by Mark Swaine
Yu-Huang's headache becomes more severe as he staggers from a slight dizzy spell. Kamui Li appears concerned and assists him to the wall of a nearby well and passes him a leathery flask of cold water. Yu-Huang's eyesight clears and he slightly recovers, though appears tired and drained.
“My Emperor, I shall fetch a Healer,” says Kamui Li, concerned.
“No. No Healers. Tell me Kamui Li, did Emperor Kazuko make mention of Akio, or his fate?” asks Yu-Huang tiredly.
“Akio? No, nothing. Master Yu-Huang you do not appear to be yourself, tell me of the revelations that are causing you such mindful harm,” says Kamui Li astutely.
“I cannot remember,” says Yu-Huang, struggling to recall the insanity of his visions.
Kamui Li appears puzzled by the wise Emperor's admission of forgetfulness, and Yu-Huang immediately realises the error of his slip up. The pair say nothing as if no such words were spoken and Yu-Huang sighs before rewording his reply in a way that makes him appear less insolent, but more crazy.
“When I sleep, I dream... of madness, death, blood and anarchy. I dream of all my enemies in Diyu and how this world will come to pass should they succeed in their reign of darkness. But sometimes...” says Yu-Huang smiling strangely, “sometimes, I dream of warriors, warriors unknown to me, protecting a great beam of light,” says Yu-Huang.
“Of what warriors do you speak of Master Yu-Huang?” asks Kamui Li inquisitively.
“Warriors, insane in nature, most are not of our culture, not even of our age. Extreme beings they are, cutting and slashing everything in their path. I feel their pain, their conflict, for they are not born as... as gods,” says Yu-Huang struggling to get his head around his visions.
“Who are these people you speak of?” asks Kamui Li just as confused.
“Soldiers, upholders of justice, common folk, masters of martial arts, warriors of Wushu, even Samurai. Samurai that fight for me, even as we speak,” says Kamui Li, referring to Akio.
“These people, warriors invading your thoughts in rest, fear them not, dread them not, welcome their presence, allow them into your dreams and perhaps you will better see them for what they really are, ” advises Kamui Li, “for if you speak of Akio, you are well protected in his company,” adds Kamui Li assuring the Emperor of his wellbeing.
“You are one of the wisest men I have ever encountered, and a true friend,” says Yu-Huang using his shoulder to stand to his feet.
“Many friends you have made during your long travels, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, Laoshis, Xunsu, King Kao Lu the Troll King. You were wise to have made him your ally,” credits Kamui Li.
“Your sight has the gift of range Kamui Li, how do you know so well of my travels?” asks Yu-Huang enquiringly.
“Intuition,” replies Kamui Li neglecting to mention his insectoid spies.
Kamui Li's attention is slowly diverted elsewhere as a dark glow begins to emit from the corner of his eye, and he listens to the rowdy voices of his men dispersing a crowd of refugees entering through the main gates. Kamui Li races to the open passageway leading to the huge gates whilst signalling his men. The Samurai quarantines the tightly packed crowd of peasants and begins removing the hoods of people from where the black aura is emanating. At the back of the crowd an old man wearing a ragged dusty robe stands alone, exposed and fearful of being approached by the Samurai. Shun-Shiro is about to remove the old man's hood, but is ordered to stand back by Kamui Li. Shun-Shiro orders the civilians surrounding the skinny barefooted man to move aside, leaving only the dirty robed man surrounded by the Samurai flanking any possible exit points. Kamui Li enters the guarded circle whilst keeping his distance from the old thinning haired peasant, then raises his hand to the old man, observing his dark aura. The old peasant flinches, appearing panicked by Kamui Li's presence. Yu-Huang, who’d been watching the commotion from afar, cautiously enters the circle, curious as to why Kamui Li has stopped this poor beggar from passing.
“Kamui Li, what is the meaning of this?” asks Yu-Huang.
Kamui Li appears both surprised and concerned that the Emperor doesn’t share his concern. Troubled and frustrated that the Master of the Divine Light either does not, or cannot see the peasant's throbbing dark aura; Kamui Li's expression turns desperate.
“My Emperor, you do not see it?” says Kamui Li, keeping his voice low.
“All I see is a poor man seeking refuge, something to eat and a bed to rest his frail and tired back on,” replies Yu-Huang, crossly.
Kamui Li double glances back and forth between the Emperor and the peasant, dumbfounded.
“Look harder my Master, why do you not see it. Look harder!” whispers Kamui Li, angrily.
The peasant's mouth suddenly drops open and his lower jaw dislocates. As his lower jaw swings from side to side, the dirty beggar drops his robe to the ground. Garbed only in a loin cloth, the peasant reveals his wrinkled and saggy skin layered in flush circles partially surrounded by fine strands of thick hair. The circles flutter and open to reveal eyeballs blinking and looking in all directions. The eyeballs burst from their eyelashed sockets in spurts of dark yellow blood, protruding on vein wrapped sticks of meat and cartilage. Twisting to observe their surroundings, the pulsating rods spurt small streams of dark red blood as they settle their sights on Yu-Huang. The peasant gags viciously as another eyeball forces from his mouth, an eyeball of glowing red. Civilians scream and flee the scene as the peasant staggers forward whilst attempting to balance the parasitical lenses lurching off his body. Others watch in morbid curiosity, unable to break their stare from the stuff of childhood horror stories unfolding before them. Kamui Li steps forward and grips the peasant's throat with telekinetic force and slams the beast face first to the cobbled ground. With his other hand, he prepares to exorcise the demon within him. Keeping the possessed man pinned to the ground, Kamui Li mutters a spell under his breath. Speaking hushed commands to the unwelcome demon, Kamui Li slowly twists his hand and draws it back, sucking a green liquid mist from perforations in the peasant's body. The green mist collects into a spinning orb and Kamui Li forces the ball into the palm of his hand. Kamui Li turns pale as he shoots the Emperor a look of discontent whilst struggling to consume and digest the force of evil. Steam rises from Kamui Li as he dejects the digested evil, and his expression of disappointment turns to one of sympathy as he looks at Yu-Huang's look of regret. Kamui Li realises that his enemy is now much stronger than the Emperor, for the possessed peasant was nothing, nothing more than a spy sent to test the integrity of the city perimeter. Yu-Huang regretfully turns from Kamui Li's pained expression and places a robe over the peasant who didn’t survive the exorcism. Yu-Huang storms off to meditate upon the Tower of Guang, but is stopped short as Kamui Li approaches him from behind, forcibly turning him.
“This is not a game, when are you going to realise the level of danger you are in. What are you going to do?!” grunts the Samurai.
“What would you suggest I do?!” says the Emperor angrily, his eyes glowing a fierce bright yellow.
Kamui Li is taken aback by Yu-Huang's angered response and hate filled expression.
“Other than your troubled thoughts and dreams, something else is happening to you. If a mere spy is capable of disguising its true form to your eyes, then you are blind to Hisako-Hisa's black magic,” says Kamui Li.
“Perhaps that is why Emperor Kazuko sent you here,” says Yu-Huang.
“I cannot be the saviour of your people; I am your Watchman, nothing more...nothing less!” says Kamui Li, wording his statement carefully, “I know you have a plan, you are divine, you are the conqueror of the Elemental Deities! But what is happening to you Master Yu-Huang?” says Kamui Li in frustration.
“I sense... change, like the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly,” says Yu-Huang, calming down.
“Believe me when I tell you, Hisako-Hisa grows more powerful with every passing sunrise, I can sense it. Become the butterfly faster Master Yu-Huang, before it is too late. What of the
twin blades?” asks Kamui Li.
“Patience, Kamui Li, I have discovered the Shikyo and Yasu Katana. I fought the Ichidai Slayer, but I was defeated in combat,” says Yu-Huang.
“Emperor Baransu, the one who claimed the head of the Ichidai? He was actually there, you fought? That was him, the day you projected us to the Red Sun village, that was him?” says Kamui Li eagerly.
“Yes, he possesses both the Shikyo and the Yasu. To wield the Shikyo I do not possess the power, as yet, but I will. The important thing is they remain free of Hisako-Hisa's clutches,” assures Yu-Huang.
“Ask of me, and I will assist you in retrieving the blades,” says Kamui Li.
“If I do not possess the power to wield the Shikyo, then what chance have you?” replies Yu-Huang. “It is clear to me now that I cannot take the blades by sheer force. I sense all my troubles are somehow connected. I must meditate further and harder if I am to resolve this mystery. A mystery that I now sense can save all the lands of the realm... and destroy this Darkness forever. Farewell for now my friend,” says Yu-Huang, bowing.
Kamui Li bows as they part ways and Emperor Yu-Huang heads for the Shinnen temple to be debriefed and tend to any duties that require his immediate attention. After tending to the endless requests and reports from the Jade Captain's and Elder Priests, one report in particular catches his attention. A Jade Captain expresses to the Emperor that only the Samurai and a few Priests possess the ability to snuff out the denizens of Darkness by means of exorcism, and should another attempt at breaching the city be attempted from another point, they remain open to attack without an exorcist on watch. The Jade Captain requests that the Samurai are dispersed to various districts within the cities along the wall, but Yu-Huang has a more practical solution. Yu-Huang hails General Arachie before him and he appears punctually in a military fashion, just as always.
“General, with immediate effect, all Jade soldiers must be instructed in the ways of magic, including yourself,” commands Yu-Huang.
“Master, you know as well as I, not all are capable of conjuring such divine energy,” says General Arachie, bowing humbly.
“Then I would root out all those who are capable, under Chung Denshi's supervision,” says Yu-Huang, hailing Chung Denshi forth.
“Master, my Emperor, forgive me, I am a man of iron fist, a master of the martial arts, I know nothing of magic,” says the General.
“Minister Denshi, his Monks, and the Samurai, will teach you. Will you not even try, for your Emperor, for the people,” asks Yu-Huang, humbly.
“I will accomplish the task you command of me, my Emperor,” states the General.
“My gratitude General, upon completion of your training many of my Jade army will possess the magical art to defend, strike and exorcise malevolent spirits, demons, possessed mortals or netherworld creatures attempting to breach the city,” says the Emperor, outlying his strategy.
“Will that be all, my Master?” says General Arachie.
“There is one more matter that requires your attention,” says the Emperor.
“Of what matter do you speak of, my Master?” replies General Arachie.
“Keep your senses sharp for a wanderer who does not hail from these lands... a Jiangshi,” says Emperor Yu-Huang.
“A Jiangshi?” asks General Arachie.
“A creature cursed by the sunlight and requires live feed. A creature that will appear as regular as you and I in appearance. I want this creature found and brought before me, not roaming amongst the people under the protection of the night sky. Pay heed to animal slaughters and dead live stock. Should you find him, send message to me directly, I want this creature apprehended alive. General, no heroics, do not attempt to subdue this creature by yourself,” commands the Emperor.
“As you command my Master,” replies the General.
Eventually quiet fills the throne room as Yu-Huang's subjects go about their duties.Yu-Huang reflects on the adventures and revelations with Xunsu and smiles happily. The Emperor ponders heavily on his Jade throne, remaining grounded in thought. In the silence, he sits and contemplates as if he were a mortal man, as if he could perish at any minute during his cherished thoughts. He hopes Xunsu is well and having fun with Akio and hopes to see her again soon as he observes the clay figurine she gave him. Yu-Huang thinks upon the strength of his army and the fortitude of his wall, but he still feels a swell of anger and hatred swimming in his heart. He begins questioning his lack of action that might weaken the city and bring it to its knees before the great mystery of his true purpose is unravelled. Yu-Huang can sense the people of the cities becoming nervous as tales of the possessed peasant have spread like wildfire; soon they would be looking to him for answers and prayers. Yu-Huang knows if he is to better fortify the city then he must do more than teach his soldiers the art of magic. The Brotherhood will be scrutinising his every move whilst his enemies watch for weaknesses from afar. Yu-Huang knows he must counter the evil gossip with good tidings, for the last thing he wants is panic amongst the population. If the Darknesss feeds on fear, as a united force we must show the Darkness that we are not afraid thinks Yu-Huang. Fortunately, the ‘Sìjì tǐyù jié’ (Four Seasons Sports Festival) is approaching, presenting the Emperor with the perfect opportunity to spread good tidings and wealth throughout the cities.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Two seasons later: The last week of summer.
With the Samurai and a small fraction of the Jade army using their magical abilities to check caravans, pilgrimages and stragglers for any signs of the Darkness, the city gates remain firmly guarded. Although many remain nervous and on edge, the people of the Huanghua city go about their lives, just as they had before the stories of the terrible Darkness had entered their simple lives. To some, to even mention the Darkness is cause for offense, for some it just seems easier to pretend it isn't real, as if to refuse the possibility of an evil so great.
Others still feel safe behind their great wall, placing every ounce of their faith into their Emperor's ability to keep them protected, reassured in the knowledge that he will uphold his vow to strike down evil. Fortunately, the ‘Sìjì tǐyù jié’ (Four Seasons Sports Festival) is upon them, a series of tournaments held every four years where the best athletes from all of China compete before the Emperor's great audience. The annual games are such a success with the people that sometimes they take almost two cyclic seasons to end. Yu-Huang is simply pleased that his people are free from the constant looming threats overshadowing their way of life. He senses the winter chill will arrive earlier this year, so why not embrace the positive atmosphere under the warming rays of the lasting sun. During the eve of the games, Yu-Huang sheds his preferred common guise to embrace his people in a public and regal display as their powerful and divine Emperor. Formations of artists and performers make their way along the spectator packed lanes. Children perched upon the shoulders of their parents wave brightly coloured streamers at the various formations of artists, soldiers and performers. Even the Samurai were strenuously advised to make an appearance should they wish to continue being a part of the city. The people roar as they watch the imposing armour of the Samurai march through the streets with the Jade soldiers. Merchants tending gazebos and stalls selling clay and wooden souvenirs of various Samurai and Jade soldier find themselves in a fluster to keep up with the huge demand as they're pelted with cowrie shells from sugar-hopped children. Lively beer gardens are loud with laughter and talk of sports with full tankards filling every available space on the benches as people drink, soaking up the sun with plenty of beer and mead. The rich watch from silk lined balconies up high, drinking wine and enjoying the view and positive atmosphere below. Streamers and confetti fly through the air as the competitors enter the massive archway of the huge stadium not far from the Yu-Huang's Imperial Palace. Roars of cheers fill the open top oval stadium as people excitedly stand from the bleachers to welcome Emperor Yu-Huang. The humble Emperor saturates himself in their glory and blessings whilst indulg
ing in his fame. Standing strongly with his head held high in his raised premium mezzanine seating area, he offers blessings to the Three Pure Ones. The roars of the people rises to an audible ramble of joyous noise as Yu-Huang smiles before bowing in all directions of the fan packed coliseum.
“Good people of China, citizens all,” says Yu-Huang loudly, “enjoy the games,” concludes the Emperor, making no mention of the Darkness or the difficult times ahead.
Yu-Huang takes a seat beside the attending High Ministers with a stead fast General Arachie standing at his side.
“I must say, I am, a little disappointed to see you not partaking in the annual games General Arachie,” says Yu-Huang.
“Yes Master, forgive my absence, next time perhaps,” says the General humbly.
General Arachie had barely left Yu-Huang's side ever since the possessed drifter had exposed its true self before the Emperor. Yu-Huang tucks into a platter of fresh fruit, looking forward to todays events. The massive stadium teems with activity as various sports are played by competitive athletes.