SUMMARY

One week after Simon comes back home from the Taoist Monastery in China, he decides to take one of the first harder steps in his journey to fulfill his destiny to be The Guardian: to reconnect with deep friendships almost lost in time. He reaches out to his old friend Tua, as a start, and proposes to have his official pro wrestling debut with him. What lies beneath the surface of the reconnection?

SETTING: FEBRUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 12, 2023; CHINATOWN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK//MAUI, HAWAII, USA

CHINATOWN, NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK; FEBRUARY 11, 2023

SIMON HIU
It's been three whole years since I was last here, in the states. I flew back on February 4th... with an interesting delay... but I made it back here all in one piece.. and I'm surprised my apartment here in Chinatown survived all this time too. I wanted more than anything to jump back in the action, start fighting again. I finally feel ready... But I also needed to take some time to really figure out how to begin fulfilling this destiny of being The Guardian of this Lifetime. Right before I went down the secret exit of the monastery, my Sifu said something that really stuck with me... Not to mention it was also reiterated in one of the notes they left in the book that they gave to me... "To begin fulfilling your destiny to being The Guardian, you must first reconcile with the bonds you left behind." ... I was never good with confrontation. Seems that hasn't changed with my... rebirth... but it is something I must do.

As I sit on my bed almost getting lost in thought, I slap my face with both hands to snap myself out of it. I take a deep breath and remember one of the earliest friendships I had formed before I left the states for my trainings and travels, Tua. Knowing the depth of friendship that was beginning to grow, I know this may not be easy, so I gather up the courage, take a deep breath, count to three, and I open my laptop to email him. "Hello Tua! It has been a very long time; sorry for not staying in touch. I've been away for three years, but I'm finally ready to make my mark in the pro wrestling world, and I was wondering if you would like to do that honor for me? I heard that HotShots introduced the Maui Ring recently.. If you'd like I can meet you there, we can wrestle almost like the old times. I hope you're doing well buddy, and I hope to hear from you soon. Take care now, Simon Hiu." I hit send and open a page to order a one-way ticket to Maui, but hold off until I get a reply back.

MAUI KID
I am relaxing by the beach taking in the warm sunshine and listening to the waves crash in. Feeling very calm and content. Coming down from the high of winning my first Championship belt in the Royal Albert Hall. I start to drift off to sleep when I hear my mobile beep. I decide to check and I have a new email. It is from someone named Simon. I open the message and my eyes widen as I realize this is from my big brother. I have not seen or heard from him in 3 years. You say you want to come to see me in Maui and make your pro wrestling debut. I have this strange mix of emotions. I am relieved you are okay. I am angry you would leave for so long and never even leave me as much as a message to let me know you were okay, I’m happy, I’m excited to see you. I write you back. "Dear Big Bro. I am so relieved you are okay. I am doing good and I hope you will get the earliest ticket to Maui. You have a lot of explaining to do."

I head back to my wrestling gym on the beach and I change into my workout gear. Put on my headphones and blast some music and start to pump some iron. I work out very hard as I fight through the emotions in my head. Going over and over in my head what I will say to you and trying to push the anger out of my head so I can give you the warm welcome you deserve.

SIMON HIU
As I take my duffel-bag from my wardrobe and begin to pack it, I get a ping. I rush over to my laptop and see a reply from you. "Boy.. that was quick," I think to myself. I take a deep breath and open the reply. I smile a bit, but then I clench my jaw and shift my throat a bit as I read "You have a lot of explaining to do." Of course, that's to be expected, but knowing what I must do doesn't make anything easier. I shift tabs and find that there is a flight available for tonight, 7:15PM EST, so I book the flight, get my ticket printed, and pack everything I need to be ready for the flight. After everything is packed, I respond, "Good hearing from you, and of course. I have a ticket for a flight going out tonight, around 2:15PM your time. We will meet tomorrow and I will explain everything. Take care lil bro, Simon Hiu." I sign and send the email, close my laptop and put it in my backpack.

With the clock reading 4:30PM my time, I get dressed; a black compression t-shirt, a dark green bomber jacket, dark green sweatpants, and I slip on my casual loafers, and head out to take the train to the airport. As I get to the airport, I check in, and seeing I still have some time, I get myself some dinner and meditate. Soon enough, the clock strikes 7:00PM and I line myself up at the gate to board the plane and with that I fly out to Maui.

MAUI, HAWAII; FEBRUARY 12, 2023, TIME: 6:00AM EST//1:00AM HST

SIMON HIU
As I land in Maui, I find my way to the nearest hotel, check in, and make my way to the room I'd be staying in. As soon as I settle down, I send you an email to let you know I've arrived and I cannot wait to see you once I've gotten some rest.

MAUI KID
I soon get a response back from you and I am surprised, nervous, excited to hear you will be arriving on Maui tonight. I head home and shower and get some dinner and try to keep myself busy. My head swimming with so many thoughts. Where was he? What excuse could he possibly have for not contacting me for so long? What will I even say? I finally am able to fall asleep and when I wake up I see your email that you are here. My big bro is on the island and not far away. I email you back as I eat some breakfast asking if you would like me to pick you up at the hotel.

TIME: 10:00AM HST

SIMON HIU
I wake up and see your reply, asking if I would like to be picked up at the hotel. I accept your offer, stating I haven't been around the island in a while and I don't know where the new ring would be. With that, I start my day, stretch, meditate, do some routine Tai Chi forms in the hotel room, and get dressed in a gray tank top and my dark green sweatpants from last night, take my duffel-bag, and head to the lobby for some breakfast. I begin to search up some of the matches you've been in the past couple weeks, not realizing you're a champion now. Well, we do in fact have a lot to talk about.

MAUI KID
You reply as I finish my coffee saying you would like me to pick you up. I change into my red and blue floral print workout shorts, black trainers, and a tight white tank top. Put on my big ray bans and hop in my red jeep with the top down and head out to your hotel. I pull up by the lobby and send you a text to let you know I have arrived.

SIMON HIU
As I finish my tea, I see a red jeep pull up and get a message from you. You're here. I take a deep breath, discard the plate and cup, and take my duffel and head to your car. I open the back door to load my duffel there. "Hey lil bro!! It's been way too long!!" I close the back door and open the front passenger. "So good to see you," I give you a warm but calm smile. "Look at you!! You look amazing bro."

MAUI KID
I see you exit the hotel and my jaw drops. I can hardly recognize you. You act very nonchalantly saying hi and putting your bag in the back. You are so much bigger. I get out of the jeep to get a closer look at you. "Aloha big bro, good to finally see you too!" I force a smile as you tell me I look good. "Mahalo bro. But uhh what about you? You are so big!" I open my arms to give you a hug. I am angry at you but also happy. I can feel some tears start to form in my eyes and I try to hold them back.

SIMON HIU
I see you get out of the jeep and scan me. I smile at you, and see your eyes getting wet. I shift my jaw a little and softly nod. I knew this was gonna be hard. I open my arms and move in to give you a warm hug. 多謝晒 (do1 ze6 saai3), err, thank you so much, lil bro, looks like we've both grown!" I reply back. "And, congrats on winning a champion title!! I'm sorry I wasn't around for that," I say while extending us back out to hold you by your shoulders. I cock my head to my right to gesture to the car. "Should we uh, hop in and you can show me what's new? And that new Maui Ring?" I ask with a sympathetic and excited tone, that is very subtly masked by the anger I could feel you trying to stifle.

MAUI KID
You give me a hug and I hug you tight. Telling me I have grown too and congratulating me on becoming the champ and how you are sorry for not being there. You tell me everything I want to hear and I reply softly “ you are here now bro that’s what matters” trying to keep my voice steady. You extend your arms but keep your hands on my shoulders asking if we should go and I can show you around. I nod my head. "Yeah bro let’s head out. Would love to show you the new beach ring." We get back in my jeep and I put on my sunglasses to hide my eyes and speed off for the beach.

SIMON HIU
The ride was mostly silent, both of us pondering on what there is to say, what could there be to say. We pull up to the beach and I try to joke, "Did you learn how to race while I was away?" Jokingly shaking my head as if the fast motion had me a little dizzy. I give the beach a scan, and notice the venue for the Maui Ring is definitely different from the ring we wrestled in 3.5 years ago. "This new venue looks great!! Anyone break it in yet?" I turn to you as we step forward and begin making our way towards the area.

MAUI KID
We arrive at the beach ring and I look over at you as you joke about me learning to race. I don’t want to hear your jokes. I want an explanation. “Yeah maybe I did bro. I probably learned a lot in the past three years. You wouldn’t know. Glad you like the new ring bro. Looks really good at night.” We walk to over to the ring. I look up at you very focused on you. “So bro. Is this where you want to make your pro wrestling debut? Right here, against me?”

HotShots Maui Ring: Night Shot

SIMON HIU
I take a deep breath as I hear you quip that I wouldn't know what you learned for the past three years. You try to hide the pain me falling off the grid has caused, but I can tell. Because I would feel the same. But still, as we walk to the ring, I push forward and you ask if this is where it is to happen. "Yeah lil bro, this would be the perfect place, and if you would do me the honors, I think you would be the perfect one. Standard pro, one fall decided by pin, submission, or KO.. Sound good?" I try to remain calm while being direct but also still warm. "We can start whenever... does this venue have a locker-room?" I ask you, lightly shaking the duffel in my left hand.

MAUI KID
I look intently at you as you tell me that you want to wrestle here and that we can start whenever. I swallow hard as I look at your increased muscle and size and especially at the mention of a KO as a possible path to victory. "Yeah bro it’s more than okay with me. You can see first hand how I have grown and what I have learned. The locker room is right over there. Follow me and we can get changed."

SIMON HIU
"Perfect," I softly smile at you and follow you to the locker room. "Do we have a ref for tonight?" I ask as we head to the room. We enter the locker room and you point me to an open locker. You yourself go for a locker that is one aisle in front of mine, and I get changed into my new gear. I take off my tank top, throw it in the locker, followed by my green sweatpants. I slip on a White, Dynasty Brand, "Technique/Everything" MMA-Grappling Shorts, black ankle support socks, these black sneakers with a white/black patterned top, and new, white thin gloves.

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MAUI KID
I smile at you as you say it’s perfect and open my locker. “Yeah bro we have a ref here. He does all the matches if you’d like one. If I were you I’d request it” I wink and smirk at you. I change into my blue speedo with the lotus flower tie on a white band around my bicep and a wrist band on the other, knee high socks and my calf high white and gray wrestling shoes I decide to not go barefoot for this match. I look you over from head to toe in your fight gear. I stare extra long at your much bigger and muscled chest and biceps and legs and then at your fight gloves and I wonder to myself why are you wearing these for a pro wrestling match, and just what did YOU learn why you were away.

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SIMON HIU
"Sounds good bro! I guess it would be wise to request a ref for a debut against a new Champion," I chuckle out. I look over at the entrance of the locker room. There is this giant, rectangular, touch-screen panel where we can send the request in for intro and victory music, the request for a ref, and match rules. The scene has gotten a lot more higher tech since I was last in a fight scene. I put in my intro music and victory music, the request for a ref, and put in the match type and rules, and take a deep breath. I look over to you again and step aside for you to use the panel. "You look absolutely amazing lil bro," I say softly to and then close my eyes a bit and open them to transition into a look of spirited intent.

MAUI KID
You tell me it sounds good. Again making a joke. I can’t believe how calm you are. I want answers and it’s eating at me but each time I try to get under your skin, to get you to react, you just shake it off with a smile and act so friendly. I watch as you put your information into the panel. You again tell me I look amazing. “Yeah thanks big bro. So do you. Really." I step up to the panel I put in my songs and step back to face you. "Bro i can’t believe it is almost time already. I hope you don’t have any ring rust after three years," I laugh as I give you a sideways smile.

SIMON HIU
"Thanks bro," I say calmly to you. I look at the clock as you say it's almost time, my heart beginning to pick up the pace. "Ha ha, I might.. I haven't been in a ring in three years.. and well, last time I was... that session went a little... rough, almost like a real match," I chuckle out, recalling my session with Rob Hunter. Suddenly, I hear a little chime.

TIME: 11:55AM HST

SIMON HIU
A voice through the PSAs, "MAUI KID, STAND BY. MAUI KID, STAND BY." You're being called to be ready to make your entrance. "Well, I'll see you on the flip side lil bro," I smile and hold out my forearm to bump the outer parts of our forearms together.

Maui Ring

MAUI KID
I hear my name over the PA and I know it’s almost time for me to make my entrance. I take a deep breath and I bump my forearm to yours. I smile at you “Good luck big bro. You will need it.”

I hear my music starts and I get the signal to go. I rush down the aisle as my music blasts through the speakers, Army of Me by björk. The sun is shining and its warm day in Maui. I usually wrestle at night but today is a special day. I slap hands with all my fans and I jump in the ring. I do a few standing backflips and climb to the top rope to raise my arms and smile at the crowd as they cheer. MAUI KID MAUI KID MAUI KID. I climb down and step in my corner to wait for you. The crowd must be anxious to see my brother in Maui for the first time in more than three years “IN THE RING AT 5’7 135 POUNDS, IT'S YOUR VERY OWN HIGH-FLYING MAUI KID!!"

SIMON HIU
I hear my name over the PSA system next. "SIMON HIU, SIMON HIU, STAND BY." I am directed by staff where to stand and I hear the crowd go wild as you make your entrance. Your home turf, it makes sense they would cheer for you. Soon, the lights dim in the locker room and the lights that line the runway to the ring begin to pop up, one at a time. The voice of the announcer booms across the beach, echoing through the locker room. "AND INTRODUCING HIS OPPONENT, COMING IN FROM NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, AT 5'8", 167 POUNDS, FOR HIS HOTSHOTS DEBUT, THE GUARDIAN, SIMON HIU!!" My intro theme, Origin by Besomorph ft. Neoni, blasts through the speakers. As two of the ground spotlights shine onto me, I bring my hands up to prayer position, bow my head down, and begin lightly jogging to the ring. I climb up the metal steps, make my way to the ropes, entering one leg in at a time through the middle ropes, and meet you and the ref at the center.

MAUI KID
I watch your big entrance closely and I can’t help but be impressed and maybe even a little envious. I meet you in the middle of the ring and look up at you with a very serious look on my face. The ref explains that the winner will be decided by a pin, submission, or KO. I nod my head to agree as he starts to check me over. He tells us to have a good match and I extend my hand to shake yours. “Good luck bro. You will need it you’re on my turf now.”

SIMON HIU
I smile at you and put my right hand in a fist to meet with my left palm. "Right back at you bro, but I think I remember beating you on your own turf last time," I give you a wink as I hold the martial arts greeting pose.

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I extend my left hand to shake your right and then step back and the bell rings. We begin circling each other and I watch you very carefully. Getting excited, I want to test what you've learned and pit it against what I've learned, so I hold both my hands up and wiggle my fingers to see if you would like to tie up in a collar/elbow lockup, slowly inching towards you as I keep circling back and forth.

MAUI KID
As I try to get under your skin you respond calmly reminding me of the last time we met and pound your fist into your palm then give me a wink. I feel my blood start to boil. We shake quick and both step back. The ref rings the bell. You put your hands up and wiggle your fingers. You want to lock up and I have gained a little muscle since our last meeting and I want to show you. I lunge in and put one hand on the back of your neck and one on your shoulder and plant my feet and push hard as I rise up. GRUNTING loud as I try to push you back. "You aren’t winning here today big bro!"

SIMON HIU
We lockup and I can feel you gained some strength compared to three years ago, but so have I. Without drawing much breath, I quip back "I think my odds are still good," I look up to your face and wink at you as I begin to push you back. As I push you back a couple steps, I attempt to pick up the pace and run forward to send you to the ropes so I can hopefully use it to help me grab and launch you to the opposite ropes. If that works, I'll run straight at you and meet you body-to-body, but jump up a bit, wrap my left arm around the back of your neck and twist our bodies around to toss you to the ground.

Jumping Neck Toss

MAUI KID
You are never one to be quiet and of course have a response saying the odds are in your favor. I grunt louder as I try to push you more. “ think you’ve been watching to much hunger games movies big bro” when you suddenly increase your push and I start to get walked back to the ropes. I feel like you were just letting me think I was matching strength with you. You grab me and launch me into the opposite ropes I come running back at you. I think you must be going to try a dropkick or a clothesline. I get ready to duck or dodge but you just jump a little I start to bounce off but you grab me and I find myself twisted and landing on the mat. I let out a grunt and slap the mat. Glaring up at you and as I start to get up I lunge at you grabbing for your right leg and I try to pull it up and knock you to your back for a single leg takedown.

Single Leg Takedown variation

SIMON HIU
I see you slap the mats and glare up at me. As you start to get up, you lunge at me going to grab my right leg. I swiftly retreat and step-leap to my right side and send a hard right chop to your back to push you away and back up to create distance between us.

Horizontal Chop to Back

MAUI KID
You manage to jump to the side and I miss your leg. As I start to rise up I feel a hard chop to my back and let out a loud groan as it sends a shockwave of pain up my spine. I reach for my back to rub it as I start to stand tall. Point to my back as I play up the pain a bit more than it actually hurts “what was that bro?” Trying to distract you as I rush at you full speed and extend my arm just as I get to you as I look to take you down to the mat with a big MAUI POWERLINE.

SIMON HIU
I give you a small smirk right before you rush at me and extend your right arm to take me down with your Maui Powerline. This is one of many things my trainings in Europe and at the Monastery taught me. Infinite ways to counter the variations of a clothesline. As I see you near me I step to my left and your right, bend my body back, and shoot back up behind you, hooking my right arm around your right forearm nearest to your elbow and I use my left hand to cup around your pit for a bit to stop your momentum. I then pivot my right arm back to wrench your arm back just a bit, strike your pit with a middle knuckle jabbing uppercut, and grip your pit with my left hand and your wrist with my right and I toss you up and over onto your side, then kick your back so you fall onto your front and I keep your arm locked up for a bit before throwing it down to the canvas and sending one stomp to the middle of your back, the same spot I chopped at earlier. "That was prep work for this," I quip back at you before stepping back and away from you.

MAUI KID
You manage to duck my POWERLINE and before I find you I feel you grab my arm from behind bending it back. You send a strike to my sensitive pit and I groan and get tossed over to the mat. You don’t let get if my arm as I twist and turn but you do kick my back sending me on my stomach holding my arm as I kick my boots and grunt. “Ughhhh let me go. Or else !!” I yell. When BAAAM you send a stomp right to the site part of my back and let go of my arm. I hear you quip back at me as I rub my back and arch it up. I crawl to the ropes and try to slide out of the ring I can’t believe I’m saying this but I need to slow down the pace.

SIMON HIU
I see you crawl out of the ropes and slide out of the ring, going to recover. I back up to take a little breather, maintaining my composure. If I wanted to, and I do, I would rush out after you, but knowing who you've learned your styles from, I know taking the fight outside of the ring with you can be dangerous. So I take a step back and wait for you to get back in. "Take your time bro, I want this to be a fair fight," I raise my tone a bit and wink at you as I back up and begin a circling motion as I retreat further from where you exited the ring.

MAUI KID
The ref is counting me out as I hear your friendly comments. Getting on my nerves now. I slide in the ring before the ten count and I put my arms up. “Come get me bro,” this time wanting you to make the first move.

SIMON HIU
I hear the ref counting you out, and I continue to trace your movements, take a deep breath and you come back in. I get into a low stance, my arms to my side but my forearms out a little bit, and I circle you just a bit twitching my upper body to feint some movements, and then I go in for bait kicking combination, a jumping clockwise heel kick to low rear-sweeping kick. If you fall for both moves, I'll take advantage of the time of your dodge to come back up and deliver a clockwise hook kick and wrap my leg around your neck to take you down to the mats.

Jumping Clockwise Heel Kick to Low Rear Sweeping Kick

(Sample) Hook Kick

MAUI KID
Looking at you closely. I can’t help but take notice of your upper body twitching. When you jump and go for a clockwise heel kick. I dodge it but you are ready scraping at my leg with a low sweeping kick. I let out a grunt distracting me long enough for you to send up a hook kick and trap my head and neck and flip me to the mat landing with a big THUD on my back. stunned by the move and the flurry of fast offense.

SIMON HIU
As I feel my hook kick to takedown connect, I feel the ring shake as you land on your back. "You wanted me to come at you," I shrug and I move to hook both your ankles between my arms and steadily shift us to the center. Wanting to show more of my newfound strength, I go to perform a counterclockwise giant swing, lifting you off the canvas and swinging you around about four times before tossing you to my perspective of the upper left corner of the ring.

Counterclockwise Giant Swing

MAUI KID
Still stunned from the last kick i feel you grab my legs and drag me to the corner. Not sure what you are planning when I start to feel myself swing, my body coming off the mat and I’m getting dizzy. When you finally let go and send my body flying towards the corner. I hit the canvas hard and bounce a few times and try to sit up in the corner my head spinning not sure where you are or even where I am right now.

SIMON HIU
As I see you land and bounce back a few times, dazed, I can't help feel a little guilt. But this is a match and I can't let such emotions cloud me, so I take the open opportunity and stalk my way towards you. As I close the distance, I lean down and use my right hand to cup around your jaw and chin, pulling you up to your feet. I push you into the corner before spinning you around so that your back is exposed. I send two kicks to the back of both of your knees before locking my arms up between your pits, setting you up for a full nelson. I lean in and whisper, "We're in the final act bro," and I go to Dragon Suplex you out of the corner to the center of the ring.

Dragon Suplex variation

MAUI KID
You are right on me and grab my jaw and chin to lift me off my feet. My body is shaking with anger and frustration. I growl at you. “ Get your hands off me bro!!!" and you turn me around to face the corner and kick the back of both my knees. I can’t defend them as I can’t even see you and I scream out in pain. I feel you lock your arms up between my pits in a Full Nelson as you tell me it’s the final act. I try to flex my biceps to break the Nelson. “No way bro. Ahhhh! I am so angry with you!!" but you don’t listen as you use your strength to just suplex me over your head and I land face first on my front. It’s no ordinary suplex. I lay still for the moment before my hands go to my face as I moan in pain feeling very dazed.

SIMON HIU
For the first time I hear you clearly state how you feel. We're bound to talk about it after. I walk over to you carefully and mount on top of you, my ass on top of your face. A tear falls down my cheek, but I push through. I send two forearm clubs to your lower hips to weaken your ability to use your legs more, and then I lean forward and press my right forearm down on your legs just past your knees and then my left forearm down on your hips, my forearm just above your groin. I then lock your head in a reverse headscissor and begin to slowly but methodically tighten the hold. "It's time bro, just submit." I say coldly.

MAUI KID
I see you over me and you give me no time to try to recover from that big move. You mount me and sit your ass on my face. Smothering me as I groan and try to weakly push you off. As I try to bring up my legs you drive your forearms HARD into my hips. Stunning me more. My head comes up but not far as you cut off my air flow with your ass. I feel you press down on hips and legs and then feel your big muscular thighs start to surround my head. You start to tighten and squeeze. Telling me to submit. I feel so embarrassed by my performance and also by the tent in my speedo. You know what this move does to me and you chose it of all moves. I just mutter "No way bro. I hate you so much right now..."

SIMON HIU
I feel you tent in your speedo, and my left forearm rubs against it a bit as a consequence of being at that area to pin your lower body down. I shiver a bit but only tighten the hold as you tell me in your exhaustion that you hate me right now. I grit my teeth and continue to tighten the reverse-headsissor, your head being pushed more into my ass. "Up to you bro. Tap now, or you can take a nap. If I recall correctly, you hate being put out," I respond bluntly, trying to hold back my emotions while keeping my energy and focus on this hold and keeping your body still.

MAUI KID
I gasp as I feel your forearm rub on my tent. You tighten the scissor so much I can feel my head getting light. Not able to breathe and my face is pushed even more into your ass. You start to taunt me as you know I hate being KO’d, my eyes are starting to roll into the back of my head. I now more than ever do not want to mutter a submission to you. I am so defiant right now so full of anger. I start to feel fear as I feel myself about to black out and come back. I lift my hand and I tap your thigh. I just hope you feel it and accept the tap.

SIMON HIU
I grit my teeth while I continue to tighten the hold, when all of a sudden I feel the muscles in your left shoulder shift and I feel your left hand tapping on my thigh. I slowly unwrap the hold, gently as the bell rings and the ref comes to get me off of you and raise my hand. My victory music plays, Kung Fu by Apashe. "AND YOUR WINNER BY SUBMISSION, THE GUARDIAN, SIMON HIU!" As I let the ref raise my hand I scan the audience and can see the shock on their faces, some softly applaud but I can see most of their attention directed to their favorite, you. As the ref lets me pace around the ring for a "victory lap," I can't help but think about your anger. I move towards you, groaning and shifting on the canvas, and scoop you up onto your feet and drape your right arm over my neck and I secure you with my left arm around your torso and my right hand softly gripping your right wrist. As I walk us to the locker room slowly, I say to you, "let's go freshen up and talk about it, okay?" my voice trembling a bit, nervous for the confrontation yet to come.

MAUI KID
I feel you start to loosen your legs and just in time too. The bell rings and I hear your music play as you get to your feet. I lay on the mat my head ringing and my body aching unable to move as I cough and gasp for air. Suffering one of my worst defeats and here in my home ring too. Starting to fear I’m going to be left laying in the ring I feel you scoop me up and put my arm over your neck and you hold my limp wobbly body up with your other hand. You start to walk me back to the locker room slowly. I can feel my eyes starting to water again. You say we should freshen up and talk about it. I swallow hard to try to hide my emotions and just mutter “Yes big bro."

SIMON HIU
As we make our way to the locker room, I avert my gaze from you, my eyes scanning everywhere but you. I get us to your locker first, and sit you down in front of your locker on the bench. On the ends of the locker, there are cases of water bottles and as you try to keep yourself steady, I go over and get a water bottle for you, coming back, "Here bro, you need to rehydrate yourself," I say handing you a water bottle.

MAUI KID
We finally make it to the locker room. The walk felt like it was a mile and you sit me down on the bench. I bend down and put my head in my hands just trying to wrap my head around everything that happened not just in the match but over the past 3 years. I lift my head as you tell me to re-hydrate myself. I flip my hair out of my eyes and wipe my eyes with my arm. Take the water and I drink the entire bottle fast. “Mahalo bro. I needed that..." I rub my neck as I look up at you and I just come out and say it, “But bro. Where were you all this time? Didn’t you want to talk to me?? I missed you. I was scared something had happened to you!"

SIMON HIU
As you take the bottle and chug the entire thing, you come back up and blurt it all out. I'm taken aback by your burst and I sit myself down next to you. Not wanting to overstep any physical gestures, I take a deep breath, count to three in my head, and bring my eyes to look at you, into yours. "There's no easy way to tell you everything... First, I'm so sorry I lost touch with you.. I missed you too, but so much happened after our last fight 3.5 years ago..." I begin to explain everything from the start. That fight I had with Havoc, the brutality I experienced and the mysteries that followed. I explain to you my training journey on the other side of the world, finding and losing love only to find it again, and then the mysteries and mysticisms of the monastery that forced me out of contact with everyone I knew for three years. Then, I hold my hands out in a cupping shape. "You're not gonna believe this, and this is a lot to take in, but..."

At the center of my hands, a soft green orb appears and pulses. "This, is a manifestation of the Guardian spirit. A magical spirit of the earth itself that apparently has been with me since I was born. It was the reason for all of the mysteries that occurred after my fateful destruction at the hands of Havoc the first time." The soft green orb slowly fades and I put my hands on my legs, palms down. "Like I said, this is a lot to take in, but so much happened, one right after another, and all I can say is that I am so sorry for all the pain that was born from falling out of touch with you. I may have changed on the outside, but the big bro you began to knew 3.5 years ago, that is still me.. Just, apparently, not literally just a human either," I try to chuckle that last part out. Then I straighten my posture and look to you softly, wondering if you would even believe me and forgive me.

MAUI KID
You sit next to me and look me in the eyes. Telling me all that has gone on over the past 3.5 years. I just keep nodding my head until you open your palms and I see a glowing green orb. I move back not sure what it is. “Bro. I don’t know what to say. I feel, well, very selfish. I was so angry with you I didn’t even consider what you could have went through. I don’t understand all this bro but I hope you will forgive me and I really can’t stand the thought of losing you again. I think that is why I acted the way I did. I was afraid if I let myself get close again, you would leave me.”

SIMON HIU
"Hey, hey, I understand that," I begin and I lean forward, grab your right arm with my left hand and then bring you in for a hug. "I am so sorry that I disappeared 3.5 years ago. I am so sorry. I know why you feel the way you do and why you acted the way you did. I forgive you, and I hope you forgive me too. I won't leave you ever again, that's a promise, kay?" I say and bring us out and smile empathetically at you, using my left hand to brush some of your loose hairs while gently gripping your left arm with my right hand.

MAUI KID
You tell me you understand how I felt and I realize how patient you were since you have been here. You grab my hands and bring me in for a hug. You promise you will not leave me again. And I can feel the tears now running down my cheek and all my pent up emotions are flowing free. You brush the hair out of my eyes and I bring my arm up to wipe them again. I see you smile and I can’t help but to smile back. I can not stand these emotional scenes so I try to break the tension. “Bro. You are just lucky I didn’t get in a headbutt," I laugh. Then look at you again. "Hey bro. Can I see that green orb again? Can I touch it?"

SIMON HIU
As I see you break the emotional tension and smile back, I chuckle when you mention I was lucky I didn't feel your headbutt. "Ha, that is true. I would only hope all my training would have prepped me to endure and/or avoid it better," I lightly quip back. Then you ask to see the Guardian spirit again, wanting to touch it. "Well... Stay still, because I can do you one better," and I place my left hand on your right shoulder and move my right palm up close to your naval first, then up to your solar plexus, as a soft green light glows from my palm. I give you a kind gaze and you begin to feel your body relax, any tighter sensations that could be injuries begin to fade, especially for your neck and your back. I slide my hand down and away from your midsection as the light begins to fade. "Now, all you'll feel is a very slight soreness that should go away by midday tomorrow," I smile.

MAUI KID
You smile back and of course tell me you have counters for my headbutt I roll my eyes and laugh. “yeah of course you learned some bro,” then you grip my shoulder and open your hand with the green flowing orb telling me you can do one better. You move your palm over my naval and solar plexus. I feel a very soothing sensation and very relaxed. I roll my neck and it doesn’t hurt. My head starts to feel clear again and my back. It isn’t sore. I smile back at you. “Bro. That is incredible. What an amazing gift you have. I don’t feel like I was in a fight anymore. I feel relaxed. I feel happy. Like my worries are washed away.”

SIMON HIU
"Well, from what I learned so far it said I could heal others physically... but emotions are another level... Guess I.. leveled up a bit?" I say in a hush tone to myself but lightly and chuckle the last part out. "I'm glad that you feel better bro. Now what do you say, we go get washed up, and then after you can show me what's new in Maui? I haven't been here in so long," I chuckle out.

MAUI KID
I smile back at you as you say you have leveled up. That’s a great idea bro. Let’s clean up. I’m glad you aren’t too tired because I have arranged a big luau on the beach tonight in your honor. I hope guardians still have a big appetite. I smile and laugh as I head to the showers.

SIMON HIU
I smile as we head to the showers, and before we both go to our respective shower "cubes" I hear you mention that you arranged a big luau on the beach in my honor, and I blush and giggle a bit, honored you have already prepped for such a thing. As we change into some fresh clothes, we live through a fun night at the luau...

I spend the rest of the week in Maui, wanting to make up for lost time and to really reconnect with you. Here and there, I process how much you've changed, and how much I did too. We've both grown and changed, but with our friendship being reborn and reinvigorated now, growing stronger than before, I am able to slowly feel at peace with being able to make amends and take one more step in fulfilling my destiny of being The Guardian.

Published: 2023-02-13, viewed 68 times.