Chapter 31: Heavenly Dance
The relationship between Galatea and Cao Cao was divinely erotic, or sensually sacred. For two years they had lived a curious but absolutely fulfilling life together, and it was only now, after she had wished him a good night, that he remembered the gift that was her love. So he could not sleep. He did not enjoy slumber, not when he had the chance to observe her, to sense the desire well up within him even after expending all of it at her hands. It had been a long time since he had apologized so sincerely, even after the Battle of Hanzhong. It had also been a long time since she relieved herself of despondent sentiments. It was cathartic for both of them: the incensed words and insults they exchanged, the slaps and the rough, angry sex. And being permitted to finally hold her willing body in his arms as she slept… it felt superb, simply remarkable. For now, all was right with the world once again, as she slumbered on his bed, and as he watched over her sweet person.
She was a mischievous creature, a woman who enjoyed experimenting with what her sexuality was capable of. He hoped he had not gone too far tonight. It admittedly felt good, to share everything with her once again, as they had done ever since their first act of love. Some of his concubines might have complained of abuse or excessive humiliation. Not that he would care. They were like ugly stones compared to Galatea. She was the only woman he would ever listen to.
He stopped himself. She was one of the two women he would ever listen to.
His silent question was pensive and lonesome. Where might she be now? It has been almost ten years, and ten years before that. Perhaps a part of me still yearns for her company. Her face is engraved into the memories of my youth, after all.
His mind had rarely experienced such lucid clarity, and as if to answer him, curtains suddenly billowed from an unusual gust of wind, and the chimes tinkled. His gaze left Galatea and he looked out, his eyebrow rising. The night had suddenly become blustery. Certainly it wasn't merely caused by atmospheric conditions, for it had been a quiet autumn night thus far. He squinted; his eyesight required some time to adjust to the gentle beam of light beyond the balcony.
A feminine figure was standing outside. She emitted a strange light, as if it came from her very body rather than from the brilliance of the beaming moon. Anybody else would have screamed for his guards, to strike down this supernatural apparition that had revealed its presence without even announcing itself. But Cao Cao merely smiled broadly.
It could only be her. What a fortunate coincidence. He had longed to see her again; her absence had weighed heavily on his mind. But he would die before he would let her know that.
He pressed himself up from bed and brushed back his dark hair. He forced himself away from Galatea and stumbled out of bed, slipping on his bedside shoes. He slowly made his way to the newcomer on the balcony, stepping onto the cold stone floor. He pulled close the drapes for Galatea's comfort, so as to not disturb her sleep. "Well, well. You do look like you had a wild time with her," came a gentle, melodious, but somewhat severe and biting voice. "Did you ever fantasize about forcing yourself into my mouth, too?"
"My fantasy – or yours?" he retorted hazily, adjusting his dishevelled lapel. "Rather strange of you to visit at this time, don't you think?"
An ethereal woman of celestial beauty was standing before him, shining with a glorious, holy radiance. A sacrosanct nimbus emanated around her, and a golden sun-halo hovered above her ornate, jewelled headdress. Her flowing, elaborately ponytailed, snow-white hair lent her an air of authority, whilst her perfect, smooth face, with pouting lips and large, golden eyes, was infinitely seductive yet infinitely regal. Her figure was no less breathtaking, no less awesome, no less inspiring. Her tight, patterned top exposed her pearly-pale midsection and her back, as if she was offering herself in sensual surrender. A lustrous diadem of the Supreme Ultimate, which also held together her raised, jade-gold collar, glimmered just above her ample breasts, which were hugged by a brassiere of diamonds and lapis lazuli. Fastened beneath her navel was a lavish heraldic coat. White and black stockings enfolded her shapely legs, decorated with symbols of the I Ching. Draping down her thighs was a long, green and ebony overskirt, shimmering with motifs of the cosmos.
Any mortal man would have instantly died upon looking at her splendid countenance. But Cao Cao was no ordinary mortal. In a move that would have stunned the world, he slowly went on one knee before her. "Well?" he prompted, trying to hide the relief and concern in his voice. "What business does the Goddess of Creation have with this humble servant of the Han?"
So she had not forgotten him.
"You are anything but humble, and anything but a servant," she smirked. "I know you better than you know yourself, after all." Her elegant, pearly-gloved hand moved to stroke his black hair. "You look weary, lad."
"You have no idea, Nu Wa," muttered the Imperial Chancellor, closing his eyes. "I must admit that it hurts even me, to love a woman. Could it be that my pain is similar to the reason why you no longer enjoy the company of mortals?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," she said, withdrawing her fingers. An inch taller than her, he rose from his kneeling position to meet her gaze. "I moulded sentients in a fit of loneliness, only to discover that so many of them weren't even worth my time." Her eyes clouded over. "They wound too easily. They die too easily. They break hearts too easily. I, the feminine embodiment of Heaven, had created Hell along with mortal life. Not that I regret it," she added, suddenly grinning at him. "After all, mortals can change, and grow into something stronger. I'm looking at an exemplar of that truth now. You were once a snivelling little babe crying for milk. And now you've changed into something quite astonishing for a human being."
"Only you would say that, Elder Sister," smirked Cao Cao. "Only your divinity never changes."
She turned away, golden eyes shining. "So, you still have that childish pet name for me.
"On the matter of the Awakened Beings, boy," she suddenly said, her voice businesslike as she leaned her forearms on the cool balustrade. "I do not wish to interfere in the affairs of human Kingdoms unless absolutely necessary. But you should know that my omniscience has witnessed the power of this so-called Priscilla first-hand. For creatures of your level, she would indeed be hard to deal with."
"And why are there so many of them?" muttered Cao Cao. "From whence do they come?"
"A portal," she replied nonchalantly. "There is a portal, hidden deep within the bowels of the legendary Mogao Caves, that vomits out legions of these beasts. It is what is causing the planar rift between China and this so-called Continent. It has allowed for the physical presence of the latter's denizens to roam our lands. You may well have an idea of who the culprit is behind this… foreign device. I wish to entrust you with destroying this portal, preferably alongside the armies of Shu and Wu once you settle out this silly civil war. You'll need all the strength, all the allies you can muster. Not that you'll ever admit that."
"A portal," he said suspiciously. "Hidden from our sight for this long? Just how seriously do you want me to take this?"
She shot him a curious look. "You've been slacking off on your training, haven't you?"
"Excuse me?"
She smirked. "Tonight's a good night, young one. Get changed. Let's have a spar together."
*
Palace Courtyard
Oh, did this bring back memories.
Of course, there was no possible, logical way he could defeat Nu Wa. She would tease him as she had done in his teenage days, playing with his desperation, his naïve desire to impress her. The result would always be the same. She did not even conjure a weapon to use tonight. She simply stood before him, watching amusedly as he raised the Sword of Heaven. "It has been… almost ten years since I gave you that blade, hasn't it?" she murmured. "Such fun we shared. How I enjoyed watching you try to beat me. I sometimes think that it was that desire alone that compelled me to play with you." She snapped out of her reminiscence as Cao Cao charged and slashed downwards at her. A powerful, radiant forcefield materialized around her and flung him back several yards. He sprawled along the ground painfully even as she remained perfectly still. "But you haven't changed much, have you? Priscilla has massacred so many of my sons, and her followers take wanton pleasure in raping and eating my daughters. China buckles against such havoc. Yet here you are, still trying to trample Wu and Shu under your feet. Megalomania flows through your very blood, doesn't it?"
He struggled up, leaning on the Sword of Heaven for support. Even a miniscule portion of her mere attention bore the power of a cosmic supernova. "Ah… Shu. Either way, I would have thought you preferred to commune with Zhuge Liang. He is the true mystic, not like me. You did grant him that prayer, did you not? That southeastern wind at Chi Bi…" he smiled bitterly. "Why, Nu Wa? Why did you decide against supporting me then? Where was your support, the support that you had given me when I was younger? Thanks to you, the reunification of this nation was delayed, and how much longer it must remain so, I cannot know."
"Humanity schemes, I decide," she said crossly, raising a finger like she was reprimanding a naughty boy. A forcefield sphere manifested from the aether again, and he flew back once more, his back smashing against the pillar of a pagoda. He was panting already, and Nu Wa wasn't even trying. "Where were you, boy, when I gave your ancestors form and breathed life into their empty husks? Where were you when I mended the firmament and saved the world from the Flood of Ages? If you wish to challenge Providence, you challenge me."
He had struck a divine nerve. "My apologies… Elder Sister," he said woozily, tottering to his feet. "I have spoken out of line."
"I forgive you," replied Nu Wa quietly, as he attempted one final attack, the icestorm blizzard from his blade dissipating uselessly against her invulnerable body. Another rip in the dimensional fabric, and Cao Cao felt his body flung aside like a rag doll. "I confess that I enjoy your insolence," she continued. "I am… pleased by your arrogance. It reminds me of myself. It is reminiscent of the days when you were only a youngster. Your childhood was a lonely one, and I was your only friend."
He nodded dryly, standing again unsteadily, his body shaking from the exertion. He could do no more. Sparring against a goddess had taken its toll. He was trembling, drenched in sweat, and he could not even advance. It was as if she had paralysed him. With a smooth twist, she easily disengaged his hand from his sword, and as it clanged to the ground, she casually flicked her gloved finger into his stomach. Her gentle tap packed the equivalent force of a comet from the heavens, and he felt his innards curl in trauma as they directly absorbed the impact of a shooting star. He gasped, and he dropped to one knee, panting desperately for the little breath that his collapsed lungs allowed. He slumped powerlessly before her, as he had done so often in his childhood, his sputum spattering her slender legs. "Well, well. I'm surprised you could withstand that, boy," she smirked, licking her lips. "I take back what I said about you slacking off from training."
Exhausted and trounced, he closed his eyes resignation. Nu Wa observed his pathetic form for several seconds, before relenting, her eyes shining. She pulled him closer against her thigh, her hands cradling his head tenderly. "Not so tough now, are you?" she murmured, stroking his hair. "I always enjoyed reminding you of how vulnerable you really are. You're just a human. Don't get yourself killed by someone you don't like."
"I have missed you, Nu Wa," he confessed softly, sighing in bliss as she nestled his face in her hands. There was no reason to hide anything from her anymore. "You have taken too long to return."
She nodded, staring out at the moon. "It is good to see you again, Mengde. But now you have her. She has taken over your heart completely. The change she has brought within you, no matter how little, is evident."
"I cannot deny that one iota."
Nu Wa smiled down sadly. "You no longer need me, do you?"
"As King of Wei, I forbid you from spouting such absurdity. If you were watching over me all this time, the least you could do was to drop by for a visit. Ten years give you no excuse, Elder Sister," he finished almost angrily, his sarcastic voice unable to mask his frustration.
She sighed as she helped him up, delicately and tenderly. He was still slightly shaky on his feet, but he had largely recovered thanks to the healing aura that she emitted from her body. She reached up and wiped his face dry, smoothing down his ruffled mantle and collar. "I'm sorry, kid." She smiled remorsefully at him and he nodded in recognition, the comfortable silence between them saying more about their reunion than any words they could exchange.
"When you were a teenager, it was amusing listening to you practicing your little speeches and your oratories, and watching you commanding all those battles by your seniors' side. Who knew you would eventually surpass them all?"
"This is embarrassing, Elder Sister," he chastised, unable to mask his grin from the fond memories of her presence in his life. "Do not remind me of my adolescent immaturity. Although I cannot forget the happiness that you blessed me with, for it was the only true contentment I ever enjoyed in my youth."
"See… I don't know why I'm here seeking your company, Mengde. You are right; it has been more than a decade, and for a human it must feel awkward to speak to somebody after such a time span. I've forgotten that. Yet I cannot help but worry for the future of this universe, now that the rift between the Isles and China cannot be mended. In just a few years, all Creation may be undone. But I believe there are many heroes capable of restoring peace to my world. You are one of them, perhaps the one with the most promise. That is why I've come so unexpectedly." she looked at him guiltily. "I have indulged in my children's fickle nature once again."
"Humanity's capricious spirit… is it?" murmured Cao Cao, looking at the goddess fondly. "Mortality is what gives us dignity, my dear. We all wish to live a long life, and to live with the dignity of a king. We hope to fill our bellies with warm food, and to write poetry in celebration and mourning… to die in the arms of our beloved. If we can attain this, we'll have achieved something even you cannot."
She sighed, her eyes shining with reluctant affection. "And this foolishness is why… mortals grow old and fade away."
"I would not suffer to attain immortality," he replied gently, "having so much to lose as my pride."
She drew even closer to him, mildly impressed by his words. "I believe in what you are trying to create, little brother. Please remember that. But how successful you've been so far, I'm not entirely sure."
He glanced at the Sword of Heaven, lying pitifully on the cold ground. "How successful… I have been?"
"All I ask is that you don't lose sight of this conqueror's path that you walk. Remain a man, a human being. Do not turn into a monster, as she feared you would today," she added, looking up at the palace, up to Cao Cao's room. "Surely she must feel the same way as I do, after knowing you for all this time?"
"Must you remind me of the shame that I tasted today?" muttered Cao Cao. "The taste of Galatea's anger, of her slap against my face." He gestured outwards to the night sky, to the spires of Luoyang. "But there's no helping it, is there? Your advice is, of course, the preeminent counsel to follow. Still, I will subjugate Shu and Wu first, before amassing an invincible army to march on the Mogao Caves. We will seal away the portal once All Under Heaven are brought together." He raised an eyebrow at her. "Satisfied?"
"Suit yourself," sniffed Nu Wa, turning away. "Then it's settled. You can count on me to watch from the sidelines… unless things really do get out of hand. I still do not wish to violate the cosmic order that my brother and I established." Her hand caressed his chin. "If you insist on changing the world, then change it for the better… after all, I created it. Anything less, and I'll be angry, and you're going to get a spanking."
"But you are charming when you are annoyed," he smirked. "Even if your displeasure is tantamount to doomsday."
"Oh, be silent… you naughty boy."
They exchanged a chaste embrace. Human lips met those of a goddess, and she held him close in response, suffusing him with her light. His dark silhouette shone, and it was as if she had bathed him with Heaven's radiance.
After several moments of intimacy, they released each other. He looked down at her meditatively. "Then… you are returning to the Celestial Palace."
"Yes. Until I come to you again, try not to get yourself killed."
"How dare you leave so soon? After ten long years." The King of Wei looked back at the moon, his heart contemplative. "Then be at ease, Elder Sister. Leave the liberation of this mortal world to me. I promise I will put an end to these wars, the wars between your children that grieve you so. I will free this land long submerged in chaos.
"Oh, yes… and I must thank you for your visit, abrupt, humiliating, and short as it was." He waited for a few moments and turned around when he received no reply, his narrow eyes shining in surprise.
Nu Wa had disappeared.
*
Morning
Galatea's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at her King's smiling face. The previous night had been admittedly astounding. But her sleep had been interrupted several times. "I heard faint voices," she mumbled blearily, reaching for his hand. "Whom were you talking to?"
"An old friend," smiled the Hero of Chaos. He drew down and kissed her. "She is quite similar to you, in many ways. Sarcastic, disdainful of those weaker than her… and quite the sensual one, too."
He could not help chuckling to himself. A night of lovemaking with my sweet tigress, and then a visit from her. It was a truly memorable evening.
"Who could possibly hold a candle to me?" challenged Galatea, her voice a purr. She took the back of his hand and guided his palm along her torso, just as she had done the night before, before he had lost himself in her and possessed her like a master with a willing whore. "Was it Alicia? Or Beth?"
"Please do not remind me of the hurt I inflicted upon you," he whispered. "It is too much even to hear of it. No, make no mistake. She is not your equal, not in my eyes. She is merely an elder sister to me; I have known her since childhood. But of course, she can never replace you."
"I know nobody can ever substitute me; you need not tell me that. But, still… I am curious. Who is this strange woman you speak of?"
He chuckled again. "The one I call Elder Sister? Why, she is none other than the Empress of Heaven. That I enjoy her support is quite valuable for our cause, wouldn't you say?"