four sisters lifted the exhausted form of their sister to their shoulders. Miles turned to Empress Rin and bowed deeply before speaking for his sisters.

“We shall attend to our sister, Empress. You have been restored to your rightful place upon the throne. We leave this nation in your care.” Miles never looked up at Rin as the four sisters carried Chiyoko from the tent. Once they were gone, he stood straight and looked the gathered commanders in the eyes. “Hear my words and pay heed Empress. Break your sacred oath to the people of this nation and it is you who shall face not only our wrath next, but the full wrath of our dragons in all of their terrifying rage. This shall be your only warning.”

With those words of warning Miles, the Fair, Knight of White Rose Dragon Order left the tent of the former Emperor. None moved to stop the deadly young man. Though they did rush to follow him outside. There they all brought up short by the sight that greeted them. Surrounding the destroyed camp stood the six majestic dragons. The greatest of which now held the limp body of the Kyamo no Sa in its saddle. The massive black dragon swung his head to look down on the young Empress.

“You have heard the words of the White one’s rider, Empress. Now hear mine. Betray the trust place in you by my rider and it will not be our riders you shall face. It shall by the Dragon Warriors’ Host that I will raise in her name. There are far more of us in this world now than there was in the past. It will not be the paltry score of ancient times, but hundreds. Doubt not my words. For I am more than a General of my people. I am the Supreme Warlord of all Dragon kind.” Ivadad rumbled then turned his head to look towards the north. “Should you doubt me, or my command look to the northern skies. Those are but a tiny number of those that I command.”

Rin, Setsu, and the gathered commanders all turned and looked towards the skies north of the valley. There before their eyes were the majestic dragons that had risen to Ivadad’s war cry. It quickly became clear to them all that the dragon wasn’t making an ideal threat. He would raise a force of dragons that would destroy this nation should the ancient pact between its ruler, the people, and the land be broken again. Unlike the others though Rin knew of the sheer raw power that those dragons represented and had no desire to face that power.

“You have my word of honor Lord Ivadad. I shall never break my sacred vow to the people of this land. By all that is Holy and Honorable. This I so swear.” Rin told the massive black dragon from her deepest bow. Much to the shock of her commanders. “Never again will I let our people suffer under a tyrant’s rule.”

“See that you don’t, Empress Rin.” Ivadad rumbled then turned to his brothers and sister. Seeing that all of their riders were now mounted. “Let us return to our home weyrs brothers and sister. Our duty here is done.”

With that the six majestic dragons took flight. Only Satomi and Satoko remained behind. Rin and Setsu looked to the two shrine maidens in confusion. Setsu asked the very glaring question on everyone’s mind. “Do you not have your own sacred duties to return to Mistresses?”

“Until such time as the Gods tell us otherwise our duty is to remain here and act as advisors to Empress Rin.” Satomi answered hotly then pointed towards the disappearing dragons. “They no longer have need of our guidance.”

“Why is that?” Setsu demanded.

“Because they are not returning to Watatsumi’s compound, within the Temple of Eternal Balance. Where they and their riders go now is into history.” Satoko told them all bluntly. “There is only one sacred place in that direction.”

It took only a few moments before the gathered commanders and Rin understood what Satoko was talking about. Yet it would be up to Satomi to tell them all where the six dragons and their riders were headed. “The Dragon Brook Tower.”

“Will we ever see them again Mistress Satomi?” Rin asked in a voice filled with sorrow over the loss of her friends.

“If the legends hold true, your Majesty. They will only return in times of great need. The Dragon Knights have expended all their power to restore this nation to its rightful ruler. Only their dragons remain as a warning to hold true to your pact.” Satomi told the first lie of many to protect the six young people known to the world as the Dragon Knights. She and Satoko would craft the tale that would become the newest chapter in the legend of the Dragon Knights. “Such a terrifying warning they have left behind for us poor mortals.”

“Excuse me, Mistress but are you saying that I shall never again lay eyes upon my granddaughter?” Lord Nishimura asked in hushed tones.

“I did not mean to say that Lord Nishimura. What I should have said is that they are retreating from the world as they are no longer needed. When the time comes when such power is again need for the protection of our nation. They will return. Until then don’t you believe they have earned their right to rest?” Satoko corrected.

“What my sister has not told you honored witnesses. The Kyamo no Sa battled the Dragon Kings on her own. Then against all odds crossed the vastness of the Void for a second time. Only to return here and battle the old Emperor with the very last of her strength. It will take her some time to recover her strength. She was not the only one. Her four sisters battled the frontline Military Alchemists of the Empyreal Army to the death. They also gave their all. The fact that they made it this far is amazing. Of all the Dragon Knights. Only Sir Miles the Fair still had the strength to stand on his own power. If not for his training as a Squire, he would surely have collapsed long ago. Those six young people gave more in this battle than anyone will ever know.” Satomi did not hide her feelings on the matter with honey covered words or respect. “Leave them to recover in their own way.”

“Your wish shall be respected Mistress Satomi. We shall leave them to their rest and recovery. Though can you answer one question?” Rin asked them both. Satomi just nodded her head. “This tower where they are going. Is it safe for them?”

“The Dragon Brook Tower is a place of vast power. The central tower is surrounded by six smaller, round towers and are connected by big, heavy walls made of white marble. In the shape of a massive six-pointed star. The Keep has but one ground level entrance. A great gate with giant wooden doors, a regular bridge and it’s the only easy way in, but easy is very relative here. Statues of kings and Queens are lined up outside of the castle gates, to serve as reminders of the past.” Satoko explained for the Empress and her newest advisors. “Though this castle was not built by the hands of man. At least not according to the legend surrounding it.”

“Then who built the tower?” Rin asked for those around her.

“The Dragons of the Heavenly Islands. According to legend they used magic and alchemy to raise the central tower in one night. The surrounding walls and smaller towers were raised over the next six days. When the dragons finished, they surround the whole island of Isaibsa Island in a great seawall. That seawall stands eighty over the waves and had only one entrance. A sea gate that stands just as tall as the outer wall and controlled by the central tower through magical means. Over the past twelve centuries forty nations have tried to penetrate that gate and wall. The surrounding seafloor is littered with the rotting hulks of dead ships and the bones of the sailors who dare those defenses. Only those partnered with a dragon may enter.” Satomi answered as best as she could. Then she turned to face the direction in which the six majestic dragons had flown. “And those partnerships are for life.”

“Then I doubt we’ll see them anytime soon.” Rin sighed. “I’ll miss them.”

“We all will child. Satoko and me more than most.” Satomi sighed then turned to her sister and fellow Shrine Maiden. “Come along sister. We have still have work.”

Rin watched as the two young women left the area without so much as a by your level or kiss our asses. Her commanding officers and the Shoguns may have been pissed at the attitude of the women but knew better than to say something.

Dragon Brook Tower, Isaibsa Island: 9 hours later

Chiyoko woke to the rushing of air across her face. “Where am I? What the hell happened? What’s going on?”

“Peace my rider. Calm yourself.” Ivadad rumbled from beneath her.

“Ivadad. How did I get on your back?” Chiyoko asked more than a little confusion.

“I see that you’re wake this time.” The massive dragon chuckled. “Or do you still think that you’re dream walking?”

“Um… no I wake. Did I wake up before?” Chiyoko asked with real embarrassment.

“You did, my dear. Though the first time I have to admit to being slightly surprised. I should have taken Ygi up on his wager that you would have slept the whole journey. You woke three times during the long flight. We are just about to land at the true home of the Dragon clans.” Ivadad rumbled as he flew towards one of the six lower towers. As they approached Chiyoko noticed that the top of the tower was covered in a thick layer of sand and gravel. “It’ll be nice to lay on a proper bed again.”

“Ivadad exactly, where are we?” Chiyoko asked in confusion.

“Welcome to Dragon Brook Tower, and the Isaibsa Island. Here you and your sisters will be able to live free of Choe-long’s curse.” Ivadad explained as he touched down on his tower. It was only now that Chiyoko noticed each tower was made of deferent colored crystal. The tower that Ivadad had landed on was made of a crystal blacker then night. As Chiyoko climbed down out of Ivadad’s saddle she took in the other towers and the crystals that made them up.

“All the colors of the rainbow. Each one more magnificent than the last. This place truly is magical.” Chiyoko was surprised when three women appeared out of nowhere. It wasn’t so much that there were women here, but that they weren’t human. She looked up at Ivadad. “Um… big guy, who are these women?”

“We are the dragon folk, Lady. We are the descendants of Lord Ivadad and his family.” One of the dragon folk women answered honestly.

“Are you telling me that all the people on this island are half dragon, half human?” Chiyoko choaked out in astonishment.

“Indeed, they are, Lady Chiyoko.” Ivadad answered with a wryly chuckle. “Allow me to introduce my three oldest daughters. From right to left we have Khethri the teacher, Igtra the graceful, and Phinzieth the tiny.”

“I am not TINY!” Phinzieth screamed at Ivadad. “If you weren’t my father. I would gut your ass you overgrown lizard.”

“Ah so much love.” Ivadad sighed then placed his chin next to the smallest of his daughters. “Phinzieth if I didn’t know your age. I would happy take you over my knee and spank your little ass.”

“You can try daddy. The last time you tried that shit was over four-hundred years ago. If I remember right it took you six days to find me.” Phinzieth snarled up at the massive black dragon. Then she crossed her arms and smiled. “Besides, I can always tell mother that you’re picking on me again.”

Chiyoko started to giggle at seeing her friend cowed by this small slip of a woman. She could help herself when Ivadad just sighed and curled up on his sandy bed to pout. “My god! Ivadad, Lord of The Black, is henpecked.”

“And now you know my greatest shame, Lady Chiyoko. My third wife gave birth to this little hellion.” Ivadad snorted them looked at his daughters. “Girls this is the Lady Chiyoko Hakuryū, your new mistress. See to her needs as befits her station.”

“Yes father. We shall honor your command.” All three said at the same time as they bowed before the massive black dragon. When Ivadad yawned Phinzieth stepped up to his muzzle and stroked the top of his nostrils. “Sleep well father. We shall wake you in the morning. The Breaded Big Horn sheep have grown fat in your absence.”

“Thank you my dear.” Ivadad yawned once more. “It has been a while sense I last tasted the juicy meat of our homeland.” With that the massive dragon closed his eyes and went to sleep.

“He must have really warn himself out during the flight here.” Chiyoko said to no one in particular as she walked up and petted the dragon. “Rest well my friend.”

“It was not the flight, Lady Chiyoko. Our father must have called upon the warrior in the majestic dragons sometime today.” Khethri corrected her stoically. Then went on to explain the reason as if she were giving a lecture in a classroom. When the dragon folk woman finished explaining how Ivadad’s war cry brought out the warrior in all majestic dragons for Chiyoko. She went onto explain how it drained a deal of her father’s strength. It would take him a full day to recover from the battle. When Khethri finished she gestured towards the stairs at the side of the tower. “If you’ll come with us Lady Chiyoko? I’m sure that your sisters have already adjourned to the bathing area and hot spring.”

“Why didn’t you tell me there’s a hot spring here?” Chiyoko almost whined. “Oh, never mind. Just show me the way.”

“Lady Chiyoko, later this evening there will be a welcoming feast held in honor of you and the other knights.” Khethri told her with a welcoming smile gracing her lips. Then with a small motion towards her face. “Lady Chiyoko now that you’re here could you please remove your mask. It is considered an insult among our people to hide one’s face in public.”

“Um… I don’t think that I can, but I’ll try.” Chiyoko said as she reached up and grabbed the mask that had covered her face in public from the time she had arrived in this crazy world. To her surprise the mask came away with easy. “How?”

“Cho-long’s curse holds no power on Isaibsa Island, Lady Chiyoko.” Igtra said as she gracefully walked the walls of the tower. “This tower is yours and yours alone. Just as our father’s weyr sits atop this tower declaring it as his and his alone.”

“Who does the central tower belong then?” Chiyoko asked of the graceful woman as they walked down the stairs.

“The Grand Tower belongs to the Gods, Lady Chiyoko. To be precise my Lady. The Grand Tower is the home of the Gods Tiamat and Great Red. The Gods that rule over our small island nation. No other Dragon God holds power here.” Igtra stopped and pointer towards the very top of the central tower. “We know they are here. When the great crystal casts a beam of purest light to the heavens.”

“Thank you, Lady Igtra. Are the Dragon Knights the only humans here?” Chiyoko asked.

“Please my Lady, we are not of the nobility. We are but humble servants. As for your question. Half the population of Isaibsa Island is human, Lady Chiyoko.” Igtra answered politely with a graceful smile. “Your sisters are awaiting you.”

Chiyoko just shrugged her shoulders and followed the dragon Maidens to the central tower. After joining her sisters for a refreshing bath. They were all dressed in the finest kimonos and led to the main dining hall. There they were met by Miles who was also dressed in what appeared to be the height of European suits. During the feast the six Dragon Knights were introduced the individual island leaders and local ministers. When the feast finally ended Chiyoko said her goodnights and headed for her tower. As she crossed the courtyard she stopped and looked up at the weyr with the massive sleeping black dragon.

“I did it. I freed a nation and changed the course of history. I hope like hell I did the right thing by placing Rin on the throne.”

“You have worked a great and wonderous thing, Lady Chiyoko.” At the sound of her voice Chiyoko turned around to face Princess Toyotama. “Have no worries. You have done what needed to be done. You have set in motion events that shall change not only this nation but the whole of this world.”

“I don’t know Princess. I’ll be honest with you. Everything I did these pass few months was because I was pissed off at the way the old Emperor was running the country. I kept having the words of a great man running through my mind.” Chiyoko told the Dragon Goddess honestly then shrugged her shoulders. “He was a tyrant and the Tree of Liberty needed to be watered. His blood will in sure a good number of years for growth. Between the public death Moronari at my hands and Ivadad’s very blunt warning of a fiery return. I foresee a nation based on freedom growing from what was once an oppressed society.”

“You have truly seen beyond what I or my brother could have hoped for, Kyamo no Sa.” Princess Toyotama grinned. “If you could return to your home world with the power you hold now. Would you go?”

“Nope. I know that I cannot change my home world. Not even with all this power that Great Red and Tiamat have granted. I would either become a weapon to be used by my government or a tyrant of my own nation. No thank you. You can keep that shit. I’ll be my own person for as long as I can, Princess.” Chiyoko grunt then spat on the ground. “The politicians of my home world destroyed my nation with their constant infighting and false promises of reform. Instead of insuring the Promise made by our founding fathers and the laws they put to paper. They went out of they’re way to destroy that promise. More and more civil rights were crushed in the name of more progress socialist form of government. It was nothing more than a Stalinist dictatorship with a pale thin vail of democracy.”

“Then your whole motivation behind what you did here was to prevent the same thing happening here in this world. The government may be a Monarchy, but you left them with a pathway to a true government of the people by the people for the people.” The Dragon Goddess Princess chuckled behind her left hand. “Let us pray that Empress Rin and her advisors heed Ivadad and Sir Miles warnings.”

“Form some reason Princess.” Chiyoko answered with her own chuckle as she looked up at her partner. “I believe that they will.”

“Yah, well, it’s all up to Rin now.” Chiyoko tossed over her shoulder as she headed for Ivadad’s tower. “See you in the morning Princess. I’m beat.”

As Chiyoko disappeared into the tower the Dragon Princess sighed. “Sleep well little one. You have earned your rest. May your life here at Dragon Brook Tower be one of peaceful contemplation and caring for your partner.”

Epilogue
The Impearl Palace: 10 years later.

Empress Rin Setsu walked the halls of the palace deep in thought over her newest set of reform laws. The idea of open elections was a new concept for her nation. As was the idea of a separate House of Representatives that she had introduced four years ago. Those original Representatives were appointed by the local Shoguns from among their individual Shogunates. Now they would be elected to their positions. That had been the seciond change she had instituted at the beginning of her reign. She had returned the control that the Shoguns’ originally had in their Shogunates with some restrictions. Most of the Shoguns had not problem following Rin’s directives. The reason behind this was the very real threat that still hung over their heads. The fear of the Dragon Knights return was all too powerful to ignore.

The Shoguns all knew that their Empress would call upon those six powerful individuals. In the second year a northern province Shogun defied her orders to lower his taxes on the farmers. That Shogun’s castle now lay in ruins. The Dragon Knights appeared and in one night destroyed the castle. It was the only time that Dragon Knights had appeared in the last ten years. This also led to the formation of a Hall of Lords. The Shoguns found that they had too much work on their hands to cause trouble for their Empress.

Many of them found that by working with their fellow Shoguns that they were able to vastly improve not only their wealth but the living standard for their people. This forced them to work even harder. The harder they worked to improve the lives of the people the more their wealth grew. It quickly became an endless self-perpetuating cycle. Little did the Shoguns realize that Rin was counting on their own greed to follow her directives.

The first change Rin had made in her reign was to replace all but three of the current Ministers. Only the Ministers of Labor, Transportation, and Agriculture remain from her brother’s cabinet. Those three men had done everything in their power to work behind her brother’s back to try and improve the lives of the people. Now that they no longer had to work in secret. They were able to truly make sweeping changes within their own Ministries by removing the corrupt individuals that had been appointed by her brother. With the threat of reprisal from the old Emperor removed, those three men were able to truly help the people of her nation.

“Tell me child are you wondering about these new changes?” Satomi asked with a sly and knowing smile. Rin was no longer surprised by the sudden and often magical appearance of the twin maiko in the palace halls.

“As usual Mistress Satomi. I fear at times that I am forcing change too fast for my nation.” Rin answered her honestly. Rin looked to the floor. “I don’t want to fail them or break the promise that I made to her.”

“Tell me something Empress. With the exception of that one time. Have the Dragon Knights returned in the last ten years?” Satomi asked politely.

“No.”

“Then you have yet to fail them or break your promise. Continue to rule as you have been with justice, and mercy. Make the changes you see fit.” Satoko assured Rin. “As for our friends the Dragon Knights, so long as you try to rule in that manner you have no need to fear their return.”

“Any word on how they are doing?” Rin asked politely.

“They continue to adjust to their new lives of peace. Sadly, this is not an easy task for those who were meant of war. We can only hope that they one day their way.” Satomi sighed while she explained the situation of the Dragon Knights.

“Then let us hope they are never need again. While working towards achieving the goal of making their services unneeded in out time.” Rin ordered and headed for her daily briefing by her Ministers.

Once they were alone a shadow separated itself from among the others. As it flowed across the floor the two maiko sighed. Satomi waited until it was just a few feet from them before speaking. “Will you please dispense with the theatrics kōhai?”

The shadow quickly to the form of Chiyoko who stood giggling. “Okay sempai. I was just having a little fun.”

“Will you ever grow up?” Satoko snapped.

“Nope. Like the old song goes. Girls just want to fun.” Chiyoko giggled before turning serious. “Is there anything we need to know about sempais?”

“No, kōhai. Everything is going the way you had hoped.” Satomi answered with a slight bow from the waist. “Tell me something. Are you ever going to reveal your hand behind the changes you have suggested?”

“Sempai, please. I am the ultimate tool of warfare. The Dragon Knights, especially me, have no place in government. Nor do we have a place in the formation of a nation’s government. We are merely the safeguard that insures a brighter future for the people of this nation.” Chiyoko turned and waved her hand opening a portal to her home. “Until we are needed again. Farewell sempai. In the words of a great man from my home. Live long and prosper.”

With that the Kyamo no Sa stepped through the portal and disappeared as quickly as she had appeared. Satomi turned to Satoko and sighed. “Did she just quote Spock?”

“She did sister dear.” Satoko sighed. “That girl will always be a smart ass.”

“True. Much to our shame.” Satomi agreed. “Come along sister our work is not yet finished. To paraphrase the words of Robert Frost. We have promises to keep. And miles to go before we sleep.”

“True sister, very true.” Satoko answered with a small bow. “Not rest for the wicked or the weary. Once more into the breach dear sister.”

“Indeed, sister. Once more into the breach.” Satomi said with a sly smile. “We still have our own promise to keep to those six youngsters.”

“Let us hope we can keep that promise sister.” Satoko replied as she led the way towards the royal throne and the battlefield known as politics. A battlefield they were both will prepared for. It was by silent accord the twins from another world would insure that this nation would remain on the path of true democracy.

P.S. This concludes the story of Chiyoko and her fellow Dragon Knights. I hope you have enjoyed this story of magic and dragons. From here on I’ll be working on our ladies of speed and newest Death Dealer.