by Mark Swaine
Yu-Huang was considered to be a great saviour from the day he was born and destined to lead a life of pureness. Not because he was sworn to, but because the light of goodness was embedded in his nature from the very moment he entered this world, all the child required was the guidance of moral man. Yu-Huang was never to be erroneous, to never have any doubt in his mind concerning matters of life, death, justice and punishment. He was believed to hold the answer to every burning question regarding mortality, every solution to a problem that concerned the lives of thousands of mortals. These present Ministers are loyal, so long as they believed, believed that Yu-Huang is a child of the divine; a child of the light. Yu-Huang knows greater than anybody that the quest for knowledge can be increasingly frustrating without a path to begin one's journey. But this current generation of Ministers crave for answers that would further their knowledge of power, power that would corrupt the weakest of souls; powers too great to be held in the hands of the reckless or impatient. Yu-Huang is all too aware that every snivelling, two faced Minister waits achingly for the day they will be granted entry into their Emperor's sanctuary of knowledge, the Tower of Guang, where entire archives and chambers of hidden ancient artefacts, scrolls and incantations await those with a thirst for knowledge. It was a place of infinite knowledge and higher learning for those who have found the way to inner peace whilst desiring to use this knowledge for good.
But their lust for knowledge of the unknown was far greater than that of loyalty; the enlightening of ancient mysteries is far too enticing to concern themselves with time consuming duties to the people. They wanted to know, they yearned to see what secrets lay in the archives of the tower and hidden chambers. An endless library revealing secrets is too tempting for the Ministers to resist, secrets of the Demi-god; spectres of the past, mysteries of time and space and forgotten deities of evil that wait long-sufferingly to be re-awoken. But the one thing they crave the most is the mysterious wonders residing upon that flush spire atop the Tower of Guang. Not one Priest had set foot inside the annals of the secret archives, and so far only one appears to have proven his worth. The archives may even be too much for the rational mind to handle, especially for those unacquainted with extreme black magic, stygian hexes and unclassified foreign weaponry and power sources. But they cared little for novelty items when compared to the grand prize, for should one look hard enough, they would be sure to discover the spell for eternal life. Yu-Huang is temporarily drawn to the moment as a Priest slams his fist on the table in protest of Kamui Li's innocent motives and actions whilst bringing his semi endless rant to a finish. An uncomfortable silence fills and stills the torch lit hall, as if time itself had stopped completely and quietly begs to continue ticking. The Ministers look to their Emperor to break the silence; to favour them in resolve, and he simply cannot, would not, turn the Samurai to the Witch. The Samurai are her weakness, and they are clearly obstructing her path. The Priests demand proof of Kamui Li's mission, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Emperor Kazuko. The proof they demand is met by looks of heavy doubt by the Emperor, and one of disgust by Kamui Li. They demand a remorseless task, an unforgiving compromise that would see the Samurai back to Japan to retrieve Emperor Kazuko's body. Not content with seeing Emperor Kazuko's head being regurgitated by undead crane, they demand an autopsy report on his body to verify the Samurai's story. But that isn't the true purpose of their resolve; they merely wanted to send the Samurai away; to their deaths would be nothing more than a bonus. Yu-Huang counters a reasonable and honest request from Chung Denshi, to reveal the nature of Emperor Kazuko's message regarding his wishes, alternate proof of the Samurai's mission. Yu-Huang recalls Emperor Kazuko's message as if it was only one sunset prior since his meeting with Kamui Li in the orchard. With every carefully enquired and constructed question, Chung Denshi becomes a saint in the eyes of his brothers, and a condescending source of irritation for Kamui Li and the General as the Emperor himself is thoroughly investigated.
“My Emperor, what did Emperor Kazuko mean by 'The time has come for the mortals to face what their own black hearts have created’?” enquires Chung Denshi.
“This entity feeds on the evil of man, balance has a way of restoring order Chung Denshi... but this entity is reincarnation of all evil, caged in the realm beyond life, and now released from Diyu by some other malevolent force. Mortal man created this beast, mortal man must suffer its wrath or expel it from this realm,” replies Yu-Huang.
“You know this?” asks Minister Jīn.
“It told me of its origins, and I sense it the truth,” replies the Emperor.
“What of your senses of late?” asks Minister Pán.
“As of late, off-balance. Like, like they are in a state of change,” says Yu-Huang, riskily.
“Then why should we trust them?” says Peng Shi, inquisitively.
The Ministers appear unnerved by Peng Shi's question, for not only had he now questioned the Emperor's competence, but there is no reply to his borderline disrespectful query. The Priest's appear interested and disturbed by the Emperor's response and Chung Denshi acts quickly to change the topic.
“The one who wields Shikyo and Yasu must balance the host with the blades? You are said wielder of these blades?” asks Chung Denshi.
“I believe... I alone possess the power to wield the blades,” replies Yu-Huang.
“You beleive?” asks Chung Denshi, requesting assertion
“Minister Denshi, my brothers, there are many powerful mortals existing in the realms of this Earth, but I know not of any more powerful than I,” says the Emperor, whilst looking warningly around the table.
“Do you have the blades in your possession?” asks Peng Shi.
“My Emperor: say no more regarding the blades! Not yet,” urges Kamui Li.
“Have faith Kamui Li, they have a right to know,” replies Yu-Huang. “No, Minister Denshi, I have not yet been able to attain the blades, not as yet,” continues Yu-Huang.
“Where do the blades reside now?” asks Peng Shi, cutting in.
“Safe,” replies the Emperor curtly.
“Who is this... Jade Emperor that is claimed to be our saviour, the ridder of this heart of Darkness?” asks Chung Denshi.
“I know not, but with the Ichidai blades I shall banish the deity from whence it came,” replies Yu-Huang hiding his frustration,
“The Bonsai is the gateway for the Demi-gods... Demi-gods?” asks Chung Denshi.
Yu-Huang suddenly receives a barrage of up close and personal clashes of steel as strangely garbed sword-wielding warriors move swiftly amidst splashes of blood. This time, he hears a select few revealing their bizarre titles in great yells and proud roars. He sees a young man with skin as dark as night looking back at him with serpentine eyes amidst a swampy jungle with pointed projectiles of steel rushing by him. He sees a woman with hair like the sun piloting a rushing wheeled carriage of red steel decorated in flames. He sees what seems like over one hundred Katanas striking out as they fight to protect... something, and then he sees it. He sees a foreign land, and upon a great mountain, a cylindrical barrel of light blinding him out of his incoherent dream.
“Emperor Yu-Huang, Emperor Yu-Huang!” says Chung Denshi loudly.
As Yu-Huang awakes from his dream state he feels a wave of goodness wash over him, and for reasons he can't explain he feels safe, as if the fate of all mankind had been lifted off his shoulders.
“Are you alright?” asks Chung Denshi, concerned.
“Yes, my apologies, continue,” says Yu-Huang, shaking his head to awaken from his daze.
“Are you certain, would you not prefer to adjourn this gathering until next sunrise,” hints Chung Denshi, considering the damage his questions have already caused.
“No Minister Denshi, proceed,” replies Yu-Huang, firmly.
“The Realm of Chi awaits the Chosen Ones; the answer to the riddle of life has been revealed... what is this realm of Chi?” asks Chung Denshi.
“I know n
ot, there is nothing in the ancient scrolls that makes mention of this realm of Chi,” replies Yu-Huang.
“what riddle of life does Emperor Kazuko speak of, you are the all knowing Master of the Divine, what knowledge could Emperor Kazuko have been in possession of that appears to have escaped you,” asks Chung Denshi, quite aggressively.
“I not deal in riddles Master Denshi, my knowledge of all creation ends at the ascent of the skies. From the seven realms that linger amongst the stars of the night sky, the white rock that glows heavenly upon the beauty of China upon its rise and fall. To the giant ball of fire that gives life to all upon rising with such force…”
Chung Denshi feels truly honoured and almost star struck as he listens to the Emperor’s placid reply, and he sounds just as he’d always imagined. Chung Denshi could quite easily sit and talk with the Emperor all night; he’d imagined this moment with the Emperor many times during his daily chores. It weighs heavily on Chung Denshi that his first formal conversation with the Emperor is under these tragic and disrespectful circumstances. And as he listens to the Emperor talk leisurely about life within and beyond the skies, he concentrates with all of his might to keep from marvelling in admiration. Peng Shi stares deeply at Chung Denshi with a small smirk, and interrupts the Emperor whilst observing the Minister's reaction.
“According to legend, you created man from clay, how is this possible?” asks Peng Shi.
“Had you taken your studies more seriously Master Shi, you would understand why I value the mortal soul so highly. Master Denshi, would you care to recite the first time I was able to look into the soul of a mortal, and explain to Peng Shi the connection between clay matter and the human spirit,” asks Yu-Huang.
Chung Denshi would have told the legend word for word were his plans not of greater importance, and he now senses Peng Shi’s plot against him as he watches the side of his mouth curve into a tiny smirk. Chung Denshi’s gut does backflips in disgrace as he gives the Emperor his reply.
“We have more pressing matters to deal with at present, perhaps another time,” says Chung Denshi, politely and awkwardly.
“Very well, then to answer your question Master Denshi, beyond the mysteries of the starlit sky surrounding the sun…I know as much as you,” replies the Emperor, civilly.
“The heart of the Darkness must not be allowed to enter the Trail of Light. What is this Trail of Light the Witch hails with such importance?” asks Chung Denshi, now feeling awkward with his up close and personal questions.
“I know not, I tell you there is nothing, no such knowledge left behind by those before me,” replies Yu-Huang, earnestly.
“Then what ‘do’ you know?” asks Peng Shi, condescendingly.
“I know how to destroy the Witch, and the entity possessing her,” says Yu-Huang, dismissing Peng Shi’s tone.
Yu-Huang’s lack of knowledge and wisdom regarding his latest adversary causes the Priests to look doubtful of Yu-Huang’s claim, but still dare not doubt his might aloud. Yu-Huang senses their apprehension and decides to ease their burden with evidence to support his claims. Even though their faith in him is questionable at best, Yu-Huang decides to give them another opportunity to prove their worth, faith and more importantly, trust. For what purpose does the Ministry of the Brotherhood exist, if he cannot ultimately trust them with such vital information, considers Yu-Huang. Yu-Huang looks at Kamui Li, and sighs deeply at his complete lack of faith in those surrounding him. Kamui Li holds his head in his hands and closes his eyes, sensing what Emperor Yu-Huang is about to tell them. Call it intuition, call it déjà vu, he’d been here before, and he wonders where fate will take him after another Empire falls under his watch. Why did Emperor Kazuko even bother sending him in the first place when he is so powerless to influence Yu-Huang's decisions, even when the Emperor knows he is talking from bitter experience, wonders Kamui Li. How is he to protect the Emperor when the Emperor cannot protect himself, ponders Kamui Li. What power do I possess and what is my role thinks Kamui Li in strained thought as Yu-Huang begins revealing how the twin Katana blades will separate Hisako-Hisa from the Darkness and end their reign of terror. After listening to the Emperor's plan, the Priests eventually agree to be patient. But it is still only their own sense of loyalty and fear of Yu-Huang’s divine power that keeps them further questioning his reason and lack of present action.
The Ministers rise and concur with his decision with great delight, grinning deceptively through cleverly portrayed false smiles. They enquire as to whether there are any further matters that ought to be brought to their attention and Yu-Huang looks to Kamui Li. Once again Kamui Li shakes his head in a firm, yet discreet protest. Yu-Huang's eyes then move to General Arachie, who had been informed by the Emperor long ago about their inability to age and ability to regenerate themselves. The General, for once, involves himself in the affairs of which he would not usually intervene. For the sake and wellbeing of keeping the peace, he too agrees with Kamui Li and seconds his motion. With his sense of intuition not as it used to be, Yu-Huang is unable to commit to a decision as whether to reinstate the curse of immortality to a few trusted Ministers, with one in mind. Their reaction to the Samurai’s immortality will provide him the perfect basis on which to make his decision, as to who is worthy of such a plight, and who he can ultimately trust. Yu-Huang first makes the decision whether or not to reveal the heartbreaking and shocking news; a decision that can never be undone. He makes the decision with one thought in mind, how is he to trust the Ministry of the Brotherhood, if they could not trust their Emperor? Assuming there is nothing else to be said, the Ministers rise from their chairs and bow, and Kamui Li breathes a sigh of relief. Chung Denshi hides his relief as the meeting is adjourned, and although he wants to end this meeting quickly so that he can curl up and die, he behaves just as leisurely as his fellow Priests.
“The Samurai have been cursed with the spell of eternal life,” says Yu-Huang, formally.
The Ministers fix their gazes upon the Emperor and after a few moments of stunned silence they slump back into their seats, leaving only Chung Denshi standing as he breathes a stuttered exhalation of anxiety through his nose. The nervous Chung Denshi sits slowly back into his chair and wonders how he will continue pretending to act in the Brotherhoods favour without cursing the Emperor. Shocked, insulted, humiliated, and dishonoured, the Ministers look to each other with equally pained and confused expressions. As their puppy dog expressions seek out some form of response or rational explanation from one another, their attention first turns to their Emperor. With doe eyed hurtful expressions, their innocent and betrayed stares slowly turn rabid as they realise the possible consequences of unleashing their anger upon him. So they turn their anger elsewhere and focus their cutting gazes upon the Samurai scapegoat. Kamui Li is branded a blasphemer, among other things in a tirade of verbal abuse from every angle of the table. Only Chung Denshi stays his tongue as he struggles to think. Emperor Yu-Huang is not making it easy to help him, thinks Chung Denshi, and now the resolve of the Brotherhood will surely become a reality. Yu-Huang demands silence once again, and continues.
“Blame not the Samurai, ask for this affliction they did not," says the Emperor.
“You believe I enjoy possessing this unnatural curse, were it not for my mission to serve Emperor Yu-Huang I would have rebelled against such dark magic,” protests Kamui Li.
“Dark magic! You brand the Emperor’s long life as dark, BLASPHEMER!” shouts Peng Shi.
“That is not my meaning, nor is what I spoke you arrogant bastard!” says Kamui Li crossly.