{"id":6774,"date":"2022-03-17T21:17:07","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T13:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.benjamincheah.com\/?p=6774"},"modified":"2022-03-17T21:17:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-17T13:17:07","slug":"a-quiet-night-in-wai-yuen-part-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/?p=6774","title":{"rendered":"A Quiet Night in Wai Yuen Part 4"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Blade<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bodhicitta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d never ridden in a Hung Syun<\/em> before. I didn\u2019t care to repeat the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The driver and the team leader sat up front. The rest of the team sat on the benches in the back of the flying truck. Without room for additional passengers, that left Jackie and I seated on the hard metal floor. At least the operators attached straps to the benches for us to hang on to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naughty Cherry was just a short hop away. As we took off into the air, the radio blared. I couldn\u2019t make out half of what Dispatch said, but it sounded urgent. I did manage to pick up Station Inspector Low\u2019s end of the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHercules 9 is moving out for immediate action rapid deployment, Naughty Cherry nightclub. Request Spectre support. Be advised, we have two pax from the jianghu. They\u2019re assisting in the operation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outraged chatter filled the net. I couldn\u2019t begin to imagine what kind of flak he was taking for letting us tag along. They were the vaunted SOC. They were the ones who handled almost <\/em>every emergency in the city. For all the talk about fostering strong bonds between law enforcement and the jianghu, cops openly admitting that they needed help from the rivers and lakes would be a blow to their pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second the flying truck landed, the operators swung into action. The rear doors popped open. In pairs, the operators disembarked, with the smooth speed that came from many hours of hard drills. Jackie got out ahead of me. As my boots touched the asphalt, I oriented myself towards the objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A converted two-story shophouse, Naughty Cherry was a downscale establishment, just like the rest of the nightlife in Wa Yuen. A pair of neon cherries flashed in red and green, drawing the eye to the signboard. Dark glass doors and tinted windows hid the interior from view. Deep within the club, blazing white qi spiked high and heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger demon was in play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passers-by stared as the SOC team deployed. Civilians spilled out the entrance of the nightclub, scrambling down either side of the five-foot way. The Hung Syun<\/em> trained its spotlights on the facade of the building, chasing away the growing shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is the police!\u201d Low declared over the truck\u2019s loudspeakers. \u201cFor your safety, please evacuate the area!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More screams resounded inside the club. The SOC operators made a beeline for the door. Jackie and I moved to follow them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot you! Not yet!\u201d Low shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was standing by the truck, taking cover behind the open front passenger door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMake entry only when I say so!\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on!\u201d Jackie muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SOC operators stacked up in two teams by the open door, urging the civilians to leave. Jackie and I waited beside Low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the nightclub, a tiger roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEntry team! Go!\u201d Low ordered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point man pulled out a final civilian. An assaulter stepped out and tossed in a stun grenade. The device went off with a deafening bang and a blinding flash, then kept flashing and banging. Under cover of chaos, the operators rushed in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe gotta go!\u201d Jackie urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf something happens to you, it\u2019ll become my problem!\u201d Low retorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gunfire echoed inside the nightclub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger howled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low murmured into his mic, then turned to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEntry team needs you two inside. Staff Sergeant Hafiz will meet you at the entrance. Go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Jackie and I sprinted to the door, a heavyset operator stepped out, waving us over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the situation?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen we made entry, we found the targets on the VIP deck on the second floor. The tiger demon was attacking a civilian. The summoner was watching them. We ordered them to surrender. The summoner pointed his parang at us and ordered the tiger to kill us. We fired in self-defense and neutralised the summoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe tiger jumped down to the ground floor. When we reoriented towards it, we saw it pinning down a civilian. It looks angry, but it is not actively posing a lethal force threat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t shoot it?\u201d Jackie asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone knows bullets don\u2019t work well against demons. Besides, it\u2019s your<\/em> job to deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take point,\u201d I said. \u201cJackie, back me up. Staff Sergeant, I need you and your team to stand down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStand down? Why?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink of it as a\u2026 crisis negotiation. We need to de-escalate before we can negotiate with it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait, what? Aren\u2019t you here to exorcise it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHis idea of exorcism isn\u2019t like what you see in the movies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past the entrance, a wave of hard, heavy qi buffeted my body. It was like walking in front of a blast furnace. Perfume, sweet and cloying, hung in the air. Scarlet spotlights tinted the club the shade of fresh blood. Disco lights played along the walls in dazzling patterns. A line of SOC operators stood between me and the rest of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d I said. \u201cComing through.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shouldering my way past the cops, I took in the nightclub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the interior walls and floors of the interior structure had been knocked down, leaving behind a narrow but long room. Load-bearing pillars formed nooks where patrons could mingle. Leather couches and glass tables along the walls gave party-goers a place to rest their feet. A staircase to my left led up to the VIP deck. The bar, small but well-stocked, was right beneath it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dead ahead, at the far end of the room, was the tiger and its hostage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twice the size of a man, snowy fur speckled in crimson gore, it crouched on all fours, snarling at me. Raw power poured off its being, a veritable flood of heat and light, the kind of power most cultivators only dreamed of possessing. In that qi tsunami, I sensed an insatiable rage, as deep and unfathomable as the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Powerful jaws fell open to reveal rows of razer teeth and a pair of enormous tusks curving down past its mouth. Its limbs were as thick as tree trunks, its torso as wide as a beer barrel. Its tail flickered back and forth in agitation. In place of paws, it had true hands, five enormous fingers ending in scythe-like claws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It held down a hapless woman with its front hands. Claws threatening her delicate neck, it evenly spread out the pressure along the entirety of her chest. I sensed it could squash her if it wanted to. That it hadn\u2019t done so already, that it hadn\u2019t attempted to fight its way loose, was a good sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stepping forward, I steadied myself with a breath, cycling energy through my body. As I exhaled, I opened my heart chakra and set my intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May you be liberated from suffering<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qi spilled from my heart. Compassion. Kindness. Agape. Manifesting as pure waves of clear green energies, they washed over the tiger. My bracelet tingled, amplifying and accelerating the process. A fine emerald mist filled the room, visible even in the hot red lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I took one more breath, recharging myself, and spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHi. My name is Mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger gawked at me, visible confusion in its face. Its outer aura softened, just a little, but the rage remained intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It narrowed its eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy do you wish to know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its voice was a low rumbling from deep within its chest. It was the voice of a savage era, evoking primordial memories of a time before history, when men were meat to monsters forgotten by time but not by blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be easier to converse with you that way,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiger growled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know your kind! You use every scrap of information you have to twist and dominate all living souls! I will not give my name to you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s rude to think of you as \u2018it\u2019 and \u2018tiger\u2019 all the time. Don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It blinked. Blinked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want to give me your name, what should I call you?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I spoke, I continued to allow the energy to flow from my heart and over the spirit. I continued to breathe deeply, recharging my qi as best as I could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are manipulating me!\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I spread out my empty hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you not feel my sincerity? My intention? My bodhicitta?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, the tiger blinked and said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I let the silence hang in the air, allowing it to reach its conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you?\u201d it asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA living soul. Just like you. And I\u2019m here so that no one else gets hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wearing your bracelet. You can turn on me in an instant. How can I trust you? Take it off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you remove your teeth and claws?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It growled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operators ratcheted up a notch. I sensed the tension roiling off them. I didn\u2019t have to look to know they had fractionally raised their carbines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous, human!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy bracelet is as indispensable to me as your teeth and claws are to you. Besides, when I wear it, you can read my intention in my energies, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d it admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you sense from me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I spoke, I breathed again, reinforcing the energy wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI sense\u2026 magic,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd what do you sense behind it?\u201d I probed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSincerity,\u201d it admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere you go,\u201d I said. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to give me your name if you don\u2019t want to, but I would like to call you by a name. Would you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It chuffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And locked eyes with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An alien consciousness blasted into my psyche. Proud, primal, predatory, it stalked the halls of my surface mind, seeking common concepts, language, words. I allowed the process to continue\u2014but blocked off access to my deeper consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A thought bubbled from the depths of my soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger Tyger, burning bright \/ in the forests of the night \/ What immortal hand or eye \/ Could frame thy fearful symmetry?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTyger,\u201d it said at last. \u201cYou may call me Tyger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spirits do not communicate the way men do. More than words, they emanated intention, emotion, energy, carrying subtle nuances of meaning. In that word, I knew that the spirit insisted on the idiosyncratic spelling, and that Tyger was a male.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTyger. Thank you,\u201d I said. \u201cWhat brings you to this realm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger cocked his head at the VIP deck above me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2026 man<\/em> bound me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the aid of a summoning circle, he compelled me to cross over. I tried to lash out, to punish him for such impudence, but he was too strong. He had reinforced the circle with his secret arts, preventing me from breaking loose, or from returning home. He imposed his will upon me, overpowering my own, and bound me to his pendant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen was that\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeven days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat did he want you to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo kill his enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho did he order you to kill?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe started with a stray dog. He wanted to test my power. I tried to resist, but his will was harder than diamonds. He ruthlessly stamped out all thoughts of rebellion. Any thought that was not related to his orders, he crushed as well, leaving me no path but compliance. So I did it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEarlier tonight, he brought me out again. He planned to draw his enemies into an ambush. He wanted to meet the chief of a rival gang, then assassinate him. But the chief sent his subordinate in his stead. Enraged, he ordered me to kill him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAgain, I resisted. Again, he took away my will. Again, I had to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLater, he took me to the headquarters of his enemy. Once more, he unleashed me upon his foes. When they saw me, they tried to fight back. This time, killing them was necessary. It did not make it easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust now, in the moments before you arrived, he took me here. He found his enemy at last, relaxing with his harem on the upper floor. He called me forth to kill him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI struggled. I fought. But again, he broke all resistance. Again I killed the man he bade me to kill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat was when you, all of you, came in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rage spilled from every word. His muscles bunched into tight knots. His qi flared, and for a moment I wondered if it would ignite everything in sight. The hostage whimpered as claws dug into his soft flesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I breathed. I emanated the essence of bodhicitta, a universal loving kindness that embraced all things. My energy mingled with his, soothing it, cooling it, preventing a catastrophic escalation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had to know what I was doing. He allowed it anyway. Better that than to bring down the wrath of men on his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe police shot the summoner. Is he still alive?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. His body is dead, his soul bound for the deepest hells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy are you still here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI cannot leave. My essence is still bound to his pendant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you like us to help you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can undo the binding spell the summoner placed on you. You will then be free to depart. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I glanced over my shoulder. \u201cJackie!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYo!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo upstairs and retrieve the summoner\u2019s pendant. Bring it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGotcha.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie brushed past me and rushed up the stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTyger, there is something I need you to do for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease let the woman go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He growled. His hand flattened against his captive\u2019s chest. The woman coughed, writhing under his grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The operators lifted their carbines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stepping forward, I raised my open hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you know her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHas she done anything to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026No.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can at least let her breathe, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He paused for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And lifted his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sucked in a huge breath. And another. And whimpered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy are you holding on to her?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need a guarantee that you will not harm me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have any reason to harm you. But if you hurt her, I cannot stop the police from firing. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He chuffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can kill everyone here without suffering significant injury.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue, but how does that help you return home?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He growled. His teeth flashed. But his hands remained still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you let her go, it\u2019s a sign of good faith. The police can stand down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen I will have nothing. No.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I breathed again, deep and calm, caressing him with my intent and my energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to stay here. I can help you go. There\u2019s no need to maintain this standoff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour comrades do not trust me. Even as we speak, your man Jackie is gathering power, preparing to unleash his wrath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJackie! Stop it!\u201d I shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo it! He\u2019s not an enemy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie sighed so loudly, I could hear him from where I was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBetter?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBetter,\u201d Tyger agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you let her go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will let her go when you free me from the spell. We can do this simultaneously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI understand where you are coming from. But when the binding spell is released, there could be backlash. We don\u2019t want accidents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat kind of backlash?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I shrugged. \u201cI can\u2019t predict it. I\u2019ve seen bursts of energy, explosions, meltdowns\u2026 We don\u2019t need an innocent person getting caught up in that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He growled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf this is a trick, know that I will take your life first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stepped forward, spread my arms, and lifted my chin to bare my throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI accept your terms. Please let her go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strange sound escaped Tyger\u2019s lips, one part confusion, one part admiration. Seizing the woman by the collar, he rose to his feet, hauling her up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am sending her to you,\u201d Tyger said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shoved her roughly towards me. With a surprised cry, she tottered on unsteady feet. Her legs wobbled. I rushed up to her and took her by the shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes!\u201d she gasped. \u201cThank you! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I gently spun her around, moving her towards the operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake care of her,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two operators took her by the arms and led her away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is time for you to hold up your end of the bargain,\u201d Tyger said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I turned to the remaining operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo outside and wait,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the door, Hafiz shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on. We can\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI made a deal. Your men have to stand down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sucked in a breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can send my men out. But I have to stay and observe the scene on my helmet camera. Regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTyger, what do you say?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. But you will keep your hands visible at all times. Do not reach for your weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hafiz held out his hands. \u201cFine by me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of the SOC operators trooped out, leaving Hafiz at his post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJackie!\u201d I called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand on the railing, he carefully headed down the steps, holding up a resealable plastic bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe pendant is in the ziploc,\u201d he said. \u201cBe careful. Don\u2019t touch it with your bare hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We found an empty cup at a nearby table. With great care, he unsealed the bag and dumped the pendant into the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a teardrop of oxidised brass, engraved with a small seated figurine surrounded by tiny words. In the core of the pendant lay a thick knot of dark, chaotic energies, oppressing and binding all it touched. Looking at it made my skin crawl. Nonetheless, I peered more closely, looking deeper into the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abruptly I grew aware of a dark thread shooting from the heart of the knot, arching through the air, and sinking deep into Tyger\u2019s crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The binding spell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to undo the binding,\u201d I declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt last,\u201d Tyger said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I closed my eyes, feeling for the energy in my dantian. There wasn\u2019t much qi left. Maybe a quarter of its usual capacity. It had to be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pressing my palms together, I drew out my qi, willing it to expand and fill the entire universe. I paused for a breath, then imagined every mote of energy transforming into boundless offerings. Bright flowers, sweet incense, butter lamps, perfumes, food, music, every sense-pleasure in creation. I unwound my mala from my wrist, placed my thumb on the largest bead, and spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOm tare tuttare ture soha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chanting the mantra, I rotated the mala, keeping track of the recitations. My mind quested to the realm beyond the words, calling forth she whose essence was summed in the mantra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green light filled the space behind my eyeballs. A gentle warmth sank into my skin. Hafiz gasped. I continued the chant. On the twenty-first recital, I opened my eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She floated in the empty space between Tyger and I. Her face was like a full autumn moon, blazing with the light of a thousand stars. Her heavy golden crown, her fine gold necklace, and her multitude of bangles radiated pure light. Lotuses adorned her hands, left over her breast, right outstretched and lowered so her palm faced out and her fingertips pointed down. A blue robe covered her thighs. Right leg extended, left leg folded, she assumed the half-lotus position, her right sole touching the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pressed myself to the ground, legs held together, arms extended, face down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI prostrate to you, Arya Tara, the quick and the heroic, the protector of the three worlds, the Mother of Buddhas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A soft, gentle voice filled my ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were twenty-one emanations of Tara. This was Green Tara, Bodhisattva of Action and protector from fear and obscurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreen Tara, Tyger is bound to this pendant. Please show us the originator of the spell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She lifted her right hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portal the size of a large dinner plate opened above her palm. Through it I saw a naked man running through darkness. Burning spears and fiery tridents jabbed at his exposed flesh, burning his skin even as they ripped open great wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHi,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The damned soul froze. The weapons hung back. Blinking, he stared through the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you talking to me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Are you the one who placed the binding on Tyger?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I emanated my intention to him, clarifying who among us was Tyger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you understand where you are?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A shriek passed through the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet me out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnderstandable. You\u2019re in a hell realm. No one wants to stay there. But there is a way out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? Why?\u201d Tyger demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Tara raised her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPatience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPatience. You will see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loving kindness radiated from her heart, similar to what I did earlier, but a thousand times more powerful. She was the sun, and I a mere candle. Tyger relaxed, his jaw going slack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow can I get out of here?\u201d the damned soul demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have placed a binding on Tyger. It is one of the reasons why you are in hell. By lifting it, you can erase some of the karma that brought you there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Tyger yelled. \u201cLet him suffer!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tara shook her head again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are angry at him for what he did to you. Your rage ties your karma to his. The longer you remain angry, the more you<\/em> will suffer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe curse entwined your karma and his. Your anger further strengthens it. Do you wish to be dragged into hell too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen allow us to help. In helping him, we help you too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He gritted his fangs, and remained silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow do I lift the curse?\u201d the summoner interjected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you undo it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 this place\u2026 I lost my powers. My abilities. I don\u2019t\u2026 I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you need help?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes flickered back and forth. Then his head bowed in defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreen Tara, could you please help him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the portal, I saw a copy of Green Tara appear. She split into two, those copies split into two more, which again each split into two, until suddenly a multitude of Green Taras filled the space beyond the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She whispered something to him that I didn\u2019t quite catch. He nodded, then pressed his hands together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my mind\u2019s ear, I heard a soft pop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thread joining Tyger to the curse broke. All at once, the knot undid itself, liquefying into dark goo. Green light washed over the pendant, and just like that, the dark energies disintegrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger howled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black energies bubbled from deep within, staining his bloodsoaked fur. Brown froth bubbled from his mouth, dripping onto the floor. Fists clenched, back arched, he howled his rage at the universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeace,\u201d Green Tara whispered. \u201cYou are now releasing the built-up negativity inside you. Let it flow out of you. Let us help you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger growled, and nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healing green energies radiated from the Bodhisattva, illuminating him. The darkness softened and faded in the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the portal, I heard Green Tara speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou must release all<\/em> your bindings and all<\/em> the beings you have dominated. Only then can you purify the karma that brought you here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More darkness bubbled from within Tyger. Brown fluids geysered from his mouth. Black tears flowed from his eyes. Still he continued to howl, and in the sonic discharge he expelled a great wave of dark, heavy qi. Warm, green light flashed, healing the spirit and neutralising the toxic energies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bit by bit, his fur returned to white. But not completely. A deep red splotch spread across his chest, darker than blood, a rot of the soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is this?\u201d Tyger muttered, pointing at the red patch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnger,\u201d Green Tara said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWere you angry at the summoner?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I was angry! He forced me to kill for him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you got angrier with every kill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNaturally! Who wouldn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour anger binds you as surely as the spell,\u201d Green Tara said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have swallowed the poison of anger, yet you expect him to suffer. It cannot possibly come to pass. This desire can never be fulfilled. Thus, it keeps you bound to this realm. Let it go and you will be free.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe must suffer for what he\u2019s done!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe has tasted hell. Is that not enough?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow much more is enough? Does his suffering reduce your own by even the slightest drop?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt makes me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head once more. \u201cTaking enjoyment in suffering further binds you. It adds to the weight of your existing karma. It cannot possibly free you from the causes and conditions of your suffering. Thus, you are still bound.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A frustrated growl escaped Tyger\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat must I do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cForgive him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cForgive him?! Even after what he\u2019s done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou were angry at a man who did you great evil. But is he still the same man?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The summoner was on his knees, hands pressed together, head bowed in prayer. A multitude of Green Taras surrounded him, shielding him from further harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026 not,\u201d Tyger admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are now grasping burning coals. They will burn you for as long as you hold on to them. Let them go, and you will be free,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger inhaled. His chest heaved. He squashed his eyes shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of the portal, Green Tara asked, \u201cDo you regret what you have done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do,\u201d the damned soul whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you ask for forgiveness?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Green Tara next to me said, \u201cDo you have what it takes to forgive him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger exhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The red bled from his chest, streaming down his arms and legs. Dark red qi spilled from his fur, from his fingers, from his feet, dispersing into a red fog. Green Tara sent another wave of healing energies, and when the light cleared, his fur was pure again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are free,\u201d Green Tara said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger heaved a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs it done?\u201d the summoner asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes were open now, though he was still on his knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d I confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I leave hell now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Tara, all of them, shook their heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut you said I could go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have purified the karma of the deeds you have atoned for, yes. In so doing you have shortened your sentence in hell considerably. But not enough to bring you to liberation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat must I do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConfess and atone for all<\/em> the wrongdoings you have committed, in all<\/em> previous lifetimes,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His face paled. His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026 there\u2019s\u2026 so\u2026 much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you wish to stay in hell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen you must do the work. It\u2019s not easy, but the alternative is to stay where you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreen Tara, will you help him?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d all of them said at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll carry on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe formula is simple. Confess your wrongdoings, pay homage to the Buddhas, and take refuge in the Triple Gem. Take any instructions they may have for you. Then stick to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighed. \u201cOkay…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long journey. But it\u2019ll be worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about me?\u201d Tyger asked. \u201cAm I going to Hell too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou committed those murders under compulsion. The karmic impact is minimal\u2014but not nonexistent. Furthermore, you were in a state of rage. Between that and any other crimes you may have committed, and there is the possibility that you\u2019re hellbound too,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He groaned. \u201cWhat must I do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are still alive. That means you have the opportunity to follow the teachings and purify your karma. With sincerity and dedication, you can escape the jaws of hell, and perhaps even find liberation in this lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow do I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portal appeared behind Tyger. Through the opening, I saw a verdant jungle. Cool mist shrouded the crowns of massive trees. Birds chirped in songs I have never heard. An unseen river bubbled in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The colors were so\u2026 vivid. So real<\/em>. More real than anything I had ever seen. Maybe it was because the only jungle I had ever seen was cast from concrete but\u2026 No. This was a different realm. A higher realm. A realm realer and deeper and truer than this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps a realm of gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was Tyger a god?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Tara\u2019s voice floated into my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In human terms, yes<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Images flashed through my head. Tyger standing tall and proud on a craggy mountain peak, the master of its domain. Tyger pouncing upon some strange four-legged animal I had never seen before, claws tearing into flesh, teeth ripping into its neck. Tyger swiping across the face of some gargantuan saurian, large as an elephant and infinitely more dangerous, smashing and slashing in a single blow. He was an explorer, a predator, a conqueror, a being who had seen and done more than any man would ever do in ten lifetimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The realm beyond the portal was his home. A realm where only souls as powerful and majestic as Tyger could inhabit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that your home?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger smiled. \u201cYes. Finally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid the trees, more Green Taras appeared. Behind her were more Buddhas and Bodhisattvas\u2014but they had all assumed the form of anthropomorphic tigers, garbed in the robes of monks, seated in the lotus position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can show you the way to liberation, if you wish,\u201d the assembled divinities said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyger gaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 how\u2026 where did you come from?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are everywhere,\u201d they replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll my life, in all the lands I have explored, I have never seen you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou never sought us out, until now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy would you help me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have vowed to liberate all beings. And so, if you present offerings to us and request for the teachings with a sincere heart, we will help you too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He gulped. Licked his lips. Breathed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then pressed his hands together and bowed to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you. I accept your help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned to me, to Green Tara, and bowed also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mirrored the gesture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBe at peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stepped through the portal. It closed behind him, leaving no trace. An instant later, the portal to hell winked out too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowing to Green Tara, I said, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are most welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a flash of light, she vanished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My strength fled me. I was a can drained to the final drop. My legs gave out. My butt plopped into a nearby chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie patted my shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I nodded. I didn\u2019t have any energy left to say anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So of course Hafiz had to come to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWas that an exorcism?\u201d he asked, disbelief in his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPurification,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut they got away!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The laws of Singyeung were designed to compel, to coerce, to condemn without possibility of forgiveness and redemption. The law of the cosmos was the way to truth. To choose compliance with the former was to choose a set of light shackles; to choose conformity with the latter was to choose liberation. But to say that out loud to an agent of mortal law was to invite the punishment of sovereign algorithms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, I said, \u201cThe tiger was a victim. He was compelled to commit murders against his will. As for the summoner, isn\u2019t death and a trip to hell punishment enough? Now that they have chosen a new path, they will no longer harm others. Further punishment is no longer necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hafiz shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything like that before.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStick around him and you\u2019ll see even weirder things,\u201d Jackie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou guys do that all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHim, yes. Me, I\u2019m just the saikang warrior.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie and I cracked up. I wouldn\u2019t say what he did was unpleasant or even difficult, but I appreciated the support all the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hafiz looked nervously at the door, then leaned in and whispered into my ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have to ask\u2026 Is Allah\u2026 you know\u2026 real?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I closed my eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How could I answer that? I\u2019m no theologian. I\u2019m not even a priest. I just happened to have a set of abilities different and far weirder than most cultivators. How could I begin to address what might just be the most profound existential question in the cop\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A soft female voice whispered into my heart. I spoke her words out loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is truth in your faith. If you wish to stick to your path, then follow that truth all the way to the end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hafiz nodded. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footsteps tapped behind me. I spent a second gathering what was left of my strength, then spun around to find SI Low and ASP Tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs it over?\u201d Low asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally!\u201d Tang exclaimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore exciting than what you\u2019re used to, eh?\u201d Jackie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy job is to investigate crimes. I\u2019ll leave the high-speed stuff to you guys,\u201d Tang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo what happens now?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy men and I have to hang around for the post-shooting investigation,\u201d Low said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll write the two of you up for a commendation,\u201d Tang promised. \u201cYou\u2019ll be rewarded with fifty Sing Score points each.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, come on!\u201d Jackie exclaimed. \u201cYou can\u2019t eat Sing Score points! You can\u2019t even trade them for cash. Look, you can at least give us hazard pay, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCannot. Rules and regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, man. We\u2019re paid by the hour. You know how much time we spent helping you with this? That\u2019s money out of our pockets!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang scratched his head. \u201cWe\u2019ll\u2026 uh\u2026 speak to your boss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better. If there\u2019s nothing else, we gotta get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHold on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is it this time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe still need to go down to the station to take your statements. For all three incidents earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStatements? What the shit? By the time we\u2019re done, our shift will be long over! We won\u2019t get paid!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry. But we gotta do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPok gai!<\/em> At least let us call the boss so we can explain what\u2019s going on and get replacements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright. No need to rush.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie grumbled under his breath. I rose to my feet and patted his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on. This night ain\u2019t over yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still grumbling, he followed me out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Newsletter subscribers get early access to my writing updates, news and promotions. Sign up\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and receive a free ebook!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bodhicitta I\u2019d never ridden in a Hung Syun before. I didn\u2019t care to repeat the experience. The driver and the team leader sat up front. The rest of the team sat on the benches in the back of the flying truck. Without room for additional passengers, that left Jackie and I seated on the hard […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[42,106,136,138,143,253,277,289,341],"class_list":["post-6774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fiction","tag-a-quiet-night-in-wai-yuen","tag-cyberpunk","tag-fantasy","tag-fiction","tag-free-story","tag-pulprev","tag-science-fantasy","tag-singlit","tag-writing"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6774"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6774"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6774\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kitsuncheah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}