Chapter 15: FAITH


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    Let these words be preserved, even in hidden caves and dusty vaults: The Jingozi’s promise bears a heavy chain. Do not place your faith in their shining idols nor yield your heart to their righteous decrees. The day will come when their true nature will stand revealed, and we must be prepared.


    ***


    Cragmarr''s clay feet made no sound as he approached Yukiko on the hilltop. The elder Samurai Jingozi trainer sat perfectly still, her silver-streaked hair pulled back in a tight bun, her weathered hands resting on her knees. In the distance, the caravan wound through the valley like a golden serpent, carrying Ember away.


    He''d stood behind Yukiko countless times over the decades as she trained vessel after vessel for the Jingozi tournament. Her methods were precise and traditional—perfect for molding young Samurai. But Ember was different. A Ninja under Yukiko''s tutelage broke every rule and norm.


    "Hello, old friend," Yukiko said without turning.


    "I did not wish to disturb your meditation." Cragmarr''s orange marble eyes squinted as he watched dust kick up from the caravan''s wheels.


    "Your presence is never a disturbance." Yukiko patted the grass beside her. "Join me. It has been too long since we shared a quiet moment."


    Cragmarr folded his four arms and lowered his angular frame next to her. The sun caught the rocks in his clay skin, making them glitter.


    "I am grateful for the company," she said. "These old bones appreciate familiar faces in uncertain times."


    Cragmarr watched a hawk circle above the valley, its wings spread against the cloudless sky.


    "She has powers I have never witnessed." His eyes swirled with concern. "Through her trials, she has demonstrated an intuition for the game, as if she can manipulate time and space. And the silverglint…"


    "Yes, very rare for that creature to bond to a new vessel."


    "You must know, she remembers," Cragmarr said hesitantly.


    "Oh?" Yukiko turned to him, surprised. "That is impossible, yet I believe you. Then she chose her faction in alignment with her vessel. Such knowledge represents a great threat to the Jingozi."


    "That is not all. She also receives gifts—powerful spells. They might be from—"


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    "Careful with your words, Golem," Yukiko cautioned. "Lest you invite the unwanted wrath of your masters. Do not speak of this openly."


    Cragmarr nodded.


    Yukiko''s weathered face remained serene, but her fingers tightened on her knees. After another moment, she spoke, "Then the prophecy speaks true."


    "After all these years..." Cragmarr''s four hands clenched. "All these vessels—you believe she is the one?"


    "No. If the prophecy holds, she is merely the harbinger of what approaches. The spark that ignites the flame." She turned to face him. "But tell me, old friend—what do you believe?"


    "I am tired, Yukiko," Cragmarr''s shoulders slumped. "So many have failed. So many vessels lost to the void between worlds. My faith wavers with each passing season."


    "Faith, like a sword, must be tested to prove its strength." Yukiko placed her hand on his rocky arm. "Your doubt shows wisdom, not weakness. It means you question. You seek truth rather than blind devotion. That is why the Jingozi chose you as guardian for purposes beyond what even they, in all their celestial hubris, cannot fathom."


    The tension in Cragmarr''s frame eased.


    "The caravan heads to Raishoto," he said. "You sent word?"


    "Yes. Our friend will make the necessary arrangements there. Sora has been assigned as well."


    "Are you certain about this? After what happened with the Jingozi..." He paused. "She is... troubled."


    "We have no choice," Yukiko''s face hardened. "The timeline grows short, and only Sora can accelerate Ember''s training to the level required."


    "The odds—"


    "Are mounting against her, yes. What Ember told me of her trials concerns me deeply." Yukiko''s fingers traced a blade of grass. "And the Shogun... his reaction remains uncertain."


    The clay of Cragmarr''s face shifted into deep furrows. He had witnessed the Shogun''s swift and merciless judgment before.


    "You must reach the city ahead of them," Yukiko said. "Make the preparations. Ensure everything is in place before they arrive."


    "I will do what must be done." Cragmarr rose to full height, his clay form towering over the seated Samurai trainer.


    "One favor, old friend."


    "Name it."


    "Watch over young Hiro. He stowed away in the cargo chest."


    "You allowed this? The boy risks everything."


    "I did not think I had a choice in the matter." Yukiko''s lips curved into a slight smile. "His spirit is too restless for these village walls. And Ember... she has an affinity for orphans."


    "Orphaned?" Cragmarr''s clay brow furrowed. "I did not know."


    "Neither does he. The tragedy is now part of his story. I am also troubled by the lack of orphans finding their way to our village doors."


    "This is dangerous, Yukiko. The boy has no place in these events."


    "Perhaps. Or perhaps he will play his part, as we all must." She remained seated with her eyes closed. "We must have faith, remember?"


    Cragmarr''s four arms crossed over his chest.


    "There will be consequences for this decision. The Jingozi do not tolerate interference with their apprentices."


    "I know." Yukiko''s voice carried no fear, only acceptance. "That is why I chose Ronin''s path. My decisions are my own to bear."


    Cragmarr nodded.


    ***


    I saw a vision of a prophet rising from the forbidden lands, a wandering seer clad in ragged cloth. He speaks of “the One,” a savior yet to come, who shall rise alongside a mirrored soul with three hearts joined in one purpose. Some call him mad, while others flock to his side, convinced his visions are divine. He proclaims himself only a herald, destined to prepare the way for this fateful champion whose unity of spirit could break the Jingozi’s hold. But as with all prophecies, the line between truth and delusion remains thin, and I fear placing our hopes in uncertain hands should my vision come to pass.