The morning sunlight peeked through the window, shattering the dark veil of the night's dreamscape. Meili awoke with a jolt, her heart racing and her eyes darting around her bed as she registered the familiar walls of the room.
She shot up from her bed, breathing heavily. "Si-Fu Hibiki!" she cried out, her voice frantic with urgency. "I have to see Si-Fu Hibiki, now!"
She dressed swiftly and dashed down the halls, her mind still reeling from the nightmare encounter with Wraithbane.
(Fuse was still asleep when that all happened)
Si-Fu Hibiki was in the training dojo in the Shaolin Monastery, as Meili had suspected, his body moving with a fluid grace that spoke of years of training. As he caught sight of her, his eyes registered both surprise and concern.
"Meili," he said, the name a soft whisper of surprise. "What's wrong?"
Hibiki's question hung heavy in the air, but Meili knew she must share what had transpired in her dream but wasn't sure how to explain. Her voice trembling slightly, she began to tell Si-Fu Hibiki of the encounter with Wraithbane.
Meili's voice trembled, but her determination to convey the gravity of the situation was evident as she spoke. "I.. something spooky in my dream," she began. "It was like shadowy and evil-looking. And it said something about using me to achieve it's goals.' It sounded like he was going to take over me ."
Hibiki's face darkened, his gaze deepening with concern. "Tell me everything you remember, Meili. This could be important."
Meili nodded, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides. "The creature, it…it called itself Wraithbane. It was talking about using me to achieve its goals or whatever.' I don't know what that is, Si-Fu, but it felt…dangerous."
Hibiki's expression became more serious, his brow furrowing. "Wraithbane…I've never heard of that name before. Though this situation brings a thought!"
Meili's breathing steadied as she listened to Hibiki, her eyes darting between the master and the dojo floor. "Si-Fu, what is it? What does this mean?" she asked, her voice a hushed whisper.
Hibiki's eyes grew thoughtful, his lips pursing in a thin line. "It is possible that this is connected to the Dragon's Rage," he began, "a powerful source of mystical energy that is said to reside in Shaoshi Mountain." He paused for a moment, considering his next words.
Hibiki's eyes took on a more guarded look, his words measured. "Meili, this information is not to be shared lightly. The Dragon's Rage is known to few, and that spirit's intentions are a mystery. I must consider the best course of action for your safety, and for the safety of our people. Until then, I suggest you keep this to yourself, even from your teammates."
Meili's brow furrowed, a mix of anxiety and determination in her gaze. "Uh ok, I'll try" she replied.
"If Wraithbane appears again, Meili," Hibiki replied, his tone solemn, "you must resist him at all costs. Remember, it's all in your thoughts. You are stronger than he is in there, and you have share will power, the one of a true Wushu clan Warrior."
Meili's eyes were tinged with fear, but her jaw clenched with resolve. "Yeah, thanks Si-Fu," she said, determined.
As Meili made her way from the dojo, the weight of Hibiki's words hung heavy on her shoulders.
With a disquieting heaviness in his mind, Hibiki watched Meili walk away, his mind swirling with thoughts. "Xaphan, Verock, and now Wraithbane…if the Dragon's Tournament is about to start, this is going to be even more complicated than we thought."
"The Dragon's Tournament will be a test for all of us, and I must ensure you are prepared," Hibiki continued, his voice somber.
The Dragon's Tournament loomed on the horizon, bringing with it a potential storm of danger and mystery.
Elsewhere in the Iron Fist Academy, Kai and Fuse were training in the sparring area, their movements swift and calculated. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination as they traded blows, their eyes focused and intent.
Kai's strikes were like bolts of lightning, quick and precise.
In the midst of their heated sparring match, Fuse's brows furrowed in concentration as she attempted to match Kai's quick, precise strikes. Though she was holding her own, it was clear that she was struggling to keep pace with the more talented fighter.
Kai's focus did not waver. He had initially refused Fuse's request for a spar, but ultimately relented in recognition of the fact that they would need to work as a team at one point in the upcoming tournament.
Indeed, Kai's mastery of chi was something to behold. While Fuse and Meili had progressed admirably in their training, Kai had managed to rise beyond the others in his class, displaying an uncanny connection with his inner energy. He has a move he called 'Suspension post', It was a skill that had allowed him to access the previously elusive ability of levitation, a phenomenon that even the most people his age struggled to achieve.
As he danced around Fuse, redirecting her blows with the grace of a leaf on the wind, Kai found himself wondering just how much further his abilities could take him.
The expression on Kai's face began to shift as his patience thinned. With each failed attempt at a counterattack by Fuse, his demeanor grew colder. His gaze hardened, reflecting the annoyance that was building within him at the poor performance of his teammate.
Kai's expression remained impassive, his eyes icy as he glared at Fuse. "Your incompetence is an impediment to my success." The words were harsh, laced with a venom that stung Fuse to her core. "I won't be dragged down by the weight of your weakness. If you can't keep up, I suggest you quit the team."
Fuse's fists clenched tighter, the muscles in her jaw flexing. "Back off, Kai. I am not weak, and you don't have any right to lecture me."
Kai's words were sharp and unforgiving, his eyes unmoving from Fuse's. "If you cannot see your inadequacies, then you're already lost."
Fuse's gaze flashed with a feral anger and amusement as well, her teeth bared in a low snarl. "You're always so blinded by your ambition. Well too bad, I can't leave this squad no matter what you tell me."
Kai's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Then I suggest you start pulling your weight," he said, his voice calm and deadly. "Because I am not sacrificing my victory for your mediocrity."
Fuse's eyes narrowed. "I will pull my weight. Just watch, come at me!"
As she spoke, Meili entered the room, her footsteps silent and her eyes taking in the scene with a mixture of surprise and wariness. "Meili," Kai said, his voice more controlled now. "Fuse needs a sparring partner who can actually keep up with her. Since you're the only one here, you can take my place."
Fuse's eyes narrowed further, her gaze now directed at Meili. "Fine with me. Maybe she'll do a better job than you did."
Meili's jaw tightened at Fuse's jibe, but she kept her composure. Stepping forward, she met Fuse's gaze, her own gaze unyielding. "I'll be more than happy to spar with you," she said, her voice even. "But if we're going to be on a team, you're going to have to learn how to control your anger."
Fuse let out a humorless laugh. "Anger? I'm not angry. Just annoyed. He's just so annoying!"
Meili's gaze softened, her expression taking on a more understanding, empathetic demeanor. "Look, Fuse," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I know Kai can be difficult. But if we're going to work together as a team, we need to find a way to accept each other for who we are."
Fuse's eyes narrowed slightly, her head tilting to the side. "And why would I do that?"
Meili smiled, her eyes twinkling with the warmth of an old friend.
"Because," Meili continued, her voice radiating patience, "if we keep pushing against each other, nothing will change. But if we work together, support each other, then maybe we can grow to understand each other. And maybe, just maybe, Kai will learn to trust us."
Fuse's expression softened, her fists finally unclenching. "You make it sound easy," she said, a hint of humor in her voice.
Meili chuckled. "Maybe it isn't easy."
"But it's worth it," Meili finished, her smile widening. "We're a team, Fuse. And that means we have to trust each other. You can't control what Kai does or how he acts, but you can control how you react."
Fuse nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're right, Meili. We need to focus on what's important—winning this tournament. And to do that, we have to work as a team, regardless of our differences."
Meili'
Meili's smile grew. "That's the spirit! Now, how about we use this time to train together?" She motioned to the empty sparring area, her eyes alight with challenge. "I'm sure I can give you a run for your money."
Fuse's grin spread across her face as she stepped into the sparring area. "You're on, Meili. Let's see what you've got."
"Well, if it isn't my dear friend Mei," Kaede said, the corner of her eye crinkling with mirth. "Nice of you to pay a visit. The infirmary's pretty boring without my little squat here to liven it up."
Mei's lips curved into a smile. "Ah, but I see you haven't lost any of your fire, despite that run-in with the shadow beast. It takes more than a little battle damage to break the will of a Sukuna clan warrior, eh?
"You bet it does," Kaede growled, the muscles in her arms flexing reflexively. "It'll take a lot more than a rampaging beast to take me down."
Mei's smile widened. "Glad to hear it. And how about that clever little student of yours, Jaggy? He did well for himself out there, I heard."
Kaede's expression softened, a glint of pride entering her gaze. "Ah, that runt. He dare try to save his superior! I'll teach him a lesson when I get out of here."
"Anyways, how are you preparing your squad for the dragon tournament?" Mei asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I know you're fierce, but even a lion needs a strategy."
Kaede's gaze narrowed, her face set into a determined expression. "I'm sure Jaggy, Koko and Kagawa are all training like they've never done before." Her voice was low, almost a growl. "They came up to me with determined faces, and am sure they're going to be ready for whatever the dragon tournament throws at us. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that I'm gonna reveal to them, but they'll win anyways."
"Don't forget," Mei reminded her, "this is your first time mentoring a team through the dragon tournament. You're going to have to trust in their abilities, and be ready for the unexpected."
Kaede's eyes narrowed. "I trust my students, and I trust myself. But you're right, things have changed since we were students." She leaned forward, her expression intense. "What do you know about the challenges and routes we'll face?"
"I must admit, I'm surprised you're asking for my assistance," Mei said with a smirk. "But I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I want my team to win as much as you want yours to. Every advantage counts in the dragon tournament." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "Though, as a friend, I'd suggest you not underestimate the power of teamwork. Your students will need to work together if they want to emerge victorious."
Kaede's eyes glinted with amusement. "Thanks for nothing, little squat!" she teased. "Though I guess I shouldn't expect any more from you. Maybe next time I'll just have to show you how it's done in the ring." Her laughter echoed through the infirmary, a sign of her spirits returning despite her injuries.
With a warm laugh, Mei wrapped Kaede in a gentle embrace. "I'm just glad to see you're on the mend. The academy wouldn't be the same without your stubborn hide around."
Kaede returned the hug, a smile playing at her lips. "And don't you forget it. Now, get out of my sight before I decide to beat you up." She chuckled softly, her eyes full of camaraderie and respect. "And may the better team win."
Mei smiled back. "That's the spirit, my old friend!"