The vibrant feeling of the summer sun hits my skin like a wave as I enter upon the sacred grounds. A beautiful garden surrounding a monastery containing beings of different stories who had all come with one goal; to find peace. But unfortunately, that’s not what I was here for, I was here to train and collect knowledge. Nothing more and nothing less. My heart did not long for retirement, because being a warrior isn’t something you can retire from.

As I make my way through the shimmering gates and past fountains. Many fountains. I finally arrive in the epicenter of my home for the next few months. Once I found the master I’d find the training I need his knowledge and defence expertise would definitely help me.

What if he rejects me? Sends me away? Sees me for the scheming liar, in this “hero” game for the money— who I truly am? __ __ __ My mind fills with doubts as quickly as it had once with confidence, the man is a 267 year old monk. I was pretty sure he could detect a fraud when he saw one, and I was painfully aware I was a fraud. . . Alas, only time would tell whether or not I’d be sent away or let in. Presides, I heard Monks were accepting? It would be pretty out of character for the wisest of them to just turn me away without hearing me out. Right? __ __ My trusty yet rusty old spear lands with a clink atop a concrete wall and the image of children, punching and kicking the air with seemingly perfect sync comes into vision. Pink trees blossoming, monks wandering. And watching over it all? The two-hundred years old master that everyone who was anyone in the warrior industry knew about. A smile of anticipation forms on my face as I speed walk closer, a small sweat following quickly after as I realise I don’t have a real plan. __ “Excuse me, Mr Būshi?” I call out __ __ The old man turns to me and simply nods, his grey goatee blowing in the winds, he still has alot of hair left on his head too—_ he looks pretty young for someone who is quarter a millennia. _ __ __ He cocks his head slightly, but doesn’t look surprised, only curious and calm. . . His eyes and body language not changing a bit. Despite my distinguishable attire and foreign appearance. A new experience that earns an involuntary half smile from me, followed by a stirring feeling that just as quickly switches back to the solemn expression I typically and voluntarily wear. __ __ “Umm. . .” “I am Otoka Han— I am looking to find myself. I heard you could help with that, Sir?”__ __ i silently prayed he’d buy it and welcome me with open arms. He stares at me for a moment too long, as if analyzing the contents of my soul.__ __ __ “I’ve met many just like you boy, come with me.. I’ll show you around” He says, beginning a walk. Making me aware of the fact that he doesn’t use a walking stick. Which is quite an impressive feat for someone happens to look so, well, so frail.

Regardless, it seemed as if he bought my reasoning for being here. Or maybe he didn’t care, maybe he believes he could help me despite my true motives. But I had my reasons, and I didn’t plan to let a stepping stone stop me.

The old Wise Monk leads me through a tour of the building, the more I explore the more I see the beauty of this place. The gardens packed to the brim with orchids, the ponds, benches and dining halls, occupied by the old and wise and the young and naive alike, even the washrooms looked perfect. This was the first time I’d seen a real home, a real family, the things I’d missed throughout my entire life. I begin to pick at my nails, not casual picking either, excessive, painful picking that had caused bleeding too many times. An old defense mechanism I was barely self aware of to detract me from the real issues I’m having.

I shut my eyes briefly, calm my nerves (or suppress them) and continue following the monk around the Monastery. Why do my emotions play up at all the wrong times? What if this old man sees me for how weak and vulnerable I can be and decides I’m not worth his or anyone’s time? A reasonable conclusion it’d be too. . .

My breaths continue shaky and deep, my thoughts running wild with the limitless humiliating possibilities despite my desperate attempts to surpress them, I just want to melt into the ground— I’m spiralling.

“So. . . You want to train under me, Otoka?”

Luckily, I’m pulled out of my panic attack by the sound of that hoarse old voice again, I’d been trapped in my mind so long I didn’t even have the time to see the rest of the place. Because we’re back at where I came in. And for what? Because I was triggered by what?

“Uh. Y-Yes sir.” Did I just stutter?

“Yes sir” I correct myself.

“Then you’re welcome… you’re welcome with open arms.”

I hear the audible sigh leave my mouth as those words leave his, atleast that journey wasn’t for nothing. I’m here now, and I going to gain knowledge, knowledge is power. It’ll all be worth it in the end. I force a smile, but for some reason I don’t think it looks very convincing from a third person perspective.

“Great. Thank you, Sir. It’s an honour. I’m honoured.” I say.

“Let me show you to your living quarters.” He replies with a reassuring smile.

It takes few hours to get used to sleeping comfortably, hours turn into days, days turn into months, months turn into years and years turn into. . . Home. It wasn’t easy, it was long and painful abandoning my career, finding peace in the simple, overcoming my anxieties. But I made it and I’m home.

THANK YOU FOR READING. IF YOU READ THIS WHOLE THING ILY <3

Meow Meow Meow

HeEeEeEe scratches hEeEeEeE

Meow Meow Meow

I watched from the window, next to my best friend. In front of me was the first official student to get a Honors Medal. Muscles rippled under clear skin. He was proud to be the first. But I know better. Girls weren’t allowed to train. But my teacher knew better. Every night I trained in the shadows. Because I was a girl, he knew I would train harder than any boy. I have scars to prove it. I also have an Honors Medal to prove it. One day, I will stand among the men, leading. My nickname from my teacher has proved that much. The Shadow Queen, known for always being first.

Chore duty always seems to fall to me. I shouldn’t criticize Elder Punto, but his ‘magic stick’ choosing system mysteriously only ends up picking me to sweep the cobbled steps. I can just see his long white beard, the one that hides most of the bottom half of his face turning up into a smile as he cracks open his eyes to see that his staff, guided by the ‘spirits of wind’, has chosen me once again. Maybe this is divine punishment, but I cannot help but feel like the old geezer is just picking on me. I’d never say it though, and risk the wrath of my father when he found out I’d insulted an Elder. I look over the grounds to where the other kids stand in uniform lines, going through movement after movement. If I wasn’t stuck with chore duty, I’d have more time to practice. I visualize it in my head, feet automatically finding the positionings of each step as I move across the grounds with my broom. First position. Second position. I sweep my leg around in an arcing motion for third. The broom twirls like a staff in my hands, and I jab it out, then bring it back around for a lower blow against my imaginary opponent. Defensive. Offensive. Retreat. I picture what kinds of moves and combinations would be thrown at me. Finally, I see an opening, a flaw in the strategy. The bristles of my broom knock over my assailant, and I stand over them triumphantly. “Well that was entertaining,” San sneers over at me, snickering. Him and the two other girls on chores watch with slight interest as I stand panting over empty stone tiles. One of the girls I notice is Lihn. She smiles in an odd, sort of sympathetic way that twists my gut. She feels bad that he’s mocking me. She pities me for being so on the outside. Anger fills my chest and flushes my cheeks, but I push it down. “Think you could do better?” I call back to San, standing up straight and walking towards him. “Well, show me what you’ve got then. Let’s entertain our audience.” I lunge forward, swing the broom hard and fast towards his side, he dodges left, but he’s slow and unprepared. I catch him in the stomach with the butt of the broom, and he stumbles back. “What the hell?” He chokes out, clutching his stomach, but I don’t wait. I’m not some pushover class D trainee. I won’t let him taint my image, mock my honour and skill. My broom shaft collides hard with his, which he only barely brings up fast enough to block me. Some of the other kids stop and stare at us as we twist across the grounds. I watch him closely as he makes strike after strike. It feels like I’m arguing with him, but I like this kind much better, since I lose most arguments due to lack of clever retorts. But this, this is something where I’m never at a loss for counter attacks. He shifts his weight back onto his left foot and I see my opening. Just like with the opponent of air, there is a flaw in his style of fighting. He favours his right, and so any time he relies on his left side, it is weaker. My stick drops, obviously not what he was expecting, so I catch him unaware as I sweep him off his feet. His back cracks against the stone, amd he groans. I let a victorious smile curl my lips. “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” I voice like thunder booms from behind me, accompanied by earth-shaking footsteps. My smile falls. I turn to see my father moving with all the fury of a lion as he approaches me. I metal staff is draw, held like a bolt of lightning in his hand. I can see the beads swinging from his belt, earned from many years of training. He has twenty seven, two short of an Elder’s cord. “Father, I was only-“ I start, hoping I can curb his anger, but his hand comes down like the fury of all the spirits, the strike stinging like a blow from any good staff. “Is this how I’ve taught you? To start foolish brawls with other students?” Shame knots in my chest, hand held against me burning cheek. “No, father.” By now a crowd has gathered. San looks just as smug as before, now that I’m the one getting taught a lesson. “Now, now, Chan. There is no need to hit your son so hard. A gentle nudge in the right direction will do,” I hear Elder Punto’s voice coming closer. My father turns and bows, as do all the others gathered. “My apologies, Honoured Elder Punto. It is only that I do not believe he should not be punished so gently that it is worth it to step out of line again if the only reprecuuis a nudge.” I lift my head a little to see the bright, smiling face of the Elder. “That may be true in some cases, but not this one, Chan,” then he turns to me, eyes softening. “Walk with me, child.” I do, dropping my hand. He places an arm around me, and I feel compelled to shrug it off, but I don’t. He guides me up the path behind the dojo, letting us stay in silence a while before we stop at the top of the hill. “Why did you start a fight with San, my child?” He asks looking over at me. I turn away. “He’s the one that started it,” I respond, but Punto shakes his head. “No, child, you struck out first. That’s what starting a fight entails.” I fold my arms over my chest, angry. “He may not have struck out with his staff, but he started the fight when he dealt a blow to my honour.” He doesn’t get it. I could not let my honour be treated in such a way! Elder Punto shakes his head, “San is a foolish, insecure boy who knows you are a better fighter than him and wanted to hurt you. But he is on his own journey to maturity, and you must understand that it is your choice whether to be humble and wise, or stoop to his level,” the words strike true, stinging a little. “Do you know why I assign you to chores every day?” He asks, a twinkle in his eyes. My heart lurches. “So you admit it is no silly wind spirit?” Punto chuckles, seeming to be enjoying this. “I assign you to chores every day because it is humbling. And true honour comes from letting go of shame and being able to humble yourself without me needing to prompt you into it,” he draws in the dirt with his staff. “Your father is unable to find his humility. He is abrasive and always believes himself right. Even when his elder corrected him, he argued with me. It is why he will never become an Elder,” He looks to me now. “But you are different from your father, and if you can learn from him, you will far exceed him one day,” his voice is so sincere I find it hard not to believe. “You really think so?” My voice sounds childish. Elder Punto smiles. “I know so.”

God humans are stupid.

I mean it with all due respect… however little that my be.

I mean, SERIOUSLY! Here I am watching one of the bigger ones about to leave on some stupid dangerous mission! And even then, the other humans are training to go on one as well. To make matters even more confusing, they are EXCITED for it?

Yeah, there is a reason that I have to stay and protect these idiot humans.

The sun feels warm and light on my fur. It helps me remember the first time I found these morons…

_

I used to live in the forest on my own. I had to hunt my own food, find my own water, and bathe my own fur.

I was actually in the middle of hunting a really plump mouse that would have been a perfect meal, when an explosion ripped through the trees.

Ok, it wasn’t ACTUALLY an explosion. There was no fire or accelerant, but most of the nearby trees were absolutely decimated in less than halft of a second.

It was annoying more than anything because that beautiful juicy meat either got spooked or blown away with the greenery.

Anyways, I dug my claws into the ground to give myself a little bit more stability so I stuck around.

When the dust cleared there were two of those humans throwing their limbs around and hitting eachother. A classic human fight, which is way more petty than a cat fight, so I stuck around to watch the silly show.

One of the humans flung the other human right high and far, and the forest was quiet once again.

And then THAT human passed out.

These stupid humans have no idea how to regulate themselves. NO IDEA WHATSOEVER of how to simply take care of themselves.

So, being the naturally benevolent and kind cat that I am, I walked over to that human and did what I could.

First: I batted at his face until he starting opening his eyes.

Second: I started telling him off about how reckless he was and how he should be grateful that I took time out of my day to help him.

Third: I started pushing his face so he would roll over and get up.

Fourth: I walk and he follows to the nearest group of human dens.

Fifth: He gets other humans to help him and I go back to hunting.

Okay, that fifth step was what I was PLANNING to happen, but it didn’t happen quite like that.

The human picked me up and went inside one of the human dens. Normally I would be appalled at the audacity of such an action, but decided to spare the human until he was well enough to take it. Inside the den, another human put the first human on a soft, flat surface and gave me a small bowl of fish. Normally, I would sniff at such a lowly offering, but considering how hard it is to get fish in the forest, I bestowed my grace once again and accepted the feeble amount of goodness.

I decided to stick around until the human I found was able to get off the soft surface. Since that was the only comfortable thing in this den and the human was on the majority of it, I took it upon myself to have a nice cat nap on the human’s chest as a compromise.

Almost as soon as I woke up, though, the human was awake! He was just staring at me in awe.

I jumped off so he could get up and watched as he sat up and held his hands out to me.

I know that he wanted to thank me for helping him heal, so I let him.

Unfortunately, that led to him carrying me from one group of dens to another that ways on the top of a VERY tall mountain.

It was there that I was able to witness a bunch more humans just as stupid as this one.

I couldn’t with a good conscious leave them all to their whims. So I’ve been here ever since.

And now another human is leaving.

I stretch before I walk over to be bestowed upon his shoulders for the journey. After all, I am a blessing.

“Do you like tea?”

“…I-I don’t understand-“

“Tea. You use leaves, hot water and precious porcelain. Then you drink it. Do you like it?”

The student, while resolute in the belief of their master’s wisdom, struggles to follow this line of questioning.

“Y-yes. Tea is good.”

The weathered fighter turns around, observing the courtyard. Sounds of tenancious strikes ring around the area as weapons thud into hefty shields, punches impacting flesh.

He doesn’t look impressed, as he usually does.

Without turning around, he says, “How about some tea now?”

The student looks stunned. Training hasn’t even begun and the master is offering him t-

A teapot flies at their head. The student slashes it in two, the shards shattering on the ground.

A teapot lid rings across the courtyard, just barely missing as they duck to the ground.

There’s one, two, three of them. Armed with porcelain apparently.

“I understand, master.”

“Yes. Training has begun. Enjoy your tea.”

“Yes Sensei.”

The old man begins to walk away to the sound of shattering porcelain and aggressive battle cries.

(This is about the one kid talking to the other kid who is in the window)

There goes Shan again. He’s headed off for another mission to defeat the Emperor and his people, while I’m stuck here in this stupid monastery, carring reeds. What the heck?

I’ve been here just as long as him and I’ve mastered every move in the Ancient Books. Master Frido doesn’t even remember my name anymore. Most kids see me as a worker and a lowest class because of my size. Yet, I’ve defeated Shan. I’ve crushed him in battle, but he is sent out to fight while I remain in the background.

“If you’re so upset about it, go talk to Master Frido.” Jins tells me. She is my best friend and the only one who knows the truth about me. She currently had her head pomong outside her room’s window to talk to me.

“For what? He doesn’t even know my name anymore. He completely put me out of his life. It’s like I don’t exist anymore.” I said.

“How could he forget you? You’re his oldest student.”

I sighed. “I know, but then Shan arrived. He seemed stronger, and bigger, and more intimidating. Of course Master Frido trained him and forgot about me. I’m small and female. I was forged into the background.”

“Well, you should talk to him.” Then Jins put her head in her window and left me alone. She was right. I really shoukf talk to him. I would.

I put the reeds down and walked over to Master Frido. Shan instantly backed away from me. He knew not to face me. Especially when I was mad.

“Master Frido, may I request a word with you?” I asked him.

He looked at me like I was a lost puppy. Like he didn’t know who I was. It made my blood boil.

“What is it, child? Can’t you see I’m trying to send off my greatest warrior?” He hissed at me.

I was angry now, furious. “Oh, this won’t take long. Do you know my name?” I asked.

He froze. He thought for a moment. “You’re the reed girl, Asha Lee.”

My heart dropped. No. That wasn’t my name. That was the name of the real reed girl. I was not a real reed girl.

“Master, are you feeling alright?” Shan asked him.

“Yes. Why?”

Shan looked me in the eyes with concern. Wait. What? Why was he looking at me like that? Did he… realize what was really going on? Did he… know what was wrong? Was he… noticing me?

“Master, who’s you’re oldest student?” He asked Master Frido.

“You. What is with these silly questions? You must go off on your quest to hunt the Emperor of Shinti’s son.”

Shinti? Weren’t they once our allies? Whaf happened? It was the Emperor of Wankys that was evil. Shinti was our allies? Why would we attack them? Ever.

“I’m your oldest student.” I said. “My name is Shivani Wyn. You found me as a baby when my parents cast me into a river for being a girl. You raised me to take over the monastery one day when you were unable to.”

Shan drew his sword. “When I met Master Frido, he told me to always remember the originals. He would never forget his own teachings. Then you came along and started sending me on missions to defeat the Shinti, our allies. I should’ve realized it earlier. You’re from Wankys!”

I drew my weapon as well. It made sense. He tried to take over the monastery and defeat us all. He was a monster. That’s why he replaced Shan for me. He didn’t know who I was.

“Fine. You caught me. Prepare to die.” The fake said.

He launched himself at Shan. He blocked him with the sword and threw him at me. I gripped him and punched him seven times, flipped him over, and stabbed him.

Blood pooled out of the wound in his stomach. His skin went gray and his eyes glazed over. He coughed up blood before saying, “Long live Wankys.” Then, he died.

At this point, there was a crowd that had gathered and everyone had seen this unfold. They knew who I was now. Everyone did.

Suddenly, Shan got on his knees and held his sword out to me. “Master.” He said.

Everyone followed in his steps. I was the knew leader of my people. We would fix what was broken. We would become the greatest and most fierce fighters again. It was my plan. It would always be my plan.

Isamu clasps his hands together in a final gesture of greeting. I copy him bowing my head. His figure is tall and looming, powerful from years of training. From now on he will join the king’s ranks in his army, I can only hope my training has prepared him enough for what is to come.

“Goodbye, Master Riku, I shall carry your wisdom the rest of my days.” The young warrior proclaims “I have no doubt you will.” You remember the little boy who used to race the other boys to the temple. The one who piled his plate at dinner higher than anybody else, always bounding with energy yet you also remember the boy who would cheat to avoid his studies, the nights you would spend with him disciplining him for his poor academic performance. He would lash out in frustration bearing his teeth, eyes welling in angry tears, always letting his emotions get the best of him. It wasn’t always like this however.It took years of discipline. And It certainly didn’t get any easier, but his studies got better. His anger was controlled.

I know better than most though that years of progress can be reversed in an instant. So I wish Isamu luck in his journey that is life. I wish it to be full of prosperity and contentment. I watch as Isamu walks down the beaten path, the same path generations of warriors have tread before him, wandering further and further into the countryside.

I have trained many, yet I remember their names. Their faces. Each unique, each carrying their own weaknesses. Their own strengths.

For this incarnation, he was known as the Warming Sun. They called him that in his clan because he always had a smile on his face and his positivity influenced others. Atop the mountain shrine, the little white house was cozy and he appreciated going there, praying to the deities and being able to eat some good, fresh food. The monks, always robed in orange, knew to expect him on sunny days, when the baked, square tiles held heat and comfort. He would watch the warriors bow and nudge their feet. Some would laugh and some would push him away, but he maintained his composure regardless. The monks loved him at the temple and that was all that mattered, for they were the ones who were always there.

He could hear children playing at fighting with broomsticks in their hands. He could see a new man come up the steps and pledge himself to the temple, weapons hung at his back. He could feel the energy of the gossiping maids at the window, looking out to see who might be the next one to enter the white house. He would take all of this in as he waited to be pet, deciding what he would do next. Maybe he would make a sound and watch them all laugh. It was good to be a cat.

The beginning

My story started before I was born I was raised in a small town in tongili I was a orphan left to the people of peace. They may call me a dirty rat but I am no such thing I had no hope in humanity until I met master chang, meaning prosperity or floreshing. Master chang was the nicest person I had ever met he was kind and housed me with knowledge and a roof above my head. Many years later I became the town’s strongest soldier and beloved man I loved the attention, I treated everyone with kindness and patience unlike how I was treated in my childhood. Everything was great untill the Zhong Kui clan had struck our town it was destroyed and many others were killed, no bodies were found. Afterwards I was sent to get retribution It was weeks in the desert, I had collapsed in a sandy mist and woke up in a hospital in the mui river and I was confused but lost a merchant had found me passed out luckily before anything couldve got me. I woke up and thanked the woman, she was beautiful like a goddess from the sky she had begged to come with me but it was my journey and I didn’t know her. I decided to let her since she had saved my life, after that I was cautious about the dangers, we ventured off into a beautiful forest and enjoyed the night sky, I had asked for the womans name Delila she replied as she mad me a cup of tea. As i drank on my tea slowly drifting to sleep I pondered on how she found me, before I could figure it out for myself I passed out.

Kidnapped

I woke up with my body chained, I felt weak and the poison was contaminating my body my sight was dim. Before I could say anything I was dismayed with water, it helped with the feeling of the pain I could finally breathe and focus on whats in front of me. It was.. The merchant and a peculiar man he was tall and strong he looked familiar somehow but I had never ventured out the village. I commented drunkenly, why am I here, I laughed trying to ignore the fiery pain in my chest. The man came closer and grabbed my face pulled it towards him, he gave me the antidote I fell asleep still on the chains.

The campsite

I woke up on a lab table I was tied down, I screamed and yelled for hours untill someone came to the room I thought they would save me but no- it was that familiar man again. He came with tools and sharpened knives, I froze in terror thinking about what was going to happen to me. I asked what was he gonna do with me, and he replied saying he wouldnt do anything as long as I answered his questions correctly and truthfully. He asked who my parents were and I replied saying I didnt know who they were as they left when I was a baby, he stabbed my left ribs twisting and turning it around. I screamed in agony crying he asked again WHO ARE YOUR PARENTS, I replied crying “I DONT KNOW!” this time he started scraping my skin off asking again and again and again. Untill he stopped “okay since you wont reply truthfully I’ll just have to go get someone else” I begged him crying “please no I really dont know please please!” He brought a woman, the merchant this time instead of knives she brought in shots full of mysterious liquids. I asked in pain “what is that what are you going to do to me”. She responded saying that it would help with remembering her and the man in the room, I was confused because I already knew them. She gave my something from one of the shots. I screamed because of the burning sensation of the shot trying to get out many people came in and started holding me down until they could get the chance to sedate me.

The news

It wasnt long before people knew what was going on in the military camp many news reporters were outside some even inside trying to get a good shot. The military was trying to cover it up untill I was screaming yelling for help it wasnt ling before they found me covered in blood, immediately they helped me escape of there and I ran quickly with the crowd. They yelled my name and I froze “how did they know..” before I could start running again the familiar man tazed me, I fell to the ground feeling stuck and they dragged me back into the camp. This time they but me in a cage and started interrogating me I found it odd that they kept asking who my parents were but this time instead of answering… I stayed quiet until they stopped asking, as delilah asked again I replied “DAMN YOU, GO THE HELL AWAY YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY!”. After I was finished she nagged at me “IS THAT HOW YOU TREAT YOUR PARENTS WHO RAISED YOU!”. Parents… I replied

My real parents

“No you are not my parents and you never will be YOU ABANDONED ME, YOU NEVER CARED OR CALLED AT ALL”. I started crying inside the cage, my parents came in to comfort me but I ran out and locked them in as I ran trying to escape untill I found… my people they where trapped, I thought “should I get them now or should I go and get more to help me- no they could be dead when I come back I cant take that chance”. I barged in the room and killed several guards in the room I took my people and looked for exits, I screamed in pain grabbing my side blood was gushing out from my body…. PART 2? Thx