By Shawn Carman

The Dragon Heart Plain

The journey from the Ox Clan provinces had been uneventful. The distance across the Dragon Heart Plain was not great, but the vast emptiness made it seem far longer than it actually was. The ruined Snake Clan lands were heavily guarded because of a recent murder that had taken place there, but even under normal circumstances they were to be avoided. Even the Grand Master of the Elements did not venture here lightly; some ghosts did not sleep quietly.

Naka Tokei reclined comfortably in the saddle, enjoying the sensation of traveling by horseback once again. It had been far too long since he had done so, often relying instead on his own magical abilities to journey across the Empire. Power could quite easily breed laziness. The world existed to bee seen and experienced. He had almost forgotten. As Grand Master, he should know better.

Asahina Nizomi stirred restlessly in his saddle, his horse keeping an even pace with Tokei’s. Tokei glanced sidelong at Nizomi, wondering when the young man would speak his mind and on whatever was weighing so heavily upon him.

“Father,” Nizomi said nearly an hour later. “Do you believe Hakai to be truly destroyed?”

“Yes and no,” Tokei answered at once. “The Onisu cannot truly be destroyed, not so long as the ritual that allows them to be recreated still exists. While it exists in living memory, they will never truly die. Hakai, being an embodiment of death, cannot truly cease to be so long as death exists.”

“Did we accomplish anything, then?” Nizomi wondered aloud. “We celebrated victory alongside your brother, but what did we achieve? Too many died.”

“Yes,” Tokei agreed. “Any life lost to such a creature is a tragedy. But I do not think Hakai will trouble us soon – and we have only Hakai to thank for that. The demon betrayed the Dark Lord, turned against the Tsuno, refused to aid the Bloodspeakers, and failed in his personal bid for power. All those who could allow Hakai to return to this world have no reason to help him. The Onisu of Death has brought about his own destruction, at least for the foreseeable future. And that was not the only benefit of our encounter, of course.”

Nizomi looked at the older man. “Hakai said that you feared one of us had been corrupted by what you had seen in Jigoku. Did you believe that it was me? Was that why you sent me to live among the Crane, father?”

“Honestly?” Tokei replied. “I wanted you to be strong enough to destroy me when the time came. There was no doubt in my mind that I was the one who was weak.”

“Weak?” Nizomi asked, surprised. “I think there are few men who would call the Grand Master weak. Your magic is great.”

Tokei shrugged. “The power to call down fire and summon storms is nothing,” he said. “A man must master himself to be truly strong, and my dreams have been troubled for a long time.”

Nizomi was quiet for a moment, after which he finally said “I understand, father,” very quietly. Another moment passed, and then he pressed further. “Do you believe all that Hakai said, then?”

Tokei considered it for a moment. “I believe that in his moment of imagined triumph the demon was too arrogant to lie. It had no reason to fear us or manipulate us, and unlike many demons Hakai was very wise. I believe what it said was true.”

“What of its claim that the time of demons serving mortals was at an end?” Nizomi asked. “Did you not say that Daigotsu brought the Onisu into existence? Will they so readily turn their back on him?”

“So it would seem,” Tokei nodded. “I suspect something sinister is in the works for them to so callously turn away from their creator. The lingering presence of the oni lord Akuma in that cavern was no coincidence. The Lost have gained a certain brand of twisted honor under Daigotsu’s leadership. Honor definitely bears a certain power, and has strengthened the Dark Lord’s followers. But there is a reason why such a thing has never happened before. Many creatures of Jigoku cannot abide honor, and even with Fu Leng’s support Daigotsu will make his share of enemies. Iuchiban was only one example. Hakai was another.”

Nizomi shook his head. “I do not understand,” he said. “You have always said that all power is held in check. The greater power a being possesses, the more limits are placed upon it. Fortunes, the Dragons, Oracles, even the Grand Master of the Elements all have limitations, rules that they must follow. The Oni Lords seem to have responsibility to nothing. How can the Celestial Order permit such an imbalance?”

“The Oni Lords cannot enter this world freely,” Tokei replied. “They must strike bargains, and are bound by them. Demons such as Akuma and Kyoso are adept at seeking out fools to ease their arrival, so their bonds are often all but invisible. However, their own chaotic natures, in part, work against them. Think how much stronger the Shadowlands would have been if Daigotsu, Iuchiban, and the Oni Lords stood as one.” Tokei looked at Nizomi evenly.

The younger man did not seem encouraged. “It still seems unjust,” he said, “for the forces of darkness have such leeway when the forces of light can do nothing to aid us.”

Tokei looked at Nizomi curiously. “So your complaint is that evil is unfair?” He chuckled.

“You know what I mean, father,” Nizomi said sourly. “The Fortunes and dragons should have greater freedom to aid us, given that dark powers are so free to hinder us.”

Tokei shrugged. “Do you truly think we are not blessed, Nizomi?” The old shugenja pulled his horse to a stop and turned toward the east. “Come, then. I have something you should see.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the Agasha provinces,” Tokei replied. “I believe your spirit would do well to see the City of Remembrance.”

The City of Remembrance, near the Agasha coastline

The Temple of the Seven Dragons was among the most majestic buildings in the City of Remembrance. The temple radiated a sense of calm and serenity that filled the city. The sensation was welcome, as Tokei could not help but notice the tension that hung over the Phoenix of late. Here, so close to the war with the Mantis, there were many soldiers, priests, healers, and refugees. It was a somber sight.

“The Elemental Masters have asked Crane visitors to remain in the City of Remembrance,” Nizomi said quietly. “They say that the Mantis will not attack here, and they wish their allies to be safe.”

“A noble gesture,” Tokei said. “Do you not think so?”

“Perhaps,” Nizomi said. “I believe the Phoenix have other reasons as well, however.”

Tokei frowned. “Do you believe they are being deceitful?”

“No,” Nizomi countered. “The Phoenix are peaceful people. This war, as necessary as it may be, causes them great shame.” He shook his head. “They do not wish their allies to see them at war. Their pride is so great that it forbids them even to ask us for aid. I think it is foolish. We could help them end this war.”

“Do not judge the Phoenix harshly,” Tokei said. “Their path is their own.” The old man smiled as they reached the temple entrance. “This is what I wished to show you, Nizomi. If you truly believe that mankind is forsaken by the Heavens, then perhaps this place will offer you some comfort.”

Nizomi gazed up at the temple, a look of awe falling over his features. “It is beautiful,” he said softly.

“Come.” Tokei strode up the steps and through the front entrance, where the dim lighting and scent of incense washed over them. The noise from the city dropped away, and the only disturbance was the quiet murmur of prayer. The main chamber was largely empty, although there was a trio of young women having a conversation to the left of the central altar.

Within the temple, the aura of serenity was heightened by an air of otherworldliness. To Tokei, it was a familiar sensation. “I sense the light of Tengoku,” Nizomi said in a hushed voice. “What is this place?”

“The Temple of the Seven Dragons,” Tokei said, his voice low and reverent. “It is a sacred place, perhaps among the most holy sites known to man, although few recognize its significance.”

“Why?” Nizomi asked. “What sets this temple apart?”

Tokei began to respond, but then stopped and smiled as one of the three women approached. The slim priestess bowed and offered the two men a polite smile. “Welcome, friends,” she said. “I am Agasha Miyoshi, acolyte of this temple. Be at peace here, and if we may serve you, say only the word.”

“The Phoenix are gracious hosts,” Tokei said, returning her smile. “We are merely pilgrims. Pay us no mind.”

Nizomi looked at Tokei curiously, then at Miyoshi. “My name is Asahina Nizomi,” he introduced himself. Tokei looked sidelong at his student, amused by the obvious interest the young man showed in the Phoenix acolyte. “This is my father, Naka Tokei.”

Miyoshi’s eyes widened in shock for a brief instant. She recovered quickly and knelt. “Forgive me Grand Master. I did not realize to whom I was speaking.”

“Rise, please,” Tokei insisted, casting Nizomi an irritated look. “There is no need for such supplication. I am a guest, it is I who should kneel before you.”

The young Phoenix rose hastily. “I was unaware that the Grand Master was within the city,” she said, “else I would have made accommodations for you, Naka-sama. I shall spread word at once. There will be an honor guard, a blessing of welcome, perhaps a feast…”

“Miyoshi, please,” Tokei said sternly. “I did not announce myself to avoid such trouble. While I appreciate the honor you would show me, I would prefer not to distract the Phoenix from the protection of their city.”

“Hai, Grand Master,” Miyoshi said, blushing deeply. “I shall tell no one of your arrival. But then, if my question is not inappropriate, why have you come here?”

“I merely wished to share with Nizomi the majesty of your temple,” Tokei replied. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. “In fact, perhaps it might be more fitting if you told my young friend of the Temple’s history. You are doubtless far more knowledgeable about such things than I.”

Miyoshi’s face turned a brighter red. “Naka-sama, you flatter me. Surely there is nothing I know that would be unknown to the Grand Master.”

“Tou would be surprised,” Tokei said.

“Miyoshi-chan.” The other two women approached, clearly curious as to why Miyoshi knelt in supplication before two strangers. One was resplendent in an orange kimono adorned with an fiery phoenix mon. The other woman, slightly older, was far more conservative in her brown and yellow robes.

“Have our guests’ needs been addressed?” the first woman asked.

“Yes, my lady,” Miyoshi said, bowing deeply. “They are simple pilgrims, nothing more.”

“So pious, Miyoshi,” the woman replied. “Showing such deference even to humble pilgrims.” The woman smiled faintly at the two men. “Konnichiwa, Grand Master.”

Tokei looked mildly surprised. “You have the advantage of me, I fear,” he said.

“We have not met,” the woman replied, “but all the Elemental Masters know of Naka Tokei. I am Isawa Ochiai, Master of Fire. Will you be remaining in Phoenix lands?” She regarded the Grand Master with an inscrutable look.

“Regrettably, no,” Tokei said. “I have pressing business elsewhere, and no doubt the Phoenix can capably handle their enemies without my aid.”

“Hai,” Ochiai replied, nodding firmly. An invisible tension left the air. Apparently Tokei had given the correct answer.

“I only wished my student to see your temple here,” Tokei said.

“It is a great honor,” Nizomi said suddenly.

 “Then I bid you welcome so long as you remain.” she said. She turned to face her companion. “May I introduce to you another of our honored guests, Kitsu Katsuko of the Lion Clan?”

“Kitsu-san,” Tokei said, bowing. Nizomi followed suit.

“Grand Master, Asahina-san,” Katsuko bowed. “Have you come to assess the hostilities between Phoenix and Mantis?”

Tokei saw Ochiai wince almost imperceptibly at the Lion’s bluntness. The Grand Master suppressed a smile. “No,” he said, “that is not possible. As Grand Master of the Elements, my duties are to protect mankind from mystical forces and to foster enlightenment. It is safer to leave war in the hands of samurai.”

“I cannot question the wisdom of the Naka,” Katsuko answered, “but the Kitsu have never believed that to turn one’s back upon the hardship of another helps foster enlightenment.”

Tokei nodded. “A fair philosophy,” he said, “but I am certain few Kitsu would readily claim that your family’s history has not been without obstacles.”

“Obstacles must be overcome,” Katsuko said. “Triumph makes us strong. If you speak of Kitsu Okura, I would remind you that the demon who corrupted him now guards the gates of Heaven itself.”

“I know,” Tokei said. “I have seen her.”

Katsuko’s mouth dropped open for a moment before she regained her composure. She bowed deeply to Tokei. “But I have wasted too much of the Grand Master’s time,” she said. “I will take my leave, if you require nothing further.”

“I have pressing business as well,” Ochiai said regretfully. “Miyoshi will remain at your disposal as long as you remain within Phoenix lands.”

Tokei watched the two women retreat from the temple, lost in their resumed conversation.

“A Lion, here?” Nizomi asked, the suspicion obvious in his voice. “What could she want?”

“The Kitsu family intend to foster a student to the Council Elemental Masters,” Miyoshi answered. “Katsuko-sama is making the arrangements herself.” She turned back to the two men. “But let us not worry over politics. Let me tell you the story of this temple.”

The three shugenja sat in a small meditation chamber away from the main temple. There was nothing in the room save for a small altar and the thin tatami mats on which they sat. The three meditated for some time, communing with the elemental spirits that suffused the temple. It was Miyoshi who finally broke the silence. The young woman held her hands before her, palms up, and summoned a small ball of shimmering white fire.

“The kami are very strong here,” she said, “as they are within all righteous temples. All who have the gift can call upon them and summon such manifestations. It is not difficult, as I am sure you both know.”

Nizomi nodded and held his hands out, whispering a prayer and summoning a tiny vortex of air. Tokei smiled and followed suit, a tiny sphere of green water hovering above his lap. “This is what is possible for any shugenja,” Miyoshi said. “However, we have discovered through communion with the elements that the kami who suffuse this temple are directly linked to the power of Tengoku, the Celestial Heavens, home of the greatest of all elemental spirits.”

“The dragons,” Nizomi whispered. “I feel them here.”

Miyoshi smiled. “The Moshi family were once Phoenix. They know the power of this place, and that is why the Mantis Clan does not attack here. Even Yoritomo Kumiko would not risk the wrath of the seven dragons.”

Nizomi’s face became troubled. “I sense the power of the dragons flows outward from this place,” he said. “Like a river split into tributaries, it flows throughout the Phoenix lands… I do not understand.”

“We have learned to draw upon the power of the dragons here,” Miyoshi said. “By showing them proper tribute, our shugenja can access a fraction of their incredible power. That is what you sense – shugenja who have forged a connection to the dragons and now carry it throughout our homeland.”

“Such power,” Nizomi said, “The weight of eternity lies heavily on this temple. How can any mortal dare draw upon the dragons and not be changed?”

“I would be lying if I said we were not changed,” she said. Miyoshi smiled and closed her eyes, her features focused. The tiny ball of flame that danced around her hands suddenly doubled in size and began to unfold. The ball unraveled, taking the shape of a tiny dragon made of purest fire. It was a radiant orange and yellow, with eyes that blazed a white so brilliant that it almost hurt to look upon them. The tiny serpent flew around the room, settling on Miyoshi’s shoulder and gazing at the two men with obvious curiosity. Miyoshi opened her eyes. “Fire Dragon, this is the Grand Master.”

Tokei gazed into the little dragon’s eyes and held out his hand, letting his manifestation of water fade into nothingness. The little dragon lifted off of Miyoshi’s shoulder and flew over to the Grand Master, lighting on his hand and staring into his eyes. “Try to channel the Dragons’ power, Nizomi,” Tokei said said.

“Grand Master,” Miyoshi began. “What you ask is very difficult. It takes months to master the rituals…”

“Worry not, Miyoshi,” Tokei assured her. “Try it, Nizomi. I will aid you.”

Nizomi nodded and closed his eyes, his features knitting in concentration. The swirling air moved with furious intensity, but only for a moment before it waned away to nothing. He gasped and opened his eyes. “I can feel the Air Dragon,” he said. “I sense its wisdom. I feel its rage… but it does not answer my summons.”

“No one other than the Phoenix has ever been able to channel the power,” Miyoshi said. “That you were able to touch it, even briefly, is amazing.”  She glanced at the dragon sitting on Tokei’s hand. “I am not surprised that you are able to do so, however, Grand Master.”

“What is the nature of the dragons’ bond with this place?” Nizomi asked.

Miyoshi made a non-committal gesture. “We have not as yet determined the cause,” she admitted. “Many believe that the mystery is better left unexplored, that we should not question Tengoku’s gifts, only accept them.”

“Acceptance is essential to enlightenment,” Tokei said, “but power that is misunderstood is often misused.”

Miyoshi smiled. “It is as you say, Grand Master. Already there are many who have turned our blessings against the Mantis.” She was silent for a long time. “I do not believe it is right. Are not the Mantis themselves descended from the Thunder Dragon? I think by forcing the dragons to take sides, we will risk their wrath.” She smiled bitterly. “But such things are not for me to decide. The Elemental Council does what it must, for the good of our clan.”

“You are a gracious host,” Tokei said, quickly changing the subject. “Would it be possible for Nizomi and I to commune in solitude for a time?”

“Of course,” she said, rising. “If you require anything, you need only to call.”

“Thank you.” Tokei waited for several moments after the woman left, gesturing for Nizomi to wait. The fire dragon perched upon his hand began to groom its long whiskers with one flaming claw.

“Well, then,” he said, regarding the little dragon. “Do you have anything to add, little friend?” The Grand Master closed his eyes and focused, reaching out to touch the power that lay hidden in this place.

Nizomi half-rose to his feet as the tiny dragon suddenly exploded. There was no sound, no heat, only a blinding flash of light. Where once there had been a tiny dragon smaller than a cat, now coils of gleaming red now filled the room. Two enormous eyes of pure jade glared down at them with eternal malevolence.

“The Fire Dragon,” Nizomi said.

“No, not the true Fire Dragon,” Tokei said. “This spirit is merely an aspect of the true dragon’s power. It is called Ryoken.”

“I remember you, mortal,” Ryoken said. Its voice was the crackle of flame and the roar of a volcano. “How dare you summon me?”

Nizomi slowly sat back down as Tokei gazed up at the creature without fear. “Greetings, ancient one,” he said. “I seek nothing but wisdom.”

“Naturally,” Ryoken said in a cynical voice. “The darkest paths begin with the brightest intentions.”

“Then illuminate my way, mighty Ryoken,” Tokei said, bowing his head. “Tell me why the dragons have chosen to protect this place, and why they have offered their power to the Phoenix Clan.”

Ryoken wound his long, serpentine coils and settled. “This is not a matter to be discussed with mortals.”

“So even the Phoenix do not know why you are here?” Nizomi asked.

“They have not learned to ask the proper questions,” Ryoken said. “They claim to seek wisdom but their true goal is merely power. This, we give to them, as power is simple enough to give and it keeps our temple safe.”

“Miyoshi-san seems pious enough,” Nizomi replied.

Ryoken’s mighty head nodded, and his eyes shone with momentary respect. “Hai,” it said. “There are those among the Phoenix who have begun the path to true understanding. Miyoshi-chan is one of them. Whether her serenity can overcome the bloodlust of her brethren will be the true test of the Phoenix Clan.”

“So that is why you have offered the Phoenix your power?” he asked. “To see if they will destroy themselves?”

The dragon’s eyes narrowed.

“How can you play such games with mortals?” Nizomi asked.

“Your ignorance is vast, Crane,” the dragon said simply. “I will answer no more of this one’s questions.” It turned to face Tokei again. “Will there be anything further, Naka?”

“I wish only to see why you and your brethren favor this place,” Tokei said.

“It will be so,” Ryuken replied.

The temple faded away, replaced with a vision of something else.

The rolling hills that would one day be the Agasha provinces were little more than wilderness. Forests surrounded the hills, wild, unkempt regions unexplored by humans. It was a primal place, a feral place, one that had not changed since the first days of creation.

It was in this place that five mortals gathered. They knew not why they were brought here, summoned as they were through strange dreams and visions. They knew only that they must come, and that their destiny would be found here. So they came and waited, never doubting that the mysteries of their arrival.

On the seventh day of waiting, there was a great disturbance in the sky. Fire and wind, earth, water, and emptiness swirled all around the five mortals and danced among the heavens. There was a brilliant light from the heavens, and a dragon stood among the mortals.

“I am Ryoken,” the beast said, “emissary of Elemental Dragons.”

The mortals said nothing, but bowed one and all.

“The sons and daughters of the Sun and Moon walk among you,” Ryoken said. “The eyes of Tengoku have turned to your distant realm, and you are favored among the Heavens. This realm is filled with the kami, servants of the great Elemental Dragons, who seek further knowledge of your world. Each of you have mastered their mysteries, shown understanding leagues beyond that of any other mortal. They have honored you by choosing you to bear a fragment of their essence, and in return they will gain access to all that you see and do. You will be their eyes in this realm, their Oracles. Your power will be beyond measure, and the Dragons shall gain a foothold in this world.”

The mortals agreed, and the power of the Heavens was unleashed upon. They were granted the essence of dragons, and the power spilled forth all around them, suffusing the earth itself.

And immortals were born.

Nizomi opened his eyes. “The Oracles,” Nizomi said. “The first Oracles were created here. That is why the dragons protect this place – it is where they first entered our world.”

Ryoken was gone, but Tokei remained. He nodded at his student, watching him carefully.

“Do you see?” he asked the young Crane. “The Heavens bless us, even if they cannot act on our behalf.”

“Perhaps,” Nizomi said. “But even the dragons play games with us, test us. For every blessing they place two obstacles in our path. I do not see balance.”

“Truly?” Tokei asked. “Or do you merely not wish to accept the answer you have already found. I think you already know the truth. You know what force stands between this world and its subjugation. You know what power exists that can rise against destruction. Look at history. Who has always defied Fu Leng’s servants? It is not the dragons – they are bound too tightly by their higher responsibilities. To truly fight the darkness requires more… flexibility.”

Nizomi closed his eyes and nodded. “Mortals,” he said. “We are the balance. That is why I could not see the truth – because I stood within it.”

“A heady realization,” Tokei said. “I know from experience the doubt that comes next. You must wonder, Nizomi, how can we possibly fulfill such a destiny? How can we fight demons whose lifetimes span ages? How can we stand against entities whose might dwarfs our own? How can we possibly succeed?”

“Knowing there is no other hope, how can we surrender?” Nizomi said, his voice much stronger now. Steel glinted in his eyes.

Tokei clasped his son’s shoulder and smiled proudly.

“You begin to understand.”