Day 9,444

The royal palace was a mess. Bodies sprawled across the grounds as the blood began to dry. Those who were alive helped to gather the body. Haoran dragged his sword against the ground while he walked down the stairs wearily. He refused to turn back and did not want to be reminded of the sight before him. His grip was tight against the hilt of the sword and his palms were covered in bites from his muffled cries and screams. He did not want to trash around like a child because he lacked the energy and thought. Haoran chuckled when he saw the survivors picking up the dead bodies and swept the ashes into a large vase, previously used to collect rainwater. He did not know who to mourn for, the loss of his aunts, sisters, and uncle, or the fact that his mother was missing. Dropping the sword, Haoran knelt on the ground laughing as he wiped the tears away from his cheeks causing the dried blood to smear against his skin.

One of the surviving generals did not stop, instead he walked away carrying the body of his in-laws. Haoran's laugh grew louder. How was he going to explain to the opposite kingdom's family that their parents and son were massacred alongside his? What fault would befall him and this very empire that his father built? What would become of his father? Lowering his gaze on the ground, Haoran snickered an ugly thought blossoming in his mind. A drop of blood landed on the ground, signalling that his nose was bleeding again. He shut his eyes and allowed the tears to flow before tilting his head to wipe the blood off his nose. Haoran stood up again only to fall forward again. This time he was embraced tightly into the arms of his only medic left after the incident.

"Let it all out, Haoran," whispered Albert softly, brushing the prince's hair as he pulled him into a close hug.

"I can't," Haoran answered in a broken voice, swallowing the lump that began to form in his throat as tears fell freely against his cheeks. "I don't know how. It's too much. My uncle, sisters, and aunts are brutally murdered. My mother is missing. I need to find her, Albert. I need to search for her before those inhumane creatures take her away from me. I -"

"Stop! Stop!" Albert hugged the prince tightly to prevent him from moving as he grabbed onto his cheeks to meet his eyes. "My prince, listen to me. I have sent General Jingyi out with a search party. Your uncle is alive. My deepest condolences to your aunts and sisters. We will make sure they have a proper burial. The emperor needs to see you now. Will you come with me?"

"Uncle Jingyi is alive?" Haoran asked and when the medic nodded, he breathed out and leaned his head against the elder's chest. "We need to get you to the emperor. But, I must warn you, he is not in good condition. He is being poisoned. We managed to get the poison out of his system, but his condition is critical. He is asking for your presence - if you are alive. Thus, I am very much grateful to see you here. Shall we go to the emperor now and leave the others to tend to the injured and dead?"

Nodding at the medic, he picked up his sword and followed Albert to the royal healing halls. The whole palace was in a mess, and some began to mourn the loss of their family members, close friends, and spouses. Why? - He wondered. Haoran followed Albert into the halls where his father was resting. There were bandages all around his arms and legs. It was clear to Albert that his father was not poisoned internally, but perhaps through the wounds he obtained from the battle. As he stepped forward to take a seat next to his father, the emperor signalled for everyone in the room to leave except for Albert. Understanding the situation, they left without protest. Haoran knew that among those in the room, some would head back to mourn the loss of their family members.

"This poison is curable. It will take some time, Haoran, but in a few months. I will be able to walk again with the help of our best medic," assured the emperor while he sat up to meet his son's eyes. "This poison is not foreign to us. And, Haoran, truth be told whatever happened to you before this and whatever happened today is connected."

"Connected?" questioned Haoran, fisting his palms against the sheets. "How? It's -"

Haoran could barely find the correlation between these two stories. His spiritual world turned upside down in a few months and now, if he had to admit, it was a little eerie not to be able to see Scholar Tang anywhere. Did he involve himself in the battle too? Or did the outcast make its move? He fidgeted in his seat, watching the emperor sipping on the foul-scented bowl of medicine while he searched his mind for an answer.

"But, father, it's a whole different story," started Haoran, and continued as he tapped his fingers by his thighs. "I lost control over the beautiful sight of the spiritual world. This.. this is a massacre."

"A few days after your ritual with the shaman, she came to me and your mother. We thought she was traumatized from the event that she needed a leave, but instead, she expressed her concerns regarding your whereabouts," the emperor spoke, looking at his only son. "She said a foul creature had loomed over you during your trip outside the castle. Someone placed a spiritual tracker on you by using the spirit of the revengeful soul. Souls that were banned from passing the bridge in the afterlife. You brought it home with you. Not only that. Someone had tampered with your ability. Black magic. Curses. Hexes. Whatever they called it. It's dangerous. So, between me and you, child, tell me who have you met during your trip? I am not asking as the empire's emperor but as your father. A father who wants to end the suffering in you."

The prince swallowed the thick bile forming in his throat. Yes, his father is asking him, and from his judgment, Haoran knew his father had figured something along the days and the line of their days spent together. He understood that there was no reason to hide. Not that he could. From the way his father arched his eyebrows, Haoran was aware that the emperor knew what was going on. He was giving him a chance to explain and speak the truth. The medic sat silently on the opposite side, mixing different doses of herbs for the emperor's usage. If Haoran wanted to save this empire, then he had to reveal his visits, including the spirits that warned him. At this point, Haoran felt the realization hit him like a truck. It could be his fault for all these, and it was his doing that this massacre happened.

Not shifting his gaze from the emperor, Haoran revealed the story of him meeting Ailun and his parents, the people living among the hills, and the warning signs including the outcast spirit that came into the palace grounds. Between those lines, Haoran saw his father scrunched his nose, holding back himself from throwing questions or words. Everything he experienced was let out in one sitting. Haoran knew he had missed out on these reports before since he was more focused on the riot in the villages, the corruption in the town ministers, and the lack of resources. He was more focused on the political side of the country because it would bring greater effect to the peace of this empire. In the process of saving the empire and the conversation with the emperor, Haoran realized that his unrevealed personal experiences had an impact on this empire.

"Karma has its way around generation after generation. You were her perfect piece of chest ever since you set foot in her place. This poison is not unknown to me and your mother," the emperor spoke. "She isn't the first person who started using poison in attacks. Your mother was. She had a habit of dressing her spears and knives in her remedies. Some were fatal enough to kill the enemies. She used this strategy when she sneaked into the battlefield to save Jingyi. That is why when I pieced everything together, I realized that this, Haoran is not a sudden attack. It is planned. An act of revenge so deep that even if they meet in the depths of Hell, they would still resent each other."

"Appa," Haoran called out informally since there were only them and the medic had scooted to the edge of the room. "You are trying to tell me that when I set foot in the hills, those people have already set some sort of tracker on me to harm not just me but my family because they might know my mother? And to hurt her? So, this means, mother might be in danger? Now, that she is missing and..."

"Haoran, I need you to calm down before I can let you take the next steps. Your mother and you are in great danger, including anyone related to you. During the war, our empire was involved in a war with the people behind the hills. They were using forbidden magic to hurt our armies and villagers, so I had to send your uncle out with his troops. Your mother worried that her brother would not make it out alive, rode out to the warzone, and became the silent assassin in the troop. No one knew who she was until the end. She massacred the people among the hills and freed the soldiers using a chant she learned from the temples," the emperor explained and added. "Haoran. What you are dealing with is not just forces but spiritual essence."

Releasing the breath from his chest, Haoran looked out of the window. He knew much about his mother's background as a general but dealing with spiritual matters, that was new. Ever since he learned about the spiritual world he was aware that he should not provide his birthday, hair, blood, and belongings to anyone unknown for they are the start of a curse and unruly magic. Haoran held back a gasp as he covered his mouth. The pond Ailun brought him to. Haoran had freely allowed the boy to cut his palms. The blood merged with the pond to grant him free passage to the place. It was a lie. Could it be a lie to trick Haoran into giving him what he needed? Was Ailun and his mother being helpless a plan? A trick. Haoran growled as he buried his face against his palms. His aunts and sisters were dead because of him.

"By any chance," Albert spoke from the opposite side of the room. "You can give us their name or speak your mind so that we can resolve this matter together."

"Ailun," Haoran whispered looking at Albert. "His name is Ailun. The boy I helped. An Ailun. His mother's name is unclear to me, and he granted me a passage into his place by drawing my blood using a crystal dagger."

The Emperor tossed his head backwards resting on the pillow behind him. Haoran knew by now he made a grave mistake. His tortured nights were his doing. The medic picked a few herbs, placed them on the plate, and poured hot water. He set it above the fire to boil, heading towards the prince. Exchanging a nod with the emperor, Albert set his eyes on the youngest prince.

"It must be overwhelming for you to absorb all the information, but for decades, my prince, the An family has been famous for dark magic. They love and hate both equally and strongly. They do not live in the cities and always live off records. Once, they were a commoner who tried to wreak havoc. The crystal blade Ailun used is their most sacred weapon," Albert explained. "The dagger is cursed. To kill and to swallow all life before it. So, your vision was tempered."

"I can control my spiritual sight. Don't worry about me. Just heal my father and focus on the..."

"Your Majesty!" the soldier shouted from the outside and they knelt in respect.

Behind closed doors, Haoran could hear the sound of his heavy armour clanking against the ground. The sword was set aside immediately as he clasped his hands together in respect to their presence.

"What news do you have?" Haoran asked when his father gave him the signal.

"Prince Haoran, General Jingyi managed to track the kidnappers till the hills. Their traces disappeared after that," the soldier spoke with his trembling voice, giving Haoran enough hint that something had gone wrong along the way. "None came out alive, except me. I was asked to deliver a message."

Standing up from his seat, Haoran walked to the door to open it, revealing a soldier with a scarred face. Blood dried against his skin.

"What about General Jingyi? Did he return?" Haoran asked.

The soldier lowered his head to the ground, bowing.

"Please forgive me for my incompetence. I deserve all the punishment the emperor has to offer for failing to assist the General," the soldier apologized and then proceeded. "The message from them, my prince. They warned us about sending more troops to the hills or they would leave no one alive. Not even the Emperor or you. The empire's king must live, my prince. Please do not proceed with sending more troops. Without the emperor, this empire will fall in disgrace."

"Nonsense!" Haoran barked as he stepped closer to the soldier and leaned to grip his face, studying the scar. "No one tells me what to do. No one! Now, go and rest. Leave the decision to the Emperor."

"But, my prince..."

Ignoring the pleas from the soldier, Haoran shut the door. He placed his bets that his Uncle Jingyi might be alive. Barely, but knowing his wits, he could be alive. Gritting his teeth, Haoran pictured Ailun's innocent face each time he was together with him. Their friendship had blossomed greatly through each visit, and it was a hard truth to swallow for Haoran that Ailun's mother and he might be the greatest planner of this massacre. His heart ached for the loss of his sisters, but knowing his mother and uncle might be alive, he had no time to lose. He needed to ride out.

"Haoran," the emperor called out. "This empire now depends on you, my son. The people must not know I am injured, let alone paralyzed for some time. This is a benefit for them to attack this empire our ancestors built for years. Do what you must. To protect this empire."

Bowing in respect to his father, Haoran knew what he must do. He had no time to mourn to save the living. He was certain his mother was still alive. Somewhere among the hills, they had hidden her to lure him. It was a trap. A trap he needed to explore. Excusing himself, Haoran headed to his chambers to prepare his items. The usual lively palace became so silent that even the birds refused to reside in the trees. Maidens were busy clearing the princesses' room, ensuring that everything was well prepared for their last ceremony. In the meantime, while his father worked on a way to explain to the remaining families in the in-laws, Haoran would bring his mother home. He cannot lose anyone anymore. Haoran needed his mother more than anyone in the world. He would do anything to keep her alive. He would die trying.   

Word Count: 2,648 words 

Cumulative Word Count: 20,342 words