No matter how hard I tried to pull my body back, it didn't respond. I was forced to slither through the window, closing it the second I had jumped out, and began to make my way down the stairs. I continued to struggle as best I could in the hopes that I would have been able to move at my own free will. I just kept moving down the stairs, into the village. From where I had expected it to stop from there, it didn't as I found myself heading right into the bamboo forest, following the dirt path. Then, when I was deep enough within the giant forest, I finally begun to feel more like myself. Like the ice had just suddenly melted. I was able to stop slithering in an unknown direction and could thankfully move again after spinning my head round to see if there was a way back. Kind of hard to tell since the dirt path had been left behind minutes ago.
Despite the fact that I was the only one around, I knew that I wasn't alone. I looked round as though I was expecting something to just emerge from the woods and attack. Then, I heard it.
"At least you are not foolish enough to flee in a vain attempt to escape the unknown... Unlike most others"...
I sounded a lot like an echo, the voice, sounding around in my head. Once I got over the shock, I spoke.
"Who are you"?
"Who I am? I am one who walks upon this earth for the rest of eternity... My true self has been erased from the world for so long that the flesh from my bones have all but rotted, my bones have become naught but dust, dust that became a part of this world long ago... So long ago, my name has lost meaning... What purpose would it serve me now I ask you"?
"At the least, I'd prefer to know the name of my kidnapper". I near snapped, partly out of worry.
"You already know me by another name"...
I took a second to think. It didn't take too long to work it out as my eyes almost bulged out of their sockets at the obvious answer.
"You're the Mèngyǎn demon! Aren't you"?
I could have sworn I heard a small growl of displeasure.
"Indeed I am... Though the culture of this world has stooped so low as to refer even the purest spirit as something they consider to be unholy, I assure you I am no demon"...
Spirit? Is that what it thought it was?
"Spirit or not, why are you hiding from me? I'd have thought at the least I'd be able to talk face to face with you". I spoke, trying to get it to come out of its hiding spot. I kept turning every few seconds just in case.
"... If that is your wish... Though I must warn you that what you are about to endure will not be a pleasant experience"...
What?
"What do you mean it won't be a"-
Before I could even talk, I found myself horrified, fearful even, to find a disgusting black heavy fog shooting out of my mouth and nostrils! It was as though my head was now a kitchen sink with someone turning the taps on full blast! I couldn't even yell out in protest until it finally stopped after ten seconds, but even then I begun coughing like my throat was on fire. My body almost fell to the ground. since my mind, my lungs and, well, my everything hurt like hell. My eyes were nearly pinned to the ground.
"Your endurance impresses me... Most beings are quick to begin ejecting vomit after such violent expulsions".
The voice sounded a lot less like an echo now. When I finally looked up, I saw what the Mèngyǎn looked like.
Its body looked partly similar to a human, only with slightly thicker arms which ended in what looked like paws. The whole of it was jet black apart from its limbs which were more a dark grey. The thing kept giving off that horrible black fog from the top half of its body. Not much, but it was enough to notice as it disappeared from sight before it could touch the ground. As for its face, well there wasnt very many facial features to identify other than two bright orange orbs emitting from its skull which must have been its eyes. They seemed as though they were glaring right at me and staring right into my soul. Its mouth was near invisible when closed. When it opened to speak, a bright orange light was all that could be seen inside. No teeth or tongue as far as I could tell. The figure suggested that it was female.
"Silence holds your tongue... Tell me, are you afraid python"?
I quickly got over what I was seeing and glared back. I suppose when you listen closely, you can hear traces of a feminine voice. Kind of embarrased to admit that it's taken me this long to realize it.
"Shocked maybe, but far from afraid. Sorry to disappoint".
"Oh but you haven't... Fear is a powerful emotion... powerful enough to make even the strongest warrior vulnerable should they allow it to consume them... But then again, it is not me you fear is it"?
"... It doesn't matter what I fear. Why have you dragged me all the way out here"?
For a moment I could have sworn I saw the Mèngyǎn's mouth twitch.
"...At least you do not waste time... That is good... The reason for your sudden disappearance is because it only felt nessercary to take matters into my own paws... For too long have I sat at the sidelines watching you... You are a master with your own title and reputation, yet you think that it should end just there... As though you think that you are unable to strive towards a higher goal... Perhaps on your own, such thoughts are impossible to find and take... But with my help, I offer you so much more"...
"What do you mean"? I near hissed in anger. The Mèngyǎn seemed to sense it.
"I ask that you calm yourself python... While you come at me bearing hostility and fire, I respond with understanding and peace... Surely your honor allows you to accept such a harmless yet meaningful invitation"...
I slightly eased up. Slightly.
"So what is it you want? Something about an offer, didn't you say"?
"Correct... The way I see it, even the lowliest soldier has the chance to climb through the ranks to become a general... But for you, I see an even higher position in which you can take... One that will allow you to control more than an army, but the whole of China"...
Control the whole of China? There's only one position I know of that fits that description.
"You can't be serious".
"Oh but I am... So answer me python... How well does the chance to become an emperor suit you"?
From the moment I had first arrived from this world, I had expected to have never managed to get anywhere, that I would have been dead within the first week. Becoming a warrior of the Jade Palace was a great surprise, a position that I bet a lot of people would try and kill over. From there, I expecting that would have been as far as things would have gone. But now... I'm being offered a chance to become emperor? This seemed almost too good to be true! Only... the one offering me the position was... that demon, or whatever it calls itself. There was something wrong and I could feel it.
"I don't understand".
"In what way"? It asked, tilting its head to the side.
"Why would you go through all this effort? Attacking me at Sh'e village, possessing my mind and dragging me out here, just to ask ifI could be emperor. Seems to me like there's more than meets the eye".
The Mèngyǎn grumbled.
"You are wise for one so young... But what you speak of is the truth... There is much that has been left out... So much that there has been little time to explain every detail... But I am sure that you are deserving of, at the least, seeing the truth behind this corruption placed within the very heart of China"...
I curled up on the spot.
"Well, it's not like I'm going anywhere just yet. Seems to me like we've got all the time we need".
"That it does... Are you familiar with how the government in china works young warrior? Led by those who come by power not by deeds but by being born through nobility... This cycle starts from the founding of the first government and continues and continues up until this day... Many promise a better future, but is it provided? No... It never is... But now the opportunity is at hand... To cut the poison from the heart of China and give the power to those who truly deserve it... And should you help me... I will help you to control this country into a bright future... Do you wish to seize this chance? Or would you rather let it slip by"?
Well, I can't exactly say I don't understand what that's like. I've seen plenty of homeless people along the streets of Leeds, begging for money while most people walk on past. It isn't hard to believe that the same thing is happening here. But... One thing about this I didn't seem to understand, still. At least it was until I looked in the Mèngyǎn's eyes. I remember Shifu teaching me that the look in ones eyes can tell me what they may be really thinking. I could remember almost exactly what he had told me that day.
* "Anyone is capable of trickery. It could be to trick you so that they can rob you or even bend you to their will. However, one of the best ways to overcome this is to look them straight in the eye. Only then will you be able to realize what their true intentions are. If there is one thing you should remember from today's lesson, remember this, While this kind of trick is simple, know that it can hold the power to separate the good from the bad. Maybe even save your life" *
I could see some sort of calmness within the eyes when I first came face to face with this demon. But as it had just told me why it wanted what it wanted, the eyes seemed angrier. I had to find out why. I uncoiled and slowly approached.
"So, tell me then. How come you can't do this task yourself"?
"Because I see pain within you python... You do well to hide it, but the scar remains... I know that feeling"...
I could see the sympathy quickly run out as though there was little to begin with, and focus on another emotion.
"To be torn from your once peaceful life and to be thrown into a world full of fear, hatred and chaos... The feeling that one being alone has enough power to do what they wish and make your choices for you... Never again to receive kindness or compassion"!
The Mèngyǎn was near livid. It's face looked almost the same, probably because of how dark it was, but the eyes seemed more.. tightened, like they were focusing on something in the far off distance. But they weren't. Plus about what it had said about knowing how it felt to be torn from the place you loved most.
"You know, when you but it that way, it seems as though you are hiding something from me. Are you"?
The demons head turned slightly. Had it even been focusing on me while it was talking?
"Everything I have mentioned to you has been the truth... What reason have you to doubt me"?
"... I take it that you have a problem with the government"?
"My wants and needs are none of your concern"!
It was taking time to put the pieces together, but I was closer to understanding its true intentions. It seemed that much more angrier after me mentioning the government.
"Seems weird, since all you've done so far is tell me nothing BUT your wants and needs. But don't go playing me for a fool! I know there's a reason you came to me specifically. I know there's something between you and the emperor! And I know that you are up to something"! I all but snapped, hissing as I did.
The Mèngyǎn glared at me before speaking.
"... Two out of three... not bad for a mortal"...
I raised my eyes in surprise.
"Yes, there is a reason I came to you... And I am planning something for China... But there is nothing between me and the emperor... More to do with his ancestor"...
What does she mean by that last bit.
"I don't think I understand".
"At once I expected you to fall to greed and recieve the prize that was yours... Most mortals would, even in your position... That is interesting... But now when I have a chance to take what should have been mine long ago, I come across you and see you as the perfect candidate! Why have I picked you? Because you are blind to the truth! You more than anyone else! But that can all be changed"...
The demons hand extended outwards, opening up from a fist to a relaxed palm as though to take my tail.
"... That is if you allow me to help... And I will make you see"...
Its hand never dropped as it waited for an answer. Despite it avoiding the real answer to my question, it still wanted to help me, this I knew. But the truth of it was, I didn't need help. The way I see it, I have a great life as well as a great job, as well as Viper. Matter of fact, that's exactly what I said next.
"If you think I need help to improve my life, then you are wrong. I have everything I could ever want in the Valley of Peace. Something that you can't change".
As though surprised, the Mèngyǎn pulled its hand back. Its eyes began to glow.
"Is that what you think? That you have achieved perfection? Fool! Time has taught me patience! Yet you think you can just stick to your principles so easily"...
As I managed to break its angered gaze, I saw what looked like some sort of dark ball grow from its hand.
"... You are just! AS WORTHLESS AS THOSE BEFORE YOU"!
Her hand shot back and forwards, throwing the ball at me! I barely uncoiled in time and jumped to the side as the ball made contact with the ground, exploding upon impact into the same black mist pouring down its owner! I had no other option now. I had to fight back! I lunged at the demon with the intention to crush it! But before I could, the Mèngyǎn's hand raised at me with an open palm before quickly squeezing it.
*ACK*!
I felt as though my neck was being gripped! It was enough to cause my body to fall back down. Only problem was that I was now being suspended in midair. I was being choked!
"Do you think it would be so easy to just beat me? I am beyond you! Oh but you will see the truth python... Even if I have to break you and mold you into me own image! And I shall! When I am finished with you, you won't be able to separate reality from the thoughts in your own mind"!
"I... would never... join you... It doesn't take much to know that you... you were the one... who gave me that... nightmare. You... you were against me from the beginning"... I wheezed out.
"Can you not see it still? I am attempting to shield you from what could be... But it isn't as though it matters to you now does it"?
Her arm bent back, pulling me closer to her face.
"Their resistance will matter not in your eyes, but they have turned you into one of them... An oppressor of Justice... Criminals roam this land and yet all you do is simply lock them up, where they can just wait to plan out their next move before being freed and praying on the innocent... You are no fighter of crime, only its supporter... When I achieve my own victory, you will see the world prosper at long last... Everyone will finally know who I am"...
"And who... are you... really"? I asked, consciousness slowly slipping away.
"Do you not know? I am Kèxīng (Nemesis)".
That was the last thing I heard before my eyes shut.
...
DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNN!
Okay, nonsense aside, we're getting into the more serious part of the story. For the next chapter, I'll be going over the Mèngyǎn's origins, so don't worry. The things that have been missed out in this chapter will be continued in the next one. Cheerio!