Dhamphir Side Stories: Shizi: Primi Sanguisis Occisor

 Dhamphir Side Stories: Shizi: Primi Sanguisis Occisor

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Commisioned by Lambo

Wordcount: 2000

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The Jade Empire Remnants sit within an underground city in California. It sits beneath a mountain, hollowed out by CORE, and it is the last remnant of civilization that claimed dominion over the whole of Eastern Asia. Mere decades ago, the Yamato people dreamt of a sphere of prosperity that stretched over the eastern Pacific… not knowing that their supernatural warlords dared not tread into the Middle Kingdom.

The city beneath the mountain is a shard of the great, terrible civilization. Every tile, stone, and window of every window holds true to the stylings beloved in the Jade Empire. The roofs are slanted with curved tiles, the corners of each home are either simple blocks or gilded by a house’s chosen guardian, and walls are painted white with symbols of homes carved onto wood and placed upon the threshold of homes. Walled compounds where Vampires live with their beloved Thralls are in neat, tidy order. Districts of shops and industry are set and remain where they are meant to remain. Wood and stone dominate as building material, though more modern paint, plumbing, and wiring are hidden within.

If I do not look upward, into a ceiling instead of a night sky filled with stars, I would believe myself to be returned to my youth. Stone roads abound with humans, beasftolk, and nobility. The peddlers sell the same wares, beside storefronts that sell the latest of electronic goods, and the market remains a simple, stall-by-stall affair instead of the vast, air-conditioned markets that pervades the arcologies with shelves filled by government ordinance instead of farmers and merchants.

When I first returned to it, I felt only sorrow and loss, yet now I return to see the last shard of the Jade Empire to pay my respects and look upon what I once fought for.

This time, however, Primi Sanguisnis Occisor has chosen to come with me.

She stands taller than even the newest of the new humans who chose to live within the city. She sought to make her height just shy of that of her master, so she looms over the norm with all her smiles and cheer like a luminous giant in a calm, orderly, and productive city. When her voice nearly echoes through the whole of the hollowed mountain, while her beauty draws the gazes of even the most snobbish of nobility in her mere passing.

Graceless, the glaringly buxom, voluptuous, and blonde, Primi Sanguinis Occisor followed me eagerly, with a smile, and drew every gaze towards me without a hint of guile nor shame.

I could not ask her to hide herself away. I was sure many questions will arise about my insecurities regarding my appearance would echo throughout the whole mountain, if I chose to do so. It took all my strength and will to simply stay the silent partner, while she gushed and praise everything that Li had looked fondly upon within the city.

And, my fool of a partner, Li had had looked fondly upon the majority of city.

“Ah, this is where Li looked at some swords. Aww, how unfortunate for you lesser things, but you’re truly all not good enough for him.” I had asked her to not wear her typical clothes, which was an elegant ballgown of red and black. It was a fool’s move. She decided to ask what she ought to wear as a tourist in Califronia, so she now strode around within a mountain wearing sunglasses, a wide wicker hat, a shirt tied whose bottom half was tied around her midriff, and yoga pants. Many Thralls and Noble men were set to have unfortunate, cold nights, while she cheerfully took pictures with flash turned on everywhere, she went. “Look at them, Shizi. They’re so cute and worthless for Li. They are, as people say, so adorable that I feel the need to protect them. But I won’t.”

“Please, Occisor, don’t harass the work of one of the most famed smiths of the Jade Empire.” I did not know how the elderly Noble survived the schism, as he was already aged and present for the Emperor’s rise to power and was not of significant strength. However, the man had made many fine weapons throughout his lifetime. My first sword was made by him, so I had come to pay my respects. Alas… Occisor’s mere presence and words seemed to eat away his life while the centuries could not. “I apologize for her actions, honored elder.”

“Oh, no! Don’t do that, Shizi!” She bounced as she walked towards me with a pout on her face. Yes. I kept my vision firmly upon the pout of her lips on her face. The bouncing was only in the periphery of my vision. My eyes are trained to take note of movement. It cannot be helped. “I didn’t think properly. I’ll apologize to this old man for making fun of his swords in his presence!”

I was too distracted by the pout that had not stopping moving three seconds after she stopped in front of me that I couldn’t reply faster than the wizened Noble.

“If I may speak… instead of an apology… may I have advice regarding how to make my swords fit for use for the Aspect of Creation?” Guh. The words were honest and earnest to a fault. My first blacksmith bowed to Occisor full of meekness and humbleness. Even the Emperor’s heart would be moved by such as a display. However, I could only lament at the sight.

“Haaah!? You want something instead of what I would give you at my master’s wife’s request!? What utter impertinence coming from a man who can’t make an unbreakable blade!” To infringe upon my honor was to infringe upon Li’s honor, thus while Emperor of the Jade Empire might forgive, Occisor would not. “It is good that you are already bowing, because it is you in the wrong, old man! Repent by spending the rest of your life making a comely blade to grace Li Song’s hands and make no other for so long as you live!”

I would’ve saved the man from Occisor’s demands, but to protect my pride she chose to hold onto me closely.

Her pout encapsulated my head completely and utterly.

Her pout.

The pout of pouts.

Yes.

The vast, magnificent, soft, and pert pout… hnnghhad.

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I bought Occisor dinner. Not for any particular reason. Simply because I felt the need to buy her dinner.

Then, I visited the graves of my ancestors.

Again, for no particular reason. Not due to the numerous questions raging within my mind about my purpose in life and how relationships are supposed to function between a Concept, a Dhamphir, and Sword. My presence before the tall obsidian block which held the names of all those lost due to Ouroboros and Innovate clear was purely out of profound respect for my ancestors.

I am only present to pay my respects to my departed ancestors… and my aunt who had kept me safe from the whims and wishes of petty nobility for years after the Jade Empire fell.

The days between my first meeting with Li Song and the fall of the Jade Empire are akin to dust in the wind. Fleeting and ephemeral, I passed through life in a state of lethargy. Though I concealed my innermost turmoil and feelings, working as a mere city guard, I had no companions nor kin to speak to. Each day was long, yet I recalled none of them ever passing. My life after the princess’s demise and meeting Li is… is akin to a single, calming breath.

I still feel the sorrow and pain from my failure, of the Jade Empire’s descent into madness, but it is an old, familiar pain now. The ones who caused it are dead, either by the hands of CORE, or destroyed utterly by Li’s own hands. Remembering my companions faces, as well as the one I was supposed to protect, still hurt… but not to the point where I sought to make a recluse of myself forever.

And that is thanks to the woman who protected me and kept me secret, despite my status and how many searched for me.

Being of the former royal guard, many sought me out after the Jade Empire fell. It is a rank of great status, solely for those who have earned the position by merit, and they lived within the Imperial Palace. One and all, we were a cadre who lived and breathed among royalty as equals, confidants, and companions in battle. So, I was searched for by many for different reasons. Some for vengeance, others to establish their own power, and many who simply sought the truth.

My aunt protected me from them all to the very end… and died protecting something which I abandoned.

Occisor reminds me of her.

She stands in the distance, understanding my request to be alone, yet in the corner of my vision I see her gaze upon me. Her heart is utterly bereft of any hatred toward me. The only reason she looks upon me is to ensure that no enemy from the shadows harms me. Entirely selfless and kind, even her devotion to Li is merely a means for her to take care of others.

She is family to the other swords, the bond which binds those blades together, as they are all disparate personalities with no common ground. Like a venerable queen, she handles the domestic affairs of her king, so that he can focus on foreign matters and safeguard the kingdom. Though I have kept Li safe in the shadows through many means, she stands at his back for all to see, as a firm foundation of everlasting support.

Does she even know of her own rarity? The sheer jealousy she inspires amongst those who could not be her?

Or the relief I feel knowing that she is with Li… as I cannot be who he needs?

Both my aunt and Occisor are exemplary women in matters that I can barely understand. I cannot bring people together, render peace between two arguing parties, nor create fast friendships between others. My aunt did so with practice and experience, but Occisor does so from sheer talent alone. They are both more worthy than I for Li and the path that he walks. To be an emperor requires one to surround themselves with individuals of great talent and skill from all walks in life, but they must almost be put in the proper place.

In the shadows, I suffice.

But Occisor can stand beside him for all to see.

Knowing that, acknowledging that, and after paying my respects, I bowed and made my way back to my companion for my visitation.

She gave me no greeting, but instead lifted the purchases we made throughtout the town.

“Do you think Li will enjoy these presents?”

“I am. He enjoyed having those when we were here.” The moment we begin to leave the city, Occisor’s thoughts have returned to Li I could not help but smile as she fretted over the gifts she purchased. It was a medley of foodstuffs that were uncommon in the Arcology, many of which suited his tastes, but that was not why he liked them as much as he did. “Remember to eat it with him. Companionship makes any meal better.”

“Then, I’ll bring the others too!” Occisor did not hesitate after my words. Though she could have easily been alone with Li, her mind instantly focused on providing for those she cared for. “You’ll join us too, right?”

That was not a question.

I could not refuse the invitation, because I would be bothered and pressured until I relented.

My fate was locked in place the moment Occisor became convinced that I was supposed to be by Li Song’s side.

“Yes. I shall join you.” I nodded, but avoided the grasping embrace that followed a squeal of delight. She pouted, but I did not let down my guard. “I’ll prepare the tea and table, while you gather everyone.”

I will help this kind young woman in her journey, for her happiness is tied with Li Song’s own.

And if Li is happy… I am too.