Emperor's Reckoning



Kyoko found herself sinking deeper out of consciousness. Her skin no longer felt the warmth from Lily's hand. Her nose no longer smells the fragrance from the room. She slowly drifted before all of her senses shut down. 

In the pits of darkness, she opened her eyes. She saw Lily smiling at her, seeming to await her, to guide her.

"Are you ready?" asked Seer Lily.

Kyoko nodded with a warm smile before a blinding light burst through from behind the seer. Her eyes were filled with bright white light before slowly the image in front of her got clearer. 

In a realm far beyond the boundaries of ordinary lands lies an enchanted forest, a place of ethereal beauty and mystery. The air is alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves, carried by a soft breeze that seems to carry whispers of ancient secrets. Sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting a mesmerizing dance of dappled light upon the forest floor.

The trees in this enchanted woodland stand tall and proud, their trunks adorned with moss and vines that glow with a faint luminescence, giving the forest an otherworldly glow. As you venture deeper into the heart of the forest, the trees become denser, forming a natural canopy overhead that shields the ground below in a tapestry of green hues.

The ground is blanketed with a soft carpet of emerald grass, interspersed with delicate wildflowers that bloom in vibrant shades of purple, blue, and pink. Hidden among the flora are enchanting creatures, butterflies with wings that shimmer like precious gems, and dragonflies that flit gracefully through the air.

As one explores further, one might come across enchanted ponds and clear streams that wind their way through the forest, their waters so pure and pristine that they seem to hold a glimmer of magic within. The gentle sounds of trickling water and the occasional splash of a playful creature create a soothing symphony that harmonizes with the serene atmosphere.

"Such a breathtaking place," Lily whispered, her eyes shining with wonder. "This forest holds an undeniable charm, and it's a testament to the magic that resides in every corner."

Kyoko glanced over before noticing Lily. As they wandered deeper into the forest, Lily marveled at the delicate wildflowers that bloomed in vibrant shades, their colors seemingly imbued with the very essence of magic. The soft sounds of trickling water and the playful chirping of woodland creatures contributed to the symphony of enchantment that enveloped them.

"Kyoko, your home is truly a treasure trove of beauty and mystery," Lily said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Yes, but where is this?" asked Kyoko. "I found no place in the Mortal World."

"Truly," said Lily. "As much as I wanted to pinpoint you, this scene is only possible from your memory, and as I read far into your thread of fate... there is a strong signal like this one, beyond the Sixth Heaven."

"Beyond the Sixth Heaven? You mean the Final Heaven, Paradise?" asked Kyoko.

Lily shook her head, "I'm not confident, but most likely, I'm feeling the same pulse from there."

Kyoko sighed, "I kinda have a feeling..."

"Though, it makes me wonder, how can you forget about your home in the first place?" asked Lily. "But please, I'm not forcing you to answer."

"It is fine," said Kyoko as she dipped her legs into the enchanted pond. "I can't remember much either, all seems so blurry."

"If you want, we can dig up that instead," said Lily. "Though, I can't guarantee it would be dreamlike, or a nightmare."

Kyoko contemplated as a name sprung up inside her mind. Simak, the name that haunted her and the others. He was the one responsible for capturing her, holding her captive inside that labyrinth that he created. Stuck there for countless years until one fateful day, Lyon freed them.

"As far as I can remember, I was captured by a man named Simak," said Kyoko. "I can't remember his face at all, but... he is quite powerful."

Kyoko glanced over to the side before her eyes widened. She saw a hand extended right in front of her face.

"If you want, I can pull that hazy memory."

Kyoko's lips gaped. She was not supposed to be able to feel anything, but this time, she was trembling. What kind of horror awaited her, buried inside her memories? She was yearning to know. Then, with brittle conviction, she nodded.

Burst of light snared her once more before she found herself in the darkness.

in the darkness, Kyoko felt an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear as a strange voice echoed all around her. Each voice carried its own emotion—anger, sorrow, and desperation—all weaving together in a haunting chorus. It was as if she had stepped into a realm of memories, and the remnants of past events swirled around her like ghostly apparitions.

"I will not...." one voice started, its words sounding distant yet resonant.

"...brother, now this..."

".... pay!"

Kyoko's heart raced as she tried to make sense of the fragmented phrases, but it was like trying to grasp smoke—elusive and intangible. She knew she had to find the source of these voices, and she called out, "Show your face! Simak!"

In the dimness, a distorted image materialized before her. Her eyes widened as she recognized the silhouette of a man shrouded in a hood, cradling her in his arms. She could feel the palpable emotions emanating from him—his pain, his regret, and his longing.

Tears streamed down his cheeks, glistening in the faint light. The sight struck Kyoko deeply, stirring a mix of emotions within her own heart. She felt an inexplicable connection to this man, a sense of familiarity that she couldn't quite place.

His voice carried a heavy burden of guilt, and Kyoko's heart ached for him. She reached out tentatively, wanting to comfort him, to understand his pain. But as she moved closer, the image wavered and began to fade, as if the memories themselves were slipping away.

"No, wait!" Kyoko pleaded, desperate to hold onto the fleeting vision. But it was too late—the darkness enveloped her once more, and the echoes of the voices grew distant, leaving her with a lingering sense of longing and unanswered questions.

When Kyoko finally emerged from the darkness, she found herself back in the chamber, the memory of the hooded man and his tears etched into her heart. She knew that whatever she had experienced was a glimpse into her past, a part of her history that was now resurfacing, urging her to seek the truth and unravel the mysteries of her own identity.

As she settled back into reality, she noticed Lily, the seer, offering her a napkin.

Confused by the gesture, Kyoko hesitated for a moment before accepting the napkin. She wiped away the stray tears that had escaped her eyes, surprised that she had been crying during the vision. She hadn't even noticed the tears until Lily pointed it out.

Lily wore a serene smile, her aura exuding a sense of calm and understanding. "Visions can be quite intense, especially when they touch upon deep emotions and memories," she explained gently. "It's a sign that your connection to the past is strong."

"No, it's just that, things just get more complicated than I thought," said Kyoko. 

"I see..." Lily nodded, "I apologize that it is as far as I can give you."

"It's more than enough, thank you," Kyoko nodded before standing up. As she approached the door Lily parted her wisdom.

"It is not the past that you should dwell, nor the future, but the present," said Lily.

Kyoko stepped out of the chamber, her presence radiating an air of intrigue that drew the attention of those nearby. The other students and onlookers couldn't help but glance in her direction, curious about the experience she had just undergone with the seer.

Whispers spread like a gentle breeze through the crowd, as they speculated about Kyoko's vision and what it might reveal about her. Some were intrigued by the notion of visions and their significance, while others were simply curious about the enigmatic aura that surrounded Kyoko.

As she made her way through the crowd, Kyoko could feel the curious gaze on her, but she remained composed, her expression a blend of introspection and serenity. She knew that her journey with the seer had stirred something within her, and she couldn't help but wonder about the depths of her past and the significance of her homeland, the enchanted forest.

"Overseer, what did you see? Was it a powerful vision?" Ryona asked, his voice brimming with curiosity.

Lyon frowned as he caught the tear stain albeit it was little.

"Things just getting more complicated, Ryona," said Kyoko.

"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Ryona.

"Simak might just be, not as a bad guy as we thought," said Kyoko.

Lyon raised his brows and Ryona was in disbelief.

"What do you mean, overseer?" Ryona asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "How could someone who captured you not be a bad guy? It doesn't make sense."

Kyoko sighed softly, trying to find the right words to explain her feelings. "I know it's hard to believe, Ryona, but there was something about him. I could feel his emotions, his pain. It was as if he was burdened by something heavy, and it was reflected in his tears."

"But... but he's the one who took you away, right? How can he not be a bad guy if he did that?" Ryona pressed, her mind grappling with conflicting emotions.

Kyoko nodded, understanding Ryona's concerns. "Yes, he did take me away, but sometimes things aren't as simple as they seem."

"Master Lyon... you can come now..." a melodic voice broke the intensity of the conversation.

"Go saviour," said Kyoko. "I hope you find the answer that you want to seek as well."

Lyon nodded before he headed toward the chamber under the curious gazes.