The Venerate Order

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Zon

My name is Yoichi Zon, I am of the Whisper Warrior Clan. I lived my entire life in a tiny village in my country of Shinjo called Miega, and lived there until I proved myself as a true Whisper Warrior.

In order to become a Whisper Warrior, you have to kill someone without making a sound. We condone killing for prize or pride. In my opinion, the only justifiable reason to kill was to serve the clan, not for financial gain. My first kill came when I was 21; my victim was a traitor to us. A killer himself, but no Whisper Warrior, this person had meant a lot to me when I was growing up.

He had gone mad because he couldn't prove himself to our clan, no matter how hard he tried, so he went on a killing spree. When he was about to strike down our master, I blew a poison dart into his neck and he died within a few minutes.

After we confirmed he was dead I became a Whisper Warrior. We were devastated, but not as much as my best friend Longwei. The killer had been Longwei's older brother, Yaozu. It was also on that night that I found I possessed a power unlike anyone else in Miega, the Power of Pride. It was the only reason I could reach my master in time to save him. Ever since then, I've had trust issues.

Even now that I was 23, I still kept my guard up with everyone I met. As I traveled with Roya, Strafe and Rousseau, I knew there was mistrust in the group. Before this war started, my village was attacked by the Yuwherians, Rousseau's country. It was a surprise attack, and most of the villagers were slaughtered. They had come in search of a Guardian Key.

When I met Rousseau, it was in the ashes of my village. I had just laid there, in the ashen pile of burnt wooden remains of my grandfather's house, wishing to die for failing to save my clan. He came over and helped me into his ship and told me he would help me find out who was responsible. Why was he there? Ever since then, my vengeance has guided me along my path. I recognized the same Yuwherian armor since we made it to Arrouegadin.

Rousseau and Captain Flint brought me to Soria to find my clansmen. Little did we know that a full-blown war would erupt. I took them to be nomads but when Rousseau told me he was from Yuwheria, I watched him closely. The Senti weren't the only ones with an agenda.

I remembered that my clan had a safe-house somewhere near Castle Bell. I had to find them, and see if they had found out the truth of our village and who started this war.

In Shinjo, we live with an utter devotion to our clan and country. I was raised to be a Protector, one who throws away selfish desires and wishes to protect the people and our way of life. From the age of 5, we are trained in the ways of Shinjo-tsu, an ancient martial art passed down through the ages. We are taught that it is better to die in battle than to live in defeat. If it weren't for Rousseau, I would be dead. It was ultimately the pride of my people that pushed me forward.

Unfortunately, we were betrayed by Longwei; he killed my master and walked with the Yuwherians. He was the only one in our clan who was my superior. He embodied all of our ways, only to toss them to the ground like bitter berries. I am afraid he let his emotions get the best of him with the death of his brother weighing heavy on his heart.

I'd been tracking his movements. He might even be here in Arrouegadin. I had to find my clansmen before it was too late.

At daybreak, before the others woke for Brave Ball practice, I departed for the city. Strafe was too weak, emotionally and physically. He wasn't a warrior yet he was gifted with a Guardian power, why? Rousseau spoke false truths, he couldn't be trusted. As for Roya, she was unlike anyone I have ever met. She possesses a heart that could change the world, but my fight was not her fight. I had to do this alone.