MVR Round 2 P3

R7

2 years ago.

"Wing Chun, Shun Zhang."

"Wing Chun, Wen Zhang."

We entered our respective stances, our hands inches from each other, our eyes hyper focused.

I can do this.

I stepped in, pushing Wen's hand out of the way and went for a feint, but Wen had already predicted this and deflected my other hand before it could even land. Wen closed the distance and brought his hands up, shoving me back and unloading his Chain Punch, catching me on the chest and the side of my face as I instinctively stepped back.

His legs are open.

I launched a leg kick, but Wen was faster, deflecting my kick with the inside of his foot and kicked me in the side with the same leg.

I stumbled back and brought my hands up in my form again, stabilizing my balance.

Wen smiled as he brought his hands back up, assuming his stance.

"Are you really going to lose to the little brother, Shun?"

"What did you just say?!" I snapped, as I charged, launching a strike to his face, then his midsection, but both attacks were dodged. I launched another strike at Wen's side, but Wen managed to catch this one, and began snaking up my arm elegantly.

"Shit!" I yelped, as I tried to defend myself, but Wen had already grappled on to me.

"Augh!" I shouted, as Wen struck me in the side of my head, then my ribcage, then used my arm and threw me onto the ground, unloading another Chain Punch against the side of my face.

"I win." Wen said, as he cleanly got off me, brushing his clothes.

I stared at the ground.

"You-"

"Sorry, Shun. But I guess I get the savings. Have fun dealing with our psycho father."

I watched as Wen walked away. He had already taken my job from me. He had taken our savings too.

I had no money, no prospects.

I looked back at our run down house. Dad was yelling at Mom again, threatening to divorce and kill our pets to survive.

"Wen, please. Take me with you. Take me-"

"Sorry, Shun. But it's every brother for themselves. That's what it means to be human. That's what Dad drilled into our heads since the day we were born. You were just too soft to admit it. I'm not gonna waste another opportunity to escape from Dad and this family."

"And Ming? Yun? You're gonna leave our cats behind too?!"

A tear ran down Wen's cheek as he kept a stoic expression.

"That's just how harsh this world is. I'm leaving this family and all the shackles behind. Even if it means destroying the elder brother to do it. I can't live with Dad anymore. I can't live with the guilt. I'm leaving it all behind."

"What if it doesn't work out. You're gonna be all on your own. I'm not gonna be there with you anymore!"

"Maybe. But unlike you, I am a full Shaolin Warrior Monk. I have what it takes to be a Kung Fu Master and open my own school. With this money, I can. I have a whole future laid out for me once I become older and my skill becomes greater. You spent your days in the Temple procrastinating and skipping classes. All you had was a half assed background in the staff as a Shaolin Disciple. The only style you still remember is Wing Chun. And I still beat you with that style despite not even practicing it for years."

Wen called the coach as he stepped inside. I ran up to it, banging on the glass.

"Wen! WEN!"

Wen put his hand on the glass, right before mine.

"But don't get me wrong, Shun. I'm going to miss you. But as what Dad always said."

The driver began to start the cab as Wen drove away, leaving me with our crazy family.

"Mo ban fat. Shun. No choice."

After Wen had left, I dealt with Dad for another year. That's right. My father was abusive and psychotic. I found myself having to resist the urge to strike him, because if I did, I would end up doing something I would regret. I would spend the long days and long nights putting up with Dad's outbursts. Resisting the urge of violence as he threatened to throw away Ming and Yun. Mom defending him, telling me that Dad didn't mean the things he said.

Wen and I always had each other.

For the longest time.

Until that day Wen had left with all the savings and the job offer. Wen and I were disciples in the Shaolin Temple since the age of eight. But despite being brothers, we had very different fortunes.

Wen was a skilled prodigy. Every kung fu style he learned, he perfected.

When Wen and I were in the temple, we picked up Wing Chun to try to impress the monks and get their attention. So we could learn from them.

Wen demonstrated his aptitude in Wing Chun, and his impressive speed amazed everyone in the temple. The monks said that Wen possessed the spirit of a true master. And many of our fellow Disciples said the same thing. Wen was acknowledged, and learned from many of the monks, his skill only ever kept increasing. He mastered the staff, bare hand. The dao. The spear.

Me on the other hand, I guess I just wasn't cut out for kung fu. Because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember the forms. No matter how much I practiced, I kept forgetting. I was slow, and inflexible. I was clumsy.

But the one thing that I seemed to have going for me, was for some strange reason, I was built very differently from Wen. While Wen had an athletic build, my body grew muscles at a rapid pace. And with these muscles, the power of my strikes were far superior to the Disciples. I was able launch an entire training dummy across the room with a single punch. I was able to break concrete blocks with my bare hands. A single side kick was able to uproot trees.

My sheer strength was what allowed me to keep up with the others in the Temple. But it wasn't enough to appease the monks and get them to notice me.

Because kung fu wasn't just about pure power. And pure strength.

You needed to be precise. And you needed to have technique.

And technique was the one important thing that I didn't have.

At some point, Wen and I returned home from the temple. Wen had become a Warrior Monk, and I... well...

I was still a Disciple. In fact, it was so bad, that I was with the foreigners in China, because my skill was considered at their level. The Shaolin Disciples had given me a nickname.

"Gwai Jai Shun."

White Boy Shun.

Because I was always with the foreigners. Since day one. And even after all those years.

A few months later, Dad and Mom moved to my birthplace. Nara. We were staying, renting out a busted ass basement. We all had to sleep in one room. The bathroom was busted, and we ended up having to dig a huge hole out in the woods to piss or shit whenever we needed to go. And it always had to be done in secret.

Because like what Dad had always said.

Mo ban fat.

No choice.

"Damn it all." I muttered, as I kicked at the rocks along the pathway. It was night time.

"Shui jai! Go ahead and leave! I never wanted you for a son!" Dad shouted at me when I told Mom that I was going out for a walk.

"That old bastard." I growled to myself, as a couple of citizens yelped and backed away from me. I walked into the forest, as I stared at a nearby boulder.

I imagined the boulder had my Dad's face on it. I made a fist with one hand and wrapped it with my other, lifting it into the air and facing the boulder.

"Shaolin Wushu. Shun Zhang."

The boulder didn't respond. Thankfully.

My eyes widened as my vision turned red. I yelled a battlecry as I stomped forward, launching an open handed strike at the rock face. The boulder crushed from the sheer force of my strike. Cracks forming as I yelled, launching another strike. And another. And another. I wanted to destroy that face. I wanted to bust it open. I wanted to destroy him.

I spun around and fired off a back kick as the boulder exploded from the force, hurtling into the darkness as I yelled.

The face was gone from the boulder, but it was still there. On the ground.

"Piece of SHIT! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!" I screamed as I went low, punching the ground. Over and over again. My chain punch, bashing the ground. Dirt flying as I began to dig deeper and deeper.

"RRRRAAAAAGH!" I roared.

Kung Fu.

Was about precision. Controlling your breathing.

It was about learning to harness your emotions.

But right now, I was letting it all loose.

Suddenly, I stopped. Something was here. I felt it.

"What-"

Quiet. Boy. Your body is now mine. A voice said as I felt something evil swarm me. A red energy.

"Who are you-"

There is no need. You will cease to exist. Your body is truly amazing. Your strength is incredible. Your rage is immense. Your mental instability. Everything about you is perfect.

"Perfect? For what?" I stammered, as sweat poured down my face.

The yokai chuckled.

FOR POSSESSION.

R7

"Hiiro, just confirming, the duelling event's at 8 tonight, right?"

Yes, Shun-sama.

I stepped into the festival, cloak around me covering my face as I went to check out the main event. Several martial arts masters, sifu's, were seating in a large stadium together, their disciples standing by their side.

We only need to take down three masters to win Boss Lok's approval.

I stepped into the crowd, as I watched the masters face off. There were a ton of styles being introduced, as I watched the masters trade blows, the crowds going crazy.

"Waa! Master Guan's Southern Dragon Style is incredible! The best of defence and offence."

"Master Yin's Style is the best, in my opinion."

I watched as the masters continue duelling.

Boss Lok sent me to this festival to challenge the kung fu masters who were in the Chinese Benevolence Circle. The point was to show everybody here who was in charge, which gang was the strongest. To add onto its reputation, as one of Lok's fighters.

"Zhang. You will fight the masters. Severely injure at least three."

The gang members shuffled uneasily.

"Three? One after another?" One said.

"One master is hard enough."

Lok put his huge hand on my shoulder.

"I do not doubt the fighters I have chosen. Shun Zhang. Use the darkness in you. This is your calling. You are the Red Circle's Beast. Show them your power. Show them true fear."

My hand made a fist as I watched the duels continue. Guan Sifu had attracted the most people in the crowd with her style. Other masters were also attracting new prospects, but Guan was by far the best.

Shun-sama. We should make our move soon. If we fight the masters too late, they will say it was because they were worn out.

"You're absolutely right." I said, as I stepped onto the podium.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" One of the crowd members grabbed me from behind.

I turned to the guy and in one swift motion, shifted my body, sending him flying back into the crowd.

I went back to the stage and climbed onto the podium, facing the masters as they stared at me.

"Who is this?" One of the masters said.

"A ruffian?"

I regarded everybody in the circle. They were masters with styles that were different and unique in their own way. But I knew for a fact that none of them stood a chance against Hiiro.

Because while these guys were kung fu masters in their own right, Hiiro Hataka was in a class all on his own.

And I had the skill of Hiiro and his powers in the palm of my hand.

"Hey! You shouldn't be up here!" One of the disciples pointed at me, leaving the side of his master and went up to me face to face.

"Are you here to fight?" I asked, dangerously.

"Only masters are allowed on this stage. And their disciples."

I clasped one hand into a fist and wrapped it with my other hand, bringing it up.

"Then I qualify." I said, as the disciple slowly backed up, assuming his stance as we faced off in the centre of the podium.

"Sum! Return to my side!" The master said, but Sum glared at me.

"This man is disrespecting the way of the Dragon Festival. I will do you a service and finish this fool on your behalf!"

I smiled sinisterly as the student clasped his hand and fist, bringing it up.

"Xing yi quan, Sum Yi Pak."

"Hung Gar, Shun Zhang."

Sum shouted, as he charged, but Hiiro's reflexes went straight for the kill, showing me an instant opening as I went low, with blinding speed and launched a strike to his side.

Sum stumbled back, trying to regain his stance and swung viciously.

Amateur and trivial moves, Shun-sama. Shall I finish him?

I leapt back, landing on my hands as I flipped back forward, launching a flying kick that caught Sum in the chest and sent him flying into the direction of his master, out cold.

The master got up and walked up to me, entering his form.

He didn't even say a single thing. I guess he was all for throwing hands.

"Xing Yi Quan, Yu Han."

"Hung Gar, Shun Zhang."

The master held up his hands and inched toward me.

My eyes widened as I explosively rushed forward, bombarding Han with heavy strikes from the get go.

Han blocked and weaved, attempting to use my weight against me, but the very nature of Hung Gar was to specialize in low stances. He could try to shift my weight all I wanted, but my centre of gravity was so low, there was practically no way he could bring me down.

I spun and unleashed a leg sweep that Han dodged by leaping into the air.

I brought my foot into position.

"N- No. Impossible. How are you able to move so fast..." Han muttered as I spun around with blinding speed, my foot landing him square in the chest as Master Han flew across the stage, crashing into his disciples.

I got to my feet as chatter rippled throughout the crowd.

"What is his style?"

"Is that Hung Gar? How is he able to move so fast?"

The masters glared at me, as another stepped onto the stage.

"Your style is reckless. You rely on offense and neglect your defence. This ends."

I brought my foot back, and held out my hand, three fingers closed, index finger and thumb out.

"Hung Gar. Shun Zhang."

The master brought her hands up.

"Twin Blossom Palm, Ching Lin."

I shot forward with explosive speed as I launched a side kick at Master Lin, who leapt forward and spiralled into the air, trying to get close, but I brought my foot back, and launched another kick with the same foot. Lin's eyes widened as she instinctively tried to block my kick, but the sheer force pushed her back.

Lin entered another form, and went low.

"You fight without honour. Zhang."

"I don't need honour, Master Lin. I fight because I need to survive. That's what martial arts is for. It's to fight."

I slowly reached at the folds of my cloak and threw it to the ground, revealing my black tank top and the tattoo of my gang on the right side of my back.

Lin's face was shocked.

"Red Circle. Why are you with that bastard Lok!"

I brought my foot back, assuming the Tiger Claw Stance.

"Hiiro. We're finishing this. You ready?"

Yes, Shun-sama. They will know my power. Through you. Show them the Hung Gar that only Grandmaster Hiiro Hataka can achieve.

I blasted forward, as I sent a volley of strikes at Lin, who moved her hands in a fluid motion, blocking them.

"Such ferocity." She muttered, as Lin grappled her arms with mine, trying to get me in a stranglehold. But I pushed her back, as Master Lin flew backwards.

I bent down, as I concentrated. Lin brought her hands up, but suddenly, she collapsed.

"Wha-"

I stood above her, regarding the Master who had just been hit by one of Hung Gar's most famous moves.

Lin stared at me.

"No. That is impossible. That move shouldn't exist."

"Cool. I guess you want me to do it again."

I flinched, as Lin was sent flying back again with the kick.

The masters all got to their feet.

"What was that? Even I couldn't see it!"

"That can't be."

Hung Gar. This was the style wielded by the folk hero that many admired. The kick that made it so famous, for many only witnessed it in the tales. But I tell you this, Shun-sama. This kick is very much real. But because it is so hard to achieve, that its very existence is thought to be downright fictional. This is what sets me apart from the other practitioners of Hung Gar. Because only I, along with a very few masters can perform this attack.

Master Lin got to her feet and stumbled back as I walked forward.

"I cannot lose to you. Our traditions. Our honour. I will not back down in the face of a demon."

I continued walking, as my feet moved on their own. Lin continuously being hit by kicks that she couldn't see coming. Because to her it was like the rest of my body wasn't moving.

"I win." I said, as I launched another Shadowless Kick that sent Master Lin out of the stage.

More and more masters jumped onto the stage to challenge me to fight. And I defeated them all.

"Who the hell are you? Yaoguai?!" One Master shouted at me, as I picked up my cloak and left the Festival.

"I am Shun Zhang. The Red Beast. I work for Boss Lok, and only Boss Lok. This is a warning. The Red Circle is the fiercest gang in this entire province. No one stands to us. We do what we want and what we need to survive. Don't get in our way."

I glanced at a nearby concrete pillar and struck it with my right fist, destroying the structure as several gasps escaped the crowd.

"Brother Zhang. Brother Zhang! You're making rounds all over China as the Red Beast! Brother Zhang! No one has the guts to go up against our gang now!" The gangsters huddled together as I ignored them. I couldn't give a flying shit about what China thought of me.

I was here to kick ass and have a good time. And to make money.

Although part of me knew that this power that I had was not from this world.

All of this was Hiiro.

But Hiiro made it clear that he was perfectly okay with me stealing all the glory. After all, Hiiro was an Oni. He wouldn't have been able to use his power and skill to use without a body. I was the medium for him to expression himself. So in a way, it was an equal contract.

I entered the den, which was Boss Lok's main office. Lok had his hands on the desk.

"Boss." I said.

"Enter, Beast."

I entered the office and closed the door as I bowed to Lok.

"Word has spread. Red Beast. Our gang continues to terrorize the streets, and profits and business in the black market have been blooming due to our fierce fighters."

"Yes, Boss Lok."

"But there is a problem." Lok said, as he gestured one of the maids. The maid bowed and poured tea for Lok, but her hands were trembling as she accidentally spilled some on the desk.

"Tch. Clumsy bitch!" Lok snapped as he struck the maid across the face, causing her to scream from the force of the strike. Lok was a martial artist too. His style, a heavily modified version of the Wing Chun fist. Wing Chun was a martial art that specialized in grappling and close quarters linear combat. It was known for its grace because it was initially practiced and developed by a female martial artist. So I've been told.

But Boss Lok's Wing Chun was different.

Much different.

It focused on offence, and aggressive strikes. When you pair that with the grace and calm of Wing Chun, it makes a deadly combat. Which was how Boss Lok made a name for himself in the gangs of China.

The maid fell to her knees and cried, profusely apologizing as she tried to use her clothes to dry the table.

"Are you stupid? You will stain my desk with your slutty dress. Use your hair."

"Yes, my lord."

The maid quickly dried the desk and left the office to get more tea. Boss Lok gestured me to sit.

I sat down.

"Tell me, Red Beast. Did that sight alarm you?"

I kept a straight face.

"No, Boss Lok. In this world of kill or be killed, everybody must pull their own weight. Mistakes will be punished."

Boss Lok smiled evilly.

"This is why you are one of my best, Beast Zhang. You have what most martial artists don't. A truly hardened heart. You see this world for what it is. Those who practice kung fu for its grace, and for its beauty, are fools."

Lok took an ornament from his desk, a steel figure, and crushed it in his hand.

"Fools deserve to have their bones broken. And their bodies cut up."

"Yes, Boss Lok."

Lok grinned.

"As powerful as we are. We have yet to fully expand our reign in this province. I am sure you know of our rivalling gang."

"The Ox Clan?"

"Yes. The Ox Clan has multiple times harassed our gang. Beating and killing our members. Your brothers and my sons. This I will not allow. Very recently, they have taken my maids have defiled them. One of ours escaped and gave her testament. I sent a number of the Red brothers to tear apart their den, but none have returned."

The Ox Clan. The gang that was known for their heavy hitters. Like the Red Circle, the Ox Clan had fighters of their own. But for them, they had three extremely talented martial artists. Ku Fen, Dao Luk, and Li Shui. Together, they made up the Horn Triad. Each fighter had skill that was at least Master level.

"Does that mean the Horn Triad got involved?"

"Yes." Lok said, as he sipped his tea.

"Your task, Red Beast, is to attack the Ox Clan's den. And kill the Horn Triad. Take at least one personal belonging of them as proof of completion."

"And the maids?" I asked.

Lok smiled.

"Yes. You may do as you wish with them. They are defiled now. They serve no purpose to me. Your brothers have gone on a conquest to fetch me new women for replacement."

"Understood, Boss Lok."

I bowed and left the office, as I headed down the steps. It was raining, as my hand bandages were stained with the blood of the kung fu sifu's that I had beaten bloody with my bare hands. Rain soaked me head to toe, washing off the blood that was on my body.

"Brother Zhang." Several Red Brothers bowed to me as I made my way back to my quarters.

R7

Another rainy day, as I walked to the den on foot.

"Hey! What do you think you're doin-"

I struck the guard with a fast strike, as the rival gang member hit the ground unconscious.

I launched a front kick which busted the gate open.

"It's Red Circle! Call for backup!"

I tilted my head as I glared at the numerous gang members. Numbering from a dozen, to several dozen, to almost a hundred Ox Clan lackeys. They each were armed with a machete.

"Hey. It's just one. What the hell is that old fool thinking? Sending one?"

I brought my foot back, tracing a circle as I assumed my stance.

"Hiiro, we're going to fight our way to the den."

Let us give them a show, Shun-sama.

"YAAA!" I roared, as I charged forward, the gang charging too as I launched a front kick that sent one of them flying.

I ducked and dodged a sword swing, going low as I swept my leg, catching three goons by surprise before they could even react. I spun around and launched a flying back kick which sent a goon crashing into the others.

Two others charged in and I deflected their swings, stepping close and unloading a powerful punch, then an open handed strike behind me, knocking both goons away.

"Bastard!" A goon screamed at me, as I leaned back, dodging his swing, then using my back foot, thrusted inward, launching a double handed strike. I stepped inward and began launching punch after punch, kick after kick, strike after strike at the goons as they fell. Their numbers reducing at a rapid pace as I spun around, kicking another goon through a concrete pillar. Levelling the entire building.

I leapt into the air, going up a level on a building to the roofs as the goons chased after me. I leapt from one roof to another, and then bounded to the side of the den building.

The guards noticed me and drew their machetes, but I was too fast, as I had already landed several strikes and kicks at them. One of the goons was sent flying into the door of the building, busting it open.

"Oh dear." A woman's voice appeared from the shadows.

"Someone bit off more than he could chew."

A man's voice appeared beside her.

"I thought I already broke enough Red Circle bones. I guess I don't mind breaking another set."

Another man appeared from the shadows. He was wearing a traditional black and white Chinese uniform.

The Horn Triad.

"Ho? So Old Man Lok decided to send his precious Red Beast to fight us himself."

I quickly went into my stance, as the Triad regarded me pitifully.

"Ugh. Hung Gar." The woman muttered, as she appeared from the shadows, smoking a cigarette.

"Obnoxious. Obnoxious. Obnoxious. What, did you watch too many Wong Fei Hung movies or something? Do you think you're cool?"

The other man laughed as he stepped into the light. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing extremely vascular and muscular arms.

"Only a teenager too. But he is well built. I hope he can take a hit, unlike the other Red Circle lackeys I had destroyed. It's sad, really. How quickly they lose their bravado once they take one punch from me."

Ku Fen, Dao Luk, and Li Shui.

Lightning, Iron Palm, and Snake Fist. Their nicknames, respectively.

Fighting the Horn Triad was not going to be easy.

"Hiiro, can you take them?"

Hiiro was silent.

Each one of them possesses skill surpassing a conventional martial arts master. This won't be an easy fight.

"Even as an Oni?"

Each one of them has trained their body beyond their limits, and I sense voodoo and black magic in their auras. These are no normal fighters. Ku Fen's Electrical Breathing Style makes him extremely fast. Dao Luk's Fortified Turtle Style makes him extremely difficult to take down. And Li Shui is capable of grappling beyond the conventions of the Wing Chun you familiarized yourself with long ago.

I lifted my hand as I gritted my teeth, smiling. Blood and sweat raced down my neck.

"That's what makes it fun, doesn't it, Hiiro."

Indeed, Shun-sama. It has been too long since I have fought such incredible fighters.

Li cringed.

"Ew. Are you smiling? Are you a masochist?"

I charged, as Ku and Dao also ran forward. As I predicted, Ku closed the distance instantly with his crazy speed, and I narrowly dodged his axe kick, spinning around and launching a back kick which he blocked. I turned around to be face to face with Dao, as I launched several punches and strikes at his body, which had no effect.

I launched a front kick at him as he stumbled back, and began an exchange against Ku, who began to overpower me, even with Hiiro's technique.

I went low and launched a leg sweep, which Ku dodged. I spun around and launched consecutive sweeps, then flipped in the air and threw a non-discrete side kick which managed to catch him. Ku flew backwards, slamming through a wooden support.

"Hiiro, we're doing good. Let's keep it u-"

I was cut off, when suddenly, Dao appeared before me with frightening speed, his arm back as the fist struck me in the midsection.

My stomach burst into pain as I flew backwards, smashing into a window.

"Disappointing. The Red Beast. Rumour had it that the Red Beast was so fast he was able to perform the No Shadow Kick. Yet still, you were outdone by my Turtle Style. Ironic, isn't it?"

I got to my feet and assumed my stance, rushing forward and launching several strikes at Dao. Dao blocked a few as I went low, landing strikes at his midsection, then his face as the Triad member took the blows head on. Dao sidestepped and launched a strike at an alarming speed as I instinctively blocked it, but the force of his strike sent me skidding backwards.

I regained my stance, but my left arm began trembling.

"What the-"

Dao Luk's strength surpasses yours, Shun-sama. I would say he's around four times stronger than you as you currently are.

"Shit!" I yelped, as Dao zipped in and landed another blow against my ribcage, then the side of my head as everything went blurry. I hit the ground and slid to the other side of the building.

Dao brought his hands up and smiled.

"I'll commend you, Red Beast. The other Red Circle gang members who I've pummelled couldn't withstand even two hits. You're still conscious. Not bad. But to know that I still broke the Red Beast's bones, I was expecting you to be a lot more durable than that."

"Hiiro-"

Dao closed the distance again, laying on the pressure.

Shun-sama. Dao's style is incompatible with mines.

"Thanks, Sherlock Hataka." I grumbled, as I tried to find an opening, but there was none.

My style has been focused on pure offence, relying on absolute strength. But against a fighter who has honed in on his defence, we are at a disadvantage. I thought with your abnormal physical strength, it would be enough, Shun-sama. We need to-

Hiiro was cut off, as Dao launched a rising kick that got me under my chin.

"He's too fast!" I said, as I fell on my back. I quickly flipped back upwards, but not before Dao launched another kick that caught me in the chest. I slammed backwards and smashed into the stone tiles of the wall, and slid to the ground. My clothes were covered in blood.

My blood.

"Hoy. Dao. This kid." Ku said, as he walked up to me.

"This kid's only fifteen, apparently. The hell is a teenage boy doing in a gang?"

Li made a sour face.

"He's a minor? Ugh. I'm out then."

Dao laughed.

"Old man Lok. Sending in a little boy to do his work. Unbelievable how the Red Circle does things."

"And you're any different?" I muttered.

All three members of the Horn Triad looked at me.

"Excuse me?" Li asked.

I glared upwards, blood covering my face.

"You raped our maids. You killed my Red Brothers. You did all this shit. It's a bit late to start seeing shit in a moral compass. You're all hypocrites."

I pointed at Dao.

"You enjoyed beating me down. Even though I'm a kid. You're a bully and a molester."

Dao's face turned into a sneer. "HUH?!"

I pointed at Ku.

"And you got your ass beat by that same kid. You call yourself Lightning?"

Ku's face turned enraged. "The hell did you just say?"

And lastly, I pointed at Li.

"And you. You should just give it up already. Talking all high and mighty like you get a whole catalogue of men to choose from. Lady, look at yourself. You're a bit too old to be playing this game. Quit trying to pretend to be young. I can see the wrinkles on your face. Your breasts are sagging. Hag."

Li's mouth hung open, as her face became wild with rage.

"Why you little?!?!?!"

They've been riled up, that's my Shun-sama.

That's how it is. Kung fu is about controlling your breathing. And harnessing your emotions. Using everything you have in a controlled manner to optimize your strikes, your movements, and your combinations. But when all that is out of the window...

"I'll kill you, brat!" Li screamed, as she flew in to try to grapple, but I kicked her away, all her vulnerabilities showing.

I flew in and launched several kicks at Dao, but they had no effect, as Dao swung his fist at me, but I dodged it, strategically redirecting the fist to Ku's face. Ku crumpled to the ground, dead. His face caved inwards.

Dao glared at me and tried to swing at me again, but I snaked out of the way, and aimed at his throat, launching a finger strike right at the spot under his chin.

Dao began to choke as he grabbed his throat.

"You... you have no honour... boy..."

"Honour? The hell is honour?" I asked, coldly, as I launched a flurry of punches that caught him in the eyes and nose. Dao fell back, his face bloodied beyond belief.

I got up and turned to Li, who recovered from the shock of the kick.

I walked up to her and assumed my stance, as Li snarled.

"I just took down the Iron Palm and Lightning. Your lackeys are done. How well can you fight on your own?"

Li grinned.

"Come and see, boy."

I rushed forward, but the moment I took a step, Li had already wrapped herself around my limbs and put me in a strangle.

"The hell-"

Li flipped her body and slammed me into the ground, as she began to twist my arm.

I clenched my fist and slammed her side as Li slid back. I got to my feet and unloaded a barrage of strikes and kicks, as Li dodged them successively.

I threw another punch, a feint, as Li moved her hands up to grapple it. I went low and went for an inside strike, but suddenly, Li bent down, catching my arm and throwing me across the room.

I ran forward aggressively, to engage Li once more, but the same thing happened. No matter what I did, Li found a way to grapple onto me and send me into a hold that could break my limbs.

"Hiiro!"

Her Snake Fist style. This is unusual.

Li managed to twist around and land a back kick on my face as I fell, my head slamming against the ground.

My Hung Gar provides a powerful stance that is resistant to takedowns. Yet she is able to bypass that with power and strength beyond that of normal masters. Could she be...

I brought my arms up as I assumed my stance. I had to kill her. I needed to-

"Why are you doing this, Red Beast?" Li asked.

"What?"

"Why are you killing. Why are you working for Old Man Lok?"

"The hell are you talking about? Shut up and fight." I growled.

Li sighed as she brushed the dust off of her uniform.

"Sorry. I don't feel like fighting you anymore."

"Don't give me that shit, lady. I just killed two of your comrades."

Li grimaced.

"Those two morons were nothing but a pain in the ass for the longest time. As for you, I can't imagine myself beating up a child."

I rushed forward, but Li kicked me in the chest and sent me backwards.

"Wha-"

"You're a martial artist. So you can tell, right?" Li asked.

"I don't... wait."

Li brought her hands up and assumed a stance. But it wasn't the same stance as her Snake Fist.

"I have more than one style of martial arts. Because I'm just like you."

"Hiiro..." I muttered.

Yes. It is as I have feared, Shun-sama. We are not the only Yokai Possessed Martial Artists in this province.

Li rushed forward and took me down, as I found myself unable to use any of my powers.

"Red Beast. The demon inside of you is an incredible master. His skill perhaps even approaching grandmaster. I'm guessing that is what made you so strong in the Red Circle Gang. This whole time, you've been fighting at the level of a grandmaster Hung Gar practitioner."

"You-"

"But in the face of others of your kind, you are an amateur. Because without your demon, you yourself, are weak."

I struggled as I tried to summon Hiiro's power again, but Hiiro went silent.

Shun-sama. Forgive me... I am... I am beginning to slumber.

"Dammit Hiiro." I spat on the ground, as Li regarded me with sympathy.

"I'm finished here. Old Man Lok wants proof that you beat me. Something valuable I'm guessing?"

"Yeah." I muttered. This felt like shit. I basically lost to Li. The task was to kill all three. And I couldn't do that.

Li reached into her shirt and undid her buttons as my face felt hot.

"Whoa! What the hell are you doing?!"

Li unbuttoned her shirt, revealing... well. What you would expect from a woman who unbuttoned her shirt. I'm not going to explain it detail. I don't even want to.

"This conversation never happened. You defeated me in a fight, and killed Ku and Dao. I was killed as well, and tossed into a fire. My remains were never recovered. You defiled my corpse and took this."

Li unhooked her bra as I stumbled back.

"Stop! Oh my god! I don't want to see that!"

Li smiled. "Yet you're staring at them with lust. Dirty boy."

I tore my face away and stared at the ceiling as Li handed me a garment.

"What's this.... the fuck?!" I squealed.

Li buttoned back her shirt.

"You needed something valuable, right? That's something valuable to me. If any guy was found with this in his hands, I would have killed them on the spot."

I lifted the bra into the air.

"You're terrible." I grumbled.

"Come on. I'm sure every boy your age would have killed for something like that. Consider it an honour." Li said, as she left the building and leapt onto the roof.

"The maids you're looking for, are on the bottom floor. I'm sure you can take out the guards even without your demon. But word of advice, from another possessed. Try to learn to master your own style. It can be Hung Gar if you want, but I'd recommend a different style to increase your versatility. Hung Gar is innate to your demon, but the style you pick will be innate to you. At least, that's what I suggest."

Li looked at me from above, her curvaceous figure illuminated by the lightning of the stormy sky.

"I hope we don't run into each other again, Red Beast."

Another flash of lightning illuminated the sky as Li disappeared.

I stared at the piece of garment in my hands as my eyes went wide.

"That bitch!" I muttered, as I stuffed it into the pockets of my baggy torn shorts.

At least this'll work. I walked up to the corpses of the remains of the Triad, as I took one piece of their belongings, stuffing them into my pockets too.

R7

Hiiro that useless ass Oni.

I went down the steps to the holding cell as a couple of guards stared at me.

"Red Beast...?"

Hiiro was asleep. Meaning I had to fight using my own strength.

Li was right. I guess I should have focused on my own martial arts style, something innate to me.

Thankfully, I did. And as long as Hiiro was a part of me, I still had his strength and his physical parameters. Even if I couldn't access his style.

I still had a fraction of the power of a Oni.

"Demon Wing Chun, Shun Zhang." I said, greeting the guards.

"Kill that kid!" They shouted, with their machetes, as I brought myself into my stance. One hand forward. The other back. A calm, controlled stance.

The guards rushed in. Instead of charging straight on, I let them come to me, as I unloaded a flurry of strikes in an elegant manner. This fighting style was so different from Hiiro's.

Classic Wing Chun, with a sprinkle of Oni and Shun superhuman strength.

I launched a frontal kick that sent the guard flying backwards as I grappled, blocked, and defended the strikes of another.

My hands locked against the sword arm of the guard as I went in with an elbow, then a chop on the midsection, then undid my arms, flipping the guard sideways in the air as he hit the ground, unconscious.

I stepped forward and unloaded a Demon Chain Punch on the next guy. I felt his bones crack and crush with each successive punch. I used to only be able to use the Chain Punch at a reduced speed, when my muscles had grown, I had experienced a significant decrease in my speed.

But with Hiiro's powers coursing through me, my speed had not only returned, but increased drastically. To the point of it being superhuman.

In the blink of an eye, I had already delivered around forty punches. The guy fell to the ground, spasming from the sheer number of punches that I had landed on his chest.

"God... dammit." I grumbled as I stared at my hands. The hand bandages that were wrapped around it were soaked in blood, stained through and through.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and slicked back my hair. There wasn't much to slick back. It was spiky and short. I always wanted my hair to be long, like in those mangas that I used to steal back in Nara.

Damn. Why couldn't I look like those anime protagonists? Even my hair was odd.

Black with pink streaks.

My hoodie was all ripped and my baggy shorts were too. I hoped the pockets didn't have holes in them. They were carrying important shit I needed to hand in to Boss Lok.

I made my way to the holding cells, as I noticed the maids, all huddled near the back. Their knees were tucked in, and their eyes were empty and lifeless.

"You're all getting out of here." I said. The maids looked at me.

"Yes, sir."

What the hell was I doing? Was I freeing them? Boss Lok said I could do whatever I wanted with them.

I never saw myself as a hero.

A hero would never do the shit I was doing.

After all, I did this because I wanted to, and because I had to survive.

For the longest time it was just that.

Mo ban fat.

But for some reason, seeing these girls, knowing they were defiled and miserable. I wanted to help them.

I stood in front of them.

"Starting today, you're all free women! You're all free! Enjoy your lives and be happy!" I said, forcing a smile on my face.

The maids looked at me with their empty eyes.

"He's weird." One of them muttered.

"Geh?!" I stumbled back.

"Okay. I'm going to free you now." I said, as I grabbed the bars and tore them open as the maids yelped.

"Come with me." I said, as the maids instantly rushed out of the cell, shoving me out of the way and running for dear life.

"Wha.... hey!"

I tried to stop them, but they all left the hideout, until I was all alone.

Well.

Not exactly alone.

Huddled in the corner, was a girl who was still staring at the ground.

"Hey, lady. Time to go. Let's go." I said, as I knelt down in front of her.

"Leave." She muttered.

"What?"

"My life... it's over. I have nowhere to go, Red Beast. I have nowhere to go if I run. If it means giving up my body, I have no choice but to stay here with the Ox Clan."

I clenched my fist.

Something about her, I wanted to help her. No. That wasn't it.

"You ungrateful bitch!" I growled, causing her to jump in surprise.

"I literally just made a statement saying you guys could go free. I went out of my way to beat the shit out of everybody here. I fought the Horn Triad. And you're just gonna sit on your ass and say I'm gonna stay? The hell is with that attitude?"

"But-"

I sighed and put my hand to my face.

"Whatever. I don't give a shit. Do whatever you want. Be that fat bastard's concubine for all I care. But you're given something that I've rarely ever had the chance to have."

The girl looked at me.

"What's that?"

I irked, as I turned to her and grabbed her shoulders, causing her to yelp.

"A damn choice! You get to choose whether to get the hell out of here, be a free woman, or be this dude's toy! What the hell is wrong with you, woman?!"

I looked at the ground.

"For the longest time. I've always lived my life under the terms of others. From when I was a child, I never had a choice. That was drilled into my head. I was forced to do shit I didn't like. When I left, and was finally free of my psychopath father, I thought I was finally able to taste freedom. And look at me now."

I glared at the girl.

"I'm a god damn criminal. I take lives for a gang. My hands are full of blood. I'm a killer. My brother is probably out there somewhere being a wholesome ass mofo with a bunch of students who are probably even older than he is calling him Sensei Wen. And I'm here freeing whores!"

The girl pouted. "Don't call me that."

"Well you certainly are. Look at what you're doing to yourself. At this point, you might as well make that your new name."

The girl looked at me.

"If I was free, I would have nowhere to go. I would have nowhere to sleep. Nowhere to-"

"Ugh!!! You're so stupid!" I put my hands to my face.

"Just live with me! Dammit!"

The girl's face flushed red.

"What are you...saying?"

"Just work for me. Do my chores for me. Be my attendant. Don't worry, I won't abuse you or anything. Anything's gotta be better than this."

The girl huddled her knees to her chest again. "I don't mind being your concubine, I suppose."

"That's gross. Stop it."

"Being a concubine?"

"Stop saying concubine."

"What's wrong with being a concubine?"

"I just said stop saying that word!" I snapped.

I got to my feet.

"Look. I've been meaning to have an assistant for a long ass time anyway. My living quarters is a mess. Besides, it's not gonna be all that bad. No one is gonna mess with you if you're affiliated with The Red Beast. Pretty solid deal, right?"

The girl took a breath.

"Very well. In payment, I will be your assistant and relieve you of your-"

"Stop. None of that. Thanks. I'm technically a minor, anyway."

The girl raised an eyebrow.

"How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"So am I."

I nearly threw up in my mouth. "That's... really messed up. Even more reason to not have this conversation. Let's get out of here." I said, as I helped her to her feet.

"Name?" I asked.

"Sakura."

"Like... the alcohol?" I said.

"Alcohol? But you said you were a minor."

I walked out of the building as Sakura grabbed my hoodie from behind.

"Ain't nothing wrong with booze." I said.

"Yet you pale up whenever I talk about se-"

"Shut up!" I yelped. "I'm a man of integrity. I would never lay my hands on a woman."

"Is that so?" Sakura asked, as she pointed at a black garment sticking from my pants pocket.

My eyes went wide.

"Uh. No. You got it wrong. That's for the mission-"

Sakura pouted. "My master is unfaithful to me already."

"What faith?"

Sakura let go of my hoodie and walked faster.

"Hey! Are you seriously getting mad? It's not what you think it is. This is from the Horn Triad Snake Lady-"

Sakura stared at the ground as I ran up to catch up to her.

"I see. So you enjoy your women older."

Was hiring this girl to be my attendant a good call...

I made it back to the main HQ of the Red Circle Gang. Sakura crept behind me and had her face in my back the whole time as the Red Brothers gathered around me.

"Brother Zhang! We heard you killed and avenged our brothers! You even brought back a woman! Incredible!"

It was basically the same thing for each gang member I ran into.

Except for this one guy who glanced at Sakura and just gave me a thumbs up saying

"Nice."

We reached my room in the run down building.

"Okay. Get inside." I said, as Sakura stepped into my room and bowed.

"Thank you for having me."

"Damn. You sure you're from China? Your mannerisms strike me as someone who has Japanese roots."

Sakura looked at me. "Why do you ask?"

"Because Shun-sama was also from Japan." Hiiro said, manifesting in front of us.

Sakura's eyes widened as I blasted forward with my demon speed, putting my hand over her mouth as she screamed into it.

"Calm down! Jesus. You're gonna wake up Big Dog next door. And he gets super annoying when he's pissed."

"Wh- What is that?! It's a yokai!" Sakura yelped, hiding behind me.

"That's Hataka Hiiro." I said. "He's an Oni that tried to possess me, but failed. Since then, we've had a contract of equals."

Hiiro bowed in front of Sakura.

"I am Hataka. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sakura-san."

Sakura bowed, hesitantly.

"Sakura."

We went to the main living quarters.

"Right. Well. I guess your first task is to clean up my room."

Sakura's face turned pale.

"This is... much messier than Lok-sama's quarters."

"It's not messy. It's a reflection of me. See it as an expression of one's warrior soul. That... well... needs cleaning."

Sakura nodded.

"Very well, Shun-sama."

"Please don't call me by that honorific. It's weird."

"But Hataka-san calls you that."

"Yeah, because I'm his master."

"Aren't you my master too?"

"Yeah. But... I guess it's because you're a girl. Feels weird." I shifted uncomfortably.

A smile crept on Sakura's face.

"How about Shun-chan?"

My face went from hot to boiling. Sakura laughed, as my heart rate went up.

She looked so cute when she laughed.

That smile must be protected at all costs.

"Okay. Well. Have fun then. I'm going to meet Boss Lok." I waved Sakura goodbye as I closed the door and locked it.

Shun-sama. Was it a good idea to hire Sakura-san as your attendant?

"What's wrong with that? Now I don't need to do chores."

Shun-sama, you never once did chores.

"Well, now we have someone to do it for me. Look, she needed a job, and I needed an assistant. That's all it is."

Are you perhaps, wanting to protect her?

"Maybe."

Hiiro paused.

Perhaps there is light for my master after all. From the darkness of our jobs so far.

"Whatever. You can call that light all you want. But I'm literally going to be flashing Li's bra in front of Boss Lok's face. So might wanna rethink that."

Hiiro laughed in my head as we made our way to the main den. The main office of Boss Lok.

"The Triad is dead, then." Lok said, as he inspected the three items laid out on his desk.

"Yes." I lied.

"Hm." Boss Lok said, as he stood up from his desk, going up to my side.

"You truly are a monster. To defeat the Horn Triad, known amongst the criminal world as the most powerful trio. Singlehandedly, was the task easy?"

"No." I confessed. "I got my ass kicked pretty hard, but I pulled through."

Lok smiled. "Indeed. The maids I heard have been released. Was this your doing?"

A bead of sweat rolled down my neck.

"Yes, Boss Lok. Without the maids, the Ox Clan lost their toys. I have riled them up, by not only killing their strongest fighters, but releasing their slaves."

"Very good, Red Beast. You truly are my pride and joy."

Lok turned and faced the workers in the den.

"Very few fighters I have met both boast and showcase their skill. You have the right to hold proud your title, as the adopted son of Lok, the leader of the Red Circle."

"Yes, Boss Lok."

I bowed and was about to step out of the office, when suddenly Lok stopped me.

"Beast."

"Yes, Boss Lok?"

"Take this with you." Lok held up the bra to my face as I stumbled back in surprise.

"You don't want it?" I asked.

Lok glared at me.

"The undergarments of that snake bitch? Are you trying to disappoint me after I have praised you? I don't want this in my office."

"Geh-" I yelped, as Lok threw the bra into my hands.

"Enjoy it. I'm sure a woman's undergarments will be enough to satisfy a boy of your age!"

I smiled, resisting the urge to throw up.

"Yes, Boss Lok. I am honoured, Boss Lok."

I left the office and hurried to the nearest trash can to throw out the bra, but a worker noticed.

"Whatcha got there, Brother Zhang?"

"Nothing!" I said a little too quickly.

I stuffed the garment into my pockets as I returned to my quarters.

R7

"Hmmm...." I grumbled, as Hiiro and I sat in front of the garment, which was laid on a cushion.

"Shun-sama. What shall we do? How will we dispose of this garment without the others knowing?"

"I say we find spots in the schedules where there are the least workers. Then I'll kill them to make sure there aren't any witnesses." I said, adamantly.

"What are you two doing huddled over there?" Sakura asked, as she peeked through the door.

I yelped as I grabbed Sakura and pulled her away.

"Nothing. Just planning for our next mission. It's super important. So go away."

Sakura pouted.

"You don't enjoy my presence?"

"No! It's not that. I uh. Wait. I'm supposed to be your master. Do what I tell you to do."

Sakura smiled. "Okay, Shun-chan!"

My smile twitched in annoyance as Sakura skipped to the kitchen. What the hell was this? I was supposed to be her master. I was the boss here!

"Hey! You better make me a sandwich!" I shouted. Damn. I always felt like saying that. I was such a badass. Commanding my maid to-

"Sorry, we're having curry tonight." Sakura responded.

I returned to the room, as Hiiro crossed his arms.

"We must dispose of this garment. I cannot risk you being labelled a pervert, Shun-sama."

"I am no pervert, Hiiro. I'm trained in the arts of mental fortitude."

"Really? That's super cool." Sakura said, as she knelt in front of us.

I yelped, as Hiiro's eyes went wide.

"I... you..." I stammered.

"So do you make it a hobby to collect women's underwear?" Sakura asked, her smile giving off every single danger flag known to man.

"N- No." I said, as I stood up, steeling my nerves.

"I take pride in my ability to resist the charms of a woman. After all, I followed the strict training regimen of Grandmaster Hataka."

Sakura tilted her head in curiosity.

"Training regimen?"

"Indeed!" I said.

"Every week, Hiiro and I go to the nightclub and train in mental fortitude. I surround myself with the pleasures of the strippers to build up mental resistance!"

Sakura stared at me. Then turned to Hiiro, who began to sweat a lot.

"I... um... Shun-sama. I think this shouldn't be something you should boast about."

"Why not? I don't see many masters train this way. It is truly unique."

Sakura continued smiling as she squeezed the drying cloth so hard that it ripped.

"I see. Hiiro has been enjoying training you then."

For some reason, the following week, Sakura insisted she follow me around everywhere. Her smile, although innocent looking, filled me with a sense of fear.

"Let's go grocery shopping!" Sakura said.

"I should be training-"

"Let's go grocery shopping!" Sakura repeated herself.

We ended up grocery shopping.

"Shun-chan. You shouldn't just be buying meats. You need vegetables too." Sakura scolded me.

"What? I've been eating this for years."

Sakura poked at the zit on my forehead.

"And look where that got you? You need to eat healthier."

"Okay MOM." I muttered, as we went to pay for the groceries. We left the market and walked down the streets.

Shun-sama. Something is off. We are being followed.

"Followed?" I said, as I turned around. An older man was behind us. His hands in his pockets. He was wearing a traditional Chinese outfit. Judging by his appearance, he was a martial arts master. What was a master doing in the market district?!

"Sakura, we're taking a turn."

"But Shun-chan, isn't that the opposite direction of where we should be going?"

"Yeah." I replied, as I brought Sakura to an open space, where there were not bystanders.

"Okay, buddy. What do you want. I know you've been following us." I called out, as the master smiled at me.

"Indeed. Shun Zhang. The Red Beast. You have caused quite an uproar in the martial arts community. Your aggressive style. Your disgraceful actions."

"So you followed me here to fight, I'm guessing." I said.

The master nodded.

"Yes. I have seen the numerous masters fall to your hand."

"So you know what's gonna happen if you try to mess with me."

"Yes. But not in a way you might imagine." The master held up his hands in an elegant manner.

"I have been reserved, quiet in the community for the longest time. For when a master who has disgraced the art of kung fu has surfaced, I am called to deal with it. Your criminal use, your selfish whims. All because you were blessed with such skill. I will put an end to your tyranny. Red Beast."

I handed Sakura the groceries.

"Find a safe place while I kick this guy's ass." I said. Sakura nodded as she hurried to the other corner of the place.

"Hiiro!"

Yes! Shun-sama!

I brought my hands up.

"Hung Gar, Shun Zhang."

The master formed two fists.

"Sixty Four Hands. Master Leung."