Wang Zen stood against a tree, Shibi hanging from a low branch near him. Night had fallen and the day’s contests ended. He stood outside the stadium, watching and waiting, hoping for news on Jao Cong.

“Shibi, do you think I’m like that Lang character?” Zen said.

“I don’t think so.”

Zen looked toward the voice. Xue Shaonu walked closer to her. Her pale skin visible against the sky, as if the moon vanished to be born in a beautiful maiden.

“Xue Shaonu?”

“Still have the mask I see,” she smiled.

Shibi rushed to her arms and she giggled, petting the Scorch Ape.

“Good to see you too, Shibi!”

“I thought you would be sleeping by now. Tomorrow is the last day of the tournament, you’ll need all the rest you can.”

He nodded. “I will soon. I’m just waiting for news on Jao Cong.”

There was flapping of wings. Silicy landed behind Shaonu, sending a gust of wind everywhere.

Shibi leapt off Shaonu and rushed to Zen’s shoulder.

“Silicy,” Zen said.

“Wang Zen,” the Snow Dove said coldly.

“I’m sorry for what happened to your cousin.” She said. “Will Jao Cong be alright?”

“I think so, I’m waiting for news.”

Silicy lowered her head, allowing Shaonu to gently run her small hands through the fine silky hairs on her neck. “Why would you think you are like Lang?” she said. “That boy is mean, cruel and has so much hate.”

“I’ve been mean, cruel and I have a lot of hate.” Zen said. “I feel, I feel maybe I’m all those things because we are alike.”

“Well, if you do, you don’t act on it.” She said. “Much like me.”

Zen laughed, “I’ve never seen you being cruel or mean or even hateful.”

“I’ve never seen you be those things either… well, except the hateful part. But that just makes us human, not bad. Acting on it makes you bad.” She said. “When I feel like I’m being bad, I remember my father. He is the man I wish to grow up to be like. He was strong, patient and fair. Do you have anyone like that?”

Zen took a moment to think. “I guess it would have to be my father or brother… probably my brother.” He said. “My brother was one of the kindest people I know and he balanced it with great talent and skill.”

Zen’s voice gave away the smile hiding behind his mask. It was infectious and made Xue Shaonu smile along with him.

“Then be like your brother.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.” Zen looked down on the ground. “Not yet.”

“What do you mean?” Shaonu tilted her head frowned.

Shibi pointed in the distance.

“Jao Fuu!”

“Zen? What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for news on Jao Cong.”

“Oh,” she said, without much care but it was obvious she was holding back a lot of emotion.

“Hello, Jao Fuu.”

“Xue Shaonu.” She said coldly. “My brother’s condition is still the same.” She said walking away. “Go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Zen said.

“It does not seem that she is okay.” Xue Shaoinu. “Shouldn’t you comfort her?”

“I can’t. I’m the last person she wants to talk to.”

Xue Shaonu frowned. “I don’t think so. You’re her family. There’s no one else.”

He sighed. “Okay, wish us luck. Come Shibi!”

“Bye!” she waved.

“Bye!” he said back.

Zen jogged after her.

“Jao Fuu!”

“What do you want?” she said.

“I… Uhm… just to check up on you.’

“Why? I’m not the one whose beaten up and lying on the bed.” She said.

“Jao Fuu,” he said seriously. “Seriously, how are you holding up.”

“Wang… Zen… you jerk!” she said, tears coming from her eyes. “You’re trying to get me to cry?”

“No, I… I know how worried you must be.”

She cried into her arm, doing her best to sob quietly. “I’m… I’m so scared Wang Zen!”

“Don’t be.” Zen said. “Trust me, he’ll be okay. Miss Hong has healed me from worser beatings.”

“But you are different!” she said. “No one likes you, so you’re always getting beat up.”

“What?”

“Yeah, you’re used to it.” She said between sobbing. “Jao Cong isn’t. I couldn’t protect him at all!”

Zen did not know what came over him but he hugged her tightly. She cried into his shoulder. And they stayed there, comforting each other.

The morning came quickly. Wang Zen started by passing through the infirmary with Jao Fuu.

There they saw Hong, attending to Jao Cong.

“Miss Hong?” Jao Fuu said.

Miss Hong looked at the pair. “Oh, you’re back. Jao Cong, you have visitors.”

“Jao Cong sat up, his lips curved up in a smile that shone through his bruised and battered face.

“Bro!” Fuu cried before hugging her brother tightly.

“Ow! Ow! Take it easy, Sister.” Jao Cong grimaced.

“Sorry Bro!”

“Nice to see you’re okay, Coz.” Zen said.

“Thanks.” He frowned and looked at his legs. “I’m sorry everyone. I promised Jao Fuu that I would not get too badly hurt and I disappointed Wang Zen by my poor performance. Please forgive me.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Zen said. “You didn’t disappoint me. You gave it your all out there. I’d be an idiot to be disappointed.”

“Yes. Bro. Though I didn’t like it, you proved you could probably hold your own, after 60 years or so of training.”

He smiled and bowed. “Thank you. Both of you. As well as to you, Miss Hong.”

“Why are you thanking me? I’m getting paid for this.” She said. “Peanuts by the way. I’m getting paid in peanuts.”

“Well, since I’m knocked out, I guess I’ll cheer you guys from the stands.” Jao Cong said.

Jao Cong got to his feet and accompanied his family members to the ring.

Zen was with Jao Fuu. They spoke to each other as they were getting prepared.

Lang approached them.

“Ah, Wang Zen. Good to see you!” He said.

“You!” Jao Fuu said, her anger rising. “You hurt my brother!” Fuu’s killing intent rose.

Lang tilted his head in confusion. “Who do you mean?”

“My brother! The one you fought yesterday!”

“Oh, him.” Lang smiled a cruel smile. “You’ll have to forgive me for needing a reminder. I beat so many worthless nobles that its hard to keep track of.”

Fuu clenched her fists and was about to strike him but Zen held her back.

“Fuu, wait!”

“Are you in the competition?” Lang tilted his head. “If you are, then you don’t have to wait for long. We’ll meet in the ring soon enough. But I’m here to talk to someone better than you, Wang Zen?”

“Huh?” Zen said in confusion.

“I have bad good and bad news.” He said. “The good news is that both of our next matches are against nobles, so we have a chance to put them in their place.”

“What?” Fuu said.

“Quiet!” Lang said before turning back to Zen. “The bad news is that if we win our next matches, we’ll be facing each other next.”