POV: Scott
After that whole fiasco with the Ancient One, I decided to just get my things ready, since tomorrow I finally get out of this hell.
Now, whether I'm going somewhere better?
Yeah… I doubt it.
Since I'm on the subject, my thoughts drift to one of the sacred cities… K'un-Lun.
A mystical city that contains the Chi of the great dragon—and its protector… the Iron Fist.
My knowledge pretty much stops there, but one important thing I do know is that getting to that city is extremely, extremely difficult.
Why? First, because most of the time, the city doesn't even exist in the material world.
Yeah, the damn place sits in another dimension. Who would've guessed, right?
It occasionally materializes in the real world every ten years, if I remember correctly.
How long it stays and where it appears, I have no idea—but if someone wants to get there? They have to wait ten years, be lucky enough to find where it appears, and on top of that, be lucky enough to get in.
Brutal.
That's all I can say. Just knowing where it appears and that it even exists already eliminates 99% of interested people.
And the other 1%?
The Iron Fist deals with them.
Don't be surprised. He might be considered a hero now, but before Danny Rand—the most well-known Iron Fist—showed up, all the previous ones were brutal assassins.
And honestly, it makes sense. Anyone crazy enough to show up at K'un-Lun's gates can only be two things:
An enemy or an opportunist.
And let's be real—neither of those are the kind of people you keep alive.
"I just hope I don't suffer there as much as I did here."
Yes, I went to sleep raising a red flag.
Yes, that was basically a challenge to the universe.
I dare you to make it worse than this.
It can't be Worse, Right?
_________________________________________________
POV: Scott
I should really keep my mouth shut from now on.
WOOOSSSHHHH
WOOOOSSSSSSSSHHHH
The view is beautiful from up here…
Yes, I'm very high up.
And yes, I'm in free fall.
With no parachute mind you.
"FUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!"
I hate my life!!!!!
I hate you Ancient One!!!!!!
_______________________________________________________
POV: Ancient One
???: "You sure this was a good idea?"
Hm? A good idea? No, not really.
"No. It wasn't."
???: "Then… why?"
Good question…
Normally I'd say it was for the greater good…
But this time?
It was personal.
"Let's just say it was… me settling a score."
???: "Cool, okay… So what exactly do you want me to teach him again? Just so we're clear—if he doesn't have talent, I'm not wasting my time. I'm too old for that."
Of course you are. I'll believe that when you finally stop doing what you do best—making everyone else's life harder.
"The basics, like all the others. But if he has the minimum required? Consider him a candidate."
He drops the playful expression and says:
???: "You know that's not possible, right? We already have one—who, by the way, has already proven himself."
So we're at that point already?
Hm…
Better speed things up.
"I never said he is one. I only asked that he be treated as such."
Normally I wouldn't be so proactive about collecting favors, but again, it's better to accelerate things while I still can.
???: "Alright… Normally I'd tell you to go to hell, but since it's a favor, I'll do it."
???: "But don't get it twisted. If he really has no talent? I'll just teach him the basics and kick him out. That's it. Nothing more."
"Thank you."
???: "Meh. Just holding up my end of the deal."
Now that I think about it… the tournament is approaching, isn't it?
"And how are preparations going? Are you confident about what's to come?"
He frowns and says:
???: "Honestly? We're not bad, but we could be a lot better."
Hmm…
"Problems with Mr. Rand?"
He frowns even more and mutters:
???: "Bah, that damn kid barely shows up after settling all that mess with the permission."
???: "And every time he does show up? I get more disappointed! No progress—neither externally nor internally!"
???: "If he goes into the tournament like this? We're Fucked. You hear me?! FUCKED!"
Well… it could be worse.
???: "Wait… YES! THAT'S IT!"
Here we go…
???: "YES, IT'S THE PERFECT PLAN! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
Well, good luck, Mr. Summers.
I believe your stay here will be very… interesting.