by Mark Swaine
“Why should he feel ashamed? ‘Tis not his fault he cannot raise his...his, perhaps the sword hit a nerve,” says Mǎkè.
“In his chest?” queries Xiaojian ridiculously.
“What is he unable to raise Shun-Shiro?” asks Xunsu.
“People please, young ears are present,” urges Shun-Shiro.
“What are they really talking about Shun-Shiro?” asks Xunsu.
“Xunsu your food is getting cold, finish your vegetables,” deflects Shun-Shiro.
“I have a herb that may be of use, if only you'd told me sooner I could have had one of my aides apply it for you,” says Xiaojian.
“Another one of your strapping males,” quips Akio.
“People please,” says Shun-Shiro, becoming irate.
“Akio let the issue rest, you have made your point clear,” says Xan Li.
“Does he ever stop talking?” asks Yeman Ren.
“This is nothing father. I have had to endure this for a whole season, him and Mǎkè's surprise visits,” adds Xiaojian.
“Xiaojian, were it not for my “surprise” visits and kind donations, your Healing Hut would resemble nothing more than a glorified shit shack unworthy of treating a retired dung beetle,” replies Mǎkè, dissecting his strange rounded meal.
“You insufferable bastard,” scowls Xiaojian quietly in embarrassment.
“Do not speak to him that way,” replies Xan Li.
“Mǎkè is it true to word that you fainted when testing your own invention?” laughs Lu Ban, pointing at Make.
“No I did not! I merely suffered an allergic reaction,” protests Mǎkè.
“You, and this man, you cannot be serious?” says Kamui Li quietly.
“Mǎkè, I do not like your overuse of dragon parts to create your inventions: ‘tis cruel,” says Xunsu.
“Why, dragons eat us all the time, am I right Yu-Huang?” asks Mǎkè civilly.
“You are right, ‘tis the trophy hunting of dragons I forbid, Xunsu,” says Yu-Huang nodding in agreement.
Yu-Huang listens contently to the table of bickering guests, and he feels safe and secure surrounded by the imperfect bunch of arguing misfits. The Emperor knows he must embrace a more flawed perspective of life in order to prepare for his second trial, and in their company he observes their imperfections. It's for this reason Yu-Huang can't help but feel there are people missing, two to be exact, Chika Minami and Gang Huojin. But then, there are many guests he would have liked to have shared this fine day with, and he smiles with self assurance as he believes he'll see their faces again, Chao Gao, Laoshi, Wèizào and Peiyu. As the remnants of his latest visions finally settle, he sees their faces stern and panting heavily in the midst of battle. Yu-Huang can't begin to guess how these visions will come to pass, or how it is even possible to see them fighting on this foreign plain. But as he recalls their blood splashed faces, he believes in his heart he will see them again. The bickering of his guests continues long into the late evening, and little by little the packed hall thins to a short few merry people leaving in unsteady steps. Yu-Huang's friends also eventually realise the late hour and respectfully retire for the evening whilst giving thanks to their host. All but Mǎkè leave the great hall as he and the Emperor walk the great stretches of corridor within the palace.
“Master, after much thought, and careful planning, I have decided to accept your offer. I will build your army,” says Mǎkè.
“Excellent, I am in your debt. Should you require anything, all you need do is contact the General,” says Yu-Huang. “How many soldiers do you wish me to dispatch to aid you?”
“Master, Jade soldiers, in my home?” says Mǎkè, puzzled and disturbed.
“Of course, you can't possibly take on this task single-handedly. Not only must you construct these suits, you must also ship them. You are devoted and hard-working Mǎkè, and I respect your need for privacy and independence, but the sheer quantity of suits required is far too great for your hands alone,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Master, now that I have field-tested the suit, repeating the process will not pose that great a challenge. I possess the raw materials and the tools to meet your quota. I give you my word Master, you will have your suits of armour,” swears Mǎkè.
“Very well, I will leave you in peace to complete the task as you see fit. Should you change your mind all you need but do ask the General. Mǎkè, tell no one who need not know,” says Yu-Huang firmly.
“Understood. When will you require these suits?” asks Mǎkè.
“I need the first batch ready by next season, for I fear a second attack is imminent. Is this possible?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Suits by next season or a second attack?” asks Mǎkè.
“The suits Mǎkè. Now let us discuss your quota, we shall begin small, say... one thousand units,” suggests the Emperor.
“One thousand,” muses Mǎkè unsurely. “Master Yu-Huang, how many active soldiers are there in the Jade army?” asks Mǎkè interestedly.
“Fifty thousand,” replies the Emperor.
“Fifty thousand units in total!” exclaims Mǎkè frantically
“Mǎkè, I am not a dictator, you are free to decline my offer. But please, if you doubt you are able to fulfil your end I must know so I may formulate another plan. Time is not a luxury I can afford to waste,” says Yu-Huang fairly.
“I will meet your first demand of one thousand suits, but they require more power. Running on coal they last for little more than an hour, and I know not of any alternative energy source,” says Mǎkè.
“I recall your dilemma. That is why I took the liberty of providing you with a stock pile of alternative energy. It awaits you in the hangar of your home,” says Yu-Huang.
“What manner of fuel do you speak of?” asksMǎkè.
Yu-Huang gestures from the open lengthy corridor to the Tower of Guang with light glowing between the plated hexagons.
“I have learned to harness this technology since I was a child; ‘tis powered by energy foreign to our world. Exercise great caution during your work,” advises Yu-Huang.
“Do you have any questions Mǎkè?” asks Yu-Huang.
“What resides on the Tower of Guang you regard with such secrecy?” asks Mǎkè.
“Great treasures I hold most dear,” replies the Emperor cryptically. “I bid you farewell for now my friend,” adds Yu-Huang with a quaint smile,
Mǎkè walks free of the palace gate all the while pondering on how he is to forge one thousand units of suits of armour before next winter, let alone another forty-nine thousand afterwards. Suddenly a voice calls to him and he breaks out of his worried trance and his eyes light up a little as he sees Xan Li waiting by a low moss-covered wall.
“Xan Li my love, ‘tis a relief to see your strong and beautiful face,” says Mǎkè gladly.
“My beloved Mǎkè, you are a good man, I wish we could be together...” says Xan Li.
“You need not wish,” says Mǎkè a little confused.
“Our duties prevent us from being together, there is no time for us at present,” says Xan Li, stroking Mǎkè’s jaw.
“What is your meaning, we shall... we shall make time?” says Mǎkè unconvincingly.
“The Emperor has outlined his strategy; I know you have accepted a contract to build him an army. You will be far too busy to engage in anything other than your work,” replies Xan Li.
“‘Tis your cousin who not approves of me, is it not,” says Mǎkè noticing the Samurai smoking a pipe on a nearby bench.
“‘Tis no other’s decision, but mine alone,” replies Xan Li.
“You and I share a loving bond; we need not sever it completely. Perhaps...”
“Mǎkè, I am immortal, you are not,” replies Xan Li stressfully.
Xan Li lets go of Make's hand and walks away, and Kamui Li rejoins her whilst looking back.
“Do not appear so glum inventor, your day could have been much worse,” says Kamui Li flippantly.
“How could it possibly
get any worse?” replies Mǎkè as a high flying dragon swoops overhead.
With his arms open in question, his entire body is suddenly swallowed up in a loose sludge impacting the ground around him. The mixture of green, grey and white tar like slush drips from Mǎkè's open arms and head. As Kamui Li's open smile transcends into open laughter, Xan Li shoves him and steps toward Mǎkè in sympathy. Mǎkè, humiliated, walks away in search of the nearest Bonsai tree that will take him home. Outside the palace, Xioajian and Yeman Ren say farewell for the night.
“Father, are you well, you appear troubled. I see you smile, I hear you jest, but you not appear the same as I remember you,” says Xiaojian.
“Much has changed since we last parted...”
“Parted? You mean when you sent me away,” says Xiaojian.
“It was for your own good. You were always such a spirited child. I never wanted to you to grow up with hate growing in your heart,” says Yeman Ren.
“You speak of the Legion of Shāshǒu (Killers),” replies Xiaojian.
“I like to think I did the right thing, at least once in my life, by sending you away,” says Yeman Ren, stroking her forehead with his thumb.
“Seeing you again is... I have missed you father, but you do not belong here. You belong with your own kind. I do not trust the humans around you,” says Xiaojian worriedly.
“I am indebted to the Emperor; he needs me, and I am needed nowhere else,” says Yeman Ren. “I must leave now, my child. I have duties to attend to. I will come and find you in two days,”
“Be safe, I beg of you,” says Xiaojian, concerned.
Yeman Ren smiles at her worried face and lifts her up to gently hold his nose to hers.
“You worry much, you need not, my little princess cub,” says Yeman Ren, bringing a smile to her face.
Ling Long Song looks out onto the territories on a large black horse from the side of a large grassy mountain. She doesn't know when or if she'll return from the Valley of the Dragons, but if she does, “Yu-Huang and I will rock the heavens with our melodies,” thinks Ling Long with a wry smile. Ling Long turns her back to the view and flicks the reigns as her horse navigates up a slim winding trail.
Back in the palace, Yu-Huang continues walking the great halls whilst pondering on his first trial. He stops as a large dog bounds after him and begins jumping up at his chest. He kneels to stroke the black and white long snouted hound and scratches behind its ear as it leans its head in bliss. The friendly dog licks his chin as he pats and rubs its back, then it rolls onto its back to have its belly rubbed.
“Hello Tiangou, it has been a long time. Still chasing away evil spirits?” asks Yu-Huang. “Where is your Master, Erlang Shen?” asks Yu-Huang playfully.
“I am here Master Yu-Huang,” says Erlang, stood behind him with his brother.
“Yang Shen, Erlang Shen, my beloved nephews. Come forth. How goes life in the palace?” asks Yu-Huang to his estranged great-great nephews.
“We are alive and well, ‘tis all any man can hope to be,” replies Erlang Shen, bowing in gratitude.
Yu-Huang smiles kindly at his kin, and as Tiangou runs from his Master's leash Erlang gives chase. Yang Shen steps closer to his Uncle, observing the identical features in his face and stature.
“‘Tis almost like looking into a mirror, is it not?” says Yu-Huang jestingly.
“My mother and father say I have been blessed to be given the same face as you, same stature, and voice,” replies Yang.
“And fighting technique?” says Yu-Huang interestedly.
“Lingquan told you,” says Yang crossly. “I can do nothing without his say so,”
“Lingquan is guardian of the palace, and its inhabitants,” replies Yu-Huang.
“I fought well Uncle,” replies Yang.
“Such were Lingquan's words,” replies Yu-Huang, “your actions were extremely brave... and incredibly foolish,” he adds.
“Lingquan tells me you rushed into combat unaided, and without the support of a unit,” says Yu-Huang.
“Then our similarities are not only limited to our appearance and fighting style. Perhaps it is fate,” replies Yang.
“Our similarities are merely a coincidence,” says Yu-Huang kindly. “I have missed your company dear nephew. Please forgive my prolonged absences, ‘tis not my intention to neglect you and Erlang,” says Yu-Huang regrettably.
“You need not apologise my Emperor...” says Yang.
“Please, 'Uncle' or 'Yu-Huang' is sufficient,” says Yu-Huang humbly.
“...Uncle, I understand,” replies Yang, “were I you, nor would I wish to grow close to those who would perish in the blink of an eye,” replies Yang.
“Our talks are few and far between, but every time we meet I see you becoming nobler, wise and headstrong. I once cradled you in my arms when you were a newborn; many times we played when you were a babbling infant. As a young teen I guided you occasionally in the ways of Wushu. I see you now, ready and destined for a great many things. You are aging well Yang,” says Yu-Huang.
“You too, have aged Uncle. How is this possible?” asks Yang, slightly concerned.
“In time, I will tell you,” assures Yu-Huang, smiling kindly.
“What troubles you Uncle?” asks Yang.
“I am going away, Yang. I do not know when I am to return. There is somewhere I must go, something that I must do, something important,” says Yu-Huang.
“How do you intend to conceal your ageing state from the Brotherhood?” asks Yang.
“I do not know,” says Yu-Huang, poorly hiding his concern.
“Your long absence will raise questions with the Brotherhood during these difficult times,” says Yang.
“Yes, even with Minister Dingbang watching over the throne instead. I fear a revolt from certain houses, especially upon my return,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Then let me keep the throne for you until you return. Nobody would ever know,” replies Yang.
“In harm’s way? Never,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Master... Uncle, I do not believe it is by mere coincidence that we appear identical. ‘Tis why I have devoted my life to behaving just like you. ‘Tis only your majestic divinity and Wushu that I cannot match,” says Yang.
“You are wrong Yang, ‘tis only my level of Wushu that remains unmatched. Your divinity gives me strength even now. If I am the first lord of equality, then you are truly the Second, and a great voice in my time of need,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Then allow me to serve you,” says Yang.
“Were you aware of the danger, you would not ask of such a heavy burden,” replies Yu-Huang.
“I am aware of what I ask; it would not be permanent Uncle, only until your return. Uncle the people are talking, they see you ageing,” says Yang.
“All living things age, Yang. I am no different,” replies Yu-Huang.
“But you are ageing must faster than you should; ‘tis almost as if your divine light is fading,” replies Yang.
“If the Brotherhood discovered our deception in my absence, you would be tried as a fraud and cast in the Liumang prison,” says Yu-Huang.
“And if the Darkness discovers you are vulnerable before you have completed your important business, it will strike true and fast. If the Brotherhood discovers I am an imposter, I care not... I will serve my time in the Liumang prison until you return to reclaim your throne. Uncle, go do what you must and return, and the Brotherhood will be none the wiser,” says Yang simply.
“Yang...” says Yu-Huang tiredly whilst musing over his viable offer, “I will accept your most generous proposal under the condition that Yeman Ren acts as your guardian,”
“Very well, it is done,” replies Yang.
“Other than Yeman Ren, only few will know of your true identity. They will watch over you from a distance, and their identities will remain secret. ‘Tis better this way to avoid unwanted attention,” says Yu-Huang. “Are you certain about this? What will you tell your parents, and Erlang?” asks
Yu-Huang.
“The truth: I am to complete a task bestowed upon me by our Emperor, best not to over-dramatise or arouse suspicion,” says Yang.
“Keep it simple? Very well, Yang. I would be proud to have you watch the throne in my stead,” says Yu-Huang confidently, “but no heroics, you are not to engage in combat,”
“I will not fail you,” replies Yang.
“I know,” replies Yu-Huang encouragingly. “Tomorrow at first light, you will take the throne where the General will act as your personal guard. A day later Yeman Ren shall take over from the General as your personal guard,”