Years ago, some monastery in the Himalayas.
Ancient mai was tending her own wounds.
-"...when resetting the bone, make sure to double check for nerves. That's a mistake you will remember for the rest of your life."
The bone snapped in place and I could see the grim smile on her otherwise serene visage.
-"You could have finished me when I was laid broken in the floor."
I hugged myself in a corner of my cage. My inhuman claws a stark reminder of the beast now inhabiting my own flesh.
-"I pwomised."
Damm fangs.
-"You did, child. You did."
Mai tested her leg and limped close to the cage. I scampered, pressing myself against the far wall.
-"Child, take my hand."
-"I don't wanna hud, hudd,...dammm...I don't wanna hamm anyone."
Her milky eyes softened.
-"If I was harmed, twas my own responsibility. I couldn't resist the opportunity to trade blows with the greatest master of The Art, of this or any age."
I touched my bruised shoulder.
-"Nevah thought you pune gape could move that fast."
Her leathery skin broke and a wild smile split her face.
-"Appearances can be deceiving. Remember, this story started when a dragon saw a big cat and thought it harmless."