by Mark Swaine
“I am ready,” replies Chung Denshi kneeling in the wide aisle.
“Then let us begin,” replies Yu-Huang rolling up his sleeves.
Yu-Huang stands at the base of the steps thirty feet away from the kneeling Priest and closes his eyes. Holding his hands parallel in a spaced position at his chest, he breathes deeply as his eyes begin to glow. The Emperor's hands burst with light as a sudden storm engulfs the throne room and blows towards him. Crackles of blue lightning band between his hands and he steadily forms a crouched position whilst twisting his hands forward like a blooming flower. Breathing in whistling exhalation, his fingers tighten as his hands shake and space apart. Larger bolts of lightning strike and writhe around his body until his body becomes a pylon of pure electricity. Yu-Huang whispers something under his breath and thrusts his hands forward and a bright flash and a crackling hum of electric bursts toward the kneeling Priest. As the blinded spectators regain their vision, they see multiple streams of blue and white electricity impaling Minister Denshi's body. Chung Denshi's head jolts back as he bares his teeth, and his body sparks and steams from the surge of magical power battering his body. Yu-Huang grunts and draws back his hands once again before thrusting them forward to send forth an even more powerful barrage of jolting bolts of magical light. As the lightning thins out to a few flickering whips of light, Yu-Huang drops his steaming hands to his side and pants heavily as he walks forward to the smoking and motionless man slumped on his knees.
“Now rise, Elder Priest Chung Denshi,” says Yu-Huang sternly.
Chung Denshi slowly rises to his feet, and the immortality encased essence of King Yama hiding within him smiles sinisterly, concealed behind its human shell.
“Chung Denshi as you well know, it was an age old custom for an immortal Priest of the Brotherhood to have an apprentice. This apprentice may be a fellow Priest, a soldier, even a commoner, so long as they are loyal to the Empire, and to me, and worthy of your teachings...” says the Emperor.
Peng Shi's mouth curls slightly as he smiles smugly in anticipation of his big moment; he even prepares a foot, ready to step forward. His eyes dart toward Kamui Li's stern face, and he can't wait to find a way to snuff out of the foreign menace, for the treasure of knowledge that awaits him in the Tower of Guang will surely aid him in his quest.
“...Elder Priest Denshi, I also ask you to choose with care. For I maintain the right to decline your chosen apprentice should I feel he, or she... is unworthy of such power and privilege,” says Yu-Huang, severely.
“...Master of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights, I most humbly vouch for High Minister Peng Shi to act as my apprentice. He is a most valued and promising Minister from the House of Yáng (Goat),” says Elder Priest Denshi, bowing.
“...Minister Peng Shi...” muses the Emperor. “Minister Shi has much to learn before he is able to comprehend the knowledge of power that awaits in the Tower of Guang. With further studying and more time, perhaps one day he will be ready, but it is not this day,” replies Yu-Huang.
Peng Shi's jaw locks as the Emperor rebukes Minister Denshi's request, and his well-hidden expression of humiliation and anger is met by a sneering smile and a slightly upturned chin on Kamui Li.
“My Master, forgive me, name one who you might favour to serve alongside me in my great journey for advanced knowledge and secrets long passed,” asks Chung Denshi, kneeling at his feet.
“The mortals and the trolls are now united; my Jade army and the soldiers of Japan have fought and bled together on the battlefield. ‘Tis time now, I think, to formally accept them among us. To do this I will take one among them, worthy of your tutorship, worthy of your strength, not only on the battlefield, but in your devotion for the will of good toward your people and all mankind... Kamui Li step forward,” says Yu-Huang sternly.
Peng Shi's fury doubles as his jealousy and feelings of betrayal boil inside his heart. Kamui Li steps forward as commanded and he kneels beside Chung Denshi before the Emperor.
“Kamui Li, do you accept this honour I have bestowed upon you?” asks the Emperor.
“Yes Master,” replies Kamui Li.
“Elder Priest Chung Denshi, do you accept Kamui Li as your apprentice?” asks the Emperor.
The Darkness inside Chung Denshi does not falter, and it answers without pause as if to mimic its host completely.
“Yes Master,” replies Chung Denshi.
“Then I congratulate you, and wish you both a prosperous journey in your quest for advanced knowledge,” says Yu-Huang gladly.
Both men are then asked to join Yu-Huang by his throne beside General Arachie and Yeman Ren.
“Many among you fought during the battle of the undead, not only to fight for your lives, but to defend the innocent. Many perished and died bravely on the battlefield, for those who lived to tell the tale, I commend your valour and upstanding character. To those who fell, your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” says Yu-Huang approaching a wide altar covered by a green silk shroud.
“Tian Wu, step forward,” bellows Yu-Huang.
Yu-Huang smiles as the massive formation of Jade soldiers shout Wenyi's new moniker Tú Lóng Zhě (Dragon Slayer). Tian Wu stands rattling on the spot, too scared to make the cringe inducing journey to the Emperor's throne to accept his humble gratitude and words of praise. Wenyi looks to Major Lài, and his eyes beg for aid in how to handle the situation.
Major Lài gestures the teenage boy to the Emperor, and Wenyi's knees shake as he steadily makes his way up the steps. Wenyi stands before the Emperor and looks at him nervously, expecting him to see right through his thin veneer of weakness. But the Emperor reveals no such indication to his shame as he bows to Tian Wu, fully garbed in the attire of a Jade soldier.
“Tian Wu, when we first met, you needed my help. In turn, you have come to my aid in a time of great need. You will make a fine soldier, and I look forward to hearing many more tales of your bravery. I accept with full confidence your request to enlist in the Jade army. You are an icon of valour to the people of the Huanghua territories, ‘tis no surprise your brothers in arms have recommended your submission so persistently. I doubt I could refuse their request even if I wished it,” says Yu-Huang kindly.
“You grant me too much honour my Emperor, I really am not worthy of joining your great army,” says Tian Wu hoping to avoid enlisting.
Major Lai winces as he listens to the frightened boy trying to worm his way out of an impossible situation, and everybody else simply puts the boy's frail demeanour down to a humble characteristic.
“Tú Lóng Zhě, Tú Lóng Zhě, Tú Lóng Zhě!” shout the Jade soldiers once more.
“It seems you have your true calling Tian Wu, no more sewers. A man with your knowledge of the underground will be most difficult to replace,” says Yu-Huang.
“Yes, yes,” says Tian Wu looking for a way out. “Perhaps my services are best served guarding the entrances to the sewers,”
Major Lai's embarrassed quaint smile holds steady as he awaits the Emperor's reply.
“You need not be modest now Jade soldier,” says Yu-Huang observing the ancient twin swords criss-crossed on his back, “those twin swords were made for you. I believe you were intended to find them. I never told you on the day we met, but those twin swords in your possession once belonged to another man of great strength,” recounts the Emperor.
“They did?” gulps Tian Wu.
“Indeed they did, to the first General of the Jade army. He too fought to protect the innocent and not once faltered in the face of danger. At the highest peak of Mount Miánhuā (Cotton), he too fought and killed a dragon at the cost of his own life. It is pleasing to see the blades have once again discovered their rightful owner,” says Yu-Huang nobly whilst passing him a green sash.
Tian Wu bows in gratitude and he is dismissed. The shame he feels during his walk back to formation increases as he not only sees his own beloved wife and children looking at him proudly, but the family of his dear depar
ted friend also. Wang's wife bows graciously and her three children look at him with wide eyed hope and inspiration. Major Lai looks at Tian Wu's disgraced expression and knows he need not add insult to injury by shooting him any more disapproving stares. Major Lai knows he will never feel greater shame and disgrace in his lifetime than he does in this very moment.
“Xan Li step forward...” bellows Yu-Huang.
Xan Li appears surprised as the Emperor hails her forth, and as she marches toward the Emperor she winks at Mǎkè smiling at her like a love-struck child.
“...I have not had the pleasure of knowing you as well as I know your cousin Kamui Li. But you are every bit as courageous Xan Li, leader of the Onna-Bugeisha,” says the Emperor.
“You honour me wise and kind Emperor, but it was not I that served you justice during the battle of the undead, it were my sisters in arms. ‘Tis they you should pledge your gratitude... as should your General,” says Xan Li, bowing lower.
Emperor Yu-Huang smiles in commendation of her honesty and looks to his side at General Arachie.
“Xan Li, the efforts of the Onna-Bugeisha during the battle of the undead were quite useful,” says the General bowing slightly, stiffly and quickly.
Xan Li looks at the General with disdain from corner of her eye as she rises, and Emperor Yu-Huang ushers her closer to whisper into her ear.
“There is neither magic nor enlightenment I able to cast upon your soul to ground you into reality in times of desperation or peril. I am real, you are real, this realm is real, and this token of my appreciation for protecting the Shinnen palace is real,” says Yu-Huang, placing an object in her gauntlet-clad hand.
Xan Li looks at her hand and sees a rare “Jiān yá yè” (Fanged leaf) seed resting in the bowl of her leather palm.
“A “Jiān yá yè” seed. My gratitude Emperor Yu-Huang, I require this greatly,” says Xan Li gratefully.
“No my friend, do not become dependent on it. ‘Tis only intended to aid you while you guide your spirit to recovery. You are free of your cell Xan Li, should you ever doubt this, hold onto the seed tightly,” says Yu-Huang reassuringly.
“Xunsu, Master of the 1000 Kicks of the Swift, step forward,” says Yu-Huang jovially.
Shun-Shiro and Akio smile at the young girl as she props up her chin and marches to the Emperor in her armour of swift feathers, suede, metal and leather.
Yu-Huang bows to his friend and Xunsu returns the gesture embracing him unexpectedly with an open armed cuddle. Yu-Huang lowers to his knee and returns the embrace as the crowd watches on in adoration. Yu-Huang parts the embrace and Xunsu stands formally awaiting her Emperor's words.
“Xunsu, for your successful and ongoing participation in my plans to protect the young and innocent civilians of the Huanghua territories, I commend you and present you with these swords,” says Yu-Huang proudly.
Xunsu's eyes widen as she looks at the short Dao swords held lengthways in Yu-Huang's open hands. The swords are beautiful, evidently tailored to a child’s height and hand grip, yet clearly crafted for the hands of royalty.
“These are the very swords I trained with as a young boy, they will serve you well in your Wushu training,” says Yu-Huang.
Xunsu bows before leaving and tests the weight and range of her dual swords as they circle around her chest and shoulders.
“Ling Long Song step forth,” says Yu-Huang, loudly.
The metal-handed woman approaches the Emperor and he can already see the desperation in her eyes.
“Ling Long, you paid a heavy price for defending the Míngjiào (Chirping) villages, I can only mourn the heavy loss of life. Word has since reached my ear of the sacrifice and torture you suffered at the hands of the invading horde. Rumour tells of a woman who fought hard against many raiders and creatures of Darkness...” says Yu-Huang.
“...one day when you are ready, perhaps you might recount your tale of bravery,” says Yu-Huang respectfully. “Until that day that arrives, I present you with a gift. A Guqin, but this is not a Guqin crafted for the hands of mortals,” says Yu-Huang smiling at her barely contained smile, “‘tis a Guqin of dragon twine, and I shall teach you how to train your body, mind and soul to withstand its great power,”
Yu-Huang passes the long, flat sculptured Guqin to Ling Long, and she smiles impressively as she admires it light weight.
“You crafted this?” asks Ling Long running her metal fingers down the strings.
“I did,” replies the Emperor.
Ling Long Song places the strap over her shoulder and bows gracefully to the Emperor.
“When do we begin?” asks Ling Long.
“Soon, after the banquet you will journey to “Lóng ZhīGǔ” (Valley of the Dragons)” says the Emperor to a gasping audience.
“The mating place of the dragons?” asks Ling Long nervously.
“Yes, you will train there. In the valley, a dragons mating call is capable of burning the very skin off anyone caught in its path. You will begin at great distance, over time you will advance closer, and closer, until you can advance no further. You will live off what the land has to offer, and you are forbidden to return until you have completed your training,” says the Emperor.
“Master Yu-Huang, my Emperor. Are the tales true, the sound of dragon string sends the dragons into a state of crazed lust?” asks Ling Long.
“If played with divine melody, yes. Should you falter, they will most certainly rip you limb from limb. But I can think of no better musician to make stronger the breeding cycle of the dragons, and I possess great confidence in your ability to complete this task,” replies the Emperor.
“Yes Master, I will not fail you. Will there be anything else my Emperor?” asks Ling Long.
“Yes, you will play blindfolded,” says Yu-Huang.
“Blindfolded, I...” stutters Ling Long.
“If you look one dragon in the eye during the mating ritual...” says Yu-Huang sitting forward “...you will be burned to a crisp,” warns Yu-Huang severely. “Not only will the blindfold keep you alive, but you find yourself much more attuned to your senses,” he concludes.
“Yes Master,” says Ling Long before bowing in leave.
“Akio Ishikawa... come forward,” says Yu-Huang.
Shun-Shiro grabs the handlebars of the Akio's wheelchair and the incapacitated Samurai slaps his hands away in protest. Shun-Shiro holds his hands up defensively with a smug grin and Akio wheels himself to the steps of Yu-Huang's throne. Yu-Huang takes a deep breath and hopes his divine energy stays true before his great audience, after all, casting a spell of immortality as energy draining as it is, is not the same as healing an immortal's vessel.
“Akio Ishikawa, not only did you protect my beloved friend Xunsu. You fought selflessly whilst combating the forces of the undead. Your containment strategy and knowledge of exploding fire proved most effective during the battle of the undead,” says Yu-Huang.
“You honour me,” says Akio respectfully.
“You have been confined to this contraption for far too long I think, have you not?” says the Emperor.
“Yes, I need a nurse to hold my cane when nature calls, and not always is there a female nurse tending to me. I do not feel overly comfortable having a man remove my undergarments, especially when bathing time approaches,” says Akio.
“He’s dead!” says Kamui Li as Xan Li snorts a short burst of laughter.
“I commend your honesty Master Samurai, is that the extent of your plight?” asks Yu-Huang.
“By my ancestors, I beg you, do not answer,” thinks Kamui Li.
“Two beautiful women tended to my bathing needs the night before last, they were a little more than interested in cleansing my lower regions... if you follow my meaning,” says Akio whispering not nearly as quietly as he was intending to.
“You should consider yourself most fortunate Master Akio, most have not had the opportunity,” says Yu-Huang, handling Akio's candour better than most.
“...the problem is, somet
hing, something no longer raises as it once did,” says Akio.
“Master Yoshio weeps even now,” thinks Kamui Li turning red with fury.
“I shall help you Master Samurai. I shall have your legs lifting in due time,” assures the Emperor.
“My gratitude Master Yu-Huang, but my legs are not the only limb I am having trouble exercising,” replies Akio.
“Dead man,” thinks Kamui Li.
“By Raijin!” thinks General Arachie behind his plaid stare.
“Could you be a little more specific?” asks Yu-Huang.
“The first time it happened I simply assumed it was a freak of nature... what is the matter with you Yeman Ren?” says Akio rudely.
Yeman Ren appears bewildered to the Samurai's medical problem as he keeps his ears piqued, and as mortified as he is to listen to the injured Samurai baring all, he can't seem to bring himself to turn away from the one who doesn't know when to stop talking. Akio ignores the troll's continuous stare and continues.