Kirin Chronicles: Kirin, #1

By Kaye Wagner

The young and wealthy Anna was used to marveling at the dark, mysterious, and bustling city across from the gilded walls protecting her section of peace in this world. Born into luxury in a time of chaos, that's all she could do, let her curiosity with the unknown wander and ask the simple questions--wondering what made the world go round beyond the rich city she lived in where order reigned and her parents shielded her from the reality outside pass their protected enclave. So when the opportunity for her to break out of her small protected world came in the form of a mysterious young boy named Kirin, she took it. 

Wanting to solve a mystery, he offers her a guide to the city in exchange for her assistance.  Anna agrees, pulled in by his magnetic personality and the bright lights of the bustling metropolis she's never known to exist, but as she enjoys herself in this new and mysterious environment, she quickly comes face to face with the chaos and danger she was protected from--the thieves, murderers, swindlers, conmen, schemers, and madmen that make up these unseen parts of the city-- soon realizing that all of these shady figures were attracted to the young fresh faced boy named Kirin she traveled with.

Now trapped with a stranger and lost in a dangerous part of the city, Anna must find her way out on her own or help the mischievous Kirin solve his mystery with the most criminal characters in the city chasing them both.

Story 1: Big World 
Story 2: Mad Bomber

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pendown Publishing
• Release date: Aug 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516312726

Book preview

Kirin Chronicles

By

Kaye Wagner

Text copyright © May 2015, Kaye Wagner

––––––––

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission from the author.

Contents

Story 01: Big World

Story 02: Mad Bomber (Oh My Love, I Just Don’t Want to Stop)

Story 01: Big World

A young boy playfully kicked his feet adorned in stylish leather boots atop a building’s edge. Taking in the view of the crowded city, he watched the gathering of buyers and sellers packing into the busy market square down below. Rolling a lollipop in his mouth, the young boy looked on with disinterest at the roving crowd of people.

Boring... he said lazily searching through the streets, his dark short-shorts and matching trench coat blending in with the stone architecture of the building he sat on. They’re all boring. He spoke through the swirl of the lollipop pushing against his cheek before his eyes suddenly widened with interest. But maybe not all. The young boy said with his line of sight falling onto a fancy black sedan driving through the packed main streets. There, he locked eyes with a little girl peeking through the rolled down tinted window of the car. A thread. The boy smiled as he hopped up from his seat, standing tall at the edge of the building as the setting sun shined at his back.

Glowing amongst the towering buildings of the metropolis, a young girl down below inside a fancy car marveled at what she saw as the frame of a person standing on high and above the city. As this young girl gazed at the distant figure, she eventually saw it rush off and vanish from her sight. Confused by its sudden disappearance, the young girl then heard a shout to her front side, quickly pulling away her attention from the crowded market streets.

Keep your head down, Anna! a stern motherly voice scolded the young girl peeking her head out the window of the luxurious sedan. Ignoring the shouts of her mother, the young girl looked on mesmerized by the majestic scene of the market, watching the variety of oddly dressed people flowing back and forth in front of vendor shops—buying and selling food, electronics, and cloth—exchanging goods with gold and silver pieces of coin before moving onto the next shop or store front to barter material. As the people within the busy market shuffled about, Anna marveled at their dull, yet flashy style, their cut jeans, thick robes, or darkly dyed dresses and shirts standing out even if their quality was poor. Everything seemed original—no two people in the market dressed exactly alike. It was odd for the young girl who looked on with innocent eyes to see such contrasting styles blend.

Amidst this gathering of blending styles was the shining frame of a person rushing about in the shadows, sparkling amongst the gathering of the loud and rowdy traders, shining in between the hurried footsteps of those in their sandals, sneakers or boots. Anna wondered about the odd person, but was easily distracted by the spectacle of the street.

Mesmerized by the shine and the energy pulsating from the crowded market, Anna sat in ignorance of the voices around her before a slap to the side of her head woke her up out of her trance, making her look towards the front seat where her finely dressed mother sat in a luxurious armchair beside a well-dressed man reading a newspaper—its wide length covering his face.

Do you hear me now, disobedient child?! the finely dressed mother said sternly. Stop gawking at the streets and roll up your window, lest you track bugs in, she glared out the window at the people they passed by. Amongst other undesirables.

I was just curious, Mother. Anna said rubbing the side of her head as she sat back in her seat, tidying up her conservative dress, wrapping her dark maroon skirt and jacket over her body. If you took me and sister out more, she said looking at her older sister sitting stoically beside her. I wouldn’t have to gawk. She grumbled.

Stop complaining. Mother scolded Anna. Your sister Marie never asks for such risky pursuits, why should you. she said to the pleased smile of the older sister, who sat down like a model in contrast of the disgruntled Anna. Why can’t you be like your sister and act more of your status? I’m tired of you asking to come out of the High End Sector. She said in slight agitation. It’s for your own good to stay there, child. You have plenty of club activities and tutoring sessions to spend your time with there, no need to dawdle around in these poorer Sectors. She shook her head in annoyance. And besides, it’s because we never take you to the Middle Sector that you don’t have to deal with the scum of this City. She said pressing a button, rolling up the window beside Anna. You may be dazzled by the lights, crowds, and goods on sale, but behind all that sparkle are violent thieves, swindlers, dark tradesman of the flesh, and murderous beasts of the night.

Honey, the father said with his face still concealed by his newspaper made of flexible digital glass—its stories changing on its own as he read through them. Don’t you think you’re saying too much?

Not at all. Mother said unabashedly. The Lower Class are truly pitiable for their circumstances and I feel sorry for them, but I will not have my children marveling at their cruel world with rose colored lenses. I will tell them the truth since they are so fortunate to bask in the wealth and extravagance our hard work has spoiled them with. She glared at the shy glance of Anna. And because you are so fortunate under us, I will not have you running around outside without me, your father, or your guard today.

But— Anna said futilely to the sharp gaze of her mother.

No ifs, ands or buts! Mother looked on annoyed before sighing in agitation as she pointed over the heads of the girls. You see that. She said getting Anna to look over her shoulder at a thin flat screen with a news report playing on mute—showing images of what looked like a fire and its aftermath. You even have madmen blowing up buildings. I swear this city would go to these animals if it weren’t for the City Guard’s efforts and Higher City Parliament’s wisdom.

Now, now, honey, the Father said still reading his digital paper. I think you’ve said enough to scare the children. We should let them enjoy their first time out of the High End Sector. He said lowering his newspaper, letting its thin glass base fold into his lap as he revealed his trimmed beard and robust frame.

To enjoy what? Mother said flatly. The sewage flavored street food and sparkle toys of the market? Please, my children are more refined than that. She crossed her arms. If we didn’t have to go to the Middle City Council meeting to have them support your legislation, we wouldn’t even be here. she glared at her husband. And why do you even need their support, what they want doesn’t matter. If you want to build a railway, who’s to say they can stop you. she said arrogantly.

Now dear, Father looked on with calm and poise. You know it’s a kindness to hear others opinions on the matter, the politics of juggling our success to more functional and real use to the city. In order to do that, we need to be in touch with the people.

Then do it on your own next time, or don’t force your family to go with you for your political functions.

You have to understand, the thing people connect with most is family. Father said with a warm smile. And I rather show them my goodwill with the presentation of my family and how these new developments I’m proposing will help all of our families.

Mother smiled at the warm expression and excited eyes of her husband, his mood calming her own agitation. And you did splendidly today, Honey. She placed a hand on his cheek. Just make sure the next function you bring us to is closer to home, maybe an extravagant ball in the Higher City.

It will be, my love. Father said looking longingly at his wife while Anna cringed a bit at the growing romantic mood between them.

Please... Anna muttered in annoyance as she turned her eyes away. Not this lovey-dovey atmosphere again.

As Mother whispered sweet words with her husband, Anna averted her eyes while glancing from their corners at the city streets, her mind still dazzled by their lights glowing under the afternoon sun. While marveling at the sights of the city, the car slowed down, parking in front of a small restaurant where people sat down and chatted, drinking tea while eating pastries made with intricate designs swirled on their faces. The Father leaned forward as they approached; breaking away from the sweet chatter he was having with his wife. Here we are honey, he said grabbing her attention mid-conversation. The shop you’ve been raving about.

Oh, the Mother perked her head up. Don’t tell me this is the place you buy all those beautifully made chocolate butter cupcakes you bring home?

Yes, it actually is. I thought we’d have a snack before going home. He smiled to the delight of the Mother while exiting the vehicle. As he did, she waited for him to come around her door, letting him open it up as he led her out. However, before the mother left, she shot a glare at her children. Now, you girls stay inside—me and your Father will be back soon. And if you listen, we’ll maybe have a treat for you, okay?

Yes Mother. both girls said to the head nod of their mother as she left them, rushing out the door and slamming it shut. As Anna sighed in relief of her Mother’s quick departure, her sister Marie smiled in delight, breaking away from her straight posture as she slouched in her seat, sighing loudly while she let out words of relief. Whooh! Marie hopped up from her seat, breaking away from her elegant demeanor. Finally I can take these things off. I’ve been stiff this whole day. Maybe we can even let loose and cut out of here. she said unbuttoning her jacket while Anna looked on with worry.

What are you doing, Marie? Mother doesn’t want us to leave.

Mother doesn’t want us to do anything, Anna. Marie said rolling out her scarf and throwing it aside. That’s why we have to kick out our feet on our own, stride across the boardwalk and spread our wings. She winked playfully at Anna as she untied her hair, letting it flow onto her shoulders.

Anna looked on annoyed at her sister’s sudden transformation from silent and obedient daughter to relaxed and boisterous girl.

Besides, Marie continued. You’re the one always reading up cool stories on the ‘Mesh’ about this place, so why don’t you go experience it. Maybe this time you’ll have something interesting to write about in your ‘Net Diary’. Rather than bore your meager audience with your complaints about your lessons, you might have a real story to share with them. She said as her own eyes lit up in excitement. Maybe even an adventure out of it. I bet all your nerdy friends would love that. You’d be the cool one in your group for once, the only one with a fantastic tale to share that will have all of them eating out of your hand.

Anna shook her head in annoyance of her words as she watched her older sister loosen her usual strict posture and demeanor. I wish mother could see this side of you, if she did, she wouldn’t be praising you every time she scolds me.

Don’t hate the game girl just because I play it so well. Marie smiled as she slipped out of her heels and placed on a pair of boots she had hidden in a compartment under her seat. Just because I know what mother likes and you refuse to find out yourself, don’t blame me. You’re just too honest with her when all she asks of you is a beautiful lie. And me, she took off her coat, revealing her similarly conservative coverall dress and sweater combination that matched her sister, to which she unbuttoned its top buttons to provide a stylish flair to her clothes. I know how to present her with the perfect fantasy. She continued. You should learn from me, you know. And maybe you wouldn’t get scolded as much.

No thank you. Anna grumbled as Marie slid towards the door. Sorry, but you clearly have all the talent, Ms. Drama Queen of the Theatre.

Oh, Marie said in a throaty operatic voice. Do not belittle my acting skills, Ms. Twinkle Toes of the Stage. At least I excel in my plays in the theatre—all you do is fall and tumble during your performances in the ballet house.

At least I didn’t screech at the top of my lungs during the opening act of ‘Beast of Sorrow’ the other night, I still can’t get the echo out of my ears.

Hey! Marie angrily snapped back at Anna. That was your fault for drinking my honey lemon juice before concert. My lungs were tired before I even stepped onto the stage. She grimaced as she turned and opened the door of the luxury vehicle, rushing out and turning around as her boots hit the ground. C’mon, hurry before Braxton notices we opened the door.

He already did. The car has sensors, you idiot! Anna said as the front seat window rolled down.

Then hurry up and get out. Marie said with a cocky grin on her face. Or are you too much of a baby to act on those proud little words you fling out towards mother, huh? she said to the glare of Anna as the rolled down window inched to its end.

Young Misses? What are you doing?