Danny Rose (narration):
Boy, Harbortown always smells the same. Fish, seaweed, and a hint of fear these days. I sure hope Mei’s keeping an eye on things. And I hope that tea is holding. Well—no time for sentiment now. Kai-Lung needs me. Time to pick up the pace.
[Theme Song – Instrumental, Japanese vocals overlay]
Raymond Getty (announcer):
Danny Rose embarks on a new journey, seeking a cure to the curse of the Iruke. And Marta—she may very well be Harbortown’s saving grace. I’m Raymond Getty, your show announcer. Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show.
[SFX: Morning light filtering through grimy windows. Wood creaks. The clink of metal against leather.]
Narrator:
The Jade Lantern Inn. Morning light struggles to break through grime-caked windows, casting long, skeletal shadows across the dusty floor. Mei perches on a stool, quiet, watching Danny. His movements are deliberate, almost ritualistic, as he packs his satchel: dried rations, a flask, throwing knives, Storm’s Fury wrapped in sailcloth. A wooden figurine. A locket. He pauses, sadness flickering in his eyes before turning to Mei.
Danny Rose:Don’t look at me like that. I have to try, Mei. For Kai-Lung. And for Harbortown.
Mei:But what if… what if you don’t find Marta? What if you’re gone too long?
Danny Rose:I’ll be fine. I’ve faced worse than a few rough seas.
Mei (softly):Well… I guess this is—
Danny Rose (cutting her off, firm):No goodbyes, remember? I’ll see you soon, Mei.
[SFX: Satchel lifted. Footsteps. Door creaks open. Wind howls outside.]
Narrator:
With a final glance at the inn, Danny steps into the coastal wind. His home behind him, his burden ahead.
[SFX: Rustle of leaves, gulls crying, silence settling heavy.]
Narrator:
The path winds through dense foliage. As the sun sets, Danny crests a hill. Below lies Widower’s Creek—silent, abandoned. Houses stand boarded, streets empty. The silence itself feels alive, broken only by the mournful cries of gulls.
Danny Rose (quietly):Widower’s Creek. Seven years since I last walked these plains. Something’s off.
[SFX: A sudden shift in the air. A figure steps forward.]
Narrator:
Skin like parchment. Eyes burning with green fire. Long white hair, matted with blood. Robes torn and stained. This is Master Fong, Emperor of the Jiangshi—known by countless victims as the Vampire Butcher of the Himalayan Rift.
Master Fong (low, menacing):
Well, well. Danny Rose—still clinging to life, I see. Officially, all who pass through Widower’s Creek must pay tribute. Unofficially? I want you dead.
Danny Rose (steady, mocking):
Master Fong. Long time, no see, old friend. I’ve heard of the past catching up with me, but this is ridiculous. You brought your buddies too. Tell me—how can I be of service to the Emperor of the Dead?
Master Fong (snarling):
Minions. Bring me his head.
[SFX: The Jiangshi circle in. Danny grips Storm’s Fury. The weapon ignites with blue flame.]
Danny Rose (defiant):
You just gonna stand there making noise, or you gonna come at me?
[SFX: Jiangshi shriek. Attack. Thunderous strikes as Danny moves with speed—three crushing blows.]
Danny Rose (taunting):
Is that the best you’ve got, Fong? Because if it is—pack it up and go home.
Master Fong (furious):
Coward. I will see you again, Rose. And you will pay me back—in blood.
Narrator:
Danny darts through the ruined streets, Storm’s Fury blazing. To stop for even a moment would mean death. Behind him, the shadow of the Vampire Butcher lingers—an omen of battles yet to come.
Raymond Getty (closing):
Way of the Jaded Fist is produced by Project Zion Theater. Today’s episode starred Desmond Childs as Danny Rose, Dominique Cherry as Mei, and Remy Patterson as Master Fong, Emperor of the Jiangshi. Danny Rose narrowly escapes the Vampire Butcher’s grasp… but how long can he run? Until next time, this is Raymond Getty, signing off.
Voices used were implemented via text to speech or recorded remotely.
