Curse of the Zodiac Serpent

Ayako, a slightly lean woman in her mid-20s stood atop a grassy cliffside, the shear drop at its edge plummeted down the calm seas below. Her raven black hair was tied and bound in a high ponytail, only her brown eyes visual as the kabuki mask she wore covered her facial features, hiding her identity.

Crouching low to the ground her gaze was on the horizon as the wind tugged at her imperial uniform. The tree-leafed symbol of the Tokugawa clan was proudly displayed on her back, the current rulers of Edo Japan, her much-loved home. Ayako was trained as a kunoichi, otherwise known as a scout or spy for the imperial family. She took her position extremely seriously and dedicated her life to the royal family.

The sun’s rays were descending to touch the sea’s edge where she could only just make out an approaching ship. Though the vessel was still a fair way from the shore it looked to be heading toward the port. She frowned, the ship appeared to be of Singaporean make, with the typical red sails and a pointed forepeak that was common for the vessels. But what was it doing here? It didn’t appear to look like a cargo ship, so they weren’t here for trading. It didn’t sit right with her, something felt off.

As the ship inched closer she could make out one final important detail. A small black flag wallowing vigorously in the wind.

They were flying a Jolly Roger.

Remaining calm she retreated from the edge of the cliff and headed back into town at a swift pace. She needed to report this immediately so the shogun could take action. Not even the castle guards noticed her presence as she vaulted over the stone walls and darted inside. Not that it would matter, all she needed to do was flash her seal to the guards and they would leave her be. But it was better to go unseen, the Emperor preferred it that way.

The palace itself lay at the rear of the complex, this building housed the imperials and their families. Surrounding the palace were various serene gardens and museums which were open to the public. Further down was housing for the staff and advisors and the shogun. High walls surrounded and separated different areas providing protection and privacy.

She landed gently on the steps leading up to the palace entrance, making no noise at all. At this time of day, the Emperor was normally finishing up his meetings with the imperials having seen to the requests of the people. He would still be on the ground floor, in this case, the easiest way inside was through the front.

The shogun was already gathered inside, good. This would be less hassle with the most important individuals present. Approaching the group she remained silent until she was addressed.

The Emperor, dressed in robes with a kammuri adorned on his head, wasn’t hard to miss. Before him stood a refined man in silk garments with lacquered metal plates decorating his arms, chest and legs. His mask was tucked under his arm as they appeared deep in discussion. The men finally noticed her and she bowed in greeting.

“Unusual to see you so early in the day.” The Shogun commented stepping to the side and turning slightly so he was also standing beside the Emperor.

This wasn’t a disgraceful move, the Shogun were appointed by the Emperor and of the same family. Though to an outsider it would appear as though the Emperor was in charge of the country, in truth it was under the military control of the shogun.

“Forgive the intrusion, I have an urgent report to relay.” She was swift with her words, there was no room for delay.

“Report.” The shogun suddenly became more serious and stern.

“A pirate ship is headed for the port, they appear to be Singaporean.” She sated.

“Men from Singapore on our shore? This is unheard of.” The Emperor seemed taken aback.

“Are you sure they are pirates?” The shogun asked.

“Unmistakablely so.” She concluded with a nod.

“We can’t risk a full-on battle, our numbers are still too low from the war!” The emperor appeared frantic and fearful. “The people can’t handle a pirate raid!”

“Calm yourself!” The shogun sternly commanded. “They are surely just stopping in to resupply. We will deal with this diplomatically. Give them what they seek and have them on their way. Come Akayo I will have you with me.”

“Of course, Lord Kiako.”

Akayo stood beside Lord Kiako, his helmet was on and he held a fearsome stance as his gaze reached out over the water. The Emporer was also with them, though he stood quite away back with guards surrounding him. They were about to attempt to negotiate with the pirates in the hopes of avoiding bloodshed, no precaution was too much.

They had arrived at the port with as many uninjured men as they could muster, the ‘welcome’ party one could say. The pirate ship was steadily making its approach to the docks, the sea lapping at the wooden footholds beneath their feet as the atmosphere grew heavy.

Already the ship’s sails were closed, and the wooden vessel was relying on the late afternoon current to bring it closer to shore. It veered to its port side and slid its way alongside the dock. Akayo’s eyes darted to the loud splashing sound she heard near the vessel’s bow, though she couldn’t see a single live soul on the deck. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as a rope was thrown over the railing, catching the protruding tie-down point perfectly.

Next, a wooden board with nailed slats flew from the ship, it levered over the railing and settled with a thud before the waiting group. A single man appeared, walking down the makeshift steps the long plank provided. Reaching the bottom he smirked, lifted his hand to his hat and gently tipped it forward with a nod.

“What a welcoming party...” His tone was deep and condescending.

Where were the other crew mates? Was he keeping them hidden so they couldn’t know numbers? Ayako’s eyes darted over the vessel, she couldn’t spot anything out of the ordinary, but still couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that was creeping into her being.

“Are you the Captian?” Lord Kiako spoke in question.

“Indeed, the name’s Kenji.” The pirate’s attention was fixated on the Emperor even as he spoke to the head of the Shogun.

“We would like to negotiate and request a Parley,” Kiako stated.

Kenji’s head snapped to the Shogun lord, his smirk fading. “And here I thought you were all gathered here to scare us off. What is it that could possibly offer?”

“Sake, food, woman and entertainment for your short stay here.” Kiako got straight to the point.

“And why exactly would the legendary Shogun roll over for us lowlife? I smell a rat.” The pirate frowned, clearly he wasn’t buying the peace offering.

“We merely wish for the country and its people to have no more needless bloodshed, we are still moaning.” The Emperor was next to speak.

Ayako wasn’t sure if it was the unknown of his crew that was more concerning or the captain himself. He was no amateur, his hand was nestled on his weapon at all times, and his posture was angled in such a way that he would see any one person move. This man was dangerous, for a moment his green-blue eyes locked with hers. She didn’t flinch, her stare boring into him as his eyes narrowed on her ever so slightly.

Kenji tilted his head, his loose black hair failing out from beneath his pirate hat as he changed his target and stared at the Emperor once again. “We aren’t looking for anything that you are offering. What we are after is your most prized treasure. Deliver it before the sunsets and we will be on our way.” His voice was stern and threatening.

“Treasure!?” The Emperor shook his head. “We have none, if you need coin I can give you what we have, but we have no such treasure that you seek!”

“Ah, see that’s where you’re wrong.” The melous grin returned to the pirate’s face. “The tales of beauty so rare have reached even our ears, the daughter of the Edo Emperor is said to be the most precious of treasures. Bring her to me.”