Mao Yi hesitated before pushing the elevator button. Fallon Murphy, the young woman who was merely a year younger than herself, and bearer of strength that she had seen grow by leaps and bound over the past three days, had said "I failed you." It seemed almost a stinging insult to her own pride. It was she who had failed Fallon, by jumping in right beside her, to fight those trolls, while in pursuit of the outcast shocker. She would not be so foolish, next time. Perhaps she might even try to do something extra nice for her new partner on the road to re-install the Dynastic Rule to China. It was surely both flattering and a little intoxicating that Fallon wanted to learn from her, and to help guard her in her battle against the Tsoo.
She may have had a secluded life, but the value of a friend was not lost on Mao. Fallon, aside from her master was the only friend she had known, and was much more fun than the old man had been to spend time with. She tried to imagine the reinstated Imperial court, with some ephemeral Emperor sitting upon his dias, and the two of them to its side. She, dressed in her red and white robes, and Fallon wearinf something similar, yet appropriate to the Court. The two of them would indeed be unbeatable, and one day Jade Rooster would need their help.
A sudden burst of anger overcame her, once she stepped into her flat, High above Atlas Park. She was letting this girl get to her! And it could jeopardize the entire plan! How could she have been such a fool? His dazzling looks, and her hero-worship? They were both certainly nice, and had their allure, but Xing Wei needed no one! All she wanted was to stand over the dead bodies of the Tsoo Sorcerors, and to see the Dynasties restored. That was all there was.
The phone rang, and she looked to it. She walked to the device, contemplating what to do, then reached to pick it up. "Hello," she asked. "Mao Yi Xing, speaking."
A look of consternation crossed her face. The Tsoo had tracked her here and wanted her to report to them her plans and progress. Very well, then. She would give them what they wanted, and let it feed their unworthy egos. Ego is what would be the downfall of the Tsoo. They believed that they could make their own place out of nothing. But, it was impossible to create something from nothing, and the Celestial Bureaucracy looked poorly upon those who sopposed that they could do so.
Hours Later...
Xing Wei, with her white and red robes stepped before the sorcerors. Bowing, yet keeping her eyes upon them, she offered forward a scroll written in the official Mandarin of her native Court. The Sorceror who took it, read it, then looked to Xing Wei. Golden Crane was not known for his acceptance of anything but that which the Tsoo set forward.
"What is the meaning of this, Xing Wei," he thundered. "You write to us in the hand of inferiority?! Answer me, you stupid cow!"
"It is said that the ocean is the king of the rivers, because it lies beneath them. Without it's sustenance, the rivers would die. Be careful, usurper, or you shall know the fury of the ocean."
A green ink man stepped forward, and slapped Xing wei hard enough to drive her to the floor, and knocking her coolie from her head. He looked to be about to strike again, his eyes blazing with hatred. But, before he could do so, the hand of an old Japanese businessman snatched his wrist. The man's name she did not know.
They spoke in harsh ancient Japanese, which Xing Wei could only begin to translate before they were finished, and the green ink man bowed, then walked back into the shadows. The old man picked her hat up, and offered it to Xing Wei, before offering to pick her up from the floor. This was not good. If he could do this without hindrance, he was higher than these sorcerors.
"Please forgive their barbarity, Miss Wei. This lower council of sorcerors is more interested in results. It's what we normally demand of them. However, your circumstances are a bit unique, wouldn't you say." he asked as he took the scroll and read over it. "Ah! I see you have managed to befriend a classmate of his! And, you think he will be willing to come with you, to us?"
"I will not give him a choice, master."
"Mister Takamaru, please."
"I plan to subdue him, under the pretense of his being in grave danger in anyother state, and to bring him straight to you. That way it may be written before it is lost."
"Very straight forward, Xing Wei. Will he go along with that?"
"He doesn't need to. Not with the I-Ching coin tucked away in my sleeve."
"The American girl?"
"Hai."
"Pull that off, and we may let you keep her as your pet," he smirked. "But, betray us, and the three of you will be forfeit, and we will breach the dimensional barriers to the Celestial Courts, so that our Ancestor Spirits will rule as they deem fit. Am I clear?"
"Hai."
"Good. Be off with you, then."
Everyday Is A Winding Road
Moderator: Student Council
-
Xing Wei
Returning to Paragon City, Mao Yi went on the hunt. She was incredibly upset, and the bruise forming on her face would not go away. Venturing into the Hollows, she found a crowd of trolls, beating a few policemen and decided to vent her hurt ego and play heroine. As she engaged them, she realized it was mostly a mob of Jutal and Gardvord, with a Caliban leader. This group was too powerful for her by herself. She really needed Fallon, now.
After a few minutes, her spells had finally tapped the last of her endurance, and only three of the nine had fallen. The crowd circled around her and menaced, for the most part, with a few looking at her with lusting eyes. Mao Yi was in severe trouble, and the foolish police were too afraid to assist her. The Calliban grabbed her elbow, and licked her neck and cheeck, making a hungry laugh.
Disgusted, Mao Yi tried to hit the Calliban, and did. His reply was to beat her. As her endurance rebuilt, she cast spells to heal herself, tapping into his health, only to have another brutal introduction to his heavy fists. Just as it looked its worst, he smashed Mao Yi to the ground, and prepared to slam her with both fists.
"We make you into toy, soon," he laughed with a baleful look in his eyes as he raised his fists.
After a few minutes, her spells had finally tapped the last of her endurance, and only three of the nine had fallen. The crowd circled around her and menaced, for the most part, with a few looking at her with lusting eyes. Mao Yi was in severe trouble, and the foolish police were too afraid to assist her. The Calliban grabbed her elbow, and licked her neck and cheeck, making a hungry laugh.
Disgusted, Mao Yi tried to hit the Calliban, and did. His reply was to beat her. As her endurance rebuilt, she cast spells to heal herself, tapping into his health, only to have another brutal introduction to his heavy fists. Just as it looked its worst, he smashed Mao Yi to the ground, and prepared to slam her with both fists.
"We make you into toy, soon," he laughed with a baleful look in his eyes as he raised his fists.
-
Xing Wei
"Don't you touch her," came the angry voice that Mao Yi didn't immediately recognize as Fallon Murphy's.
With sudden fury the young woman was standing over Mao Yi, a fury of feminine might directed first at the Caliban, and then to the others. One by one they all fell, and Mao Yi came back to the here and mow, seeing he shorter, but finely tuned friend taking down the last three trolls, looking like she had only barely broken a sweat. Finally the last one fell, and was teleported away by the micro patch that fallon dropped on his unconsious form, before turning to Mao Yi.
"Are you allright, Miss Xing," Fallon asked as she knelt beside the red robed chinese girl, who was a battered shambles.
"Just give me a few moments, alright? You were a vision of physical perfection, just then," she said to the younger girl. "I meant it when I said that one day the world could be yours."
"There you go saying those nice things again," Fallon blushed.
"And I meant it, Fallon. You are truly a woman of heroic proportions, and I need you in my endeavors. With you I cannot fail," Mao Yi admitted.
"You could do it by yourself. You are absolutely amazing with that bow! I saw how you took down those trolls attacking Lietenant Wincott's men," Fallon debated.
"Well, then... We need each other. They would have defiled my body had it not been for you, and I owe you my life and well being."
"No you don't," the younger girl shook her head. "Any friend would do that for another."
"Then I will show you my appreciation somehow, later, my guardian."
With sudden fury the young woman was standing over Mao Yi, a fury of feminine might directed first at the Caliban, and then to the others. One by one they all fell, and Mao Yi came back to the here and mow, seeing he shorter, but finely tuned friend taking down the last three trolls, looking like she had only barely broken a sweat. Finally the last one fell, and was teleported away by the micro patch that fallon dropped on his unconsious form, before turning to Mao Yi.
"Are you allright, Miss Xing," Fallon asked as she knelt beside the red robed chinese girl, who was a battered shambles.
"Just give me a few moments, alright? You were a vision of physical perfection, just then," she said to the younger girl. "I meant it when I said that one day the world could be yours."
"There you go saying those nice things again," Fallon blushed.
"And I meant it, Fallon. You are truly a woman of heroic proportions, and I need you in my endeavors. With you I cannot fail," Mao Yi admitted.
"You could do it by yourself. You are absolutely amazing with that bow! I saw how you took down those trolls attacking Lietenant Wincott's men," Fallon debated.
"Well, then... We need each other. They would have defiled my body had it not been for you, and I owe you my life and well being."
"No you don't," the younger girl shook her head. "Any friend would do that for another."
"Then I will show you my appreciation somehow, later, my guardian."
-
Xing Wei
The Next Day...
A postman walked along the sidewalks of the school campus, till he came to the gymnasium. A group of athletes, both male and female were standing around talking shop when the tall and highly gracefull asian postman walked up and asked where to find Fallon Murphy. A few of the girls said she could be found on the field playing soccer with a few others. The postman, whose ID read Yan Wei, bowed and walked in the direction indicated. The group of students watched for a moment before breaking into laughet, then resumed their gabbing.
As the students, teamed up as boys versus girls wrapped up their game, and walked off of the field, the postman approached Fallon, with a large box in hand. Everyone went to get their things but watched as the man handed a clipboard to the girl, and then exchanged it for the box, which had no return address. After a few moments one of the other girls approached.
"What is it," she asked.
Fallon was a bit dumbfounded, and more than curious at what it might be. Maybe she would wait til she got back to the room, so she wouldn't possibly lose anything, or mess whatever it was up. Shrugging she ran to her room to find out what it was. Cutting the packaging tape, she discovered several teaque wood boxes within, each protected from the other with several pieces of silk, the size of a scarf. Her heart raced at the beauty and craftsmanship of the boxes. There was an extremely feminine feel to them, and yet also the handsome hue of the wood, which made for each box being a work of art unto itself.
Opening the boxes, Fallon was taken to new heights of joy and flattery by a beautiful saffron colored dress, with red trim, matching shoes and purse, and a necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings, in silver. A letter was enclosed, explaining everything:
My dearest friend Fallon,
I owe you a life debt, but you will not let me owe that to you. Please accept these minor tokens of my appreciation and gratitude for your acts of heroism. You are a credit to far more than your family. You are a credit to your people. I am deeply honored to call you my friend. One who may hold my life in her hands with my utmost confidence. Please join me for dinner at the Hungry Dragon, tomorrow night at nine o'clock.
With gratitude and affection,
Mao Yi Xing
A postman walked along the sidewalks of the school campus, till he came to the gymnasium. A group of athletes, both male and female were standing around talking shop when the tall and highly gracefull asian postman walked up and asked where to find Fallon Murphy. A few of the girls said she could be found on the field playing soccer with a few others. The postman, whose ID read Yan Wei, bowed and walked in the direction indicated. The group of students watched for a moment before breaking into laughet, then resumed their gabbing.
As the students, teamed up as boys versus girls wrapped up their game, and walked off of the field, the postman approached Fallon, with a large box in hand. Everyone went to get their things but watched as the man handed a clipboard to the girl, and then exchanged it for the box, which had no return address. After a few moments one of the other girls approached.
"What is it," she asked.
Fallon was a bit dumbfounded, and more than curious at what it might be. Maybe she would wait til she got back to the room, so she wouldn't possibly lose anything, or mess whatever it was up. Shrugging she ran to her room to find out what it was. Cutting the packaging tape, she discovered several teaque wood boxes within, each protected from the other with several pieces of silk, the size of a scarf. Her heart raced at the beauty and craftsmanship of the boxes. There was an extremely feminine feel to them, and yet also the handsome hue of the wood, which made for each box being a work of art unto itself.
Opening the boxes, Fallon was taken to new heights of joy and flattery by a beautiful saffron colored dress, with red trim, matching shoes and purse, and a necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings, in silver. A letter was enclosed, explaining everything:
My dearest friend Fallon,
I owe you a life debt, but you will not let me owe that to you. Please accept these minor tokens of my appreciation and gratitude for your acts of heroism. You are a credit to far more than your family. You are a credit to your people. I am deeply honored to call you my friend. One who may hold my life in her hands with my utmost confidence. Please join me for dinner at the Hungry Dragon, tomorrow night at nine o'clock.
With gratitude and affection,
Mao Yi Xing
-
Xing Wei
Dinner (part 1)
Nine o'clock arrived, and a car dropped Fallon off, in front of the Hungry Dragon in Steel Canyon, having been waiting for her at the school, when she walked off campus. The hostess at the door escorted the orange clad girl past the standard eating floor of the establishment, and brought her into a room decorated elaborately and accurately to the old mainland of China. Sitting at the only table in the room was Mao Yi, in a green mandarin dress with frog buttons. It showed her slight and slim body very nicely. Looking to Fallon her eyes widened, and a smile grew.
"Fallon," she said, standing. "You look even more pretty than I thought you would! You surprise me. I imagine you knew this would happen!"
Fallon suddenly blushed deeply at the response she got. She had thought she looked pretty, and even more like a young woman, than one of the guys on the team, but this was almost too much. The whole evening was becoming something like a fairytale, and she was the princess, somehow. In the back of her head was the thought that if this was a dream, she didn't want to wake up.
The two sat again, and tea was poured for the two. A few moments later, a man came out with what could only have been wine or juice in wine glasses. He and Mao Yi discussed something for a moment, but she held up a single finger. The man started to speak again, and she once again held her index finger up and spoke the same phrase. The man nodded, and set the glasses out for the two. Mao Yi smiled and took a sip of her tea before speaking.
"I told him only one glass of the plum wine," she explained. "It would not do for us to become intoxicated. Not at our age, and with the law being as it is, here."
"I'm not sure if I should," Fallon said as she felt a little exhilerated at the idea of doing something a little risque with Mao Yi.
"If you feel uncomfortable about it, I will have them remove it, my champion," Mao Yi said in a soothing tone that indicated there was nothing to be worried about. "This is about me praising you and rewarding you for your outstanding heroism. And, I realize that you feel like you were just doing your part, but I was out there alone, until you saved me. Nothing I have is worth what I owe you for that, Fallon."
The food came out, and there were several awkward moments, where eyes met, and cheeks blushed brightly. Finally Fallon finally mustered the courage to speak again, feeling she might die of embarassment if the met eyes and nothing happened, again. Wiping her mouth, she looked at Mao Yi, who was just like a page from Glitz or some other magazine, and spoke.
"So... Your powers. Sorry. Your Spells. What can you tell me about them?"
Mao Yi looked up, and her eyes lit up with excitement and elation, making Fallon both happy, and a little more at ease. Intently she listened, while the Chinese girl told her of the magic, and its basic origins. Much of it would need to be explained again, but for the moment she was just happy enough to listen, and make her list of questions for in between fights with Trolls, Outcasts, or whatever they would face next.
Nine o'clock arrived, and a car dropped Fallon off, in front of the Hungry Dragon in Steel Canyon, having been waiting for her at the school, when she walked off campus. The hostess at the door escorted the orange clad girl past the standard eating floor of the establishment, and brought her into a room decorated elaborately and accurately to the old mainland of China. Sitting at the only table in the room was Mao Yi, in a green mandarin dress with frog buttons. It showed her slight and slim body very nicely. Looking to Fallon her eyes widened, and a smile grew.
"Fallon," she said, standing. "You look even more pretty than I thought you would! You surprise me. I imagine you knew this would happen!"
Fallon suddenly blushed deeply at the response she got. She had thought she looked pretty, and even more like a young woman, than one of the guys on the team, but this was almost too much. The whole evening was becoming something like a fairytale, and she was the princess, somehow. In the back of her head was the thought that if this was a dream, she didn't want to wake up.
The two sat again, and tea was poured for the two. A few moments later, a man came out with what could only have been wine or juice in wine glasses. He and Mao Yi discussed something for a moment, but she held up a single finger. The man started to speak again, and she once again held her index finger up and spoke the same phrase. The man nodded, and set the glasses out for the two. Mao Yi smiled and took a sip of her tea before speaking.
"I told him only one glass of the plum wine," she explained. "It would not do for us to become intoxicated. Not at our age, and with the law being as it is, here."
"I'm not sure if I should," Fallon said as she felt a little exhilerated at the idea of doing something a little risque with Mao Yi.
"If you feel uncomfortable about it, I will have them remove it, my champion," Mao Yi said in a soothing tone that indicated there was nothing to be worried about. "This is about me praising you and rewarding you for your outstanding heroism. And, I realize that you feel like you were just doing your part, but I was out there alone, until you saved me. Nothing I have is worth what I owe you for that, Fallon."
The food came out, and there were several awkward moments, where eyes met, and cheeks blushed brightly. Finally Fallon finally mustered the courage to speak again, feeling she might die of embarassment if the met eyes and nothing happened, again. Wiping her mouth, she looked at Mao Yi, who was just like a page from Glitz or some other magazine, and spoke.
"So... Your powers. Sorry. Your Spells. What can you tell me about them?"
Mao Yi looked up, and her eyes lit up with excitement and elation, making Fallon both happy, and a little more at ease. Intently she listened, while the Chinese girl told her of the magic, and its basic origins. Much of it would need to be explained again, but for the moment she was just happy enough to listen, and make her list of questions for in between fights with Trolls, Outcasts, or whatever they would face next.
-
Xing Wei
"...So, in short, the Celestial Dragons picked their students, and taught them of combat, perfection of the mind, perfection of the body, perfection of the soul, and a few other things, of which I have no knowledge," Mao Yi finished explaining, but decided to go on a little more, because Fallon seemed so interested in hearing her.
"As a Wu, I have learned of Combat, through the application of Zen to archery, a steady regiment of thrice daily Tai Chi Ch'uan sessions for centering my body, and of course manipulation of the realms of shadows, which lie between Earth and the Courts. By tradition, it's thought that one who studies these things has no time for a personal or romantic life. I, however, think that one should have some ammount of personal time, or the soul becomes neglected. What about you? Surely, you must feel that there is a need for personal time..."
"As a Wu, I have learned of Combat, through the application of Zen to archery, a steady regiment of thrice daily Tai Chi Ch'uan sessions for centering my body, and of course manipulation of the realms of shadows, which lie between Earth and the Courts. By tradition, it's thought that one who studies these things has no time for a personal or romantic life. I, however, think that one should have some ammount of personal time, or the soul becomes neglected. What about you? Surely, you must feel that there is a need for personal time..."
-
Xing Wei
"Well, of course! But, fun should never overshadow your responsibilities, right? I mean, you have to think beyond yourself, and look at the team victory. Not the individual one," Fallon replied, then sipped from the glass.
Outside Mao Yi smiled at the good answer, and the sip. She hadn't been wrong in asking Fallon to work with her. And, if Fallon did well, she would be rewarded beyond her wildest imaginations! However, inside, Mao Yi was shaken to her foundations. Who's team was she playing on, anyway? She hated the Tsoo, who usurped the seat of oriental magic through the military might of the Imperial Japanese forces, and wanted nothing, immediately as much as she did their utter ruination. Jade Rooster hardly had a clue what side he was on, it seemed. Aside from the general well being of everything around him.
She smiled bigger at her summary of Jade Rooster, and it coincided with Fallon's having been particularly witty. He was truly a reflection of the old Chinese Knight. Care-free, and doing whatever he needed to do as he roamed around, fighting for justice, the whole way. Thinking on him made her blush a little, and she decided to come back to dinner. As she did, desert was brought out, and set before them. Upon their plates were a few honey-glazed fried bananas, coated with sesame seeds. Mao Yi could hardly wait, but made a very controlled effort in eating the desert.
LAter the two of them walked to the car, and Mao Yi's driver took the two of them to see the town, and to allow them time to chat and be friends. Sooner than they had hoped, midnight came, and the car pulled up in front of the school. Mao Yi looked at her companion and smiled with pride.
"You were wonderful tonight, Fallon. If I were a young man, my heart would have become enslaved," she said as she leaned over and hugged the girl platonicly. "Sleep well, and may your destiny always be blessed!"
Outside Mao Yi smiled at the good answer, and the sip. She hadn't been wrong in asking Fallon to work with her. And, if Fallon did well, she would be rewarded beyond her wildest imaginations! However, inside, Mao Yi was shaken to her foundations. Who's team was she playing on, anyway? She hated the Tsoo, who usurped the seat of oriental magic through the military might of the Imperial Japanese forces, and wanted nothing, immediately as much as she did their utter ruination. Jade Rooster hardly had a clue what side he was on, it seemed. Aside from the general well being of everything around him.
She smiled bigger at her summary of Jade Rooster, and it coincided with Fallon's having been particularly witty. He was truly a reflection of the old Chinese Knight. Care-free, and doing whatever he needed to do as he roamed around, fighting for justice, the whole way. Thinking on him made her blush a little, and she decided to come back to dinner. As she did, desert was brought out, and set before them. Upon their plates were a few honey-glazed fried bananas, coated with sesame seeds. Mao Yi could hardly wait, but made a very controlled effort in eating the desert.
LAter the two of them walked to the car, and Mao Yi's driver took the two of them to see the town, and to allow them time to chat and be friends. Sooner than they had hoped, midnight came, and the car pulled up in front of the school. Mao Yi looked at her companion and smiled with pride.
"You were wonderful tonight, Fallon. If I were a young man, my heart would have become enslaved," she said as she leaned over and hugged the girl platonicly. "Sleep well, and may your destiny always be blessed!"
-
Xing Wei
It had been a few days since Mao Yi had seen either Jade Rooster or Fallon, and she was beginning to think that maybesomething might be wrong. However, before she could get to a place to make her call, She was stopped by a Tsoo Sorcerror, an Ancestor Spirit, two Green Ink Men, and Golden Crane. This didn't bode well, and this was not the time to be caught alone. The spirit and Golden Crane were enough to say that she was more than a little out of her league, at the moment. To fight these guys, she would need her friends, or, in an extreme event, her Shadow Warriors.
"You are not welcome in this city, girl," one of the Green Ink Men spoke.
"We suggest you go back to where you came from," the other said.
"The other option, you probably would object to," spoke the Sorceror.
"I will not be bullied by the likes of you. Permit me to pass, and I shall trouble you no more," Mao Yi spoke both firmly and levelly, while feeling the fear build inside. These men intended on making her one of their prostitutes, and they would have to beat it out of her.
"I think not, my beautiful lotus," Golden Crane spoke, finally. "You have gotten our attention. And it will take much to disuade us from you, now."
No!
"I see," she replied, before summoning a patch of the shadow realms to defend herself with. "Then you will have to make me not so beautiful, you filthy peasants!"
In no time at all, a Green Ink Man's fist crashed down upon her, and all went black.
Fallon help me!
"You are not welcome in this city, girl," one of the Green Ink Men spoke.
"We suggest you go back to where you came from," the other said.
"The other option, you probably would object to," spoke the Sorceror.
"I will not be bullied by the likes of you. Permit me to pass, and I shall trouble you no more," Mao Yi spoke both firmly and levelly, while feeling the fear build inside. These men intended on making her one of their prostitutes, and they would have to beat it out of her.
"I think not, my beautiful lotus," Golden Crane spoke, finally. "You have gotten our attention. And it will take much to disuade us from you, now."
No!
"I see," she replied, before summoning a patch of the shadow realms to defend herself with. "Then you will have to make me not so beautiful, you filthy peasants!"
In no time at all, a Green Ink Man's fist crashed down upon her, and all went black.
Fallon help me!
-
Xing Wei
Fallon had proved herself time and again, and Mao Yi found herself liking her Tanker friend, more and more. Until, she was certain it was no longer a friendship, but a loving sisterhood of the sorts. She owed her life to the younger girl four times over, already; although she had doubts in herself, Fallon had potential beyond her wildest dreams.
And, Mao Yi thought the younger girl was about to get her new education. Tonight she would begin training her friend in Tai Chi, as well as in meditation. Once she figured that much out, they would experiment with a few things, to make her more confident and of like mind as Mao Yi. But, for now she would learn the basics.
After running around the Hollows for a little bit the two young ladies sat and chatted amongst themselves, and Mao Yi asked for help from a European for the first time in her life. Humbling herself, she asked if Fallon would teach her to read and writ in english. It was huniliating, but this girl had something she needed, and it was literacy. After a lull, a feline girl named Bakurah came and sat with them, asking Fallon about the school. Once Bakurah had left, Mao turned to Fallon and spoke.
"Fallon, my fierce tigress, you have performed admirably," she began. "And, as I have promised. Tonight I will teach you meditation, and should you decide to stay for the evening, I shall teach you the first katra of Tai Chi. But, only if you wish it."
"You mean at your place in the hotel?"
"Yes," Mao smiled. "At my suite on the twentythird floor of the Hotel Geneva. There is more than enough room, and you will find the guest room is more than adequate."
And, Mao Yi thought the younger girl was about to get her new education. Tonight she would begin training her friend in Tai Chi, as well as in meditation. Once she figured that much out, they would experiment with a few things, to make her more confident and of like mind as Mao Yi. But, for now she would learn the basics.
After running around the Hollows for a little bit the two young ladies sat and chatted amongst themselves, and Mao Yi asked for help from a European for the first time in her life. Humbling herself, she asked if Fallon would teach her to read and writ in english. It was huniliating, but this girl had something she needed, and it was literacy. After a lull, a feline girl named Bakurah came and sat with them, asking Fallon about the school. Once Bakurah had left, Mao turned to Fallon and spoke.
"Fallon, my fierce tigress, you have performed admirably," she began. "And, as I have promised. Tonight I will teach you meditation, and should you decide to stay for the evening, I shall teach you the first katra of Tai Chi. But, only if you wish it."
"You mean at your place in the hotel?"
"Yes," Mao smiled. "At my suite on the twentythird floor of the Hotel Geneva. There is more than enough room, and you will find the guest room is more than adequate."
-
Xing Wei
It was quiet, and the view of the streets of Atlas Park, twentythree stories below was like looking down upon the sky from heaven above. The candles had long sputtered and died out, the incense only a faint reminder upon the air. All was silent, and peaceful, save for the subtle movements of shadows in one of the corners of the expansive living room.
The shadows slowly coalesced, becoming a Tsoo Sorceror, and a White Eagle Warrior. As the two looked about, it was obvious a meditation ritual had been performed, so there could be no lost time, tonight. It would be strictly business, and the Tsoo masters would reward them for their great victory. Silently the two crept through the expansive suite. The Sorceror, finding the room with Fallon's half-covered form, softly shut the door, and cast a spell upon the door knob, making it impossible to open from within. The warrior, stood watch, making sure of no surprises.
The Sorceror could not believe how easy it had been to just transport within, via the shadows, to the apartment of the self-proclaimed Wu Sorceress heroine, and her Catholic Schoolgirl sidekick! Victory was a palpable and obtainable prize, tonight. An evil smile crept upon his face as the two discovered Mao Yi's door to be open, with her asleep in her bed, unsuspecting. The Sorceror nodded to the Warrior, and the white and grey clad warrior drew his bow to strike an assassin's blow to the sleeping girl...
>>>>>>
Fallon was jarred from her sleep, as she could have sworn she heard someone whisper in her ear. As she looked about, she thought she saw the form of a man disappear near the door. Someone had been in her room while she was sleeping! Fear then fury shot through the girl like a tsunami, as she launched herself from the bed. Gripping the door handle, she looked down a bit panicked, when it wouldn't turn. Exerting her strength, she saw the door handle was still unresponsive. Growling she raised her fists, and shattered the door...
>>>>>>
The arrow flew from its bow without effort, but was deflected by a hand suddenly, as two men formed from out of the shadows. Without any fanfare, they advanced upon the Warrior with a cry, and a third from behind. When they had the warrior, the three melted into the shadows, taking with them a shreiking Tsoo Warror. The Sorceror turned, just in time to catch the end of a bow staff in the groin, and fell to his knees. Mao Yi Xing stood before him, in her short sleeping robe.
"So, you think you can intrude upon me, while I sleep? Kill me, like the genin did their samurai rivals," she asked with a spiteful voice, while bending the staff, and attaching the string. "Fool! I am not Japanese. I do not let my arrogance lull me into false securities! You will not see your home, ever again!"
Mao Yi was caught offguard and startled by the door in the hallway suddenly exploding into kindling, and Fallon leaping into the hallway. But, before she could react, a torrent of wind filled her room, and the hallway, forcing her backward through the air onto her bed, and Fallon back through her own door. Jumping back up, Mao Yi let out a Chi shout, and summoned the shadows to slow her opponent. The Sorceror ran as though he ran through molasses toward her, and the chinese sorceress managed two arrows before he was upon her.
Casting her bow aside, the two commenced a brutal onslaught upon each other of punches, kicks, blocks, evasions and counterblows. In the maelstrom, Fallon suddenly felt very inept and unable to protect her magic wielding friend. All she could do was watch on, as the two battled it out, and the maelstrom occaisionally swayed the balance of the encounter in the favor of the Tsoo. Then, almost as if from the final scene of an oriental action movie, the Sorceror lunged at Mao Yi, and she kicked him toward the window. The glass shattered, bringing with it the sounds of traffic, occaisional gunfire, sirens, and the retreating scream of the Tsoo Sorceror as he fell to his certain death.
"Miss Xing, are you okay," Fallon practically screamed as she rushed in and helped Mao to her feet.
"Yes, my fierce tigress," the oriental girl replied.
"Please don't call me that," Fallon asked as much as told. "I failed you again! I don't deserve such a title."
"Then we must get serious," Mao Yi nodded. "Are you ready to become serious and dedicated to becoming a perfect warrior? If so, you will be shown the secrets that I can pass to you. Otherwise, you should return to the school, and forget we met."
The shadows slowly coalesced, becoming a Tsoo Sorceror, and a White Eagle Warrior. As the two looked about, it was obvious a meditation ritual had been performed, so there could be no lost time, tonight. It would be strictly business, and the Tsoo masters would reward them for their great victory. Silently the two crept through the expansive suite. The Sorceror, finding the room with Fallon's half-covered form, softly shut the door, and cast a spell upon the door knob, making it impossible to open from within. The warrior, stood watch, making sure of no surprises.
The Sorceror could not believe how easy it had been to just transport within, via the shadows, to the apartment of the self-proclaimed Wu Sorceress heroine, and her Catholic Schoolgirl sidekick! Victory was a palpable and obtainable prize, tonight. An evil smile crept upon his face as the two discovered Mao Yi's door to be open, with her asleep in her bed, unsuspecting. The Sorceror nodded to the Warrior, and the white and grey clad warrior drew his bow to strike an assassin's blow to the sleeping girl...
>>>>>>
Fallon was jarred from her sleep, as she could have sworn she heard someone whisper in her ear. As she looked about, she thought she saw the form of a man disappear near the door. Someone had been in her room while she was sleeping! Fear then fury shot through the girl like a tsunami, as she launched herself from the bed. Gripping the door handle, she looked down a bit panicked, when it wouldn't turn. Exerting her strength, she saw the door handle was still unresponsive. Growling she raised her fists, and shattered the door...
>>>>>>
The arrow flew from its bow without effort, but was deflected by a hand suddenly, as two men formed from out of the shadows. Without any fanfare, they advanced upon the Warrior with a cry, and a third from behind. When they had the warrior, the three melted into the shadows, taking with them a shreiking Tsoo Warror. The Sorceror turned, just in time to catch the end of a bow staff in the groin, and fell to his knees. Mao Yi Xing stood before him, in her short sleeping robe.
"So, you think you can intrude upon me, while I sleep? Kill me, like the genin did their samurai rivals," she asked with a spiteful voice, while bending the staff, and attaching the string. "Fool! I am not Japanese. I do not let my arrogance lull me into false securities! You will not see your home, ever again!"
Mao Yi was caught offguard and startled by the door in the hallway suddenly exploding into kindling, and Fallon leaping into the hallway. But, before she could react, a torrent of wind filled her room, and the hallway, forcing her backward through the air onto her bed, and Fallon back through her own door. Jumping back up, Mao Yi let out a Chi shout, and summoned the shadows to slow her opponent. The Sorceror ran as though he ran through molasses toward her, and the chinese sorceress managed two arrows before he was upon her.
Casting her bow aside, the two commenced a brutal onslaught upon each other of punches, kicks, blocks, evasions and counterblows. In the maelstrom, Fallon suddenly felt very inept and unable to protect her magic wielding friend. All she could do was watch on, as the two battled it out, and the maelstrom occaisionally swayed the balance of the encounter in the favor of the Tsoo. Then, almost as if from the final scene of an oriental action movie, the Sorceror lunged at Mao Yi, and she kicked him toward the window. The glass shattered, bringing with it the sounds of traffic, occaisional gunfire, sirens, and the retreating scream of the Tsoo Sorceror as he fell to his certain death.
"Miss Xing, are you okay," Fallon practically screamed as she rushed in and helped Mao to her feet.
"Yes, my fierce tigress," the oriental girl replied.
"Please don't call me that," Fallon asked as much as told. "I failed you again! I don't deserve such a title."
"Then we must get serious," Mao Yi nodded. "Are you ready to become serious and dedicated to becoming a perfect warrior? If so, you will be shown the secrets that I can pass to you. Otherwise, you should return to the school, and forget we met."
-
Xing Wei
Mao Yi Xing pulled the curtains tight, so that the view from the twenty-third floor suite of the Hotel Geneva could no longer be seen. It was absolutely necessary, now for Fallon to have no distractions. The time for silly female companionship games was over. She was a Wu Lung Sorceress, and Fallon was to be her Fu Warrior. For three days Fallon had learned meditation techniques at a voracious rate, which startled Mao Yi. Perhaps this was Fallon's destiny, after all.
She turned and walked silently to several trays of candles, throughout the large living room, and lit them each meticulously, along with the specially prepared incense cones that sat with them. Her eyes showed with an intensity and energy that was not quite human, as the relaxing smoke drifted throughout the suite. She remembered as a child, training under her master, that the first three years of these cones had always placed her in a completely open mental state, with her mind made easily able to be manipulated as her master needed it to be.
As she lit the last groupings of candles she looked to the light switch, and a shadowy tendril extended from her gaze to the sliding control, and shut the lights off in a fading manner. The lights being very low would help Fallon focus upon her, and listen to the guidance she needed in order to grow in a manner correct with the Imperial Courts. Indeed, Fallon would be her very own handmaiden and guardian. No invader would be able to easily take her as they had her master. She would grow to be greater even, than her Shadow Warriors.
Looking back to Fallon, she smiled conspiratorially, as if about to impart the most shocking and jubilant of wisdoms, before crossing the room. Her white robes, with their gold trim seemed to glow, and at the same time, flow from her body, almost as a mist. Holding her hands above the tray of candles and burning incense, glyphs and drawings of dragons slowly appeared, and then glowed upon them. Making eye contact with Fallon, she gave an encouraging smile. She could see the alchemical compounds were taking their effect.
Excellent!
"Take my hands," she said softly, yet in a tone of authority. "Sit with me in meditation, as we now extend your center of balance beyond your body to that of your surroundings. I will guide you with my voice, and teach you what is vital in becoming a truly great and noble champion of the people."
She turned and walked silently to several trays of candles, throughout the large living room, and lit them each meticulously, along with the specially prepared incense cones that sat with them. Her eyes showed with an intensity and energy that was not quite human, as the relaxing smoke drifted throughout the suite. She remembered as a child, training under her master, that the first three years of these cones had always placed her in a completely open mental state, with her mind made easily able to be manipulated as her master needed it to be.
As she lit the last groupings of candles she looked to the light switch, and a shadowy tendril extended from her gaze to the sliding control, and shut the lights off in a fading manner. The lights being very low would help Fallon focus upon her, and listen to the guidance she needed in order to grow in a manner correct with the Imperial Courts. Indeed, Fallon would be her very own handmaiden and guardian. No invader would be able to easily take her as they had her master. She would grow to be greater even, than her Shadow Warriors.
Looking back to Fallon, she smiled conspiratorially, as if about to impart the most shocking and jubilant of wisdoms, before crossing the room. Her white robes, with their gold trim seemed to glow, and at the same time, flow from her body, almost as a mist. Holding her hands above the tray of candles and burning incense, glyphs and drawings of dragons slowly appeared, and then glowed upon them. Making eye contact with Fallon, she gave an encouraging smile. She could see the alchemical compounds were taking their effect.
Excellent!
"Take my hands," she said softly, yet in a tone of authority. "Sit with me in meditation, as we now extend your center of balance beyond your body to that of your surroundings. I will guide you with my voice, and teach you what is vital in becoming a truly great and noble champion of the people."
-
Xing Wei
Fallon had seemed to hit a plateau in her meditations over the weeks, but Mao Yi continued them, and kept the same set of criteria in each meditation. Tonight, however, she planned to add something that some would find alarming to the meditation. Sitting with the Western girl, whom she had grown quite attached to, she lightly took Fallon's hands and lead the meditation. Deep into the meditation she began her additional "guidance."
"Fallon, you have done very well, so far. You are learning to reach the potential your body has stored within. However, we have noticed a drop off in your advancement," she said in a monotoned and tranquil voice. "Now we need you to unlock your mind, and accept your position in the grand scheme of the universe. To do this, you will need to meditate. You will find the meditations help you. Meditations will lead you to greater strength, not only of the body, but also of the mind and spirit. Meditations will bring you much enjoyment, and sense of fulfilment. You will find a growing sense of self-worth and a desire to grow further. This can only be acheived through daily meditations. Remember that you are at your best when you meditate, and apply that sense of worth and fulfilment to your activities outside of meditation. You are loyal, dependable, and strong. Meditate upon these words. Grow with them."
Mao Yi chanted softly in Mandarrin until the strength of the incense was diminished, and continued to sit with Fallon, awaiting her return from the state of meditation. She was very pleased with where this was going, and had to tell her friend of the new changes in her living arrangements, so the girl would know where to find her.
"Fallon, you have done very well, so far. You are learning to reach the potential your body has stored within. However, we have noticed a drop off in your advancement," she said in a monotoned and tranquil voice. "Now we need you to unlock your mind, and accept your position in the grand scheme of the universe. To do this, you will need to meditate. You will find the meditations help you. Meditations will lead you to greater strength, not only of the body, but also of the mind and spirit. Meditations will bring you much enjoyment, and sense of fulfilment. You will find a growing sense of self-worth and a desire to grow further. This can only be acheived through daily meditations. Remember that you are at your best when you meditate, and apply that sense of worth and fulfilment to your activities outside of meditation. You are loyal, dependable, and strong. Meditate upon these words. Grow with them."
Mao Yi chanted softly in Mandarrin until the strength of the incense was diminished, and continued to sit with Fallon, awaiting her return from the state of meditation. She was very pleased with where this was going, and had to tell her friend of the new changes in her living arrangements, so the girl would know where to find her.
-
Xing Wei
Mao Yi looked along the length of the willow wood shaft, past the bronze head to the target. There was an archery competition coming soon, and the sorceress to be intended to show well against the St Joseph's School and the Bloodvine Academy. Clearing her mind, she closed her eyes, and concentrated upon the target. She instead saw both Jade Rooster and Fallon Murphy in her mind's eye. Releasing the ready position to a more relaxed, and unprepared stance, Mao opened her eyes again.
There was a gnawing. It was guilt. It was wrong to manipulate Fallon the way she was doing. It was wrong to use Rooster as her own personal tool. What made it wrong was the feelings she had for them both. Tears clouded her vision, but she raised the bow anyway. Though her vision was blurred, she sensed the target, and felt her soul merge with it. She released the string, and the arrow whistled through the air like a shrill firework as she guided it to the target. She heard it connect, and proceeded to wipe her eyes, smearing her impeccable makeup.
Of course she couldn't really guide the arrow, but it made her mind settled to believe she could. Walking to the target, Mao Yi could see she shot well, though not a bullseye. If she intended to accomplish her task, she knew she had to remain focused. The same applied to her other plans, as well. Fallon desired to be what she was being molded into. And, Rooster... She could not truthfully answer that question. Mainly, perhaps, out of fear of the truth.
There was a gnawing. It was guilt. It was wrong to manipulate Fallon the way she was doing. It was wrong to use Rooster as her own personal tool. What made it wrong was the feelings she had for them both. Tears clouded her vision, but she raised the bow anyway. Though her vision was blurred, she sensed the target, and felt her soul merge with it. She released the string, and the arrow whistled through the air like a shrill firework as she guided it to the target. She heard it connect, and proceeded to wipe her eyes, smearing her impeccable makeup.
Of course she couldn't really guide the arrow, but it made her mind settled to believe she could. Walking to the target, Mao Yi could see she shot well, though not a bullseye. If she intended to accomplish her task, she knew she had to remain focused. The same applied to her other plans, as well. Fallon desired to be what she was being molded into. And, Rooster... She could not truthfully answer that question. Mainly, perhaps, out of fear of the truth.