T-Squad-Origin

Chapter 20: Zhong the Socerer

Within the quiet Monastery of Emei cries resonated, it was an infant's who was left at the front door. 

Abbot Shi Yong's tired face looked upon the newborn with an affection that mirrored a mother's. Once in his hands the boy gave a joyful laugh as if being found the second greatest gift alongside of his birth.

"A name." The old man smiled. "I wonder what I shall call you young one." 

His mind sprinted about the many beautiful things to call this new addition to the monastery, finally his mouth opened to give the name of special meaning.

"I shall befit you with the name of my brother, Batuo." He chuckled and brought Batuo into his new home.

Time passed as it usually does, Batuo enjoyed his life within the walls of Emei, he saw the training of his fellow Shaolin brothers and wished to partake. His eagerness was received and with Abbot Shi Yong's blessings he too took in the training.

Batuo was very outstanding, to the point that whispers in the Monastery surrounded rumors of him becoming the next Abbot hung heavy within the holy air. Along with him was another Shaolin of promise, he and Batuo were showing signs of a child like rivalry even then they didn't oppose each other nor showed jealousy. Both enjoyed the company of the other and loved the training they shared.

Both Batuo and Sei were basically brothers.

Tragedy struck however.

It came with flames as an invasion pursued the quiet continent, among the three temples of shaolin training were Henan, Wutang, and lastly O Mei Shen. Henan was nothing but ashes thanks to the unknown attackers. 

Smoke was seen from Emei, this concern grew causing angst among the monks. Some voted to fight against the threat that invaded their lands.

Batuo was one of them.

He was gathering allies and sharpened weapons thinking only of returning the blood favor tenfold.

Sei however knew that a true Shaolin doesn't seek war, he turned down his brother invitation to attack the enemy who drew near.

"You wish to stand here and let them invade!?" Rage rattled through his voice. "This is madness, we would be just waiting to die!"

"No." Sei softly spoke. "We only defend ourselves that is why we train, not to take a life."

"He is right." Shi Yong walked between the two. "We are not warriors we are monks first and foremost. The teachings bestowed and blessed upon us are from Bodhidharma, and through his wise words we are to only use these methods as a way to help not harm. Only when in a corner or when options are as dry as a well during drought can we use our power only for defense . It seems our brothers have been taken to the world beyond, we should flee while we have time."

For the first time in the young man's twenty years of being a follower within the Emei Monastery he gave his master and brother a face of disgust.

"I refuse to flee."

These were his last words before storming off into the direction of a marching army.

"Sei..." Shi Yong sadly called out to his disciple. "I want you to remove his name plate from amongst the others and hold onto it, should he spill blood you will throw it away, but if he returns as clean as snow then you may return it and so can he be with us once more."

Sei did as instructed, he looked at the rising smoke worried for his brother.

Batuo leapt great distances through the trees, his fury was not being quenched at all. He was now fully enraged, the Sin Jayeon within was burning. It always gave a soft warmth, but this was different...
It felt like a wildfire in his chest, that flame traveled to his hands and feet eventually enveloping him.