Masayori jumped awake like someone had pressed cold iron to his stomach. He looked around his small, dark bedroom with surprise.
"Who's there?" He asked. He'd been so sure he'd heard a voice while sleeping, the fact he didn't see anyone sent him reeling. "Who said that?"
No one answered. What little moonlight infiltrated his blinds showed him nothing but poster-riddled walls and a box with his latest garage-sale haul.
He put his head down, realizing it must have been a dream. Nobody was in his room.
Masayori
"I heard that!" He shouted. "I know someone's in here!" Panicking, he ran to the box from his garage sale and pulled out what had seemed to be an old samurai katana. He waved it. "Who's here! Come out and show yourself!"
I'm in your hands, you idiot!
Masayori froze. He slowly looked at the sword, wavering slightly in the darkness. "What?"
It's the sword! The sword is talking to you!
Masayori quickly plunged the sword back into its sheath and dropped it, backing away. "I'm going mad."
No you aren't! Came the muffled reply. Now pick me back up!
"No!" Masayori shouted at the sword. He wondered how he must look. A man nearly in his thirties yelling at an inanimate object because it had just demanded he pick it up.
What do you mean 'No'? I tell you to pick me up!
Masayori backed away, bumping into his bed with the back of his legs. "Why should I? I must still be dreaming . . ." He muttered.
You . . . you aren't doing what I ask! The sword was silent. Let me explain myself.
"Said the sword," Masayori interjected.
Silence! I am Takeshi. I was cast in a hidden, forbidden way and gained the power to communicate with those from the Empire. And, until now at least, when I told someone to do something, they would do it! And yet, somehow, you can resist me!
"The Empire?" Masayori asked. "You mean Japan?"
The Japanese Empire, yes!
"First off, Japan isn't an empire anymore, it's a constitutional monarchy." Masayori sat on the edge of his bed. "Second, you aren't in Japan. You're in the United States. A place where objects don't just up and start talking!"
But your name is Masayori, isn't it? It doesn't matter where you are, I should have control!
"My name is Masayori Olson," he responded. "My mother is a Sansei. My father is from Oklahoma."
A half-breed?!
"Don't call me that!" Masayori yelled at the sword.
But you can still hear me . . . The sword -- Takeshi -- seemed to ponder this. Masayori waited in the dark room. So you can hear me, but I cannot control you as I have done before.
"You've done this before?"
I have been for hundreds of years! Takeshi cried. I have bent rulers to my will!
Masayori stared at the item. "Why?"
I- The sword paused. What do you mean?
"Why would a sword want to control people? I mean . . . you don't really have urges, do you?"
Well . . . not in the same manner . . . there are a number of things I don't understand myself, to be frank. But! I have a form of future-sight. A by-product of the bonding process, I suspect. I knew that the empire should not have joined with Hitler's Germany in World War II!
"Even swords have hindsight, I suppose."
Mock if you wish! Takeshi said. Tokyo is in danger even as we speak!
"What?!" Masayori stood. "Why didn't you say that in the first place?"
I was going to, but you had to have a big problem with the talking sword! Do you think I woke you up just to have a pleasant chat and get to know one another? Do you think I subtly urged you to buy me yesterday for a change of scenery?
The air was heavy for a few moments. So I urged you to buy me! So what? This will be exciting. Takeshi fell silent. Anyway, I'll need you to go to Japan tomorrow.
"What?!" Masayori laughed. "I can't do that! I have work! Find someone else to do it!"
There isn't any time for that! The sword said. Even now, Tokyo is in danger! Many lives could be lost!
"How? How could many lives be lost?" Masayori asked. "Can your 'future-sight' see that?"
I . . . well . . . you see . . . the thing is-
"You can't, can you?"
Let's see you predict the future and have it turn out clear, then!
"Predict one thing."
Fine! I can do that. The sword was silent for a minute. Ah, here we are. Tomorrow at eleven nineteen, Erin DuBois will ask you to help with the monthly earning report for March.
"What? Dammit Erin, can't you do anything on your own?" Masayori looked at the ceiling.
And what will you do if I'm correct? Takeshi asked. Will you go to Japan?
"Japan?" Masayori went to the sword and picked it up, pulling it out of its sheath. "I suppose it's been a while since I've had a vacation. And it would be nice to see Japan."
It's very nice this time of year. I would know, was the clear reply.
"Am I going to be in any danger? How long will it take?"
Danger? No, I don't think so. It won't take very long. I suspect you'll most likely be telling the right people a little information that stops the danger or lessens it. Maybe.
"You are really putting out a lot of surety."
I can't read things that far out! Takeshi complained. I'm a freaking sword, fer Pete's sake! Do we have a deal? If I'm right, you go to Japan for . . . two weeks.
"Two weeks! That'd use up almost all my vacation time!"
Oh, planning a trip to Disneyland anytime soon with the WIFE AND KIDS?!
"I'm a very busy man," Masayori said. "And that's dirty."
I'm a sword. I don't play nice.
"Fine." Masayori said, replacing the sword.
And don't put me back in the box! Takeshi said, muffled once more. Put me on a shelf or something. I don't want to be crammed next to a signed poster of Joe Satriani all night long.
"That poster could be worth a lot of money."
I'm a talking sword!
"Fine, fine," Masayori said. He placed the sheathed sword on a bookcase. "I'm going to bed now."
Remember our deal!
"Like I'm going to forget this!"
Five days, a completed March monthly earning report, and a smug sword's triumphant cry later, Masayori found himself packing for a trip to Japan. "I won't be able to bring you with me into the plane," he was telling the sword. "You'll have to stay with the checked baggage."
Why is that? Takeshi said from its perch on the bookcase.
"You're a weapon. As far as I can tell, you're a real sword. You have a sharp edge and could be used to hijack the plane, so I can't bring you with me."
And I will be where instead?
"With my other luggage." Masayori glared into his top dresser drawer. "I wish I had the time to do laundry. I guess you'll have to be in the cargo hold with a few pairs of smelly socks."
I don't have a nose.
"You don't have ears either, but you can still hear me."
It's more of a mental thing. You're saying it, but you're also thinking it.
"You can read my thoughts?!"
Eh, no, not really. Thoughts that you mean to say.
"That . . . seems just the same as hearing what I say." Masayori rolled his eyes and continued packing. "Do you have any idea what I'll need to do once we get to Tokyo?"
The future has become slightly clearer, Takeshi said. Before, I wasn't even sure what kind of danger the city was in -- it could have been plummeting rice stocks for all I could tell -- but now I know that there is someone plotting to do real danger.
"You mean like a terrorist attack?"
No . . . not anything so dramatic. What the person or people plan to do is still hazy. We should have gone sooner; we would have a lot more time to figure out what needs to be done!
"I've told you a thousand times, I couldn't get out of work."
Regardless. I don't even know if a specific section of the city will be in danger, or if it's of a more general threat.
"Can you predict the exchange rate when I'm there?"
Just assume a yen is one cent and you'll be fine. It's strange; I used to be able to predict things much farther out than I am now. Perhaps I am finally getting old, or my power is fading. How sad.
"Yeah, soon you might be a magical talking sword that can't tell the future. You'll be worthless."
Don't joke about such things! Takeshi was silent for a few minutes as Masayori packed. Have you never been to Japan?
"No, never."
Why not?
"Never had the reason, I suppose. I have a little bit of family over there, but none of them live in Tokyo. This is my home; I've lived in the U.S. all my life. I suppose I'm a little excited to go, even if I have to save a city."
We all have our burdens.
"You don't. And don't say 'I'm a sword,' you can't use that excuse for everything!"
It's not my fault!
Masayori zipped shut his suitcase. "Whatever. A week of arguing with you gets old pretty fast. I have tickets for tomorrow at eight so I'm going to sleep now."
So early?
"It takes longer to get through security. I have to get to the airport by seven and it's a long drive. Good night sword." Masayori got into bed and turned out the lights.
Refer to me by my name! Takeshi shouted. Masayori didn't respond.
"Any idea what to do next?" Masayori whispered. He stood crammed into a bus as it dawdled down the road from the Narita airport in Tokyo to the hotel Masayori had found.
Not anything very concrete, Takeshi responded, sheathed and hidden away in the suitcase at Masayori's feet. The words, even though they were spoken directly into Masayori's brain, sounded muffled and far away. You might as well see the sights. But keep me with you at all times! I don't know when I will know more about the danger but it's bound to happen.
Masayori grimaced. "I can't take a sword into a museum!" He whispered softly, under the general murmur of the other passengers and the bus' rumble.
Don't worry, I can get people from the Empire to do my bidding, remember? If anybody tries to stop you, I'll just convince them to let you walk past. I'd still keep me out of sight, but you should be safe for the most part.
"Sounds kind of like a Jedi mind trick."
I'm sure I'd agree if I knew what that was.
"It's . . . I'll tell you later. I'm not entirely sure I support this."
Saving the city, remember?
"Yeah, yeah."
They stood in the jostling bus for a few minutes. So how do you like Tokyo so far?
"It's interesting being one of the taller people on public transport. Usually I'm dwarfed by most people, but here I'm a little taller thanks to my dad's genes."
How do your pants make you taller?
"What? No, I mean genetics." Masayori noticed someone looking at him oddly, and lowered his voice, embarrassed. "We'll talk later."
I can talk as much as I want. The sword paused. Or, I could just have everyone ignore us? Unless there are people here who are half-breeds like you. Masayori grimaced as the sword continued. I recommend seeing the Imperial palace. It offers tours of the grounds -- they're very beautiful. I wonder if it's inhabited now, even after the Empire has gone away. Masayori bounced with the bus. It's been so much time since I was here. I came to the United States before nineteen-hundred thanks to an American thief. I managed to end up on a collector's wall for the last forty years after a little bit of quick thinking on my part, but I never had the reason to return to Japan.
Masayori frowned, and wondered if perhaps the sword had thought about warning people about any of the many things occurring in the period since being hung up.
I realized the Empire was in danger some time ago, and convinced the art collector's wife -- he was deceased ten years past, and a shame too -- to dump me in a box of knick knacks for her garage sale. She could have gotten millions of dollars for me, but I knew I had to act fast. And I couldn't have brought her here, she was old and feeble . . . and I admit I wouldn't want to much harm to come to her. I'm an old softy at my core I suppose. A little bit of sword humor for you.
Masayori rolled his eyes.
I had just about given up hope for someone to pick me up. Most people weren't interested in an authentic Japanese katana, even if I couldn't command them! Luckily you wandered in. I began yelling at you to purchase me at once, but you seemed not to hear. I thought I had gone mad. You were looking around like you'd heard a familiar voice, though, and I decided to try again. You eventually found me and bought me for the rather insulting sum the widow offered, and now here we are. Speaking of which, where are we?
"In the hotel. You talked the whole way through the check-in." Masayori stretched and laid out on the small bed. "Everything here is so cramped. I feel like I'm being boxed in." He yawned so wide his jaw popped. "I have to sleep. I have no idea what time it would be in the states but I feel like it's the middle of the night."
If you must. But you wake up we will see the city! I demand it!
The sword realized it was shouting at a still body.
After Tokugawa moved, he renamed the Edo Castle the Tokei Castle -- Tokei was what Tokyo was called back then -- And then later the Imperial Castle Takeshi pronounced it in its original Japanese. Fires were a danger back then as now, and in 1873 the Nishinomaru Palace was consumed. A new "Palace Castle" was built in its place.
"I'm reading it," Masayori whispered. "You don't have to tell me the whole history."
He stood in front of a large picture spread inside the Tokyo National Museum the next day after a long time spent asleep. Takeshi, sheathed, was inside a museum gift bag with a few other items. The sword had, in its own special way, convinced the security guards, museum gift shop worker, and other guests there was nothing wrong with bringing a sharp sword into a museum. Masayori had entered unhindered, and now the sword was telling him history about Japan, Tokyo, and the Imperial Palace.
There's only so much I can do while you're walking around. I like history, all right? Can't I just say it?
"Fine," Masayori said. "But I might not listen. How much space do the palace grounds take up?"
Three point four square kilometers! It's valued to be worth almost as much as the entire state of California, at least it was a few decades ago. The sword paused, expecting a response. Masayori was inspecting a glass case holding period clothing. Do you want to hear about the Tokugawa period?
"Not now," Masayori responded. "This is really interesting."
Kimonos? Why would you be so interested in those?
"They look cool."
Do you think a Japanese man will go to America and spend time studying clothing from two hundred years ago.
"He might!"
Neither the human nor the sword realized a young woman was watching them with interest and confusion. Wearing a museum uniform and her hair tied back, she approached Masayori. "Anata wa, misutā o ikutsu ka no tasuke ga hitsuyōdesu ka?"
Masayori whirled around, gift bag swinging wide, shocked. "I-I'm sorry? I don't speak Japanese."
Don't worry. I'll make her leave us alone.
"Wait-"
Kare, heiwa no uchi ni misu o watashitachi ni nokoshimasu! The sword blared. The woman blinked and looked confused, but didn't move. That's odd. Doko ka ni itte!
The woman looked around, surprised. She isn't doing what I say!
Masayori panicked. "Miss, are you all right?"
The woman focused on him again. "English? Yes, thank you, I'm fine. A momentary lapse in concentration."
Curses! Another half-breed!
"Are you in need of assistance?" The woman asked, smiling.
"Oh, no, uh, no thank you. Just talking to myself. I . . . It's something I do sometimes when I'm reading."
"All right sir, that's no problem. I ask to check your bag, for security purposes."
Masayori froze. Don't worry, don't worry, I'll do something!
The woman took the bag from Masayori's shaking hand and opened it. She immediately frowned and took out the sword. She stood looking at it for a long time; Masayori assumed Takeshi was talking to her. He wished he could back away.
Okay, okay, it's working. She's a tougher nut to crack than you are, Olson. Okay . . . quick, call her Noriko-san and ask her where to find a restroom!
"N-Noriko-san!" The woman looked up, surprised. "I-I would like to use the restroom. Could you direct me to one?"
"I . . ." Noriko crinkled her brow, eyes drifting around the room. "Yes . . . yes. Please, this way." She handed his bag back and led him to a restroom with the traditional, international, oh-so-welcoming stick figure man.
Inside a stall in the empty room, Takeshi explained what had happened. I was able to keep her from realizing she had a weapon in her hand, but she was getting past it. That's why you had to step in. Your intervention kept her from focusing on what was in her hands and got her thinking about something else.
"I kind of had to use the bathroom anyway," Masayori said, buckling his belt. "Now what?"
Now we leave the museum and hope she decided not to tell anyone about the strange meeting she just had with the American tourist. Go on and get out of here, and be quiet about it. No more talking to me.
"Easy enough," Masayori muttered as he left the restroom. The very first thing he saw was the woman Noriko speaking with a man dressed in a blue security guard uniform, pointing so her finger would have jabbed Masayori directly in the sternum.
Go! Takeshi said. Not that fast. Yes, slower. You're a tourist learning more about this ancient and beautiful country, not a man with a sharp sword in his -- oh dear.
The security guard had caught up to Masayori and laid a hand on his arm, saying something in Japanese. Don't worry, I can handle this. Anata wa kare o kinisuru hitsuyō wa arimasen.
The security guard nodded and turned around without a second glance. Thank goodness. Finally someone who isn't a half-breed.
"Sir! I demand you stop at once!" Shouted Noriko from behind Masayori, making him stiffen.
Curses!
Masayori turned slowly. The woman, nearly half a foot shorter than him, stomped up. "Your bag!"
She's too focused! I can't stop her!
Masayori reached into the bag slowly. "Noriko-san, meet Takeshi." He pulled the sword out of the bag. The woman's eyes sprang open, then narrowed quizzically.
Good day.
Noriko looked around, surprised. "It's the sword," Masayori said. "It can talk."
It's more like a mental projection that- Nevermind. Yes, I can talk.
The woman had a slack mouth as she stared at the sword. Masayori, please put me back in the bag. I don't want anyone else seeing me. Oshiro Noriko, I am Takeshi, a sword made through a strange and unknown process that has granted me the ability to speak and tell the future in a limited fashion. I can also command those fully Japanese in descent, but those with only half ancestry -- such as yourself or Masayori here -- can hear me but can't be controlled by me. My future-sight tells me Tokyo is in danger, but I don't know how yet. Masayori is here to help me find out how, and stop it.
Noriko was gnawing on her bottom lip, looking from the bag to Masayori. We mean no harm, truly.
"You can't speak Japanese?" She asked Masayori. He shook his head. "You're from America?"
"That's right. I'm sorry if we worried you."
"I- . . . This is very confusing."
"I know. Believe me, I had a much ruder awakening. I was fully asleep, and then suddenly there was a sword yelling at me," Masayori said. "I guess we can keep looking around the museum now, huh?"
No! The sword suddenly shouted. I'm getting more information! The . . . no, hold on.
Masayori stood with Noriko, both feeling the silence quite closely. Yes! The danger will occur at the Imperial Palace!
"You're certain?!" Masayori asked. Noriko had gasped.
Absolutely! There is . . . a man!
"Really breaking bounds in prognostication here."
You try it then!
"You have to tell someone!" Noriko said. "There's a security station on the ground level, they'll be able to contact the police."
Don't do that! Takeshi shouted. They'll just take Masayori in for questioning and confiscate me, at the very least. In fact, we'd be lucky if he wasn't jailed.
"Of course!" Masayori said. "Can't this be easy?"
Don't whine, this is what you came here for! The sword paused. Miss Oshiro, are you able to accompany us? I think that will make things easier.
"I work until six o'clock," she said.
All right then. Masayori, quickly, to the Imperial Palace!
"Uh, goodbye," Masayori said, before turning and heading for the door. "I wish I could spend more time here!" He shouted over his shoulder.
"Good luck," Noriko said, waving, still mostly confused.
You find her attractive?
"How'd you know?"
I've been around humans a long time!
"Sure I did. She was quite pretty."
Yes. Too bad you'll never see her again! The sword said, and Masayori frowned. It shouldn't be very difficult to get to the Palace from here, but you may have to get directions. A great many things have changed since I was last here. For one thing, all the people! Gracious me. Take a left here, and then a right up ahead.
"Do you have any greater idea what the danger will be?" Masayori asked a few minutes later, surrounded by the heavy foot-traffic, even in the middle of the day, in Japan's capital. "Other than there's a man?"
It could have been a woman! No, nothing else. But the danger is certainly in the Palace. I hope it isn't an attempt on the Emperor's life. If that's the case, you're going to have a difficult time getting near him.
"Couldn't you just convince the Emperor to do something different?" The sword didn't respond. Masayori shook the bag. "Hey."
I suppose I should tell you. I . . . can't control members of the imperial family. My memory is a bit cloudy, but I believe they can hear me like you do.
"Do you know why?"
Not at all. Despite my obvious uses, I never really spent much time around the Emperor. Last time I was near him or someone related to him was a good . . . my my, two hundreds years!
"How did you find out?"
I was held by a samurai during a speech the emperor gave. I thought it would be a good laugh if the Emperor's daughter, also present, started running around in the crowd. I sent the suggestion out to her, like I had a hundred thousand times before and . . . nothing! I tried the Emperor next, with the same result. I thought I had lost my power, but I quickly realized that wasn't the case; I got the samurai with me to dance and start shouting. Caused quite a lot of trouble for him if I remember correctly!
"That doesn't seem very nice."
No, but it was quite funny! Stay on this road for a while. He was a mean brute anyway; I only kept with him as long as he did because he wandered around. He let me see quite a lot.
The sword chatted about its history as Masayori hiked across Tokyo toward the Imperial Palace. He heard about numerous battles, samurai great and small, the serenity of a quiet mountainside in the nineteenth century compared to the overbearing volume of a city, even before coming to the states. An hour passed; it was late afternoon by the time Masayori caught sight of the palace's green and expansive grounds. Try to find a guided tour. I need to see everything. Hopefully I'll see more information as we're inside.
"I don't think they give tours this late," Masayori said, reading a sign with the stated information.
I'll be able to convince somebody to show us around. Go on, talk to that man there. Masayori looked around and spotted a man lingering by a desk. He was dressed comfortably, but in official clothes. To Masayori he seemed like the quintessential tour guide.
The man saw him approach. "Kon'nichiwa, yōkoso!"
"I'm sorry, I don't speak Japanese," Masayori said.
After a brief moment of confusion the man smiled again. "All right! I know English!"
"W-what time do the tours run?"
"Apologies, tours must be reserved in advance."
My time to shine! Takeshi said a long string of Japanese to the man, whose eyes glossed over as he listened. He continued staring off after the sword had finished.
"Sir?" Masayori asked. The man turned his head slowly to look at him. "The tour?"
"Yes! Of course! Please, follow me!"
I also convinced him to do the tour in English. The Imperial family doesn't leave the center buildings and the tour is only for the grounds, so as long as we don't run into any half-breeds we'll be safe.
"I wish you would stop calling us that," Masayori said as the guide lead him into the first area.
And I wish I could figure out what the danger is so I can relax! I hope you have your walking shoes on; this is a long tour.
Masayori, with Takeshi still hidden away in the bag, followed the man through the grand gardens and park areas of the Palace grounds, talking about when one Emperor or another had ruled, or a Shogunate had taken command, and more and more dates and names, and eventually Masayori got lost in the history.
"Anything?" He whispered to the sword as the tour guide talked about one of the palace's destructive fires.
Nothing more. I've had to turn a lot of my attention toward keeping the guards about uninterested in us. I'm sure they would escort us out in a moment if they caught sight of us and I wasn't paying attention.
"Well, get a move on," Masayori said. "This tour won't last forever."
I keep telling you, it isn't that simple!
"-sent to the U.S. in 1912 to symbolize a growing friendship after the earlier gift of two thousand was destroyed by disease," the tour guide said, looking at a grove of budding cherry blossoms. "They were planted in New York City and Washington D.C. These, as well as a number of other cities in the U.S., celebrate Sakura Matsuri annually-"
I think I'm getting something. It's not very much, though, Takeshi said as Masayori listened to the tour guide. There's a man, and he has something, and that something is the danger. I don't think it's a weapon -- it's very hard to tell right now -- but without the item there isn't any danger.
"So if we can get the weapon first, there's no danger?"
Yes, that might work. Or we could find the person and I could convince him not to do whatever it is he's planning.
"He's Japanese?"
What did you expect, Puerto Rican? It's hazy, but he's certainly Japanese. We're in Japan, and he's inside a building at the Imperial Palace. This isn't rocket science.
"Do we need to get inside a building?" Masayori asked, trying to keep his voice lower than the tour guide, who seemed to believe he was leading a larger group of people, and was shouting quite loudly. "I'd rather we didn't. I don't want to get arrested."
I won't let you get arrested.
"Look at how much that fills me with confidence."
I'm getting something. A time frame! It's going to happen tonight! Masayori frowned. It just became clear as day. It is absolutely happening tonight. We have to stop it!
"But-"
"Excuse me sir," a voice behind them said. "What is your function here?"
He snuck up on us! Give me a moment! Takeshi said quickly as Masayori turned. He found a young man, dressed in a uniform of some kind, eyeing him carefully. The tour guide, suddenly snapped out of his spell, said something in Japanese.
"Sir, please tell me why you are here," the man asked. He had none of the politeness Masayori had experienced in the city before. He had a job to do, and he was going to get it done. At once he nodded, turned around sharply, and walked away.
It's okay, I got him away. We need to figure out what our next step should be. Let me think for a minute.
Masayori followed the now re-spellbound tour guide through the grounds and across a wide paved square. It was getting darker, and the tour guide seemed to have no intention of stopping, despite the waning light. Masayori saw no one else on the grounds, and they weren't stopped as the two of them wandered, seemingly at random, through the cultivated area.
Okay, hear this: we hide from the tour guide in a secluded area and wait until sundown, then sneak out and try to find the person that I see. It'll be simple; I'll just have to convince people to forget about us.
"Seems like it would work," Masayori said. "Actually . . . what if we-"
He awoke gingerly, blinking his eyes open slowly and recoiling from even the low light peeking through his lids. Masayori rubbed his face and gently touched the pulsing bump on his head. He heard someone talking near him, and slowly he realized the voice was shouting. He didn't think much time had passed, but something had clearly given him a nasty knock on the head.
Masayori! Masayori! Ghyrt unf taladama away noic pleaz!
"Whaaaaaat?" Masayori let the word leak out of his mouth slowly. His lips felt thick, and when he tried to feel them he missed.
Masayori, wake up! He recognized Takeshi's voice. You need to get me away from here!
"Uh?"
Masayori!
Lying on the ground, he looked around, and found a person crouched over him and fiddling with his bag. The person reached in and immediately pulled out Takeshi. Masayori!
Limply, uncontrolled, Masayori struck his hand out and batted the sword away, urged on by its screams. The person shouted and jumped back. He reached for something on his hip.
MASAYORI OLSON GET UP
He rose to his feet, swaying and dizzy.
GRAB ME
He took Takeshi, still sheathed, in his hands.
RUN
The next thing Masayori knew he was sitting against a cool stone wall, watching long shadows grow longer still. His head, and a lot of his body, ached badly. He was shivering. The sword was talking to him but it rang foul in his head. He put his hands over his eyes and sobbed, suddenly feeling very alone.
Masayori! Masayori! Wake up! Masayori, you have a concussion, you have to wake up or you could be in danger! Masayori! Bah!
MASAYORI OLSON WAKE UP
He opened his eyes suddenly, sparks and bolts of lightning crossed his vision. They died away, and he found the world around him dark. His body was stiff. He felt the bump on his head. It was still there but not as painful.
Masayori, talk to me.
"Where am I?" He whispered, though the words sounded loud.
Still in the Palace Grounds. It's been a few hours since you fell asleep.
"What happened? I don't . . . "
The man from before, the one that I made go away, he came back and hit you. He was searching for me! I don't know how he knew to find me, but he did. The sword spoke softly. He must have been part of the Imperial family. I couldn't get him to do anything.
"You got me to do things."
Yes. I had to give it my all. It wasn't even the same kind of direct control I have over others, but it worked. He would have shot you. Masayori, listen to me. The man is out to get me and if he sees you he'll kill you. I'm the object I see in the future! In the future, the man is holding me!
Masayori leaned against the wall and said nothing. We have to get you help, you're hurt. I might be able to find a way for you to leave but you'll have to be careful. If you're seen we'll be in danger.
"Okay," Masayori said, not moving.
You need to get up.
"Okay." Masayori braced himself and rose slowly; his stomach roiled. "Ugh." He stood leaning against the wall for a minute, bump throbbing. "I'm okay. I'm okay."
You are not!
"Stop shouting."
He walked forward a few steps, holding the sword in one hand and placing the other against the wall, vision swimming. Go forward until you get to a path, and then go left. After that you should get to a gate. My memory is hazy about the grounds but I think I know where you are. The sword was silent as Masayori walked. Yes, I know how to get you out. Don't worry, you're going to be all right.
Masayori hit the path and turned, finding a break in the wall. He hobbled toward it, gaining a little strength. Wait. He stopped. He heard voices coming toward him, and picked up the swing of flashlight beams along the ground. Hide. They might not be looking for you but we can't have them find you in the grounds. The bushes.
Masayori squatted behind a group of tall bushes and tried to breathe evenly. The people passed, talking to each other in Japanese. They're looking for you. The man that attacked you must have tipped off security. The security passed so Masayori moved on, going back to the path and walking down it, moving as fast as he could. Don't worry, we'll be out soon. He could see the break in the wall, and some semblance of freedom beyond. There was an empty paved bridge lined with lamps, and he struggled forward.
More guards, Takeshi said. It looks like they're watching the exit.
"So what do we do?"
There are some underground passages but I doubt we could reach them. There are also other exits we could try to reach but there's no doubt they're also being watched.
"So?"
So, I don't know.
"Can't you just order them to ignore us?"
I . . . I tried. I've hit some sort of exhaustion point, after trying to get the Imperial family member to obey me, and then force you to run. I need to rest. I know it doesn't make sense but it's the truth. I wouldn't lie to you now.
"Great," Masayori said, placing a hand to his forehead. "Can't I just stay hidden?"
If you fall asleep again I won't be able to wake you up, and it could be dangerous. The faster we get you to a hospital, the better. The sword paused. I remember something. See that wall to your right? A distance away.
"Yeah."
Go there, and quickly. Masayori scampered across the dark lawn. Okay, now let's see . . . yottsu, yottsu, mittsu muttsu, chi iwa, hitotsu go . . . Walk in a bit. Masayori followed the path of the wall as Takeshi muttered to itself. It's an old rhyme. Stop. Masayori halted, crouched in the wall's shadow. Press in that square stone that's about a third of the way up. Masayori pressed it, and felt it slide back. Near his feet, a square section of the ground clicked and rose slightly. Grab the edge, it's a trapdoor.
Under the false grass was a dark tunnel and an old wooden ladder down. He could barely see the bottom, about twenty feet down. This will let us out on the street.
"How did you know about this?" Masayori asked as he started climbing down. He closed the trapdoor, hearing it click shut and plunging himself into full darkness.
Not everybody knew I could hear them. They'd talk about things they might not have wanted others to hear with me close. This was one of them. Can you see?
"No." Masayori waved a hand in front of him, searching for a door or wall. "Not a thing."
I don't know if this tunnel intersects with any others or goes in more than one direction, and it clearly isn't maintained. Be careful.
"This is the fastest I can go," Masayori said, finding a dirt-and-stone wall and running his hand along it as he walked. "Any faster and I'd get dizzy."
We need to get you help. You're no fun with a concussion.
"What a surprise." He walked through the tunnel slowly, using his other hand to make sure the low ceiling didn't brush his head.
This is all my fault. The sword said after some time. I can't believe it. Masayori said nothing, concentrating on walking straight. I can see it clearer now . . . I'm the danger. The only reason I saw the danger in the future is because the person that attacked you wanted me to see it! If I had ignored it, the danger would have gone away. Masayori could have sworn he heard it sigh. I'm sorry Masayori, it's my fault you're in this mess, and it's my responsibility to get you out of it. I'll do everything I can.
"I think I see light," Masayori said. "Do you see light?"
I don't have eyes.
"But-" Masayori let it go. "There's light ahead, I'm sure of it." He continued, glad to see an improvement in his surroundings. After a minute he saw the end of the tunnel, a shaded wall with electric light behind it. "It looks like it led me into the castle."
We don't want to go into the castle, Takeshi said. We might have missed a turn. You should go back.
"The man that attacked us wouldn't expect us to go into the castle," Masayori said. "We might be safe in here."
But we wouldn't be out of danger. We need to get off the grounds. Masayori!
Masayori reached out, dazed, and touched the thin wall. It had a papery feel, and he assumed it was a traditional Japanese wall. On the inner section of the tunnel was a lever, and he switched it. No! The wall swiveled open, and Masayori walked into an empty room. The wall closed behind him, and if he hadn't known which one it was he would have never suspected a hidden passage. All right, we're inside. That's fine. That's fine! Keep out of sight and try not to make any noise. Hopefully we won't run into anyone from the Imperial family.
"Okay," Masayori said. "Know how to get out of here?"
No! I said not to go into the castle! Try to find a way back into the tunnel before you do anything else!
Masayori searched, but despite his best efforts he found nothing. "I think it opens from the other side only."
But why would . . . fine. I guess we're sneaking through the Imperial Palace now.
On a normal day -- one where he was not concussed and in great danger -- Masayori would have much enjoyed his tour of the palace's lowest level, which was mere storerooms and utilities. It was dark and cool for the most part, and infrequently visited. They decided the first step was to find an exit, and Masayori climbed the first set of stairs he saw, which lead him into a narrow hallway a floor up. He heard a few voices at one end, and decided to go the other way. Spotting a bathroom, he slipped in and splashed water on his face.
Feel better?
"Yes." Masayori quickly dried off. "I'll need to remember to send a thank-you gift to the Imperial family for being such gallant hosts."
If any one of them found you -- other than your attacker -- you would quickly be escorted into a prison cell. Imagine being found in the White House's bathroom late at night by the first lady. Masayori nodded. Just stay out of sight.
"Do you know anything about the palace's floor plan?"
Not a thing. I told you, I was never inside. You might be the first foreigner in a hundred years to see the interior. What's it like?
"It's okay."
Get moving. I don't want to be found by that man any more than you do, especially since it seems he'll find some way to make me into a danger. I don't know what he plans to do, and I don't want to find out, to be honest.
"Neither do I," Masayori whispered, peeking his head into the hallway. The voices from the other end had ceased, and the palace was quiet. "Especially since it very likely involves more suffering on my part."
He left the bathroom and crept to the end of the hall. He came to the end and found an intersecting hallway, and chose the rightward direction, thinking it was closer to the exit.
"It's quiet here," Masayori whispered. "I expected there to be a little more going on."
Perhaps they're watching a movie in the den.
"Don't get angry."
What, you think I was joking? You think the Emperor doesn't get a big bowl of popcorn and pop in a flick every once in a while?
"As long as we don't run into any of them," Masayori said.
"I'm afraid your luck has ended," said a voice behind him. He spun and leaned against the wall to keep from tumbling over. His attacker stood behind him. Run!
"Nowhere to go this time," the man said, and Masayori felt hands grab him. "I'll take this." He twisted Takeshi out of Masayori's grasp, admiring it in the light. "Finally. You're mine at last."
Watashi o rirīsu!
"It doesn't work that way," the man said, and Masayori was surprised at his excellent English. "I am part of the Imperial family; you can't command me!" He smiled, wildfire in his eyes. "In fact!" He held the sword up. "Watashi to kite!"
Masayori heard the words echoed in Takeshi's mental shout, warped and diluted through the man's voice. The two men holding Masayori's arms jerked and stood up straight, marching after the man robotically. Masayori was dragged along too fast for his feet to catch up. He was brought into a large empty room lined with antiques and traditional Japanese art. He gazed with wide eyes at the many sharp weapons -- swords of varying make, spears, daggers, scythes, -- and then looked at the man. He had short, nearly buzzed hair, and was dressed in a blue shirt and tie. He held Takeshi with both hands and watched smiling as Masayori was dropped to the floor. He knocked his head on the mat under him and laid there, tired body lacking the energy to push himself up.
"Mina o yobidashi," the imperial family member said to the other men, and they left. Masayori was alone with him.
"My name is Sato Tsubasa, the man said, anger dripping from every word. "Forgotten grandson of the Emperor's sister." Masayori gazed up at him, confused. "And I will rule."
Part of the Imperial family by luck and marriage! The sword shouted.
"Regardless," Tsubasa said. "With the Sword of the Mind I can command all of Japan."
"What?" Masayori said.
He used me to command those other men, Takeshi said.
"Anyone in the Imperial Family can do so," Tsubasa said, sliding Takeshi out of its sheath and reflecting the light into Masayori's eyes. "Luckily, I was the one who found out first, and devised a plan to get it in my grasp."
"You're crazy," Masayori said. "The government won't let you do this. This isn't an empire anymore. There's a constitution."
"How long can a piece of paper last when I control the country?" Tsubasa laughed. "No time at all. You also will have no choice." He looked up. "Ah. Yōkoso."
Masayori craned his neck around and saw a large crowd of men and women entering the room. Some wore uniforms for security, others had outfits Masayori imagined were the Japanese equivalent of maids or butlers.
Tsubasa talked to the crowd in Japanese. At a phrase -- Masayori heard it in Takeshi's diluted voice as well -- the men and women got to their knees and bowed, and Tsubasa laughed. He said something, rattling Takeshi in his hand, and the crowd cried back in unison. He shouted something else, and the crowd got to their feet, moving to the sides of the room and taking the antique weapons off their hooks and hangers.
Masayori! Takeshi's voice came through strained and warped. Get me away from Tsubasa! I'm still weak, and his hold on the crowd isn't as strong as he thinks! If you can knock me out of his grasp, I can order them to subdue him! Don't let him suspect you!
Masayori was moments from opening his mouth. How am I supposed to do that? He nearly blurted out.
Just run into him! Do something! He's going to kill the Emperor! He's going to kill the entire family and make himself the ruler!
My head . . . Masayori thought. I'm so tired.
I know you're tired, I know! If you don't do something, many people will die! He could start a war! I don't think he knows he can't control you; you have a chance!
Masayori heaved himself to his feet, trying hard to ignore his pounding head. The crowd moved hectically, but for a moment the path was clear for Masayori to run forward, bellowing, toward Tsubasa. Before he could get close, the would-be Emperor unsheathed Takeshi and held it point-forward at Masayori's chest. "Don't come any closer. Why doesn't the sword work on you?" He asked. The room had gone silent. Every person around them was staring, holding weapons in their hands. "You must be American. Your English is too good. But you are Japanese as well." He craned his neck up and peered down at Masayori. "A half-breed."
Don't call him that! The sword raged briefly, and for a moment the crowd glanced at each other in confusion. One woman at the front looked at the staff she held, befuddled.
Tsubasa roared something too quick for Masayori to catch. "It doesn't matter." He pressed the tip of Takeshi against Masayori's shirt. Masayori felt the cold iron press against his stomach, and his breath caught. "It doesn't matter what you do." He nearly shook with anger. Takeshi's tip caught on the fabric of Masayori's shirt and tore it, somehow not knicking the skin underneath. "All I have to do is say it, and everyone in this room obeys me! Except you. You're the only one here with any chance of stopping me." He pulled the weapon back, over his head, angled to cut through. "This will not be allowed."
A brown object appeared behind him and descended quickly, cracking him over the head. Tsubasa stumbled forward but didn't drop the sword; Masayori jumped him, wrapping his hands around the sword's hilt. The brown object appeared in his vision again, whacking Tsubasa in the knees and making him yelp. "Sore o doroppu!" Masayori heard a woman yell, and the brown object struck Tsubasa's legs.
"Give me the sword!" Masayori yelled.
Let me go! Takeshi added.
"Never!" Tsubasa spat. The brown object struck his back, and he cried out in pain. Masayori risked a glance. The woman from the front row of the crowd, with the staff, stood with it raised for another blow on the despot.
Masayori, it's Noriko! The sword yelled as it was pulled back and forth by Masayori and Tsubasa.
"Noriko?!"
"Drop the sword!" The woman yelled at Tsubasa, who was pointing his enraged face at her. She swung again, hitting him on the back once more. "Put it down!"
"Fāru konketsu no josei!" He yelled.
CHINMOKU!
The crowd suddenly snapped awake, and were treated to the scene present in the center of the room, the two men struggling to gain control of the sword, while Noriko struck Tsubasa over and over.
"Kare wa kōtei o-" Noriko paused to strike Tsubasa. "-korosu tame ni shiyou to shite imasu! Anata wa kare o eru!"
The crowd watched for a moment, confused, then one man shouted something and, dropping his weapon, raced forward. The other fifty or so people followed in an instant, overwhelming Tsubasa before he could utter a word. Takeshi fell to the ground, where Masayori quickly picked it up and replaced it in its sheath.
"Masayori!" Noriko said, coming over to him. "Are you all right?"
"Noriko . . . why . . . what are you doing here?" Masayori asked. The woman helped him off the ground. Behind her, Tsubasa was being held down by a dozen people as he screamed and flailed.
I asked her to come, Takeshi said. While you were asleep. I was able to call out to her that we needed help.
Masayori sat against the wall, watching a half-dozen people run from the room to fetch the police. "You never told me you could do that!"
I've only done it once before. I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure if it worked and we couldn't rely on her anyway, we had to try to escape on our own.
Masayori turned to Noriko, who crouched next to him. "How did you get inside the palace?"
I heard Takeshi calling to me, and went to the palace," the woman said. "I didn't know if I would be able to do anything, but I had to try and do something. I couldn't go to the authorities -- they wouldn't believe me -- so I came here. Right as I got to the gate, everybody was coming inside and didn't notice me, so I went in with everyone else. I was sort of swept along until we came in here. How are you?"
He has a concussion, the sword explained. Tsubasa attacked him before and almost got the sword away from him. Just after that I called to you.
"I'll have someone check on you," she said. "Wait here." She went off.
"Will anyone believe this?" Masayori asked. "I'm just as likely to be carted off as Tsubasa."
Not if I have anything to say about it, the sword said. For a few minutes they watched the crowd stand around until Noriko came back with a man who felt the bump on Masayori's head and grimaced. Did you notice I heard you without talking?
"What?"
I heard you without talking. You thought the words and I heard them.
"Oh. I suppose you did." Noriko translated for the doctor, asking Masayori questions about his head and injury.
"You'll be all right, he says," Noriko told him. "He says-" She stopped suddenly and stood, and Masayori saw an older, well-dressed man with a moustache flanked by two armed men standing next to her. Noriko bowed quickly. The doctor followed suit.
Masayori, this is his Imperial Highness, Prince Akishino. Normally you would be expected to bow, but I think he'll let it slide. Say "konnichiwa Denka".
"Konnichiwa Denka," Masayori mimicked.
"Konnichiwa, young man," the prince said. "I'm told you can offer some sort of explanation for what's happened here?"
I will do so, your Highness, Takeshi said, and the prince looked around, confused. I am the sword Masayori holds. I am called Takeshi.
"Rikai dekimasen!"
I don't know how I came about, truly. But I know I can speak into a person's mind, tell the future in a limited fashion . . . and command people from Japan to obey me, with the exception of those with mixed race, and the Imperial family.
"I see. And, how did an American come to be inside his Royal Highness' home?"
Takeshi explained what had happened, from the first night in Masayori's home to his physical fight with Tsubasa, leaving nothing out. The prince followed it all. As the story was being told, Tsubasa was handcuffed and taken from the room, still yelling in Japanese
It's my doing, your Highness, the sword finished. I'm the reason this has all transpired. Olson-kun is not to blame, nor is Oshiro-kun.
"Young man, can you . . ." the prince paused, perhaps to re-think what he was about to say. "Can you confirm the sword's story?"
"Yes, your highness. It happened exactly that way. I was asleep for some of it, of course."
"I see." Prince Akishino ran a hand along his moustache. "In that case, some thanks are in order." He bowed. With his head still down, he said: "Arigatou gozaimasu, Olson-sama."
Say "dou itashi mashite," and quickly, Takeshi said. Masayori repeated the phrase. He has referred to you as a superior.
Masayori looked at Noriko, whose eyebrows had shot into her bangs, and was staring at the still-bowing prince. Masayori concentrated momentarily, and then thought do I do something else?
Tell him it was no matter.
"Anyone would have done it, your highness," Masayori said, embarrassed.
"I don't believe so," Prince Akishino said, standing straight. "I would like to talk to you more, but you must be tended to. You will be seen to the best hospital in the city immediately at our courtesy. Thank you again, young man."
The next morning Masayori sat in a comfortable hospital bed, watching the rising sun slowly creep across his bedspread. A head of dark hair entered his vision, and he saw Noriko smile at him from the doorway. "Ohayō! That means good morning."
"Good morning," Masayori said. He glanced at the gigantic array of flowers next to his bed, then back to her. "This is a surprise."
"I know. But the Imperial family is going to honor me too, so I decided I should come see you. How have you been?"
"Fine. I'm feeling much better. The concussion wasn't as bad as it could have been. The reporters were kind of pushy, though." He paused. "The weirdest part was talking with Prince Akishino for so long. He just sat by my bed and chatted with me."
"You should feel lucky. Where's Takeshi?"
Here, came the response from the bag next to the bed. I had to stay hidden for the most part. So far the newspapers just think Masayori stumbled upon the plot on his own -- an American tourist who happened to save the Emperor. It made a noise. I get no credit, of course.
"It's a bit fantastic," Masayori said. "You have to admit."
"I'm glad you feel better," Noriko said. She placed a comparatively small bundle of flowers on the table next to the bed. "Is the whole story true? Everything you told the prince?"
Every word.
There was a knock, and the interpreter from the night before stood in the doorway. He bowed. "Look's like things are spinning up again," Masayori said to Noriko. "You might want to get out while you still can."
"I can handle it," she said.
I'm interested to see how you'll look in a kimono, Masayori.
"What?!"
I can see the future. You're going to be honored by the Emperor himself. You think you can get by in jeans and a sweater?
Noriko started laughing. Masayori simply stared ahead, aghast. A number of reporters started calling from beyond the interpreter. Soon, members of the royal family would show up with their retinue, and, later, the Emperor of Japan would give his thanks to the American tourist, Noriko, and -- privately -- the talking sword. Masayori was given a tailored suit for the formal event, and thought he had escaped Takeshi's prediction, until Prince Akishino invited him and Noriko to a traditional tea ceremony with his family. Masayori indeed dressed in a kimono, as did Noriko. Takeshi almost revealed Masayori thought Noriko looked quite lovely, and Noriko thought Masayori rather dashing, but knew things would work out without its help.
"Who's there?" He asked. He'd been so sure he'd heard a voice while sleeping, the fact he didn't see anyone sent him reeling. "Who said that?"
No one answered. What little moonlight infiltrated his blinds showed him nothing but poster-riddled walls and a box with his latest garage-sale haul.
He put his head down, realizing it must have been a dream. Nobody was in his room.
Masayori
"I heard that!" He shouted. "I know someone's in here!" Panicking, he ran to the box from his garage sale and pulled out what had seemed to be an old samurai katana. He waved it. "Who's here! Come out and show yourself!"
I'm in your hands, you idiot!
Masayori froze. He slowly looked at the sword, wavering slightly in the darkness. "What?"
It's the sword! The sword is talking to you!
Masayori quickly plunged the sword back into its sheath and dropped it, backing away. "I'm going mad."
No you aren't! Came the muffled reply. Now pick me back up!
"No!" Masayori shouted at the sword. He wondered how he must look. A man nearly in his thirties yelling at an inanimate object because it had just demanded he pick it up.
What do you mean 'No'? I tell you to pick me up!
Masayori backed away, bumping into his bed with the back of his legs. "Why should I? I must still be dreaming . . ." He muttered.
You . . . you aren't doing what I ask! The sword was silent. Let me explain myself.
"Said the sword," Masayori interjected.
Silence! I am Takeshi. I was cast in a hidden, forbidden way and gained the power to communicate with those from the Empire. And, until now at least, when I told someone to do something, they would do it! And yet, somehow, you can resist me!
"The Empire?" Masayori asked. "You mean Japan?"
The Japanese Empire, yes!
"First off, Japan isn't an empire anymore, it's a constitutional monarchy." Masayori sat on the edge of his bed. "Second, you aren't in Japan. You're in the United States. A place where objects don't just up and start talking!"
But your name is Masayori, isn't it? It doesn't matter where you are, I should have control!
"My name is Masayori Olson," he responded. "My mother is a Sansei. My father is from Oklahoma."
A half-breed?!
"Don't call me that!" Masayori yelled at the sword.
But you can still hear me . . . The sword -- Takeshi -- seemed to ponder this. Masayori waited in the dark room. So you can hear me, but I cannot control you as I have done before.
"You've done this before?"
I have been for hundreds of years! Takeshi cried. I have bent rulers to my will!
Masayori stared at the item. "Why?"
I- The sword paused. What do you mean?
"Why would a sword want to control people? I mean . . . you don't really have urges, do you?"
Well . . . not in the same manner . . . there are a number of things I don't understand myself, to be frank. But! I have a form of future-sight. A by-product of the bonding process, I suspect. I knew that the empire should not have joined with Hitler's Germany in World War II!
"Even swords have hindsight, I suppose."
Mock if you wish! Takeshi said. Tokyo is in danger even as we speak!
"What?!" Masayori stood. "Why didn't you say that in the first place?"
I was going to, but you had to have a big problem with the talking sword! Do you think I woke you up just to have a pleasant chat and get to know one another? Do you think I subtly urged you to buy me yesterday for a change of scenery?
The air was heavy for a few moments. So I urged you to buy me! So what? This will be exciting. Takeshi fell silent. Anyway, I'll need you to go to Japan tomorrow.
"What?!" Masayori laughed. "I can't do that! I have work! Find someone else to do it!"
There isn't any time for that! The sword said. Even now, Tokyo is in danger! Many lives could be lost!
"How? How could many lives be lost?" Masayori asked. "Can your 'future-sight' see that?"
I . . . well . . . you see . . . the thing is-
"You can't, can you?"
Let's see you predict the future and have it turn out clear, then!
"Predict one thing."
Fine! I can do that. The sword was silent for a minute. Ah, here we are. Tomorrow at eleven nineteen, Erin DuBois will ask you to help with the monthly earning report for March.
"What? Dammit Erin, can't you do anything on your own?" Masayori looked at the ceiling.
And what will you do if I'm correct? Takeshi asked. Will you go to Japan?
"Japan?" Masayori went to the sword and picked it up, pulling it out of its sheath. "I suppose it's been a while since I've had a vacation. And it would be nice to see Japan."
It's very nice this time of year. I would know, was the clear reply.
"Am I going to be in any danger? How long will it take?"
Danger? No, I don't think so. It won't take very long. I suspect you'll most likely be telling the right people a little information that stops the danger or lessens it. Maybe.
"You are really putting out a lot of surety."
I can't read things that far out! Takeshi complained. I'm a freaking sword, fer Pete's sake! Do we have a deal? If I'm right, you go to Japan for . . . two weeks.
"Two weeks! That'd use up almost all my vacation time!"
Oh, planning a trip to Disneyland anytime soon with the WIFE AND KIDS?!
"I'm a very busy man," Masayori said. "And that's dirty."
I'm a sword. I don't play nice.
"Fine." Masayori said, replacing the sword.
And don't put me back in the box! Takeshi said, muffled once more. Put me on a shelf or something. I don't want to be crammed next to a signed poster of Joe Satriani all night long.
"That poster could be worth a lot of money."
I'm a talking sword!
"Fine, fine," Masayori said. He placed the sheathed sword on a bookcase. "I'm going to bed now."
Remember our deal!
"Like I'm going to forget this!"
Five days, a completed March monthly earning report, and a smug sword's triumphant cry later, Masayori found himself packing for a trip to Japan. "I won't be able to bring you with me into the plane," he was telling the sword. "You'll have to stay with the checked baggage."
Why is that? Takeshi said from its perch on the bookcase.
"You're a weapon. As far as I can tell, you're a real sword. You have a sharp edge and could be used to hijack the plane, so I can't bring you with me."
And I will be where instead?
"With my other luggage." Masayori glared into his top dresser drawer. "I wish I had the time to do laundry. I guess you'll have to be in the cargo hold with a few pairs of smelly socks."
I don't have a nose.
"You don't have ears either, but you can still hear me."
It's more of a mental thing. You're saying it, but you're also thinking it.
"You can read my thoughts?!"
Eh, no, not really. Thoughts that you mean to say.
"That . . . seems just the same as hearing what I say." Masayori rolled his eyes and continued packing. "Do you have any idea what I'll need to do once we get to Tokyo?"
The future has become slightly clearer, Takeshi said. Before, I wasn't even sure what kind of danger the city was in -- it could have been plummeting rice stocks for all I could tell -- but now I know that there is someone plotting to do real danger.
"You mean like a terrorist attack?"
No . . . not anything so dramatic. What the person or people plan to do is still hazy. We should have gone sooner; we would have a lot more time to figure out what needs to be done!
"I've told you a thousand times, I couldn't get out of work."
Regardless. I don't even know if a specific section of the city will be in danger, or if it's of a more general threat.
"Can you predict the exchange rate when I'm there?"
Just assume a yen is one cent and you'll be fine. It's strange; I used to be able to predict things much farther out than I am now. Perhaps I am finally getting old, or my power is fading. How sad.
"Yeah, soon you might be a magical talking sword that can't tell the future. You'll be worthless."
Don't joke about such things! Takeshi was silent for a few minutes as Masayori packed. Have you never been to Japan?
"No, never."
Why not?
"Never had the reason, I suppose. I have a little bit of family over there, but none of them live in Tokyo. This is my home; I've lived in the U.S. all my life. I suppose I'm a little excited to go, even if I have to save a city."
We all have our burdens.
"You don't. And don't say 'I'm a sword,' you can't use that excuse for everything!"
It's not my fault!
Masayori zipped shut his suitcase. "Whatever. A week of arguing with you gets old pretty fast. I have tickets for tomorrow at eight so I'm going to sleep now."
So early?
"It takes longer to get through security. I have to get to the airport by seven and it's a long drive. Good night sword." Masayori got into bed and turned out the lights.
Refer to me by my name! Takeshi shouted. Masayori didn't respond.
"Any idea what to do next?" Masayori whispered. He stood crammed into a bus as it dawdled down the road from the Narita airport in Tokyo to the hotel Masayori had found.
Not anything very concrete, Takeshi responded, sheathed and hidden away in the suitcase at Masayori's feet. The words, even though they were spoken directly into Masayori's brain, sounded muffled and far away. You might as well see the sights. But keep me with you at all times! I don't know when I will know more about the danger but it's bound to happen.
Masayori grimaced. "I can't take a sword into a museum!" He whispered softly, under the general murmur of the other passengers and the bus' rumble.
Don't worry, I can get people from the Empire to do my bidding, remember? If anybody tries to stop you, I'll just convince them to let you walk past. I'd still keep me out of sight, but you should be safe for the most part.
"Sounds kind of like a Jedi mind trick."
I'm sure I'd agree if I knew what that was.
"It's . . . I'll tell you later. I'm not entirely sure I support this."
Saving the city, remember?
"Yeah, yeah."
They stood in the jostling bus for a few minutes. So how do you like Tokyo so far?
"It's interesting being one of the taller people on public transport. Usually I'm dwarfed by most people, but here I'm a little taller thanks to my dad's genes."
How do your pants make you taller?
"What? No, I mean genetics." Masayori noticed someone looking at him oddly, and lowered his voice, embarrassed. "We'll talk later."
I can talk as much as I want. The sword paused. Or, I could just have everyone ignore us? Unless there are people here who are half-breeds like you. Masayori grimaced as the sword continued. I recommend seeing the Imperial palace. It offers tours of the grounds -- they're very beautiful. I wonder if it's inhabited now, even after the Empire has gone away. Masayori bounced with the bus. It's been so much time since I was here. I came to the United States before nineteen-hundred thanks to an American thief. I managed to end up on a collector's wall for the last forty years after a little bit of quick thinking on my part, but I never had the reason to return to Japan.
Masayori frowned, and wondered if perhaps the sword had thought about warning people about any of the many things occurring in the period since being hung up.
I realized the Empire was in danger some time ago, and convinced the art collector's wife -- he was deceased ten years past, and a shame too -- to dump me in a box of knick knacks for her garage sale. She could have gotten millions of dollars for me, but I knew I had to act fast. And I couldn't have brought her here, she was old and feeble . . . and I admit I wouldn't want to much harm to come to her. I'm an old softy at my core I suppose. A little bit of sword humor for you.
Masayori rolled his eyes.
I had just about given up hope for someone to pick me up. Most people weren't interested in an authentic Japanese katana, even if I couldn't command them! Luckily you wandered in. I began yelling at you to purchase me at once, but you seemed not to hear. I thought I had gone mad. You were looking around like you'd heard a familiar voice, though, and I decided to try again. You eventually found me and bought me for the rather insulting sum the widow offered, and now here we are. Speaking of which, where are we?
"In the hotel. You talked the whole way through the check-in." Masayori stretched and laid out on the small bed. "Everything here is so cramped. I feel like I'm being boxed in." He yawned so wide his jaw popped. "I have to sleep. I have no idea what time it would be in the states but I feel like it's the middle of the night."
If you must. But you wake up we will see the city! I demand it!
The sword realized it was shouting at a still body.
After Tokugawa moved, he renamed the Edo Castle the Tokei Castle -- Tokei was what Tokyo was called back then -- And then later the Imperial Castle Takeshi pronounced it in its original Japanese. Fires were a danger back then as now, and in 1873 the Nishinomaru Palace was consumed. A new "Palace Castle" was built in its place.
"I'm reading it," Masayori whispered. "You don't have to tell me the whole history."
He stood in front of a large picture spread inside the Tokyo National Museum the next day after a long time spent asleep. Takeshi, sheathed, was inside a museum gift bag with a few other items. The sword had, in its own special way, convinced the security guards, museum gift shop worker, and other guests there was nothing wrong with bringing a sharp sword into a museum. Masayori had entered unhindered, and now the sword was telling him history about Japan, Tokyo, and the Imperial Palace.
There's only so much I can do while you're walking around. I like history, all right? Can't I just say it?
"Fine," Masayori said. "But I might not listen. How much space do the palace grounds take up?"
Three point four square kilometers! It's valued to be worth almost as much as the entire state of California, at least it was a few decades ago. The sword paused, expecting a response. Masayori was inspecting a glass case holding period clothing. Do you want to hear about the Tokugawa period?
"Not now," Masayori responded. "This is really interesting."
Kimonos? Why would you be so interested in those?
"They look cool."
Do you think a Japanese man will go to America and spend time studying clothing from two hundred years ago.
"He might!"
Neither the human nor the sword realized a young woman was watching them with interest and confusion. Wearing a museum uniform and her hair tied back, she approached Masayori. "Anata wa, misutā o ikutsu ka no tasuke ga hitsuyōdesu ka?"
Masayori whirled around, gift bag swinging wide, shocked. "I-I'm sorry? I don't speak Japanese."
Don't worry. I'll make her leave us alone.
"Wait-"
Kare, heiwa no uchi ni misu o watashitachi ni nokoshimasu! The sword blared. The woman blinked and looked confused, but didn't move. That's odd. Doko ka ni itte!
The woman looked around, surprised. She isn't doing what I say!
Masayori panicked. "Miss, are you all right?"
The woman focused on him again. "English? Yes, thank you, I'm fine. A momentary lapse in concentration."
Curses! Another half-breed!
"Are you in need of assistance?" The woman asked, smiling.
"Oh, no, uh, no thank you. Just talking to myself. I . . . It's something I do sometimes when I'm reading."
"All right sir, that's no problem. I ask to check your bag, for security purposes."
Masayori froze. Don't worry, don't worry, I'll do something!
The woman took the bag from Masayori's shaking hand and opened it. She immediately frowned and took out the sword. She stood looking at it for a long time; Masayori assumed Takeshi was talking to her. He wished he could back away.
Okay, okay, it's working. She's a tougher nut to crack than you are, Olson. Okay . . . quick, call her Noriko-san and ask her where to find a restroom!
"N-Noriko-san!" The woman looked up, surprised. "I-I would like to use the restroom. Could you direct me to one?"
"I . . ." Noriko crinkled her brow, eyes drifting around the room. "Yes . . . yes. Please, this way." She handed his bag back and led him to a restroom with the traditional, international, oh-so-welcoming stick figure man.
Inside a stall in the empty room, Takeshi explained what had happened. I was able to keep her from realizing she had a weapon in her hand, but she was getting past it. That's why you had to step in. Your intervention kept her from focusing on what was in her hands and got her thinking about something else.
"I kind of had to use the bathroom anyway," Masayori said, buckling his belt. "Now what?"
Now we leave the museum and hope she decided not to tell anyone about the strange meeting she just had with the American tourist. Go on and get out of here, and be quiet about it. No more talking to me.
"Easy enough," Masayori muttered as he left the restroom. The very first thing he saw was the woman Noriko speaking with a man dressed in a blue security guard uniform, pointing so her finger would have jabbed Masayori directly in the sternum.
Go! Takeshi said. Not that fast. Yes, slower. You're a tourist learning more about this ancient and beautiful country, not a man with a sharp sword in his -- oh dear.
The security guard had caught up to Masayori and laid a hand on his arm, saying something in Japanese. Don't worry, I can handle this. Anata wa kare o kinisuru hitsuyō wa arimasen.
The security guard nodded and turned around without a second glance. Thank goodness. Finally someone who isn't a half-breed.
"Sir! I demand you stop at once!" Shouted Noriko from behind Masayori, making him stiffen.
Curses!
Masayori turned slowly. The woman, nearly half a foot shorter than him, stomped up. "Your bag!"
She's too focused! I can't stop her!
Masayori reached into the bag slowly. "Noriko-san, meet Takeshi." He pulled the sword out of the bag. The woman's eyes sprang open, then narrowed quizzically.
Good day.
Noriko looked around, surprised. "It's the sword," Masayori said. "It can talk."
It's more like a mental projection that- Nevermind. Yes, I can talk.
The woman had a slack mouth as she stared at the sword. Masayori, please put me back in the bag. I don't want anyone else seeing me. Oshiro Noriko, I am Takeshi, a sword made through a strange and unknown process that has granted me the ability to speak and tell the future in a limited fashion. I can also command those fully Japanese in descent, but those with only half ancestry -- such as yourself or Masayori here -- can hear me but can't be controlled by me. My future-sight tells me Tokyo is in danger, but I don't know how yet. Masayori is here to help me find out how, and stop it.
Noriko was gnawing on her bottom lip, looking from the bag to Masayori. We mean no harm, truly.
"You can't speak Japanese?" She asked Masayori. He shook his head. "You're from America?"
"That's right. I'm sorry if we worried you."
"I- . . . This is very confusing."
"I know. Believe me, I had a much ruder awakening. I was fully asleep, and then suddenly there was a sword yelling at me," Masayori said. "I guess we can keep looking around the museum now, huh?"
No! The sword suddenly shouted. I'm getting more information! The . . . no, hold on.
Masayori stood with Noriko, both feeling the silence quite closely. Yes! The danger will occur at the Imperial Palace!
"You're certain?!" Masayori asked. Noriko had gasped.
Absolutely! There is . . . a man!
"Really breaking bounds in prognostication here."
You try it then!
"You have to tell someone!" Noriko said. "There's a security station on the ground level, they'll be able to contact the police."
Don't do that! Takeshi shouted. They'll just take Masayori in for questioning and confiscate me, at the very least. In fact, we'd be lucky if he wasn't jailed.
"Of course!" Masayori said. "Can't this be easy?"
Don't whine, this is what you came here for! The sword paused. Miss Oshiro, are you able to accompany us? I think that will make things easier.
"I work until six o'clock," she said.
All right then. Masayori, quickly, to the Imperial Palace!
"Uh, goodbye," Masayori said, before turning and heading for the door. "I wish I could spend more time here!" He shouted over his shoulder.
"Good luck," Noriko said, waving, still mostly confused.
You find her attractive?
"How'd you know?"
I've been around humans a long time!
"Sure I did. She was quite pretty."
Yes. Too bad you'll never see her again! The sword said, and Masayori frowned. It shouldn't be very difficult to get to the Palace from here, but you may have to get directions. A great many things have changed since I was last here. For one thing, all the people! Gracious me. Take a left here, and then a right up ahead.
"Do you have any greater idea what the danger will be?" Masayori asked a few minutes later, surrounded by the heavy foot-traffic, even in the middle of the day, in Japan's capital. "Other than there's a man?"
It could have been a woman! No, nothing else. But the danger is certainly in the Palace. I hope it isn't an attempt on the Emperor's life. If that's the case, you're going to have a difficult time getting near him.
"Couldn't you just convince the Emperor to do something different?" The sword didn't respond. Masayori shook the bag. "Hey."
I suppose I should tell you. I . . . can't control members of the imperial family. My memory is a bit cloudy, but I believe they can hear me like you do.
"Do you know why?"
Not at all. Despite my obvious uses, I never really spent much time around the Emperor. Last time I was near him or someone related to him was a good . . . my my, two hundreds years!
"How did you find out?"
I was held by a samurai during a speech the emperor gave. I thought it would be a good laugh if the Emperor's daughter, also present, started running around in the crowd. I sent the suggestion out to her, like I had a hundred thousand times before and . . . nothing! I tried the Emperor next, with the same result. I thought I had lost my power, but I quickly realized that wasn't the case; I got the samurai with me to dance and start shouting. Caused quite a lot of trouble for him if I remember correctly!
"That doesn't seem very nice."
No, but it was quite funny! Stay on this road for a while. He was a mean brute anyway; I only kept with him as long as he did because he wandered around. He let me see quite a lot.
The sword chatted about its history as Masayori hiked across Tokyo toward the Imperial Palace. He heard about numerous battles, samurai great and small, the serenity of a quiet mountainside in the nineteenth century compared to the overbearing volume of a city, even before coming to the states. An hour passed; it was late afternoon by the time Masayori caught sight of the palace's green and expansive grounds. Try to find a guided tour. I need to see everything. Hopefully I'll see more information as we're inside.
"I don't think they give tours this late," Masayori said, reading a sign with the stated information.
I'll be able to convince somebody to show us around. Go on, talk to that man there. Masayori looked around and spotted a man lingering by a desk. He was dressed comfortably, but in official clothes. To Masayori he seemed like the quintessential tour guide.
The man saw him approach. "Kon'nichiwa, yōkoso!"
"I'm sorry, I don't speak Japanese," Masayori said.
After a brief moment of confusion the man smiled again. "All right! I know English!"
"W-what time do the tours run?"
"Apologies, tours must be reserved in advance."
My time to shine! Takeshi said a long string of Japanese to the man, whose eyes glossed over as he listened. He continued staring off after the sword had finished.
"Sir?" Masayori asked. The man turned his head slowly to look at him. "The tour?"
"Yes! Of course! Please, follow me!"
I also convinced him to do the tour in English. The Imperial family doesn't leave the center buildings and the tour is only for the grounds, so as long as we don't run into any half-breeds we'll be safe.
"I wish you would stop calling us that," Masayori said as the guide lead him into the first area.
And I wish I could figure out what the danger is so I can relax! I hope you have your walking shoes on; this is a long tour.
Masayori, with Takeshi still hidden away in the bag, followed the man through the grand gardens and park areas of the Palace grounds, talking about when one Emperor or another had ruled, or a Shogunate had taken command, and more and more dates and names, and eventually Masayori got lost in the history.
"Anything?" He whispered to the sword as the tour guide talked about one of the palace's destructive fires.
Nothing more. I've had to turn a lot of my attention toward keeping the guards about uninterested in us. I'm sure they would escort us out in a moment if they caught sight of us and I wasn't paying attention.
"Well, get a move on," Masayori said. "This tour won't last forever."
I keep telling you, it isn't that simple!
"-sent to the U.S. in 1912 to symbolize a growing friendship after the earlier gift of two thousand was destroyed by disease," the tour guide said, looking at a grove of budding cherry blossoms. "They were planted in New York City and Washington D.C. These, as well as a number of other cities in the U.S., celebrate Sakura Matsuri annually-"
I think I'm getting something. It's not very much, though, Takeshi said as Masayori listened to the tour guide. There's a man, and he has something, and that something is the danger. I don't think it's a weapon -- it's very hard to tell right now -- but without the item there isn't any danger.
"So if we can get the weapon first, there's no danger?"
Yes, that might work. Or we could find the person and I could convince him not to do whatever it is he's planning.
"He's Japanese?"
What did you expect, Puerto Rican? It's hazy, but he's certainly Japanese. We're in Japan, and he's inside a building at the Imperial Palace. This isn't rocket science.
"Do we need to get inside a building?" Masayori asked, trying to keep his voice lower than the tour guide, who seemed to believe he was leading a larger group of people, and was shouting quite loudly. "I'd rather we didn't. I don't want to get arrested."
I won't let you get arrested.
"Look at how much that fills me with confidence."
I'm getting something. A time frame! It's going to happen tonight! Masayori frowned. It just became clear as day. It is absolutely happening tonight. We have to stop it!
"But-"
"Excuse me sir," a voice behind them said. "What is your function here?"
He snuck up on us! Give me a moment! Takeshi said quickly as Masayori turned. He found a young man, dressed in a uniform of some kind, eyeing him carefully. The tour guide, suddenly snapped out of his spell, said something in Japanese.
"Sir, please tell me why you are here," the man asked. He had none of the politeness Masayori had experienced in the city before. He had a job to do, and he was going to get it done. At once he nodded, turned around sharply, and walked away.
It's okay, I got him away. We need to figure out what our next step should be. Let me think for a minute.
Masayori followed the now re-spellbound tour guide through the grounds and across a wide paved square. It was getting darker, and the tour guide seemed to have no intention of stopping, despite the waning light. Masayori saw no one else on the grounds, and they weren't stopped as the two of them wandered, seemingly at random, through the cultivated area.
Okay, hear this: we hide from the tour guide in a secluded area and wait until sundown, then sneak out and try to find the person that I see. It'll be simple; I'll just have to convince people to forget about us.
"Seems like it would work," Masayori said. "Actually . . . what if we-"
He awoke gingerly, blinking his eyes open slowly and recoiling from even the low light peeking through his lids. Masayori rubbed his face and gently touched the pulsing bump on his head. He heard someone talking near him, and slowly he realized the voice was shouting. He didn't think much time had passed, but something had clearly given him a nasty knock on the head.
Masayori! Masayori! Ghyrt unf taladama away noic pleaz!
"Whaaaaaat?" Masayori let the word leak out of his mouth slowly. His lips felt thick, and when he tried to feel them he missed.
Masayori, wake up! He recognized Takeshi's voice. You need to get me away from here!
"Uh?"
Masayori!
Lying on the ground, he looked around, and found a person crouched over him and fiddling with his bag. The person reached in and immediately pulled out Takeshi. Masayori!
Limply, uncontrolled, Masayori struck his hand out and batted the sword away, urged on by its screams. The person shouted and jumped back. He reached for something on his hip.
MASAYORI OLSON GET UP
He rose to his feet, swaying and dizzy.
GRAB ME
He took Takeshi, still sheathed, in his hands.
RUN
The next thing Masayori knew he was sitting against a cool stone wall, watching long shadows grow longer still. His head, and a lot of his body, ached badly. He was shivering. The sword was talking to him but it rang foul in his head. He put his hands over his eyes and sobbed, suddenly feeling very alone.
Masayori! Masayori! Wake up! Masayori, you have a concussion, you have to wake up or you could be in danger! Masayori! Bah!
MASAYORI OLSON WAKE UP
He opened his eyes suddenly, sparks and bolts of lightning crossed his vision. They died away, and he found the world around him dark. His body was stiff. He felt the bump on his head. It was still there but not as painful.
Masayori, talk to me.
"Where am I?" He whispered, though the words sounded loud.
Still in the Palace Grounds. It's been a few hours since you fell asleep.
"What happened? I don't . . . "
The man from before, the one that I made go away, he came back and hit you. He was searching for me! I don't know how he knew to find me, but he did. The sword spoke softly. He must have been part of the Imperial family. I couldn't get him to do anything.
"You got me to do things."
Yes. I had to give it my all. It wasn't even the same kind of direct control I have over others, but it worked. He would have shot you. Masayori, listen to me. The man is out to get me and if he sees you he'll kill you. I'm the object I see in the future! In the future, the man is holding me!
Masayori leaned against the wall and said nothing. We have to get you help, you're hurt. I might be able to find a way for you to leave but you'll have to be careful. If you're seen we'll be in danger.
"Okay," Masayori said, not moving.
You need to get up.
"Okay." Masayori braced himself and rose slowly; his stomach roiled. "Ugh." He stood leaning against the wall for a minute, bump throbbing. "I'm okay. I'm okay."
You are not!
"Stop shouting."
He walked forward a few steps, holding the sword in one hand and placing the other against the wall, vision swimming. Go forward until you get to a path, and then go left. After that you should get to a gate. My memory is hazy about the grounds but I think I know where you are. The sword was silent as Masayori walked. Yes, I know how to get you out. Don't worry, you're going to be all right.
Masayori hit the path and turned, finding a break in the wall. He hobbled toward it, gaining a little strength. Wait. He stopped. He heard voices coming toward him, and picked up the swing of flashlight beams along the ground. Hide. They might not be looking for you but we can't have them find you in the grounds. The bushes.
Masayori squatted behind a group of tall bushes and tried to breathe evenly. The people passed, talking to each other in Japanese. They're looking for you. The man that attacked you must have tipped off security. The security passed so Masayori moved on, going back to the path and walking down it, moving as fast as he could. Don't worry, we'll be out soon. He could see the break in the wall, and some semblance of freedom beyond. There was an empty paved bridge lined with lamps, and he struggled forward.
More guards, Takeshi said. It looks like they're watching the exit.
"So what do we do?"
There are some underground passages but I doubt we could reach them. There are also other exits we could try to reach but there's no doubt they're also being watched.
"So?"
So, I don't know.
"Can't you just order them to ignore us?"
I . . . I tried. I've hit some sort of exhaustion point, after trying to get the Imperial family member to obey me, and then force you to run. I need to rest. I know it doesn't make sense but it's the truth. I wouldn't lie to you now.
"Great," Masayori said, placing a hand to his forehead. "Can't I just stay hidden?"
If you fall asleep again I won't be able to wake you up, and it could be dangerous. The faster we get you to a hospital, the better. The sword paused. I remember something. See that wall to your right? A distance away.
"Yeah."
Go there, and quickly. Masayori scampered across the dark lawn. Okay, now let's see . . . yottsu, yottsu, mittsu muttsu, chi iwa, hitotsu go . . . Walk in a bit. Masayori followed the path of the wall as Takeshi muttered to itself. It's an old rhyme. Stop. Masayori halted, crouched in the wall's shadow. Press in that square stone that's about a third of the way up. Masayori pressed it, and felt it slide back. Near his feet, a square section of the ground clicked and rose slightly. Grab the edge, it's a trapdoor.
Under the false grass was a dark tunnel and an old wooden ladder down. He could barely see the bottom, about twenty feet down. This will let us out on the street.
"How did you know about this?" Masayori asked as he started climbing down. He closed the trapdoor, hearing it click shut and plunging himself into full darkness.
Not everybody knew I could hear them. They'd talk about things they might not have wanted others to hear with me close. This was one of them. Can you see?
"No." Masayori waved a hand in front of him, searching for a door or wall. "Not a thing."
I don't know if this tunnel intersects with any others or goes in more than one direction, and it clearly isn't maintained. Be careful.
"This is the fastest I can go," Masayori said, finding a dirt-and-stone wall and running his hand along it as he walked. "Any faster and I'd get dizzy."
We need to get you help. You're no fun with a concussion.
"What a surprise." He walked through the tunnel slowly, using his other hand to make sure the low ceiling didn't brush his head.
This is all my fault. The sword said after some time. I can't believe it. Masayori said nothing, concentrating on walking straight. I can see it clearer now . . . I'm the danger. The only reason I saw the danger in the future is because the person that attacked you wanted me to see it! If I had ignored it, the danger would have gone away. Masayori could have sworn he heard it sigh. I'm sorry Masayori, it's my fault you're in this mess, and it's my responsibility to get you out of it. I'll do everything I can.
"I think I see light," Masayori said. "Do you see light?"
I don't have eyes.
"But-" Masayori let it go. "There's light ahead, I'm sure of it." He continued, glad to see an improvement in his surroundings. After a minute he saw the end of the tunnel, a shaded wall with electric light behind it. "It looks like it led me into the castle."
We don't want to go into the castle, Takeshi said. We might have missed a turn. You should go back.
"The man that attacked us wouldn't expect us to go into the castle," Masayori said. "We might be safe in here."
But we wouldn't be out of danger. We need to get off the grounds. Masayori!
Masayori reached out, dazed, and touched the thin wall. It had a papery feel, and he assumed it was a traditional Japanese wall. On the inner section of the tunnel was a lever, and he switched it. No! The wall swiveled open, and Masayori walked into an empty room. The wall closed behind him, and if he hadn't known which one it was he would have never suspected a hidden passage. All right, we're inside. That's fine. That's fine! Keep out of sight and try not to make any noise. Hopefully we won't run into anyone from the Imperial family.
"Okay," Masayori said. "Know how to get out of here?"
No! I said not to go into the castle! Try to find a way back into the tunnel before you do anything else!
Masayori searched, but despite his best efforts he found nothing. "I think it opens from the other side only."
But why would . . . fine. I guess we're sneaking through the Imperial Palace now.
On a normal day -- one where he was not concussed and in great danger -- Masayori would have much enjoyed his tour of the palace's lowest level, which was mere storerooms and utilities. It was dark and cool for the most part, and infrequently visited. They decided the first step was to find an exit, and Masayori climbed the first set of stairs he saw, which lead him into a narrow hallway a floor up. He heard a few voices at one end, and decided to go the other way. Spotting a bathroom, he slipped in and splashed water on his face.
Feel better?
"Yes." Masayori quickly dried off. "I'll need to remember to send a thank-you gift to the Imperial family for being such gallant hosts."
If any one of them found you -- other than your attacker -- you would quickly be escorted into a prison cell. Imagine being found in the White House's bathroom late at night by the first lady. Masayori nodded. Just stay out of sight.
"Do you know anything about the palace's floor plan?"
Not a thing. I told you, I was never inside. You might be the first foreigner in a hundred years to see the interior. What's it like?
"It's okay."
Get moving. I don't want to be found by that man any more than you do, especially since it seems he'll find some way to make me into a danger. I don't know what he plans to do, and I don't want to find out, to be honest.
"Neither do I," Masayori whispered, peeking his head into the hallway. The voices from the other end had ceased, and the palace was quiet. "Especially since it very likely involves more suffering on my part."
He left the bathroom and crept to the end of the hall. He came to the end and found an intersecting hallway, and chose the rightward direction, thinking it was closer to the exit.
"It's quiet here," Masayori whispered. "I expected there to be a little more going on."
Perhaps they're watching a movie in the den.
"Don't get angry."
What, you think I was joking? You think the Emperor doesn't get a big bowl of popcorn and pop in a flick every once in a while?
"As long as we don't run into any of them," Masayori said.
"I'm afraid your luck has ended," said a voice behind him. He spun and leaned against the wall to keep from tumbling over. His attacker stood behind him. Run!
"Nowhere to go this time," the man said, and Masayori felt hands grab him. "I'll take this." He twisted Takeshi out of Masayori's grasp, admiring it in the light. "Finally. You're mine at last."
Watashi o rirīsu!
"It doesn't work that way," the man said, and Masayori was surprised at his excellent English. "I am part of the Imperial family; you can't command me!" He smiled, wildfire in his eyes. "In fact!" He held the sword up. "Watashi to kite!"
Masayori heard the words echoed in Takeshi's mental shout, warped and diluted through the man's voice. The two men holding Masayori's arms jerked and stood up straight, marching after the man robotically. Masayori was dragged along too fast for his feet to catch up. He was brought into a large empty room lined with antiques and traditional Japanese art. He gazed with wide eyes at the many sharp weapons -- swords of varying make, spears, daggers, scythes, -- and then looked at the man. He had short, nearly buzzed hair, and was dressed in a blue shirt and tie. He held Takeshi with both hands and watched smiling as Masayori was dropped to the floor. He knocked his head on the mat under him and laid there, tired body lacking the energy to push himself up.
"Mina o yobidashi," the imperial family member said to the other men, and they left. Masayori was alone with him.
"My name is Sato Tsubasa, the man said, anger dripping from every word. "Forgotten grandson of the Emperor's sister." Masayori gazed up at him, confused. "And I will rule."
Part of the Imperial family by luck and marriage! The sword shouted.
"Regardless," Tsubasa said. "With the Sword of the Mind I can command all of Japan."
"What?" Masayori said.
He used me to command those other men, Takeshi said.
"Anyone in the Imperial Family can do so," Tsubasa said, sliding Takeshi out of its sheath and reflecting the light into Masayori's eyes. "Luckily, I was the one who found out first, and devised a plan to get it in my grasp."
"You're crazy," Masayori said. "The government won't let you do this. This isn't an empire anymore. There's a constitution."
"How long can a piece of paper last when I control the country?" Tsubasa laughed. "No time at all. You also will have no choice." He looked up. "Ah. Yōkoso."
Masayori craned his neck around and saw a large crowd of men and women entering the room. Some wore uniforms for security, others had outfits Masayori imagined were the Japanese equivalent of maids or butlers.
Tsubasa talked to the crowd in Japanese. At a phrase -- Masayori heard it in Takeshi's diluted voice as well -- the men and women got to their knees and bowed, and Tsubasa laughed. He said something, rattling Takeshi in his hand, and the crowd cried back in unison. He shouted something else, and the crowd got to their feet, moving to the sides of the room and taking the antique weapons off their hooks and hangers.
Masayori! Takeshi's voice came through strained and warped. Get me away from Tsubasa! I'm still weak, and his hold on the crowd isn't as strong as he thinks! If you can knock me out of his grasp, I can order them to subdue him! Don't let him suspect you!
Masayori was moments from opening his mouth. How am I supposed to do that? He nearly blurted out.
Just run into him! Do something! He's going to kill the Emperor! He's going to kill the entire family and make himself the ruler!
My head . . . Masayori thought. I'm so tired.
I know you're tired, I know! If you don't do something, many people will die! He could start a war! I don't think he knows he can't control you; you have a chance!
Masayori heaved himself to his feet, trying hard to ignore his pounding head. The crowd moved hectically, but for a moment the path was clear for Masayori to run forward, bellowing, toward Tsubasa. Before he could get close, the would-be Emperor unsheathed Takeshi and held it point-forward at Masayori's chest. "Don't come any closer. Why doesn't the sword work on you?" He asked. The room had gone silent. Every person around them was staring, holding weapons in their hands. "You must be American. Your English is too good. But you are Japanese as well." He craned his neck up and peered down at Masayori. "A half-breed."
Don't call him that! The sword raged briefly, and for a moment the crowd glanced at each other in confusion. One woman at the front looked at the staff she held, befuddled.
Tsubasa roared something too quick for Masayori to catch. "It doesn't matter." He pressed the tip of Takeshi against Masayori's shirt. Masayori felt the cold iron press against his stomach, and his breath caught. "It doesn't matter what you do." He nearly shook with anger. Takeshi's tip caught on the fabric of Masayori's shirt and tore it, somehow not knicking the skin underneath. "All I have to do is say it, and everyone in this room obeys me! Except you. You're the only one here with any chance of stopping me." He pulled the weapon back, over his head, angled to cut through. "This will not be allowed."
A brown object appeared behind him and descended quickly, cracking him over the head. Tsubasa stumbled forward but didn't drop the sword; Masayori jumped him, wrapping his hands around the sword's hilt. The brown object appeared in his vision again, whacking Tsubasa in the knees and making him yelp. "Sore o doroppu!" Masayori heard a woman yell, and the brown object struck Tsubasa's legs.
"Give me the sword!" Masayori yelled.
Let me go! Takeshi added.
"Never!" Tsubasa spat. The brown object struck his back, and he cried out in pain. Masayori risked a glance. The woman from the front row of the crowd, with the staff, stood with it raised for another blow on the despot.
Masayori, it's Noriko! The sword yelled as it was pulled back and forth by Masayori and Tsubasa.
"Noriko?!"
"Drop the sword!" The woman yelled at Tsubasa, who was pointing his enraged face at her. She swung again, hitting him on the back once more. "Put it down!"
"Fāru konketsu no josei!" He yelled.
CHINMOKU!
The crowd suddenly snapped awake, and were treated to the scene present in the center of the room, the two men struggling to gain control of the sword, while Noriko struck Tsubasa over and over.
"Kare wa kōtei o-" Noriko paused to strike Tsubasa. "-korosu tame ni shiyou to shite imasu! Anata wa kare o eru!"
The crowd watched for a moment, confused, then one man shouted something and, dropping his weapon, raced forward. The other fifty or so people followed in an instant, overwhelming Tsubasa before he could utter a word. Takeshi fell to the ground, where Masayori quickly picked it up and replaced it in its sheath.
"Masayori!" Noriko said, coming over to him. "Are you all right?"
"Noriko . . . why . . . what are you doing here?" Masayori asked. The woman helped him off the ground. Behind her, Tsubasa was being held down by a dozen people as he screamed and flailed.
I asked her to come, Takeshi said. While you were asleep. I was able to call out to her that we needed help.
Masayori sat against the wall, watching a half-dozen people run from the room to fetch the police. "You never told me you could do that!"
I've only done it once before. I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure if it worked and we couldn't rely on her anyway, we had to try to escape on our own.
Masayori turned to Noriko, who crouched next to him. "How did you get inside the palace?"
I heard Takeshi calling to me, and went to the palace," the woman said. "I didn't know if I would be able to do anything, but I had to try and do something. I couldn't go to the authorities -- they wouldn't believe me -- so I came here. Right as I got to the gate, everybody was coming inside and didn't notice me, so I went in with everyone else. I was sort of swept along until we came in here. How are you?"
He has a concussion, the sword explained. Tsubasa attacked him before and almost got the sword away from him. Just after that I called to you.
"I'll have someone check on you," she said. "Wait here." She went off.
"Will anyone believe this?" Masayori asked. "I'm just as likely to be carted off as Tsubasa."
Not if I have anything to say about it, the sword said. For a few minutes they watched the crowd stand around until Noriko came back with a man who felt the bump on Masayori's head and grimaced. Did you notice I heard you without talking?
"What?"
I heard you without talking. You thought the words and I heard them.
"Oh. I suppose you did." Noriko translated for the doctor, asking Masayori questions about his head and injury.
"You'll be all right, he says," Noriko told him. "He says-" She stopped suddenly and stood, and Masayori saw an older, well-dressed man with a moustache flanked by two armed men standing next to her. Noriko bowed quickly. The doctor followed suit.
Masayori, this is his Imperial Highness, Prince Akishino. Normally you would be expected to bow, but I think he'll let it slide. Say "konnichiwa Denka".
"Konnichiwa Denka," Masayori mimicked.
"Konnichiwa, young man," the prince said. "I'm told you can offer some sort of explanation for what's happened here?"
I will do so, your Highness, Takeshi said, and the prince looked around, confused. I am the sword Masayori holds. I am called Takeshi.
"Rikai dekimasen!"
I don't know how I came about, truly. But I know I can speak into a person's mind, tell the future in a limited fashion . . . and command people from Japan to obey me, with the exception of those with mixed race, and the Imperial family.
"I see. And, how did an American come to be inside his Royal Highness' home?"
Takeshi explained what had happened, from the first night in Masayori's home to his physical fight with Tsubasa, leaving nothing out. The prince followed it all. As the story was being told, Tsubasa was handcuffed and taken from the room, still yelling in Japanese
It's my doing, your Highness, the sword finished. I'm the reason this has all transpired. Olson-kun is not to blame, nor is Oshiro-kun.
"Young man, can you . . ." the prince paused, perhaps to re-think what he was about to say. "Can you confirm the sword's story?"
"Yes, your highness. It happened exactly that way. I was asleep for some of it, of course."
"I see." Prince Akishino ran a hand along his moustache. "In that case, some thanks are in order." He bowed. With his head still down, he said: "Arigatou gozaimasu, Olson-sama."
Say "dou itashi mashite," and quickly, Takeshi said. Masayori repeated the phrase. He has referred to you as a superior.
Masayori looked at Noriko, whose eyebrows had shot into her bangs, and was staring at the still-bowing prince. Masayori concentrated momentarily, and then thought do I do something else?
Tell him it was no matter.
"Anyone would have done it, your highness," Masayori said, embarrassed.
"I don't believe so," Prince Akishino said, standing straight. "I would like to talk to you more, but you must be tended to. You will be seen to the best hospital in the city immediately at our courtesy. Thank you again, young man."
The next morning Masayori sat in a comfortable hospital bed, watching the rising sun slowly creep across his bedspread. A head of dark hair entered his vision, and he saw Noriko smile at him from the doorway. "Ohayō! That means good morning."
"Good morning," Masayori said. He glanced at the gigantic array of flowers next to his bed, then back to her. "This is a surprise."
"I know. But the Imperial family is going to honor me too, so I decided I should come see you. How have you been?"
"Fine. I'm feeling much better. The concussion wasn't as bad as it could have been. The reporters were kind of pushy, though." He paused. "The weirdest part was talking with Prince Akishino for so long. He just sat by my bed and chatted with me."
"You should feel lucky. Where's Takeshi?"
Here, came the response from the bag next to the bed. I had to stay hidden for the most part. So far the newspapers just think Masayori stumbled upon the plot on his own -- an American tourist who happened to save the Emperor. It made a noise. I get no credit, of course.
"It's a bit fantastic," Masayori said. "You have to admit."
"I'm glad you feel better," Noriko said. She placed a comparatively small bundle of flowers on the table next to the bed. "Is the whole story true? Everything you told the prince?"
Every word.
There was a knock, and the interpreter from the night before stood in the doorway. He bowed. "Look's like things are spinning up again," Masayori said to Noriko. "You might want to get out while you still can."
"I can handle it," she said.
I'm interested to see how you'll look in a kimono, Masayori.
"What?!"
I can see the future. You're going to be honored by the Emperor himself. You think you can get by in jeans and a sweater?
Noriko started laughing. Masayori simply stared ahead, aghast. A number of reporters started calling from beyond the interpreter. Soon, members of the royal family would show up with their retinue, and, later, the Emperor of Japan would give his thanks to the American tourist, Noriko, and -- privately -- the talking sword. Masayori was given a tailored suit for the formal event, and thought he had escaped Takeshi's prediction, until Prince Akishino invited him and Noriko to a traditional tea ceremony with his family. Masayori indeed dressed in a kimono, as did Noriko. Takeshi almost revealed Masayori thought Noriko looked quite lovely, and Noriko thought Masayori rather dashing, but knew things would work out without its help.