Short Story about Pau

PAU the voice rang, breaking the day-dream state that I had been in. THUMP Next thing I knew, I was on the floor, fallen from my balance post. A long sigh rings from above me, it was the voice of my Grand Monk, Zenshao “You know, I do believe that one day a welt will grow on that head of yours.” The slow falling Vanaran landed upon the ground next to me, extending a tail in assistance to help one grounded monkey -namely me- to get up.

I brought my hand to meet the tail, and I was lifted up with simple ease back to my feet. “Yeah, I’m surprised it hasn’t either!” I chuckle, giving a toothy grin. “I started day-dreaming again didn’t I,” I furthered, with a dejected sigh myself. “Is it time for the Bout yet?”

“Yes my boy, I taught you as I could, I can only say one thing at this point, good luck.” Zenshao gives a small, smile and nod.

Walking into this arena, sitting atop the Ironbark Tree, I knew that something big was coming for me, I knew Wukong would battle like this all the time, and that I could totally mirror that! If only I was Wukong… I listened from my preparation area, Grand Monk Zenshao spoke with a volume almost not possible, “Monks of the Ironbark Monastery, today is the fated day, my chosen protégé, is to now battle with two of his own age.” All I could hear was constant cheering and then a quiet. Zenshao must have silenced the group to speak again. “Now, I will announce the young battlers. Our two fated against the protégé will be the twins, Kremar and Kromun,” All of this led to a great chant, the two names ringing out, Kremar and Kromun were very liked in town, twins for all to love. “And as you all know, the one I have been training for this past month, Pau Tetahi!” Not close to as much applause, but I could hear some noise coming from, probably my family, and the few friends I had made. Nobody agrees with Zenshao’s opinion to pick me as the protégé.

I stepped out into the field. The first thing I notice when the sunshine leaves my eyes, is Grand Monk Zenshao, sitting atop a balcony. As I look down, a wooden floor arena, 30 feet in a circular direction, with 5 feet of rope surrounding that, and 5 large braziers. Large iron braziers, filled with fire. I used to think nothing of this, yet now, things are different. As I looked longer, there were vines hanging from the ceiling, long tendrils, useful for getting into the sky.

“Well my protégé?” I had probably missed something, again. I looked to the Grand Monk, and he seemed to be asking of me if I’m ready.

“I’m ready when they are!” I called out, totally bluffing my preparedness..

“Of course, now let this Grand Bout BEGIN!” his voice boomed, and next thing I knew, the twins were on the move..

I jumped upwards, hoping to gain some advantage through making them have to work in the sky, and it seemed they didn’t expect me to go right into the vines, and were caught off guard. This fight was a weapon only of fists, no staves, or blades. The game of cat and mouse began. I have always loved how free of movement I was, and I loved to dodge, and dip, and dive. Generally tire people out, then start to get the drop on them. If you notice, I didn’t use any tips that may have been given to me, I would just do what I was already comfortable with, as if I learned nothing. The twins however knew exactly what I would do after that original trick. They had me backed into a corner, above a brazier, Kremar on the vines in front of me, and Kromun down on the floor, so I had no escape. .

Block. Parry. Tail swipe. Blow after blow, the only way I had was through Kremar, and I needed to get through him. I got very desperate, and started darting my eyes towards Zenshao, for something. SOME little hint, that I could get out of this. I got no such hint. As I looked nervously one last time to Zenshao, one hand was knocked free, and I was sitting there, hanging by my tail. I looked to the floor, and all I could feel was the heat, the heat of the large brazier. Before I knew anything I looked up, and….

All I remember is heat. Absolute flame, I remember smelling fur burning, and the burning of flesh. Horrible, horrible flame scorching my tail, all over my entire tail, continuing from my tail, up my side, stretching like a horrible demon, laughing at me, clawing at my side, ripping it away. Then, black..

As I came to, I was looking into the face of the Grand Healer, a monk druid who specialized in the healing arts. I was bandaged on my entire abdomen and tail, completely covered. I got up once I was able, and walked out of the area, looking over the town, knowing that I’d need to leave soon. Those that lose the Bout are banished after all..

A few days past, I gathered my only belongings, not much. A quarterstaff made ages ago and a simple small wineskin. As he was about to leave, he heard a familiar voice, shout a familiar word. “PAU.” Came ringing through like a siren’s song. Zenshao floated down towards his former protégé, as he had done many times. This time he held something though. “Good thing I caught you in time, I wish to give this to you.” He held out a small gourd, not enough to hold a few ounces. “It’s one of my most treasured brews, and I want to drink some with you, when you return.” This was confusing, I thought I wasn’t allowed to return. “I wasn’t mistaken picking you, just picked you at the wrong time. When you are done growing, return here, we will drink then. Now go, you’ve got a destiny to find.”.

“O-of course Grand Monk, I will!” I bowed respectfully, and took out onto the world. Not knowing what would become of me.

Our Hero

Pau

Grand Monk

Zenshao the Wise: Old sage, Drunken Master himself, Gaara type keg on his back

Two Apprentice Monks

Kremar and Kromun: twin youngsters, very ambitious