by Mark Swaine
The next morning on the waterfall, Xunsu concentrates hard, breathing deep and keeping her body still. The more she quiets her mind, the more she notices the swifts becoming ever braver as she balances perfectly still on the rocky platform. Xunsu senses the approaching flutter of wings and suddenly she reaches out to catch an area of empty space. Xunsu's premeditated actions had served her well, and she smiles in self pride as she feels the presence of a soft feathered body against the palms of her hands. As the head of the curious swift pokes through the gap in her cupped hands, Yu-Huang is aware of her accomplishment and he too smiles whilst maintaining his meditated state. Xunsu releases the bird and continues her exercise until she is able to catch multiple winged targets and rest them on her arms, just as her master did. Later in the day, the two sit on their platforms enjoying a hot lunch whilst enjoying the view.
“You have exceeded all my expectations Xunsu. At first light, we will complete your training before beginning our journey back to the Huanghua city,” says Yu-Huang.
“The long walk home,” moans Xunsu, suddenly realising just how much she is going to miss her current abode.
“Who said anything about walking?” smiles Yu-Huang whilst bringing a look of curiosity to Xunsu's face.
The following morning Xunsu awakes to a slightly later hour. To her side she finds Yu-Huang has already prepared a hearty sized breakfast and a hot bowl of tea. A little before sunrise the two stand fully rested and well fed. Xunsu is boundless with excitement as they stand upon their platforms. Yu-Huang watches the birds darting over the edge of the waterfall catching fireflies and carrying them back to their young.
“Shall we complete your training?” asks Yu-Huang optimistically.
The two approach their training spots over hanging the waterfall and Xunsu prepares herself for her final lesson, listening intently to her tutor.
“Watch them, Xunsu. Sense their energy. Become one with their flow of Chi,” says Yu-Huang focused with eyes forward.
“Yes master,” replies Xunsu.
“Balance is the key,” says the Emperor.
Xunsu steadily forms the crane stance and executes a combination of punches and aerial kicks in perfect unison with the Emperor. Their faces remain dead locked in perfect concentration ahead. As the Emperor's strikes become more rapid, so does Xunsu's, and as the wind beneath their toes creates a whistling high pitched tone, flocks of swifts and swallows exit their nests and fly around their callers. Paying no heed to the loud distraction of loud chirping and surging black, sleek feathers, their garments begin to ripple with compressing wind as their actions increase with blurring speed. Suddenly, their single balanced feet lift from their steady stone platforms on a bed of air as they levitate high above their training platforms. Their arms and legs move in a blurred state as their clothes ripple more wildly against their bodies. The sheer force of Chi pushes their cheeks against their bones while their bodies become one with the wind.
“Ready?” bellows Yu-Huang, smiling with pride at his student.
“I'll race you,” shouts Xunsu.
“Last one to the ground prepares supper,” replies Yu-Huang.
“You have a deal,” replies Xunsu.
Without further ado, Xunsu and Yu-Huang drop to their platforms and reverse dive over the edge of the waterfall. Speeding downwards through the rushing water, the flock of swifts chase and circle around the weaving bodies. Xunsu follows a young swift chirping joyfully in her ear, twisting and turning behind a slipstream of diving macaws. Xunsu re-joins the Emperor and they laugh crazily with the wind rushing against their faces as they soar outwards with their arms spread. The two speed freaks racing each other down the waterfall with irremovable ecstatic beaming smiles, yell in celebrated cheers of joy and laughter whilst pushing each other aside to get ahead. Passing the jungle growth of the two flanking mountain sides, they soar against the rush of gravity and spiral through the fresh falling water as the ground becomes larger by the minute. Parallel to one another, Yu-Huang and Xunsu suddenly form the crane position and execute another rapid combination of thrusting kicks sending them rushing forward and free of the waterfall. The two shunt against the wind and eventually they travel so fast a cone of cloud envelopes their bodies as they surge forward in a loud boom. As they follow the Yellow river to the outskirts of the Huanghua city, they slow in flight and land gracefully onto the lapping surface of Yellow river. Xunsu is mesmerised as she finds her body swaying atop the surface of moving river. Together, they walk against the rift and onto shore. Xunsu's face is ecstatic from the life changing experience, as if all of her woes had suddenly vanished. With only a day's journey away from the city, they begin their short journey back to reality. Both are contently quiet as they reflect upon their journey, especially Xunsu as she replays the fresh memory of flying over and over again in her head. Later, with the sun at its zenith, Xunsu and Yu-Huang find themselves back at the giant Sequoia tree, where Xunsu presumes Yu-Huang is going to bid her farewell.
“Xunsu, these seasons you have displayed virtues of patience, humility, courage, devotion and loyalty. You are now a true Master of Wushu and you will successfully be able to perform the most complex of Wushu techniques, including 1000 Kicks of the Swift, well done,” says Yu-Huang.
“Even Drunken style?” says Xunsu.
“Excuse me?” exclaims Yu-Huang.
“Drunken style is also a Wushu technique is it not, will you teach me?” asks Xunsu.
“I will not, ‘tis the technique of a fool,” states Yu-Huang, strictly.
“But I know a man named Zui who defeated thirty men in a tavern using Drunken style,” protests Xunsu.
“What were you doing in a tavern, asks Yu-Huang.
“Placing bets on the horses on behalf of Zui. If he won I’d receive five cowrie shells,” says Xunsu.
“Well, you’re resourceful I’ll give you that, but no more wagering. Now onto other matters, Xunsu, you have a choice to make, you may either live with Laoshi back in your village, or accept the offer I place before you,” says Yu-Huang.
“What offer Master Yu-Huang?” asks Xunsu.
“Claim your rightful place within the city,” states Yu-Huang. "There are more children like yourself within the cities and villages. They are lost, unguided and troubled, and like you, could too possess limitless potential. You will be provided with the means to train and house your students and pass on what you have learned," states Yu-Huang.
Xunsu ponders long and hard over the offer, and ultimately decides to put aside her longing for a rebellious life and continue learning from her Master and friend. Xunsu knows many children scavenging the streets, and those many, know many, many more.
“I accept the task with great honour, Master Yu-Huang,” says Xunsu humbly.
“Good, you will need a guardian, for you are still a child,” says Yu-Huang firmly.
Xunsu resists the urge to roll her eyeballs at the patronising statement.
“With respect Master, an adult will only get in my way. Do you not yet trust me to carry out my task unsupervised?” replies Xunsu.
“Yes, but as you are well aware, these are dangerous times. I will send one of Kamui Li's men, a Samurai. Besides, you are not yet trained with weaponry. This way, you learn the ways of the blade in Wushu and Kendo, the way of the Samurai. You still wish to learn the ways of the Samurai, do you not?” asks Yu-Huang.
“More training, yes of course,” says Xunsu excitedly.
“Very well, it is settled. Under the protection of Jade soldiers and a Samurai, you will return to the Red Sun village, look after it for me,” says Yu-Huang.
“Master how will I journey back and forth to recruit more children with the Red Sun village being so far away?” asks Xunsu.
“Magic,” says Yu-Huang with a quaint smile. “I will teach you how to use a portal, ” says Yu-Huang.
"A portal?” asks Xunsu.
“I hunger, do you not?” says Yu-Huang.
“Yes, I could eat a whole co
w,” says Xunsu.
“Good, now if I am not mistaken, I believe I won our deal regarding who would cook supper,” says Yu-Huang smugly.
“Oh yes, I was having so much fun I forgot about that. Fine, you can wash the pots and pans,” adds Xunsu, “then will you teach me how to use a portal?” asks Xunsu.
“On the condition that these teachings will remain between me, you, and your guardian,” says Yu-Huang firmly.
“Of course master,” replies Xunsu.
“At least for now,” thinks Yu-Huang.
“Using the portal, I will visit Laoshi and pay gratitude for caring for me,” says Xunsu out of nowhere.
“I think she would like that,” replies Yu-Huang.
Over supper, Yu-Huang provides Xunsu with the means to grow a Bonsai portal and teaches her how to conjure and manipulate them. Using her new skill, Xunsu grows a Bonsai portal to the outskirts of the capital, and they both exit a dark alley free from peering eyes. Xunsu aims her hand back at the tree and smirks cockily as it recedes back into the uprooted ground. Yu-Huang hails a Jade Captain and requests a report update. Yu-Huang is informed by the guard that the Samurai have been spending their time by the city gate entrance, observing the massive quantities of refugees seeking asylum. Yu-Huang watches the squadrons of Samurai from a distance, with their hands ready by the handles of their Katanas. Yu-Huang recognises Kamui Li, and a spell he is using as he outstretches his hand on various groups of people. A spell that identifies the aura of Darkness, a spell that would highlight the Darkness in black, regardless of how well hidden it may be. The Samurai remain alert to any signs of infection caused by the Darkness plague, whether it be mental, physical or more dangerous, spiritual. Kamui Li notices the Emperor, so approaches him after informing his men to keep their eyes sharp.
“Emperor Yu-Huang, it has been a long time,” says Kamui Li.
“Xunsu, allow me to introduce my good friend Kamui Li. Kamui Li meet my good friend Xunsu,” says Yu-Huang.
The two bow toward each other, Xunsu more in awe than her new acquaintance.
“Xunsu, take a cowrie shell, go and buy some roasted chest nuts from the stall,” says Yu-Huang.
Xunsu runs along, following the dense smoky trail leading to the chestnut stall, observed by a curious Samurai and the proud Emperor.
“New friend?” asks Kamui Li.
“Yes, and she is in great need of guidance. She has a strong heart, a kind soul and a rebellious nature, but she is a born survivor. With the proper guidance, she has the potential to become a noble warrior. There are many more like her wandering the city alone, scavenging for scraps to feed on, thieving from the pockets of others. I would have them lead a life of purpose, not one of villainy and deceit. I would like to place her, and others like her, under the care of one of your wisest men,” says Yu-Huang.
“Master Yu-Huang, you honour me with your request...” says Kamui Li, hesitantly
Kamui Li hides his bother of the simple child minding task poorly, for it was the job of a maiden, not a soldier. Kamui Li feels uneasy commanding even one his men to undertake a mission more suited for a woman.
“However…” continues Kamui Li.
Yu-Huang stares blank faced into the Samurai's tense face, and the Japanese youngster suddenly caves under the weight of the Emperor's influence.
“…it would be my honour. I shall prepare the arrangements immediately,” says Kamui Li.
Kamui Li studies each of his men before selecting one, for he knows each of them better than they know themselves and very few possess the temperament to tolerate one child, let alone many. Kamui Li double glances at one of his men waving his arms at another Samurai in a mocking fashion, presumably making fun of the Samurai's method of casting the aura spell. Perhaps some time with the children would cease Akio's childish ways and constant pranks muses Kamui Li. Kamui Li beckons Akio and he immediately straightens his face and heads over. Akio stands before the Emperor and as Yu-Huang looks at the Samurai's familiar face, visions and flashes of Akio's eyes circling with multicoloured fire impale his mind like a thousand daggers. Akio shoots Kamui Li a confused expression as the Emperor stares at him with a pained expression. Yu-Huang is brought out of his daze as Xunsu cheerfully sprints back to offer Yu-Huang and the Samurai a handful of stomach warming, roasted chestnuts. The Emperor, collecting himself, explains the mission to Akio who appears puzzled by the the less-than-flattering request. Akio discreetly guides Kamui Li to one side with a brief accommodating smile.
“Kamui Li, brother, am I being punished? If this is about the firecracker incident...”
“This matter has nothing to do with your foolishness. Have you and your squadron finished setting the countermeasures?” asks Kamui Li.
“Much time ago,” replies Akio.
“Good, now you will teach the infants in the way of Kendo,” replies Kamui Li, blankly.
“My friend, I am all too aware of my unique-shaped hind region, many have often compared it to that of a woman's, but please do not mistake me for a common maid,” pleads Akio casually. “Look over there...” says Akio, pointing to an obese old lady washing her husband's hairy back, “...maid...” says Akio pointing to the old lady, “...Samurai...” says Akio pointing to himself, “...maid...” says Akio pointing once again to the woman.
Akio emphasises his point by repeating himself over again.
“Maid... Samurai...” says Akio musically, “say it with me old friend,” says Akio, encouragingly and jestingly.
“Maaaid... Samurai,” says Kamui Li, matching Akio's comical expression and dumb voice, “maaaaid.... Silence yourself and do as your Emperor commands!” bellows Kamui Li ridding his face of the false comical expression.
“Where am I to be stationed?” asks Akio, clearly annoyed.
“The Red Sun Village, to the West in the Kunlun Mountains,” replies Kamui Li, rejoining Yu-Huang and Xunsu.
“Fear not Akio, I know the way, we are now allies with the Troll King, and I know how to climb the Blue Dragon waterfall,” says Xunsu, recounting the tale of her adventurous journey as Kamui Li and Akio listen intently.
“No Xunsu, you will travel by way of portal to find yourself in the Red Sun village, and nowhere outside,” says Yu-Huang, “beyond the Blue Dragon waterfall,” emphasises Yu-Huang.
“Awww why beyond it?” asks Xunsu.
“I wish not to receive message informing me of children leaping to their deaths from the Blue Dragon Waterfall in an effort to perform the Thousand Kicks of the Swift,” says Yu-Huang.
“But I succeeded,” argues Xunsu.
“Yes, under the training of a master of Wushu. Your recruits will first be required undergo basic training,” says Yu-Huang.
“Understood,” says Xunsu.
Yu-Huang rubs his temples as he feels a first of a kind grinding sensation within his head, a sensation he did not care for. Is this another of those headaches the Healers often spoke of, only worse? Yu-Huang ignores the unpleasant sensation and diverts his attention to the stubbly faced Samurai reaching for a handful of Xunsu's chestnuts.
“Your name is Akio?” says Yu-Huang enquiringly.
“Yes, Emperor Yu-Huang, but the people hail me as...”
“Kamisori no Hikari," interjects Yu-Huang, as if he'd known his alias since the day he was born.
“My reputation precedes me,” replies the laid-back Samurai as quickly shoves a mouthful of chestnuts into the corner of his cheek.
“Can I depend on you to watch over this child in my stead?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Of course. It's going to fun, right brat?” says Akio ruffling the girl's hair.
Yu-Huang hails a Jade Captain and informs him to gather a squadron of soldiers.
“Akio, go to the citadel courtyard, there you will find a Bonsai tree, Xunsu will train you how to use it,” says Yu-Huang.
“Of what do you speak?” replies Akio.
“Xunsu will explain everything. Now go, both of you, train well, train hard,” says Y
u-Huang.
After bowing farewell, Akio, Xunsu and the squadron of Jade soldiers mount their horses and begin their short journey to the citadel. Xunsu suddenly jumps off the horse and runs back to Yu-Huang and wraps her arms around his waist. She grabs his hand and places the clay action figure of Yu-Huang inside it.
“I don't want to lose it, look after it for me,” says Xunsu smiling happily.
Xunsu runs back to Akio's horse and leaps back on, and Yu-Huang worries as she disappears yet again, with her fate uncertain.
“Xunsu will be fine Master Yu-Huang. For what Akio lacks in adult manner, he makes up for with dedication to his assignments,” assures Kamui Li.