Season 1 · Episode 6
A rainy day gives Mei, Dre, Asako, and Kai-Lung time to reflect. Tea experiments and familiar customers offer comfort while Asako examines the danger threatening Kai-Lung.
This transcript covers spoken dialogue, narration, and production credits. Brackets identify unclear words or speaker attribution. Song lyrics and a complete sound-effects inventory are not included. Group labels are used where voices overlap or individual attribution remains uncertain.
Production ident: Way of the Jaded Fist.
Questions about Esmeralda
Narrator: Late afternoon at the Jade Lantern Inn. The earlier bustle of the day had faded, leaving a quiet stillness in the air.
Dre / Mei / Kai-Lung — newspaper and reactions: As, uh, leaving behind considerable shattered porcelain and, um, a collective gasp of utter what was that from bewildered onlookers. Authorities have issued a warrant for Esmeralda's arrest, citing charges of disturbing the peace. A severe understatement, the editor notes. It was wild. What more can I say? And, um- A day of turmoil, unfortunately … to say the least, big sir. Property damage- Mm … estimated at a truly eye-watering sum. Sheesh. Still waiting on the town to foot that bill. Adding to the mystery, unsubstantiated rumors abound, linking the fugitive to clandestine shinobi practices.
Mei: Can a shinobi shape-shift?
Kai-Lung: Hmm, an intriguing inquiry, little Jade.
Asako / Dre — exchange: Brother Dre. Mm-hmm. Yes, Asako?
Asako: This Esmeralda, the one accused of being a shinobi and a lioness, the juxtaposition of these allegations is illogical. Can you clarify the timeline of these reported events?
Dre: I beg your pardon?
Kai-Lung: The young woman seeks clarification, young man.
Dre: Timeline, Sister Asako?
Asako: Sorry. I fixate on stuff like that. Forgive me, but as I'm sure you all know, the demon is in the details.
Dre: From polite tea sipping to, well, apex predator on the loose? It was rather abrupt.
Asako: Understood. The paper isn't exactly clear on the precise sequence of roaring and alleged ninja moves.
Kai-Lung: Ha, ninja moves? Amusing.
Mei: Well, it wasn't at the time, Uncle. It was sort of scary, and Lord Valerius, I had this 1000 meter stare. He was in this creeper zone at his creepiest.
Dre: Fresh pot of creeped.
Asako: Oh, my goodness. How funny. Not a fresh pot of creep, Sister Mei. What a weird man, the genuine article.
Dre: Honestly, Asako, you approach this with the intensity of a seasoned detective investigating a truly baffling case of competitive tea gone wild. I love that.
Mei / Dre — exchange: Right. Ha. Exactly. You know, I have a side business. Oh, not exactly. Shush, Andre.
Asako / Mei — exchange: Business? The Tea Leaf Detective Agency. After we save my Uncle Kai here, me and you ought to work together.
Asako: I will consider it.
Kai-Lung: Well, this is interesting.
Asako: Now, back to the matter at hand. Sister Mei, the stakes here are significant. A fugitive, potential shinobi activity, and a transformed feline. These are not matters to be taken lightly. Your firsthand account would be invaluable. What were the specific circumstances of her transformation?
Mei / Asako — exchange: Oh. Please be precise. All right then.
Kai-Lung: Indeed, Asako. Little Jade, clarity in these matters can be enlightening.
Mei / others — account and interjections: All right, all right, Inspector Asako. Gather around. It all started with the Harbortown Tea Competition, a seemingly civilized affair where the aroma of various infusions filled the air. Similar to now, I'm sure. Oh, this smells like paradise. I had just presented my special blend, a delicate dance of flavors, if I do say so myself. You performed well. And then things took a rather untamed turn.
Asako: I see. Well, I guess before you go too deep into your account, I have another question for all of you. When did things here get so strange?
Introduction
Raymond Getty — show announcer: You're listening to Way of the Jaded Fist, produced by Desmond Childs and JazzyNe. We're a proud part of Project Zion Theatre, and you can listen to this show on Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Golden Heart softly beats in the quiet stillness. Day's echoes linger. The Jade Lantern Inn has an unusually quiet afternoon, which means a chance to look back on how we all have come to arrive here. Listen in as the gang rehash key moments from the story thus far, plus some new hijinks as Asako investigates. A great refresher for sure. I'm Raymond Getty, your show announcer. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.
Production ident: Oh, Way of the Jaded Fist.
A rainy afternoon
Narrator: The downpour outside mirrored the lingering unease within the Little Jade Cafe. The vibrant energy that usually filled the space was muted, the relentless rain keeping the world at bay. Yet within the cozy confines, a quiet resilience bloomed. It was a day for small tasks, for comforting thoughts, and for the unspoken bonds that held this unlikely family together
Mei: This rain is relentless, and there's barely a soul out there. Good thing we stocked up on those new sweet potato cakes, eh, Dre? Might as well test them out ourselves in this gloom.
Dre / Mei — tea ideas: Mm, I'm game. Sounds delish. And they do smell rather comforting on a day like this. Perhaps a new spiced plum tea to go with them, something to warm the customers up when they finally brave this downpour. Ooh, I like that. Spiced plum- Mm … or maybe a ginger and rooibos blend. Right. Something with a little kick to cut through this dreariness. Indeed. Let's do it.
Asako / Kai-Lung — exchange: Brother Kai-Lung, regarding the guest registry, should we implement a late check-in surcharge after a certain hour given the- Mm-hmm … unpredictable nature of travel in these parts? And what about a clear policy on guests bringing unusual animals onto the premises? Oh, yes.
Kai-Lung / Asako — exchange: The heart of the Jade Lantern has always been welcome, Asako. That's the impression I get from this place. While practicality dictates certain guidelines, let us not create unnecessary barriers with surcharges- Oh … especially on days like these. As for unusual companions, discretion and a kind word often serve better than rigid policy. If you say so. But of course. Observe, inquire, and then decide with compassion.
Asako: Compassion, even for, say, a very large, possibly magically inclined feline seeking refuge from the storm?
Kai-Lung: Ah, a fair question. Even then, little one, though perhaps a sturdy scratching post would be a wise investment against any indoor zoomies this weather might inspire.
Asako / Dre / Mei — exchange: Yes, that's grand. Even the humble rice grain must be measured before the pot boils. Ha, true enough, Asako-san. Hi, Sister Mei. Greetings, Brother Dre. Wow, look at the two of you, fortifying this inn against all manner of things, I'm sure. Someone has to think about these things, Sister Mei- Very true … especially after everything this place has seen lately. That's fair. Indeed, a little order amidst the chaos, and perhaps that spiced plum tea wouldn't be bad at all on a damp afternoon like this. Sounds grand. Mei, shall we experiment?
Mei: Experiment we shall, my dear Andre. Let the storm rage. We have tea to brew and plans to make in our cozy little haven.
Production ident: Oh, neat, Way of the Jaded Fist.
Spiced plum tea
Narrator: Mei stands behind the counter, a small porcelain bowl in front of her. She carefully measures dried plum slices into it, her brow furrowed in concentration as she examines their color and pliability. Dre hovers nearby, gesturing emphatically with a cinnamon stick. Asako leans against the counter, observing them with a bemused expression.
Mei / Dre — tea preparation: Strange, all right. Something about these dried plums, they're almost too dark. They're quite dark, black even. Hmm. Do you think they'll impart a bitter note, Dre? Hmm. We want sweetness, but not- But not, uh, but not stewed … stewed. Right. Well, stewing is a matter of steeping time, Mei. Mm. Correct. These look like a good quality, though. Goodness, yes. Rich in flavor.
Dre: But remember the star anise, just a whisper. Imagine it as a secret ingredient only the most discerning palate will detect.
Asako: Yuck, more like a secret weapon to ward off anyone with a normal sense of taste.
Dre: I beg your pardon, Asako-chan.
Mei: Deep breaths, Andre. Sheesh.
Dre: I'll have you know, Asako, it adds complexity, nuance. It prevents the tea from being pedestrian.
Asako: All right, all right, let's not get dramatic about licorice undertones. What about cardamom?
Dre / Mei — exchange: Pedestrian, pedestrian? Ground, whole pods, I have both here.
Dre: Whole pods, definitely. Ground cardamom loses its, um, vibrancy too quickly. We want the subtle burst as it steeps. Just a few pods, though. Remember the potpourri principle.
Asako: Still not letting that go, huh?
Dre: Uh, excuse me, it was a valid analogy. Uh-huh. A cautionary tale.
Mei: Feels like [unclear phrase], Andre's tea-isms versus Asako's blunt contrarian rebuttals. That's rainy days for you, I guess. Ah.
Mei / Kai-Lung / Dre / Asako — greetings: Afternoon, Uncle Kai. Back from your room inspections? I am. Greetings. Hello, big sir. It's tea time, hmm? Hiya, welcome back. Sign me up, Dre-san. I need something for this headache.
Kai-Lung: Such focused energy on the brewing of tea, a worthy pursuit on a day that encourages introspection. Introspection. What aromatic concoction are you envisioning today?
Mei / Dre / Asako — exchange: A spiced plum tea. Mm-hmm. Dre is determined to achieve perfect harmony with the spices, and Asako is providing insightful commentary. Mm-hmm. Waiting for constructive criticism, I hope. Constructive. We aim for a comforting warmth, a delicate balance of sweet and spice. I'm just saying, if it ends up tasting like Christmas potpourri, I'm blaming the spice master. Asako, please.
Kai-Lung: Hah, the intention behind the brew often flavors it as much as the ingredients themselves, little Jade. Trust your instincts.
Kai-Lung remembers the dojo
Narrator: Mei carefully places a steaming cup of tea in front of Master Kai-Lung, who sits quietly by the window, his gaze distant. Dre is meticulously wiping down tables while Asako reviews her notes on security protocols.
Mei: Here, Uncle Kai, a fresh brew of our standard oolong. I hope it helps to settle things.
Kai-Lung: Thank you, little one. Your kindness is a constant comfort. Ow, my head. Storm seems to be aggravating the symptoms.
Asako: Brother Kai-Lung, are you all right? You seem troubled.
Kai-Lung: It stirs memories. Unpleasant ones.
Mei: Uncle, would you like to talk about it?
Dre: He was telling me a little about how it all started earlier this morning. The Grand Central Dojo, that was before, before everything, wasn't it?
Kai-Lung: Yes. Harbortown. I remember the air thick with anticipation. The challenge had been laid down. A respected dojo, masters with years of discipline. I felt a darkness rising within me even then, a hunger, a cold fury that was not my own. I faced them. Master Ishikawa, his stance so precise. Master Ito, his speed like the wind. They spoke of honor-
Voices in the recalled dojo confrontation / Kai-Lung — interwoven: Master Kawasaki. Stand down … of respect for the tradition. This dojo has done nothing but honor and respect your Iron Mountain style. Please do not cause us any undue trouble. Please. What is the meaning of this? He is not himself. Look in his eye. Where is our lotus in full bloom? Someone do something. Move. [Unclear words.] Please, we beg of you.
Kai-Lung: I remember their faces, their shock, their defeat. But there was no satisfaction in victory, only a gnawing shame, a profound dishonor. It felt as if I was defiling something sacred. The regret, it was a crushing weight, and then nothing. A sudden absolute blackness.
Asako / Kai-Lung — exchange: You don't remember fleeing the dojo? Hmm? The dojo. I was asking whether or not you remember fleeing the dojo.
Kai-Lung: Ah, no. The next sensation, the cold earth beneath me, the scent of pine and damp soil, the connecting forest, disoriented, lost.
Mei: I- it was scary. Everyone in town was terrified and-
Kai-Lung: Hmm, they were. Rightfully so. Hmm. My actions, they were an affront. I deserved their judgment.
Asako: But they didn't imprison you.
Kai-Lung: Danny. Danny Rose, his reputation, his unwavering belief in my true nature. He spoke to the Harbortown guard, to the justice council. He vouched for my honor before this darkness took hold. He pleaded for understanding, explaining my past, the man I was.
Others — interjections: Ah. A class act. So that's why they-
Kai-Lung: Danny. He promised them he would find a way to make things right, to understand what had corrupted me, to ensure it would never happen again. And now, we are all caught in the wake of that promise.
Production ident: Oh, yeah, way of the jaded fist.
Asako’s theory
Narrator: Mei, Dre, and Kai-Lung are still. The weight of Kai-Lung's confession hanging in the air. Asako, however, is pacing again, her brow furrowed in intense thought.
Asako / Kai-Lung — exchange: Hmm. Excuse me, Brother Kai? Yes.
Asako: You mentioned a cold fury, a hunger that wasn't your own, and then blackness. You don't remember fleeing?
Kai-Lung: I don't. There was nothing, just the forest, the disorientation.
Dre: Oh, dear. Truly frightening.
Asako / others — analysis and interjections: But the destruction at the Grand Central Dojo, the report spoke of a brutal efficiency. You can say that again. Almost predatory. And then the incident with the citizens. Hmm. The winged demons. They weren't just uncontrolled rage, were they? There was a malevolence, a directed violence
Asako: You speak of shame and regret, Master Kai-Lung, a feeling as if you were defiling something sacred. That suggests an awareness, a part of you witnessing these acts, horrified by them
Unidentified speaker: Well, yet he said he felt a darkness
Asako: But if it were merely an influence, a forcing of your will, wouldn't the memory be more blurred, like a nightmare where you're not fully in control of your actions?
Mei: Asako, where are you going with this?
Asako: Trust me, I'm getting there. The blackouts, the distinct shift in behavior, the directed violence, it's not influence, is it? It's a hostile takeover
Dre: Goodness, Mei
Asako: This wicked presence within you, Brother Kai, most likely some kind of parasitic entity
Mei: That's right, Asako. My Uncle Danny said the same thing
Asako: It isn't just whispering in your ear. It's trying to overwrite you. Your soul, Master Kai-Lung, it's in danger of being evicted. This creature, it desires your body, your strength, your connection to this world. You are a vessel it covets
Mei: Wow, Asako
Kai-Lung: Hmm. The, the pain, the constant pressure, it's not just a battle of wills. It's like two currents flowing in the same river, two sets of thoughts, sometimes intertwined, sometimes violently opposed. You're right, little sister. It's not just whispers. It's another presence fighting for control, and it's winning
Tea and town concerns
Narrator: The gentle drizzle continues outside the Jade Lantern Inn. Inside, the familiar comforting sounds of a working café are returning, the soft clinking of cups, the gentle hum of conversation, the hiss of the tea kettle
Mrs. Higgins: Oh, it's so good to be out of that rain, dear. Just the smell of your tea, Mei, it settles the nerves right away
Mei / Mr. Abernathy — acknowledgments: Thank you Yes, well said
Mei: Welcome back, Mrs. Higgins, Mr. Abernathy. Glad you braved the weather. What can I get for you both?
Mr. Abernathy: Hmm. Just your strongest black tea for me, lass
Mrs. Higgins: Cup of Earl Grey for me, dear
Mr. Abernathy: The one that could wake the dead
Dre: Heard. Two Earl Greys, two resurrection spells
Mei: Yeah, uh, we had to 86 the spells earlier this afternoon
Mrs. Higgins: Huh. Only joking, dear
Unidentified speaker: [Unclear exclamation], Mr. Abernathy
Mr. Abernathy / Dre / Mrs. Higgins — pastry order: And what are those looking so tempting over there, Dre? Ah, eyeballing the merchandise, Mr. Abernathy Oh my, those sweets smell so delectable The little golden ones
Dre: Excellent choice. Financiers, Mr. Abernathy, almond and brown butter, baked fresh this afternoon. A perfect pick me up
Mr. Abernathy / Mrs. Higgins — reactions: Yes, yes, excellent Indeed. I can hardly wait
Dre: Hmm. Let's see. Two strong earliest Earl Grey black teas. And the financiers, how many for you both?
Mr. Abernathy: Three for me
Mrs. Higgins: Two for myself, dear. Thank you all again. This place is a welcome retreat
Dre: And anything else to chase away the chill? Perhaps a ginger biscuit?
Mrs. Higgins: No, thank you. Mei, your uncle would be proud to see how you're bringing this place back after that weird lion woman destroyed it. What an awful witch
Mr. Abernathy: Yes, indeed. You all ever figure out the story with that one?
Mei: No, not quite yet, I'm afraid
Asako / others — exchange: Hmm It's another strange occurrence in town Very interesting. Has there been some sort of uptick in the number of, uh, unexplained incidences? I've heard many stories around town regarding eerie and unexplained phenomena ever since, well, ever since
Dre: What a bizarre realm we reside in, aye. That'll be seven silvers, please
Mr. Abernathy: Whatever's going on, the Justice Council's gonna have to sure up the town's defenses. I know we're a bustling metropolis and all, but-
Mrs. Higgins: Agreed. We can't have shinobi and shapeshifters kung fu kicking around the market square. We're supposed to be better than the Wild Wild Rift, aren't we?
Mrs. Higgins: Oh, now, now, Mr. Abernathy. These younglings don't want to hear us squawking about Rift politics
Mei: S'all right, Ms. Higgins. He's entitled to squawk. Respectfully, of course. Right, Mr. Abernathy?
Mr. Abernathy: But of course, friend Mei
Dre / others — exchange: We're pro respectful squawking. Spread the word Spread the word
Mrs. Higgins / others — farewells: All righty then, gang. Me and big mouth here are taking our leave Take care now Thank you, Ms. Higgins. Stay safe now
Dre: Buh-bye. Enjoy your earliest Grey teas
Mr. Abernathy: So long, all of you. And tell the big fella no hard feelings, yeah? We know he wasn't himself
Mei: Thank you, Mr. Abernathy. I'll tell him. He could really use some kind words right now
A fragile peace
Narrator: The Jade Lantern Inn, a beacon of warmth against the unpredictable currents of Harbortown. Within its familiar walls, life finds a rhythm, even as the echoes of recent turmoil linger like the dampness in the air. Mei tends to her haven with a quiet strength, a silent promise etched in every polished surface, every carefully brewed cup Dre, ever meticulous, seeks solace in order, arranging small comforts against a world that feels increasingly out of balance. And Kai-Lung, a warrior battling an unseen war, finds moments of fragile peace by the window, his gaze fixed on a town unknowingly teetering on the precipice. Harbortown itself, it breathes, unaware of the deeper shadows gathering at its edges. The whispers of strange occurrences, the unease that clings to the cobblestone streets, these are but faint tremors of a looming quake. The Iruke's insidious presence, a parasitic darkness clinging to a noble soul, threatens to shatter the fragile peace. And the Dawn of Shadow, silent assassins moving in the periphery, hint at a larger, more sinister game unfolding. Hope remains, a flickering flame nurtured by the bonds within the inn. Their unity, their unwavering support for one another, is a fragile shield against the encroaching darkness. They await the return of Danny Rose, a figure of unwavering resolve, carrying the weight of their hopes and the secrets he unearths on his journey. But the path ahead is uncertain, shrouded in mist and fraught with unseen dangers. Can their resilience, their heartfelt determination, be enough to withstand the forces gathering against them? Only time and the unfolding threads of destiny will tell.
Credits
Raymond Getty — credits: Way of the Jaded Fist is produced by Desmond Childs and JazzyNe. There are times when we have only a shining horizon to gaze at while we tread through the tumultuous waters of this life. It will indeed get better, friends. Our heroes enjoy a rainy day inside, working to restore Danny Rose's vision as Mei's leadership continues to guide them. Appearing in today's episode were Dominique Cherry as Mei, Trevor Hyde as Andre, Carter the Mountain King as Master Kai-Lung, Rachel Abbott as Asako, Louis Feraud as Mr. Abernathy, and introducing the lovely Myra Dean as Mrs. Higgins. Other voices provided by Dennis Bates, Mark Wei, Mona Burks, and Tabitha Crush. Some voices used were implemented via text to speech or recorded remotely. Voice actors were financially compensated. Truly a blend of talent and technology. I'm Raymond Getty, your resident show announcer. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you all next time.