Spring Winds

"Hah," I cracked a small smile. "I'm afraid that is disciple doesn't know what Master is talking about; please enlighten this disciple."

"Aiyah," Master sighed. "Is this the game you're going to play?"

"Playing?" I quirked a brow. "No. no. Of course not, Master. This disciple truly doesn't understand what Master asks of me?"

"Nevermind, nevermind," Master shook his head. "If you won't talk, then this Master won't bother anymore."

"So," seeing as Master wasn't inquiring anymore, I asked, "What brings Master here?"

"Ah!" Master seemed to realized something. "Now that you mention it, there was something."

Turning to me, he flashed an oddly suspicious smile. "I'm here to check on your progress."

"Hah!" How much did I improve over the year? Not much, that's for sure.

"As you know, the Daoist Convention is coming up as well as the Lunar New Year celebration," Master started. "I've signed you up for the cultivation department in both celebrations."

Uhh, I felt a small streak of sweat form on my brow.

"You did practice, right?" Master asked as a fox-like smirk formed on his face.

"Uhh, yeah," I said as I smiled nervously. "Of course."

"Really?"

"Yep," I squeaked as my voice rose a pitch higher. I tried to avoid looking Master in the eye; I didn't want him to detect me lying.

Though, me acting like this probably would've already proved my guilt.

"You're not lying, are you?"

"Nope!" I said quickly and shook my head.

"So if I asked to lift that dummy using spiritual energy," and pointed to the fallen figure, "into midair, you would be able to do it?"

And then make it dance and compose a poem as well. While you're at it, why don't you solve world hunger and bring about world peace!

Come on, Master! You think that this disciple would be able to perform witchcraft!

"O-of course, Master! This disciple can do it!" I respond quickly and turned around to face the fallen dummy, dumbly.

What am I going to do!

I don't know how even to raise a stick using spiritual energy, none the less a heavily dummy!

Think, me, think!

"Having trouble there?" Master asked as he crossed arms with a smile dancing on his face.

"Uh, no," I sheepishly reply before trying to think of a plan. Perhaps, I should imitate what Senior Sister does?

Focusing my energy into the figure of the dummy, I try to imagine the dummy lifting into the air.

Slowly but surely, the dummy began to shake a little as I concentrated even more difficult. Come on, come on!

The dummy began to slowly lift itself as I tense up my arm even harder, trying to raise the model desperately.

"It's working!" I cheered as I saw the dummy was almost halfway upright. "A little more," I gritted out as I tried to more energy into it, but I felt myself become tired.

I didn't even do anything!

The dummy suddenly stopped and dropped back down to the ground with a soft thud.

"Hmm," Master hummed as he observed my tried and nervous expression. "Is that all you can do?"

"For the moment," I heavied lightly for air, "yes. I believe that might be my limit."

"Well, that won't do," Master signed as he looked back at the dummy. "I know you can do better than that."

"I know," I bowed my head in shame. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Master brushed off. "We'll just need to do some more intense work." And a mischievous smile found it's way onto Master's face.

I tensed up at his expression and words. "Master, what are you planning."

"Hmm?" Master hummed. "Oh, me? No, no, nothing! I-I'm just thinking of a training routine for you so that you're ready for the events, that's all!"

"Huh," I narrowed my eyes a bit at Master's fox-like expression. "Is that so."

"Hey, we won't have to do this of you had done your work," Master stated thoughtfully. "So whatever suffering you're going to go through for the next few weeks, just know it could have been avoided had you done your work."

Touche, Master, touche.

"Fine, what is a training regiment of yours?"

I couldn't help but feel a chill when I saw the smile on Master's face. "I'm glad you asked."

---

"No! Master why!" I cried as Master dragged me along like a salted fish. Why did I agree to follow his crazy regiment? "I don't want to do closed-door cultivation!"

"This is for your good!" Master shouted as he pulled me along the dark and narrow pathway.

Finding a cave that he seemed satisfied with, he tossed me into it. Stumbling to catch my balance, Master stands at the cave mouth.

"Trust me, this is the fastest way for you to advance," he then took out some scrolls and tossed them at my feet. "Study these, and you should be ready," he said and then turned to leave.

"Master wa-" I tried to run out, but then I've hit an invisible wall. "Huh?"

"Oh yeah!" Master peeked his head over, "I forgot to tell you. I've placed an enchantment on the cave exit. The only way to break it is by using the techniques I gave you," he smiled cheekily. "Have fun!"

"No! Master!" I sobbed as I watched his retreating figure. "How you do this to me!"

Why!

---

It's been a few hours since Master has left me here to die of boredom.

He didn't even give me any food to eat! What a good master he is! And after all that I've done for him. I'll starve before I even complete his regiment.

Hmph!

Seated next to the pile of scrolls, I disdainfully opened them up. If I ever waited to get out of here, I need the knowledge that these scrolls provide.

But why do they have to be so dull!

"Argh!" Tossing the scroll to the side, I stare at the small spring in front of me.

The cave that Master tossed me into had a small pool of water coming from a little spring from a crack in the wall. The crevice was too small for me to even think about crawling, though, and also, if it was large enough, I doubt it would lead to the outside world.

I'd probably die trying.

A medium-sized night pearl sat at the bottom of the pool, illuminating the water pattern along the cave walls.

"What the heck," I groan as I walked over the water's surface.

I can't do much anyway; I might as well do some meditating. As people say if you can't beat them, join them.

Stripping off my clothes, I ease myself into the pool. It was somewhat lukewarm as I got in.

Wading to the center, I fell back to let myself float on the surface.

It's relaxing. Taking some deep breaths, I close my eyes and try to concentrate on cultivating.

I won't fall asleep and drown, will I?

Oh well, I thought as I let the dark calm take over.

---

Opening my eyes, I stare up into the darkness. Looking around, it's all just darkness.

"What the heck is this?" I muttered as I sat up and saw the floor was the only source of light. Lightly tapping the 'floor,' the surface ripped like water. "Where am I?"

Could this be the cave still?

"Ah! Why am I n.a.k.e.d!" N.a.k.e.d as the day I was born, not a single piece of cloth insight to maintain my dignity. "Hah, nevermind. There are more important things to do," I shook off my momentary embarrassment for the sake of survival.

Standing up, I try to survey my surroundings.

Darkness, darkness, and more darkness. Oh, and illuminated floor as well.

"Ah, this space is too empty."

"...you.." a soft voice echoed from behind me.

"Hah! Who's there!" I turned around and shouted. "Don't come any closer. I'm n.a.k.e.d!"

There was no movement or sound in the void. However, the darkness began to shift into some scene.

A blurry figure of white and red came into view. Gradually they began to gain clarity, and I could soon hear their conversations.

"Huh? Big Sister, what do you mean?" The young girl in red asked.

Is that me? Walking closer to the figure, I try to get a better look.

Ah! It is me!

"Huh, I was pretty cute back then," I chuckled as I looked at a thirteen-year-old me. Similar features, but still retained some child-like features. Oh, and those bright and youthful eyes as they looked up at the person in white.

"If that's me, then that's," turning my head to the person in white. "Big Sister."

Gentle, large eyes, small nose, and little lips Big Sister looked at the younger 'me.'

"It's exactly as I said, A-Ran," Big Sister smiled. "I like you."