A small poof of dust flew into the air as Jing Woo collapsed to his knees, after I'd landed a particularly well-placed kick to his back. He rose and turned to face me, a smile on his masculine face. "I swear, one of these days I'll find a way around your guard."

I chuckled. Jing Woo had been my best sparring partner and one of my closest friends since his arrival at the school I called home almost six years ago. "I don't doubt it. Try my left side, it's a bit sore today." He laughed and I continued. "But seriously, you're improving, and with your strength I have to really watch to not get hit, or I'd be down quickly."

"Luckily for you speed is your strong suit, right?" He asked, rhetorically of course. We knew each other's styles and strengths forward and backward. "Come on, I want to try one more strategy."

I nodded, "Of course."

Fighting invigorated me, something about the way my body moved, my energy—chi—became one with my mind and my body. It was like I'd heard the villagers describe dancing, flowing as the wind not merely with it. But with every strike I blew I cringed inside. My spirit did not enjoy harming another; its joy was helping. Luckily, through the years, I'd found my fighting could help, protect others, and even in small bouts like this I helped others grow, learn to protect and help themselves. So in a way fighting was a means to an end. And of course it…

I was shaken from my thoughts as I heard Jing Woo's voice form into sounds beside the sparring grunts.

"I yield."

I saw his head had turned to the small thatched house some meters away from where we sparred in the training ring. Master Li, a spry old man, just briefly held our eyes before walking into his house. "Did you see, Master Li was watching. He may not show it, but he clearly takes pride in watching his students practice." Woo's voice was a whisper and a glazed wonder shone in his eyes. Those familiar orbs brightened as they turned to me, illuminating his panther-like face over the dust. "I learn something every time we spar. Master Li's right, loss is sometimes the best teacher. Thank the gods the bruises are worth it." He added with a chuckle and brushed what dust he could from his brown student's garb.

Woo's spirit amazed me, and I replied, "Thank you for the bout. I should probably get going shouldn't I? Long day ahead of me."

He shook his head with a large smile. "Gracious as always," he muttered, than continued louder. "If you want you can go, I probably need a break to catch my breath anyway."

I could tell from his body language—the deep breathing, stooping upper limbs and a hand across his chest—that he wasn't lying. I also knew that I had a while before Master Li needed me. He'd told me this morning to take my time with the people I came to know as family. "Go rest my friend, I'll go find Smiling Mountain if I need some more training."

Woo waved as he walked away towards his favorite shade tree, where he always contemplated after important bouts or events. "Good luck with your 'graduation'." He called.

I sighed, placing my hands on my hips as I took in the serenity of the martial arts school. All around, the twenty students were awake despite the early hour. Even if I couldn't see them, I knew somewhere they were up and practicing through movement or bouts. Master Li wouldn't have it any other way. As I exited the practice ring, two students eagerly rushed to fill the void Jing Woo and I left. One of them bumped roughly into my shoulder. We glanced at each other, and I saw a familiar narrowed gaze, like a jealous hawk. I brushed it off, continuing on my way, starting the final segments of my training here.

There were few people who made up my 'family'. We'd all spoken at breakfast this morning, after the morning run, and they'd all wished me luck on my 'rites of passage' as they'd been deemed. One of them, Kia Min, the most flamboyant (spirited) of the girls, was out in the village, probably training with Gujin. Earlier, I had seen Wen training with a newer female student. Those two were like my younger siblings. Lin, the girl I'd just brushed shoulders with, would have been like a sister, but her pride and temper kept a sort of harmless rivalry going on between us. Which I could understand—she just wanted to belong, to get out from under her family's disappointment in some of her more masculine ways. Dawn Star, my roommate, was spending her morning in her garden as she often did; the flowers and greenery were her sanctuary away from stress, and life in general. She was a good friend, like my twin, but despite our closeness neither of us knew much about the other—maybe perhaps because there wasn't much to know. Both orphans, both brought to this school within a few years of each other, though her a bit later than I. Master Li was the closest thing I knew to a father, albeit a distant father, but underneath the white beard, wrinkles and cold coal-gaze there was a small fire of warmth. Smiling Mountain and Gujin were friends, teachers, more open than my stony Master. The rest of the students were newer, and seemed intimidated by me, so much that they almost never spoke when I was around. What little I knew about them came from Lin's gossip, or when I'd heard Wen stammer about the cute girl he'd finally gotten to spar with the other day. I hoped for their health and happiness, no matter if I couldn't know them as I wanted.

"Typical," A harsh cutting voice groaned from the Master's house. I came face to face with probably the least liked student in our small town, not to mention the school itself. "So you're finally here to talk to Master Li, are you? I certainly hope so." The tall man-boy continued, his ox-like face turning into a dog-like sneer. "That old man is in there meditating and won't train me until he talks to you."

I sighed, quite used to his boorish behavior by now. I'd tried probably too many times to calm him, to understand him, but the act was a bit like running head first into a brick wall. My existence as his superior infuriated him-the son of a rich, powerful noble. "If I had known I was holding up your training I would have come sooner," I replied truthfully, keeping my voice cool.

He scoffed. "Really? You would have dropped everything to make way for me? I don't think so. You're far too important to waste time worrying about my education." The emphasis on his words was unmistakable. I had to bite my tongue. "Master Li certainly considers your training important enough to shove all others aside so why shouldn't I bow to your greatness."

I took a deep breath—this was the same complaint I've heard for the past five years. Nothing I had ever said to either Master Li or my fellow students helped. Master Li didn't change his methods and Gao the Lesser continued attempt to scald me with his words. "I worry about everyone's health and prosperity, and I hate bowing. I like my peers to be eye level."

He spat at my feet. "Lies; don't waste your honeyed words and fake sympathy on me. Just talk to Master Li so maybe I can actually receive some training at this school."

We parted ways and I regained a sense of calm upon entering my Master's small house.

"Ah, there you are my student." I turned with a small smile and blushed as I heard my Master's words. "I watched your bout with Jing Woo with great pride. You have gained almost all you can from the practice arena." He rested his arms at his side. "You are my best pupil, even though you came to me as an orphan. I have tried to prepare you for the responsibility your skills will bring. Have you given thought to your future?"

I bowed my head. My future…others seemed to know so much more about my future and my 'greatness' than I did. In my heart, I wanted simply to help others. As Smiling Mountain always said, I walked the high path, the 'way of the open palm'. "Perhaps I will train others, as you have trained me." I replied finally.

My Master smiled, a warm small gesture that was so rare on his face. "Your lessons are complete. Remember these basic skills and keep them at heart, but also remember that classes are not a true measure of ability. Always be ready to learn." He led me into the small living area of the house and bade me sit across from him. "I remember that as a small child, you fell and cut your arm deeply. I comforted you, saying that small pains are a part of learning. But not every setback imparts wisdom. You must be careful. Sometimes all you learn in defeat is that you have been defeated. This world is out of balance. The spirits grow restless and you have a role to play that I have kept secret."

He paused and I was gripped by curiosity. Spirits—I'd heard of ghosts being sighted, some crazy, some serene, just like the loved ones who had died. What did these spirits have to do with me—only Dawn Star and I could see them. Was she involved too? I hoped she'd be safe….I calmed my mind. I needed to be centered to correctly listen to what my Master had to say. "I'm sure you kept your secrets for a good reason, Master."

He nodded. "Those who announce their important destiny before they are ready tend to meet unfortunate ends. The wise only seek attention when capable of dealing with it." He sighed, and a tension entered his voice I didn't think I'd ever heard before. "The people are scared…I do not have all the answers, but I know you will become very important to the fates of many. You will be called to face a great evil."

The door slammed open behind us. Si Pat, an intermediate student and current gate guard, stood gasping for air, his face ashen. "Master, Master Li!"

We rose, and my eyes almost widened.

"What is this interruption? This had better be important; there is much to say." Master Li's back was to me, but I could hear the underlying anger in his voice. It was confusing, unsettling.

Si Pat continued. "Master, Ni Joh came to warn me. He saw a boat on the river from the outlook past the fields. They fired…something at him and Kia Min is injured!"

Master Li's tone softened. "Where is she now?"

"Still by the outlook outside the village. Ni Joh couldn't carry her. Please come Master Li! The bandits are not at the village yet, but they could arrive at any time!"

My Master nodded his head and turned back to me. "Hmm…we will have to continue our discussion later, my student. It appears we have more pressing matters."

I couldn't have agreed more. I knew what I wanted to do, but I trusted Master Li's wisdom. "Of course. What would you have me do Master?"

"The time for practice is over. Get to Gujin and choose a weapon. You may soon be called to use it. On your way, make sure Dawn Star is aware of the danger. Her skills have always complimented yours so take her with you. Prepare for a potential attack while I tend to my fallen student. I will return as soon as I am able. We will continue this discussion when the threat is over."

"Of course Master. I will do my best."

He began to walk away. "When the time comes, you will know all you need to. For now keep the basics at heart."

The house always seemed empty without him. I glanced over at the Lion statue in the corner and began to walk out. As a child, I had toyed with the remnant left over from the previous Master of the school, a complete mystery to all in the area. After a while, I solved its puzzle and it spoke—I never heard it say anything before or since. "Examine your world from all angles and you will see the interconnectedness of all things. Even that which is humble can be the key to greater things." It was advice I always kept close to heart. The schoolyard was hushed and I made my way through the main gates to Dawn Star's garden. As I crossed over the small bridge that covered the creek off-shoot of the river, I heard raised voices and set my jaw. Gao had cornered Dawn Star in her garden, breaking the tranquility of the haven.

"What's the matter Dawn Star, are you scared Master Li might find out?"

Obviously Dawn Star was flabbergasted as she stepped back. "There is talk of approaching bandits and you bother me with unsubtle advances?" Her face adopted the drawn look of a hissing cat. "How very like you Gao.

No doubt a tactic learned from your criminal father."

I heard his voice growl with anger, but more subdued than when he barked at me. "His name is Gao the Greater, and he built a fortune out of some ragged thieves and slave-traders." His voice softened and grew quieter. "If my charm can't lift your spirits, then I'll buy the ground out from under you."

Dawn Star sighed. "Flaunting your father's undeserved wealth does not impress me Gao. It only serves to push me further away."

"It seems Dawn Star would like you to leave Gao." I stated, stepping closer so our little meeting formed a triangle.

His eyes seared into me. "You step beyond your station. She and I are discussing her future."

Dawn Star leaned closer to me. "Thank you Gao, but I'll pick my own poison. Now leave, and if you'd be so kind, stay down wind.

He frowned as he turned his attention briefly to her. "I won't forget this Dawn Star. You show great disrespect." Then he turned back to me, that familiar fire in his eyes. "And you as well. You will not take all the glory if there is an attack. We are not through." He didn't turn away from us until he had walk meters away.

Dawn Star relaxed, settling back onto a hip. "Ugh. He is Gao the Lesser in all respects. I thought Master Li allowed him to stay so that the influence of the father could be countered, but Gao never learns. He acts like he is above Master Li's teachings. Such are the conceits of wealth I suppose. I appreciate that you arrived when you did."

I smiled and pulled her into a hug. "I don't like seeing you upset," I said as we let go.

She returned my smile with a slight blush, as she always had when receiving a compliment. "That is nice to hear. Gao could learn much from you if he wanted to learn anything from anyone."

I had noticed Gao's glances in my best friend's direction before, but to be safe, I asked, "What did Gao want?"

She glanced away. "What does Gao the Lesser ever want? He is convinced he can buy everything, and that includes people. He is a spoiled little man. I'd rather not dwell on him. Let's not increase his influence by talking about him after he is gone. What is it you wish?"

"Do you know about the bandits? Master Li wants you to come with me and get a weapon from Gujin."

She nodded. "He said you'd be coming. He passed by with Student Si Pat just before Gao arrived, on his way to help Kia Min. It is strange that simple bandits would launch such a raid." Her eyes turned to the ground, then up to my own. "Master Li seemed concerned that this would interrupt your training. His respect for your potential is so….absolute. Has he told you anything more about your future?"

I shook my head with a sigh. "No. I have a bad feeling, Dawn Star."

Her face grew dark. "I don't like your bad feelings—they always end up being right. Remember the grass fire? Half the fields were gone in a day and you knew it would happen."

It was my turn to look away. "I'm sure it was nothing—just a good guess."

She stepped closer. "You said you felt the lightning was coming, but not even Master Li knows weather like that. I trust your instincts. You are full of such promise-trust yourself." She smiled and clapped my shoulder, the petals of her fuchsia skirt brushing my forest green thigh-high leather boots with the breeze. "I can see into the spiritual, an ability that grants some insight, but it doesn't seem to be good for anything other than keeping me up at night. Channeling chi has never been as easy for me as it has for you. I may have helped Master Li discover the unrest that shapes your future, but I only see problems while you are destined to find solutions. I envy you for that."

I smiled, a soft pink on my cheeks. "Please don't put me on a pedestal. I'd rather stand beside my friends. You help more than you know."

Her hand squeezed my shoulder and she began walking. "I'm glad you haven't changed. You've always kept your feet on the ground—that's why you're my best friend. What does Master Li say….that you should keep the basics close to heart?" She laughed. "Let's go get our weapons from Gujin. It shouldn't be too hard to fend off simple bandits. They are foolish to attempt such an attack."

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder with a grin. "With the two of us on the job, of course they are. Wouldn't dream of going off without you."

She leaned her head against mine. "Wouldn't have it any other way." With that, we removed ourselves from each other and walked to the village gates.