One of the biggest problems of a long-distance relationship were people seeing each other. Modern technology like webcams made it easier to keep in touch, but it wasn't quite the same as being there in person. Shuixing and Nate have chatted online before, but not it was a little harder from Shuixing's new house, seeing as Heiya Island has such a different time zone from Wisconsin.
"You sure I can't come over for Halloween?" asked Nate, during their latest webchat.
"No, because we don't have Halloween here," said Shuixing, "It's still more of an American thing, even if the Japanese are getting in on it. Pity you couldn't be here for the Autumn Festival." The Autumn Festival was the harvest festival that celebrated on Heiya Island. In keep with Chinese and Japanese tradition, it was held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, though that put it in the middle of September.
"Well, I would have come, but Pa says we can't afford to keep flying me to you for every little occasion," said Nate.
"You know I'd help pay for it," said Shuixing.
"Well, Pa's just a little old-fashioned, thinks the man has to pay for most thing," said Nate, "But you will at least come over for Thanksgiving, right?"
"You do know I can't eat turkey, right?" asked Shuixing.
"Well, we've been having more vegetarian dishes here since Blueberry and the others came back," said Nate. After completing their education, the uplifted Swiss Brown cows returned to the Bowman farm. However, they weren't just coming back to be enhanced milk cows. They insisted they'd be farmhands and they wanted to be paid as such. Though considering their strength made many chores easier and their pasteurized milk improved sales, Mr. Bowman was glad to have them as hired hands. Though they did clash with Meryl's deaf obtuseness sometimes.
"Out of curiosity, are any of the cows interested in your father?" asked Shuixing, "I mean, I'm sure your neighbors have bulls..."
"Well, I don't think they're that needy for mating right now," said Nate, "But my money is that Blueberry is probably the one eying my dad the most. But I'd rather not contemplate that."
"You think with those cows, you'd have more time to be with me," said Shuixing.
"Well, all play and no work makes Jack a poor man," said Nate, "I really do enjoy our time together, but I do have responsibilities. I might not be there all the time, but that makes the time we spend more precious, right?"
"Yeah, that is true," said Shuixing, she could already think of one particular occasion. Her eyes fell upon the gold medal she got from the Martial Arts Showcase and how she won it.
==========
The Martial Arts Showcase was not a tournament, there were no participants fighting each other. It was more like a martial arts talent show. The contestants would demonstrating their own martial arts skills, showing how they had good form and potential power. Of course, there were separate divisions for those who used weapons, blunt or bladed. With so many marital art fighters having been converted, it took a while to narrow down the best.
Naturally, the Five Elements were among the most popular contestants and certainly favored to win. But the five of them weren't entering as a team, which didn't really apply here. This was a competition to show off individual skills. This was where each of the sisters-in-arms showed how far they've come in their training.
Tuxing, Jinxing, and Muxing certainly have gotten proficient in their respective styles. Muxing was particularly remarkable since she had to adjust for her lack of legs, but she wasn't any less graceful. Huoxing and Shuixing had to work harder, considering they had been making their own styles.
And yet, it was clear that Shuixing was putting the most effort into her moves. One would think that being a water buffalo, she would be clumsy and awkward. True, she wasn't a delicate woman, but she moved with much grace. Her style emulated the flow of water as best as she could. Her blows were like like a surging flood while her defensive moves were meant to make the opponent's moves deflect over her, like a wave on a rock.
But most of all, it was clear that Shuixing had strong passion and motivation for this. The reason for that was pretty clear considering Nate was cheering her on. Her determination pushed her past her sisters and all the way to the top. Shuixing was rather surprised she was named the winner, but she was very glad. Not too long ago, she was a heavyset girl who felt insecure about her body. Now she was a warrior woman who felt like she knew her place in the world.