“Why would Akihiro be working for the Gaians? And teaching their commander to use ki no less,” Lin Liqin wondered aloud.
“People change. Just a few years ago we would have found the thought of Tsubame working for the Japanese laughable,” Lin Liqiu sighed. “It's been twelve years since we last saw him. None of us are who we were back then.”
“Well, we know one thing hasn't changed. He's still brave.” Lin Liqin smirked, “He must have a real pair on him. The Japanese don't tolerate traitors and I'd wager that Mori and Tsubame already know exactly who he is.”
The lively atmosphere that Captain Mori had ushered in turned tense once more with Captain Yang's arrival. It seemed Lin Liqin's guess was correct as Tsubame and a few of the Japanese advisors gave Akihiro openly hostile looks. Captain Mori on the other hand seemed unfazed by this development as he continued to chat up members of the Gaian delegation.
“Seems we may have to intervene if this night is going to be salvaged,” Lin Liqin observed. Lin Liqiu nodded in agreement before heading into the party, her brother not far behind.
Arriving at the front of the room, Lin Liqin placed a hand on his sisters shoulder, “I know you aren't fond of public speaking, but just do your best and it will all be fine. I'll take over when it's time.” He smiled to reassure her before stepping to the side.
Lin Liqiu grabbed a glass of wine and raised it high. “I propose a toast!” she shouted, her voice almost cracking as she did so. In the crowd, Tsubame stifled a laugh as Lin Liqiu continued, “This is the first time the Gaian and Japanese commanders have been in the same room and they haven't tried to kill each other, so cheers!” Everyone present awkwardly took a drink, only to watch as Lin Liqiu drained hers. Grabbing another glass and raising it high, she roared, “To peace!” Again, everyone watched her finish her drink in one go. “The hope of all those that call Duihaiguo home rests upon your shoulders,” surprisingly, aside from a mild flush the drinks seemed to have little effect as she continued her speech. “Now, I know that due to my age some here may question my skill and wonder if I truly have what it takes to ki forge.”
At that moment Lin Liqin stepped forward and summoned his zither. It had a crystalline quality to it and radiated a brilliant orange hue. All eyes were drawn to it as he laid it upon the table. “The amount of detail and precision that goes into making an instrument directly effects the quality of its sound,” unlike his sister Lin Liqin wasn't yelling, yet everyone present could hear him as if he were whispering in their ear.
DIN DEE DOO DAH DOO DAH DIN[1]
As the soothing melody filled the room the tensions that had been on the rise seemed to melt away. Only the two commanders seemed wholly unaffected by the tune. Their eyes met briefly, sharing a look of surprise before returning to Lin Liqin with looks of avarice.
“As you all heard for yourselves this is an instrument of impeccable quality, let it stand as a testament to my sister's skill,” having said his peace, Lin Liqin returned to playing. The lively upbeat tune soon infected the crowd, laughter and cheers echoing throughout the hall.
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Everything was prepared and the date of the ki forging was set. The somber air that had hung over the trade quarter these last few weeks had lifted and everyone felt like they could breathe easier. The next three days passed uneventfully, while the commanders attempted to curry favor with the Lin siblings to no avail. Finally the day was upon them.
Once again the important figures were gathered in the foyer of the grand forge. Captain Mori and Tsubame were there, as well as Captain Yang and a few of his advisors. Lin Liqin thought it was odd that Akihiro hadn't joined them, but on second thought he considered that if he felt any guilt about switching sides he may wish to avoid Captain Mori.
“So, you have agreed to spectate each other's item being forged? I don't have any issues with that, but if the forging fails because of the spectator's actions, deliberate or not, they will have to compensate the other party and myself for the loss.” The commanders nodded, acknowledging Lin Liqiu's new stipulation. “Very well, follow me. The rest of you can wait here until we're done.”
Outside the smithy, in the courtyard the troops from both camps were mingling, trading stories about life in the military, when they'd last been home, and what the culture in their respective empires was like. Atop the stonemason workshop the Gaians built a small watch tower with three guards on duty. They all started at the sound of the trap door opening.
“Master Aki, what are you doing here?”
“I was hoping to take in some of Duihaiguo's beautiful views while enjoying this very expensive bottle of wine,” explained Akihiro as he pulled out the bottle, “Would you care to join me?”
A young recruit warily stated, “We aren't supposed to drink while we're on duty.”
“Well I won't tell if you don't,” Akihiro winked. That seemed to be all the encouragement the other two guards needed. The recruit was a bit hesitant, but didn't hold out for long.
After a few drinks one of the guards asked through slurred speech, “What's the big deal with ki forging anyways? Is it really that special?”
“I heard Master Aki has a ki item. Can we see it?” asked the recruit.
The third guard slapped the back of the recruit's head, “Don't be rude. You're asking him to reveal one of his hidden...” but before he could finish he was interrupted by the pale blue glow coming from the shield Akihiro had just summoned.
“It's not that big of a deal, I don't mind,” Akihiro explained, “As for what makes ki items special, it'd be easier if I just showed you. Why don't the three of you attack me together.”
As the three drunk guards were steadying themselves and drawing their weapons the first guard asked, “Why a shield? How can you win a fight if you only defend?”
As the three swung their swords from different angles they all seemed to be drawn towards the shield. “You know what they say. The best defense is...” Akihiro paused to smirk at the flustered guards. After the blows struck the shield the surface began to ripple like water, before suddenly producing spikes that sprang forward, skewering the guards. “...a good offense,” he finished as their bodies fell to the ground.
Atop the watch tower was an unlit signal fire. Akihiro threw a pouch of powder in the brazier before lighting it with a nearby torch. The signal fire came alive and burned a dark crimson. The Gaian soldiers throughout the trade quarter looked at the fire in confusion while the Japanese soldiers readied their weapons. It was a one sided slaughter and the streets ran red with blood.
Author's Notes:
[1] Reminder: Words in all capital letters are denoting a sound. In this case the sound of the zither being played.