!!!DISCLAIMER!!! I don't own Jade Empire, the plot, or the characters in any way, shape, or form. Sometimes it's fun taking someone else's car for a drive. Please don't sue me, Bioware! They say imitation is the best form of flattery!
This story was written for my best friend; she wanted to play the game, but she's away at college, so I just wrote it out for her because I was bored. Most of the dialogue is the same/similar and I only took a few liberties with the story.
I'm a long-time reader, but this is my first submission! Please be kind! Sorry for the long posts, but my chapters will coincide with the game's "chapters." Have fun!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 1:
"Wherein a Master fortells of doom,
a rival challenges for station,
and the past haunts the present."
Wu the Lotus Blossom relaxed the fists she had balled up.
"I swear, one of these I'll get past your guard," answered Jin Woo, picking himself off the sandy ground and patting down his clothes. Dust rose off his chest. He ran his precise hands through his jet-black hair; Wu wasn't sure if it was a display of frustration or just a simple gesture to remove the dirt.
Wu gave him a genuine smile and responded, "Do not measure your success by how many times you win. As our teachers would say, take loss as an chance to learn."
Jin Woo nodded, returning the smile with a warm one of his own, "Well spoken, senior student. You are starting to sound like Master Li," Jin Woo teased.
Wu the Lotus Blossom looked around their martial arts training school at Two Rivers, on the far side of the Jade Empire. She bowed deeply and respectfully to Jin Woo, her black hair pouring over her shoulder.
Jin Woo also returned the respectful gesture. "Thank you for the opportunity to learn from you." He prepared to leave the sparring ring and took a step towards the gate to exit, but stopped suddenly. He glanced over at their teacher's residence and back at Wu. "I almost forgot," he began, "Master Li wanted to speak to you."
Wu's heart skipped a beat in her chest. Why would her Master ask to see specifically her out of nowhere? "Is something wrong?"
Jin Woo shrugged, brushing down his forearms, "Didn't seem that way. He said you didn't have to rush. He said you could meet him in his quarters when you were ready."
She bowed her head again, "Thank you, Jin Woo. I will go to him."
The pair exited the circular sparring arena, their sandals crunching in the sand and rocks.
Wu the Lotus Blossom wanted to go straight away to see Master Li, her teacher, but since Jin Woo explained that Master Li did not want her to rush, she decided to take a quick stroll around the school and enjoy the early afternoon's excellent sunny weather. They day felt extraordinarily good. The sun's rays felt good on her bronze skin.
Exiting the ring and stretching her arms skyward to relax her muscles, she smelled the air. It was familiar. An outdoors smell of grass, and sand, and sweat from training students. Around her, birds chirped, and the school seemed peaceful. A few students practiced moves alone in the small shaded pagodas around the school. Wu strolled about.
She decided to go and see her friend, Dawn Star. Dawn Star and she were close in age, both in their very early twenties. They had both been in the school the longest. Knowing the Dawn Star had a tendency to spend time in the gardens that she helped to plant as a child, Wu headed in that direction.
Dawn Star, however good of a friend she and Wu were, was not liked by many of the other students. Many students feared her. Dawn Star had a tendency to "see" things. Some of the students at the martial arts school thought she was crazy. They were very close friends regardless.
On the way, a student stopped her, breaking her early afternoon solitary reverie. Student Wen was from the Imperial City, the capital of the Jade Empire, and he was new the school as well. Wu bowed quickly when he approached, always welcoming the opportunity to chat or spar.
"Senior student, how is your day?" he asked.
"Quite well. Enjoying your training here at Two Rivers?"
"I am, but sometimes I don't feel like I belong here… You've been here the longest, what do you think?"
Wu smiled, and decided to ease his mind. She wanted to give him a bit of confidence. "If you're here, then you belong. Don't worry about what Gao says – he's jealous of everyone."
Not wanting to have a conversation about the one student everyone disliked, Gao the Lesser, Wu kept control of the conversation. "Since you're new here, Wen, I'm curious about what you think of Two Rivers?"
Wen stammered and appeared shy from Wu's attention, "Uh… well – it's a small school. Master Li is a good teacher. He is stern and wants the best from us, but I think he's a nice person underneath the hard shell. What do you think of Master Li?"
"I think I'd have to agree with your explanation. And I've studied with him for as long and I can remember." Wu remembered nothing other then being at the school, learning how to fight from her master.
Wen smiled, feeling emboldened by her attention and praise. He bowed, "I'm off to spar with Student Lin – Smiling Mountain is also planning on teaching us some new styles today."
"Goodbye," Wu bowed her head in farewell.
Getting back on track, towards Dawn Star's usual place to spend time, Wu started to think how Dawn Star had been explaining to her she had been having strange things and seeing things lately. She said she had been seeing "spirits" as she called them. Dawn Star explained she was able to see them she was a child, but that recently they have been getting more abundant… and more violent towards the living.
Dawn Star had a strange power that allowed her to see the dead, to put it simply. Many of the students and residents in Two Rivers found her powers slightly discerning, but Wu found a both a good and trustworthy friend in Dawn Star that it didn't affect their friendship.
Wu reached the garden and noted that Dawn Star wasn't there. Children were running around in the garden, playing games and chasing each other. A few of the child students waved brightly at Wu when they saw her approach, and then returned to tackling one another in the tall grasses. Wu shrugged to herself and decided she should just go see Master Li. Dawn Star's absence changed her plans. Wu did not want to keep her teacher waiting for too long.
Wu approached Master Li's hut, and she started to ascend the series of stairs outside the paper door. Upon reaching the top step, she readied herself physically and mentally for her Master's meeting. She wanted to be sure her head was clear and her mind was at peace. If Master Li wanted something of her, or wanted to teach her something, she wanted to be sure she would do her best.The floral patterned paper doors flew opened, and another student began walking out.
Wu stepped aside. Gao the Lesser stepped out of Master Li's quarters. He was called the Lesser because he was named after his father, Gao the Greater. The man was tall, had light skin and black hair tied back. His visage nose was sharp like a beak, and it gave his face an angry, hawkish look.
Not many students in the school liked Gao. His father worked in the Imperial City and was very wealthy. Because of his wealth, Gao was self concerned, conceited, and expected his social status and money to bring him all he wanted without his actually having to work for it.
Naturally, this was not the case for anything in life. He was the most unpopular student in the school thanks to his attitude, and he was bitterly jealous of all the attention and praise Wu received from everyone.
Gao took a step towards her. Their eyes met. Wu kept her head up confidently. She was in a good mood, and did not want to spoil her day with one of Gao's displays of attitude.
"Hmph." He said, crossing his arms over his chest and blocking Wu's entrance into her Master's quarters.
Wu eyed him closely.
"It's about time you've shown up. Master Li will not train me until he talks to you. He said he has to be available for you. That old codger should realize you're not his only student," he explained in a long breath. There was a hint of a whine in his voice.
Wu bowed her head slightly, "Forgive me, Gao. If I had known you waited on me, I would have come sooner," she answered – it was slightly true. She was being a gentle as she could to avoid a scene.
He laughed bitterly, "Oh – you would have dropped everything you were doing for me? How sweet." He paused and straightened out his khaki clothes, pulling on his sleeves. He then shook his head, "Go talk to Master Li already," he explained, passing her and knocking his shoulder purposely into her frame, egging her on. "Go and talk to him so I can finally receive some training from this pathetic school!"
Wu quietly entered her teacher's hut and saw him sitting on the floor, as if in meditation. He seemed to be an old man by now; his hair had grayed about seven years ago. They gray, Wu thought, made him seem wiser. Wu assumed he was at least in his mid fifties. However, it did not matter to her. Master Li was like a father to her.
He heard her entrance and opened his kindly black eyes to look at her.
"Ah, there you are, my student," Master Li said.
Wu bowed slowly, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Master." She went over and sat on the ground cross-legged, facing her teacher.
Master Li was a kindly old man with a stern but gentle demeanor. He had a teacher's wise voice, but it was mixed with both gentleness and authority. Master Li seemed to cut right to the chase. "There is much we much discuss, my student. The time has come for you to fulfill your destiny."
Wu had no idea what he was talking about. Destiny for what? He was probably about to teacher her a new fighting stance, and was making a big deal over it. Still, being theatrical was not her Master's usually method of operation. Wu decided to hear him through. "I am sure you will tell me what I need to know, Master."
"I must admit, there have been many things about you that I have kept secret until now. Today is the day you will know them."
Wu nodded. She had complete faith in her teacher. Being in his care and living at the Two River school training her martial arts was all she could remember. What could he have kept from her that was so terrible? Wu was only a simple girl, a peasant. Although she didn't know her parents, she figured the probably weren't more than farmers like the other people of the Empire. "I am sure it was for a good reason, then."
Master Li seemed to regard his student thoughtfully. He brought his finger up to the scar across his cheek. Fingering the scar thoughtfully, he seemed to carefully prepare his next words. When he opened his mouth to speak, another student opened the paper doors and tumbled clumsily into the room.
"M-Master Li –" the student stammered nervously.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" Master Li asked, tearing his gaze from Wu and glancing at the intruder, the usual sternness of a teacher seeping into his voice.
"Forgive me, Master," explained the student nervously, "But – Kia Min… she was just attacked by some bandits. They have landed a boat on the beach, and they're approaching the school –"
"That is enough," Master Li interjected, waving him off to action. "You have done well. Warn the others to protect themselves," Master Li ordered the student, who bowed and ran off.
Master Li seemed to sigh. "This will have to continue another time, my student. For now – find Dawn Star and look into this situation with these 'bandits.' Dawn Star's abilities have always complimented yours," he explained, using his hands to rise from the ground.
"Yes, Master."
"Once you meet Dawn Star, go into town and see Gujin, the weapons master; he will give you a weapon. Use it and protect the townsfolk. Now, go. I must go tend to my fallen student."
Wu stood up. She turned quickly and started sprinting towards Dawn Star's garden, hoping she would be there this time.
Wu reached the garden and turned the corner. She walked towards the small stone bridge and noted Dawn Star was standing on it. The children from earlier were already indoors. However, Wu noticed then, Dawn Star was not alone.
Gao the Lesser was there as well. Having to confront him two times in the same day was nothing Wu looked forward to.
Wu boldly approached, to alert to them she was in their presence. She did not want to creep quietly and seemed disrespectful. She stepped around Dawn Star's flowers carefully and crossed the bridge.
Gao was smirking strangely and pulling on Dawn Star's magenta silken sleeve. When she saw Wu behind Gao's shoulder, she snatched her wrist from his grasp.
"Honestly, Gao… There's talk of bandits attacking Two Rivers and you waste my time with unsubtle advances?" Dawn Star asked, her voice raised in distress.
Wu came and stood beside the pair. The emotion in Dawn Star's voice worried her. Wu did not like to see Gao strong-arming her, either.
"Hello, Dawn Star." She paused and looked up at Gao, "I certainly hope I am interrupting."
Gao met Wu's gaze, "You," he began while pointing a meaty finger in Wu's face, "step beyond your station, peasant. We were discussing Dawn Star's future."
Dawn Star waved her hand in the air dismissively at the man. "Thank you, Gao – but I'll pick my own poison. Just go, and be sure to stay downwind."
Wu and Gao glared at each other for a few moments more. Neither blinked. Finally, Gao lost his nerve and looked away, his anger rising from his neck into his face.
"You'll all be sorry." He answered simply, and stormed off. Childish.
The young women watched him go. "What was that?" Wu asked when he was far enough to not be able to hear their conversing.
"Nevermind. Let us not speak of it in his absence and increase his influence on us. It is so good to see you, my friend."
"And you as well," Wu answered with a genuine smile and a slight bow of her head, crossing her hands before her face. "Master Li sent me to fetch you."
Dawn Star bowed in return. "Yes – there's bandits landing on the beach from a boat. They're attacking everyone in the town and they're getting closer to the school. They've already injured Student Kia Min!" she explained with her gentle voice.
"What are we waiting for? Master Li said we should go see Gujin and get weapons to defend ourselves."
Dan Star nodded. "Let's go."
They approached the nearby school gate into the town and stepped through.
Dawn Star and Wu the Lotus Blossom stepped through the gate and into the small farming town of Two Rivers.
The town was small, and simple; few people lived there outside of the school. Outside the gate of the school, there was a long stairwell heading up on the immediate left of the door -- this lead to Gujin's. Wu and Dawn Star turned to sprint up the stairs.
"Wait –" Wu started, hearing voices.
Two bandits appear from out of a corner and approached one of the town's farmers who was still foolishly in the square. They wore orange and red armor. They began asking the man questions. Wu could not make out what they were saying, she only saw the movement of their lips, and the man raising him arm to protect himself. One of the bandits suddenly took out a sword and cut down the man.
Enflamed, Wu ran towards the bandits.
"Wu, wait!" Dawn Star called after her, chasing after her friend.
One bandit was kneeling and checking the corpse's pockets. The other stood near him. "Look – some students have arrived to save the day!" he sneered.
Wu put her hands up in a defensive stance and bent her knees. Adrenaline rushed into her blood. This was not like sparring in the arena anymore with the students. This had suddenly become real.
The bandit without the sword stepped in and closed the distance between him and Wu. He threw a sloppy punch. Wu easily caught his hand in mid-punch, blocked it, and pushed upward on his elbow with her other hand, cracking and bending his arm in the wrong direction.
The bandit curse and pulled back his arm. When he put his arm into his stomach to nurse his wound, Wu spun around and roundhouse kicked him in the throat. The first bandit went down. The second bandit had finished looting the corpse and was pulling his sword upwards in a ready position.
"Why did you kill this man?" Wu barked.
The bandit laughed in her face. She squeezed her fists tighter.
Dawn Star came up next to her, putting her fists up, ready to fight as well.
"Don't think I'm not below hitting a woman," he explained, looking back and forth between the two of them.
Wu ignored his comments, which were only meant to serve as a distraction. Master Li taught her one of the most important things in battle: focus. Wu took slow steps around to his left, ever aware of even a slight movement of his weaponed hand.
His hand suddenly snapped in the air over his head as he prepared to bring his sword down onto Wu's person and cut her in two. She noticed the gesture immediately and quickly punched his stomach, pushing him a step backwards.
Dawn Star came from behind her and pushed her palm into the man's chin. His head snapped backwards. His sword slipped from his hand and fell to the stony floor with a steely echo. The thud of his lifeless body hitting the pavement followed.
Wu looked at the townsman who was slain. She knelt down to look closer at him. Behind her she heard voices. She looked behind and saw three of Gao the Lesser's hired men, hired men to protect Two Rivers, laughing and drinking alcohol behind a delapitated house. They did not even try to help the townspeople. What was the meaning of this? Why? It all worried Wu the Lotus Blossom greatly.
Dawn Star interrupted her reverie, perhaps sensing her distress. "Let's go to Gujin's place," her soft voice pleaded. Dawn Star put her arm around Wu's elbow and helped her up, and then she led the way up the stairs.
The pair entered the weapon master's shop. Gujin spun around to face them and began speaking to them in the old, ancient tongue of the Jade Empire, Tho Fan. Gujin was a heavy-set, gentle man in green linen. His face was lined with age and wrinkles. His heavy voice was commanding as he spoke the old tongue.
"Forgive me, weapons master, but we don't have time for Tho Fan," Wu answered flatly. The younger ones had a harder time speaking it quickly, efficiently, and fluently.
Gujin cleared his throat. "As you wish. It just flows from the tongue so much easier. Now, what can I do for you?" he asked, speaking the regular language.
"Master Li sent us for weapons."
"As yes, he mentioned this," Gujin mused, "the time has come. I have a staff and a long sword for you to choose from, Wu. Make your choice."
The weapons were sitting on a table. Wu went to investigate both weapons, to pick them up, swing them around, get a feel for them. While she was doing this quickly, Gujin said, "Dawn Star, you have my permission to keep the sword I allowed you to practice with last week. You really grew into it."
Dawn Star bowed at Gujin, "I appreciate it."
Wu understood Dawn Star's quick attachment to the long sword. She desired it as well over the staff while she investigated the weapons. She touched the hard, leathery hilt. She ran her fingers along the crimson ribbon wrapped around the hilt, hanging loosely from the edge. "I'll take the long sword."
"Ah, a good choice. That one is called 'Fortune's Favorite.' Hopefully it will be the case for you."
Wu wrapped the sword's sheath around her waist and withdrew the weapon into it. Wu bowed at Gujin. "Thank you. I wish we could stay longer to practice with you, but –"
"I know," Gujin interrupted.
"We'll go see to the townsfolk now that we're properly armed." Dawn Star explained.
Gujin bowed deeply at the two young women, and they walked out large open door onto the grass. They sprinted down the stairs and took a turn in the opposite direction of the school gate and headed toward the beach.
Across the beach in the ocean there was a strange pirate ship docking onto the isle of Two Rivers. The bandits and mercenaries were crossing across the ship's plank onto the dry land to attack the town.
Wu and Dawn Star battled a few of the bandits with their weapons.
There was a man in black and red armor sitting on the boat with his arms crossed against his chest, as if surveying the land. Once Wu and Dawn Star incapacitated a few of the bandits, they approached the boat.
The man looked at them and let out a loud, throaty laugh. He had a strange, grayish hue to his skin and a square shaped tattoo in between his eyes at the top of his nose. He wore an evil grin. "You do well with these opponents," he began. "Why not try your skills against these?"
He opened his palms before him, and they began to glow with a purple light. He raised his palms upward and shouted loudly. Lightning stuck around him and into the ground on the beach, tearing holes in the sand. The waves in the ocean grew higher.
The ground began to quake underneath Wu's feet. She steadied herself and saw a series of holes tear open in the sand. From these holes crawled out something Wu had never seen before.
They were ethereal bodies; spirits. They had a human shape, but they were opaque and milky. Wu's heart caught in her throat. They had sharp looking spears in their hands and were talking right up to her and Dawn Star.
Knowing Dawn Star had sensitivity to these spirits, she wondered why she could see them as well. She turned to her friend for some sort of explanation.
"In these spirits I sense extreme malice." Dawn Star whispered.
"Can we fight them?"
"I have never tried before…" Dawn Star said, taking a nervous step backwards as the spirits closed in on them.
Wu pulled her sword from her sheath with a swish and put it between her face and the three spirits approaching her. The ribbon from the end of the sword flew in the wind. She took the sword and cut through the spirit. However, her weapon made no contact; she cut clean through the air, it seemed, and left no mark.
One of the spirits made an echoing noise that resembled laughing.
Maybe my fists? Wu withdrew her sword.
Wu began taking steps around the spirits so she would not get surrounded. "Dawn Star! Lend me your strength."
Dawn Star knew what she meant. She sat on the ground and closed her eyes, and began to channel her strength and her own spirit, her chi, to Wu. Feeling empowered by her companion's meditation, Wu blocked a few punches and then pushed her palm into one of the spirit's chest. It lacked the same force and contact as when hitting skin, Wu noticed, but she channeled her strength into the lunge – it was this power that instead affected the spirit.
After a few mentally chi enhanced throws, the two of the spirit's seemed to break apart and fade into the sky. The final spirit tightened his grip on his long, sharp spear and stabbed the tip towards Wu.
She easily saw the move coming and back-flipped away. The spirit, seemingly enraged from the slowness and clumsiness of his weapon, threw it aside. The spear made no sound when it hit the floor, instead it only disappeared.
Wu took a long step towards the spirit with her legs bent. Wu changed her fighting tactics to a style less defensive and jumped over the spirit, landing behind him. As the spirit turned to face her, since her back was turned to him as well, she spun around, using the momentum from the spin, to kick the man across his torso. Like the other times, she channeled her leg with strength, while Dawn Star sat on her knees with her head bent, as if in prayer.
The final spirit looked injured. His face contorted and he toppled over, disappearing as the rest had.
Wu took in a deep breath and performed a short kata to center herself after that battle. She was still a little shaken. It was such a strange day – how did he summon these spirits? It was like nothing she ever witnessed before. The kata allowed her to keep focus and concentration.
"Very impressive. Unfortunately, another town with no purpose." The man on the boat mused. Wu almost forgot he had still been standing there. The man in the black armor crossed the ship and approached the canon one of the corners of the boat. As he prepared the canon, Dawn Star came and stood beside her friend, shoulder to shoulder.
"I'll just replenish my supplies and move on. You will all have to die, though."
Wu felt it in her bones that this man was highly trained, and she might not be able to defeat him with her fists. Also, she knew she could not defeat the canon, and could only dodge its shots. She resolved in her mind to try, and looked to Dawn Star, who nodded her head affirmatively, as if she was having the same thoughts.
"I guess if you want something done, you should just do it yourself," he responded, looking at the bandit corpses littering the beach.
The black armored man looked over beyond Wu's shoulder. He looked shocked. His eyes were locked on something in the distance, his face contorted in a look of horror. He composed himself quickly; he came off the boat and began to approach them.
Wu was afraid this was a ploy for her to lose her focus. She pushed Dawn Star away and black-flipped away from the attacker. She landed on her feet and looked in the direction of Two Rivers.
Master Li was charging at them full speed, his dark gaze fixed upon the man. The man in black had a face of fear.
There wasn't much he could do, Master Li was running at full speed towards them; he jumped high, landing onto the deck of the boat, driving his fists into the wood. His attack, which didn't seem like much at a distance, ripped a hole in the boat. Master Li left the boat as it tore in twain and slipped into the water. Master Li approached Dawn Star and Wu the Lotus Blossom. "You have done well, my student," he explained, looking at Wu seriously. Wu was amazed – the punch looked magical. "But I cannot risk you against a foe like this yet."
"You!" said the man in black, in surprise. "Hiding in blantant sight! I don't believe it! And in such a humble place." The man mused, stepping around Master Li, "Your strategy – always impeccable!"
"Your search is over, Assassin. No one will hear of your success today," Master Li countered.
Wu had no idea what they were talking about.
Master Li turned on the man and quickly – so fast that it looked like it didn't happen – punched the man in the stomach. He fell down, and Master Li chopped him in the neck. Wu heard the snap and the lifeless body slid to the ground.
Wu and Dawn Star watched and said nothing in astonishment.
"It appears my past is catching up to me. You faced your first spirit opponents far sooner than I expected," Master Li mused, looking off into the distance.
"Thank you for your assistance, Master Li," Wu answered, bowing her head gratefully. She was so relieved he came to help, she was unsure of her skills against a person that trained.
"We will speak of this later at the school. For now, let us see to the town and make sure everything is in place."
Wu nodded, and Master Li left her and Dawn Star behind.
She turned to Dawn Star, who was brushing her black hair from her eyes and fixing her messy braid. "Are you well?' she asked, when she noted that Dawn Star looked a little pale.
She nodded, brushing down her silken magenta clothing. "I'll be all right. The spirits upset me, that's all."
Wu frowned, "I don't like to see you so upset."
Dawn Star began walking away from the coast towards Two Rivers. Wu was a few paces behind, but she increased the speed of her steps to catch up to Dawn Star.
"The spirits are more malicious then ever before. Those spirits you fought are like nothing I've ever felt before."
Wu did not understand, having never seen spirits before at all. "What do you mean?"
Dawn Star looked afraid. Wu thought maybe this wasn't the best time to discuss this. It apparently bothered Dawn Star very much. "The spirits he summoned came against their will, so they were like… wild animals. However, these spirits seem lost – as if their way to rest is blocked."
"Blocked? Dawn Star, how long have you felt this way?" They continued to walk towards the school, Wu attempting to bring the conversation away from lucidity.
She shrugged simply. "I don't really know. It was always like this – but then again, lately it seems to be getting worse."
The women turned a corner and bumped into Fen Do, the merchant of Two Rivers. Wu welcomed the distraction. It wasn't that she didn't want to discuss what she witnessed, but it all seemed to bring a great deal of emotions to the surface for Dawn Star.
"Good day, ladies."
The women bowed, "Good afternoon, Merchant Fen Do," Dawn Star replied, composed and not showing any of her previous emotions.
Fen Do was scratching his lip at his long moustache. "I heard that Kia Min was injured pretty badly."
"Is that so?" Dawn Star answered.
"Yes, I saw a few students carrying her back into the school. I bring it up only because I think I have something that could help her. An herb."
Although Wu though this one of the Merchant's tactics to sell his wares, she decided to hear him out. The sound of his voice was serious enough.
"What did you have in mind?" Wu asked him.
"A medicinal poultice of red silk grass."
Wu considered the man. She remembered in her training that the herb was indeed good for healing wounds and helping people recover faster. "How much would this cost me?"
"Two hundred silver."
Wu was a bit short, but she wanted to help her friend, "Merchant Fen Do – I buy this for an injured student. Surely you could negotiate something a bit cheaper for me, for charity?" Wu asked girlishly, batting her eyelashes once at the merchant.
Fen Do considered momentarily.
Wu, to force his decision, went into her change purse and offered one hundred fifty silver, "Surely this isn't an unfair price," she explained, holding out the money in her palm.
The gleam of the coins enticed Fen Do. "Deal!" he answered quickly, snapping the money from her palm as if she was going to change her mind. Fen Do handed over a small ceramic urn with a lid. "Just tell her to heat that up and spread the poultice on her wound."
Wu and Dawn Star bowed and turned to leave.
"That was amazing, Wu. I didn't think anyone could talk Fen Do down in price," she said while they crossed the courtyard back to the school.
Wu blushed and shrugged, she stammered at Dawn Star's unexpected compliment.
"It's your irresistable charms," Dawn Star teased.
The girl laughed heartily and continued towards the school. At least Dawn Star was feeling better.
Wu and Dawn Star had separated and spent considerable time checking on the affairs of the younger students. The poultice purchased for Kia Min was working, and she said that even after a few hours, she was feeling well enough for a fight.
Smiling Mountain, the teacher who set up the spars between students, however, beseeched Kia Min to rest a bit more so she did not hurt herself permanently. Kia Min had set the record recently for having defeated the most amount of students – at once – without being beaten. Kia Min encouraged Wu to challenge her record, but Wu decided to let another student have some glory.
Wu crossed back into the main courtyard of the school, by the sparring ring. She was planning to see if Master Li was available to finish his conversation from earlier in the day. She did not know any substantial amount of information, however she figured it was very important – he made it seem so. Master Li did say he had kept a secret about her. Master Li seemed to pick his words very carefully and cautiously.
Many students, while she passed by, all thanked her and congratulated her for helping them take tare of the bandits who attacked Two Rivers. Wu didn't want all the praise, and modestly turned them away, saying she was doing what any person would have done.
Wu mused to herself. She didn't know what to expect from Master Li, the more she considered it. However, she trusted her master and knew he would reveal things to her in time.
Coming to the ring, she noticed Master Li standing outside of it next to Gao the Lesser.
Oh, great… Wu thoughtWu approached them and bowed, apologizing for her intrusion by bowing for an extra moment.
"Her again? Your prized pupil," Gao spat.
Master Li stood between the two.
Wu fought the urge to roll her eyes. Master Li smiled slightly at her as if he knew. "You did well, my student. However, your training must be accelerated. Today's happenings are related to your destiny as well. I feel it is time to test you in the Spirit Cave."
Gao's face reddened, "What!" he shouted indignantly. "She's not the only one who fought the bandits. I did my part. Whatever she faces in the cave, I am worthy of facing it as well."
"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Master Li demanded of Gao. It was disrespectful for another student to listen to the private conversations of others, and especially interrupt them.
"I am sick of suffering because of her preferential treatment."
Wu was beginning to take it personal. "Honestly, Gao. If you were so concerned about the bandits, you should have had your men help. I saw them laughing and acting like drunken fools behind Fen Do's house while a man was cut down outside the school."
Master Li did not reply. He placed his hands behind his back, but remained to bridge the gap between his two students. He looked between Gao and Wu.
Normally Wu would not outright challenge Gao like this. However, after his attack on her herself and Dawn Star earlier this morning, Wu was tired of his self-righteous, conceited attitude.
A few of the student in the courtyard heard the altercation. Their voices hushed.
Gao turned to Master Li, "You shouldn't only shower your praise on her for taking out a few bandits on the beach, and sending her to some Spirit Cave to prove herself. I took out my fair share as well."
Wu shook her head, realizing that Gao had missed her point. "No one is denying your skill, Gao." She answered, keeping the anger from her voice. She kept her voice cool and understanding. She did not feel like arguing with this waste of time in front of the school, and especially in front of her teacher. She felt she needed to set an example as a senior student.
"You're right – I am skilled," Gao answered. "Far more than you. Skilled enough that I'm certain I could beat you in the ring. I challenge you," he sneered, pointing at the ring that was nearby. He had been waiting for this moment.
Wu grimaced and looked to her teacher. She was afraid this was coming. Master Li offered nothing in his gaze. "Gao," she said in exasperation, "I don't want to fight you."
"Why not? Afraid my skill betters yours?"
Wu did not want to fight and embarrass him. Gao had little martial prowess because he had no focus and never practiced. He expected his money and status to do it for him. "Gao." She spit out, considering her next words slowly. "Smiling Mountain was right. You have the temper of a small child," she finished, hoping the insult might make think of the crowd they were gathering, and he might stand down. A few in the crowd stifled laughter.
Instead, his angst heated. "Fight me."
Master Li still didn't speak.
Wu shrugged in abandon. "If that is what you wish."
Master Li turned on Gao and finally spoke, "I will permit this. However – you are only allowed to use the styles I have taught in this school. Your father's black magic is not permitted here."
Gao's face became angry and animated, "Stunted before I even begin." The younger man answered, shaking his head as he entered the ring.
Master Li turned to Wu. "This can begin when you are ready."
Wu looked and noticed the crowd converging. "Is this necessary?" Wu asked him quietly.
Master Li appeared to be smiling slightly, perhaps to encourage her to enter the ring. "You two have a conflict. Let it be settled in the ring once and for all."
Wu accepted her master's explanation. She figured she should get it on and get it over with. "Let us begin, I'm ready."
She approached the gates and entered the ring. She sank into one of the hemispheres while Gao occupied the other. She performed a quick kata for focus while Gao looked and the crowd that had gathered. He seemed pleased with the attention, and cracked a few of his knuckles.
Master Li looked between them once more. "Begin," he said simply.
Gao rushed forward when he heard the word and threw a series of sloppy punches, and Wu easily sidestepped him. She was tempted, since she was on his side, to give him a hard downward chop into his kidney, but she figured she'd let him wear himself out.
Wu raised her fist and bent into a fighting stance. Gao, surprised at the ease with which she sidestepped him, removed his short dirk from his waist. Wu continued to dance around him. She saw the steely gleam of the weapon and looked to Master Li.
His face was set like stone watching them.
To answer Gao, she released her own weapon with her right hand; the short sword Fortune's Favorite from Gujin shot from her hip into her hand, and decided to play defensively for a bit. She put her left hand out before her, palm downward, ready to block.
He stabbed the pointed weapon at her head. She arched back pulling her head away from him, and then ducked the second swing, using her low position to sweep her leg behind his knees, sending him spilling onto the floor. Wu took a few steps back, giving him the chance to get back up.
Wu stayed focus and hopped up and down lightly on her toes, ready to evade Gao's next attack. She wasn't sure what he was planning to do, but she felt a twinge of fear – not because she doubted her skill – but because she knew the man wouldn't like losing and would just overreact about it.
Gao's eyes looked fierce and bloodshot. He did not want to lose and be humiliated in front of the school. It was too bad he didn't practice more, because Wu knew she could easily dodge him – he was too slow and too aggressive. Gao had the fighter's spirit in him – it, however, was not created with the right intentions.
Wu decided it was time to end this. She changed styles.
She brought the hilt of the sword over her head. Her left palm faced Gao. Wu moved quickly into the aggressive stance, but Gao didn't seem to care either way, and he failed to change his tactics to counter her's.
Gao lunged once more, and Wu dodged to his side. However, he was prepared for a repeat of the moved, and stepped into her. Her feet hand no place to go, and she toppled from the force of Gao pushing into her. She spilled onto the sandy floor.
Unlike her, Gao didn't have enough dignity to keep himself from attacking her while she was down. He made to kick her temple, and she rolled away.
She picked herself up off the ground, shaking the sand from her hair. She tightened her grip on her long sword. Wu wasn't frazzled much from hitting the floor. She stepped circles around Gao, reestablishing her focus, getting back in tune with the battle. Gao's mouth was a small smile.
He wants to gloat for knocking me down? He hasn't won yet.
Wu put the distracting thoughts from her mind. She flicked her wrist and spun the sword around in an arc at her side, reminding him silently it was still there; she then raised the weapon behind her head again aggressively.
Gao lunged again, in the same way. Wu grabbed his arm at the wrist tightly and twisted his arm around. He froze for second from the pain. The second was all she needed. She took the hilt of her sword and knocked it down on the crown of his head. Gao fell heavily at her feet.
The crowd of students seemed to all intake a breath at the same moment. Wu waited for a few moments, but Gao didn't stir right away.
Wu stepped away, back into her half of the ring, and put away her sword. Gao began to groan, putting his hand to his sore head.
"That is quite enough," Master Li explained, stepping into the ring, waving Wu to stand off. "The challenge is done and the winner is clear." The crowd began to clap and cheer slightly. Wu bowed before Master Li. Everyone quieted down when Master Li stepped next to Gao.
Gao was helping himself up, refusing Master Li's help. He patted down his clothes and small clouds of dust and sand snowed off his body. Wu stepped towards Master Li and Gao, and bowed deeply and respectfully at Gao.
He did not bow back.
"Bow down, Gao, and accept your defeat. Do not disgrace yourself further," Master Li warned.
Gao looked angrier that Wu ever recalled in the few years she knew him.
Wu and Gao's gaze met for a few moments. Wu allowed no malice to show in her eyes. Gao grunted and walked away from her and didn't bow. Wu was happy to see him go. However, the move was incredibly disrespectful.
Wu looked at Master Li, who was a few paces from them. Master Li was watching Gao leave.
"This is not finished!" Gao spun around, a stream of dark smoke engulfing him. A ball of fire in between his two hands burned brightly. "I am not beaten by this peasant!" He opened his palm at Wu, launching the ball of fire straight at her.
Wu was about to jump away when Master Li came between them. He put out his forearms. The fireball hit his arms and did not damage his skin. Master Li seemed to …absorb it. The fire dispersed on his skin and disappeared, leaving only a trail of black dust from Gao to Master Li. Master Li brushed his palms together, letting the ash fall onto the ground.
This was at least the second magical display she witnessed from Master Li today. Wu was shocked with the other students.
"I've had it, Gao!" Master Li declared, "I've been making concessions for your attitude for too long. I thought that I might be able to turn you from your father's sorcery, but you are too much the son of Gao the Greater." Master Li started. "You are no longer welcome in this school, and your father shall find no business here."
The students looked between Gao and Master Li. Gao was both motionless and emotionless.
"Go to my quarters. I will be there shortly to discuss your expulsion."
Wu watched Gao. He avoided her eyes. Gao limped out of the ring, and off to Master Li's hut. Master Li watched him go, making sure he was following the order. When he was far enough away, Master Li smiled at Wu.
"You have done well again, my student. You remember well what I have taught." Master Li noted the other students were still crowded around the ring. "For now, accept the congratulations from your fellow students. I will await you in my chambers to finish our discussion of the Spirit Cave. Be certain you are ready for this, your life is about to change greatly."
Wu bowed her head. "Yes, Master."
Master Li turned and walked towards his hut to deal with Gao. When he was inside his hut and the paper doors withdrawn, the crowd clapped for Wu once again.
"That was very exciting!" Dawn Star beamed, "I'm happy you're unhurt."
"Where did you learn those moves?" one student asked.
"Teach me to fight like that!" another student countered.
Wu didn't like all the attention. "Thank you everyone. I promise Master Li will teach you these things – that's where I learned them myself!" She felt suddenly guilty for Gao. She felt slightly responsible for getting him in trouble.
"Gao is unbelievable. He did it to himself. I knew eventually Gao would crack like that." Dawn Star breathed, looking toward Master Li's hut. Wu knew that Dawn Star especially disliked Gao, for obvious reasons. Wu reminded herself of the conversation she interrupted earlier in the day.
Wu walked out of the ring. She decided she needed to go talk to Master Li. It was better soon than later, and the interruptions were becoming bothersome. She was getting curious of what types of things, what types of secrets, he was keeping from her.
She excused herself from the crowd with a quick bow and went towards Master Li's hut.
She heard her master's voice through the doorway. The paper doors were not closed all the way, however. Usually when the doors were closed that mean that Master Li did not want to be disturbed. When she reached the doors, she thought of staying outside until Master Li finished his conversation with Gao the Lesser. However, Master Li noticed her.
"Come inside, my student. We still have much to discuss. I trust you have finished any business in the school? I would suggest it, as our next conversation will change many things."
"Forgive me if I interrupted anything." Wu answered, bowing her head. "I have finished my business," she finished, still looking at the floor.
Master Li turned to his male student, "Wait outside Gao," the teacher spit angrily at the younger man. "I will deal with you later."
Gao rose and went to the door, not looking at either Wu or Master Li.
Master Li closed the door behind Gao and turned to Wu the Lotus Blossom. They stood near the door. Master Li did not go to sit, and she remained standing in respect to her master.
"My student, there are things that must be told. I was hoping to wait longer to tell you, but the bandit attack earlier today is forcing me to accelerate my plans. Many, many things… about you and myself."
Wu didn't understand the connection or the importance. "Master, forgive me. I don't understand."
Master Li took a deep breath. He began simply, at the beginning. "You are an orphan. You were not abandoned. You were rescued from a place called the Temple of Dirge. You were orphaned by violent action." He paused and considered his next words.
"I must take responsibility for it."
Wu felt her stomach knotting. This seemed like a lot to take it at once. And he said it so simply. However, there was more to be said.
"To learn more of yourself, you must learn more of me. I was once the leader of the Imperial Army. I was known then as Sun Li the Glorious Strategist. I am the brother of the Emperor of the Jade Empire, Sun Hai."
Wu felt like the revelation knocked the breath out of her lungs. "Master! You've never said anything about this before!"
He simply watched her, offering nothing more. She was certain he wasn't lying. Why would he lie about something like this? According to the history, the current ruler of the Jade Empire, Emperor Sun Hai, had two younger brothers; both the history told that they were both dead.
"It is true. I would tell you more, but we have an unwelcomed visitor."
Wu looked around the room and so no one there. However, she heard someone shuffling around outside, and running away before Master Li could open the door. Gao! Wu figured.
Master Li heard Gao run off and sighed. "That boy could never keep his ears to himself. …So predictable. I have let him hear as much as I wanted – perhaps this will give him some perspective. He should learn to respect even humble people – like you or me – because you never know what lies beneath."
"Master… I am still in shock that you're the Emperor's brother. Why hide it like this?" Wu asked motioning around the room, referring silently to the life as a teacher.
Master Li looked at the ground, momentarily. "I hid it well, along with my shame. My brother seized your homeland during the Long Drought. I later withdrew and attempted to rally your people against the siege that I helped to plan – by then it was already a doomed effort. However… many died on both sides, including our youngest brother, Prince Sun Kin.
"I'm sure you have questions. However, listen first. I will tell you how you came into my care. It was about twenty years ago. We were at the Temple of Dirge, the temple of your people.
"Sun Kin and Sun Hai were slaughtering your people. Sun Hai entered the temple unopposed. There was a baby in the temple, you. Shamed by planning this attack on the temple at Dirge, I took you into my care, recovered your Dragon Amulet my brother was planning on stealing from the temple, and fled.
"Your people were guardians and great warriors, but at the time, it was not understood of what they guarded. This is all tied to you, to your destiny."
Wu took it in. Amulets? Dirge? These were all things she had never heard before. The idea that Master Li saved she when she was only an infant? Now she understood why Master Li took so much interest in her training.
"You are meant for important things, but because of my actions, I robbed you of those things. The attack today by those spirits, as well as the assassins on the beach – you are tied to these things as much as I am. Our dead no longer drift into the underworld. They wander, get lost, and therefore go mad. This began when your people were destroyed. And now, Death's Hand can come to power."
Wu was reminded of something Dawn Star explained to her this afternoon about the spirits that was very similar. So, Wu figured, "her people" were responsible for ushering dead people to the afterlife. And now that there were no more, there was no one to lead dead spirits on the right path. That seemed like a hard thing for a person to do.
"I have tried to keep you isolated from these things. I was worried that this information would be dangerous to you if it was revealed too quickly. Although that Assassin found us by accident, the next one may no be so… unfocused."
Wu nodded her understanding, encouraging her master to continue. This was all amazing! And she thought she was just the student of a humble teacher, and that she was destined to join the Imperial Army, or become a mother and farmer, like all young adults do.
Master Li started across the room, and Wu followed him. He walked up to one of the panels of his wall, and pushed it aside. It revealed a deep, dank cave beyond.
"The Spirit Cave will make things as clear as they can be. Only you are meant to understand what is within. You can witness the corruption of the Spirit Realm for yourself."
"Is it safe?" Wu asked, feeling her anxiety rise.
Master Li did not answer her.
Not wanting to disobey her master, she walked into the tunnel.
Wu took a few steps into the cave and heard Master Li close the wall panel behind her. The cave smelled like earth and mold. She took a few steps forward and noticed the wall came closer together, like a tunnel. Having no other direction to follow, she went straight. The tunnel opened up into a large room. In this room, there was a bit of light shining in from the holes in the ceiling. The light rays shone brightly on a pillar in the middle of the room.
This pillar, Wu saw, had a small metallic object on it, which reflected the sun into her eyes. She approached the pillar, and noticed a decorative piece of jewelry, perhaps, sitting before her. There was an inscription below the item as well:
"The Dragon Amulet was with you in Dirge. I understand what it does, but you are the one meant to be trained in its use. I am sorry my actions denied you this. This amulet allows you to use the power of essence gems, which you can imbed inside the amulet. Your people were adept at using essence gems. I kept this from you because its power can be a beacon. The force behind the restless dead will take an interest in you."
Wu took the amulet, after reading the inscription. This was the amulet that Master Li had mentioned earlier. She put the amulet around her neck, and decided to move on. However, she didn't feel any different. The jewelry piece appeared like a chuck on it was missing. She wondered if now she could leave the cave. Knowing Master Li locked the entrance in which she came in, she figured she'd have to follow the tunnel to another exit.
Thus, she followed another tunnel. Stepping around a puddle in her sandals, she passed through the tunnel, which also eventually opened up into a large room. This room, however, appeared as though it was used before. There was a place for meditation.
Wu knelt before the small meditation statue in both respect and prayer. She could feel the strong spirits in this place. She bowed her head before the statue. As she bowed her head, she decided to contemplate on those things she had learned from the temple and from her Master. Suddenly, Wu felt faint.
She had a vision:
There was a ethereal being hovering before her. It had a white, gentle, and perhaps, beautiful face. The spirit looked female. The spirit had blue, flowing hair that resembled running water. The spirit looked to Wu, and beckoned her closer.
Her voice was loud, echoing in the chambers and in Wu's mind.
"You are the one who can hear, the one who can act. Search… but look also for yourself. You are a Spirit Monk, and you are the last."
Wu didn't know what to say. This spirit, who was able to speak to her, bewildered her.
"I lack the power to stay for long; mortals play with powers they do not understand. However, I have enough time to bestow upon you some knowledge and a pathway. You must fulfill your right, your destiny."
Wu did not know what to say. "My destiny?" she asked.
"Pity the world if you fail, Spirit Monk – for you are the last."
The vision faded.
Wu came back into her own consciousness.
She was still kneeling before the statue with her hands sitting on her thighs. She stood up and stood the disorientation from her head. Was that real? Or a dream? It all happened so fast, Wu felt woozy.
The cave began to shake. She figured that this was confirmation that what she saw was true. A few stones from the ceiling rumbled and fell to the floor soundlessly resulting from the quake. Light gathered and formed a circle before her. A portal opened up before Wu's eyes.
Remembering the "pathway" the gentle spirit spoke of, she stepped through.
Everything was hazy and bright, unfocused.
"What are you doing here?" It was Master Li's voice. She realized she had only been gone a few hours at most.
Wu realized that the pathway led right back into her Master's chambers. The room looked the same. She, however, was not. She had the amulet, and the knowledge, and knew it was time for her to fulfill her destiny as a "Spirit Monk."
"You were supposed to be meditating on what you have learned and the amulet for at least another day."
"I... I had a vision. The experience was very sudden."
"A vision? It must have been a reaction to the knowledge and the amulet. What did you learn?"
"That I am a Spirit Monk. I'm the last one. What does this mean, Master?"
Master Li regarded his student thoughtfully for a moment. "Be careful, Wu. You cannot believe everything spirits say. They can sometimes be… unpredictable. The spirit is partially right.
"There is more to the story. Twenty years ago, the Jade Empire was facing a terrible drought, the period of the Long Drought which I mentioned before. The people of the Empire went to Dirge, to see your people, who revered a god called the Water Dragon. They believed that the Water Dragon was behind the drought. However, the Water Dragon governed elements other than just simple moisture. The Spirit Monks claimed this Water Dragon told them the drought was the natural order of things.
"The Spirit Monks thus denied further access into their Temple at Dirge. The Emperor was enraged, and asked me to plan a display of power that would force cooperation from the Spirit Monks. However… once the armies marched into Dirge, I began to realize the mistake I had committed."
Master Li paused.
Wu began to ponder what her Master said. It was indeed an amazing story.
Jin Woo pushed apart the paper doors and entered Master Li's chambers. "Master, there is still no sign of Dawn Star."
"I see," Master Li responded, nodding. "Thank you, Jin Woo. You may go."
"Master? Is Dawn Star missing? Where would she go?"
"Your early exit from the cave could not have come at a better time. I would not fear for Dawn Star's safety. She is a strong woman. However, this does not mean you shouldn't go and search for her. Perhaps it would be good to take your newfound powers and aid your fellow students?"
Wu bowed, and went to leave. It made sense. She wanted to go, to get her thoughts straight. She wanted to talk to Dawn Star about her vision and compared their experiences.
"I doubt she is in the school. The villagers would have noticed if she left. If all else fails, check the marshlands outside of Two Rivers," Master Li recommended.
"Yes, Master. I shall return when I find her." Wu exited with a bow.
Wu's search in both the school and the town were basically fruitless. No Dawn Star.
However, many villagers and students were able to pass to Wu intelligence that they had seen Gao walking out of the school with a large, brown sack hanging over his shoulder. Many people, when asked, explained the sack looked large enough to carry a person, but they laughed and told her they doubted Gao had anything like that in it.
Wu, however, figured otherwise.
She left Two River by way of the North Gate and came to the marshy swamp outside Two Rivers that Master Li had mentioned to her at the school. She walked through the soggy landscape, looking for some indication that Gao or Dawn Star had passed through.
Finding none, she was beginning to lose hope.
Wading through the water and stepping over tall grasses, she continued ahead until she heard voices. She walked up to a clearing and noticed a bunch of bandit surrounding a lone warrior. There was a campfire in the middle of the clearing. Someone had been camping here.
The man had a long staff which he used to attack the group of bandits and keep them at bay. He was surrounded by at least six.
He twirled around his staff, which was topped with a sharp tip, and stabbed and lunged at a few of the bandits. Wu wanted to help him, but apparently he proved to be completely adept at taking care of himself.
When the bandits that were harassing him were dealt with, all writhing on the ground in pain, misery, or death, the mysterious man looked up and met her gaze. Wu took out her own weapon, prepared for his ire against her.
"Hold your attack, young student. My feud is not with you."
Wu didn't say anything. She eyed the corpses on the ground.
"This… was simply a misunderstanding," he offered when he realized that he probably sounded a bit hypocritical.
Student? "How did you know I was a student?" Wu asked, after she realized she did not bring the subject up herself.
He nodded. It was a valid question. "I live among this area. I have seen you training before in your village. You are quite skilled."
"Thank you." Wu replied softly.
"I am called Zu. Sagacious Zu, if you prefer a title," he explained in a raspy voice, bowing his head with his hands crossed before him. Wu assumed he was easily twice her age if not more, but he fought as if age had no bearing on him.
"I am Wu the Lotus Blossom. I am here because I am looking for one of my friends who has been kidnapped by another student."
"I see. I can't imagine what type of business would bring one to these swamps otherwise. It is noble of you to help your friends – selfless as well. I tend to usually think a bit more… efficiently."
The man had a strong voice, and apparently a strong upper body as well. His cloth wrapped only covered one arm and shoulder, exposing at least half of his well-chiseled torso. He had short, shaven hair, and a strange mysteriousness in his eyes. He acted as though he had something to hide, and wasn't ashamed to show he carried a burden.
"Can you help me through the swamps to find my friend?"
"Oh, I think not," Zu answered. "I not a man who goes looking for trouble, and I've already gotten myself into more than I expected already."
Wu was crestfallen. She felt so lost and concerned for Dawn Star, and the only person who might be able to help her flatly refused.
Master Li had enough confidence in Wu to send her out here by herself. She probably didn't need this Sagacious Zu character anyway.
"Fine. I'll be on my way and I'll find Dawn Star myself."
She stepped past him quietly, not looking back or bowing because she felt he had already disrespected her, walking over to a pathway of dry ground. It led around a bend, and it was the only path that didn't lead back to the school. Wu went to be on her way to find her friend.
"Wait… Dawn Star, you say?"
Wu whirled around and faced Zu, who had followed her a few paces across the clearing. "Yes. You know her?"
"I know of her," Zu corrected. "Look – all I know is that your friend probably doesn't deserve what happened to her. I'll help you find her and guide you through this swamp. And then we can part ways."
Wu bowed, greatly welcoming his aid and his company, "Thank you."
"I suppose we should follow this path ahead. I heard a few of the bandits back at a camp talking about how a man, perhaps your student kidnapper friend, was taking residence in the demon cave up ahead."
Demon Cave… Wu didn't like the way that sounded. Normally she would have assumed it a name to frighten away children, but after seeing spirits and fighting them first hand, she imagined there probably was real demons in the cave. The though chilled her. She wasn't sure if she could handle more spiritual encounters with strange beings.
The pair crossed the swamp and came to the mouth of the cave.
Inside they heard voices. And fighting.
They entered the cave and a wave of fear washed over Wu. This place, though it may have looked similar to the Spirit Cave, had different spirits in it. Demons, she assumed. Wu led the way while Zu followed closely behind, his staff at the ready.
Eyeing a set of bones in the corner Wu continued ahead and followed the noise. She recognized Gao's voice.
They entered a tunnel and saw Gao up ahead, battling an overgrown frog.
"Toad Demons." Zu explained.
Gao summoned the same fire spell he casted on Wu earlier and unleashed it at the toad. The toad caught fire and made a strange, squealing noise. Immolated, the toad fell over to burn, gurgling as its skin blackened, burned away, and died.
Turning to Dawn Star, he looked upon her for some sign of approval.
Wu saw her step towards Gao and shake her head angrily Gao, "If you think that I'm impressed at this, you're sorely mistaken." Her voice was loud and stern.
Finding the opportunity ripe for interruption, Wu entered their field of vision while Zu sat back and remained in the shadows, standing guard, looking around for other monsters or demons.
"No!" Gao shouted, his voice an echo in the cave. "Anyone but you!" Gao whined. "What do you want?"
Wu stepped beside Dawn Star, quickly looking her over and thanking the heavens that she didn't come to any physical harm. "I'm here because you took someone important to me, Gao."
"See, Gao?" Dawn Star asked, "this is loyalty. Something you'll apparently never understand," Dawn Star explained, pointing at Wu.
Gao shook his head in frustration, "Dawn Star… I tried to protect you," he began. He turned away from her and looked at Wu. "I am tired of being forever compared to her. This ends now! Let us finish was we began at the school. This time you won't have your pathetic master to hide behind!" Gao's eyes were on fire.
Wu took in a breath and steadied herself. She knew that it was going to come to this. Once she knew Gao took Dawn Star, Wu knew that she'd have to fight him. And one of them was not going to walk away this time.
"Fine, Gao. Let us finish this. Just you and me."
Wu stood across from him, removing her long sword from her hip and raising it aggressively above her head. She bent her knees, focused on her opponent, and prepared for the battle.
Expecting more bolts of fire, she kept herself prepared to dodge. Gao readied himself as well, sinking into a fighting style she had never seen before.
Unsure of how to combat his style, Wu danced around his swings to let him tire for a bit. He never went for the dirk at his side, so Wu was getting more and more certain a bolt of fire was on the way.
Gao stepped into her, grabbing her by the shoulders. She dropped her sword. They grappled.
His grip was strong. He was trying to knock her to the ground. So typical of him – he liked to fight when his opponent was in a weaker state. Wu stepped into him and chopped into his stomach, a move similar to the one Master Li used against the man in the black armor; Gao took a small stumble backwards.
Using his disorientation, she threw his arms off her shoulders and executed a well-timed back flip, kicking him under the chin in the process, sending him sprawling onto his back. She landed gracefully on her feet and bent to retrieve her sword.
Gao was back on his feet. The smoke and fire began to circle him, as if it was coming out of the ground.
Here it comes… Wu warned herself.
The small ball of fire collected at his fingertips. He launched it at Wu.
She waited a split second and somersaulted towards him, jumping right over the fire and landing before him. With her sword, she stabbed him in between him rib cage.
Gao froze. And then trembled.
He leaned forward heavily, into her and the sword. His face was close to Wu's.
"It doesn't matter anymore," he explained weakly, his face contorted in pain. A thin bead of blood leaked from the corner of his mouth. "It is already… too late."
Wu didn't understand his cryptic words. She pushed his shoulder back, pulling her sword from his body. It was stained with crimson blood. She never killed anyone like this before. And she wasn't expecting it to be Gao. Wu watched Gao tip backwards onto the ground, his blood pooling under him. She stared at her sword in guilt.
"Wu! You're okay!" Dawn Star said, running over to her, "What did Gao just say to you?"
He was apparently speaking too low for her to hear. "He said something about it 'was already too late.' What does that mean?"
Dawn Star was staring at Gao also silently, in bewilderment. "I have no idea." Sagacious Zu came between them.
"We should be going. I hear more Toad Demons in the distance."
The shrill shouts of the demons echoed in the tunnels.
They emerged from the tunnel.
"Dawn Star, are you all right?" Wu asked, stopping in the entrance. She decided to make sure Dawn Star was well before they went back to Two Rivers. Dawn Star's well-being was the one thing that mattered to her the most at the moment.
Before Dawn Star had a chanced to answer, a flurry of flyers flew quickly past them overhead. The trio looked up into the sky, watching the trail of black smoke billow in the clouds. "Flyers? Where are they coming from?" Wu wondered, and said so aloud.
"You should be more concerned with where they are going." Zu corrected.
Wu followed their southern path with their eyes.
"No…" Dawn Star said. "Oh no…"
"They're flying in the direction of Two Rivers," Zu noticed.
"Gao kidnapped me so I wouldn't get caught in the attack… that's what he meant when he said it was too late!" Panic rose in Dawn Star's voice as she jumped to conclusions.
"We have to go back," Wu added, prepared to break into a run, fearing Dawn Star's prediction was right.
"I saw a Gao's flyer at one of the camps in the swamp. Let's take it and use it to head back," suggested Sagacious Zu.
The trio sprinted through the grass, soggy terrain, and puddles in the swamp. Wu swatted the gnats from her eyes and felt the water seeping into her sandals. Was Gao really responsible for this?
The group came upon the flyer. The first thing Wu noticed was how the flyer resembled insects. It was in decent condition. The wings were red, but some of the silk had burned holes. The metallic hull of the flyer seemed mostly intact. Then again, Wu was no expert. "Can we use this? Does anyone know how to fly it?" Wu asked.
"I'm not too sure if I can handle it well, or land it," Zu explained.
"I just need to know if it is safe enough to control to get back to Two Rivers."
"These aren't very sophisticated flyers compared to the ones that passed overhead. Ours would be a slow, large moving target to them. I know little of the their magic, except the control is similar to an ox yoke." She found it quite irritating that Zu would be so difficult at a time like this, her temper flared.
"So basically it's like an ox swimming? That really helps to answer my question. Can it be flown or not?"
"Let's just stop arguing and go already. I am not sure if I can handle the fact Gao might have done something to Two Rivers," Dawn Star said, her voice trembling slightly. Wu realized at this moment that Two Rivers was the only home for them both.
"We don't know anything's happened yet. Let's get going. I know I'm going to regret this – I'm already involved in this more than I intended." Zu replied.
"Zu, you appear to have a good heart. And a sadness in your eyes that is …familiar to me." Dawn Star explained.
Zu ignored the comment, seemingly bristled. "Let's go."
They landed the flyer. The town of Two Rivers was engulfed in violet-orange, tall flames.
Dawn Star leapt from the flyer, "No!" she shouted, coughing from the dust and smoke.
"I had a feeling this had happened. I'm sorry you had to see this," Zu consoled.
Wu had a feeling something was wrong when she saw the smoke in the horizon as they flew southward towards the town. She hoped against everything that her eyes deceived her.
"I need to go to the school and see if there's survivors."
Wu sprinted towards the school, leaping over fiery remains of both villagers and their homes. She passed Gujin's and saw no one was there. She flew down the steps in the main square and spilled into the school gates by Dawn Star's garden. Wu heard Zu and Dawn Star rushing behind her, trying to keep up.
There was no one in the garden, Wu noticed after a quick survey of the area. The trees and huts were on fire, and embers sparked all around.
Wu jogged across the stone bridge and moved towards the courtyard of the school. She pushed open the gate with all her might, pushing away burnt wooden rubble that was blocking the door. She was too focus on what she was doing to panic. Wu stumbled through the door and came in the courtyard to the arena where she had fought Gao.
"Wu!"
She turned in the direction from where she heard her voice shout her name.
Kia Min had her staff between her and some bandits. "There's more survivors in the school! Hurry!"
Thank the Heavens I gave her the poultice… Wu thought to herself. Kia Min would be healed well enough to defend herself, and fight off their attackers. These bandits were different than the ones from earlier today, at the beach. They wore black robes, with their robes tied closed with red sashes.
With that quick thought, the bandits jumped Kia Min and ran her through with a sword. Kia Min fell to the stone ground bleeding.
"No!" Wu cursed, tears beginning to sting her eyes, and ran at the bandits, tearing her sword from brutally her waist. Wu was on them quickly, attacking them by wildly swinging her sword. She cut one down, and turned to the other.
A tear fell down her cheek in sorrow, anger, confusion, frustration. "Why?" she barked at the bandit with a voice that broke with emotion. Must stay focused… Wu reminded herself, realizing that a break in her concentration could mean her death as well.
The second bandit released a throaty, coughing laugh at Wu. "Our orders from Gao were to leave no survivors – you're a bit more feisty than the rest of these pathetic students. You might actually be a challenge!"
Orders from Gao!
The second bandit swung his head staff at her, Wu ducked quickly and dropped into a kneel, cut his leg. When the man bent over to take reflexively because of the pain in his leg, Wu brought her elbow down forcefully on his spine right in the middle. His back cracked and his fell face first.
Dawn Star had caught up, as well as Sagacious Zu. "Kia Min…" Dawn Star said, kneeling down beside the younger girl. Dawn Star comforted Kia Min in her last moments weepily.
Zu seemed unmoved.
"Now is not the time." He explained simply in his dark, raspy voice, not directing the question to either woman. The school was coming down around them. The fire burned on. Wu felt warm – not only from the fire, but from her emotions swirling inside her. The smoke was clouding her sight and burning like daggers in her chest.
"Master Li!" Wu suddenly remembered. She crossed the sparring arena, vaulting herself quickly over the remaining part of the fence that had not been destroyed in the blaze. She took long steps over pieces of the school burning in the angry embers.
Crossing the path and taking the steps two at a time, Wu threw open the remains of Master Li's floral patterned paper doors. On the floor among the blaze lay Jin Woo. Dark, fresh blood stained the carpet.
Wu knelt next to him and cradled his head in her hands. "Jin Woo, speak to me…"
Jin Woo coughed. He was cut across the stomach in a similar fashion to Kia Min. This wound usually left the victim suffering for up to an hour as they long their blood, organs, and sanity from the pain and blood loss. Wu didn't know who would be cruel enough to let them suffer like this.
"They took… took him. They were everywhere… fire from the sky…"
"They took Master Li?"
Jin Woo was looking beyond Wu, his eyes unfocused.
Wu lightly shook Jin Woo, bringing him back to attention, "They took Master Li, Jin Woo?"
It was of no use. It was if Jin Woo couldn't hear her. He continued to ramble. "Lotus… took him. Gao's men… Assassins… Master Li—"
Wu felt a new wave of fresh tears gather behind her eyes. She wished she could have stayed back, to help them – to save Master Li, to do anything. Doing anything and dying, she decided, was better than having done nothing.
"You fought well, Jin Woo. Rest now," Wu said softly, despite the calamity going on around her. Jin Woo's head lolled to the side. Wu touched his cold cheek, and then lowered his eyelids with her fingertips. She let go of him, easing him gently to the floor.
She didn't want Dawn Star to see this, so she rose and exited Master Li's chambers before Dawn Star came over to ask questions, or notice the corpse.
"It's too late – there's nothing we can do," Zu explained calmly.
Wu said nothing. She nodded. There was nothing left to do but to flee and let the town burn. Where would they go? What would they do now? Without her Master to give her guidance, Wu felt lost.
"We need to get back to the flyer, quickly!" Zu explained, all but picking up Dawn Star, who was too stunned and stood motionless, watching the blaze. The red fire reflected in her eyes. Zu grabbed her and began to run back the way they had come towards the flyer.
Knowing he was right, Wu took one final look at the burning remains of the school. She paused. She felt in this moment one life had ended, her childhood. With that, she knew another life was beginning. And it was going to be quite a journey ahead. She knew she had to fulfill her destiny. It would be what Master Li wanted.
With that thought, Wu jogged behind them to the flyer, leaving the peaceful Two Rivers to burn.
Goodbye…