Mei’s mother, Ming, stood beside her, looking regal in her own shimmering emerald panda form. "Meimei, remember," Ming grumbled, her voice a low rumble that vibrated the pavement. "We are here to maintain order, not to 'bust a move' in the front row."
As the sun began to rise over the city, the spirit faded with a peaceful sigh. The 4*Town boys—now men with slightly more sensible haircuts—bowed to the two giant pandas.
Mei tucked the drumstick into her flute case. "Well, you know what they say, Mom. Change is messy, but sometimes it sounds like a boy band."
The sky over Toronto was a bruised purple as Mei Lee, now eighteen and a seasoned veteran of the "Panda Poof," stood on the steps of the SkyDome. Her red panda ears flicked at the sound of a distant bassline. It was the night of 4*Town’s ten-year reunion tour, and for the first time, she wasn’t just a fan—she was the security.
From the shadows emerged the ghost of a Sun Yee ancestor who hadn't quite let go of the limelight. The spirit began draining the energy from the crowd to fuel its own ghostly performance. "Crisis management!" Mei yelled.
Mei poofed back into her human form, sweaty and glowing. Ming patted her shoulder, a rare, genuine smile on her face. "You handled that with... flair, Meimei."
She didn't hesitate. Mei leaped into the air, her giant, fluffy red form soaring over the mosh pit. Instead of fighting with force, she realized the spirit just wanted what she once did: to be seen. Mei landed on stage, grabbed a discarded tambourine, and started a rhythmic beat.
