Path of destruction (Unfinished)(Mysterious Isle)

Path of destruction (Unfinished)(Mysterious Isle)

Fai Sung
Two days of meditation, one day of fasting, and six hours of conditioning, Fai had reached clarity of mind purification of body and freedom of spirit. It was pitch black in his personal training room. The sun had one hour before its glorious rays glowed in the eastern sky. He was on schedule to make the journey with one night absent rest. It was going to take weeks to make the climb around the summit and into the treacherous northern face of the Himalayas. The secret path would be free of snow for most of the journey so long as he remained on the hidden trail. However, short spans of deadly drop offs, free hand climbs down slippery rock and one gorge several thousand feed in depth that he had only the rope in his pack to get across would make it challenging to say the least. Though he had taken the path before, several times at least, this time was different. He knew something wasn’t right and the amount of time it would take to make the journey was far too long to receive his new path.

He had not spoken to Dempsey since he had questioned the man about this Seth Wright. Who cared about a British Minister of Magic anyways? The Chinese held the power on this side of the world and their forked tongues kept the world unaware of their meddling.

No, Fai had to remove such contemplations from his mind. These were thoughts he could ponder while he made the journey. He maneuvered several impossibly fast attacks and then jumped while spinning wildly yet in complete control over the angle and form of each leg that even a tiger would meet its end if it tried to lung for him. Though his eyes could not see through the dark his senses told him where everything in this room sat as he had placed it.

As the sun rose Fai was ready. He would not eat until the sun set that evening and he only packed enough to last one man three days. In all he must have at least one fruit one cracker and one jerky left when he faced the Dali-Lama, as a show of honor and tribute to the one whose word superseded his. Fai, needed that. He knew he needed the Dali-Lama to curb his ferocity.

He glared down at his bloody wrapped up hands from hours on beating on a wooden dummy. His knees and chins revealed the same abuse.

Hands gently touched his temples and soon a wrap was placed around his eyes. The final test and challenge of his undoubted abilities and loyalty to the Dali-Lama and Shangri-La. He would make the journey blind folded. His honor alone would keep the obstruction to his senses in place until another guard removed it at his destination. The hands moved away and the warmth of the being behind him moved away.

He lept up from his crossed legged seated position on the mat and landed on his toes without sound or motion from the wood beneath. His hand went instinctively for his wand but it was not there. Was he to go without magic?

Words caressed his ears; he had instinctively learned to use his blood magic before a wand ever touched his hand, and so he would return to the primal magic that lead him while in the dark and desolate land.

“Primal” the words echoed in his mind. Was that all he was in to the people of Shangri-La, a primal killer? And so lead his thoughts as he strolled from his home through the streets hearing the chants and feeling the petals as the fell over him.

Quickened to the presence of the people around him he realized that he could see Dempsey nodding in approval within his mind. The man hadn’t left yet, meaning the leaders had somehow wished him to stay for a reason beyond Fai’s understanding. And Bina stood beside him clueless to her association to the ancient Mongols who crossed to the faraway lands her people called the America’s. Even Fai didn’t know the whole history but word of it had been whispered excitedly throughout the ancients that still resided within statues, buildings and within the magical barrier surrounding the city itself.

Fai had kept his ears open to hear their gossip ever sense his mind opened to their presence, yet he told no one of this ability allowing the Temple monks to believe that they were the only ones. The ancients themselves never gave any hint that they knew he could eve’s dropped on their existence.

As Dempsy and Bina fell behind his stride two familiar men struck his mind like a hot arrow. These were men he hadn’t seen since the Chinese had cornered inside his penthouse suit that fateful day forcing him through honor to aid the Seven. Then as now, Fai cared less about the workings of any organization, nation or entity and would easily slaughter all who stood against Shangri-La and the Dali-Lama. Even Dempsey would find his fate if he betrayed the city that welcomed him warmer than they had any outsider before him. If not for Bina he never would have entered the barrier… alive. However, Fai would have never invited him. But these others, men of his organization, here within the barrier of Shangri-La and there were not alone. Another, bound and blindfolded stood in their captivity. The destiny judge came to… and then it dawned on him. Her blood was Tibetin which is why he so easily turned her own magic against her. But by what power did this ability of his gain authority? Quickly he remembered the Number and a promise the wicked thing made on his first appearance before it. Tibet would be his and China would bow before him if only he follow.

A cold shiver crawled through his skin as he felt the mind of the Destiny Judge follow him as much as his regarded her. He considered ending her awareness once and for all at the moment he passed by within striking distance when a quickining of her potential destiny flashed before his blindfolded eyes. He stopped while facing forward and considered his next course of action. No one touched him and mentally he swore he heard her whimper knowing that her very existence hung on a thread of the deadliest blindfolded man alive.

She projected no pleads for mercy, or anything other than a mixture of fear and hope. Hope? What in all of Shangri-La could give her hope? He raised a hand to his right and pointed directly at the woman.

“Release our Tibetan sister!” Without turning his head to acknowledge of whom he pointed Fai continued. “Let eyes, ears, and senses never depart her every action. Let her very actions within Shangri-La exonerate or condemn her.” He brought his arm down and spoke softly. “Beware that you thank me before you understand my purpose for you existence.”

Deep dark primal madness tempted to rise within his being as if the number had planned this all along. Could the wicked thing see his actions within the barrier or was that evil darkness already alive within him before the Number every laid eyes on him? Fai had to consider both because this was the first self-purification ritual he had ever endured. Sure he had done the practice, but this was the first time he had ever truly placed his being on the table for self-inspection in such a manner to consider his true nature.

As he traveled closer to the temple and soon to exit the city another soul of dear importance whispered out to him of her presence. It couldn’t be, but she was much further back and held away from the crowd and he could tell she was intentionally kept back though she seemed to want closer. And Fai left it at that because his rage would ignite possibly killing all those nearby, definitely ending everything he had done to make this trip.

He felt the edge of the path as the barrier opened like white doors heading down a guided hallway. Fai ran from her presence and the roar of the city behind him. He was their spear, their arrow, their primal rage ready to be inflicted upon humanity for discarding them. Immediately it dawned on him that the ancients knew all along that he could hear them. They had been leading him through their gossip directly down a devastating path of death and destruction to be dealt to all who betrayed them.

Fai ran as the words primal echoed through his mind. He was a weapon, forged through the fires of loss, pain and rage. Hardened through orphanages in Hong Kong where he had taught every boy who the leader of the house was from the moment he entered. Made to fight for profit until he was old enough to be thrown to the merciless streets. From there it all fell into place like a puzzle piecing his broken existence into a merciless killing machine controllable though the very honor engrained into his beliefs.

Fai ran much farther than he anticipated like a machine driven by another controlling entity. However, he realized that the driver was not the number nor could it ever be. All at once it fell into place as to why the Number could and would never read his thoughts.

What of the Destany Judge then? Was she of use to the ancients? Was he supposed to kill her as the urge lead him? Why did he save her? Right. Fai kept at an amazing pace even for his own abilities and before he knew it he was at the first obstacle as the sun set in the western sky. Without thinking Fai stepped out on the narrow ledge and proceeded to crosses. He considered that the next few miles had to be covered before he considered sleep. However, he was far from tired. So it was true. He had saved her to add to his arsenal of weapons. He received no changed in thought from the one who drove him to proceed.

Primal, yet calculating and bread for war. Bread to kill, one weapon appraises another to utilize or discard. Such is the ways of those who control others. Fai considered this deeply as the leading guidance weakened around him leaving him to navigate the pass. Fatigue engulfed him and fought every move he made in an attempt bring an end to his evil.

As cold and heartless as a man who could callously extract screams from victims’ who begged for death only days prior, the cries his body made to end the pain went ignored. The only human side left within him stood gasping but held back by the Temple leaders. Held back for his sake or hers? Immediately Fai resolved that the first target his first target would be the head Temple monk… his balance wavered sending him skittering against the rock face for balance.

So the ancients would not allow him to kill whoever he wanted? Anger burned within his flesh hotter than he had ever felt before. “I’ll not be controlled!” He moved the tips of his toes to the edge fearing not the death that lay beneath. “You want a merciless killer that will destroy heartlessly at your whim? Well, I’m as hard and black as they come but I’ll have my vengeance as much as I’ll carry out yours. As many screams echo throughout my dreams you think I’ll not remove your finest weapon as well?”

Full control over mind and body left him feeling something he hadn’t felt since the first visit he made to Shangri-La and all at once he realized that he was alone. As alone as he was that first night the orphanage threw him to the streets of Hong Kong. He gathered his strength and completed the journey across the first treacherous portion of the trip.

He made the trip much faster than he had ever done before. From the moment he banished the ancients from his being he found a new depth of hatred he had never experienced before. Could the presence of Zhilan save him from this numb existence any longer? He thought not. Only one could rescue him from his own evil and when the blindfold was removed he expected to see the old man seated at a patio overlooking the distance covered by mist and green rolling mountainside. Instead he noticed medics talking while guards rushed him inside. The ancient building that always appeared pristine and brand new now appeared withered and old as if preparing to go into hibernation until a new leader took residence within its walls.

“Where is he?” Fai demanded with far harsher and threatening tone than he intended. Causing the guard to regard him with contempt. From anyone other than the being standing beside him Fai would have easily prepared to snap his neck. However, this man was not to be trifled with, and Fai knew a battle against his caliper would result badly for both. As declared of the Dali-Lama so were the guards that accompanied him through the ages. Or so was believed, and Fai figured all his training and perfecting could have easily been passed down from a man such as him.

Lowering his threatening stance Fai softened his tone. “I worry”

The guard nodded, and raised his hand toward a bed. “I fear a day later, would have been too late. He struggles to retain life just to see you.”

Fai rushed to the bed and fell to the side kneeling at the edge and taking the hand of the dying man.

“Master, no. You mustn’t go, I need your guidance. A weapon must have a wielder or else it will become loose cannon.”

The ancient leader coughed as a medic wiped blood from his mouth. “A weapon is a soulless tool made to fit the will of man.” He coughed again. “You shed your instructors I have heard all about it. “Your pain and sorrow engulfed you. But you are not a soulless creation of man. You are not a weapon without a guide.” He poked Fai’s head. “The future holds dark and terrible destruction worldwide if evil is not purged. You have faced your evil. Now you have a choice. I shall return in the body of a child far removed from our first Khan of the conquering peoples that traveled far to the new lands so said discovered by the westerners. I shall return with a vengeance and wrath will be on my lips from the moment I am capable of retaining my last struggles at peace.”

Tears burned and blurred Fai’s vision.

“You are of the very line of warriors that conquered with Genghis Khan. His very generals and Calvary commanders that lead the charge against impossible odds. Yes the ones of renown whom tore down walls of cities that would not submit. Your very ancestors slaughtered mercilessly entire cities without remorse from China to the Mediterranean, taking captive whoever and whatever they wished. Know this, the ancients guiding your path are the very merciless conquerors’ of your past.

There are also those who pledged in peace while setting up kingdoms and following the path of Buddha. Yes the peacekeepers they are called who were given power as rulers to curb the ruthless bloodthirsty path of the warriors. Of that line your very heart desires a beautiful maiden who has been far more faithful to you than you to her. You seek a curb to your ruthless bloodthirsty nature, seek out Zhilan. When the time comes she must take her place in Shangri-La.” He coughed and breathed a deep wheezing gurgle.

“Fai, you mustn’t take my absence as a time to slaughter our enemies or potential allies.”

Anger rose up within Fai with his potentially last argument with a man he had both struggled against and loved dearly. A grandfather who had shown him more love than his deceased parents were allowed to show. “We were meant to conquer the world, you said it yourself!”

Laugher and coughing erupted and the old man twitched and lurched causing Fai to fall back. Had he just killed his master? Fai was lead out of the room where he paced for what seemed like hours, until he was lead back in. Quickly Fai grabbed the food he had forgotten to bring the first time and laid it neatly beside the old man’s limp hand.

“Fai, you mustn't go on a killing spree after I am gone. Destroy the Dark and wicked one. Destroy him swiftly. The key, Fai, the key is at the western magical school… called… Hogwarts. Peace has been sent ahead of you to pave the way. You have taken a student under your wing at that school. He has not the key, but he can help you.” He chocked and turned bloodshot eyes directly into Fai’s soul. “Destroy the Dark one before he has a chance to destroy me. And… and… Fai, when I return I need a Shangri-La to return to. You shall be the leader of Shangri-La until I return! Do not lose my city! Because Fai, I will return with the spirit of Genghis Khan!” He grinned released his last breath.

Outside of the deceased Dali-Lama’s cabin, Fai leaned on a railing and stared north into nothing as the mist grew thicker and heavier. Soon he could tell it would engulf the secret hide away of the ancient man. Soon another would be discovered and he now felt obligated to insure every last essence of the man he knew was instilled into the new young mind of the shared spirit. He could not count the death of his master as a loss because as prophesied that Fai himself would rise as the sword of Shangri-La so was that of the warlike master soon to grow again as the reincarnated Dali-Lama.

Fai turned from his view and came face to face with the guard now appearing ancient beyond belief. The purple garment and tall hat remained but a shadow of armor far more ancient than Fai could understand to believe covered the man’s appearance like clothed in the garment of the wrath of Gengus Khahn’s own warriors. The guard raised his chin in a manner Fai had never witnessed from the humble yet fierce ancient. It appeared as if all his timid nature shed away with the wraths garb and now only the shadow of a bold arrogant man stood in his place.

Immediately Fai knew that whatever threat this man posed by mere ability were far beyond his own. Fai bowed in pure reverence at the vision his eyes were perceiving. This man or wrath could wipe the memory of Fai from existence. In all that Fai had one remorse, he had no young of his own blood to carry on. Or at least he had none that he knew of which in the same he had not passed on his knowledge to. If this man meant to test him, it was one challenge Fai, for the first time in his life feared defeat. No wise master of the arts ever underestimated his opponents yet Fai had underestimated this man.

The only words Fai could draw from his lips trembled. “I am your humble servant, m… master”

Not one word came from the man’s lips but instead echoed within Fai’s mind. “This scroll I carry, is to be delivered to the descendent of the great Sha. She alone may open its seal and survive. She is far away but in grave danger. The medallion binding this scroll and seal belong to an ancient maiden from a faraway land and has been passed down her line to each youngest daughter or granddaughter to insure its passage through time for its prophetic use. You Fai are charged to deliver it to Zhilan Wei. You Fai must ensure her survival as well as that of its purpose. For your own blood also descends from that of a slave taken from faraway lands. How I thought it marvelous that its meaning was bringer of death. But now I believe it means one who delivers death. Yes, I was the one who took that woman, and many more, but that one was from a land we failed to conquer. Not because we were unable but because we were stretched so far, and strange dark magic lingered over the land across the … Nile, yes. Now this has been passed down to you. Know this child of my very loins, we are not bringers of peace, for you are of the seed of wrath and conquest. But peace cannot be overlooked. In this time now your mission is one of peace and war. You shall bring pain and suffering to our enemies, and you are to bridge communication with potential friends. Fear not betrayal, less you forget the pleasure of war against those who would dare defy us. Return now, and lead Shangri-La as you have been bidden. I remain with you, because the greatest death you are to deliver is to one whose soul is long overdue the natural reincarnate of our being. As is mine.”
Fai took the scroll and bowed again and headed on his way. He took two steps and like the sky scrolled away giving way to the city of Shangri-La his feet stepped onto the solid brick pavement standing between two buildings.

It was nightfall meaning the trip had not only passed miles but time as well. What day could it be? Nevertheless, all would be asleep. A glow peeked in the eastern sky warning him of mornings light. First order of business, make peace amongst potential allies. Khalid was already in as far a position of trust as Fai could allow. He could not extend any more than their current friendship and even that bordered on careless. No. He would avoid seeing Khalid for the moment, and make a surprise visit to another man nearby.

Without seeking out his wand, it found him. Not a surprising aspect, since it was one of the most drilled magical aspect taught to him by the Seven. One must never lose communication with their right hand, and their wand was exactly that. With a slight maneuver and added grace, he uttered the words, of power, intentionally discarding the western dialect, favoring the eastern, he drew upon the aspiration and the end location where he would reappear. Did he have a surprise for one called Fixer or what?