War (Chi Warriors Book 3)

by Ino Lee

  They crashed down onto the guard station with vicious intent. Renshu paved the way with the Dragon Arm and knocked defenders off the platform. More magaus touched down and circled the watchtower, preying upon hapless bowmen unprepared for hand-to-hand combat. Renshu came upon an unan wearing a striped opera mask of green and yellow, but the wily demon parried his strikes and backtracked, jumping off the platform once it knew the station was lost.

  In an instant, the first obstacle in their path was overtaken. Cheers of magaus and men went up, a medley of monkey caws and shouts of Shaolin. Rangers now manned the lookouts, providing the assault force with protection from the blindside as they advanced.

  Xiong marveled at how easily they were able to overtake the station and wondered how many more lives would have been lost without the magaus. Their speed and agility in the trees truly made a difference. He processed the information and was careful not to become overconfident. There were mostly dark ninjas, dagwais, and zhuks in opposition—no tonkaijas or lo-shur, and only one unan. Their blitzkrieg attack worked perfectly, but they would not be so lucky in the field ahead.

  More horns blew. They continued to rush past the first watchtower and neared a new ring of resistance as ninjas converged from stations on the left and right. The spaces in between branches filled with the movement and shadows of enemies, threatening to crowd the paths ahead.

  A deadly squall of arrows filled the air, the flying daggers like scattered rain, the twang of bows a rumble of thunder, the whistle of arrows like the howling wind. Magaus fell from the treetops. They raised their flimsy shields in defiance, which was much like taking cover from the storm using an overhung leaf.

  Renshu sped up like a blur through the forest, rising as high as the treetops would take them. The change in elevation had dual purpose: first, it made it difficult to aim up high where the brighter sun affected the ninjas’ sensitive eyes; and second, it split the dark ninjas’ attack—forcing them to either focus on the magaus above or the ground forces below.

  Xiong noted Renshu’s shrewd move. More of the enemy forces chose to concentrate on the much larger flight of magaus above, leaving the ground less encumbered. If the ground forces could continue without stalling, they should be able to hit the next target in concert with Renshu’s swifter forces: a more formidable guard tower right before Tiger Lair.

  Jaguan summoned three energy balls into existence, which hovered around the Shaolin Staff’s gemstone in a circular orbit. He undercut his staff and swung upward, propelling the orbs like a sling shot into the trees, knocking down ninja archers and scattering leaves. He summoned three more energy balls and launched them in a new direction, trying to clear the route of aerial combatants.

  Xiong was out in front and made quick work of a dagwai. He felt good about their progress, and then began to worry as an apparition floated through the forest trunks, a hazy blur of smoke that could not be mistaken for anything besides a lo-shur.

  He looked around for the closest Koon Gee and tried to anticipate what it would possess to fight them. There were several such options: a zhuk would have been optimal against their ground strike, but there were none nearby; a dagwai would make the most sensible alternative—a snarling beast with vicious teeth and claws to tear into their line and stall them; a ninja would have been more appropriate if it were to pursue Renshu up high. The lo-shur spirit, however, did not alter course to find a host and floated directly at them.

  The Shoukoo was bewildered. He powered his sacred blade to a hot white glow, regardless, ready to slice through the malevolent spirit if it made the mistake of coming his way.

  Then the lo-shur did something shocking. It materialized and became solid, a kaigun-shur borne of radiant chi energy and made tangible, an abomination never seen before outside of the Koon Kagi.

  The Shoukui slowed his charge, with the Shoukoo coming up behind. They stared in awe at the demon’s presence and took pause, further mystified by a second kaigun-shur that joined the fray.

  “The pool must be powerful,” Xiong said. “I was not expecting kaigun-shur.”

  “The natural chi of this island has been shifting dark, but you are right—this is unexpected.”

  “What then?”

  “Let us hope the Sword and Staff together on Jini is just as unexpected.”

  Jaguan glowered. “We will be a force unseen.”

  The stewards of Shaolin gave each other a nod to acknowledge the challenge, then powered their Infinity-infused weapons.

  34

  THE SCRAGGLY OLD man inched down the street, leaning heavily on his walking cane. His back was hunched over like a camel’s hump and his great white beard almost touched the ground, a tangled mess of wiry hair that was braided and beaded in random places. It looked like it had not been washed in ages.

  “I think you can walk a little faster than that, you know,” Hojin said.

  “Quiet. Don’t break our cover,” Riyon said. He cleared his throat and spoke in a raspier, higher-pitched voice. “I mean . . . settle down, young fella, or I’ll teach you a lesson with my cane.”

  Riyon, Panyin, Hojin, Kai, and Ting walked another block and then turned more serious at the sight of Biyan headquarters. They watched the streets and storefronts nervously as the suspicious residents took notice. Soon a security guard approached them.

  “What business do you have here?” he asked Panyin.

  Riyon stepped forward and interrupted, threatening with his cane. “Why are you talking to him? Can’t you see I’m the oldest? Don’t disrespect me or I’ll beat you with my cane.”

  The guard was taken aback. “Settle down, old man. What’s your business?”

  “You crooks took my granddaughter! And now I have to come all the way here with my bad back to deal with this nonsense.”

  The guard hesitated.

  Riyon waved his cane again. “Don’t just stand there. Bring us in to settle this already!”

  The guard sneered, then realized who they were and started toward the tower. “Come this way. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

  They followed behind apprehensively, knowing there was no turning back.

  Riyon studied the guard’s weapons and the way he moved, the street, the rooflines, and finally, the children. They seemed a bit nervous, but were attentive and composed. He could tell Panyin and Hojin examined the environment just as intently as he did, while Kai’s eyes were closed, undoubtedly using his monk skills to sense out the perimeter’s energies. Ting walked casually, even waving her one-eyed doll playfully, perhaps made carefree by holding Hojin’s hand. Their demeanor comforted the elder. They would have to execute with experience and maturity well beyond their years, and their composure so far did not give him reason to think otherwise.

  The stench of his beard distracted him. Wong had smeared on grease from the previous night’s dinner—a feast he had to pay for since Wong had no money; his only repayment being the occasional scent of congealed fat that hung from his face. Wong said it was necessary since the Poisoned Blood were expecting street children, and having a grandfather suddenly appear would only make sense if he were homeless and crazy. The dirty beard would help with the narrative and discourage the guards from looking too closely. Riyon supposed his logic made sense, but was skeptical with the way he gleefully applied grease to his long white hairs.

  Panyin walked openly with a staff and was guarded in his approach, a disposition that had sustained him on the streets his entire life, though what he was about to do ran contrary to his instincts. Walking into Biyan security headquarters would have been troubling enough in its own right, and traveling into the Blood Ninja’s lair even worse, but voluntarily entering the secret hiding place of the Koon Gee was absurd. Their chances of saving Shadow seemed like an impossibility, but at least he had the company of others more capable.

  Hojin squeezed Ting’s hand tighter, wondering if he was doing
the right thing by bringing her there. His priority should be to protect her, not lead her into danger, though they had little choice in the matter. She was needed since the Biyan officers had specifically asked for her, and Ting would never do anything to jeopardize Shadow’s rescue. He would have to make sure no harm came to her, and that alone would make him strong.

  Kai felt a hazy mix of energies within the Biyan stronghold. The building was more full than empty, with the random movement suggesting that the inhabitants were acting naturally instead of waiting to ambush them. He looked at the upper floors and wondered where Shadow was being held. There were many bodies present, but he could not tell if they were prisoners or guards or Koon Gee. This would be his greatest test as Shaolin warrior, greater than when he was trapped in the Koon Kagi and rescued by elite warriors. This time, he would be the elite warrior coming to the rescue. It was his moment. He had to live up to expectations or his friends would die.

  Ting swung her favorite new doll playfully, reassured by Hojin’s tightening grip. She swung the doll to resist the temptation of touching her belt, which Wong had given her the night before. It was made of black leather and metal—something she wouldn’t ordinarily wear but might pass for trendy city fashion—and contained secret compartments housing eight hidden bolts—four in the front and four in back. Wong had coated the tips of the front blades with a substance that caused temporary paralysis if it entered the bloodstream, so she had to be extra careful while handling them.

  They reached Biyan headquarters and walked through the front doors, to a lobby where guards were at leisure. An officer noticed them immediately and came over.

  The guard escorting them bowed. “Master Taesuk, I am pleased to find you here. I believe these are the children you have been looking for.”

  Taesuk studied them while Panyin came forward.

  “We brought our grandfather. We don’t want any trouble. We just want our sister back.”

  “Is this everyone?”

  “Yes. Everyone. Like you asked.”

  Taesuk signaled to another guard. “Get Zougou.” He waved over more guards before turning back to Panyin. “It’s good that you are cooperative. We will settle this misunderstanding.” He motioned to a staircase. “Please follow Donghai.”

  A burly guard waved.

  Riyon didn’t like the idea of going higher into the building if he didn’t have to, and he especially didn’t like the idea of following Donghai. If they wanted to talk, they could do it there or in one of the offices on the ground floor, not upstairs where the windows were barred.

  “Hold on a second,” he said, waving his cane. “We’re not going anywhere until you tell me where my granddaughter is.”

  Taesuk’s face soured. “Are you threatening me?”

  “I got a bad back and had to walk all the way over here. Not to mention the last time I came here your stupid goons chased me away. Now tell me where my granddaughter is before I throttle every last one of you.”

  The guards took a step closer. Taesuk looked like he was about to explode, making Riyon to wonder if he had overplayed his hand.

  Ting hugged Hojin’s side. “I’m scared. Where’s Jie Jie? I want to go home.”

  Riyon was surprised and relieved by her calculated act of innocence. Taesuk focused on her ugly doll and started laughing forcefully. The guards followed along and chuckled uncomfortably.

  “Okay, old man. You are lucky I am in a good mood or I would just throw you in jail. We’ll bring her to you. Just follow Donghai and have a seat for questioning. Don’t test my patience.”

  Riyon knew protesting further would do no good, so he nodded begrudgingly, maintaining his hunched over composure. They started to walk, but Taesuk held up a hand.

  “Wait. No weapons beyond this point. You must leave all weapons here.”

  The security officers motioned to Panyin, who kindly relinquished his staff. Donghai reached for Riyon’s cane, but he pulled it away.

  “You can take my cane, but then you’ll have to carry me up the stairs.”

  Donghai caught a whiff of his beard and made a face, then sought direction from Taesuk, who just nodded. “Fine. Just check him.”

  Donghai reluctantly patted down Riyon, while the other guards checked Panyin and Kai, but left Ting alone. Hojin had a long knife sheathed at his side, which one of the guards pointed out.

  Hojin handed it over. “Can’t be too careful, you know. There’s Koon Gee out there.”

  They proceeded up the stairs to the second floor, which was a labyrinth of corridors. Cold stone floors, pillars, doors, and hallways stretched out in every direction. They remained close to the front of the building, which looked neither like a prison nor a comfortable space to be in, and were dropped off in a secluded room. Bars gated the windows, a small table with a few chairs centered the space, and benches were pushed up against the walls. Donghai told them to wait there, then closed the door behind him. They heard a latch click. Riyon twisted the knob to test it.

  “Locked,” he said.

  Hojin looked at the barred windows uncomfortably. “Should we break out?”

  “Maybe,” Kai said. “I don’t know if we want to wait for them to come back.”

  Riyon shook the knob again. “No. This is not unexpected. Have patience. We must wait to see if they return with this girl. This building is large and it would be difficult to find her otherwise. We don’t even know if she is still alive.”

  “She’s alive,” Panyin said. “She has to be. They wouldn’t have killed her before we got here.”

  “Most likely not. But we should try to draw her out if we can.”

  Riyon examined the lock to see if it could be picked. He signaled the others. “Spread out. See what else you can find.”

  Ting looked underneath the table. “Where do you think they’re keeping Shadow?”

  “Probably in a room like this, locked up somewhere,” Hojin said. He shook the bars on the window to see how sturdy they were.

  “But where?” she said.

  Panyin thumped on a wall. “There can’t be too many rooms like this. It’s not like we’re in a prison.”

  “This is an interrogation room,” Riyon said. “She has to be on one of the floors where there are bars on the windows.”

  They looked around further, but there wasn’t much else to find.

  “Shhh,” Kai said. “Someone’s coming.”

  They returned to their original positions. The door knob turned and Donghai stormed in with three others. Ting immediately recognized one of them because of his thin brows.

  “Is that her?” Donghai said, looking at Ting.

  “Yes, I believe so,” Zougou replied.

  Donghai smirked. “Good.”

  “Where’s my granddaughter?” Riyon barked. “You said you would bring her.”

  Zougou sneered. “You’ll see her soon enough. First we have questions.” He pointed at a chair and spoke sternly. “Sit.” He motioned to Ting. “You too.”

  The guards moved in further with their hands on their weapons. Riyon sheepishly took a seat and waved Ting over while Zougou and Donghai hovered over them.

  “Tell us everything you know,” Zougou said.

  “About what?”

  “About the Blood Ninjas. We need to know how you were involved. This is a serious security concern for us.”

  “What Blood Ninjas? What kind of game are you playing? I’m not saying a thing until my granddaughter is safe.”

  Zougou slammed the table. “This is no game.” He pointed at Ting. “What was she doing in Biyan? What do you know about the Blood Ninjas? Who have you talked to?”

  Riyon leaned in and spoke snidely. “Bring me my granddaughter.”

  “Relax,” Donghai said. “I just checked on her. She’ll be fine as long as you cooperate.”

  “You sa
w her?” Kai said, stepping forward.

  Donghai threatened him with a fist. “Sit down on that bench and shut up.”

  “I think you’re lying.”

  “I just saw her. Shut up.” He kicked out.

  Kai jumped back. “Thanks, that’s all I needed to know.”

  Riyon thumped his fist on the table defiantly. “Bring me my granddaughter.”

  Zougou sighed. “I had hoped this would go easy, but I can tell you will not cooperate. Wait till Taesuk hears about this.” He gestured to the others. “Separate them. We’ll learn the truth one way or the other.”

  Riyon pulled back and glanced at Ting, who took the cue and immediately shot up.

  “Wait! I’ll tell you everything!” she said.

  Zougou opened his hand to halt security. “Will you speak truthfully?”

  “Yes.”

  “You better not lie, or you will never see your sister again. You will never see anyone in this room again. We’ll torture you. We’ll chop off your little fingers into little pieces and feed them to the dogs.” He chopped his hand against the table for emphasis. The guards laughed. “Do you understand?”

  Ting hesitated. “Yes.”

  “Now tell me—What were you doing in Biyan? Who did you talk to?”

  Ting looked innocently at Riyon for reassurance, then back at Zougou. “I told Mooji.”

  “What? Who is Mooji?”

  Ting held up her doll and tossed it to Zougou.

  “Mooji,” she said again.

  Zougou looked at the doll and was about to laugh, but a greenish gas exploded from Mooji and filled the air. The guards started coughing uncontrollably. One tried to run for the door, but Riyon was over in an instant, jabbing him in the gut with his walking cane and then clubbing him across the face. Donghai took longer to go down, his large body struggling across the floor and reaching for Ting, but Hojin saw the danger and grabbed his arm, twisted, and locked it with his legs, pinning him to the floor until he went limp.