1

“Hey, Mom! Can I go check out the electronic store? Some new video games just came out.”

“You know we can’t afford any of those games, right?”

Ryan sighed. His clothes were not ragged, but far from expensive. They were well-worn, especially his sneakers. “I know. But I still enjoy looking.”

The electronic store was in the other direction his mom had planned on going. This was on purpose. He liked looking at games but hated shopping.

“Sure, Ryan. Meet me at the food court in one hour.”

Ryan smiled at his mom in thanks and took off running.

“Ryan! Slow down!”

Before she finished her sentence, Ryan disappeared around the corner and along the main hall of the mall. He didn’t slow as he rounded the corner to enter the hall where the electronic store was. Without warning, he slammed into a solid mass of kids not much older than he was.

“Get the hell off me!” An older kid demanded as he shoved Ryan out of his way and into the wall beside them.

“What’s your problem, man?” Ryan backed away from the shove, to the wall of the mall.

The other kids, there were eight others, with one standing closer than the rest, watched with varying expressions on their faces. Most of them seemed eager, as though they knew there was going to be a fight, or rather, a beating. One of the expressions that were more sympathetic than expectant, belonged to an older girl. There were a couple of other girls there, but she was the only one that caught his attention.

“You are, asshat!” The kid that Ryan had bumped into shot back.

Ryan met eyes with that girl standing a few feet back and smiled. “UGH! Holy shit, dude, you really need a breath mint!” The girl smiled as the others made sounds of gathered amusement.

“What did you say?” The older kid immediately closed the distance between them in one intimidating move, towering head and shoulders above Ryan. He stared down into Ryan’s clear blue eyes with intent as dark as his angry gaze. He was going to pound this kid into next week for opening his mouth and he broadcast that message loud and clear with every ragged breath and tensed muscle. He was going to enjoy doing it, too.

Ryan had spent his entire life feeling like he was too small. He was about five and a half feet tall, still hoping for another growth spurt, yet not holding his breath. His eyes were a crystal blue, his hair dark blonde. He was scrawny enough to see his ribs without a shirt on. He tried to eat and eat but could not gain weight. It drove him crazy. The kid in front of him did not have that problem. His eyes were blue, as well, though darker. His hair was brown. He was taller and broader than Ryan. He seemed to know what he was doing.

Despite their size difference, Ryan calmly stood his ground. Granted, the wall that he had backed up against was holding him up. In no way was he strong enough to go through the kid in front of him who kept him pinned against it, and the surrounding kids would have prevented an escape anyway, but he convinced himself that he was standing his ground over being trapped. Ryan could no longer see the girl but knew she had to be watching. He couldn’t back down or cower.

For someone who appeared to have serious issues regarding the violation of his personal space just moments before, this kid certainly didn’t mind violating Ryan’s. With wisdom beyond his years, Ryan tapped into a well of composure and allowed it to quiet his shaken innards. He had been able to do this before, many times. He remained calm and found ways out of trouble. Yes, he had been beaten up more often than not, but he knew there had a be a way out. There might not be a physical escape from this stupidity, but if he kept his wits, he knew he could think of something. He could just back down, of course; lower his eyes and apologize. No. He couldn’t do that, and he knew it. That girl was there. Backing down like that wouldn’t impress her. He needed to impress her. He always seemed to gain just a bit more tenacity when a girl was watching. Oh, who was he kidding, he would stand up for himself regardless of who was around, though admittedly in a different way. She wasn’t exactly the reason he was standing up for himself, none of them had been, but she was the reason he refused to back down. There had to be another option, a way to save face and not get punched in said face. Maybe if he made enough of a scene, someone out of the passersby would intervene and he wouldn’t have to back down. Or, worse yet, get beat up again. He was growing quite tired of that. Yes, indeed, that always seemed to impress the girls. Any girl that he managed to impress with his smart comments and fearless attitude always seemed to disappear after he hit the floor. He felt himself roll his eyes at the thought. He heard the kid growl. He must have believed the eye roll was meant for him. That was the answer, the way out.

He looked up at his troubled captor, knowing it would infuriate him further. He did the only thing he could think of that was certain to infuriate the kid; he smiled. A wide smile too, showing teeth.

“Keep smiling, ‘cause it’s gonna be your last.” The older kid threatened.

That other boy that had been the closest to this conflict stepped closer. “James, I think you made your point.”

The older boy, James, turned away from Ryan and eyed his friend for a moment, before turning back to Ryan. “Did I make my point?”

Ryan took a deep breath. “Yes. Oral hygiene is very important, thank you.”

Laughter broke out behind James, though Ryan wasn’t sure from whom. He hadn’t even meant to say that. He thought about it and before he could stop himself, his mouth made the decision for him. So much for being tired of getting beaten up. If he had just smiled and not given in, the kid would have believed himself the victor, yet not felt the need to prove such things with fists.

 Ryan grimaced, knowing what was going to happen next. Like every time before; he can’t keep his mouth closed and pain follows. This was going hurt, but not nearly as much as explaining the bruises to his mother. He was getting good at hiding them from her, too good.

The kid blinked. His focus shifted slightly, and he closed his mouth as Ryan’s comment finally registered. Ryan dropped his eyes and waited.

“James! This isn’t the best time to draw attention to ourselves, alright?” It was the voice of the other boy with James.

Ryan looked up to see him standing between James and himself, one hand on his friend’s chest.

James eyed Ryan again, the surprise finally leaving his expression. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any anger. “Lucky for you, Val decided to be your guardian angel. Consider yourself very lucky.”

“Maybe I’ll play the lotto.”

The other boy, Val, pulled James backward and away from Ryan. “NOW, James! Say goodbye to your new friend and let’s go.”

James pointed at Ryan, but let Val pull him away. As he did, Ryan saw the girl’s smile and concluded that it would have been worth getting hit. He considered looking down to make sure he hadn’t wet himself but thought better of it. He was gathering the courage to say something to her when she turned and gripped the outstretched hand of one of the other boys, before following the others around the corner, into the mall proper.

Ryan sighed in relief, along with resignation, and slumped against the wall for a moment as he watched them walk away. He shook his head in disbelief. The girl never looked back, neither did the others. They never seemed to. No matter how hard he tried, he could not seem to impress a girl. They always seemed to want someone else. “At least you didn’t get your ass kicked this time,” he muttered to himself. As soon as he felt like his legs would support him, he continued on his way, to the electronics store. He thought better of running this time.

It wasn’t long before the concept of looking at video games, new or not, he could not afford got very dull. He didn’t even have the latest console to play the new games. He shook his head, annoyed with himself for wasting his time. He left the store and made his way towards the food court. He knew he was early but looked around for his mother anyway. Not finding her, he decided to walk over to the arcade, at the edge of the food court, until it was time to meet up with her.

As he neared the entrance, Ryan was slammed to the floor by none other than James and Val. James tumbled on top of Ryan, while Val stumbled to the side and hurdled them both. It was an awkward move but he somehow managed to regain his balance. He turned around quickly to assist James.

“Son of a bitch! You again!” James exclaimed as he reached up for the hand Val extended to pull him to his feet. “Why the hell do you seem to keep getting in my way today? You got a death wish or somethin’?” James demanded.

“Just my good luck,” Ryan got to his feet. He looked around. There were no signs of the other kids. “Now, where did that lotto ticket go?”

“Shit! They’re coming!” Val grabbed James by the shoulder.

James sighed heavily, “No way! I thought we lost them!” He pointed at Ryan as he backed away with Thomas, “You never saw us, kid, you hear me? Never saw us!” They disappeared into the crowded arcade.

 Left in their wake once again, Ryan was left to wonder what was really going on. The possibilities were endless. He did not have long to think about it before the answer presented itself.

He watched three uniformed men move rapidly through the food court, bumping, shoving, and knocking into people as they passed through. They spread out and looked around. It was not difficult, as the food court was nothing more than a few different restaurants in front of the major de store that surrounded the stairwell. One stepped into the Target but stayed at the edge. Another looked down the corridor leading toward the restrooms. The third looked down the main area of the mall, in the direction they had come from. Having obviously lost sight of their quarry, the men began to question the people near them. It did not take long before one of them reached Ryan.

“Excuse me.”

 “Yes, sir?”

“Have you seen this kid?” The man showed a picture to Ryan, “His name is Thomas Ventura. He’s with another kid about his age, a little shorter dark hair, and has a serious attitude problem.”    

“Are you guys cops?”

 “Not exactly.”

“Are they in trouble for something?”

“Yes, and no. They escaped from the Smithenhouse Orphanage. My name is Mark. I’m head of security.” He showed him his badge and ID, with the markings of the Orphanage on it. “My team and I are charged with bringing them back where they belong. Did you see which way they went?”

Ryan turned his head and caught one of the men nearing the arcade. “Yeah, I just saw them.”

“Hey, over here!” He motioned for the others to join him. He looked back at Ryan. “Where?”

“They ran up the stairs,” Ryan replied, quickly.

Mark eyed him, “Are you sure?”

“What’s going on?” Asked one of the two men as he approached, ignoring Ryan.

“Kid says they went up the stairs.”

“No way they got up there without us seeing them.”

“They could be anywhere.” The third man had walked back away from the arcade to join them. “They could have gone into Target. Plenty of exits from there.”

“I looked inside. I would have seen something of them.” The second man returned.

 “Any signs of them at all?” Mark asked the men.

“Think we should check the restrooms?”

“Um, yes. I’m sure.” Ryan finally answered the question Mark had asked, raising his voice. “I just saw them a few seconds ago. They nearly ran me over as they made their way UP THE STAIRS,” Ryan emphasized the last three words with scorn to remind all three men he was still there.

The others continued to debate before one lifted a radio to his mouth. “Anything yet?”

 “No,” a distorted voice came over the portable radio. “These cameras don’t all work in the mall. Can’t even tell if they’ve left.”

“Oh. Well, if you hurry you just might catch them, sir.” Ryan spoke up.

Mark turned his attention back to Ryan. The other two men continued to look around, still ignoring Ryan’s presence.

Mark eyed Ryan, then turned to the others. “I think they might have gone up the stairs.”

“Good thinking.” Ryan sarcastically commented.

“Thanks a lot.” Mark sighed and left with the others, “Let’s go.”

“Sure. You’re welcome,” Ryan answered politely, but they were already gone. “I can see now why they escaped from that place. You guys are complete morons!” Ryan muttered to himself as the three men hurried up the stairs. When they were well out of sight, Ryan ran into the arcade. He found James and Val standing near the entrance hiding behind a couple of taller kids, watching Ryan.

“It won’t take them long to realize I was lying,” Ryan told them.

“Thanks, kid,” Val stepped forward, through the small crowd and extended his hand, “What’s your name?”

“Ryan, but everyone calls me Rusty.”

“I’m Thomas, this charming ass is James.”

Ryan shook his hand. “I thought your name was Val?”

Thomas shook his head. “Thomas.” He gestured with a tilt of his head towards James, “he’s the only one that calls me Val.”

“Ah.”

James smirked at him, “You know, if you woulda said anything, I’d have kicked your ass, right?” He bumped Ryan out of his way as he walked by, “Let’s go, Val.” 

“Okay, I appreciate the assist.” Thomas smiled and took off after James.

Ryan shook his head, watching them go. “This has been one hell of a day.” He turned and went back to looking for his mother.

“Rusty!” His mother yelled from the line at Arby’s.

He looked around and ran toward her when he spotted her.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Who were those boys you were talking to?” His mother asked before turning back to the menu screen.

“Just a couple kids I ran into.” He looked up at the menu as well, “Can I get a roast beef sandwich and curly fries?”

“Sure.”

“Are you sure we have the money, mom?” Ryan asked.

She turned and looked at him, smiling, “Yes. Don’t worry.” She placed the order. Once they got their tray, the two of them sat down at a table to enjoy their meal.

When they were done, they emptied the tray, then walked back through the mall, towards the JC Penny store, before they turned to corner, towards their exit.

As they walked outside, Ryan and his mother passed a small group of kids standing outside the door, just at the curve of the sidewalk. It was the same group as before; Thomas and James were in the back, near the wall of the mall. They seemed to be everywhere today. For just a moment, Ryan’s mind realized that this wasn’t normal. Yes, it was a small mall, and he has seen the same people repeatedly throughout the day, but this was insane. The thought left him as he looked, but didn’t find the girl, nor the guy she had held hands with.

“Oh my God! Look at that lady! She’s huge!” One of the kids shouted, pointing at Ryan’s mother.

The entire group turned to look and started laughing.

“Fat ass!” another exclaimed.

“Shut up!” Ryan yelled back and stopped walking.

“Let it go,” his mother said quietly as she continued walking.

“Mom, why do you put up with stuff like that?” Ryan asked.

“Cause she has to!”

Ryan recognized the voice and turned around.

James was walking toward Ryan, grinning wickedly, “How did such a scrawny ass kid like you ever come from a big fat bitch like her? Wait, I get it. You never get to eat anything at home ‘cause she obviously eats everything in sight.” James started laughing.

Ryan saw red. He could tolerate being picked on, personally. He had always been different and never fit in, so he expected to be ridiculed no matter what he did or how hard he tried. It happened to him every day. This time, it was not about him. Ryan moved without thought. He shoved James before he could say anything more about his mother. “At least I HAVE a home!”

James barely stepped back. He did, however, quit laughing.

Ryan’s mother hurried over to him and pulled him back towards her. She turned and started for the curb with him next to her. James eyed their backs.

“James, let him go!” Thomas yelled.

“Not this time,” James’ voice was cold. He started for them. “Hey!” He called out, making Ryan turn, just before he charged. James drove his shoulder into Ryan’s stomach. The impact sent Ryan sprawling backward off the curb and on the pavement. Ryan’s head hit with an audible thud. James jumped on top of him and started punching.

Ryan’s mother hurried beside them and grabbed James by the shirt collar. She pulled him off her son, dragging him to the side. James spun around, getting back to his feet, though he stumbled just before he was upright. He took a step towards Ryan and his mother pushed him away. He stumbled back a few steps, further away from the curb.

She stepped in between the two, glaring at James angrily. “Stay away from him!”

A car slowly drove by them, the driver eyeing them all in curiosity, before moving on.

James snickered but kept his distance, raising his hands.

Thomas approached cautiously. “Let’s get out of here, man. You’ve brought enough attention to us for one day.”

“Leaving now is a really good idea,” Ryan’s mother stepped back to help Ryan stand up. His cheekbone was already swelling.

James stared at Ryan. Their eyes locked briefly before James turned to Thomas, “Yeah, let’s go.” They wandered back toward the group of kids they were with before the fight began. Most were smiling, and a couple congratulated James upon his return to the sidewalk.

Ryan and his mother turned away and started for their car.

“Cobretti!” A voice rang out from behind them all. The three men from the orphanage were coming out of the doors of the mall, moving quickly.

“Oh shit!” Thomas exclaimed. He turned to run.

“Don’t move, you two!” Mark ordered.

James and Thomas took off. A girl from the group had shifted her stance and unknowingly stepped directly into their path as they fled. As James collided with her, he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her towards him. She recovered her balance, teetering a bit first, but stayed on the curb. James stumbled past her, caught the edge of the curb awkwardly and stumbled into the parking lot. He lost his balance and landed hard on the pavement, scraping his hands and one elbow, on the edge of the driving lane of the lot just as the sound of tires screeching rang out.

 “Oh no,” Ryan recognized the danger, turned, and sprinted back towards James before his mother could stop him.

“James!” Thomas yelled from the crowd.

“Watch out!” Mark screamed. He hurried towards him.

James got to his feet and looked back toward the sidewalk, confused by what everyone was so frantic about. He turned back and froze when he realized a sports car was speeding straight at him. The distracted driver was clearly focused on the empty passenger seat instead of the road in front of him. 

The driver’s eyes widened when he turned his attention back to the windshield. There seemed no time left to react, but he moved both hands back to the steering wheel and slammed on the brakes. The tires squealed as the wheels locked up and the vehicle fishtailed wildly along the pavement. Despite the driver’s efforts, the momentum kept the car on its course to collide with James.

An instant before impact, Ryan launched himself forward and careened into James’ shoulder. As intended, the forceful hit knocked James off his feet and out of harm’s way before the two of them walloped the pavement. The sports car sped on by, grazing the bottoms of Ryan’s feet as it passed them, before finally coming to a stop several yards past them.

Ryan groaned as he rolled over and onto his back, near the curb. “Yeah! That was brilliant.” He sat up feeling fresh, warm blood trickle down his shoulder blade as he moved.

James pushed himself up, brought one knee up under his chest, and slowly stood up. He looked at Ryan in disbelief. “Why’d you do that?”

“Because there was a car coming,” Ryan answered. He got to his feet and looked over at the car. The realization of how closely the car sped past them sank in when he noticed that his shoes had been knocked off his feet and were laying on the ground a short distance away.

“No shit. I meant after everything today…”

“I know exactly what you meant. My answer is the same. There was a car coming. You were in danger.” He gestured towards Mark, who was standing in the lot, near the curb, “and he wasn’t gonna get to you in time.” Mark had rushed towards James but was too far away.

Everyone in the crowd ran over to the two of them. Ryan’s mother threw her arms around Ryan when she reached him.

The man who was driving the car quickly got out and joined the crowd, “My God. Are you guys okay?”

“Yeah,” James responded. He pointed at Ryan, “Thanks to him.”

One of the other two men was holding Thomas by the back of the shirt, “You need any medical attention, James?”

Groaning, “No,” James motioned toward the driver, “but he might,” he said just as he cocked his fist back and punched him hard enough to knock the man backward. The man stumbled back and hit the pavement. “Watch where you’re going, asshole!” James yelled down at the driver. He turned back to Mark, “Okay, I’m ready now. Let’s go.” Before leaving he turned to Ryan and extended his fist, “Thank you.”

Ryan smiled and hit James’ fist with his own. “Of course.”

“Do you need medical attention, son?” The man asked Ryan.

Ryan shook his head. “I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

James glanced over at Ryan’s mother for a moment, “I’m sorry,” he said in a whisper, before turning back to Mark and walking away. Thomas smiled as the men led him and James back into the mall, towards the nearby security office.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again!” Ryan’s mother scolded as she hugged him tightly.

Ryan smiled, “I love you too, Mom. Could you let go now? Because, ow!” He looked around the lot but couldn’t find what he was looking for. The crowd of kids had been ushered back into the mall by the third man from the orphanage. Ryan’s eyes scanned them quickly, but still nothing.

“Yes,” she answered but squeezed harder before finally letting go.

He reached over his shoulder felt his blood-soaked shirt and groaned.

“As for you,” She pointed at the driver, “driving through a mall parking lot, with children nearby, and not paying attention; you should be ashamed of yourself!” Ryan’s mother admonished the driver as they neared him.

The man was back on his feet. He lowered his eyes and walked back toward his car holding his bleeding split lip.

Ryan’s mom put her arm around Ryan’s shoulders, gently this time, and focused one last fearsome glance on the neglectful driver before striding off into the parking lot toward their car.

“Mom, please don’t be mad at me.”

“Rusty, I’m not mad at you. You scared the hell out of me. I may kill you myself if you decide to be that noble ever again, but I am not mad. I’m proud. You did something most people would never do under normal circumstances, much less for someone like that. You’re a hero.”

“Mom, that’s not what I meant.”

“Oh? What did you mean then? And where exactly did I park?”

“The car is further down and the next aisle over.”

“I think you’re right. So, spill. Why would I be mad?”

“I lost my shoes. They, uh, got knocked off my feet. I saw them right after, but I guess they got picked up or taken. I’m so sorry. I know how tight we are with money and…”

“Ryan, no! Don’t even think twice about that! I am just happy you aren’t injured! Or at least not injured more!” She stopped walking and he turned around to face her. She reached out to touch his swollen eye but pulled away. He could see her quiet tears and felt the sting of his own as they welled. He looked down at his socked feet and allowed one tear to fall before willing the rest away. He hated wasting money.

“You will have shoes. Do not worry about the money, okay?” She wiped her tears and smiled adoringly at her only son.

“Yes, ma’am. I still feel bad.”

“Well, don’t. You are worth more to me than you know. Shoes are easily replaced. You are not. Got it?”

“I got it, mom. Thank you.”

“Let’s go home.”

They walked through the row of parked cars to reach the next aisle over.

“There’s the car. I see it now!”

“I thought so, Mom.”

“Correct as usual sweetie.”

“I know.”

“Don’t let it go to your head!”

“Mom.” Ryan gasp.

“I’m serious. I don’t need you getting cocky.”

“Mom!” Ryan dragged the moniker out for several syllables as they approached their car.

“I mean it.”

“No, mom. Look!”

He pointed to the hood of the car.

She walked over to see what he was on about.

“What’s wrong? Someone better not have run into the car! That would make this day… wait. Are those yours?”

Ryan walked to the front of the car and picked up the sneakers placed neatly on the passenger side of the hood. They were worn, though not as bad as Ryan always made them out. There were no holes, and nothing was dangling from them, but they were not new and did not have any name-brand logo.

“Wow. Yes. They are mine. They’re scuffed up a little more than before, but they are mine.”

“That’s just creepy, Ryan.” She looked around to see if she could spot anyone.

“Yeah, it is definitely creepy. At least you don’t have to buy new ones for me now.”

“I may buy new ones for you anyway, just because.” She shivered.

“Please don’t. These are fine. Let’s just go before this day gets any weirder.”

Ryan carried his sneakers into the car and put them on before he put on his seatbelt.

His mother looked around and slowly pulled into the driving lane, towards the exit. Her thoughts were racing a mile a minute. She was calm on the outside, trying not to make a big deal of how close she was to losing her son, but on the inside, she feared she might break any second.

The dark-skinned man watched the small sedan as it drove by his car. He had watched the boy as he got into his mother’s car. He had seen everything and still couldn’t believe it.

The passenger door opened.

“You weren’t seen, were you?” The man said as the second man slipped into the passenger seat.

The man turned to him, an annoyed expression on his face. “That joke got old a long time ago.”

“It was nice of you to give him his sneakers back.” The first man ignored the expression. “But you could have just left them there.”

The man shrugged. His skin was dark, though not as dark as the driver. He spoke with a faint Japanese accent. “Yes, but I thought he should know someone is watching him.”

“Do you think it’s time?”

“Almost.”

The dark-skinned man took a breath. “It was a rather brave act.”

The Japanese man nodded. “Yes. But, based on what I’ve seen these last few weeks, I’m not surprised.”

“Really? Do you think this one is different?”

“He had better be. None of the Chosen have survived long enough to reach the tournament for centuries.”

“Seems like he doesn’t want to repeat his mistake.”

The Japanese man nodded. “Yes. And he only needs one more. He will come at them harder than ever. That kid better be up for this or we don’t have a chance.”

“What about our fighters this time? Are they any good?”

The Japanese man sighed loudly. “Only time will tell, my friend.”

A young Asian man stood in the center of a large windowless room. Dim overhead lights provided just enough light to overcome the darkness surrounding him. He wore long black kung fu pants with a small tear visible just below his left knee. Worn padded black boots covered his feet. His hands were taped from knuckles to wrists in red tape. Barely fifteen years old, he stood five and a half feet tall. His bare chest was toned and muscular. Long black hair partially hid his dark eyes which rapidly surveyed the room. Six pairs of eyes stared back at him, all focused on destructive intent. The only exit was located opposite the young man.

The six boys quickly surrounded him. They were approximately the same age and wore matching white kung fu uniforms. Two of the boys had lighter complexions, the others were as dark as the young man they targeted.

An old man stepped through the doorway. He wore a long white robe covering black trousers and a white shirt. His boots were white and laced from toe to top with black laces. Everyone in the room looked toward him, including the young man in the center of the room. The old man spoke a single word in Mandarin, his authoritative voice hoarse and broken.

“Attack!”

Instantly, all six boys charged the boy in the middle. The first punch was batted away. The young man spun around beneath the kicks flying toward him. Consecutive leg sweeps forced two of his assailants to spin and slam violently onto the hard, wooden floor. As he stood, the young man hit his next assailant with an uppercut causing him to twist and flip over onto his stomach. Punches, blocks, kicks, and spins, in movements so fast they were nearly unseen, all found their intended targets until the young man stood alone in the center of the room.

“Very good, Hsu,” the old man now addressed the young man, in English. The lights turned on above them, revealing the rest of the gymnasium.

Hsu Pang stood, placed one hand over the other and lowered his head, his eyes focused on the old man.

“Thank you, Sensei.”

The old man smiled, “You are improving very quickly.”

Hsu Pang hurried over to his master, stepping over one of the fallen attackers. “Of course, I am, Sensei,” he remarked as they exited the room together. “Did you ever doubt?”

“Do not become overconfident, my young friend. These boys are nothing compared to what you will face in the tournament.”

“I will be ready, Sensei,” Hsu Pang replied confidently. The pair walked along the stone walkway on the Temple grounds, towards the school. Several other kids moved past them, though not many were outside.

“You must be. It has been hundreds of years since we have won a tournament,” the old master explained. “We are out of time. We are out of options.”

“Master, I will be ready. Don’t worry.”

The old man stopped and looked at him, “I worry greatly! Hsu, you are very gifted, very skilled, but you must realize what is at stake. There is no latitude for arrogance.”

The old man walked on, turning towards the gate. Hsu Pang stood still for several moments, contemplating the gravity of his master’s words. Three of the six boys came up behind Hsu Pang on the walkway.

“Nice job,” one of them said, in Mandarin, as they neared. 

“Thank you.” He bowed his head.

The three boys walked past him to follow the master. Hsu Pang stood alone for another moment before he took a deep breath and followed behind them.

A short distance away, a man wrapped in a ragged robe, had watched them all walk out of the building. His long, dark gray hair hung down his back, several strands shielding his face. He watched Hsu Pang walk away in one direction, with one of the boys from the attack, as the old man walked in the other. The few boys that had followed the old man, broke away and he continued alone. The man took a deep breath and looked around. The wind suddenly picked up.

Sometime later, the old master walked into his room and removed his robe before placing it on the hook. He exhaled, then stepped over to the sink and turned the water on. He leaned down to rinse his hands and face, turned the water off and grabbed his towel to dry off. He removed the towel from his face and looked into the mirror. He turned around, towel in hand, and yelled out in surprise. The gray-haired man stood in front of him.

“Master Ventus!” He placed his hand to his chest in an attempt to slow his rapid breathing and heart rate. “You startled me!” The old master announced, in Mandarin.

Ventus smiled and replied in Mandarin, “My apologies, my old friend.”

“To what do I owe the honor of this visit, Master Ventus?”

The old master smiled and stepped around Ventus. He placed the towel on the back of a chair and sat on the bed.

“I have been watching Hsu Pang. He is progressing well, but I would like your input, Master Tunshu.” Ventus announced. “He looked incredible earlier today.”

“Yes. He is incredible,” the old master replied.

Ventus looked at him for a moment, “but…?”

Tunshu exhaled and looked up at Ventus. “I am concerned, Master Ventus. Magnes is close to attaining his conquest and I am not certain that Hsu can stop him.”

“Why do you doubt him?”

“As quickly as he is improving, he is too arrogant, too overconfident. It will destroy him.” He looked back at the sink for a moment and reached over for the towel.

Ventus smiled, “Jin, he is young. He will be that way. You were, once. Have faith in him.”

“I will try, Master Ventus. But I’m not sure he will…” Tunshu looked up and stopped. Ventus was gone. Tunshu looked down at the brick floor and smiled.

The Japanese man stood at the edge of the terrace. He looked down the mountain at the village that, after all this time, managed to remain a small farming community. He watched the people working the fields as no more than ants moving about their hill.

He was dressed warm, with a thick, fur-lined coat that hung down to his boots. Black gloves covered his hands. He turned away from the village and walked about the courtyard, his boots crunching in the snow. The building to his left was a ruin of what it had been. The roof had caved in long ago. Nearly every building was in similar disrepair.

He continued to walk until he came across a wooden pole that stood alone in the center of the courtyard. Splintered and frayed in many places, it was a wonder it still stood.

There was a faint gust of wind and he smiled. “I thought this would be a fitting meeting place, this time.” He spoke in Japanese. He turned away from the pole to Ventus, standing several feet away. “Considering, it may be our last.”

“Optimistic as ever, I see,” Ventus replied, in fluent Japanese. As before, there was no accent in his words.

The man smiled and placed his hands together, before bowing. “Master Ventus.”

Ventus was not dressed for the weather and showed no sign of the need. He returned the bow. “Master Kemuri.”

Kemuri lowered his hands, levity gone from his expression. “Have you been watching them?”

“Of course,” Ventus replied.

“Do we have a chance?”

Ventus nodded. “Yes. More than a chance.” He hesitated before adding, “assuming, you are successful.”

Kemuri’s expression darkened slightly. It was not aimed at Ventus for mentioning it, but the look still made Ventus take a step back.

“Have you approached the Seraph yet?” Ventus asked.

Kemuri shook his head. “No. Not yet. I have been watching him, however. He proves,” he paused, searching for the correct word, “unique.”

Ventus nodded. After a long pause, “Is that a good thing?”

“We will find out,” Kemuri answered, levelly. “Have you approached the other Chosen yet?”

“No,” Ventus answered. “I fear they are not ready to know.”

Kemuri nodded. “They may not have a choice but to become ready.”

Ventus nodded, then looked around and took a deep breath. “How long has it been since you’ve visited this place?”

Kemuri glanced around at his surroundings. “Not long enough.”

Ventus nodded, solemnly. “Keep me informed.”

“Same,” Kemuri replied.

“Take care, my friend. I will see you soon.” Ventus said. As he met Kemuri’s gaze, the wind gusted around him. The pupils of his dark gray eyes whorled in synch with the zephyr that enfolded him as he faded into the wind. He disappeared completely; the snow left swirling in his wake.

Kemuri took one final look around before he walked for the gates.