by Mark Swaine
“Gateways to where, dragon?” asks Yu-Huang.
“One provides entry into the damned courts of Diyu, and the other... an everlasting Universe of Light. The Sentient life creating travellers of the universe named this planet... Purgatoria,” explains the dragon.
Yu-Huang listens intently to the irrational creation of heaven and hell, and the limbo that he assumes is Purgatoria.
“You doubt me?” says the dragon.
“Had I ever once doubted your counsel I would not be standing here now, 'tis just... difficult to comprehend,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Then allow me show you,” says the dragon.
Yu-Huang approaches the side of the dragon's head and places the palm of his hand gently onto the surface of the dragon's warm and wet, glassy eyeball. A sudden force of energy jolts Yu-Huang as his memory is sent eons back in time. As the corners of his mouth twitch and curve, his eyeballs roll back as his arms shake wildly. Yu-Huang shouts in pain as he sees the origins of the gods, and how the dragon eggs came to be in his possession. Yu-Huang pulls his hand off the dragon's eye and steps back whilst looking at the dragon with a mad and confused stare.
“Why was this knowledge concealed from me? Do you not wish for the people to know the truth?” asks Yu-Huang crossly.
“Your father and your four first guardians had the same argument many times. Yu-Huang, I see from a much further distance than mortal men. No mortal can know of the way to Purgatoria, imagine if they knew, not beleived, but knew there was a pathway to eternal peace beyond their mortal death...”
“...they would self-destruct,” says Yu-Huang in realisation.
“Fate must be allowed to guide them on their last breath... and not a bribe on Earth can, or should redeem them,” says the dragon sternly.
Yu-Huang, a Demi-god with nearly two hundred years of experience, can hardly believe what he is hearing. He knows the stars, he can feel the goodness within mortals and he has always been able to sense the celestial light from afar. But this is the first he is learning of its true origins, and the more he considers the reality, the more it begins to make sense. As for the doomed realm of Diyu, he has always known it was out there, somewhere, but the darkness has always been much harder for Yu-Huang to see. Yu-Huang clearly disturbed, breathes heavily before continuing with his line of questions.
“With the message, there was a seed, a seed that I alone can grow at will into a Bonsai tree of any size. These Bonsai trees have the ability to transfer physical matter between two portals: they have been, and will continue to prove, very useful,” says Yu-Huang, knowing little else about their purpose.
“You have quickly mastered the art of conjuring and controlling the Bonsai, and you have used it wisely. You saved many lives during the attack by using the portals as a means of escape for your people, but this gift was designed for a far greater purpose,” says the dragon, accommodatingly.
“What purpose?” asks Yu-Huang almost afraid to ask.
“Your first trial: you must build a bridge to the realm of Chi,” says the dragon.
“How am I to undertake such a task? I am merely able to see into the Light as a celestial being. I know not of this realm's cosmic location,” exclaims Yu-Huang.
“You will retreat to the darkest cave; there, in your solitude, you will meditate and leave your vessel behind as your spirit seeks out the Trail of Light. Upon your arrival, you will know what to do next,” says the dragon.
“But I have no course. The furthest my spirit has travelled is the red planet,” says Yu-Huang, unsurely.
“If the red planet is the furthest of your cosmic reach, then you have not even taken your first step toward the threshold,” says the dragon. “You will follow the stars through and beyond the magnificent galaxies. Upon reaching the edge of the universe, you will have only just begun your journey,” says the dragon.
“Dragon, how many years must I journey to this realm?” asks Yu-Huang, worriedly.
“1,750 kalpas...” replies the dragon, uncaringly.
“...1,750 Kalpas you say. Dragon that is not possible; I too age. You know this, I...”
“...with each Kalpa lasting 129,600 years,” continues the dragon, ignoring Yu-Huang's pessimism.
“1,750 Kalpas, each one lasting 129,600 years?” laughs Yu-Huang slightly. “Well I had best begin shall I,” says Yu-Huang ludicrously.
“Yes, you had best,” replies the dragon plainly and snarkily.
“Have you lost your mind, beast?” says Yu-Huang softly in dreadful doubt. “I will have no vessel to return to, nothing but a pile of bones should fortune hold good favour,” says Yu-Huang stepping forward crossly.
“The dormant power contained within you will preserve your vessel, 'tis only your spirit that will age. You must complete your journey in one cyclic season... that is four seasons Yu-Huang,” murmurs the dragon.
“The dormant power within me? You refer to the power I unleashed? I do not even recall that happening. Surely I have awoken whatever power you speak of?” says Yu-Huang.
“No, the plague of the Darkness merely disturbed it. The dormant force inside you possesses many powers, including the ability to cleanse mortals infected by the Darkness,” says the dragon.
“No, that... force of energy did not cleanse those lingering between life and death,” says Yu-Huang.
“The Darkness is adapting to you, evolving. It knows your strength, and seeks to corrupt you. Each time you tune in to this hidden force dwelling inside your spirit, you make it stronger. But those held in the limbo of the Darkness are held captive by its evil, ‘tis why the force of energy you released only cured those who were already turned... Next question,” says the dragon.
“Why must I perform this task of visiting the realm of Chi, what importance would a mere bridge hold?” asks Yu-Huang.
“‘Tis the purpose of the Demi-gods to preserve the balance of the portals of Purgatoria. The realm of Earth is no longer able to contain the might of Gods, Demi-gods, dragons, and deities good or evil. You proved that yourself upon destroying Gong Gong and Zhu Rong,” says the dragon.
“Gong Gong and Zhu Rong were not evil, they were deities of nature,” protests Yu-Huang.
“But they were destructive, regardless of your noble intentions, the three of you laid waste to this world,” says the dragon, “'Tis the age of mortals now, and we can no longer exist side by side. The Demi-gods cannot remain on Earth... Next question,” says the dragon.
“Many people perished during the attack, I have made many companions...”
“Your companions, the cook... Chao Gao, the teacher... Shuang Jinfei, the Orchid whisperer... Peiyu, and the blacksmith... Wei Li, did not survive the attack,” says the dragon without a hint of remorse.
Yu-Huang swallows hard and his eye brows deepen painfully as the creases in his forehead tighten, and he nods solemnly accepting the dragon's words as his eyes glaze over.
“The Healer Xiaojian is tending to Akio as we speak. His life hangs by a thread, and she tends to Wenyi's battered body also. The Carpenter Lu Ban and Ling Lun the musician... I cannot see them, I know not of their fate,” says the dragon regretfully.
“They were targeted? Why? They posed no threat to the Darkness or the Witch!” says Yu-Huang, angry at himself.
“Perhaps she knows something we do not, one does not go to such lengths to assassinate mere peasants. I shall meditate on this matter,” says the dragon.
“This new found power is useless if I cannot control it. My enemies will see me weak. All I need do is to look around and feel the darkness upon me at this very minute,” says Yu-Huang suspiciously.
“‘Tis on you at this very moment Yu-Huang, there is no escaping it, ‘tis why you must trust in this hesitant power you have discovered,” advises the dragon.
“Trust it; I cannot even trust my own Ministry. Meanwhile this mere hag Hisako-Hisa and her apprentice, Wing Shin, have used this Darkness to mask my senses,” says Yu-Huang, agitated. “Mere sorcerers, they are not even deitie
s, how are they capable of such magic?” seethes Yu-Huang.
“Black magic, Yu-Huang. Besides, you have never truly been able to see into the Darkness. You must realise this before you begin your second trial. ‘Tis a trial that will demand every ounce of what makes the mortals what they are,” warns the dragon.
“What madness must I undertake in order to complete this second trial?” asks Yu-Huang, in annoyance.
“You must find balance as a completely mortal man, keep up,” says the dragon, frowning.
“I have not the slightest idea of how to set about this task!” protests Yu-Huang.
“You must do as mortals do, think as mortals think, but a warning... stray far from the path of purity, and find yourself damned for all eternity. Fear not, your allies and companions will keep you on the path of righteousness,” assures the dragon.
“Upon accomplishing these trials, will Emperor Baransu finally allow me possession of the twin blades?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Upon completion of your second trial, you will be ready to accept the power of the twin blades,” says the dragon cryptically.
Yu-Huang frowns and seethes and smacks his fist into his palm, creating a momentary tremor around the room. The dragon looks above as streams of dust and small rocks fall onto his head.
“What of the steeds! Who will watch over them if not me, how am to guarantee their safety whilst I gallivant through the cosmic void?” asks Yu-Huang fretting.
“Your duty to the steeds will remain, Yu-Huang. You are well aware of the protocols, and you have harnessed well the advanced technology required to maintain their slumber and safekeeping. You performed well during the attack, regardless of your self-doubt,” says the dragon.
“What of the Ministry? Should they discover my mortality they will...”
“Not concern me with petty details Yu-Huang, nor do I give an airborne streak of silver piss about your Ministry of fools,” says the dragon, uncaringly.
Yu-Huang doesn't care for the dragon's remark, and he stares at the beast disdainfully as it scratches the back of his spiked ear.
“How has it come to pass that two mere mortals have been able to wreak such travesty upon me, how are they using this darkness, why does it obey them?” continues Yu-Huang.
“Wing Shin and Hisako-Hisa pose no threat in comparison to the one who does the bidding of the Darkness,” says the Dragon.
“Of whom do you speak?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Your parents were once great prophets, your father was a Master musician and a seer, and your Mother was a Healer and Master of Wushu. It made perfect sense they would be drawn to one another, and it made even greater sense that one of their children would be the Child of Light prophesied to bring peace to the chaotic warring states. The day my partner tore the wings from my back I looked back at the sky as it grew further and further away, knowing I would never be a part of it again. The day I crashed into the Red Sun village, I would have died from my wounds were it not for your Mother who nursed me back to health. In my slumbering limbo of feverish nightmares, the Dragon God Ryūjin came to me, and I awoke... differently,” says the dragon.
“Why did you leave us? Why did you leave the village? It is not only because your savage companion still hunts you to this day, is it? What happened?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Three years later, I watched you enter this world. When you were born, you opened your eyes and a great light burst forth. It was not only felt in our lands, it spread across vast oceans and foreign domains. It was the greatest day of your parents’ lives, and a proud moment for all that witnessed your arrival into the realm of Earth. It was the most incredible light I have ever laid eyes upon, none turned away... except one. High Priest Yama shied from the light, only I witnessed, and only he noticed me watching him. I became suspicious of Yama's intentions towards your upbringing, and he told me he would harm you if I did not leave, so I removed myself from the Red Sun village for your safety,” reveals the dragon.
“You feared for my safety, and yet still you fled?” protests Yu-Huang.
“I never once feared for your safety, not with the other Priests raising you to be the man you have become today, but I wished not to tempt fate by arousing his anger,” says the dragon.
“Elder Priest Yama, how could he desire revenge when all I desired was to grant him peace?” says Yu-Huang.
“Yama never desired peace, only knowledge and power. I fear Elder Priest Yama has not forgotten you. He is coming back for you, but he has not the power to escape the realm of Diyu, not yet. He needs to be invited into a human host,” says the dragon.
“Yama,” says Yu-Huang in disbelief.
“The realm of Earth is verging on the point of total corruption; the cleansing will soon begin, for the apocalypse is near. The denizens of Diyu are becoming stronger by the season. You have little time,” says the dragon.
“Is the Darkness aware of this cleansing?” asks Yu-Huang.
“It matters not, for should you fail to imprison the Darkness, it will only return in the corruption of mortals. Next question,” says the dragon.
“My visions of the apocalypse, the Darkness, my three trials, they all appear to be connected, for all but one enigma that continues to elude me. A Weaver girl I saw in a dream hailed me as father to her, she was in great peril. I have not yet fathered any children, but I care not. I must know where is she. I must make her safe from Hisako-Hisa's reach,” says Yu-Huang.
“I have seen nothing of what you speak,” lies the Black Dragon. “I can only assume you bore witness to a premonition, or your mind was playing tricks on you, but likely Hisako-Hisa was playing tricks on you. Dwell not on these immaterial visions and focus on your trials,” adds the large beast.
“What of the third trial?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Conditional of the outcome of the first two trials, the mighty Thunder God Raijin will call upon you to inform you of your third,” says the dragon.
“Dragon, we have spoken many times over hundreds of years. Why did you not inform me of this during the countless times you kept my presence?" asks Yu-Huang.
“Because you did not need to know,” replies the dragon.
“Had I been aware that I am truly incapable of seeing into the darkness of man, many lives might have been spared,” says Yu-Huang crossly.
“I reveal to you only what I can without changing the course of destiny. You were not ready for the truth Yu-Huang. I have been waiting for this day for a long time my friend. Whilst I waited for you to awake, I have been making preparations,” says the dragon.
“Yes I know; I have spoken with the convicts. Tell me, why are the most dangerous criminals in the city suddenly armed to the teeth with weaponry that might be used against the guards, or to escape their cells?” asks Yu-Huang, mordantly.
“Escape their cells?” scoffs the dragon. “I taught them how to do that seasons ago,” he adds.
“Then why do they dare not escape, and why are you informing them of matters that do not concern them?" says Yu-Huang, sternly.
“Escape? Where are they to go? Nothing survives the jungle, you know this,” lies the dragon, knowing all too well they can now survive the jungle with the greatest of ease.
“Not according to Warden Seto, he told me of your visitor,” says Yu-Huang sternly. “If you wish to remain here Dragon, you must set an example. If there are threats to be made I will be the one to make them, not you,” says Yu-Huang strongly.
“Your former General should mind his business,” says the dragon lazily.
“He is the Warden, not you. Dare not overrule his authority again. Do I make myself perfectly clear old friend?” says Yu-Huang sternly.
“Just make sure he stays out of my way,” he replies.
“Now tell me, who is this man, and what was his business with you?” asks Yu-Huang.
“His name is Mǎkè Shīwěixián, and he is a crafter of metal,” says the dragon. “You will find his services most profitable in the coming years,”
“Mǎkè is building me a pair of wings so I might fly again,” says the dragon finally.
“And the prisoners?” asks Yu-Huang, strictly.
“You disapprove?” asks the dragon, raising the side of his lip and twitching his ear.
“Strenuously,” replies Yu-Huang resolutely.
“Matters of life and death concern the fate of every being that walks the earth; these men and women seek a life of purpose. Once their training is complete they will prove most valuable in the coming war. Better to have them with us, than against us,” states the dragon unashamedly with louche abandon.
Yu-Huang stares at the dragon; his expression of surprise brings a rare smile of amusement to the long mouth of the black scaled beast.