They heard it coming.

The birds, that is. They always have a keen sense for oncoming danger. But they barely had the chance to flap their wings as the hurling gale passed, nearly blowing them off their perches. What they saw was barely a blur, then came the loud woosh of a sonic boom. Those with sharp eyes found that the cause was from a creature not often seen in these areas of the meadow - a human being. Specifically one named Yang Lee. The young man knew running was more exhausting, yet he must hurry. As his namesake spoke - Blue Dragon of the Gale - he was able to run incredibly fast. And he had to know where he was in a hurry, he had to return to Yun. He was worried about his big brother. And...

'You're a disgrace!'

Yang winced. Those words stung more than the needles from his feet. 'It's just a dream. A bad dream. Big brother would never say that.' he thought. But deep down, subconscious thoughts surfaced that his entire denial was pushing away the truth.

'A non-disgrace wouldn't have his legs cave out in ten seconds.'

"Eh...?" and on cue, Yang's legs gave in and he came down crashing, hands first to stabilize his fall. He pushed himself upwards and landed on both his feet. Then he sat. If that was truly Yun voicing in his ear, the elder brother was right again. Yang's heart beat rapidly. Sweat trickled across his forehead and on his body. He must have been running for how long? An hour? Maybe two? He had practiced his stamina and speed to run for an elongated period of time. But he was human after all.

He took a moment to catch his breath. He wished he had a water bottle with him as he closed his eyes, raising his head backwards to feel a refreshing light breeze. He then snapped back to rest his chest on his knees and soothe kinks from his leg muscles. Thicker than Yun's, he knew since Yun preferred working his upper body, but Yang was somehow lighter. Once satisfied, he sat in silence to give himself time to rest.

Eventually, his chin came to a rest on his knees. He let out a breath of air. His mind was only on finding his way home, and the previous fights. He closed his eyes and imagined it. He could almost hear the sounds of battle fill his ears. The punches, the kicks, the battle cries, the clanging of the weapons...

'Weapons? There weren't any weapons in the tournament.'

That's when he realized that he wasn't dreaming.

Yang looked up. In the far view was the faint outline of some sort of gathering. Fighting sounds soared into his distance and it intrigued him. Struggling to his lower limbs, he decided to check this out.

"Declared winner!"

What was presumably the loser soared into the horizon followed with a *ping*. Temporarily perched gracefully on the balanced log - the official fighting ring - the match's winner returned to ground where she resumed her seat. She set her twin weapons on her shoulder and gazed upwards, already anticipating the next match. Among her were several others of her tribe, all with various weapons and strange coloured hair.

"Final match - Yung Mie vs Shaorin."

Yang approached with caution. He noticed the spectators and the ring - a log delicately suspended, and decided to keep his distance. He felt that outsiders such as himself would not be welcome. Still, martial arts invited him warmly and he took a seat to watch.

Both opponents were quite skilled, and fast too. 'I wonder if big brother could match their speed.' Yang wondered, not thinking of taking himself into consideration. The one named Yung Mie grabbed the advantage as she swept her leg in a high arch, a high kick, then fell through using the same leg with an axe attack. Memories of Makoto's Tsurugi returned to Yang's mind. Shaorin fell off the log and was declared loser. Or rather, Yung Mie was declared the tournament's winner. 'I should get going.' he decided, slightly nodding to himself, and went to leave.

Yung Mie looked around, hands on hips, with dissapointment. She was the winner of today's tournament but apparently she wanted more of a fighter's challenge. Then, her eyes zoned in on the young man with spikey bangs who looked like he was leaving. She didn't recall him fighting, or even around the village for that matter. Judging from his build he looked fairly strong. She sensed a fighter's spirit in him. A damaged one but still there no less.

"You there!" Yung Mie jabbed a fighter at Yang. "I challenge you to a battle!"

Yang returned the glance passively. He was already feeling a little down about his skills. But this was a formal challenge, and already he was beginning to view her as an opponent. Perhaps this was a good way to see whether he really was out of it or not. Nodding, he dashed up and leapt onto the log, easily balancing himself. During childhood, he and Yun were also trained in gymnastics. The balance beam as well, though officially in competition that was for females only. Yang recalled his training into first nature and he was ready.

"Begin!"

Yung Mie leapt straight up into the air. Yang followed, doing the same. In a beginning situation it may be better to leap straight up than attempt to counter with an anti-air attack lest you be countered. Yang's strategy worked - Yung Mie followed with an air volley projectile in which she swung her leg at the speed of sound to force a blast at him. Yang parried the blow. He was too far to counterattack but he touched ground before she. Thinking fast, he knew now was the perfect moment to strike with a Zesho Hohou. However, his subconscious refused the technique. All he could do was run in for that modified Zesho Hohou he attempted in the tournament. As he ran forward, time seemed to slow down and his grandfather's voice filled his ears.

"When a Praying Mantis attacks, he swipes fast and mercilessly. Mantis-style techniques contain this use by using your hands and arms as blades to step forward and strike repeatedly. You have already mastered the Zesho Hohou - a punch that lunges instead of stepping. I don't believe you will need this technique anytime soon."

'No, grandfather, it's Yun who mastered the Zesho Hohou. I will be the one to learn this technique.' Yang thought. And he ran forward, putting his modified Zesho Hohou - no, Mantis Slash attack to full use. He struck Yung Mie once, twice, and three times, using his arms as if they were blades. Yung Mie was not ready for the quick attack and her defences broke. She fell back, only in time to see that Yang was ready with a rolling kick - a Senkyuutai - to finish her off...

"Wait! Don't finish her off!"

Suddenly, Yung Mie was booted away. Yang's Senkyuutai struck thin air. He regained his footing and to his surprise, he saw that his opponent was given the boot by a familiar blue-haired girl. The girl looked up at him. A huge smile crossed her face and she immediately glomped Yang.

"Airen!! It's me, Rin-Rin! What are you doing in Jokuzetsu Village? Did you come to marry me? I'm so happy! Now I can finally have a strong and handsome husband who's my age!"

"......"

Rin-Rin stroked his chest. "You're the strong, silent type? I've never met one before and now that I have I think they are soooo adorable! I love strong and silent people! I want to meet more and lots of people and hug airen some more and..."

'...does this girl ever stop?' Yang wondered.

"Hey, Rin-Rin! Is this your long-lost pet pineapple?" a male voice teased, causing a slight frown from Yang. (Yang knew this person was making fun of his hair.) This young man - a boyish youth with brown-black hair, didn't appear very hostile. In fact, he was grinning in a way he would to a friend. To Yang, that smile looked painfully familiar...

The blue-haired girl blinked. She noticed the young man, looked at Yang, looked back at the young man, then pushed herself away from Yang, blushing furiously. "Aiyah! I'm soooo sorry, husband Roshon! Please forgive stupid Rin-Rin."

The young man - Roshon - waved his hand. "Don't worry 'bout it, Rin-Rin. You know I always forgive you. My guess is that this is the guy who beat you in that Hong Kong tournament. Am I right? Well anyways, we can't stick around forever. Let's bring him to our home. Of course, if that's okay with you." He gestured to Yang who responded with a wary nod.

As for the tournament, since the last fight didn't really count, Yung Mie was declared champion. Though by that time she was too unconscious to claim her prize...

"You're in the Amazon Village in China." Roshon continued. "We're a tribe that thrives on martial arts skills. We're known all over China, even in Hong Kong. In Japan, we're known as Jokuzetsu, though that name is not too familiar here. That is why Rin-Rin entered under the 'guise' of Jokuzetsu martial arts."

Yang said nothing nor made any nodding gestures but he was paying attention. 'China. Far away from home. If I return to Hong Kong, will there be any home for me?' he wondered. Rin-Rin gave him a bowl of soup to which he expressed his gratitude.

"Aaaanyways," Roshon continued, "Rin-Rin and I have been childhood friends. We decided to get married so that we didn't have to be forced to marry any stranger. You see, in the Jokuzetsu tribe, when a female tribe member is defeated a male outsider, she is to marry him. The same story goes for the males. Take into account of Rin-Rin's bad memory problem and she believed to have already hitched ya."

"......" Roshon reminded Yang so much of Yun. Just his gestures, the way he spoke, his carefree attitude, even his voice. In fact, Roshon even looked similar to Yun. All he needed was the cap.

"So, tell me about yourself." said Roshon. "What's your family like? Do you have any brothers or sisters? What do you do?" Accompanying his words, Rin-Rin sat beside Yang, placing her hands on his knees, and looking up at him eagerly. After a few moments of traditional Yang silence, Roshon said, "At least tell me if you have any family."

"......" Yang looked to the side, "...an older brother."

Some more moments of silence passed. Then, Rin-Rin snapped her fingers, half from recollection, half from the fact that she'll have to talk for Yang. "I remember airen's brother. They were twins, they had almost the exact same face. Their eyes were different - his brother's were bright and mischevious. He was very handsome, charming and sweet with a wonderful smile," as close in proximity as Rin-Rin was to Yang, she couldn't feel his jealous waves increase, "He reminded me of you, Roshon."

Roshon put his hand on Yang's shoulder. "Hey. I know you've come a long way but why don't you have a little spar with me. I want to see what you're made of."

Yang didn't let anyone see him wince. He was already feeling down about his abilities. Sparring someone that looked and acted almost exactly like his brother...? On the other hand, it would be rude to turn down an invitation. "...Later, if that's all right."

Roshon nodded. "I'll be in the back practicing when you're ready. Rin-Rin will show you around the village if you like."

No more words said. He disappeared into the back.

Rin-Rin was eager to show Yang around the village, perhaps spend some time with him. But Yang refused, preferring to go alone. As much as he liked the affectionate girl's attention, he was too much in a bad mood to be disturbed. He wanted time alone to his thoughts. Rin-Rin understood and let him be.

Now by himself, Yang proceeded to wander where his heart led him. He passed by the various houses and people. Some people stared at him, Yang being an outsider and all, the others ignored him. He passed by the markets. He liked the atmosphere here. Not crowded like his native Hong Kong, instead very open aired and spacious, surrounded by fighters of good sport. Still, there was something that didn't make Yang feel at home. The people weren't quite that friendly. A memory flashed into his mind, showing him the past. Wherever Yun travelled, the people welcomed him with open arms. They would smile at him, wave at him, shower him with praise. Then Yun would smile, eating up all the attention while Yang watched quietly in the background. Yun would then gesture for Yang to follow after the crowd died down. Though the older brother may appear self centered, he was considerate of Yang's need for staying away from attention.

'Although, if I was anything like Yun, I would be getting praised like that too.' Yang thought sullenly. While it was true Yang didn't like attention, too little attention caused one to feel down. And that's how he was right now. Down.

He came upon a little loft on a hill. No one was around but a small, sighing tree. Yang arrived to sit under it and ponder. The sturdy tree appreciated his company and welcomed his aura. With the gale gently caressing him, he leaned his head back and looked at the sky. Just by looking at the clouds, he thought of his brother. ["Yun" means "cloudy".] Then he saw the clouds cover the sun and temporarily cover the earth in shade. Yang sighed sadly, even in nature Yun was always better than him. ["Yang" means "sunny".]

"Big brother..." he sighed. He wondered what to do next. Without Yun to guide him... without any hope of going home, at least for now, all Yang could do was cry. He cries. Yun doesn't cry. That's because Yun was strong, so much stronger than he. 'Why feel sorry for yourself?' he wondered, hugging his knees. 'It's not true. I'm not out of fighting. Big brother is big brother, and I'm my own person... I can fight too! I'll... I'll spar Roshon and see for myself.'

As he left, the sun peaked through the clouds only to have itself covered again.

"Ready for a spar?" Roshon asked playfully.

Yang nodded. He quickly reverted to his serious fighter's mode and went into his fighting stance. Alone in the backyard they were. Rin-Rin stayed inside. She understood the male fighter's pride and didn't let herself get involved. Roshon nodded in approval with hands on his hips.

"That's a Mantis style Kung Fu stance. I'll have to be careful." said Roshon and went into his respective stance. "Begin whenever you're ready."

Yang bid his time. Roshon didn't appear to be making a move. 'He's planning to see what I'll do and counterattack.' the Hong Kong fighter predicted. 'In that case, a fake-out followed by quick attacks should suffice.' With his foot he flipped a stone into his hand and flicked it off his thumb into the air. He sped forward. Roshon made a gesture to step to the side, but Yang caught that quickly. The Kung Fu fighter skid to a crouch and swung his leg around at Roshon's shins, then quickly followed up with a Senkyuutai. Roshon was knocked into the air, and Yang trailed behind with a hard rising kick that sent Roshon head-first into the rock. Yang then backflipped into a good distance.

Roshon rubbed his head as he came to stand. Yang's speed surprised him - the stranger was able to toss a stone in the air and fling him back fast enough to get hit while the rock was still airborne. Roshon thought that only the members of Jokuzetsu were able to move at such speeds. But now the male Amazon was ready, and in his mind set his speed to match Yang's.

Roshon rushed forward and Yang did the same. Quickly, Yang saw that Roshon's torso was open. A quick use of his new Torou Zan (Mantis Slash) would make short work. He swung his right hand forward. But Roshon even had time to smirk before he quickly blocked the first blow, the second, then swiped the third away - parried. Yang was punished by a quick, yet powerful punch much reminiscent of his brother's Zesho Hohou. The blow hit harder than he thought, and when he tried to backflip to regain his footing, Roshon swung at him for another quick punch. Yang caught his hand, planted his feet under Roshon's arm, and flung the Amazon away. Roshon landed on his feet, only to have Yang upon him with a double-swiped Torou Zan. The second hit came out slower. Roshon ate the first and leapt away from the second. He landed on a clothesline. A second later, his shirt formed a slit, meaning Yang was still somewhat succesful in landing the second Torou Zan.

'This kid's speed is amazing. He's getting even faster as the fight goes on.' Roshon grimaced. Seeing how Yang was panting heavily, he brightened. 'Tired already. He must have worn himself out earlier. His hits are aiming for my pressure points. He's missing now, and his attacks are weak. I'll end this quickly.'

Roshon sprung high into the air. Yang followed, leaping on the clothesline then upwards to gain the same height. But unexpectedly, Roshon grabbed Yang by the feet with his own, slapped Yang away slightly, and repeatedly kicked him. Finally, Roshon landed a spinning back kick which sent Yang sliding ungracefully across the ground. Yang pushed his hands down to spring upwards but Roshon stuck his foot on Yang's shoulder. The fight was over. Roshon had won.

"You're pretty fast... for an outsider. But don't ever think you can match the speed of a Jokuzetsu tribesmen - the fastest fighters in the world." Roshon leaned over, whispering with an evil grin. "Just because I'm easygoing doesn't mean I don't get jealous. When an outsider loses to a Jokuzetsu tribesman in his own home, the outsider must grant the tribesman one order or wish. And my order is for you to get out. Don't ever come back. Don't ever see Rin-Rin again. Because Rin-Rin is mine. You got that, spikey?"

Yang winced. He rolled to his back to face Roshon, but in his haze it was not Roshon his eyes glimpsed. It was Yun. Yun grinning at another of Yang's failures. He stood, looking inside the window. Rin-Rin was cooking away, humming a happy tune. Not looking at Roshon, he passed by, intending to leave by the front door.

"I don't think you understand what I mean." Roshon spoke before silencing Yang with a chop to the neck.

When Yang regained consciousness, he found himself in the wilderness again. Alone with no one to keep him company. Once again, his failures led to his disgrace. He felt lower than low. With no one to see him, he buried his head behind his knees and sobbed.

In the distance, he heard Yun taunt him.