A Line in the Sand

"...and our spy networks can confirm the movement of several of the other baronies in the past few days," the officer reported. "This would support our suspicions that Project Aetheria's existence is known, and they've decided to respond."

"It was inevitable My Lord," one of the senior military commanders sighed. "Even if Prince Masahiro hadn't changed allegiances, a project of this size had far too many personnel to keep secret forever. There was bound to be leaks."

"It's of no matter," the Emperor dismissed. "How long before the fortress can be airborne?"

"The mages guilds have reported they are performing the final enchantments," the senior sage reported. "The battalions are already aboard, and supplies are loaded. The fortress should be ready within days."

"Excellent," the Emperor declared as he stood to give his next order. "Prepare my personal guard and staff. This occasion demands my presence to finalize the end of the rebellion and solidify my rule once and for all!"

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In the town of Yartin at one of the private training halls, Kenji, Keiko and Hiromi watched as the metallic clang of blades rang between Akiko and Masako. Three moves later, Masako caught Akiko's off-hand blade and locked it between her hilt, pressing it awkwardly against her wrist before disarming her and stopping just short of her left torso.

"The Emperor's kenjutsu style is going to incorporate that kind of aggressive striking style," Masako explained. "His weapon of choice is a saber, single-handed, which gives him greater mobility and dynamic momentum. Your dual wakizashi give you offensive flexibility but he's going to beat you on range. If you try charging in without a perfect defensive posture, he'll slice you up."

"What kind of magical weapon is he going to have? He's the Emperor, I assume he'll have the best," Akiko asked, as she recovered her weapon.

Masako paused and sighed. "He has a soul blade similar to mine. In addition to boosting his strength and speed, these blades have several magical abilities which can vary depending on the user. I didn't see him demonstrate them, but if I had to guess, they could very well include auras to destroy his enemies, bypass armor, or even call down death from above." She paused, "Honestly... I'm worried if you have to go up against him head-to-head... I think you should let me handle him."

"Honestly... nothing would make me happier," Akiko admitted. "But I need you for the bigger picture. No one here knows the capital city and the castle defenses better than you. You lived there as the Emperor's daughter for months. Once Aetheria's launched, and with the Emperor on board, the capital's never going to be more vulnerable. If there's ever a time to take the capital, it's that moment. No one's better qualified to lead that attack than you."

"A-akiko..." Masako expressed with a worried tone. "I'm not kidding... when we've been sparring, I've been holding back. If you go one-on-one against him, he's going to be absolutely lethal."

"Don't worry," Akiko promised. "I'll keep that in mind." She turned to everyone else. "For the rest of us, we're agreed that destroying Aetheria's primary weapon is a priority. Lady Amberbrooke, I know combat isn't your primary focus, but can you select a group of mages to accompany you who can magically disassemble that giant crystal and make sure it can't be used? We'll also need to assemble a group of warriors to accompany them to give them cover and protect them since we must assume the crystal will be surrounded by its attendant mages, along with security. As for the Emperor, if we're right and he's going to be there for the maiden voyage, I think I should be there to take him down. I mean... it's supposed to be prophecy, right?" she added lightly. "Don't worry, I won't be alone. Nothing about the prophecy said anything about playing fair," she assured Masako.

"What about the fortress itself?" Hiroshige asked. "Even without its primary weapon, what do we think should be done? Should such a fortress be passed down to future rulers?"

"That might have to be a decision we make depending on what we can do," Akiko admitted. "For now, let's focus on just defeating the Emperor first." As Jun, Keiko and Amberbrooke left, Kenji and Hiromi stayed behind.

"Akiko... are you... going to be alright?" Hiromi asked. "I know you still must be hurting, after..."

Akiko froze with her back turned before continuing her preparations. "It's fine," she coldly answered. "As long as I focus on the plan, I'll be good."

"You've been through a lot... these past few months, I know," Kenji sighed. "For what it's worth, I'm truly sorry for all that this mission has cost you. Perhaps... if we had acted sooner to send you and your friends home... none of this would have happened," he expressed with regret.

Akiko looked at the two of them and sighed. "We can't... change what's been done... no matter how much we want. And even if we could... would you have sacrificed everything we've accomplished to get to this point to save one life?"

"It's not just one life," Kenji continued. "Your previous life... Captain Akira Fujiwara was my best friend. When he died, I wasn't there, and to this day, I'm convinced the Empire betrayed and murdered him. But I can't deny that I also failed him... because had I been there, maybe I could have been there to watch his back... stopped it from happening. Now, when I see what happened to you... with the tragedy you had to endure, I can't help but feel that once again, I've let you down."

"I... I can't speak for Captain Fujiwara," Akiko said hesitantly. "For myself though, you've been about as supportive as I could have asked for. You didn't ask for me and my friends to get kidnapped into this world, and we probably wouldn't have lasted long if you hadn't come along. Regardless how this turns out, you've done your duty in my eyes."

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The situation in the capital city of the Calidor Empire was tense as the armies were on the move and civilians barred their doors and windows. Outside the walls, formations of the active military soldiers lined up and prepared to march with orders issued to head to Fort Magish. This would leave the city with only the town and castle guard to maintain order.

The council of military officers came from several baronies across the Empire. Not surprisingly, several of the outer baronies had not sent any such representation, making it clear on no uncertain terms that the Empire was facing a full rebellion.

"The order has been given from your Emperor," the senior officer in charge declared. "Now is the time to show your loyalty to the Empire! The order is to muster your troops and stand ready to march to the capital and defend it from any aggression! Those who stand with the Emperor in this time of need will be rewarded once this rebellion is put down! Those who show weakness will be made to pay for their hesitation through sacrifice and blood!"

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As the rebel leadership stepped outside, Akiko was momentarily startled by the number of people who were waiting by the town square. In the last three days, word had been sent to the remote outer baronies, prompting the arrival of the remaining representatives, along with some remaining doubters. It's now or never, she realized as she stepped up to the podium provided. "Soldiers of the Calidor Kingdom... for too long, your people have lived under the rule of a tyrannical Empire who have taken what was once a decent land and over time twisted it into a dictatorship... where even innocent words could send entire families to labor camps, and poverty and strife was the norm. Most important, poverty and ruin now have become a way of life while the Emperor and his chosen live off the backs of the people. Everyone here has felt the pain of loss as they continue to take everything they can from all of us... but I promise you, as of today, we're taking it back!"