Post by Jie Shan Lan Dian on Jan 31, 2016 12:28:19 GMT -5
(Heavy weights on!)
Jie Shan swang his fist through the air, hoping to strike the Saiyan male in front of him. No, he thought, that had been a loose and sloppy blow. He’d be lucky if it didn’t leave him open to a counter attack. But it did. The Saiyan was quick to capitalize on this brief moment of weakness, and pounced. Jie Shan winced as a flurry of blows landed squarely in his ribs. That’s what he got for being sloppy. He’d have to be careful and not afford his foe another opportunity like that. Jie Shan knew that the Saiyan would take it in an instant. After all, Jie Shan had thought this man a hundred times before, and had seen him fight even more times.
It was Carota, one of his old squad mates. And right now, Carota was quite enjoying the blow he’d snuck in. “Tell me, Jie Shan,” growled the Saiyan with a smirk, “Has all your time on Natto made you soft, or did you always suck this much? Because the Jie Shan I thought I knew would have never let me smack him around like that.”
Jie Shan danced away from him, putting his fists up in a guard. He wished he was fighting with his sword, that natural extension of him. Then the tides would be turned, and it would be Jie Shan doing the mocking. “That’s easy for you to say Carota,” grunted Jie Shan between breathes, “You don’t have to wear these weights.”
“No, you’re right. I don’t. But that’s because I’m strong enough already!” Exclaimed the Saiyan, his stereotypical pride shining right on through.
“Yeah, right,” teased Jie Shan, “I have to wear these weights if you wanna keep up with me.”
“I’ll make you eat those words,” warned Carota.
A sigh came from the sidelines. Cornel, thought Jie Shan. Had he finished his spar with Potana? That, he thought, was quick.
“I think that’s enough talking smack, boys,” groaned the older Saiyan. Jie Shan quickly turned his head to look at his one time captain. He hardly looked sweaty. Conversely, the Saiyaness Potana looked ragged as she stood next to him. Cornel had always been a strong one, he thought. And besides, he knew their fighting styles inside out. In the art of battle, those under his command had few secrets they could keep from the Saiyan’s keen eyes. He had warrior’s eyes, like some kind of massive bird of prey given the shape of a man. Jie Shan found it almost uncanny, but he supposed it was a good quality for a leader to have. At least Cornel was on their side, he thought. Once upon a time, the older Saiyan had employed those eyes in use of the old empire. The Saiyan was pushing fifty. He’d have been Jie Shan’s age when the schism occurred, just like his father. The difference, however, is Jie Shan knew why his father had joined the Alliance: his damnable legacy. Cornel was an enigma, though. And Jie Shan was almost dying to know… The captain seemed to embody old Saiyan ideals. Might makes right, and all that…
Carota swang, his fist aimed for Jie Shan’s chin. In the nick of time, Jie Shan’s eyes swiveled back to catch the blur of the attack headed his way, and dodged with a quick backstep. Again, his inattentiveness had cost him, or at least it almost had.
“Damn,” swore Carota, “I thought you were off in dreamland for a second.”
“Nope, still here! You’re going to have to try a lot harder than that if you wanna beat me Carota. Trust me, I meant to do that. It was a lure and all that. A ruse,” laughed Jie Shan. Off to the side, Potana chuckled lightly and Jie Shan grinned. At least she had found it funny. Jie Shan did not give a damn if Carota did or not. He was focused on bring the Saiyan down.
“Jie Shan!” Shouted Cornel, “Focus! Even Carota can manage that. At least when he’s not chasing skirts…”
Carota’s head turned to face Cornel, a hurt look on his face, “Hey! I can keep my focus, even when I’m pursuing the ladies, captain!”
The captain snorted with derision. “Yeah, right,” he said, his voice tuned for mocking, “Carota, a pretty girl could slit your throat before you even noticed the knife in her hand. I know you.”
Carota opened his mouth to interject, but Jie Shan would not let him speak. He saw an opening, and he was going to take it. Jie Shan lunged forward, fist thrusting for his foe’s face. And Carota turned his face and yelped just in time for the blow to hit his chin, smack dab in the middle. Jie Shan grit his teeth in satisfaction as he felt the skin and muscle contort beneath his fist. A solid hit, one that Carota would be feeling in the morning. The Saiyan fell away from the blow, his body clattering to the ground. Carota groaned and spit, the spittle some kind of frothy mix that was a light pink.
“Damn, Jie Shan,” he coughed, “You didn’t have to hit me that hard. And you didn’t have to hit me in the face either, man. I need this thing! Women don’t like a guy whose face is all kinds of messed up! Right, Captain Cornel?”
The captain laughed and shook his head, “You’re right, Carota. You know what else they don’t like? Men who get beat like an old rug. Looks like you need to work on that much.”
Potana shook her head, a frown plain on her face. “As if any of you know what women like. You’re clueless, the lot of you. Carota, you confuse smiles with flirting.”
“Are you talking about that chick we met on that planet in free space? Because, Potana, she was totally into me. You guys just didn’t connect with her in the same way I did!” Carota protested, rising from the ground.
“Sure, Carota, whatever you say,” teased Potana.
Carotan growled and shook his head, turning it on Jie Shan. “Jie Shan!” He exclaimed, “Back me up, pal! The ladies love me, right?”
Jie Shan raised his hands and laughed, backing up slightly, “I think I’ll stay out of this one, Carota!”
“Aw, come on, Jie Shan! You can’t let them bully me like this!” Exclaimed the lady loving Saiyan.
“Bullying you?’ Asked Potana, “As if! You only bring these things on yourself, Carota! If you would just shut up sometimes, no one would ever ‘bully’ you!”
“Hey now,” said Carota, scratching the back of his head, “I’m only joking! No need to get upset! Jeeze, you say one little thing these days…”
“What was that?” Asked Potana, her voice rising.
“Nothing! Nothing at all!” Exclaimed Carota, as he turned his head towards Jie Shan, “See, this is what I mean, man. I can hardly breathe without someone snapping at me.”
“See, this is what I’m talking about, Carota!” Shouted Potana, “You just have to keep going, all the time, even when you know you shouldn’t. You are just-”
“That’s enough you two,” interjected Cornel, “I’ve had enough of your bickering for now. I’ve heard plenty over it for the past few years, and I’m sure I’ll hear it for many years to come. But damn, can’t I just have an argument free break? I was hoping to relax a little while we were on Natto. And besides, I’m sure Jie Shan doesn’t want to hear you guys bicker like children.”
Well, thought Jie Shan, damn. He had been hoping to stay out of this one. But, life could not be that simple it seems.
“Jie Shan is used to it, though!” Said Carota, turning on Cornel.
“No,” said Potana, “Cornel is right. Jie Shan has been living here on Natto the past few years, doing what his daddy says like a good little boy. I’m sure our arguing is upsetting him! After all, we all know how peaceful Natto is. He’s probably not used to any fighting at all anymore.”
Jie Shan’s cheeks flushed red. Potana was digging into him again, as she often did. Don’t let her get to you, thought Jie Shan, his blood starting to rise a little.
“What did you say?” Asked Jie Shan, very clearly trying to keep his tone neutral.
“I said,” growled Potana as she stepped closer to Jie Shan, “I’m sure our fighting upsets you. Come on, Jie Shan, what else do you expect? You’ve been here on Natto, getting soft, while the rest of us have been out in the field! It must be nice, having a father who can pull those kinds of strings for you.”
Jie Shan’s hands trembled. He felt a small spark of electricity travel up his arms. He was getting one of his flare ups. His emotions were boiling over. Anger, he thought, at this incessant picking.
“What’s the matter, Jie Shan?” Asked Potana, “Can’t think of anything to say? Or do you need daddy to do that for you, too? Why don’t you run along? I’m sure he has something else for you to do!”
There was a tingling on his face. The electricity, he realized, was showing in full force now. It was the combination his Saiyan pride and Elemi emotions, manifesting on his body. There was no hiding or denying it now. He might as well embrace it at this point.
“How about…” Said Jie Shan, his voice low and dangerous, “I prove you wrong.”
“Oh,” she exclaimed, “The daddy’s boy wants a fight. Are you sure you wanna do this? You might get hurt, and then daddy will have to patch up your boo-boos.”
“Shut up, Potana,” growled Jie Shan, his body audibly sparking now, “Or I’ll make you shut up. I don’t need my father to give me anything. And I know damn well that I’m stronger than you. I can sense it. Your energy. It’s not bad, of course, but I’m stronger.”
“Oh, is that what you think?” Scoffed Potana, stepping even closer to Jie Shan. Her face was mere inches from his own. His heart beat wildly, sparks flying from his body. “In that case,” she continued, “Why don’t you show me? Or are you all bark and no bite? Because I think you are.”
Jie Shan’s fist trembled.
“That’s enough you two,” barked Cornel, “If you’re going to fight, just do it already and stop swapping threats like a bunch of cowards. Keep it clean, and don’t maim each other. At least not too badly.”
The two fighting Saiyans nodded, and stepped apart from each other, as if making a silent agreement. They both knew what was coming next. They stared at each other for a few moments, each dropping into their fighting stance. Jie Shan wished he was fighting with his blade, but Cornel had already said to keep it clean. Though, Jie Shan was just as capable with his fists. He already had a handicap in the form of his weights.
They continued to eye one another, waiting for the other to make a move. Whoever moved first would be showing their hand, leaving themselves open. But they could not stand here forever. Someone had to break. His heart beat rapidly.
Jie Shan broke. He dashed forward, elbow extended, closing the distance fast enough to put a blow into the Saiyaness’s stomach. She coughed, but countered, throwing up her knee to his chest, driving it in, hard. Jie Shan grit his teeth and spun around, trying to get behind his foe. But she was just as quick, turning with him and answering with a right hook. Jie Shan managed to narrowly slap the moving fist away, and he answered with his own. But luck was not on his side, and the woman caught his hand, twisting it, as if trying to break it. Pain shot up his wrist, but he wasn’t going to let it stop him.
Jie Shan swang his other hand through the air, cutting through it like a knife through butter. His hand slapped across his opponent’s cheek, a loud smacking sound. Spittle flew from her mouth as her head turned with the blow. She growled in anger, and reared her head back. What is she doing, thought Jie Shan, a moment too late as the woman’s skull collided with his own. Bright lights flashed in his eyes; He was seeing stars. Pain flashed through his skull. That hurt, he thought.
Jie Shan pulled on his arm, breaking Potana’s grip, backstepping away. The two stared at each other for a moment, circling, like two wolves engaged in a fight. Her teeth were bared. She was in a rage, a fit, a kind of battle madness that Saiyans had a way of working themselves up into. And Jie Shan was doing no better. His emotions were just as high, the occasional discharge of electricity breaking from his body.
And in a flash, they were back to it, trading blows like cards. He hit her face, she punched his throat. Pain echoed throughout his body, but the adrenaline dulled it some. And besides, even through the pain, he had to keep fighting. His pride, his anger, his heart demanded it! He could not lose to her, not like this, not after all the smack she had talked. He’d not be able to look himself in a mirror if he fell to her.
The two parted for a moment again, a moment of clarity in battle. They made eye contact. Those eyes, he thought as he looked into the black pools that the Saiyaness had for eyes, there was a fire in them. And he loved it. He always had. It was a shame that the fire was focused on burning him, but he’d take the attention.
The two clashed again. Jie Shan sensed something coming, something finalistic. Their fight would be over soon. They could not continue like this forever, and even now Jie Shan could feel a soreness aching through his body, a result of the weights. If he wanted to win, he was going to have to end this quickly.
With that, he threw up his hand, a small yellow ball of ki forming in it and he launched it. The little ball of energy closed the distance quickly, so much so that his foe could scarcely react. The ball drove into her chest, exploding as it did. She staggered, and Jie Shan would give her no quarter. He was on her, punching and kicking, making sure she would not get back up. And, with a final kick to the stomach, he sent her sprawling to the ground. The group stood in silence for a few moments.
“How was that for soft?” Asked Jie Shan suddenly, his heart still pounding. That battle had been… intense. That fire in her eyes…
Potana coughed, and dragged herself upright. “So,” he choked, “You haven’t gotten soft after all, daddy’s boy. Not bad, but I was going easy on you.”
“Of course you were,” said Jie Shan with a smirk, “And I was going easy on you. I’ve got this weighted armor after all.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she said, a sudden grin breaking out on her face, “Your daddy buy you that armor?”
“And if he did?”
“Well, if he did, tell him weighted armor is for chumps, chump.”
Jie Shan shook his head and laughed. She hadn’t changed. None of them had changed. Cornel, Carota, Potana… It was like the last time they had spoken was just yesterday. It was good to see them again, good to train again. Sadly, it couldn’t last forever.
“I missed you guys,” whispered Jie Shan, a small, sad smile breaking out over his face.
Jie Shan swang his fist through the air, hoping to strike the Saiyan male in front of him. No, he thought, that had been a loose and sloppy blow. He’d be lucky if it didn’t leave him open to a counter attack. But it did. The Saiyan was quick to capitalize on this brief moment of weakness, and pounced. Jie Shan winced as a flurry of blows landed squarely in his ribs. That’s what he got for being sloppy. He’d have to be careful and not afford his foe another opportunity like that. Jie Shan knew that the Saiyan would take it in an instant. After all, Jie Shan had thought this man a hundred times before, and had seen him fight even more times.
It was Carota, one of his old squad mates. And right now, Carota was quite enjoying the blow he’d snuck in. “Tell me, Jie Shan,” growled the Saiyan with a smirk, “Has all your time on Natto made you soft, or did you always suck this much? Because the Jie Shan I thought I knew would have never let me smack him around like that.”
Jie Shan danced away from him, putting his fists up in a guard. He wished he was fighting with his sword, that natural extension of him. Then the tides would be turned, and it would be Jie Shan doing the mocking. “That’s easy for you to say Carota,” grunted Jie Shan between breathes, “You don’t have to wear these weights.”
“No, you’re right. I don’t. But that’s because I’m strong enough already!” Exclaimed the Saiyan, his stereotypical pride shining right on through.
“Yeah, right,” teased Jie Shan, “I have to wear these weights if you wanna keep up with me.”
“I’ll make you eat those words,” warned Carota.
A sigh came from the sidelines. Cornel, thought Jie Shan. Had he finished his spar with Potana? That, he thought, was quick.
“I think that’s enough talking smack, boys,” groaned the older Saiyan. Jie Shan quickly turned his head to look at his one time captain. He hardly looked sweaty. Conversely, the Saiyaness Potana looked ragged as she stood next to him. Cornel had always been a strong one, he thought. And besides, he knew their fighting styles inside out. In the art of battle, those under his command had few secrets they could keep from the Saiyan’s keen eyes. He had warrior’s eyes, like some kind of massive bird of prey given the shape of a man. Jie Shan found it almost uncanny, but he supposed it was a good quality for a leader to have. At least Cornel was on their side, he thought. Once upon a time, the older Saiyan had employed those eyes in use of the old empire. The Saiyan was pushing fifty. He’d have been Jie Shan’s age when the schism occurred, just like his father. The difference, however, is Jie Shan knew why his father had joined the Alliance: his damnable legacy. Cornel was an enigma, though. And Jie Shan was almost dying to know… The captain seemed to embody old Saiyan ideals. Might makes right, and all that…
Carota swang, his fist aimed for Jie Shan’s chin. In the nick of time, Jie Shan’s eyes swiveled back to catch the blur of the attack headed his way, and dodged with a quick backstep. Again, his inattentiveness had cost him, or at least it almost had.
“Damn,” swore Carota, “I thought you were off in dreamland for a second.”
“Nope, still here! You’re going to have to try a lot harder than that if you wanna beat me Carota. Trust me, I meant to do that. It was a lure and all that. A ruse,” laughed Jie Shan. Off to the side, Potana chuckled lightly and Jie Shan grinned. At least she had found it funny. Jie Shan did not give a damn if Carota did or not. He was focused on bring the Saiyan down.
“Jie Shan!” Shouted Cornel, “Focus! Even Carota can manage that. At least when he’s not chasing skirts…”
Carota’s head turned to face Cornel, a hurt look on his face, “Hey! I can keep my focus, even when I’m pursuing the ladies, captain!”
The captain snorted with derision. “Yeah, right,” he said, his voice tuned for mocking, “Carota, a pretty girl could slit your throat before you even noticed the knife in her hand. I know you.”
Carota opened his mouth to interject, but Jie Shan would not let him speak. He saw an opening, and he was going to take it. Jie Shan lunged forward, fist thrusting for his foe’s face. And Carota turned his face and yelped just in time for the blow to hit his chin, smack dab in the middle. Jie Shan grit his teeth in satisfaction as he felt the skin and muscle contort beneath his fist. A solid hit, one that Carota would be feeling in the morning. The Saiyan fell away from the blow, his body clattering to the ground. Carota groaned and spit, the spittle some kind of frothy mix that was a light pink.
“Damn, Jie Shan,” he coughed, “You didn’t have to hit me that hard. And you didn’t have to hit me in the face either, man. I need this thing! Women don’t like a guy whose face is all kinds of messed up! Right, Captain Cornel?”
The captain laughed and shook his head, “You’re right, Carota. You know what else they don’t like? Men who get beat like an old rug. Looks like you need to work on that much.”
Potana shook her head, a frown plain on her face. “As if any of you know what women like. You’re clueless, the lot of you. Carota, you confuse smiles with flirting.”
“Are you talking about that chick we met on that planet in free space? Because, Potana, she was totally into me. You guys just didn’t connect with her in the same way I did!” Carota protested, rising from the ground.
“Sure, Carota, whatever you say,” teased Potana.
Carotan growled and shook his head, turning it on Jie Shan. “Jie Shan!” He exclaimed, “Back me up, pal! The ladies love me, right?”
Jie Shan raised his hands and laughed, backing up slightly, “I think I’ll stay out of this one, Carota!”
“Aw, come on, Jie Shan! You can’t let them bully me like this!” Exclaimed the lady loving Saiyan.
“Bullying you?’ Asked Potana, “As if! You only bring these things on yourself, Carota! If you would just shut up sometimes, no one would ever ‘bully’ you!”
“Hey now,” said Carota, scratching the back of his head, “I’m only joking! No need to get upset! Jeeze, you say one little thing these days…”
“What was that?” Asked Potana, her voice rising.
“Nothing! Nothing at all!” Exclaimed Carota, as he turned his head towards Jie Shan, “See, this is what I mean, man. I can hardly breathe without someone snapping at me.”
“See, this is what I’m talking about, Carota!” Shouted Potana, “You just have to keep going, all the time, even when you know you shouldn’t. You are just-”
“That’s enough you two,” interjected Cornel, “I’ve had enough of your bickering for now. I’ve heard plenty over it for the past few years, and I’m sure I’ll hear it for many years to come. But damn, can’t I just have an argument free break? I was hoping to relax a little while we were on Natto. And besides, I’m sure Jie Shan doesn’t want to hear you guys bicker like children.”
Well, thought Jie Shan, damn. He had been hoping to stay out of this one. But, life could not be that simple it seems.
“Jie Shan is used to it, though!” Said Carota, turning on Cornel.
“No,” said Potana, “Cornel is right. Jie Shan has been living here on Natto the past few years, doing what his daddy says like a good little boy. I’m sure our arguing is upsetting him! After all, we all know how peaceful Natto is. He’s probably not used to any fighting at all anymore.”
Jie Shan’s cheeks flushed red. Potana was digging into him again, as she often did. Don’t let her get to you, thought Jie Shan, his blood starting to rise a little.
“What did you say?” Asked Jie Shan, very clearly trying to keep his tone neutral.
“I said,” growled Potana as she stepped closer to Jie Shan, “I’m sure our fighting upsets you. Come on, Jie Shan, what else do you expect? You’ve been here on Natto, getting soft, while the rest of us have been out in the field! It must be nice, having a father who can pull those kinds of strings for you.”
Jie Shan’s hands trembled. He felt a small spark of electricity travel up his arms. He was getting one of his flare ups. His emotions were boiling over. Anger, he thought, at this incessant picking.
“What’s the matter, Jie Shan?” Asked Potana, “Can’t think of anything to say? Or do you need daddy to do that for you, too? Why don’t you run along? I’m sure he has something else for you to do!”
There was a tingling on his face. The electricity, he realized, was showing in full force now. It was the combination his Saiyan pride and Elemi emotions, manifesting on his body. There was no hiding or denying it now. He might as well embrace it at this point.
“How about…” Said Jie Shan, his voice low and dangerous, “I prove you wrong.”
“Oh,” she exclaimed, “The daddy’s boy wants a fight. Are you sure you wanna do this? You might get hurt, and then daddy will have to patch up your boo-boos.”
“Shut up, Potana,” growled Jie Shan, his body audibly sparking now, “Or I’ll make you shut up. I don’t need my father to give me anything. And I know damn well that I’m stronger than you. I can sense it. Your energy. It’s not bad, of course, but I’m stronger.”
“Oh, is that what you think?” Scoffed Potana, stepping even closer to Jie Shan. Her face was mere inches from his own. His heart beat wildly, sparks flying from his body. “In that case,” she continued, “Why don’t you show me? Or are you all bark and no bite? Because I think you are.”
Jie Shan’s fist trembled.
“That’s enough you two,” barked Cornel, “If you’re going to fight, just do it already and stop swapping threats like a bunch of cowards. Keep it clean, and don’t maim each other. At least not too badly.”
The two fighting Saiyans nodded, and stepped apart from each other, as if making a silent agreement. They both knew what was coming next. They stared at each other for a few moments, each dropping into their fighting stance. Jie Shan wished he was fighting with his blade, but Cornel had already said to keep it clean. Though, Jie Shan was just as capable with his fists. He already had a handicap in the form of his weights.
They continued to eye one another, waiting for the other to make a move. Whoever moved first would be showing their hand, leaving themselves open. But they could not stand here forever. Someone had to break. His heart beat rapidly.
Jie Shan broke. He dashed forward, elbow extended, closing the distance fast enough to put a blow into the Saiyaness’s stomach. She coughed, but countered, throwing up her knee to his chest, driving it in, hard. Jie Shan grit his teeth and spun around, trying to get behind his foe. But she was just as quick, turning with him and answering with a right hook. Jie Shan managed to narrowly slap the moving fist away, and he answered with his own. But luck was not on his side, and the woman caught his hand, twisting it, as if trying to break it. Pain shot up his wrist, but he wasn’t going to let it stop him.
Jie Shan swang his other hand through the air, cutting through it like a knife through butter. His hand slapped across his opponent’s cheek, a loud smacking sound. Spittle flew from her mouth as her head turned with the blow. She growled in anger, and reared her head back. What is she doing, thought Jie Shan, a moment too late as the woman’s skull collided with his own. Bright lights flashed in his eyes; He was seeing stars. Pain flashed through his skull. That hurt, he thought.
Jie Shan pulled on his arm, breaking Potana’s grip, backstepping away. The two stared at each other for a moment, circling, like two wolves engaged in a fight. Her teeth were bared. She was in a rage, a fit, a kind of battle madness that Saiyans had a way of working themselves up into. And Jie Shan was doing no better. His emotions were just as high, the occasional discharge of electricity breaking from his body.
And in a flash, they were back to it, trading blows like cards. He hit her face, she punched his throat. Pain echoed throughout his body, but the adrenaline dulled it some. And besides, even through the pain, he had to keep fighting. His pride, his anger, his heart demanded it! He could not lose to her, not like this, not after all the smack she had talked. He’d not be able to look himself in a mirror if he fell to her.
The two parted for a moment again, a moment of clarity in battle. They made eye contact. Those eyes, he thought as he looked into the black pools that the Saiyaness had for eyes, there was a fire in them. And he loved it. He always had. It was a shame that the fire was focused on burning him, but he’d take the attention.
The two clashed again. Jie Shan sensed something coming, something finalistic. Their fight would be over soon. They could not continue like this forever, and even now Jie Shan could feel a soreness aching through his body, a result of the weights. If he wanted to win, he was going to have to end this quickly.
With that, he threw up his hand, a small yellow ball of ki forming in it and he launched it. The little ball of energy closed the distance quickly, so much so that his foe could scarcely react. The ball drove into her chest, exploding as it did. She staggered, and Jie Shan would give her no quarter. He was on her, punching and kicking, making sure she would not get back up. And, with a final kick to the stomach, he sent her sprawling to the ground. The group stood in silence for a few moments.
“How was that for soft?” Asked Jie Shan suddenly, his heart still pounding. That battle had been… intense. That fire in her eyes…
Potana coughed, and dragged herself upright. “So,” he choked, “You haven’t gotten soft after all, daddy’s boy. Not bad, but I was going easy on you.”
“Of course you were,” said Jie Shan with a smirk, “And I was going easy on you. I’ve got this weighted armor after all.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she said, a sudden grin breaking out on her face, “Your daddy buy you that armor?”
“And if he did?”
“Well, if he did, tell him weighted armor is for chumps, chump.”
Jie Shan shook his head and laughed. She hadn’t changed. None of them had changed. Cornel, Carota, Potana… It was like the last time they had spoken was just yesterday. It was good to see them again, good to train again. Sadly, it couldn’t last forever.
“I missed you guys,” whispered Jie Shan, a small, sad smile breaking out over his face.
