"Rustle, rustle, rustle..."
Jesse had drunk a little too much that night. He had just come out of the Guardhouse to relieve himself when he noticed something moving in the grass ahead. He paused and shook his muddled head hard. All that wine had left it throbbing. After a burp, he decided there was nothing there; it was only the wind. "Look at me, jumping at shadows. I must be seeing things because I drank too much."
"What if I told you it wasn't your imagination?"
A cold laugh sounded behind Jesse. His hair stood on end. He had barely turned around, trembling, when smack! A flash of white crossed his vision, and a heavy blow sent him crumpling to the ground.
Ye Chen hoisted Jesse up and raced toward the distant woods. No one seemed to have noticed, but he remained cautious.
Once he was sure they were safe, Ye Chen dropped Jesse and kicked him twice. Jesse, whom he had knocked unconscious with Acupoint Striking, stirred awake. The sight of Ye Chen made him jump.
Three years had passed. Ye Chen was taller and sturdier than before, but Jesse recognized him at once by his icy gaze, stern face, and the braid hanging down his back. Even that braid had changed: his hair was long on top and tied back only near his neck, giving him the free-spirited air of a wandering swordsman.
"A ghost..."
Jesse opened his mouth and managed only one cry before Ye Chen pressed five sharp fingers against his chest. Squelch! His fingers sank in as easily as if Jesse were made of Tofu, gouging five bloody holes. Jesse howled in pain, but after two cries, Ye Chen's face darkened. Jesse clapped a hand over his mouth and shook his head frantically, begging to