Winds of Freedom

Chapter 61: Brotherly Bonds

Chapter 61: Brotherly Bonds

Atop in the snowy skies of Shuigang...

"Huh, of course!" Lilac snapped her gaze forward from atop Pangu, a soft smile curling her lips. "Just... having some glimpses of the past."

"Glimpses of the past..."

Past...

Past...

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Relic Island – Red Scarves Hideout, Training Rooms

3 Years Ago

Somewhere deep within the tangled greenery of Relic Island, inside the grand dense forest, there lay a hidden entrance nestled between two ancient trees. Behind it, a long winding tunnel opened into a vast underground stronghold, an intricate maze of corridors and chambers. The heart of this concealed base was alive with motion, the sound of grunts and shouting echoing through the air.

Inside, the Red Scarves secret training ground was bustling with activity. Members of the notorious group moved with swift determination, sparring, sprinting, and sharpening their weapons, where sparring partners darted and clashed.

And in a secluded corner of this expanse—behind a sliding metal door engraved with old claw marks—one smaller arena hosted a far more... spirited session.

"Hyah!"

"Ciclone!"

The sharp clash of whips and claws reverberated through the chamber.

In the center of the room, two young figures danced across the stone floor, locked in a fiery clash. On the side, leaning against the wall with arms folded and brows furrowed, stood a teenage panda. He said nothing, but his green eyes tracked every movement.

Just fifteen at the time, he exuded calm control, though a slight twitch at the corner of his eye betrayed his mounting irritation.

In the arena, a green wildcat with an untamed tuff of hair launched a furious flurry of swipes. She ducked, spun, and rolled with surprising agility. Carol Tea, only nine but already a firecracker, fought with a wild rhythm that made her moves unpredictable.

Opposite her, a young twelve-year-old water dragon countered each attack with elegance and precision. Sashs movements were fluid, her violet hair whipping around and lashing out with every turn. Dressed in a training suit similar to the one she'd wear years later, though with the addition of a bold red scarf tied proudly around her neck, she fought with a burning intensity in her eyes.

"I keep telling you! Angel Island is real, and it's somewhere in the world!" Sash shouted, her voice ringing through the arena. As she flipped backward to avoid Carol's swipe.

"Uuuuuugh, ever since you found that dusty old book on Nana's shelf, you've been running your mouth about some make-believe sky island!" Carol growled, lunging forward with a roundhouse kick. "Fantasy land this, ancient gem that, get over it!"

Sash twisted her body and caught Carol's leg with a sweep of her own, sending the cat stumbling back. "You don't believe anything that isn't right in front of your nose!" she snapped, using the momentum to whip her hair around, forcing Carol to retreat with a surprised yelp.

The wildcat scoffed and threw herself into a handspring, flipping over Lilac and landing behind her. She lunged with a flurry of fast, low jabs, her claws snapping dangerously close to Sash's face. Sash countering with a rapid cyclone that almost slammed on Carol's side.