Visions of Splendid

The room was vast, a sight of luxuries and paperwork. Dead silent. Heavy air kept flowing through the messenger's mouth. The glare of the Ogōshi King made her shake.

"Are you deaf?"

"No, your greatness. But . . . I have noticed something strange."

"What?"

"The title, it states . . . 'The Siksukī's Final Duel: Wan Kō's Fucking Fury', your greatness."

Don Shī looked at the balcony. His eyes searched for meaning.

"Did my ears mistaken heftily?"

"N— no, your greatness. If I am to pronounce it more clearly, it states 'Zā Siksukī's Finaru Duer: Wan Kō's . . . Fāking Fiyuri'."

Sighs. "You know what? I will read it myself when I have the time. Leave that sacred paper nonsense in that table and take your steps."

"Uhm . . . yes, your greatness," the messenger replied before leaving the scene.

Rerolled and placed along with the others, the Ogōshi King ignored the letter before laying in his bed. Fatigue left already, halting the king to resume his nap. Rolling his eyes and standing from his bed, he walked through the thick curtain door. Outside stood the Royal Guards. Their armor resembles that of a samurai; breastplates show the king's passing reflection. With them following their irritated king, steps on the wooden floor began louder and louder. It was five floors down. Royal gates gave way as Don Shī decides to find tranquility in the streets of his capital.

Ryudonjū unveils its status as the most crucial part of Ogōshi. The vastness, variety, and influence are unmatched. Most believe that its fall would bring this kingdom to its end. Meanwhile, its ruler saunters the city like a lost leaf. Sounds of labor and leisure sprout throughout the city. However, everything halted when the greatest zōjin passes by. They acknowledged Don Shī — raising both palms about head level facing the king.

"Well well," the king thought. He then decides to have a word with his royal guards.

"You, I have a question."

"What is it, your greatness?"

"Why do the Zōjin people greet in such a manner? Explain your thoughts with all your heft."

". . . Understood, your greatness. The Zōjin greeting — arms raised about head level with palm facing the person being greeted — is officially called Zōrikadonū. It is the most common form of greeting or giving gratitude in the lands of Uzōjin. The term is usually formed from the name of a young princess of the ancient kingdom who successfully befriended several hostile creatures with kindness and bravery. Her name was Don Rika. She existed about seven hundred years ago, your greatness."

"Splendid answer. Carry on."

The strolling in Ryudonjū along with questions from the king continued.

◆

Sunlight started sinking. Don Shī drew the curtain doors in the nearby Candy Restaurant. What lies before his eyes was an endlessly long line of Zōjin. Seats and tables were full. Chattering and munching occupied the ears. However, the first eyes to see their greatness alerted the rest like dominoes. They welcomed him with Zōrikadonū; any sane citizen in the kingdom would do that. Everyone gave way to Don Shī, giving him the chance to order just about ten seconds since he entered the restaurant.

"Hello there, your greatness! What candy do you desire at this late afternoon?" the young cashier smiling at her finest.

"Guwi Candy, that is my order." the Ogōshi King sighed. "The last time I ate any Pero candy made me dream a silhouette of a young girl and a mace for lord's sake."

"Ah . . . then the Classic Guwi candy it is, correct?"

"Yes, only the Classic."

"With pleasure, your greatness!"

Don Shī sat on a wooden stool not far from the counter. His guards observed all possible corners except for his mind. Yet again visualizing, the king held another thought during his wait,

"Shit of Purity. Why does my mind start to show vague things more frequently when I have a relaxed mind? This is heftily one of the worst traits that were bestowed on me. I can barely have any peace of mind since 1046. Well well, calm down. I can not afford another breakdown since I am not born to perform that action. This is one day before my birthday so I expect myself to enjoy this day and regulate these visions for once. So what do I see . . . a sword . . . This vision is indeed blurry but I think . . . this is a young rōjin? Raising his sword . . . wait. There are more of them. Based on their sizes . . . they are a bunch of kojin ranging from eleven to nineteen perhaps. Raising a flag . . . I cannot see what is written on it for lord's sake but . . . are they claiming victo—"

"Your order is ready! Your greatness," the young rējin calls.

"Already? That was heftily fast."

"Yes! King Don Shī cannot be delayed as the hope of Ogōshi!"

". . . . . . Very well then. Also, take care of your black hair. With that being long, tying it with two ponytails is heftily not enough, Fon Kāni."

"Really? Well hm, I think I'll cut it from waste to elbow length then."

Sighs. "Your choice, not mine."

The king went returned straight to his palace, residing in the middle of the city. He refused to eat dinner — told his servants that the Guwi Candy he ate was thus far a hindrance to digest. Rushing to the paradise pool of Kojin without hesitation, the children scattered with confusion,

"Are you sure, King Don Shī?"

"Did you really say that, your greatness?"

"Your greatness wants to be alone?"

"This is the first time you have wanted that, your greatness!"

"Everyone look! The king is wearing a special type of undergarment!"

"Wow . . . isn't that the cotton that Queen Don Chī likes to make clothes?"

"Oh yē! That's amaz—"

"Hey! Didn't the king say he wants to be alone? Now let's go!"

"Eh…"

"Okay!"

◆

The palace pool was like an empty cave with Don Shī inside. It was bright but dark. It was silent but loud. It was peace but chaos. Evening hours kept slipping through the king. Several hours before midnight came yet he did not a single syllable was heard, inside out. Breathing and gazing in the nothingness enveloped the scene. Then it arrived. His monologue began inside his cluttered mind,

"Well well, to think the most inevitable enemy, death, is coming closer than I anticipated. Five years, that is what I can predict. That remaining time is not enough. I am unsure if my only heir would be able to take over. Not unless she cuts her long hair. Giggles. Well well, to think I am resorting to joking is a hefty indication that this body of mine is not very much tolerant of pain like this before. The disease that Father gave me is quite hefty. If Mother did not have such a unique trait I am sure that the Kingdom of Ogōshi would fall with my death being splendidly earlier."

Slowly walking to the left corner of the knee-level pool, Don Shī continued,

"I do not know if these visions are a curse. In my whole life, it was nothing but a time-wasting piece of nonsense. I do not understand them nor have the time to analyze them since I am dumped with duties and a desire to relax. I want my kingdom to achieve victory and peace. I have already tried peace talks with the king of Oyōhen yet he refuses to and wants to claim this 'so-called' gold that lies in the capital. The king of Okonfē, on the other hand, wanted to collect all the Iron which is also located at the capital. If that was easy, I do not want this war to continue by giving them what they want. However, I saw what those foes would do to my people. Generations have passed and these bloodlines are always terrible to negotiate with. Heftiliy, even their citizens, usually near their capitals, are quite hostile to my people to the point that they enslave them. I cannot take loose of my life until I achieve unification in my own grasp. If those Zōjin desires to wage war in a violent approach then my soldiers would show no mercy to any hostile citizen of their kind."

He sauntered to another corner of the pool,

"Hm . . . I think this may be the chance to acknowledge this vision of mine. As of now, I can see the same image . . . back when I was at the candy restaurant. It . . . is hard to concentrate but I am starting to see . . . the written word in the flag . . . Gasp!"

His eyes were blinded by what he saw. The written thing in the flag was too good to be true.

"Ogōshi . . . are my eyes really seeing this? I can't believe it. So . . . this vision tells me that young generations would bring my kingdom to victory? Is that true? My goodness . . . this feeling, I can feel that this may be true. Although this is a big risk, I am prepared to sacrifice the young Zōjins' lives to fulfill our mission. Ughh. I can't breathe anymore with this warm temperature."

Legs went to the royal bedroom. Sights gazed at the table of his paperwork. There lay the unrolled scared paper on his desk. It was set aside, taking a new piece of paper and a wooden pen soaked with black ink. He wrote everything he could in his request for this new law. A lit candle on the king's desk was his vision, either showing him the light or burning them all in blindsight.

◆

Everyone in the royal room greeted Don Shī in his eighty-second year of age. The sun entered the royal dining hall gracefully. There where lots of food that were majestic as jewelry: manservants and maids serve them with their robes having formality of circular designs. Although true, everything went to a sudden pause when the king handed the formal request letter to one of his advisors.

"Is . . . this true, your greatness?" the advisor after reading everything.

"Do you think this five-hour written letter from last midnight is a joke?"

"But your greatness, I thought it is part of your morals in never wanting the young or old Zōjin to become soldiers at wa—"

"That is why I splendidly indicated it as "No Age Restriction. Only the Competent" isn't it?"

"But your greatness, this also means that even a mere nine-year-old can join the chaos in the warring kingdoms?"

"Yes. As long as they pass the regular training of the Zōjin in Ogōshi then I say they are heftily valid to fight for their kingdom."

"Then you are nothing different to the two kingdo— I'm sorry for that escalating tone, your greatness."

"I do not mind. I know that if this kingdom declares that law, it would be no different than Oyōhen and Okonfē. However, this is not forced but rather finding the ones who have the potential to aid the Unification of all three kingdoms."

"Potential . . . to unify?"

Manservants, maids, royal guards, and everyone else had all their ears open to the clash of words. Even the wind-gushing sounds from the windows were a mere audience.

"Yes, my royal advisor," Don Shī continued. "Do you remember from sixty-eight years ago?"

". . . . . . Are you talking about the vague sights that you see in your mind? Of course, I remember that. From the recent days of this year up until when we were at the age of fourteen, our first meeting."

"Quite unusual isn't it? Well well, the crowd around us may seem bewildered yet I am confidently speaking these words to you without privacy."

Sighs. "So you decided to acknowledge these 'visions' of yours after all these years?" said the advisor. "Well, I do not think I have the further strength to argue with this formal request of yours. It is extremely detailed. Chuckles. I remember this is the exact same taste of absolute when you wrote the letter about your findings in the betrayal of the former queen, Don Chī, your mother. If you are to declare this law for the sake of Ogōshi, then I shall support you with this decision. After all, I did not live for eighty-two years just to reject this eager request," the advisor smiled. Visions of their youth flashed in his wrinkled eyes.

"I see, then it is settled then."

"Yes, your greatness. However . . ."

Sighs. "What is it?" the king smirked. "You surely agree with me yet you are full of 'however' in all these times. Giggles. Indeed, such an excellently critical advisor."

The advisor continued, "It means we are bound to have casualties with children starting now . . . I do trust your will but it would obviously bring the demise of many kojin as the harsh environments of war brings it. We even received gossip about Zōjins aged from 14-17 years old being killed in battle on the borders of Tsushido. Based on the reports from Supreme General Den Goro, one young Okonfē girl was an excellent fighter that has killed the majority of his commanders during that night. Although she was brutally obliterated by one of our best fighters in Ogōshi, Tun Rei Fairukā."

" . . . ," Don Shī paused. "Well, I am aware that it will also happen to our side but I am confident that my visions are true and SHALL be true. The conquest to conquer our enemies to Unification begins now."

"Very well, your greatness."

Everything about the festivity of their greatness's birthday resumed.

◆ ◆ ◆

The freshly declared law traveled day after day. Every Zōjin around the land received the news. Cities, Towns, Villages, and other settlements had different voices about it.

In the late morning city,

"Yesū! No more lazy-thing age restriction for Ogōshi Military at last! I can't wait to kill those evil-looking enemies when I get a hand of a real bladeee!

Yawns. "Shut your mouth, brat. I'm trying to sleep here. Besides, I'm better than you at fighting, heh."

"Beh! I'm Fifteen while your Seventeen you lazy-thing slice of shitū!"

"Whatever, Shorty."

"Wha— you mangkō . . . Beh! Well then. What if—"

"We make a challenge on whether who gets the most kill this year?"

"You mean as this year, 1114?"

"Heh, yeah . . . Yawns. We should have at lea—"

"What if we just record our first fight, tall shitū."

"Whoever gets the most kill in our first fight? Bring it on then!"

"Deal!"

"Don't die, shorty."

"Neither do you, tall shitū."

In the evening village,

"My son! You can finally join the war!"

" . . . . . . But father . . . I am still youn—"

"Do not fear my son! It is your time to serve our kingdom!"

"I'm . . . going to die . . . I don't know how to fight, father. I would rather cut wood here and take care of you."

Sighs. "If you're being held back because of me having one leg then you should really join the battlefield."

"Why . . . Didn't my big brother die already because of the war? You also got your leg cut during your army days . . ."

"Your brother fought for his kingdom. You should do it as well, my son. I know what you are thinking . . . Chuckles. I'm a bad fath—"

"No your not, Father."

"Listen, my son. It is best to fight like a real rōjin rather than take care of a helpless man like me. If you are to die in battle then it is fine. Overcome your fear. This world we live in, it's real. You've got better chances of living if you are able to fight for yourself."

" . . . "

"You can do it. The blood of a warrior runs in our family. Generations from generations."

". . . then I'm going . . . to join then, father. I'll try my best."

Laughs. "Then I wish you luck then!"

In the afternoon farms,

"So you decided to join the military?"

"Yes, Father."

"I see . . . well good luck there, you young rējin."

"I promise I won't die. I'll still help you farm during my vacations."

"I'll remember that promise."

"Thank you. I'll do my best to fight for Ogōshi."

In the dawn rivers,

"Wow . . . I can finally join the war. I'm past my sixties but I guess it's fine since my old ass doesn't have much to do in this place. I remember the battle of Diezerland. Phew . . . good times."

On the dusk coasts,

"I want to reach beyond the seas."

"Uh you listening, roysan? The news said that we can join the war."

"Yē! My fifteen-year-old back is killing me from this heavy work on the coast!"

"Rēysen, you know you are gonna get destroyed in the military."

"Huh?! Let's see about that, fat-boya!"

"Oh, you want some hands—"

"What are these idiots . . . The fact that the four of them have different conversations; must be tree-burning if I'm going to read these conversations."

"I want to reach beyond the seas. But I guess I won't have a vehicle that could float on the deep sea waters if I don't have any money. I'm going to join the military. Maybe there's some valuable money there."

"Ughhh . . . This roysan here is just saying nonsense. Whatever, I'm not joining the military."

In the night mansion,

"Such a piece of news to hear. This is now the time to show my honed skills. Smirks. You bunch of dogs should prepare yourselves."

"Yes, young master!"

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Don Shī ambled to his bedroom after a whole day of work. Night shined. The king gets inside the bathroom. Quick splashes of frost were done, soap scrubbing his exhausted body. He took a towel, drying off with a yawn. The king organized his paper works for tomorrow. By faith, he saw the sacred paper untouched. Don Shī took a deep breath with his eyes closed. Upon opening, his iris reflected on the sacred paper being held by his hands. He let out a sigh, giving himself the long-awaited opportunity to read it.

"So . . . what do have here? Oh. Again, this title page seems unusual. And the fact that the content is heftily long makes it even worse. Well then, based on my skim, it is heftily literal in terms of descriptions. Though it feels like a story rather than a letter. Sighs. Very Well then, I'll give this one a chance to be read. The night was bright with Wan Kō the Mutinous-Siksukī . . .

◀ ◀ ◀

. . . riding her Horusu with her junior Jo Rā the Obedient-boy along the way return. They arrived at the Tsugā's camp in the Okonfē Borders with blood dripping all over their bodies — it was about four hours before sunrise. The soldiers of Ren Tē Tsugā saw the two arrive. Instead of helping them, they laughed like they had Limitless Crops in front of them. Even the healing units of the camp were laughing at them like crazy and kept whispering "You're dead, Bichkā" to Wan Kō's ears. She ignored them all. Walking without even stopping. Her fists were so tight that it was bleeding. Ren Tē Tsugā was still asleep as the laughing soldiers said. With that, the Mutinous-Siksukī stopped her walk. Jō Rā Eitorā was anxious as he saw Wan Kō lying straight on her back, waiting for the Tsugā to wake up. The other soldiers continued laughing as they talk about on she was going to get executed for intruding on the Supeshāru's mission.

Meanwhile, the remaining survivors of the special units were treated. Based on the healers' faces, they were obviously enjoying the painful sights of the victims as if their Tsugā had pre-planned a sadistic circus act for them. Ridākurashā was one of the remaining Supeshāru who was saved by Wan Kō Siksukī. During the healer's treatment of him, he opened his eyes like he was a miracle. The reason for this is that his insides were already crushed. It was barely holding on which prevented him from dying from internal bleeding.

Hours later, Ridākurashā was left by the healer after reassurance. He was alone in the small tent. Probably the reason for having the most fatal injury out of all survivors. There he went to talk with a serious face,

"Ughhh. am I still alive? Tē'kī, I got a nice punch from one of the best fighters in the whole Uzōjin, heh."

He looked at his surroundings as he lay on his back.

"I can't move my torso yet, huh? It's insanely painful to move. Anyways, the soldiers in the camp seem to be all up. Wan Kō Siksukī . . . went to the rescue at the enemy camps. I feel like what she had done was not a part of the mission. So I guess she's gonna get killed for that. Sighs. Like I Tē'kī care. A soldier using her emotions in war . . . heh . . . that's a flaw for sure. Reminds me of my whole life with that attitude before I went to join the military."

The severely injured soldier breathed heavily.

"Two years to go before I turn twenty. Fyu Gō . . . his birthday is near. I saw that he was selling candies in Tsushido yesterday . . . Bikurō, I'll talk about some more tomorrow. I'll take a short sleep before I think of anything else."

Ridākurashā closed his eyes as he slept with a mad face.

Sunrise was near. The Tsugā of the camp finally went out of his tent with Wan Kō Siksukī standing right in front of him. She stared at Ren Tē with a bloody expression. A heated talk went on when the Tsugā began talking,

Smiles. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?"

"Because you ready to die for making illegal missions?"

"Because I'm ready to take your head."

"Hahaha! You make me laugh, Wan Kō the hobo."

"You said something?" She clenched her fists. "Or do you want me to fix your mouth by chopping it?"

"Sure sure, Hobo Siksukī."

Ren Tē looked down at the Mutinous-Siksukī even though they had the same height. He was looking at the ground the whole time as if Wan Kō was below it. The other subordinates of the Siksukī arrived at the place while the intense stare goes on. They had different expressions in regard to what they are witnessing this near dawn.

"Shit. Wan Kō Siksukī really burned the crops this time."

"Fesukā Siksukī really is in big trouble. Doing that all of the sudden. She didn't even tell us where she was going."

"Yē. The fact that we are now here in this heated situation is also going to give us punishments."

"Ha?! Stop the crap. We went here because we are concerned with Fesukā Siksu—"

"Stop putting 'Fesukā' in Siksukī you . . . Forget shit. Anyways, look! That's Jo Rā over there!"

"Yeah, shit. He's also going to get punished or even get killed considering Ren Tē . . ."

The conversation stopped when Jo Rā Eitorā walked and held Wan Kō in her clothing,

"Wan Ko Siksukī, please stop. You going to get killed. Accept your mistake to avoid that, please." Obedient Boy breathes fast from tiredness. After seeing her subordinate, the Mutinous-Siksukī finally accepts her actions.

The three other subordinates in the far distance discussed,

"Phew! Good thing that Jo Rā was there to stop her."

"Yē, or else that would be their final steps before Wan Kō gets killed along with Jō Ra and maybe us as well."

"Shitē right. Ren Tē Tsugā has been notoriously a suicidal general with missions usually killing rookies in his army. I remember the time when our friends got killed because of that reckless . . . Handsome . . . looking rōjin . . ."

"Shit. Why does he have to be such a good-looking male really . . . I'm pissing myself."

"Yē . . . even Wan Kō had a crush on him when she was an Eitorā back then."

"Well, too bad our Fesukā Wan Kō got triggered for real on that fool after years of bad-quality soldier treatment. Especially with the rookies. . . poor Zōjins . . . "

Wan Kō and Jo Rā were already set to leave the camp. They looked ready to accept their punishments for illegal acts once they face Ryō Ken Wanugō. The Siksukī calmed do—

"Ren Tē Tsugā! One of the remaining survivors has died!" a healing unit said. "The one who had the most fatal injuries to be exact!"