Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 294

Priceless
Sha Tin College, Chan, Yoki - 13
G
ently fluttering in the wind, the imperial flag of Japan was hoisted up in the air as sailors and guards were busy
loading goods onto the Meakan . The Meakan ― named after Mount Meakan, was a red seal ship bound for China,
on board was an important, precious gift. A token of gratitude from Emperor Ōgimachi to Emperor Wanli, destined
to be put on display inside the Forbidden Palace. It appeared to be a regular, generic black stone, standing at meter
high with various holes carved out of the body. However, under the rays of the celestial fireball, there were silver specks
peppered throughout, making it shine like the brightest star against a dark night sky.
Among the sailors and guards was Akihito. A Japanese guard who was barely eighteen years old, granted with the most
important job. He was liable for guarding the stone day and night for the entirety of the one week journey, until it was in
the safe hands of the Forbidden palace. This responsibility landed in his lap, for his father was the captain of the ship. His
father, Hiroshi, was a man of trust, as well as a man of his word. He had promised Akihito a chance to prove himself worthy
of serving the Japanese royalty, and this was his make or break.
Inside a small wooden chamber on the lowest deck of the ship, the charcoal-black stone was stored with care. Akihito was
stationed outside the locked chamber, with a sword carefully placed within hands reach if anyone or anything dared to
intrude. Occasionally, he would unlock the door to inspect the stone, even if he knew nothing could happen to it in the
impermeable room; it bought him a peace of mind. As days passed, Akihito grew tired of guarding the stone, and grew
even more tired of the ever rumbling sea.
Deciding to rest inside the room, he plunked down onto the wooden floorboards which creaked under his weight. Not
thinking twice, he leaned against the stone, closing his eyes drifting off into a deep sleep…
Akihito awoke to the discomfort of the loud rumbling sounds from his stomach, or what seemed like it, but soon he
realised it was actually the murmuring sounds of thunder. Outside, a storm was stirring angrily. Instantly, he had a gut
feeling of an unsettling disturbance, something was amiss. Despite his brain being in a blur, still clouded by his dreams, he
recalled he was leaning against the stone. Was. Gradually turning back, the light in his chestnut-coloured eyes faded as
they dilated at the sight of the precious invaluable stone toppled over flat on the floor with a small chunk chipped off from
the side.
What was it doing there? How did it break? Akihito’s frantic thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a series of desperate
bangs on the door, followed by a cry of “MUSUKO!” It was his father. Hurling himself towards the door, he began
fumbling at the lock. His father was standing there in relief as he embraced his son. However, he lost all emotion when he
witnessed the state of the stone. Hiroshi approached the stone with small strides. His footsteps barely made a noise as they
hit the floor. Standing with his eyes wide opened, he gaped at the stone.
“ Doushita no? ” which loosely translates to “What happened?” The only time his father ever spoke Japanese was if he was
either angry or it was something important. His voice was quiet, but there was no trace of it trembling ㅡ his inexplicit
way of showing anger. Akihito lowered his eyes to the floor, he didn’t dare to speak. His father questioned again; this time
even quieter.
“I...I just wanted to take a rest.” Hiroshi squeezed his eyes shut as mumbled something.
“I swear...I didn’t break it on purpose!” Akihito pleaded.
“I know.”