"Seven Jade Doors" -- Act VI

"Seven Jade Doors" is copyright 2010 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

**********

ACT VI

DEATH RIDES INTO LIU-WAL: Wherein Añuli is Born and Placed Amongst the Stars; The Trap is Sprung by Ketsueki Sato; Many Die in Liu-wal; The World Weeps

**********

Part 1

Once there was a powerful sorceress named Rea Mani-citali. She traveled far and wide and had taken residence within the Many Hells to learn from the demons there the arts of sorcery, of manipulating the world with thoughts. And though she consorted with demons she could not be spoken of in terms of grand adventure. Oft she would meet demons, ask of them questions and have questions asked of her, then her training was complete. Her life was one of studiousness and the only matter of note is that she was on more than one occasion chased from a town or village as a witch though she rarely performed her sorcery and she had never become a Blessed One incapable of dying through natural causes. Indeed, she remained quite mortal.

Then came a time when she met Kawacatoose, a beggar and con man that traveled the world scheming monies from people. A genuine romance blossomed between the two and when people heard of this many hoped their love would change their ways. If anything, however, the couple became proficient at bending the minds of others to their own needs and stole from innocents daily.

Soon came the time, however, when Kawacatoose lay with Rea Mani-citali in the desert in an embrace of passion. Upon witnessing this, and feeling sorrow for the corruption the couple brought into the world, the sun goddess Amaterasu visited Rea Mani-citali's womb without her knowledge as Kawacatoose loved her and there blessed the couple with a shining son that would bring good into the world.

When the child was born the couple was at first quite happy. They named this daughter Añuli for they last had gained immortality through child. But soon they realized their daughter was different, perhaps cursed - though in reality Añuli had been blessed by Amaterasu. The child grew swiftly, was far more beautiful than either of her parents and glowed softly as night as though lit by a candle from within.

Rea Mani-citali accepted her daughter nonetheless and with Kawacatoose raised her whilst traveling the world. They taught their daughter the ways of treachery and betrayal, the games of cards and dice and the skills of selling dreams to take monies. But when Añuli came of age at thirteen, she began twisting the deceptions. The first, she used a game of cards and when her parents - both posing as strangers to one another and destitute gamblers - placed all their monies in a game to entice others to do the same, Añuli switched the cards, thus causing her parents to lose all money they had. Añuli found this to be great fun though her parents scolded and beat her for it.

On grew young Añuli into full adulthood. She continued to play her tricks, though rarely on her parents. She grew less interested in scheming money from others, as well.

On a moonlit night she sat by the shore of a great ocean and wondered at the stars. Soon she was able to decipher the shape of a man in them. Upon feeling his presence discovered, the man took the full form of a living mortal and descended the night sky as mist. He sat in the sand beside Añuli, looking into her eyes with wonder. Said he, "Long have I waited for one to find me hiding within the jewels of Zingtai. Long have I pondered the identity of my discoverer. Thought I the person to find me would be some aged sage or blood-covered warrior announcing his victories to the night. Yet here you are, a beautiful young lady. I must confess as I sit here, though I yet know not your name, that I love you."

Warmth swelled within Añuli chest and body. She nearly shook with anticipation and conversation. She said, "I am Añuli."

"I am Caelestis of the Night," said the man.

"I did not know the stars could shape themselves into the shape of a man," said Añuli.

"Many mortals can be found reflected in the stars," explained Caelestis.

Each night, no matter where she roamed with her parents, Añuli would sit and find Caelestis within the stars and he would come to her side and they would talk into the night. A love blossomed between the two.

Añuli told her parents of Caelestis and they demanded to meet this man. It was done and they both loved their daughter's suitor. On a night when Añuli stepped away to be with Caelestis, Rea Mani-ciali and Kawacatoose spoke.

"Dear love," said Kawacatoose, "this man is a god. He lives on within the stars. Surely he must have great powers. What should be done is to convince him to marry our daughter to inherit his wealth and heavenly powers. Once this is done, we can then rid ourselves of Caelestis and our daughter shall rule the nighttime sky and we would benefit as her parents."

"Yes, this plan is good," agreed Rea Mani-citali, "but how do we rid ourselves of a god?"

"You are a sorceress, do you not know how to destroy a god?"

Rea shook her head, "Not entirely. That is beyond my means or I would have razed the Many Heavens and taken up residence there long ago. I know, at best, how to bind a god to a specific place so he can never move from there."

"Then this shall be done. If Caelestis is bound to the ground, he cannot rule the nighttime sky and our daughter will have to take his place."

"It is agreed, then," said Rea, "we will do this thing."

And so Añuli's parents extended an invitation to Caelestis to join their family for a meal. Caelestis accepted this invitation and Rea and Añuli set about preparing a fine meal in the open over a campfire. Añuli was happy to have her family accepting her newfound love in Caelestis.

Matters were discussed in a general sense as the food was prepared. Kawacatoose asked of rather bluntly of Caelestis, "What do you plan with my daughter? Would you marry her?"

"Oh, how I would love to, Kawacatoose. If, that is, you would only give us your blessings."

"I would," answered Kawacatoose.

Caelestis and Añuli smiled upon hearing this.

"But how would you care for my daughter?" asked Kawacatoose.

"I would give her everything I could," answered Caelestis.

"Would you give her all your powers within the nightly heavens? Could she become a star maiden as you, too, reside in the stars?"

"I would. Yes, I would," answered Caelestis. "So in love am I with your daughter, I will gladly give all my powers to her now if only to be with her forever. I need not be married to her to give up everything."

Upon hearing this proclamation, Rea and Kawacatoose smiled.

The food was set out and Rea called for a prayer.

"But you have never prayed before this," said a suspicious Añuli.

"We have never had a god to pray to before," said Rea.

As the prayer was begun by Rea Mani-citali, her words soon changed from worship to demonic tongues. Añuli, recognizing a curse being spoken, cried out in horror and grabbed at her mother. Kawacatoose gathered up his daughter and pinned her to the ground so she would not interfere with her mother's casting of the curse.

As Reaa Mani-citali spoke, Caelestis found himself being bound to a nearby boulder, large and immovable. He felt as though his entire body was growing roots and taking hold of the land. He soon was propelled into the stone and there bound forevermore.

Añuli cried out in terror and, when her father let go of her, she ran to the stone, fell upon it and wept.

"Do not fret," said her mother. "You heard Caelestis' proclamation as well as anyone and I'm certain the Many Heavens heard it, as well. He said he grants you all his powers, even without your marriage. Since he is now bound to the lands, you must take his place and with your new position as a star maiden you will be more powerful than ever."

Añuli wiped tears from her eyes. She demanded, "Why have you done this? How could you gain anything from this?"

Rea Mani-citali smiled and said, "Why, you are our daughter. Whatever is yours to inherit shall become ours. We are now rich in ways money cannot compare."

"You are rich only if I share it with you," said Añuli. "And share it I will not."

Feeling the power and the pull of the stars traveling across the nighttime sky, Añuli floated as mist into the sky overhead where she shifted in form to that of a collection of stars outlining her shape. She looked down upon her lover, Caelestis, now bound to a boulder and she wept. And where her eye would be, where the tears would fall, the brightest star shone.

In the days following, Añuli used all her newfound powers to sway the course of a gang of robbers to her parents. This gang of robbers held Rea Mani-citali and Kawacatoose for ransom, but when they discovered no one would pay for the safety of the treacherous couple, the robbers murdered them both and left their bodies to rot beside a lake.

So Añuli came to be known as Añuli the Star Maiden, Protector of All Against the Treacherous. Whenever a person felt they might be the victim of betrayal, or when new business dealings were entered into, or when gamblers needed a new run of luck, Añuli was prayed to. And of all the gods and goddesses, Añuli knew best how to fend of treachery and deceit for she had once been a trickster herself. But now she spent every night watching over the innocent with one eye and with the other weeping for her lover, Caelestis, who now stood silent within a giant stone.

**********

Part 2

Tiger Chiang stood at the borders of the city of Liu-wal. He moved from hence to place himself downwind. He sniffed at the air and his great lips curled, baring his teeth. He said to Mabo, who was sitting upon his shoulder beneath Tiger Chiang's straw hat, "The demon is here. I have winded the foul stench of his wickedness."

Mabo shuddered to think they were so close to the demon and the hunter that had killed his people. He asked, "What shall we do from here? I had not thought what to do when we caught up with them."

"I have," Tiger Chiang growled lowly. He reached into his sack and pulled forht a steamed bun. He tore from it a small piece and offered it to Mabo, but Mabo could not eat. The small hare shook his head and asked, "What shall we do, then?"

"A town of this size is likely to have a tavern or inn of some sort that serves food and liquor. You will go there and order for me a saké and keep watchful eye over it until I come to drink it," instructed Tiger Chiang.

Mabo sniffed at Tiger Chiang. He asked, "And what would you do?"

"I will put down this demon and his men." Tiger Chaind swallowed the last of the steamed bun and offered a hand to Mabo. The hare allowed his friend to prick him from his shoulder and to be placed on the ground. "Now go," said Tiger Chaing.

"But," Mabo stammered. "This is my fight. I should be present."

"Know you how to fight?"

Mabo lowered his head, ashamed he did not know how to fight yet he had come looking for a fight.

"Keep safe within the tavern," instructed Tiger Chiang.

Knowing not what else to do, Mabo followed his friend's instructions. He scurried into the town, looking for the tavern. At last he came to the place he was to go, but as he neared the door familiar voices filled his long ears. Memories leapt into his mind; memories of the night his family was slaughtered; memories of overjoyed voices and desperate squeals. He looked around the corner and there found the Eternal Empress' shoulder, now clothed differently. He did not recornize them all, but two struck hard as a hammer against the anvil of memory. He scurried away, finding a spot beneath the tavern as the building was raised on small stilts. The hare's heart beat rapidly. The tuft of fur upon his neck rose and prickled. He listened to the voices overhead. He heard them talking about nothing of grave importance until one said, "I wish those damn creatures would soon show themselves. I thirst for more blood."

"Quiet," scolded another. "The demon's plan is immaculate and if it is to remain so we must charade as merchant and not speak of such things. Quiet your tongue lest the plan turn sour."

Mabo heard this and thought they spoke of himself and Tiger Chiang. "It's a trap!" Mabo whispered to himself. His little lips stammered in incontrollable fashion, wondering what he should do. He thought he should run to find Tiger Chiang, to warn him the demon was lying in wait for them. He peered out from under the tavern in time to bear witness to Tiger Chiang's coming. A few passersby spied him, but carried on without further notice. Mabo bolted from under the tavern, yelling, "Friend Tiger Chiang! It's a trap! It's a trap! The demon lies in wait!"

**********

Part 3

Stavros and the others came into Liu-wal. They had traveled hard all morning and were tired. They left Gullnir, freeing him outside of town and thanked him for his efforts. They feared his likeness might give away their presence since a horse was more difficult to hide. Stavros eyed the town then his friends. He said, “We must discover the geography of this place, first. Then we’ll find a place to rest and discuss our plans.”

A thought struck Snow Fox and he asked, “What would we do should Ketsueki Sato already be in Liu-Wal?”

Stavros looked at the town. He said, “I doubt that. Look, there are peaceful matters and people going about their business. Should Ketsueki already be here, he would be busily burning everything to the ground.”

Snow Fox agreed with this and was relieved. The small group traveled together through the town, seeking out hiding spots and determining a place to rest. Elkhorn spied them and avoided their line of sight, circling the market as they walked through its center, circling them, hungry for the fight to come.

They came at last to the center of town, nearby the tavern. Exploding Sword pointed to the tavern and suggested, “We could rest there. We haven’t much money, but we could find drink and some rice there.”

All immediately agreed and as they moved closer, convinced Ketsueki was not near except Stavros who kept a watchful eye for any sign. He watched a lady come near to them, watched her pass and dig at her sash to produce a small coin to be placed in a beggar’s cup. She fumbled with the coin and it dropped clumsily from her hand, but the beggar reached out swiftly and grabbed the coin before it hit the ground, far swifter than Stavros thought one with an illness should be able to react. The beggar’s hand was wrapped in cloth, he noticed. He watched as the beggar said something to the woman. He could not hear the voice, but assumed he gave his thanks as he placed the coin in the cup. The woman hurried away now without saying anything in return, as though afraid – as though afraid of what she had heard.

Stavros spoke. He did not yell, nor did he speak softly. He spoke with all normalcy and control in his voice, “They’re here.”

Hearing this, his friends turned with a waking horror, many placing their hands upon their weapons. They searched to find what Stavros looked at and saw only the beggar.

“Do you fear a beggar?” teased Exploding Sword.

“He is no beggar,” Stavros said as his hand grasped the hilt of his sword.

Then came to them another voice, a small voice, though its urgency and strain made it sound large and full and fearful. “Friend Tiger Chiang!” screamed the voice. “It's a trap! It's a trap! The demon lies in wait!”

The gathered group turned to see a small hare running from beneath the tavern.

They turned again to see Tiger Chiang coming, eying the hare. The tiger took a defensive stance, bared his claws and sniffed the air, his nose leading his head to turn until he looked at the beggar. Tiger Chiang growled ferociously.

The people nearby drew closer and immediately quite.

Stavros grabbed at the drinking gourds and other items tied to his waist and let them fall free, drawing his sword until it came before him in both hands.

A cackle of genuine amusement came from the beggar and silenced the whole rest of the town as it grew in volume and breadth. The beggar rose, though not struggling to stand but instead as though floating. Wicked vines appeared beneath the tattered robes. Came a voice from the beggar, “Heh-heh-heh… At long last you have come to me. At long last I shall seep the blood of Blessed Ones. Welcome to Liu-wal, the place where you all shall die!”

The robes and rags were flung from Ketsueki’s form.

Exploding Sword clenched his fists.

Yele Prin Prin readied her talons.

Balin Pop and Jasmyn clenched one another.

Snow Fox whimpered with excitement, spinning his throwing knives in his hands.

Eloqua turned towards the tavern only to be backed away by the appearance of the Eternal Empress’ soldiers, dressed as merchants, wielding knives.

Elkhorn stepped from the market, his bow in his hands, an arrow knocked and aimed for Yele Prin Prin. Though he, since she appeared the only one that could fly, must first be killed.

Stavros did not know this tiger, nor did he yet trust him. It appeared as though the tiger and the hare were enemies against Ketsueki, but appearances had been deceiving this day. He decided instead to strike at the heart of their enemies.

“Come to me, Ketsueki!” challenged Stavros. “Let my sword drink your blood this day!”

The soldiers yelled and charged.

Ketsueki turned his head towards Stavros and smiled his ugly smile.

Tiger Chiang’s muscles contracted, ready to pounce.

Snow Fox readied his knives.

Wounds would soon be opened. Blood would soon be spilled.

**********

Part 4

Tiger Chiang leapt forward at the demon Ketsueki, his claws slicing the air with a fury only the gods may speak of. His claws came downward upon Ketsueki, tearing his wooded hide and stripping from him some bark. Ketsueki looked at the scars upon his chest, unfettered by the attack. He looked at Tiger Chiang and grew larger than the tiger’s size, looked down upon him and smiled. A burst of laughter came from Ketsueki as his tendrils busied themselves at grasping for the tiger. Tiger Chiang’s world filled with flipping, flitting vines. He fought them off and otherwise was made to ignore the demon altogether.

Came Stavros next, his sword held aloft, his focus upon the demon’s waist. He swung his steel, drawing the metal blade across the demon below the mid-section. A scar appeared, but the wood of Ketsueki’s form did not allow the blade to bite too deeply. It gave instead until the blade left only the thin scar.

Ketsueki looked down upon Stavros. He grabbed him up with his vines, wrapping themselves about Stavros’ throat and immediately began choking the rat.

“Far too tangled is he!” cried Tiger Chiang.

The people of Liu-wal ran from the center of their town, running in terror at the Blessed Ones and the demon fighting. Screams lifted into the air as children were not gently but hurriedly pricked from their homes as their parents took them to safety.

Eloqua pulled forth the branch she had been using as a weapon for practice and wielded it clumsily at the soldiers. The soldiers looked at the woman, gazed upon the servant and her puny makeshift implement, looked to one another and in unison laughed.

“Laugh at me?” cried out a nervous Eloqua, “I’ve enough knowledge of the fight in me to kill at least one of you. Which of you will it be? I’ll allow you to decide.”

Again the soldiers looked at one another and laughed. One of them waved his hands to the side, indicating the rest to circle Eloqua and her companions Yele Prin Prin, Exploding Sword, Balin Pop and Jasmyn. His fellows did this and he said, “Foolish woman! Once you were the servant of the Eternal Empress. You, of all those gathered here, should know her soldiers have never known fear. Fear is a friend we refuse to make.”

“Come!” cried Eloqua in desperation, “Come and meet with your god!”

Another soldier stepped towards her, his knives flashing in the mid-day sun. He said, “It is you who will die! For your treachery against the Eternal Empress!”

He lunged at her.

Eloqua listened to Stavros’ voice yet in her memory. She raised the sharpened branch, thrust forward, using its advantage of reach and the soldier’s own charge against him. Thrusting and falling, the two forces met as the branch’s tip met with the soldier’s ribs. It pierced him through, though not deeply.

Exploding Sword grabbed Eloqua’s hands, now shaking as they held the branch. He pushed with all his might, dragging Eloqua with him until the branch pierced the back of the soldier and he gasped with throes of death upon the wooded weapon.

“You must make certain to do it this way. If you are to kill a man,” said Exploding Sword, “you must kill him completely or you will not kill him at all.”

The soldier fell to the dirty road before the tavern.

The branch twisted from Eloqua’s hands and she gave a small yelp.

The other soldiers fell upon Exploding Sword and Yele Prin Prin.

Eloqua, feeling the urgency of the fight, grabbed the branch once more. She tried to remove it from the soldier’s body but it would not go. At last, seeing a soldier come for her, she bent low to pick up the fallen soldier’s paired knives and stood up with them. She made her final peace with death in the small moment before the new soldier was upon her. She gripped the knives taught and she began to fight.

Eloqua struck out first. Her knives bit the air. She was clumsy with her moves, slow. The soldier allowed her to fight the air around them, tiring herself. He knew that soon she would grow so weak from her own fight, he could easily split open her stomach and seek the vengeance needed for his fallen comrade. When at last she was showing with wear, the soldier came at her and stuck both blades into her ribs. He lifted up with them, lifting the woman off the ground with only the hilts of his knives and his own strength. Eloqua groaned and blood ran from her left nostril and mouth. The soldier lowered her and pulled free his knives. She threatened to fall, but he reached out to grab her by the clothes and sank one knife into her breast again and again, seventeen times in all until her chest was covered with blood. He then let her fall and focused his attentions on Yele Prin Prin.

Yele, seeing the fallen Eloqua, noticed the woman’s mouth moving, but could not hear her words as she spoke softly and the fighting was waged loudly.

“Tell my liege,” said Eloqua through bloodstained teeth, “I have died as I had lived: in service only to Alecto.”

Eloqua drew her last breath. Her chest stopped its slow rise and fall. Her eyes remained open and staring at something beyond the fight. Her body lay motionless.

Balin Pop grabbed up the knives from Eloqua and handed one to his wife. They jittered nervously before a soldier. Balin Pop struck out blindly and the soldier easily knocked his efforts away. The soldier then grabbed Jasmyn by the wrist and brought his own short sword down on her forearm, severing it there. He allowed her hand and portion of her arm to fall to the road.

Balin Pop roared with anger at this. He swung wildly at the soldier, only to be stabbed in the thigh for his efforts.

Exploding sword came to their aid. He grabbed the arm of the soldier with the short sword, pulled him close and punched him in the side of the head. The soldier’s skull cracked and he fell dead.

Jasmyn looked upon her arm in horror as her husband picked up the short sword. Her husband then cut a bit of his clothing free and wrapped her wound to stop the bleeding.

Yele Prin Prin’s claws struck the edge of a soldier’s incoming knife and together they sparked with fight. She reached out to claw across the soldier’s chest, but the wounds were small and bled only in a small way.

Elkhorn groaned as he saw the soldiers descend upon Yele Prin Prin and the others. He had wanted to kill the one capable of flight first, but now, if he shot, he risked killing one of his own men. The lives or deaths of the soldiers mattered little to him and, with his newfound love of Ketsueki Sato, he lowered his bow and wondered at the strength of his loyalties for the Eternal Empress. He had decided her pleasure was not as valuable as that of demon’s when a small knife struck him in the left shoulder. Shocked, he looked at the weapon with a wide mouth. He looked to find where the weapon had come from only to see Snow Fox running at him.

Elkhorn grimaced. He ignored the knife stuck in his shoulder and raised his bow. He let loose an arrow only to watch it skip across the ground where Snow Fox had once been. Snow Fox, seeing the arrow, used his swiftness to roll sideways and come behind a crate of pomelo fruits. He peered around the corner and threw another blade wildly. Elkhorn easily ducked Snow Fox’s weapon and overturned a merchant’s tables to create a wall with which to hide behind. He knelt low, watching the now ruddy-colored fox. He watched as the fox peeked around the corner of the crate and threw a knife. Elkhorn jumped as the knife struck the table just below his face. He looked once more to see Snow Fox had left a foot sideways out from behind the crate. Elkhorn knocked an arrow, he drew the length of his bow and fired it. The arrow struck Snow Fox in the foot, causing him to cry out in pain as it pinned him to the ground. He tried to pull his foot free, but to no avail. Snow Fox attempted to run away, hoping the full weight of his body would pull the arrow free, but it was useless. He flopped helplessly on the ground, making every effort to free himself.

Seeing this, Elkhorn stood from his hiding place and readied another arrow. He stepped from behind the tables and drew near to Snow Fox.

Mabo, afraid and watching his friend fighting the entanglement of the demon, ran to bite at the vines.

“No!” cried Tiger Chaing when he saw this. “Run from here! Hide yourself as we had planned. If you remain here you die!”

Mabo, now angry that his efforts were unwanted, cried out, “This is my fight as much as anyone’s!”

“Hide yourself, you damned fool rodent!” growled Tiger Chiang.

Mabo scurried in fear at the growl. He turned to watch as Tiger Chiang made his way through the tangling vines to reach out and claw at the vines strangling Stavros. A few broke free from the demon’s body and the rat was set free. He landed on his feet and bent over to gasp for air.

“Keep fighting!” growled Tiger Chaing.

Stavros raised himself and nodded. He swung his sword at the countless offending vines.

“He allows a stranger to fight, but not his friend!” Mabo argued with no one. “If Tiger Chiang will not allow me to aid him, then I will help another!”

Mabo looked about. He watched Exploding Sword punch one of the soldier’s knives, causing it to exploding along with the bones in the hand that held the weapon. He felt he could not help there. Then he peered into the market where Elkhorn now stalked the wounded Snow Fox. Hatred bred within Mabo for the murderer of his people. Without much thought, Mabo ran towards the market, screaming, “I come for you, murderer! I know not how, but I will topple you this day!”

Hearing the coming small voice, Elkhorn turned his attentions away from Snow Fox.

Snow Fox, also hearing the hare’s coming, looked to see how closely Elkhorn had come. He grabbed another knife from his belt and threw it, striking Elkhorn in the neck. Blood spurt from the wound and around the metal blade. Elkhorn stepped sideways and cried out.

Mabo ceased his approach, afraid of the scene before him. Seeing Elkhorn too busy to mind him, Mabo thought it best to help the trapped fox so that they might fight together. He ran to Snow Fox’s side, grabbed at the arrow with his teeth and pulled upwards.

“Who are you?” demanded Snow Fox.

Mabo said something, but with the arrow in his mouth, the words were indecipherable.

“What?” asked Snow Fox.

Mabo removed his mouth from the arrow and said, “A friend.” He once more returned to trying to remove the arrow from the fox’s foot.

Seeing the hare trying to help him, Snow Fox said, “I don’t think that either one of us will get it alone. Here, allow he to grasp it with both hands and you with your mouth and we’ll pull together.”

They did this and soon the arrow was free from the ground though still lodged in Snow Fox’s foot.

Snow Fox then said, “Watch out! He comes again!”

Mabo turned to see Elkhorn had regained his composure though the knife remained in the side of Elkhorn’s neck. Mabo ran forward and bit at the man’s shins, but Elkhorn pulled back a foot and so hard did he kick that the hare flew across the market to land hard, his back hitting a crate of vegetables and chasing the air from his lungs. Mabo lay on the ground, panting, uncertain of what had just happened to him yet certain he was near death.

Elkhorn removed another arrow from his quiver and readied it on his bow. He raised the weapon. Snow Fox, seeing this, pulled another knife and threw it. The blade struck Elkhorn in his left hand, the hand that held the bow itself, cutting free his middle and ring fingers while the blade lodged in the bow.

Elkhorn cried out again and dropped the bow. He stumbled, afraid now. Long had he fought with a bow, now his hand was rendered useless to a bow. He made his way out of town, away from the fight.

Snow Fox did not waste this opportunity. He quickly shoved the arrow through his foot, screamed in pain, then got to his feet and made his way towards the fallen Mabo.

As the battle raged within Liu-wal, Comet Fox came upon the town. He flew overhead and peered down from the clouds. “We’re here,” said Comet Fox to Alecto.

Alecto looked down upon the town and witnessed the rising of dust, the scuffling of peoples and Blessed Ones and animals alike. She said, “Something happens there now.”

Comet Fox, the trickster god and one so loving towards jokes and drink and song and goodness, frowned. He said, “The fight has already begun.”

“What shall we do?” asked Alecto.

“I’ll land outside the town and together we’ll run to find you a hiding place. Then we will join the fight.”

Comet Fox circled the town, looking for safety. He then spied the wicked Neboshazzar and remembered the creature from the Battle Upon the Plain of Adoration. And with him was a large bug looking much like their former companion Sarut. Alecto, too, saw these creatures and said, “What are they?”

Comet Fox thought on this and said, “Ketsueki must have them hidden for another attack yet to come. He’s trying to trap our friends by making for them a bed of death.”

It was then Neboshazzar spied Comet Fox and his long tail. The vile creature cried out so all could hear.

In Liu-wal, Ketsueki silently called to Neboshazzar and Sarut. Neboshazzar’s cry had been meant to alert them to some change in the course of the fight and Ketsueki dare not allow his two reserved friends remain hidden any longer. He called to them and they heeded that call.

“We cannot waste time,” said Comet Fox, “We must find for you a place to hide.”

Comet Fox swiftly descended into the town. Everyone paused in their fighting a moment to take notice as the fox-god flew behind the tavern.

Comet Fox immediately saw the tavern was a raised building. He said found a small path underneath and forced Alecto under there. He said, “Stay hidden beneath this building and do not come out until I return for you.”

Tears had begun to appear on Alecto’s face as the weight of the fight came to her. She nodded and crawled beneath the tavern. Her world filled with darkness and four far-off horizons. She looked out towards the front of the tavern where the fight was taking place, but all she could see was a layer of dust and kicked-up dirt. She cried, hated her mother, hated Stavros for having stayed her hand. The Little Empress remained hidden beneath the tavern, weeping.

Fearing the enemy might discover Alecto through his coming, Comet Fox circled around the town first, then came within its borders near the market. He saw first his brother Snow Fox tended to a hare. He ran to Snow Fox’s side and said, “Brother, I’m here to help.”

“Thank the many gods,” answered Snow Fox. He smiled at his brother and his tail flicked with happiness. “We could use your fighting skills. Is Alecto safe?”

“She is, for now. Who is this?” Comet Fox asked about the hare.

Snow Fox said simply, “A friend.”

“He’s injured. He may yet live, however. You need to get him to some place safe. Might I suggest the small space beneath the tavern? But beware, do not allow others to watch you go there. Once there, take care of our friend there.”

“Friend?” asked Snow Fox.

“There is another friend already hiding there,” said Snow Fox, “There’s no time for further explanation.”

Snow Fox nodded. He asked Mabo, “Are you able to walk?”

Mabo blinked, thinking now he might yet live, and said, “I believe so.”

“Go swiftly as you can,” instructed Comet Fox, “and let no one see you.”

Snow Fox and Mabo did just this and when they came beneatht he tavern they found the weeping Alecto there. She jumped at their presence, but upon seeing Snow Fox she smiled and said, “Have you come for me? Is the fight over?”

Snow Fox shook his head, “I fear it may be entering its final, bloodiest hour. But now that Comet Fox is here, we will be made safe. Why are you not with the frog Wu Chan Chu?”

“She was not at the Peony and Comet Fox thought it a waste to try to search for her,” explained Alecto.

“I see,” said Snow Fox.

“Who is this?” Alecto asked about the hare, now busily cleaning himself and yet panting heavy.

The hare looked at them and said, “I am Mabo.”

“He helped me in the fight,” said Snow Fox.

Neboshazzar flew overhead, spying the battle below. He glided low over the center of town and cried out happily as he passed the demon and his master Ketsueki Sato. Ketsuei smiled back in return and said to him, “’Tis a good day for death!”

Neboshazzar called back. He circled the town and descended upon the soldiers fighting Yele Prin Prin and Exploding Sword. The soldiers backed away, one of them saying, “Allow Neboshazzar his fun.”

Neboshazzar flew close and his talons struck at Exploding Sword, causing a large cut across his back. Yele Prin Prin lifted into the air to chase the creature, but thought she would better serve herself and Faryad’s to remain near his side. When Neboshazzar circled and came near again, Faryad the Exploding Sword said, “I’ll grab at the creature and, while I’ve bound it, you strike at its heart.”

Yele Prin Prin said nothing, knowing only her lover would know she understood his plan.

Neboshazzar flicked its talons at them again. Exploding Sword sidestepped the attack and grabbed the creature by the legs, pulling it to the ground, but Yele Prin Prin was behind the creature and could not strike at its heart. She instead clawed at the feathers upon Neboshazzar’s left wing, clipping them and making him incapable of flight whil Balin Pop and Jasmyn eyed the soldiers, watching for them to move in on them. But the soldiers remained resting.

Neboshazzar struggled free of Exploding Sword’s grip, but fell to the ground. He tried to fly, but found his cut feathers incapable of lifting him. He cried out in anger.

Exploding Sword grabbed the creature’s right wing and pulled it wide, exposing it. He then punched at the creature’s wing, at the bone supporting the flesh and feathers, breaking it in three places. He let go the wing and it fell limply by the creature’s side.

Seeing Neoshazzar wounded, the soldiers attacked once more, drawing Yele Prin Prin’s and Exploding Sword’s attention away so that Neboshazzar limped away easily. Once more Yele Prin Prin, Exploding Sword, Balin Pop and Jasmyn found themselves amidst battle.

Then came Sarut to Liu-wal. He neared Ketsueki Sato and the demon commanded, “Burn everything!”

Sarut understood and began spitting his flame at every building, at every merchant’s stand, at every bush and tuft of grass.

Comet Fox wished it and his ulus appeared in his hands. He stepped up behind the fighting soldiers and slipped in weapons into the backs of two of them. They tightened with fear as they felt the wounds opened. Comet Fox placed his head between theirs and said, “Despite being a god of trickery, I am not a god of treachery. Normally, I would not stab someone thusly and without warning, but your allegiance with the demon Ketsueki Sato proves you have no honor, no integrity. So, you must die.”

Comet Fox twisted his blades, slipped them upward and cut the soldiers along the lengths of the spine until their backbones fell exposed. He then removed his ulus and the soldiers collapsed to the dirt road, dead.

“Comet Fox!” Exploding Sword said with some joy.

Yele Prin prin, too, smiled at the fox-god.

The fox-god eyed Balin Pop and Jasmyn, both severely wounded. He said to Balin, “Perhaps you should seek a safer place.”

Balin Pop refused this.

Comet Fox drew nearer his ear and whispered, “Hide beneath the tavern, but make your way about it so as no one sees. There you will find other friends resting and perhaps in need of your help.”

Balin Pop eyed Comet Fox. He nodded with understanding and lead his wife away. They made their way silently and unseen to hide beneath the tavern with the others. Together, those gathered slowly, quietly made their way towards the front on the tavern to peer out from beneath it, to watch the fight. With less people fighting, the kicked-up dust and dirt settled some and they could see better, though not yet clearly. For the most part, however, they were able to make out the events unfolding before them.

Comet Fox lowered his eyes on Ketsueki yet fighting Stavros and Tiger Chaing. “Who is the tiger?” asked Comet Fox.

Exploding Sword looked, then said, “An enemy of Ketsueki, it would appear.”

Comet Fox accepted this and said, “Let us rid the world of this demon.”

He lead Yele Prin Prin and Exploding Sword towards Ketsueki Sato.

**********

Part 5

Elkhorn removed the knives from his neck and shoulder. Desperate and gathering his thoughts, he realized he yet might be able to hold his bow. He returned to find his bow yet lying in the market. He first tore a bit of cloth free from a merchant’s table and wrapped it about his neck to stop the bleeding. He then removed the knife from his bow and raised it, testing his grip and though it was weak, he felt he could yet shoot arrows. He tried this once by shooting into a table at the far end of the market and found his accuracy somewhat off, but he was happy he could still prove his worth to his newfound demonic lord. He made his way to Ketsueki Sato’s side.

“Ketsueki!” cried Comet Fox as he neared. “Remember me? Do you remember the god you once made your drunken pet?”

Ketsueki turned to look. He smiled at Comet Fox as though greeting an old friend. He said, “Welcome, Comet Fox, to Liu-wal. It is certainly nice to see you once again.”

Stavros backed away from fighting the demon’s vines. He came to the side of Comet Fox said, “Your face is a welcomed sight, old friend.”

“What he says is true,” agreed Ketsueki in a mocking way, “your face is a welcomed sight.”

Tiger Chaing also made his way away from the demon. He joined the others by their side.

Sarut busily burned the town all around them.

Elkhown came to Ketsueki’s side.

“Where are your men?” asked Ketsueki.

“All dead,” anwered Elkhorn, “or run off like cowards.”

Ketsueki chuckled at this.

The town burned around them.

Comet Fox eyed this, watched as Sarut belched flame and set a home ablaze. He said to Yele Prin Prin and Exploding Sword, “You should tend to or old friend. The one setting the fires, I believe, is none other than Sarut himself.”

“This is true,” confirmed Ketsueki. “He came to me so very hurt. Whatever did you do to him? He was so angry with the likes of you all.”

Exploding Sword sighed at this. Yele Prin Prin took his hand and said, “Come.” Together they set out towards the oversized Sarut.

Comet Fox, Stavros and Tiger Chiang stood now against Ketsueki and Elkhorn.

“Let’s end this, Ketsueki,” called Comet Fox.

“Yes,” nodded Ketsueki in agreement, “let’s end this before I grow bored of it.”

Comet Fox took to the air and flew as swiftly as he could, his arms extended out with his ulus before him, his long comet-like tail trailing behind him. The ulues cut at the vines grabbing at him as he made it close to the demon, plunging his weapons into the woody chest of Ketsueki and knocking him backwards so that his vines had to reach out in every direction to grab ahold of stones, trees, everything he could to remain standing.

Stavros and Tiger Chiang wasted no moment. They both charged at the demon, Stavros hacking with his sword and Tiger Chiang slashing with his claws, cutting the many vines of Ketsueki Sato.

Comet Fox pulled free his ulus and struck out, but the demon knock away his efforts. Comet Fox floated before him and they exchanged an endless series of blows, of punches and cuts.

Exploding Sword first sent Yele Prin Prin flying, then he came to Sarut’s side. He called the ladybug’s name softly, but the bug did not hear it over his own destructive joy and the crackling fires. Exploding Sword then cried out louder, “Sarut!”

Sarut now heard this and turned to look upon his enemy. The ladybug groaned with happiness and anger. He said, “You’ve come to die, have you?”

“No, friend,” said Exploding Sword, “I’ve come to convince you to stop. Know you that I can explain your anger, though I cannot know your pain. I know why you do this thing now. I know why you take such joy in destruction. I caused that pain and that joy. But this is not the way to console it. This is a path leading only towards further destruction.”

“Shut your mouth and quiet your lies!” Sarut said. “For far too long I have allowed you to live! Now you must die!”

“Sarut, please, I beg of you. Give up this path of destruction,” pleaded Exploding Sword.

“No,” refused Sarut, “it is far too much fun.”

Exploding Sword frowned. He said, “Then I will have to put you down.” He clenched his fists.

Sarut breathed deep.

Exploding Sword looked to the sky.

Yele Prin Prin saw this and came flying down at Sarut, claws out, cutting along the length of his back.

Sarut cried out.

Exploding Sword charged forward. At the final moment he said, “I’m so very sorry for causing your pain.” Exploding Sword’s fists, both of them, came down upon Sarut’s head, causing it to flail around like an empty sack in high winds. Sarut collapsed, his legs weak now, but was not yet dead. With tears in his eyes, Exploding Sword broke off one of Sarut’s own ugly mandible claws and plunged it into the ladybug’s head.

Sarut the Ladybug lie dead amidst the crackling fires of Liu-wal.

Exploding Sword fell to his knees, sobbing heavily.

Yele Prin Prin landed near her love and put her arms around him. Together they fell to the ground, Exploding Sword crying uncontrollably and Yele Prin Prin holding him lovingly.

Ketsueki flung out a vine and it struck Tiger Chiang in the shin, piercing the skin and sinking there, though not deeply. Feeling this, Ketsueki drank. At long last he drank of the blood of a Blessed One and it sent him into such ecstasy that he forgot Comet Fox a moment, smiling, closing his ruby eyes in pleasure. As the few droplets of blood entered him, his teeth grew longer, his smile wider and more wicked, more gnarled.

Tiger Chiang cried out in pain as his blood was stolen from him. He dropped to a knee. He flexed his pawed hands and cut at the vine. He pulled the bit of vine from his leg and stood once more.

The blood letting stopped, Ketsueki opened his eyes once more to see Comet Fox’s hand swing near his face as one of his ulus cut at the demon’s neck. Ketsueki smiled at this, thinking how wicked the fox-god was made to become, made to slit the throat of another and he reveled with joy at this. But more than that, he looked upon Comet Fox as a source of power. More than anything, Ketsueki Sato was overcome by the desire to feed upon Comet Fox and, to this end, he became more focused.

Ketsueki heard the arrow being knocked. He waited for it, planned for it. He heard the small twang of the bow’s string as the arrow was launched into the air by Elkhorn and it found its mark in Comet Fox’s side. Comet Fox floated sideways. He pulled the arrow free, made certain there was no blood and threw the arrow down. Ketsueki, waiting for this moment, attacked. He struck at Comet Fox with a furious blow, sending the fox-god flying backwards and landing before the tavern. His vines then picked up Stavros and Tiger Chiang and flung them together to one side. His path now made clear, Ketsueki moved closer to the fallen fox-god. He raised one long, thick vine overhead.

Comet Fox propped himself off the ground. Seeing the demon drawing near, he floated, ready to fly away in any direction. He grabbed at his ulus lying on the ground. He then tried to fly off, but by then it was too late. The many vines of Ketsueki Sato had grabbed the fox-god first by the tail, then the legs and not by the waist. Comet Fox twisted, trying to claw at the ground to pull himself free. He looked for anything he could grab onto, but found only small faces peering out at him from beneath the tavern, all of them too far to reach. He felt small vine after vine sink into him as the one larger vine wavered high overhead. He looked back at Ketsueki to discover his fate. He turned once more to look upon the gathered, hidden faces. He did not speak, he made no sound. In his final effort, Comet Fox mouthed a single soundless word, “Run.”

Alecto, Balin Pop, Jasmyn, Mabo and his brother Snow Fox looked on in horror as the large vine slipped into Comet Fox’s back, grabbing hold of him therein. They watched as the demon Ketsueki Sato tore him asunder, drinking and bathing in his blood, growing to nearly three times the height of any building in Liu-wal, cackling with delight for having killed a god.

**********

Part 6

Those collected under the tavern were frozen in fear until, at last, Mabo spoke. Said the hare, “We must run as he has said.”

They crawled then stumbled out the back of the tavern. They made their way through the burning town to where Stavros and Tiger Chiang were now picking themselves off the ground, eying the dastardly deed Ketsueki had committed. They called to them and they came to their side.

“Comet Fox said to continue to run,” said Mabo.

Stavros eyed the destruction.

Tiger Chiang did not want to leave the fight.

Yele Prin Prin and Exploding Sword came running nearby and Mabo called to them.

Stavros considered the others. He said, “None of you can further fight. Not this day. Not after what has happened.”

“No!” cried Snow Fox. “We must fight! He murdered my brother!”

“Comet Fox is dead?” asked Yele Prin Prin.

Stavros merely nodded. He then added, “No one here is in any condition to further the fight.”

Tiger Chiang growled lowly at this, but eyed Mabo and knew this to be true. He felt the best thing for Mabo, at least, was to get far from the town and have some time to let matters pass.

Stavros said to Yele Prin Prin, “Come. Take Alecto. Faryad, take Snow Fox. We must run. Let us hope we can get free of this town.”

Exploding Sword picked Snow Fox up, though the small fox struggled against this.

“But Ketsueki will come after us,” said Balin Pop.

“Most likely,” said Stavros. “So we will need to run now.” Stavros lead the group to the edge of the burning town and, as they crested a hill, Balin Pop stopped them. He said, “We are wounded, Ketsueki will only catch up with us if we run now. We must cause a diversion.”

“What would you suggest?” asked Stavros.

Balin Pop sighed. He said, “Let my wife and I do this thing.”

“What thing? What will you do?” demanded Stavros.

“I, as yet, do not know. But of all of us, we are the least capable of fighting and the slowest, especially now that my thigh has been wounded. Allow us to create a diversion.”

“Then what will you do?” asked Stavros.

“We will run once more, perhaps in another direction, perhaps to find you again one day.”

“We can’t waste any more time,” said Yele Prin Prin, now holding a crying Alecto.

Stavros nodded at Balin Pop and said, “May the many gods watch over you.”

“And you,” said Balin Pop. He and his wife watched as Stavros and the others descended the far side of the hill and ran as fast as they could to the west.

“Where do we go?” asked Tiger Chiang of Stavros.

Stavros thought on this a moment and wished he had his drinking gourds with him. He wished he had some liquor to drink so he could get drunk with Comet Fox this night. He fought back tears at this thought and said, “Where was Wu Chan Chu?”

Alecto could not answer for she was in shock and running.

“She was not at the Peony,” Snow Fox said through tears. He wiped his eyes and stopped struggling against Exploding Sword’s grasp.

Stavros considered this and said, “Then our only option is to seek out Balori in Ife.”

On ran the group, on towards the west, on towards Balori in Ife.

Balin Pop and Jasmyn watched them go. When they could no longer be seen, Jasmyn said, “We go to our deaths at this hour, don’t we?”

Balin Pop said, “Perhaps. We ran from our own village. We cannot run from this town. We haven’t any family but one another. If we are to take a stand in the name of Caerraul let it be here, let it be now. We should have done this before, but we have been given a second chance.”

Jasmyn agreed to this. She grabbed up her knife as Balin Pop grabbed up his short sword. They descended the hill leading into the town. They made their way through the fires, seeking out the demon.

Ketsueki and Elkhorn was surveying the damage. Neboshazzar could not be found and Sarut was dead.

Soon Balin Pop and Jasmyn came upon them.

“What’s this?” asked Elkhorn. “Has Alecto’s cowardly followers been sent to fling themselves at our feet?”

“Perhaps they wish to join us,” chuckled the towering Ketsueki. “Is that what you wish?”

Balin Pop shook his head and raised his short sword.

Ketsueki sighed. He flicked a vine near Elkhorn towards Balin Pop. Elkhorn understood and readied an arrow. He shot it, striking Balin Pop in the forehead and killing him instantly.

“No!” cried Jasmyn. She fell to her knees, holding her husband’s dead body.

Ketsueki laughed at this. “So futile are the lives of mortals, yet so precious you make yourselves. You’re not of any value, you stupid whore!”

Jasmyn stood. She picked the short sword from the ground.

Ketsueki laughed at this, too. He said, “Elkhorn, make this one fun for me, won’t you?”

Elkhorn smiled. He shot another arrow, this one at Jasmyn’s remaining hand now holding the sword. His aim was not entirely true, striking her in the arm instead, causing her to drop the sword. He shot another arrow at her, this one into her right foot and pinning her to the ground as he had done with Snow Fox. But as Jasmyn fell to the ground, sitting up, the force of her fall caused the arrow to snap in half.

“You whore!” called Elkhorn. “How dare you break one of my arrows?”

He shot her a third time, this time hitting her right thigh.

Ketsueki continued to laugh at her pain and with every arrow strike.

Elkhorn again shot Jasmyn, this time in the left knee. He shot her a fifth time in the left shoulder. This caused her to fall back in pain. He shot her a sixth time, this time in the stomach, then added two more there.

“Those three are so that you may never birth another whore like yourself!” Elkhorn cried out for his demonic lord’s pleasure.

Ketsueki doubled over with laughter.

Elkhorn shot Jasmyn six more times. He then said to Ketsueki, “My lord, I’ve only one more arrow left.”

Ketsueki ceased his laughter and said, “Then finish her.”

Elkhorn sent his final arrow to pierce the forehead of Jasmyn.

Ketsueki eyed the dead woman a while.

“Shall we keep after them?” asked Elkhorn.

Ketsueki considered this. He said, “Perhaps not. What I desire is Xiao-tep. Now that his dear friend is dead, he will certainly come to face me in battle. I’ve not reason to pursue the others any further.”

“What of the Eternal Empress and her daughter?” asked Elkhhorn.

“To the Many Hells with the Eternal Empress!” cried Ketsueki.

Elkhorn laughed at this. He asked, “Then what shall we do?”

“Do you intend to remain by my side, peon?” asked Ketsueki.

“I had thought I might,” said Elkhorn.

This made the demon smile. He said, “The gods will be most displeased with us. We must gather more to our side. We must therefore raise an army.”

"Agreed, Lord Ketsueki," said Elkhorn.

**********

Part 7

As Ketsueki and Elkhorn left Liu-wal, news spread quickly of the battle within the city and, most of all, of Comet Fox’s death. People the world over heard the news and knew sorrow.

The day Comet Fox was slain by the demon Ketsueki Sato, a new student came into the Temple of the Frosted Moon. A new uniform was needed for this new student and Ada was sent to claim it a day later. When she returned with the new uniform, she also returned with news of Comet Fox’s death. Said she, “There was a great battle in the town of Liu-wal.”

“Who all was involved?” asked White Lotus.

“Many were involved, specifically the demon Ketsueki Sato and Comet Fox.”

“What was the result of this fight?” asked White Lotus.

Ada hesitated. She said, “The town was burned to the ground and… Comet Fox was killed by the demon.”

This shook Zom Loa, for it had been his own hands that had resurrected Ketsueki. He now felt responsible for the death of a god. He remained silent for the next two days. He even missed a day’s meditation as he struggled with his own thoughts and feelins. At last he entered the meditation chamber one day, late to the appointed hour, and took his place kneeling upon a mat. He hesitated, but then said, “Master, I apologize for interrupting everyone’s meditations, but I cannot wait any longer to speak with you.”

White Lotus gazed upon Zom Loa and asked, “What is it you must speak of?”

His fellow students looked to his as Zom Loa said, “I feel I must leave the temple, Master White Lotus.”

“Why is this?” asked White Lotus. “What purpose do you have in leaving your studies behind?”

“I must seek out and destroy the demon Ketsueki,” explained Zom Loa.

“You are not responsible for Comet Fox’s death,” White Lotus’ words shocked Zom Loa, for he had not guessed White Lotus might already understand what he had been thinking. Said White Lotus, “You may have set free Ketsueki Sato once more, but the actions he’s taken since then have been his own and have no reflection upon you.”

Zom Loa considered this and said, “I bow to your wisdom, Master, but I cannot shake this. I must leave.”

White Lotus was silent a moment, then asked, “Butik, what agreement have we each about the leaving the Temple of the Frosted Moon?”

“No one may leave the temple,” said Butik. “And should anyone ever leave the temple, they shall never be welcomed here again.”

“Thank you, Butik. It is an oath we have all give, Zom Loa, including myself. Do you wish to break your oath?”

Zom Loa frowned. He said, “I do not wish to break my oath, but I must.”

White Lotus nodded. He said, “Leave your uniform.”

Zom Loa stood and bowed deeply at everyone. He returned to the sleeping chambers where he removed his temple uniform and placed his old robes back on himself. He worked quickly so as to leave as soon as possible. He gathered his old items. The only new items he took were his three takaras. Lastly, eying the skull of Tarn, he rubbed it before placing it upon his head. He spoke to the skull, “We’ve yet another place to go, old Tarn; another place to be.”

He left his uniform folded on his sleeping mat.

He left the temple. No one noticed him leave as they were all still in the meditation chamber. He closed the massive doors of the temple by himself. He turned to look out upon the world before descending the mountain.

**********

Part 8

Xiao-tep was inspecting the new chamber being built specifically for him when news of Comet Fox’s death came to the Many Heavens. It was Makemake who brought word of the fight with Ketsueki.

“This cannot be,” lamented Xiao-tep. Then anger overwhelmed him and he screamed, “This cannot be!”

At this anger, the skies all over the world crackled with thunder and Ketsueki, traveling, knew the gods were displeased with him. He smiled up at the Many Heavens.

Lei-zi made an attempt to soothe her son, but she could not help. Xiao-tep said, “I must return to Taleisin.” And so he did where he lay in the soft grass and cried for his friend until, the night Comet Fox died, he traveled to the world to visit a village honoring Comet Fox. The fish-god watched as bon fires were built for the fallen god and he joined in the prayers that were held and listened as Comet Fox’s tales were told. Long had everyone known of the god called Comet Fox the Trickster. Yet, for all his guile and wits, he had also been known as a fair-minded god; a caring god that, on occasion, aided the mortals he would befriend. Comet Fox had been, above all else, adored.

Amidst this adoration, amidst the death of Comet Fox, the world wept.

As the many prayers from people all across the world were lifted into the Many Heavens, Añuli the Star Maiden, Protector of All Against the Treacherous, fell in love with Comet Fox as one friend might love another friend. On the following night, when the last of the fires were put out in Liu-wal, Añuli made her way from the nighttime sky and, with Zingtai’s blessings as well as those of the people of Liu-wal, she took what little remains of Comet Fox there were and returned to the sky that evening. Before the night was finished and Etain had peeked over the far horizon, Añuli had properly placed Comet Fox’s remains as jewels amongst the stars and had done so in his shape so that, in the bright and sunny months, he could be seen all over the world.

Also, for generations to come, Añuli commanded the stars to streak across the sky whenever treachery was afoot or, when treachery had been learned of, as an omen of good things to come despite the treachery.

Thus Comet Fox would always be remembered, would always be loved and would forever be placed in a position to watch over the people and the lands he so loved.

**********

This is the final act of "Seven Jade Doors" folks. I'll get back to posting this continuing novel in two weeks, right here on Atomic Swan Serials Blog.

"Seven Jade Doors" -- Act I

Starting back up with the next episode of the anthropomorphic wuxia novel Broken Sorrows, I offer today Act I of "Seven Jade Doors". The story was originally going to be titled "The Frog Queen" but has since been changed.

Enjoy.

**********

"Seven Jade Doors" is copyright 2010 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

**********

THE HEAVENLY COURT OF THE SEVEN JADE DOORS: Wherein Ketsueki Sato Calls for a Challenge Against Xiao-tep; The Gods Gather in Counsel to Discuss the Fates of Xiao-tep and Wu Chan Chu; Chiava and Wu Chan Chu Meet, Striking a Deal to Travel Together

**********

Part 1

Came the mad spearhead of the Eternal Empress' army to Caerraul, a small town atop a hill near the river Ursk that flows into the bogs of the Imps. Here, the Thousand and One Horned Demon Ketsueki Sato came with Elkhorn and his men. Ketsueki razed many of the homes in Ursk, finally settling into the home of the largest family, the Galseas. Ketsueki held them there, captive in their own home. He tortured Father Galsea for hours, bleeding him to unconsciousness, healing him then waking him to bleed him some more.

"Where is the fox-god?" asked Ketsueki Sato.

"I've said it before," gasped Father Galsea, hanging by his feet from the rafters of the home he had built, "we've had no dealings with gods."

"Do you mean to tell me your beautiful young family makes no prayers? No offerings? Do you worship no god?"

"Yes, yes. We pray to the goddess Lei-Zi for we make many silks in this town."

"Lei-zi?" raged the demon, his voice grumbling with fury. He brought himself closer to Father Galsea, their cheeks touching, splinters from the demon's face scraping at Father Galsea's flesh. Ketsueki yelled at the mortal, staring deeply into his eyes, "Mother to Xiao-tep?"

Father Gansea nodded. "The very one."

Ketsueki spoke lowly, "What do you know of Xiao-tep?"

"He is a kind god," answered Father Galsea. "And a mighty one. And though his spear is mighty, his heart is mightier. Recently he has sworn off fighting, destroying the Spear of Sorrows, and taken on the life of a monk."

Ketsueki considered this. "Do you speak true?" he asked.

"This is as I've heard," said Father Galsea.

Ketsueki smiled at the thought of Xiao-tep gone cold to the fight. He smiled and brought his tentacles up to touch at the mortal as his woody claws scratched along his head. He spoke lowly, menacingly, "How dare you speak that name before me? You may not know my present form, but dost thou know my name, mortal? Do you recognize the name Ketsueki Sato?"

Father Galsea's eyes grew wide. "No, it is impossible! You cannot be the demon!"

Ketsueki smiled to his wooden fangs shaped like splinters.

"But Ketsueki was killed within the Cottonwood Chamber! Xiao-tep delivered the final blow himself!"

"Your knowledge of Heavenly affairs is well versed, though incomplete. I should have known a follower of Lei-Zi would not know of the rise of Ketsueki Sato."

"But how?" Father Galsea gasped.

Ketsueki glowered at the man. "I am Ketsueki Sato, the demon that defied all the Hells. I cannot be stopped. And soon, I shall be known by one and all as Ketsueki the God-Killer, the Destroyer of Xiao-tep."

Ketsueki drove a tentacle into Father Galsea's neck, seeping in the blood there and killing the mortal. His family screamed in horror, hiding their eyes.

"Why did you kill him?" protested Elkhorn. "We still do not know the whereabouts Comet Fox and the princess Alecto."

"His impudence offended me," Ketsueki offered. "Besides, his house is full of mouths ready to speak. Shall we take next the mother? No, she would likely die for her children. Let's instead take one of her children, shall we say the eldest girl? Surely there's a bond between the two. Besides, I am convinced Comet Fox avoids the towns we meet in hopes we follow him and leave the townsfolk unharmed. I will not allow this. I will instead head into every town he brings us close to and I will continue to slaughter them all until I draw him out. This... this is the way to kill a god."

Elkhorn grabbed the wrist of the eldest girl child. She was not yet thirteen in age, not quite a woman.

Ketsueki started for the door. Elkhorn's men barred the house and set it afire. As it burned, he called to the people of Caerraul, demanding they come forth. Few obeyed this, in fear for their lives. But many, almost all, peered through windows and from behind doors, around corners and from the cellars beneath homes. When Ketsueki was satisfied he had their attention, he addressed them loudly, the fire raging behind him, the screams of the Galsea's lifting into the air and the eldest daughter crying and firmly grasped in his wooden grip. He told them, "I am Ketsueki Sato, your destroyer. I seek two things and if I obtain them, I shall leave this world and return to the Many Hells. First, I seek the princess named Alecto, daughter to Sulia Laree the Eternal Empress. For as long as she runs, I shall raze the world. For as long as she hides, I shall drink your blood! If you find her; if you should see her; if you hear as much as a whisper of a rumor, you will come to me with it. You will point in the direction she runs. You will point to the tree she hides behind. You will whisper the rumors you have heard into my ear.

"Secondly, I seek the fish-god Xiao-tep. I call on him to come to me. I challenge him to one more fight. If I lose, I will return to the Many Hells. Should I win... well, should I win I shall feast upon his blood and then return to the Many Hells. But for every day he remains unfaithful to his people; for every day he remains disloyal to those loyal to him; for every day he remains unwilling to fight is another day I remain in your world. Every day he remains hiding from me is another day I kill. Every hour he stays away from me is another hour for me in invade your homes, to burn your crops and bring illness to your land. Every day my demands are not satisfied is another day I have to kill the lot of you, to kill your children, to end your finite lives.

"Let it be known this is a test placed upon the fish-god. What value does he place upon your lives? He will live forever. You may die at any time. But will you die in your old age as The Cosmos commands, or will you die at my hands because that fish-god be unwilling to face me? What value have you to he? Now is the hour to find the answer. Now is the hour of temptation and faith. Is he worthy of your prayers? Or will he turn his back to you in your final, horrifying hour?

Ketsueki looked to the night sky as he spoke the following words, "Let the fish-god choose! I call upon him! I demand his presence! Come, Xiao-tep! Come to town of Caerraul and face your enemy!"

Ketsueki remained gazing upon the Kalavata's wings a moment. When Xiao-tep did not show, as Ketsueki expected he would not, Ketsueki lowered his head. His eyes leveled upon the town. He looked for every hiding eye. He smiled a wicked smile. His tentacles then grabbed the eldest daughter by the waist and shoulders, twisting them in opposite directions until the girl was torn in half.

Ketsueki threw the corpse's two halves into the center of town as the citizenry fled into the night.

**********

Part 2

The gods were called together within the realm of the Many Heavens to lock themselves away, leaving servants out of their conversations and turning demi-gods and Immortals aside for only gods and goddesses may enter the Heavenly Court of Seven Jade Doors; only gods and goddesses may enter any one of its seven doors of green jade and remain within its walls of white jade with ribbons of varying purples throughout; with its silver bells and spreading laurels, Cinnamons, chestnuts and yews reciting soft poems as they are touched by the fingers ofAeolus; with the ever flowering Narcissus and all of this guarded by a thick layer of clouds that befuddle and turn around all but the gods and goddesses that may enter this court. Here did they hold council for three weeks; For three weeks did the skies over all the world remain clear; For three weeks did the nights pass without disturbance as the gods attended to matters entirely disturbing only to themselves for the many and multitudinous gods held counsel to discuss the matter of Hapi's children.

"Hapi!" called Freyr.

Hapi reluctantly came forth, his feet slapping at the white jade floors, the girth of his rotund belly quaking with effort, his hands clenching and un-clenching with profound nervousness. He stood amidst the collected gods and goddesses, their many eyes upon him.

Freyr said, "It has come to my attention that our fellow Hapi has procreated. This god that now stands at our center has made not only a demi-goddess, but another god and he has put forth effort to hide this fact from us."

Hapi shook his head defiantly and fearfully.

"What evidence have you to this claim?" asked Kurupi of Freyr.

"This tale has been told to me, first by the dwarf Brok," answered Freyr.

"Brok!" Hapi exclaimed. "But if you know the tale of..." Hapi's voice trailed off in horror at his mistake.

"The tale of?" asked Freyr. "Who's tale should we have heard of? Do you mean the tale of your son, Xiao-tep?"

The gathered gods and goddesses rumbled with rumor.

"Nonsense!" cried Hapi. "What you speak of is nonsense. It is a convenient thing, indeed, for you to slander my name with a false tale of someone that cannot be here to tell it himself! A convenience indeed that Brok himself cannot be allowed into the Hall of the Seven Jade Doors to tell his tale, yet here you stand with the tale upon your tongue and using its ferocity to dismiss my status. If there be new gods in our midst, it is more likely to be the lascivious acts of Kurupi's prehensile penis than of my own acts."

Kurupi lowered his head to hide his face as the accusation was true, he had fathered many children the world over.

"Perhaps I should not have spoken of Brok, then," said Freyr. "Perhaps I should have gone immediately to the second storyteller to tell me the same tale."

"Bah! I defy anyone to tell the tale in my presence!" said Hapi.

"Then you shall be defied," said Freyr. "Lei-zi, please come forward."

As Lei-Zi stepped from the amassed crowd, walking slowly and delicately across the jade floor, her head down in proper respect for her fellow gods and goddesses, the court echoed with fury and wonder.

"What's this?" Hapi demanded. "How have you persuaded Lei Zi to tell your lies, Freyr?"

Lei-Zi raised a hand to all and was given quiet. She bowed respectfully and spoke. "I am Lei-Zi, Goddess of Thunder. I have, indeed, come to you this day to tell you a tale; a tale of a new god."

The gods and goddesses again spoke with great voice. Again Lei-Zi held up a hand to call for quiet and this was granted.

Except fr Kurupi who called out, "How do you know of this new god? How can you prove your claim?"

Lei-Zi nodded to Kurupi and said, "I know of this new god for I am his mother."

"And Hapi is the father," sneered Freyr.

"How dare you insult me!" cried Hapi.

"Why was this not brought to our attentions before?" asked Atai.

"But it has," said Freyr. "It came to me as I noticed the mortals of the world growing religion about this new god, the one called Xiao-tep. It is then I discussed the matter with a mortal sage and, upon hearing of my curiosity, the dwarf Brok came to me to confirm Xiao-tep's existence. Many of you may know of him but did not recognize him as a god for he is none other than the current caretaker of Taleisin."

Several gods cried out in anger at this while a few nodded that they had known of Xiao-tep, though admitted they did not know his origins or lineage.

"Why was this kept from us, Hapi?" demanded Smertrios.

Hapi stammered, seeking an answer that would end the conflict. He could find no true answer.

"I made no mention of this," spoke Lei-Zi, "for I did not know it was meant to be brought forth to the many gods. I felt it right for Xiao-tep, my son, to find his own way through the world. When Freyr came to me seeking truth in the tale, I confirmed Xiao-tep's life and am now here presenting the very same to all of you. I apologize for any transgression I may have committed."

"Even should we believe you did not know this matter should be brought to us," said the Ašvieniai in unison, "we cannot believe the both of you did not know. Why did Hapi not bring this to our attentions upon Xiao-tep's birth?"

At this, Lei-Zi looked to Hapi. Hers was not a gaze of honor or respect, but of hurt and hatred. She answered, "He wanted me to deliver Xiao-tep unto him upon birth. He planned to eat Xiao-tep. I could not allow this. This is my child we speak of. I cannot simply deliver him unto death. I would rather risk my own life. I fooled Hapi into thinking a fish taken from the seas was his son and he ate that, thinking the matter over with until he discovered the truth."

"Then it is the mother's blame," spoke Volos. "Her punishment should be swift and severe."

"One cannot blame a mother for wanting to save the life of a son," said Rhea.

"Had she been a loyal consort," retorted Volos, "she would have followed Hapi's instructions and Xiao-tep would not be a matter to be discussed currently."

"Indeed!" cried Hapi. "It is the fault of Lei-Zi a new religion grows! It is the fault of Lei-Zi we gather her now."

Lei-Zi opened her arms, invitingly, saying, "I will take upon any punishment required of me, even death. I ask only Xiao-tep be spared. He had no choice in his birth."

"Hapi is not so guiltless," said Freyr. "Hapi may have been fooled into thinking Xiao-tep dead at one point, but he learned this was not true far sooner than we learned of Xiao-tep. And, may I remind you, I also said Hapi has father a demi-goddess. His transgressions are twice that of Lei-Zi."

"We can hardly punish Hapi for the birth of a demi-goddess," said Anjana. "There are far too few of us that have not birthed a half-mortal child.

"This is true," agreed Freyr, "but why is it we've not heard of either until now? His demi-goddess daughter serves only to further purport his concealment of matters; it serves to undermine his word."

"What about Coyote? Know you that Xiao-tep makes friends with a son, another new god, named Comet Fox?"

"We all know of Comet Fox," said Freyr. "His expolits amongst mortals are well known. He does not threaten us nor the Many Heavens, rather he aides mortals in their trials."

"We cannot surely deny Coyote his nature," giggled Uzume.

Hapi growled at Uzume.

"Nip at her like a dog, Hapi," said Freyr, "and I'll slap you down like one."

Hapi raged incoherently at this, then gethered himself enough to say, "That is unfair!"

"We are not interested in fairness here," said Freyr.

Hapi fell silent at this prejudice.

"What suggestion do you make, Freyr? How shall we handle this new god, if not his demi-goddess sister?" asked the ibis-headed Thoth.

"What should be done," said Freyr, "is a matter of accordance. We should invite this new god, this son of Lei-zi and Hapi, the one called Xiao-tep, here into the Many Heavens."

At this the many gods stirred with suspicion.

"Cease your fears, friends," soothed Freyr, "what can but one god do onto our kingdom we cannot refute in force? Let Xiao-tep come here and, should he truly be a god, enter here the Heavenly Court of Seven Jade Doors. If he truly be worthy, he shall be allowed passage in. And once here, we shall stand him in our midst to answer any query we would put to him, to sum up his worth and value, to surmise his wisdom and effect upon the mortals."

"That is an outrageous suggestion!" yelled Hapi. "How dare you? How dare you defy my wishes for his death? He is a new god and as such does not deserve life!"

"And who would judge this so?" asked Freyr.

Hapi, emboldened by anger, stepped forward. "I would make such a claim, the damned god's father!"

Several of the gods whispered fear at Hapi's damning another god.

Freyr considered this, considered Hapi. "Perhaps your opinion would hold more weight," he answered, "if at first you had not failed to kill Xiao-tep."

"I was tricked by Lei-zi!"

"Then you should be honored to have fallen prey to another god and not a mere mortal," suggested Freyr.

Hapi could give no retort.

"What shall happen to my son should you judge him worthy?" asked Lei-zi.

"That is a matter we must contend with should the need arise," answered Freyr.

"What shall we do should Xiao-tep stand before us and, having judged him, we decide him unworthy?" asked the sun-faced Tohil.

"We shall strike him down without prejudice," said Freyr.

Hapi smiled and Lei-zi frowned at hearing this.

"And what of the demi-goddess?" asked Haumia Tiketike.

Again Freyr took a moment to think. He then said, "I will send forth our loyal servant and elder Immortal Chiava. We all know him and have come to trust him well enough to allow his living within the Many Heavens. He thrives on adventure and is quite personable. He would love to go forth to find this demi-goddess, this... what was her name?"

Hapi frowned, at first refused, then gave up his daughter's name, "Wu Chan Chu."

"Wu Chan Chu," Freyr repeated. "He will present himself as a mortal in some capacity of his own choosing, perhaps in need of help carrying out a task, and will effectively spy on her for us. With his spying done, he will report back to us."

"What task shall be ascribed to Chiava?" asked Kumugwe.

it was Hanuman that gestured with a wave of his hand. From his waist he produced a length of emerald green silk with gold piping and tassels along the edge. He Stepped forward, handed to Freyr, and said, "Have Chiava take this to some destination. Should Wu Chan Chu be trustworthy, she shall not steal it and thereby prove her dharma. She may be tempted, however, for she is, after all, a great fighter that seeks the next great fight."

Freyr unraveled the silk to discover held within was a vajra of pure gold. Many gods drew nearer to behold the beautiful weapon before Freyr wrapped it in the green silk once more.

The gods were nearly all in agreement on this, but those who opposed did so silently for their objections in their hearts were minor and their curiosity for the new demi-goddess too persuasive.

Freyr then stepped to Lei-zi, saying, "And we will send you to retrieve for us your son."

Lei-zi bowed respectfully.

The seven jade doors of the Heavenly Court were thrown wide and the gods and winds were released.

Lei-zi descended from the Many Heavens towards Taleisin.

**********

Part 3

After the Battle Upon the Plain of Adoration, the mighty demi-goddess Wu Chan Chu wandered the world a while until she came once more to The Peony Teahouse. She found, upon her return, she was well received by many fans and regular, but not by Sal Igo - proprietor of the teahouse.

"Go back from whence you came, frog demi-goddess!" Sal Igo spat. "We're no longer in need of your services here at the Peony Teahouse!"

Sal Igo made this proclamation in the presence of many of his patrons so as to make a point of humiliating Wu Chan Chu, to send her off with the knowledge he did not want her.

But Wu Chan Chu was not ashamed nor humiliated. She demanded, "What is this attitude and position you take against me? I have always been welcomed here, if not as Wu Chan Chu the Peony Teahouse Champion then in the very least as a competitor. Is the house championship no longer open to all challengers? Have you changed the rules?"

"The rules have not changed," said Sal Igo, "for anyone but you, Wu Chan Chu. You are of special notoriety within our house rules. Namely and precisely, your presence is no longer welcomed here at the Peony Teahouse."

Several of the patrons grumbled with frustration and contempt at this rule.

"Why is this?" asked Wu Chan Chu.

"Because I have found you to be unfaithful to the House Championship. You are a wanderer, Wu Chan Chu. You come and go as you please and have left here with the championship title upon your shoulders more than once. I cannot tolerate this sort of behavior. I cannot allow a champion to leave as she would like, leaving me to establish yet another lengthy and costly tournament to find another champion. Do you know? This last time that you left your obligations here, the last time you vacated the championship, I did not even put forth the money to promote and establish a new champion. I simply allowed whomever desired to take to fighting upon the floor. After three days, one fighter alone remained standing against all challengers. And so I had to proclaim him champion." Sal Igo stroked his silk robes, straightening himself so as to be dignified. He looked to Wu Chan Chu and said, "His name is Iron Shirt."

"I will fight him for the Peony Teahouse championship."

"You will do no such thing," said Sal Igo. "As I have already made mention, you are no longer welcome here. That is to say you are no longer welcome here under any capacity: as champion, as challenger, as drinker of teas or of wines or as gambler. Wu Chan Chu is not a welcome guest of the Peony Teahouse."

"How dare you treat a demi-goddess this way? How dare you treat a former champion - and a champion that filled your coffers to overflowing - this way! How dare you treat me this way after I've found your coffers and returned them to you!" Wu Chan Chu stepped heavily towards Sal Igo.

The teahouse proprietor stepped back, nervous and afraid of Wu Chan Chu's strength and fury. Though he feared her, he felt he must remain stolid against her for the betterment of his business. "Go away, Wu Chan Chu. Go back to whichever pond you came from."

The gathered clientele of the teahouse began to argue with Sal Igo. They demanded he let Wu Chan Chu fight.

"Surely!" cried one patron. "Surely you see the brilliance in allowing Wu Chan Chu to fight Iron Shirt. Both are perhaps the best fighters you've ever had! Let them fight!"

A subtle chant of "Ku-mi-te!" was begun.

"No!" cried out Sal Igo. "This will never be! Wu Chan Chu, go now from my teahouse and never again return!"

Wu Chan Chu glowered at Sal Igo. She flicked out her tongue to catch a fly bussing near Sal Igo's head. The teahouse proprietor flinched at this. Wu Chan Chu swallowed down the fly, belched, turned and left the Peony Teahouse.

Once outside, Wu Chan Chu stood under the gossamer moon. Paper lanterns cast a warm, red glow upon her form. She was looking to each direction wondering where next to roam when an elderly man in a dark blue robe and a hemp sack slung over one shoulder approached her.

"Excuse me," said he.

"Hmmph?" Wu Chan Chu grunted in question.

"You look to be quite the strong and trustworthy Blessed One. Would you, by chance, be interested in making a few coins?"

"You have piqued my interests, old man."

"I am Chiava and I'm afraid I've found myself with an inheritance from my recently departed sister. I fear continued travel upon the road home alone. For a few coins, would you be so kind as to escort me home?" asked the old man.

"Where is your home?" asked Wu Chan Chu.

"In the city of Azipoor south of Tenhar."

"I thought Ife was south of Tenhar?" asked Wu Chan Chu.

"It is, further south than Azipoor."

"Have you means to travel?" asked the demi-goddess.

"Only my feet," answered the old man.

"Why don't you take some of your inheritance and buy yourself a horse or wagon?"

Chiava hung his head low, his head turning sideways and his eyes darting about, looking for eavesdroppers. He spoke lowly now, "The inheritance, you see, is not in coins. Rather, it is an item I carry now in this sack. There are very many thieves that would like to steal it from me and, as you might imagine, I cannot allow this."

Wu Chan Chu considered Chiava a moment. She then asked, "How many coin might I expect to be paid?"

"All that I have. I am old and need not eat on the journey. What I will need I can gather from the land as we travel."

"How much would you be carrying then?" Wu Chan Chu grew impatient, having not been given a straight answer.

"Thirty," said Chiava.

"Thirty!" cried Wu Chan Chu so loudly that Chiava startled, looking around to see if she had drawn attention to them. "Dear old man, I would not do this for thirty coins. I'll need far more than that."

Chiava frowned. He said, "All I can offer you is more payment once we reach my home. Once there, I can offer you more. But I can offer you nothing beyond the thirty presently."

Wu Chan Chu croaked. She looked into the four directions again, wondering where to wander. She looked to Chiava and said, "I suppose traveling with you is as good a choice as any. I will take your coins from you, old man. But should I find the trek harder than expected, should I decide my troubles outweight my rewards, I reserve the right to leave your side at any moment."

Chiava nodded. He reached into a pocket of his robe and pulled forth the coins, handing them to Wu Chan Chu. Together the two set out to the east, walking for Azipoor. Wu Chan Chu soon found herself frustrated with Chiava, saying, "Keep up, old man. I do not intend to make this journey with you last. Walk faster!"

"I'm walking as fast as my old body allows," said Chiava.

Wu Chan Chu sighed. She stopped on the road and let Chiava pass her some ways. She watched him walking slowly, shambling. She shook her head.

"First to be thrown out of the Peony Teahouse and now I've thrown in with an old man," Wu Chan Chu shook her head. "The gods must hate me."

**********

I hope it was worth the wait! Check back next week for Act II!!!

"The Tiger and the Hare" -- Act II

And now for Act II of "The Tiger and the Hare"!

Enjoy,

~ Charles

******************************

"The Tiger and the Hare" copyright 2009 by Charles Shaver. All rights reserved.

ACT II

THE ECSTASY OF THE BLOOD MOON: Wherein Ketsueki Retains a Loyal Servant; Ketsueki Makes a Weapon for The Empress' Champion; Elkhorn Tries His New Bow; Mabo Runs in Fear

******************************

PART 1

In the southernmost region of Bizo there lived a brother and sister, Jiang and Qiu Gang. Came they from a close family and quite different were they in disposition. Wherein Qui Gang was powerful, outgoing, protective and trusting her brother was secretive, diminutive, shy and lonely. Qiu Gang was beautiful. So bitter was Jiang his body contorted with vinegar soul until he a hump grew on his back and he scowled at even the blue jay's song.

Together they had saved all their money since childhood and the passing of their parents to purchase a small mill in Bizo. There they ground wheat and oats for local farmers to be taken to markets all over the world. They made for themselves a happy home in Bizo, growing up and growing old together.

The people of Bizo, in turn, learned to love the newcomers Jiang and Qiu Gang. As the brother and sister adopted Bizo as their home, so the people of Bizo adopted them as neighbors and friends. Many men fell in love with Qiu Gang and pursued her only to be gently beaten away with kind smiles and soft gestures. Many men grew angry at this. One such man was a nearby farmer named Xue Xun that had recently inherited his farm after his father's passing. Xue Xun soon found himself plotting to capture the attentions of Qie Gang despite herself.

Still others grew haggard with worry for Qiu Gang. Whenever others met with Qiu Gang they would praise her charm, honesty and hospitality. And when they met Jiang, they scowled and spat his name in whispers.

"A dark man," they would say, "filled with sorrow, so much sorrow he torments his sister and keeps her from wedded life."

Time passed, friends and neighbors grew closer to Qiu Gang and evermore distant from her brother. Once, when asked by a neighbor why her brother was so foul in mood and demeanor, Qiu Gang explained, "He was tormented horribly as a child. He tried love many times with many girls, but all treated his disrespectfully and a few ran off with much of his money. He is bitter at the roots with all creatures, I am afraid to admit, but he is my brother and I love him and he trusts me so I will never part from his side until one of us dies."

Word spread of Qiu Gang's tale and her selflessness made her more adored by all that knew her.

Qiu Gang urged Jiang to seek out the friendship of others, but he refused. At last she said, "In the very least, when you take your daily nap do so outside in the sun or in the shade of a tree. Do not squander your every hour indoors, locked away from the world."

Jiang took this advice, though moreso to avoid confrontation with his sister. He soon was seen by many to be sleeping in the shade of a white oak. One such person was Xue Xun.

One day, while sleeping under the oak, Xue Xun when to a local elder known as a mystic and named Zhen. He was an old man of long, white beard and hair, His eyes were forever squinting. He never wore clothing over his torso, merely wrapping the purest white cloths about his waist and strapping leather sandals to his feet. Master Zhen glowed with wisdom.

"Please aid me in winning the love of the beautiful Qiu Gang," pleaded Xue Xun. "My life is nothing without her. When she passes my farm I can smell lilacs for hours. She does not bathe in flower water, or least I do not believe so. She is too simple a woman to take on such extravagance. She is merely beautiful to the point of being flower of her own accord. I must have her, Master Zhen! I must have her! I beg for your help!"

At this Zhen threw himself before Master Zhen.

Master Zhen eyed the young farmer. "Get up, you damned fool," he commanded. As Xue Xun did as he was told, Master Zhen said, "I do not think I'll dissuade you from taking certain courses of action to gain Qiu Gang's love, but I must issue this warning: my help will come at a hefty price."

"I'll pay you anything you ask of me!" cried Xue Xun.

Master Zhen shook his head. "I will ask for no payment. I will help you without fee and I will help you only because I am an old man and if I am to suffer it is no matter. But if I let you run off to find some other way to win Qiu Gang's love you will certainly make another suffer and I cannot allow that."

"Then what is this payment you speak of?" asked Xue Xun.

Master Zhen eyed Xue Xun closely. He said, "You will gain Qiu Gang's love, but blood will have to flow, starting with your own. You must make a sacrifice of your blood into my bowl and this first bloodletting shall only be followed by more of the same."

"What do you mean by this?" asked Xue Xun. "What kind of bloodletting will follow mine own?"

"That I cannot say. What we tamper with is the will of the Cosmos themselves and they will do as needed to set things right for our tampering."

Xue Xun thought on this moment, then thought of his beloved Qiu Gang. "I will pay any price," he told Master Zhen.

And so a ceremony was done. Xue Xun cut himself at the wrist and let his blood spill forth into Master Zhen's bowl. Master Zhen then mixed a poultice with the blood and gave it to Xue Xun, saying, "The matter with Qiu Gang, I am told, is that she is so very loyal to her brother. Remove the brother from her life and she will be open to marriage. Take this poultice to him, rub it onto his skin. I know not how you'll accomplish this, but it is no longer a matter to me. Do so and in a day's time Qiu Gang will be free from her familial bondage."

Xue Xun thanked Master Zhen greatly and promised him many fortunes before running from the old man's home. As Xue Xun ran, he hoped Jiang was yet asleep beneath the white oak and, much to his pleasure, found that he was.

Xue Xun crept up on the slumbering Jiang. As the fouled brother snored heavily, Xue Xun softly rubbed the poultice, all of it, onto Jiang's arms and cheeks before running away.

Xue Xun, knowing not else what to do, returned to his farming for the rest of the day.

The twittering fife of Teo, a foul little fairy, woke Jiang.

Jiang roared angrily, "Who is there? Who dares disturb my slumber? I shall kill whosoever plays their foul pipe upon my land!"

Teo laughed maniacally. He appeared before Jiang as a mound of moss. Only his dark face, gnarled yellowed teeth and green eyes outlined by white gave his location away.

"You dare threaten me?" Teo laughed and taunted. "But you are so big! Only fools and mortals allows themselves to be so big. Only the gods are bigger but they're so important they deserve their size. But look at you! How would you catch me? Or, wait... yes, yes, I know! This is all in jest! Ohh! Hahaha! Your jest quite amuses me! You are a good teller of jokes, big one!"

"Stop that laughing!" Jiang scowled. "I make no jokes! This is my land my sleep that you disturb, fly! Off with yourself or I'll rid myself of you with violence!"

Again Teo laughed. "Ohhhh! Please, please, dear man, please stop! Your hilarity is so immense I am in tears!"

Jiang punched at the ground where Teo stood, but when he lifted his hand he could find Teo nowhere.

"I am here, fool!" Teo called from his side, this time his voice was angry and serious. "You don't jest! You meant me harm!"

"Of course I did! And I still do!" shouted Jiang. Again he punched. Again Teo disappeared only to reappear at Jiang's side.

"Who are you! Why have you come to disturb my slumber?" demanded Jiang.

"I have come because I was called. Rather, it was my master that was summoned for help."

"What help? What master? Who are you?"

"I am Teo. My master is Masabakes, Demoness of Lust."

"What matter would a Demoness of Lust have with me?"

Teo lied, "She hasn't business with you, rather your sister. She seeks great fortune.Your sister seeks your fortune."

"Lies! My sister is the only person I can trust!"

"Very well then," Teo huffed. "If you do not wish to hear my explanation fo my presence, then you tell me my reason for being here."

Jiang thought it over only to realize the fairy's tale made sense.

"I'll kill her!" cried out Jiang.

Teo smiled and disappeared, this time never to reappear again.

Jiang grew jealous and stormed to the mill, confronting her as she prepared their supper and accused her of plotting to run off with their savings.

"All the money we've made," said he, "all the efforts we've put into this mill and you wish to destroy me to keep everything for yourself!"

"How dare you?" Qiu Gang was appalled. "I've been everso loyal to you and this is how I am to be repaid? With suspicion and accusation?"

"If this not be true," issued Jiang, "then sell me your half of the mill while you remain here to continue working with me. If you remain without any fortune to be gained, then your love and honesty will be proven!"

"But I've worked as hard as you to run this mill!"

"Sell it to me or prove yourself a liar!"

In the hour of heat, when days run long overhead and shine down with angry warmth, one often is not of their own mind. Such was this day for Qiu Gang. Her temper flared, her loyalties wounded, she cried out, "Rather would I sell my half of the mill to a demon than you!"

Outside the mill, Etain descended, Kalavata climbed high. Moonlight dappled the landscape of the southern regions of Bizo as the demon Ketsueki Sato came to them atop the flying beast Neboshazaar. Together they flew betwixt clouds, over fields growing with crops, above trickling streams until they came near a mill and, lifted on the night air, Ketsueki heard the sounds of an argument. He smiled at the anger in the voices, smiled at the suspicion and hatred in the tones.

Ketsueki Sato and Neboshazaar descended from the sky to land nearby the mill. Slowly he entered the home, opening wide the door on a world of suspicion and venom. He reveled in the sound, cackled loudly at the sight.

Jiang and Qiu Gang turned on him.

Qiu Gang screamed at the sight of the wooden demon, his lava eyes. "Who are you?" she demanded. "Rid us of yourself, demon!"

"A demon I be," spoke Ketsueki with charming tones. "But mine is not the hatred found here."

"I knew it!" Jiang broke into the conversation. "You consort with demons! You lying trollop!"

"He is not my demon to contend with!" defended Qiu Gang.

"Oh, ho-ho! But I am your demon to contend with now, young ones."

"What is it you wish here? Nevermind! I'll not know your business! Leave us, demon!" Qiu Gang spat.

Ketsueki smiled. He further entered the mill, running his woody fingers along the mill's wheel to feel the strength and weight there. He spoke slowly, baitingly, "I've come to proffer unto you a game of chance. Win and you shall live, lose and you shall die. Refuse to play and you'll both be horribly killed. Now, who's to die? Who's to die?"

"We'll not play any of your games, demon!" Qiu Gang was angry, disturbed, frightened by the appearance of Ketsueki Sato and yet shivering from anger with her brother. "Leave us now! Go back to whichever of the Hells you sprang from."

Ketsueki frowned. "If only I could." His frown turned to a wicked, gnarly smile once more. "But that is another matter entirely. Now we must play or you shall both die. Allow me a moment to consider... I know! I shall kill the weaker of the two."

Ketsueki drew near Jiang. A long vine moved out from Ketsueki's feet, up Jiang's thigh and back to caress his hunch.

"Yes," hissed the demon. "This one is incredibly weak with illness and despair. I shall take this one. Does this seem proper? But then, this other is so very pretty. It would be such a loss for the world if she were to die. Oh, to choose! I cannot make myself choose."

Ketsueki came to stand between brother and sister. He eyed them both slowly, maliciously. At last he said, "If I cannot choose, then you must choose for me. Choose now which of you will die or shall you both be rendered into the grave."

Neither brother nor sister spoke.

"Very well, then. I will kill this weak one, this hunchback, this ugly fiend of a man." Ketsueki's vines whipped out to latch onto Jiang's body.

Jiang cried out in fear.

"Stop it!" demanded Qiu Gang. "If you must take one of us, then take me!"

Ketsueki smiled. He let go of Jiang and moved closer to Qiu Gang, his vines wrapping about her waist, binding her legs and wrists. She whimpered in fear, tears waterfalling from eyes down her cheeks. Ketsueki looked to Jiang, hoping to prolong the agony he felt on the air, to feed off the terror of these weak mortals.

"Shall I do this wicked thing?" he asked.

Jiang did not look at the demon of wood, did not look to his sister. He thought of Qiu Gang's demon-consorting, of her betrayal and knew neither from the truth. Pain filled his world, broke as a wave against a shore, smashing inside him with fury.

Jiang looked up, to his sister, gazing into her tear-filled eyes.

"Kill her," he said.

Ketsueki threw the woman against a stone wall of the mill and there pinned her with his vines as his hand reached out to grasp the spinning miller's wheel and lift it some distance while the wind mill outside caught wind and turned it. Standing, the wheel grinding against his hands, filing them, splintering them, he threw Qiu Gang beneath the wheel and let the wheel drop atop her, crushing her, grinding her, breaking her down into a mulch of blood and flesh and ground bone. Ketsueki then placed a bucket by the wheel's edge to allow blood to collect within. When it was half full, Ketsueki pricked up the bucket and drank deeply the blood of the dead Qiu Gang.

Covered in carnage, his ever-drying wood body now limber once more, Ketsueki dropped the bucket and approached Jiang. He said, "Some day in the future you may want your revenge. Should that day arrive, come to me and I will kill you then."

The demon Ketsueki Sato left the mill. As he mounted Neboshazaar he spied Jiang stepping from the mill's door.

"What's this? Has the day come already? Am I to kill you now?" Ketsueki smiled a bloody smile of pleasure.

Jiang approached the two vile creatures, eyed them, said, "My mill is nothing without my sister. I cannot possibly work it alone."

"This is not a problem for me, mortal. Cry to another in your country," growled Ketsueki.

"It's not your problem, that much is true. But this mill and this land have nothing more for me. I am in need of a new life and am willing to submit to a life of service."

"What is it that you are saying, mortal? Out with your desires."

Jiang was hesitant at first, but then worked his words with the greatest of confidence. "I wish to come with you. Wherever you may go, I shall follow. If you're in need of more blood, I shall find it for you." At this Jiang went to one knee and said, "I shall promise my services to you in full and for a lifetime."

Ketsueki looked down on Jiang. "What is your name, hunchback?"

"I am called Jiang."

"Jiang the Hunched One, welcome into the service of a demon." Ketsueki put out his wooden hand to clasp that of Jiang's and pull him up on Neboshazaar's back to ride behind him. Together, the three took to the air, scudding across the moon as shadows haunting the night.

"Where do we go, master?" asked Jiang.

"We seek the Eternal Empress, boy! We seek her out for fortune and greater chances at bringing destruction into this world! We seek her out so that I may amass an army to kill the gods themselves, namely the one called Xiao-tep the Ankh-fish!"

"I have heard of such a god," spoke Jiang, loudly over the din of passing wind. "I must confess, I never liked his tales. His courage and beauty and luck are a disgrace upon us mortals. This makes me far happier to be in your service, my lord!"

Ketsueki cackled, driving Neboshazaar higher into the clouds as Jiang clung tightly to them both.

******************************

PART 2

Came Ketsueki and Jiang upon Neboshazaar into the great city surrounding the palace of the Eternal Empresss. Came they at night, at an early hour when the moon had yet to rise to its apex, when many were bedding down yet few were asleep. Came Ketsueki to the palace and demanded an audience with the Empress.

An imperial servant in the Empress' army ran to his liege's side where he delivered this message, "My Empress, a demon has visited our fair land this evening He stands as we speak at the doorway to the palace and demands an audience with my Empress. I forbade this, but he insists. As he is a Blessed One, I've come to you for counsel on the matter. Shall I turn the demon away?"

The Eternal Empress had been preparing herself for slumber when her loyal servant came to her bedchamber. Her great flowing turquoise gown embellishments and embroidery of finely spun silver lifted on every current of air as she considered him, as she considered the demon that visited her palace.

"Bring him hence," she commanded. "I will see him while I sit upon my throne."

And so the demon Ketsueki Sato and his servant Jiang was ushered to the throne of the Eternal Empress. She sat upon her throne lifted high above them and surrounded by a series of arching steps of white marble. She looked down on them as though they were her servants, looked down on them as if she herself a goddess. Her movements were fine, thought Ketsueki, her presence demanding and powerful. He was impressed with this mortal-turned-Blessed One. Her beauty, most of all, impressed him, made him desire her, made him hate and envy her. He stood a wooden shell of his former self, a mighty demon, while she sat upon a throne of gold resting upon the finest marble with all the beauty of the world in her face though she had begun life mortal.

He shook aside his envy and said, "Empress Sulia Laree, I am the demon Ketsueki Sato and I've come seeking an alliance. I am told you currently hunt the fox-god Comet Fox for he has taken off with your daughter, acting as her guardian. I found truth in this when not more than a mere few hours ago I met your commander called Elkhorn. He has sent me your way."

"Has he now?" she asked, eying her own beautiful garments in hopes of showing no interest in the demon.

"He has, but I first came here of my own accord."

"What alliance do you suggest?" the Empress yawned mockingly.

Ketsueki scowled, his vines working wildly with anger and impatience. He said, "Let it be known that once I was the mighty ruler of the Cottonwood Chamber in the Many Hells, but I was tricked, betrayed and usurped by three foul creatures: two gods and one demi-goddess. One of those gods was none other than the very fox-god you now hunt."

The Empress at last looked to Ketsueki, though she played at her eyes being heavy with weariness from the day and a lack of interest in the demon.

Feeling slighted, Ketsueki said, "Empress, I ask that you look at me." When the Empress closed her eyes in defiance, he growled with thunderous tone, "Look at me!"

So sharp was Ketsueki's tone, his words, that the Empress could not help but look upon him. All her feigns ceased and she quietly admitted to herself a certain fear in having a demon in her palace.

"Your gazing suits me," said Ketsueki Sato. "I will not be ignored, not by any god and certainly not by any self-important, self-righteous mortal-turned-immortal!"

"How dare you?" gasped the Empress. "I should have your head for speaking to me thusly!"

Ketsueki placed a wooden foot upon the first step leading to her throne. The Empress' men drew their weapons as he spoke, "I would like you to try my fury, Empress."

The Empress looked to her soldiers and nodded. They lunged at Ketsueki Sato.

Jiang made a weak attempt to fight for his master, but was tripped and put down by a soldier that then lead a charge at the demon.

Out shot the thorny vines of Ketsueki's form, clasping and stabbing at the soldiers. He strangled, entangled and tore apart six men at once. Blood poured over the stark white marble. The rest of the soldiers stood, hesitant.

The Empress smiled. "You're ways are cruel and unique, Ketsueki Sato. I will dismiss your earlier rudeness to hear more of your proposed alliance."

Ketsueki let fall the dead bodies and body parts around him.

Jiang stood, closing the already small distance between himself and his master.

Ketsueki said, "And I will ignore your rudeness for now. What I propose is this: we join together our minds, our efforts to hunt and destroy those that have wronged us."

"I seek only my daughter and, should Comet Fox get in the way of this matter, I will also seek him."

"But Comet Fox will most assuredly not be alone."

"What do you mean by this?"

"Comet Fox is well-liked amongst many gods and mortals. Among those that may lend their services to him and his quest to keep your daughter from you are the two others that have befouled, befuddled and besmirched me."

"And these other two are? You spoke of a god and a demi-goddess?"

"Indeed," said Ketsueki. "A brother and sister, as well, for the god is Xiao-tep the Ankh-fish and demi-goddess be his sister Wu Chan Chu. Where Comet Fox travels and fights and is in need of help, these other two are likely to follow."

"Elkhorn could not possibly take on all three," the Empress realized aloud.

"Hence my proposed alliance," spoke Ketsueki as he mounted another step towards the Empress.

"A demon would be a valuable ally against gods. What could you do for me?"

Again the demon placed a foot upon the next step. Jiang stood at the base of the steps, afraid to advance.

Said Ketsueki, "Allow me to ride out with your commander, allow me to guide your Elkhorn; allow me to aid him in amassing a far larger army, an army so vast it would overwhelm every god in the Heavens." Ketsueki stepped up upon the final step to stand before the Eternal Empress upon the throne. He said, "Allow me to be your general in this war that comes to these lands. Together we shall shake the gods loose from the Heavens."

Impressed by Ketsueki's size, his power, his mind and thoughts and proposition, she nodded in agreement. She stood. She confirmed their alliance by saying, "Together we shall retrieve my daughter and kill everything that stands in our way, including Comet Fox, Xiao-tep and Wu Chan Chu."

To this day it is said the smile that Ketsueki then smiled was his first genuine smile.

"First, if Elkhorn is to do battle with gods, he must have a proper weapon," suggested the Empress.

Ketsueki nodded. "I will make for him the finest god-killer."

******************************

PART 3

The Eternal Empress gave full command of her court over to Ketsueki Sato for the purpose of making Elkhorn a weapon. Soldiers and blacksmiths and craftsmen were roused from sleep to be brought before him. As the demon paced at the foot of the throne, his long vines working slowly in the air with thought, he spoke aloud.

"Elkhorn is mortal, yes? And we must equip him for the purpose of killing gods. To do so, let us consider the gods he must kill: Comet Fox, Xiao-tep and Wu Chan Chu. The first two can fly, fleeing the world-bound Elkhorn easily. Wu Chan Chu can jump great distances so as to appear in flight. What is needed for Elkhorn, then, is a weapon of range."

"A bow," suggested a bowyer.

"Elkhorn is known as a fine hunter," said the Empress from her throne.

"A bow would make a fine weapon," Ketsueki agreed. "A bow it will be, then. Let us begin."

Ketsueki called for a sacrifice and an ibex was brought forth and slaughtered. Ketsueki commanded the blacksmiths to take up their chisels and knives and carve the horns of the beast away from the skull. He then commanded the soldiers to collect the spilled blood with many buckets and set aside in a large tub made of gold. The Empress happened to have a large tub made entirely of solid gold and it was brought forth at Ketsueki's request. The tubw as then set outside for the blood to be kissed by the moonlight. He called for a butcher and when a butcher was brought before him, Ketsueki commanded him to cut finely at the animal's carcass to remove in whole the sinews of the ibex and dry them and to render the fat of the animal for a hide glue.

One of the horns was chosen for the bow.

The sinews were dried and braided for the string.

The hide glue was made to bind everything together.

Ketsueki then commanded the soldier to start a bonfire right in the throne room and for the bones of the animal to be ground into grist. These things were done and as Jiang set about tossing the grist about the fire, Ketsueki began chanting to the Yama Kings, the supreme rulers of the Many Hells. So perturbed were the Yama Kings by Ketsueki's audacity to have once tried to overthrow their rule but now chanted for their blessings that they at first refused. But Ketsueki continued to chant. He chanted through the night and after the next morning's first light, the blessings were granted. The bow was dipped in the blood within the tub. As the weapon was given life, it drank deeply from the moon-kissed blood until only half the blood remained.

Ketsueki reached into the tub, his hand wet with thickening blood, and pulled forth the Blood Moon Bow -- a living weapon capable of spearing the gods.

A similar ceremony was held as a fletcher was called forth to carve the ibex's bones into arrows. Cherts was used for the arrowheads and they were fastened to the bone arrows with sinew string and hide glue. The fletcher was able to make eight arrows in all in this manner and these were dipped in the ibex blood to be enchanted. The fletcher then made twelve more arrows of cherts and carved wood to be used for practical purposes and these were not ceremoniously enchanted.

When at last the bow and its arrows were completed, Ketsueki looked on them. He grabbed them up and raised them above his head in praise. He handed them to Jiang with a warning to care for them and then drank down the last of the ibex blood. He then stood before the Eternal Empress and said, "I will go now to seek out your Elkhorn. I will gift unto him this fine weapon and these arrows and with them he will be able to harvest gods from a great distance."

The Eternal Empress nodded with wonder and glee.

Ketsueki and Jiang mounted Neboshazaar, taking to the air, chasing Elkhorn southward.

Ketsueki rode on violent winds to get to Elkhorn's side. It took him a mere day on Neboshazaar to find the Eternal Empress' captain and when he found him, Ketsueki gave him the Blood Moon Bow.

Elkhorn looked over the bow, in awe of its beauty and ferocity. "It is a fine piece of craftsmanship," he said. "It looks as though it could truly kill a god."

"Try its deadliness," Ketsueki urged.

Elkhorn grabbed up one of the enchanted arrows. Ketsueki was unnerved by this. He raised a hand and said, "Put that one away. Save those for our prey. Use now one of the other arrows and do not waste the Blood Moon Arrows."

Elkhorn agreed to this and nocked one of the other arrows. He looked about for a target and saw in the near distance a small mound of grass and upon that grass a leveret. Elkhorn pulled back the bow's string, aimed and shot the small hare down.

Dismounting, Ketsueki and Elkhorn went to confirm the kill. They strode up the side of the grassy mound and looked down upon the dead hare. It was Ketsueki that picked up the carcass by the arrow yet stuck in the animal's body. He spied it and said, "You've pierced the heart at some distance. That is a fine shot."

"I can do it many times over without fail," bragged Elkhorn.

Blood trickled onto Ketsueki's hand. He removed the leveret from the arrow and drank its blood. When the animal was dry, he said, "Then do so. Practice with your bow and provide me with a meal. Kill another hare and many more besides."

This was done much to Ketsueki's and Elkhorn's delight and amusement. Arrow after arrow pierced hare after hare as Jiang was set forth to rouse them from their holes and brush. The hares ran madly, afraid. Though they had been hunted before, they had never been hunted so viciously and in so many numbers. They could not understand this thing happening to them, so they ran for their lives.

When Ketsueki filled his appetite and Elkhorn grew bored of the hunt, they left. Scattered across a small area was nearly one hundred hare bodies. All that had made their home here had been killed, all but one. The lone survivor was a leveret named Mabozay, often called simply Mabo.

Eying the field of dead kith and kin, Mabo shook with fear. He ran, afraid the hunter would return. He ran all day until he was starving. He stopped at dusk to nibble upon some wild clover. Mabo was soft gray with patches of warm brown showing through. The top edge of his tail was lined in black and the bottom of his tail was pure white. His eyes darted, his chest pounded, he breathing slowed but remained shallow and labored. His tail, nose and fur twitched with nerves. Having eaten, Mabo continued on his run until he came to a stream where he stumbled in the mud and nearly drowned at the water's edge.

******************************

PART 4

The skies roiled with the ugliness of the Many Hells. Little Gogi the Grasshopper diligently worked his small garden before growing tired and returning to the small home he had made for himself and for his love Szu Ri out of dried plants and leaves. He entered their home to find Szu Ri lying in the bed they had made. He went to her and said, "Szu Ri, my love, are you unwell?"

Szu Ri looked up at him and smiled. She reached out to caress his face and say, "I am well, Gogi. Do not worry. I grow tired of things here, though. There is so much death in the Chamber of Despair and it can wear on one's mind."

Gogi nodded, understanding. Though they had made a good life for themselves within the chamber, though they were near their beloved friends Momoki and Twila, he, too, often felt the tug of despair upon his heart.

They made for themselves a light supper and ate it in silence. When supper was over, Gogi took his hat, a new hat that Szu Ri had made for him, and said, "I'll be going to visit with Momoki."

"Oh, let me come with you," said Szu Ri, a hint of desperation in her voice. "I would like to spend time with Twila."

Gogi nodded, "Of course."

Together they walked, hand-in-hand, to the courtyard of the chamber where they found Momoki finishing up his kata. While he was not training or riding out upon great black steeds with his warriors that passed through his chamber, Momoki was often practicing his fighting arts. This was the case when Gogi and Szu Ri found him. Twila sat nearby, watching the marmoset.

Szu Ri went to Twila.

Gogi approached his friend Momoki. Together they walked the courtyard.

"What is the matter, dear friend?" asked Momoki.

"The m-matter? Why, nothing is the matter," lied Gogi.

"Come out with it, Gogi. You cannot hide your emotions from me after all the time we've spent together."

Gogi sighed. He knew lying to his friend was a terrible thing to do and lying to himself was worse. He said, "Momoki, friend, I fear our time here in the Chamber of Despair draws to an end. The constant presence of death and fighting we watch you ride out to do wears on us and I fear it making Szu Ri ill."

Momoki considered this. "It makes sense a living creature would be made ill by living in the Many Hells."

Gogi sighed, forlorn.

"You should leave us," said Momoki.

"I-I couldn't possibly," answered Gogi.

"And if you don't what will happen to Szu Ri? I fear saying it myself, but you and I both know an illness of the mind and soul is far worse than an illness of the body. Do not keep her nor yourself here, Gogi. Ride out and make a good life somewhere in the living world."

"But," said Gogi softly, "I do not wish to leave you."

"I enjoy your company here, friend, but do not wish you to remain if it will harm you or Szu Ri. What are you afraid of, Gogi? Are you frightened our something will change between us? Listen, dear friend, we are forever friends, no matter the distance between us or how often we visit with one another. Nothing will change. You must do what is right. You've done so before, I know you can do so now."

Gogi nodded.

And so plans were made, things packed, crops harvested for the long journey. Momoki conjured a black horse and lifted himself, Twila, Szu Ri and Gogi upon its back and rode out from the Chamber of Despair. As they went, Momoki reminded, "Close your eyes, little ones."

Though Szu Ri covered her eyes and clasped hands with Gogi, Gogi remained wide-eyed and seeing as they left the Many Hells.

Ghastly faces and ghosts, demons and furies and wickedness came before him in all its forms. Some made him tremble, he admitted, but so sorrowful was he for having to leave his friends, so confident was he that he and Szu Ri needed to leave the Chamber of Despair to have a good life, that he did not cringe at the horrors the Many Hells had to offer.

Seeing this, Momoki said, "Cover your eyes, Gogi."

Gogi shook his head. "There is no need for a fear of death when one rides towards life," said he.

Hearing this, Szu Ri removed her hand from her eyes. She looked about. And though she was afraid, though she cringed and winced, she remained looking.

The world was vibrant and alive. Butterflies fluttered in the air, clouds rolled by overhead, birds floated on unseen currents of air, grass bent and spoke with a passing breeze, the trees chortled in their own language and dancing with life. Everything was alive here and Szu Ri and Gogi both felt more alive than ever. They quietly squeezed one anothers' hands and knew their choice was the right choice.

When they had reached the world of the living, Momoki slowed his steed and asked, "Where to? Is there a particular place you wish to go?"

Gogi shrugged. He said, "I suppose this is as good a place as any. We can wander on our own for some time if need be to find a proper home."

Twila wept, hugged her dear friend.

Gogi jumped to Momoki's shoulder and hugged his face, whispering in his ear, "I love you, Momoki."

"I love you, friend," said Momoki. "We will give you time to settle down here and then come to visit some day."

"That would be nice," said Szu Ri.

Friends parted.

The dead returned to their chamber.

The living breathed in the air and watched their world.

Gogi and Szu Ri traveled for some time. They went slowly as they were getting older now and age slows a body. They finally came to a small stream that reminded them of the home they had once before. Gogi immediately set about crafting a home of dried clay he dug from the mud in the small cliff near the stream. A bed of perpetual mud lay all around, but the way Gogi had built the home with warming fire inside dried their home and kept it safe. Above the cliff he plotted a small row and planted seeds. Szu Ri spun her silk and made for them a new bed and blankets. They were happy and alive and content once more.

Then, one night, came the thunderous sound of a stumbling hare drowing in the nearby stream. Gogi rushed out of their home to see the source of the racket and came to the hare's side to help him, lifting his nose and clearing it of mud so that the creature could breathe.

"Thank you," said Mabo hesitantly. He eyed the grasshopper and decided such a small creature could do him no amount of harm.

"You're welcome," said Gogi. "Are you well?"

Mabo shook his head. "There is a hunter after me, or so I think. It's been a great deal of time since I last saw him, though. He murdered my whole clan."

Gogi frowned. He said, "You're dirty and wet and tired. I've not room in my home, but I can build you a fire outside to warm yourself by and bring you food."

"Clover!" gasped Mabo. "I'm starving and I love clover, if you don't mind?"

"Not at all," Gogi smiled. He built for the leveret a raging fire, though he knew a raging fire was not always a warming fire. But he did so to put the leveret at ease. As the fire died, Gogi stoked it well into blazing, quiet embers that truly warmed them.

Szu Ri came out and gathered clover for their guest. As she placed them before the leveret she said, "I am Szu Ri and this is Gogi."

The leveret munched at the clover and through a mouthful said, "I am Mabozay." He gulped and added, "But my friends call me Mabo."

"It's nice to meet you Mabo."

So Mabo came to stay with Gogi and Szu Ri. He could not live in their home, for it was far too small for him, but he burrowed a hole of his own some distance from their home and packed it with dried foliage to warm him at night against the cold mud.

One night, as they sat around a fire after having eaten a fine meal together, Mabo said to Gogi, "Sometimes I feel as though I should seek out the one that murdered my people and bring him to justice."

"I can understand this," said Gogi.

"But what can I do? I am so very small and unimportant. He was so large, so angry, so good with his bow."

"Your size does not relate to your importance," spoke Gogi. "It is the will that defines purpose, destiny and importance."

Mabo saw wisdom in this. He said, "You sound as though you know of such things."

"That I do, Mabo." And Gogi spun the tale of the Battle Upon the Plain of Adoration.

"It is unbelievable!" gasped Mabo when he had heard the whole tale. "Such a small one, and yet..."

"It is the will, Mabo, the will that defines purpose."

Mabo nodded. He said, "It all seems ludicrous to me, but I feel I must follow after the hunter. But I know not how to do so."

"Merely go," suggested Gogi.

"Go? And leave my home and food here behind?"

Gogi nodded.

Mabo firmed himself.

Gogi and Szu Ri stood from the twig they had been using as a bench and they watched as Mabo hopped once, then again. Mabo looked back at them only to see Gogi urge him onward with another nod. He turned round and broke into a fast sprint. He knew he could not keep up the pace for long, but it was a beginning for his travels. He ran through the night, leaving behind the warming fire and his warming home, darting from shadow to shadow, between trees, chasing the moonlight without knowledge of pursuit or direction. Mabo ran swiftly, death on his mind and justice in his heart. Mabo ran swiftly, death riding far from him. Mabo ran swiftly, chasing his purpose, afraid the hunter was yet chasing him, afraid of his potential failure, afraid of death, running from memories of a green field gone red with the blood of his clan. Angered by this memory, Mabo ran swiftly.

Watching him go, losing sight of him in the shadows of a dark night, Szu Ri asked Gogi, "Think you he shall fare well?"

"If he stays true to his purpose, he will."

"How desperate and sad was that hare," remarked Szu Ri.

Gogi felt the tinge of sorrow within his heart. He thought of his friends Momoki and Twila and wished they would visit soon. He thought of how ugly the Many Hells had been and how they had made him and Szu Ri ill. He said, "How desperate and sad are we all; running from death, chasing after purpose. But we must not allow the sadness to swell within and drown us, Szu Ri. We must not allow the demons of the sea to pull us under. We must must break our sorrows with hope and love and chase our purpose joyously and unafraid. If our friend Mabo learns this, he will have a fine life, as fine a life as you and I have now."

Szu Ri hugged Gogi and he returned the hug. They loved one another and stood together, unafraid.

******************************

Well, we've been introduced to the hare! Check back next Friday the 31st to discover the origins of the tiger!