Return to the Ninja Empire - Part 1

The Spartan ship arrived at the Spartan capital where it dropped off the goods they traded in the Egyptian Empire and took on goods going to the Ninja Empire. "Are you sure you and your men are fine getting underway immediately?" asked King Alexios to Tony.

"I'm sure, your majesty, we only have a short window and I cannot afford to change the entire crew." assured Tony as the brow came aboard the ship.

Zhen, Jack, and John were the first ones off and were greeted by their friends who stayed in the Spartan Empire. "Your majesty, welcome back," greeted Xing as they crowded them.

"We're glad we're back, Pharaoh Ay told me, Xing, that you're welcome to come to the Egyptian Empire if you want to." said Zhen.

"My place is to protect you by the empress's orders, I left your side once and I'm not doing it again." said Xing as they began walking away from the docks.

"I told you to leave me, if anything, you save me and your brother." objected Zhen.

"Well, we all got Zhōng who saved you, he's the reason why you escaped." said Xing.

"Speaking of Zhōng, how is he?" asked Hannah who was behind them.

Zhen stopped walking and the rest immediately as well, they turned to see her face was lost in thought. Her memories began when he became cold after she saved him from his brother's wrath to his cold face before leaving her on the beach, to him leaving through a door in the Egyptian Empire. "Princess?" asked Xing, snapping Zhen's thoughts. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine, he's fine as well." replied Zhen. She nodded her head in assurance as she recollected her thoughts. "If you excuse me, I need some space and air." she said as she walked away.

The girls, Jack, and John began to walk after her before Xing put her arms up to stop them. "She'll be okay, she was safe before any of us guarded her." she said.

King Alexios and a couple of sailors departed the ship and replacements boarded the ship before getting ready to set sail. The last of the cargo was boarded and the lines were cast off and the ship set sail once again. Tony watched the capital moving away on a railing when a cloakman joined him. "You know crow's nest members are only allowed one trip since they rock the most." he said.

"Then it's a good thing I didn't get seasick, besides one trip counts as one away and returned. I set sail to get away from the Egyptian Empire and to return to the Ninja Empire." replied Zhōng as he leaned back and scanned the crew working to secure for sea.

"You won't kill me when we land in the Ninja Empire, will you?" asked Tony, remembering Zhōng's threat he made almost two years ago.

"Unless you plan to sell me out to gain favor in my brother's eyes." said Zhōng.

"I don't suppose you'll give me a two-week head start again if I do." said Tony.

"You'll be lucky to get a minute." said Zhōng.

Tony gulped as he turned to look at his cloak friend who turned to look at Spartan capital. "You sure you didn't want Jack and John?" he asked.

"I already involved them too much, they don't need more of the burden I carry." said Zhōng. He turned to head to the lower decks when Tony's first mate reported to Tony.

The trip to the Ninja Empire was three days long when they landed in Port Dake, it was different than how they remembered. The port was gloomy and shy as they stared at the newcomers, some stared even harder at Zhōng who had his cowl over his head. They found someone to buy carts and after inspecting and discovering secret compartments, they bought four carts to carry their load.

"Make your bets people, starting bid ten tokens for this stubborn horse!" cried the auctioneer, he was standing on a stage where a horse whipped his head wildly as it was tied to the pole. "Come on people, he's a strong horse, five tokens, two tokens, anyone for two tokens?" The crowd muttered amongst themselves as they were unsure to bid.

"Sir, do you take Spartan coins?" cried Zhōng.

"Why yes I can," replied the auctioneer.

"I bid one silver and one bronze for that horse." stated Zhōng as he held up the coins. The crowd gasped and so did the auctioneer, after no one else bid, Zhōng won the bet as he came up to the stage. He passed the money and grabbed the reins and the horse went wild as he tried to calm it down. "Easy, easy, remember," cooed Zhōng, the horse suddenly stopped and stared at the person hidden in the cowl. "It's me, Yáo, I see you're still as wild as ever." he said. Yáo neighed in acknowledgment and followed Zhōng off the stage, shocking the crowd.

"I see you found your horse," said Tony when Zhōng joined him on Yáo.

"I'm sure your old one is still at School Town if you want to stop and get him." said Zhōng as he patted his horse who leaned closer as it missed his master's touch.

"Somehow I get the feeling my horse perhaps has forgotten about me. Maybe after this trip, I'll go and see or get a new horse." said Tony.

"Well then are we ready?" asked Zhōng.

Tony nodded, then shouted at his men behind them to move out and began their journey to the Ninja capital. After three-quarters of a day's journey, they stopped and made camp where Zhōng and Tony each hunted food for them to eat. "Ah, I missed how the game tastes here, not tough and dry but soft and juicy." said Tony as he came by Zhōng who sat by a wheel to one of the carts.

"And most of the game should be fat considering winter is almost among us." added Zhōng as he continued to stare out to the darkness where an infinity torched burn for the only light.

"I get the feeling you're displeased with me for something." stated Tony as noticed his friend looking around for something.

"What gave it away?" asked Zhōng.

"Well you're quiet, scanning the fields, watching the infinity torch like a hawk, and you're hunkered down with your weapons ready for a fight." pointed out Tony.

"If I remember correctly, this is usually bandit land around this time as well." stated Zhōng.

"Even so, you should be standing up near the carts." said Tony.

"That is if we aren't carrying anything valuable." said Zhōng.

"We aren't carrying anything…" began Tony before stopping as Zhōng's black eyes looked at his hazel eyes. He turned to look back where he saw the other three carts surrounding the men who ate by the campfire.

"You can come out now, princess, I know you're there just as you knew I was coming here." shouted Zhōng. He grabbed Tony's men's attention as they looked confused at the man behind the cart.

"Hey, boss, I think your partner is losing it." voiced one of Tony's men.

Tony sighed and shouted, "Are you seriously going to make us look like fools?"

The men turned to the cart he was looking at, they saw no movement coming from underneath the tarp. "Boss, we saw the former princess leave the ship, there's no way she got back onboard." stated the second one of Tony's men.

"I think you've hung out with him too much to be paranoid." suggested a third. The others agreed but Tony remained focused on the cart. He was rewarded as a smooth hand peeked out of the tarp with an arm. The rest of the body followed as she came out onto her feet as her red eyes stared at Tony. The men suddenly stopped talking and were in shock at her standing amongst them in the Ninja Empire.

"I'll be taking a far post first, she can have my share." said Zhōng as he stood up and marched into the fields.

Tony looked over his shoulder to watch his friend go before returning his attention to Zhen as he walked closer to her. "Since you guys think he went mad, how about you relieve the other watches and take a far post as well." he said. His men nodded and hurried away leaving Tony to sigh big as he looked at her. "You made me and my men a fool, you could have made Zhōng a fool as well." he said to her.

"I couldn't risk you returning to the Ninja Empire since you betrayed it." said Zhen.

"So has Zhōng, but you were wondering if I was going to betray him again." guessed Tony.

"I just mostly wanted to help." said Zhen. Her stomach suddenly growled as the food that sat over the fire smelled delicious. She hadn't eaten since leaving the Spartan Empire as her face turned red with embarrassment.

Tony snorted in amusement before it was shot down by Zhen's fiery stare. It was strong enough that he thought it could rival Zhōng's. "Perhaps you should eat before we continue this debate. While you eat, let me tell you something I learned from Zhōng." he offered. 

Zhen accepted and took a seat by the fire as Tony handed her a piece of meat. With one bite, Zhen was surprised at how good it tasted and how much she missed the game Captain Howin caught. A tear fell down her face as she realized there was no word of what happened to him. How he protected her and trained when Zhōng wasn't there, how he listened to her commands and answered her questions, and the code he drove himself and others to follow.

"When I met Zhōng, he told me he wanted the empire back. He knew he'd have to play two different parts in order to reclaim the throne. One was the hero, a protector of the people who saw him as their ray of hope. The other was the villain, a vicious and cunning warrior who'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Playing the hero for him was tough in his early years of the black market, we knew the easy way was to play the villain. But after reading a letter written by his mother he told me it was when he changed to play the hero. But it wasn't to claim the throne rather it was to protect it so you can claim it. But now his brother claimed it, he must played the villain for good in order for you to claim it." explained Tony.

"Why?" asked Zhen.

"He believes you can't beat him, even the Ninja Sword might make you struggle against him. But if he deals with the threat, you can easily reclaim the Ninja Empire since Zhōng won't put up much of a fight." replied Tony.

"Why do that? He knows I must execute him, doesn't he?" asked Zhen as she looked at Tony. She no saw no emotions as he nodded his head to confirm.

"That's why he pulled Jack and John, I'm still here because I have a use for Zhōng. I might have a few connections and spies that can be used to crimple Emperor Zhēngfú's forces. In order to make us succeed, you must with anger and guilt take up the Ninja Sword." revealed Tony.

"But I don't want it, I see its power and it terrifies me." stated Zhen.

"You don't think Zhōng was scared to use its power?" asked Tony, Zhen was going to answer before he put his hand up to silence her. "The power the Ninja Sword has, according to Zhōng, could bring thousands of the best soldiers down or completely wipe out the capital with just a snap. Do I believe it? I do, I've seen firsthand what Zhōng can do if he loses it. The sword terrifies him as much or as more than you do. The only reason why Zhōng pulled it out he told me was to fight against anyone who wanted to destroyed this empire and to protect you." 

Zhen's widened as Tony spoke, she wasn't expecting to hear what Tony spoke. She looked down at her meal and pondered what was said to her. "I must use my anger and guilt?" she asked.

"Anger for failing to defend this empire and guilt for feeling powerless to save him from anyone, including yourself. You are strong and brave but you lack fuel for your determination. Set-backs were the reasons Zhōng strived to be strong, you follow the path that he paved, and the rest you must do on your own. And when you come and see Zhōng, you won't see the vicious villain he'll be known as but a friend that he's glad to see again as you claimed the throne. Wouldn't you agree, Zhōng?" said Tony.

Zhen turned to see a cloakman with black eyes looking at them, he remained motionless as he listened to their conversation. "When you come to reclaim the throne, it will be the first night in years I will rest with peace." he responded. He then looked at Tony who nodded for his report. "I found four bandits trying to rig the blackhole device, it won't surprise me if there's more." he reported.

"We know they won't attack or come close as long as they run." stated Tony, Zhōng said nothing and turned away to return to his post.

Lord Tyron looked around a luxurious room in the palace of the Ninja Empire. He looked upon the red walls as the light perfectly shone on them. There was a bookshelf with hundreds of books stretched across nearby a black cherry wood desk. He peeked his head in one of the doors opened and available to see a bedroom matching the same color scheme inside with a private washroom. "What do you think?" asked Emperor Zhēngfú who was in the same room along with two guards.

"Looks familiar as if I worked with my brother for the designs of my own room." said Lord Tyron.

"Well it could be yours, uncle, there's no reason we should be at odds against each other." said Emperor Zhēngfú.

Lord Tyron grunted and said, "No there shouldn't be at odds just like you declaring war against Empress Wēi."

"She's a traitor long before I was," stated Emperor Zhēngfú.

"And like her, you follow her example, she too destroyed laws from her predecessor passed before reading them." compared Lord Tyron.

"Traitor's words shouldn't bear an ear of plead, all she did was go after the throne to rule. I went after the throne after my brother forbade it." said Emperor Zhēngfú.

"But he left a warning to all who'll go after it," growled Lord Tyron, he glared at his nephew as they stared in silence.

"Come, come, uncle, you agree that not all of us should have been fully severely punished. The only threat Lady Wēi had against her throne was my father and my brother. It made sense that their punishment would be death. Meanwhile, if she caught you, you'll serve a sentence for your crimes in the black market ten times longer than a normal sentence. I was simply not allowed to continue my training but go to the front lines and died." listed out Emperor Zhēngfú.

"Well, I and Zhōng were able to weasel out of ours while also freeing my sister and yours. But if this is your thank you then you should thank your brother mostly by reinstating Empress Wēi."

"Why would I give the throne back to her after claiming it in battle? Do you think I am afraid of the danger I could be in?" questioned Emperor Zhēngfú.

"You and I both know Zhōng will come back and face you." warned Lord Tyron.

"Which is why I sent men to deal with him when he was feeling comfortable. According to General Gomun, they forced fatigue on him and he slipped into a coma and died. Though I have no proof to show this since he said they were terrified of beheading him, Uncle Ay sent a letter of casualties. One of the men missing is someone from the Ninja Empire who carried two swords. Does that sound familiar?" said Emperor Zhēngfú.

"No, it can't be," exclaimed Lord Tyron in shock.

"Now you understand why I let you view this room, I want you as an advisor since we are the last of our family. I will pardon your crimes against me and give you all promised to you by my father if you tell me what's the secret inside a journal that the Lone Bandit has in the Ninja Empire." bargained Emperor Zhēngfú.

Lord Tyron bowed his head low as he heard the news, if Zhōng was truly dead, then his heir will be announced soon. "I'm sorry, I have reasons to remain quiet about the secret. I also won't follow you but the heir Zhōng put in place. And I'm sure she'll be as dangerous as he was." he warned as his eyes though teary began to glow with determination.

Emperor Zhēngfú nodded his head slowly, his lips tightening as they formed a frown as if he was disappointed with the answer. "Guards, see take this traitor away." he ordered. 

Xiōngshǒu and Hòuhuǐ each grabbed Lord Tyron's arms and began to pull him away. "The only traitor in this room right now, your majesty, is yourself for not listening to our emperor's commands." exclaimed Lord Tyron as he was dragged out.

"Unfortunately, the Old doesn't see it like that." stated Emperor Zhēngfú he then looked out of the window to see the capital as dim lights spread throughout.

"You request me, your majesty?" asked Commander Gomun who came in after Lord Tyron was dragged out.

"See to it that we crush any hope the New has for Former Princess Zhen. Have any spies immediately report when she has decided to declare war on me. The end of rebellions is soon with a deceitful move will make this empire one once again." stated Emperor Zhēngfú.

"As you wish, my emperor." acknowledge Commander Gomun and went out the door to fulfill his emperor's wishes.

The Spartan party arrived at the capital in a month as they made good progress considering their size. They pulled up in the market place and the carts were unloaded at their stall. "Be careful when you explore, the guards are keeping close watch of what we say and do." warned the merchant of the Spartan stall to Tony.

"Well it's a good thing we're unpacking and reloading to leave at midnight." said Tony, he handed the merchant some money and went to the back of the stall. Behind the closed doors in the back was where Zhōng waited for Zhen to finish changing into clothes found in the Ninja Empire. "You're not going to be able to walk out the front door, I counted three on duty and a half of a dozen in disguises." he reported.

"That's insulting, I expected my brother to have more eyes than that." exclaimed Zhōng. 

"Remember, we only have a short time frame, we must leave at midnight." reminded Tony.

Zhōng turned to look at Tony, though his cowl was up, his black eyes looked at his friend with intensity. "I know, you make sure the carts will be ready to leave." stated Zhōng. Zhen soon came out from behind a curtain where she changed, she had a cloak and cowl wrapped around her clothes as she looked at the two boys. "Please tell me one of the guards you saw was female." asked Zhōng, noticing Zhen had her Roktavor sword on her waist.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see any of the females civilians carrying weapons." replied Tony. Zhen looked down at her sword, she was taught how to use it and defend herself. Knowing that it could give away her identity, she sighed before removing her blade and putting it to the side.

"Stay close to me," said Zhōng. He then headed to a back door which it led to the alleyways. He and Zhen left through and traveled the maze till they intercepted a main road that they could blend in. Zhōng weaved through the people like he was a ghost, he pickpocketed some of them since he didn't have the same currency used. His eyes glanced at everything as he judged how his brother treated the people. Suddenly he stopped and turned around to see Zhen stopped further back than him and staring at something.

When Zhōng approached Zhen, he followed her gaze and realized they were at the town square. Tied to the fountain, they saw was Former Empress Wēi as her clothes were ripped into shreds. She was covered in dirt and had a few bruises, her shelter where she slept looked like it was going to collapse and the food she was fed was sticky and white. There were a few they saw showed some sympathy but then guards pushed them away and others came to have fun with her. "Come on," he whispered to Zhen who turned to him with tears falling down her face. "We'll save her in time." he promised.

"All right," nodded Zhen and she began walking away. 

Before Zhōng followed, he looked up to see heads on spears of lords he recognized as ones loyal to the New. There was only one that didn't have a head but a sign that said, 'The Fallen Prince, the first traitor to the Ninja Empire'. "I'll show you a traitor," he muttered before storming after Zhen.

Zhōng led Zhen to a tavern and they went inside, it was crowded and there were some who shouted. He took her to the bar table and waited till someone approached him. "Tea and the strongest sake you have." he ordered.

"Unfortunately, if you want the sake, you'll have to order a room." said the bartender.

"Then it better be a room where no eyes can see and no ears can hear." stated Zhōng.

The bartender nodded and led them upstairs to the rooms. He unlocked the farthest back room and they entered, inside was two beds, a table, and a single dresser with three drawers. There was a small room that only captured the palace as it towered above. "I thought you were dead," stated the bartender after he locked the room behind them.

"Well, the Muffler, the Vow Keeper, and my brother each gave their best shots. Especially my brother who tried three times and failed every time. Did you hear anything that I should know about, Klein?" said Zhōng.

"I'm sure you saw the former empress before coming here." guessed Klein. He saw Zhōng nod his head in confirmation before turning to see that the girl who came with him had tears beginning to fall. "I'm sorry you have to see her like that, your majesty. Though treated harshly, there are those who will try to give her comfort." he apologized.

Zhen looked at Klein, she was surprised he recognized her. She then turned to Zhōng who nodded at her in assurance it was okay. "What about Captain Howin and Lord Tyron? What happened to them?" she asked.

"Captain Howin hasn't been seen or heard of since your mother retreated west. As for Lord Tyron, I assume you noticed the modifications of the palace." said Klein.

"My brother has my uncle in the hanging prison, doesn't he?" guessed Zhōng, he then saw Klein nodded and Zhen looking at him puzzled. "The old plans for the palace had a prison where there's no floor to stand on. Prisoners will sleep and balance themselves on hanging planks as the wind howled underneath them. If the prisoners rolled off or gave up hope, they would fall and smash into sharp rocks. It's also the perfect torment for anyone afraid of heights, including my uncle." he explained.

"Has Lord Tyron jumped yet?" asked Zhen as she turned to Klein for his answer.

"The lord hasn't jumped at least so far, there were a couple of bodies who have already." replied Klein, surprised that the former princess was worried about him.

"Time is almost up for him, how do I get in?" asked Zhōng.

"Well that's the problem, Emperor Zhēngfú has tripled the watch and locked down the palace. If anything gets inside, they will be noticed and reported. The only place where it isn't heavily guarded is the hanging prison itself." answered Klein.

"But I'll be noticed if I climb or fly to it." said Zhōng.

"Not unless you fly when it's dark," suggested Klein. He saw Zhōng sigh as he looked away to think of a plan. "Rescuing the empress is also best in the dark, I'm sure your uncle would understand if you rescue her and leave him." he reasoned.

Zhōng turned and looked outside to see the palace, he knew he could get in but wasn't sure if he was strong enough or wanted to get caught this soon in his plans. "Thank you, Klein, your information is definitely helpful." he said.

Klein bowed his head a little in acknowledgment. He turned back to the door and before opening it, he remembered something else. "There's a small rebellion that's been keeping the emperor's eyes fixed to. If you need an army, they might be a good place to start." he said and then left the two of them alone.

Zhōng sighed again and turned to sit on a bed, he folded his hands together as his left foot thumped furiously. Zhen decided to sit on the other bed and looked at him with curiosity about what he was thinking. "So Tony is dealing with marketing and transportation so we can escape and I can only rescue one of them tonight." he began.

"You should go after your uncle, he could die any minute and he's the last family member trap that you have." suggested Zhen, Zhōng stopped thumbing and looked at her from under his cowl with curiosity. "My mother has suffered this long, she can last a little longer if needed to be." she reasoned, though her hands were shaking with frustration.

"You didn't let me finish," said Zhōng. It was Zhen's turn to look at him with confusion and curiosity. "Maybe it's a good thing you came with us because while I save my uncle you are going to save your mother."