Post by Jude Liang on Aug 21, 2015 15:19:09 GMT -5
[OoC: Prefer stats>custom tickets>cash. Prefer INT>WIS if the reward is stats.]
The evening sky reflected a deep violet color as the setting sun began to recede. In a deserted lot, the only sound to be heard was of a thousand cicadas vigorously chirping from the trees nearby. Then, the inexorable noise was broken by the sound of soft footsteps. The light of a single streetlamp shone down to reveal the figure of Jude Liang. Strands of his long hair whipped about in the breeze, like the tails of a high flying kite. Jude stopped in front of a rusted sedan that looked like it had seen better days. The owner must have left it long ago, since its wheels were gone and the interior was completely ransacked. Jude wasn’t looking to steal, but rather for a place to be alone with the world. This empty parking lot would do just fine. So, Jude placed his foot on the car’s bumper to test his weight. Satisfied with the strength of the makeshift platform, Jude hopped onto the hood and leaned back while exhaling deeply.
Jude hadn’t expected to be at this school for so long. He had genuinely hoped that someone would review the papers and realize that Jude was sent to PHS #552 by mistake. Of course, there was no such luck. Or was it really luck? Jude had no one back home who would care enough to investigate the matter. His schoolmates would be too oblivious, and his teachers could care less. There was only one person who would keep fighting for Jude to come home—Uncle Jiang. Jude smiled as he imagined Uncle berating grown men and hitting them over the head with the fan that he always carried around. Used to, Jude corrected himself. The fan that he always used to carry around. Uncle had been gone for years now, and there was no reason to believe that he would magically reappear. No, he’s not coming back, and it doesn’t matter anyway, Jude reaffirmed as he furrowed his brows. Jude had been doing just fine before he was transferred to 552. He was at the top of his class, even with the added workload of doing other students’ homework for money. A few more years of living like that would have led to an easy full ride to Columbia, Yale, or anywhere else. No more dirty work. No more white rice and soy sauce for three meals a day. No…that future was gone, dashed to pieces by a one-way trip to a school of misfits.
Now that leaving 552 was no longer a realistic option, Jude knew that he had to change his plans. Surviving in this unforgiving hub of formidable peers would take guts, smarts, and the favor of Lady Fortune. Thankfully, Jude had found a few kindred souls among the student body, but he couldn’t rely on friends to save his skin every time that there was trouble. First of all, he hadn’t known them for long enough yet, and second, it wasn’t his way of doing things. Conversely, Jude had a hunch that his prior routine of quickly finishing his schoolwork, and then doing the same for others in exchange for cash, wasn’t going to fly at this strange new institution. A crow cawed in the distance as if it to agree with Jude’s speculation. Jude had been relaxing and gazing at the multicolored sky when the crow had made its announcement. Layers of indigo and saffron crowned the horizon, a beautiful sight to behold. Jude inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of wild grass carried by the evening breeze. This part of the city had its moments. These moments were few, but undeniably profound.
The crow’s cry and the orange sun suddenly reminded Jude of a story that Uncle used to tell when Jude was still a child. It was the story of Hou Yi, the divine archer. “A long, long time ago,” Uncle would begin, widening his eyes and using his hands to emphasize his statement. “There were ten, not one but ten, suns in the sky. Three-legged crows called sunbirds, they were the children of a deity. Imagine the hottest day of this summer. Remember when you fainted because you were dehydrated and had to stay in bed for the whole day? It was ten times as bad, because the ten sunbirds would all be in the sky at once. Crops wouldn’t grow, all the water dried up, and everyone on Earth prayed for someone to save them. Even the Emperor joined in and asked the gods for help. And a god heard them—it was Di Jun, God of the Eastern Heaven and father of the ten suns. He knew all about the trouble that his sons were making, and decided to teach them a lesson. You know, Jude, that’s why I’m so strict with you, so you don’t end up like these disobedient sunbirds.” Uncle would always stop here and tap Jude’s forehead gently with a calloused finger.
And then Uncle would continue, “Di Jun called upon Hou Yi, the most talented archer in his service, to scare those sunbirds into submission. Hou Yi could pin the wings of a fly from a thousand 里 (li, 1000 li= approx. 500km) away, so you know that he was the man for the job. I would be terrified if his bow were to be aimed at me, and I know you’d be scared, too. So, Hou Yi took up his trusty bow and white-feathered arrows, and travelled to Earth. Upon arriving, he was shocked at the scorched land and suffering of the humans. There was no time to waste. Hou Yi planted his feet, nocked his arrow, and took aim. He fired a shot that cut a fiery feather loose from one of the sunbirds. That caught their attention. Hou Yi declared, ‘Wayward sons of Di Jun! I am the Lord Archer, Hou Yi. Your father has sent me to ensure that you behave from now on. Only one of you can rise above the horizon each day. If you agree, I shall sheathe my weapon and return to Di Jun with good tidings. If you refuse…know that my arrows always fly true.’” Around this point in the story, Uncle would make ready to tuck Jude in and say goodnight. Of course, Jude would beg Uncle to sit down and finish the tale, even though Jude already knew it by heart.
“Alright, alright. Calm down, you rascal. You’re almost as bothersome as the ten sunbirds,” Uncle would say as he feigned exasperation. “Speaking of which, they refused to heed Hou Yi’s warning. ‘Foolish archer,’ the sunbirds said. ‘Our father would never allow the likes of you to lay a hand on his dear sons. Yell all you want. We shall play to our hearts’ content.’ Hou Yi was enraged at these words of defiance. People were dying, and these three-legged crows only cared for their own amusement. Hou Yi had to act. So he nocked an arrow and drew his bow. A twang, a whistle, and a thump. One sunbird fell from the sky in a great ball of fire, sparks flying everywhere. Realizing that there was no turning back, Hou Yi swiftly released eight more arrows, and eight more sunbirds fell from the sky. Standing among a mess of charred feathers, Hou Yi readied his bow and arrow for one final shot. ‘Wait!’ It was the voice of the Emperor. ‘Lord Archer, please spare the last sun. Without it, we will be left in eternal darkness and cold, a fate no better than that of a world with ten suns.’ Hou Yi understood. And of course, the last sunbird was grateful to be alive and performed his duties admirably since then. As for Hou Yi, he was stripped of his status and banished from heaven. Life isn’t fair, you know. Okay Jude, it’s time to go to sleep. Early morning training session tomorrow!” Uncle would cackle and leave the room.
The sun was nearly hidden from view now. A sliver of scarlet peeked out among the growing darkness. Jude sat in silence for a while, mulling over his memories of Uncle and the legend of the ten suns. Was Jude a sunbird, shot down from the sky for misbehaving? Or was he Hou Yi, locked out of heaven because of one fateful decision? Either way, Jude was stuck here, for better or for worse. After the events in Uncle’s story, the last sunbird caused no more trouble and did what he was supposed to do. Jude shook his head as he thought about this. Ever since Uncle disappeared, Jude had tried to be on his best behavior (minus the illicit homework service). It was a struggle to put food on the table even then. Here at 552, there were no chumps willing to shell out money for an essay written, or a test taken. Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures. Jude would have to become Hou Yi: fend off the monsters of this world, and seek the elixir of immortality. Jude laughed aloud at the thought of dressing up in ancient garb and doing battle with mythical beasts. He had never entertained any aspirations of heroism. His life was no legend. Jude Liang was just a pretty smart kid with some bad luck.
One thing was certain, though. Hou Yi survived his many trials because he had a clear goal and the strength to achieve it. Meanwhile, Jude had no real goal and no remarkable strength. How long had it been since he had practiced the techniques that Uncle had taught him? Whatever span of time it was, it was too long. Jude regretted not maintaining his training in recent years. He had always asserted that his studies and so-called job were more important. Now, sitting alone on a rusty car hood under the light of a single streetlamp, Jude found it easier to be honest. He had distanced himself from training because it reminded him too much of Uncle—how he would rap Jude’s hand with a bamboo rod to correct his form, how he would meditate for what seemed like an eternity and still somehow notice that Jude was fidgeting. Jude loved martial arts, but the pain of Uncle’s absence perpetually tainted that passion. But there was no way around it now. Sooner or later, Jude would need to defend himself, and he would need to be in his best condition if he wanted to make it out alive.
Jude had made up his mind. He hopped off of the old car and began swinging his arms to stretch. As he moved on to leg stretches, Jude felt the excitement bubbling up within him. There was nothing quite like getting to know one’s own body. Yet, a nagging fear of awakening pent-up grief accompanied that excitement. Jude raised his right hand up and examined it. No red welts, no torn skin, no purple bruises. Gone, just like Uncle Jiang. Gone without a trace. Why did things have to be like this? Frustration and anguish took over Jude’s mental state. He clenched his fists and swung his right arm back, preparing to punch the lamppost next to him. “JUDE!” A voice in his head boomed. And Jude had thought that the flashbacks were over with. His mind’s eye took him to a familiar scene: a patch of open grass in Corona Park, where Uncle would often take Jude to practice forms. “Jude, how many times do I have tell you? No taiji, no kung fu!” Uncle would shout enthusiastically. “Now relax those arms, you rascal, you’re going to pass out from exertion. Deep breaths, come on.” Out of habit, Jude unclenched his fists and let his arms drop to his sides.
Walking away from the lamppost and towards the center of the lot, Jude closed his eyes. “Inhale.” His pain gradually dissipated as he relaxed his whole being. The emptiness of his heart was filled by joy, admiration, and love—emotions that Jude had forgotten since losing Uncle. “Exhale.” Jude began to shift his feet in tandem with the memory. “Now then, let’s start with 陳式, 老架一路 (Chen style, old frame first routine).” Jude was never fond of taiji due to its slow pacing, but at this time, it was the perfect way to clear the mind and readjust the body. “预备(ready)… 起势(begin)!” Almost automatically, Jude followed those words. Vajrapani pounds mortar. Lazily tying coat. Six seal four close. Single whip. White crane spreads wings. Jude performed the moves with a grace and poise that he had never exhibited before. With his eyes closed the entire time, Jude completed all 75 steps of the sequence and came to a rest. Uncle Jiang was no longer here, but Jude could never forget him. Nor could Jude forget all that Uncle had taught him over the years. Tears flowed down Jude's cheeks as the old forms and techniques made their way back into his mind. He had found stillness within the turmoil. He had found peace. Taking one last look at the night sky before he left, Jude promised to find time each day to hone his skills and cultivate his inner self. This was only the first step on the long road ahead.
“To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go.” –Lao Tzu
The evening sky reflected a deep violet color as the setting sun began to recede. In a deserted lot, the only sound to be heard was of a thousand cicadas vigorously chirping from the trees nearby. Then, the inexorable noise was broken by the sound of soft footsteps. The light of a single streetlamp shone down to reveal the figure of Jude Liang. Strands of his long hair whipped about in the breeze, like the tails of a high flying kite. Jude stopped in front of a rusted sedan that looked like it had seen better days. The owner must have left it long ago, since its wheels were gone and the interior was completely ransacked. Jude wasn’t looking to steal, but rather for a place to be alone with the world. This empty parking lot would do just fine. So, Jude placed his foot on the car’s bumper to test his weight. Satisfied with the strength of the makeshift platform, Jude hopped onto the hood and leaned back while exhaling deeply.
Jude hadn’t expected to be at this school for so long. He had genuinely hoped that someone would review the papers and realize that Jude was sent to PHS #552 by mistake. Of course, there was no such luck. Or was it really luck? Jude had no one back home who would care enough to investigate the matter. His schoolmates would be too oblivious, and his teachers could care less. There was only one person who would keep fighting for Jude to come home—Uncle Jiang. Jude smiled as he imagined Uncle berating grown men and hitting them over the head with the fan that he always carried around. Used to, Jude corrected himself. The fan that he always used to carry around. Uncle had been gone for years now, and there was no reason to believe that he would magically reappear. No, he’s not coming back, and it doesn’t matter anyway, Jude reaffirmed as he furrowed his brows. Jude had been doing just fine before he was transferred to 552. He was at the top of his class, even with the added workload of doing other students’ homework for money. A few more years of living like that would have led to an easy full ride to Columbia, Yale, or anywhere else. No more dirty work. No more white rice and soy sauce for three meals a day. No…that future was gone, dashed to pieces by a one-way trip to a school of misfits.
Now that leaving 552 was no longer a realistic option, Jude knew that he had to change his plans. Surviving in this unforgiving hub of formidable peers would take guts, smarts, and the favor of Lady Fortune. Thankfully, Jude had found a few kindred souls among the student body, but he couldn’t rely on friends to save his skin every time that there was trouble. First of all, he hadn’t known them for long enough yet, and second, it wasn’t his way of doing things. Conversely, Jude had a hunch that his prior routine of quickly finishing his schoolwork, and then doing the same for others in exchange for cash, wasn’t going to fly at this strange new institution. A crow cawed in the distance as if it to agree with Jude’s speculation. Jude had been relaxing and gazing at the multicolored sky when the crow had made its announcement. Layers of indigo and saffron crowned the horizon, a beautiful sight to behold. Jude inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of wild grass carried by the evening breeze. This part of the city had its moments. These moments were few, but undeniably profound.
The crow’s cry and the orange sun suddenly reminded Jude of a story that Uncle used to tell when Jude was still a child. It was the story of Hou Yi, the divine archer. “A long, long time ago,” Uncle would begin, widening his eyes and using his hands to emphasize his statement. “There were ten, not one but ten, suns in the sky. Three-legged crows called sunbirds, they were the children of a deity. Imagine the hottest day of this summer. Remember when you fainted because you were dehydrated and had to stay in bed for the whole day? It was ten times as bad, because the ten sunbirds would all be in the sky at once. Crops wouldn’t grow, all the water dried up, and everyone on Earth prayed for someone to save them. Even the Emperor joined in and asked the gods for help. And a god heard them—it was Di Jun, God of the Eastern Heaven and father of the ten suns. He knew all about the trouble that his sons were making, and decided to teach them a lesson. You know, Jude, that’s why I’m so strict with you, so you don’t end up like these disobedient sunbirds.” Uncle would always stop here and tap Jude’s forehead gently with a calloused finger.
And then Uncle would continue, “Di Jun called upon Hou Yi, the most talented archer in his service, to scare those sunbirds into submission. Hou Yi could pin the wings of a fly from a thousand 里 (li, 1000 li= approx. 500km) away, so you know that he was the man for the job. I would be terrified if his bow were to be aimed at me, and I know you’d be scared, too. So, Hou Yi took up his trusty bow and white-feathered arrows, and travelled to Earth. Upon arriving, he was shocked at the scorched land and suffering of the humans. There was no time to waste. Hou Yi planted his feet, nocked his arrow, and took aim. He fired a shot that cut a fiery feather loose from one of the sunbirds. That caught their attention. Hou Yi declared, ‘Wayward sons of Di Jun! I am the Lord Archer, Hou Yi. Your father has sent me to ensure that you behave from now on. Only one of you can rise above the horizon each day. If you agree, I shall sheathe my weapon and return to Di Jun with good tidings. If you refuse…know that my arrows always fly true.’” Around this point in the story, Uncle would make ready to tuck Jude in and say goodnight. Of course, Jude would beg Uncle to sit down and finish the tale, even though Jude already knew it by heart.
“Alright, alright. Calm down, you rascal. You’re almost as bothersome as the ten sunbirds,” Uncle would say as he feigned exasperation. “Speaking of which, they refused to heed Hou Yi’s warning. ‘Foolish archer,’ the sunbirds said. ‘Our father would never allow the likes of you to lay a hand on his dear sons. Yell all you want. We shall play to our hearts’ content.’ Hou Yi was enraged at these words of defiance. People were dying, and these three-legged crows only cared for their own amusement. Hou Yi had to act. So he nocked an arrow and drew his bow. A twang, a whistle, and a thump. One sunbird fell from the sky in a great ball of fire, sparks flying everywhere. Realizing that there was no turning back, Hou Yi swiftly released eight more arrows, and eight more sunbirds fell from the sky. Standing among a mess of charred feathers, Hou Yi readied his bow and arrow for one final shot. ‘Wait!’ It was the voice of the Emperor. ‘Lord Archer, please spare the last sun. Without it, we will be left in eternal darkness and cold, a fate no better than that of a world with ten suns.’ Hou Yi understood. And of course, the last sunbird was grateful to be alive and performed his duties admirably since then. As for Hou Yi, he was stripped of his status and banished from heaven. Life isn’t fair, you know. Okay Jude, it’s time to go to sleep. Early morning training session tomorrow!” Uncle would cackle and leave the room.
The sun was nearly hidden from view now. A sliver of scarlet peeked out among the growing darkness. Jude sat in silence for a while, mulling over his memories of Uncle and the legend of the ten suns. Was Jude a sunbird, shot down from the sky for misbehaving? Or was he Hou Yi, locked out of heaven because of one fateful decision? Either way, Jude was stuck here, for better or for worse. After the events in Uncle’s story, the last sunbird caused no more trouble and did what he was supposed to do. Jude shook his head as he thought about this. Ever since Uncle disappeared, Jude had tried to be on his best behavior (minus the illicit homework service). It was a struggle to put food on the table even then. Here at 552, there were no chumps willing to shell out money for an essay written, or a test taken. Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures. Jude would have to become Hou Yi: fend off the monsters of this world, and seek the elixir of immortality. Jude laughed aloud at the thought of dressing up in ancient garb and doing battle with mythical beasts. He had never entertained any aspirations of heroism. His life was no legend. Jude Liang was just a pretty smart kid with some bad luck.
One thing was certain, though. Hou Yi survived his many trials because he had a clear goal and the strength to achieve it. Meanwhile, Jude had no real goal and no remarkable strength. How long had it been since he had practiced the techniques that Uncle had taught him? Whatever span of time it was, it was too long. Jude regretted not maintaining his training in recent years. He had always asserted that his studies and so-called job were more important. Now, sitting alone on a rusty car hood under the light of a single streetlamp, Jude found it easier to be honest. He had distanced himself from training because it reminded him too much of Uncle—how he would rap Jude’s hand with a bamboo rod to correct his form, how he would meditate for what seemed like an eternity and still somehow notice that Jude was fidgeting. Jude loved martial arts, but the pain of Uncle’s absence perpetually tainted that passion. But there was no way around it now. Sooner or later, Jude would need to defend himself, and he would need to be in his best condition if he wanted to make it out alive.
Jude had made up his mind. He hopped off of the old car and began swinging his arms to stretch. As he moved on to leg stretches, Jude felt the excitement bubbling up within him. There was nothing quite like getting to know one’s own body. Yet, a nagging fear of awakening pent-up grief accompanied that excitement. Jude raised his right hand up and examined it. No red welts, no torn skin, no purple bruises. Gone, just like Uncle Jiang. Gone without a trace. Why did things have to be like this? Frustration and anguish took over Jude’s mental state. He clenched his fists and swung his right arm back, preparing to punch the lamppost next to him. “JUDE!” A voice in his head boomed. And Jude had thought that the flashbacks were over with. His mind’s eye took him to a familiar scene: a patch of open grass in Corona Park, where Uncle would often take Jude to practice forms. “Jude, how many times do I have tell you? No taiji, no kung fu!” Uncle would shout enthusiastically. “Now relax those arms, you rascal, you’re going to pass out from exertion. Deep breaths, come on.” Out of habit, Jude unclenched his fists and let his arms drop to his sides.
Walking away from the lamppost and towards the center of the lot, Jude closed his eyes. “Inhale.” His pain gradually dissipated as he relaxed his whole being. The emptiness of his heart was filled by joy, admiration, and love—emotions that Jude had forgotten since losing Uncle. “Exhale.” Jude began to shift his feet in tandem with the memory. “Now then, let’s start with 陳式, 老架一路 (Chen style, old frame first routine).” Jude was never fond of taiji due to its slow pacing, but at this time, it was the perfect way to clear the mind and readjust the body. “预备(ready)… 起势(begin)!” Almost automatically, Jude followed those words. Vajrapani pounds mortar. Lazily tying coat. Six seal four close. Single whip. White crane spreads wings. Jude performed the moves with a grace and poise that he had never exhibited before. With his eyes closed the entire time, Jude completed all 75 steps of the sequence and came to a rest. Uncle Jiang was no longer here, but Jude could never forget him. Nor could Jude forget all that Uncle had taught him over the years. Tears flowed down Jude's cheeks as the old forms and techniques made their way back into his mind. He had found stillness within the turmoil. He had found peace. Taking one last look at the night sky before he left, Jude promised to find time each day to hone his skills and cultivate his inner self. This was only the first step on the long road ahead.
“To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go.” –Lao Tzu
