by Mark Swaine
“A cure?” asks Kamui Li. “Successful, your highness: a simple yet forceful blow of steel separating the head from the neck,” says Kamui Li, curtly.
“Is that obtuse response intended to incite laughter, or admiration?” says Yu-Huang, unimpressed.
“’Tis intended to incite knowledge of how best to dispose of these foul beasts, for once you are bitten, there is no cure,” says Kamui Li stressing his point. “As for your doubt regarding our devotion and loyalty to you...”
“Not since your arrival have I once doubted your devotion and loyalty. But your Bushido code will not hold a shield of incorruptibility to the power of this Darkness. ‘Tis is an unnatural force, faith alone cannot destr-"
Kamui Li bravely cuts off the Emperor in protest at his statement regarding the Samurai's test of will.
“With all due respect Emperor Yu-Huang, you are wrong. We are incorruptible, that is why the Samurai were chosen to protect you against this enemy,” argues Kamui Li.
“You are mortal,” smiles Yu-Huang, “you cannot protect me against a deity,” he adds.
“We will aid your forces in holding back the forces of darkness, granting you much needed time to discover how to defeat this evil. We are here to stay Master Yu-Huang, you need our arms in combat,” says Kamui Li.
“I sense a lack of discipline in you Master Samurai. May I continue? The point I was attempting to make Kamui Li, is that faith alone cannot destroy this Darkness. Good people possess faith, those poor infected souls you spoke of wandering the lanes of spring did not attack because their souls were not fated to Diyu. Their spirits were lost, trapped, and by killing them you released their spirits to their rightful domain,” says Yu-Huang.
“Truly?” asks Kamui Li gratefully.
“Yes, faith held their spirits true, but their bodies are of physical matter. The Darkness cannot be destroyed by faith alone, tis why we require the Shikyo blade. Furthermore, this entity was not born in the Islands of Japan, it merely occurred there, who knows where else in the world it is spreading,” says Yu-Huang, pondering upon his lack of foresight. “My feelings tell me something, or someone called out to this entity and appealed to its waking hunger. My feelings tell me this Darkness was released from Diyu,” says Yu-Huang objectively. “Did Emperor Kazuko have enemies, somebody who took a hatred to his greatness?” asks Yu-Huang, strongly.
“Yes, a witch by the name of Hisako-Hisa. I know she hailed the Darkness; 'twas I who attempted to warn the Ministers of her plot against the Emperor. Hisako-Hisa was dying from her old age, and long before she betrayed him she begged Emperor Kazuko countless times to cast upon her the spell of ‘Eternal Life’. Out of kindness and respect, countless times he denied her. Hisako-Hisa invoked the Darkness in a ritual with her apprentice, a Samurai by the name of... Wing Shin,” says Kamui Li carefully.
“Tell me about Wing Shin,” asks the Emperor.
“I have known Wing Shin since I was but a child. We played together, we trained together, and he was family. I never thought him capable of such treason and dishonour, he is demon now, and has grown powerful,” replies Kamui Li.
“The Darkness within Hisako-Hisa works with Wing Shin. She is now the puppet, and he will do her bidding, for now,” muses Yu-Huang.
“Yes, she allowed the Darkness to use her body as a vessel, and in return was granted with limitless unnatural powers. Too late we discovered she was the one responsible for spreading the undead disease in the dungeons, 'twas the perfect place to birth her evil plot,” says Kamui Li.
“'Twas not the Witch, but the entity possessing her, ‘tis important you remember this. What was Hisako-Hisa's relation to Emperor Kazuko?” asks Yu-Huang.
“She was his trusted advisor, Healer and Oracle,” replies Kamui Li. “During the exodus, I, my cousin Xan Li, Akio, Shun-Shiro, Master Yoshio, and many more of my men, stormed the throne room, where upon we discovered her torturing his mind,” says Kamui Li.
“What was she searching for in Emperor Kazuko's mind?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Sacred knowledge and the location of a weapon capable of ending the deity possessing her. Realising that she was not able to break his mind, she induce terrors into his mind. She made him believe the fires of Yomi (Hell) were surrounding his throne and burning him alive, and yet he still did not reveal these items of great worth, but for one... the Shikyo Blade. Master Yu-Huang, she knows you possess the Shikyo Katana, she knows the blade is here, and she will seek to retrieve it before you may use it against her,” says Kamui Li.
“Emperor Tatsu has always been strong, there are many items of great worth in my care that he could have revealed to her,” says Yu-Huang.
“Emperor Kazuko fought her mind to the end and with all her power she could not break him, yet he revealed the location of the blade with the greatest of ease, as if he wanted her to know," says Kamui Li, strangely.
“Why did he not call for aid before the events leading to his demise? Why did he not send word of his troubles? Why did nobody send word on his behalf?” asks Yu-Huang slightly cross.
“By crane and dragon boat we dispatched countless messengers pleading for your aid, and yet we received no reply. Emperor Kazuko believes you powerless and blind to this deity, and its influence. I do not,” says Kamui Li.
“Then by definition you believe I would purposely leave one of the greatest leaders I have ever known to his awful fate?” says Yu-Huang, sternly.
“That is not what I said,” replies Kamui Li.
“What are you saying Kamui Li?” asks Yu-Huang.
“As a child I followed the tales of Yu-Huang the Great, for I admire what you are capable of, and you have accomplished many great deeds. I refuse to believe this deity holds power over you, yet I cannot help but fear this Darkness has affected your foresight,” says Kamui Li carefully.
Yu-Huang suddenly feels a swarm of guilt sitting in the pit of his stomach like a mourning giant. Yu-Huang had only met Emperor Tatsu Kazuko once; he was an honoured guest on the day of Kazuko's ascension to the throne of Japan on his tenth birthday. Yu-Huang has barely aged a day since the last time he looked upon the civil and humble child. On the day of his ascension Yu-Huang had told him he would always be available for counsel or aid should he find himself in need.
As far as Yu-Huang was concerned, Tatsu was his friend, regardless of how much distance separated them, or how much time had gone by since they last met. Both were mature enough to understand that their friendship was based on mutual respect, understanding and loyalty, but that does not ease Yu-Huang's sense of helplessness. Yu-Huang exhales in anguish and disappointment, and slowly shakes his head in slight frustration.
"Do not despair your highness, you are blameless. Too late we discovered the Witch's apprentice, Wing Shin and the Royal Ministers had slain every crane and messenger we dispatched before word was carried over the seas. There was nothing you could have done,” assures Kamui Li.
“Emperor Kazuko was not only under the protection of his Royal Ministers, but his Royal Guard, and his most trusted warriors, the Samurai tribes. Tell me how it came to be that one Witch and her apprentice were able to defeat such a force,” says Yu-Huang.
“I grew suspicious of Wing Shin and his close relationship with Hisako-Hisa during the plague. Emperor Kazuko began to behave strangely, distant, until he would speak no more. I took it upon myself to begin a personal investigation, upon discovering that Kazuko had been cursed by powerful black magic, 'twas then my fears were confirmed. Many times I attempted to warn the Royal Guard, and his loyal Ministers,” says Kamui Li, glancing at the Emperor, “the Shogun awaited Emperor Kazuko's orders to intervene on his rescue, but his caged mind prevented him from issuing any commands of rescue. We could do nothing, but watch him wither away, for nobody in the courts would believe he had reached out to me. On the day the undead breached the city, most of the Diamyo and the Shogun were assassinated, leaving us without commanders. But we knew what was required of us, after disobeying the orders of the Ministry, we tried
to extract Emperor Kazuko. The Royal Guard turned against us and the Ministers had called for the heads of the Samurai. The Ministry's true allegiance was revealed, we could wait no longer, and so we took matters into our own hands," continues Kamui Li.
“This deity appeals to the worst in mankind, defeating this evil cannot be accomplished by mere sword and shield,” muses Yu-Huang.
“Regardless, we must prepare. Upon regathering her forces, she will mount an attack on the city, 'tis only a matter of time. Master Yu-Huang, where is the blade now?” inquires Kamui Li.
“It rests safe with its twin under my watching guard, somewhere in the Tower of Guang. I have not yet placed eyes on it myself,” says Yu-Huang.
“You mean to say you know not of its whereabouts?” replies Kamui Li in a slightly surprised and offbeat tone.
“Young man, for centuries I have watched over and kept safe many sacred items considered too powerful for the hands of mortal man. Forgive me if my forbearers misplaced one,” replies Yu-Huang, dryly.
“Of course, I meant no disrespect,” replies Kamui Li.
“Only the eldest of my fore Emperors and the first lineage of Ministers knew of the Shikyo Katana, the Blade of Plagues. You do recall the fable of the Shikyo Katana do you not?" asks Yu-Huang, testing the boy’s wisdom.
"I recall the lore," replies Kamui Li.
“Recite it to me then. Intrigue me with your wisdom and knowledge,” says Yu-Huang, in a superior manner.
Kamui Li recalls one of a hundred tales that his Uncle had told him when he was a child, and flawlessly recites the tale for the open eared Emperor.
“The Shikyo Katana was a blade of unnatural, limitless power that the Emperors of old had hidden many centuries ago. It is said that some dragons, the eldest of Japanese dragons are born with Katana for teeth. One such dragon, the Ichidai dragon, requested of a legendary Emperor named Baransu, to remove two blades from her mouth that caused her great pain when she ate. The merciful Emperor Baransu agreed, but one of these blades was too difficult to remove. It was blunt, an ugly piece of craft. It was this blade that was causing the suffering of the dragon; Emperor Baransu named the blade 'Shikyo' and believed it to hold a great curse. The other blade he removed with ease and he named it 'Yasu'. It was the most beautiful blade he had ever seen, and the sharpest steel he had ever laid eyes upon. A blade that would give whoever it touched immediate and infinite peace. It is believed to be the most sacred Katana of Japan, and belongs in the hands of an Emperor. Sadly, it was too late for the starving dragon; without Yasu, she was too weak to survive. With the blade, Emperor Baransu cut off her head in one swift stroke and delivered her into peace,” concludes Kamui Li.
Emperor Yu-Huang is impressed with the Samurai's knowledge and resourcefulness, and nods in appreciation at a fable well recited.
“Very good. Now think long and hard, why does the Darkness seek the Shikyo Katana? Why not the Yasu, why not a regular weapon of edged steel, or a simple butcher's knife?” asks the Emperor rhetorically.
The rhetorical questions mount up and Kamui Li waits for his turn to speak, believing he already knows the answer.
“To cut down its sworn enemies in one swift stroke with a weapon most powerful,” says Kamui Li, with a self-affirmative nod.
Yu-Huang sighs with heavy disappointment before pointing to a stable full of sleeping mules.
“Go, converse with the donkeys,” says Emperor Yu-Huang, irritably.
“With all due respect Emperor Yu-Huang, maybe you should go and talk with your Ministers, for even an animal understands the value of fairness and compassion. But I guess not all can be as wise and powerful as you your Highness, or your... 'all-knowing Priests',” replies Kamui Li, barely restraining his temper.
“Do you not yet understand Kamui Li? That is why I converse with you. You need not be wise and powerful. You are capable of reason. I have witnessed your capability for reason with my own two eyes: now use it and think. How do you destroy an unseen force, a malevolent ancient force that has no physical form; how would you go about discovering its weakness?" says Yu-Huang, posing questions that Kamui Li had not yet fully considered.
“I honestly, I do not know,” says Kamui Li, uselessly.
“This….Darkness, has it yet revealed its true form?” asks the Emperor, extending the struggling Samurai a hint.
“No, I do not believe so,” affirms Kamui Li.
“Why do you suppose this is?” asks Yu-Huang, expecting an educated answer.
“The Darkness cannot take shape, it can only affect its surroundings. 'Tis not of the living world your highness, 'tis not possible to kill something that is already dead. The Darkness despises life, yet needs it to survive in this world, this deity requires a living host to survive in this world. It needs a vessel capable of withstanding its malevolent nature in order to dwell in this plain,” muses Kamui Li.
“Tis why the Darkness chose this Witch as a vessel, her black magic is strong. The Witch is truly evil, the Darkness will not leave her... not yet,” replies Yu-Huang. “What do you think the Darkness wants?” asks Yu-Huang.
“The Darkness wishes to be free, free of its host. The host is nothing more than a means of survival, in order to control her armies of darkness,” says Kamui Li.
“Then why would Emperor Kazuko reveal the location of the Shikyo blade so easily?” wonders Kamui Li.
“That is the one million cowrie shell question Kamui Li,” says Yu-Huang with a complimentary smile. “’Tis clear now that you are much more than a man of the sword. I see true wisdom in you,” he adds.
“Wisdom gained too late, I fear. I vow vengeance on our enemies; I only wish there were a simpler way of exposing the weaknesses of this dark beast,” says Kamui Li.
“Know your enemy young one, not despise him. Should you succeed in discovering your enemies’ wants and desires, their weaknesses will be exposed like the wings of a new butterfly pushing towards the blue veil of flight," explains Yu-Huang whilst adding levity to the sinister topic.
“You honour me with your wisdom. Tis now I understand, we require not only the Shikyo Blade, but that of the Yasu, and with them we shall use it to destroy the heart of the Darkness,” says Kamui Li.
“Correct, we require both Katanas to run through the Witch. The Shikyo to lure out the Darkness and the Yasu to strike it down. Multiple hosts there will be, across the foreign lands, I fear we are not alone in our plight. Tis not the Darkness itself I would fear, but its true origins. Black hearts give life to all we fear in our darkest dreams,” says Yu-Huang, suspicious of his stomach-churning guilt. “Tell me, how exactly did my good friend Emperor Kazuko meet his end?” asks Yu-Huang.
“It was a massacre. Hisako-Hisa and Wing Shin manipulated and poisoned the Emperor's whole army against us. We were outnumbered. Many Samurai were killed during the revolt, many were taken alive to be tortured,” says Kamui Li, feeling nauseous with the actuality that he'd left them behind to their horrible fate. “After storming the throne room I fought with Hisako-Hisa, as did my cousin Xan-Li battle Wing-Shin. Wing Shin and the Witch, they… they just would not die. My cousin Xan Li assumed she had defeated the Wing-Shin, but…” stutters Kamui Li, in a shaking voice.
“What happened Master Samurai?” says the Emperor, urging the troubled Samurai to continue.
“Upon cutting off the Witch’s head I rushed to aid Emperor Kazuko as Xan-Li continued to battle Wing-Shin. Xan Li does not know magic and spells as well as I, and so it was that Wing Shin cast a spell upon her, banishing her soul into her own Katana. But for Emperor Kazuko, it was too late,” says Kamui Li, becoming unsettled. “What was I to do; he believed he was paralysed in flames. Many times I tried to lift the Witch's curse, but all I could do was temporarily weaken it to ease his suffering,” says Kamui Li. “Emperor Kazuko was able to waken from the curse long enough to cast one spell, and inform me of my mission to protect you, then he finally pleaded with me to release him,” says Kamui, shamefully.
Yu-
Huang nods, finally understanding as to why the young Samurai's heart was so saddened, and dark, and was able to see just where his real shame hid.
“You ended his life?” asks Emperor Yu-Huang, sternly.
“With my Blade, I cut off his head. It was the only way to cease his suffering,” says Kamui Li.
Kamui Li removes a Katana from his Obi and kneels before Yu-Huang on the soft grass, and offers the blade with outstretched arms to the stringent faced Emperor.
“Should you consider me unworthy of serving your highness, I beg to be released from my shame,” says the young Warrior, reverting back to his native tongue.
Yu-Huang accepts the blade with both hands, and Kamui Li removes a Wakizashi from his Obi and lowers his head awaiting the inevitable blow that will claim his head. Yearning to rid his soul from the shame of killing the ruler of all the Great Islands of Japan, he once again prepares to commit Seppuku. Yu-Huang drives the Katana into the grassy earth, and commands the young warrior to rise.