Tachibana Gō and the Quest for the City of Gold
Chapter 1
City of Tsingtao, Kingdom of Mujigae
Tachibana and I were waiting at the K.A.G. shipping office in Tsingtao waiting for those cretin bureaucrats, whose greatest pleasure in life seemed to be pencil pushing, to grant us the formal approval letter that would allow our expedition to begin. Tachibana was restless, muttering "What a waste of time! Yamashita-san (The Grand Director of Shipping and Expeditions) himself gave us approval! Why must these pinheads force us to wait hours while they make 50 different documents about our expeditions...If i was in charge, i would have them all flogged for wasting-"
Tachibana stopped suddenly as Yamashita came through the door holding a piece of paper. We both stood up and bowed to him.
"Tachibana-san, I ask forgiveness for the wait. I was forced to go through pages of useless paperwork to formally approve this in writing." he said with a tired voice" handing Tachibana the paper, he continued. "Tachibana-san, here are your orders officially. I am giving you free reign to look for this rumored City at these locations. I applaud your initiative in this proposition and the XVII will hear many great words about your conduct soon enough" Yamashita shakes hands with Tachibana "I bid you best of luck and may the goddess bless you. Dismissed."
We both saluted Yamashita and exited the building and walked towards our ship, The Intrépide
"So it begins, Akitomo." Tachibana says with a serious tone "This expedition will bring us all glory and great wealth my friend. Yet much risk is involved"
"With great risk comes great reward, Go."
"Quite"
The Intrépide comes into sight, what a beautiful ship she is! Tachibana had just been given command of her after his success for the past 5 years on the smaller merchantman Akagi Maru. I was with him over those years, and we formed a great relationship as captain and first mate. Now the Company, believing us to be worthy of some of the few warships, had given us command of this brand-new Corvette; Fresh from the drydocks of Suzuhara.
She weight 500 tonnes, was 40 metres long, had a beam of 10 metres and a draft of 5 metres. Well-armed with 24 eight pounders, 4 32 pounder carronades, and three Fafschamps volley guns (Improved Puckle Gun) and manned by 250 of the finest sailors in the world, she was such a site to behold as we approached her finely painted hull. Our men were aboard conducting business as usual under the watchful eye of our Pomeranian Second Mate, Hans Fischer.
He noticed us and shouted "Men, ze Kaptain ist here. Form up für ze Saluten!" At once, the men of the ship all ran topside and joined in the salute. Tachibana waved and we soon board the ship.
"Men, our journey awaits. Yamashita-san has approved our venture and we will set sail at once." Tachibana said while walking aboard with his hands behind his back
"Huzzah!" shouted the crew as they threw their hats into the air. The great quest was now under way.
Chapter 2
The "Numbersea" approaching the land of Numbers.
A month into our voyage and we were approaching our first target, the mysterious and horrifying lands of Shù. Rumors of the Banzoku savages which inhabited these lands struck fear into many of us, me included as we came in view of the shore. I stood watch at the helm and carefully scanned our surroundings to see what was going on. It was then that Fischer shouted "ACHTUNG! WE ARE UNDER ATTACKEN!!!"
Seemingly at once, a dozen canoes and 2 small galleys started to approach us "Hard to starboard, full sails!" I shouted as the Shù started to fire at us ineffectively. As our marines began to return fire on the canoes, the Intrépide had moved into position to fire at the approaching galleys. "FIRE" shouted Fischer as Tachibana began to walk up to meet me.
A horrific volley of grapeshot was unleashed onto the primitives and many of them died or fell from their canoes. The shot torn threw the sails of the galleys and killed many on deck.
"That did the trick" Tachibana calmly said "Load again boys and show these savages we mean business."
Within a short time, the second volley was unleashed onto the helpless galleys. Many of the men were starting to jump overboard and the Fafschamps fired on them ruthlessly. When it was all done, our attacks had either fled or were now shark bait. Tachibana scanned the horizon said with a laugh "Think we taught them a lesson that numbers mean nothing to the cannon, didn't we Akitomo" He then descended and ordered that the ships boats be prepared to be lowered.
"This is our dropoff point men" Turning to Fischer "Fischer, Minamoto and I will be leading the Marines ashore in search of this fabled city. You are ordered to keep watch and make sure these simpletons do not capture this magnificent vessel. If we are under threat, we will launch a flair and you will gather whatever men you can to come rescue us. If you are under serious threat, do the same. I trust your discretion on this matter."
"Jawohl herr Kapitain. I will make zur ze mann are ready for even if ze manneaterz come to kill us!"
"So, it is understood, May Mechaffyna bless us with success"
We gather into the boats and row to the shore with much fear. Would we be eaten if captured or worse?
Chapter 3
Inside Shu
Our initial venture was without much difficulty, indeed, we encountered no one for days. That was until we came in sight of the City of Shu itself. Tachibana waved us back as he took his binoculars and scanned the city.
"I think we went the wrong direction, men." scanning more he said "Akitomo, check this out" as he pointed out the large column marching towards us.
I picked up my binoculars and gaze in to see a man with a pointy hat with a # on it approaching us. "Should we parlay with them" I asked Tachibana
"Yes, we would be up shit creek without a paddle if we didn't." Turning behind him, he signaled for Lt. Dubois, the Marine Commander to come up.
"Dubois, come with us, it would be best for us not to act hostile at this point"
The three of us descended the hill and the column halted. The pointy hat man got off his horse and was joined by two other men wearing robes. He suddenly spoke to us in a tongue we all knew too well. HoloImperial.
"What brings you Nijiniggers to our city. Are you here to cope about your small numbers or CCV?" said the Pointy Hat Man with a condescending tone. He was rather ugly upon closer look, having a leprosy or something disgusting. Do they really let these cursed souls lead them?
"What the fuck are you even talking about" said Tachibana "I don't know what those words even are, we are just wondering why we were attacked upon entering your waters and where in the world is the City of Gold"
"You were attacked for having low CCV for your company, nijinigger. You shouldn't be in our lands unless you have large numbers, but I will be generous enough to let you live. Furthermore, a city of gold? Those only exist in the lands of the mighty Holo Empires, who always take home the monthly gold. That is unless your company cheats for it like always with bots!"
Tachibana looks at me with the most confused look before turning back "Thank you for tolerating us, I see. Could you specify where this "Monthly Gold" is?"
The ugly man laughs "In the lands of Pekora, Miko, Kobo and the Holy Shark, you shall find these cities of Gold. Now, get out of our lands now before we raid your lands again!"
We departed. Dubois asks us "Do either of you understand what that man even said? I've never heard such bullshit in my life, aside from my wife that is"
"No clue, what of you Tachibana?"
The captain sighs and says "I do believe it, and perhaps the old coot was right. If the City of Gold exists anywhere, surely in the Holoempire it would be in."
"That is dangerous captain!" said Dubois with emphatically
"Well, did you sign up for this to have a gentle life or an interesting one. Danger is part of the job." Tachibana replies. He lights up a cigar as we meet with the men.
"Boys, the city of Gold is not in these lands, but we know where it is now, back to the ship and on to greener pastures."
We returned to the ship without much trouble aside from mockery from the citizenry about whatever the hell CCV was. As we got back on board, we found Fischer fuming
"Kapitain, those arseholes! They mocked ze ship for its small size and our lack of number of ships!"
"Calm down Fischer, what happened, another attack." Tachibana said
"Ja, this time with 40 canoes. Zese people are insane." said Fischer making gestures.
"No matter, it is time we moved on. These people are crazy but sometimes the crazies provide the best information, make west at full sails men."
Off to the Holoempire, we now went.
Chapter 4
Sora Sea, off the coast of Sakuran.
We finally made it, after half a year at sea, we finally made it to the Holoempire. It was quite the journey to say the least. Half the crew was sick at one point, we had to ruin away from some cannibal ships, got blown off course by 1000 km before managing to make it here.
Tachibana when he sighted land shouted, "Our Odessey is at an end, finally we are here."
The whole crew erupted into cheers at the sighting. Finally, we would be able to get ourselves some action in what a boring journey had been. Anchoring in a empty bay, we sent out foraging parties into the wilderness to try to get some supplies. It was quite concerning when these men did not return from what was just an ordinary task.
Concerned, Tachibana sent myself and Fischer with 25 to go see what happened to our sailors. After a 2 km walk, we saw a beautiful village that reminded us of home. Cherryblossoms every where and in full bloom! We walked into the village and were greeted with great hospitality by the locals.
A local shrine maiden asked us how we were doing and if we needed anything, to which I replied we were looking for two foraging parties that had went missing. I also brought up the City of Gold, being what we were searching for.
"Oh those men? They are enjoying themselves now. You lot look tired yourselves. Come with me."
Sure enough, the Shrine Maiden led us to a brothel where the foragers were getting their rocks off with the beautiful women in rooms. Fischer, with his eyes looking like they were about to come out of his head said "OHHHH zese women are beautiful, how much für fun timez?"
A beautiful woman came up to him touching him seductively and said "35p, or whatever. I like you sailor types"
"Ja, perfect! Lead ze way beautiful!"
The two departed into a back room and it was quite horrifying to hear Fischer in the act to be honest. I was asked myself and I declined, instead choosing to talk more with the Shrine Maiden.
"So... have you heard of the City of Gold before?" I asked inequistively
"No such city in these lands, although there is a rumor that there is one in the lands of-" Suddenly screaming was heard in the Village. Something bad was happening so I shouted, "Get your asses out here now you bloody wankers, we have a situation!" and pounded on a gong.
The men scrambled out, half dressed and shocked. Suddenly a man entered the brothel holding a musket and pointed it at my face.
"Surrender now, Peko." he yelled at me.
I put my hands up, I was out of luck here when suddenly Fisher came out of nowhere, screaming like a mad man, wearing nothing but his belt. With a glass bottle, Fisher broke it over the Soldiers head and the man fellow to the ground in pain. Fischer then Grabbed his knife and screamed "You Motherfucker ruined my goodze timez. You will die!!!" and plunged it into the man's neck. Blood went everywhere.
I order the rest of the men to get their clothes on and prepare to evacuate. The Shrine Maiden screamed "It-It's the Pekopeople!"
Fortunately, no more of these Peko people came while the men got ready. As I prepare to leave, the shrinemaiden kissed me on the lips and told me "Be safe and come again soon~"
Feeling lovestruck, I stumbled out into the streets to see pure chaos. These Pekopeople were everywhere and were killing everything in sight screaming "Peko Peko Peko Peko OGEY RRAT"
I ordered everyone to close formation and start to head back to the ship. Some of the Pekopeople attacked us, wounding two of our men and killing another but I reckon we killed more of them than they did of us. It was fortunate that these Pekopeople were so undisciplined that they barely noticed us escaping
When we got back to the ship, we were dead tired and terrified for our lives. Explosions could be heard everywhere and we rushed onto the boat.
Fischer screamed "We need to get ze fuck out of here now!" as the two wounded men were carried aboard. We can only hope that our killed comrade Ozawa will be given a proper burial by the Sakurans.
That night as we were sailing away, we all had a good laugh about the brothel scene and Fischer. Fischer, embarrased said "Well, what would you do if you were having the time of yer life and some arsehole ruined it?"
The City of Gold was not in Pekoland nor Sakuran, the Kingdom of Atlantis was our next stop. What could possibly go wrong?
Chapter 5
Off the Coast of Atlantis.
When we approached the coasts of Atlantis, we honestly were quite underwhelmed by what we found.
"This is really the famed Kingdom of Atlantis" Dubois said "This makes our homeland look like heaven itself"
"Jawohl, are we on ze right course Kapitain" Fischer remarked.
Looking at the map and his instruments, Tachibana replied "Yes, this is the correct place. but something doesn't feel right"
As if it came out of nowhere, a Large Frigate appeared on our starboard side, and it was not here to talk pleasantries with us. It raised the flag of war, challenging us to a fight. Upon looking with my binoculars, I saw these weird half schrimp, half niggers on the deck of the ship. They looked like they are the type of person that would send a letter regarding your ships extended warranty.
Tachibana shouted "If its a fight these bastards are looking for, they picked the wrong ship, Full sails, batten down the hatches and prepare to fire!"
We opened up first and we had a shot of gold instantly as one of the chainshots demasted the Frigate. The Frigate then opened up on us. Poor Dubois was cut in half right in front of me and other men as well. The lower half of the ship was hit hard and was starting to flood.
Tachibana told me "The only chance we have is if we board her, these Pajeets will never know what hit them, so I gave it hard to port right up against the Frigate. Another volley from both of us were exchanged with similar results. But as we pulled up, we unleashed a devastating barrage of grape into the Frigate. Grappeling hooks were sent flying on the Frigate and we pulled closer before the boarding action began.
Swinging onto the Frigates deck, we found many dead but many more ready for us. A melee broke out. Fischer seemingly killed 10 men alone, and I had the misfortune of ending the life of a Pajeet who tried to kill Tachibana. Though these Pajeet boast about how their rule the waves, they couldn't even beat a Corvette with a Frigate. They stood no chance during this boarding action it seems, their greasy overweight bodies being illsuited for close quarter combat.
When it was done, we had captured a nice 44 Gun Frigate, in great shape but we had lost many during the fight. Our poor Intrépide was in bad shape after the fight however.
We had to beach her for the time being while the Frigate was sent back home with a skeleton crew as a war prize. Because of this, our crew was now only 88 men, another fight and we would be ruined. Fortunately, the Pajeets never seemed to find us on the small island and after a month of repairs, we were able to repair the Intrépide. I asked Tachibana if he thought the city of gold was in Atlantis as soon as we got back underway, but Tachibana coldly replied
"I am not sure if such a city exists anymore, but by Mechaffyna we must press on to the land of Kobo. It sure the hell isn't in this hell hole."
Chapter 6
????
Akitomo writing in his journal in his cabin
For the past 3 months, we have been hit with storm after storm, as if the SEA itself is angry at us. We have been so far off course, that we are currently in uncharted waters. Our morale could not be lower than it is now. What is the meaning of all of this? Wha-
the door opens
"Akitomo, I need your eyes for this one" said Tachibana with a excited voice
"You seem excited Tachibana, what is it now"
"Just come on to the deck and take a look"
I walked out onto the deck and my jaw dropped. I had to double take because I could not believe what I was seeing and no one else on the ship could either.
Before us on this island was a city made of Pure Gold.
I grabbed my bionoclurs and took a closer look. I was even more shocked than before when I inspected closer.
There were beautiful women everywhere, without any clothing on, urinating all of the time. What the fuck was this.
Tachibana remarked "It's quite odd, but this is clearly the City of Gold, helmsman take us closer and let us interact with these strange women in this strange city.
We drew closer, all still in shock. The women noticed us and waved happily at us. When we dropped anchor, nearly the entire crew jumped off the ship in a frenzy. Whether it was the gold, the women or the so called "Liquid Gold" we were all captured by it. This is where my mind goes blank because I have no idea what happened for the next month at all. As if it was just a fever dream.
All that I remember now is us being back at sea sometime later.
Fischer, was no where to be seen, I asked Tachibana where he was and he said "I have no recollection of what happened to Fischer." I personally believed that he stayed behind. What is certain is that we made off like bandits from this city, our ship was covered in Gold bars and jars of this strange liquid gold that had a sweet, flowery taste to it.
My mind cannot process what happened at the City of Gold till this day. Even after we returned to Tsingtao with our fortune, we couldn't even show the officials where this land even was on the map. For all I know, we were drugged by some alchemists or were hallucinating and that Mechaffyna itself gave us the gold. But we were all set for life now, with enough gold bars brought back that we could all retire in peace. It had been 3 years since we first left Tsingtao but it felt like 30. I hadn't seen my wife and children in forever, and the first thing I did when I got my share was I retired at the ripe age of 30 from the K.A.G. and returned home. Tachibana did as well, and we sometimes still exchange letters to this day. One day, I vow that the two of us will meet and consume the Liquid Gold together, for old times sake. Hah, that will be quite the time.
THE END.