Chapter Text
-Letter from Seimei-
Prologue
That ONE PARTICULAR NIGHT was supposed to be another night like the thousands nights before. Patrolling the grounds of my shrine, I thought this one will pass too as quickly as the hundred thousand hours ago. Yet, last night didn’t make sense. For it was a night that’s not supposed to exist.
My name is Abeno Seimei.
I am an Omnyoji. I belong to the last generation of Nippon’s Warlords and the first line of “Winter warriors” under the new rule of the Grand Prix spirits. Quiet and unassuming as I am, I can’t seem to understand why some kingdoms especially the big ones fear me. They must have felt the strong magical power I have as both fighter and as shaman. Add to that the rumor about my birth. That I was born from a mythical kitsune-a fox spirit. Not that those rumors weren’t true.They are. But I’ve never seen my mother eve since the 'freeze' ended. Anyway, maybe because of that, even my fellow Nippons are scared of me. Some of the emperor’s ‘dogs’ wanted to keep me to their side and abuse my magic. When I politely refused, they threatened to destroy me just like the others who dared before. They don’t even realize that without my guidance, they would never have this new era of peace.
Modesty aside, Olympia-the winter goddess would only speak to me and only I can see the winter spirits. Call that a gift or a curse…I don’t care. It was the reason why I was sent to the Grand Prix Mountain because I am the only one who can appease them. That had become a double edged sword. Because of my influence to both heaven and earth, the pure mortals began to worship me as a God. They even built me this shrine. For the previous emperor and his Imperial Council, that’s bad news. I had become a threat to the throne and they tried to kill me. But I was not afraid. The stars told me I will be all right. Sure enough, the previous emperor perished and a much better one ascended the throne. But the council still lives. And they constantly plan to frame me up with every little fault they find. But heh- that’s no use. I am perfect. They can’t kill me.
Or so I thought
Last night,as I was having my usual rounds of the southern part of my shrine, I noticed the disturbance within my spiritual shield of protection. The stars too were restless. They were desperately calling for me. Telling me to 2 “help” HIM.
Help who?
Then I heard a faint sob. A long, rending cry of someone close to killing himself. Following the pull of spiritual energy, I found him in front of the Century old sacred tree. His face was planted on the ground,his hands clinging tightly to the dirt and letting out all his sorrow perhaps thinking that he’s completely alone. I felt pity seeing how he is still so young to ever feel that much pain. I wanted to reach out to him and comfort him but I hesitated.
Many times before, spirits, youkai and vengeful ghosts have taken all forms to lure me and consume my spirit. Small children, old people, wounded animals…crying maidens—they would give me all illusions they thought could break my weakness. This boy could be one of them. So I was careful. No evil can touch me as long I don’t step into the spiritual circle surrounding the ancient tree. The stone formation in the courtyard and the ropes with paper seals around me can activate according to my command but I chose to observe this stranger first. Because at rare occasions, the Centennial tree shows me visions of the past, present or the future.
Wait- could this crying creature be someone from centuries ago?
Curious yet cautious, I stood 5 feet away from the mourning individual who did not hold back his self anger, hopelessness and misery. However, my caution turned to sympathy discovering HIS situation. It’s not that he is too sad to get up. He just could not stand. Not with those legs whose ankles were bandaged and obviously beyond repair. The injury on his feet was not all. His fingers were red and swollen. Perhaps…he crawled up to here? He is shaking so much and mumbling words in anger and desperation that he did not care if his royal clothes were already soiled and torn from all sides.
ROYAL CLOTHES.
Why did it take me this long to notice that this young man’s vest bears the crest of Wa (the name of ancient Nippon)? But—the current emperor is NOT this young and I have never heard of any under-aged Nippon Emperor before. Even I who was offered the throne last winter is already 20 winters old. Still if I had accepted it, I would be the youngest. But I did not. I had no intention of leading..I only want to support the reigning king-if he deserved it, which he does. So the emperors until now were full grown adults..there was never someone who ruled this kingdom half-baked. This one could be pretending. But-even as a joke, not just anyone can wear that crest. Unless..he’s an emperor from the future! Then he might really be..
‘Tenjo Heika?’
Upon the slip of my tongue, HE finally looked up to me and choked his tears. Our eyes met and for a moment, I felt my spirit stir and my magic wanting to rush towards him like butterflies longing for nectar. I was overwhelmed but managed to kneel to him in reverence. I believe he is an emperor. From when, I have yet to find out.
The young man pulled himself to sit on the ground where he cried..saying in very soft voice ‘oh-I- sorry. I thought this shrine was abandoned so I just went in and—‘
Abandoned? 'No. I should apologize that I startled you. Excuse me if I ask this but-are you really the emperor?’ I just had to ask. Instead of giving me a direct answer, he looked scared.
‘Please don’t tell anyone that I am here. I know they could be looking for me by now but—I just want to be alone for a while’
Yep. That’s an emperor’s signature phrase.
I can’t help but be amused at how childish this Emperor is acting. He sniffed, rubbed his nose, lowered his head and looked at me in the way that reminds me of the stray cat I found once. He really looked young. One part man, the other part boy. How old was he when he assumed power I wonder?
‘Don’t worry. I am nobody but a blind priest alone in this shrine. I didn’t see you here at all.’ My tone and my reassurance made him smile and giggle.
‘Umm..I have something to ask you-Priest san.’
‘Yes?’
‘Where am I?’
I was speechless. Huh? What kind of emperor does not know a famous shrine such as mine? I wanted to yell at him but he sincerely had no clue so I answered him as calmly as I can. ‘This is Yuzuruha shrine’
‘Oh---I’ve heard of this before. Sorry I haven’t been here even when I became king.’
‘How long have you reigned?’
‘Priest-san.You’re a Nippon. How come you don’t know?’
‘Uhm—I am away most of the time.’ I looked away when I said that. I am exceptional at magic but extremely bad at lying.
‘So you’re a hermit-‘
‘Yeah. You could say that.’ The stars are shouting at me now..condemning my lies. Well sorry-I couldn’t just tell this boy ‘Oh I don’t know since you don’t exist now.’ That will be luring in more questions. And this face looks like the talkative type.
‘Three years. It’s been three years since I sat on the throne.’
Ah-okay. ‘So you were even younger when You defeated an adult emperor and became the youngest Heika in the history of Nippon? Wow you’re pretty strong then!’
‘I used to be.’
My happy tone was masked by the heavy pain in his voice and his eyes. It seems that the price he paid for being powerful was loosing everything all at once. If he’d been a normal human I could just touch him and the visions would tell me all I need to know. But I could not even go near him. But even just a bit, I want to ease his insecurity. So the crown and the throne became too much for him huh. Minutes passed and he still looked sorrowful so I decided to play my flute. He listened politely to my melody and smiled when I finished.
‘It’s beautiful. Thank you.’ with a slight bow of his head.
‘The power of melody is always understated. Melody can incite anger, evil, war, frenzy. Sometimes it is used to uplift someone or cheer for success. At some point it is used to express feelings and most often..it heals broken spirits and soothe sadness. So I am glad I can lessen your burden even a bit. ‘ I sat on the ground still with the same distance from him which he doesn’t seem to mind. ‘You wanna tell me about it?’
‘Eh?’
‘Your troubles. You don’t have to worry. I have said before. I don’t know you..and you don’t know me. SO you can talk to me about everything. I suspect I would not understand what you are talking about anyway. If I do, you don’t have to worry either because after this night..we will not to meet again,’
I felt funny because it was true that we would not meet again. I don't know yet why the heavens showed me a vision of this stranger but nothing in this universe happens without a reason. This person is important for Nippon’s future.
‘Will you promise, hermit-san that you won’t tell anybody?’
‘A hermit is bound by his words. I won’t ever.’
The boy sighed before saying straight the words ‘I want to die.’
I flinched in shock. Good thing my face was default at blank so I appeared wise and trustworthy to him.
‘The truth is, I came here looking for a cliff to jump off from. But I got lost and my legs can only bring me up to this place.’
I felt guilty that I secretly thanked his broken ankles for not lasting long. And I would never tell him that the cliff he was looking for is on the northern part of this shrine. ‘Why would you want to end your life so much?’ I gently asked.
‘I’m tired’ he heaved a heavy sigh. ‘It’s tiring to keep pretending that I am strong in the eyes of the people. I am tired of the council dictating me, of rules of the palace, on restrictions to my life. I had enough of traitors as friends, hypocrite warrior who only use me for their own glory, of self serving guild, of nosy messengers, demanding shamans, unfaithful lover, ambitious enemies, pressure from my legion, my fleeting power, this weak body, fixed results...insensitive winter spirits…the noise everywhere. Everyone and everything. I am tired of them.’ The Emperor pounded his head as if to drive all those thoughts away.
I also felt his aura getting darker so I tried to pull the negativity out by initiating a conversation until I had all the details.
I never should have asked.
Even before he became king, he was shunned by his fellow Nippon. When he took the crown by force, he was driven out by the previous emperor’s supporters. When he finally became adult under his reign, he was forced into a political marriage. While he was trying to find his way out of that tradition, he discovered that the junior warrior whom he treated like a brother and who he trained to be his successor was one of the traitors who tried to kill him several times. As if that’s not painful enough, his lover broke up with him due to a territorial argument. He also felt that his chants and spells were purposely restrained by his own shaman in favor of a training rival from another kingdom. As a result, he was not able to defend his crown at a Grand Prix Final battle. Then—his legion left him because an old warrior returned and took away his grand prix pedestal. And as if an old arch enemy is not enough to shake him up, new generation of warriors came and he was more or less forgotten and brushed off as USELESS despite his contribution and his glory. Constantly compared to those youth who land Quadruple spells, those who used to admire him began saying all negative things about him, his kingdom and his reign as emperor. Even before he lost, he was already replaced. By the time he asked for the help of the spirits, they told him they had a new favorite and Olympia-turned her back on him. The last straw? Sacrificing his ankles to save the lives of his family. Now, he literally has NOTHING. And for warriors like us, death is a much better choice.
‘I see. I’m sorry if the heavens gave you trials that you don’t deserve.’ I raised my head to the dark sky and gave it my sharp look. ‘Don’t worry. I’m going to talk to them later on. I’ll have a pretty long argument, I’m sure but..this is just not fair!’ In my head..the heavens are already arguing with me.
HE must have thought I was joking because he laughed a bit and his smile was indeed like the rays of the morning sun. Warm and radiant. What would happen to this kingdom if Nippon’s rising sun refused to shine anymore? ‘
‘To be honest. I am suffering too much right now. Still, I am willing to suffer more.’ the Emperor mumbled.
‘What do you mean?’ I asked.
‘For Nippon, I have endured everything until now and I would do anything beyond my power. Even if the council does not want me, and even if my friends try to kill me all the time, no matter if everyone I love abandons me..I am willing to endure tears, blood and sweat because I love my land.’
His words pierced through me like arrow into metal. We are more or less the same. I have fought and endured the harsh wars for the glory of Nippon despite knowing its dark sides. This boy must have learned them in his own reign but still, his loyalty to his kingdom is to the grave. He diligently looks after the fragile country after all its ugliness.
‘By choice,I lost my ankles, my weapon for war. There is no use for me now. I hate it but I have to make way for the traitor who wanted the throne so much. I hate it but if it is what’s best for Nippon then I will—‘
‘Give up?’ I completed what sounded like his final decision. I changed my sitting position into a dogeza. Then raised my head back to face him as calmly as I can. Whatever I say here will affect his time. ‘Your majesty, the truth is there is a cliff on the northern part of this shrine. I will show you there if your decision is unchanged. But please let this lowly hermit say this words to you. ‘
‘Please speak’
‘You are not a Nippon.’ The emperor looked insulted. Ouch? Yes. ‘We- Nippons are Samurais. During the times of the bloody wars, even if we are outnumbered, or when there is only one man left standing, even if we are eye to eye with death, we don’t die on bended knees.’
HE lowered his head so I continued.
‘As warriors, we fight until our last breath. And we only breathe our last when the enemy has fallen. You are right. This kingdom has a dark past and the sins of our bloody history will not be erased. Avarice, greed, envy, jealousy, lust, anger, gluttony—betrayal. Despite of all that, we remain living to save it from sinking into total destruction. That is supposed to be our duty as fighters and our responsibility to its future children.‘
‘That’s something Naname senei would say.’
Nanami Sensei? My good for nothing little sister who could not even do a proper exorcism has grown to be the shaman of a powerful king and a young winter Lord? As a brother I feel proud but at the same time, I also feel sorry for her. This student looks like a real handful. Nobody wants a suicidal warrior and now here HE is, being a headache even to him. ‘I’m sorry if I’m being blunt or rude,Heika (another call for the Emperor). But if you can’t handle this much, you don’t deserve that crest. ‘
HE is obviously at a loss at what to do. ‘I can handle it…I know I can. But what am I supposed to do? I can’t even walk anymore, let alone fight in the coming NHK War in my condition!’
And he’s back to being hysterical. What else do I have to say? ‘You have to figure it out yourself. You are Emperor. All else can fail but not you.’ I had intended to stir his emotion and give him that push for him to find that fire. Instead, I awakened the bearer of hell. It was when I said the careless words. ‘You must stand and show them the real you.’
‘The real me?You have no idea who you’re talking about- Mr. Shaman.’
When I heard his reply, I felt the tingle in my flesh the way I do when I sense nearby evil. I braced myself for the threat I saw. HIS tone was different,there’s a dark aura amassing into him and—HE hovered in the air in front of me. Immediately, I stepped back a few times and weaved a sign with my fingers to keep the circle around the tree glowing and strong.
Something has possessed the boy. No matter what it is, I won’t let it break free from the circle which now imprisoned it. But the source of this sinister magic is familiar. What is controlling the body of the emperor? A demon? a resentful ghost? A bad spirit? No—it’s something stronger. Some evil that latched itself to the boy’s soul. Is this the reason why HE was sent here? So that I can exorcise it?
‘I’ve been listening to your sentimental advice and it’s annoying. You are still as annoying as ever.’ HIS tone, voice, expression and intent were completely overturned.
I weaved another sign and uttered the mantra to weaken the spirit’s energy but it only laughed at me.
‘Don’t sweat it. You know better-that you can’t touch me. Not from that side.’
The evil boy smirks and the way he looks at me is opposite of that innocence I saw earlier.
I sent him prayer seals to bind him spiritually but he just slapped them away. How can a spirit not be affected by my mantra?
‘So you think I am a spirit? How insulting. ’
He can even read my thoughts!!
‘Let me tell you something amusing. I am not possessing this boy. HE is possessing me. I am the real one.’ By the time he said that, his eyes changed colors. One was with freezing ice, the other with burning fire.
The playful and evil smile plastered on his lips made me piece together the puzzle. This isn’t any youkai.
This is the Winter Monster!
‘Olympus’
He tilted his head playfully upon my call.
‘You ungrateful half breed. Using those exorcism against me. Did you forget who gave you those powers? Who taught you how to fight? Who guided you to change the ways of the winter wars? Who introduced you to Olympia?’
Yes. It was him. This cunning demon.
‘You planned all this. You were with him all along. You cause all his miseries. It was you who led him here. Because you want me to exorcise him and give you this body. The body now rich with spells and chants. You waited until he was strong enough to fight but weak enough to be controlled.Am I right...Sensei? ‘ I had intended the sarcasm but HIS slit eyed went even narrower with mischief.
‘You’re not so stupid after all. Unlike this boy.’ The evil played with black energy lashing around it. ‘Many times I offered to help him destroy all his enemies but he kept on refusing my kindness. Instead of using his magic to fight during wars, the stupid mortal chose to use his powers to suppress me. The same way you have always done . ’ when his dual colored eyes glowed, I felt my magic surge wildly inside me and I could tell that my eyes have changed colors ---again.
‘This is bad’ I thought. I could not let my power break lose just like before. I know now the winter monster’s intention of opening the portal.It was because of me.
‘Little fox. You have something that is mine. I want it back.’
With just opening his palm, I felt my own spirit depart from my body to merge with HIM. But I refused and held onto it. We had a tug of war and it took all my knowledge as Omnyoji to keep him at bay.
I will never forget how horrible that fight was. I remembered that while I was fighting between my consciousness and the pull of HIS illusions, I saw flashes of disturbing visions in my mind.
I saw giant waves
Fire
crumbling earth...Mass death..
In the middle of it all stood this evil eyed boy.
Will he be the cause of this kingdom’s end? If so—must I kill him? Will Olympus stop if I deny him of a shell? While I was confronting HIM, a white fox jumped into the circle knocking the body to the ground ang holding it down for me. Recovering enough, I mustered all my remaining magic to borrow the tree’s guidance and suppress Olympus back to his shell. I could not erase an evil as enormous as that nor can I kill the boy lying unconscious at the foot of the tree.
After regaining my composure, I turned to the white fox who simply leaped and sat atop the lotus statue. With her sly mystical eyes smiling at me, I bowed to her.
‘It’s been a long time, Mother. I cannot believe I am indebted to you again.’
With the elegance of a graceful spirit, yet with the mischief of a child, she swished all 9 of her tails never breaking eye contact with me. It was never hard to tell what she’s trying to say since we always communicate through telepathy.
‘I understand. I will do as you say. This time, I’m not going to argue with you.’ I entered the tree’s sacred circle and immediately did what I had to do to save Nippon’s future and this emperor. When I crossed over, I noticed that the darkness surrounding HIM was not because it is night but of an eclipse. A total eclipse where yin (the darkness) is at its peak.I must do what I must.. and hurry.
Moments later, he regained consciousness never knowing a clue that he could have sucked out all my chakra just a while ago. HE was back to normal now. ‘What happened?-Eh? I can move? My ankles!’ he was a bit confused.
‘I gave you the strength of my own legs. Now, you can go back and fight again.’ I told him while standing back outside the circle. He tried standing and was almost in tears confirming what I had said.
‘But-why?’
I Did not expect his question but I gave him an answer that he was obviously not expecting as well. ‘Cause you terrify me.’
He froze and looked at me with the fear of a criminal caught after his crime.
‘Your majesty, I am sure you felt it too. That there is someone evil inside you that takes control of you sometimes. ‘
HE gasped.
‘Heika,’ I continued. ‘I commend you for trying your best to suppress him. You can go on with your plan to die but he won’t go away. He is a part of you. He is you. But that does not mean you should give in to his ways. From here on out, your mortal energy will decline then you would need HIS magic. You both have one goal so he will help you but the price you have to pay will be something your body cannot afford. Even so, will you still continue fighting?’
‘Yes.’ He nodded without even thinking twice.
‘Then promise me, young king.' I hid my hands behind me so he won't see its burns. 'That you will not let him control your thoughts and your actions. Because he is dark and he has no feelings. His heart is forever frozen and he won’t shed a single tear for any mortal or immortal under him. You have an enormous power. Take responsibility and use it for good. Only that way can you truly be an emperor of Nippon. I love this land too and I want it to keep standing proud for another hundred years. So please protect it. Promise me that ‘
‘I promise’ his eyes were resolute and I felt satisfied. Surely, this young man represents the strong youth of the future.
‘Yuzu--! Yuzuru , are you here?’
From the silence we shared, voices echoed nearby. It sounds like his people are looking for him. The young king too was a bit surprised. Then I heard him utter ‘mother’ with longing. I knew then that we must part ways.
‘Go.’ I urged him gently. ‘They must be so worried now. It was an honor meeting you, Heika. Long live the Emperor of Nippon’ I bowed low once again and began to march back to my shrine.
‘Ah- hermit-san! Your name!’ he called.
‘You don’t need to know that’ I spoke.
‘I do. You gave me support and even lent me the power of your legs. Because of you, I can dance again. When I fight and carry our flag, I will pay tribute to your name. So won’t you please tell me who you are?’
I am surprised that an emperor could bow this low for a stranger. Has Nippon’s social hierarchy been shattered by HIM as well? Did he teach his subjects to treat others the same way be they slaves or Palace officials? In that case, he is a great Emperor and I owe him my name.
‘Seimei’ I uttered in complete composure. ‘My name is Abeno, Seimei ‘
‘Impossible!’ Instead of thanking me, his eyes widened in horror.
What now?
‘No..You can’t be him. Abeno Seime has been dead for more than 50 years!’
A lump on my throat made me unable to react. There is a sudden pang of pain and sorrow that darted to my heart even before I could fully comprehend HIS words. My life, my Kingdom, my apprentices, my duty as guardian of heaven, my sister, my love. Having them all in my head gave me a feeling I have never felt before. For the first time in my life, I felt FEAR. And HE saw those fear in my eyes. So within those seconds that we faced each other, divided by that circle..parted by decades, HE finally knew what is happening. But the fog of time rose thicker around us and the white fox, leaped to the emperor’s side.
‘Seimei-sama! ‘ only the emperor’s call echoed after the portal closed and he disappeared from my sight. I stood there for a few more seconds in my own thoughts.
HE was trying to tell me something-but he had told me more than enough. If he had stayed longer, I would know more and it’ll be too much for me to handle. Even for an Omnyoji, DEATH is terrifying.
Wanting to ease my mortal emotions and the heavy feelings, I breathed deep and raised my palm over my head to begin my dance. This is the wardance I have trained to use next war season. But it looks like, next season won’t come anymore. Not for me.
So for now, I will dance in celebration of how I lived this short life..thanking the heaven for the gift and paying tribute to the spirits until the END find me where I pray.
But after this dance, before I die I will write a letter to the boy who was born from a feather.
TO HIM WHO WILL BE ME.
============================================================================================================
Seimei's wardance
Kikuchi's view
It is still autumn but the Emperor has firmly insisted on training back to Cricket Cove. His majesty planned to join the SC Autumn classics- a low class war event under the kingdom of Canada. Brian sensei had already known this and it was not such a surprise to everyone since this year is Patrick Chan’s return. The young majesty wants to be the first one to declare war against his enemy.
“Seimei? That’s your Long wardance?”
He was there when Brian asked Yuzuru-sama about his wardances. The king nodded absolutely.
“Hai(Yes), I want something Nippon this year. I want to depict a character and dance as that character myself.”
Brian looks quite unsure and Shaelynn a bit problematic. He can only smile. They are Canadians so they have little idea of what this wardance would mean to his majesty and to the entire Nippon kingdom.
AbeNo Seimei is a legend of Nippon. He is AbeNo Nanami 's older brother who was punished and hanged for loving a Russian princess and refusing the aid of his homeland to prevent war-as in REAL war. But while he was thought of as a traitor by the imperial palace, he had lived a remarkable life which could have made him Olympic God as well. It was believed that he was born from a mythical Kitsune who fell in love with a human. His mortal father raised him and his mother occasionally appears to teach him the arts of the universe. At a young age, the emperor already eyes him as a candidate for head shaman-much to the envy of the elders of the imperial council. He showed much talent in reading the stars as well as in interpreting dreams that the Emperor appointed him as Royal adviser (one which he daringly refused). But the king still favored him, constantly amazed at his excellence which is beyond human level. When he was 10, there was a change of ruler, the new emperor summoned his help but once again he refused because he knew his art would be abused by the new majesty to devise war tactics. That time, WAR was literal.
The emperor was greatly insulted and thus, ordered his death. Many nobles asked him to marry their daughters so he will be saved from his demise. But it was said that young Seimei just smiled and said, ‘As sure as the sun will not lose its light..I too, shall not die.’ He was not mistaken. Before he would be killed, eternal winter came and the emperor caught cold and died. A better one took his place and he supported him with his knowledge. In fact, he was one of many shamans from the warring kingdoms who was sent to grand Prix mountain to speak to the winter spirits. He was 15 then.
When he returned, he became the first Male shaman and Prince to participate in the new Winter’s war. He taught Nippon the arts of wardances and trained young generation shamans to guide the ‘warriors’. At age 20,he became a full-fledged Prince with his little sister from a human mother ,as his shaman. And while he was at the prime of his newly found calling, he fell in love with Russia’s most precious princess. It was forbidden on the ancient days so it was greatly discouraged. They were warned but they would not listen. They instead announced their will to fight as an ice couple. Ice lovers from different kingdoms were such a bad idea at that time. Russia demanded he stopped fighting or else he would be arrested. But Seimei had no such intentions.
Nanami sensei, herself testified that on a full moon, before his last Worlds war, Abe No Seimei did a ceremonial dance dedicated to his mother in the Yuzuruha shrine— asking for forgivesness, blessings to his homeland and bidding goodbye to his mortal life. The next day, with all the Nippon warriors, he went to war and there he was arrested . It almost caused racial conflict but Seimei refused the aid of Nippon and died contentedly with his beloved in the courtyard of the Russian Palace. His death brought both sorrow and shame to Nippon but the emperor secretly asked for his body to be burned and buried properly. There was no body found however. In the place of the lovers in a closely sealed tomb, there was nothing left but a pair of ice tears. The Empress of Nippon surrendered them to Nanami Abe and the new head shaman of Nippon told her it was fine. That her brother had gone back to the stars body and soul. After that, driven by sorrow and perhaps hatred to the kingdom, Nanami left her position and became an ordinary woman, She refused to take in young warriors for more than fifty years no matter how promising they are.
Yet, when she heard of a boy who was born with the name of a feather, she personally came to Sendai to take him in as her only pupil. That newborn became this insistent Emperor now. For whatever reason she broke her own rule, Nanami would not tell anyone at all.
Kikuchi stayed silent from his place beside the adamant Hanyu.
“Well I’ll have a headache with that since my eyes aren’t cute like yours but-I think you already know what you’re going to do.” Shaelynn sensei massaged her head a little. She looked pressured but Yuzuru-sama just smiled.
“We will be working together, Shae sensei. I’m not worried at all.”
“Well I am!” they laughed with Bourne’s hopeless shout. “ It’s always hard to create a wardance for the World’s Best warrior.”
“I am not the World’s best.” His majesty’s face had looked sullen that everyone fell awkward,
“Demo..Kawaii desu, Heika.(But you’re the cutest, your majesty)” he had intentionally said that in Japanese and his young majesty’s cute laugh sounded. The Canadians looked at each other. They don’t understand but they looked thankfully at him for returning the Winter God’s good mood.
“Okay- you want to play character games in your Long Program with Shae, that’s fine. What about me? What will I do with your Short wardance?” Jeffery crossed his arms with anticipation.
“Nothing much. I’m keeping Chopin for war this season.”
Tracy and Brian looked at each other worriedly. The last time their student recycled a short wardance, he broke the limits of the winter spirits and became the God of Winter. What is he intending to do now?
2016 AUTUMN CLASSICS, kingdom of Canada
Young Hanyu's presence at the humble Skate Canada Autumn Classics stirred the entire kingdom. The Emperor’s legion both Nippon and foreign rushed to the small war arena and filled the seats to full house. His participation in such insignificant war was meant to be kept a secret. But messengers always have a way of KNOWING so each kingdom sent their own spies to watch the new wardances of the most feared God of the winter wars. The Princes were dumbfounded to find the God of Winter there.
By the time Cricket Cove guild arrived with Prince Nam Nguyen and Yuzuru Hanyu, the result was almost foreseen. Many Princes had backed out while those who stayed felt the intimidation of the young legend’s magic.
Kikuchi had seen the excitement from the young and less known Princesses and Yuzuru-sama’s legion had constantly cheered on him the moment he entered the ice for the warm-up. Everyone in that war felt unworthy of having the KING in that quiet little town.
But not everyone is happy to see him.
Brian sensei had warned the Emperor of the possible scenario. This is Canada after all and they are hard-core fans of their previous king. Which could be understandable. But the way his majesty was treated was very underhanded. For one, there was no decent ice resurfacing, no banner allowed, no pedestal, no proper medal, no definite ice time and zero dose of hospitality. It could be fine if everyone’s treated that way but it’s only Yuzuru-sama. Some Canadians, though not all, always made Hanyu feel like he purposely came to win against the obviously weaker set of warriors. They backbite him in English-knowing he understands. Some would even go so low as ‘boo’ him if he falls on his run through.
As an old man bred in a respectful country with strict standards, he could come up to those rude people and give him a piece of his mind. But the Emperor would always say
“Ignore them, Kikuchi-san. Barking dogs can’t bite.”
And then, his majesty will delve into his own world of music and forget everything else. Even so, he could see those eyes filled with fire and he knew that even if Yuzuru does not say anything, it doesn’t mean he easily forgets.
The young man is Toru’s son. And Toru had beaten 10 Nippon men before- all for insulting Yumi. Hanyu is not a bloodline one should mess with.
Yuzuru –sama’s bad mood was somewhat expected. He fell on both his short and Long wardances and he was angry for it.
“But you won, Heika.” He tried to tell him when they got back to their training cove.
“Yeah. But it was not worth anything if Patrick wasn’t there. I need to pummel that Canadian King in front of all his people. And I can’t do that with a triple combination I could not land since last season.” He was given that reply.
Then just as he feared, his majesty immersed in excessive training up until he could not see because of his sweat. The young king has this bad habit of turning his frustration into motivation which translates to trainings until very late at night. It worries him so.
He was a bit thankful that Javier Fernandez de Espanya showed up early in Cricket cove perhaps to train his new wardances as well.
Even long time before, he had observed that, for some reason, the Spaniard has a way of calming his majesty down and talking a few sense into him. Hanyu-sama might not realize it himself but Javier-senshu’s charm draws out his vibrance and inner joy, as well as courage if need be. He always stands by the emperor, not because it is his duty but because he chose to be there. And because an old man like him( Kikuchi) had been near the young majesty, he could sense something special going on. But whatever it is, be it friendship or something deeper, he is in no position to meddle with little Yuzuru’s life. As long as the boy is happy, he will not comment or tell a word about it. And in his opinion, the great Canadian shamans have no complain too.
The only complain they have is about how stubborn the young Winter Lord can be.
The shamans and warriors of Cricket cove gathered for their traditional pre-war discussion. The presentation of strategies were going smoothly with Prince Nam and Javier UNTIL the Emperor’s turn.
“I wish to rearrange my short wardance. The chants need to speed up to give way to the changes in the spells.
“U-huh…” Jeffrey was much shocked and disappointed. It seems he also had big plans for the Emperor. “ And you expect me to do what?”
“The 3lutz-triple toe combination isn’t working. Please rearrange the choreography. ” Yuzuru=sama requested.
“A rearrangement is good.” Brian nodded. “But your Chopin is magically packed already. Which spell will you add?”
“An Axel. Quad Axel.”
It’s not just his elderly imagination. Yuzuru-sama’s shamans have their eyes bulging from what they just heard. They looked like a comet is about to fall on Cricket Cove anytime now.
Everyone including him fell silent in shock. Everyone’s eyes are on Yuzuru.
“You’re crazy.”
Thank goodness Fernandez-senshu voiced out what they all could be thinking.
“I’m perfectly sane. If I can’t land that triple combination, I will turn it into a quad.”
The shamans are restlessly looking at each other now.
“Yuzu-dear, please think about this. The Axel is the most difficult of all the quad spells!” Tracy softly explained.
“I can do it.”
“Dangerous. Most dangerous is what Tracy meant!” Brian’s fickle patience is tested-again. “I broke a ligament back in time when I tried to master the triple axel. How can I imagine you doing its Quad?! You’re just two moons shy of your last injury!” the Canadian legend looks like he’s about to have a heart attack.
“Yuzu, your Long wardance takes too much of your magic. The Short should balance that difficulty. It’s meant to make you relax.” Shaelynn spoke up too.
“I can’t relax. Not with Patrick returning.”
“Okay, look…If you’re not satisfied with that triple combination, we will relocate it okay? And then we will increase its difficulty.” Buttle is almost begging.
“No. It has to be the Axel.”
A unified groan of surrender filled the people around. When Olympus sounds like this, all is lost. He was the same man who skated while bleeding in China last season. He is no longer afraid of breaking a leg because he knows he can still skate half unconscious.
“You’re not ready for the Quad Axel.” Brian sounded firm now trying to exercise his authority as Head Shaman.
“I will be ready.”
“That’s not your job to decide. It’s mine.” Orser returned.
The argument began to heat up and all he can do in the corner is close his eyes and pray to the Gods to send someone who stop Yuzuru sama’s occasional foolishness. Or perhaps-that someone is already here?
Coincidentally, his worried eyes met Javier-senshu’s and he just automatically put his hands together –silently begging. The Prince understood.
“You can’t do the Quad Axel. It’s too dangerous.” Fernandez’s voice cut through the debate and silenced them.
“I am the warrior. I decide on my spells because I will be the one to use them in battle. Why don’t you mind your own wardance, Javi?” there goes the Ace of the cricket cove.
“Brian and the others are our shamans. It’s their duty to keep us alive. Are you disobeying them, Yuzuru?” it is now Javier’s turn to argue.
“I’m not disobeying anybody. All I’m saying is I know what I can and cannot do.”
“And you cannot do the Quad axel. Brian himself said that.”
The heads of the mere listeners are now turning from Hanyu to Fernandez while they exchanged sharp words.
“I am the Olympic champion, Javi. I call the shots.”
“Well I am the World Champion, okay?!” Javier’s yell is the deciding factor. The Nippon became mute.
That realization was a big blow on Hanyu-sama. He has not moved on from that recent defeat yet.
“Mind your manners in front of me, Yuzuru .This is not Sochi anymore. Your victory is only once in 4 years. I defeated you at Worlds so I am above you now. And as current World Champion, I say this. YOU will NOT do a Quad axel in any of your wardances. And that’s final.”
Hanyu-sama’s rage were shown in his eyes but the Spaniard stared back at him. The challenge of razor-sharp eyes were so intense that they, the witnesses dared not speak. But they noticed how the Winter Lord looked like he had no choice and Javier Fernandez looked like he’s so sure that Yuzu will obey his command. In the end, the legend of Sochi angrily walked away, cursing in Nippon.
Javier sighed deep.
“What did you just do?” Jeffrey could not believe it. “You just forced Olympus, the God of Winter Wars, to back down.”
“I can’t tell you the details but you have nothing to worry now. We had a deal. Yuzu won’t go against me.” The tone was not bragging but the words themselves were so sure.
After many hours of waiting in suspense, Yuzuru-sama agreed to forget the Quad axel but insisted on replacing the triple combinations with a Quad toe-triple toe. A combinations of spells which is no less risky.
“It’s the best I can do. “ Javier told Brian. “The only other option is the Quad Axel. We both know he will not decrease the magic of his spells no matter if all he does is fall.”
“But—“
“No more buts please, “ Javier pleaded his shaman. “I will pay a week of silent treatment from HIM just for defending you guys”.
So it was how Chopin transformed.
But just when a problem was barely solved, a bigger one came in. Around two weeks before the battle of skate Canada, her majesty Satoko Miyahara, Empress of Nippon, sent a messenger hawk to inform the Emperor about the crisis that is rocking Nippon in his absence. It was a news that greatly surprised, irritated and worried his majesty. So much that he decided to return to Nippon and settle the matter as soon as he can.
He is the personal adviser of the young King so he knew all about the details but he was ordered to keep it a secret from everyone in the Cricket Club. Yuzuru-sama said it is Nippon’s national affairs and must be kept within their kingdom’s walls. But he could not help but speak up on the day they are to leave.
The Espanyol was on his way into the shack while they were on the way out to the waiting horses. Being in silent war, the two close partners ignored each other’s presence. Once they passed by each other, he noticed Hanyu-sama stop and look back at Javi with that conflicted and sad look as if he wanted to call out to him and ask for help.
His heart contracted in pain. He knows it would be very daring of him but knowing how desperate the situation is, he called out to the Spaniard. “Prince-Javier,”
The Espanyol stopped and turned.
“Hanyu sama- has something to tell you”
The Emperor turned to him, looking like he betrayed his trust. But he cannot take this. So he bowed in apology to his master. “Forgive me, Heika. But whatever is the situation, Prince Javier deserves to know”
Yuzuru began to panic in both anger and fear.
“What is it?” Javier senshu looked at him (Kikuchi) as if confirming something. He must have suspected a great problem and is waiting for him to tell. But he has brought enough discomfort to Hanyu. It is up to the young man now.
“Before I leave, I want you to remember this. No matter what happens, you will always be someone precious to me. ”
Just that, Yuzuru left before he could do something stupid like start crying. He, the steward had already shed tears by that time.
__________________________
A very young man tossed his apple up playfully while sitting on an old barrel in the corner of very busy Vancouver market. He was not interested on anything else but that Spaniard who was talking to a vendor. Then he followed his movements at every stall he stops and he grins at how absent minded that face had been since the other day.
“Still thinking about HIM, aren’t we?” his chuckling can be considered rude but he was not raised to be respectful. Once he saw Fernandez mix in the crowd to exit that shopping place, he took one bite from his apple before standing up to meet the Spaniard. Burying his face beneath his hood, he walked opposite of the people’s flow and intentionally bumped Javier’s shoulders so hard the Spaniard hissed as he passed by.
“Watch it.”
“Sorry. I just really hate your stupidity , I had to hit you or something.” He flashed an evil smile.
“What did you say?!” the Spaniard is in for a confrontation. But he’s not.
He just shrugged, “I said sorry. Here, an apology.” He pushed the bitten apple on the puzzled Espanyolist chest, tapped his shoulder lightly and whispered low to him “Estas seguro de que deberias estar comprando ahora mismo mientras tu AMIGO esta confinado en su propio palacio? (Are you sure you should be shopping right now while your BOYFRIEND is confined in his own palace?” He said that in Spanish so Fernandez was greatly surprised.
“Who are you? What do you know?”
The youth smirked and clicked his fingers. All at once, everyone and everything stopped..even the clock tower froze in its time. All except the two of them.
“Don’t be like that. It hurts to hear it from you. You’re the one who sent me HERE, you know?” the hooded young man has perfect Spanish accent. Even better than the native-tongued Javi.
“Are you a lunatic?”
“Haha perhaps, but you will thank this lunatic when we meet again.”
“Just what do you want?”
“I want you to watch what you eat. You’re getting older and fatter by the minute.” Just that, and a portal appeared behind the young man. When he entered that, he disappeared and everything around Javier moved again with him in the middle of people’s flow. Knowing that was no ordinary boy, he was puzzled at everything that just happened. His words, his powers, his advice.
‘Watch what you eat'
Javier felt nervous of that tone and curiousity drew his eyes down to the apple he was holding. Slowly, horror crept on his entire face and his suspicion was replaced by disbelief. Around the single bite on the apple that the boy had shoved on him, there were Spanish letters engraved which says,
YOUR PRINCESS HANYU WENT HOME TO GET MARRIED. THEY DIDN’T INVITE YOU?
He has no reason to believe a stranger’s prank but he hurried back to Brian. Kikuchi’s face when he called after him, Yuzuru’s message, his restlessness at how strange Yuzuru had been acting after receiving a message from Nippon, Brian’s lack of details about Yuzuru’s sudden decision to go, the Nippon guards who came to fetch the man.
Can the message be true?
“Where did you hear that from? That’s a national secret!!”
“Just answer my damn question!”
“--This is Yuzuru’s problem so he wants to settle it on his own. We should respect that, Javier.” Orser explained when he asked why he was not told about it.
“Oh..okay. So he Can just go home, take a wife, have kids AND THEN tell me what’s his problem?!” Fernandez felt like exploding. “What am I even still here for?!” he literally kicked everything he could reach that moment. Brian recognized his mood and perhaps understands it. But even the Canadian Head shaman can’t do anything.
“Calm down, it’s not just you. Yuzu cannot tell anyone okay? It’s a National issue and whoever knows it will be killed. You have no idea how serious Nippon is when it comes to their privacy.”
“But you knew!” he yelled. “While I was wondering why Yuzu was so quiet in the last few days, why he won’t eat at all, why he would tie his bootlaces wrong, wear his war boots from the wrong foot and forget to bow to the ice, you already knew his problem. And I was here---playing dumb” his anger expired. Well it was more like anger towards himself. For not knowing. For pretending to be an understanding training partner.
“I am getting married too….” He pressed his head together and sat down as if losing all his strength. Brian looked very understanding. “ I came here early to escape that arranged marriage Laura set up for me. I want to tell Yuzu—and ask for his help. But if this is a punishment for disobeying heaven, then I’d rather go back and get married..if that means Yuzuru can go back to being by my side.” He covered his face.
“It was not your fault. As far as your Country’s laws are concerned, you are both in marriageable age. And you are frankly the two most desired men of the winter wars. Sooner or later it had to happen.”
“I know. But not this soon. I-am not ready to lose him to a woman..or anyone on this planet.” He had given up all his hopes that he just stopped talking and just buried his face on his palms.
Brian wanted to soothe him and tell him everything is FINE. But Javi had grown up under his care. The Prince had always been fine. Even when he nearly died because of a bull when he was a teen, he was still fine. But FINE is not a term he can use when he is talking to Javier about YUZU. When Yuzu told him he’s leaving for home, the only information he was given was that he’s engaged to somebody from another kingdom. His pupil did not tell him anything more for his protection and the safety of the Cricket guild. But just like this hopeless guy, Yuzu had also given up talking a few days since he received that dreadful scroll from the Nippon Queen.
Now, both his best warriors are on the verge of breaking down. All because of stupid traditions. Yuzu told him not to meddle as a Canadian. But he can do something as a shaman—right?
“Yuzu left Pooh.”
His statement made Javier raise his head in wonder.
“He left his amulet here. I’m not saying he did it on purpose ..I’m just saying he can’t sleep without it.” He explained calmly. “So I need to go after him to Nippon and give it to him. But—I’m a busy man so---“
“Let me do it.” even before Brian can finish..Javier desperately volunteered.
The Canadian shaman’s heart melted when Javier whispered like a child
“I want to see him. Please...”
If there is love greater than this, Brian wondered what form will it take. And how painful it has to be.