Do You Remember?

Thunder of horses trotted into the heavily guarded capital. People watched as they trotted throw the streets towards the palace, waving a red and white banner with the New Empire symbol. "Make way! Make way! The empress and the princess are coming through!" shouted a guard leading the horses. The empress and the princess were behind him followed by Captain Howin and the girls. When they arrived at the palace, they looked back towards where the old capital stands and saw black and red Old Empire symbol flags flying over the enemy's territory.

"Do you think Zhōng has a plan already prepared?" asked Princess Zhen.

"I hope he does, we can hope to last long enough for what's to come. It depends what he has in mind." replied Empress Wēi.

"We should begin to plan our strategy, your majesty." suggested Captain Howin.

"Your right captain, have Commander Zhèngyì come and report to me what we might have to face." ordered Empress Wēi. She got off her horse and started to go inside, Princess Zhen and her friends follow closely behind them. "It's time to prove that you girls are capable to protect my daughter. No matter what, you must stay by my daughter's side during the battle."

"We will your majesty," promised Xing on behalf of the girls.

Empress Wēi nodded her head and continued to lead them inside. "Your majesty, shall I invite him?" asked Captain Howin.

"He has things to do, we will adapt to what they are planning." said Empress Wēi. While they entered, they didn't see a boy staring out of the window before turning away as he had somewhere to be.

Zhōng walked through the hallways of the palace, he had been here before but this time he didn't break in. The hallways were big and powerful, they reminded him of the hallways of the old palace, his old home. The memory of running through them while they burned flashed in his head and he thought he heard men fighting. He soon entered a meeting room where his uncle and five lords were talking. "My lords, it appears our leader, the former prince, has finally arrived." announced Lord Tyron as he and the others stood up.

Zhōng scanned the room, three of the five lords he recognized as being loyal to him in the last war but the other two didn't. "Did you two fight for the empress?" he asked.

"We did, my lord." replied one of them.

"We thought if we overthrow your father, you ascend to the throne with the guidance of the new. However, we were wrong after she claim herself as the new empress." explained the second one.

Zhōng nodded to their answers and walked towards the table to see what they have planned so far. "Do we have all our men here?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord," replied Lord Varius.

"We figure we should help maintain support by the wall, considering that's where your brother plans to attack." said Lord Reed.

"What about his surprise attack?" asked Zhōng.

"His surprise attack?" repeated Lord Zhihao.

"At a young age, my father had me and my brother play a strategy game. He always plants future moves early in the game, he then shifted to his decoy army, forcing you to focus on it instead of his actual army. I believe what he told you before you left is his decoy army and his actual force whether built or waiting somewhere else is where he'll be attacking." explained Zhōng.

"I see, that does make sense." pondered another lord.

"We'll discuss plans on how we'll approach this possible threat." promised Lord Varius.

"I also want a way to communicate fast, I don't want to risk messengers." stated Zhōng.

"It shall be done, my lord," said the second lord. The five lords left, leaving Lord Tyron and Zhōng alone.

"Glad to see you're still alive, though next time, don't sabotage my alarms as you go through the window." commented Lord Tyron.

"I'll let John know for next time, though I don't think I'll be around when this is over." said Zhōng as he stepped in front of a window. All he could think was his nightmare that repeated till he can no longer fall asleep.

"You know when going to war, it isn't the same as a game." stated Lord Tyron.

"You think I don't know that?" asked Zhōng as he watched the flags of the Old Empire wave in the air.

"I'm saying your brother might not know. He might be better at scheming than you, but in a one-on-one match, I say you have the advantage."

"So I should find a way to face him?"

"Not recklessly but on your terms, if he comes to you, you'll be prepared." explained Lord Tyron.

"Uncle, will you support the princess if I fall?" asked Zhōng as he turned around to look at his uncle.

"I will," promised Lord Tyron. He could see his nephew was worried about her, though he showed no emotions. He got up and walked towards the door before stopping and said, "Since tomorrow would be your birthday, how about you spend time with your sisters and friends. I can handle your work for you to enjoy this."

"I can't promise I'll enjoy it," commented Zhōng. Lord Tyron said nothing and left leaving Zhōng to turn around to look out the window.

"Here you go, brother," said Xing after she and Hannah returned from a vendor. They carried food as Xing handed him one of his favorites. It was spicy and warm, a meal he discover early in their new life that was rarely affordable.

Zhōng grinned as he took the food. "Thanks," he said and took a bite.

"Don't you ever smile bigger than that?" asked Hannah.

"I used to, but not anymore." replied Zhōng.

"Is it because of what happened to you for the last five years?" asked Jack as they begin to eat their food.

"In thirteen years, I change and became a different person from the beginning of the war to the end and to now. I've changed so much that it's hard for me to accept who I become." replied Zhōng.

"Would your old self come to rescue the princess?" asked Hannah.

Zhōng looked at Xing, one of his eyebrows shot up as he stared at her. "She believes you two should be a couple." explained Xing.

"It's perfect for both of you, the old and the new merging as one." noted Hannah.

"Well, I'm glad that trait of yours came from your mother." stated Zhōng.

"Brother!" said Xing as she punched Zhōng's right arm. He was surprised at how much it hurt and was impressed.

"I see you can fight." noted Zhōng before getting punched on the left arm harder than the right by Hannah.

"She's not the only one," stated Hannah as Zhōng rubbed his left arm.

"Well, she's definitely your relative." stated John.

"So is there something you want for your birthday?" asked Jack.

"Do I look like I want something? I've used to everything available in this empire." stated Zhōng.

"You're turning eighteen and had zero parties and gifts for over five years, yet I was still able to get one present from you the entire time." stated Xing.

"I had one, but you weren't there," stated Zhōng. "As a final present, my ally, whom I trusted, gave me a scar that I hide with this tattoo."

"The Poisoner," stated Jack.

"One of the best in the black market to make potions." added John.

"He was the best, yet he chased glory and fame. He was blinded by his mistakes, that it cost the destruction of the black market." said Zhōng.

"And so you had to kill him." concluded John.

"How did he find out about you? The real you?" asked Jack.

"I told him," replied Zhōng as he stood up.

"Wait, you told him?" asked John.

Zhōng said nothing as he walked away, his sisters and friends looked at each other before deciding to follow him. To an alley where two homeless children were searching for something to eat. They saw Zhōng approach them and push themselves back to the wall of a building. They clung together tightly to each other and looked at him in fear as he drew near them. Zhōng knelt down in front of them, pulled a part of the food he ate, and offered the untouched part to them. They tighten themselves together more as the food drew near them. Zhōng took a bite of the food he touched, showing it was good and edible. They cautiously took the food he offered and hurried deeper into the alley.

"That brings back memories," stated Xing.

"It's those memories that haunt me." said Zhōng as he stood up. "Memories of laughter and sadness, joy and depression, love and hatred, pride and fear. All of these emotions makes myself feel confused and question everything. The thing that makes us human, I no longer half. You asked me what I want, the thing I want no one can get me. It's impossible for me to receive it."

"Name it, we'll try to get it." stated Jack.

Zhōng looked at Jack, he stare long but it wasn't his death stare rather there was nothing as his eyes stare dully at them. "What I want is to feel emotions again." stated Zhōng, he then walked right past them and out into the streets.

Zhōng analyzed the street they walked, he was looking for possible cover points in case they had to fall back. The streets were crowded as many people were packing and were heading somewhere for shelter. However, they parted letting him, his sisters, and his friends through. Their eyes were on Zhōng since his hood was down and hair pulled back revealing his symbol. A symbol that brought fear to all who saw him. Some couldn't believe it was him, others jeered at him as one suddenly throw poop at his face. "Go back to your side!" said the person responsible.

"Hey! Who threw that? What did he do wrong?!" called Jack.

"He has done so much for you, people." added John, searching for the man.

"Have you forgotten who his father is?" asked the man, revealing his location.

"His father killed some of my relatives because he thought they were assassins." stated another man. There was a loud agreement from the crowd, encouraging more to speak.

"His father killed some of my friends." called a third.

"And your father isn't the only one that's guilty, you have ancestors that did terrible things too. All the way up to the First Wielder of the Ninja Sword, some say he cheated the competition with an illegal move." said the first.

"That's going too far back," defended Jack. He prepared to activate his sword when an arm went on his shoulders to stop him. He turned and saw Zhōng, cover with poop looking at him. He said no words but his look told him to stand down.

"He's not responsible for his father's actions," claimed the voice of Mr. Jones who Xing recognized. She turned around and saw him and Mrs. Jones fighting through the crowd to them.

"He's right, have you forgotten how much he's done for this empire to stay together?" asked a fourth man, limping forward.

"Have you? He went by the name of Dual Bladed Ninja and he sold your daughter to slavery. He has plenty of blood spill on his hands." said the first man.

Zhōng turned around slowly as he recognized the fourth man. Almost five years ago, he became friends with this man's daughter. But it was short as she was sold into slavery due to his involvement in the black market. After doing this, he refused the reward and went to him and told him what happened. In court the following day, Zhōng spoke about what happened the previous night the men who sold her were pronounced guilty and had to pay the price for her by triple the amount cost. It was the last time they crossed paths and Zhōng never spoke to him again, feeling guilty. Now here they saw each other again, once a soldier for the former prince and the former prince stood face to face. Though covered in poop, the fourth man looked at Zhōng with disappointment.

"If she saw you now, do you think she'll be impressed with what you become?" asked the fourth man.

"It's better than the monster that sold her." replied Zhōng. He turned back around and begin to walk again. The crowd booed and threw more poop and food as well at him. He kept walking as his friends became worried for him, they didn't want him to spend his early birthday like this.

Soldiers from the empress, riding on horses, arrived and begin to stand in the way of the people and Zhōng's group. "We're here to escort you back, we were told by the princess to watch and provide help when you are in trouble." said one of the men.

"Do I look like I'm trouble?" asked Zhōng, his eyes were glowing and his glare was scarier even with poop on his face.

"We'll escort you back now." said the second one.

"Then protect them from receiving it, I'm fine." replied Zhōng. He threw his cowl over his head and lead them while the two horse riders protected his friends. When the people realized this, they continued their assault at him, making the horses quiver by the things thrown.

"Brother, are you sure you're okay?" asked Xing.

Another lump of poop hit Zhōng in the face, he took his left pointer finger and pried some of it off of him. "It's just shit, Xing." he replied. "Just shit."

Later that night, after Zhōng had a bath, he was walking with his uncle back to his room. "All the preparations have been set, we can go over communications tomorrow." stated Uncle Tyron.

"You sure we'll be prepared for anything tomorrow even the empress?" asked Zhōng.

"I spoke with her today about what you told us on your behalf, she knows she'll be on her own to defend the wall." replied Uncle Tyron.

"What about the princess, where would she be?" asked Zhōng.

"She'll be here in the palace with your sisters and their friends to protect her." said Uncle Tyron, he saw an unsure look on his nephew's face. "Would you like Jack and John to be there for her as well?"

"We're stretched too thin and they would prefer to battle even if I said to protect her." stated Zhōng. He opened the door to his room when a thought popped into his head. "Uncle, I need to prepare one last thing for me."

"I'll tell him to expect ten for you." replied Uncle Tyron, knowing what his nephew was planning for.

"Tell him nine but don't be surprised if there is ten." stated Zhōng.

"Well, then promise me you'll get some sleep." teased Uncle Tyron, he walked away as Zhōng shut the door.

Zhōng tossed and turned into his bed, he couldn't fall asleep as something was on his mind. He looked out to his balcony to see the light of the full moon trying to get into his room. A flashback from his first night he couldn't sleep well rushed into his mind. It was the night before the capital fall as the full moon peeked through his window as well that night. He got up as he decided to make his peace.

Zhōng snuck out of the palace and walked through the streets, they were empty as no one dare to walk on them. He passed the home where he met his second friend before selling her off, he could see the man was trying his armor on to see if it still fits, hoping to fight for one more time. This made him frown as he didn't want the man's family to feel pain again. He passed the tavern where Xing used to work, Mr. Jones was putting boards up over the door when he saw Zhōng. They didn't say anything, he didn't like Zhōng but understood that he wasn't responsible for his father's actions.

Zhōng continued to walk when he felt someone run into him. Another flashback played into his mind, the streets glowed red and orange as Xing was on the ground while people were running away. "Come on Xing! We got to keep going." said Prince Zhōng, he tried to pick her help but was kicked away from her.

"Brother!" cried Princess Xing, tears fell down her face as Prince Zhōng tried again only to get the same results.

"I'm not leaving you." stated Prince Zhōng, his face bloody from being kicked. He tried one more time and picked up his sister. When they were on their feet, he led them further down the street as a missile hit a nearby building. Five years later, Zhōng looked at the rebuilt building. He could see where the original walls were built and the replaced ones began as well, soon this building would be hit again.

Zhōng continued to walk down the street till it ended. In front of him, stood the wall where the Old Capital met with the New Capital. Guards were posted everywhere and men lay in the streets trying to get warm as they prepare for the battle to come. They noticed and ignore him as they thought he was just passing through. Zhōng remembered standing here when it wasn't finished after the war. There was a crowd five years ago from tomorrow that stood listening to the news. The news was sad for Zhōng it was about his father, he heard that his father was executed privately and was warned he'll be next.

Zhōng approached the wall, he looked up and down, studying the wall. He looked around before kneeling down at the base of the wall, laying down a white with red edge pebbles flower. "Hey father, it's me," began Zhōng, "I don't where she buried you or if you were buried. It's been five years since, I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. Xing is safe as promised but she has become very capable. We were living with our uncle but I'm sure it's now over. I have so many questions than answers. Why did you stay? I still don't understand why you couldn't come with us. Who is Hannah's mother? I kept her safe as well since she is now family but why did you have to do it? I'm scared, I feel alone, there's going to be another war as I tried to keep this from happening. I don't know what should I do, father, why did you choose me to be your heir?" He began crying halfway, tears continued to flow down his face. It was the first time in years he showed any emotions other than anger.

"Hey," a calm voice behind him spoke. Zhōng turned around to see Captain Howin, his arm was reaching to touch his shoulder before he could Zhōng sprang to his feet and hugged him tightly. Captain Howin was surprised by the actions and emotions he showed before noticing the white flower in the snow. Even he didn't know where Emperor Huo was buried, he patted Zhōng's head as he calmed down. "Let's get you back." he said.

"There's one place I want to stop first." said Zhōng.

Zhōng led them down the streets where he announced he was alive, past a bar where he joined the black market, and into an alley. There was garbage everywhere as they walked through it. The final flashback was Zhōng and Xing arriving for the first time. They collapse as fire and ash fell from the skies like it was snow. Xing had tears falling down her face as she was scared while Zhōng clung to his blades tightly. "What now, brother?" asked Xing.

"We wait till father comes." stated Zhōng.

"What happens if he doesn't?"

Zhōng paused as he didn't have the answer to that. He spoke with their father in the days before the siege, he knew what they must do once they arrived at the spot. However, they never discuss what to do if one couldn't make it. "He'll come, I'm sure of it. For now, let's find somewhere to replace our disguises. We don't know if we were spotted fleeing and so we must look like the part of homeless." said Zhōng, although he didn't know the answer to his sister's question.

Zhōng stopped at the spot where she used to lay and start digging through the trash till he found a seal tight box. He opened it and found inside was money they kept as savings for essentials, his sister's doll named Ning, and his mother's necklace which was past down to Xing. He took the doll and the necklace before digging on the other side to uncover an item of his.

After they returned to the palace, Zhōng went to his sisters' room and opened the door quietly, he found them sleeping together as if they have done this before. He tucked the doll into Xing's arms and put the necklace into Hannah's hand. They smiled and nestle closer together making Zhōng smile a little more than he usually did. He walked out of the room, closing the door carefully and quietly, and went to his room.

Zhōng was sitting on the rail of his balcony, his cloak he dug up in the alley flew in the breeze. His cowl was up as the wind filled the unused space, he was looking out towards the Old Capital and saw fires lit but there were no other signs of life. He scanned the areas around the capitals but couldn't find life either. The door of his room slowly opened as Princess Zhen entered. She saw him sitting on the balcony and decided to join him. "Do you remember, the night before the first siege of the capital?" he asked her.

Princess Zhen paused for a moment before answering, "I was in prison, I couldn't tell you how long I was there. I remember the guards being on the edge, I never knew why till the attack began. The prison shooked and I could hear artillery fired from the outside. Suddenly, it was quiet then I heard swords clashing and my mother appeared in the prison to rescue me."

Zhōng nodded as she spoke, he could visualize the events playing out in his head. If his father died while fighting, it would have been before she was rescued. "I remember that night, it was the first night I couldn't fall asleep." he began. "I remember it being quiet as I tossed and turned in my bed. I got up to pace as I tried to tire myself out, but no matter what I did, I stayed up till dawn. Then the battle began I had to find my father."

"You miss him, don't you?"

"I have questions that need answers that he alone had." replied Zhōng, they said nothing as the breeze continued to blow through them.

"Tomorrow would be your birthday if I'm not mistaken." stated Princess Zhen.

Zhōng sighed before asking, "Do you remember when you were a lady, you get at least one present from every fiefdom for your birthday? Now that you're a princess, you have at least gotten two from every fiefdom. Do they bring you joy when you open them or do you feel unsatisfied? Every time I got one when I was a prince, I was unsatisfied. Whether you brought me a lot or two, it didn't matter because it was the same feeling. After falling, we only made enough money for one present. I decided that my sister should get them while I give them to her. She did offer if I want anything, I told her if she can't find anything she liked, I'll take the gift. But there was always something that she wanted which I didn't mind. It made us both happy, seeing her smile was the best gift I could receive."

They continued to look out at the Old Capital, the air was silent with suspense between them. "If I didn't discover you, would you still live with your uncle?" asked Princess Zhen.

"If I remained quiet for five years, I would have spoken one last time. Then I would travel the world searching for someone before settling down just across the lake from the capital. There I could watch you rule, and live a good life knowing nothing terrible would happen. I would hopefully live there for the rest of my life and when I'm dying, I would let the Ninja Sword go to find someone better then I ever was." stated Zhōng. His cowl blew off of his head, letting his blond hair flying in the breeze. Princess Zhen marveled as she looked at the boy's face. He looked serious but afraid of what was to come, his eyes glittered from the moon. He looked human for the first time since they reunited before pulling his cowl back up and he was back looking like a monster.

"I want you to come with me," stated Princess Zhen.

"As you wish, your majesty." replied Zhōng, he got off the railing and follow her out of his room.

They went to the ground floor of the palace and entered one of its wings where they continued to walk. As the halls became dark, Princess Zhen lit and carried a candle to show them the way. She opened a door and went in with Zhōng behind her. It was hard to see in the room they were in but what he could see was a horizontal surface to his right. The princess then stopped, she blew the candle out before relighting another one. She turned back around to face him with a candle sticking into a piece of chocolate cake. Zhōng looked behind her, though it was hard to tell, he saw more of the chocolate cake hiding in the shadows as she gave him the slice. "I know that you told me you don't like gifts from lords and ladies, but what about friends? How do you feel when an old friend gives you something?" said Princess Zhen.

Zhōng looked down at the cake, it has been a while since he received a gift from his friends. The cake was rich and well done, she clearly was busy trying to make it perfect for him. A flashback of him receiving a ball from Pablo flooded his mind. "Come on, let's go play with it." his voice echoed through his head. He played with the ball among his friends almost the entire time, his sister even joined them as they kicked the ball around. They played all kinds of games while the guest watched them.

Zhōng smiled big in front of the princess, it was perhaps bigger than it was when they first met all those years ago. "I guess my wish came true, perhaps I should wish something else before we eat this." stated Zhōng. Princess Zhen smiled with him as tears rolled down her cheek, the prince she met thirteen years ago was back. While it was brief as the new him was still there as the old was a mere memory, it gave her relief to finally see him smiling as it was something she missed from him. Zhōng raised the plate closer to his lips and blew quietly as the candle went out.