Desert Company: Retrospective

“Officer Kiyomiya, what does one want to do after the CEO is dead, and the tournament abolished?” Kwazhak asked as he tasted chips for the first time, his eyes lighting up in surprise. He and L were having a picnic atop a windmill, feeling the ocean breeze of the high seas. The air chilled their breath, and the sun heated their light skin. The waves continued to crash upon the shore as L responded.

“Your face looks like a child who has tasted liquor for the first time,” L laid comfortably on his side, “Maybe I’ll take my mother and aunt, and we’d move to Buhanggilog. Then we’d visit you and your brother and father, and probably by that time I’ll have learned how to speak Galag.”

“One still has yet to learn their heritage language, but now you are an Azu national…”

“Back then, I didn’t want to speak, or learn Galag. I thought sticking with one language for the rest of my life was fine. But I couldn’t speak to my family, and they couldn’t speak to me. I may not have time now, but after all my work’s done, then I’m heading straight back to school, perhaps dabbling in the saharic sciences and majoring in Galag,” They both stared into the sea for a while, the wind wrestling with their hair. L flopped back down on his backside to look into the clear blue sky. “What about you, L’Prince? With your background you could have any life you want.”

A sudden gale stole their snacks in the air. Kwazhak immediately jumped off the windmill, holding on to the edge with one hand, and snatched the potato chips with the other. Using his weight he briefly hopped back on. He ate more, covering his mouth with his left hand. It was so foreign and delicious to him.

“Apologies for my rudeness,” He said, finishing the last crunch. “Regarding one’s question, my goal is to be a translator. However, with my background, the golden apple bears its poison. My father wants me to lead the Laoyuang House after my brother, and my subordinates wish for me to take on more Z̆ongren political responsibilities as an heir to the Guizu.”

“Translator, huh? Your father seemed like a nice guy when I met him in Rümqî, he should understand what his son wants to be. If anything, get a wife or something.”

“My only passion is linguistics,” Kwazhak fixed his hair bun, “Man first communicated using hand signals, drawings, and sound. Language has always been a core structure of one’s culture. This world wouldn’t be diverse without it. Sahar spells are completely reliant on it. I want to bridge the connection between the three nations, and prevent the war from happening,” He rambled, “Ah, I went too deep. As for Izdaha…”

“Izdaha? Where did that come from?”

“There hasn’t been a time in every stay in Wakoku when one has not told me what Ms. Izdaha has done,” He chuckled, “Today’s troubles haven’t been revealed, have they?”

“Guess you’re right. She always gets into fights in the capital that involve petty duels with strangers,” L sat upright, legs crossed. “She’s the first person I know like my family. If you meet her, then you will be amazed by her upright attitude. But there’s something that we don’t stand on,” He picked up a pandesal, “Saya intends to fight in the Dineh Kazaàd. She’s a good fighter, but I don’t really want her mixed up in this. She could die. If Saya gets an endorsement from a corporation by chance, then her mind is already set.”

“I shan’t blame her. If I were her age even I would be blinded by the delusions of grandeur from the media,” Kwazhak stood up and stretched his shoulders, “Well then, a new year, a new beginning. I believe one has commanded all Al-Wa ships to bring in the ten fighters from around the world to Wakoku already.”

 

Kwazhak felt a piercing jab through his body, as something flew out the other side of him. He didn’t have time to process what happened. Something plunged into him? His sword was still swinging at Thiệu, who’s hand was extending outward. Now he understood. A fleeting feeling of Kwazhak’s own blood hitting the floor. He turned his head as he was falling. His synthetic left arm faded away. Saya wasn’t there. She might’ve dodged the attack, he thought. That was good…

“When the Laoyuang House hear’s of your death, then As-Z̆onghu̐a will attack Azutami,” The man said calmly, “Mahou Kamisori.”

Kwazhak returned with no resistance. He shouldn’t have been able to live after a near fatal mutilation. Even if he could fight his way out, he would bleed to death nevertheless. A familiar figure came from above, dropping from the sky. They stood in front of Thiệu’s attack.

“Mahou Kaifuk: Evocation of Healing.”

A glyph of light shone over Kwazhak. He felt his skin tissue repairing itself, his blood restored. Then a realization hit him hard. It hit him so hard that his chest wanted to break. He used his sword to stop his fall, the blade driving into the sandwood pier. Kwazhak bounced back up to catch L in his arm. He could feel a crimson liquid spilling into his clothes. Horrified, he looked down to see a gaping hole in L’s torso.

“No…” Kwazhak waved his head slowly, placing his hand on L’s side. “Mahou Kaifuk!”

Nothing happened. He tried again.

“Dihu Kaifuk! Dihu Kangfu! Alam Kaifuk!”

“It’s useless, Thiệu and I used up the remaining sahar,” L spoke softly, looking around. “Where’s Saya? Suruj?”

The prince saw Saya on the other side of the pier, unconscious. Suruj was trying to stand up.

“They’re fine. However we must make haste! Let us take thee to the nearest infirmary or apothecary-”

“They’re fine?... Thank goodness. There’s no hospital around us four blocks from here. I’ll bleed to death in five minutes by the time I get there-” L coughed blood, struggling to breath.

“Why didst thee block Thiệu? One should care about thy life!” He shouted quietly, as he struggled to hold him up with one arm. “If I traverse far enough where I would have enough sahar to teleport-”

“Your spell affected everyone in a four block radius… But no worries, because this is not the end. The Rebellion isn’t over.”

“What… Don't say such travesty. We were supposed to lead it together. Face it together. If you’re gone…” His heart was wrenched. He didn’t want to hear him speak anymore. “What will happen to Saya, Suruj, and the others? Suruj!”

Suruj finally managed to stand and stumbled his way over to them. At the sight of L’s state, he fell backwards in shock. Kwazhak could hear the sound of his own breathing. The thump in his chest wanting to leap out. L shouldn’t be the one to go. Not after all his work, their work, to stop the tournament, and for the sake of his family. There had to be a way. And yet, he held the dying Buhang-Azu in his embrace.

“I didn’t join the Rümqî ‘Autónoma Kesat for nothing. With my life gone the rebellion will surge all over Azutami, covering all four provinces with movement that will not be stopped… Rümqî, Koitoch, Al-Shinkyou, Nankai, from there the protests will reach the southern Tansag Steppe of Alą̧̄utl, and the northern Bathala Valleys of Yahmajô̗,” L went on his own soliloquy.

“What the hell?... You’re not even one of the fighters but… Why are you doing this?” Suruj gripped the planks of the dock. “Why are you leaving us! You wanted to help us destroy the Dineh Kazaàd!”

“‘But I can only usher you for so long’...” L recited the words he said to him that day. “Don’t be sad that I am going to die here. Maybe my death will prove to mature you. If anything, I’m proud to find such a group of fighters that actually joined the cause.”

Bloodstains were extending down to Kwazhak’s sash and Bai. It was already past the point of no return.

“Is there any way to stop the bleeding?” Kwazhak asked with a calm but frantic voice.

“There isn’t,” L smiled with such consternation, red leaking from his lips. “Kwazhak, whatever you do, Saya must survive. I believe she is the key to deviating from fate and destiny. And you all too, live. Don’t focus on abolishing the tournament right now. Don’t live not for me, but for yourself and the future of this world. We’re so close to getting to the modern era.”

Suruj couldn’t hold back his despair, stomping on the planks of the pier, with tears in his eyes, shouting wildly. L delicately waved his hand, signaling for him. Suruj stopped and continued to gaze at his transient eyes.

“Suruj, when Ms. Saya wakes up, don’t be afraid to tell her what happened. Tell her that I loved her as if she was my sister. I give my thanks in advance.”

“Don’t thank us…” Kwazhak urged him, with exasperation in his throat, “We should be thanking you. Even still, how could I repay the one who saved my life thrice?”

“You’ve already repaid me L’Prince,” L murmured on his exhalation. “By staying alive.”

The silent breeze blew the Laoyuang Prince’s hair so strongly that his bun became unloose, a sea of black and silver flying freely in the wind.

 

Mr. Khouw briskly walked down the hall of the Guizu, passing each marble pillar. The arched roof protected the portrait of every leader hung on the outside wall, where even Kwazhak’s father was portrayed. There a shadow pursued him. However, Mr. Khouw paid no attention. When he approached the double doors exiting the courtyard, immediately someone opened it for him.

“Nǔhǎu, Mr. Khouw!” L jumped and waved, “Were you waiting for me?”

“My apologies, but I wasn’t waiting for you,” Khouw bowed, rebuking Azu honorifics.

“Damn, straight up…” He was in shock as the servant slid past him. Mr. Khouw turned to the right and knocked on the closest door with a Shui-Mo styled bamboo design. The door became slowly ajar, as Kwazhak peeked out from it.

“M’lord, a guest from afar has arrived in the Jade Palace,” The man said, rearranging his dress.

“A guest? Take them in- Lojuno?” Kwazhak realized who it was through the tiny space in the door. “Disregard, I’m coming out.”

“As you wish sir.”

The door opened as the prince walked out in a red hanfu, a ponytail gliding freely behind him. With elegance his strides were perfect, and he only took four steps to meet him.

“I’d never expected one to visit me in As-Z̆onghu̐a. The tournament only ended a month ago,” Kwazhak noted.

“Why not? I have my spare vacation days to use,” L placed his hands around the back of his head.

“Then perhaps one should tour the business district of Yuanmen, shop in the busy streets of Cheoju, or take a ferry to Al-Qarakh,” Kwazhak suggested.

“All of those places are great but,” L gave the most enthusiastic thumbs up he had ever seen. “Let’s go to the beach!”

In a buggy for an hour, they were driven to the eastern coast of the Nabaek Strait, where the elevation dropped and sister city of Lāoyuàng 'Aimag was above a massive sandstone cliff. The vibrant sand and rocks illuminated the country in broad daylight with a golden tint.

There on the edge of the sea, was L and Kwazhak. The Pingjing Shoal was tiny inlets of sand, some flooded with blue saltwater and seaweed. In the months of Doloo and Najm, the waterline would rise and the shoreline would be swallowed up by the ocean.

The two of them stepped barefoot on the shoal, dipping their feet in the cool water, in contrast to the blazing dunes. The sand tickled their toes underwater, stirring up layers upon layers of pebbles. Kwazhak had his dress taken off, his Bai removed, and wore a zhongshan suit, while L bore no shirt, and had baggy shorts. The sun was young, and the ocean alive. They moved closer to the ocean, where there were many glinting shells and nesting turtles. L jumped on ahead, making splashes in the bank. Kwazhak soon caught up with him, journeying all the way out to the point where the pure ocean lay in front of their eyes. He could see the shine of L’s black hair to the ocean wind, the whirring sound passing his eyes.

“The sea. It looks completely different from the one in Wakoku,” L remarked. “Across it is the Tasdaha Protectorate, where the Dineh Kazaàd lies.”

“Well I can ensure that one has a firm geographical understanding,” Kwazhak moved next to him. After a while of gazing at the Takaí-Hăi Sea, L suddenly dropped to his knees in the water.

“Do you think that we can really do it? To end the Dineh Kazaàd?” L gave a question aimed at nobody. His eyes were lifeless.

“Our dreams may betray us, but hard work betrays none,” Kwazhak replied promptly. “Every single thing we do is difficult, before it is made easy. If we use our mind and spirit, and the help of others, we will be able to attain our goal.”

“That’s easier said than done. We have made substantial progress. I hope we can all find our meanings in this imperfect world. Lest we fight the Yyvubia’s will in the stars, hope for a successful year.”

 

“It’s a pity that something like this would happen,” Thiệu shouted from across. As Kwazhak and Suruj looked over, they saw the other fighters had already been apprehended. It was over. More guards came to surround the two, and Suruj jumped at them. He was immediately restrained and locked in cuffs, shutting off his sahar. That was when Kwazhak noticed. The sahar returned. He had to do it.

“Dihu Kaifuk!”

His hand glowed as L lay silently on the docks. He could see his wounds being healed, but still he wasn’t waking up.

“Dihu Kaifuk! Dihu Kaifuk!” Kwazhak pushed the Al-Wa soldiers away, shooing them, trying to revive L. A sword manifested in his hand, and he threw it at them. “Dihu Kaifuk! Mahou Kaifuk!” He chanted with a wail. But still L never opened his eyes. He continued to conjure the spell, as they finally cuffed his hand. He tried to hold on to L’s arm, but was forcefully dragged upward and across the gangplank.

Hosyi stood alone, for she was free due to Laoyuang’s sacrifice, and Suruj’s request. At once she ran to jump onto the boat, only to be stopped by Thiệu. She struggled in his grasp, shouting at him to let go.

“I want to go too!...” She screamed, her pitches hitting everybody’s ears. “I don’t want to be exempt… I want to go with everyone else! I- I’ll do anything! I’ll take down the champion! You can place your bets on me!...”

“Silence. A friend of yours and a Laoyuang Prince saved you from their burden,” The CEO reasoned, as she looked at him with frustration. “Do not invalidate their generosity.”

She turned to Suruj, who was in the boat, “Suruj Zundui! How can I repay you for everything?... I’ve always been a burden…” Tears flowed from Hosyi’s eyes. Suruj looked at her from a distance. “You said you’d take me to the beach…”

Then she heard the last words she would hear as the ship began to set sail.

“There’s no need to pay me. If one of us manages to become the champion, then that person will surely come back to see you. Paalam.”