Douluo Dalu: 1st Cycle: Dancing Panda

The more he looked at her, the more he was aware of what an anomaly she was.

When he was 6 years old, he didn't notice a single dirty joke, forget about even saying something dirty. He was a normal child like most people. Well, as normal as children get.

The reason people usually act the way they do is because of experience they gain through life. One could theorise that Siduo's been through a lot of different events through birth, but that wouldn't really make sense.

Knowing what her Martial Souls are, he was sure that her family belonged to one of the nobler ones. Unless she was in an incredibly strict or abusive household, she should've been more of a spoiled child or an arrogant one, yet she was the kind of person who masked her true intentions by frustrating you. Training him by force, making him spar the Sword and Shield, which gave him confidence, even forcefully making him not train. Or well, at least for the last one, she tried to prevent him.

Along with her intentions was her mannerism. The cold look she gave him when he got emotional. It was something that a 6 year old shouldn't have.

Maybe experiencing death could change a child so much, but a lot of children didn't even understand the concept behind death by that age. Was it possible that this world makes children grow up in a different way? He didn't really think so; there was nothing in the novels that implied that.

Tang Wulin, the protagonist of Soul Land 3, had a harsh upbringing living in poverty. However, while he grew up faster, he still acted like a child—if a child filled with determination.

Honestly, her actions could only mean one thing: she wasn't mentally a child. He stopped treating her as one since the sparring sessions. Another hint was the fact that she didn't treat him like a kid either. But just straight up asking her… He only knew her for three days now. He'd probably have to reveal himself as well. 

There was a high possibility that she was just like him, that she's either reincarnated, or she somehow regressed, or was possessed by someone else. He was thinking about all the isekai anime and what different scenarios they offered. In his opinion, it was most likely reincarnation since he knew it existed in Soul Land. Tang San being the obvious example.

Yet there was still one question that wasn't answered. She knew him too well.

As he was deep in thoughts, a small yawn could be heard. Bright grey eyes opened up and looked straight at him. Her eyes were sleepy, her curly hair a mess.

"I'm pretty sure I didn't fall asleep on the bed?" She said lazily.

Karni chuckled. "Technically, your head was on the bed… Thanks. And I'm sorry for yesterday."

She shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. I have a lot to explai-" A growl interrupted her words.

Karni blinked. "Breakfast first?"

Siduo was about to nod, but looked at the clock. "More like lunch."

"Shit. Shool! We're late again."

Siduo didn't panic. She laid on the bed. "Eh. Let's skip it. Up for lunch?"

"Is it really okay to just be skipping class on the third day of school already?" Karni wasn't quite sure if he should agree.

Wu Siduo answered with a degree of laziness. "Don't worry. At most we'll get a little scolding from the academy since we are both the talents of our generation. Besides… I owe you an explanation."

This calmed Karni down for a bit, it was true that they will, for sure, get preferential treatment. Though he wasn't quite sure how he felt about abusing that to such a degree. Well, this was an unfair world after all.

"That and after treating me to some solid food I need you to come with me to my parents." She looked at him innocently.

"You what? Excuse me??? You want me to meet your parents???" He had a sudden urge to spar with her again, only to immediately throw it away. He wasn't sure he'd consider it sparring anyway. More like her teaching him one-sidedly.

"Let me explain first, dumbass." She said while losing the innocent look. It was an odd combination. Child's face and rude words. Thinking about it, children were often rude, actually.

She continued. "I was away from home for two days because of you, I can't explain this without you, you should take some responsibility for this don't you think?" 

"And who's the fucking reason for that?" He simply rebuked her words.

"I don't know what you're talking about?" The innocent eyes returned, turning big. Karni was getting flashbacks to a certain cat in a movie with a green monster by the same name as the most famous academy of this world.

He sighed. "Fine. But over food, we have more than just explanations to talk about."

It was now Siduo's turn to be surprised. "Eh? I didn't expect you to agree so easily?"

"Meh, there's a first for everything. Oh and you made one mistake. You're treating me to food." He said honestly.

Siduo smiled. "Sure, I'll be the gentleman."

Karni faked surprise. "You gentleman? More like a stressman"

"Oh shush." She said as she slapped his shoulder. "I'll go get ready. We've got a breakfast date after all." She gave him a smile as she started walking towards his bathroom.

"Lunch date. You mentioned this first you know?" He answered without rebuking. Two could play that game. 

"Ah? As long as it's a date." She waved him off. "Let me get changed. Oh and I'll borrow your uniform again." She went in without returning a look and closed the door.

She relaxed somewhat. "It's still okay. I didn't mess it up. Phew. I am 'that' Wu Siduo after all." There was both hope and helplessness on her face.

When she finished showering, she told Karni to shower as well, before seeing he already did. "Good, you can't present yourself in front of my parents all shabby."

They were soon roaming the streets of Star Luo City. The city was truly big. The primary thing of notice were the differences between districts. Some exuded the vitality of the Old World, while the others were completely modern. The city was split up naturally—the biggest divider between the two sides being the river running through the city.

While surfing through shops in one of the Old Districts, they came upon a shop. The shop's name was Huo Yuhao's Grilled Fish. A testament to Huo Yuhao's many less known talents.

"Want to go here? I know that the Spirit Ice Douluo was quite famous for his cooking skills, no?" He asked Siduo.

"Yep, and this shop's name is quite deserved as well." She answered back. Her eyes shone with hunger and her mouth was filled with saliva as she thought about the food in the restaurant.

They entered and it was packed full, despite the day only being around noon time. Most people were at work, yet the shop only had a few seats left.

A receptionist received them at the door. She saw the uniform they were wearing and was a bit surprised that two children were wandering around like this.

"Excuse me children, are you lost?" She asked with a professional, yet kind smile.

Siduo was the one to answer. "No, we came to eat, we would like a table for two please." She held a steady and somewhat commanding voice.

The receptionist decided not to pry into why the kids weren't in school and simply led them to their table. She gave them the menu and left them on their own so they could peacefully decide what to order. Despite being an adult that should question children, she recognised those uniforms. They were Soul Masters—she couldn't meddle in this sort of stuff.

They decided on their dish, though Karni was having a headache as he saw the prices of the meals. It truly was a reputable shop. Should he make her pay all of this?

As they waited for their food to arrive, Siduo started apologising. "I really am sorry."

Karni looked at her. "Yesterday was me throwing a temper tantrum too. It's not all on you."

She shook her head. "No. I've been aggravating you since day one. And I should've stopped when you said no. I just…" She sighed to herself.

"Why didn't you?" He asked with an inquisitive tone, not a judgmental one.

She fiddled her thumbs. "I expected a different reaction, and I didn't know how to deal with the one I got. So I kept pushing, and that made yesterday happen."

They got drinks before they got their food. They thanked the lady. When she left, Karni sipped his juice while half laughing. "You're giving yourself too much credit."

Siduo hadn't started drinking yet, but the glass in her hands stopped in surprise.

"Yesterday was building up ever since I came here. Yours was just the straw that broke the camel's back."

Siduo stared at him. "I… still… Okay then. I don't want to pry into your private life, but what was the thing that made you so emotional then?" She asked, prying into his private life.

Right. As if it was that easy to just tell someone all your problems… But he did need to tell it to someone. And despite everything, her actions spoke louder than words, for both good and the bad. Thinking rationally, she tried to do good in an ineffective manner that did more bad.

"Honestly, you probably won't understand what I'd say anyway… Or you might." Karni wasn't sure himself.

Siduo shook her head. "You don't have to talk to me if you feel uncomfortable."

Karni shook his head. Perhaps, teacher Yi Lan could also be an outlet. But well, that teacher… had ulterior motives at times. He heard him say it when he awakened after all. Then again… Siduo clearly expected some reaction as well. 

He shook his head. 'Forget it. Stop thinking and just say it.' 

"Alright… I come… From… very far away? You could say… And I want to find my way back to my friends and family. To my mom. I want to see my mom again, I want to see my dad, but the only way I can do that is to grow strong. However even if I become a Titled Douluo someday I still have doubts of having the power to return to my family." He stopped a bit here. 

Siduo answered with silence. She only listened, not questioning anything he said.

He continued quietly. "While I am here, I don't have any idea what's happening to them: maybe they consider me missing, maybe I might appear dead to them." 

He clenched his fists. "I'm most scared of what would happen to my mom. I know that she might react in a really bad way if she thought something happened to me. So… I want to go back as soon as possible."

Siduo was quiet. Taking it all in, clarity appeared in her eyes. "I get why you are so pushy for training now."

Karni's eyes immediately lit up. "Then will you please-"

She put up her hand and stopped him from continuing. "And I also get why you didn't listen to me yesterday, but Karni. You must listen. Training as you did yesterday, till you collapsed… It will only hurt you." Her tone was surprisingly soft.

A desperate look flashed across Karni's face. Before he could even argue, she continued. "Karni. If you want to become truly strong you have to take this path one step at a time. If you get emotional every time something happens, if you only train mindlessly until you tire out… you will never reach the top, don't even mention becoming a Titled Douluo." There was no hint of teasing in her voice. 

Karni shut up and waited for her next words. "If you continue with arduous training it will actually have negative consequences at some point. Especially so with training executed incorrectly. One has to have both a steady mind and a steady body to become truly strong. Right now you have neither. I'm also lacking in both. The fact we're having this conversation in the first place is the very proof of it. And not to mention that there is also an element of luck. If you are truly unlucky it simply isn't meant to be."

She took a deep breath, looking him in the eyes. "You might get to see your mom and dad again, Karni, but you have to listen to me. You have to train steadily, yes, but the kind of training you think of can be good for a short period of time, leaving you hurt long term. Even with the help of an expert, after achieving quick results, one has to reestablish their foundation. And guess what. Those take time."

Karni didn't know what to say. So his chances would be null for what he tried to do? Wasn't it so that with great suffering comes great success? This world, while having 'magic', wasn't a simple fairy tale or story after all. Right, he's still been thinking of her as a 'character' and her differences from the novel. It was about time he stopped comparing it like that. The novel was the future, not just a novel.

They turned quiet. Siduo let Karni absorb all she said. The peace was interrupted. The employee had brought them their food.

It was, frankly, incredible. Even in his previous life, he had not tasted something as good as this before. His whole body was feeling warm and invigorated, the price of the food was worth it in the end.

While eating, Karni's mind cleared up a bit. He accepted it. Hard work had a limit to what it could accomplish. He wasn't even the kind of person who'd usually work hard anyway, he was a chronic procrastinator. It was simply that the motivation he had for cultivating these days came from a personal place. To truly become strong, he needed a suitable environment as well. Perhaps that place. 

While filling himself up, Karni thought of Siduo's description as a whole. The way she spoke, it was like it was coming from personal experience, yet again his suspicions were aroused. It was about time he asked some questions.

But before that, something more important. Her apology.

Karni raised his hand. "What you said at the start. I forgive you. But I would appreciate an explanation as to why… you thought I'd have a different reaction. What were you expecting?"

He kept his hand up. "Furthermore, how do you know about all of these things? Sounds like you have personal experience." 

Siduo choked on the food. Tried to avoid his gaze a bit.

"And how did you know how my ability works? Don't even start with the amount of predictions I saw when I was emotional yesterday. When we were sparring for the first time, there were already multiple predictions. How? Even I don't fully understand my Martial Soul to that degree."

Siduo had a weird look on her face right now. She fell into thought.

"It was indecision." She answered after a while.

Karni was confused.

"The reason for all of those predictions you saw. It was extreme indecision, or complete decision to be indecisive even with you being decisive. To always be indecisive no matter what, basing my movements only on your actions."

He has heard that theory from Yi Lan before, but he didn't think that it could be taken to such an extreme.

"But how did you know it would have that effect?"

"I knew someone who had the same predictive abilities as you. So I guessed how they worked."

"You knew someone? Who?"

"Well, his Martial Soul was a giant sword, but its skills were similar to yours."

"From your past life?"

Siduo just gave him a small smile.

Fine. Karni thought. She might as well have confirmed it. But this still didn't explain everything.

"Then how did you know I even had that ability? This is the first time I even mentioned to you that I see predictions. What about me? How do you know me? Why'd you act the way you did? What was your expected reaction?"

Siduo sighed, as if having to face her mistakes. Well. She was facing her mistakes.

She was quiet for a bit, clearly deciding how to answer. Truth or lie? Eventually though, she sighed. Karni had the feeling he was about to hear the truth.

"I don't really know if it's okay for me to even say it. It might fuck everything up… I… ugh… you'll understand when you hear it but… well… here goes nothing."

"I know y** **** ** ******* ****." A head splitting headache suddenly hit Karni. He could not comprehend a word she just said. The sound was muffled. Everything around him was eerily quiet. Or was it loud? Yet he could tell she was speaking something… something! A weird ring in his mind just wouldn't leave.

"Karni? Karni?" Siduo shook him softly. A worried look on her face. Karni was pale all over, like his very life was drained out of him.

"I… I couldn't hear a word you said." Said Karni defeated, before focusing. "Can you… try again?" He was determined.

"No. It was probably what I said that caused this in the first place. What happened?"

"A giant headache. Ringing noise. As if something didn't want me to hear what you said… please. Just one more. To be sure it wasn't something else."

Siduo's face clearly disagreed with him. But she sighed. "Just once. As soon as you show signs of anything weird I'll stop explaining."

Karni nodded.

"I kno** *** ***********." This time the headache came even sooner. Yet it disappeared just as quickly. Siduo stared at him in silence. A bit of a frustrated look on her face.

Karni was now sure. No. He felt it. Whatever it was. He wasn't supposed to hear it. Something didn't want him to. Some force from within him. It felt like… It reminded him of that endless void with the golden river. It was the same mellow feeling that accompanied it.

Yet the source closest to him was familiar as well. The Bo Staff. Could it really have to do with his Martial Soul?

Karni looked at Siduo. Her eyes were in deep thought. He noticed it now. Those weren't the eyes of a child. Those were of someone who had an inkling of what was happening yet for some reason couldn't say anything.

He sighed. "Well, at the very least… What do you think you actually can tell me?"

Siduo got out of her thoughts, only to go into more thoughts, thinking about his question. "The reaction I expected," she observed his reaction, "was that you'd laugh it off, and figure out who I am."

Karni was bewildered. "That makes no sense."

Siduo clapped her forehead. "I know, I know! I'm just as frustrated as you! It made sense from my perspective, okay?"

Karni decided it would be better to change the topic. They still haven't finished eating. "I… Fine. Don't worry about it too much. You told me a lot. Both of us are frustrated at this. At least I know you know something about me, though I don't know how. So let's just enjoy the food. It would be a waste not to finish all these delicacies."

Siduo still looked at him a bit solemnly. "I'm sorry-"

"Besides. You're paying. I don't have any money." Karni didn't react to her apology.

Siduo chuckled. "My parents will definitely like you… I think."

Karni stared, before laughing. He forgot about that. But it didn't matter, at least they had a proper discussion.

… … …

They left the restaurant after paying for the delicious food. Siduo led them toward her home.

His mind has recovered fully by now. He was ready for this meeting. For some reason he felt like he was going to a meeting with his in-laws. Despite their appearances, Karni now removed the last pieces of the child version of Siduo that still remained in his mind.

She told him to relax and to tell the truth about what happened once the time comes. Though she also said to leave the stuff about the lunch out.

They arrived in front of a modern looking mansion. The walls were clean white, while the entrance was decorated in gold. The rest of the house was on the minimalistic side instead. One could see a massive backyard behind the house even from the entrance.

Two guards took one look at them and shouted. "Young miss! You're back! The masters have been worrying sick over you!" The two guards stepped toward her and almost tried to forcefully take her into the mansion, but stopped themselves when they noticed Karni.

She explained the rough situation and who Karni was. They were a bit confused, but it wasn't something for them to worry about. They were not to question their young miss about her adventures. They took them to a room inside the mansion.

The room was cosy, not quite as minimalistic as the building itself.

Only 30 seconds passed between the guards leaving and what seemed like a whirlwind charging through the door. Two figures dashed straight for Siduo.

Siduo just kept on sitting there expressionless as the two figures sat down, hugging her tightly. There was a beautiful woman on her right that seemed to be in her 20s. She, like Siduo, had bright auburn hair with slight curls. 

On Siduo's left was a man with golden-white hair. His handsomeness rivalled the woman, though his build was quite different: muscles of a soldier's training. It was clear that Siduo had inherited the best of both worlds in her genes.

"Sisi, we were so worried. You should've messaged us! Are you okay? Nothing happened right?" The woman started checking every part of Siduo's body.

"Haha, I knew our Sisi wasn't in danger, she isn't weak! She's just like her old man. What did I tell you? Our Sisi is the genius of this household after all!" The man answered boastfully to the woman.

She gave him a look while still caressing Siduo's face. "Don't bother with him, he woke up crying three times tonight because he was worried."

The man looked at the woman as if she betrayed him. "Dear! You promised!"

"Pha, it's your fault for acting so tough." The woman huffed and turned back to snuggling up to Siduo.

Seeing the interaction between them made Karni feel nostalgic, he also had a loving relationship with his family. He felt both sad and happy. Happy for Siduo to have such a wonderful family and sad as he was reminded of his own.

Siduo didn't react to their shenanigans, she only answered their questions. "Dad, Mom, this is Karni. He's my first friend in school." Only now did the parents notice another person in the room.

"My apologies for the late introduction. My name is Wu Jianguo. Thanks for looking out for our daughter." The man stood wide and introduced himself with a strong handshake. The look in his eyes didn't hide his unfriendly disposition against Karnir.

Karni took the handshake, pretending not to notice the hostility. "It's nice to meet you sir, my name's Karni Val, ah… I mean Val Karni. Val is my family name. Really, it's your daughter that's been looking out for me." 

The mother also stood up. "It's nice to meet you, Karni. My name is Ta Siyu. I'm happy that my daughter brought home a friend." She gave him a warm look and also shook his hand. The she stared at her husband, silently chastising him..

Siduo chimed in. "Sorry that I didn't message you, I was busy hanging out with Karni here. He's just so fun." She smiled innocently at Karni.

The two parents were taken aback for a second, before looking at Karni seriously. The dad looked particularly distressed. "Young man, I think you have some explaining to do." 

Karni could only look at Siduo sideways as she pretended that she had nothing to do with this. Bombarded with a ton of questions, he had no choice but to narrate his story.

The parents eventually quieted down as they listened to his answers. Every now and then they looked at Siduo for confirmation, but she only sipped some tea, making wrinkled faces due to the taste every now and then, not saying a word. This cheeky daughter of theirs really knew how to rile them up.

When they were satisfied with what they got, they welcomed Karni into their home. Wu Jianguo's attitude shifted. They offered a tour of the place.

"No need for that, I'll show him around myself." Siduo finally spoke after a while.

"But Sisi, we haven't seen you for two days." The father protested. He wanted to hang out with his daughter. It was unusual for her to be away from home without them.

"It's only right that a friend shows him around, I'll talk with you guys later." She stood up and took Karni's hand before walking out of the room. Two helpless looks followed them.

As soon as he was free, Karni noticed his chance. "So, 'Sisi', what are you gonna show me today?"

"Shut it!" She said, embarrassed. She had hope he'd ignore the nickname. Her dad just had to say her name one last time on the way out.

"Oh come on, it's a cute nickname. I think I'll call you that from now on too." He was all smiles. Finally he had some ammunition to use against her.

She stopped and turned to look him straight into his eyes. "I'll let you call me that, but you would have to become my boyfriend in exchange. You saw how my father is." She gave him a small smile back.

However, Karni was prepared for a retort this time. "Hm… we are only six, so that can't happen. I think your father would understand something more official. Betrothal perhaps?" He looked back at her with a hard to keep serious face.

She snapped back. "Ha? What kind of bullshit are you spouting?" She kicked his leg while continuing. "Beat me first and then talk." She said with a proud look.

Karni made his eyes look sad as he said. "Of course, anything to keep calling you Sisi."

His answers seemed to be hitting just the right buttons. So her weak spot was embarrassment. She did have some shame. "You're an idiot. Call me Sisi all you want, but every time you do, I'll fight you!" Whether her face was red due to anger or blushing, only Siduo could tell.

She shouldn't have so openly told him she's mentally older! She was regretting it. Now he knew what to say to make her embarrassed. Nothing like making an adult feel like a child. And she had the same problem he had. The body didn't fit the mind. But really, hiding who she was wasn't doing her any favours with him. She had to had been honest to him today.

"Hehe, glad you can show me around Sisi!" Karni said with a clear happy voice.

"Let's get you to the training grounds!" She answered, "You'll love it there! Since you enjoy a beating!" She smiled at him and Karni felt a chill run down his spine. "You owe me four spars already!"

"Wait, I only said Sisi three times though?"

"My house, my rules. Also, that's a fifth."