First Opium War

Chapter 18: Epilogue

On May 21st, 1915, China saw the execution of its' first two revolutionaries - Mengyu Tao and Jasper Landry. Itsuya Zaishi was the only revolutionary that Walter Bertrand made as an exception. He wanted Itsuya to guide his son - Callum Piers, to give him knowledge; and destroy Walter's regime in the future. (The towering man.) The execution was held outside of The Calderburry - the first castle British architects built, after the First Opium War. The crowd was massive. British, Chinese, and Japanese men and women attended.

Due to the recent event at the festival in Xianfan, the crowd supported Mengyu and Jasper's execution. At the center of the large crowd were two guillotines. A microphone stood on the balcony of Walter's castle. Walter, Itsuya, and Callum, could see the entire crowd from the balcony. Itsuya was conflicted. He was about to watch his friend's die for what they believe in - restoring China's history, and regaining freedom. The people of China were too blind. They became complacent. It was just as Guang Zaishi, Donghai Tao, and Hideo Shen predicted.

Callum sat there with his book in his hands. He's never met Mengyu, or Jasper. He had no empathy for them. Walter received word that Jasper killed his family. Phillip, Francesca, Lindsey, and Franklin, were all dead. Sitting behind Callum, was Elizabeth Bertrand - Walter's daughter. She grieved Franklin's death. She debated whether or not she should run away. She was tired of seeing death. Harriot sat beside Walter. She was unaware that Callum was Walter's and Francesca's son. Deep down, she disliked Callum, and would mistreat him. There was something about Callum that she didn't like.

Callum glanced at Itsuya. He could tell Itsuya felt uneasy. Walter stood in front of the microphone: "On this day, our nation has faced a grave disappointment! Those, who would ruin the balance of peace, came among us! But only one realized what was at stake." Walter said, glancing at Itsuya, then returning his gaze to the crowd. "Let us finally, bring an end, to our world's trairors!" Walter finished. The International Armed Forces escorted Mengyu and Jasper to the guillotines. The crowd booed when they saw them. They were both naked.

"You people do not understand!" Screamed Mengyu. Her voice was drowned out by the crowd's massive roar. "You traitors!" Jasper also screamed. The soldiers strapped Mengyu and Jasper on the guillotines. Their heads were positioned to be severed from their shoulders. "Mengyu!" Shouted Jasper. "I shall see you in the heavens!" He said. "Where we will find peace beside my ancestors." Mengyu replied. From Walter's balcony, Itsuya thought about everything they've went through. Mengyu was his childhood friend. She was like an older sister to him. Always protecting him.

Jasper was also his close friend. He was the only British man, who swore to bring peace back to China. Now, he faces execution; for supporting a dream that didn't belong to his nationality. Jasper decided to fight for China anyway. He believed that all men and women should be free. Jasper was not only a good man, but also, a man of true honor. "Let the execution begin!" Shouted Walter. Itsuya growled under his breath. Suddenly, he thought about his father's words: For I'am He. Man without sin. Persecutor of chaos. With thy fist, shall it burn with pride. To help thy brothers. To help thy sisters. To seek the end of the towering man. For I'am He. Man without sin. The sacrifice of chosen people.

Itsuya slowly looked up at Walter. What should he do? Elizabeth didn't want to witness the execution. She got up and left. Harriot did the same. "Callum..." whispered Itsuya. Callum looked at Itsuya. "Yeah, Itsuya?" He asked. "Remember, success does not come without sacrifice. You are a child without sin. Shall your hand be the persecutor of chaos. You are the next sacrifice for the chosen people." Itsuya said. Walter didn't hear him. Instead, the British king watched the execution unfold.

Mengyu and Jasper screamed. The soldiers released their levers. The blades dropped from above. And moments later, Mengyu and Jasper's heads were sliced from their bodies. The crowd cheered. Walter slowly turned to face Itsuya and Callum. "It's done." Walter said. Itsuya lowered his head, his friends were dead. Itsuya was the last remaining Chinese native, with knowledge to their ancestry, and martial arts. "Itsuya." Said Walter. "Take Callum far from here. Teach him. I don't have much time." Walter walked away.

Three months later, Walter died due to cancer. Harriot committed suicide. And Elizabeth went missing. The Bertrand and the Landry family no longer lived. Only one person carries Walter's blood - Callum. Itsuya raised Callum at the log cabin in Hiroshima, Japan - where Mengyu, Akihiko, Itsuya, and Jasper, lived together for seven years. Over time, Itsuya taught Callum everything he knew, including Fu Jow Pai. In 1936, Callum turned 27 years old. Itsuya died that year. Callum mourned the loss of his teacher, but went on to form a revolutionary political party. Callum destroyed what was left of his father's government, and reminded China of their history.

Both China and Japan changed. People became more aware of their leaders, they trained hard in their fighting skills, and even went on to create martial art films, books etc. In 1960, Callum retired and lived at the log cabin since then. Thanks to Itsuya, Mengyu, Jasper, and Akihiko, Callum Piers brought about the Rise of Tongzi - a new Chinese empire, that holds true to their ancestral tradition. All it takes, is a sacrifice to inspire future generations.