Amdirlain’s PoV - East Wind’s Court

  The courier arrived while Klipyl was out at her meeting with Oracle Hashiguchi Amaya, and Jinfeng handled the protocols of greeting him. Her immediately handing over a reply caused the courier’s eyebrows to climb. With an enigmatic smile, Jinfeng bowed and closed the door.

  Amdirlain waited for her tap on the door before sliding it open.

  “Did you peek inside before he got here, Sifu?” asked Jinfeng, her gaze stubbornly stayed off the ghostly swords that floated between them. She entered the room and presented the scroll with both hands, her jade-green eyes shining with amusement.

  Amdirlain lifted her chin in mock haughtiness."I did, since it was addressed to me. Though the physical copies might come in handy."

  “Do you wish us all to accompany you?”

  Amdirlain floated the scroll from Jinfeng’s loose grasp and stored it.

  “The details aren’t quite what I expected, but you’ll still get the night off. I doubt we’ll be back before dawn.”

  “‘We’ being?” asked Sarah, as her spectral blades deflected another series of strikes from Amdirlain’s.

  “He asked me to call upon him with Sarah as attendant, so I’ll take Klipyl along. We’ll see if she can keep from failing her bet.”

  The empty air near Amdirlain emitted a flurry of cursing; as it died off, the blades vanished.

  “The Thought Form you have animating the Psi blades is grumpy,” noted Sarah.

  Amdirlain smirked. “I might have found too much inspiration from a marine drill instructor.”

  The pert smile Sarah gave her roused Jinfeng’s curiosity, but she restrained herself.

  “I hope he’s not going to propose to the three of you.”

  “That would one-up Bai Hu, but I don’t think that’s the case.” Amdirlain glanced eastwards. “Though I think he might be more alone here than most people believe. Anyway, are you looking for any technique manuals here?”

  “I’m hoping to research any manuals with swords-related techniques,” Jinfeng said. “Some might be adaptable to the Jian.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Jinfeng frowned. “I can earn the contribution points to purchase any I find.”

  “I know, but if he starts offering to throw excessive gifts my way, it gives me something useful to request. Then I can avoid offending him by refusing gifts,” responded Amdirlain.

  “But you’re after the Soul-healing technique.”

  “Which I already know the cost of,” Amdirlain grinned. “Since I’m nosey, I also know what the best teacher for it will charge me.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I heard a court official speak to an instructor about it,” said Amdirlain matter-of-factly. “They mentioned my full name and so caught my attention.”

  Jinfeng closed her eyes in exasperation. “Sifu, you’re outrageous.”

  Amdirlain shrugged. “I’m aware.”

  “Is it an issue? I mean, that they know your full name,” clarified Jinfeng.

  “Not precisely since it’s known to many people,” admitted Amdirlain. “Still, it’s not a good habit to get used to throwing it around since I might visit another world at some point.”

  Sarah frowned. “What’s the probability of that?”

  “Never say never. One Eldritch threat on a world without a pantheon is all it takes,” said Amdirlain.

  “The horrors that break Mortal minds?” questioned Jinfeng.

  Sarah’s mouth twisted sourly. “They can leave infections in the ground that can take root in minds millions of years later. I’m worried how they’d sound to you now, Am.”

  “I had to cut memories out once, so I’d prefer not to deal with them anytime soon. Let’s talk about something happier. What do I wear tonight?”

  “Why have you become so obsessed with clothing, Sifu?”

  Amdirlain lifted a finger, and a tiny ectoplasm globule hovered at the tip. “Not clothing so much as the shaping. Silk is delicate, yet strong, and the dye adheres differently through the thread, so shaping it requires a careful touch.”

  “Klipyl thought you’d turned into a clothes horse,” said Sarah.

  “I know, and it’s fun to dress her up and see her excitement over new, beautiful things.” The ectoplasm stretched and morphed into a complex pattern in the air before Amdiralin.

  Jinfeng watched it with interest. “It looks like a maze.”

  “Every dress is a unique circuitry of energy to create.” A dress formed on an empty mannequin, and the two-dimensional maze grew into a three-dimensional puzzle, showing the neural pathways invoked. Further adjustments, expanding or contracting, and new internal pathways blooming with extra routes, mirrored further shifts in the fabric.

  Jinfeng stepped closer, peering through gaps in the outer layers to study the twisting filaments. “I wouldn’t think a dress would need such complexity.”

  “Appearance can deceive,” Amdirlain smiled. “Every strand is different and can intersect thousands of others. The tension, segments of colouration, the twists, and how it sits on the supporting framework of the cloth. I’m trying to soak up all the beauty in creation possible before I head back into the Abyss.”

  “The Abyss,” sighed Jinfeng. “Is everything in there so hideous?”

  “Too much. Once, there were places of wild beauty, but now even the beautiful places have claws waiting to dig into their next victim. It absorbed so many foul things, and the disease of them has spread. In her unique way, Klipyl gives me hope some of it is redeemable or at least can be cleansed of the corruption that infects it, but there is so much work involved.”

  “Would the dark powers want the corrupted cleansed?”

  A sharp smile showed as Amdirlain's expression hardened. “I wasn’t planning to ask them. Sarah figured out how to convert the corruption into energy. If necessary, I’ll make it all burn.”

  “Phoenix.” Sarah and Jinfeng echoed.

  Amdirlain snorted. “Yeah, yeah.”

  “I thought you were focusing on creation?” asked Jinfeng.

  “Primordial fire is dangerous for a reason. The nuclear fusion that creates the material within stars is a faint echo of its power.”

  Jinfeng looked at her in confusion. “I’m not sure I want to know. Let’s get back to kimono design.”

  “You’re no fun. What’s a light stellar engineering discussion among friends?” laughed Amdirlain.

  “A pun?” groaned Sarah.

  “Brillant, wasn’t it?”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “The things I have to put up with for you. How long is his discussion list?”

  Amdirlain broke the wax seal on the scroll and unfurled it before offering it to Sarah. “You can read it since you triggered some items, my lovely wife. When you had to show off by breaking through Indra Ka’s security and tossing out the infused runes to the enchanters in Outlands.”

  Sarah muttered under her breath about the influence of Klipyl’s puns.

  ? ? ? ? ? ?

  Klipyl opened the door when their guide arrived. The distinguished-looking Shen in a crisp blue and white heron-themed kimono became ruffled as Klipyl, Sarah, and Amdirlain paraded out in elaborate kimonos. Klipyl wore a wild floral theme with a headpiece of mithril flowers that supported fancy braids. The red flowers from her dress matched the main shade of Sarah’s red kimono, which was covered in rampant dragons fashioned of tiny crystals. Amdirlain’s kimono was jet black and played host to a sunrise; birds, with wings outstretched and heads tilted back to sing, heralding a welcome to the red and gold lines stretching across the silvery landscape.

  Their guide transported them to the palace’s central courtyard. The blue marble walls looked liquid in the light of the court’s dome. In the centre of the space was a single nine-level pagoda fashioned of marble that matched the courtyard wall, thirty metres on each side. Turquoise green roof tiles capped the roofs of each level. The open windows gave a clear view of the internal support beams and the large bell at the top.

  A pair of dragons in Human guise stood on either side of the closed entryway into the pagoda. Both had white veils and wore blue-white kimonos with herons flying along their limbs. The female stepped forward carrying a ceremonial staff carved from white jade. The staff featured koi swimming up a waterfall.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  I’ll have to ask someone about the veils later.

  “I bid you welcome as a herald for Lord Qinglong, his imperial Majesty the East Wind. The attendants within are here to facilitate the comfort of your stay. Please signal any of us if you need anything during the audience.” The herald bowed deeply.

  “I appreciate your greeting and explanation.” Amdirlain nodded.

  “If you would please follow me.”

  She turned and walked with measured steps towards the front doors; the click of the jade staff echoed across the courtyard.

  Within the pagoda was a single chamber that sparkled with an overt display of wealth; it had polished tiles with gold edges and free-standing pillars sheathed in polished turquoise. Lining the interior red walls were gold-framed pictures and stands with artworks fashioned of ivory and polished jade of various hues. Brightly coloured mosaics bordered by mother of pearl glistened in the light from the magical orbs overhead. In contrast to the room’s opulence, a low dais of white stone at the chamber’s far end hosted a plain, backless, U-shaped chair of pale hinoki wood. A clear varnish was the only embellishment, showing off the wood’s natural fine grain and soft golden colour. A veiled figure stood in each interior corner of the pagoda while an unveiled scribe with brush poised was kneeling behind a low table off to one side of the dais.

  Though Amdirlain could still sense the massive form beyond the dome, the form of a stern-faced male appeared in the chair before the doors swung open and rang with the same theme.

  Qinglong sat upright with his black hair pulled back in a severe topknot, elbows tight by his sides instead of relying on the support of the chair in even a fleeting fashion. His attire was an azure kimono with a pattern of scales in silver thread; the obi at his waist was a slightly lighter blue and white froth that gave the impression of a storm-tossed sea. His brilliant heterochromia was a combination of emerald and sapphire that emitted a soft glow from within.

  His form is a projection of his will.

  Once the doors were fully open, the herald announced each in the same fashion Master Cyrus used for them at the shrine, but Qinglong held off and did not give any immediate response. After the herald completed Klipyl’s introduction, they were escorted along the chamber's centre.

  The herald stopped advancing nine metres from the dais edge and moved off to the left of the line they’d followed. Qinglong nodded to the herald and then stood. Sharp chords of surprise and shock thrummed to a fever pitch when he advanced to stop three metres from the trio.

  “Lady Am, I’m pleased you came to visit our court. I’m confident all of the court will ensure your stay is as comfortable as your time on Wudang Mountain.” Qinglong inclined his head politely and held it long enough to emphasise the point.

  “Lord Qinglong, I’m delighted to be here and deeply honoured by such a warm greeting. Please be kind to us.” Amdirlain’s shallow bow was smooth as she kept her gaze on Qinglong.

  His gaze gleamed, but he said nothing further before focusing on Sarah.

  “Lady Sarah, I hope your presence with us invigorates as many individuals as it did among the White Tiger’s Claw sect.” He repeated the same restrained nod as he did with Amdirlain, but the pause was brief.

  “Lord Qinglong, I’m sure many things can be exchanged during our stay. I look forward to the discussion today and any future occasions.” She matched Amdirlain’s bow but held it to match his pause.

  “Klipyl, Sword of Light, please convey my regards to Lady Lerina on our behalf. It is good you accompanied Lady Am’s visit. I understand that Lady Kisshōten and her Oracle enjoyed your company earlier today.” He nodded to her politely but didn’t hold the posture.

  Klipyl’s gaze brightened, but she kept her smile restrained. “Lord Qinglong, from your lips to Lady Lerina’s ears, she looks forward to meeting you in person one day. It was an honour to serve as a conduit for your words and attend a discussion with Lady Kisshōten and Oracle Hashiguchi Amaya. I hope my presence at this audience is useful.”

  She bowed deeply and held it for a short count before straightening, a serene smile in place.

  At a mental prompt from Qinglong, servants brought out a mat and a low table and arranged them between them. Qinglong sat seiza style and motioned for them to sit across from him. As the other settled in, a tray of drinks and sweets was set on the table where they could reach them.

  “I understand that no one from the pavilions or library has been in touch.”

  “They’ve been kind to allow us time to settle in,” Amdirlain confirmed politely.

  It has been funny to hear their arguments about how I’m a rogue practitioner since I have no sect or order.

  Qinglong glanced at the duty herald, who sent another attendant from the chamber with a twitch of her fingers.

  “I will ensure they establish your access to the inner archives correctly,” said Qinglong. “Given the task that you set the third lotus prince, it contains some techniques you might find interesting.”

  He didn’t mention Nezha by name? Was it his son Nezha killed in the tales?

  “I hadn’t expected my need for Soul techniques to be first on your list for discussion. These are among what you wanted to discuss on that topic?”

  “You are our guest. It is only fitting that we address what you seek. Master Cyrus had enquired on your behalf about Soul-healing techniques for the self. However, within the inner archives are techniques that focus on the application to others. Should I continue with the background of these other techniques?”

  Amdirlain nodded.

  “Within our old realm, a sect was interested in reducing a Soul’s need for Di Yu. A Soul doesn’t keep much of its experiences moving on to the next life, it also possesses only a vague sense of what happened a moment prior while dead. A Soul can sit in a dark place for millions of years and feel as if they’ve been there but a moment. Thus, the punishments are extreme for a Soul to repent for the evil deeds of their last life. Yet you helped Lady Livia accomplish a great advancement in her enlightenment.”

  “That might be the key,” Amdirlain mentally sighed, remembering saturating Livia’s Soul with her Ki. “Livia had a connection to my Soul while I was helping her. The idea of improving the treatment of reincarnating souls is intriguing. Might I inquire what you are seeking?”

  Qinglong’s gaze darkened, and the undertones of an ocean storm beat with sharp lightning strikes. “To protect mortals from the dark forces is part of my nature. I want the Yomi King rendered meaningless and his realm to fade before his eyes.”

  Amdirlain's thoughts fashioned a framework for the endeavour. “That would require much work, and I can see challenges beyond just songs.”

  “Challenges that we’d need to address?”

  “Judge Po’s courts in Di Yu would need different laws, and they’d also need to be moved to my creation. Besides how you’d handle the soul currently in Di Yu, my recent arrangement following the incident with the headband would have an impact. The third lotus prince’s nature is growth. If that Plane grew significantly while under his protection, might his nature not become intertwined?”

  A bitter smile turned up Qinglong’s lips. “Then he would have a greater duty on his hands, just as he did more to you than simply having you don an item of jewellery or more to me than killing my son.” His gaze glimmered, and winter ice slithered within his theme. “Yet such could be managed only once you had a way to treat the souls.”

  “Those are the first few issues I can’t resolve for you, and dozens more come to mind.”

  “I see it goes beyond the scope of our meeting that I proposed. Let us discuss the means and requirements another time.”

  “That’s agreeable to me. Might I ask if your intent towards the Yomi King extends beyond mere duty?”

  A slight shift in muscle along Qinglong’s left cheek showed before he nodded. “It does. He delighted in the fruits of his father’s success, and I’m sure he came here for the chance to do the same. He butchered thousands of bound demons who had been close to obtaining their souls as a mere afternoon’s entertainment.”

  “Your servants?”

  “Yes. They had spent centuries cultivating their essence towards obtaining souls, and he laughed during the carnage.” Qinglong’s gaze flickered to Klipyl. “I am pleased you retrieved such a bloom from a dark place. Lady Livia and Master Cyrus mentioned her origins in passing decades ago, and this news has spread far and wide, intriguing many.”

  “Klipyl retrieved herself.”

  “As is always the case, but some flowers grow best when they have a trestle around which to entwine.” Qinglong returned his attention to Klipyl. “How did you find your path, Klipyl?”

  “It was challenging, and I wasn’t always sure where I was going.” Klipyl offered him a shy smile. “Even when it hurt, and I struggled, I knew it was leading away from an eternity of emptiness. Lady Am had told me I could forge my own will and no longer be a puppet. I followed the choices and chance she offered to me.”

  “A different approach to what binding demons with our third eye gives. You were also different, and so a more profound outcome was achieved.”

  Klipyl’s smile wavered slightly. “The Titan helped there.”

  “Perhaps, but may you continue to bloom, Klipyl. You are not alone in receiving the Titan’s aid, it doesn’t lessen your accomplishment. He helped us come to this new realm and, without his influence, we would not have been able to step between realms. I can’t state greatly enough how much strength is required to separate an entity whose nature echoes with a world from not only that world but their realm without injury. Yet those who travelled with us, from the least Stone Shen to those who speak through the Jade Emperor, while aligned to this region, are not utterly bound to it.”

  “No one has spoken about how you and the others got to this realm,” noted Sarah.

  “For most, it ended up being a fleeting dream.” Qinglong took a cup from the tray and motioned them to the untouched refreshments.

  A slight frown marred Sarah’s ordinarily calm expression. “What do you mean?”

  He filled his cup from a steaming teapot and returned it to the table. “All those who agreed to come stepped through an ornate stone gate and found themselves in a mosaic-covered tunnel. Millions of us, who’d spread across the globe fighting the influence of Di Yu, left that world behind us with one step.”

  Klipyl grimaced. “That must have been scary for many.”

  “Not all who had agreed to come took that step. Those who did found themselves in familiar company, even if they’d been isolated when the gate appeared. As the trip progressed, the mosaics gave way to a dull grey stone, and many became concerned. Even with the reassurances of the Jade Emperor and those such as Lady Kisshōten, there were times when conviction wavered. Some turned back, and we never saw them alive again, though Judge Po reported when the first of those who vanished obtained enlightenment through reincarnation. It seems the Titan doesn’t allow one to back out of agreements.”

  “Were there places with fruit trees that played with memories?” asked Amdirlain.

  Qinglong sipped his tea, holding the cup between his palms as he considered his answer. “Plum trees in grassed chambers appeared regularly. Those who volunteered to try them found the memories of corridors we’d travelled faded with the taste of the sweet fruit. Yet it didn’t just wash the memories of the trip away but gave pieces from a past life. Those whose past lives I knew sometimes regained the crafting skills or profession they’d most loved.”

  Amdirlain’s gaze narrowed speculatively. “They were aware it was happening?”

  “Yes. It was a rush of knowledge or a sudden familiarity with tools that those with memories of living in older times had brought along. Upon their arrival here, those who refused the food and stuck with provisions they’d brought found themselves at a disadvantage. While they were generally those who had undertaken training for self-sufficiency, there is a difference between crafts one has learned as a side venture and the knowledge of a lifetime restored.”

  Klipyl had bitten into a red cake while he spoke and frowned at the sweet bitterness. “Those who ate the fruit were happy with the trade?”

  “It seemed a fair exchange—the recent trudge through dull passages for knowledge we’d need to live. By the time we emerged in this world, the millions of tired warriors who had started the journey with me had spread their crafts and professions, which enabled the stable establishment of a functional society.”

  Sarah inclined her head in appreciation. “I’d been curious for a long time how the various nations arrived on Veht?.”

  “That is only how our trip occurred. I’ve no surety on how the other nations of humanity came to this world,” cautioned Qinglong. “I understand you’ll need my cooperation to ease other matters.”

  “To align another world to the various courts, I’m unsure what aspects of your nature I must observe. As such, I’ll need a comprehensive understanding of your theme.”

  Qinglong nodded. “I’ll not rebuff your awareness. Listen however deeply you need to start, and advise me if you find you need more details to aid that endeavour.”

  Amdirlain smiled, and her awareness swept outwards from the western edge of Nippon and east to cover his complete Dragon form. “You had an interesting list of items to cover during this audience. I look forward to working together on them.”

  “What would you like to continue with? I listed them in order of urgency for the court.”

  “Since they are in order of priority, let’s proceed as written,” Amdirlain smiled at Sarah. “The next on the list was enchanting.”