Way of the jaded. Fist.
OK, so we need a perfect name for this T, something that
really captures its essence. Its essence is vital, It staves
off the shadow that claws at my mind.
Therefore it requires a name of gravitas.
The Obsidian Calm, perhaps? Oh, too dark?
How about fuzzy Bunny tea? It's got like all the good
vibes. Can we just call it anti eru KT
and be done with it please? It's functional.
You're functional. And you're petty.
Functional. This brew is a shield against
the abyss. The Shadows repose speaks to its
solemn duty. Or or sparkle Berry surprise
it's got star and nice and moon pedal and like happiness.
Happiness isn't a medical term, May.
Duh, it's a noun. The The whispers.
Oh dear. And they?
Grow louder. The tranquility of the Jade
Serpent. Oh, nice one.
Uncle Kai, are you OK? A.
Mere fleeting discomfort, little jade.
Mylanta, Uncle Kai. That didn't sound fleeting.
Big Sur. Ray quickly steep the moon pedal
and add a pinch of star anise exactly 3 pinches.
The precise measurement is key. We cannot risk the T being
ineffective. Right, three pinches.
Got it. My head.
Don't worry, Uncle Kai will find the perfect name and this T will
keep those whispers away. You're listening to Way of the
Jaded Fist, a Project Zion Theatre original.
Check out the show on iHeartRadio and Spotify.
Yay. While Danny is away, May will
play the yearly Harbour Town Tea Competition has arrived.
Danny Rose has won in years past, and now May looks to also
emerge victorious. Meanwhile, Master Kai Lung,
serving now as May's bodyguard and security for the Jade
Lantern Inn, now clings to the hope that his friend Rose will
find the mysterious Captain Marta, the woman who holds
knowledge of the required ritual.
Kai Lung is suffering, his mind a twisted, contorted battlefield
as he consumes May's special blend of tea to staves off the
effects of the wicked Eru K. But will it be enough and we'll
may be able to compete in this year's competition?
Find out today. Raymond Getty, yours truly
speaking. Thanks for listening and enjoy
the show. The Jade Lantern Inn, a
sanctuary for weary travellers and locals alike.
But this morning the air hums with a different kind of energy.
The Little Jade Cafe, nestled within the inn's warm embrace,
is alive with chatter abuzz about the upcoming Harbour Town
Tea Competition 1000 Silvers. Enough to change a life awaits
the Brewer who can capture the city's heart.
But for May, and for Uncle Kai, the tea is more than just a
competition. It's a lifeline, A fragile
shield against the shadows that threatened to consume him.
Drake, give me a timer. Are you kidding me?
Incredible 1000 silvers. Imagine what you could do with
that. I hear May's.
Entering her tea is supposed to be something special.
Miss May has got a real. Talent.
But that old woman and that regal young man, they're tough
competition. I'm just here for the free
samples her they're serving some rare blends.
Well, of course you are, Mr. Segi.
One pot of Jasmine blossom coming right up, Dre, you get
that? Heard Got it, chef.
Hello Miss Parker, enjoy your hot drink.
Thanks, May you 2 are lifesavers.
That'll be 5 silvers please with.
Pleasure young man, you 2 have a great work week, all right.
We'll do, Madam. Say, how's Uncle Kai doing?
He's holding steady, but those whispers, they're getting
louder. In the midst of the bustling
cafe, a silent battle rages. Kai Lung struggle against the
darkness, a constant gnawing presence, and May, with her
heart full of hope and her hands full of tea leaves, races
against time. The competition, the prize, It's
all secondary to the one thing that truly matters, keeping
Uncle Kai safe. Way of the Jaded Fist.
That's not it, my head. Stop it.
Leave me, demon. I won't fall prey to your wicked
plans. Damn it.
I must write this letter to Master Rose.
I must. And the shadows lengthen.
The whispers grow persistent. I must warn him.
You must know. Warn.
Warn whom and where. But the Old Kingdom?
Why would I? The memories he should to faith
in memories. My mind being twisted.
Twisted. No.
I must remember. I must tell him the danger it
spreads. Danny, you must come.
The Old Kingdom. They are not safe.
The E rou K's influence. No.
I can't forget. I can't what have I done?
I can't remember are. You all right?
Yes, little Jade. Just a moment.
Right, right. So, as I said, the primary
concern is space, adequate space for the competitors, the judges
and a reasonable audience. Oh, we've got plenty of space.
The main hall can easily accommodate everyone and the
acoustics are amazing for tea tasting.
She's right Sir. We also have a very robust
kitchen judge there and capable of handling any brewing needs.
Kitchen facilities, yes, important and the our reputation
of the establishment it is substantial.
That's right, the jade Lantern in has always been a place of
excellence. My uncle Danny, he made it a
legend. Your uncle daddy, a formidable
individual and now you may are carrying on that legacy.
Marvelous. Simply marvelous.
He raised me, you know, taught me everything.
This inn, this competition, it's the least I can do to honour
him. Agreed.
And the inn has been recently renovated with new tables and
chairs. Very comfortable.
Comfortable, Yes. But is it grand?
The Harbour Town Tea competition demands a certain level of pomp.
OK, we can make it grand. We'll decorate and have music
and and everything. Everything.
Let's focus on the practical. Can it?
Very well, I shall consider this location.
The reputation and the space provided are adequate.
However, the final decision will be made after I visit the other
locations. Thank you, Judge Theron.
We won't disappoint you. Thanks Judgey.
Do not address me as judgey. I am an official Himalaya Rift
approved tea contest judge. Address me as judge or judge
Theron. You called him judgey.
Are you insane, Dre? Very neutral moment for me.
I'm sorry he's gone. What's all this about Pomp May
Our budget is less than 0. We'll.
Give him pomp and we'll win that competition.
Two days, 48 hours. That's all that stood between
May and the Harbour Town Tea competition.
The Jade Lantern Inn, usually a haven of calm, was now a hive of
activity. Upstairs, in their shared
apartment, May and Dre waged a silent war against clutter and
chaos, a battle that mirrored the brewing tension.
Downstairs, the 1000 Silvers hung in the air, a prize that
could change everything. But for May, it was never truly
about the money. It was about honoring a legacy,
a promise, a man who had given her everything.
And now, with the competition looming, the stakes were higher
than ever. Drake, where did you put my star
in East? Here we go.
I swear it was right next to the moon pedal.
I moved it, it was creating a fire hazard next to the candle.
A fire hazard is * in East Ray, not a Dragon's breath.
I must say, the new musicians we hired definitely add a certain,
dare I say it, pomp. Dre, it sounds like we're
hosting a funeral in here. Next time let me handle the
music, my Lanta. Oh, come on, May.
And about my star, Inese. You're going to ruin my tea,
Dre. I'm going to prevent a fire.
May there's a difference? Evening May and Dre heard you're
entering the competition. Good evening.
That's right, I'm going to brew the best tea Harbour Town has
ever tasted. Love the confidence.
Heard that old woman Esmeralda is a real contender.
Been brewing for decades. She's got experience, that's for
sure, but May's got innovation. And finally, Star Anise, Yeah.
Thank goodness for that, right? Don't.
Forget that regal fellow Lord Valerius, he's got some fancy
imported blends. Listen, fancy doesn't always
mean good. My tea has heart.
And scientifically precise measurements.
Whatever, Dre. Oh, new customer boss.
Excuse me, do you have any tea that calms the nerves?
Yes, ma'am, we have chamomile, lavender or a blend of both.
Or we have a special blend. It's not on the menu yet.
Sounds delicious. May we're not testing
experimental blends on paying customers.
It's got moon pedal and * anise and well, it's very calming.
I'll try it. Wow.
Just don't set anything on fire. Uh huh.
You're lucky I need your help. The morning before the Harbour
Town Tea competition, anticipation hung heavy in the
air. Thick as the steam rising from
the teapots, the Little Jade Cafe, usually a place of quiet
comfort, was abuzz with activity.
Patrons whispered about the competitors, reporters jostled
for position, and the judges, like regal birds of prey,
surveyed their chosen venue. The Jade Lantern Inn, thanks to
its spaciousness and Mae's growing reputation, had been
selected as the battleground for the brewing showdown.
Welcome to the stage of history, Mae Ling.
Judge Theron enters, accompanied by the other two judges, Judge
Anna, a sharp witted older woman, and Judge Lind, a
composed young man. They are followed by a small
group of reporters holding notepads and quills.
Good morning patrons of the Jade Lantern Inn, we, the esteemed
judges of the Harbour Town Tea Competition, have reached a
decision regarding the venue. They're making a big deal out of
this. Shush Dre, this is important.
After careful consideration of all the locations, we have
determined that the Jade Lantern Inn is the most suitable venue
for the competition. The in spaciousness, its central
location and its reputation all contributed to our decision.
Oh, someone is raising their hand.
With all due respect, judges, the competition is tomorrow.
That's a very quick turn around for attendees.
Did the committee consider the logistical practicality of such
a short notice seriously? The committee is confident that
the public will be enthusiastic. They will.
Everyone loves tea. The reporters gather around May,
Esmeralda, the older woman, and Lord Valerius, the regal young
man, who are seated at a table. May.
You're a local favorite. What's your secret weapon,
heart, and A dash of star enemies.
What? It's true, adorable.
And you, Esmeralda, you've been brewing for decades.
What's your strategy? Experience, my dear, and a blend
of rare herbs. Wise beyond your years.
And finally, Lord Valerius, yes, your blends are imported from
distant lands. That's correct.
What makes them so special? They are cultivated in the
finest gardens under the most auspicious celestial alignments.
He's got to be joking. Celestial alignments?
Really. No.
Just smile and wave, Dre. We expect a large crowd, do make
sure you have enough seating. Right seating.
And don't forget to try the special blend, it's very
calming. Methinks you ought to save some
of that for tomorrow May. Save old tea, yeah?
No, no, I meant all the pump. While the end buzzed with
anticipation for the coming competition, a different kind of
battle raged upstairs. Kai Lung, trapped in the
labyrinth of his own mind, faced the Eru K's lingering influence.
Nightmares, twisted memories, and the chilling whispers of the
darkness sought to break his resolve, to drag him back into
the abyss. No, no mercy.
Please. Please have mercy.
I cannot give in. I will not give in.
Shall burn, all shall rock. No, no.
Damn it, I will not give in. Resist, resist God, please give
me the strength I need to resist.
Please, oh Lord, have. Mercy Lord, Oh Lord.
For the ye. Will inhabit.
This rock, this blood shall be. Darkened with the.
Fire. Death.
Whoa, time for some of May's elixir.
Say, that's not a bad name. It's functional, right?
This is it, today's the day. The Jade Lantern Inn has been
transformed. The room is buzzing with
anticipation. A large temporary platform has
been set up in the center. Judge Theron, Anya and Lynn are
seated on the platform. Barnaby Contest play by play
commentator stands to the side microphone.
None. All right tea enthusiasts,
welcome to the main event. The Harbour Town Tea competition
is upon us and I, your Play by Play pundit Barnaby, am here to
bring you every breathtaking brew.
It's going to be a real tea riffic contest, folks.
Let the brewing begin. We have 3 rounds to test the
skill and artistry of our esteemed contestants.
Round one, the ceremony of preparation and each contestant
will offer a personal haiku after completing each task.
Within the round, Esmeralda steps forward.
Her movement's precise and graceful.
She sets up her tea ceremony with practiced elegance.
Here comes Esmeralda to the plate, The veteran, the
venerable virtuoso. Watch that wondrous work, folks.
Years of practice, precision. She's a smooth operator, no
doubt about it. Water warms just so.
Leaves unfurl in gentle dance. Peace begins to brew.
By Joe A poetic preamble from the season specialist.
Peaceful prose perfectly presented.
Sounds like she's aiming for a tranquil triumph.
Lord Valerius steps forward, his tools gleaming.
He arranges them with a flourish.
And now, stepping up to the brewing box, it's Lord Valerius.
Look at that lavish layout. The finest fitting fit for a,
well, a Lord. Let's see if he can deliver a
delightful draft. It's all quite simple.
See, I called this arrangement the Astral Infusion array.
There's no substitute for class everyone, I hope.
The Excuse me, is this your haiku, Lord Valerius, or are you
running for political office? Right.
Apologies, judges. It is easy to get carried away
in the moment. Silver gleams so bright essence
flows in. Measured poor elegance takes
hold. Wow, magnificent.
A measured meditation, inverse polished pronouncements.
Perfectly phrased. Sounds like he's aiming for a
stylish success. And here comes the hometown
heroine, May the crowds clamoring for a champion.
You can feel the fervent focus. Let's see what wondrous wears
she will whip up. So I have the kettle here for
the hot water and these are the cups for serving and this is
where I keep the the star anise. It's a secret ingredient.
Well, your secret's safe with us, May.
Indeed, and for you a haiku may charm.
Hot water starts to steam my own brew.
A hopeful dream flavor waits to bloom.
Absolutely brilliant, folks. A blossoming ballad from our
bold Brewer. Hopeful harmonies, heartily
heralded. Sounds like she's brewing up a
big, bold breakthrough. And now, a quick word from our
esteemed panel judges. What are your initial insights
into these poetic preparations? Judge Anya.
Esmeralda's ceremony is a textbook example of tradition
flawless execution. Flawless foundations firmly
formed. You can't fault that.
And Lord Valerius, Judge Lynn, what's the lowdown from your
lofty perch? Well, he has a certain flair.
A polished performance, polished presentations, perfectly put.
Sounds like he's got a good grip on the game and may judge
Theron. What's the scouting report on
the spirited newcomer? She's got a lot of enthusiasm, a
real go getter. I like her.
I really like her pomp. Banga Gong.
The tea is on, folks. The ceremony of preparation is
complete, complete with captivating couplets.
Now it's Round 2. The art of the brew.
And yes, a haiku will follow each key brewing pitch.
The contestants begin brewing their teas.
Esmeralda focuses intently. Lord Valerius maintains his
elegant demeanor. May works with focused energy,
occasionally glancing at the judges.
May, nervous but focused, walks herself through a process ever
so familiar. Danny said it's all about
balance. First the ginger, just a pinch
like he showed me. Now the star anise.
Let it bloom in the warmth. Remember, he said, let the
spices sing, not scream. A few dashes of sparkleberry
just to brighten it up, and a whisper of time, just like he
taught me. Let the flavors dance together.
Now let it steep just a moment longer.
And it looks like the brewing battle is beginning in earnest.
Esmeralda, a steadfast steeping specialist.
Judge Anya, what aromas are wafting your way?
Well, a lovely earthy fragrance emanating from Esmeralda
station. Very promising.
I have completed this brew another in a wall of elegant
refined brews. I hope the judges are able to
taste and see the true difference in quality.
Leaves now steep and steep colours deepen in the cup.
Patience is the key. Some high scoring haikus.
There. Patience personified in poetic
phrases, wise words from the well versed veteran and Lord
Valerius still looking like a lordly leaguer.
Judge Lynn. Any observations on his brewing
brilliance? He is meticulous.
Barnaby, every step precise. He may be young, but he is no
amateur, that much is certain. Pea brewing is both an art and a
science. It mustn't be trifled with.
Essence starts to bloom. Richness flows in fragrant
steam. A moment to savor.
A moment to marvel at the magnificent making richness
revealed in rhythmic rhyme. Sounds like he's brewing a brew
of brilliance. And May she's got that fire in
her. Well, in her brewing, Judge
Theron, what's your take on her technique this time around?
Well, she's taking some risks, Bonnaby going for the
unconventional play. Her approach is intuitive, shall
we say. She seems to be relying more on
instinct and a certain flair rather than a strict adherence
to establish methods. My uncle raised me to be wise
and kind. He taught me that we all have
potential to do great things in our lives but require equal
parts discipline, heart and nerve to achieve our dreams.
My brewing technique is in honor of my uncle Danny Rose of the
Jaded Fist. Bubbles start to rise.
My special blend takes its form. Joy within the pot?
My Oh my made bubbling with bravado bold brewing in
beautiful burst, joyfully joining the journey of the leaf.
The brews are nearing the final flourish, folks.
The tension is tighter than a tightly packed tea bag.
And that's the final call for Round 2.
The brews are ready now for the final Face off, folks.
Round 3, the tasting and the judgement.
And one last haiku from each contestant before the verdict.
The judges are on the move. They're pallets prime for
perfection. The crowds captivated.
The coveted cash is calling. First up, Esmeralda's ancient
harmony. Judge Anya, What's the verdict
from the venerable voice? Yes, blended.
A very refined blend with a delicate balance of flavours.
A solid showing. Thank you, Anya for your kind
words and I'd like to thank everyone here in attendance for
allowing me to once again share my passion for tea and acti.
Esmeralda, or whoever she is, suddenly snatches her wig and
disguises off, tossing them onto the stage.
The crowd is stunned, the judges taken aback, Barnaby robbed of
any appropriate puns to accurately commentate on this
sudden development. Yeah, that's right.
Keep your day job, Barney boy. Lady Esmeralda, what is the
meaning of this? Yes, this behavior is completely
unacceptable. OK.
What is going on? This is unbelievable.
Just as we were closing in on her for the win, she turns out
to be some actress in disguise. I'm sorry, am I missing
something here? Eyes open, Andre.
Something's wrong. And this woman isn't just some
actress playing a prank. I'm certain of that.
Look at her robes and her boots, she almost looks like some sort
of scout. Or that's it.
Huh. She's a shinobi.
Wait, someone call the guard. Shinobi are not permitted here.
Quickly call the guard. Guards sees that imposter sees
her. Now please.
If everyone would just give me an opportunity to explain I'm
not a contestant, that's true. Do not move.
And how dare you disrupt our event in this manner?
Who do you think you are, Madam? Are you some sort of thief?
That's it, isn't it? Get her out of my.
Sight please. You don't understand, Harbour
Town is not safe demons. Silence.
More lies. This one cannot be trusted.
Judge Theron. She seeks to manipulate her way
to the cash prize. She's a shinobi and a thief.
Ladies and gents, our sincerest apologies.
It appears that this year's competition has been upstaged by
an imposter of the worst kind. Please remain seated until she
is removed and we will discuss our refund policies and.
Procedures I said do not move. You're all making a grave
mistake. This man is deceiving you.
I want the prize. What about Lord Valerius?
Bolt her up. Yes, Sir.
Plan B it is, huh? What the devil?
She's a shapeshifter. Lookout ladies and gentlemen,
run for your. Lives Esmeralda, now a fierce,
angry lioness, darted her way through the crowd, sending the
whole of the jade Lantern in into a frenzy.
Do. Not let her get.
Away. Inspector, it's a bloody lion.
What can we do? Damn it, where's Rose when you
need him? Meanwhile, in the midst of the
chaos and confusion, Lord Valerius, A cunning but wicked
man to his core, made his move Fools.
Leaving the stage unattended and the treasure mine to collect.
What a treat. Hold it right there, Valerius.
Oh, you again? What is it, little girl?
I haven't any time for. Why are you looking at me like
that? Oh, I don't know.
I thought you'd be gracefully fleeing with the rest of the,
shall we say, enthusiastic crowd.
This is my place of business. My uncle's in, so I had to
ensure Esmeralda's gambit didn't spark any fires.
What are you doing here, Honourable Lord Valerius?
Merely ensuring the prize money is secured.
Such chaos. A tragedy, really a tragedy.
Or a convenient distraction. Excuse me, I beg your pardon,
Little. You did seem awfully calm amidst
the lioness of. Course, one must maintain
composure in the face of barbarity.
Barbarity. You were awfully quick to call
Esmeralda A shinobi, almost like you were expecting it.
Utter. Nonsense.
I have seen such things before. A regrettable necessity to
identify such threats. Shinobi.
How? Dramatic.
And now this money. You know, for someone so
elegant, you're making a lot of quick exits, almost like you
have something to hide. You presume too much, child.
Oh yes you do. Presumptions are bad for your
health. They can even be.
Fatal. Wow, stock villain dialogue.
I beg your pardon? Oh, I don't presume.
I observe. You were watching, not running.
You knew exactly who she was. You wanted her gone.
That's. Preposterous.
And now you want this money. Complete nonsense.
It's almost predictable. Predictable.
You have no understanding of the forces at play.
Forces or schemes? You seem like the type to pull
strings, not get your hands dirty.
But why? What do you need this money for?
A new set of fancy tea tools or something more?
You are playing a dangerous game, little girl.
Maybe, but I'm good at games and I'm starting to think you're not
as clever as you think you are. Perhaps you're a bit slow on the
uptake. This is a game you cannot
possibly win, little girl. The evening had set in.
The initial chaos has died down, but in its place emerged an
intense confrontation. Suddenly, a gust of wind whips
through the ruined inn. Even though there are no open
windows. The remaining candles flicker
wildly, casting long distorted shadows.
The air crackles with an almost palpable energy.
Dangerous game, you say? Perhaps it's just you seem
awfully concerned about a few silver coins.
What are you really hiding you? Fool, you have no idea what you
have stumbled into. This is not a game.
This is. A ring on Lord Valerius's finger
begins to glow a deep shade of purple.
He waves it toward May, and she begins to feel faint.
Power or in desperation. You're not trying to win a
prize, are you? You're trying to trying to.
Lord Valerius. His eyes narrow to slits.
He raises a hand, and a faint dark aura begins to emanate from
his ring. The air grows heavier and May
feels a sudden wave of dizziness.
Enough. You have seen too much.
The dawn of shadow cannot be fallen by the likes of you
Little. Release her scum.
What? Leave her alone, Valerius.
Ah well, if it isn't the giant head case.
Large and in charge at the moment, but for how long I
wonder. Enough Warlock, your scheme ends
here. What business do you have
ruining this special occasion? All this trickery for 1000
Silvers? Surely a man of your stature
could find 1000 silvers lying around in one of your musty
dungeons somewhere. Perhaps giant, Perhaps.
But you see, there's a perfectly gathered cache of silvers all
packed and ready over there for me.
I said the banks closed. Understood and.
What makes you think you can stop me, Vessel?
You, who are as much a prisoner of your own mind, girl, He's as
big a threat as any to you or anyone here in town.
You. You literally just tried to
silence me. You nearly knocked me out with
your creepy spells. My mind is my own.
Is it or is it a playground for the whispers?
A puppet for the shadows? You think you are protecting
her, protecting Harbour Town? You are a walking calamity, Kai
Lung. A threat as great as any I could
conjure. Enough.
The truth stings, doesn't it? You, the noble protector, the
wise mentor, you are nothing but a broken toy waiting to she's.
Wrong, Uncle Kai. Don't.
When you do, Harbour Town will pay the price.
Lord Valerius hesitates, his eyes darting between Kai Lung
and May. He seems to be weighing his
options. Finally, with a snarl, he turns
and vanishes into the shadows, leaving the prize money behind.
Damn, Lord Valerius and his dirty tricks hasn't changed a
bit. Are you?
Are you all right, little Jade? A bit queasy, but I'll make it.
Uncle Kai, what was that? He is Lord Valerius, A wealthy
warlock usually dabbling in some sort of cultic nonsense.
Well, that all definitely tracks with what I've just experienced.
Tends to fund research into all sorts of dark and demonic
sorcery. Long story short, something you
don't want to get involved in Little Jade.
The Jade Lantern Inn, once a place of celebration, now lay in
ruins. The echoes of chaos lingered, a
stark reminder of the night's unexpected turn.
Esmeralda, the mysterious competitor, had vanished into
the shadow depths of the connecting forests, leaving
behind a trail of unanswered questions.
Lord Valerius, his motives now laid bare, had revealed A darker
agenda, one that threatened to unravel the fragile peace of
Harbour Town. But amidst the wreckage, a spark
of defiance ignited. May, her spirit, unbowed,
surveyed the damage, her mind already racing with plans.
She would clean this mess, she would send word to her Uncle
Danny, and she would not let this go unanswered.
The knight had revealed hidden enemies and dangerous secrets,
but it had also forged A resolve within her, a determination to
protect her home and her found family.
As the embers glowed in the hearth, a silent promise hung in
the air. They would face whatever
darkness came next together. Way of the Jaded Fist is
produced by Desmond and Saki Childs.
Today's episode stars Dominique Cherry as May Special guest
appearances by Carter King as Master Kai, Lung Callum as Lord
Valerius, Trevor Hyde as Andre, Matt Poole as Judge Theron,
Dennis Bates as Barnaby, and Jessica Anne Bogart as
Esmeralda. Today's script was an adaptation
of the short story Esmeralda Gambit, a story in a collection
of Way of the Jaded Fist short stories.
Next time, Danny Rose is being pursued by some mysterious and
dangerous assassins. But why and who sent them?
Find out what happens to our heroes next time.
Raymond Getty, your show announcer, signing off.
See you next time.