Chapter 1

Nine Dragons high school gleamed in the bright sunlight. Han Ozark

caught hold of a low hanging branch and jumped onto the campus

compound. “High School…huh,” he sighed.

“What have we got here, hot girls?” he muttered surveying the school

grounds. ‘Hot girls, it is! Now that you mention it, high school may not

be so bad’ he thought, sniggering. He made to jump down the

compound when he heard some girls making a ruckus in a lonely

corner.

“*****! Who do you think you’re defying?! Tomorrow It’s gonna be

100 dollars.”

“Janice, but I...”

A girl was being cornered by a bunch of rowdy students. She seemed to

be about seventeen years of age with a small frame. She had dark hair

and light brown eyes filled with terror.

She curled up on the floor trying to cover from their blows. The leader

of the gang threw a wafer packet at her. The gang then turned and left

laughing and cooing at her.

“Remember 600 dollars!”

The girl slid to the floor and sniffed, tears streaming down her face.

“Ah...The atmosphere was great for a bit, but the mood got ruined.”

The girl looked up, alarmed. There, on the high compound wall, was a

man. He was lean and tall with well toned muscles and a chiseled face.

His hair was pulled back into a small ponytail. He was so at ease sitting

at the narrow space that one could have mistaken him to be stretching

out on a couch.

Hastily wiping her face, she said, “Who are you, sir?”

“This is Nine Dragons High, right?”

“Yes,”

“Great, then I’m at the right place!” he said brightly. He slipped down

the wall and landed lithely next to her.

She gaped at him. He had just jumped down nine feet!

Han put out his cigarette and checked his watch. “So I guess I’m not

late.”

“Er…yeah...” She said sneaking away from him. He was wearing a flower

printed shirt and a wacky ¾th pants. He looked like a gangster escaped

from Hawaii.

“Sheesh, don’t look at me like that! I’m not a weirdo!” said Han, waving

her scrutiny aside. He took off his sunglasses and carefully placed them

in his front pocket. “By the way what’s your name kid? Which way is

the School’s Office?”

“Um…my name is Shioon O’Conner. The office is that way,” she said

pointing towards the entrance of the school.

“Thank you, Shioon!” said Han, flashing a grin. Too bad she was not hot,

he thought.

“Oh by the way…” He said turning back to her. “You were getting beat

up pretty bad, why didn’t you try and get at least one punch in?”

Shioon blinked at him. “Sir…?”

“Oh well, it’s too bad you’re a coward.” He said shaking his head.

Shioon stared.

“Well, it’s really not your fault…nature’s pitiful being. Maybe you can

become a nun in future, hahaha… k’ then, ciao.”

With that, Han turned on his heels and left, leaving her stunned. Just

who was this rude old man?

***

Shioon made her way back to her class. It was break time and students

were bustling around their lockers in the corridors.

A hundred dollars… what was she gonna do?

“Hey, Shioon!”

She turned around and saw Zack Sanders walking towards her. He was

a year older to her, a model student. She had always admired him. They

had met in her sophomore days and he was more than an

acquaintance. She tried to brush her hair onto her face to hide the cuts

on her lip.

“Uh... Hi,” she said nervously, hoping he didn’t see her scars, but he did.

“What happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?” said Zack

concerned. Why did he of all people have to see her like this?

“Ex-excuse me!” she stammered. Ashamed with her pathetic self, she

ran away from him.

“Hey, wait Shioon!”

She got into her empty classroom and slid the door shut.

‘You’re a coward… coward…coward’, the new teacher kept flashing in

her mind. Just who did he think he was the crazy old man! Fuming, she

went and sat in her seat as the bell rang.

***

“Since madam Lim Jung is on maternity leave, I Han Ozark will be

substituting as your teacher!” said Han to a class full of bewildered

students.

Shioon’s jaw dropped. What-the-hell?

“He’s a teacher? No way!”

“He’s so young….”

“And what’s with his get-up…”

“He is so hot!”

The students murmured not bothered to lower their voice.

Han beamed at the class oblivious to their muttering. He noticed the

girl from before. “Oh! You’re the punch bag from earlier!” He said

pointing at Shioon. “You okay now?”

Shioon could feel herself getting red. She peeked at Janice Oberlin from

the corner of her eyes; the girl who made her school life miserable was

sitting on the last bench. She was huge and had a menacing personality.

Worried that Shioon may spill the beans; Janice suddenly stood up and

barked, “Oii Sir, you’re a teacher aren’t-cha? Why don’t ye start

teachin?”

The class went silent. Janice was sure getting bolder to go against a

teacher. They apprehensively waited for Han’s reply.

“Are you talking to me?” he asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.

“Yeah! Are ya deaf?!” said Janice indifferently.

A vein protruding from Han’s forehead, “Teens these days….think no

end of themselves…focus”, he thought. “Oho yes! You’re right! I’m

going to start, let’s see… open your books… and read from page…fifty”

What a wimp, thought Shioon. Everybody drew back to their books,

disappointed with the lack of action.

***

Shioon was walking back home. On her way to her flat, she saw a

poster that was advertising a martial arts club. She sighed…will

something like that work? Shaking her head, she took out her key and

went in. Her mom was out as always. She saw a note on the dining

table with some money.

I think I’ll be on night shift again.

Sleep Early.

There’s dinner in the refrigerator.

Be sure to eat

- Mom

Shioon stood staring at the note. Her mind reeling, she thought of the

club, clutching the money in her hand. “It would definitely be worth a

try,” she muttered.

She changed and left her apartment. On her way out, she grabbed the

advertisement and headed into the night.

***

It was past seven. The traffic rumbled on as Shioon made her way down

the street looking for the club. She reached a DVD store just as the

poster printed.

“Is this it…” she looked up at the club house on top of the DVD store.

“Hey, what’re you doing?!”

The familiar voice made Shioon swirl around. A group of ruffians were

backing a man into a dark alley.

“Whatchoo looking at?!” roared a man at passers-by who were staring

at the group.

“Let go of me! We can just talk this out!”

“That voice….,” murmured Shioon. She reached the alley quietly and

peeped to look at the scene.

Her new teacher, Han Ozark was thrown against the wall.

“Now, let’s have a nice chat shall we, If you had a good time drinking

with that chick, you gotto pay,” growled a thug, who stood facing Mr.

Ozark.

“Er, hey, I didn’t think this place was like this…that guy told me he’d

make it cheap so…”said Han.

“Shuddup, guess what, I owe you a knuckle sandwich!”

“Oh no….wa-wait!”

The large man gave a mighty punch. Han doubled up clutching his

middle. The others had pushed him to the ground and were kicking him

in the ribs and gut.

Shioon gulped. Things were getting out of hand. This is dangerous, got

to report it, she thought. She clicked her cell phone on, but…. who

would she call?

“What now eh?” said the large, beefy man. “Changed your mind yet?”

Han straightened. He had a rough day being a teacher let alone have

patience for drunkards to ruin his evening.

“Now do you want to settle this with money or keep on going with

fists?” Blood drops from Han’s cut lip were staining his expensive shoes.

That did it.

“Wha..,”

POW

Shioon gasped. Han’s fist went at a blinding fast speed and met the

attacker’s jaw. His limbs were a blur as he tackled the abuser. Shioon

watched with her phone in her hand. Whoa! He was amazing! How was

he doing it?

“Aha! Common you pieces of trash, Gawd knew I need to let it out!”

yelled Hell jumping out of the way to avoid a bald guy.

All along, he had a mad gleam on his face like he was relishing a very

good meal as he sent those men flying.

Just who was he?

Chapter 2

Han yawned widely and slouched at the staff table. His very presence

was a contrast to the place around. He was bored stupid; he banged his

chin onto the table.

“Look here, Mr. Han Ozark!”

“Oh, Mr. VP! Good morning!”

The Vice Principle came lumbering up to Han. He was a balding man

who wore glasses and had a pot belly that preceded him everywhere he

went. All in all he looked like a life-sized potato.

“Good morning aside, do you have any decency as a teacher?” said the

potato man pointing at Han’s wardrobe.

Han looked down admiring his expensive clothing.

“What is that outfit? Is that for teaching?! It looks perfect for hooking

up with women!”

“Ah thanks”, said Han slyly.

“I wasn’t complimenting you! I should get to the point Mr. Han…”

Ding Dong

“It’s the bell!” Han yelled. He got up and raced to the door, “See you

Mr. Pota- Ah vice princy! Toodles!”

‘Grr …if he didn’t have a clean record, I’d have fired him right away…’

thought the Vice principal fuming.

“You’re pretty amazing. I’ve never seen a teacher stand up to the vice

principal like that,” said a woman who greeted Han on his way out of

the staff room.

“…you are..?” said Han, puzzled that he had missed such a beauty in a

boring place like this. His hotness-meter immediately rated her ten on

ten.

“We met yesterday; I’m Bae Yandi, Head of Ethics department. What’s

your relationship with President Lee?” she asked with a smile.

“Well…he’s just an acquaintance..,” said Han.

“Oh ok, do introduce me to him when your free, and also if you have

any questions regarding this school, please do ask me,” she finished,

batting her lashes.

Han zoomed closer to her. “You see, I’m more interested in you than

the school...”

Shioon was watching from the corner of the corridor. No matter how

many times she saw this crazy womanizer, she could not believe he was

the same man who took down five thugs at a time.

“Yo, what’re you doing here?”

One of Janice’s gang members was right behind her. Oh crap!

“What? You decided to tell on us to that new weirdo of a teacher?”

“Ah...no it’s not like that...” said Shioon. She was in major trouble.

“Come, Janice is calling you.” He grabbed her arm and dragged her off

to an empty classroom where Janice was waiting. She sat on the seat

nearest to the window, smoking.

“Did you bring it?” she asked Shioon.

“Um…about that...”

Shioon yelped as she received a punch on the face. Janice pulled at her

collar and sent her crashing to the floor. She blew out and started

kicking Shioon with enough force to knock a cart over.

“St-stop,” said Shioon coughing hard and wheezing.

“Shouldn’t we stop her...?”

“No don’t, who knows what’ll happen, remember Changho is her

boyfriend...”

Students were murmuring outside the classroom peeping through the

windows to watch.

“Pl-Please stop it,” said Shioon trembling. “I’m sorry...”

“*****,” said Janice and held her hand out. Shioon removed all her

money from her pocket and handed it over to her.

“Why didn’t you cough it up earlier instead of getting beat like a retard?

Remember next week too.” With that she slapped Shioon’s head and

left with her gang. The schoolmates parted to let them leave and

crowded around the classroom.

Shioon could hear their murmurs and felt their stares. She hated it.

Hated being the way she was. Tears streamed relentlessly down her

face.

“Shioon!” yelled someone from behind, upon turning; she saw that it

was Zack.

“NO!” she covered her face with her hand; she was unsteady on her

feet and faltered on her steps. She tried to get away from him but lost

her balance. He caught her before she fell.

“Calm down Shioon, your hurt,” said Zack firmly.

“Let go of me!” she slapped his hand away. “It’s none of your

business!”

“Shioon…” said Zack. She saw his hurt expression before hurrying away.

“Zack, do you know her?” asked a friend of his.

“Ah...yes.”

“From what I hear, she is the freshmen being bullied by the school

gang.”

“What…. who is it that’s bothering her?” said Zack, his anger rising.

“I heard it from other’s so I don’t really know the details…”

Shioon ran as fast as she could, she wanted to place as much distance

as possible between Zack and herself. She felt sick, why did she have to

lash out her frustrations at him?

***

“Oh…Mr. Ozark…we can’t... we’re in school..,”

“Common Miss Bae, we’re on the roof! Its break time, none of the

students will come up here...” muttered Han. Miss Bae and he were in

the roof to ‘enjoy-the-fresh-air.’

The door banged open just when the two were getting busy. It was

Shioon. Han and Miss Bae froze as she trudged up to the railing.

Shioon looked down the length of the building. She was five floors

above the ground. She stretched out her hands, thinking maybe dying

was the best solution.

“I better leave…” whispered Miss Bae.

“Nooo, stay! She might jump off or go away!” whispered Han urgently.

He wasn’t going let go of a cooked meal. Not for a psycho kid who had

stupid issues in life.

“Ah, sorry, we can’t be seen together like this…see you later,” said Miss

Bae and slipped out through the open door.

“Waiiit,” Han was almost in tears.

Shioon meanwhile was having a monologue. Suicide was not an easy

job after all.

“YOU!” yelled Han.

Shioon whipped around appalled to find a person there.

“Die you piece of craaaapp!!!” He sent her flying out into the open air.

“Aaaahh,” screaming, Shioon caught the railing just in time. Hanging on

for dear life, she looked up at Han.

“Hmph, if you were gonna jump, then you should’ve just done it! Why

did you hesitate eh?” He walked the length of the roof, rambling and

complaining, “I almost had it! Do you know how HARD it is to pick up a

girl?! I could have broken my record for shortest time, but you!!”

“S-sir, I really don’t know what you’re talking about, but could we

please discuss this after you’ve helped me up?”

Han gave her a piercing stare.

“Can you promise me you’ll never think of jumping off the school roof?”

“Yes…” she sniffed, blinking her wet eyes. “Yes, I’m sorry…” she said

positively wailing.

Han smiled. “Kids…” He grabbed her arm, “K, here we go...”

Creak. Both froze looking at the fence.

“Er sir…didja hear that noise?” said Shioon, daring not to think what it

meant.

Meanwhile, Miss Bae was on her way downstairs when she suddenly

remembered; the fences on the roof were dangerous and could give

way but…

Creak. SNAP!

“Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrghhhhhh!!!!!”

It did give way with Han on top of the railing and Shioon underneath it,

both horizontally clutching the fence went falling.

“Save meee, master! Save meeee,” Shioon was blinded by tears. “I

don’t want to die so soon, I didn’t tell Zack how I feel! I don’t wanna

die!!!”

“Shut up you idiot!! Can’t you see I’m in the same situation?!” Han had

never met anyone with such bad luck. A sudden thought occurred to

him.

“Kid! Let go of the fence! Hey, you hear me! Dang, she passed out!”

He grabbed her and got rid of the fence. He horizontally kicked the

school building and did a mid-air cartwheel. He found a car parked just

a few feet away from the building. With lithe movements, he landed

like a bullet onto the car.

“Daaang that hurt!” cried Han, jumping off the ruined car and landing

on firm grounds with her in his arms. Shioon hung onto him like a dead

log but seemed unhurt.

“God, this pathetic kid…but…why did I save her?”

Chapter 3

Shioon slowly opened her eyes and blinked. The school’s pale yellow

roof came into focus.

She bolted up. She was resting on a bench just beside the soda stand.

The corridors were empty; it seemed well past lunch break.

“Sir...?”

She and Mr. Ozark had fallen off the school roof together but then; how

did she get here alive?

***

Shioon was walking to her locker for her things when she noticed some

glass pieces on her blouse.

“You didn’t see anything eh? Did you really not see?” said an urgent

voice.

Shioon rounded the corner and saw the Vice Principal terrorizing a boy

with dreadlocks.

“I told you sir, I didn’t see anything...

“Argh! Nobody saw what happened,” roared the Vice Principal and

stormed away.

A girl asked the dreadlocks-boy, “Hey what happened?”

“Someone threw something from the rooftop and destroyed his car…”

said the boy.

“What?! They could get expelled…

Shioon looked at the glass pieces again. Were they somehow related to

this situation?

***

“How ‘bout it, Miss Bae? Why don’t we continue on from before...?”

Han and Miss Bae were at coffee counter in the office.

“Hmm…well I don’t know...” said Miss Bae with a naughty smile.

“Then next period, at the rooftop...”

“Close all doors to the rooftop this instant!!” yelled Mr. Vice Principal as

he entered the staff room.

“What! Why are you closing off the roof?” cried Han.

“Someone threw something and my car is totally wrecked,” said the

potato man shortly.

“Geez...How much would that shitty car be worth anyway...” muttered

Han, disappointment flooding him.

“What did you say?!” barked the Vice Princy at Han, positively mad.

“Shitty car eh? I won’t. Allow. You. To. Insult…

Han barely made it out alive after the lecture he endured. He walked

out into the empty corridors when his phone started ringing. “Hello?”

“It’s me.”

“Elder,” breathed Han cautiously.

“How is it? Your impression of a high school?” said a man leering, miles

away from Han. His face was in the shadows as he spoke. A huge fire

crackled in a grate before him.

“…nothing spectacular...” replied Han.

“That place is supported by the enemy. If we are going to hide

something, might as well be in the most obvious place.”

“I’m fine with that. When may I return?”

“You can’t yet because of what you have stirred up,” said the elder,

revolving a bejeweled walking stick.

“Sir, are you by any chance trying to scare them away?”

“How could I? But right now, I don’t want a confrontation. Also I have

somebody for you to guard.”

“Oh...So this was another mission,” said Han. What else, he thought.

“Indeed, but until the enemy arrives, you mustn’t reveal your identity.”

“How long will it take?”

“At least two months or at the most, three. During this time, there

won’t be any communication.” As Elder spoke, there was a rustle

behind him. A magnificent beast of a lioness prowled close to him and

sat beside his high ornate chair, its eyes gleaming in the fire light.

Stroking it, the Elder said, “There is no mercy for failure. Always be

vigilant.”

“Yes, of course, sir.”

Han snapped his phone shut. Two months, what a drag. Whether he

liked it or not, he didn’t have a choice. It would be best for him to not

get found out about the Vice Principal’s car.

***

The school bell rang. “Class dismissed! Also, Shioon O’Conner, come

meet me outside,” said Shioon’s home room teacher.

Shioon started. She followed her teacher, puzzled. Once outside, the

teacher turned and said, “Some boy came to the office and told me you

got involved in a fight. Who was it?”

Boy, Shioon thought…Was it Zack?

“Well, answer me!” barked the teacher.

“It was me sir,” drawled Janice. Shioon jerked breaking into a shiver.

Janice came to meet them from class.

“We fought for some reason, but I’m sorry,” said Janice, smirking at

Shioon.

“Is that so?” The teacher asked Shioon.

This was it. If Shioon did say anything, would her life change? She

turned to look at Janice, who was wearing a smile that meant million

things that only Shioon knew. Yes, sure her life would change but for

the worse.

“Yes, sir” said Shioon trembling.

“Jeezas, you girls are not kids anymore! You should talk it out like

grown up ladies. And you,” he said rounding at Shioon, “Tell that to

your boyfriend and make him come to the office? I didn’t say anything

then, but do you know how embarrassed I was? Now like decent

women, shake hands and apologize.”

Janice raised her hand still wearing the sick smile. “I’m sorry, Shioon.”

Shivering and gulping, Shioon took Janice’s hand. As soon as she did,

her hand was being crushed by Janice’s large one.

“Good, I hope there’ll be no more trouble from you girls.” With that, he

turned and walked away. As soon as he was out of ear shot, “He he,

you retard.” Janice whispered dangerously in Shioon’s ear. She still

hadn’t let go of Shioon’s hand. Her gang slowly closed in on them.

Janice pulled Shioon so close, they were almost face to face. “Next

time, let me see that boyfriend of yours!” she leered while Changho

cracked his knuckles.

***

Click. The key turned in its knob. Shioon entered her flat but was

surprised to see the lights on.

“Hey Shioon,” said her mom distractedly as she came in. Shioon’s mom,

Mary was a young woman who looked a lot like Shioon.

“Mom, you were home…?”

“Yeah, I just came by to get my stuff. I have to go soon though,” said

her mom, as she packed her files into her bag. “It’s the last week; you

know right, the interior design at the Chungdam Street Restaurant.”

She looked up when Shioon did not respond.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Shioon was looking at the floor, lost for words.

“Hey mom, can I transfer schools?”

“What are you saying out of the blue? Did something happen in

school?” asked Mary as she opened the shoe rack.

“No…nothing much, it’s just that…” started Shioon.

“Just a sec,” said her mom, and picked her phone which was vibrating.

“Yes, yes Mr. President. I’m coming right now. Yes, I have everything…”

“Mom,” mumbled Shioon.

“I’m sorry, dear. The company president’s waiting out front. Let’s talk

when I get back.” With that, she strapped her shoe and slammed the

door behind her.

Shioon stood staring at the empty hall-way feeling more miserable than

ever. She collapsed onto the dinning chair, dropping her bag onto the

table.

She sighed; her mom showed up as often as solar eclipses. She looked

around, wondering how she’ll spend yet another solitary evening. Her

phone was poking out from the front jip of her bag. She pulled it out

and switched it on. The screen was displaying a video clip. Curious, she

played it.

“Aha! Come on, you leather bags! Show me what you’ve got!”

She had accidentally recorded that night’s events when her teacher was

challenged by those bar men. His amazing moves were so unlike him.

Watching him, she suddenly got an idea.

The next day at school, Shioon sneaked out of her class during break

to have her lunch someplace else to avoid Janice. This had become her

daily routine off late; she would buy her lunch and sit in the lonelier

parts of the school grounds. She was always alone. Her classmates

never mingled with her. Janice had made sure of that. It was just Zack;

her only friend. She needed to avoid Janice at all costs for his sake.

“Yo, look where the pretty doll was hiding,” drawled a voice from

behind her. Shioon felt her heart stop.

“You weren’t around during break, so I guess you were avoiding us,

eh?” said a scrawny gang member.

“He’s pretty hot,” said Janice as she sat down beside Shioon. “That

boyfriend of yours.”

“What are you talking about?! I don’t have a boyfriend,” said Shioon,

her mind racing. Please, she prayed that Zack wouldn’t get involved.

Janice slid her hand across the bench and slapped it hard on Shioon’s

shoulder.

“What’s wrong, don’t you remember the secret between you and me,

the tattletale that went to the office because of your boyfriend Zack.”

She clamped Shioon’s neck hard. “After school, bring him behind gym,

you know what’ll happen if you don’t…” she released Shioon’s neck and

left her trembling on the bench.

All along, Shioon knew they would target Zack. She tried her hardest to

ignore him, but he had jumped right into the fire. That idiot, she

thought, why did he have to keep following her around?! She shook

visibly. Her phone slipped from her sweaty hands and landed softly on

the sand. She picked it up and found the video clip. It was about time

she followed out her plan.

***

“I’m just saying you misunderstood me, Miss Bae,” said Han. Lately, his

main purpose of attending school was to take Miss Bae out.

“Oh, really!” huffed Miss Bae, turning away. Han was unfortunately

found ogling at a hot final year by Miss Bae, since then it hadn’t been

easy for him to approach her.

“How ‘bout dinner tonight? I made reservations at a French

restaurant,” he said smoothly, leaning towards her.

She looked up, interested. “A…French restaurant?”

“Yes of course, we could have dinner together and-”

“Hey, Mr. Ozark! A student came for counseling from you,” said the

what’s-his-name biology teacher as he entered the office.

“What! Haha there must be a mistake, no student would come to me

for counseling…

Moments later, Han found himself facing Shioon.

“You!” said Han surprised.

“Hello, Mr. Ozark,” said Shioon timidly.

“Yea, what’s up?” said Han, his mind slowly slipping back to Miss Bae.

“Thank you for yesterday,” said Shioon, bowing.

“Duh – It’s fine. Don’t do anything stupid next time,” he said, turning

away.

“Wait, sir, I have something to tell you,” started Shioon desperately

trying to stop him from leaving.

“Yeah?” he said, already one foot in the office room.

“You’re an expert in martial arts, aren’t you?” said Shioon.

“Of course! More than an expert. See ya-

Han froze. He made major slip on behalf. Putting on a friendly air, he

turned around.

“Er…what Shizu?” said Han, dreading her answer.

“It’s Shioon… actually, I’ve been wondering. It’s strange, we fell from

the rooftop and we were safe and sound,” she said seriously.

“Hey Mr. Ozark!” said the Vice Principle. He was lumbering up to them.

Han’s heart dropped to his stomach, what a great timing Mr. Humpty

Dumpty!

“I think I was overreacting about the car yesterday,” said the VP

grudgingly, adjusting his glasses.

“No no, it normal to overreact, oh right,” said Han flustered and turned

towards Shioon. Worried that she might mention the car incident, he

hurriedly said, “That’s right kid; the births of poverty are of a grave

nature indeed. Follow me; we will have a serious talk about our nation’s

economy!” He dragged her away from the VP.

The Vice Principle stared after them in puzzlement. “I thought he

taught English,” he muttered adjusting his glasses yet again. Shaking his

head, he shuffled away to the office.

“Phew, we were almost caught!” said Han leaning against the soda

stand, panting. They were two corridors away, at the very place where

Shioon had found herself after the rooftop adventure. She literally had

question marks popping out of her head. “Is it something we can’t get

caught about?”

“Pfftt, I have no idea what you’re talking ‘bout,” said Han avoiding her

gaze.

Shioon switched on her phone and showed Han’s footage to him.

‘Aha…’

Han stared at the phone as his own maniacal laughter echoed out of

the speaker.

“I accidentally took this video last time, you were pretty-“

“Well, you see…” Han interrupted her. His hands flashed like lightning.

Before her very eyes, Shioon found her phone crumbled to pieces.

“Er…” she blinked at her hand as her powdered mobile fell to the floor.

“Ho ho, that kind of evidence should be handled with care,” said Han in

a satisfied tone folding his arms.

“I had guessed you would do something like this,” said Shioon still

blinking at the pieces, “Good thing I backed it up on the computer.”

“WHAT! You…YOU, Where is that computer?” yelled Han.

“If…you grant my wish, I’ll erase it,” said Shioon backing away. He

seemed positively mad.

Han considered her, literally this time. Something about the girl made

him want to humor her.

“What’s the request?” he asked, dropping onto a nearby bench.

The plan worked, just as Shioon wanted. “Please do something about

Janice and her gang,” she said slowly.

“Janice? The girl who’s been bothering you?” He asked, pulling out a

cigarette.

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s easy. I’ll call them up and punish them for you.”

“Really?” she said delighted.

“But is that okay?” said Han, blowing out.

“Sir…?”

“I’m a substitute teacher and in about two months I’ll be gone. When

that happens, they’ll torture you even more than now… is that fine with

you?” he said fixing her with a glare.

“But, what am I supposed to do..?” She said faltering at his gaze.

“What? It’s your business and you should take care of it. If you don’t,

it’ll continue happening.”

Shioon looked out at her feet, gripping her shaking hands. She didn’t

need this crackpot teacher stating the obvious! “Don’t talk like you

know everything!” she yelled. “Have you been beaten up like me?! So

badly that you wanted to die or commit suicide?! I do! Every day is

worse than dying. So I’m asking you to help me,” she said, blinking her

wet eyes furiously.

He was the first person she really spoke to about her horrors. No

matter how careless Han was, she had trusted her plan to succeed. Her

momentary spell of hope that she might get away from this nightmare

was shattered when he did not respond to the way she had expected of

him.

“Quit shitting me,” said Han with a hard smile. “If you’re that

desperate and even thought of dying, did you ever think of revolting? In

the end, you’re just someone who goes clinging to others for help!” he

said, putting out his cigarette. Han hated the weak.

“But…if I were strong…” mumbled Shioon. Han was giving her the fiery

gaze again, it seemed like he could see right through her.

“Who wouldn’t fight if they were strong?!” yelled Han. “Courage is

when you are weak, but you won’t give up. If you don’t have courage in

your heart, nobody can save you.”

Shioon disturbed Han. She reminded him of a distant past that he didn’t

want to remember. He turned to leave.

“So for now, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear this. I really don’t want to get

involved.”

“Sir…

“And remember!” he said as he doubled back, “If you put that video on

the net, your dead meat!” Han left leaving her dumbfounded. Here she

was, expressing her worst fears, and there he was, nonchalantly waving

her confessions aside but warning her about a stupid video.

Shioon walked slowly towards her locker. So courage is the mind that

never gives up? Sure the teacher had given her a good piece of advice,

but if a fist came flying her way; what use was that courage?

Her fears mounted as she thought about Janice. Shioon was supposed

to take Zack to her; if she didn’t… The memory of her last beating came

back to her; she shuddered trying to reason with herself. No, she didn’t

want to get beaten up like that again. Rather, maybe introducing Zack

to them would be best. This was school so even if they were evil, what

was the worst that could happen?

She set out to look for Zack and headed for the secondary section when

someone called her name. Turning she saw Zack jogging up to her in his

PE uniform.

“Found you!” he said, grinning as he came to a halt before her.

The afternoon air rustled the tree leaves under which Shioon and Zack

sat.

“Remember your first grade field trip?” said Zack as he took a sip from

his soda can. “Only the two of us got separated from the group. It was

our first time going there. We were so distracted playing around, we

got separated from our group and then...” he trailed away looking at

Shioon.

“Shioon, I heard that you were being bothered by the school

gang…Sorry, I never knew what was happening…”

“No, it’s nothing to apologize for,” said Shioon revolving her untouched

soda can.

“Cheer up!” said Zack taking her hand into his. “Tell me anything, I

promise I’ll help you.”(Cheesy I know Xp)

Shioon stared into his warm brown eyes. She mumbled, “Anything?”

“Yes,” he said firmly, squeezing her hand.

***

The bell rang announcing the end of the day.

Han, who was resting his chin on the office table as usual, jumped up at

the sound with a victory jig. The others gave him the ‘young-handloom’

look and shuffled their papers away.

Han went skidding to Miss Bae’s desk, packed her things in a flash,

grabbed her by the waist and raced to the office door, “Let’s go out

early and watch a movie together…”

“Miiister Ozark!” said the Vice Principle.

“Yes!” replied Han, his fat healthy bubble of excitement couldn’t even

be bothered by Mr. Potato man.

“Does something strike you after looking at this?” he asked Han patting

a huge stack of papers.

“What’s that?” asked Han disinterested.

“It’s the files that state you procrastinated!” screamed the Vice

Principle making Han jump.

“Every day look at how you dress, work and behave! I tried to accept

everything by thinking you’re a new gen-teacher but if you don’t do

your basic job, you don’t qualify your post!” roared the VP.

Han was trying his best to avoid all the spit spraying his way. His poor

eardrums were in danger too. “Er, don’t worry, I’ll come in the morning

and do it…” he said, trying to make himself heard in between all the

ranting.

“Today! If you don’t finish it by today, you’ll never forget the day when

you failed to be an educator!” Despite being a short man, The VP

loomed over Han with a true killing instinct. Man was overboard about

his job; Han realized miserably.

The evening drew closer, the Sun cast its last rays on the school

building. A shadowy corner behind the gym was occupied by Janice and

her gang who sat, waiting.

“What the f*&@? She’s really late. Maybe she won’t come,” said a

large boy.

“If she’s not crazy,” finished Janice, playing a video game on Changho’s

I-Pad.

“Yeah hehe, she’s a retard so…”said a girl who looked as mean as her

gang leader. “Oh…speak of the devil…you’re late,” she barked at

Shioon, who had just appeared. Changho’s knuckles cracked as always

before a punch match. “Well, where is he?” he asked.

Shioon did not reply. The girl went up to Shioon and gave her a slap.

Staggering, Shioon mumbled, “…coming,”

“What?”

“Not coming…. Zack is not coming!” yelled Shioon, clear enough so that

the whole gang could hear her. With a boldness she did not know she

possessed, she gave a mighty punch to a guy nearest her.

All were shocked at what Shioon had done. Poor, pathetic little

O’Conner, when did she learn to revolt?

The guy who was hit by her stood gaping, clutching his jaw. “Wah, you

bitch!” He raised a fist.

“Stop!”

He froze and turned. The whole gang turned towards Janice. She slid

down the mid compound wall and walked up to Shioon. “You wanna

die?” she said in a deadly whisper.

Shioon gripped her trembling hands and for the first time, she looked

up right into Janice’s eyes with a fire burning deep within them.

Janice recoiled. “You…you’re standing up against me?!” she said. She

wanted to say that with a nasty leer, but her voice shook slightly.

Shioon’s intensity burned right through her. She threw a punch at

Janice, which the latter dodged. Janice slapped her back. So started

their onslaught. Shioon just took the punches in. No matter how much

pain she was in, she wasn’t afraid. Master was right, she thought as she

was rammed onto the linked mesh. She had come to her senses when

she had met Zack; no matter what situation she would be in, he would

always help her.

Shioon slid to the floor, her cut lip swollen and her nose bleeding. The

gang turned to leave, but her determination was not leaving her. She

was not going to back down.

She got up with the last ounce of energy she had and went slamming

into one of the gang members.

It was almost dark, the school was shutting down but the lights in the

office were still on. Yawning, Han put away his papers. Stretching, he

thought, teaching sure was not a joke and pays little. “Man, I respect

teachers…” he muttered and walked out.

***

“Did she go nuts?” said Janice’s right hand girl.

“That bitch, we gotta discipline her again,” said Janice, lighting a

cigarette.

The gang made their way towards the exit just as Han came towards

the campus compound. Rather than the entrance, he walked in the

direction of the gym to get out sooner. It was the same way he had

entered the school for the first time. His thoughts filled with Miss Bae,

he looked around carefully, making sure no one was around; he kicked

off from the ground, did a flip in mid air and landed on the roof. He

made to jump onto the compound wall when something caught his eye.

He landed down the narrow space between the gym and the compound

wall. “Well, what have we got here…”he said and squinted in the dark.

“Oh, you again,” he sighed. “Why do I keep running into you?”

Shioon was slumped against the wall. He bent down to see the damage.

She jerked a bit. “Bring it on…I’m not trash…bring it…” she mumbled.

She was unconscious. Han stared at her. Was she for real? She actually

stood up to them until she had passed out.

He picked her up and carried her to the gym, wondering why he was

doing it.

Chapter 4

“You bitch, do you wanna die?! Stay down!”

Shioon let out a yelp as she got up suddenly. When the nightmare

cleared, she looked around panting. It was the gym room.

“Don’t scared me!” said Han. They were in the gym’s store room

amongst blown out basket-balls and broken bats. She was resting on a

couple of gym uniforms that were cushioning her.

Shioon looked at Han, clutching a box of tissues in one hand and a

bloody tissue in the other.

“Your nose is thankfully not broken, I’ve patched it up for now, but it

would be best if you go to the hospital to check for internal damages.

So, who beat you up so bad?”

“I fought against Janice and her gang,” said Shioon looking down at her

hands. “I realized what you meant. Not backing down without strength

is true courage.”

“Did I really…” said Han pretending to remember. He did not expect her

to take him so seriously. He had blurted out a few things that were

nagging him at that time, but those were just empty words that

couldn’t help her situation.

The same thing was going on in Shioon’s mind and a sudden thought

struck her. Just when Han was leaving, she yelled, “Wait, Sir!”

Scrambling up, she said, “Please teach me how to fight!”

Han stopped in his tracks.

“I can’t face them with just courage! I want to learn how to fight and

stand up to them.”

Han stared at her. He couldn’t risk anymore slips when it came to her.

He put on a casual air and went up to her, he pushed her onto a chair

and said, “Look kid, that’s a very good idea, but I can’t teach you. How

about we look for good training places nearby? Eh?” he said cheerfully,

hoping she’d agree.

“Where could one teach me how to survive after facing six thugs and

jumping off a five storied building?” said Shioon shrewdly.

“True….eh! No, kid. No means no!” said Han.

“I’m going to upload it on the internet,” shot Shioon.

Her words rocked Han internally. This small creature before him, no

stronger than a soap bubble threw threats out like stating the weather.

He was torn between annoyance and amusement.

“I don’t care if I die.” said Shioon looking straight at him.

Han considered her. She was prepared to die? He snorted.

“Fine,” he said. It was about time she meant what she said. “Let’s see if

you can keep up with your words.”

It was well past eight in the evening. The cars on the high bridge did not

notice two people walking on the sidelines.

“What a nice breeze,” said Han, breathing in and looked down at the

river flowing below them.

“Er, Sir…why here?” said Shioon confused.

“What you’re about to learn now, is something that people don’t

understand easily. You might have to risk your life and soul. So, you

ready?”

“Yes,” she said firmly.

“Okay then, jump off,” said Han.

“What!?”

“I told you, you should be ready to risk your life,” he said lazily lighting

a cigarette.

“But I- I can’t swim.” She said looking down. The dark water which

normally seemed calm now glistened dangerously, reflecting the

building lights from far away.

“Do you understand now? It’s not so easy to be a disciple, let’s go. It’s

too late.” Han was surprised at himself for hanging around her for this

long. He brought her here just to scare her, what a total waste of time.

“Really…so If I jump off, you’re gonna teach me how to fight, right?”

said Shioon, clutching the railing.

“What?” said Han, and before his very eyes, Shioon climbed the railing

and jumped into the open air.

Han’s cigarette went falling to the floor from his gapping mouth. She

had actually jumped!

He ran to the railing, there was a huge splash where Shioon fell into the

water, she had some how surfaced coughing hard.

“Idiot! Why did you jump?!” he yelled. Shioon struggled to stay up but

lost to the depth and sank slowly into the darkeness .

Forgetting who he was, he jumped onto the railing and with the force

of a rocket, dived into the water.

***

Beep beep

Han sat beside the hospitable bed on which Shioon lay asleep. The

curtain rustled and the nurse walked in. She rearranged the bed

coveres around Shioon and gave her an injection. While leaving she

peaked at Han, but he was too out of it to even notice her.

A few seconds later, Shioon blinked her eyes and slowly came back to

concioussness. She looked around, “Where are we?” she asked

groggily.

“The hospital of course,” grunted Han.

Shioon looked at him. He was sitting facing away from her.

“Shit, I thought it was suspicious, the colours are coming off…must be a

fake,” he said muttering to his shoes. His wet coat lay hanging to the

bed post.

Shioon giggled. It made him turn, was she not mad at him for nearly

killing her? His incredulous expression made her giggle harder. “So I

passed right. You’re gonna teach me how to fight?” she asked.

“Hey after rescuing you from near drowning, you expect something

else? Do you know how much this jacket is worth? I can’t even use my

cell…

“But you broke my cell too,” said Shioon grinning.

“Is an Armani anyway near to a cell phone?!”

“You are going to teach me right?” she asked again, scrutinizing him.

He did not answer her.

“At that time, when I was in the water, I was aftraid that you were

going to ingnore me,” she continued, “I kept threatening you into

teaching me martial arts. I don’t know why but I think you hate being

threatened and yet you put up with me,” she said.

“But…why did you jump off?” said Han.

“Because I trust you,” she said simply.

Han clutched his chair hard. What did she know what she was talking

about?! He grabbed his coat and made his way to the door.

“Get ready, it’s late. We’d better get going,” he said and went to wait

outside the cubicle. Shioon changed into her uniform and a few

minutes later, they checked out of the hospital.

Once in the cab, a sudden thought occurred to Han. “Will your parents

be okay with this?” he asked.

“It’s fine. I live with my mom, she’s an interior designer and also a

workaholic,” she grinned. “She’s mostly never home… well, it’s been

like this ever since my dad died three years ago. She’s been working

hard to send me to a good school and maintain our life the way it used

to be,” she said, her smile fading. She looked out the window, seeing

the empty sidewalks.

Han considered her. She was all alone, in a world that gave her only

sadness, she was desperate to cling to anyone whom she could

trust…trust? It gave him something else to think about. She trusted him

huh; why though, he had pushed her off a school building and nearly

drowned her. He was no different from those bullies.

It was nearly midnight by the time he dropped her home, fortunately

Shioon’s mother was on night shift saving him the trouble of answering

awkward questions.

“Take care of your self and come back to school. Even if I do start

teaching you, you’re going to quit after a while anyway,” he said

grudgingly.

“You… you agree! Thank you sir!” said Shioon delightedly.

Han looked at her eager face. “Don’t blame me later.”

After waving Shioon’s ‘thank yous’ away, Han made his way on the

silent streets of Japan. His mind buzzing with the day’s events. Her

eager face was still etched in his mind, did she even know what she was

asking for or who she was depending on…

As he walked, he had a feeling that he was forgetting something

important.

That something important was waiting in a French restaurant. Miss Bae

slammed her fourth empty wine bottle down with enough force to

punch a hole through the wood . She crackled when the waiter said it

was about time they closed down the restaurant.

Poor Han always had such bad luck with women.

Chapter 5

The Westside building loomed high over the ongoing traffic on a busy

afternoon. On goers stared at the number of luxury cars driving up to

the building. It was a rare sight. The cars maintained an alignment. A

group of four cars would surround the center car as though protecting

it.

The groups of cars stopped right outside the building’s entrance. Men

immediately got out of the surrounding cars dressed in black and

escorted the man from the center car into the diamond hall.

The hall was a huge one which housed a great gathering. A number of

round tables were evenly placed which were occupied by groups of

people who sat waiting.

“So...many came,” said a teenage boy who was sitting in one of the

tables.

“Of course, most of the organizations have come. The important

incident that occurred recently has provoked quiet a lot of interest,”

said a man who looked like the teenage boy’s older brother. Unlike the

boy, his brother had an air of importance. He sipped on his wine glass,

and was pointing out all the important people to his brother.

The door opened and an attendee announced, “The Heavenly-Way

clan is here!”

There was hush as the gathering stared at the entrance.

A man walked in, surrounded by four huge men. He was tall and lean

and upon closer inspection, he might’ve been in his teens. It was

immediately understood why he was set apart from the others. He had

a powerful aura about him and the regal bearing of a great ruler. He

made his way to the Elder of the gathering and bowed in greeting.

“Nice to meet you Elder, I’m Halvir Val Zenedora of the Heavenly Way

clan.”(Crazy name I know XD)

“Zenedora? Did he just say Val Zenedora?”

The crowd murmured. They craned their necks to get a closer look at

him.

“Heavenly-Way…the place that gave birth to experts of martial arts?”

whispered the boy to his brother.

“Yes…” muttered his brother, preoccupied with his thoughts. “But it’s

not normal for the clan to turn up for this kind of meeting; it must be

something really important…” he quietened down when the elder

spoke.

“It must have been a long journey,” said the elder to Halvir. “Please

make yourself comfortable,” he said, pointing at a seat on the front

row.

As soon as Halvir sat down, the crowd gathered around him to

introduce themselves.

A few tables away, three men sat staring at the crowd around

Zenedora. “What’s with them? It’s not like that guy is god or

something…” said one of them irritably.

“John, it’s not normal for the Heavenly-Way clan to show up. Also

Halvir Zenedora is the successor, so it is a given that the other minor

clans would want to be noticed by him,” said an older man; Charles

Gordwin from their group.

“Well Mr. Gordwin, I think we should thank them for participating in

this conference,” said a young man beside John.

“Apollo, you will do no such a thing-“started John heatedly but was

interrupted when an announcement was made.

“Everybody please have a seat. Thank you for participating. This

conference will be about the details of the death of Boston Gustavo

who recently passed away.”

John’s glass broke with the pressure he was exerting on it. “Easy

brother…” said Apollo, worried.

The announcement continued, “The report is presented by Remo

Mayors.”

A man wearing glasses walked up to the podium and spoke, “Hello, I am

Remo Mayors. After extensive examinations carried out by our best

scientists, here are the results we obtained.” He clicked on a remote

and a slide projection appeared on the screen behind him. The slide

showed an old man with the name Boston Gustavo. “At the point of

impact on the head, there was no damage.” The slide changed, now

showing the X-Ray of a human skull. “However, underneath the skin,

the skull was completely shattered to pieces.”

The crowd gasped. “It can’t be…” muttered the Elder who had greeted

Halvir.

There was loud crash as John knocked his table upside down. “Who was

it!” he roared, “Who the f*ck put a bone crushing strike on my master’s

head?!”

“What, the bone crushing strikes?” whispered the boy. “Yes…” replied

his brother, “it’s a technique that damages internally. It is powerful

enough to break the bone. It is very hard and dangerous to master, only

a few know how to use it.”

“Bone crushing strike…” said the Elder beside Halvir. “In this age, there

are only few who know how to use it. Of those, the one who is most

suspected…”

“Nine-Arts-Dragon,” breathed Halvir, showing the first sign of interest

since the time he had come to the conference.

“Yes…” replied the elder. “If he’s still alive…then gods save the world of

Zorain.”

***

“That can’t be true! I had no choice,” said Han desperately. He danced

around Miss Bae’s table trying to catch her eye. He had been trying all

day to talk to her about the last night’s no-show fiasco.

“Oh ok, you fell into the river right? I believe you, now can you please

go away!” she said, slamming her papers on the table with a force that

was more than necessary.

“How bout I make it up to you, why don’t we have some drinks tonight

at this cool place-“

“You can drink by yourself, I had too much yesterday,” said Miss Bae in

a higher octave, sparks flying out her eyes.

Giving a weak laugh, Han continued his futile attempt, “Then how bout

relieving that hangover…”

“DO I HAVE TO SAY IT DIRECTLY?! I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR STUPID

FACE AGAIN! Don’t even pretend you know me!” She shrieked kicking

her chair aside and stormed out of the empty office.

“Yandi…!” Han cried after her miserably.

***

Lighting a cigarette, Han folded his arms and slumped on a railing on

the rooftop. He made sure the fence wasn’t creaking; he wasn’t keen

on totaling another car. Blowing out, he saw Shioon enter the deserted

school grounds.

“WTF…” he muttered, as she walked limping slightly. Attending school

right after the previous day’s episode was a bit rich on her body.

“Craaaapp, why did I promise her something like that”, he muttered as

she walked towards the entrance. He was thinking of a good place he

could hide from her when someone interrupted his thoughts.

“Nine Arts Dragon?”

***

Angry clouds growled cautioning the school of the oncoming rain.

Shioon winked now and then when her bag slipped from her sensitive

shoulders. She stared out at the gloomy sky and something caught her

eye; Han was leaning against the fence, his back to the school grounds.

Up on the roof, a man stood motionless on the school water tanks that

were held high above the rooftop.

“Phew, here I thought it was the vice principal…and you know what,

this place is restricted to outsiders.” Han addressed the man lazily,

putting out his smoke.

“Nine Arts Dragon,” the stranger repeated, “A legendary name given to

a person who has mastered nine different techniques and the one who

made that name disastrous…I didn’t expect you to be hiding here of all

places.” He slid down the tanks and landed noiselessly, catlike.

Han sized up the man. Sighing, he walked past him to the door and said,

“I’m sorry, but you have the wrong person.”

“Is that so…

It all happened in a fraction of a second. Han had barely reached the

door went the man flew at Han with a sword. Han dodged just in time

to avoid the attack. The attacker striked again with greater force, but

Han avoided him easily. Just when the man readied for his final blow,

Han disappeared in a wisp of dust.

“That was not too bad,” whispered Han smirking. He was standing right

behind the stranger.

“Ghost steps!” breathed the man shocked.

“Oho, you know about that eh?” Han punched the man hard, ripping

the man’s suit and caught the latter’s face in his hand. He rammed him

hard onto the open door with a force that bent the metal.

The loud bang was carried down to Shioon who was about to enter the

school building. She looked up, alarmed, but couldn’t see her master

anymore.

Coughing out blood, the man stared into the fiery depths of Han’s eyes

as Han pinned him to the damaged door.

“Tell me, who sent you?” snarled Han. “Kaiser?”

“Hey, did I disturb you that much,” said the man, sniggering.

“What…

There was a bulge on abuser’s chest that was bound tight with cloth.

There was no mistaking it. Pulling back, Han said, “You’re a woman…”

The girl pulled off the mask she was wearing. Long black hair spilt

across her grinning face.

“Ravenna …?”

Chapter 6

The staircase clanked as Shioon thundered up the stairs forgetting

about her injuries. Dark thoughts revolved in her mind as she thought

of the sound she heard.

“Master…!”

She crashed into the most unexpected scene. Mr. Ozark kneeled on the

floor bare chested, in front of a beautiful woman, who was wearing his

shirt.

Han froze when he saw Shioon standing on the door way; dumbstruck.

“I-I’m sorry!” said Shioon turning away, glowing red.

“Wha -Why are you here!” yelled Han jumping up.

“Er, I heard a loud bang, so I came… you seem ok, so I’ll be going”, said

Shioon blushing furiously and turning away.

“Hey…wait! This is not what you think it is; nothing happened ok,

nothing!” said Han, agitated.

“If you say so…” said Shioon, clearly giving him the, ‘I-don’t-believe-you’

look.

“Oh common Han,” said the woman, wounding her arms around his

waist, “you sly thing…”

“WHAT are you doing? You’re making the kid misunderstand!” said Han

jumping out of her grasp while the woman howled with laughter.

“Okay, Sir…bye,”

“Ah, wait!” said Han wrestling with the woman as he tried to untangle

himself from her.

“It’s okay to have fun once in a while, but please remember this is

school,” said Shioon, giving him a crude look. “And please don’t forget

your promise. I’ll see you later.”

“Waddya mean have fun! This is all a misunderstanding!” Han called

after her, who was already halfway down the stairs.

“My my, you’re interested in scrawny teenagers now…?” said Ravenna

giving him a wicked grin.

“Shut up and LET GO!”

Shioon shook her head as she headed towards her classroom. Really,

she thought, ‘Master was a good man apart from his…err, tendencies.

But who was that woman…?’

“I’m your new health teacher, Lee Ravenna! Nice to meet you!”

Shioon’s question became clear enough when the CCTV showed a

woman introducing herself. It was the same person who was with Mr.

Ozark.

Shioon almost gagged at the reactions the boys in her class had.

Seriously, she thought, ‘What the hell is wrong with this school, hiring

runway models as teachers…?’

She sat in her seat preoccupied with her thoughts when suddenly her

head jerked as someone slapped it.

“Ouch!” she cried out, massaging her pounding head, she looked up.

There he was; Janice’s boyfriend.

Apparently, her standing up to Janice had spread throughout the

school, and hence, their status as the school gang was badly hurt. They

were bound to get their revenge on Shioon.

“It’s time for your lesson,” growled Changho.

***

“Hey all! I’m Lee Ravenna, hope we get along!” announced Ravenna to

an office full of drooling men and bewildered women.

“What kind of clothes is that woman wearing, is that how a teacher

should dress…” muttered the lady teachers grouped together.

“All the male teachers are swooning over her…even Mr. Evan…”

Miss Bae peeked at Han. He sat with his chin resting on the table and

seeming disinterested as always.

“Mr. Ozark, aren’t you going to meet the new health teacher?” said

Miss Bae.

“I’m not interested,” said Han dejected.

“Why not? She seems your type,” said Miss Bae, closely watching him.

“She is but…”started Han but he suddenly looked up. “Hey, you just

spoke to me! You’re not upset anymore,” he said, giving her a puppy

dog grin. “Then how bout dinner tonight!”

“Well…” started Miss Bae, but was interrupted by Ravenna who was

there in a flash.

“Wow, you’re so buff!” she said, brushing a hand against his chest.

“Looks like you work out. I like that…” she said leaning closer to him.

The other’s faces resembled those of owls as they stood watching.

“Come by my place later, I’ll make you a cup of tea...” her voice trailed

away, she gave him a wink that nobody missed, especially Miss Bae,

and left the office.

Han stood rooted to the spot, feeling their stares. He looked at Miss

Bae, apprehensive.

“Well, since you’re already booked for the evening, I guess I’ll pass,”

said Miss Bae coldly and strode out of the office, her nose high in the

air.

“Yandi, wait…!” but she had already left the office.

***

SLAM. The door banged open as Han entered the infirmary.

“What are you plotting?” snarled Han.

“You’re here sooner than I thought,” said Ravenna silkily. She sat on the

table inviting him in.

“GET to the point. Are you playing coy?”

She chose to ignore his question. “Isn’t it ironic,” she said. “That you,

Nine-Arts-Dragon, would be taking refuge at Nine Dragons High School.

The president of this school is part of the enforcement coalition. The

world may not know, but he sure is waiting for the Nine-Arts-Dragon’s

successor to come out of this school, which is why this school is named

Nine-Dragons. But alas…the great 9AD has become his enemy…”

“My name is Han Ozark. If you call me with that again-

“Ah, how modest of you,” she said with a laugh.

“Stop playing and tell me why you’re here.”

“Why do you ask? Isn’t it a given that our reasons must be kept

secret?” she said winking.

“If you knew that, then why are you bothering me?”

“Hey…that kid isn’t she from before?” said Ravenna distracted as she

looked out of the window. “Looks like she’s in trouble.”

“Shioon?” said Han. He went up to the window and looked out. She

was in a punch match again, he swore mentally.

“Who is she? You seem quiet interested in her…” said Ravenna,

watching him abuse the venation blind.

“Think what you want but stay out of my business,” he muttered as he

rushed out of the infirmary.

***

“Hey, Janice…that’s enough, you’re killing her…”

“This b**** needs to know her place!” yelled Janice as she kicked

Shioon. “I’ll see you again tomorrow!” she spat and left.

Small drops of rain slid down Shioon’s bloodied face and scratched

body. She lay face down on the wet ground trying hard to breathe.

A hand slid her hair off her drenched face. She opened her numb eye

lids and saw enough to register her master’s silhouette. Her lips

twitched into a smile. It was her good old master coming to her. She

was safe.

“Yo, still alive,” said Han breathing a sigh of relief as he cupped her

head in his hand.

She closed her eyes again, tears mingling with the rain drops. Just when

Han thought she had passed out, she whispered, “Sir, teach me how to

fight.”

“Hey now…don’t scare me…”said Han. He was amazed at her. She was

unconscious and yet she could still hear him in that state.

“I think it’s time the health teacher took this matter into her hands.”

Ravenna walked towards them and gave him a meaningful look.

Han nodded.

***

A butterfly fluttered in front of Shioon as she lay on her back. She

recognized where she was; it was the same park she used to go with

her father when she was young. She reached out, trying to grab the

splash of colors, but it kept flying away from her. She tried to get up but

her body seemed heavy. She could hear running water close by, must

be a stream she thought…but did the park have a stream?

She snapped her eyes open. A dim lighted room welcomed her. The

sound of water seemed to be like someone was showering. Perplexed,

Shioon got up supporting herself on her elbow, and that’s when she

noticed. She was completely naked! She grabbed the bed covers, and

looked around alarmed. The room was a huge one, with one side of the

wall covered in glass. Quivering, she got out of bed, wrapping the

covers around her and walked towards the glass wall. She looked out at

the scene. One could almost see the whole of Japan from there. She

was in one of the tallest buildings and the view from there was

splendid.

She looked around and saw that the time was five in the morning.

“Oh, you’re up,” said a voice from behind.

Shioon whipped around. A tall woman stood across the room, using a

towel to dry her hair.

Shioon gulped; things like kidnap on her mind.

“You don’t have to be so frightened,” she said smiling. “Don’t you

remember me; I’m your new health teacher, Lee Ravenna.”

“Oh…” said Shioon, her memories of the previous day coming back to

her; the rooftop lady with Mr. Ozark.

“Um, why am I here?” she asked shyly draping the bed cover more

securely around herself.

“Let’s talk about that later. Get dressed; your clothes are in the closet.

I’ll make us some breakfast!” she said and headed out of the room.

Shioon silently dressed and went to meet Miss Lee. The delicious smell

of bacon and fried eggs wafted as she sat down on the dining table.

Ravenna brought out two plates and served the breakfast. Before

starting, Shioon cleared her throat to ask the questions that were

overflowing her mind.

“You were beat up pretty bad, so Mr. Ozark left you in my care,” said

Ravenna before Shioon could ask. “I gave you a massage, just think of it

as a sort of healing. You feel better right? Even your bruises are fine

and your metabolism has sped up so you must be hungry…it was all his

idea of course…”

“Oh…okay,” said Shioon weekly, thinking about her master when her

stomach growled loudly. Embarrassed, she let her grinning health

teacher butter up her toast.

“Anyway, I’m curious…what’s up with you and Han?”

“Well…nothing much, I just wanted him to teach me mart- um

something,” said Shioon uneasily. Mr. Ozark was quiet disturbed when

Shioon came to know about him. It would be best if she kept it a secret.

“Teach you…martial arts?” guessed Ravenna.

“You know too?”

“Really?!” continued Ravenna amazed, “Nine-Ar-, I mean, Mr. Ozark

said that he would teach you martial arts?!”

“Y-Yes,” said Shioon wondering why Miss Lee looked so taken aback.

Did she look so incompetent?

Ravenna started at Shioon with an oddly serious expression. Was this

the kid he had chosen?

Ravenna quickly rearranged her face and smiled. “Well, all the best

then!”

Chapter 7

It was nearly day break when Shioon bade goodbye to Miss Lee. Her

mind was buzzing with the new piece of information. So Mr. Ozark was

a full-fledged martial artist and Miss Lee and he were together. Maybe

they were dating or… She blushed pushing the rooftop scene out of her

mind. Knowing Mr. Ozark, that sort of a relationship was not impossible

when it came to him.

Shioon sat at a bench in her vast school grounds. She had asked Mr.

Ozark to meet her. He came walking though the gate, waving at the

guard.

“Yo!” he said, finally reaching her.

“Good morning Sir.”

He nodded and dropped onto the bench beside her.

“Yesterday…thank you for all your help,” said Shioon.

“Ah, no biggy. So, why did you call me out so early?” said Han,

stretching.

“I was wondering if…well, now that my body seems fine, if you could

teach me how to fight,” she said, fidgeting with her bag strap.

Han huffed. “You’re seriously pushy for such a timid girl. Fine, follow

me; let’s see what you can do.”

Han went to the gym room and came back with a bag full of things. He

pulled out a huge iron ball and dumped it into her hand.

“Ok now, try throwing it with all your might,” he said pointing towards

the football net right opposite to them.

She looked down at the ball, “Why?”

“I need to find how strong you are so I can start teaching you don’t I?”

he said impatiently. “And mind, you follow what I say.”

She clutched the ball hard. All the horrible things that had been

happening to her flashed in her mind. Janice, Changho…she was going

to fight them all! She screwed up her face and concentrated hard. Han

tried not to laugh. With all her might, she threw the ball into the air.

Han, who was standing a few feet in front of her, looked at the goal

post. “Wow…I don’t even see it!” he muttered. Just then, a sound of

something falling came right behind him.

He turned around and saw the ball lying two feet behind him. He gaped

at Shioon while she doubled up panting.

“Are, you kidding me? Its seven feet! Seven feet was all you could

manage?!” said Han incredulously.

She tried to reply, but her lack of breathe overwhelmed her. He shook

his head in disbelief and continued, “Fine, we’ll move on…no strength

in shoulders…”

And so they started her test.

SIT-UPS – “3 in one minute…err; you don’t have enough strength in you

abdominal muscles…let’s try something else” muttered Han.

PUSH-UPS –“Two and you’re already done!” said Han dumbstruck as

she slumped on the ground panting.

Next they tried her jumping skills, but her long jump turned out to be

the same distance as that of a tall man’s stride. Han scratched his head

in frustration.

“NEXT, let’s see how fast you are…”

He conducted a 200-meter race where she ran for eight minutes to

complete the lap. When she had finished, she seemed like she had ran

miles without a break.

“THAT’S IT!” roared Han throwing the stop watch in his rage. “There’s

no way in HELL you can learn martial arts with a body like that! It’s

almost a world record! How can you call yourself a human! ”said Han,

flaring. “Forget it! Just forget it! It’s IMPOSSIBLE!”

“No sir, please,” cried Shioon desperately, “I’ll do everything you say-

“Even if I wanted to teach you, I cannot! You are like a car that’s not

even 100 CC!” he yelled poking her forehead.

“So, h-how am I supposed to do that?” she stammered.

Han shook his head. “Look kid, you’re body type is not suitable for

something like this. You have to build up your strength and stamina…by

running at least fifty times this field,” he said looking around at the

school grounds. “How do you expect to fight when you’re an invalid?

Anyway, just forget about learning anything from me.”

She stood staring at him miserably.

“Don’t look at me like that! It’s not my fault…jeez.” He said waving a

hand.

“Go home and come back when it’s time for your class, I’m off.” She

still gave a mournful stare, but he just shook his head, turned and

walked away.

Shioon sat back on the bench dejected, staring at the grounds.

“Fifty laps huh,” she thought. “Fine then, fifty laps it is!”

***

Han was sitting in a coffee shop to while away his time when his phone

started ringing. It was Miss Bae, excited he picked it up, “Hello?”

“Please come to the nurse’s office, quick! Right now the vice-principal is

in a wild rage!” said Miss Bae urgently through the phone.

“Eh?” puzzled, Han snapped his phone shut, dropped a few coins for

the coffee and dashed out.

He checked his watch, it was 9 AM. He finally reached the infirmary

and upon entering, found the VP and Ravenna conversing.

“Hello Mr. VP! Were you looking for me?”

“Mister Ozark!” thundered the Vice Principal. “Have you lost your

mind?!”

“What now?” said Han defensively.

“What did this kid do to you that you had to call her up so early in the

morning and give her such a harsh punishment!”

“Wha-“started Han but Ravenna pulled back the curtains covering the

bed in answer to his question.

“Shioon! What’s wrong with her now?!” said Han shocked.

Shioon lay on the bed unconscious. Her breathing was labored; she

panted hard through her parched lips sweating profusely.

“I carried her all the way here after finding her passed out on the track.

You asked her to run 50 times right? The nurse said she almost had a

heart attack!” said Mr. VP eying Han with disgust.

“No, I just…” said Han helplessly staring at Shioon. The VP left after

giving him a big lecture. Han rounded on Ravenna for explanation.

“Just as you’ve heard,” she said shrugging. “I only found out after I got

here. From what I hear, you were going to teach this girl something…”

“Did she say that?” said Han.

“Well…” said Ravenna choosing not to answer as she headed to the

door. “If that girl were to know who you really are, would she still want

to learn from you?”

“Stop joking…there’s no way I’m teaching her,” said Han not meeting

her eye.

“If you’re tired of jokes then take care of this quietly. Do you want to

risk letting the whole neighborhood know who you really are?”

Han did not answer. Ravenna turned the door knob and walked out.

Shioon muttered incoherently in her sleep.

***

“Hey…Hey, wake up!”

“S-sir,” said Shioon as she sat up. She was in the infirmary again. Great!

Why was it always Mr. Han who woke her up? Her humiliation was

giving some color back to her cheeks.

“Aren’t you tired of this? Do you know how many times you’ve fainted

since the time we’ve met?” said Han sighing. He dragged a chair and sat

down. “I’ve been waiting for an hour for you to come ’round. Let’s

come to an agreement,” he said seriously. “That kid that keeps

bothering you, I’ll take care of him so he won’t lay a finger on-

“No,” said Shioon.

“What no?”

“Didn’t you say that I should take care of my own problems?”

“That…well…” said Han frustrated. Why did he have to give that crappy

piece of advice to a twisted kid like her?

“From now on, I won’t run away,” said Shioon, her face set.

Han gritted his teeth. He knew he could not persuade her anymore. The

girl had the nerves of steel. “Fine! Only after you’ve finished those fifty

laps, will you come to me to learn.” He said heatedly, getting up and

kicking his chair aside. ‘Damn it!’ he thought as he stormed out of the

infirmary banging the door shut. His temper had been on the breaking

point ever since he met her.

“What a great excuse. Fifty laps around the track huh..?” Said Ravenna;

who was standing outside the door. “You do know her determination

don’t you?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care.”

“Really, even though you healed her?” said Ravenna, a ghost of a smile

lingering on her lips.

“Keep your nose outta my business,” said Han in a whisper

dangerously.

Ravenna was clever enough not to test his patience anymore. He

seemed more serious about the girl than she had perceived. She

watched him disappear from the corridor before entering the infirmary.

Shioon had already got dressed and was strapping her bag on her

shoulder.

“You okay” asked Ravenna.

“Ah…yes,” said Shioon. She thanked Ravenna and bowed out of the

door.

“Take care.”

***

Shioon slid her class room door open and entered.

“Hey…that b*tch came without a scratch on her face…” said Changho

as he saw Shioon sit in her seat.

Janice’s face contorted with rage. “O’Conner Shioon!” she yelled. “You

sure have some strength left…running around the track so early in the

morning.” She made her way to Shioon’s seat.

The class went silent watching them. Shioon did not reply.

“Bitch, I’m talking to you!” shrieked Janice grabbing Shioon’s hair.

Shioon looked up and glared at Janice. She swung her arm hard at

Janice and caught her sharply on the face. Janice drew back clutching

her jaw, stunned. Changho was there in a flash. He bellowed out and

grabbed the chair in which Shioon was sitting.

Shioon stumbled and fell to the floor. She covered as Changho raised

the chair above his elbow to strike.

“What are you doing?”

The class glanced at Han who was standing at the door.

“****,” muttered Changho and yelled loudly, “Mind your own business,

it’s just a couple of friends chatting.”

‘Should I just kill that little…’ thought Han, trying hard to keep his face

composed, he said, “The bell just rang, so go and resume your seat.”

Shioon grabbed her table and got up. She picked her bag off the floor

and walked past Han.

“Hey, where are you going?” hissed Han as she headed to the door.

Shioon did not answer but left the classroom silently. Gritting his teeth,

he addressed the class to do self study and followed her out.

Shioon walked towards her locker and opened it. She pulled out her

running shoes.

“Should I take care of her?” said Han leaning against the lockers

watching her. “Think about it, it’s not easy to learn quickly.”

Shioon; who was doing up her lace said, “Fifty laps around the track.”

“What?”

“I’m gonna run fifty laps around the track so you please keep your

promise,” she said shoving her bag into the locker and slamming it shut.

He felt like grabbing her and giving her a thorough shake. Why was she

so obstinate?

“Go on then!” he snapped. “And mind you! If you faint one more time

on me, then the deal is off okay?! I won’t teach you shit!” he yelled

after her.

“Don’t worry! I won’t come to you until I have finished what I was

supposed to do!” she yelled back without turning and walked out into

the sunny grounds.

Chapter 8

The busy city of Japan buzzed with activity at seven in the evening. The

casino was jam packed with business tycoons and undercover mafia

dons. A man sat in a long luxurious couch in its special suits.

“Welcome, you’ve come a long way,” he said with a leer to Halvir

Zenedora who was sitting in front of him across a large table. “Now,

how about a drink first?” he said offering to pour liquor into Halvir’s

glass.

“Lord Zenedora is a minor,” said a man looming behind Halvir in the

darkness.

“Ah- forgive me. I knew Val Zenedora is young but not this young,” he

said with a cold smile.

“I was told you were chasing after him,” said Halvir getting straight to

the point.

The sneer still lingered on his face, but his eyes flashed dangerously.

“Yes, of course. I am currently putting all my effort into this endeavor.”

“Have you had any results?” said Halvir.

“Hey Heavenly Way’s successor!” said the man through gritted teeth,

slamming the bottle down hard on the table. “He killed my master and I

will be the one who’ll get vengeance so you’d better not get involved!”

***

A spectacular Limo zoomed on the high city bridge. The highway lights

reflected gently on its smooth polished surface.

“What was his name again?” asked Halvir; who sat in the car gazing out

at the dark river flowing beneath them.

“John McKenna, he’s the boss of some violent gang,” said his

bodyguard from the front. “He was the second most bothersome of the

three under Boston Gustavo. Even Lord Zenedora Senior worried about

it during his lifetime.”

“Do we have any other information?” asked Halvir.

“No sir. Not yet.”

“You have an appointment with the Wind Clan,” said another guard

viewing his I-pad. “The clan is located southeast of Seoul where they

train, and for a while now they’ve had some issues with the Heavenly

Way.”

Halvir let the information slide through his brain without giving it much

thought. So weary, he thought sliding his window open. Cool night

breeze whipped his fringe back, exposing his handsome face to the

night air. Breathing in; he closed his eyes. After coming down from the

mountains all he had done was meet different clan heads non-stop for

a whole week. He wondered if this weariness would subdue when he’ll

meet him.

Nine-Arts-Dragon…where are you?!

***

Han walked into Shioon’s classroom as the bell rang. His eyes

automatically roved over to Shioon’s place.

“Is that kid sitting on that seat absent again?” addressed Han to the

class rep.

“Yes Sir.”

“Hmm…” he glanced at Janice who sitting at the back as usual; grinning

at an I-phone with her friend.

“Tch, fine, open your books and read the sections where we left off.”

He yawned, his eyes turning to Shioon’s empty seat yet again. It had

already been a week since the last time he had seen her. Her voice rang

in his mind. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t come to you until I have finished what

I was supposed to do.’ True to her word, she hadn’t showed up since

then.

“Idiot,” he muttered. He felt unsatisfied. Something nagged him every

time he thought about her. He gazed through the window at the

mountains starting at the perimeter of the school grounds.

Far away, under the cover of the lush green forests was Shioon. She

jogged up to a large tree and stopped, panting.

“Twenty Five laps!” she gasped in a hoarse whisper.

***

“This week, we’ll be focusing on class attendance,” announced the VP

at the staff table. “If there are any students that have not been showing

up to your classes, you should seek them out.” He looked around and

saw Shioon’s homeroom teacher and said, “Now that I think about it,

Mr. Kim, isn’t there a female-student in your class that has been absent

for a while now? You should pay more heed to it.”

“Ah…yes, Sir,” replied Mr. Kim embarrassed.

Han’s attention drew to their conversation. So Shioon was not just

avoiding him but was missing out on all her classes?

“Disappointing right,” said Ravenna who had just slid onto Han’s table

to sit. “I seriously thought that the girl would stick around...” she

continued watching him closely.

“I don’t give a damn and stop talking to me.”

“Really, then what was that face back then-

Han jumped suddenly at the sight of Miss Bae passing his table. He

immediately put on the ‘specially-for-Miss-Bae-puppy-dog-smile’ and

went skipping to her. “Yandi! You haven’t forgotten about tonight

right?”

“No...How could I forget about a dinner date with you…” said Miss Bae

wearily.

Ravenna face hardened. Her presence never failed to move a man, but

when it came to Han, it was a different case altogether. She made up

her mind. She gave him a cold smile when Han glanced in her direction,

and walked away with an air that even Aishwarya Rai would’ve envied.

Han knew that look only too well. The woman was up to something.

Chapter 9

It was evening by the time Shioon had completed the twenty five laps

in one go. She went home with a feeling as though she had just won a

tremendous battle single handedly. Smiling to herself, she clicked open

her apartment but was surprised to see the lights on.

“Mom?”

“Come in, Shioon,” replied her mom curtly.

“What’s…up?” said Shioon apprehensively. It was rare for her mother

to sound so serious. Did she forget to switch of the gas or something?

“I got a call from your homeroom teacher.”

Shioon froze her hand at the door knob.

“Where have you been going to while skipping class? Are you hanging

around some bad kids?

“No mom, it’s…” said Shioon turning to face her.

“How could you disappoint me like this? What am I working so hard for!

It’s all for you!” yelled her mom.

“Stop it,” mumbled Shioon shaking.

“What?”

“I said stop it!” shouted Shioon. “Do you even know what I’m going

through right now?!”

“You…you…” said her mom, flailing for words.

“Me what?! You’re not even trying to listen to what I’m saying!” yelled

Shioon.

“Where do you get off yelling like that? You think what you did is prize

worthy?” said her mom, angry red patches on her cheeks.

Shioon looked away from her. She turned back to the door and

muttered, “Forget it…You don’t get it…

“Hey! O’Conner Shioon!” her mom called after her as Shioon ran down

the stairs barely able to see through her wet eyes.

She sat in the park bench staring endlessly into the night feeling numb.

“Hey what’s up? It’s not safe for a girl to sit in the dark.”

Shioon snapped out of her melancholy. Ravenna Lee stood smiling,

wearing a track suit.

“Here,” she said offering Shioon a soda can.

“Thank you…” mumbled Shioon accepting it.

“I haven’t seen you at school for a while…are you practicing your

running this late at night too?” asked Ravenna taking a seat beside her.

“How do you know?” said Shioon, puzzled.

“Ah…I have my sources,” she said winking. Shioon thought better not to

probe anymore. Of course it might’ve been Mr. Han who told her.

“Are you any better?” asked Ravenna sipping her soda.

“It hasn’t been easy…” said Shioon slowly. “Every morning I run up the

mountain and every night I’m on the tread mill but… it only gets harder

and harder for me.”

“You have a problem with your blood vessels.”

“Huh?”

“Your body,” continued Ravenna, “has a vascular system in which three

places have been cut off. It’s a bit long to explain but, basically you have

a problem with your blood pressure. It doesn’t affect you in your daily

life, but you can’t be too active. Your chest tends to tighten up or you

faint due to low blood pressure.”

“Then I can never grow stronger?”

“Well…” said Ravenna getting up. “If you continue to do as you are

doing now, maybe you’ll get healthier at the age of 30!” she said

grinning. “It’s impossible in your situation. It’ll be best for you to stop

wasting your time.”

“I can’t just give up! I have to do this to learn from Mr. Han.”

“It is regrettable of course but…” said Ravenna shaking her head. “Why

are you so desperate? Nothing bad about living life without knowing

how to fight.”

“I want to change to protect the people I love,” said Shioon looking up

at Ravenna.

Ravenna looked into her innocent but determined gaze. Sighing, she

said, “Well…I suppose there is a way to help you.”

“Really!” said Shioon perking up.

“Yab,” said Ravenna casually. She stretched out her right arm above her

head as though stretching and released the can she was holding. It flew

and landed right into a waste-paper bin that was twenty feet away

from them.

Shioon blinked. Wow!

“Okeiz, if you’re interested, then follow me.”

After a few minutes, Shioon found herself in her health teacher’s super

cool apartment, staring at small egg-like-thing resting in a specially

cushioned case.

“This,” said Ravenna dramatically, “is a pill that’ll show you a

completely different world from what you have lived until now.”

“Seems like it’s out of a movie,” said Shioon laughing weakly trying to

lighten the mood.

“Well, I guess you could say that…” said Ravenna still continuing with

the mysterious air. “If you’re satisfied with the life you’re living until

now then you should never ever take this pill. Once you take it,

whether you like it or not, you’ll enter a completely new world,

well…almost.”

“Oh,” said Shioon having goose bumps. “Then that blood vessel thing

can be fixed?”

“Yes, off course, but there is something you should know

though…There is a problem. This pill works only on 20% of normal

people.”

Worried at the way she had stressed on the word ‘normal’, Shioon

stammered, “An-and what about the rest?”

“They die.”

***

“Hahaha…”

Miss Bae laughed weakly at a lame joke Han had just cracked. They

were having dinner in an expensive restaurant. Miss Bae was holding a

glass of wine in her hand that explained the reason why she was

laughing so much. No woman in her right mind would find Han’s sense

of humor amusing.

“Wa-wait,” she said in her mirth. “I think I’m drunk.”

“How about we go somewhere private,” suggested Han.

“Oh…where?”

“I’ve booked a really good place!” said Han unable to hide his grin.

“Okay then, please gimme a minute,” said Miss Bae getting up.

“Sure, take your time,” said Han calmly.

As soon as she was out of ear shot, Han let out a battle cry. The rooms

next to his went silent wondering what that crazy noise was just then.

Han grinned silently not able to contain himself. He immediately

booked a suit in an expensive hotel stating his specific cheesy

requirements.

“Settings complete!” he cackled silently. He restricted his thoughts for

our sixteen plus readers.

His phone started ringing, interrupting his wild imagination. He picked

it up, “Hello?”

“What’s up? Having fun?”

“What now?” growled Han. It was Ravenna.

“Well…have you ever heard of such and such?” said Ravenna looking

out her glass wall.

“Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?”

“What happens if an average person takes it?” continued Ravenna,

walking towards the bed which was jerking slightly.

“You’re joking? How could an average person get their hands on that?

They’d have a death wish!” said Han impatiently.

“You see… that kid that’s been trying to run fifty laps around the track, I

fed it to her.”

“What?!”

“I warned her,” said Ravenna as she reached the bed. Shioon lay there

trembling, her veins were protruding out of her body like they were

about to burst. She had closed her eyes and was clenching her jaws

tight, shivering. She gasped now and then for breath.

“I guess even the gods of misfortune are looking down upon her,”

continued Ravenna bending close to Shioon. “I just thought you might

be interested, so I called. Anyways I hope you have a good night~”

“Hey! Hay wait!” said Han, but Ravenna had already cut the call. He

tried calling her back, but the lines were busy.

“Shit!” he yelled and threw the phone on the couch. He stood panting,

what was he going to do? He sat down and grabbed his glass

vehemently. ‘She was a nuisance anyway,’ he muttered thinking about

Shioon.

Her stupid grin swam in his mind. Would she also haunt him forever like

the countless others?

“Damn!” He yelled. He drank his drink in one swig and dashed out.

“I’m sorry, Shioon,” whispered Ravenna as she watched Han jumping

upon buildings on his way towards her apartment. “I just couldn’t stand

by and watch him with another woman.”

Chapter 10

“So… the three of you were sent packing in one blow?” said John

McKenna.

“Yes sir,” said a man. He was with two other large men standing before

McKenna across a long table. They seemed to be covering in the

oppressive atmosphere. “He wasn’t normal, his skills were like in a

movie; he moved so fast!”

“That’s right!” said another, “It was like a whirlwind came out of his fist,

right!” he asked the third man.

John McKenna watched them jibber. He tilted his head and asked,

“…who are you guys?”

{

“Have you forgotten us, readers? Han beat the crap out of us in the

beginning!”

“Yeah, we were the first thugs who made him look cool!”

“Unfortunately, the stupid amateur of an author did not name us.”

*grumble grumble*

“You can find us in chapter one!”

*grin* “We are modest people, if you please.”

}

“That guy,” said McKenna, “Have you seen him there before?”

“Er… no sir, that was the first time we saw him around,” replied one of

them.

McKenna nodded at one of his henchmen. The latter slid his hand into

the inner pocket of his suit.

“No, please Mr. President, don’t kill us!” They raised their hands in

defense expecting gun shots, but the bodyguard threw a few stacks of

money on the table towards them. They gaped at the unexpected

response.

“That bastard,” growled McKenna. “If you see him again, report to me

immediately!”

***

Shioon could see darkness everywhere. The thing that was binding

her…pain, yes pain was ebbing away. Did she die…?

The sound of breathing filtered through her as she slowly opened her

eyes. How many times has it been since she’s been slowly opening her

eyes?

She snapped them open. Her health teacher’s apartment was well lit

this time; she sat up and looked around.

Mr. Han sat cross legged on the floor beside her bed, bare-chested,

with his fingers interlocked in a meditative pose. Strange transparent

fumes seemed to be emanating from his body. Now and then he

coughed during his meditation.

Shioon was just about to call out to him, but Ravenna stopped her.

“Shush, be quiet now!” she whispered.

Han convulsed coughing hard.

“Sir,” yelped Shioon in panic. She tried to get up, but Ravenna clasped

her shoulder and pushed her down. “It seems her internals were

severely affected, after all.” She addressed Han.

“Excuse me?” said Shioon.

“Men of passable skill could only have done this internal energy

transfer for maybe a few minutes but he has been at it for a few hours,”

said Ravenna.

“Did sir just…save my neck again?” said Shioon.

“Don’t make me laugh…” spluttered Han, “I just wanted to see the

extent of that egg’s effect.”

“There you go again,” said Ravenna exasperated. “You came running all

the way because your apprentice was in danger!”

“That’s not true!” said Han glowing red.

“Because of me, you did this…” said Shioon turning misty eyed.

“I just said that’s not it! Stop crying like a baby, you lug head!” barked

Han. “Geez, Gawd knows what’s wrong with women and their tear

glands…” he muttered getting up. But as soon as he did, he started

coughing violently.

“Master…”

“Shut up you brat! Because of you, I’m in this pathetic state…I feel like

you!” he yelled.

“I’m sorry” she mumbled.

“Stop yapping and come to school already,” he said sliding into his shirt.

“I’ve got enough of the short end of the stick trying to cope with your

impulsive nonsense. Whether it’s fodder or feed, instead of becoming

either, I’d rather teach…”

“Really!” said Shioon.

“Han…” whispered Ravenna, “you’ve finally taken on a disciple?”

Putting on his coat, he walked past Ravenna to the door, making sure

that Shioon’s attention was elsewhere, Han turned to Ravenna and

said, “I don’t know what your intentions were, feeding her that egg.

But…” he moved closer to her, his eyes glowing with unmistakable

wrath. Ravenna tried not to retreat. “If you try to hurt her again…I

won’t let you get away with it.”

He slammed the door shut. Ravenna breathed out, leaning against the

door way for support. She snapped back to herself when she heard

Shioon drop something inside.

“Um…will Mr. Han be okay? He didn’t seem to look all that well…” said

Shioon worried.

“Don’t worry; he’s Nine-…a strong guy. Even if gang bangers team up

ten-to-one against him, he’ll be fine.”

As soon as Han closed the door, his light bulb went off. He lost his

strength completely and slid down to the floor. “Crap, I’m spent,” he

muttered shakily.

Shivering and vibrating like a mobile phone, he made his way to the

nearby park; he found a bench and immediately lied down. His

apartment was quiet a distance from there, a park would make no

difference. He needed a place to rest; sleeping on the streets wearing

an Armani would’ve been too conspicuous.

“Han…you fool…,” he muttered into the night.

He didn’t remember that last time he was in such a bad shape. The girl

was going to destroy him and yet she drew him to her. She brought

about strange emotions that were alien to him. He rested his hands

under his head and looked up at the star-lit sky. Ever since he had met

Shioon, his past memories seemed to come back to him. He soon slid

into a memory that was engulfing him.

Once upon a time, on a rainy day, a boy of about twelve years was

slumped on the ground crying hard. A man sat watching him from the

shelter of a cave in a huge mountain. He had long hair pulled back in a

high ponytail and wore a yukata. (A traditional Japanese garment.)

“Go back, Kid… I have nothing to teach you,” he said gravely.

“Please Master! I beg of you to save me! I want to be stronger, please

make me stronger,” cried the boy, his face bruised and bleeding.

The sound of rushing water faded as Han came back to the present.

“Damn…” he muttered, tried to push his past out of his mind.

***

“Yeahahah, what luck!”

The thugs, who were beaten up by Han in the first chapter, were

passing the park.

“I thought we were goners for sure but instead he gave us money!” said

one of them.

“McKenna sure is a generous guy after all…”

“Hey look at that! Armani man!! Hey… isn’t that..?”

The three of them looked at Han sleeping on the bench. “It’s

him…right?”

***

“John…please be more cautious.”

John McKenna slammed his glass of drink onto the counter. He and the

young man from the conference were drinking in a bar.

“Apollo, stop pestering me. I’ll take care of my business my own way,”

said McKenna taking a shot.

“The Nine-Forms Dragon is a dangerous man! We don’t have that kind

of power-“

McKenna’s phone started ringing interrupting Apollo.

“I found him Sir! He’s in the park next to Nine Dragons High School.”

The three thugs were kneeling down hiding behind the bushes close to

where Han was resting.

“Capture that bastard, I’ll be there soon!” growled McKenna.

***

“What did he say?” whispered one of the thugs.

“He said to capture him…”

“Er…just us?”

The three went into silence imagining the consequences.

***

“Something came up, I’ll be leaving first,” said McKenna fastening his

coat buttons.

“John, don’t do anything rash!” pleaded Apollo.

“Rash…” muttered McKenna as he went to stand beside a Billiards

table, the players made way for him instantly. “That… is something that

should be said to that bastard.” He picked up a Billiard ball in his hand

and crushed the metal to pieces.

The crowd gasped.

“John! Have you managed to accomplish the tenth rank of strong metal

hand?!” said Apollo stunned.

“That nine dragons shit can use his soul-crushing strike as much he

likes, but I will make this face like this,” he said, dusting the powdered

iron.

***

Han snapped his eyes open. He slowly got up and looked around. He

had a strange feeling he was being watched. He checked his

surroundings but it was just the leaves rustling with the wind.

“Damn…I feel so hollow…” he muttered. He felt uneasy; the silence

seemed to caution him of an oncoming storm.

Right on que, slowly people emerged from the darkness. Han’s face

hardened as he saw them swarming around him, blocking his exit

through all directions.

“Yo, we meet again!” said the thug nastily. “Destiny don’t ya think?” he

continued trying to sound important.

Han corked his head to side and said, “Who are you?”

“First chapter, first chapter!” yelled the three of them impatiently.

“Aha~ so, you’re the dolts from before,” said Han getting up. He slid his

hands into his pocket, but the others noticed his unsteadiness.

“Damn, why did we have to spend all the money to bring these boys

here when he’s like this,” muttered one of them miserably to the other

two. “Hey! You need to stay here for a bit. There’s someone who wants

to meet you.”

“What if I don’t feel like it?” said Han casually.

“Shithead, you don’t even look so hot. What’s with the attitude? Boys,

beat some manners into ‘im!”

Han barely seemed to move, but the two men who had advanced on

him were already knocked off their feet with bloody faces.

The third thug looked down at his two unconscious friends. The army of

men muttered, “What just happened?”

“So, bring it on!” Han called out.

“Are you crazy!” yelled the thug, disappearing from the front and

appearing behind the group away from Han. “Can’t you see?! We have

more than twenty men here!”

Han snorted as he pulled out a cigarette. With a deadly glare, he said,

“Wanna go at it…twenty three to one?”

The crowd hesitated, seeming intimidated. “Whadd’re you guys waiting

for?! GET HIM!” screamed the thug.

With a loud battle cry, the braver men attacked first and so the

onslaught began.

“It’s show time,” muttered Han.

The first three men advanced with their base-ball bats raised high ready

to strike, but as they reached near enough to crack Han’s skull, they

swung their bats wildly just to be met by thin air. Stunned, they looked

around for Han who had disappeared at the precise moment and

appeared behind them.

The next set attacked. But Han used the same mysterious technique to

avoid them too.

“What is this...what’s going on...?” They muttered agitated, looking at

their comrades fallen with multiple injuries while there with no sign of

Han fighting them at all.

“Don’t stop, fools! Attack together!” screamed the thug.

They advanced like angry bulls all at once. Han slowly exhaled. In each

puff of smoke, he moved like a ghost through their ranks, disappearing

and appearing, avoiding them easily. The attacks that were aimed at

him were leading them to beat one another. He popped out of thin air

and turned up behind the group.

“You bas****! Are you some kinda demon?”

Han snorted, “Are you all done,” he said, lazily glancing over his

shoulder at the troupe of men. “It’s my turn now, isn’t it?”

“He’s a monster!” screamed one of them. “I’m outta here!” yelled

another. The men scattered and left at top speed.

“Hey wait! What are you guys doing?! Wait!” yelled the thug panicking.

Han slowly moved closer to him, “Look here,” he whispered. He puffed

out and pulled his cigarette from his mouth. He took the thug’s hand in

his and said, “I don’t want to cause trouble, if you keep following me

around, then I will make you burn,” he said calmly as he placed the

cigarette butt on the man’s finger. Howling, the thug drew back, giving

Han one look of terror, he waddled off as fast he could in the direction

of the exit.

Han swore loudly. On top of being exhausted, he was down to the last

of his spirit energy. If he didn’t hurry up and find a quiet place to

recover-

The sound of clapping interrupted his thoughts. A man slowly

immerged from the shadows. “Incredible,” he said with a cold smile. “It

was too bad I was by myself to witness this spectacle.”

The speaker was tall and lean, with cold grey eyes. He had a scar across

his lips like someone had vehemently slashed his mouth.

“What’s this, you the boss?” said Han, putting out the cigarette.

“Perhaps,” said the man. “It would be better to introduce myself as the

Nature’s-Song-clan head, John McKenna, Nine-forms-Dragon.”

Han convulsed internally. For him to fail to notice such a guy

approaching, his senses were really shot.

“But I am a little disappointed,” continued McKenna coldly. “To see you

drained from fighting such trash. I don’t sense you’re… Zor at all.”

“What is the head of Song doing here? Did you want to make Gustavo’s

enemy pay?”

McKenna laughed. “So…It was you,” he growled with a sick grin. He

turned away and said, “Follow me. And for the record, don’t try to run

for it”. He pulled out his phone and said, “One call, and you will be

surrounded by numerous members of the coalition in the

neighborhood.” He glanced over his shoulder at Han, “You don’t want

that kind of attention now do you?”

Unsteady, and left with no choice, Han followed.

***

(01-August-2012)

“McKenna said that?” said Charles Gordwin. He was having a phone

conversation with Apollo.

“Yes Sir,” replied Apollo.

“Understood, I’ll take it from here,” he said and shut his phone. “Excuse

me for the long call.”

He sat at one side of a table opposite a man wearing glasses.

“Not at all Lord Gordwin, excuse me for seeking you out so late,” said

Remo mayors setting down his cup of tea. “The matter at hand… why

do you think the Nine-Forms-Dragon would attack the previous great

master Gustavo?”

Gordwin considered him. “What is the reason for this investigation by a

government figure? I thought it was unspoken law that the government

does not get involved with Zorainian matters.”

“That may be true sir,” said Mayors fidgeting with his glasses. “I cannot

go into details but in the past months there have been some disturbing

events that have occurred. Should the Nine-forms-Dragon be involved

in this matter, it is my superior’s belief that this will not end at the

world of Zorain.”

Chapter 11

“Hmm…did the night shift end,” sneered McKenna as he surveyed the

city streets. Han had followed him into a broken down fifteen storied

building. They were on the highest floor. The walls were crumbling and

the floor was covered with dust and broken furniture.

“How is it? Do you like the grave I specifically chose for you,” said

McKenna, his back to the city lights.

“Cut to the chase, this is annoying,” growled Han shifting his weight

from one foot to another.

“Oh, such confidence…even with the state you’re in.” He gave a cold

laugh. He had not missed Han’s movement. “See this?” He said pulling

out a remote with two blazing red buttons. He clicked on the first one.

The pillar on Han’s left beeped. He looked around to find a timer which

was set for 10 minutes, start ticking. He whipped around to find all the

pillars fixed with bombs.

“What’s all this?” said Han.

“This building was going to be demolished,” said McKenna, watching

Han closely. “So, we’re just speeding up the process. See the timer?” He

waved at the pillar, it showed 9:47. “That’s the time left until the

explosion. That is, until your death.”

McKenna stretched his right hand out and crushed the metal remote-

control to pieces. “If you can’t defeat me in ten minutes, you won’t be

leaving alive.” He said, dusting the powder to the ground

“Are you insane? We both are gonna die!” yelled Han.

“It doesn’t matter. If I can make my master’s enemy pay then my own

life is worth nothing,” whispered McKenna, his eyes gleaming mad.

“This crazy whacko…” muttered Han. He looked around for an exit. A

slight breeze rustled and McKenna disappeared. Han blinked and dived

out of the way just in time to avoid McKenna’s attack. Han rolled onto

his knees and saw McKenna skidding across the floor leaving a trail of

dust.

“Didn’t I tell you, you cannot leave,” leered McKenna.

Han swore mentally. He had to end it quickly. Whiling away any more

time would put him in a disadvantage. McKenna and he were ten feet

apart glowering at each other.

Han crouched, readying a soul-crushing strike. Energy from his entire

body channeled to his hand as he closed his eyes. McKenna and Han

kicked out hard and sprang at each other like panthers at the same

time. As Han’s hand was about to collide with McKenna, he noticed

that the latter’s hand was open, too late for Han, McKenna’s hand

enclosed around Han’s fist and there was a loud crack.

Han yelled as his knuckles smashed and his fist was upturned. McKenna

swiveled around behind Han, clutching Han’s wrist. He used his other

hand to grab Han’s right shoulder to push him down on his knees. “So,

let’s break the fist that delivered the soul-crushing strike to my master’s

head!” He squeezed hard until the unmistakable sound of bones

breaking and Han’s ear splitting roar filled the empty building. He threw

Han away from him.

“The soul-crushing strike is a technique used in parallel with internal

energy. At the exact movement of impact they have to be properly

matched for it to be executed.” McKenna revolved around Han like a

predator around its prey. “If the movement is blocked like this, then it

becomes nothing more than a useless fist.”

Han panted dragging his broken arm around him.

“Is that the best you’ve got? Nine-Arts-Dragon,” leered McKenna. He

struck Han again with a kick. Han swung his left hand out to avert the

blow but was blasted off his feet. He hit the pillar about five feet up the

ground. He retaliated immediately by pushing himself off it and sprang

at McKenna, aiming a punch at him. The latter shielded the blow by

locking his arms together. Han jumped back to the pillar and cart

wheeled to slam his leg over McKenna’s head. But this time, McKenna

locked his arms in such a way that Han’s foot was caught between

them. “Got you,” he whispered and swiveled his arms apart. Han

revolved in mid air and landed in a crouch grimacing, his socks torn

with a bleeding ankle.

McKenna threw Han’s shoe away. “Hmm, you were lucky. I was going

for the Achilles Tendon.” He stalled around Han. “Strong Metal Hand,

when raised to rank ten, it can even tear flesh and bones.”

Han shook trying hard not to fall over. His vision was darkening… His

right arm was useless and his energy was completely used up. Was this

the end of Nine Arts Dragon?

He thought of Shioon, it was all her fault! The past events were flashing

through his mind. How many times did that defenseless girl get beaten

up; six to one?

“I won’t give up!!...Teach me how to fight, master….I am ready to die… I

trust you…”

“Damn that girl…” he muttered. For a master’s will to be weaker than

his disciple’s, isn’t that something to be ashamed of? He gave a hard

smile.

“Bring it on.”

***

Charles Gordwin clicked his phone off as Mayors and he walked out of

the restaurant. “Is he not answering?” said Mayors.

“That’s strange,” said Gordwin. “When I call John, he always answers

even if he’s in the middle of something.”

“Is there something bothering you?” said Mayors.

“He has always been a great disciple to his master. Nothing else

mattered to him other than his creator. I’m just concerned that he’ll

end up doing something rash.” Gordwin sighed as they walked on the

street. “Besides, after his master passed away, within a few days he

achieved the tenth rank for strong metal hand.”

“Wow…that’s impressive,” exclaimed Mayors. “But how is it a

problem?”

“That boy is very extreme…to the point that it’s too dangerous,” said

Gordwin.

Mayors knew there was more, but he did not probe. He opened his car

door for Gordwin and said, “Please ride with me, I myself have not seen

Mr. McKenna for a long time.” Gordwin hesitated but eventually gave

in. When they were settled in the car, Mayors asked, “So…what do you

think must be occupying Mr. McKenna in the middle of the night like

this?”

“Is that curiosity of yours for the sake of your work?”

“Ah, my apologies,” said Mayors. “Would it be a problem if I know

about it?”

“No…It’s not really a secret,” said Gordwin. “Strong Metal Hand at the

tenth rank can tear apart a car’s steel panel. To reach that level, one

needs to make one’s hand and fingers nimble enough to rip steel.”

“And McKenna was at rank five,” said Mayors.

“Yes,” replied Gordwin. “However, for him to have raised it to rank ten

in just one month…”

“Then he did not undergo the usual training… In that case, how long

can he hold it?”

“It will be possible only for a few minutes if he’s prepared to live the

rest of his life crippled.”

***

The timer beeped at 5:00.

“Do you really think this is the time to keep evading me Nine Arts!”

screamed McKenna as he launched himself at Han. Dodging yet again,

Han disappeared and clung onto a pillar.

“Hmph, this is really disappointing! Nine-Arts-Dragon, nothing but a low

life who runs from his enemy,” he cackled as he followed Han around

the room. Han found an upturned couch; he kicked it hard in

McKenna’s direction. It flew at him but he cut through it with his hand.

Han whirled out of the way as McKenna’s iron hand banged across the

pillar, breaking it to pieces.

“How long are you going to run!” yelled McKenna frustrated.

Han struck at McKenna with another soul-crushing strike but the latter

jumped out of the way.

McKenna got up as Han stood heaving at the pillar. He was thoroughly

spent. Just then, something caught his eye. Dark crimson blood was

splashed across the pillar at the place where McKenna had struck.

“Could it be…” he muttered and glanced at McKenna’s right hand. It

was dripping with blood.

“What? You surprised at this predicament?”

Han heaved huffing. McKenna was a crazy man who was using a

technique his body was unaccustomed to. It dawned on Han that it was

probably why McKenna had set the timer to only ten minutes.

“Trash like you,” continued McKenna. “Don’t understand the sacred

relationship between master and disciple. I owe my master a life time.”

“Ha….ha ha!”

Han’s clear laugh filled the air, echoing around them. “You know…I was

actually ready to give up, but you got me motivated. I had barely

started to avenge my own master’s death!”

They were back to square one when both McKenna and Han flew at

each other.

McKenna opened his hand to catch hold of Han’s left fist like before.

But this time, Han spun out of his line of force to face McKenna’s back.

Han swung his leg high in the air and struck McKenna’s face. Before he

could recover, Han’s fist connected with McKenna’s face. The air

whistled and blasted like a ring around McKenna’s head as he was

smashed right through the pillar. The soul-crushing strike this time was

carried out in full throttle.

Han pulled back, his hand dripping with McKenna’s blood as McKenna

slid down the pillar to the ground. Han huffed and said, “Give my

regards to your master.”

The beeper beeped reminding Han of the timer. It showed fifty seven

seconds. He looked at the stairs but he had no time to go down. He

turned his back on McKenna and was about to leave when a hand

snatched his ankle. Han cried out.

“Strong metal binding…” wheezed McKenna whose nose and most part

of his face was shattered. “It’s the last act…Even in death, one will not

let go of what one has grasped.” He rammed his other hand into the

ground and pulled out a metal pipe. “Let’s go visit my master together

shall we?”

“You-“

The beeper announced, “Three, two, one.”

BOOM.

***

----------------------End of Volume 2--------------------

Chapter 12

Shioon approached her class room and stood outside feeling nervous.

Clenching her teeth, she slide the door open. The class quietened to

glance at her. They silently made way as she headed to her seat. Most

gave her looks of sympathy while others murmured to themselves. It

had been a week since she had last attended school.

“Oh…look who is back from the dead!” Janice drawled loudly. Shioon

ignored her and sat down.

Janice walked up to Shioon and said, “Yo! I’m talking to you, isn’t it

manners to greet an old friend?” She slapped Shioon’s head.

Shioon clenched her hand into a fist, repeatedly telling herself to ignore

Janice.

There was a loud sound of an engine roar. “Hey check it out! This shit is

awesome!” yelled a boy who was near the window. The rest of the class

gathered around him to investigate.

This thankfully left Shioon alone. Her hand throbbed and felt wet.

Curious she raised her hand to check; it had blood oozing out from the

palm and fingers.

***

A Lamborghini roared across the school grounds as it zoomed and came

to a stop. The door opened upwards and a lean man got out of the car

with golden hair that was braided. His eyes were wide in his comically

oval face. He looked up at the windows where students and teachers

alike pressed their noses.

“Yo! Boys and girls!” He waved cheerfully as though the onlookers were

throwing confetti at him.

“Hey who are you!” barked Vice Principle as he waddled as fast as he

could towards the new guy. “Where the hell are you parking the car?!”

“You are…?” said the man, looking at the VP.

“I...I’m the vice president of this institution,” said the VP importantly

setting his glasses.

“Oh voila!” said the man delightedly and hugged the VP like an old

friend.

“Wha- who are you!” said the VP flustered as he pushed himself free.

“Oh, right introductions! I’m Alex Lewinsky! Heard you were looking for

a janitor! So, here I am.”

The VP’s face turned to stone…janitor?!

The staff room was buzzing around with this new entry. The men were

grouped up together discussing how a janitor could afford a

Lamborghini.

The VP grumbled to himself on his way to the office wondering why the

President was hiring such weirdos.

He shrieked at the male staff to get back to work and found Miss Bae

sitting at her table. He headed to her and asked, “Miss Bae, have you

seen Han Ozark? He missed the morning staff meeting today…”

When Miss Bae looked up, Mr. VP recoiled at the look of horror on her

face.

“How…the hell should I know if that piece of garbage came or not…”

she muttered.

The VP shook at the gloom surrounding her. “Sorry, my apologies…” he

murmured and turned away; almost running from her.

***

“I’m curious too,” said Ravenna as Shioon followed her to the infirmary.

“Then you don’t know where Mr. Han is?”

“How am I supposed to know?” She said bitterly. “I’m not his wife or

anything…” Her tone was almost mournful. “Well… anyway what’s up

with your hand?”

“Oh…I don’t know. I made a fist and all of a sudden it started bleeding

like this.”

Ravenna took her hand and inspected. “Just a fist you say…” She had

that oddly serious look on her face which made Shioon worried.

“Er…everything ok…?”

“AH, first let’s just patch it up for now,” said Ravenna as they continued

to walk.

Suddenly an arm just brushed Shioon aside. She spun around to see a

man wound his arms around Ravenna’s waist.

“Ravenna, I miiiiised you baby!!!!” yelled the blond stranger.

“Alex…”said Ravenna gritting her teeth. “I do remember telling you...

NEVER TO TOUCH ME AGAIN!” She grasped his arms in a vice-like grip

and unlocked them from her waist.

Alex yelped as his veins stood out from his arm. She swung her leg high

into the air and kicked his head, sending him crashing to the floor.

A few more beatings later, Alex and Shioon sat on the infirmary bed

getting their bruises fixed by Ravenna.

“Ouch ouch,” cried Alex as she slapped a band aid on his forehead.

Shioon gave him a pitying look. “Come on Ravenna, don’t you think

your display of affections went a bit overboard?”

“Oh, you wanna see my real signs of affection?” She said brandishing a

hospital knife.

“Alright alright,” he grumbled massaging his arms. “By the way, who’s

this cutie?” He asked as he smiled cheekily at Shioon.

“Watch it…she is Nine Arts Dragon’s disciple.”

“Whaaat!” yelled Alex jumping away from Shioon. “The ******* is

here!!!!”

“Yes,” said Ravenna calmly as Shioon wondered what nine arts dragon

meant.

“Holy shit! I calculated wrong!” He screeched pulling on his braids. “If

I’d known he was here, I would’ve charged more!”

“Do your calculations outside!” Snapped Ravenna pushing him out of

the door and slamming it shut. She turned on Shioon. “Now, show me

your hand.” She pulled out cotton and started dabbing Shioon’s palm

lightly.

“Um, about Mr. Han…he’s never been late like this. Is it really ok…?”

“Oh don’t worry ‘bout him. He’s probably just sleeping in.”

***

The corridors were dark and extremely cold. Gordwin and Mayors were

in a morgue to examine a body. Mayors covered his nose with a hand

and seemed quirkier than usual.

The guard led them to a wall of shelves, where he pulled out a draw

numbered 203. The body was covered in a veil that had spats of blood

on it. “Please identify,” said the guard.

Gordwin pulled the veil off the body’s face.

“Nine-Arts-Dragon!”

Chapter 13

“Wait a minute Mr. Gordwin, was that Nine Arts Dragon?” said Mayors

as he followed Gordwin out of the morgue hurriedly.

They were on a footpath whose view was blocked by the ongoing

traffic. In answer to Mayors question, Gordwin stopped suddenly and

raised his right leg above the ground. When he put it down, Mayors

yelled and leapt away as the ground beneath his feet shuddered and

shattered. A crater of about five feet in diameter had formed where

Gordwin had put his foot down. The dust engulfed their feet as

Gordwin took his foot off the ditch.

“This,” said Gordwin as he moved to show the distinct dent of his foot

engraved on the ground. “…is called the focus stamp, the only person

who can execute it at this level, aside from myself, is the Nine Arts

Dragon. McKenna’s hand was cut clean off his arm and there were

traces of the focus stamp.”

Gordwin looked up at the sky. “This isn’t how it’s supposed to be…” he

muttered totally forgetting about Mayors presence. “We’ve reached a

point where things cannot be stopped; you’ve realized that haven’t

you…Nine Arts Dragon.”

***

“Ow,” yelped Shioon as she lay on her back in the infirmary.

“It’ll take just a minute,” said Ravenna as she tapped Shioon’s exposed

stomach sharply. The places where she had smacked were darkening.

“Hmm…” she said, wondering why this was happening. One thing was

sure though, Shioon had tremendous amount of Zor in her, but

Ravenna couldn’t understand why Shioon’s body reacted differently.

Was it the pill?

“Just rest,” said Ravenna buttoning up Shioon’s blouse. “We’ll wait for

Han…I have no idea what’s going on with you.”

“Er, okay,” said Shioon.

“And listen! You must absolutely stay still. No exercising! And no

fighting!” she added sternly. “Your situation is dangerous right now;

you have too much Zor in you. No matter how much I absorb it, it

regenerates that much faster. Simply put, your body cannot contain

that amount. You can die!”

“You’re…joking right?” said Shioon smoothing her skirt.

“Do I look like I’m joking!” muttered Ravenna bitterly. “The pill that you

took was dangerous, and if anything happens to you, he’ll skin me

alive…”

***

Halvir Zenedora walked through the corridors of Moon-Clan’s office

with his four guards.

The staff turned their heads around to watch them pass by, the females

blushing and the men curious.

A lady set down a tray containing two cups of coffee on a table where

Halvir and a man sat on either side.

“Do you need anything else, Mr. President?” said the woman

addressing the portly man opposite Halvir.

“No thanks please leave us now,” he replied. The woman furtively

glanced at Halvir before walking away blushing.

“I’m really honored, Lord Zenedora. You’ve come here despite your

busy schedule,” said the president of One Moon Clan.

“To seek help from Heavenly Way, its serious matter isn’t it?” said

Halvir.

“Yes…well, do you know of the Dan* we posses?” (*the pill that

Ravenna gave Shioon)

“Yes, One Moon Clan’s Dan sect forges it,” replied Halvir.

“True, the external Dan Sect carefully directs the process of breathing

to create accumulated energy with the aid of drugs. Four Dans were

created but in truth we have only one.”

“Are…you referring to the WalsainDan?” said Halvir.

“Yes, it took almost two centuries to create it; the ingredients have

carefully been collected through time by our best men. It is priceless.”

He fidgeted with his glasses; a layer of sweat covering is bald head.

“Three…have been stolen. We performed an internal investigation but

to no avail. We failed to catch the perpetrator.”

Halvir considered him. “You want the Heavenly Way Clan to get

involved with internal matters of One Moon?”

“Lord Zenedora, with all due respect but this is not just simply a matter

of our clan. The WalsainDan has as much energy equivalent to several

times the top elite martial artists together. Should it fall into the wrong

hands, the balance and equilibrium of the world would be destroyed.”

“So the one who stole them could have already administered it?” said

Halvir.

“We have no reason to believe that might have happened. Humans

cannot control it. If someone did consume it, his body won’t be able to

accommodate for that amount of energy and…” he snapped his fingers

together. “The body will explode like a water balloon.”

***

Shioon sat waiting on the bed bored. Where was Mr. Han?

The door knob turned, eagerly she looked up but to her horror Changho

and his cronies entered the infirmary.

“Janice is too upset over the likes of you,” spat Changho as he got near

the bed.

“What do you want, I don’t have time for this,” muttered Shioon

panicking. Ravenna had specifically told her not to get into trouble.

“Either you, or Sanders, you decide!” he leered.

Shioon gulped wondering where Ravenna was. Hoping she’d see her on

her way out, she followed Changho to where ever he was taking her.

Shioon was pushed onto the wall behind the gym.

“So, you thought you could get away by hurting Janice,” growled

Changho. “Personally I feel she’s too soft on you…what do you think

boys?”

Shioon’s breathing hiked…they wouldn’t!

“It’ll be that crazy boyfriend of yours after we are done with you,” he

leered.

Something snapped in Shioon at the mention of Zack. How could she

seem so pathetic and let these bastards do as they please to her.

Involuntarily her hand had formed a fist. The warning Ravenna gave her

flashed in her mind, but she didn’t care.

She yelled as she brought the fist to Changho’s face. A loud sound

exploded as Shioon struck.

Han had stopped Shioon’s strike with his hand just before it reached

Changho’s face.

“Idiot, do you plan to spend the rest of your life crippled? You guys, get

the hell out of here before I wrench your guts out.”

“What the hell! Aren’t you fancying you’re student a bit too much?

Word may spread about you two- “started Changho.

“Didn’t you hear me?” whispered Han menacingly cocking his head in

their direction.

One look at Han and they knew it was their queue. They raced away as

fast as possible.

“Mr. Han!” yelled Shioon heatedly and turned to look at him. Her eyes

slowly took in his face and her area of vision expanded to his whole

form. “Oh my god! What happened to your arm?” She said shocked.

Han’s right arm was held tight in a case.

“You little… noticed pretty soon huh,” he said half annoyed and half

amused.

He was still clutching Shioon’s wrist. Her palm was uglier this time as

the flow of blood was more intense. “You see this?” he asked

brandishing her hand to her face like she couldn’t see.

“Yes…Miss Ravenna said I couldn’t get worked up or something…”

“Yes, and knowing full well, you still go around throwing punches!!”

“They were…they were gonna…”she stammered shrinking.

“Use your vocal cords! Women are blessed with such screechy voices

that when unleashed... Moreover, you’re still in school! Definitely

someone would’ve come for help!”

He sighed. “If I were a second late, you’re hand would’ve blown up to

your wrist…courage is good, but don’t be so reckless and stupid.”

He tugged at the ribbon tying her hair, pulled it free and wound it

around her bloody hand. “Now behave and go lie down in the

infirmary. I’ll be there soon.”

“Where are you going?” she asked unwittingly.

“Do I have to report everything to you madam!” said Han as he limped

towards the entrance.

Shioon saw his ankle was heavily bandaged. “You’re foot…do you want

me to walk you,” she asked tentatively.

“Do I look so pathetic to you? I can walk! Darn that tenth rank

bugger…” he grumbled.

Shioon blinked. Just where did he get caught to end up like that?

***

“Then I hope you may assist us,” said the president of One Moon clan

bowing to Halvir in their basement’s parking lot.

“I’ve been wondering,” said Halvir. “When you’re making such an

important request, why isn’t you’re clan leader with you?”

“Ah, well…” stammered the president.

Just then, a Porch came skidding and screeched to a halt. The door

opened upwards and a tall young man got out. He had his hair sleeked

back off his face and wore an exquisite suit. He had distinct sharp eyes

that stood out brilliantly in his handsome face.

“Young master!” stuttered the president.

“Why did you let in outsiders without my notice?” He growled

addressing the president.

“My apologies,” said the president. “However, it was an important

matter-

“Anyway, who the hell are they?” interrupted the man staring at Halvir

and his guards.

Halvir’s guards twitched at the atrocity.

“Let me introduce you,” said the president hastily. “This is Heavenly

Way’s leader Halvir Val Zenedora. Lord Zenedora, this is Damon Craig,

the new leader of the One Moon Clan.”

“Zenedora…” muttered Damon as he surveyed Halvir. “I was wondering

about the much hyped prodigy successor but you’re just a kid,” he said

tossing his key in the air.

The key and the world froze for a second. Damon spun with a fist aimed

at Halvir. It happened in a moment. The air sizzled with electricity

around Halvir as he stopped the strike that was aimed at his face with

his left hand. His eyes glowed as he looked back at Damon.

The guards gasped just realizing what had happened, they roared in

fury. Damon swore mentally, Halvir had stopped his thunder strike like

it was nothing.

“Just kidding,” said Damon looking down at Halvir. “Consider it a

greeting Mr. Zenedora. After all, your reputation demands such

reception.”

Halvir stared coldly back at him. “If you wish to see the skills of the

Heavenly Clan, we can make arrangements for that elsewhere.” Damon

grimaced and turned away.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” said Halvir as he held out Damon’s

car keys.

“Tch!” Damon snatched it vehemently. “Anyway, I can take care of One

Moon Clan’s problems myself, so clear off!”

“Excuse us then,” said Halvir and waved at his guard, one of them

opened the limo door for him and he slid in silently.

The limo drove away as Damon rounded on the president. “Don’t ever

do things on your own again!” He yelled as the president flinched. “I’ll

take care of this matter myself.” He clenched the key in his hand. “That

insolent little…!”

The limo drove out of the gates and sped on in the ongoing traffic.

“I heard that they had acquired a new leader, didn’t think he would be

this young,” said one of Halvir’s guards.

“But his behavior was unforgivable!” said another furiously.

“His record is clean. He’s just an arrogant youngster, but he’s heard to

be really dedicated to his clan,”

“Who knows if that’s true,” retorted the previous guard.

“He is a man too proud to stoop to conspiracy,” interrupted Halvir in his

low voice. “He’d face the problem head on. But regarding the matter at

hand…” Halvir wondered; was it a coincidence that the Dans

disappeared with the appearance of Nine Arts Dragon?

Chapter 14

“Not at all, Nine Arts Dragon is making a move together with us,” said

Ravenna on the phone. “Rest assured he’s on our side. So then, until we

meet next,” she hung up and placed the phone in her pocket. “Ho ho,

9AD’s name sure works well…” she muttered to herself.

“And where are you using my name?” said a skeptic voice from behind

her.

Ravenna straightened; putting on a casual air she turned to face the

volcano. “Whatever do you mean-“she stopped dead at the sight of

Han. “What happened to you!” she said shocked.

Han measured her face, was the woman seriously concerned? “Nothing

much…just that I almost got killed. Answer me, what were you

plotting?”

Ravenna was aghast, who could’ve possibly done that to him? Before

she could reply, Han suddenly yelled out, “Miss Bae!”

He half limped-half ran to Miss Bae, grinning ear to ear. Ravenna’s face

turned to stone. How pathetic; was he really Nine Arts Dragon?

When Miss Bae heard him, without turning back, she hurried off to the

entrance. Han reached her panting and said, “Yaaandi! I’m so glad to

see you!” Her hand accidentally brushed his right arm as she

vehemently turned around. “Ouuuch,” he howled dramatically,

clutching his arm.

Ravenna’s eyes dug holes on Han’s back but he ignored her. Miss Bae

had just noticed his injuries. “What’s wrong…?” she asked despite

herself.

“Well, I got into a car accident,” he said teary eyed. “Last night, I

suddenly felt like bringing you some flowers so I went out on the

streets and was hit by a drunk driver. I was taken to the hospital, when I

came around, it was already noon. My phone was crushed too so I

couldn’t call you…”

“Hmph sounds too melodramatic to be true,” said Miss Bae putting up

an attitude.

“I figured you’d say that. I brought the hospital report…” he said pulling

out a piece of paper from the back pocket of his jeans.

“Oh…” said Miss Bae reading the report.

“My weak point is; I cannot lie…” he said innocently.

Ravenna snorted. He flashed her with a death stare before looking back

at Miss Bae; she had the softest expression on her face. “I’m so sorry

Han…” she mumbled looking into his eyes. They were pretty much lost

into each other when Ravenna passed by them and said, “Han darling,

you left your wallet at my place last night. You can come by and collect

it later at the infirmary.”

Han froze; his hand stroking the now-stony faced Miss Bae. “Oh…so

you got the hospital report from the nurse huh?”

“N-no...!”

Ravenna smirked as Han howled genuinely this time. After stomping

hard at Han’s ankle, Miss Bae had stormed off to her office.

***

“Hmm,” Shioon heard a strange cry from somewhere far away. Thinking

maybe her mind were playing tricks, she slumped back onto her pillow

bored. The door swung open. She ripped her curtains apart to see who

it was.

Two men came lumbering into the room. One was short and fat, the

other was tall and muscular. Both had mean expressions on their faces.

“Is there a female teacher here with the name Ravenna Lee?” growled

the taller man.

“The nurse…?” said Shioon flustered. The fat man nodded at the taller

one and they pulled out knives.

Shioon drew back, “What are you doing! Who the hell are you?”

***

Ravenna made her way to the infirmary feeling satisfied. Smirking, she

opened the door. The lights were all off. “Shioon,” she called stepping

cautiously inside.

Shioon stood on the corner of the dark room clutching her arms

together. She was shaking with her eyes wide open. It took a moment

for Ravenna to register why the room was so much darker than usual.

The walls and floor were covered in dark crimson blood. Two large men

covered in blood were lying on the floor as though dead.

Shioon’s blank eyes glanced at Ravenna. She cried out aloud. “Miss

Lee…!”

***

Han stomped to the infirmary to deal with the fox that was literally

ruining his ‘love’ life. With murder in his eyes, he slammed the door

open and barged in.

“What the-“he stopped looking at Ravenna standing at the middle of a

pool of blood.

“Right on time,” said Ravenna calmly. “I was about to call you.”

“Who are the big dudes?” He asked walking inside.

“Ah, members of my fan club,” she said shrugging.

“Can’t you finish it off neatly?” He said pulling out a smoke.

“Does it look like I did it?” She asked skeptically.

Han looked more closely at the bodies; there was not a single scratch

on them. “It’s not their blood…” he muttered as he examined the tall

man’s wrist, the shirt was ripped out like his hand bloated out of it.

“This is Zor attack.”

“The WalsainDan seems more powerful than we thought,” she said

with a hard smile.

Han sighed. “Where is she?”

“In the basement, she’s…freaking out.”

***

Shioon shivered sitting in the dark. She shook as she recalled what had

happened. The tall man had advanced on her and grabbed her neck. In

her defense, she had clenched his wrist in a tight hold. There was a loud

sound like something blew up and he drew back clutching his wrist

howling, his shirt had ripped off with an unseen force. The same thing

happened when she had dealt with the fat man on the chest.

She clenched her hair with her hand. What if they are dead?

The door opened letting in the light from outside, she didn’t have the

nerve to check who it was.

“Man…what a pitiful kid.”

Relief flooded her as she looked up.

Han leaned against the door frame watching her. “Here,” he said

handing her a package. “Change of clothes from your locker.”

“I-I…” stuttered Shioon, tears threatening to well up. Han shook his

head and sat down cross legged beside her. “You seem to have had

some fun,” he said lightly. “Show me your hands.”

He gently pulled the ribbon apart and checked. He tutted, “You won’t

be able to use them for a week. You should stay at my place or

Ravenna’s, or maybe her flat would be better since it’s nearer to the

park where we can practice…” Han kept blabbing just to take her mind

off things, but she didn’t seem to be listening to him.

“Are they alive?” she asked apprehensively.

“Don’t worry. Even though they were caught by surprise, they are not

weak enough to die by a newbie.”

“Thank goodness,” she sighed relieved.

“So…you’ve got power! How does it feel?” He asked jovially but

apparently it was the wrong question.

She looked at him with a mixture of incredulity and anger on her face.

“No! I’m NOT HAPPY! I just shook them off and they ended up in that

state. What if…I had killed them?”

“Why are you so worried about someone who tried to kill you!” said

Han. “I don’t see you regretting when it comes to that Changho or

whoever!”

“I don’t want to harass the weak to be strong!” She shouted, tears

glistening on her cheeks. “I want power to protect the people I love!”

Her reply had caught Han off guard. His eyebrows knit together as he

considered her. He didn’t say anything but quietly replaced the

bandages on her hand with fresh ones and got up.

“You lose because you think like a coward…if you’re strong, then you

have the right to look down on the weak. That’s the rule of the world.

But…it’s not bad to think otherwise... Keep that fear in you or you

might lose yourself...”

Shioon stared at Han’s retreating back.

“Get changed, I’ll take you home.” He said before slamming the door

shut behind him.

He clenched his fist. His thoughts revolved around a young boy running

to the mountain excitedly where his master meditated in a cave.

“Master, Master! I finished them off easily!” He yelled punching the air

triumphantly. “You should’ve seen me! I used one of the moves you

taught me! So what’s next-“

“Go back,” said his master from the cave.

“Huh-“

“Moves aren’t tools used to harass other people. I can’t teach someone

who enjoys inflicting pain on others.”

“But they got me first!” said the boy.

“Would they feel that you did the right thing? What makes you

different from them?”

“But master-“

“Go back kid. Return when you have learnt the fear of using that

power.”

The door creaked open breaking Han’s spell. He blinked and looked

around at Shioon. “Are you all right?” She asked concerned.

Why was she worried about him when she was in the need of a

support? He shook his head. “Yeah…” He said pushing the memory

away. “Let’s get outta here.”

***

Damon Craig banged into his office. He was closely followed by the

president. “Sir, please reconsider. The Heavenly Way are strong and are

ready to help-“

“Will you stop already? Didn’t I say I’ll take care of it?” He unfastened

his coat and shoved it into the president’s hands. “Now go, I have some

business to do.”

Sensing he couldn’t persuade the young master anymore, the president

took his leave.

“Damn it,” Damon muttered. He sat down on his chair and eased his

tie. The phone rang, he immediately answered it.

“It’s been a while,” said a female voice.

“Ravenna!”

“You sent your underlings. I thought I should at least show you my

gratitude.”

“Where are you?” He yelled, jumping up.

“I will send your subordinates back to you, but off course, they won’t

be able to wake up for a month. Listen here, young master. Leave me

alone. No matter how hard you’ll try, you won’t find me. So then, ciao!”

She cut the call. “Wait! Ravenna!” yelled Damon frustrated.

He tried recalling but the number didn’t connect. He swore and threw

the mobile across the room. “Let’s see how long can you run from me!”

***

“Hey Ravenna!” said Alex. “I’m done.” He held a mop in one hand and a

bucket in another.

She looked into the infirmary, it was sparkling clean. “So, Waddya

think!” said Alex in a satisfied tone. He suddenly shook his head and

said, “Well that’s it. Taking care of those thugs is your head ache.

Man…why is a noble like me doing things like these…”

“Thanks Alex,” cooed Ravenna hugging him from behind.

“An-any time,” said Alex melting.

“You know,” said Ravenna making a baby face. “It’ll be difficult for me

to take care of those big guys, but you’re so good at doing things…” she

smiled winking.

“Off course!” yelled Alex pink on the face. “I’ll take care of anything and

everything!”

“Okay then!” said Ravenna and shut the door on him.

“I was used again, wasn’t I…” muttered Alex disgruntled as he shuffled

off to do her bidding.

Chapter 15

“Good, now concentrate on your abdominal muscles.”

Shioon sat on the ground in a meditative pose. She breathed out and

did what she was told. Han and she were in Ravenna’s apartment.

She coughed, her muscles straining. Han pressed a hand on her back,

“Damn the Zor is flowing backwards again,” he muttered. “Relax

Shioon; focus on your breathing now.”

He swore mentally. The WalsainDan was leading him nowhere. He had

no idea what was going on with her body.

“Um, Mr. Han…my hands are itchy,” she said panting.

He examined her palms and gasped. Just the previous day her hands

were in a horrible condition needing at least a week to heal but now,

only red marks blazed. Her internal energy was spreading evenly

throughout her body, but her Zor flow was completely messed up. He

stared at her, what was WalsainDan doing to her?

“Is there something wrong?” said Shioon.

“Hmm…I don’t know kid...” He got up and stretched, keeping his right

arm as immobile as possible. He looked at the watch, it showed 8:00

P.M “Ok then, let’s just call it a day.”

“Weren’t you going to see Miss Ravenna first?”

“Whyyy would I want to see that fox?!” said Han incredulously.

Shioon grabbed her coat as they both headed out. “By the way sir, what

did I do today?”

“Training your Zor, usually it’s done when you get stronger but your

situation is a bit funny. So, come here again tomorrow at 9 AM.”

“What about school?”

“Since when did you want the perfect attendance record? Chuck the

school! Your life is at stake here.”

“But-“said Shioon just then a car came zooming across the road.

Han whistled, “Sure don’t find a baby like her in this neighborhood. I’d

love to have one too, but I’d stand out…”

The Lamborghini came to a halt a few yards away from them. “Hey…it’s

the new janitor’s car…” muttered Shioon suddenly recognizing the car

from before.

The door opened upwards; Ravenna and Alex got out of the car. Han

raised his eyebrows at them with a hard look on his face. “Thank you

for today, see you then!” said Ravenna flashing a grin.

“No-no baby, you should really let me in for a cuppa this time.” He said

winking.

“Oh…I don’t know,” said Ravenna staling. “I might still have the tiger at

home…”

“What?” said Alex and turned towards the house. He jumped when he

saw Han strolling towards them. “Ni-nine Arts-“started Alex horrified

pointing at Han. Han grabbed Alex’s hand and said, “My name is Han

Ozark!” He said gritting his teeth while his grip on Alex tightened.

Alex’s gaze shifted to Shioon and apprehension dawned on him. “Nice

to meet you Mr. Ozark.” He said sweating profusely. “For a second I

thought you were some else there Ahahaha…my name is Alex

Lewinsky.”

“Um…I’ve heard Mr. Lewinsky call you Nine Arts Dragon before. Is that

you’re nick name?” said Shioon blinking.

Han rounded on Alex furiously.

“My mistake!” howled Alex and jabbered away in a foreign language as

there were unmistakable sounds of bones breaking.

“Er…is it some kind of a secret,” mumbled Shioon.

“Well,” said Ravenna. “It’s dangerous. Putting it simply, if you come

across any person who knows that name, you should avoid them at all

costs.”

A dog’s howl distracted them.

“Ladies-ladies,” tutted Ravenna turning back to Han and a broken down

Alex. “If you’re done with your warm introductions kindly leave my

threshold and Alex, drop Shioon home.”

“Why should I drop her,” mumbled Alex not meeting Han’s eye.

“Alex…” growled Han.

“Off course!” Alex energetically grabbed Shioon and drove away.

“What is he doing here?” said Han without preamble when they left.

“Oh, how would I know,” said Ravenna putting on a façade.

“Why do I even bother asking you…” muttered Han turning away.

“I might remember if you join me for a drink or two…”

Han paused for a second. “Forget it; I’m not in the mood.”

Ravenna watched him walk away. Why was it him of all people?

Wanting Nine-Arts-Dragon’s affections all to oneself was too much to

ask for…she shook her head sadly and went back to the door.

Her phone rang making Han stop. “Hello…yes sir…huh?!”

***

“Whaaat shitty luck,” grumbled Alex as he drove with Shioon in the car.

“Why should I chaperon the precious scrawny darling when I would’ve

been riding with a hot babe right now…

“You don’t have to do this-“started Shioon.

“You think I have a choice!” He yelled fuming. Shioon thought it best

not to talk anymore; the man was losing his marbles grumbling all to

himself.

The phone rang interrupting both their thoughts. “Yo Ravenna,

Waddup!” said Alex.

“Get to the highway stop in the West Mountain right now!!” yelled

Ravenna urgently. “You have to hurry and get there in an hour!”

“Hey-hey! Do you even know where I am?! There’s no way in hell I can

get there in an hour!”

“If you don’t then all our hard work would go to a waste!”

“No girly, no can do.”

Ravenna gritted her teeth but said calmly enough, “How disappointing,

I thought Alex Lewinsky’s driving skills could do it…

“When did I say I couldn’t do it?! Just you watch! I’ll finish this whole

thing within fifty minutes!”

Ravenna shut the phone smirking.

Alex stepped on the gas pedal with all his might.

“Whadd’re you doing?!” gasped Shioon.

“Huh-“Alex had completely forgotten about her presence. He

repeatedly swung his head from the road to her. If he let her off here in

the middle of nowhere, that Nine-Arts-Worm would swallow him for

breakfast. “Urgh I don’t have time to think! You’re coming with me!

Just sit tight and hang on!”

“Hang on to what!” yelled Shioon. The other cars screeched out of the

way as the Lamborghini blurred past them.

They were speeding to a traffic signal which blinked to red. Shioon saw

with horror as two busses started to cross each other ahead of them.

“Slow down! It’s dangerous!”

“Dangerous…?” said Alex baring his teeth. “I’ll show you babe, what

danger really means!”

Shioon recoiled as the car zoomed towards the buses; it swiveled

around the first bus and by a hair apart, flashed past the other. It

successfully whizzed through the small gap and zoomed on.

“Aha!” roared Alex. “That is called adrenalin!!”

“Are you cra-“started Shioon incredulously.

“Hmm…since the road is empty…wanna see how fast this car can go?”

“There’s more?!” started Shioon. Alex accelerated and she wouldn’t

have been surprised if the car was leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

She was pressed against the seat unable to breath.

A building bloomed out of the darkness as Alex sped towards it. He

came to a stop where other cars were parked. Shioon clambered out of

the low seat as soon as possible. After an unpleasant regurgitation

process, she leaned against the car panting.

“Hey-hey, away from the car alright. Here you are calling yourself 9AD’s

disciple…how pathetic…” said Alex shaking his head. He looked around

the empty West Mountain Stop. Just then, a dozen hogs rumbled and

skidded to a halt in the bike section. Alex’s eyes narrowed. “Torrent

Clan…” He murmured.

Shioon meanwhile shakily went up to a high linked mesh and continued

to throw up. After what felt like ages, she leveled out taking long

breaths. The fence rattled, she looked up and jumped away aghast. A

man crouched on the thin fence. He was tall, extremely at that. He held

a long sword dripping with a dark liquid that seemed horribly like

blood. What really held Shioon’s attention was his face. He had wide

staring eyes that seems like a fish, staring in opposite directions. His

teeth were huge like an animal’s. He had a chain pierced from his ear to

lip.

Shioon stood transfixed. Animals were color blind right? She hoped

against hope that if she stayed still, he (it?) wouldn’t notice her.

The stranger’s attention was unfortunately caught by Shioon.

“Oh…sorry did I surprise you?” he said in a hoarse whisper.

Shioon croaked something incoherent. He shook his head and

continued, “Have you seen a white-haired grandpa around here?”

She jerked her head from side to side still having that incredulous

expression on her face.

“Damn, I should have ripped his leg off,” he growled in a low voice.

“Okay then, see ya cutie!” He blew a kiss and jumped off in the

opposite side of the fence and disappeared into the darkness.

“An ogre…” she murmured paralyzed.

“Hey!” Someone grabbed her shoulder. She shrieked making Alex

shriek even louder.

“Don’t scare me like that!” yelled Alex clutching his heart. “Why did you

scream? Don’t just wander off anywhere you like!”

“J-Just now, I saw an ork like thing-“started Shioon shaking.

“Great, now you’re seeing things…?” muttered Alex. “Let’s go, there

nothing here except for those torrent clan jackasses…I’ll kill Ravenna for

this…”

“Did you say Ravenna?”

Shioon turned back towards the fence. A small white creature landed

before her. She screamed and jumped behind Alex. “Ghost!” She yelled.

“Stop pushing me brat!” Alex shouted. “D-don’t panic, it’s just a stealth

technique, anyone around here would know how to do it!”

“Then why are you panicking!” cried Shioon clutching his shoulder.

They were gripping each other when the ghost or whatever

straightened and said, “Alex…?”

“No way…Mr. Wayne…” gasped Alex.

Shioon slowly saw that it was a white haired old man dripping with

blood. “Are you okay?” She squeaked as the bloody man leaned against

the fence.

“I’ve been waiting,” wheezed Mr. Wayne and held out a key with a tag

attached to it. “The item is hidden in this car; I leave the rest to you…”

Alex hesitated. “I don’t know…I’m just a porter. I won’t to be able to

handle something so dangerous.”

“I think you should hear him out,” said Shioon reproachfully.

“Stay out of this,” growled Alex. “This is pro stuff, we could die!”

“How right you are…” said Mr. Wayne feebly. “But it wouldn’t be

difficult. I had switched the package to a different car when they

weren’t looking. If you ride out with it, they wouldn’t notice. I’ll create a

diversion, so please don’t refuse.”

Alex gulped. “They are the torrent clan...no way I want to get involved…

Shioon glared at Alex and said, “Are you sure we’ll get caught? But I

thought your driving can-“

“Off course not! No bugger can catch me while I’m in a car!” He yelled

grabbing the key from Mr. Wayne’s hand. “I’ll do it!”

“Thank you,” said the old man with relief.

Shioon and Alex hurried off but before rounding the corner, Alex

paused and glanced back at Mr. Wayne. “Try to…stay alive.”

The man just smiled and disappeared. “Come, let’s go!” said Alex and

silently jogged to the parking lot with Shioon at his heels. They peeked

from behind a building at the hogs and their delinquent riders. A cell

phone rang amongst them. After a few seconds the man who had

received it, communicated the message to the rest. They scattered off

in the opposite direction.

“Good,” murmured Alex as they cleared off. “Let’s find the car.”

They squinted at the name plates of the cars parked. “5366…5366…

“By the way, what are we delivering that is so dangerous…?” whispered

Shioon.

“Ravenna said it’s a cat,” said Alex and seemed confused himself.

“Cat…?” repeated Shioon dubiously.

“Maybe it swallowed something important…anyway! We better find it

soon!” said Alex hurriedly.

They split between lanes and searched. After a few minutes, Shioon

called out, “I found it!”

Alex hurried to where she was and stopped dead on his tracks. It was a

battered old pony. He mentally calculated the car’s stability and speed.

“Er…is everything okay?” said Shioon.

“Is that old man insane!” exploded Alex clutching his golden braids.

“You think this junk will move?!”

“But-but, it’s 5366…” said Shioon blinking. Alex swore and walked to

the boot space. “At least let’s see what the package is.”

He inserted the key and turned. Eagerly, they bent down in the dim

light to see the contents.

It was a small boy covered in a cloth. He was curled up, asleep.

Alex slammed the boot shut.

“That…clearly wasn’t a cat,” said Shioon blankly.

“REVANNA!!!!” Alex venomously punched her number on his phone

and placed it to his ear. After just the first ring, Ravenna picked up.

“Rev-“started Alex heatedly but she cut him. “Wow Alex! You finally

found him! Be a good boy and bring him back safely okay!” She said

cheerfully and hung up.

“Was that Alex?” said Han beside Ravenna. She was sitting behind the

wheel as they drove through the high way. “Yup, we should hurry

now.”

“Nuisance in the middle of the night,” said Han annoyed.

Chapter 16

“He’s dead,” said a man examining Mr. Wayne. A sword was stuck to

the ground beside his bloody mass. The monster-man clutched its

handle and pulled. He hung it over his shoulder and turned away. “The

old geezer sure was a handful…anyway broaden your search, I’m sure

he has comrades working on this.”

A walky-talky on his waist buzzed and announced. “Suspicious car,

suspicious car on the move, please confirm at the entrance.”

He picked it up and spoke into it, “This is Judo. What’s the matter?”

“Captain Judo, it’s nothing much but there was this foreign dude who

drove away in a car that was different from the one he had come in.”

“Are you sure?” said Judo.

“Yes sir. I wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t come in a Lamborghini.”

“What did he drive out in?”

“Um…a pony.”

***

Practically crawling, the pony shook forward like an old woman.

“Er, it moves fine enough right…” said Shioon lightly, worried Alex may

explode again.

“Moves fine my ass! The fact that we are riding this on the highway is a

world record…

Shioon gave a weak laugh and turned her head back, her attention fixed

on the boot space.

Alex placed his hand on her head and swung it forward. “Didn’t I tell

you not to look back?”

“Y-Yes…” said Shioon massaging her neck. “But, we’re sort of

kidnapping right…?”

“I don’t know…I’ll have Ravenna answer,” said Alex gritting his teeth.

A sudden breeze blew, strong enough to ruffle Shioon’s hair. “What

the-“said Alex, there was a loud crunch as a man landed on the car

engine making a severe dent on the bonnet.

Shioon yelled and covered her face as her window’s glass shattered.

“Yo cutie! We meet again.”

“Arrrgh Ogre!” yelled Shioon pointing at Judo.

“Judo,” growled Alex. He accelerated but the old pony did not budge.

“Oh, trying to run…not very nice Lewinsky.”

Judo swung his sword across the front glass. Shioon and Alex ducked

from the torrent of broken glass.

“**** you!” yelled Alex and reversed with all his might, Judo was forced

to jump into the air and cart wheel to the ground. After landing in a

crouch, he looked up. The car sped at him, before he could react; he

was hit hard with the pony.

“Uwah, we just hit a man!” yelled Shioon looking back as they speeded

away as fast as possible.

“We could have died stupid!” shouted Alex, “Damn, that’s why I didn’t

want to get involved. I know Judo…he won’t be out for long…

“Huh, the kid!” yelled Shioon panicking. “Stop the car!!”

“Are you crazy?! Those torrent buggers are right at our tails, we both

will be goners!”

“We have a kid in our trunk! He might be hurt! If he got seriously

injured, our efforts will be for nothing!”

“Dang-“Alex came to halt at the side of the road. Shioon raced to the

trunk and opened it. Nervously, she peeked inside. The boy was awake.

He looked at her with large orb-like eyes. He had nothing on except a

chain around his neck that held a huge gold pendant with complicated

engravings. “Hurry!” yelled Alex from the front.

“Hey, we have to go okay,” said Shioon extending her hand. He

hesitated trembling. Shioon suddenly realized the boy was just a small

child caught up in this deathly ordeal. She smiled calmly and said,

“Don’t worry and come with me. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”

A small hand protruded from the cloth and clasped her hand. “Here we

go,” said Shioon as she gathered him easily into her arms. He was

surprisingly light.

She was about to move when a huge sword whirled and hit the car

missing Shioon by inches. She gulped and looked back at the dark road.

The lights from the cars going in the opposite direction illuminated the

lanky form of Judo as he leered. “Hmm, I missed.”

Shioon ran to the passenger seat, she was barely inside when Alex

accelerated at full speed.

Judo shook his head. “Fools,” he muttered as a low rumble filled the air

and the lights of all the Hogs behind him glowed in the darkness.

***

“Torrent Clan,” said Han surprised. “I’ve heard their leader is a psycho

called Judo. The coward Alex actually went to such a place?”

“Do you really think he would have gone? Of course I didn’t tell him,”

said Ravenna smirking.

“That unlucky son of a…do you think he’s still alive,” said Han.

“I don’t know. According to the GPS on his phone, he’s already on the

high way. If he’s in a car then he’s most probably still alive.”

Her phone rang. She immediately picked up. “Alex-“

“Miss Ravenna! Help!!!!” yelled Shioon into the phone.

“Shioon “exclaimed Ravenna.

“What?! What is she doing there?” yelled Han sitting up straight.

Ravenna hurriedly put it on loud speaker. “We are being chased by a

biker gang! Please hur-“The call got cut.

Ravenna slammed into the gas pedal. “What’s their location,” growled

Han.

“They just passed the West Mountain exchange,” said Ravenna

scanning the GPS.

“Then tell Alex to cross the Western Sea Bridge as if his life depended

on it. I’ll hand the rest.”

***

“What! Western Sea Bridge?! We are getting our asses kicked here, and

he’s asking us to do the impossible!”Yelled Alex as another bike sped

ahead and the rider hit the car hard with his club. Alex ducked as the

metal over his head dented.

“Do something!” yelled Shioon from behind as she covered the boy in

her arms. Alex was about to retort when he saw a huge truck coming

behind them. He grinned with the same old Alex-madness. “Shioon

darling, hold on tight!”

He braked suddenly and swung the wheel completely to the left. The

pony knocked into the bike. The rider fell off and rolled into the trucks

path. The truck swiveled out of the way to avoid him but lost its

balance. It fell to its side and skidded towards the bikers. They spun and

sped away from the vehicle until it screeched to a stop. Alex had

successfully created a rift between himself and the bikers. “Haha! Beat

that you torrent ******” he cackled as the pony sped undisturbed on

the empty road.

“Ha ha! Jesus I’m good! Truly a genius!”

Shioon relaxed her grip on the kid and slumped on her seat exhausted.

She felt like throwing up again but there was nothing left in her

stomach. They sure were in an action packed movie worthy of

becoming a blockbuster hit.

“It’s the Western Sea Bridge! Stop making that dumb face girl!” cackled

Alex as the well lit bridge drew nearer.

He looked into the rear view mirror and blanched. A large hand

grabbed the sword stuck on the car. The owner of the hand blurred

past them and ripped through the metal. Alex yelled as the side of his

arm cut deep. “Alex!” yelled Shioon but the pony lost control

completely and spun to the edge of the road. It banged to a stop at the

border.

Shioon straightened after a second and looked at Alex. He was resting

his head on the wheel unconscious. She made to jerk his shoulder but

the passenger door opened and light flooded in. She cringed from the

sudden brightness. She slowly made out the silhouette of Judo.

“You’re really lucky cutie, but it seems like you’ve run out of it…”

______End of Volume 3___Wo hooo!! xD__________

9-A-D Extra: Character Portfolio.

Han Ozark:

Full name: Han Ozark aka Nine-Arts-Dragon

Age: 26 yrs

Height: 193 cm (6.4´)

Weight: 186 pounds (lb)

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Hobby: Asking women out.

Aim in Life: To ask Miss Bae out (without interruptions.)

Likes: Dating.

Dislikes: Having to teach English.

Greatest Fear: Children. (Come on! They are terrifying! -.-)

Childhood Dream job: Elvis Presley double.

Music: Rock, pop.

All time movie: Godfather.

If not a martial artist slash convict slash special agent, what would you

have liked to be: A model (What? I’ve got the looks *wink* ~

Interviewer: Yeah right -.-)

Fav. Food: Ramen

Idea of fun: *Pretending to blush* It’s a secret.

Idea of Shioon: A super plain douchbag but all in all a good kid.

Idea of Ravenna: Calculating fox but surprisingly…tolerable at times.

Happy with the way this novel is going? : Only if the author hooks me

up with a beautiful girl (grumbles*)

______________________________________________________

(25-August-2012)

Chapter 17

Ravenna’s bug accelerated through the high way. The GPS beeped

catching her eye. “Alex has stopped before the Western Sea Bridge.

What if he was attacked by the time we get there?”

Han’s grip on his seat tightened. “That wimp is pathetic. He couldn’t

even get away with a car! Plus having her with him…

“You’re pretty worried about your apprentice…” said Ravenna smirking.

“Who’s the apprentice? I’m only teaching her because she’s a big time

loser…besides if she dies there, it’ll just be a burden off me…people like

us don’t need to be tied down.”

Ravenna snorted. “You seriously don’t understand your own feelings do

you?” Han barely retorted when she said, “…let’s ride like the wind!”

***

“Well cutie, why don’t you return the prince to us now?”

Shioon looked around flustered, Alex was knocked out and there were

nobody around except for the torrent clan members. Even though they

had attacked, they had taken special measures not to hurt the

boy…maybe she could just give him over.

She looked down at him. He trembled and looked into her eyes

pleading silently. How could she give a small cute boy like him to this

monster when she was still around?! She gripped him hard and glared

at Judo with a determined face.

“Oho, what’s with the look…geez kid, I really didn’t want to hurt you.”

He reached inside the car and for a second the torrent clan looked at a

seemingly quiet situation. But the next moment, Judo was thrown out

of the car; flying almost ten feet from it.

“Captain!” They yelled and gathered around his unconscious form.

Shioon held her leg outstretched in front of her stupefied.

“Captain has fainted!” The others looked at Shioon with confusion and

some with dread. “Is she a master…?”

Shioon didn’t have time to think about how she had done it. She

opened the other side and ran out draping the boy on both her arms.

“She’s getting away!”

Shioon turned to look at them. With clubs, they were chasing after her

on foot. They had almost reached her when something incredible

happened.

Shioon’s leg muscles popped and bulged, the ground beneath her feet

smashed as she took off like a rocket on the empty road. The pursuers

stopped transfixed. “The-The bikes,” said someone uncertainly. They

broke from their spells and raced to their Hogs.

Shioon ran with her eyes closed, cutting through the air. She peeked

and blinked. She was shocked at the speed with which she was going.

She glanced forward and saw the Western Sea Bridge. “Hey, we’re

gonna make it!” She said looking down at the child.

In the rush of the wind, she distinctly heard a gruff voice say, “Stop

before you die.”

Did the boy just speak? A light blared as a Hog roared towards Shioon,

he raised his knife high in the air and struck her. She dodged but it cut

through her side deep enough. She lost her balance and being unable

to maneuver herself in that speed; she bucked and fell rolling onto the

floor. She covered the boy protectively in her arms and skidded to a

halt. Her lifeless arms collapsed, releasing him. He knelt beside her as

she panted. “Sorry kid, I guess I’m at my limit.”

“Fool,” he murmured and yet again Shioon was taken aback by that

manly voice. She just had a second to digest it when the bikers

gathered around them.

“Idiot! Told you to be careful! What if the prince got hurt?” They closed

in and one of them cried, “He’s safe!” They knelt down and muttered,

“Jesus, look at the blood on her legs, have you ever seen a technique so

self destructive? Should we take her to the cap-“

Just then Shioon yelled out loud, so loud that the others had to cover

their ears. A terrible amount of pain racked through her body. She

screamed as her body convulsed. She wished she would faint, anything

to get away from the torture she was feeling. The world darkened as it

completely engulfed her.

***

“Hey she stopped screaming,” said a biker who had hoisted Shioon on

his back seat. “What if she’s dead? It’s like she got out of a pool of

blood.”

“Who cares, we’ll just deliver her to the captain,” said another.

A bug in the next lane was riding along with them. “Who’s that ****

trying to pick a fight with us?”

A dark figure got out of the moving car and stood on the top. It kicked

off and flew high into the air.

“What the-“The lights from the bridge caught the figure and illuminated

a man with an arm clasped in a sling. He landed hard on the first hog.

Its tires snapped and sent the bike spinning out of the bridge. The

splash was heard as it fell into the river along with its rider.

The stranger landed in a crouch and straightened. “Do you even know

whose disciple you’re messing with?” He snarled, his voice underlining

a beast’s wrath.

***

“Hey…wakey-wakey girl…Shiooooon?” crooned a voice.

Who else, she thought smiling slightly. It caused her cheeks to hurt.

There was no need to worry since he was already here, but something

else nagged her…the boy!

She snapped her eyes open. “Yo!” said Han nudging her awake. “Ki-

kid…kid…” she mumbled.

Han sighed, “He’s right here, I know you have eyes only for me but try

and slightly revolve them to the left.”

She did as he told and saw the boy staring intently at her. Thank

goodness, she thought grinning.

He examined her waist, anger pulsed through his veins. “Don’t move

much, we’ll go soon and get it patched up.” To his astonishment, he

saw that the cut was already healing at the corners. “How…long has it

been since you got this cut…?”

“Hmm…don’t know, lost my head half-way,” murmured Shioon.

Han guided her to a sitting position with his free hand. “Wha-“gasped

Shioon as she looked at the scene before her. It was a grave yard for

bikes and bodies alike. Some men were still twitching amongst them.

“How did-“started Shioon seeming star struck. “Don’t worry, just rest

until Ravenna gets here,” said Han.

“I guess that’s her,” said Shioon as they saw two pin pricks of lights

getting larger by the second on the straight road.

“Oh…I don’t think so,” muttered Han.

When the lights got nearer, they belonged to two bikes with Judo

riding one of them.

“Uwah, the monster!” cried Shioon pointing at them.

“Oh, is that the fish face Judo?” said Han.

“You know him?” said Shioon panicking.

“No kiddo, I don’t know small fries like him!”

The bike was about to collide with Han when he whizzed aside and

kicked it. The Hog skidded sideways but Judo jumped off it and struck

Han. The latter flew out of the way and landed onto the bridge’s

compound. Judo reacted without any delay and sprang at Han and

struck the iron compound. Han jumped away as the metal crushed to

pieces.

Han and Judo stood on the wall, Judo attacked immediately making Han

jump away from the sword. He was amazed at the technique Judo was

using which brought out the use of his long arms and legs brilliantly.

Shioon and the other members of the torrent clan stared open

mouthed. Han waited for a few more minutes studying Judo’s

movements. When he had memorized them, he waited for an opening.

He advanced on Judo in three strides and stamped his left leg on his

sword. With his right leg, he kicked Judo on the face with all his might.

Judo’s head whipped back, but when Han was in the air, he caught the

expression on Judo’s face. He leered and said, “Got you!” He thrust the

sword into the air. Han caught Judo’s arm and swung his whole body at

a truck passing them.

Judo kicked off and ran diagonally on the truck. Han swore and threw

Judo away as his plan failed.

Judo landed in a crouch, his face a bloody mess. “I’m surprised,” he said

hoisting his sword on his shoulder. “I’ve not met anyone with such skills

in a long time…but you do seem familiar, have we met before?”

“Why would I want to remember meeting the likes of you,” said Han

coldly.

“Wait…were you perhaps at the last Tempest Tournament held at

Heavenly-Way Society?”

Han frowned. “Yes, were you there too?”

“That’s right! I saw you there! You…” Judo’s face alarmingly changed

colors as his expression hardened. “Nine-Arts-Dragon,” he muttered.

Han’s eyes flashed and he growled, “How annoying, let’s get this over

with!”

“Wait,” said Judo putting his sword down without taking his eyes off

Han.

“Captain, flatten that ******! Why are you stalling?”

“Shut up! Shut it right now!” roared Judo at the riders. “Grab that boy

and get the hell outta here! Now!”

“Running…” snorted Han. He went up to an injured comrade on the

ground. He placed his foot on the latter’s and stomped. A crater of 3

meters in diameter was formed around his foot as the man howled.

“Go, if you like. I’ll make mince pie of him in your place.”

Judo watched with those monstrous eyes. He raised his sword high in

the air and slashed his right arm clean off his shoulder. The crowd

yelled.

“Nine-arts-Dragon, I apologize for not recognizing you and for what I

have done. Please accept my arm and let these kids go, they are here

on my command.”

Han sneered, “You thing after what you did to my disciple, an arm is

enough?!”

“I’ll give you my life,” said Judo fiercely. “But let these boys go.”

“Well, let me decide!” growled Han but then, Shioon clutched his arm

and said, “Stop.”

“What!” said Han taken aback.

“Please don’t do this.”

“He’s the one who turned you into a rag like that!”

“I’m okay now!” said Shioon clutching her middle. “So please let them

go.”

“Stop behaving like mother Teresa! This bugger tried to kill you and

besides…my pride won’t forgive them!”

“Oh so now it’s about you?” yelled Shioon.

“This is Zorain!” roared Han. “You don’t understand! Here the strong

rule! Listen closely you brat! Whether you like it or not, you are now a

Zorainian and you have to follow the law.”

“If that’s the rule,” said Shioon equally adamant. “Then destroy it!

What’s that about the rules belonging to the strong? You are strong!

You have the power to change them!”

Han just stared in response as Judo chuckled.

“As expected of 9AD’s disciple, I remember him saying the same in the

tournament.”

Han clenched his fists. “Shut the **** up. I’ll kill you,” he growled. He

couldn’t afford letting Shioon know of that incident.

Judo threw the sword to Han’s feet smiling. “I’m going to die anyway so

let me at least finish…That time, actually I was quiet moved that

bastards like you exist in this world. How nostalgic…the way you forced

those high ranking masters to their feet-“

“Are you done yet?” said Han gritting his teeth as he picked up the

sword.

“I’m honored to see you again Nine-Arts-Dragon,” said judo bowing and

waited.

Han raised the sword with murder in his eyes. “Don’t be like this!”

yelled Shioon and moved to stand before Judo facing Han.

“Move or I’ll kill you too!” said Han in a deadly whisper.

Shioon twitched; she had never seen that look on his face. Was the

person she trusted most, a murderer? “You said this once, Sir. True

courage is when you never back down even when you don’t have the

power to fight. This man had redeemed himself for what he has done;

he’s offering his life for his friends. Isn’t the gesture enough?”

“You insolent brat!” Han clenched the sword hard. Who did she think

she was dictating terms?

He raised the sword and hurled it in her direction. She closed her eyes

and flinched. The sword spun past her head cutting a few strands of her

hair. It struck the road a few feet away.

He caught her arm and dragged her to his side. “You were lucky,” he

said to Judo. “Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind.”

Judo got up slowly, his gaze transfixed on Shioon. He picked up his

severed arm as his comrades rushed to him. One of them removed a

piece of cloth and tied his shoulder. “I’m in your debt girl…I am Judo of

the torrent clan. I will definitely return the favor one day.”

They silently got onto their vehicles and drove off leaving an

uncomfortable silence behind. Han let go of Shioon and went to glare

at the river below.

Lights blared again and this time, it was Ravenna who pulled over. “Hey

all! Looks like I’m right on time!” She said getting out.

“Shut up and hurry,” growled Han and took his place on the front seat.

Ravenna looked at him, “What’s up with moody?” she asked Shioon in

an undertone.

“That…” started Shioon uncomfortably but remembered something.

“Alex?”

“Oh, an ambulance picked him up. He’ll come around soon,” she said

nonchalantly waving her hands. Her eyes caught the boy sitting on the

road.

“Oh, sorry for the late greetings, my name is Ravenna Lee. It’s an honor

to meet the head of the Sunwoo Clan, Lord Jack Kingman.” Ravenna

bowed low and knelt beside him.

So the boy was some kind of a lord thought Shioon, letting the

information slide through her numb brain. Jack just nodded and let

Ravenna guide him to the car. After an uneasy ride, they reached

Shioon’s residence. Han got out slamming his door loudly like it had

somehow insulted him. He opened Shioon’s door and gently pulled her

out. “Er, you don’t have to do this, I can walk-“she stammered but one

look at his face and she knew she had to keep quiet.

He guided through the steps and to the entrance of her house. “Show

me the cut,” he ordered. She obliged and showed the rip on the side of

her stomach. Just a slight scratch was seen and the corners were

already a mere read mark. He frowned and shook his head. He looked

into her eyes for shock or signs of mental trauma, but she seemed fine

staring back. Was the girl thick skinned or just too damn optimistic?

“Just go and rest, no physical activity tonight.” He warned and strode

back to the car. Ravenna raised her eye brows at him but he ignored

her.

“Thanks,” she called out hesitantly.

“Save it and don’t be late tomorrow. 9 A.M sharp! If you’ve made up

your mind to learn then you should do you best. Understand!”

Shioon’s face brightened, “Yes sir!” She said grinning ear to ear. Her

gaze shifted to Jack as he sat staring at her in the passenger seat.

“Bye!” She yelled waving at him but he turned away embarrassed.

Shioon unlocked her door and went inside. Han meanwhile didn’t get

into the car. “Hey, I’ll drop you off,” said Ravenna confused.

“I’ll go back on my own…I need some time to clear my damn head.”

“Will…she be alright not going to a hospital?” said Ravenna worried.

“No biggie, her recovery rate almost rivals that of a planarian,” said

Han lighting a cigarette.

“Amazing, the WalsainDan…?”

“Of course she won’t able to do it with that alone. If she didn’t have a

proper power technique, that girl probably wouldn’t even be alive right

now.”

“You can’t mean…the ninth art?!”

Han just blew out in reply to her question smirking. “I’m tired, see you.”

“You cannot be serious…it’s the most coveted technique in all of

Zorain! I thought you almost lost your life trying to protect it and yet

you taught it to an innocent kid like her?!”

“Well wouldn’t that be interesting…” said Han, his eyes gleaming. “In a

corner of this world…unknown to the Zorainians, a master of the

ultimate technique was being made!”

Chapter 18

“The boy is a disgrace! He has a Yen-type body! He cannot be the head

of the Sunwoo clan!”

“I cannot! That child is my son! I will protect him with all my life!”

The memory hazed and shifted to another.

“This is the phoenix medallion that is passed down through the

generations of the Sunwoo Clan. I now give it to you, my son. Take care

of yourself Jack,” said a man.

“Daddy…”

“Mr. Wayne, you have served me for a long time. I leave him in your

care, my family’s pride…to the end!”

“As you wish master,” said the old man bowing.

“Father!!!” cried out Jack with tears in his eyes. He blinked and it took

him a moment to realize that he was in Ravenna’s apartment.

“Are you awake, my lord? I hope the bed was comfortable,” said

Ravenna fastening her bag to her shoulder. Jack turned away hiding his

tears. “Is…Mr. Wayne…dead?”

Ravenna didn’t answer. Her silence clearly meant what Jack was afraid

to hear. “I knew it…everyone who tries to protect me ends up dead!”

He said vehemently.

“Oh…I wonder about that…isn’t Shioon alive?” she said smiling. Jack

twitched at her name.

Ravenna looked out of the window and saw Han leaning against the

building as Shioon hurried towards him.

“Good morning, sir!” she said clutching her middle and panting. He

nodded taking off his sun glasses. “How’re you doing?”

“I feel great!” She said enthusiastically.

“Well that’s great news my dear planaria. Let’s go, today I’ll be teaching

you power techniques.”

“What’s that?” said Shioon eagerly climbing the stairs after him.

“There are three fundamental techniques in learning martial arts that

uses inner energy. First step involves summoning and accumulating

your Zor, second is to properly distribute it through your body and third

is to exert it into the move of your desire. Now in your case, you’ve

already accumulated amazing amount of Zor thanks to the WalsainDan,

but you should hurry up and learn the power distribution technique to

not put your body in danger.”

“Morning!” said Ravenna as she came down holding her car keys.

“Thank you so much for interrupting,” said Han smiling at Ravenna. She

grinned back unabashed. “You two seem pretty chummy there; it’s

wonderful that both student and teacher are skipping class together!

Mind if I join in?”

“Yes,” said Han pointedly.

She rolled her eyes at him and said to Shioon, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” said Shioon happily.

“That’s good! Lord Kingman is inside; I leave him in your care.”

“Oh, okay. Didn’t you put a leave today?” said Shioon.

“If I skip school on the same as day as Han, everyone will

misunderstand,” said Ravenna winking.

“Stooop spouting nonsense and get going already,” grumbled Han.

“You always have such a short fuse when it comes to Miss Ravenna,”

said Shioon reproachfully.

“What, you punk! Whose side are you on?”

“Clearly on hers,” Shioon grinned.

Ravenna smiled as Han poked Shioon’s forehead playfully. Does the kid

even know what she’s getting into…or was it Han in the danger of losing

himself?

***

Shioon clicked the door open and went inside. She found Jack looking

extremely cute in one of Ravenna’s T-Shirts. “Hey Jack!” She grinned in

his direction. When he saw her, he whipped his head and looked away

with a straight face.

“Er…why is he like that?” muttered Shioon.

“Maybe he doesn’t like you,” said Han in an undertone patting her

shoulder.

“Is that so,” she said giving Han a stony look. He shrugged, “Get ready

to train; we don’t have time to squander.”

After an hour or so, the first person to break the silence was Han.

“Aaah, this so hard!” he yelled playing a game in Ravenna’s I-Phone.

“Damn this sling!”

Shioon stood on her hands keeping her legs as steadily straight as

possible in the air. She staggered and fell over huffing.

“What only 10 minutes?” said Han incredulously at Shioon as she lay

flat on her back, panting.

Han glanced at the Jack; he was fast asleep breathing evenly. “Let’s

take a break and get some air,” he said getting off the bed.

Shioon and Han sat down on a bench down the street with beer and

soda in their hands. “Stop looking at me like a puppy and fire away your

questions,” said Han as he found her staring at him.

“Who’s the boy?” She did fire away instantly.

“Don’t know and don’t care,” He said carelessly taking a sip.

His answer was so immediate that she shrugged and looked away

wondering why she even asks him.

“I mean…ask me something I can answer,” he said.

“Well…you said something about Zorain yesterday…I’ve heard Miss

Ravenna talk about it before. What is it really?”

“I don’t know exactly either,” said Han thoughtfully. “No one knows

when or how it was formed. The world is divided into two parts,

Zorainians and Civilians. Zorainians are people with Zor in their Ki-

Center. The Ki-Center is sort of like a container that holds the Zor. It’s

located in the end of the spinal cord in every Zorainian.”

“What is Zor…?” said Shioon.

“Zor…is energy. It’s the power that makes a Zorainian different from a

common man. How it was formed…it’s just evolution. There are no

histories and general information to get details from. It’s basically a

secret.”

He lit a cigarette and glanced at the skies. “If you ask me what Zorain

is…I’d say it’s a giant monster. A beast that definitely exists but never

shows up. It only moves according to its own rules, devours

people…that’s the way I see it. Think about it, we made such a big

scene on the highway yesterday, but there weren’t a single word about

it in the media, were there? ”

“Yeah…” said Shioon blinking.

“Even if witnesses were to upload it on the internet, it would still be

buried as an urban legend. It’s always like that, exists but is not seen or

heard of…neither can be caught nor destroyed.”

He glanced at Shioon who silently listened to his speech the whole

time. She didn’t have a hint of fear in her eyes, just curiosity. He smiled

at her, “You announced your arrival in this world brilliantly… word will

spread like wildfire after yesterday. 9AD’s disciple…” he added in an

undertone, his eyes shining with unmistakable pride.

Chapter 19

“How disappointing. To see Judo, one of the top five of the Zorainians

of his techniques in a state like this!”

Judo lay on the hospital bed with I-V Drips connected to his body. The

severed arm was bound to his shoulder with heavy bandages.

“I don’t care what you have to say, I’m withdrawing from this job.”

The visitors got out of his ward, shaking their heads. “What’s wrong

with the Judo we knew? He’s acting like a dog that lost a fight.”

“I’ll say,” replied the other dryly. “Who put him in that state anyway? I

hear he cut off his arm himself to ask for forgiveness from the guy he

fought.”

“What?”

“Yeah…I asked the others but they refused to answer…”

“Who in the world…anyway, we’ll think about it later. About Lord Jack

Kingman, if news about us chasing him leaks out, the Sunwoo Clan

wouldn’t let it go easily.”

“I’ve asked the torrent kids for a photo of him.”

“Good good, we can circulate it-“He stopped when he saw the picture.

“How…old is Kingman this year?”

“Hmm…fifteen.”

“Fifteen?! Then when the hell was this taken…?”

***

Jack glanced at Shioon as she did her breathing exercise. He sat silently

on the bed most of the time staring at her, never really getting out or

interacting much.

“Not bad for someone who’s done this only a couple of days. The Zor is

circulating somewhat properly now…” said Han.

Shioon opened her eyes and unlocked her stiff fingers from the

meditative pose.

“So today onwards, we’ll do some light physical training too.”

“Okay!” said Shioon and caught Jack staring at her. When she glanced

at him, he turned away immediately pointedly ignoring her. She

grimaced wondering why he hated her so much.

“Don’t get distracted! Concentrate!” said Han ramming his fist on her

head.

***

“Hello, Miss Lee,” said Zack Sanders slightly red on the face.

“Hey, you are Shioon’s friend right!” said Ravenna flashing a grin.

“Y-yes, I was wondering…it’s been sometime since I’ve seen her. She

was quiet close to you so I thought I’d ask you about her…”

“Oh yes, she fine. Nothing to worry, just a bit sick so she’s been off

school for a while.” Her phone started ringing. “She’ll be back soon.

Excuse me,” she said and picked up the call.

“Ravenna, I’ll definitely find you…!”

***

“Thirty Three…thirty four…” panted Shioon doing pushups.

Han yawned stretching on the couch, super bored. Shioon gave way

and fell onto her tummy panting.

“Hey-hey, how are you gonna get stronger if you keep collapsing like

that!”

“Yeah…I’m working on it…” mumbled Shioon getting up. “But it’s

amazing how my constitution has gotten so good when all I have done

is just breathing…?”

“Ah…this is why newbs are annoying, gotto explain everything…” He

straightened and set his I-Phone down. “A person is made up of four

important parts. The mind, breath, body and soul. Mind is the power to

think, breath is the life force in all creation, body is the main building

block and the soul is determination and courage. Usually these four

areas are tied together and will strengthen or weaken together. But

you’re at a seriously unbalanced state. Your Zor is overflowing intensely

while the body is horrifyingly behind.”

“Actually…” said Shioon interrupting him. “Yesterday before you got to

Western Sea Bridge, there was this time when I ran like the wind! It was

just a short spell when my body supported me but after that…there was

this…pain, it was like I had jumped into lava or something…” She

fidgeted remembering that time. “And…” she twitched her head to

Jack’s side and said, “He said I had to stop or I’ll die.”

Han nodded slowly. “Like I said before, your body is too weak to

contain the amount of Zor being produced. It is the reason why your

veins burst when you pressure yourself too much. For instance, when

you made a fist or the way you ran yesterday…” He got off the couch

and poured two cups of coffee. “So, it is important to calm down the

Zor and strengthen your body as soon as possible.”

“How long would that take?”

“They say one usually gets the basic physique after a hundred days but

in your case,” He handed her the cup. “It should be possible in less than

two months…two months huh,” he added in an undertone. That was all

the time he had left to spend here.

His phone rang breaking his reverie . “So annoying,” he muttered and

picked it up. His facial expression changed immediately into a puppy

dog smile. Shioon raised her eye brows. “Miss Bae!” He crooned into

the phone.

“How nice of you to call me...Oh I’m doing great!” He dropped onto the

bean bag and dangled his feet in the air. The scene was almost

nauseous to Shioon. “I was fine it’s just that, my fracture invited some

other infections, oh wait.” He loudly faked a cough; it woke up poor

Jack who was dozing off. He glared at Han reproachfully. “Yes…my

health has deteriorated at an alarming rate…of course…okay then, see

you soon!” He put down the phone and howled punching the air. “I did

it! I’m a Genius! Okay Shioon, you know the breathing exercise right?

Keep practicing until Ravenna get’s here and also take care of the brat!”

“Where are you off to?”

“Stay away from adult affairs kid!” said Han clambering into his shoes

and spraying cologne all over. After checking himself in the mirror, he

hurried to the door grabbing his coat.

“You know…if you do this, Miss Ravenna will be quiet upset,” said

Shioon dubiously to the now flashy Han.

“Why the hell are you bringing her up? This is my business!” Han

banged the key counter, the keys he wanted dropped to his hand as he

tunelessly hummed and slammed the door leaving behind an

incredulous Shioon and a disgruntled Jack.

***

Damon Craig sat drinking, spending another solitary evening in the

Hoodlum bar. He ordered his usual drink, grabbing the entire bottle

vehemently. The entrance opened and after a while, a woman sat down

beside him. He didn’t need to confirm who she was. He just knew.

“You look well, young master,” said Ravenna smiling serenely. “I’ve got

to admit, you have amazing skills at finding people…How did you get

my number.”

“You stole it didn’t you? The WalsainDan.”

“Hmm, it’s gone! That’s not good…”

“Stop playing dumb!” yelled Damon standing up. “I can still turn a blind

eye if you give it back now! Don’t you understand? Any later, this

situation will be out of my hands!”

Panting he sat down grabbing his glass, “Already the Heavenly Way

Clan is on the move…You’ll be a goner if this situation reaches their

ears!”

Ravenna just grimaced and said, “I’m really sorry but I have no idea

what you’re talking about…”

“Give it back while I’m still being nice-“

Ravenna caught his face in her hands and kissed him. “What-“He drew

back clutching his mouth, he felt slightly dizzy as he hit the chair.

“Tranquilizer,” he muttered giving her a scathing look.

“You know only too well that nobody can beat us; the One Moon Clan

in making drugs. Forget about it Damon, the WalsainDan is way out of

our reach.” She got up and walked away fastening her coat back on her

shoulder.

“Ravenna…” said Damon frustrated with himself, his pain reflecting in

his eyes. “I’ll definitely find you…I love you!!”

She paused at the exit and turned. Her face was in the shadows as she

whispered, “I’m sorry Damon, but it cannot work out between us…”

“Ravenna…please…”

She shook her head, “Farewell young master.”

Chapter 20

“Ah! Its 9’O Clock already!” said Shioon surprised looking at the clock.

She had been too involved in her meditation to keep track of the time.

She got up and flexed her leg muscles. Groaning she went up to the

fridge to sedate the hunger pangs in her stomach. Her attention caught

Jack sitting quiet on the bed. “Oh, I’m sorry; do you want to have

something as well?”

Jack whipped his head and looked away as usual. “…or not,” she

muttered. It would only keep you hungry, she thought shrugging.

“Why are you trying so hard to be a Zorainian?”

Shioon flinched spilling the contents from a can of milk. She glanced at

the door to check if Han was back but it suddenly dawned on her that

the boy had an unnaturally deep voice.

She turned wearily towards him, almost apologetic. He continued

without noticing her reaction. “Zorainians are all trash that contribute

nothing to the human world.”

“Well,” said Shioon calmly as though explaining a complicated science

experiment to a child. “I don’t know what Zorain is all about, but I

wished to become one so that I could protect the people I love.”

“That’s just sophistry,” he yelled making Shioon flinch again. “It seems

like a nice sentiment! But what happens once you do get that power?!

I’ve seen many like you walking that path but they just lose themselves

in the end!” He huffed like an angry child who did not get his favorite

candy bar from his mom.

Shioon gulped not registering much of what he was saying. Her

thoughts mainly revolved around the impossible connection between

his vocal chords and his tiny frame. “Er…” started Shioon hesitantly but

Jack’s speech didn’t end there. Now that he had started, he didn’t seem

like he wanted to stop.

“Humans are selfish beings! Those who put more import on the thorn

under one’s nail than the countless dying others…

“Wow,” said Shioon stunned interrupting him. “You’re speech is so

clear…vocabulary and diction for such a kid, which school-“

“Were you even listening to me?” roared Jack making her jump yet

again. He started panting, glaring at her. His breathing became

extremely laborious. He clutched his small chest and heaved. “Hey-

hey…you okay…take it easy,” said Shioon worried.

His body rocked as he tried to breath but couldn’t. “Get a grip!” She

yelled rushing to him and rubbing his back. He continued to thrash

around completely out of his senses. She grabbed the phone and called

Han, but he didn’t answer. She to the phone book and found Ravenna’s

number.

“Ma’am! This is Shioon calling! Something’s wrong with Jack! Just now

he talked a lot and got worked up! He’s losing it-“

“Where is Han?” said Ravenna urgently.

“He’s gone out! He won’t be back any time soon.”

“Damn that…” swore Ravenna. “Listen carefully Shioon, I might be a

little late so it’s all up to you…”

***

Jack tried to grab onto something, but it was very dark. Not even a

single ray of light…or hope. He was an unwanted child always having

had his life in danger. Suddenly a door opened and a girl looked at him.

Warm eyes greeted him as she smiled and held out her hand. “I’ll

protect you with my life…”

Jack blinked, slowly opening his eyes. Shioon came into his vision

staring open mouthed at him. “Yay! You woke up!” she said grinning.

He blushed slightly looking at her face still confused if it was a dream.

“Am I…okay?” he asked uncertainly.

“Of course! Very healthy!” she said nodding enthusiastically. He got up

slowly supporting himself on his elbow. To his horror; he was only in his

underwear. Shioon sat on beside him and was squeezing his thighs.

“What are you doing!” he yelled punching her on the face. Blushing

furiously, he snatched the bed covers up to his chin.

“Ow-Ow!” squeaked Shioon clutching her nose. “Relax! I was just giving

you a massage!”

“What?”

“Look, you lost control. So I called Miss Ravenna and she told me to

give you a massage until you regain consciousness. That’s all…”

Jack noticed her right hand covered in a bloody cloth. “What’s wrong

with your hand?”

“Oh this…well, Miss Ravenna said that I had to give you my blood, it’ll

make up for the lack of Zor in your body…but I guess I cut it too deep,”

she said making a face as she adjusted the cloth. “You must be

hungry…all that…exercise must have worn you out.” She grinned but

when Jack did not smile, she shuffled off to the kitchen muttering about

grumpy kids with an attitude problem.

She returned with a warm cup of milk, “There you go!”

“This sort of things happens to me all the time...!” said Jack haughtily

turning away with his pink nose in the air.

“Dummy, so much pride for such a little kid!” said Shioon patting his

head which almost fit into her palm. How cute, she thought smiling. He

was just being shy.

“Th-thank-“started Jack reddening.

“Is the little master okay!” said Ravenna storming into the apartment

flustered. Jack stopped abruptly at the sight of her. He immediately

pushed Shioon’s hand away.

“He’s fine!” said Shioon. “I followed your instructions, the process was

smooth.”

“That’s a relief…” said Ravenna sighing. Shioon took her and bag and

went to hand it by the door.

“And what about that human being, did he call?” said Ravenna. Right

on queue, the phone started ringing.

Han’s name blazed on the caller ID. “Oh, sir is finally calling back!” said

Shioon as she headed to the phone but Ravenna raced to it and picked

up.

Han drummed his fingers on a table in a French restaurant wondering

what Shioon wanted to have called thrice. When the call was picked up,

a loud shriek exploded out of his phone, he ripped his mobile off his ear

and stared at it thunderstruck. “Save me! Don’t do that! Please!”

Ravenna yelled with a desperate tone while Shioon and Jack blinked at

her.

After her loud screechy speech was done, she threw the receiver and

venomously pulled out its plug. “Now, it’ll worry him a bit. How dare he

leave his post and fool around!”

It took a moment for Han to cut the call. He tried calling back but it

didn’t get through. What had got the Ravenna into a situation like that?

He shook his head, “She must be playing around…” he muttered sipping

on his wine.

The next second when Miss Bae walked in, she looked around for him.

“No way…not again!” she yelled at the empty suite.

***

“Lord Zenedora…you sure about this?”

Halvir got out of the car and ignored the many stares he received.

“Hey there!” said a nervous young man addressing Halvir’s party. “Sorry

if you waited long for us.” He grinned apologetically as a teenage boy

tagged behind him. “Lord Zenedora, it’s an honor. I am Ralph Parker

and this is my brother Dawn Parker. He is assigned to you.”

Halvir extended his hand towards the younger brother. “Halvir

Zenedora, nice to meet you,” he said. Dawn reluctantly took it. He had

made up his mind to not cooperate with his brother, but Halvir’s

presence somehow demanded respect.

“Then, we shall split up. Contact me immediately if you find anything.”

Ordered Halvir to his guards. “Yes, sir.” They immediately complied and

headed off in the opposite direction.

“Well then, I shall take my leave,” said Ralph and bowed to Halvir.

Before leaving, he glared at Dawn and muttered, “You better not

embarrass the White Rock clan!”

Halvir turned away and surveyed the convenience stores, sweet shops,

cafes and malls surrounded him in the busy afternoon. He had never

been to streets like this before. Ever since he found out that Nine-Arts-

Dragon was in the city, his insides itched to get to see the legend.

“Where are you… Goomoonryong*!?”

/*Native name for Nine-Arts-Dragon/

Chapter 21

“Let’s get started!” said Shioon hopping in the air.

The morning was chirpy and cheerful, quite the contrary to Han’s

mood. He sat sulking on the bench. “Er…Sir?” said Shioon.

“Aren’t we underestimating life?! Things don’t always go your way!” He

yelled suddenly. “It’s crueeel. Like the time when my prey was stolen

right from my jaws by that cat Ravenna!” He huffed glaring at Shioon.

“When you grow up, you will understand!”

Shioon wanted to remind him that she was a grown up but stopped at

the sight of him. He was on the edge, losing his marbles one by one.

“You are my only friend,” he said mournfully patting her shoulder. “I’ll

do my best to be a responsible teacher!” She gave a weak smile as her

lungs threatened to burst out with laughter.

He revolved his fist and said, “Watch carefully. What you are about to

learn is basic, but a very important move. It starts in this position.” He

held his right fist in line with his shoulder. “Like this,” he said and

punched the air. Shioon followed the moment unblinking.

“Understood? It might be hard at first but if it’s you, I’m sure you’ll be

able to do it in a week’s time.”

“Yes…that’s it?” said Shioon. “I need a week just to swing a fist

around?!”

“Oho, it seemed like that did it?” He snorted. “Let’s see…” He looked

around and found a stone boulder a few yards away. “This will do,” he

said and went to stand by it.

He gripped his hand and punched right through the rock making a

severe dent in the boulder. A split second later, the rock exploded.

Shioon’s mouth was a perfect ‘O’ when he drew back smirking. “What

do ya think?”

“Magic…” she murmured.

He sniggered. “Yeah right. What I did was not just a fist, but I put in all

the fundamental parts of me into it. Mind, breath, body and soul. The

strike that flings all the four in one blow, destroying the opponent’s

determination…that is the inner power technique you’ll be learning

from now on.”

***

“You seem to have improved!” said Ravenna checking Jack’s wrist.

“Isn’t this encouraging? It’s evidence against the theory that

WalsainDan has an effect on your illness after all.”

“Even so, I have no plans of cooperating with the One Moon Clan. I

represent Sunwoo Clan. I complying would be like Sunwoo bowing to

One Moon. I cannot do that to save my own life.”

“I’m taking about a boy called Jack, not Lord Kingman.”

When Jack did not answer, Ravenna continued, “Don’t you want a

better life? Your yen-type body can be cured by WalsainDan. Your

positive reaction to Shioon’s blood proves it. If you did respond despite

the many odds, you will be able to master godly techniques

unattainable by humans.”

“Curing my body type is just a myth!” said Jack annoyed.

“Think about it, little master. And besides…It’s been a while since

Shioon came by…maybe that’s why Lord Kingman is so irritable.”

“What are you talking about?! I have no interest in kids like her!” yelled

Jack blushing.

“I wasn’t asking if you were interested in her…” said Ravenna smirking,

finally tapping his line of interest. “So now I know Lord Kingman’s

type!”

“I’m tired! Let me be!” He yelled burring himself into his pillow, his ears

steaming.

“Okay…but give my offer some thought. Besides, wouldn’t it be difficult

to get a girlfriend with a body like that?”

***

Shioon punched the air.

“Not right, you have to concentrate on all you’re fundamental

elements. Inner power technique is all about timing. Think of it as

circulating the Zor you pulled from your abdomen according to the

movement of the body and releasing it at the same time as extending

your hand. Okay, once more.”

“Yes sir,” said Shioon and closed her eyes. Pull the Zor from the

abdomen, she thought.

Han looked up surprised when a low rumble resounded around Shioon.

“Release it…” muttered Shioon. She snapped her eyes open and

punched with all her might.

POW!

“Ow Ow,” said Shioon clutching her wrist as slight shocks erupted

around that region. “Ah, I think I cramped my hand,” she said

massaging her palms.

“Hmm...” said Han. The girl had mastered the legendary inner power

technique on her third try.

***

It was six thirty in the evening as they walked through the busy streets.

Han was busy with his thoughts. He couldn’t believe her. Was it the

WalsainDan or was Shioon plain talented? The Dan had met its perfect

match.

“…Sir?” said Shioon blinking at him.

“Yeah?” said Han distracted.

“You’re coming to Miss Ravenna’s place right?”

“Why would I come?!” said Han suddenly angry.

“Er, we are headed in her apartment’s direction,” pointed out Shioon.

Han looked around. Unconsciously he had chosen this path. “Damn,

I…wanted to go somewhere else-”

Shioon sniggered.

“What?” said Han suspiciously.

“You like her…don’t you,” she said slyly.

“What on earth are you talking about?! Staying with that woman has

made you mental!”

“Oh but who was the one who came running to the rescue with just a

phone call?” she said smugly barely able to hide her grin.

“I’ll kill ya! Get going!” He yelled and walked away in the next lane.

Shioon shook her head smiling. She looked around and found a

telephone booth. Eagerly trudging up to it, she picked up the receiver

and dialed Zack Sander’s number.

“Hello?”

“Hey Zack, It’s me Shioon.”

“Shioon!” He replied enthusiastically. “Finally you called! How have you

been?”

“I’m fine now; I’ll start attending school soon.”

“Hey, why don’t we meet up? Where are you?”

“Sure… I’m in front of the train station.”

“Okay then! See you in ten minutes!”

Shioon stepped out the booth grinning. The evening air was pleasant

and warm. It was six forty when she checked her watch. To while away

her time, she got into her stance and concentrated on her Zor. When

she punched the air this time, she distinctly heard the whistle. Her hand

didn’t hurt at all this time. She blinked at her palm. Did she get it right?

Zack walked on the opposite road with a bounce. Shioon raised her

hand to call out to him but suddenly noticed Changho and his gang

closely following behind Zack.

Shioon’s eyes widened, before she could react, the group surrounded

Zack. A large truck passed by blocking Shioon’s view. After it did, Shioon

could not see him anymore.

“Zack!!!!!!”

***

“Hmm…looks like an accident,” said Dawn Parker. He and Halvir

Zenedora were taking a stroll in the next lane. They had stopped when

a disturbance was heard on the main road.

“It’s a girl…” muttered Dawn. Before their eyes, Shioon leapt across the

road, ignoring the angry drivers yelling at her. “Does she have a death

wish…? You’ll find such wierdos around here.”

Halvir took a few steps forward as Shioon passed by him. “Let’s follow

her…” he muttered.

“What? Is she the girl you’re looking for?”

“No,” said Halvir not taking his eyes off Shioon. “I’ve never seen her

before.”

“They why are we following her?” said Dawn hurriedly as Halvir took

off.

“I can feel a phenomenal amount of Zor in that child I’ve never sensed

before…” (Who is he calling a child? She’s older to him -.- :p)

Shioon ran into the dark alleys and saw a multi storied building under

construction. She found Zack’s phone lying on the ground. Someone

cackled loudly followed by a groan.

“Zack!” she yelled running into the basement parking area and

rounded a corner. Lying on the ground, Zack was being stomped by

each member of the gang all at once. He writhed on the floor, eyes

filled with terror.

They looked around when they heard Shioon. “Whoa…look! Here

comes the dessert!”

Shioon glared at Changho. Zack stuttered, “Run Shioon!” It got him a

kick in the gut, he doubled up coughing.

Changho advanced on her and grabbed her hair. She caught his wrist

and twisted his arm around. He howled and let go of her. The others

stood stunned as she went up to Zack.

“Whatchoo guys waiting for! Get her!”

Shioon snarled, without her knowledge, her Zor had released and

spread throughout her body. She raised her hand and smashed a pillar

with her fist. “I’ll kill you all!”

Never in their lives had they seen a human break concrete right before

their eyes. Dawn gasped beside Halvir as they stood watching the

unusual spectacle.

____ END of Volume 4____yeehaa!! :D____

(16 September 2012)

Chapter 22

“D-did she just break the wall…” muttered Changho’s crony.

“Shut it! NO one can break a wall,” said Changho. He grabbed a wooden

club and swung it in Shioon’s direction. She gritted her teeth and

punched the stick, it broke clean in half.

They gasped retreating a few steps as Changho blinked. Shioon eyes

blazed as she punched him again. If nothing, Changho had skills to

evade his enemy. He leaped away from her terrified. “What’s that

noise!” He shouted as the air around him exploded with whistles.

“A sonic boom produced by Zor,” whispered Dawn, his eyes wide. “She

has already used it in five punches…how much inner energy does she

have?”

Halvir watched with expressionless eyes as Shioon backed Changho to a

corner. With one loud cry she aimed at his face but a hand caught her

fist.

“If he gets hit with that, he will die,” said Halvir in his clear voice.

Shioon’s eyes lost some of their rage as she looked up at Halvir. He let

go of her. “You should leave,” he said to Changho. “If you wish to

preserve your life.”

“What the, who the hell are you! Don’t underestimate me-

“Leave while we’re still being polite,” growled Dawn.

“I’ll bloody kill ya-

Halvir picked up a log and said, “If you still want to fight,” he pressed on

either ends of the wood. The fiber snapped out one by one as though in

slow motion. “I won’t refuse,” he said letting the wood fall to the

ground.

The gang grabbed Changho and raced away screaming about monsters.

Zack grabbed Shioon in his arms. “Thank god you’re okay! That was so

brave,” he said clutching her right hand which was bleeding.

“It’s nothing, I’m fine,” she said hugging him back.

Dawn cleared his throat and looked away. That brought Shioon back to

look at the stranger who had stopped her before. She blinked slightly.

He was no ordinary looking man.

“May I ask you something,” said Halvir with unwavering eyes.

“…yes,” said Shioon.

“Do you happen to know about Nine-Arts-Dragon?”

“What?” said Shioon and Dawn together.

“Nine-Arts-Dragon,” repeated Halvir.

“N-no…” said Shioon, her mind reeling. She remembered the time

when Ravenna had warned her to keep away from anyone who knew

that name. “No,” she said again firmly. “I don’t know any man with that

name.”

Dawn shook his head, “Please forgive him for being so upfront. He is

Halvir Zenedora of the Heavenly-Way Clan. And I’m Dawn Parker of the

White Rock. I’m sure you have heard of him if you’re a Zorainian.”

Shioon stole herself at the word Zorain. “Um, I don’t know what you’re

talking about,” she said hastily playing dumb.

“Huh,” said Dawn confused.

“Thanks…for your help,” she said glancing furtively at Halvir who had

been staring at her the whole time.

“Wait,” said Dawn frowning.

“If you are not a Zorainian, how did you know that Nine-Arts-Dragon

was a person?” said Halvir. Shioon stopped dead in her tracks.

“Run Zack!” She yelled and took off holding his hand.

“What’s going on!” said Dawn rounding on Halvir. “Is it 9AD you’re

looking for?!” Halvir did not answer as he followed Shioon.

After running a few lanes, Zack huffed and stood near a street lamp,

panting hard. “Come on! We need to get going?!” said Shioon hurriedly

looking back.

“I can’t…anymore,” said Zack heaving.

“There you are, we needn’t have hurried,” called Dawn as he and Halvir

got closer.

Shioon swore. She leaped onto the road and stopped a taxi; she

grabbed Zack and forced him into the car. “Quick, Chungdam Street!”

“Hold on a second,” said Dawn advancing on Shioon. When he tried to

grab her shoulder, she swung her fist around. He avoided her by inches

and he did a mid-air cartwheel.

“Jesus! What was that!” yelled Dawn landing beside Halvir, the air still

thumped with Shioon’s Zor.

“How amazing…” said Halvir as he saw her car driving away swiftly.

“She still has the stamina to execute her spirit energy…”

“Spirit energy…isn’t that 9AD’s specialty?!”

Shioon slumped back against the seat breathing out. The car suddenly

braked making them both bang into the front seats.

“What the hell?!” yelled the driver.

“I-it’s that guy from before! He was right behind us!” shouted Zack

pointing at Halvir standing in front of the car.

“Mister! Ignore him and keep going!” yelled Shioon clutching her seat

but to her surprise, the driver turned towards her smiling and said, “Is

this some kind of a love triangle?”

Shioon yelled out with frustration. “Zack, I will act as a decoy, you get

away from here.”

“No wait!” said Zack alarmed but she had already got out of the car.

She slammed the door shut as Halvir’s eyes locked on her. She dashed

off away from the main road. When she rounded another alley, she

banged into someone. Looking up, she saw to her horror, she had run

right into Halvir.

Chapter 23

Shioon gasped and tried to pull away from him. She lost her balance

and fell to the ground. Halvir watched with cold eyes as she scrambled

away from him.

“My apologies, why are you evading me? I just have a few questions.”

“You Zorainians are all the same!” she spat vehemently. “You guys

don’t think twice about killing people!”

“Aren’t you a Zorainian yourself?”

“No! I’m definitely not one! I’m not like you to hurt people!” yelled

Shioon.

“Miss, you are clearly mistaken. The truly dangerous ones are someone

like you. You just attempted to use a Zor attack on a civilian. That

strength is more dangerous than any weapon. Had I not intervened,

what do you think might’ve happened to that boy? Think; if Zorainians

entered normal world, chaos would erupt and the weaker side would

be wiped out. No one desires such pandemonium. Because of this,

Zorain has created federations to maintain the balance between the

two sides. People like Nine-Arts-Dragon break these ancient rules. They

want to remove this barrier and infiltrate the weaker side with the

same agenda; the strong rule over the weak. What right do they have?

Now do you understand why we search for 9AD?”

Shioon looked down at the ground, her hands shaking. What he said

made perfect sense. She remembered the incident in the Western Sea

Bridge. Was the person she trusted most, this dangerous?

“Now,” he continued softly, “Please tell me his where bouts.”

“I…I don’t know!” she yelled.

“Then you leave me no choice. I will have to take you to the federation

by force.”

“Do you think I’ll comply? Never!” she said gritting her teeth.

Halvir raised an eyebrow, “I do not fight women. I will caution you now,

do not resist, or you might get hurt.”

“Humph, you have no choice! Fight or let me go!”

Halvir intense gaze was filled with cold fury. The nerve of her to

challenge him. “You do not know who I am. I give you another chance

to reconsider.”

“Oh yeah? Try me!”

***

“Where the hell are they,” swore Dawn as he slinked between alleys

looking for Halvir. When he rounded a corner, he jumped away as

Shioon was blasted into a shelf of cardboard boxes at the side of the

street.

“What the-“said Dawn startled as he saw Shioon. “The kid…”

Halvir turned away, his usually calm face slightly disturbed. It was unlike

him to lose his temper for a novice like her. The truth was…he was

intimidated by her gaze.

He picked up his phone and speed dialed his bodyguard’s number.

“Er…,” said Dawn cautiously staring at Shioon. Halvir frowned when

Shioon picked herself off the ground and got up.

“Come,” she said twitching her fingers in his directions.

“Hey, are you crazy! You don’t know who he is! Drop the stance if you

wanna live!”

“I don’t give a shit! You have no right to take me anywhere!”

“Please do not be rash,” said Halvir. “With your level, you cannot even

touch me.”

“I-don’t-give a-shit!” she snarled.

Halvir stared into her eyes; the explosive power within them

overwhelmed him. “This…is the first time a person is willing to fight me

after hearing my name.”

“Hey Zenedora, you cannot be serious! Think it through; she’s just a kid,

a newb! We don’t want an unnecessary death.”

“Neither do I,” said Halvir. “How about we set a rule. If you can touch

me just once, I will concede your victory.”

Dawn stared at Halvir and his amount of confidence. Since he was the

Heavenly Way Clan’s successor, such a condition was not unreasonable.

“How will you recognize your defeat?” continued Halvir.

Shioon twitched, just a touch huh? His attitude was pissing her off.

“Until I admit defeat from my own mouth, the fight will not end.”

Dawn raised his eyebrows; the girl was brave or plain stupid.

“Alright,” said Halvir without a moment’s delay. “Shall we start?”

***

Han walked around in a broken down building in a quite neighborhood.

A burner swung over his head, casting a ghostly orange light around

him. He had placed his cell phone on a battered table in such a way that

the camera was facing him.

“Okay Shioon, like I said before; even if your opponent is strong, you

must never back down. Look for the opponent’s weakness, if you can-“

The phone rang interrupting his video cam recording. “Crap,” he

muttered and picked up. It was Ravenna, “Mega Crap…Yeah?”

“There’s a big problem Han!” yelled Ravenna.

“Oh yes, it’s always a problem when it comes to you. What is it this

time?”

“Shioon is being held captive by the Heavenly Way’s Zenedora! I just

received a call from her friend Zack who said that Zenedora was looking

for Nine-Arts-Dragon. It seems Shioon ran for it, we have no idea where

she-“

“Pack your bags, we are leaving,” said Han quietly.

“What?”

“We don’t know how much information she’ll give up. We are talking

about Zenedora here. We can’t wait for them to find us.”

“That child is your apprentice! How can you-“

“What the hell do you want me to do?! Do you want me to go against

Zenedora?”

“But-“

“Don’t be mistaken. That kid was never involved in our plans to begin

with. We have almost finished our assignment. Do you want to

jeopardize our mission for a mere girl?”

“But Han-“

“Get ready to run. We don’t have a moment to spare.”

“…fine,” said Ravenna and hung up.

Han cut the call; his hands were stiff like they were paralyzed. He threw

it away and roared, “That idiot!!” (I seriously don’t see how this is her

fault -.-)

***

Shioon slumped against the wall; blood trickled from her forehead as

she slid down twitching. Dawn’s hands were sweating looking at the

scene. There was not a trace of pity in Halvir’s eyes as he gazed at her.

Dawn wanted to grab the girl and run; did the guy have any emotions

to beat up a mere kid to this extent?

“It looks like you’ll be unable to continue. I have high regards for your

courage though.”

When Shioon did not reply, he rounded on Dawn and said, “I need you

to make a call, we need to take her back.”

Dawn immediately complied, glad that Halvir was putting an end to this

madness.

Halvir turned away and gripped his fist. He knew he had done

something stupid, what was she hoping for?

He suddenly snapped his eyes wide and whisked aside to avoid Shioon

punch. The sonic boom echoed loudly as she steadied herself. Dawn’s

cell phone dropped from his numb hands.

“…Fight me,” Shioon muttered, her swollen mouth barely able to form

the words. She staggered as she brandished her fists at Halvir.

“Hey are you crazy! Enough!” yelled Dawn.

Halvir stepped forward towards her and said, “Let’s stop this. Anymore

and I’ll have to kill you. I have no intention of doing that.” He extended

his hand out to her.

Shioon’s fists relaxed as she made to reach for his hand. She grabbed it

and said, “Stop talking like a **** and attack!!!”

She pulled his hand and punched his face. He jerked aside to avoid it

but caught the expression on her face. Up close, he looked into the

fiery depths of her eyes. Blood trickled from her forehead to her cheek;

she bared her teeth and snarled when she missed.

A drop of blood fell on his face when she had moved, “You really are

stubborn,” he said, his face contorting with rage. He gave the final blow

to end it; Shioon was thrown off her feet and hit a bay window of a

building.

“Shit! You killed her!!” yelled Dawn.

“She…had to die. An abomination like her must be elimina-…It cannot

be…” he whispered as Shioon got up amongst the debris of broken

glass. The cuts around her body made her seem unrecognizable.

Halvir saw the tremendous amount of Zor still thumping around her

body. It was shining brightly around her like she was an unearthly

creature. His hand shook unconsciously as he touched his chest, his

heart beating at an unusually fast pace. What was this feeling…? Fiery

passion and vitality in her soul…fear, pain and rage…everything in that

small body. Ravenous, vehement and wild like an untamed beast.

Something stirred in Halvir, had he finally found his match?

(Totally dude ^_^ XD)

***

“Mom! I saw a man fly across the moon, I really did!” said a child,

whose mom was forcefully shoving him into a taxi.

“Yes, yes dear. Now get into the car,” said his mom.

“No, I really did,” he said muffled as he caught one last look of the night

sky.

The boy was not mistaken; a man did fly across buildings heading

towards the train station.

“What-the-hell-am-I-doing?!” roared Han into the night.

***

An old man and a young boy sat on a river bank surveying the

mountains before them.

“There are some very rare people who do not possess any powers but

just spirit alone. Such people have the power to mold the world,” said

the old man.

“Martial arts are based upon the union of purity, Zor and physical

prowess. The fact that anyone can be proficient in it with just spirit

alone is a fallacy,” replied a young boy with a cold disposition. His eyes

had the amount of maturity that far exceeded his age.

“Huh boy, the first thing you learnt is disrespect eh?” said the old man.

“I’m only speaking what is logically correct, great master,” said the boy

emotionlessly.

“How impudent of a ten year old boy to tell a man who is approaching

ninety what’s logical and what’s not?”

“Logic and truth remain constant whether you are 10 or 100 years old.”

“Really,” snorted the old man. “Listen carefully Halvir. One day you will

meet a person beyond your realm of understanding. You have a great

flaw. Your flaw is that you are too perfect. Your life is too dry and

boring. Remember, it will change once you meet that certain someone

who will show you something different, a different world.”

The present Halvir twitched, the memory of his master faded as he saw

Shioon standing before him. Why does she fight him even though she

knows she will lose?

Shioon gritted her teeth and trudged forward. Halvir saw the

happenings slowly, like it was playing in slow motion. He stood

transfixed, rooted to the spot.

“Stop…don’t come closer…” he muttered. “Stop this instant!” he roared

while Shioon attacked. The sonic boom this time was ear splitting as

Shioon finally gave way to the storm of pain engulfing her. Her fist just

grazed his cheek as she collapsed on him. The breeze from her Zor hit

him by just swirling his hair.

“Hey, you alright? Damn…who is she really?” said Dawn.

Halvir suddenly twitched and looked up. What happened next was in a

fraction of a second. A shadow swooped down on Halvir and snatched

Shioon from him.

Han retraced his steps away from Halvir, cradling Shioon in his arms.

“Man…this kid looks like a rag again,” he muttered. “You,” he growled

at Halvir, “Is this you’re doing?”

Halvir’s eyes flashed. He silently nodded.

“Your Zenedora huh…heard about you. Apparently you’re some kinda

genius…If that is so,” said Han setting Shioon down. “Then what were

you doing to some kid who’s been learning martial arts for a month?”

“It’s just been a month?” said Halvir aghast.

Halvir went skidding and banged into the shelf of boxes as Han punched

him. Dawn gasped.

“I ask the questions, you answer,” snarled Han looking down at the

dishelmed form of Halvir.

Such power, thought Halvir as he straightened. All Han did was tap him

with this left hand. “You are…Nine-Arts-Dragon?” he whispered.

Han snorted, “Even though you knew who I was…you still had the nerve

to touch my girl?!”

Halvir shivered. He now understood what his master had said about his

perception of the world changing. Halvir could distinctly see a dragon

encircling Han; the Zor around him was tangible and tremendous. Nine-

Arts-Dragon was truly a new entity.

Engine roars were heard being pulled over at the main road.

“Looks like the guards have arrived,” said Halvir quietly. “I will take my

leave now.”

“What?” said Han; his rage could barely be controlled in his voice. “I’ll

let you walk away after what you did to her?!”

“Then do you want to fight?” said Halvir making Han raise his

eyebrows. “But think about it…if we have a duel here, there is a

possibility that the whole federation of Zorain might turn up.”

“Ha! Are you threatening me? You little puppy?”

“This is not a threat. I’m merely stating the facts. If you are willing to

sacrifice her then we can have a clash right here.”

Han gritted his teeth and glanced at Shioon. She was already knocking

the door to her next life. “…Hurry up and scram before I change my

mind,” he growled.

“…What is her name?” said Halvir unmoving.

“…Shioon O’Conner, why do you care?” said Han.

“She is the first person to defeat Halvir Zenedora.”

“What?” said Han surprised. “You had a duel and she won?”

Halvir bowed and said, “With due respect to her, I will not be telling the

federation about your location and the events of this evening. And…

when she wakes up, please tell her this; the next time we fight, it won’t

be under the same conditions.”

Han stared stony faced from Halvir to Shioon. Just what the hell was

the brat yapping about?

Halvir and Dawn walked up to the cars. “Hey…you okay?” said Dawn

uncertainly.

“So…so scary,” muttered Halvir. His whole body shook with dread.

“Nine-Arts-Dragon…his power is one that is untouchable by humans…I

cannot imagine a more befitting person to be his apprentice than that

girl.”

Chapter 24

Shioon was lying in Ravenna’s apartment when the covers rustled. A

small head peeked at her. Jack’s futon was made on the floor right

beside Shioon’s bed. He carefully looked around, when he saw they

were alone; he slowly extended his small hand and touched Shioon’s

cheek. He smiled and shook her bangs off her face.

Shioon stirred in her sleep. Jack snatched his arm back blushing. She

blinked her eyes and looked around. “…Miss Ravenna?” She supported

herself on her elbow and sat up. “Oh crap,” she yelled clutching her

chest.

“Are you okay?” said Jack flustered.

“I…Jack? Yeah, I’m fine…” said Shioon grimacing. “How come I’m

here…I thought I was a goner…”

“Yesterday your master brought you here. Because of you I didn’t get to

sleep in my bed,” he said frowning.

“Mr. Han…? How did…”

“He said your boyfriend contacted him or something,” said Jack

annoyed.

“Oh Zack…”

“Humph. Someone must be happy, having a boyfriend and all,” said

Jack folding his arms and pouting.

Shioon sighed and fell back on the bed clutching her bangs. “I can’t do

anything without Mr. Han’s help…I’m so pathetic. When will I ever be as

strong as him…?”

“But your opponent was Zenedora! Do you even know who he is? That

kid is a genius that appears once every few hundred years! To even

survive a duel with him is an incredible feat!” Jack huffed, angry red

patches appearing on his cheeks.

Shioon’s stared at him. Her chin trembled as she burst out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?!” yelled Jack enraged.

Shioon waved her hands around, still doubled up clutching her middle.

“Oh I’m sorry, but you looked so cuuuute…”

“I wasn’t being funny,” grumbled Jack, his ears steaming.

“I know, I know…but thanks to you I feel a lot better now,” she smiled

patting his head.

“So…so what happened,” started Jack hesitantly but the door opened

and Ravenna walked in. “Wow! Awake already,” she said grinning at

Shioon. “Are you better now? You looked like a corpse yesterday.”

“I’m all good!” said Shioon brightly, banging her shoulder.

“Honestly, when he brought you in…you gave me the creeps. Lord

Kingman was up all night worrying about you-“Ravenna suddenly

stopped when she received a death stare from Jack. “Oh Er…well, I’ll go

make breakfast. You better call Han and tell him you’re alive…he

carried you all the way here from train station jumping on buildings like

a phantom.”

“Oh okay…”said Shioon. She shook her head, “He sure is awesome…”

Jack turned away with a straight face, going back to his old ignore-

Shioon self. “Why is Jacky so peeved?” said Shioon reaching out to

ruffle his hair when he yelled out, “Don’t touch me!”

Shioon stared and drew back her hand confused. The boy’s mood was

as predictable as the future.

Jack burst out, “What’s so great about that Han Ozark? Sure he’s

tall…what else?”

“Er…I guess so…” said Shioon uncertainly wondering what he was

talking about.

“If I put my mind to it, I can be hundred times better than him,”

muttered Jack.

“What?”

“Nothing! I’m going to sleep!”

***

Han sat smoking in an open air cafeteria. He tapped his feet waiting.

The coffee arrived; a pretty waitress set it down and smiled. He smirked

and lowered his sun glasses to wink at her. She placed a tissue on his

saucer and walked away. He lazily glanced at it and saw a number with

a name. Another one, he thought sighing. He blamed two girls for

always taking up a lot of space on his mind. (Yo reader, you can pretty

much guess who they are ;) n yeah, NOT Miss Bae :P)

His phone rang, the screen displaying Ravenna’s number. He answered

it, “Hey, did she wake up?”

“…Yes,” replied Ravenna. “It’s just like you said, her recovery rate is

seriously shocking. She’s taking a shower right now, so I called

instead…”

“Okay then…see ya, I have to meet someone-“

“Han…please don’t plan on getting revenge…it’ll blow up everything,

think about who you are-“

“What makes you say that?” interrupted Han.

“Are you serious? I know you the longest Han. You are Nine-Arts-

Dragon, off course you would want to avenge her.”

Han did not reply immediately, she knew him huh? He almost smiled

when he noticed a shadow across his shoulder. “…later then,” he said

and cut the call. When he looked around, it was Remo Mayors and

Apollo.

“You were looking for an informant on the location of Halvir

Zenedora?” said Mayors calmly.

Han raised his eyebrows, his eyes scrutinizing the two men behind his

glasses. “…You guys don’t look like informants to me.”

Apollo fist clenched as sweat poured down his face. He suddenly burst

out, “Fight me Nine-Arts-Dragon!”

Han twitched; he didn’t give away his identity for the information. He

turned his cold gaze at Apollo and said, “What?”

“I said fight me!” yelled Apollo as the other customers of the café

glanced at them curiously. “Mr. McKenna, please calm down,” said

Mayors restraining Apollo.

The name piqued Han’s interest, so the foolish relative was here for

revenge. He asked Mayors, “Who’s the noob?” (*Noob (slang) – fool,

dumb person)

“I am Apollo McKenna of the Gustavo School of Arts! Second in line

after John McKenna who you killed!”

“Gustavo again,” sighed Han. “That guy is so bothersome even after his

death…sending weaklings like you...”

Apollo heaved like a bull, his face contorting with rage. He attacked

without another word. The customers turned around in shock as tables

and chairs went flying. Without putting out his cigarette, Han lazily

avoided Apollo’s every strike.

Dust rose up in clouds; Han crossed his legs leaning against a table as

Apollo panted. The public that had gathered around the café started

clapping and cheered, “Look at the tall one, just like in the movies, so

cool!”

“How embarrassing,” muttered Han shaking his head.

“Come on 9AD! What are you waiting for?” yelled Apollo.

“Stop effing around,” growled Han. He barely moved but Apollo was

blasted off his feet and joined the group of upturned tables and broken

chairs. “Get up, you piece of shit!” whispered Han as he approached

Apollo. “I’ll teach who Goomoonryong really is!” (*Goomoonryong –

Native name of Nine-Arts-Dragon)

***

“…So the young master has met Nine-Arts-Dragon,” said the Elder

sitting across Halvir Zenedora sipping on a cup of tea. (Halvir keeps

drinking a lot of caffeine with these oldies eh…go easy dude, your still

underage. :P)

“Yes,” replied Halvir. “I have given him my word and hence I cannot

disclose the details of how or where we met.”

“…I understand,” said the Elder thoughtfully. “…but there is another

very pressing matter at the moment, please keep this a secret. The son

of George Kingman of the Sunwoo Clan has gone missing.”

“The son…you mean Lord Jack Kingman?”

“Yes,” said the Elder. “We had been leaving the job of guarding him to

Judo of the torrent clan. But he seems to be indebted to someone, so

he doesn’t talk. We really don’t know where or who has taken him. This

matter has become our top most priority rather than finding Nine-Arts-

Dragon. If the Sunwoo Clan were to know, then the federation will lose

one of the most reputed clans from their side. Even if the child is

kidnapped, he is so weak; you’d never know when he might’ve died.”

“…He is a yen-type body correct?” said Halvir.

“Yes,” replied Elder.

“…it is a theory that the legendary WalsainDan can cure this illness…”

The Elder’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “What makes you say

that!” he exclaimed.

“Isn’t it ironic, the Dan and Lord Kingman missing with the arrival of

Nine-Arts-Dragon? I think he has become involved in this incident.”

***

“…Curse you Nine-Arts!” gasped Apollo lying on the ground. He threw

up in a dark alley that Han had led them to.

Han snorted, “Looks like you ate too much for breakfast.”

Apollo coughed his eyes still alive but his face green with the strain.

“Get up boy, didn’t you say you wanted fight me?” growled Han.

Apollo glared up at Han in response.

“…You see this,” said Han showing his sling to Apollo. “Your bro…he

put me in this state. Somehow with his metal hand moves, he left my

body like this. I normally heal broken bones within a few days but

because of him, I have to be stuck in this clasp for a month!”

“…John,” stuttered Apollo, his eyes shining with tears. “I’ll kill you!” he

yelled and jumped from his pool of sick. Han gave the final blow to end

it all.

“Please stop, if you kill him, the federation will have to be notified,”

said Mayors.

“Is that a request or a threat?”

“…I’m begging you,” said Mayors imploringly.

“You know…” said Han taking off his sun glasses and tucking it on the

front of his shirt. “You’re attitude is seriously pissing me off!”

A sonic boom spilt the air as Han struck Mayors but the later dodged.

Mayors caught Han’s left arm twisted it. There was a crack as Han’s

shoulder bone dislocated, Mayors meant to rip it off its socket but Han

jumped in the air and did a cartwheel to get his shoulder back to its

proper position. There was another blast as Mayors hit the wall a few

feet off the ground being punched by Han.

Han grunted as he readjusted his shoulder bones. “What’s with you, are

you some kind of a hidden master or something?”

“Haha no,” chuckled Mayors straightening from the debris, dusting his

suit. “I’m not sure how that happened…and please wait for a moment,”

he said urgently when Han approached him. “I am not a martial artist

but I can be a reasonable gentleman if you just listen to me, Nine-Arts-

Dragon.” He held his coat out to show a gun fastened to the side of his

chest.

Han did not respond for a second. He tapped his cigarette and

whispered, “If you think you can threaten me with that, you are gravely

mistaken.”

“That was not my intension,” aid Mayors waving his hands. “I’m just a

humble Govt. official allowed to keep fire arms and use it if need be.”

“Then why is a government official meddling with a Zorainian convict?”

said Han playing along.

“That…is true but things have gotten out of our hands. Several of the

countries’ most influential people have faced mysterious deaths one

after the other. Their deaths are unusual. Who would believe that a

single man killed the entire highly trained security unit around Mr.

Zacharias Smith, the president of Great Britain single handedly without

a weapon? Because of this the various intelligence units across the

globe believe that there is some unknown assassination group behind

this and have designated them as the ‘Shadow Warriors’. But off

course, you would rather know it as, ‘The Black Defense Group’.

Mayors paused waiting for Han’s reaction but the later just puffed on

his smoke staring coldly back.

“…If the wall between the common man and a super natural is broken

then we have no choice but to step in.”

Han flicked his cigarette away. “Well, none of this shit concerns me. I’m

not obligated to respond right? I’m letting you off because you’re a

Govt. official.” he said turning away.

“I know why you’re doing this!” yelled Mayors trying to stop Han. “I

know your past! I understand how you must feel after you lost your

master to the federation. But to ally yourself with the Black Defense

Group-“

Before Mayors could complete, Han had grabbed Mayors collar with his

left hand and lifted him off his feet in the air. “Shut the **** up!” said

Han. His face had a terrifying darkness to it. His eyes were cast in

shadows, a beast lurking within them. “What would someone like you

know how my master died or what he meant to me? Those federation

leaders…old shit bag of bones threatened and murdered him!” He

threw Mayors away from him.”Let me state this clearly! I don’t care

about the preservation of martial arts! I just have one goal! To wipe out

the entire federation of Zorain! For that I ready to make a pact with the

devil himself!”

Mayors covered. He had heard rumors about the Nine Arts Dragon but

now he understood why for the last seven years, this man had single

handedly shaken the entire Zorain. The beast that prowled before him

was truly a dragon in disguise.

“Listen carefully, the next time I see you or any other Govt. sucker

trying to seek me out, I will hunt you down and I will kill you.”

(Popular Liam Neeson dialogue eh? Way to go Han! Must have seen

Taken xP)

***

The lifts clinked open as Halvir stood by it. He bowed low to The Elder

and said, “Please consider what we have discussed.”

“Off course but do not worry, your suspicions are well accounted for

but I highly doubt it may actually happen.”

Halvir considered the Elder’s smile and said,” Then I shall take my

leave.” He stepped into the lift.

As soon as the elevator closed, the Elder dropped his amicable facade

and turned to his assistant. “Contact the One Moon Clan and confirm

that the Dan is indeed missing. Also confirm where this Heavenly Way

Kid was yesterday and double the search party in that area and

quadruple the reward offered to find Nine Arts Dragon! And above all

else, be careful to not let the Heavenly Way Clan hear a word about

this!”

The driver opened the limo door for Halvir as he slid into the car. “How

did the conversation go?” said one of the guards.

“…The Organization head has something else on his mind,” replied

Halvir. “Alert the Heavenly Way Clan for support. It’ll take a lot more

than that off course to capture that man…”

“Understood…it seems like you’ve had a lot on your mind since

yesterday. Was meeting the Nine Arts Dragon that much of a shock.”

“…How is losing to someone who’s been learning martial arts for a

month feel like?”

“Sorry?” said the guard confused.

“Would it be similar to crossing paths with 9AD?”

“…well wouldn’t it be worse?” said the guard.

“Precisely,” muttered Halvir. His eyes glazed over as he brought his

window down. “She didn’t…back off even a single step. She must’ve

been very scared. Even in such fear…it seems, besides those of the

martial arts that I thought of; there are quite a few amazing people out

there…glad I met one of the most incredible of them.”

***

It was past eleven at night as Shioon stood on Ravenna’s threshold. She

hopped down the stairs two at a time and breathed out the night air,

feeling a lot better. She flexed her arms; sleeping for more than twenty

four hours had made them stiff from lack of exercise. She closed her

eyes and concentrated on her lower back. The Zor hummed slightly as

she circulated it to her arm, she snapped her eyes open and punched

the air.

“Ouch,” she cried winking as the Zor on her wrists gave her slight

shocks.

“What are you doing out this late at night?”

Shioon turned around and saw Han strolling towards her. “Sir,” she

asked bewildered, the same question popping to her mind.

“Even Planaria need time to adjust back to life! Don’t go wasting your

energy like this.”

“I...was bored simply staying on the bed so thought I’d review what you

taught me. And…thanks for...Er saving me again…”

Han passed by her and sat down on the stone steps. “Well it’s a bad

habit I picked up.”

“Have you been drinking,” said Shioon suspiciously.

“What’s with the face? So what if I have?” said Han, his words slurring

slightly.

“Okay…so should I go get Miss Ravenna,” said Shioon.

“Why would I want to see her?”

“Why else have you come?” said Shioon smirking.

“That…” said Han blinking. “Oh yeah, I came to see you.”

“Yeah right,” said Shioon rolling her eyes. “Despite knowing that Miss

Ravenna had sent me back home?”

Han was really caught this time. He had no idea either why he had

come here. He suddenly burst out, “What’s with that smirk eh? Miiiind

your own business!”

They lapsed into silence after that as Shioon got back to her practicing.

She went thought the process of collecting her Zor and when she

executed her move, Han looked up surprised.

“Maybe I’m high or something…but you seem to have got the inner

energy strike…

Shioon just grinned embarrassed. Han was honestly amazed at her

abilities. The girl had mastered the most renowned techniques of

martial arts in just two days.

“Oh yeah…how is that Zenedora guy?”

“Hmm?”

“That…Heavenly Way Clan head,” said Shioon.

“Oh…don’t worry, I’ll definitely aveng-“

“I…should thank him,” said Shioon staring down at her hands.

“Whaaat? For beating you into a pulp?” said Han incredulously.

“If it weren’t for him, I would’ve had murder on my hands.”

“Geez kid, don’t you feel a teensy bit of animosity towards that boy?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” said Shioon smiling. “I’m in so much pain; it feels like

I’m dying. However, I am really thankful for him for teaching me a

lesson. That day…I had become so furious that…nothing could’ve

stopped me. It was like I was possessed by the devil himself…never in

my life I had felt such rage. I had forgotten why I had learnt martial

arts…to protect myself not to inflict pain.

“You…” He shook his head and said, “Go and rest, it’s a bit premature

for this but if your body heals, I’ll teach you foot techniques.”

“Foot techniques!” squealed Shioon excitedly. “What are they?”

“You’ll know soon enough,” he said patting her head. “Man…getting

drunk is a bad idea. Came here for nothing…” he got up ruffling his hair

free from his pony tail.

Halvir’s words echoed in Shioon’s mind ‘…these breakers break the

peace…inflict pain…strong rule…’

“Mr. Han…you are not a bad person.”

“Huh?” said Han.

“I know it.” said Shioon.

Han stared. “…What makes you say that?”

“I believe it,” said Shioon firmly. “You are an amazing person Mr. Han,

you are a good man.”

Han didn’t know what had brought that on, but hearing her say it made

him feel strange. (Go on Han! Say ‘I love you’! XD) “Ya know

kid…sometimes you say stuff that really makes my head hurt,” he said

sighing. (Oh maaan! X[) “Run along now or Ravenna will come out

looking for you.”

“Okay sir!” said Shioon grinning. “Goodnight!” She ran back into the

house, a spring to her stride. Han stared after her wishing he was as

honest as her with his feelings.

(Author : Well, what can I say? You had your chance stupid Han X(

Han: Shut up will you! She’s just a kid! Besides wasn’t I paired with that

fox Ravenna?

Author : Humph -.-)

***

“What? Nine rats Dragon!” exclaimed Dawn’s Brother Ralph Parker.

“That’s right! 9AD!” yelled back Dawn as the brothers were standing

outside Dawn’s school.

“You’re…still alive,” gulped Ralph suddenly looking at Dawn as though

he saw his brother for the first time.

Dawn tutted impatiently, “I’m fine but honestly, even you didn’t know

that he was involved in this search?”

“No I didn’t! If I did, why would I have entrusted you with such a

dangerous task? But wow…9AD huh…” said Ralph deep in thought.

“Hey now…don’t plan anything wired,” said Dawn worried.

“…What if we find him!”

“There!” yelled Dawn. “Weird thought! Get rid of it! I’ve seen the man,

he’s the real thing! You blink at him and he’ll kill you!”

“Think about it!” said Ralph. “If we bring him in, our White Stone Clan

will finally get some recognition from the federation and there’s the

reward too…

“You crazy! Even that Zenedora was blown up! Guys like us don’t even

stand a chance!” yelled Dawn shaking his head.

“Who said anything about fighting?” said Ralph grabbing his brother’s

shoulder and steering him away from the crowd. “We’ll just scout his

location, that’s all!”

“No no!!!!! I refuse to get involved,” said Dawn vehemently. His brother

sighed and said, “At least give me some clues, you said the girl was his

disciple right?”

“Huh…yeah…” said Dawn. “But…yeah! She fought some guys who were

wearing uniforms with a dragon emblem on them.”

“…You mean the Nine Dragons High School?!”

______END of Volume 5_______xD______

Halvir Zenedora Portfolio

(By the Way, Halvir doesn’t smoke ^_^)

Full Name: Halvir Val Zenedora

Age: 17 years (0_0)

Height: 189 cm (6.2”)

Weight: 172 pounds (lb)

Zodiac Sign : Virgo

Hobby: Political non-fiction (Han should hear this :P Tata dude, you’ll

never get Shioon :P)

Aim in Life : To govern The Heavenly Way Clan to the best of my

abilities and to meet Nine Arts Dragon.

Likes: Training by the mountain side.

Dislikes : Facts that are beyond my reach of understanding.

Greatest Fear: Nine Arts Dragon (Han: *Snigger*, Interviewer : Get out

of here Han!)

Childhood Dream Job: Nothing (Interviewer : *whispers to Han* did he

even have a childhood :S)

Music: None. (U SHUD GET A LIFE *Han restrains Interviewer*)

All Time Movie: None (Interviewer: Han, kill me now ~.~)

Fav. Food : Sushi

Idea of Fun : (Oh let me guess, NOTHING?) Train by the river side (Oh

that’s so much fun >.< Han: Oi , your terrifying the poor chap :/)

If not the Successor of Heavenly Way Clan, what would you have

perused in life: Geology

Happy with the way this novel is going: No idea, I don’t read fiction.

(Han, can I murder him?)

***

10 January 2013 (Long break, I know)

Chapter 25

Han, Shioon, Ravenna and Jack had decided to spend the day on the

beach. Ravenna and Jack sat under a large umbrella while Shioon and

Han stood near the shore, warm sea water playing around their ankles.

“Foot techniques are fundamental movements and ways to evade an

opponent’s attack. No matter how strong your fist is, if it cannot

connect with the opponent then it becomes useless. First is…Shioon?

Are you listening?” said Han uncertainly.

Shioon’s eyes had glazed over as she stood watching the glittering

water under the clear blue sky. It was a beautiful day with the sun

shining brightly. She felt elevated by the cheer surrounding her. It had

been ages since she had an outing like this.

“Shioon?” repeated Han.

“Huh, yes sir! Sorry I was spacing out,” said Shioon grinning sheepishly.

Han didn’t blame her. The place demanded your attention to wander

off into space. He continued,“…Like I was saying, foot techniques-“

“Oh come on! Would you guys lighten up! Lets enjoy ourselves for a

while,” said Ravenna as she jogged up to them. If anything, she was an

eye full. The sun light rolled off her skin making her look very pretty.

Han averted his eyes from her to concentrate on what he had to say.

“Will you stop bothering us? I’m teaching her something important.”

“It’s what Lord Kingman wants. Come Shioon, weave your magic and

keep his highness entertained,” said Ravenna putting on a British

accent.

Han rolled his eyes and nodded at Shioon. Ravenna gave Shioon the

barest of a wink and jogged after Han as he walked down the shore.

Shioon had got the hint, she won’t disturb them. Grinning, she walked

up to Jack with a glass and a spade.

“So, how do you like it here,” said Shioon making Jack jump. He looked

away as usual.

“Eh? Are you in a bad mood again?” said Shioon sitting down beside

Jack.

“Why bother with me? Mr. Nine Arts can keep you company,” said Jack

shortly.

“Yeah well, he is teaching me after all…but I want to play with you!

Let’s make sand castle!”

“Do I look like a kid to you!” said Jack furious.

She shrugged and started gathering the sand into a heap. She stuck the

glass she had brought into the sand making towers. The wind suddenly

blew and Jack yelled, “Ah there’s some falling out!”

The sound of Shioon’s laughter was heard near the car where Han and

Ravenna were sitting. “Seems like Shioon has the right kind of

temperament to able to handle men,” said Ravenna.

“She’s stupid for playing around and wasting time,” grunted Han. “She

knows I will be leaving soon and yet she-

“Don’t start Han, have you failed to see her charm?” said Ravenna

smiling. “She knows how to distinguish between her purpose and the

means by which she can achieve it. Getting stronger is neither her

means nor purpose.” She got off the bonnet of the car and sighed. “I

don’t know how her future will shape out to be, but it’ll be her choices

that will make her a better Zorainian.”

Han knew that only too well, he wanted to stay by that girl and see

what she would become someday. “I’m just tired of saving her time and

again, if we finish with our training, I can get her off my back,” said Han

indifferently.

“You can’t fool me Han...but I guess I am a bit jealous of her. The one I

want you to chase after so hard is me…”

She glanced at him but he turned away. Ravenna wasn’t sure but she

thought she saw a smile flit through his face.

Han cleared his throat and continued, “In any case, I’m just worried

that the federation will come looking for me since I ran into that

Zenedora kid. They might even track the school.”

***

Ralph and Dawn Parker walked through the deserted corridors of Nine

Dragons High School.

“So…this is it,” said Ralph with an air of disinterest. “What’s so great

about this place…”

“Remind me again, why are we here,” said Dawn practically shivering.

“If we run into him,” he shook like he had seen a ghost.

“You have to point out that girl to me,” said Ralph exasperated. “And

even 9AD is a sane man. He wouldn’t simply start killing people at

sight!”

“Easy for you to say!” yelled Dawn. “He has seen me with Zenedora for

crying out loud!”

“Will you keep it down!” said Ralph gritting his teeth. “Hold on a

second,” he muttered coming to a stop near a window. “A

Lamborghini?”

There was something about cars and men that was unexplainable.

Dawn immediately pressed his face to the glass to get a better look at

the flashy automobile forgetting all about Nine-Arts-Dragon.

“Get down,” hissed Ralph pulling Dawn to a kneeling position.

“What? Is it 9AD!” whispered Dawn terrified.

“No…it’s that European guy Lewinsky! A famous porter. They say his

driving skills are god-like…what is he doing here?”

“I need to confirm something,” said Ralph taking out his cell phone

while Alex drove away. “Oh yeah, is there anything about 9AD that

stands out? Like an extra feature or something,” he said addressing

Dawn.

“Uh…yeah, an arm sling.”

***

“Damn it, a whole day has gone by and we haven’t done anything!”

growled Han looking daggers at Shioon through the rare view mirror.

“Relax Mr. Han, we had loads of fun today.” She grinned at him.

“Don’t complain later, it’s your fault for being lazy,” said Han shortly

gazing out of the window.

“That can’t be helped since the one teaching wanted it more than the

one being taught,” snorted Ravenna.

“It depresses me that she won’t have the basic idea of foot techniques

that might help her in future,” retorted Han.

“So what if she falls behind a day or two? Such babble,” interrupted a

deep voice.

Han glanced at Jack through the rear view mirror raising his eye brows.

“Seems like you resent her training? How long do you think she will

take to master foot techniques? Even if she trains to death she

wouldn’t get it until after a few months! We’ll be leaving soon, have

you forgotten that?”

Jack’s eyes were down cast when Han mentioned their departure. He

had never known such freedom he had experienced these last few

weeks. He felt a spasm of pain when he realized she won’t be leaving

with them. Shioon mistook Jack’s sad face to thinking it was because

Han had chided him that he was upset.

“Don’t pay any attention to Mr. Han,” whispered Shioon and said out

loud, “I had loooots of fun today, next time, Jacky, I’ll take you to the

amusement park.”

Han rolled his eyes exasperated but didn’t say anything. Jack didn’t

even have the heart to retort. “One day I will get well, I will

return…then you can take me anywhere you like,” he mumbled.

“Off course!” said Shioon brightly.

Jack turned away unable to hide his smile. “Oh look, Lord Kingman is

blushing! How cute,” cooed Ravenna grinning.

“No I am not!” yelled Jack seeing red. A minute later, he took off his

medallion and said to Shioon, “Take this.”

“What is it…” said Shioon.

“It’s payment for playing with me today,” said Jack.

“Wait, sir! What are you doing?” said Ravenna aghast, clutching the

steering wheel.

“It is my decision, stay out of it,” said Jack shortly. Shioon accepted the

medallion but was confused with Ravenna’s reaction. “When I come

back, I’m going to check on you so you better take good care of it.”

“…Isn’t that the phoenix medallion!” exclaimed Han.

“Yeah! Why else do you think I’m panicking?” said Ravenna.

“Whoa way to go girl!” Han grinned at Shioon. “You’ve got some

serious shit on your hand. From now on, I should address you as your

highness Miss Shioon.” Ravenna gave him a ‘please-shut-up-this-is-

not-funny’ look.

“What? It’s fine, the one who gave it said it’s okay. Besides, Jack

couldn’t have found a better person to give it to,” he said fondly

glancing at Shioon.

Shioon stared perplexed at the medallion wondering if it was expensive

or something. When they reached Ravenna’s flat, Shioon easily picked

Jack into her arms.

“You don’t have to do that, I could carry him,” said Ravenna.

“That’s okay, he’s very light. Besides it wouldn’t hurt to do some weight

training,” said Shioon grinning.

Han blinked at Shioon as she climbed the steps. “That girl is so gullible

…” He sighed. “Today was such a waste…”

“Cheer up Han! Thanks to you, I had a lot of fun today,” said Ravenna

bending into the boot space to unload the baggage. “To be honest, I

had wanted to enjoy a day like this at least once…you know, a normal

life. Somehow I’ve never been able to that since the time I was born.”

Han snatched the big bag out of her hand and passed by muttering,

“Yeah, yeah, I had a bit of fun too.”

Ravenna brightened as she laughed.

“Also,” said Han turning away. “After this matter is over with, if there

can be a next time…maybe we could…together…” His mumbling grew

distinct.

Ravenna’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Han’s retreating figure.

She couldn’t help but smile sadly.

///////////NOT SURE WHETHER TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PART – It

is a special extra part celebrating one year anniversary of this novel –

March 18-2013 ^_^ ///////////

Ravenna and Han unloaded the bags in the living room while Shioon

placed Jack gently on the bed. Ravenna glided to kitchen muttering

about coffee and Han followed her.

“So…did you have fun today?” said Shioon trying to make conversation.

Jack nodded after a while. Shioon was relieved to see he hadn’t

snapped at her. “Shall I get you something, milk?” She received a nod

for that too so she got up and headed to the kitchen but remembered

Han and Ravenna were in there. With a stupid grin on her face, she

waltzed back to the living room and switched on the TV. Jack raised his

eyebrows at her but she mouthed the word ‘later’. He didn’t get what

she saying and shrugged. After a moment or so, Han and Ravenna came

out. Ravenna had an oddly calculated look on her face; like she was

thinking something distant.

Han turned to Shioon and said, “Shall we go out for a walk?”

“Huh,” said Shioon and glanced at the clock, it was seven in the

evening. “Yeah…alright,” she mumbled surprised and trudged up to

take her coat. Jack was back to attention glaring at Han with his

kittenish fury. When Shioon turned back to Han, he was exchanging a

meaningful look with Ravenna and she nodded. She was back to herself

and said, “Have fun Shioon.”

“Um…aren’t we going to the park?” said Shioon as Han and she were

walking in the opposite streets that headed towards the malls.

“No kid…today, we’ll do something else…my treat.”

Shioon eyebrows shot up to the sky. Han was missing out on practice

voluntarily. He stopped suddenly and said, “This is it.”

Shioon’s jaw dropped. It was the most expensive restaurant in the

vicinity, complete with a royal palace theme. “Here,” she said

incredulously.

“Why not,” said Han taken aback by her tone that was testing his

sanity.

“Are you sure,” she said eyeing his jacket pocket.

Han sighed. “You’ll be surprised how much I can afford, come let’s go.”

The guards opened the ornate glass doors and bowed them in. Shioon

fidgeted with her jeans and sportswear, feeling very out of place.

“Relax,” said Han as a waiter guided us to a spot by the large glass wall

that let customers view the whole city.

Han shook his head and muttered something to the waiter. The man

nodded and guided them to a more secluded place with no glass wall.

“Don’t want us to be too precarious,” he said and grinned. She tried to

grin back but her open mouth probably looked stupid. Before sitting

down, two attendants pulled the seat and waited for them to sit down.

“So,” started Han but Shioon cut him, “What’s this all of a sudden Sir?”

The waiter was hanging around so he shook his head and said out loud,

“What would you like?”

“Um…coffee,” said Shioon eyeing the extravagant menu card, afraid

that her eyes might pop out at the prices if she checked.

“Oh come on, we didn’t come here to get coffee. Get anything you like,

it’s my treat,” said Han exasperated.

Off course he had to pay, or Shioon would be working here to pay off

the debt for anything she will order until she graduates from school.

She gingerly opened the menu and saw the list. Wearily avoiding the

prices, she said, “Lasagna please,”

“And you sir,” said the waiter taking notes.

“I’ll have two of Pehrmefe* and a Dom Perignon Rose minus the call*.”

*Pehrmefe is a French cuisine and Dom Perignon Rose is a ridiculously expensive drink. Whenever any

customer orders this drink, the waiters do a performance.*

She was surprised to see the waiter’s jaw drop. “R-Right away,” he said

faintly and left.

“What was it that you ordered?”

“Oh…it’s a drink,” said Han. Shioon checked her menu and gasped. “It’s

ten thousand dollars!”

“What, you think I can’t afford it,” said Han casually. Shioon didn’t

argue anymore. Now that she saw, Han always dressed expensive, was

living in an ultra super luxurious apartment, bigger than Ravenna’s.

How could he cover all this in an average temporary English Lecturer’s

salary?

“You’re not really a teacher are you?” she said dubiously.

“Well…I am officially for your school but, I’ve got other jobs too…let’s

just leave it at that.”

“So you’re like an-“Han had to lean in to hear her whisper ‘under

agent’. He drew back, his lips twitching. “Yeah I am.”

“I know that much…and tell me more about-“Han had to lean in again

to hear her say Zorain.

“You don’t have to whisper, we are alone here,” he said in a mocking

whisper practically grinning now. Shioon drew back embarrassed as he

laughed out loud. “Well, what do you wanna know?”

“Do Zorainians have normal jobs, live in the society and all,” said

Shioon.

“You could say so…but well they all belong to some clan or the other. A

Zorainian can be just like any other civilian if his Zor is not harnessed.

So martial arts are essential tools to posses that Zor and as for them

doing normal jobs, yes. They do like any other to earn a livelihood.”

“And…all these clans report to one jury?” said Shioon.

“Yeah, the Martial Arts Federation, it comprises of all the heads of the

clans and some highly experienced masters.”

“Can you make out if a person is a Zorainian or not?” said Shioon.

“Yes,” said Han. “But only a very highly trained individual can do that.”

“You mean like their movement?”

“Yes but more like the Zor that emits from them. You for one…your Zor

is almost engulfing me too,” said Han smiling.

“Huh,” said Shioon looking around her.

“Haha, it’s not something that’s opaque. More like glistening

waves…like fumes…” His eyes glazed over as he stared at Shioon.

“What about yours?” mumbled Shioon.

“Mine,” said Han. “It’s…all around…merging with yours.”

Han was surprised to see that both their Ki centers had the same

essence. Most Zor drew back from each other, ready to strike if need

be. Was it because he had transferred all of his energy on that accursed

day when she almost died due to the WalsainDan?

The waiter arrived, snapping his concentration. He set the tray down

and asked if they needed anything else. Shioon shook her head and so

did Han.

“Bon appetite!” he said cheerfully and tucked into his cuisine.

“You’ll be leaving soon right,” said Shioon suddenly.

Han put his fork down and said, “I’ll be honest kid. My job here was to

get Jack and leave. I’m still delaying because…I have some unfinished

business. But, Zenedora,” he almost growled the name. “I don’t know if

he’ll keep his word or not. We can expect the federation to arrive at

any moment.”

Shioon fidgeted. So it was because of her that he had to leave. “I…I

don’t know why he followed me-“started Shioon apologetic but Han

interrupted.

“It wasn’t your fault. He’s an extremely advanced Zorainian. He can

detect even the smallest amount of Zor in anyone. And you are giving

off almost twenty people’s Zor.”

“Why are you delaying…?”

She had asked the question to which the answer he didn’t know

himself. Hadn’t he risked everything to save her? Could he ever find a

better disciple than her?

“Shioon…when I met you, I had noticed something different about you.

Initially, I did believe you were a coward but when you approached me,

you reminded me of myself. I was bullied in school you know…I knew

there was a man in the caves, a very highly skilled person. I asked him

to teach me.” He sighed, a crease forming on his forehead. “A master

and a disciple’s relationship is a sacred one. When you ask a Zorainian

to teach you, it means that the person has chosen you. You proved your

worth in every possible way a master could ask for.” He smiled and

continued, “I just wanted to keep it informal at first. Teach you a few

moves and be done with it. But somehow…we’ve come this far. So, I

want to finish what I have started.”

Shioon was silent as she stared down at her Lasagna. “Then why don’t

you take me with you?”

“I cannot,” he said softly. “You’re future is all set. You’re just starting

your life. You’ll find a good job, meet a guy, get married and have kids.

Mine is an endless maze, with no dead ends; like a dark hole.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little too late,” said Shioon, her eyes sparkling

with intensity.

“No Shioon. It’s for the best. I don’t know when I’ll leave but it is certain

that I’ll be gone some day.” He paused and said, “Soon.”

“Why can’t I go with you?” she said fiercely.

“Think about your mom! Will you just leave her alone?”

Shioon flinched; she had not considered her mom in this. Somehow,

she had been so alone for so long that her life felt meaningless. It was

like destiny that the day she met this man, her life had changed.

“Think of all the times that has caused you pain, near death

experiences. Imagine living your life unsure if you’ll live it the next day.”

“If you hadn’t come, my life would have anyway continued to be a

living hell,” said Shioon looking down at her hands.

Han switched to a more jovial mood, “Come on let’s not keep our rose

in the dark.” He poured the amber liquid into her glass and yelled,

“Kampai!”

“Cheers,” mumbled Shioon and took a sip. “Whoa! This is ghastly,” said

Shioon making a face.

Han laughed out loud. They finished their dinner in a happier mood.

After half an hour, they checked out of the hotel, Shioon mentally

noting never to step into it again unless she was a millionaire.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Chapter 26

14 April 2013

Ravenna opened the door when Han rang the bell. “There you are,” she

said smiling.

Shioon and Han were on the threshold when an engine roared down

the street behind them. A car zoomed to stop down and the door

opened high in the air as Alex got out of his Lamborghini.

“Look who’s having fun here!” He said disgruntled, trudging up the

stairs. Han rolled his eyes at Shioon. She smiled weakly at Alex feeling

guilty.

“No one, not even YOU came to visit me at the hospital, I practically

saved your life!” He said pointing at Shioon.

“Will you quite yelling,” growled Han. Alex started; he hadn’t noticed

Han in the dark.

“Nine Arts- urgh, Ozark!” yelped Alex. “I was just-“

Han moved sharply, his eyes on the road. “You idiot,” he roared at Alex

and jumped off the stairs. “You were being followed!”

Ravenna dashed out just when Han took off after a car that was

speeding away.

“Arm in a sling,” murmured Ralph excitedly as he drove in the car. “No

mistaking it, it was definitely Nine Arts Dragon!” He took out his cell

phone to contact his boss when something hard rammed on the top of

his car.

The iron was smashed though as Han’s fist punched through it. “When

I’ve got something good to say, you should stop the car.”

Ralph lost track of the wheel with the impact and headed straight to a

store, when he realized it, he opened his car door and jumped out just

when the glass walls of the store broke into thousand pieces. Dusting

the glass of his shirt, he panted and looked around. Han stood a few

feet from him.

Ralph took off like a bullet in the opposite direction. He didn’t have

time to see if Han was following as his surroundings blurred past him.

He skidded to a halt between two high buildings. Streaking between

them, he jumped onto the wall and kicked off, emitting all of his Zor in

the attempt. He shot up in the air like a rocket. He repeated the process

until he was on the roof. He jumped among the buildings, Spiderman

style. After crossing almost eight buildings, he landed to a rest against a

water tank. He shivered and panted grabbing his mobile from his jacket.

“Took you long enough,” breathed a voice from above him. Ralph

almost dropped his mobile as he looked up. Han sat above the tanks

smoking. “You prick; you seriously thought you could get away?”

***

Alex stopped the car with Shioon in the passenger seat. “There he is,”

he said pointing at a dark alley. The GPS beeped louder confirming his

words. Shioon heard an explosion and squinted at the alley alarmed.

She rushed out and saw Ralph bleeding among garbage bins.

“Are you all right,” she squeaked bending down on him. Ralph barely

fluttered his eyes in response.

“Mr. Alex! Please come here quickly! There’s a wounded man here-“

“Why are you here?”

A slight breeze blew ruffling Shioon hair. Han was at her side the next

moment. She drew back shocked. “Mr. Han, you surprised me,” she

said clutching her neck. “This man is seriously hurt-“

“He’s not dead yet? I’ll make sure this time,” he said moving past her.

“Y-you did this?” whispered Shioon.

Han twitched, “Yes,” he replied indifferently. He went to stand by Ralph

when Shioon said, “Don’t kill him!”

“If I don’t then he’ll expose us all!”

“Just for that, you’re gonna kill a person!” yelled Shioon, her hand

forming an involuntary fist.

“Why aren’t you getting it? He’ll reveal our location! I…we won’t be

able to stay with you any longer.”

Shioon looked down at the bleeding man. “You just have to leave

then.”

“…what about our training…What about all that time when you chewed

my brains out that you wanted to learn?!” yelled Han.

“I want to learn,” said Shioon. “But not at a life’s expense.”

Han gritted his teeth. He felt like giving her a thorough shake. He never

thought he’d meet a more annoying, frustrating and a stubborn brat

like her.

“But you can teach me when all of this is over,” she said looking up.

“I’m not stupid; I know you came here for Jack. However I also know

that you’ve been staying here because of me and for that you don’t

know how grateful I am. But when this matter is over, you can come

back to live here and we can continue training and meeting like how we

did these last few weeks.”

Han had the strangest expression on his face. Shioon was bewildered to

see him frowning in concern. “You really are a simple soul,” he said

sighing.

“What are you guys doing?” called Alex.

“You throw this trash in front of the hospital,” he growled at Alex. Alex

didn’t argue, he nodded at Shioon towards the car but Han said,

“Shioon O’Conner, follow me.”

***

The wind blew hard as Shioon glanced around. Han and she were

standing on a helipad of a hotel. The surroundings were beautiful; the

city lights twinkled all around them. The car lights were like little

fireflies way below them.

“Why are we here?” said Shioon apprehensively. She remembered the

bridge scene with Han. What if this was another jumping test?

“This will be your last lesson,” said Han quietly putting out his cigarette.

“Huh?” said Shioon hoping it wasn’t what she was thinking. There

wasn’t any water below to save her fall either. Not that she could swim,

she thought to herself crudely.

“Watch carefully, I won’t do it twice,” said Han. Making sure he had her

full attention, he continued, “You’re about to learn the basic five foot

techniques.” He took a few steps away from her, almost to the edge of

the helipad. Shioon scrutinized his movements, no matter how she saw

it; Han looked like he was just walking.

“This is not it,” he said amused. “What I’m about to do is called ‘Jin’, it

is a way to draw closer to your opponent.” He was almost twenty feet

away from her. He stopped and starting walking back towards her.

Suddenly his feet flickered and blurred. Before Shioon could register his

movements, Han stood just inches from her.

“Wah,” she yelled as he grinned down at her. “This is ‘Jin’,” he said

playfully taping her on the stomach.

“In-Incredible,” she gasped.

“Now, the second is,” again his feet blurred and he was back to being

twenty feet away from her.

Shioon’s face was so comical, Han laughed out loud. “Don’t miss now,

the third,” he said and his whole frame blurred to the left and

disappeared in a wisp of dust.

She looked around alarmed. “Mr. Han,” she called worried.

“Yes,” said a voice full of laughter right behind her. She spun around

and he stood grinning broadly. “This was ‘Hweh’, it allows you to avoid

your opponent’s attack and gaze.”

“The fourth,” he continued, “is ‘Kyuk’, to attack your opponent.” He

walked a few paces in front of her and said, “You can’t simply use ‘Kyuk’

however you want. It’s a skill that allows you to read an enemy’s foot

techniques and change its movements to neutralize the opponent. And

finally, the last one, this one would be the most exciting for you, I’m

sure,” he said winking.

He took five to six steps in all directions like he was checking the

comfort of a new shoe. Just like before, his feet blurred and in front of

her very eyes, there were five Hans standing beaming in front of her.

“It’s a secret technique that affects the enemy’s mind and will power,”

said the Han nearest to her. The one from her left said, “This is ‘Hwan’.”

***

Han and Shioon walked out of the hotel, the main roads a little more

silent than the time they had entered the building. Han’s watch showed

the time to be forty five minutes past nine. Shioon’s mom came to his

mind, when he turned around to ask Shioon about it, she still looked

deeply stunned at watching five of him on the roof. She almost walked

into him when he suddenly stopped. Before he could say anything, she

said, “Sir, no matter how I see it, your movement began with the

ankle,” she nodded seriously more to herself than him.

She took out her hands from the pocket of her shorts and walked a few

paces, placing her feet just like she thought he had done. There was a

small snapping sound and she collapsed onto the pavement crossing

her legs and groaned clutching her twisted ankle.

“I really did underestimate you…you’re really not that much of a

duffer,” said Han shaking his head and smiling.

She looked up at him reproachfully. “I swear that was how you moved,”

she said massaging her left foot.

“Yes,” said Han. “You observed correctly, however, in order to move

properly, the condition is you need to accurately match the Zor

circulation there.”

“Oh…then it’s similar to the inner Zor strike through fists.”

“Yup, however it won’t be easy to achieve the ultimate level,” said Han

lighting a cigarette. “But if you can master it, then no will be able to

touch you.”

“Even Halvir Zenedora?!” said Shioon hopefully standing up.

“What? You thinking of fighting Zenedora?” said Han wearily.

“N-Not really,” said Shioon slowly.

“Don’t bother with him, kid. He’s a true genius since birth unlike you.

Even if you can train for a hundred years, you wouldn’t be able to catch

up to him. Although…” Han remembered the time he had met

Zenedora, the latter was thoroughly shaken with Shioon’s spirit. When

it came to will power and determination, Zenedora needed hundred

years to catch up to Shioon, which was something Han was proud to

note.

“He’ll be able to beat you too?” said Shioon horrified at the very

thought.

“Naaw way hozay, he’s a pup!” snorted Han. “Don’t you worry and

never forget this; you’ve got an extremely strong guy as you’re

teacher.”

Shioon grinned along with Han. She thought of Halvir Zenedora, her

grin faded slightly. “Even though he’s all that great…somehow he didn’t

seem all that happy,” she muttered.

“Don’t you worry about him,” said Han suddenly angry. “He’s a nutter

and has a lot on his hands. If by any chance you come across him in

future, just run in the opposite direction like the King Kong is chasing

you…although I highly doubt he’d attack you.” He thought silently,

Zenedora was rather smitten by her…Han suddenly blinked. What was

he thinking?!

Han looked at Shioon who seemed to be staring off into space, deep in

thought again. What if Zenedora was interested in her? He saw through

Zenedora’s perspective. She was everything that he’d probably be

looking for. A suitable, strong and inflexible bride…Han shook his head

again to clear his mind. He was being ridiculous, no way would he want

a kid like her to get messed up and tangled in Zorain. Although now

that he saw her, she wasn’t exactly a kid, there was an air of maturity

around her that he had not detected when they had first met. She was

now standing straighter, didn’t cower like she used to. Her eyes no

longer radiated anxiety but were always lit with a certain curiosity.

Although Han highly doubted that her push over nature could ever

change but the lines on her face, her frown was that of intensity and

confidence. Indeed she would make an extremely good bride…

A car honked around a corner in front of them. Han came back to

reality as a familiar car’s head lights flashed in their direction. Alex’s

Lamborghini came to stop by Han’s side. Alex stuck his head out from

the passenger’s seat and said, “Coming or what?”

Shioon made to move and sit on the back when Alex said, “Not you

missy, this is farewell now.”

“Huh,” said Shioon confused, her head turned from Alex to Han.

“This…is goodbye ki-Shioon,” said Han. What was stopping him from

saying ‘kid’ like he always used to address her?

“Oh,” said Shioon quietly. He couldn’t see her face as she turned away.

“What…about Miss Lee and Jack?” she asked Alex.

“They’re already at the meeting spot,” said Alex lazily.

“I…wanted to say goodbye,” said Shioon in a small voice. Her mind

raced through the funny moments she had with Jack and Ravenna and

felt a slight jolt in her stomach. She won’t be able to see them

anymore.

“Here take this,” said Han pulling out his mobile from a pocket of his

jeans and held it out for Shioon. She looked up bewildered.

“I broke yours,” said Han shrugging. “It’s only fair that I give one back,

think of it as a new one…well it is only two months old…” he trailed

away uncertainly.

“There’s really no need-“started Shioon but Han put up his hand to stop

her.

“Don’t sweat it, (slang: don’t bother) even if I wanted to use it, I won’t be

able to anyway. So then…” he reached the car and without turning

around, he said, “I’ll be off.”

There was a long pause. Dropping the phone into her pocket, Shioon

smiled and said, “Sir…thank you very much. For everything…saving my

neck thrice…teaching me so many-“

“Lee Shioon,” growled Han, “Stay away from trouble and continue

being happy. If you go back to being depressed after I’ve gone, then

even if I return someday, I won’t acknowledge you as my disciple!”

Shioon face broke into a grin. “Okay sir!” she said cheerfully. His hint

that he might come back lifted her spirits to a surprising height.

She skipped to his side and opened the door for him. He raised his eye

brows at her but slid into the car without saying anything.

“Oh, and please stop smoking sir, it’s really bad for health,” said Shioon

earnestly.

“Huh,” said Han surprised.

“I’ve said this before sir, you really do smoke a lot,” she lowered her

voice so that Alex couldn’t hear; Han had to lean out to catch the rest

of her sentence, “That’s why you’re so unpopular with women.”

Han’s eyebrows were in the danger of disappearing into his hair line.

“Kiddos should really not interfere in such matters,” he said with a

growl but his lips twitched and curled into a smile.

The car accelerated before Shioon could reply, when they turned the

corner, Shioon waved and yelled, “Take care Mr. Han and Mr. Lewinsky!

Bye!”

Han settled down in his seat watching her through the rear view mirror

until she was out of range.

“Ah, how tear jerking,” snorted Alex. “Makes me wanna cry.”

When Han continued to gaze at the mirror which now showed the

empty roads, Alex continued, “I mean, why drown that poor kid with

such false hope? People like us don’t have a ‘next time’.”

Next time huh, thought Han. He wanted to stay, just a bit longer, to see

how far she could go; he wanted to watch her grow. He remembered

the first time he had came to this place, as a school teacher at that. He

never would have imagined this place would’ve possessed a jewel like

her. He got a brief glimpse of himself and his master. Did his master too

have rewarding feelings for him like how he felt for Shioon?

He took out a cigarette unconsciously and lit it.

“Hey now, didn’t you’re girlfriend tell you to stop smoking?”

“Keep joking and I will kill you.”

***

Chapter 27

Shioon clicked on the lights of her empty apartment. She was kind of

glad her mom was not around tonight. She needed time alone to think.

She kicked her shoes aside and dropped onto her bed. She glanced

around her moonlit room. It felt like ages to her that she got to lie

down on her own bed.

“Back to normal huh…” she whispered. She took out Han’s phone from

her pocket and switched it on. The contact list was completely empty;

he should have at least saved Ravenna and Jack’s number she thought

bitterly. The past few weeks flashed through her mind like a film; the

first time she met Han, the pair of them falling off the school roof,

jumping into the river, she meeting Ravenna, Jack and Judo. She

shuddered as Halvir Zenedora’s fiercely handsome face swam before

her, cold fury burning deep in those emotionless eyes… “It was all a

dream,” she muttered.

She was forcibly reminded of a line from New Moon, ‘It’ll be like I never

existed.’

“How cheesy,” she muttered to herself shaking her head. Han did leave

behind a phone unlike Edward! She rolled her eyes for being stupid

enough to compare herself to Bella Swan, she saw the time on the

mobile showing thirty minutes past ten.

“Oh crap! I haven’t done my breathing exercises!”

***

The stale smell of medicines lingered in the air as Charles Gordwin

made his way through the bustling corridors of the Surveillance

Hospital. His eyes were tired but alert as ever, he finally reached the

door he was looking for. He smartly rapped on the door.

“Come in,” said a voice.

Apollo was lying on the hospital bed, with a brace tied across his neck.

His arms and face were heavily bandaged.

“How are you,” said Gordwin quietly approaching him.

Apollo turned away without replying. A nerve was twitching on his

forehead, like he was suppressing himself.

“Ah, Mr. Gordwin,” said John Mayors strolling in. “You came…I’m really

sorry about what happened, even with me present…”

“What were you thinking by getting involved?” said Gordwin curtly.

“Despite being a government official, aren’t you interfering too much?”

There was a loud crash as Apollo had swung his IV-stand aside. He was

glaring at Gordwin and yelled, “Aren’t you supposed to worry about

your brother’s condition than yell at some fool! Shouldn’t you first be

seeking revenge?!”

Gordwin didn’t respond immediately, his face still impassive, he looked

down at Apollo and said, “It is a pity but the situation is beyond our

jurisdiction.” He turned his back on Apollo as he walked to the door

saying, “From now on, if you encounter the Nine-Arts-Dragon, I suggest

you contact the organization than take matters into your own hands.”

The door slammed shut. Apollo hands were clenched and he was

seething with rage. “Rash did he say…” he muttered looking positively

deranged.

“Mr. Gordwin said that because of your safety, please don’t too much

on his cold manner,” said Mayors wearily. He sighed and took off his

jacket. His phone starting buzzing so he excused himself from the ward.

Apollo’s eyes fell on the jacket placed at the foot of his bed; a gun was

peeking out from the folds.

Outside in a faraway corridor, Mayors, making sure he was out of

Apollo’s earshot, answered his cell phone.

“It’s me, the Elder.”

“I’ve been excepting your call sir,” said Mayors. “The information was

delivered by a certain Ralph Parker of the White Stone Clan…hmm…I

haven’t heard from him after that but looks like we’ve finally cornered

our man.” He put his phone down and thought to himself, the

organization were really so poor at locating a person. If McKenna and

Apollo had not taken matters into their own hands, 9AD would’ve been

caught long time back for good.

He trudged back into the ward but there was no trace of Apollo. He

eyes swiveled to his jacket and saw the gun holder empty.

“Well, well,” he muttered with a cruel smile. “A martial artist carrying a

gun…matter of utmost shame!”

***

Halvir Zenedora breathed out as he got out of the hot shower. His valet

immediately robed him. “Would you like tea sir,” said the elderly man

bowing.

“Yes thank you Bob,” said Halvir.

Bob bowed low again and walked out of the room just as one of Halvir’s

guards entered.

“My lord, it’s that boy Dawn Parker from the White Stone Clan. Says it’s

urgent,” said the guard holding out a phone.

“Hello,” said Halvir taking it.

“Sir,” said Dawn slightly flustered. “I apologize for calling so late at night

but I’m worried about my brother. I don’t know anyone there except

you so I…” he trailed away uncomfortable.

“I see, what is the matter?” said Halvir calmly.

Dawn launched into his story of how Ralph had suspected about Nine

Arts Dragon’s location and that he had followed a popular transporter.

Halvir straightened at the mention of 9AD. He listened with rapt

attention. “I understand,” he said finally. “I’ll be in touch with you as

soon as possible.”

He got up and ordered for his valet to get his clothes ready. “It looks

like we have a clue as to what the 9AD plans on doing.”

The guards exchanged glances at this news.

“We are going to Nine Dragons High School.”

***

Shioon trudged on the stone pavement staring at the stone intently;

she had her school uniform and bag on, she wasn’t really keen on

attending school after so long but school was an important part of

living a normal life, which was what she had promised Han. She was

resigned for whatever her boring life had to offer before she became a

Zorainian. She closed her eyes for a second. The ankle movements still

on her mind since last night. When she thought it was safe to try it out

while passing a bush, she concentrated on her Zor and carried out the

technique by channeling the Zor to her feet.

“What did you just do?!” said a shocked voice from behind her.

Shioon piqued and turned, Zack Sanders stared dumbstruck at her feet

that had blurred just a moment ago. He shook his head as though a fly

was bothering him and looked up at Shioon. She wore an innocent face

and peered back at him.

“I thought I saw…never mind,” he shook his head again and strode

closer to her. “How…have you been?”

“I’m fine,” she smiled.

“Then let’s be off to school!” he said grinning and placed an arm around

her shoulder. Shioon mumbled something incoherent and blushed.

The atmosphere around them though was horribly punctured when

they reached the locker room.

“I was waiting for you Shorty!” said the repulsive snide voice of Janice’s

boyfriend Changho. His friends cracked their knuckles at the sight of

Zack.

Zack stepped forward, his hands balled into fists but Shioon could

distinctly see that their previous encounter had shaken him.

He started to walk towards them when Shioon grabbed his shoulder

and hissed under breathe, “Don’t, let’s just get out of here.”