Tales of Liutana II
The Price of Longevity: Part 2
"Uncle Kung!" Kiyonei cried, clearing the distance from the doorway to the pagoda like a bolt of lightening. Kung and Liu only saw a blur of brown pigtails and black clothes streak toward them before the girl engulfed the older man in a fierce hug.
"Well, hello to you too Kiyonei." Kung chuckled, wrapping the exuberant girl with a matching tight grip.
"Well are you just going to ignore me?!" Liu asked in mock-surprise, giving an exaggerated shrug.
Kiyonei gave an impish smile. "Sorry… hi Baba.*" she giggled, moving to embrace her father next. Mytaliah and Zian were over shortly after, their mother behind them.
"Hi Uncle Kung." greeted the oldest heiress, wrapping the Shaolin Elder in a softer hug.
"Hello Mytaliah." Kung warmly greeted. He moved back and inspected the ebony-haired girl closely. "My, my, look at you. You're growing into quite a beautiful young lady."
"Thank you." came her reply, a smile that mirrored Liu's perfectly coming over her face.
"And Zian look at you." Kung began, turning his gaze to his friends' only son. "You're growing into handsome young man. I bet you already have girls lining up eh?"
The Young Prince chuckled, bashfully scratching his neck. "I dunno about that Uncle…"
Kitana reassumed her seat beside Liu, and the three children seated themselves across from the three adults.
"So how long are you going to stay with us?" Mytaliah asked. Kung's face fell a moment, the ironic gravity of her blissful question hitting him. The astute Princess did not miss it.
"Well, hopefully for a few weeks yet…" Kung answered quietly. He quickly changed the subject. "So! You all must tell me of what you've been up to lately. Kiyonei, I hear you have started acting?"
"Yeah!" Kiyonei replied enthusiastically, eyes glowing. From there she went on a mile a minute. "My performing arts class is going to do a play called The Treaty. It's about a King who launched a war another faraway kingdom that went on for years and years… but the king's daughter falls in love with the prince from the other side and they work together to stop the war and unite the kingdoms in peace."
"Well, well… sounds like quite a story." Kung said emphatically. He then put on an exaggeratedly thoughtful face. "And let me guess… I'd bet you are the princess in the story?"
Kiyonei shook her head. "No, no, I actually play the princess's best friend and handmaiden." The young girl suddenly looked a bit glum. "Everyone thought I'd be picked to be the princess because I am a princess. But before they could, I asked to be someone else."
"Oh, I see…" Kung replied. "Did you want to be the princess?"
"Kind of, but playing her friend is really good too." Kiyonei said, mood quickly brightening again. "She helps the Princess and the Enemy Prince to meet in secret."
"Well then, I'll bet you'll do a fine job." Kung said. He turned his gaze to Mytaliah next. "So what's going on with you?"
"Well, I've gotten into doing ink washes lately." she replied.
"Oh yes?"
"Mm-hm. I just started taking mid-level art class, and my teacher Reika-sensei's been teaching us about them." Mytaliah elaborated. "I did one of this hill just outside the Outer Gate. It was my first one, so it wasn't that good."
Liu scoffed. "Or so she says… the thing looks professional!" he said proudly.
"It was pretty good." Kitana agreed, recalling the very accurate depiction of grass, trees and sky in faded and stark black ink against crisp white parchment.
"Yeah, I saw it too. Don't listen to her Uncle Kung. Tali never gives herself enough credit." Zian boasted, nudging his older sister with his elbow. Kiyonei even vigorously nodded her agreement.
Mytaliah blushed slightly at the praise. "It was alright I guess. But not as good as the one I've been doing for my project. I did it of this whole garden, and I just finished it the other day. I really want to show it to you. To everybody."
Zian gave an exaggerated gasp. "You mean you're finally gonna let people into your room to see it?!" He gesticulated comically, extending his arms and glancing about in mock-alarm. "Somebody take note of this."
"Oh shut up…" Mytaliah groaned, nudging her shoulder roughly into his. "I just don't like people seeing my work before it's done."
"You crazy artists…" Zian scoffed, earning him another rough shoulder-butt. Kitana and Liu glanced at each other and shook their heads amusedly, and Kung chuckled.
"Well alright you three." Liu said, standing to his feet. "I think it's time you changed out of those uniforms and got ready for you're evening training."
"Ooh great! Uncle Kung, will you watch us?" Zian asked excitedly. "I really wanna show you the progress I've made on that Pao Chui kata you and Baba taught me a while back. I've been working hard on it."
"Of course I'll watch." Kung replied. "I want to see all of your skills."
Eagerly, all of the royal heirs rose from their seats and led the group back to the palace. Walking several paces ahead, Kiyonei skipping along beside them, Mytaliah and Zian glanced back over their shoulders to the adults. Immediately, the ever observant children noticed how their mother and father hovered around their elderly friend, the latter keeping a firm grip on his arm.
"Something's wrong with Uncle Kung…" Mytaliah murmured to her brother, her sapphire pools reflecting worry as she surreptitiously watched him.
"Yeah I noticed." Zian replied. "You don't think he's sick or something, do you?"
"I don't think he's sick, but…" Mytaliah trailed off, inclining her head so her feathery bangs covered her eyes. Zian's also lowered his gaze, understanding his sister's silence.
Kiyonei, who was in front of them now, gazed back curiously at her older siblings' saddened faces.
"What's wrong guys?" she asked them innocently. Zian and Mytaliah shot each other a quick glance, silently agreeing to let their parents explain the matter later. Mytaliah and Zian were fourty-five and thirty-eight respectively, about the equivalent of ten or eleven by Earthrealm standards. Naturally, their perception was a bit more profound than their eighteen year old sister, only as mature as roughly a third of that.
"Eh, nothing. Don't sweat it Kiki." Zian said nonchalantly. Kiyonei's gaze on him and Mytaliah suspiciously for a moment, then she merely shrugged. Whatever was bothering them couldn't be that bad, right?
The group proceeded into the palace: The children quickly ran to their chambers and shed the standard tunics worn for their age groups in school, changing into attire more befitting for training. The others in the Training Hall. After warming themselves up, the children each performed their kata, all three adults uttering a few encouragements and suggestions as they moved. Once the session ended, they all had dinner together in Liu and Kitana's chamber. In spite of the somberness in the back of their minds, the conversation was jubilant and went on for hours. It wasn't too long, however, before Kung started to grow tired.
"Oh my, no wonder I'm so sleepy. It's far past the time I usually retire. I supposed I'd best now or Bingwen will have to carry me to my room." he teased, looking pointedly at Kiyonei, who giggled. Bingwen assisted Kung as he stood from his seat, both of them bowing to their friends. "Good night all. I'll see you in the morning."
"Rest easy friend." Liu said, a twinge of wariness in his voice.
"Yes. Sleep well." Kitana added. A chorus of goodnight's from the children followed, and slowly the elderly Shaolin and his apprentice departed. Once assured they were well down the hall, both Zian and Mytaliah turned imploring eyes to their parents.
"Mama, Baba… something's wrong with Uncle Kung isn't there?" the Youngest Prince asked cautiously. Kiyonei's brows furrowed.
"What do you mean something's wrong Zi?" she asked innocently. She turned questioning eyes to her father. "Baba?" Liu gave a sigh, glancing to Kitana, who gave with a shrug.
"Well kids…" he carefully began, "truthfully nothing is really wrong, but it's just… Kung is very old now, and he's been very tired lately…"
"Uh-huh… it's just like I thought…" Zian murmured, rubbing his forehead and blinking back the tears that started welling in his eyes.
"What's just like you though?" Kiyonei asked, sounding frustrated and very worried now. Zian was too busy trying to maintain control of himself to answer. The youngest child turned her attention to her older sister, who was equally upset. "Tali?" Mytaliah chewed her lower lip, suddenly beginning to look very stricken. She gazed with solemn hesitation up to her father, and his breath hitched from how perfectly her countenance imitated one of Kitana's.
"… He's dying, isn't he Baba?" she finally asked, her voice wavering ever so slightly.
Liu gave a single nod. "He believes so…"
"What?!" Kiyonei cried. "No… no, no he can't be… he's only…"
"Eighty-two… but that's really old on Earth Kiki." Mytaliah explained.
"No… no he can't be dying. Not already…" Kiyonei whimpered, her pretty dark eyes glossing over and tears streaking down her cheeks. Her expression tore Liu and Kitana's hearts to shreds.
"Come here Darling." the mother crooned. Kiyonei pushed her chair back and ran around the table to Kitana. The Oldest Princess scooped the Youngest Princess into her hold, wrapping her in comforting arms as the child quietly wept into her chest. "Now, now Dear… Kung has lived a good life, and he has been very happy."
"It's not fair! Why does he have to die? Why can't he live longer… like us?" poor Kiyonei sobbed.
"It is simply the way it is Darling." Kitana replied, planting a kiss at the crown of her daughter's brunette head. "Some people are simply not meant to live as long as others. But Kung Lao has achieved many great things during his lifetime. He will always be remembered for his kindness and his heroism."
"Yeah Kiki, we'll always remember him for that." Zian encouraged, finding comfort in his mother's words. Kiyonei picked her head up and gazed over to her brother, who offered her a smile. "We just gotta remember all the fun we had with Uncle Kung, all the stuff he taught us. Even when he won't be with us anymore, we'll still think of him."
"That's true Kiki." Mytaliah agreed. Kiyonei sniffed, and a tiny smile came over her face as she considered her mother and siblings' words. She scrubbed the tear trails from her cheeks.
"Yeah… yeah you guys are right." she said.
The children soon retired to their rooms, each very solemn. Liu and Kitana took special attention to tuck in their youngest and most sensitive little girl; something she recently began protesting because she was apparently "too big" for it now, but tonight she was very receptive. They returned to their own chamber right after to retire themselves.
"Our children sure do have quite a bit of spirit." Liu said, pulling into his sleep pants. Kitana, already reclined in bed, smiled and nodded.
"Yes indeed they do. And they're so supportive of each other. They make me proud." she said.
"Yeah, me too." Liu said. He gave a sigh and sat at the edge of the mattress. "Part of me envies that spirit too. How easily they can bounce back I mean."
"They're young Liu… it's much easier for children to cope with death." Kitana amended. She sat up and scooted behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pressing her warmth into his bare back. "But it will be more difficult tor Mytaliah and Zian. They still remember the others…"
"Yeah that's true…" Liu murmured thoughtfully. Kitana's heart ached when she saw his expression fall, and she kissed his cheek and rubbed his shoulders.
"Remember what I told the children earlier Darling…" she murmured. Again Liu sighed, and she could feel his muscles droop. He turned to gaze at her out of the corner of his eye; terrible dread reflecting in the auburn globe. In spite of the sadness covering his countenance, he gave his wife a smile, leaning back and brushing his lips over hers.
"I know Love. I know…" he replied.
For three weeks, Kung Lao and Bingwen stayed at the Grand Palace. They were wonderful weeks, full of laughter, mirth and fun. Death was not mentioned again between any of them since that first day the children inquired, but it's presence could be felt by all; a dark, looming shadow stretching out behind the brightness of their togetherness. With each passing day, Kung grew a bit slower, had less energy. He would rise from bed later every morning, and retire to it earlier every night. After fourteen days had passed, he spent most of his time sleeping. Kitana offered to have the Royal Healers assist him, make him as comfortable as possible, and although he was thankful Kung declined. There was no malady or injury to be healed: He was simply expiring, and he had fully accepted that fact.
Liu and Kitana's children were determined to spend as much time with him as possible. They each sat with him in his chamber for a few minutes after school each day, recounting any interesting anecdotes or seeking advice. They found their own little ways to bring cheer to him as well. Mytaliah showed him her artwork, Zian told him jokes, and the very emotional and affectionate Kiyonei constantly showered him in hugs. Of course, their parents spent a great amount of time with him too, as much as they could afford to. Sometimes they would take paperwork into his chambers to occupy themselves while they sat, asking for his opinions on matters; not just to make him feel useful, but because they truly valued his input.
Soon twenty-one days had passed. Kung awoke that day feeling so lethargic that he could barely sit upright. The children did not have school that day coincidently, and sensing this was the last day of their beloved "uncle," they stayed in his chamber until sundown. The Elderly Shaolin gave them all his parting words of encouragement and pride, giving something uniquely insightful to each of them. Kitana and Liu drifted in and out until evening, when their busy affairs finally ended. Reluctantly, the children departed then, each giving Kung a long embrace and teary goodbye.
Kitana, Liu and Bingwen sat with him last. The Princess eventually departed to give the two men closest to Kung their privacy: They deserved to spend their last moments alone with him, and she went to wait in her and her husband's chambers.
Kung could feel his spirit steadily drifting from the living world, a growing peacefulness coming over his mind and weary body. Liu and Bingwen sat at either side of his bed. The youngest man, barely twenty, gazed with teary eyes and quivering lip to the man that had become his surrogate father. He clenched Kung's left hand tightly between his own two, inwardly crushed by how it seemed to grow colder and colder by the second. The elderly monk turned his head weakly, giving him a bleary smile.
"Do not look so upset son, it happens to us all." he calmly assured. Bingwen sniffed, dragging his forearm across his eyes.
"It won't be the same without you at the temple, Sifu." the apprentice said mournfully.
"It will indeed, for my memories, and my teachings survive in all of you. And my spirit will be watching over you." Kung said. He weakly turned to Liu next, who was also on the verge of breaking, but much more calm in appearance. "The same goes for you Brother."
"I know, and I'll never forget." Liu answered, reaching out to grasp Kung's other hand.
"And do not feel any sort of guilt or pain with our passings." Kung affirmed. "You were meant to be here for however long you will. You have your family, your wife and those incredible children of yours. And you have friends here who will be beside you."
Liu bit the inside of his lip, just barely able to hold back his tears. Yes, he still had his wife and his son and daughters. Yes he still had other friends he had made here in Edenia who would too live long lives. Yes, he still had plenty of reason to be joyful…
… but he wouldn't have his best friend, his brother in every sense that counted, anymore.
Liu heaved a sigh, his eyes heavy with sorrow. "… Yes my friend." he simply replied.
Kung turned his lidded eyes upwards, his vision hazing over. His last of his life was fading away from him quickly now. Slowly, he let his tired eyes fall completely shut, and with his last breath he uttered his last words for his two closest friends.
"Live on peacefully…"
Both Liu and Bingwen could feel the instant Kung's dim chi finally burned out, and his presence passed through the room. The young man bowed his head and began to quietly weep, still clutching Kung's hand in his. Liu lowered his head and clenched his eyes shut, his heart dropping into his stomach.
He was the only one left now, and even in spite of his many blessings, he felt so very alone in that moment, even frightened. He forced a few slow breaths until he regained temporary control of his swelling emotions, then brought his palms together. He murmured an almost melodic, ancient Buddhist chant over the body of his longtime friend, praying for his safe passage into the afterlife. He then heaved himself up from his chair and numbly stepped around the bed, giving Bingwen's shoulder a consoling squeeze before he left.
Back in their chamber, Kitana sat in a comfortable chair, fingers steepled pensively and eyes shut. Recent tears left streaks down her face, and her heart felt heavy with loss. Kung Lao would be missed terribly, along with all of their friends from Earth that were once with them. But her heart was heavy for her husband as well. She could not comprehend the pain he must be feeling from losing so many people the same age as himself, and she knew that. And now his closest friend, one he had known most of his life, was leaving him as well. Liu was going to need her now more than ever.
Suddenly the large doors creaked open, her head jerking up. Upon seeing her husband enter, Kitana stood from her seat and slowly approached him, moist eyes full of worry. The look on his face nearly broke her heart: He looked so utterly forlorn, more like a lost little boy than a man. She patiently waited for him to speak.
"He's gone Kitana." Liu croaked, eyes welling instantly. "Kung is gone… they're all gone."
He crumpled forward right into his wife's arms and began to sob. She held his head against her shoulder, soothingly stroking his hair and back like she would one of their children. More tears quietly crept down to join the others already gleaming over Kitana's cheeks, but she kept her own painful sobs at bay. Right now, her beloved needed her to be strong for him, and she would do so without thought.
"I know Darling… I miss him already. All of them." Kitana quietly murmured.
Liu continued to cry, and she held on tightly. She'd be there to hold him forever if he needed her to.
*Baba - "Daddy" in Mandarin. Figured Liu would find educating his children about their Chinese roots a top priority.
Well, there you have it. I probably could've gone a little deeper with this but I don't want to delve too far into stuff Peace Millennium will probably cover later.
And sorry this took a while to upload but school and my new job have been tag-team kicking my ass! Please drop me a review, and I'll be back soon hopefully!
