by Ino Lee
Wong rushed over and caught the primate by the waist. The monkey scratched and chittered so he moved it into the Iron Fist.
“Stop struggling,” Wong said. He pointed at his mask and made monkey noises.
Jaguan arrived and placed his glowing gemstone near its head to calm it. The primate went limp.
“What now?” Wong said.
Jaguan glanced in the direction of the approaching onslaught.
“Diversion. I will put it in a trance.”
His eyes flashed—which was mirrored by the monkey’s eyes—and the small creature started chattering again, repeatedly and methodically. He rested it against the tree.
“This way,” Jaguan said, turning into the cries.
They sprang quickly toward the sounds, moving lower in the canopy. When they saw a pocket of thick brush, they took cover.
Shadows flew through the canopy above them. At least two dozen bodies passed in a show of force, accompanied by a myriad of hair-raising shrieks and growls that set the forest abuzz. One thing seemed certain: the magaus were out for blood. They came in many shapes, sizes, and colors; some were large and powerful while others were sleek and agile. They were slightly shorter than the average man, but their bodies were more muscular. Most carried spears and staffs, though Wong thought he saw one particularly burly beast scampering across the ground with two war hammers. Their presence was impressive and made them seem much larger than they were.
A signal went up and the troop stopped. The forest fell silent except for the chirping of their hypnotized monkey friend. Jaguan and Wong froze. A magau perched in a tree across from their cover and stood tall with a staff. Tattered cloth and leather clung to its tough wiry frame. Its bluish face showed thoughtfulness as it purveyed its surroundings and settled on their brush. Wong held his breath and took off his mask. Could it sense them? A hurried bark signaled their advancement and the magaus were gone as quickly as they came.
“That was close,” Wong said. “What happens when they get to the monkey?”
“It will come out of its trance, but not know which way we went. If they search for us, they will not likely double-back this way.”
“That was a good plan. Well done.”
“It’s not over.”
“We can be two demon hunters again.”
After the troop reached the monkey, the magaus moved out together in one direction. Wong and Jaguan were glad they did not split up and search, making it easier to plot out a path to avoid them. They waited until the troop had moved far beyond their senses before hiking again.
14
AN AGING FISHERMAN tied his skiff to the dock and hauled in the evening’s catch, a basket full of fish and eel. He picked out a bright shiny snapper and sniffed it, deciding it would do fine for dinner.
The water stirred violently behind him. He turned, screamed, and fell back, dropping his supper fish.
Du Lai scooped it up with a slurp.
“Oh. Sorry, so sorry,” Tengfei yelled. “Back Du Lai! Back.”
The startled fisherman picked up his bamboo hat that had just fallen off, and pointed.
“Hmph. You be careful with that thing! Do you know what you’ve done? You’ve ruined the lord commander’s meal. Now I will have to use mackerel.”
“Very sorry, but perhaps we can apologize in person. We’re here to see the Shogun.”
“Oh is that so?” the fisherman said. He put on his hat and looked at them narrowly. “Who are you to demand to see the Shogun? Not anyone can show up and expect to see the Shogun.”
“We bring word from Shaolin.”
A couple of guards rushed onto the dock, having taken notice of Du Lai from afar. A bruising samurai with a ponytail led the way.
“What is this?” the samurai said.
“Trespassers!” the old man said. “Thieves. They say they are from Shaolin, but stole the Shogun’s dinner and now demand to see him, probably to assassinate him. Send them away before they cause more trouble.”
The samurai looked up at Tengfei and Tae, but then frowned skeptically. The passengers began to make their way off the carriage.
“I don’t think they are thieves, Naruki. They look like they are from Shaolin.”
“What? What makes you say that?”
“One of them is a monk and they are riding a giant sea turtle.”
“That is not such a big deal.”
“Manners, Naruki. I know one of them. You should too.”
Tengfei approached them. “We’re very sorry for the trouble,” he said, bowing. “We are here to see the Shogun.”
The big samurai bowed back. “Welcome Tengfei. It has been a while.”
Naruki immediately eyed Tae’s samurai sword. “What does the young lady carry?”
She held her sword out horizontally, and with great care, exposed part of the blade.
“I present to you the Shogun Sword, Shin’ichi.”
The old man’s jaw dropped.
“I can’t believe they stole the sword from Wong.”
The samurai ignored Naruki’s comment, detecting an unspoken urgency and graveness about their visitors’ purpose; it was not everyday that a Shaolin monk and a stranger came bearing Shin’ichi. He sensed trouble.
“I am Takeo, head of the elite guards. I will bring you to see the Shogun,” he said, bowing. “You will have to excuse Naruki here. He is sensitive about his meals.”
Naruki grunted.
“I am Tae.”
“And what about the giant sea turtle? Can we leave him here?” Takeo asked.
“This is Du Lai,” Tengfei said. “He will be fine on his own, but perhaps you can summon Monk Yulong? He will be able to tend to Du Lai better than I would.”
“Yes. Right away.”
Takeo motioned to the other guard and sent him off to find the monk in question. He then led the party down the wooden dock, past cobblestone, to a trail that sloped up a hill.
“Welcome to Yomai,” Takeo said. “Was it a long journey?”
“Three and a half days,” Tengfei said.
“Three and a half days? That’s good time. I suppose that is what happens when you ride sea turtles. You monks have a way with animals.”
They passed under a torii, an ornate wooden gate that marked their passage onto sacred ground. Tae looked around at the manicured paths and gardens, marveling at how every stone, tree, and flowering plant looked meticulously placed to achieve a look that promoted peace and tranquility. It reminded her of the resort town of Yaje Piau, except more authentic and quaint. They crossed a bridge with water and koi beneath them. Chrysanthemums and stone lanterns came next. Tengfei was right—she did like it; in fact, she loved it.
“This place is so beautiful.”
“It is home,” Naruki said.
She felt bad for ruining the old man’s dinner and wanted to make amends. Polite conversation might help.
“If you don’t mind me asking, it sounded like you were familiar with Wong? Did you know him? I did not steal the sword—he gave it to me.”
Naruki gave her a suspicious look. “Gave it to you, heh?”
“Yes. We were fighting lo-shur.”
Naruki perked up. “Lo-shur, heh? For the chosen one, yes? I may be old, but I still hear what goes on.”
Tae smiled. “Yes.”
“I knew Wong a long time ago. I taught that ronin everything he knows.”
Tae was surprised. Takeo made a face and shook his head.
“Don’t shake your head—it’s true,” Naruki said. “I told him to listen to his masters, and he did, so therefore I taught him everything he knows.”
He erupted in laughter.
Temples appeared on the surrounding hilltops, but the largest one was on top of theirs—the Sun Temple of Yomai. It was smaller and much simpler than the Sha
olin Temple, but grand and majestic in its own right. It stood out alone on the peak, as if the mountain came into existence just to be its pedestal, with walls painted in gold to match the sun. The path became much more steep, and the trail was replaced by wide stone steps. Rope bridges connected to the other mountaintops.
At the top of the climb, they crossed under another torii to a large stone garden that was white and uncluttered, with a path to the temple gate.
The third floor of the temple was smaller than the footprint of the previous two, which were large and expansive. While samurai trained and meditated below, the top floors were reserved for a select group of individuals and the Shogun. A minimalist theme carried itself throughout the temple, with sparse furniture but intricate wall paintings.
They approached a raised platform where a young man sat on a raised platform. He wore a sword.
Takeo bowed with his head low on a mat. Naruki, Tengfei, and Tae followed.
“Master Youta, we have guests,” the big samurai said.
Youta smiled. “Tengfei, it is good to see you again. It is a great honor to have visitors from Shaolin.”
He eyed Tae, curious of her presence there.
He nodded to her. “I am Youta, ruler of Yomai, the Sun Temple, and its samurai.”
Tae bowed back. “I am Tae, a warrior of the Shunnan Ninjas, protector of the Stone Forest.”
“I have heard of this Stone Forest. I would very much like to visit some day.” He turned to Tengfei. “So what brings a Shaolin monk to my humble temple? Have you come to steal our water?”
He laughed.
Tengfei hesitated. Takeo noticed it immediately and knew bad news would follow.
“Actually . . .” He looked down. “I bear news. Shaolin is in need. The temple was attacked.”
“Attacked?” Youta said.
“One hundred unan.”
Takeo gaped.
“How can it be?” Youta said. “Why haven’t you sent news?”
“We couldn’t. We turned the demons back, but there has been much damage. A lo-shur carrying a chi shard penetrated our defenses and tainted the Infinity Pool. Sending a message to the Sun Pool was not possible.”
“The lo-shur had a chi shard?” Takeo interrupted. He looked at Youta. “Sorry for speaking out of place, my lord.”
“No, a valid question. Everyone speak freely.”
“Yes, it was a dark chi shard. At least that’s what the grandmaster said before he . . .” Tengfei paused. “Tienkow is dead.”
Naruki looked downcast. “He was a good man.”
The Shogun brooded. “The purpose of this attack, was it not for the boy?”
“Yes, for the boy. Kai.”
“Disable the pool with the shard, then close on the mark with masked ones,” Takeo said. “Their strategy is plain. What of the boy? Kai? How did he fare?”
“He escaped their attack. He is safe.”
“Good.”
“Sorry to deliver such heavy news so suddenly, but time is of the essence.”
“So what is it that you ask of the samurai?” Youta said. “Why have you come?”
“The Infinity Pool needs restoration. We are vulnerable without it and must temper a new pool quickly. We need the chi shard from the Sun Pool.”
“Forever?” Naruki asked.
“No, just until the balance has been righted.”
“How long will that take?”
“We don’t know. A few days, weeks, even months. As long as you are willing. We will hold it no longer than is necessary.”
“What effect will it have on the Sun Pool?”
“There should be no long-term effects. The water will continue to function and draw chi, but it’s possible disturbing the shard will hinder its growth for a time.”
The Shogun brooded some more.
“There is one more thing,” Tae said.
She removed her sword and presented it.
“The sword Shin’ichi. We offer it as a token of gratitude in return for use of the Sun shard.”
The Shogun focused on the sword for a long, silent moment and then rose. Takeo and Naruki immediately stood, followed by Tengfei and Tae.
“A moment to digest this news will be beneficial for us all. Tengfei, Tae, you must be tired from your journey. More comfortable quarters are called for. I dislike this place. An attendant will show you the way.” He clapped and an attendant promptly appeared. “I will call you back shortly.”
Tengfei and Tae bowed.
Youta returned their bows. “And one more thing. Tae, if could leave behind the sword I would be in your debt. It has been many years since it has returned to the temple and I would like a chance to see it. This is not a trivial thing for a samurai to ask of another, and I hope you can understand the circumstances.”
“Of course.”
He motioned to Naruki, who held out both hands to receive it. Tae lay it gently across his arms.
The Shaolin visitors left the room. Youta stared after them and waited before speaking again.
“I would have given the shard to them without the sword. Can we accept it?”
“The trade is fair, but the decision is yours,” Takeo said. “You are Shogun.”
Youta glanced at Naruki.
“Read it, Naruki.”
Naruki unsheathed the sword in a dramatic sweep. He made several quick slashes and a final, exaggerated thrust. He then tapped the blade with his fingernail and listened to its ring.
“Tell me, Naruki, how does it sing?”
Naruki smiled. “It sings marvelously.”
“The Shogun summons you to the Sun Pool,” Takeo said.
Tengfei got up but the samurai held out a hand. “Not you. You have a visitor.”
A taller, older monk appeared. “Hello, young monk. It has been many moons.”
“Yulong!” Tengfei said, bowing. “Tae, this is Monk Yulong, caretaker of the Sun Pool.”
“And now a giant sea turtle. Besides I hear you want to take my pool from me too.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tae said.
“I think these two have much to catch up on,” Takeo said. “I hate to interrupt, but the Shogun does request your presence.”
They left the monks and proceeded across the temple. Tae noted how intimidating it was to walk next to Takeo; his position as the Shogun’s guard was not surprising. She was glad he was on their side.
“I hope you have had a chance to refresh,” he said.
“Yes. I had some green tea and mocha cakes. It was delicious.”
“Good. I hope it will tide you over until dinner. Naruki’s fish basket has been sent to the Shogun’s chef. Believe me, it is much better than Naruki cooking it.”
He stopped at a staircase and waved her through.
“This way to the Sun Pool. Youta awaits.”
Tae slowly climbed the stairs while Takeo remained behind. She wondered what the Sun Pool would look like and what the Shogun would say.
A large expansive room with open rafters appeared, baked in a warm glow by the fading sunlight. Wooden planks formed a path through a rock garden that blanketed the entire space. Tae was surprised and delighted by the simplicity. Combed white rock was surrounded by a border of dark gray stones, squared off into separate quadrants by the wooden paths which ran north-south and east-west, intersecting at the pool. A large platform was constructed on top of the body of water, with stairs on either side.
Tae noted the differences between the Sun and Infinity Pools. The Sun Pool was smaller, simpler, and more isolated. The rock garden was pretty to look at, but prevented too many people from entering the room. This was a stark contrast from Shaolin, where the pool was celebrated and the focal point of the room, designed for monks to gather and meditate. The Sun Pool, on the other hand, looked like part
of the artwork and something to be admired from afar. In fact, the large wooden platform above it drew more attention than the pool.
The Shogun paced next to the pool with his hands held behind his back. His stature and gait were entirely noble, something difficult to tell while he was sitting in the audience room. Tae wondered what kind of warrior he was. Though his ability was not as overtly noticeable as Takeo’s, there was a confidence about the way he moved which hinted at warrior fierceness, though his face was fair and his words kind.
Naruki stood nearby with her sheathed sword in hand. He was no longer dressed in fisherman’s clothes, wearing a formal robe with his own samurai sword at his side. For the first time, Tae saw him as someone of extreme importance. He noticed her presence and whispered something to Youta, who stopped pacing and turned to her.
Tae walked across the floorboards.
She bowed. “Here as requested.”
“I am glad you are here. Walk with us.”
They circled the Sun Pool. Tae noticed a bright speck of light in the middle of the water.
“Has Takeo informed you of our decision?”
“No, he didn’t say.”
“A century ago, the Shaolin monks noted the chi energy naturally drawn to Yomai. They brought water from the Infinity Pool to help seed a new one here. So I ask myself, how can I turn down Shaolin’s request? I cannot. Without Shaolin there would be no Sun Pool.”
“That is good to hear.”
“Yomai has its own problems, but Shaolin is in greater need. The dark forces are stronger opposite to the Wall, and without Shaolin more evil would spread here.”
“What kind of problems do you have?”
“Ah. Always the ninja, and fierce Gaa warriors, but I will not burden you with our concerns. We are here for this.”
He gestured toward the bright chi spark in the pool.
“And then there is the matter of the Shogun Sword.”
He unsheathed and admired it, letting the chi light bounce off its mirrored blade. He sheathed and presented it back to Tae, horizontally across his arms.
Tae took it hesitantly.
“A samurai cannot just be given a sword. It must be presented. There must be formality. It is as if one’s own child is being passed to another.”
