Legend of the Red Sun Village

by Mark Swaine

  Kamui Li recognises how the Emperor is generalising the Ministry in general, and fails to defend the titles of the Priests currently representing his rule. Maybe there was a time he believed in them. Maybe he is hoping, keeping the faith in the age old system, wonders Kamui Li.

  “The Priests would not dare insult their Emperor by succumbing to the Darkness, or any force of evil that opposes me. They understand just as well as I the hidden capacity and strength that dwells within the wicked. These mortal men of faith must forever stand at the threshold of evil if they are to be warned of its coming. Only the wisest of these men are able to resist the bribes of a demonic union. These mortals are selected at birth by the highest order of Priests before them, so that they may teach their findings and pass on their knowledge to those preceding them, it has always been this way,” continues the Emperor.

  “I shall say no more regarding this matter Master Yu-Huang, and I humbly ask your forgiveness for any offence I may have caused you," says Kamui Li, smoothing things over.

  “Your regret is duly noted, and you are forgiven. We have spoken enough for now Kamui Li, rest. Put these troubles behind you tonight. The Witch and her foot stool will discover nothing but damnation and retribution should they reach the gates of the Empire. Go now to your rest, and dream well of the special bond you share with your beloved. She must hold a very special place in your heart, you are most fortunate,” smiles Yu-Huang. “I leave you now with a parting gift, evidence that your cousin Xan Li's salvation is not completely without reach. Should you seek to release Xan Li from the Katana, you must run the blade through the heart of the one who cast the spell upon her,” says the Emperor.

  “All other priorities are secondary; from this day forth the Samurai will be your escort. They will go where you go. They will never leave your side. I am eternal and my men are eternal; the spell is locked by the Emperor and cannot be removed; the Witch fears us now more than ever,” says Kamui Li, assuring the Emperor of his safety.

  Yu-Huang stops dead in his casual stroll, then turns back to face the Samurai.

  “What did you say?” asks Yu-Huang with pure severity in his voice.

  Kamui Li stares blank faced whilst muttering an obscenity in his head as he awaits another probable lecture.

  “Your Emperor placed on you the spell that brings eternal life! Do you have any idea what this means? Was this at your request, or his?” barks Yu-Huang.

  “Emperor Kazuko cast this spell after he revealed the location of the Shikyo to the Witch, most of the Samurai within the Citadel were chosen,” says Kamui Li.

  “How many were chosen, how many!” presses Yu-Huang.

  “One hundred Samurai,” replies Kamui Li.

  “One hundred!” exclaims Yu-Huang.

  “Master, if I may, how is it you do not sense our immortality?” asks Kamui Li.

  Emperor Yu-Huang disregards the question, for not only does he not know the answer, but his lack of insight troubles his thoughts.

  “Summon your men, all of them! I will lift the curse tonight,” barks Yu-Huang.

  “The curse is locked Emperor Yu-Huang,” says Kamui Li,” says Kamui Li.

  “How has this come to pass? Tatsu was a man of the Earth, his natural means of creating life from even the most arid of dirt was his gift, not magic. His miraculous gift required no magic, ‘tis most likely the reason he was charged with creating this portal. That is what the seed is, ‘tis a portal. Tatsu was not a Sorcerer, somebody other than the Witch taught him levels of magic no mortal should have access to,” says Yu-Huang in annoyance.

  “There is no ancient spell in existence that will remove the bonds from this magic,” says Kamui Li.

  “If there is but one, I will be sure to find it,” says Yu-Huang, convincingly.

  “Emperor Yu-Huang, if my duty is to live as an immortal, I will accept that, as will my men, we are devoted only to your protection. Only a blade through our hearts will end our unnatural long lives," reveals Kamui Li.

  “I know how to kill an immortal young one. I wish I had not discovered the damned curse. How Emperor Kazuko came to know of this spell I cannot say. Do you realise the level of anger this will create amongst the Brotherhood? They could only dream of this affliction they call… eternal life. You must never speak of this to anyone Kamui Li, not until I have resolved this matter,” sighs Yu-Huang.

  “Master Yu-Huang, the matter of our immortality has nothing to do with the Ministry, ‘tis not of their concern,” replies Kamui Li.

  “Do you not understand boy, the spell for eternal life is forbidden in my Empire; the excessive use of magic is forbidden under my rule. There can be no hypocrisy; I will inform the Brotherhood of this blasphemy in due time,” sighs the Emperor.

  “With all due respect, I would not consider it wise to inform your High Priests,” advises Kamui Li.

  Empire Yu-Huang shoots the Samurai a gaze that would threaten a dragon and Kamui immediately realises he has over stepped the mark and exceeded his authority by questioning Yu-Huang's wisdom and reason.

  “What age are you Kamui Li?” asks Yu-Huang, irately.

  “Nineteen years under the sun, my Master,” replies Kamui Li.

  “How long has it been since your Emperor cast upon you the eternal curse?” asks Yu-Huang.

  “Almost one season past,” replies Kamui, tiring of the Emperor's inquisition.

  “Almost... one full season,” laughs Yu-Huang briefly, “wait until you reach your thousandth year and then return to me with talk of loyalty and devotion. What a mess. Why? Why did Emperor Kazuko set this curse in stone?" asks Yu-Huang, aggravated.

  “As to make us impervious to torment at the hands of the Witch’s power. She fears the Samurai and that is now your advantage,” Kamui Li states, quite proudly.

  “You ignorant fool,” laughs the Emperor in disbelief, “you know not what you have done to yourself and your men,” says Yu-Huang.

  “We did not request of this gift Master Yu-Huang,” protests Kamui Li.

  “Do not play coy with me, the spell will not take a hold of the vessel unless the spirit is willing. You allowed this spell to take a hold of you, the incantation clearly states the nature of the spell, or are you hard of hearing?” says Yu-Huang.

  “No,” smiles Kamui Li cockily.

  “Then you were completely aware of what the curse entails,” replies Yu-Huang,

  “It matters not, that was then, this is now, and we shall be watching your every step. No harm will come to you Master Yu-Huang. We will forever be at your side,” says Kamui Li.

  Yu-Huang looks angrily at Kamui Li's proposal to remove his guise as a common man going about a regular day. Yu-Huang often adopted the semblance of a vagabond when travelling, usually when he needed to ponder upon hard questions or taste the life of a mortal man. Yu-Huang tells Kamui Li firmly that he will call upon the aid of the Samurai should he require their aid and that he is never to be identified as Emperor in public. The two men arrive back at Kamui Li's encampment and Yu-Huang leaves the orchard in a walk less casual than usual. Kamui Li doesn't understand the Emperor's laid back approach to the severity of his situation, or his solid trust in the Brotherhood, or his concerns regarding the eternal spell, and he senses trouble during his time here. Kamui Li knows now that his responsibilities have doubled, for not only would he be protecting Emperor Yu-Huang against Hisako-Hisa and Wing Shin, but most likely the Emperor’s own Brotherhood too. Confronting these forces combined will be tricky and dangerous, but he dreads more protecting Emperor Yu-Huang against more mislaid decisions. After all, how could a divine being not have sensed the immortality of the Samurai, or the coming of the Darkness? Kamui Li's troubled mind ponders on his mission as he watches Yu-Huang turn to face halfway down the Orchard.

  “I knew Emperor Kazuko once in my lifetime. What was he like before his end?” asks Yu-Huang solemnly and curiously.

  “He was the same man you knew as a child your Highness, humble and brave. He did not deserve to di
e in such a manner, by the hands of his own people,” says Kamui Li.

  This is sufficient enough for Yu-Huang to make his final decision about Kamui Li's character, so he nods with a smile and leaves the warrior to his peace.

  “Master Yu-Huang, beware your dreams. Should you find your dreams merging with reality, should you find yourself unable to waken, it means she has found you, and you shall be lost. 'Tis how she trapped Tatsu,” warns Kamui Li.

  Yu-Huang accepts Kamui Li's wisdom with a grateful nod and leaves the orchard. He begins a slow steady walk down a steep cobbled hill as if he has all the time in the world… only he doesn't. Yu-Huang knows the threat is real, he also knows the longer the witch bides her time, the stronger her attack will be. As for the Samurai's lingering and continued presence within the cities, the Ministers would not take this well. The Ministry are already unsettled at the presence of these foreign warriors and will surely respond with greater anger to the news of the immortals’ permanent stay. Yu-Huang needed space; time and space away from his throne to think, and with the Year of the Dragon drawing near, now is a perfect time to get away and reflect on current events. This was a good time for the people, for the celebrations that mark the end of a cyclic season, and the beginning of another, always brought out the best in the people. A cyclic season contains four seasons, and this year felt much longer to some. But dragons being a sign of good luck are sacred to the people and will create the perfect opportunity to make better this year’s festivities. Kamui Li, still watching in the direction of the Emperor's path of leave, decides not only to defy the Emperor's request for privacy, but also that of his trust in his Ministers.

  The Samurai takes a knee and recounts a spell, summoning legged and winged creatures to his presence. Kamui Li begins softly conversing with a large, green and purple dragonfly the length of his arm, and it sits calmly on his outstretched hand.

  “Watch over him with your powerful eyes and gift of flight,” says Kamui Li, to the large metallic-coloured dragonfly.

  “Follow him in large bounds, enlighten your friends with loud voice my strong legged friend. Spread the word of my favour to your companions to do the same, if you will,” whispers the Samurai to a sleek, well-built grasshopper chirping on his shoulders.

  “Remain steady and hidden as you watch our prey, my clever camouflaged companion,” says Kamui Li to the praying mantis perched upon his head.

  “Remain in the shadows, be my eyes in the dark, and I shall steer you from the light my fluttering airborne ally,” says Kamui Li to a brown and grey moth the size of an outstretched hand, fluttering to rest on the button of his nose.

  The small spies buzz, hop, flutter and skitter away to their assignments. Now that his secret reconnaissance team is in place, he rests a little easier knowing that his ears and eyes are watching over the Emperor.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The Ronin, as these Samurai once branded themselves, shamed without a purpose or duty, were given a second chance at redeeming their honour. But the Ministers were humiliated; it was unheard of, outsiders being given such a privilege. The honourable warriors took to their duties immediately, in turn, the Samurai taught the General of Yu-Huang's army the sacred art of Kendo, an elegant, beautiful form of defence and offense. Yu-Huang was pleased; the people of the city felt safe, and these new warriors found a sense of peace and honour among their duty. Even though tradition told them they would never be true Samurai whilst serving a Chinese Emperor, as an army they began rebuilding a new sense of honour. An honour dedicated to one sacred purpose: defend the one who had brought meaning to their lives once again. The Samurai began sensing their purpose and worth once again, and much to the General's pride their hearts began mending as they eventually rose above the heavy defeat they had suffered back in their homeland, but a handful are still unable to overcome the unbearable stigma of failing their Emperor and losing their homeland. Each one of these men and women would have taken their life by the sacred Seppuku ritual; only their new mission stayed their Daishos from their guts and hearts. The Samurai trained hard, although segregated in formations apart from the Jade army, they trained alongside them as if no different.

  General Arachie had begun teaching the one thousand strong new additions the art of Wushu, again, much to the chagrin of the Brotherhood. The Ministers did not agree with Yu-Huang's decision to reveal their methods of defence to the Samurai, yet their pleadings were over ruled by Yu-Huang's logic and strategy. Within the infinite stretch of the stone courtyard, General Arachie walks in slow strong steps amongst the lines of warriors whilst inspecting the postures and forms of his new trainees. With hands held behind his back, he observes the motions of each of his recent additions. With their faces revealed and armour removed, they'd appear no different to the Jade army were it not for the variously themed Hitatares featuring their individual family crests. The General bellows various commands to the soldiers whilst closely observing the Samurai and... Onna-bugeisha. The General steps back to stare into the face of a straight faced woman awaiting his command, and exhales a short mocking huff of contempt before continuing onwards. Her face does not falter, and her posture remains as commanded. Men and women all, each one of them remain deep in concentration in their Wushu training. Every one of them, feeling like an animal…

  “YING! (EAGLE!)” booms the General, in his rough deep voice.

  The giant formation of 1,000 change their style of movement, fingers spread and solid, wrists upright and firm. Squatting and rising, they perform various heights of alternating front kicks. The General walks amongst the rows, straight-faced, with no possible way of guessing what this rock-minded individual might be thinking.

  “LAO HU! (TIGER!)” roars the General.

  The warriors bend their knees and duck into a roll, before leaping upwards and performing a strong combination of rapid aerial kicks. Each land perfectly onto their feet to deliver a mixture of thrusts toward their imaginary opponents.

  “QIZHONGJI! (CRANE!)” shouts the General, moving his eyes on Akio to his left.

  The general sweeps the leg of the Japanese soldier balanced on the toes of a single foot. Akio is quick to react as he backflips onto his alternative foot. Keeping his balance, he maintains his eyesight forward. The General suddenly executes a hurried attack on Akio, and the Samurai blocks each fist and elbow rushing to his face. The General grabs Akio by his forearm and slaps it hard with a complimentary nod and grunt of approval. Akio fights the urge to smirk proudly as the General continues on.

  “HYOU! (LEOPARD!)” shouts the General in a loud drawl.

  The warriors crouch low and a rigorous five-hour long session of rapid kicks and thrusts ensues for this form based on endurance and stealth.

  “SE! (SNAKE!)” shouts the General, alerting a change in stance.

  Warriors all rise to their toes and hold their knees bent, swaying back and forth and side to side. They rise and dip with their elbows and wrists bent firm and steady, aiming quick receding thrusts with their rigid pointed fingertips. Moving their elbow joints they hold their forearms steady to deliver a deadly combination of strikes, as if as if to puncture an enemy and rid them of their life force from various pressure points.

  “LUONG! (DRAGON!)” barks General Arachie.

  The warriors suddenly swap formations in a series of acrobatic aerial leaps, filling every available space with thrusting fists and whirling kicks. While the warriors spar in mid flight, the General remains unfazed in his steady stroll as solid feet and clenched knuckle whistle wind by his ears whilst passing within inches of his balding head.

  “HU (MONKEY)!” yells the General.

  Children who climb the strong vines of the 30ft armoury wall love to watch disciplined warriors behaving like monkeys. Although they couldn't stop laughing at the comical sight of soldiers behaving like chimps, they could not help but be in awe of their athletic ability. General Arachie always disregarded their presence, for as far as he was concerned, if they were watching, they were le
arning. He would always let them be, for one day soon they would be the source of amusement when they train in Monkey style of Wushu. “Karma,” smiles the General, in a quiet corner of his mind.

  “HANGLANG (PRAYING MANTIS)!” shouts the General, steadily.

  The warriors remain still, and begin their movements ever so slowly. In a sudden array of acrobatics and attacks based on punches and thrusts, they duck low and jump high. To watch them one might presume they are attacking to the front; a form of trickery that would make an enemy presume their back is exposed.

  The 360-degree fighting is a style of lure that invites an attack, only to be countered with a series of blocks that first trap and surprise an opponent from the front whilst countering a possible attack from the rear. General Arachie is pleased with their display, standing to the front of the Samurai army he bows in commendation of their efforts. The Samurai and Onna-bugeisha return the gesture and are dismissed from their full days training. The Jade Army had mastered the art of Wushu, but the Samurai still had much to learn. The soldiers of the Jade Empire had been training in the many areas of Wushu from an extremely early age, though it mattered not, for General Arachie possessed limitless patience for his students. Besides, the Samurai were still teaching General Arachie the art of Kendo, and the General always thrives at the prospect of a fresh challenge, just as long as the challenge doesn't involve the practice of magic. General Arachie is a quiet man, a loner dedicated to nothing but his family and ensuring his army are of the highest possible standard. When the General isn't tending to his duties or making formal visits to his beloved within his hours of rest, he can often be seen cooling his feet as he strolls along the shallow banks of the Dà Dōnghú (Great East Lake). The lakeside is the one place he can find peace, but it was once a place of fun. For he, his late sister, and his old childhood friend would race straight there after school.