The Reckoning

ZI YIN'S EYES WIDENED in shock. "Oh no, not the cakes!" he cried out.

The vendor tried to shoo the goat away, but it was too determined to give up its delicious find. Zi Yin and Fu Tai were not sure what to do, but they knew they couldn't leave without their cake.

Zi Yin asked the vendor, "Excuse me, sir. Can we have two osmanthus cakes, please?"

The vendor nodded, "Sure thing. That'll be five copper coins."

Zi Yin and Fu Tai handed over the coins, and the vendor gave them the cakes. But the goat was not happy about sharing its treats. The goat charged towards the boys, headbutting the cake stand and sending cakes flying. Zi Yin and Fu Tai ran for their lives, the goat hot on their trail, bleating like a siren.

The little kids in the market started to cheer the goat on, "Goat! Goat! Goat!"

Why does that goat have to be so persistent?

Can't it take 'no' for an answer? I've already given it all my osmanthus cakes, but it still keeps chasing me! Ahhh!

Zi Yin's cake went flying out of his hand, soaring through the air, and landing on a young boy's face, covering him in frosting.

"Oops, sorry!" Zi Yin apologized, picking the cake off the boy's face.

Suddenly, a group of chickens appeared out of nowhere, flapping their wings and clucking loudly, joining the goat in the chase.

Zi Yin and Fu Tai ran and dodged their way through the chaos, with chickens and a goat nipping at their heels. The commotion was causing an uproar in the market, with people shouting and running in all directions. They vaulted the corner and collided with a man hauling a cart of watermelons, the cart toppled over, and watermelons spilled in every direction, sending people slipping and sliding on the juicy fruit! Zi Yin and Fu Tai were thrown into a nearby wagon filled with hay, struggling to catch their breath and regain their composure. Zi Yin thought his soul had left his body.

Why does that goat have to be so obsessed with my osmanthus cakes?

Can't it just eat some grass like a normal goat?

Zi Yin felt wronged and bullied by the goat, panting like mad trying to make sense of what had happened. Fu Tai looked at Zi Yin, and they both burst out laughing, covered in hay and cake frosting.

"Let's do that again!" Zi Yin beamed.

"No!" Fu Tai grabbed his arm still laughing. "We'll be dog meat if we do what you say!"

"What's wrong with that? You already look like a butt face."

"No! You're a butt face."

"No, you!"

They collapsed into fits of giggles before Fu Tai couldn't take it anymore and dragged him back to the sect.

●

THE FOLLOWING DAY, Zi Yin fidgeted nervously, playing with his fingers as his father, the sect leader Zi Wang, and his Shifu, Zi Xinyue, summoned them. Zi Wang stood tall and proud, with a regal bearing befitting his lofty station. He was given the title of Gentle Storm by the emperor because he commanded the emperor's guard, a group of assassins that only did the emperor's bidding, they were called the Moonlit Guards.

Zi Wang's eyes were sharp gleaming like polished steel, and his long flowing hair, jet black as a raven's wing, cascades down his back like a river of ink. He exudes an air of effortless grace and commanding authority, inspiring fear, and respect in all who behold him. Fu Tai, Zi Ling, and Zi Yin all saluted him properly and got on their knees.

"Zi Yin, I have important news," Shifu said, his voice firm.

Zi Yin immediately stood up and bowed, "What is it, Shifu?"

"There will be a competition in ten years between the sects, and I have faith that you will be the first omega to win it," Shifu declared, his eyes glinting with confidence.

Zi Yin's heart leaped in his chest. This was the news he had been waiting for his whole life. "I won't disappoint you, Shifu," he promised.

Shifu's gaze turned to Fu Tai, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the room.

"You, on the other hand," Shifu said, his tone turning cold, "will have to work twice as hard for Zi Yin to have any chance of winning. Don't drag Zi Yin down with you."

Zi Yin looked over at his best friend, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. Fu Tai's eyes were downcast, and his shoulders were slumped.

"Yin'er," Zi Wang said, taking out a brand-new Butterfly Sword. "This sword is for you. It's time for you to make it to the next stage, and I believe in you."

Zi Xinyue handed the new Butterfly Sword to Zi Yin, who smiled widely. The blade was made of shining silver metal and had intricate engravings on the hilt and guard. Its sharp, curved blade looked deadly and precise, while the overall design exuded a sense of elegance and power. Zi Yin's eyes widened as he picked up the sword, feeling the weight of it in his hand. "Thank you, Father," he said, feeling a surge of motivation and determination.

"My turn," Zi Xinyue said then placed a new Angel Blade sword in front of Zi Ling. "An outstanding sword for an outstanding daughter."

Zi Ling's face flushed red and she thanked him timidly, taking the precious blade in her hands. The light caught the glint of the blade's shining silver metal. The intricate engravings on the hilt and guard were so complex, they seemed almost magical. And when Zi Ling ran a finger along the sharp, curved blade, she could feel the weapon's deadly precision. Its design was so powerful and elegant that she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins. They marveled at it for several moments, both Zi Yin and Zi Ling excited to receive their first spiritual weapons.

"What about Fu Tai?" Zi Yin asked, feeling a bit embarrassed but unable to ignore his friend's exclusion.

Zi Xinyue scoffed. " Yin'er servants don't get swords," he said dismissively, causing Zi Yin to feel a twinge of anger and disappointment.

"But he's my friend," Zi Yin protested. "He's helped me so much in my training."

Zi Wang intervened, placing a hand on Zi Yin's shoulder. "Fu Tai may not have a sword. You must understand the hierarchy of things, Yin'er. As the future sect leader, you must respect order and not bend to the whims of how you feel."

Zi Yin felt hurt by his father's words.

All his life he was told he was too weak and too emotional, and now when he stood up for his friend he was told not to. Then again, Fu Tai wasn't his friend. He was his servant. His guard. Zi Yin should act according. Still, he couldn't help but feel sorry for Fu Tai's exclusion. He wished he could do something to change it. They left the room one by one and Zi Yin walked alongside Fu Tai, who had a forced smile on his face.

"I'm sorry you didn't get a sword, Fu Tai," Zi Yin said, feeling guilty.

"It's alright," Fu Tai replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I don't need a sword to prove myself."

It was a lie. Both Zi Yin and Fu Tai knew it, but instead of commenting on it, Zi Yin kept silent. Zi Yin would have to learn to respect the order of things or else they would both suffer.

●

ZI YIN SAT ON HIS BED, wondering what to do next. He already had his training for the day and since Fu Tai had his chores to do, Zi Yin was left alone. A large part of him wished that Fu Tai didn't have chores and that he could be a regular child, just laughing and playing all day as Zi Yin did without a care in the world. Zi Yin's gaze roamed the room, taking in the details of the opulent decor.

He scanned the ornate wooden panels that adorned the walls, admiring the carvings of inlaid gold. A soft smile played at the corners of his lips, content in the comfort of his surroundings. Zi Yin moved to sit cross-legged and began meditating hoping against hope that eventually, he'd move past the Qi Condensation stage. Zi Yin was busy mediating when his Zi Wang strode into Zi Yin's room with a solemn expression on his face. "Yin'er, I have good news," he said, taking a seat in front of his son.

The eight-year-old boy sat up, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What is it, father?"

"The emperor has requested a tutor buddy for his son, Wangye Gong Yijun," Zi Wang said trying to hold back his skepticism. His eyes lingered on the embroidered silk curtains that draped over the windows, billowing softly in the breeze. Zi Yin's heart skipped a beat. He knew what that meant – the Emperor was asking for him to be the prince's study partner. It was a great honor, but also a great responsibility. He felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for this," he said, his voice uncertain.

Zi Wang looked at his son with a reassuring smile. "I have every confidence in you, Yin'er. You are intelligent and talented. The emperor himself has requested you for this task."

Zi Yin felt a surge of pride at his father's words but still hesitated. "But what about my studies at the sect? And what about Fu Tai? I don't want to leave him behind."

Zi Wang nodded, understanding his son's concerns. "You will still have time to study and practice your martial arts. And as for Fu Tai, you can bring him with you as your assistant. He will serve as your aide and companion."

Zi Yin's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. He had not expected his father to allow him to bring his best friend and servant. "Thank you, father! I will do my best to serve the Emperor and the prince."

Zi Wang patted his son's shoulder. "I have no doubt you will excel in this new role. It is a great honor for our family, and I am proud of you."

"There is something else as well." Zi Wang's gaze softened, he pulled out a small trinket and Zi Yin's eyes widened. The heartstone made out of pure jade gleamed like a drop of dew on a leaf, with a cool, refreshing energy that seemed to flow through it like a stream. "This belonged to your mother before she died, the heartstone is the purest form of love that can only be held by the omega of the Heavenly Orchard sect. Here." He dropped the small tone into Zi Yin's hands. It was the most beautiful thing he has ever seen in his whole life. Zi Yin barely remembered his mother, but he knew she was a powerful cultivator that was killed but ascended to mortality. His father was tight-lipped about her whereabouts, but Zi Yin figured she must have transformed into a Goddess and prayed that she was the one keeping watch over him.

"It can only be touched by the betrothed couple and has the power to strengthen their bond and deepen their feelings for each other. If one of the betrothed dies, the heartstone will shatter, symbolizing the end of their love," Zi Wang continued petting his head. "This is also away for our people to recognize you as the heir to the Heavenly Orchid sect, you must keep it with you always."

Zi Yin kotowed deeply, pressing his forehead against the floor. "Yes father!"

"Good, very good!" Zi Wang patted his head, smiling wildly. "You'll bring honor to us all."