Chapter 3: Training
After a year of being physically fit, it was time for Shan to discover her powers. Pai Mei figured Shan would have to master them one at a time. The first one was Earthbending. Shan was in her training clothes in front of her grandpa as he started to lesson. Pai Mei said, "Earthbending has 2 fighting techniques: Hung Gar and Southern Praying Mantis. The Hung Gar system is a mix of the Tiger and Crane animal styles. This style uses deep, low stances, such as the hose stance, and strong hand techniques. Hun Gar is one of the more external style, but also practices some internal movement."
Shan said, "Sounds more like your style of fighting grandpa."
Pai Mei said, "In a way it is. Now no interruptions." Then he continued his lesson. "Emphasis in put on having firm, solid stances. The more connected to the Earth one is, the more power they will have this the character "Hung" in the family name which means "to stand firm and tall with integrity". Now Southern Praying Mantis is a close-range style that focuses the arms while keeping the legwork to a minimum, using low and short-range kicks. Like Hung Gar, Southern Praying Mantis originates from southern China. Practitioners strengthen the arms and keep them extended in order to reduce the recoil needed to gather energy for the next strike. This style was inspired by a mantis defeating a bird, and is apparent by the footwork that Southern Praying Mantis utilizes." Then he started to show her some moves of the style giving her an example. When he was done he turned to her and said, "Now mimic my movements barefoot first."
Shan stood up, removed her shoes and did the Hung Gar stance. As she slowly moved, she felt the earth go through her body gently but hard as the earth. Then she closed her eyes and as she continued the routine that Pai Mei did, sand started to form around her until it created a big rock. When she was done, she opened her eyes and saw the rock. "Wow."
Pai Mei said, "Now that you made the rock, I want you to move it using Southern Praying Mantis."
Shan nodded and took stance. She looked at the rock, did a punch and it moved but only by a couple of yards away. "Well it's a good start."
Pai Mei said, "You just need to practice more." Then he pulled out 2 hand mirrors. "But look at your back."
Shan took hold of one mirror as Pai Mei stood behind her and pointed it to her back. Glowing through her clothes was the outline of the turtle. "Cool but why is it glowing?"
Pai Mei said, "It's glowing cause you unlocked your Earthbending. Hopefully by your next birthday, you'll master it."
~(MK: S)~
A year later, at age 5, it was time for Shan to learn firebending. Same as before with Earthbending, she was in front of her grandfather as he explained the technique. "Firebending has only one origin style: The Northern Shaolin. Northern Shaolin is an external style based on extending the body and long, aggressive techniques that explode and drive through the opponent. Northern Shaolin dates back to the year 527, and is the origin of many martial arts. Many of Shaolin's movements come from nature, utilizing the behaviors of various animals and the five Chinese elements, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Shaolin teaches students use their energy to penetrate their opponents, sending it forward for thousands of miles. Northern Shaolin fits the art of firebending because, like fire, it is aggressive, expanding, and extravagant."
Shan asked, "Is it hard to tame?"
Pai Mei said, "Only if the fire controls you. The master of fire on your back is the bird. Birds, fly and flow like dragons of old." He pulled out a scroll from his robes. "In order to unlock your firebending, you must fallow the Dancing Dragon, move by move, step by step. The Dancing Dragon is based on three types of attacks: low kicks, high punches or hits, and double punches with both fists. The Dancing Dragon has a similar appearance to Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu: it is fierce, quick, and very strong."
Shan took the scroll and opened it. There was an outline of the steps including on which direction to move. It was all in a circle there was 2 statues. "Do I do this by myself? On the scroll, it says I need a second person."
Pai Mei said, "Just do it on your own."
Shan put down the scroll and took form. As she looked at the scroll, she slowly started to move following the steps, over and over until she memorized it and did it in a faster and looked a head. When it was done, she turned to Pai Mei. He jested her to try something so Shan snapped her fingers and fire appeared. "Cool!"
Pai Mei smiled. "Now that you can summon fire, you need to learn to control it and that part won't be easy."
~(MK: S)~
At the end of age 5, she mastered fire. At age 6, it was time for waterbending. Pai Mei said, "The origin for water bending is Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an internal style that focuses on the control of energy. It is a very soft, gentle and flowing, but devastating when mastered. Tai Chi students learn to use little strength to defend themselves. With Tai Chi, the practitioner creates circles to pass by attacking energy and issues their own energy outward. While being used for combat, Tai Chi also serves as therapy for the purpose of health and longevity. "Tai Chi" literally translates into "Incredible Energy," and it earns its title." He then brought up 2 buckets of water. "Now use Tai Chi to move the water."
Shan looked at the buckets and thought of a way to how to move them. She started to move her arms in a Tai Chi manner and the water started to move. But not in excellent way like with the others. "How come it was easy for earth and fire but not water?"
Pai Mei said, "Your personality might be gentle and smooth, like water and air, but body and fighting style is more of earth and fire. Polar opposite from the 2. Once you master water you will learn that you can summon water from anywhere but it also has a dark side on certain nights."
Shan said, "Got to practice a lot for water so I can unlock Qing Long's water magic. What exactly is the dark side of waterbending?"
Pai Mei replied, "Bloodbending. Turning a human into a puppet."
~(MK: S)~
The year was long and tedious but she finally mastered waterbending. Finally, at age 7 it was time for the final element: Air. Pai Mei said, "The technique for air is called Ba Gua Zhang. An internal style like Tai Chi, Ba Gua is based around the eight trigrams of the Yijing. "Baguazhang" translates into "eight trigram palm." These can refer to the eight animals which Ba Gua movements are based on; Lion, Snake, Bear, Dragon, Phoenix, Rooster, Qilin, and Monkey. 'Circle walking' is used to train stance and movement. This teaches the practitioner how to move and change direction without pausing or losing momentum, as well as staying behind the opponent's back. The tactics used are outflanking and outmaneuvering. The inverse of Tai Chi, Ba Gua surrounds the opponent and delivers energy inward." He took her to the back where there are scented candles and in the trees, were wind chimes. "Try and bend the smoke from the candles to the wind chimes in the trees." Then he left.
Shan took the Ba Gua Zhang pose and tried to bend the smoke. She can but not enough to make it to the chimes. "Come on, wind." She continues to fallow the Ba Gua Zhang movements but process isn't as fast as the other 3. It was nearly harder than when she tried water. After a couple of hours, there hasn't been any progress. "Damn it." She was already tired.
Pai Mei came back. "Well?"
Shan sat down on the ground panting. "Harder than doing water bending 2 years ago." She looked up at the wind chimes. "I don't get it. I'm getting the steps rights yet nothing happens. Am I the only one that can bend elements?"
Pai Mei said, "Well there is someone that can-do wind but he isn't mortal like you. So, in a way, you are the only one that can."
Shan said, "Well that doesn't really help me then." She sighs and then stood up. "I'm going to try again." She asked her grandpa, "Is there a trick or certain emotion that might help unlock my airbending?"
Pai Mei said, "Sorry but you have to figure that out for yourself."
Shan said, "Fuck." Then she got whack on the head. "What was that for?"
"No swearing." said Pai Mei. "Curse again and you will get no supper." Then he left again. Shan sighs again and tried again.
~(MK: S)~
Well 3 years passed and at 10 years old Shan FINALLY mastered airbending. Once she got the hand of it, she can finally control all 4 including metal, ice, sand, lightening, and clouds. So, it was time for her to master a weapon. Both her and her grandfather were outside and on both sides of the walkway were weapons. Mostly swords. Pai Mei said, "Now that you FINALLY master all 4 elements including figuring out 4 new ones, it's time for you to use a weapon. Do you have one in mind?"
Shan asked, "Is there a weapon not so commonly used?"
Pai Mei said, "There is but you are required to use a sword."
"Why a sword?" asked Shan.
Pai Mei said, "There are staffs, blades, and small weapons but nearly all of them goes back to the basic weapon. The sword." He got out wooden swords for practice. "If you can master a sword, you can master any weapon." He handed her one of the wooden swords. "There are also many swords fighting styles and we're going to figure out which is best for you."
So, the 2 started to fight using swords and after 4 hours Shan was already panting and a bit bruised up. Pai Mei put down his sword. "Put it back up. I still have some strength left."
Pai Mei said, "Your mind might say it but your body isn't agreeing to it. That's enough for today." Then he left.
Shan collapse to the ground and looked up as she was panting. As she looked at the sky, a lot of questions went through her head. Why am I here? What happened to my parents? What is my destiny? She's been told time and time again that she has been training to face her destiny when she gets older, but she has no idea what it is. She often wondered what the outside world was like. All she does to bring water, train, and get food. She never went to a different village other than her dead one, which was nothing but a ghost town now. "Wish I can talk to the 4 that branded me." she said. "All they ever do is light up when I use a bending." Once she rested, she got up and did some hidden practices. As she uses the practice sword, she was getting better and better. What she didn't know is that her grandfather was watching over her and was smiling at her progress.
~(MK: S)~
Now at 14 years old she finally mastered the sword. Pai Mei has something very special for her. Outside again Pai Mei said, "Now there is one more lesson you should learn. There are other realms besides ours. One of them I know very well. It was once called Edenia. It was once ruled by King Jerrod and Queen Sindel."
Shan asked, "How do you know them?"
Pai Mei answered, "When you live as long as me, you know a couple of secrets." Then he closed his eyes claps his hands and started to do a silent chant.
Just then a ghost of a woman appeared. "I am Queen Sindel."
Shan bowed to her respectfully. Shan said, "I am Shan Mao. What lesson do you have for me?"
Sindel said, "The lesson I have is to teach you the legendary Lion's Roar. A more powerful sound then my banshee scream. It was a secret art in your father's family that supposed to be passed down from one member to another."
Shan asked, "How can one produce such power?"
Sindel replied, "Some produce by practice, others by birth. Just take a deep breath, use your airbending if needed, and let out a great scream."
Shan walked up facing away from the house where a dressed dummy was. She took a deep breath and let out a scream, the Lion's Roar scream. The clothes on the dummy were torn, and nearly ripped the dummy to ribbons. When she was done she took a breath. "How was that?"
"Not bad for your first try but you need it to last longer. The max I've done is 15 minutes. Once you practice you can get it that long." said Sindel. Then Sindel turn solid. "Now see if you can beat me."
Shan turned to Pai Mei and he nodded. "Very well. Hand to hand, no weapons."
"So be it." said Sindel. So, the 2 started to fight. As Shan fought Sindel, she used all of her teachings and lessons she learned over the years. Pai Mei watches over the fight to make sure nothing gets out of hand. Shan used the 'water-whip' and it tripped Sindel and then used Earthbending to trap her. It didn't last long but it was enough to get her groove back. After 2 rounds, Shan was the victor. Sindel stood up. "Very impressive Shan." Then she turned back to a ghost. "Keep practicing on your Lion's Roar. I hope one day we'll meet again." Then she went away.
Pai Mei walked up Shan and said, "You have learned well, but you still have a long way to go."
Shan asked, "Will I train with Sindel again?"
"You will soon." replied Pai Mei. "But until then work on your other skills." Shan nodded and went back to her element bending and her sword skills.
That night, Shan was up late and was sitting on the stair steps looking up at the stars when she felt someone sitting next to her. She turned her head and saw Sindel as a ghost again. "Need more training?"
Sindel said, "No. Figure you're the first person I've seen with respect in over 10 thousand years why not start a friendly conversation."
Shan smiled. "I like that. You're the only female I've seen and meet in 15 years. Barely remember my mama and daddy."
Sindel looked at her in sadness. "Think my own daughter is going through the same."
Shan asked, "You're a mother too?"
Sindel smiled. "Mother to a beautiful girl name Kitana. Her stepfather, who you will see soon, took control of my realm and merge it with Outworld, another you will see soon. In order to protect Earthrealm, I sacrifice myself to not only keep her safe but save this realm too so HE wouldn't take it."
"Not a very good man huh?" asked Shan.
"The most despicable being I've ever meet." said Sindel. "At times, I miss my own husband, Jerrod."
Shan smiled. "You were in love?" she asked. "What was the first date like?"
Sindel giggled. "Oh man, our first meeting wasn't exactly the perfect one. From what I remember, we were rivals when it came to fighting. Our first date was actually a beating fest. But then he did something that made me gave up."
Shan grew excited. "What did he do?"
Sindel smiled. "He kissed me when he got me on the ground." She started to blush and Shan playfully nudged her. "My first kiss and, human wise, was when I was 21 years old. After that we went on 7 more 'dates' before we finally married and had Kitana."
Shan was hesitant but asked, "What happened it him?"
Sindel took a breath and said, "From what I understand, he was hunted and killed by the new ruler. Kitana was only a baby when he left. I'm afraid I don't know how exactly he died, but I just hope it was swift so he wouldn't be in pain." She rested her chin on her hands with elbows on her knees.
Shan put a hand on her shoulder and to her surprise she can feel Sindel. "I'm sorry Sindel. My grandpa knows the feeling of losing someone. He felt the same pain when mom died from the Fossil Disease."
Sindel asked, "So you know what sickness it was?"
Shan shrugged. "Grandpa told me some time ago. I don't know how but he and I were the only ones that survived."
Sindel said, "It might be the Clan special trait."
Shan asked, "What do you mean?"
Sindel explain. "Everyone in your family has a special trait. For example, your grandpa, no matter how old he will get, he'll fight as though he's still in his 20s. For you, from my understanding, no matter how much you drink booze, you will never get drunk and your body will never suffer the consequences."
Shan was impressed. "Wow. Defiantly can't wait 'til I'm 21 then."
Sindel giggled. "If you and my daughter ever meet, under good circumstances, I'm sure you 2 would be great friends."
Shan then asked, "What is Edenia like?"
Sindel looked up at the stars and smiled. "It was a very beautiful realm. As its name suggests, the world of Edenia closely resembles the Garden of Eden. A very lush and fertile world with slowly aging inhabitants. It's not corrupted by technology like in Earthrealm but I guess in the eyes of other's its paradise."
Shan smiled. "Oh, how I wish I can travel. If Edenia was still around, that would be my first spot."
Sindel said, "Good luck getting there. Its merge with Outworld so it's doesn't exist anymore." Then she went serious. "One of the reasons why I'm here is because you also have another hidden power."
Shan asked, "Another one? What is it?"
Sindel said, "It will only appear when you lost something near and dear in your heart. Something you worked so hard to get and when you finally do, it's suddenly taken away from you."
Shan grew scared. "What is it?"
Sindel shook her head. "I'm not allowed to tell you but I hope it won't happen. You still have a chance to live your own life, but…"
"If I ever feel that pain, my path is set?" asked Shan.
Sindel nodded. "And there's no way to change it."
Shan lay back on the ground and looked up at the stars. "Guess I'm not meant to have a normal life. All I wanted was one day to have a husband, a child, a house somewhere and be happy with a family."
Sindel looked at her heartbroken. "With your destiny, it'll never happen that way. You'll never be completely happy." She lay down next to her. "But it never hurts to dream."
Shan said, "But wishful thinking is painful."
Sindel asked, "Why do you wish for such things?"
"The only friends I have are non-existent. I've never seen a person besides you before." said Shan. She looked at her. "I don't even know how to talk to someone other than you and grandpa."
Sindel asked, "What about love? Your match is out there."
Shan asked, "But how will I know? How can I tell is a person is evil or good?"
Sindel said, "You are more than a vessel carrying the 4 constellation gods. They are your guardians they will tell you if one is lying or telling the truth, and who is good and who is evil. You just have to trust your judgment and theirs."
Shan turn over to her. "Before you go, can you hug me in my sleep like a mother please? I've never experience it before. Mother was too sick to back then." she said.
Sindel smiled. "Of course." Shan closed her eyes as Sindel turn solid for a moment and held her in her arms. Shan was soon sleeping as Sindel pets her hair. 'I am sorry this burden is placed upon you. You deserve a better life.' she thought. By the edge of dawn, Pai Mei found Shan outside alone asleep. He picked her up in his arms and walked to Shan's room and placed her on the bed and tucked her in. One day without training shouldn't hurt…at least at the moment.
