The Lotus War - Kinslayer Part 60

He remembered the kiss in the dark, shrouded in wisteria perfume. He could still feel her body against him, the soft, insistent press of her lips against his. He remembered how she'd looked, crying in the gloom, moonlight glittering in her tears. He remembered the taste of them. The heartbroken sigh.

"We don't belong here."

Guilt tied his stomach in knots, and choked his b.u.t.terflies one by one.

Kin felt him before he heard him, more an absence than a presence; a dead-blossom scent or the empty in an echo's wake. He opened his eyes and saw the figure lurking at the halogen's cusp, serene as a sleepwalker. Small and slender, sun-starved skin, shaved head, loose dark cloth. Sleek black filters of a mechanical breather, bottomless eyes so scrawled with capillaries there was nothing but red around his irises. Hands clasped, long, clever fingers intertwined like a penitent before a shrine. If it were not for the soft rise and fall of his chest, the chi smoke spilling from his mask with every exhalation, Kin would have thought him a statue.

His voice was soft as lullabies, a metallic whisper behind the breather.

"Do you know who I am?"

"No," Kin said.

"Do you know what I am?"

"Of course, Inquisitor."

And so they began to speak.

EPILOGUE.

Now witness the beginning of the end.

A ghost-pale boy, seventeen years old, tendrils of blue-black vapor and drying scarlet scrawled across his face. A motionless figure, swathed in black, the boy's fate held in the palm of his hand. The pair speaking in the chapterhouse bowels as countless hours swirl and dance in the gulf between them. And the Inquisitor finally nods, and opens his mouth, and speaks the words the boy has longed to hear.

"Welcome home, young brother."

So here I sit. Back again. The Lotus Guildsman who betrayed all he knew, and all he was. Who gifted his brethren with the leader of the Kage cabal. Who helped a lone girl undo the rebellion, and drag this nation back from the tempest. Traitor is the name I will wear in the histories. Kios.h.i.+ was the name I inherited after my father died.

But in truth, my name is Kin.

I remember what it was to be encased in metal skin. To see the world through blood-red gla.s.s. To stand apart and above and beyond and know there was so much more. And even now, here in the depths of the chapterhouse that birthed me, the only home I have ever truly known, I can hear the whispers of the mechabacus in my head, feel the phantom weight of that skin on my back and on my bones, and part of me misses it so badly it makes my chest hurt.

I remember the night I learned the truth of myself-my future laid bare in the Chamber of Smoke. I remember the Inquisitors coming for me, swathed in black and soundless as cats, telling me it was time to see my What Will Be. I try to recall the certainty I felt as I walked from that chamber, try to recall what it was like to be proud of who I was. To feel the flesh tingle beneath my skin as I accepted my Truth. Stepping into a new life. A bright and gleaming future.

The What Will Be.

My What Will Be.

Thirteen years old and they call you a man.

I had never watched the sun kiss the horizon, setting the sky on fire as it sank below the lip of the world. Never felt the whisper-gentle press of a night wind on my face. Never known the feel of her skin against mine, the touch of her lips lighting fires on my own. Never known what it was to belong or betray. To refuse or resist. To love or to lose.

But I knew who I was. I knew who I was supposed to be.

Skin was strong.

Flesh was weak.

I wonder now, how that boy could have been so blind.

GLOSSARY.

GENERAL TERMS.

Aras.h.i.+tora-literally "stormtiger." A mythical creature with the head, forelegs and wings of an eagle, and the hindquarters of a tiger. Thought to be long extinct, these beasts were traditionally used as flying mounts by the caste of legendary s.h.i.+ma heroes known as "Stormdancers." These beasts are also referred to as "thunder tigers."

Aras.h.i.+-no-odoriko-literally "Stormdancer." Legendary heroes of s.h.i.+ma's past, who rode aras.h.i.+tora into battle. The most well-known are Kitsune no Akira (who slew the great sea dragon Boukyaku) and Tora Takehiko (who sacrificed his life to close Devil Gate and stop the Yomi hordes escaping into s.h.i.+ma).

Blood Lotus-a toxic flowering plant cultivated by the people of s.h.i.+ma. Blood lotus poisons the soil in which it grows, rendering it incapable of sustaining life. The blood lotus plant is utilized in the production of teas, medicines, narcotics and fabrics. The seeds of the bloom are processed by the Lotus Guild to produce "chi"; the fuel that drives the machines of the s.h.i.+ma Shgunate.

Burak.u.min-a lowborn citizen who does not belong to any of the four zaibatsu clans.

Bus.h.i.+do-literally "the Way of the Warrior." A code of conduct adhered to by the samurai caste. The tenets of Bus.h.i.+do are: rect.i.tude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty. The life of a Bus.h.i.+do follower is spent in constant preparation for death; to die with honor intact in the service of their Lord is their ultimate goal.

Bus.h.i.+man-a common-born soldier who has sworn to follow the Way of Bus.h.i.+do.

Chan-a diminutive suffix applied to a person's name. It expresses that the speaker finds the person endearing. Usually reserved for children and young women.

Chi-literally "blood." The combustible fuel which drives the machines of the s.h.i.+ma Shgunate. The fuel is derived from the seeds of the blood lotus plant.

Daimyo-a powerful territorial Lord that rules one of the s.h.i.+ma zaibatsu. The t.i.tle is usually pa.s.sed on through heredity.

Fus.h.i.+cho-literally "Phoenix." One of the four zaibatsu clans of s.h.i.+ma. The Phoenix clan live on the island of Yotaku (Blessings) and venerate Amaterasu, G.o.ddess of the Sun. Traditionally, the greatest artists and artisans in s.h.i.+ma come from the Phoenix clan. Also: the kami guardian of the same zaibatsu, an elemental force closely tied to the concepts of enlightenment, inspiration and creativity.

Gaijin-literally "foreigner." A person not of s.h.i.+manese decent. The s.h.i.+ma Shgunate has been embroiled in a war of conquest in the gaijin country of Morcheba for over twenty years.

Inochi-literally "life." A fertilizer which, when applied to crops of blood lotus, delays the onset of soil degradation caused by the plant's toxicity.

Irezumi-a tattoo, created by inserting ink beneath the skin with steel or bamboo needles. Members of all s.h.i.+ma clans wear the totem of their clan on their right shoulder. City dwellers will often mark their left shoulder with a symbol to denote their profession. The complexity of the design communicates the wealth of the bearer-larger, more elaborate designs can take months or even years to complete and cost many hundreds of kouka.

Kami-spirits, natural forces or universal essences. This word can refer to personified deities, such as Izanagi or Raijin, or broader elemental forces, such as fire or water. Each clan in s.h.i.+ma also has a guardian kami, from which the clan draws its name.

Kazumitsu Dynasty-the hereditary line of Shgun that rule the s.h.i.+ma Imperium. Named for the first of the line to claim the t.i.tle-Kazumitsu I-who led a successful revolt against the corrupt Tenma Emperors.

Kitsune-literally "Fox." One of the four zaibatsu clans of s.h.i.+ma, known for stealth and good fortune. The Kitsune clan live close to the haunted Iis.h.i.+ Mountains, and venerate Tsukiyomi, the G.o.d of the Moon. Also: the kami guardian of the same zaibatsu, said to bring good fortune to those who bear his mark. The saying "Kitsune looks after his own" is often used to account for inexplicable good luck.

Kouka-the currency of s.h.i.+ma. Coins are flat and rectangular, made of two strips of plaited metal; more valuable iron, and less valuable copper. Coins are often cut into smaller pieces to conduct minor transactions. These small pieces are known as "bits." Ten copper kouka buys one iron kouka.

Lotus Guild-a cabal of zealots who oversee the production of chi and the distribution of inochi fertilizer in s.h.i.+ma. Referred to collectively as "Guildsmen," the Lotus Guild is comprised of three parts; rank-and-file "Lotusmen," the engineers of the "Artificer" sect, and the religious arm known as "Purifiers." "False-Lifers" are a subsect of the Artificer caste.

Oni-a demon of the Yomi underworld, reputedly born to the G.o.ddess Izanami after she was corrupted by the Land of the Dead. Old legends report that their legion is one thousand and one strong. They are a living embodiment of evil, delighting in slaughter and the misfortune of man.

Ryu-literally "Dragon." One of the four zaibatsu clans of s.h.i.+ma, renowned as great explorers and traders. In the early days before Empire, the Ryu were a seafaring clan of raiders who pillaged among the northern clans. They venerate Susano-, G.o.d of Storms. Also: the kami guardian of the same zaibatsu, a powerful spirit beast and elemental force a.s.sociated with random destruction, bravery and mastery of the seas.

Sama-a suffix applied to a person's name. This is a far more respectful version of "san." Used to refer to one of much higher rank than the speaker.

Samurai-a member of the military n.o.bility who adheres to the Bus.h.i.+do Code. Each samurai must be sworn to the service of a Lord-either a clan Daimyo, or the Shgun himself. To die honorably in service to one's Lord is the greatest aspiration of any samurai's life. The most accomplished and wealthy amongst these warriors wear chi-powered suits of heavy armor called "-yoroi," earning them the name "Iron Samurai."

San-a suffix applied to a person's name. This is a common honorific, used to indicate respect to a peer, similar to "Mr" or "Mrs." Usually used when referring to males.

Sensei-a teacher.

Seppuku-a form of ritualized suicide in which the pract.i.tioner disembowels himself and is then beheaded by a kaishakunin (a "second," usually a close and trusted comrade). Death by seppuku is thought to alleviate loss of face, and can spare the family of the pract.i.tioner shame by a.s.sociation. An alternative version of seppuku, called "jumonji giri" is also practiced to atone for particularly shameful acts. The pract.i.tioner is not beheaded-instead he performs a second vertical cut in his belly and is left to bear his suffering quietly until dying from blood loss.

Shgun-literally "commander of a force." The t.i.tle of the hereditary military dictator of the s.h.i.+ma Imperium. The current line of rulers is descended from Tora Kazumitsu, an army commander who led a b.l.o.o.d.y uprising against s.h.i.+ma's former hereditary rulers, the Tenma Emperors.

Seii Taishgun-literally "great general who subdues eastern barbarians."

Tora-literally "Tiger." The greatest of the four zaibatsu of s.h.i.+ma, and the clan from which the Kazumitsu Dynasty originates. The Tora are a warrior clan, who venerate Hachiman, the G.o.d of War. Also: the kami guardian of the same zaibatsu, closely a.s.sociated with the concept of ferocity, hunger and physical desire.

Ykai-a blanket term for preternatural creatures thought to originate in the spirit realms. These include aras.h.i.+tora, sea dragons and the dreaded oni.

Zaibatsu-literally "plutocrats." The four conglomerate clans of the s.h.i.+ma Imperium. After the rebellion against the Tenma Emperors, Shgun Kazumitsu rewarded his lieutenants with stewards.h.i.+p over vast territories. The clans to which the new Daimyo belonged (Tiger, Phoenix, Dragon and Fox) slowly consumed the clans of the surrounding territories through economic and military warfare, and became known as "zaibatsu."

CLOTHING.

Hakama-a divided skirt that resembles a wide-legged pair of trousers, tied tight into a narrow waist. Hakama have seven deep pleatsfive in front, two at the backto represent the seven virtues of Bus.h.i.+do. An undivided variant of hakama exists (i.e. a single leg, more like a skirt) intended for wear over a kimono.

Jin-haori-a kimono-style tabard worn by samurai.

Junihitoe-an extraordinarily complex and elegant style of kimono, worn by courtly ladies.

Kimono-an ankle-length, T-shaped robe with long, wide sleeves, worn by both men and women. A younger woman's kimono will have longer sleeves, signifying that she is unmarried. The styles range from casual to extremely formal. Elaborate kimono designs can consist of more than twelve separate pieces and incorporate up to sixty square feet of cloth.

Memp-a face mask, one component of the armor worn by samurai. Memp are often crafted to resemble fantastical creatures, or made in twisted designs intended to strike fear into the enemy.

Obi-a sash, usually worn with kimono. Men's obi are usually narrow; no more than four inches wide. A formal woman's obi can measure a foot in width and up to twelve feet in length. Obi are worn in various elaborate styles and tied in decorative bows and knots.

Uwagi-a kimono-like jacket that extends no lower than mid-thigh. Uwagi can have long, wide sleeves, or be cut in sleeveless fas.h.i.+on to display the wearer's irezumi.

WEAPONS.

Daish-A paired set of swords, consisting of a katana and wakizas.h.i.+. The weapons will usually be constructed by the same artisan, and have matching designs on the blades, hilts and scabbards. The daish is a status symbol, marking the wearer as a member of the samurai caste.

Katana-A sword with a single-edged, curved, slender blade over two feet in length, and a long hilt bound in criss-crossed cord, allowing for a double-handed grip. Katana are usually worn with shorter blades known as wakizas.h.i.+.

Nagamaki-a pole weapon with a large and heavy blade. The handle measures close to three feet, with the blade measuring the same. It closely resembles a naginata, but the weapon's handle is bound in similar fas.h.i.+on to a katana hilt-cords wrapped in criss-crossed manner.

Naginata-a pole weapon, similar to a spear, with a curved, single-edged blade at the end. The haft typically measures between five and seven feet. The blade can be up to three feet long, and is similar to a katana.

-yoroi-suits of heavy samurai armor powered by chi-fueled engines. The armor augments the wearer's strength, and is impenetrable to most conventional weaponry.

Tant-a short, single- or double-edged dagger, between six and twelve inches in length. Women often carry tant for self-defense, as the knife can easily be concealed inside an obi.

Tetsubo-a long war club, made of wood or solid iron, with iron spikes or studs at one end, used to crush armor, horses or other weapons in battle. The use of a tetsubo requires great balance and strength-a miss with the club can leave the wielder open to counterattack.

Wakizas.h.i.+-a sword with a single-edged, curved, slender blade between one and two feet in length, with a short, single-handed hilt bound in criss-crossed cord. It is usually worn with a longer blade, known as a katana.

RELIGION.

Amaterasu-G.o.ddess of the Sun. Daughter of Izanagi. She was born along with Tsukiyomi, G.o.d of the Moon, and Susano-, G.o.d of Storms, when her father returned from Yomi and washed to purify himself of Yomi's taint. She is a benevolent deity, a bringer of life, although in recent decades has become seen as a harsh and unforgiving G.o.ddess. She is not fond of either of her brothers, refusing to speak to Tsukiyomi, and constantly tormented by Susano-. She is patron of the Phoenix zaibatsu, and is also often venerated by women.

Enma--one of the nine Yama Kings, and chief judge of all the h.e.l.ls. Enma- is the final arbiter of where a soul will reside after death, and how soon it will be allowed to rejoin the wheel of life.

Izanagi (Lord)-also called Izanagi-no-Mikoto, literally "He who Invites", the Maker G.o.d of s.h.i.+ma. He is a benevolent deity who, with his wife Izanami, is responsible for creating the s.h.i.+ma Isles, their pantheon of G.o.ds and all the life therein. After the death of his wife in childbirth, Izanagi travelled to Yomi to retrieve her soul, but failed to return her to the land of the living.

Izanami (Lady)-also called the Dark Mother, and the Endsinger, wife to Izanagi, the Maker G.o.d. Izanami died giving birth to the s.h.i.+ma Isles, and was consigned to dwell in the Yomi underworld. Izanagi sought to reclaim his wife, but she was corrupted by Yomi's dark power, becoming a malevolent force and hater of the living. She is mother to the thousand and one oni, a legion of demons who exist to plague the people of s.h.i.+ma.

Hachiman-the G.o.d of War. Originally a scholarly deity, thought of more as a tutor in the ways of war, Hachiman has become re-personified in recent decades to reflect the more violent warlike ways of the s.h.i.+ma government. He is now seen as the embodiment of war, often depicted with a weapon in one hand and a white dove in the other, signifying desire for peace, but readiness to act. He is patron of the Tiger zaibatsu.

The h.e.l.ls-a collective term for the nine planes of existence where a soul can be sent after death. Many of the h.e.l.ls are places where souls are sent temporarily to suffer for transgressions in life, before moving back to the cycle of rebirth. Before Lord Izanagi commanded the Yama Kings to take stewards.h.i.+p over the souls of the d.a.m.ned in order to help usher them towards enlightenment, s.h.i.+ma had but a single h.e.l.l-the dark, rotting pit of Yomi.

The hungry dead-the restless residents of the underworld. Spirits of wicked people consigned to hunger and thirst in Yomi's dark for all eternity.

Raijin-G.o.d of Thunder and Lightning, son of Susano-. Raijin is seen as a cruel G.o.d, fond of chaos and random destruction. He creates thunder by pounding his drums across the sky. He is the creator of aras.h.i.+tora, the thunder tigers.

Susano--the G.o.d of Storms. Son of Izanagi, he was born along with Amaterasu, G.o.ddess of the Sun and Tsukiyomi, G.o.d of the Moon, when his father returned from Yomi and washed to purify himself of Yomi's taint. Susano- is generally seen as a benevolent G.o.d, but he constantly torments his sister, Amaterasu, Lady of the Sun, causing her to hide her face. He is father to the Thunder G.o.d, Raijin, the deity who created aras.h.i.+tora-the thunder tigers. He is patron of the Ryu zaibatsu.

Tsukiyomi-the G.o.d of the Moon. Son of Izanagi. He was born along with Amaterasu, G.o.ddess of the Sun, and Susano-, G.o.d of Storms, when his father returned from Yomi and washed to purify himself of Yomi's taint. Tsukiyomi angered his sister, Amaterasu, when he slaughtered Uke Mochi, the G.o.ddess of Food. Amaterasu has refused to speak to him since, which is why the Sun and Moon never share the same sky. He is a quiet G.o.d, fond of stillness and learning. He is the patron of the Kitsune zaibatsu.

Yomi-the deepest level of the h.e.l.ls, where the evil dead are sent to rot and suffer for all eternity. Home of demons, and the Dark Mother, Lady Izanami.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Jay Kristoff would like to offer Big Scary Hugs to the following outstanding human beings: Amanda, for the throwaway line that planted the seed for the entire book, reading it seventeen thousand times, being generally wonderful and forgiving of my silence, surliness and sarcasm.

Pete Wolverton, Julie Crisp and Anne Brewer, for handing me the hacksaw and blowtorch, and helping make this book something I'm truly proud of.

Brunch b.i.t.c.h, Sharkgrrl, KK and The KitKat for telling me the parts that sucked and saying OMFG in all the right places. I love youse guys.

Matt Bialer and LT Ribar for shooting straight, changing my diapers and wiping the dribble away from my bubbling lips.

The fantabulous Ca.s.sie Galante, Rachel Howard and the PR/Marketing posse at St. Martin's Press, Bella Pagan, Louise Buckley and all at Tor UK, Charlotte "Don't call me Reetard" Ree, Hayley Crandell, Praveen Naidoo and crew @ PanMacMillan Aus. You people are awesome, and the energy you put into pimping my sorry a.s.s is nothing short of amazing. Much love.

Scott Westerfeld, Pat Rothfuss, K. W. Jeter, Stephen Hunt, Marissa Meyer and Kevin "Droogie" Hearne for not only reading but pimping my warez.