CHAPTER 13: MEIXING VS BAO CHUI

Meixing watched as Bao Chui went through all his forms. He leapt up into the air, spun around and landed with his staff pointed at her. Still breathing heavily from the exertion. He tilted his head in confusion as he stared at her.

Meixing looked away shyly. He shook his head and turned away from her.

She walked after him. “B-Bao Chui.”

He did not answer, instead, bending down to get a towel to wipe his shining brow.

“You have a good training thing there.” She said, standing behind him. “B-But it won’t help you against demon.”

He stiffened then laughed before turning to her. “And you know what would be effective against demons?”

“Y-Yeah!” she said pumping out her chest to give herself confidence. “I defeated one, remember?”

“Really?” he said. “Fine, great slayer of demons. How did you defeat the demon?”

“With a powerful stance.”

He frowned. “What do you know about stances?”

“They’re magic stuff that allow you to do… more… magic… stuff.” She said, growing more unsure with each word. “Wait, that’s not right. Look, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is I have a powerful stance that can beat any demon. I can teach you if you want.”

He looked at her sceptically. “What’s the name of this stance,” he said with disinterest in his voice.

Meixing got angry at this. “It’s called Body Forge.”

He stiffend and stared at her with wide eyes. “The legendary stance B-Body Forge!”

“Yes!” Meixing said, smiling in truimph.

“Wow, that technique…” he said his voice rising in excietement, “doesn’t exist.” He said, his voice dropping to the tone of boredom.

Meixing’s mouth fell open.

“What, did you just take the word body and mix it with the coolest word you know.” He said.

“Why don’t you fight me and find out then?”

“And what do I get from fighting you?” he said. “I mean people will know me as the guy who beat up a girl. Not a very good for me.”

“Funny, you weren;t concerned about that before the demon attack.”

He turned around to face her. “Hey, I never actually hit you.”

“Yeah, you just pulled my hair, teased and threatened me!” she snapped. “That is so much better than hitting a girl!” Her hands clenched into fists as she found an anger she thought she did not have. She shut her eyes shut and began using her spirit energy.

Bao sighed, “Look, I…”

As soon as Body Forge Stance had been activated she charged at him.

He held his hand out and stopped her by holding her head back. She swung her arms wildly at him but he kept her out of his range.

“Would you listen to me,” he said, struggling to keep her back. “I’m trying to…”

She bent low and scooped his legs from under him and he fell on his back. She pounced but his foot kept her away. He straightened his foot, sending her sprawling back and onto the ground. Meixing got up just as he did.

“You’re never going to beat me.” Bao said. “You should go home.”

She glared at him while trying to think of a strategy. Then she smirked. “I have fought powerful opponents.” She said. “Here’s a move from one of the most dangerous.” She ran at him, her head bent low like a charging bull… or goat… wild goat to be exact.

Bao side stepped her and stuck his foot out, tripping her as she passed by. She stumbled but was able to catch herself before she fell. She turned around and charged at him again.

“See, now stop this before…” she turned to face her as the top of her head slammed into her stomach. He was sent falling onto the floor, grasping his belly. “Well, that was dumb,” he said as he got to his feet.

Meixing smirked again before charging at him again.

He took a ready stance. She switched midway and raised her head up before throwing a punch.

“Idiot,” he said as he leaned forward and threw his fist. Her punch slammed into her cheek. My arms are longer, she won’t be able to reach me but hopefully this teaches her a le…

Her punch slammed into the side of his face, snapping him out of his musings. He flew back at the same time as she did and they both hit the ground at the same time.

Bao looked at the sky as it became more and more yellow as the sun set. He could taste iron in his mouth. Reaching into his mouth, he pulled out a tooth that was loosened by the punch. He sat up and saw Meixing was already sitting up, rubbing the side of his face.

He smiled. “You’re a tough girl.”

“No!” she deflated. “Well… yes, maybe but I’m also tough cause of the stance.”

“Is this how you defeated the demon that night.”

Her eyes glances at the sword, covered in cloth and she nodded, “Partly.”

“So why did you show me the stance?” he said. “You wanted to brag. You wanted some revenge.”

“N-No.”

“Why not, I deserve it.”

She frowned. “Yes, you do but you did also save me. I say that’s more important, huh?”

He shrugged.

“I’ll teach you Body Forge, so you can beat any demon that comes along.”

“And what do you want in return.”

“Nothing,” she shrugged.

“No, that’s bad.” he smiled. “How about you teach me this stance and I’ll teach you to fight.”

“Deal!” she said.

He giggled at that.

Her giggling made her laugh and soon, they were both laughing together.