Hikaru stood, staring at the house in which he had lived all his life. The traditional styled building was situated alone, on a slope near the top of the hill overlooking their remote town. It had been this way for generations – passed down from father to son, each of them safeguarding their family heritage till time would come to end all. A pang of guilt ran through Hikaru as he realised the duty he would abandon now that he was set on leaving. Sighing, he willed his mind from such thoughts and observed the coin which Guan Yu had given him, a good distraction from such negative thinking.

Engraved on the face of the coin was the letter J. Flipping the coin over, Hikaru wondered what the J stood for, and ran his brain through knowledge on divine trivia for gods whose name had begun with the letter J.

Jesus perhaps?

A glint of moonlight reflected off the coin causing Hikaru to avert his eyes upwards. Facing the slope, he noticed a lone figure sitting atop the barrier, legs dangling off the cliff edge. Curiosity piqued; Hikaru began to walk over. For on night’s like these, or any night in general, there would never be anyone out so late, never mind dangling a death wish over the steep ledge.

Nearing the figure, Hikaru groaned with realisation as he saw the short, silver hair which glistened in the light. Tsuki sat in silence, eyes mesmerised by the moon, motionless. It was as if the celestial body was bathing the young boy in a light so ethereal, it sought to bind him for its own. As Hikaru arrived beside Tsuki, the younger sibling spoke, eyes still fixed on the moon which dwarfed his small figure.

“Its beautiful, is it not, brother”.

“Yes, I suppose it is” Hikaru replied, standing behind Tsuki. He had always wondered if the fact their father had named him Tsuki had anything to do with this almost obsessive connection to the moon. Maybe, in the end, it was a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Tsuki turned and jumped back over the metal railing. He looked Hikaru up and down, with eyes that seemed so far away, and smiled.

“You have finally gained your resolve, dear brother. I am most pleased for you”.

A chill ran down Hikaru’s spine in rhythm to the voice he heard.

“Yeah, I guess I have…how do you know though?”

“On evenings as pristinely graceful as this, let us say my awareness is more, in tune” Tsuki said, his voice almost a whisper. The younger brother tapped a hand atop Hikaru’s shoulder and began to walk down the hill – his every step, silent.

“Come, brother. You have had a tiring day. Now, you must rest. For your final duel with father is tomorrow”.

“Right…”

Shaking his head with relief at the fact it was still the same day, Hikaru realised no matter how hard he tried to understand it, his younger brother’s strange demeanour and innate ability to see right through him, would always remain one of life's greatest mysteries. Hikaru took one last glance at the near-full moon, before running and catching up to his brother.

As Tsuki entered the door to their house, a disturbing realisation dawned on Hikaru.

Ah, wait, I forgot my kendo stuff with Guan Yu Hikaru thought, remembering his father would refuse any challenge if he found out his son had lost the precious family heirlooms. He shuddered at the silent rage which would no doubt seep from the old man.

As if on a cue, a small portal opened above him and his bag of kendo equipment dropped onto the concrete, with a note taped atop the zip.

Stop leeching off my J-coins you brat, you haven’t even started working yet!

Hikaru’s face twisted in disbelief as he read the note. What a cheapskate he thought as he scrunched the note up and placed it in his pocket.

“Is something the matter?” Tsuki echoed, now standing by the doorway and facing his brother.

“No. No, no. Nothing’s wrong” stuttered Hikaru, eyes darting between the door and the bag which had made a sudden appearance. There was nothing suspicious going on.

Blinking his distant eyes, Tsuki nodded with a dreamy gaze and glided inside without another word.

I hope to the gods he’s just very sleepy Hikaru thought to himself as he picked up the bag and lumbered it through the small doorway.

After dropping his equipment off in his room and finding his clothes were filthy, Hikaru showered in a hurry, then flung on his evening dressing gown, and rushed to find his father. The clock struck twelve with quiet pings as he saw his old man sitting in the tearoom, gaze placed within their garden. Hikaru walked in, watching his feet to avoid disturbing the peace, and sat beside the tea table opposite.

“You have returned” his father said as he shifted his eyes to face his son.

“Yes, I have” Hikaru said as he directed his vision into the line of the intense stare his father bore upon him.

Hikaru felt pain. A sense of hurt wound its way through his emotions as he found himself studying his father. The wrinkles which the man bore upon his ever thinning face, the crease lines now more present, the aged stare full of fatigue, Hikaru looked upon his parent and felt a deep sorrow. This was the man who had raised him and his brother alone, all of these years. Who had cared for him and taught him the ways of life, the one who had been there throughout every trial and tournament, all with a strict discipline, that Hikaru now realised, had been his way of showing love.

With a deep breath, Hikaru batted his eyelids and steeled his emotions. He needed strength.

Seeing his son’s new demeanour, the old man lifted his cheeks and released a small smile.

“Go, have your rest, my son. Meet me in the dojo at dawn. We shall finish this”. He turned away, rested his eyes upon the tranquil greenery, and spoke no more.

Hikaru nodded. Then, he stood and bowed to his father. Silence followed as he left the room, returned to his bed, and laid himself down atop it. He held his covers tight as his eyes drifted away into the darkness, marking the final moments of precious youth.

Dawn broke over the hill. Birds cawed out, heralding the new day. Golden radiance shone as the sun ascended slowly above the world, shining into the dojo where two warriors knelt opposed to one another. Hikaru felt the beams rest upon him once more and took in a deep breath. His peace returned. Readying himself, Hikaru got up and bowed to his father - who had arisen, mirroring the boy with a bow of his own. The two warriors raised their shinai against each other. With a deep breath, Hikaru leapt forwards to strike, convicted in his belief to defeat his father and gain his freedom.

No regrets.

The old man deflected the descending strike and each successive blow which Hikaru levelled towards his father. This time, the boy continued advancing, each step marking his determination, each deflected strike reinforcing his resolve, hardening his heart.

No turning back.

Another strike bore down upon the old man. His shinai whipped forwards, shoving the descending blade sideways as he countered with a swift chop. Hikaru watched the blade descend as he deflected the blade in kind. He began to retreat as his father struck his shinai, but to no avail. Peace had filled the young man as he saw every strike fall his way and felt the blows fly away as he defended himself. Now, with every chain shattered, he saw the shaky hand come from his father for the final time.

Finish it.

A thwack echoed. The shinai’s swing flew true as Hikaru sliced down. Striking his father’s headguard. The opposing blade dangled upon the old man’s dropped arm, pointing towards the surface. It was over.

The son released his father from his blade. With a brief nod the two combatants walked a distance away from one another.

Hikaru stopped, emotionless. Emptiness was all that was within as he bowed for the final time. He had gained his freedom, and yet, there was nothing. Lifting his head, he saw his father standing beside the shrine, headguard by his side with a mellow look of peace placed upon his face.

“Come, my son. It is time to pay your respects to the ones who came before”.

Hikaru, obeyed. The son knelt by the shrine and knelt down in deep respect. Honouring his ancestors. He removed his headguard and turned to his father. The old man was knelt beside him, posture upright, looking wistfully towards the insignia scribed upon the plaque of stone in the centre of the shrine.

Izumi, it read.

Then, Hikaru saw it. A single droplet, trickling down his father’s weathered cheeks. The barrier broke. Hikaru gasped heavy breaths as he felt a barrage of emotions filling him within. Pain, regret, sorrow, uncertainty, guilt, pity, elation, joy, relief, excitement, regret - all jumbled inside as his eyes drowned in a wet flow.

He cried aloud. Tears rushing in an unending flood.

It’s over. It’s over. What is there now? I’m sorry, father. Forgive me for being selfish. I must go. My heart desires it. But I’m leaving everyone. I’m abandoning you and Tsuki. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Forgive me.

Hikaru raised his hand to wipe the tears, but they only continued to fall. His mind blanked as he found himself falling forwards, into a soft embrace. His eyes cleared to the face of his father, beaming a gentle expression.

“My son do not be ashamed of your tears. The journey you are starting will hold many perils. Uncertainties abound. The world outside is as cruel as it is harsh. The path you have won, will not be easy. But there is beauty amongst thorns. Kindness hidden in the depths. And when it all becomes too much. Remember this day, my child. Remember the struggles you have overcome, remember your resolve, and press on”. The old man raised his son upright as Hikaru adjusted himself, sniffling as he stood. The boy felt a deep sadness mixed with a bond of familial love as he listened to his father, this part of his father which he never knew existed.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“The tears you release in your times of desperation…” the old man stood and faced his son “…they are the sign of your experiences, telling you of your humanity”.

The aged man hugged his son once more with a deep embrace.

“I am proud of you, my son”. Releasing the embrace, the old man stumbled over to the door leading to the garden. Hikaru followed and held onto his father side for support, heart still a mess of emotions. He tried to open his mouth to say something, anything to show his gratitude, and yet nothing would come. It was as if any words he could ever say in this moment, would never be enough to show how much his father meant to him.

As they reached their home, his father’s back began to straighten as he regained his strength. Letting go of Hikaru, the old man gave his son a final nod, then walked away into the house. The man of few words he had always been.

After collecting his sparse belongings, which included his Kendo equipment, spare clothes, and general living objects. Hikaru stood at the entrance to his family home, where his brother and father waited to say their final farewells, eyes still red from the tears.

“Leaving so soon? I’d have thought you would finish your schooling first, my son” his father asked, rubbing his chin.

“Well, I guess my new employer has me covered for future training”. Hikaru replied, watching his words. Despite knowing their memories would be wiped should he reveal anything, he still did not know what side effects it would cause, knowing how fickle gods could be.

“If you say so, my son. I trust you have everything planned-” the old man laughed in response “-but if it does fail, do remember you can always return home and inherit the dojo”.

“Ah, thank you, father. I’ll keep that in mind”. Hikaru gulped at the thought.

Tsuki, who had been observing with patience, spoke “Do try and survive out there, I would much rather not have to receive a call regarding your death”.

Hikaru’s jaw dropped with a questioning stare at his brother, who winked in response.

“I shall see you soon, brother”. Tsuki smiled and stepped back, allowing his father his final words.

“Farewell, Hikaru. I wish you all the best”. Then, the old man turned and stepped back into his abode, with Tsuki accompanying behind.

Shutting the door, Hikaru exited the entranceway and stepped into the open road. Taking a deep breath, he paused for a moment and smiled. His lifelong goal had been achieved. He had defeated his father and gained his freedom, coming to terms with the emotions that lay inside him in the process. Now, it was time to start his new journey.

Producing the coin from the night before, Hikaru wondered how he was supposed to open the portal. After all, he had seen Guan Yu slide the coin down and the coin disappearing into thin air, with a portal opening beside him. There had to be some trick to it. Figuring that was the way to go, Hikaru held the coin between two fingers and slid it down in mid-air. Nothing happened. He tried again, this time forcing his mind to focus on Guan Yu and the room he had been in the previous night. Nothing happened. Frustrated, Hikaru began to repeatedly slide the coin down the air, each time from a different angle or a different thought running in his mind.

“Open sesame!” He called out as he attempted another futile try.

Is this supposed to be a test? Hikaru thought as he observed the coin once more, the large J still ever present. Realising he had exhausted all options, he slid the coin down once more with his mind fixed on the letter J. It disappeared from his grip as a portal to a white room materialised into existence. Hikaru leapt back in shock. Nodding his head side to side, he checked to see if there was anyone else who could see the portal. Noticing he was alone, he jumped through in a hurry, the portal disappearing behind.

Hikaru landed in a room full of white. Doors of different colours and shapes floated parallel on his sides, as they tunnelled him down to a table that laid at the end of this corridor of doors. This was not Guan Yu’s coffee shop, that much was evident. With an air of caution, Hikaru walked towards the table. Upon reaching the end, a clean shaven, groomed man in a black suit looked up from his desk of clean, stacked paperwork and greeted Hikaru.

“Hello there, always nice to see a new face around here. Welcome to J-Doors Express, may I have your name please?” A laptop materialised in front of the man as he placed his fingers atop the keyboard and waited for Hikaru to speak.

“What is this place?” Hikaru asked, body still tense with worry.

“This is the main registry office for the VIP branch of J-Doors Express. As you have used an VIP express coin and we have no records of yours within our system, you have been brought here for registration”. The man responded with a polite, slanted nod of his head.

“But, I was given this coin by Guan Yu. Why was I not teleported to his coffee shop?”.

“As I have said, your life signs are not within our registry. Therefore, we cannot allow you to use our doors and reach anywhere other than this registry office. Now sir-” the man said “-your name and registration fee please”.

“Registration fee?” Hikaru’s eyes widened upon hearing this.

“Why yes. Upon using the coin, you are now liable for the transportation fees and the initial registration fee. This totals to 1 Major LE which includes a year’s membership with the service”. The man continued, waiting with a cordial smile visible.

“What if I can’t pay?” Hikaru asked as his tension morphed into of worry. 1 Major LE sounded like a lot of money to someone who had no currency within this new, godlike realm.

The man’s eyes hardened. His air of politeness vanished as he stood up with a sneer.

“Then I’m afraid, I will have to remove you from these premises. As my lord’s champion, I cannot allow any trespassers on this sacred property. Your life will suffice as payment for your debt”. Hikaru began to back away as he saw the man leave his seat and motion his left hand to the side. A silver, twin bladed dagger took shape within his grip.

“Now, do stay still. This won’t hurt. Well, not too much I’d hope” he snarled as he began to approach. Hikaru dropped his belongings and turned to flee. Fear and anger coursed through him as he channelled his rage into what Guan Yu had landed him in. How had the old buffoon not realised the coin would bring him here? He was a god for crying out loud!

As Hikaru ran, he blinked and rushed straight into a blue door, which had risen from the ground in front of him. He fell back onto the white floor. The door pulled opened, and the well-dressed man loomed over.

“I told you to stay still, you brat” he spat with venom. He lifted his dagger and stabbed down.

Clangs of metal rang as the knife edge bounced off a spearhead, which jutted out from a door to Hikaru’s right. A red ribbon tied to its side.

“Jensen. What are you doing?” a calm but familiar voice spoke from the door.

Scrunching his nose, Jensen lifted his dagger and vanished it from existence with a flick of his wrist. He straightened himself and smiled.

“Apologies for that, Mr Zhao. I did not have him on the system therefore, I had thought he was an intruder who had stolen a coin”. He retreated into his door, closed it. Another door opened down the corridor, beside the desk and Jensen re-emerged. He sat down by his laptop and proceeded to tap his fingers on the table.

With a heavy breath, Hikaru watched as Zhao Yun’s black suited body popped out. Checking his tie, he walked over to Hikaru and helped the boy up. Hikaru tensed as he neared the man who had previously ordered his unceremonious knockout in the fields.

“Go through the door, Hikaru. Hes waiting for you” Zhao Yun said as he patted Hikaru down, eyes as blank as ever.

“Yeah, right” Hikaru responded. The day’s emotions were too much for him.

Then, the young warrior began to glide down the corridor with grace and speed that only showed how focused he was on work.

Looking through the door, Hikaru saw the familiar surroundings of the coffee shop and walked through like a decaying zombie. He stumbled over to the seat in which he had sat yesterday and plopped himself down, eyes rotating to the ceiling. Before he could get a moment’s rest, a loud voice rang from his side.

“Oh wow! Hikaru you’re back!” Seti had come into view and seated himself on a chair. He grimaced as he observed the returned Hikaru “you don’t look so good though”.

“I don’t?”

“Yeah, you look exhausted. Was your final moments with your family that draining?”

“Well, I did have to fight my dad for the last time. Then, I realised I would be leaving everything behind and I kind of lost it”. Hikaru turned and looked towards Seti’s concerned face as his mind raced through the day’s events. “Afterwards I used the coin that, Guan Yu, had given to me. And it led me to some psychopathic doorkeeper’s office”.

“Ah, yeah, Jensen is slightly bloodthirsty” Seti nodded as he listened.

“And now I’m here again. Ready to start my life as an intern to the god of war, whatever that means”.

“Well, if it’s any consolation. I can guarantee this job is very exciting…sometimes” Seti said, with a small grin.

“Wait sometimes?”

Steam evaporated from the back room as a red-faced Guan Yu in a green apron walked out.

“Ah, Hikaru! I trust you have made peace with you father now!” The pudgy man lumbered over to the table and dropped himself into a chair. It creaked in response.

“I suppose I have” Hikaru replied, shooting the old god a look of annoyance. “Why didn’t you tell me how to use the coin? That doorkeeper, Jensen, almost killed me!”

“Oh. Oh shit. The coin took you to the registry office didn’t it?” Guan Yu’s face turned a bright red. This time, Hikaru was sure it was from embarrassment.

“Yes. Yes it did”.

“Oh. I am terribly sorry for that. It’s been almost three hundred years since we made the switch to Janus’ door service. I had forgotten how the process works for new people” Guan Yu replied sheepishly.

An awkward silence descended between the two as Hikaru stared at his new employer with extreme irritation. This was ruined by a sudden giggling sound which came from Seti, who had been holding his palms over his lips in an attempt to mask the reaction. The two aggressors stared daggers towards their giggling foe, united with a common enemy. Seti stopped in an instant and jumped out of his seat.

“Uh, I’ll leave you two to it, eheh”. Sliding away, he left the room via the side door, leaving behind only Hikaru and Guan Yu to discuss their grievances.

“So, Hikaru. Do you have any further questions regarding what we do here? I suppose I do owe you an explanation” Guan Yu asked with a forced smile. Hikaru shook his head as he realised that for gods, forgetting details such as registering with an interdimensional door service, was just a minor error in the grand scheme of things, and such things were bound to happen in the future. It was easier to just accept it as an occupational hazard and move on.

“What will my daily work include? I assume we fight monsters right?”

“Yes! You do indeed fight monsters…on occasion” Guan Yu beamed with excitement.

“On occasion?”

“For the most part, you will be making coffee and learning the ins and out of how to brew that delicious liquid”.

“What? So, what is the point of having a champion if all you do is make coffee most of the time? Are you the god of coffee now?” Hikaru asked, incredulous at what he was hearing.

“Every god has a champion, Hikaru. Well, most of them anyway. And each champion has a retinue of retainers who work under him. It’s how things work in this world. The champion does his god’s bidding and hunts monsters when required. All to gain life essence”. The old god explained, seemingly proud of his wisdom.

“Life essence…Is that LE?”

“Yes, Hikaru. It is indeed LE. It is the currency that god’s use and exchange for services amongst each other. It is also the very essence we use to sustain our continued existence”.

“Oh”. Hikaru responded. Everything was starting to click.

“Indeed, my dear boy. I hope you are beginning to understand what it’s like to live in our world”. Guan Yu lifted himself from his seat, seemingly satisfied with his answers. “Now, I must return to brewing this coffee, there’s a client who has been eagerly awaiting their cup for a while now. Your room is through that door and down the corridor, do try and get some rest if you can”.

As he reached the backroom, the old god turned to Hikaru once more and said “Oh and one more thing. There is another intern arriving tomorrow. I’m sure you two will get along just fine!” Without another word, Guan Yu opened the door and left for his coffee.

I wonder how much quirkier that person will be Hikaru thought to himself as he sat alone in the empty room. Tiredness caught up to him once more and he decided that he would go and rest his sore and tormented body. Rising from the seat, he left by the side opening and entered into an open corridor, which lined adjacent to a traditional Chinese garden. Surrounded by an assortment of flowers and ornate pottery, Hikaru saw the blonde man from the battlefield with his shirt off. His abs glistened with sweat as he…

Why is he mining a rock with a pickaxe in the middle of the garden? Hikaru thought as he watched the man swing with a loud roar. Deciding it was best to leave him be, Hikaru strolled down to the end of the hallway to the pickaxe’s constant plinking sound and found his room. Opening the door, his new abode greeted him. It was a one to one replica of his small room from home, fit with the lone cupboard by the side and the long desk at the edge. Except, this time the bed was abnormally large. Fit for a king. Or Guan Yu.

Oh, I hope he doesn’t plan on sleeping here. Hikaru wiped the grim thought from his brain as he sat down on his bed. He did not even register his kendo equipment or the belongings he’d forgotten in the registry office of the J-Doors Express, lying there on the ground beside his desk. For the boy was far too exhausted to think at this point. He fell back into his new bed and allowed the messy, jumble of thoughts to guide him into slumber.

Huh, I guess this is my life now.

The full moon shone bright atop the lone garden. Elder Izumi sat in silence, relishing in the peace and calm of the night. His tea brewed a sweet smell. After a while, he poured the rich tea into his cup and drank, savouring its every sensation. He turned to a photo that sat atop a small table by his side. Feelings of nostalgia filled his old bones as he saw his younger self, in his kendo garments, smiling with his two old friends beside him. Even in the cracked black and white photo, the companion’s features were evident. There stood a fiery woman, her confident aura blazing out for all to see. A man stood on the other end, a serene but peaceful soul, whose smile calmed the sight of any who bared witness. Izumi took another long sip from his tea and spoke with a slow, purposeful voice.

“Ama. My clan have done all they can to raise my child. I place him in your hands now”.

Steps crept in from the side door as Tsuki entered. With a low bow he peered at his old man and nodded.

“Father, Master Tsukuyo is here to see you”. Then, the boy retreated.

The old Izumi’s face shaped into a tired grin. He watched as the tall but soothing figure stepped into the room and sat opposite him. Shakily, the old man began pouring tea into another cup.

“The moon is beautiful tonight, old friend”.