Chereads / The Whistling Swordsman / Chapter 14 - Present the Past

Chapter 14 - Present the Past

Present Day 

Meanwhile, in the present timeline. "Sir, I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt your story, but we are ready to go. The machine is set to transport you to the past," said a mysterious voice. "Ok, its time I find out what happened to my grandfather. When you are ready, flip the switch," I told him. "Why must we go about this in this manner? There has to be a better way. And besides, nothing shows he's dead. For all we know, he could be on another planet all together," Said the voice again.

I told him, "That may be true, but we won't know till we try. Besides, we are trying to be as discrete as possible. The last thing we need is to alert Time Beary and Raidus. As you all know, time travel isn't allowed without their permission."

The voice replies, "Your right but keep in mind if you screw up or do something that can cause an anomaly. Record Beary will find you and expel you from the timeline then correct it."

"The fact that I'm helping you do this in the first place is a huge no-no. My ability to manipulate space was not meant to be used this way. On that note, keep in mind I can only do it twice to let in and to return you. If I open a void more than that Time Beary, Raidus and Record Beary become the least of our problems," said Zeryl.

"Besides, I'm sure I have seen this man before," he continued. "Time Beary and Record Beary, I can understand the issue of needing to be careful. Record Beary doesn't allow changes in the timeline once it's recorded, and Time Beary is kind of obvious. But why is Raidus an issue?" said the mysterious voice.

Zeryl replied, "Because he is master a paradox and me opening this void for your time machine to manipulate is basically the same as creating a paradox. A wormhole is essentially a singularity."

"Now I'm worried but let's just get this over with. I have other things to worry about," said the voice again. After a few minutes, the machine activated. "Xeonix its time open a rip in the void. Do it Zeryl," said the voice once more.

"Right, let's make it quick. Jump when you are ready Xeonix and remember the watch the time on your watch; you will return when times up. You have one day until I have to pull you back." said Zeryl.

I agreed then jumped into the rift. After a few minutes of traveling through a dark tunnel of nothingness, a huge bright light emanated in front of me. After a few seconds, the light engulfed me.

When I finally arrived, I was near the area where the previous war took place. The area looked to be nearly completely destroyed. The air reeked of blood, decaying bodies, gunpowder and burnt metal. There was almost nothing within range when I looked out into the distance.

However, in the midst of a battlefield laid an encampment of soldiers bearing a strange emblem unknown to me.

As I got closer, I could see the soldiers equipped with various types of melee weapons and the sterner kind of bronze chainmail armor, which allowed for greater mobility.

The camp was surrounded by the ruined city walls of the once-powerful militant city Zicaster, known for its lethal military and expert weapon craftsmanship. I looked around for my grandfather as I walked into the camp.

However, a soldier spotted me and was immediately surrounded by soldiers. I didn't resist and gave up willingly. When I was questioned why I was there, I told them I was looking for a man called Xeon Clerics.

I explained that I was a relative of his, but of course, they didn't believe me. After a few minutes in their custody, this older looking man walked up to my cell.

As I sat there looking at him, he examined me completely until he saw my knife on my side. He looked surprised. Then he spoke in a very deep tone, "So son, what brings you to this camp? And…. where did you get that knife on your side?"

I replied, "I came to this camp looking for my grandfather. This knife was given to me by him. I am here to learn what happened during this war and to seek help or advice."

"Lies! You're a thief. I know that knife on your waist and there is only one like it!" he shouted. "I gave that knife to my five-year-old grandson. There is no way you could have it. Besides no one around is dressed as bizarrely as you."

"I promise I am not lying to you sir. I am not from this timeline. I am from a future where we are in need of help. The next great war has started," I told him.

"I see no reason to believe you. What is your name child?" he said curiously. "I am the winds blade for justice ­­­– Xeonix Novus. The last of the great line swordsmen." The old man was taken aback by what I had said then looked at me and walked away.

There was no doubt in my mind who that was. But it seemed like he didn't trust me. When I revealed who I was to him, I didn't think there to be any consequence to this action at the time.

After what felt like hours, the old man who I assumed is my grandfather returned. It was at this time I was able to examine him better. He stood there six feet tall clad in bronze armor similar to chainmail but lighter stained with blood.

His face was that of a grizzled old man, yet he moved as if he was a young soldier ready to kill at any moment. On his waist was a simplistic dark green leather sheath with an imprinted golden insignia depicting a vortex of clouds and lightning.

The size and shape of the sheathed blade resembled a wakizashi, but it was unlike any I've seen before. He then placed a chair in front of my cell and looked at me. A few seconds went by, then he spoken with a concerned look on his face, "I am happy to see that you have grown into a strong young man my son. But I must ask, why did you do a foolish thing like coming back to this timeline?"

It was at this point I started explaining what has happened in the future and why finding him was so important. We have entered the sixth Great War for power and control of the entire continent of Picodesh. 

After talking to my grandfather for a minute, he told me why the sword arts were no longer being passed on and that my dad didn't teach me because he was a renowned blacksmith of the former city. The weapons that he made were said to be mystical in nature and worth a lot; however, he could only make a certain number a month.

After a while he opened the cell and released me. For the first time in years, I was able to give my grandfather a hug. However, the moment was cut short by the clang of metal and shouts of soldiers. Before I knew what happened, we were on the battlefield fighting. For the first time ever, I would get to see my grandfather in action.

The battle raged on for hours at a time, increasing in intensity as time progressed. All I could perceive was the clashing of swords and shields, the sound of cannon and gunfire, as well as blood flying endlessly in the air. The death toll grew as the fight raged on into the night.

Supplies were running low, but we feared for nothing for the strongest of warriors was on our side. Despite having great warriors, it was a tough battle. By nightfall, we were finally able to reach the enemy stronghold.

The facility was massive like that of some egocentric tyrant. The outer walls were pale white and stood a story high and made the building appear to have a rounded square shape. There were many windows but only one entrance in front of the build was a huge double door.

While the other soldiers fought on the battlefield holding off the opposing generals' men, my grandfather and I crossed the enemy's base into the main facility. There we encountered even more enemy militia. It took some time, but we succeeded in eliminating most of the troops, which allowed us to traverse further into the stronghold.

After a few minutes, we were swarmed once more as reached the general's main quarters. My grandfather, without a second thought, dashed through the soldiers cutting them down as he went in an effort to reach the enemy leader. Meanwhile, I remained behind to deal with the remaining troupes.

Then as my grandfather busted through the door, there stood a younger man clad in black armor. On his side was a black sheath for a sword similar to my grandfathers. He had a most sinister look to him and a heinous smile across his face. "Welcome brother, I have been waiting for your arrival."