by Mark Swaine
“Frog porn?” says the dragon ridiculously. “And you wonder why you are still single,” says the dragon.
Kamui Li sniggers and realises how much he has missed his old friend, and how unfairly he had behaved towards the loyal beast.
“I know, forgive me. I meant not to cause you any grievance, I will make more of an effort to visit you,” says Kamui Li tiredly and kindly whilst rubbing the beast’s neck.
“You always seem angry when you cross back over to this realm,” says the dragon, sucking the last of the sake from the barrel with loud slurping sounds.
“Despite my complaints I have grown to like it here. These mortals, I can appreciate their... blissful ignorance, I envy them. But it just doesn’t…’
“Feel like home anymore,” says the dragon.
“‘Tis too difficult to believe that we too hail from this world. Japan is barely recognisable anymore. What I'd give for one year, just one year back in my homeland, the way it used to be, how things used to be,” says Kamui Li.
“Do not torture yourself with false illusions and pipe dreams. The sooner the portals close for good, the sooner we can all go home to Purgatory, where we truly belong. Our time here will one day be at an end, and with it, all of your confusions. Stay the course. Do not tarnish your memories, cherish them and what good memories you have left,” says the dragon.
“Did you read that in a fortune cookie?” says Kamui Li with a confused, wry grin.
“No, I did not,” replies the dragon without a hint of mockery.
“Maybe I don't want my time here to end. If you could see these mortals in the Trail of Light, their innocence, then you would know. You would know that these people are not built to be Demi-Gods. Even the mere thought of killing reduces some of them to tears. For those truly innocent, ‘tis endearing to watch them go about their lives, knowing what they do not, knowing they will be rewarded with forever peace. But warriors they are not. This era, this age, should be exempt from the selection process,” sighs Kamui, pouring himself another shot.
“The souls you speak of have earned their place within the Trail of Light; but I need not remind you there is more than one trail for the passing, and it is not for the kind of heart. Damned Canyon or Trail of Light, it matters not, those passing souls have had their time. The Demi-gods under your charge now know they have just as much to lose as those they left behind. They now know what they are fighting for. It does not matter if they wish to fight or not. When the Flood Gates of Diyu rises unto Purgatory, they will have little choice,” says the dragon.
Kamui says nothing, and his heart sinks for his earth realm Demi-God companions as he imagines them facing all the monsters of Hell. Centuries and centuries' worth of accumulated demons spawned from their own kind. It was inevitable. The gates will rise, for if they do not, the over populated primordial realm of damnation will reach max capacity, causing an undead apocalypse on Earth. It has happened before, due to a much more malevolent force. But this time is different, and they have been warned. For as much as Kamui Li's Demi-god brethren infuriate him, he shudders at the prospect of what they must, and will face in due time.
“Why must they choose these people?” says Kamui, taking the bottle of Sake and taking a hefty swig, “they're just kids: Skyver, the Crenshaw Serpent, Quito, they are just kids,” says Kamui Li solemnly.
“They are not much younger than you were when you were first chosen,” says the dragon.
“That is different. We hail from an age of steel and magic. These children only learn about these qualities from videogames and TV,” says Kamui Li.
“It is not for you or I or anyone else to decide who should or should not be chosen. Only they have the honour,” says the dragon, offering security in his words of wisdom whilst tilting his chin to the sky in reference to the gods of old. "Immortality Kamui, this is the curse the chosen must learn to live with. A curse you embraced many years before you were first chosen. You were chosen for a reason, just as others were throughout various periods in time. The Gods do not persecute. They do not care if your deaths are an accident, or how you know how to wield a blade. They do not decide by age, star sign or favourite colour. They just... choose, without prejudice, or persecution,” says the dragon.
“Yes they do,” says Kamui Li, hopelessly.
“You have not yet made mention of Mexico, even though the mission was a success. Did all go as planned?” asks the dragon, hoping to distract his mind.
“Yes, but a few complications,” replies Kamui Li.
“Stena?” chuckles the dragon, already knowing the answer.
“Yes, but for what he lacks in intelligence he makes up for in strength. Kinsov Leonov's sense of loyalty is stronger than your iron-clad scales,” smiles Kamui, feeling the need to defend the simple-minded young Russian riot officer.
“What of Doc?” asks the dragon,
“Ray Rawal? A true warrior, but he refuses to let go of his mortal life. He, just like all the others, still blames me, holds me responsible for their idiotic deaths,” laughs Kamui, “He just goes on and on, 'I lost my life, my mortgage, my practice, my pension' and so forth,” says Kamui Li in a whiny voice, “Yes, it's all my fault. It is my fault Doc was struck by lightning, my fault Scorch cannot work a microwave. Yes, it's all my fault,” says Kamui Li dryly. “It was when Ray discovered he was not only rescuing one of the President's children, but also the Yakuza gangster San Hanshu: that's when he lost it,” says Kamui Li.
“He truly is the son of Raijin,” says the dragon, proudly. “And Mettaliga, any progress?” he asks.
“He fell to pieces in the heat of battle,” replies Kamui, bluntly. “He's of no use to us, not until he grows a pair,” adds Kamui Li.
“Where is he now?” asks the concerned dragon.
“He began the great pilgrimage to the Mercury Mountain to build his army and begin construction on his Empire,” says Kamui Li.
“At least he is skilled with a blade,” says the dragon.
“At least,” replies Kamui Li.
“Did the other Demi-gods aid you in your mission as you requested?” asks the dragon.
“A few were kind enough to grace us with their presence, the Don, Skippy, Scorch and the Iron Maiden,” says Kamui Li.
“The Crenshaw Serpent did not aid you?” asks the dragon, taken aback. “The Sicilian did send word to the Selva city requesting his aid?” adds the dragon.
“I don't know if he got that message. I do not know what that boy is up to; he keeps to himself,” replies Kamui Li.
The dragon’s voice becomes more serious, filled with caution for his friend of old.
“Even without the Serpent, they did well out there, but they were lucky. The Sicilian is playing a dangerous game, much could have gone wrong,” says the dragon.
“Nothing did go wrong, and what choice did we have? You failed to predict the choosing of the President's children until it was too late,” says Kamui Li.
“Seven Samurai chosen simultaneously; impossible for me to tune in to such power at once,” replies the dragon.
“You have done it before,” says Kamui Li.
“That was different,” says the dragon. “Kamui Li, take heed of the unhinged President. Should Calacas discover that you, Snooze and the Sicilian have betrayed him, there is no telling what he will do, maybe even turn against us,” says the dragon.
“We did not betray him, you know that,” says Kamui Li defensively.
“He will not see it that way, regardless of what I know,” states the dragon.
“When the dust has settled and the time is right, we'll tell him everything. Until then, his brother Santa Muerta will help control Calacas,” assures Kamui Li.
“Santa Muerta, the Priest? Calacas has more to lose than any of the Demi-Gods. Make no mistake he is out for blood now. It will take much more than Santa Muerta to control him. Not even Snooze can ease his lust for vengeance,” says the dragon.
“Calacas has just reasons for wanting revenge, but I should h
ave been there to help Snooze. It was not fair to lay such a burden upon him,” says the Samurai.
“I would have been more concerned about having Snooze out in the open. Nobody must discover where the Seer lives. ‘Tis most unfortunate and regrettable that his wisdom was needed in order to retrieve all seven of the Demi-gods,” says the dragon.
“As wise as he is… in his own way,” says Kamui, awkwardly, “his eccentricities confuse the others. The Seer refuses to accept the level of danger he is in. If his location is discovered, 'the dormant unaware man', the man who wakes under the belief that he has been dreaming all this time, has no way of defending himself,” says Kamui Li anxiously.
“The seer will wake once he has been chosen,” says the dragon.
“The sooner the better. I can't depend on a warrior that disappears when his physical self is awoken,” says Kamui Li.
“Snooze is a man of pure conscience, a man of morality, but the real man, whoever he may be, is none the wiser to the events surrounding him. But despite his eccentric ways, he has brought us many powerful Demi-gods. Our arrangement has proved effective for thousands of years. The Seer and I will continue to bring you Demi-gods, all you need do is lead them,” says the dragon.
“They need a leader of their own realm, not me. They need Calacas, a master and commander from their own era. Who better than a President? He will lead them. He is the finest example of a Demi-God. Calacas understands more than anyone else the true meaning of sacrifice, strategy, leadership…”
“…anger, hate and revenge,” says the dragon, reminding him of the Mexican President's imperfections.
“I didn't say he was perfect, but should I fall in battle, Calacas will prove to be an adequate replacement,” says Kamui Li nodding in approval.
“I pray to the Three Pure Ones that day never comes. Wing Shin is gathering power. He has already claimed many of the most powerful, savage, cruel and disciplined of Demi-Gods. Nightfall, Bloodshed, Wolfgang, the Crimson Knight...” says the dragon.
“Bloodshed… did you just namedrop Bloodshed in that ridiculous line up of so-called ‘threats’?” sneers Kamui Li. “Bloodshed is batshit crazy and doesn't know his tongue from his chin. The rest of them belong in a sticker album,” jeers Kamui Li.
“My point is your enemies are becoming too many, and your latest gives me great cause for concern,” says the dragon.
“Crypt? You’re certain he has joined Wing Shin?” asks Kamui.
“This man will reign more terror upon you than you can possibly imagine, and he will stop at nothing for revenge against Pedro,” says the dragon.
“Does he know how much danger he is in?” asks Kamui Li, looking at the simple-faced man beside him.
“No, this one is not spirited in the ways of battle,” says the dragon.
“Your intentions are noble dragon, but he deserves to know the truth,” says Kamui Li.
Pedro snorts in his sleep at the mention of his name and he shifts his weight to the side before suddenly waking in a great panic.
“Welcome back sleeping beauty. Feel better?” asks the dragon.
“How long have I been asleep?” says Pedro, looking around in confusion.
“Not lo-” says the dragon as his eyes turn pale.
Kamui Li and Pedro are suddenly alerted to the dragon as he begins hissing wildly and his forked tongue flickers and lashes from side to side as his head twitches. As small bouts of flame escape the sides of his convulsing jagged mouth, Pedro runs up the steps to gain safe distance from the leaping flames, and Kamui Li steps closer into the walls of fire. The dragon’s scales raise on edge as if they were human hairs standing on end, and his claws extend and dig drag lines into the concrete as his wingless stumps bend in all directions. Observing his brother’s erratic movements, Kamui Li steps beside the dragon's head and awaits his prophecy. As the dragon begins to calm, his head jerks slightly and his top lip trembles as dribbling fire escapes the corners of his mouth. Engulfed in short bursts of gentle blue flame, Kamui looks into the dragon's white eye…
“Tell me brother, what do you see?” asks Kamui Li, gently stroking his solid curved eyebrow.
The dragon settles his gaze, and keeps it fixed on Kamui Li…
“In a valley of death, in a desert of lights and fortune, strings of metal clash with sticks of bone and blood, they are the warriors of sound, fighters of the dune.
They are the destructors of all and bringers of peace,
Two there are, the sisters of sand. Raw noise powers each spirit, of claw and wing they unleash powers with heavy head bangs.
Their choosing will be loud; their passing in panic and screams, no song is finer than their final moments and wildest dreams. Explosions of heavy winged metal in a concert of fire, death comes to those who embrace green walls of living nails/
They rise as immortals, reborn for their carnal cravings of killer tunes hidden by the drapes of eagle eyed veils.
The Emperor’s twin heart beats will cease with a rhythm of sticks, they are samurai of the lost oasis, destroying everything. They are the bringers of sound and madness, the destructors and peace bringers of death… they are the Apache Rock Chix,” says the Black Dragon, collapsing on his belly.
“Where brother? Tell me where,” urges Kamui Li.
“Las Vegassssss,” hisses the dragon.
“When?” asks Kamui Li.
As the dragon loses consciousness, Kamui Li gives the beast some peace. The out-cold lizard rises up and down on its belly as deep and peaceful exhalations whistle through the narrow gaps of his teeth.
“Rest now, my old drunken friend, rest,” says Kamui, rubbing his coarse scaled nose.
“Kamui, is he okay? What is wrong with him?” asks Pedro, quietly and concerned.
“It takes it out of him,” says Kamui Li with a pained expression. “He does not belong here,” he adds sadly.
“No disrespect but I have seen better looking shitholes in Tijuana; I'd go crazy as well if I was stuck here,” says Pedro, looking around.
“I like Tijuana,” says Kamui Li staring down the Mexican. “I go there sometimes, to think,” says Kamui Li.
“My mistake. I'm sure there are lots of... nice areas in Tijuana,” says Pedro, lying awkwardly.
“The dragon is not safe in the realm of Chi,” continues Kamui, ignoring his bad recovery. “Wing Shin's powers are limited in this delicate realm. If I brought him back to the war bound world of Chi, Wing Shin would try to recapture him: I won't let that happen again,” says Kamui Li, looking at the low supply of Sake stacked by the base of the steps. “I'd better put another order in,” he sighs.
“You told him you didn't like him drinking,” says Pedro,
“I should count myself fortunate he's not a full blown crack addict. Of course I understand his pain, and why all he does is drink, but I am not going to tell him that,” says Kamui Li.
“What was he talking about? Who are these Apache Rock Chix?” asks Pedro.
“Somewhere in Las Vegas two people are going to die and be reborn as deities that are too powerful to exist in this world,” says Kamui Li.
“Demi-gods? Like Orlando, Señor Presidente. What happened to Orlando, what I saw, what I have seen... defies everything I believe, everything I know,” says Pedro.
“President Orlando has been chosen to defend the Trail of Light within the realm of Purgatoria, as have his seven children, including your beloved Anna, and myself and many others,” replies Kamui Li.
“How? Why was he chosen?” asks Pedro.
“It’s complicated,” states Kamui Li, content with his brief explanation.
Pedro beckons him to continue, displeased with the Samurai's vague inadequate reply.
“Give me something: you people dragged us into this,” says Pedro.
“We, the guardians of the gates, were all chosen at the point of our death. All I know is, those who possess some ability to wield a blade are somehow deemed worthy of being chosen. Men, women, children, th
ey are all chosen at random. I do not why, who or when a ‘great warrior’ or some... ‘clumsy housemaid’ or a ‘lazy scaffolder’ is chosen to prevent the damnation of the souls of earth; I wish I did. When President Orlando Gonzalez died, he was fused with the surroundings that hold some relevance to what caused his death,” explains Kamui Li.
“Died?! He didn't die, he was killed. How is he even still breathing? I was there; I saw him die,” says Pedro frantically.
“You saw only his mortal death, not his resurrection,” says Kamui Li.
“Resurrection? I don't...” exhales Pedro. “I don't understand,” he adds.
“All will be revealed in time Pedro. You will go now to the Zuìhòu (last) city in the realm of Chi; there you await the return of your beloved Anna,” says Kamui Li.