Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 184

sat up filled with anger and anguish. The determination that used to be within him was gone just like Jack… Those
shadows of darkness have returned. Yet again, those shadows of darkness took something valuable and dear to Ming.
On the surface, it appeared to Ming that he had lost everything. But one thing that could not be taken from him
was his thirst for learning and his drive for perfection. Ming was willing to sacrifice anything - material things,
valuable things - in return for knowledge.
After he had recovered, he looked everywhere, even to the boundaries of the Earth, to find Jack’s old master.
Purposeful and dedicated, Ming trained from dusk till dawn until he dripped blood, sweat and tears. Two years in
training, Master Sifu has taught all he knew to Ming. Master Sifu knew Ming was ready.
Ming returned to the battlefield for a rematch with his old nemesis, a disciple of Jingwu. Ready and less reckless this
time, Ming stepped forward. Spreading his legs and bending his knees, Ming’s intricate footwork exuded strength
and stability. His enemy struck. Ming evaded effortlessly. His challenger lifted up his leg, branched out his arms and
moved his arms in a clockwise motion. Mimicry of eagle claw. The disciple swooped and Ming saw through the
simple trick. As Ming knocked over the opposer’s advance, a silvery object glistened in the sunlight. A knife!
Ming feigned left, then right, like a dancing red lion. The slash could not reach him this time. Sleeping-lion Ming
was too tough, and try as his rival may, no punch could be landed on Ming.
Ming continued to provoke and mock the Jingwu disciple.
It was apparent who won this time around, as the powerful red lion danced circles around the struggling golden one.
“Why don’t you kill me?” the disciple pleaded. But Ming ignored him because in every way, Ming was more superior.
No longer driven by rage and thoughts of revenge, Ming understood why his lion suit was red in colour. It symbolized
a courage to stand up to your inner demons and to your bullies. Jack wouldn’t have wanted Ming to be blindsided by
vengeance. Jack would’ve been proud of Ming today, the strong and brave Ming, worthy of holding his red lion head
high...