The battle was fully engaged and Flying Sword almost let emotion slip into a smile at how well his fellow Tigers were working together. The reality that two of their number had taken solid blows kept his mind empty and he launched into Pure Driven White. Cuts number twelve through fourteen of his Soft Snow Style.
Black Metal Sword flew through several fast close strikes, the form was intended to destroy an opponents structure and keep them on the defensive if not out right finish the fight.
In order to keep the demoness distracted, Yong will do the following, fighting defensively the entire time:
Use Improved Feint to keep her flat-footed
1st attack will be Stunning Fist, stacked with Crushing Blow. The second attack will also be a Stunning Fist (only if the first one does not succeed), stacked with Scorpion Style to reduce her speed. I am also using a point of Qi to improve my AC by 4 for this round, to bring my total AC to 29. (Remaining Qi=12)
Flying Sword uses the opportunity created by the demoness's loss of her weapon to launch a brutal hail of attacks. She instinctively dodges the first strike, positioning her exactly where Flying Sword wanted her for the other two.
With the same grace displayed as when he was half the size, Flying Sword draws his flashing blade across the creature's back twice. The attacks are so fast that the impact does not arrive until they are finished, slicing through her armored skin and spraying forth the foul smelling ichor that passes for demon blood.
The Demoness screams with a primal, unnatural rage. You can feel her very presence change into pure mindless hate as it permeates her qi. A human fighting in this chaotic condition could potentially give themselves an internal injury, but humans were never made to withstand the raw emotion the demoness felt at that moment for Flying Sword.
Her true nature leaks through the lie of her beautiful body. Her face twists into the most horrible look for rage you could have ever imagined.
She leaps, spinning, at Flying Sword's head, changing stances mid-air. Audible rage billows out of her mouth, more emotion than speech. She holds her hands in a position resembling gnarled claws, another demonic martial art you have no experience with.
More bestial than any of the human martial arts inspired by the movements of animals, the demoness mauls Flying Sword's face with the ferocity of an animal. Had he been human sized he might have lost his head. He will likely bear an 'X' shaped scar for the rest of his life.
She lands in a strange stance, perched on all fours like a disturbed cat.
The moment the demon attacked Flying Sword, Wu-Yao began to form a ball of boiling qi in his palms. And the moment she lands and he can be sure he won't hit his brother he lets it loose in a torrent of power. She attempts to dodge too late and the attack connects with her side, burning her robe and doing apparent damage to the demon beneath it.
Zhang Yong attempts to regain the demon's attention with his favorite combo. With stunning speed the demon spins around to catch the first fist in her hand, leaving her immediately vulnerable to a kick in the chest. The Shaolin are able to deliver their special attacks with any body part.
Yong kicks the portion of the demon's stomach that corresponded to her wound on the back, aggravating it. She spews more ichor from her mouth and is obviously off-balance. Her body is seriously damaged, a human would likely be unable to fight any longer.
New actions, please, Ji gets two, one to be at the start of the next round.
Wu-Yao takes advantage of the demon's weakened state and strikes from afar with Fists as Fangs, a favored stance of his Form of Striking Serpent tribal style.
The serpentine strike of Wu-Yao's exotic kung fu consumes the last of whatever power was holding the demon's broken form together, and she almost explodes into a black choking mist. Her staff, similarly, melts into mist.
Zhang Yong and Flying Sword inhale a little too much of the demon's mist, and take to coughing fits.
The mist behaves strangely, and seems to coalesce around the heap by the other pillar. As though time were running in reverse the mist pulls itself together in one place and seems to pour into a black ring on his finger, before disappearing entirely.
Whoever he is begins to attempt to communicate again, but his disgusting lack of a tongue makes this impossible. He can't seem to move his arms properly, and they are both still wrapped around the book on his chest.
Ji feels a slight amount of satisfaction as the demoness’ spinning staff flies from her hands. She knows the demoness poses a mortal threat, but she believes that the harmony and balance her siblings and her share in combat can defeat her.
She sees an opening in the demoness’ defenses but knows that Flying Sword sees it too. The two slashes across her back are a marvel, testament to his proficiency.
Before she can strike, Wu-Yao’s serpentine strike dispatches the demon into mist. She doesn’t sheathe her sword as she watches the mist coalesce into a ring on the man’s finger.
”Now, what shall we do with you?” she asks, leveling her sword towards the man. Is this part of the demon’s illusion, or is the man enchanted by some foul magic? she thinks. "You can't speak, can you let go of the book and write your name?"
The man makes some more helpless gurgling noises.
With some effort, he is able to move his hands from the book. They flop to his sides at odd angles. It's now very obvious that his arms are broken. Upon closer inspection this is clearly a horribly wounded human man. The lips have been torn from his face and his tongue cut out. His arms and legs are broken and he is so covered in filth you could almost overlook his humanity.
The cover of the book reads "The Nine Swords of Dugu".
"Do we have anything that heal that man's broken bones?'
His lungs burning from the noxious black mist, Flying Sword coughed into his hand a few times with his sword still drawn. The blood from his facial wounds was seeping into his eyes causing his vision to be blurry. He heard Zhang Yong's queery and fumbled with the charm hanging from his robe.
"Here. Hang this from his clothing and provide what other comfort we can until its powers can begin to work. It will take some time by the looks of his injuries."
The swordsman knelt where he was and fished his waterskin from his satchel. Dousing a silken kerchief he first washed his face before dutifully cleaning the gleaming blade of Black Metal Sword.
Relief shows on the man's face when the taoist charm is hung from his clothing, but he still does not seem to be in a position to communicate effectively.
Wu-Yao rests his hands on his knees as he catches his breath. He's concerned for the suffering man but he knows he won't be able to offer more assistance then the others. The direction of his gaze shifts to the back of the room. He crosses over to the stone sarcaphogus for closer inspection. With a discerning eye, he waves his hand over it, casting a subtle magic spell.
Ji kneels next to the broken man and salutes. She rests her hand lightly on the man’s forehead. ”I’m a priestess. My name is Ji. Tomorrow I can help heal you. For now, can you understand me? Blink once if you understand.” She carefully attempts to move the book from his grasp. She hands it to Flying Sword.
She turns to her companions, ”If he can get him to a bed, then that’s what we should do.”
If necessary: Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Cast Detect Magic on the sarcophagus
The sarcophagus seems to be an actual sarcophagus. Wu-Yao is able to locate the seam and, if so desired, is certain he could pry it open.
The sarcophagus has no magic aura, although Wu-Yao catches the scent of magic all the same. It doesn't take long to realize that there are strong magic aura emanating from all of the swords in the alcoves in the far wall of the 'tomb'. Several of the alcoves are empty, but several others have swords. All of the alcoves have short inscriptions.
Blink once if you understand.”
He blinks exaggeratedly once.
She carefully attempts to move the book from his grasp. She hands it to Flying Sword.
Ji is easily able to remove the book and pass it to her sworn brother.
do you need water?
He blinks once.
Was there more than one demon?
He blinks twice.
Did we notice a tent or pavilion of any kind near Ming-Yue?
You didn't see one, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have something hidden somewhere. Logically she would need a place to store food at the least, unless she's living off the land.
Yong stands stoically in the center of the room, trying to find his focus, without showing his emotions. He feels weakened somewhat by the demoness' final attack, and is trying to clear his mind and body of the effects. He allows his team to do their work and will help if needed, once he comes out of meditation.
The kneeling swordsman sheathed Black Metal Sword before accepting the book from Chu Zhu Ji and holding it reverently. He did not feel ready to open the book and felt it was not the right time... although it is certainly the right place...
He could feel the discord in his body from the demon's attack and focused on steadying his breathing. He used his Wudang skill to cleanse himself of the disharmony.
Relief flooded the man as he was once again in balance. He cuts to his face would scar now that he had loaned the old man his charm but he would wear them with pride. Hearing his sword sister request aid in moving the man... could he really be the emporer?... the Wudang warrior placed the book in his satchel and rose. Walking to the couple he spoke softly, "Where would you like to take him to rest Chu Zhu Ji?"
Wu-Yao slowly grazes a fingertip over the lid of the sarcophagus, contemplating the magical residues he's sensing nearby. His gaze bounces back and forth between the weapon alcoves and his companions tending to the poor victim. He approaches Flying Sword and casually whispers in his ear, trying not to make a show. These weapons on the wall, they are of similar make to your own and our sister's. We must tend to this pour soul, but I'd hate to leave such valuable commodities behind. The sarcophogus I believe is free of curses as well. Shall I investigate them further?
”Please, Wu-Yao,” Ji says. ”Any information we gather can only help us.”
Turning her head towards Flying Sword, she says, ”Now that I think about this, we should splint his broken bones first before moving him. We’ll need to get stout sticks if we don’t want to use our scabbards. Hopefully he has a comfortable bed in a tent near by. Anyone want to warn Ming-Yue?” Her face is clearly worried as she looks at the numerous wounds. She uses her dagger to cut her pants at the knees then tears the fabric into long strips.
”Are you Emperor Xing Zei Long?” Ji asks.
”Forgive me, but I need to cut your clothes somewhat to help us bind your broken bones to the splints.”
”Are you Emperor Xing Zei Long?” Ji asks.
The man looks at you with suspicion for a moment, then blinks almost defiantly.
Shall I investigate them further?
Wu-Yao examines the series of primitive sword cases more closely.
The first alcove is empty. It's inscription reads:
"White Hot Light"
"My first sword was bright and flashy, able to penetrate every obstacle. With it I competed with the xia of the northern planes during my teenaged years."
The second alcove is equally bare.
"Black Metal Sword"
"My second sword was large and powerful, and could only be wielded by one of great strength. With it I roamed the entire Empire under Heaven, and none could dare block my passage."
The third alcove contains a sword with a mirror-colored blade and silver handle. You can see your face distortedly reflected in it.
"Deadly Silver Treasure"
"My third sword I used in my 20s. I accidentally wounded a righteous man with it; it turned out to be a Weapon of Doom. I felt great remorse and abandoned the sword in a deep valley before retrieving it to rest here."
The fourth alcove is also empty.
"Golden Celestial Aura"
"My fourth sword I used in my late 20s. I used it to kill many demons and evil men as I sought atonement. I had to leave it behind because it was a reminder of my failures."
The fifth alcove, again, is empty.
"Heavenly Diamond Weapon"
"My fifth sword was perfect and unbreakable. With it I was invincible, but I gave it up when it's perfection began to weigh down my progress as a swordsman."
The sixth alcove contains a very fine looking blade with a deep red handle. The blade is a very dark gray, with a noticeable difference in color near the edges.
"Red Dragon Slayer"
"With my sixth sword there was no one I could not kill. I spilled the blood of heroes, gods and emperors. I gave it up when I tired of killing."
The seventh alcove contains a silver-colored sword with an ornate handle and a decorative dragon design along the middle of the blade. A yellow bangle hangs from the pommel.
"Jade Green Destiny"
"My seventh sword was a legendary treasure of the Wulin. Heroes and fortune seekers from across the empire sought me for my sword or my reputation. With this sword I lost not a hair nor gave an inch of ground in battle."
The eighth alcove contains a sword with a thin, almost fragile looking blade. It has no artistic embellishments.
"Crashing Blue Wave"
"I never attacked with my eighth sword and won every battle. With the strength and flexibility of the waves I used force without force. This last sword I gave up when I ceased to need a sword to practice swordsmanship."
The last alcove is empty, although you get the impression that it was always so. The inscription reads:
"After the age of forty, I no longer relied on weaponry. Trees, bamboo and rocks can all be my swords. From then on, the essence of my cultivateion slowly reached the level of overcoming the sword without a sword. Having thus transcended the sword, I bury all my blades here to be found by he who might one day prove my equal. I here lay out the path that another might walk it."
Wu-Yao approaches each alcove, reading the transcriptions and observing the details of each remaining sword. After reading the last transcription he doubles back and stands between Red Dragon Slayer and Jade Green Destiny , eyeing both these swords in contemplation. He reaches out and lifts Jade Green Destiny from its place on the wall. He wields it in the rudimentary poses of the form of Serpent Strike, to get a feel for its weight and balance, while reaching out with his ki to try and grasp its unique qualities.
”It is an honor to meet you. I have been told we are cousins. Wong Bi Hao is like a father to me.” She gives the man a comforting smile.
As Wu-Yao describes what he discovered, her hand touches Golden Celestial Aura in special reverence. ”Did you come for a particular sword?” she asks the Emperor. Next, ”Did the demon attack you when you claimed the book?”
Ji then stands, looking at the others, ”I will get some branches for his splints and warn Ming-Yue about his injuries. Does the sword balance with your qi, Wu-Yao?”
Yong comes out of his trance, having recovered somewhat from the previous attacks. He looks around, seeing the others looking at various things. He goes over to Ji and Wu-Yao and apologizes for having to meditate. That having been said, he asks if they need help with the gentleman on the ground. ().
”Did you come for a particular sword?” she asks the Emperor.
He blinks once, and his eyes move to Red Dragon Slayer. The dragon is a symbol reserved only for the emperor, so it is not difficult to imagine what plans the man has for the sword.
Next, ”Did the demon attack you when you claimed the book?”
With great effort he slightly lifts the hand that is wearing the ring the demon's mist retreated into after you defeated her. He can only hold it up for a moment before it falls back to the ground.
He blinks once.
He reaches out and lifts Jade Green Destiny from its place on the wall. He wields it in the rudimentary poses of the form of Serpent Strike, to get a feel for its weight and balance, while reaching out with his ki to try and grasp its unique qualities.
The second his hand closes around the handle of the sword Wu-Yao can feel it's internal power. He lifts it in the air and swings it in a rough imitation of his palm style.
Suddenly Wu-Yao does not know where his is, there is nothing but darkness all around him. Before him stands a translucent man wearing a changshan and with long uncombed hair. His experience with the heretic priest tells him that this must be a ghost.
The power of his mere presence is indescribable. Wu-Yao feels like a worm standing before a dragon. The power restrained even within this ghost is god-like. It is completely overwhelming.
The ghost regards Wu-Yao with cold contempt. Then, after what seems like half a day but which must have been an instant, he gives the slightest of nods, almost imperceptible.
At that moment the darkness recedes and Wu-Yao finds himself back where he was. The ghost is gone.
All his sworn siblings see is Wu-Yao picking up the sword and swinging it around.
Red Dragon Slayer,” Ji nods in approval. ”Very fitting. My sword is Golden Celestial Aura. Dugu’s fourth sword apparently. I did not know it had such a splendid history.”
Ji examines the ring on the Emperor’s finger. ”You’ll have to save the story for how you acquired this for another day. Do you want me to remove the ring?”
She stands and counts the cloth strips she made from her pants and the Emperor’s clothing. ”Before I go fetch branches for the splints, I wondered, Wu-Yao, is there any word on the master smiths who made the swords?”
Turning to Ji, Yong says "I'll go and get branches. It looks like you have much to talk about, with the Emperor and these swords." He then gets up to go outside.
Ji examines the ring on the Emperor’s finger. ”You’ll have to save the story for how you acquired this for another day. Do you want me to remove the ring?”
He blinks once, pleased that you guessed his meaning.
Turning to Ji, Yong says "I'll go and get branches. It looks like you have much to talk about, with the Emperor and these swords." He then gets up to go outside.
Zhang Yong walks out of the main temple. The Naga are nowhere to be found, presumably having slithered back into their pools. He quickly proceeds up the stairs and out of the cave.
Ming Yue is standing by the entrance, looking dour as ever.
"Are your companions dead already?" she asks.
Zhang Yong walks out of the main temple. The Naga are nowhere to be found, presumably having slithered back into their pools. He quickly proceeds up the stairs and out of the cave.
Ming Yue is standing by the entrance, looking dour as ever.
"Are your companions dead already?" she asks.
"No, honorable one. They are quite alive, as well as what appears to be the emperor himself, although he was injured previously. I am to gather branches to make him a splint."
Studying Ming Yue closely, he wonders how much she knew about what was going on inside, although he will not say anything out loud, no matter what Yong thinks.
Disbelief evident on his inpassive face, FLying Sword resisted the urge to curse under his breath... this is the true emperor?... and the demoness?.. has she been vanquished...or does she live on in the ring?.. His fears manifested into spoken word. "Chu Zhu Ji, remember the mist? Can you quest for evil sorcery in his ring? "
Does the sword balance with your qi, Wu-Yao?”[/b]
Wu-Yao stands before the others, nearly breathless, entranced by the weapon in his hands. "Why... yes.... I believe so..." He shakes he head, slightly confusex, searching for his words. "I was... transported. I saw someone, a ghost, I'm certain. I believe it was Dugu himself. The power ... immense power... Somehow, I believe he approved of me... yes, I believe I've been accepted to wield this sword." He strikes the form of King Cobra deftly with the blade in hand, gracefully slicing the air before him. He sheathes the weapon and approaches the others. "Did you see Dugu when you first wieided the golden and the black, my siblings?" Did you too stand before this power?
Studying Ming Yue closely, he wonders how much she knew about what was going on inside.
Upon hearing the news a look of genuine relief comes over Ming Yue's face.
"You found the emperor?" her joy is palpable.
Ming Yue wastes no time cutting down several strong branches with her sword, and then splitting them into splints. In her enthusiasm she makes far more than could ever be used on one person. She dumps the pile into Zhang Yong`s arms and begins to tear the sleeves off her robe.
"You'll need something to bind them with. Takes these."
She hands over the strips of cloth as well.
"I still can't go inside with you, but I have some medicine hidden not far from here. I will go fetch it and wait for you all right at this spot."
"Shall I wait for you here?"
"Shall I wait for you here?"
"If I am not back in an hour forget me, but do not leave immediately. Among my medicines I have a Three Treasures Pill given to me by Li Xiang. It is made of herbs so rare that only one can be produced in the whole world every three years, and only if a master alchemist spends that entire period in uninterrupted preparation. It will be invaluable if his majesty is to be traveling with broken bones."
"Then I will meet you in the cave, if I am not here when you get back." As Ming Yue runs to gather her treasures, Yong turns with rather large bundle and heads back into the cave.
Presently, he hands over the various materials to Ji and says "Will this be enough?"
Ji shares a look between Flying Sword and Wu-Yao. ”You saw Dugu? My experience claiming one of his former swords didn’t have anything so auspicious.” Ji places a hand on the sheath of Golden Celestial Aura.
”I can detect the magical aura of the ring. That may give us a hint of the power within though Wu-Yao has more experience and knowledge with powerful items like this.” She concentrates, casting detect magic and focuses on the ring.
To nobody's surprise the ring emanates a strong aura of magic. Unfamiliar as you are with these kind of dark arts you're unable to determine the specific properties of the ring.
"Thank you sister... I'll have a look as well. Wu-Yao casts detect magic as well, focusing on the ring after Chu Zhu Ji has her turn. When he's done, he casts it again, this time focusing on Jade Green Destiny which is now sheathed at his side. He wonders if there's any connection between the magics powering the two relics...
Wu-Yao's snake-tribe training is more... esoteric than Chu Zhu Ji's Taoist instruction. He is able to interpret the energies of the black ring. It is clearly the focus of some kind of demonic binding.
Theoretically someone in possession of the ring would be able to compel the demon bound to the ring to obey them. Of course, one would have to be very careful how one worded one's instructions. The current state of the emperor serves as a shining example of why.
Jade Green Destiny, on the other hand, is a work of exquisite harmony between craftsmanship and enchantment. Comparing the ring to the blade would be like comparing a corpse to a living man. Even interpreting the enchantments on the weapon gives Wu-Yao a sense of peace.
”We should ask Ming-Yue about this ring once she returns from getting the pill. When he started to wear it. Did it affect his behavior? Things of that nature.”
Ji sorts the strips of fabric and the branches to get the best ones for splinting the broken bones. [b]”Forgive me, Emperor, but I do not know the proper address for you. Highest Majesty, Most Exalted Majesty, Shining Dragon Breath Majesty,” she shrugs. [b]”Of course I will be as gentle as I can, but there will be pain.” Ji starts with his legs, sliding fabric under one leg, placing two sticks along it, and then tying it snuggly at three places. She performs a similar technique with his other leg and his arms.
"Highest Majesty, Most Exalted Majesty, Shining Dragon Breath Majesty,"
The emperor rolls his eyes a little at this.
”Of course I will be as gentle as I can, but there will be pain.”
He blinks once. Yes. Yes there will be.
heal check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
There is obviously a great amount of pain, Chu Zhu Ji is as careful as she can be but this cave is hardly an ideal location for practicing the healer's arts. The emperor endures it with impressive stoicism for a noble. Although, technically speaking, Chu Zhu Ji is a noble too so she can't be one to judge.
Things go about as well as might be expected under the circumstances. Chu Zhu Ji has to rebreak some bones that set improperly, but after a painful two hours the bones are set properly and the splints tightly tied. If they hold (certainly an open question if you're going to have to transport him long distances) at least his bones should heal properly.
Any one of you could carry the emperor by yourself, so two working together should be able to transport him up the stairs completely without harm. Getting him down the mountain, however, will take some more doing.
"Is the emperor ready to be moved yet?" Yong looks down at the man who would be emperor and thinks 'I can understand the agony he must be feeling, right now.'
Ji smiles in affirmation. ”Yes, we’re ready to go. Take the branches by his feet, please. We’ll lift on three.”
Taking one last look at the tomb, Ji inhales deeply. ”Emperor, do you want us to take Red Dragon Slayer for you? Perhaps someday we can return. It would be a fitting place to study Dugu’s manual.”
Kneeling, she grabs the two branches near his shoulders, counts, ”One, two, three,” and lifts. She and Yong carry the Emperor. As they approach the exit, she listens for birdcalls or any sound of wild animals. She doesn’t think Ming-Yue would make enough noise for her to hear.
Taking one last look at the tomb, Ji inhales deeply. ”Emperor, do you want us to take Red Dragon Slayer for you? Perhaps someday we can return. It would be a fitting place to study Dugu’s manual.”
He blinks twice, visibly frustrated by the limitations of this mode of communication.
Kneeling, she grabs the two branches near his shoulders, counts, ”One, two, three,” and lifts. She and Yong carry the Emperor.
Chu Zhu Ji and Zhang Yong lift the emperor into the air. The man makes a restrained grunt noise as he suppresses the desire to cry out in pain.
You carry him out of the tomb and begin the ascent up the stairs, with Wu-Yao and Flying Sword trailing behind.
A pool near the door bubbles, and one of the Naga rises from the water.
"Wu-Yao has brought purity of imminence to this space/time. The Naga acknowledge debts of fact and exploit. Reflect upon the price of power."
1 damage.
Before Wu-Yao can even react, the snake-man lashes out and drives both envenomed fangs int Wu-Yao's chest, near to his heart. He can feel the fiery venom spreading throughout his blood. The Naga withdraws his fangs so skillfully that the skin is barely broken, and ceases the attack as quickly as it began.
"Enlightened venoms burn away the ignorance of warm blood. The weight of it balances the debt."
The pain is so bad that Wu-Yao can no longer stand.
Flying Sword followed the others down the mountain carryimh the Emperor's requested blade reverently. He had forgone the opportunity to peruse the other swords that were on display. The taciturn man knew in his heart he had much to learn still about Black Metal Sword and his own Soft Snow Style before attempting to master a different blade. He wondered what was keeping Wu-Yoa.
”Emperor, do you want us to take Red Dragon Slayer for you?He blinks twice, visibly frustrated by the limitations of this mode of communication.
Ji winks. ”It was a little test. I didn’t think you wanted us to take it for you. How could you claim it properly as yours to wield? Please forgive me for my mischief.”
Once the naga attacks Wu-Yao, Ji is unsure how to respond. Flee with the Emperor, put him down and fight? She secures her grip on the Emperor’s makeshift litter in case she needs to flee.
The pain is so bad that Wu-Yao can no longer stand.
As he falls to the ground, Ji calls out ”Warm blood? What do you know? Ignorance is yours if you haven’t experienced warm blood. Can you transform, leave your naga bodies? I can leave mine. I have spent time as a horse running the prairies, a snake hunting mice, a carp in a frozen lake. Trust me, I can speak of more adventures, but for now I will say, farewell.”
"Wu-Yao's animals braying with unpleasantness. Tomorrow's tomorrow's tomorrow our timelines intersect. Three cycles will pass before the gift is received."
With that, the Naga retreats back into the water, leaving Wu-Yao doubled over with pain.
Chu Zhu Ji and Zhang Yong take the emperor the rest of the way up the steps and out of the cave. The sun hurts your eyes after so long underground, you can only imagine how it is for the emperor.
Ming Yue is waiting by the entrance and runs up to the emperor, still being carried, as you cross the threshold of the cave.
"You majesty!" she exclaims, at once delighted and concerned "I heard your majesty were injured by I hadn't imagined... here, lay him down immediately."
Ming Yue interjects herself and helps you lower the emperor to the ground.
"Here, your majesty, swallow this if you would. It is potent medicine."
Ming Yue helps the emperor tonguelessly swallow the pill, pour a little water from a skin into his mouth.
"The effects should be immediate-" Ming Yue begins to say.
Already, the emperor sits upright, effortlessly snapping his splints as he does so.
'Potent, indeed, is all Yong can think as the emperor sits up, completely without pain. Yong stands agape at the spectacle.
Wu-Yao lay on the cavern floor, clutching the wound at his chest, nearly immobilized. He reaches out with a single finger in the direction of the stairs, mustering the strength to cast a small spell, using his magic to reach out to the others.
Short of breath, he whispers in spurts..."Tigers… the naga… I've been bitten… please... help." He closes he eyes and rests his head on the cold stone ground.
The emperor stands and starts removing the pieces of broken splint.
"Your majesty," Ming Yue almost stammers "Your slave humbly requests that you try and keep movement to a minimum. The energy from the Three Treasures Pill will not last forever, and when it runs out you will no longer be able to ignore your broken bones, even with your level of kung fu. If you exacerbate your injuries you might do more harm than good."
The Emperor bends down and writes in the dirt with his finger:
"There is no need for ritual humility. You are all heroes of the empire and every inch my equals. When we have restored the Xing we can make a game of such formalities."
Flying Sword can't help but admire the emperor's dirt calligraphy. He is able to emulate the look of brush strokes using nothing but his broken arm and hard packed dirt.
The emperor makes a weird tongueless laugh as he runs out of room. He moves a step over.
"Does anyone have paper, ink and brush?" he writes.
"Yes," says Ming Yue "Please don't write in the dirt. That's precisely the sort of thing you might regret when the pill wears off."
He closes he eyes and rests his head on the cold stone ground.
Wu-Yao dreams of four dimensions visualized in three. Individuals appear as coiling snakes made out of every position that person will every occupy at every moment of their life all at once. These time snakes intersect with those of their ancestors, creating an unbroken line back to the first life form. Wu-Yao can see the totality of life laid before him as an endlessly branching snake.
The vision awakens ancestral memories buried deep within Wu-Yao's lizard brain. The story of a snake who cultivated Tao to the point where she could take on human form. The mother of a tribe of man-snakes.
The time snake of humanity intersects with Wu-Yao's own family time and again, making them more man than snake. But deep within their genetic memory the tribe remembers. In the sculpture of time they are still one unbroken line...
Ji watches the naga disappear; her mouth little more than a tight crease. ”Brother, we will return as soon as the Emperor is outside.”
When she sees Ming-Yue, Ji gives a slight nod of thanks for her assistance. After seeing the miraculous pill take effect, Ji bows. ”Your majesty, excuse me but my brother needs —“ she stops talking as Wu-Yao’s message blooms in her ear.
”Help," Ji finishes and bursts into a sprint, back into the cave, her years of running and druidic practice making her swifter than most humans. She leaps from the last step to land next to Wu-Yao, half expecting the naga to attack again.
Ji inspects the bite mark, marveling at its small size. She whispers some druidic words to detect if there is poison in her brother.
”Time to go,” she says, rolling him into a position where she can lift him. She gets her shoulder under his abdomen and pushes her legs against the ground while repositioning his body to align their centers of gravity. ”Let’s get you out of here.”