Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
Ahron knew he had to face it some day if he wanted to pass the test. Finishing his coffee, he got up and walked towards Joey’s room. He knocked three times but there was no answer. Taking his chance, he tried the knob but it was locked. He gripped it tighter and pushed it open “Joey.” He said her name quietly.
“I don’t even want to know how you managed to open that…” her knees propped up and her face was laying on her arms which was wrapped around her legs “Right…you’re a God.” She snickered sarcastically “Maybe I should join Fingers.”
“No.” Ahron replied as he closed the door behind him “You are nothing compared to him. I’m sorry you had to see that but you must promise not to tell anyone.”
Joey turned her head up and a tear dripped from her eyes “If I did, I would not be sitting here. It might be easier if I just claim that I was crazy, that way you don’t have to explain anything.”
“I know this is very overwhelming for you to swallow much less believe. But I was sent down here to retrieve you.” It was ridiculous to her ears but something inside told her to listen “I just need you to trust me.”
“Trust you?” her face twisted painfully “Like how you sold me out for a million dollars? It’s nice to know I was worth that much. Greed can blind a person and in this case a God.”
Ahron lowered his head shamelessly “I’m sorry. I had to do it, it was meant to be.” Slipping a hand into his pocket, he pulled out the check “I never cashed it.”
“Why?” she was confused more than ever “If it wasn’t for the money…then why?”
“I told you. It’s written in the stars. This was meant to happen. I don’t care for the money, I care for you.” Ahron spoke softly.
She winced painfully when he shielded his eyes “Ah Hung…what’s wrong?” she was getting scared again, he was acting strange “What’s happening?”
He shook his head, eyes still closed tightly “I have to go.”
“Where to?” Joey asked tearfully “To Heaven?”
Ahron shook his head again “No, we’ll meet again. But you won’t know me.” He reached out a hand and she took it with ease “If you don’t believe me, take this.” He yanked the silver chain necklace with a jade heart charm and handed it to her.
“Ah Hung?” her hand lingered even when he left and disappeared into an unseen vortex. The only thing left behind was the chain dangling through her fingers. She pulled the charm up to her eyes and examined it carefully. A silver light shown through it, tracing the words ‘Ahron’.
*********
“You have passed the test of greed.” Serefina’s voice was softer. She was growing weaker.
“Your highness, you do not sound well.” Ahron said while he traveled through the vortex unwillingly.
She sighed, “He is here. The stronger he grows, the weaker I get. You must finish the last test in one month. Courage does not come with strength or power. The courage you find is in people that you meet. What you believe in is courage. Hurry back, Ahron. The fate of the Heavens depends on you.”
“I will try my best, my Queen.” He said solemnly.
“I know you will.” Her voice began to distance until he could no longer hear it.
*********
Ahron’s body relaxed against the hard ground. He could hear the wind blowing and the birds singing. His eyes opened, he was in a jungle like environment “What year is this?” he asked more to himself. His question was answered when he heard a whipping sound that flew over his head causing the birds to fly away in chaos.
Instincts told him to follow as he rushed after the figure. When he lost track of the flying figure, he ended up in an open field of grass land. The meadow spreading in acres in front of his eyes. He saw a man being attacked by a group of black masked men. He was clumsily whipping his sword in all directions. Ahron knew he would lose within a few strokes. When he was close enough, he could see a young girl sitting under a large leaf umbrella. She was watching the fighting without much interest.
The guy was thrown to the ground and a sword laid at the nape of his neck. Ahron acted quickly to save him from the unfair fight, he somersaulted into the center of the group and fought them one at a time. Pulling the man to his feet, he asked, “Are you okay?” He didn’t bother waiting for an answer as he pointed to the girl who was smiling “How dare you pick on a person in broad daylight!”
“Who are you?” she asked while sipping her tea.
“It is not important.” He replied shortly.
The guy turned to Ahron with an apologetic smile “Sorry. But I am not in danger.”
“What?” Ahron turned to him “You do not need to fear them.”
The girl sighed as she stood up and walked over to Ahron with an arrogant nature “Tell him who I am.” She snapped her finger rudely at the young man.
“Yes. This is Man Siu Jei. The daughter of Man Ga Yiu, the leader of Wah San Sect, she is training me for the upcoming trainee competition. If I win, I will be eligible to be chosen to join the Sect.” He said with pride.
“That is if you actually pass the first fight. It hasn't been the case for the past years.” Yu Mong shook her head with disappointment “But at this rate, I do not see it happening.”
“What is a Wah San Sect? You want to learn martial arts? I’ll teach you.” Ahron said with a smile, he liked the young man. He could see potential in his eyes.
Yu Mong whipped her head towards Ahron “How dare you! Wah San Sect is the top of the purital world, there is no person within 100 miles that have not heard of us. Uncivilized peasants even know who we are. We are the most well respected—”
“Are all of your people this talkative?” Ahron smirked. He placed a hand on the man’s shoulder “Come on, I will help you find another Sect. If not, we can make our own.” He led him away without turning back to Yu Mong.
“You will regret this!!” she cried after them.
When Ahron and the man inside the jungle, he turned to him “What is your name?”
“Hui Fei Hung.” He smiled broadly “May I ask yours?”
“Call me Ah Hong.” Ahron replied with a grin “Do you really want to learn martial arts?”
Fei Hung nodded vigorously “I always dreamed of it but I do not have potential. When I left my home town, I promised my family that I would return with a prestigious honor of being placed in Wah San Sect.”
“That is quite a big goal. When did you leave your home?”
“Six years ago.” Fei Hung said shamefully.
Ahron abruptly stopped “Six years?”
“I know that is not an accomplishment, but I do not want to return home empty handed. They have placed all their expectations on me.” He said sadly.
“What a shame.” Ahron sighed as he continued on his way.
“Where are you taking me?” Fei Hung asked suddenly “What sect are you from?”
He laughed at the question “Heavenly sect.” He joked.
Fei Hung suddenly knelt down, his palm collapsing over one another as he pointed his head down with respect “Please, take me in as your pupil. I will do anything.”
Ahron laughed harder as he crossed his arms with interest “You believe me?”
“Of course, master.” Fei Hung dropped his hand but remained kneeling.
“Have you ever heard of the Heavenly Sect?” Ahron was amused.
“No, but I assume it is as powerful as Wah San. You do not appear to be younger than I, which can only mean the Leader is even more powerful than anyone.” Ahron continued to laugh while Fei Hung looked solemn “I saw the way you fought off those men. They are a group of well trained pupils that when combined, they are able to claim victory on any opponent--”
“Please, you must stop!” Ahron shook his head at the same time wiping off tears of laughter “I cannot take the pain.”
“I do not understand, master.” Fei Hung looked at him blankly.
Ahron sighed as he pulled the young man to his feet “First, do not call me master. I am not worthy of such names. I am nothing but a wanderer, crossing by and misunderstood that you were being attacked. Had I known you were in training, I would not have interrupted.”
“It was written in the stars.”
“Pardon me?” Ahron frowned. The words had escaped his lips hours before and it was strange to hear it from a mortal.
“That is what Chow Yee the Fortune Teller says.” He tilted his head strangely “Surely you have heard of her.” The name brought goosebumps on his skin, was she the same person? He wondered if he saw her, she would remember everything? Maybe she would “Master. Master!” Fei Hung shook Ahron’s arm after he dazed away.
“What?” Ahron raised his brows.
“You looked like a man without a soul for a minute. Are you alright?” he asked sincerely.
Ahron nodded “I am. Thank you. Can you take me to see Chow Yee?”
Fei Hung shook his head “I’m afraid not. She travels the country helping people with their futures. I hear she does not stay in a town for more than three days. It is almost impossible to meet her. Even I have never met her face to face.”
“I wonder what she looks like.” Ahron was mumbling.
“Rumors says she is very young and mature beyond her years. Beautiful brown eyes that can see into your soul with one look. There are many men that have fallen under her mesmerizing eyes but none that she has bothered to settle with. She sees everything and knows everything. Even Man Ga Yiu treats her with the utmost respect.” He explained. Ahron nodded but kept his thoughts to himself “If you want, we can enter the next town and ask if anyone has seen her.”
“Please…lead the way.” Ahron bowed his head and placed a hand out for Fei Hung to walk first.