Empire WAV: Yumi, #3

By Kaye Wagner

As revolution tears the city apart and battles rage on in the streets of Saga, new heroes are born, but they are not rebels or city guardsmen, simply the athletes on the field playing their games of distraction to a hopeless populace searching for peace amidst this warfare. Julian quickly becomes a symbol of this as those stuck in the middle of conflict embrace his sport. Thrust into a position uncomfortable to him, the lost and confused Julian tries to find some resolution for himself along with the truths about the lies and labyrinths of misdeeds in the city of Saga, hoping it will lead him to what he’s been searching for the most—Yumi.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pendown Publishing
• Release date: Oct 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519924759

Book preview

Empire WAV

By

Kaye Wagner

Text copyright © January 2015, Kaye Wagner

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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

Chapter 1: His Creator

Chapter 2: Flashing Lights

Chapter 3: Dream Girl

Chapter 4: Meeting of the Ministers

Chapter 5: The Wheel

Chapter 6: No Survivors

Chapter 7: Lady of the Morning

Chapter 8: Dark City

Chapter 9: Wedding Song

Chapter 10: Fog of War

Chapter 11: Kings of Oblivion

Chapter 12: Highest Mountain

Chapter 13: Strangers When We Meet

Author notes:

Chapter 1: His Creator

And the crowd goes wild!

The stream broadcaster shouted into a microphone from his elevated box seating within the packed stadium. Over thirty thousand fans cheered passionately towards the center of the large playing field.

And here we are, the broadcaster continued. "At the exciting end of a nil-nil game. Even after penalty kicks, the two juggernauts of the south in these Border City League games are left scoreless, depending on their goalies to stop consecutive strikes down through regulation and extra time, all the way to PK’s.

That’s right, Moros, the co-broadcaster chimed in. But now each team’s best scorer is up to break that stale mate. It’s a win or die game, and this crowd is waiting for blood. Let’s see who makes it to the championship match against Tauron City. He said to the wild cheers of the crowd as the view towards the field revealed players by the sideline, each of them divided by their competing team’s colors of red and blue. They each lined up in the penalty area by the goalpost, one individual dressed in a red jersey standing out from the rest as he readied himself for a kick against the opposing goalie in blue. As the red jersey player fixed his ball, boos rained down upon him from the packed stadium. First up, the co-broadcaster added. We have Saldo for the Carson City Hawks, last year’s league MVP. Will he rekindle a bit of the magic from last year after a poor showing this season?

Well, the stream broadcaster added. Not really a poor showing, simply an average performance completely outdone by the out of nowhere powerhouse showing of this year’s MVP Julian, or the Holy Striker as they like to call him. the Broadcaster chuckled in amazement. I mean, this kid has really been something else this season.

Not just something else. The co-broadcaster replied as the flat screen in front of them showed angles of the focused stare of Julian watching as Saldo prepared himself to kick. He smashed every record in the league, I mean from assists, to goals, add to that his low shot attempts to high made goal ratio, you get a startlingly fantastic player not in the making, but already here and ready to dominate. He said to the ascending volume of the crowd as Saldo took a few steps back, finally angling himself into the right position as the bushy haired goalie across from him stretched his legs and arms before getting into his readying stance.

At the side of his teammates, but apart from their nervous stares, was Julian, standing tall with a focused look in his eyes, exuding confidence and calm preparation in the slightest of his movements, leaving those around him as silent companions while they watched on nervously at the scene in front of them.

The tired Klose, brushing his blonde locks from his forehead, glanced at Julian along with the hyperventilating Ford, as he tried to compose himself in the moment. However, Ford could not stop his shaking nerves, choosing to break his tension with the slap of Julian’s back to break the silence. Hey, calm down, buddy. Ford said with his voice shaking. It’s just our season on the line in front of an entire city of people cheering for us.

Julian shot Ford a sharp glance before looking back ahead, leaving Ford to chuckle on his own before Klose grabbed at him.

Shut up Ford, Klose said pulling him under his arm. Don’t let your anxiousness rub off on Julian. Klose said taking a deep breath in as he watched Saldo begin his steps forward. We might actually need him if this goes through.

Ronin grimaced at his words, running his fingers through his thick brown hair. We’ll need him if it doesn’t. he said with an annoyed look on his tired face as the line of fifteen players dressed in blue jerseys began to sway left and right with all their arms around each other, every one of them looking on in anticipation. Right now, he continued. We just have to hope Marcello keeps blocking like he did all game.

Klose nodded in agreement. Let’s hope so. He said as Saldo ran up to the stationary ball, moving towards it at a quick pace while the baby face and bushy haired goalie Marcello swayed his body in small movements, preparing for the oncoming kick with eyes wide open, focused on the winding right leg of the formidable striker.

As Saldo approached the ball with a building weight in his stride, he let his right foot come down onto it, striking at a sharp left angle just as Marcello dug in his cleats to his left side before jumping towards his right. Chasing the ball with his eyes, reaching out with both hands through his glide as the echoing gasp of the home crowd hung in the air, Marcello made contact, smacking the ball just as it reached the goal post, deflecting it away to the roaring cheers of the crowd and his teammates.

Marcello! Ford shouted out in excitement as the bushy haired goalie walked into the joyful arms of his teammates, all of them hugging him except for one, Julian, who opted to stare from a distance at their joyful moment before he took a deep breath-in and walked away from his teammates cheers, letting them pull themselves out of the moment to take notice of him strolling away towards the penalty area near the goalpost. As he entered the penalty area, the chants from the crowd recognizing his approach began sounding off throughout the stadium.

Julian! GO! Go! Go! Julian! Go! Go! Go! they all shouted in kind as the once nervous team looked on with excitement and anticipation of the slow trot of Julian into position, watching him closely as he calmly placed the ball in the perfect location before he glared at the readying opposing goalie, who stared him down as he grinned with confidence at Julian.

Let’s see, the goalie cocked his head back. What Mr. MVP is made of. Can you feel the pressure from them, boy? he said looking towards the crowd. I know you can. Let’s see you shrivel up under their expectation. he chuckled to the ignoring glance of Julian, who looked up towards the sky, annoying the goalie who spat on the floor beside him, his taunting words not reaching Julian as he looked towards the stars revealing themselves under the sunset’s rainbow colored hues. As the chants rose in volume with his pose, Julian spoke a few words.

Watch me. He said clenching a fist before glancing at the goalie as he turned and casually made distance between him and the ball, still letting the rowdy crowd echo his name in glory before he rushed towards the stationary set with a quickness and decisiveness in his steps that caught the already prepared goalie off guard, making him stand on the tips of his toes as the singularly focused Julian moved towards the ball, winding up his kick as he arched it right, aiming for the goalie’s right side. Noticing this, the goalie jumped into his defenseless area, reaching the right side corner just as Julian slammed his foot on the ball. However, he then saw the ball swing in the opposite direction, shifting left while Julian kicked to his right, befuddling the goalie as the ball blazed right pass him into the back of the net, leaving the diving goalie to fall face first onto the ground in defeat along with his whole team on the other side of the field as the crowd went wild for the goal.

Julian looked on coldly at the sorrowful cries of the team cladded in red jerseys, all of them collapsing to the ground in response to his game winning score. Julian’s team, on the other hand, rushed towards him, crowding around him as the cheers from the packed stadium rang louder than any of the excited voices around him. Narrating his triumphant moment, the broadcasters over the stream serenaded his achievement for all those in the city to hear.

And there it is, the stream broadcaster spoke again over the cheerful scene on the field. Julian does it again! In dominating and captivating form, his style, his elegance and grace all too real for a city united by his greatness!

As his voice echoed through all the corners of the ‘net’, the players on the field huddled around the now smiling Julian, letting the excitement of his team wash over him as he brought them into a circle to address them. Just one game. Julian said letting his concentration return to him, his demeanor change refocusing the excited expressions of his teammates as they all looked on at him with anticipation. Just one win. He said looking at all their huddled faces. Just one team. We didn’t fight so hard just to get this far, we want more, we need more and we won’t settle for anything less. One more win for the finals, another ninety minutes to be champions, and just one week before we’ll never be the same. One, two, three, let’s get it! he shouted to the chants of the team around him as they followed him, sticking their hands out onto the center of the huddle. One game! They shouted with Julian. One win! One team! We’ll Never be the Same! We’ll always be great! Let’s get it! they shouted to the raised hands of everyone as they hopped out of the huddle, breaking up their united circle as the cheers of the crowd continued to rain down on them, their playful smiles returning with the recognition of their fans. As the team broke away to talk to the sideline spectators, managers, and staff, Julian, on the other hand was swarmed by reporters, breaking away from his team and isolated from them as cameras flashed in his face while microphones and mobiles pointed in his direction.

Julian! Julian! the reporters called his name while Julian smiled for them in his casual manner. Are you just going to keep chanting my name or are you going to ask me something so I can make an irrelevant comment? Julian said to the amusement of those around him before the reporters started their rapid-fire questions.

Julian, how would you characterize your play this season and through the playoffs?

Less than stellar, and merely spectacular. Julian said to the laughter of the reporters. But all in all, it’s not about my play, it’s about our team play, and I think the players we have out on the field with the coaching of Mr. Martin have made us what we’re in the game.

Julian! the reporters shouted again before they threw another question at him. Did you expect this team to make it this far so quickly?

Always. Julian said with bright eyes. This team always had the pieces to be a winner. With Ford and Marcello as the pillars of our defense—me, Ronin, and Klose on offense, I think we always had the pieces to be this good this fast. And with the direction from ownership, we built a team this good, this fast. With vice president Torne, our owner Mr. Rodrig, we’ve been able to assemble a winning team that can last for the next few years and hopefully a lot longer.

Julian! the reporters said excitedly at his words, as if he said something worthy of controversy. Then about your current and most controversial owner, a reporter shouted. The rebel leader Queen Knight, is she still involved with the team? If so, is it true that you and your team are under investigation for assisting the rebels on their assault against the city? they asked to the casual, yet slightly annoyed smile of Julian. I don’t know anything about that. Right now, all I’m focused on is the championship game we have next week. We have a lot of things to iron out before we play Tauron City.

But, a different reporter continued. Isn’t it true that you and this notorious leader are in an intimate relationship, you did in fact live to— before the female reporter could finish her words, the large body of Harold rushed out in front of Julian, separating him from the prying questions of reporters as he deflected the question.

Sorry, Harold said as a trainer pulled away Julian from the reporters. That’s all for today, our players are tired and need to rest. If you have any further questions, Young Master Pippen will hold a press conference in fifteen minutes along with manager Mr. Martin. So hold your questions until then. He said to the focused eyes of the reporters as they ignored him and followed the escaping Julian, chasing him with their questions as Harold and a few trainers covered for him, steamrolling a path for him towards the exiting tunnel at the other end of the field. As Julian moved through the crowd of reporters, he could hear their probing questions loud and clear.

It’s true, isn’t it? the reporters shouted. That you sheltered the most dangerous criminal in this city’s history? That she is a owner of this team?! another reporter shouted. Is ‘Empire’ funded by this Saga City club team? Is it true that the City Guard have you as a prime suspect? Are you a member of Empire?

Julian kept a feigned smile on his face as he rushed through the crowd, Harold throwing a coat over him as they moved forward before he spoke to the troubled Julian.

Ignore them, Julian. Harold said.

Julian smiled in amusement. Hard to ignore when they’re shouting me down.

Then just listen to the cheers. Harold replied. Because they don’t care about what they write about you.

They just care about the game. And, Julian shook his head. And this circus show the club has become. He said as they reached the end of the field where a line of security guards waited for them so they could block out the reporters. However, before they reached their protective blockade, a loud boom sounded off in the distance as an explosion echoed across the sky, catching everyone off guard as they looked in the direction of the explosive bang towards the towers of the main streets, seeing one of its upper levels engulfed in flames as debris trickled down its sides. And, Julian continued as he looked on with the rest of the stunned reporters and staff around him. All they care about is her. He said stepping away, taking advantage of this moment of distraction to walk into the exit gate, only having the hesitant Harold chasing him down and following him through the player’s tunnel.

Mr. Julian. Harold called out to the jogging Julian, attempting to keep up with his hurried pace. Excuse me, but Young Master Pippen has asked to see you. He says it’s urgent.

Well, Julian said moving through the now brightly lit halls, jogging between its finely cemented granite walls and over its carpeted floors. Tell him to come see me at my locker if it’s so important. Julian said stepping up to the opened double doors of a rowdy space, leaving Harold to watch him enter a large and circular locker room arrangement where players gathered—Ford and Marcello dancing in a wild street style together to the joyful chants of their teammates, while Ronin and Klose joked with each other, all of them excited over their win before they serenaded the arriving Julian with a chant of his nickname. Julian the Great! Julian the Great! Julian the Great! Julian the Great! they said to the shake of the head from Julian as he marched towards his locker. Enough of that, Julian replied. I’m not the only great one here, what we did out there was purely a team effort.

Ford stepped up in laughter. But pure team effort got us a tie, Mr. MVP Julian got us the win! he shouted as he busted out a bottle of champagne. So as this game’s savior and this year’s league MVP, please accept our gratitude in a piss shower. He said rushing Julian along with his teammates, all of them pouring champagne on Julian to his laughter, drenching him in the liquid before they all began sincerely congratulating him, patting him on the back before moving on with their locker room party.

Soaked in liquids, Julian slapped a few of his teammates shoulders before shuffling over to his own large hand carven wooden locker, one of many inside the lavish circular room. Taking off his shirt, Julian pulled up a leather chair in front of his locker before sitting down as the celebration continued behind him. Taking a deep breath-in, Julian exhaled before looking into his orderly locker space, seeing his plain clothes hanging inside before glancing at his mobile as the calm look on his face began to wear thin, revealing a completely focused stare, breaking from the joyful mood of the area. Picking up his mobile, Julian flicked through his messages, seeing nothing but texts from a few friends watching the game through the streams or in the stands—seeing a few neighbor’s excited texts, then seeing Rory’s along with Ryan. Seeing Ryan’s name, an anxiousness began wearing on his face before he quickly flipped opened his messages to see his most recent text. There, he saw his message read ‘Still searching, I’ll contact you as soon as I find her’. With those words, Julian sighed in disappointment before eventually turning his mobile off and gripping it.

Mr. MVP... A voice said catching Julian off guard. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the slickly dressed Pippen strolling into the rowdy locker room, his sights set on him. Why the long face? You’ve just led last year’s worst team to the championship finals of the Border City league. You should smile. He said walking up to the focused stare of Julian. Ticket sales for the playoffs have been through the roof, the value of this company and your shares have tripled, you’re even the most famous person in this city now. Everyone knows who the Holy Striker is—every man wants to be you and every girl wants to be with you. So smile, life is good, Julian, life, Pippen smiled charmingly. Is good.

Julian looked on unconvinced. Is that what you wanted to tell me? Or do you have what I asked for earlier?

Pippen’s charming expression turned sour at his words. You really should forget about her. He said annoyed. You won’t find her, and even if you do, she’s a different person now—if you hadn’t noticed the explosion earlier, she’s an enemy of the state. This city is still under attack by her band of rebels. Hell, I can honestly say the only thing keeping this city together is this team and you. Everyone turns out for our games.

And why’s that? Julian replied.

Success and controversy. Pippen said taking a seat up next to Julian. They’re a perfect blend—add with that a little hopelessness and money to blow, you have the formula for a situation for any good sports team to thrive. People like to escape the madness of life, more so in times of crisis—and you just so happen to be that escape, Julian.

And you their profiteer.

Pippen smiled knowingly. Listen, nothing good is happening in this city, he changed subjects. The ministers are divided and clueless about what to do about the chaos here and businesses are losing value, but you know what keeps them all afloat? This game here. he said looking at the joyful team. The people that gather here, the fifty thousand fans that come to enjoy our team, also come to enjoy the peace on the day of the game. No violence occurs in or around the game or towards the shops in association with it. You know why? Because the city ministers and mayor along with the rebels know the people they’re trying to win over go to this game, they purchase goods at the stores of the locals, and invest in the wealth of the city. The middle or merchant class, that’s who I’m talking about. We’re in the fairground of their war for power.

Julian cracked a smile as he wiped himself down with a towel. And you’re making a killing from their struggle over it, power, I mean.

I wouldn’t be a proper business man if I didn’t make profit from this situation.

And? Julian said taking a swig from his water bottle.

And what? Pippen replied.

What’s your point?

Ah, Pippen said with a serious look wearing on his face. My point is for you to stop trying to break this delicate balance we have here.

What’re you talking about? Julian said confused.

I’m talking about your obsession with the little girl leading the assault on this city. Pippen sighed. You need to stop trying to find her. If you associate with her directly, you will ruin everything, you’ll force the hand of the city guard and they will intrude on the peace here if they think the most influential man in this city now is in support of someone in direct opposition of their power.

Julian raised an eyebrow to his words. Most influential man?

Yes. Pippen nodded. You might not see it that way, but you carry a certain sway anywhere you go when you have fifty thousand people chanting your name and calling you ‘Holy’ as a nickname. Whether you like it or not, your word counts for something. So you better be careful with what you say.

Alright, Julian shook his head. But you heard the questions they were asking me out there, they already know about my relationship with Yumi. They ask me after every game about her connections to ownership, this team, they even have video of us together around the city circulating the net. Julian said annoyed. How am I supposed to deny something so obviously true?

You don’t. Pippen smiled. You leave it up to the imagination of the citizens and those that preach the news—those in favor of the rebels will spin the story in their direction while those against the rebels will spin your relationship in their direction. One group will call you the boyfriend of their crusading Queen—the other will call you the hero footballer who warned the City Guard of the rebel leader who seduced you for power and fame.

Julian chuckled at his words. Are they really saying that now?

It’s the ‘mesh’, the stream broadcasters there say anything they want, and that’s because you’ve hadn’t said anything yet. Your silence gives them freedom to make up your position for you, one that anyone can accept.

Sounds like you want me to be as bland as possible.

Yes, yes. Pippen said excitedly. And you’ve done an exquisite job of doing just that this past month and a half.

I wasn’t doing you any favors. Julian said placing water drops in his eyes before looking back at Pippen. I just don’t want to talk about her.

And rightly so. Pippen replied. She played with your heart, spoke lies into your ears, and betrayed you. I can understand why you wouldn’t talk about her. So I’d like to—

Enough. Julian said annoyed as he glared at Pippen before extending a hand to him. Do you have what I asked for earlier?

Pippen glared back at Julian before sitting upright in his seat. I don’t quite understand why you need this. I thought when Harold said you wanted a favor from me that you’d asked me to find your lost love, but no, you ask of me something this peculiar.

Julian cracked a weary smile as he looked at Pippen’s proper seating poster on the chair. Do you have it?

Yes, Pippen nodded. I do, he slipped his hand into his jacket pocket. But this won’t help you find her, you know?

I know. Julian said with a focused stare. Besides, I don’t think she wants to be found.

Then what’s this all about? Pippen said pulling out his mobile.

It’s about closure. Julian said with a thoughtful look in his eyes. Something I need right now.

Pippen looked on with interest before opening his mobile only to have Julian gently push his hand aside.

No, Julian said to the confused Pippen. You hold on to it, I’ll call you when I need it.

Are you sure? Pippen said. I’ve arranged everything already, there’s a window we’re working through here.

Then make that window tonight. I’ll give you a call when I’m ready.

Okay. Pippen agreed to only be interrupted by the rise of Julian as he looked on with shock and wonder in his eyes. Pippen, following his line of sight saw him looking at a broadcast stream on a flat screen, images of the chaotic city being televised before a breaking news banner flashed on the screen revealing a new live video of masked rebels speaking directly into a camera. Pippen, seeing the interest in Julian’s eyes, attempted to turn on the volume, only to have Julian do it himself, raising his voice above the raucous chatter within the room. Screen, volume up. Julian said aloud to the sudden lowering of the chatter in the room, everyone taking notice of his demand as the volume turned on with the flat screen, allowing the reporter to describe the breaking news story.

Breaking news! a female reporter spoke over the stereo system. With the recent attack against the Cyren group building, it has come to light that the Rebel leader Queen Knight has taken the board of the company hostage, directly invading the building after weeks of assaults on the trapped employees inside. They have released a video message with their demands. She said enlarging the window with the masked rebels looking into a camera, a feminine voice speaking out their manifesto.

Hello crazy, wild, and fantastic world. A female masked rebel said into the screen. Cyren, you’ve rang our bell, and we called, so here we are, taking the thing you love most. Your industry, yes, your industry is our hostage, she said moving to the side, revealing a scared collection of board members with guns aimed at their heads by various rebels.

Pippen looked on with surprise at the scene. Damn, I was supposed to be there this evening.

What? Klose said standing nearby. You’re a board member there?

Yeah, Pippen shrugged his shoulders. Or whatever you call having two percent ownership in the company. I don’t have too much influence in those meetings so I never really go.

Lucky you then. Klose said amused before noticing the focused eyes of Julian looking on at the monitor before Klose stepped up. Screen, mute volume. He said to the agitation of Julian.

Hey, Julian turned to Klose. I was listening to that.

Yeah, I know. Klose replied. And you were listening a little too intently. Relax, tonight is a time for celebration, so let’s celebrate. Besides, you have the team worried about you, you’re distracting them, making them tense about the next game. he said glancing at the worried faces of the other players as they stood at their locker or moved in and out of the shower room. Julian, noticing their worried stares, composed himself before looking back at Klose.

Sorry, Julian replied. You’re right, it’s a time for celebration.

Yeah, Ford said jumping into the conversation half-naked with a towel dangling over his crotch. "We’re superstars in the city right now, it’s our time to take advantage of all this winning has done for us