CHAPTER TEN
A Step Up

"It has been a few weeks since my first combat experience. I am still a little sore in the ribs but my face has deflated to normal, I think. Combat training is not fun. You learn that quickly, after receiving nasty bruises, cuts, blood blisters and swelling body parts. The good news is that I am not giving up. I am determined to beat that ugly female Nogusha (yes, after more close encounters, I discovered she is indeed, Xena Warrior Princess, without the makeup). I have developed tactics that seem to work on vampires. You see, vampires are usually old. And old vampires are used to traditional living. So, by using my street fighting techniques, combined with kendo, I can surprise her, which gives me an edge."

"Tonight is another 'special night'. I hate special nights. They usually mean long battles and hours of technique 'sharpening'. Kendo just isn't something you can learn quickly. I was kind of hoping it would go fast, though. Has Death forgotten me? Does he think that putting me through this is enough payment for helping him? I hope not. He did say he would be back for me."

The summon bell rang, signaling that Master was done preparing the courtyard for tonight's events. Disciple hurriedly put away his Journal and pen, then strode calmly toward the courtyard, bowing before entering. He looked up and saw the Master dressed in odd combat attire. It looked more like something you would wear to a party. Disciple bowed.

"Today is very special. Important test. You need to prove self tonight."

"Yes, Master," Disciple replied.

"You fight Nogusha again. You must use all technique I teach you against her. Shows your obedience."

"Yes, Master," Disciple nods as he answered.

That same gong sounded again. This time he was ready. Disciple picked up the kendo stick from the ground and raised it to eye level. She came in charging. She disappeared! Oh wait...she turned to mist. She is moving fast. Suddenly she is there, right in front of him.

"Technique 1, to distance myself from my opponent," Disciple recited in his thoughts, as he began his battle. He took a swing, somewhat like a golf swing, at the inside of her left knee. It caught her early. YES! She involuntarily shifted her weight to her left side. He spun and smacked her right across the chest. She moved backward. Success!

She reacted quickly and caught him off guard. That one cost him. His face was cut just below the right eye. Now they were even. He attacked and blocked, alternating, as they volleyed shots. Master watched intently, observing as he executed every technique that came to mind. Disciple was trying to remember everything, but he is human and humans aren't perfect. Apparently, neither are vampires, because Nogusha was taking some punishment, too.

"Stop!" The master declared.

Disciple was glad he said it when he did, because he was out of techniques and was starting to come up with his own. They were bruised. Disciple got the worst of it, but not as bad as usual.

"You very quick. Very smart. Not very strong. Reflexes are best quality, you good enough now. Train with other boys. Come with me. We eat in my room."

"I did it. I am finally good enough to train with the others," Disciple thought, as he smiled broadly. Now things should get better.

The next morning, Disciple and Master went to town. Once in town, they grabbed a taxi, then went straight to the Temple. Master explained on the way, how life was in the Temple. It is much like life was at the shrine. Each student is assigned a partner. During the stay at the Temple, your progress is recorded in two ways: Your individual skills, and how well you and your partner perform together. He showed Disciple his partner's profile. He is in level 3, class 1. Master said that this is about the same level as Disciple . He just graduated to level 3. He did it without a partner. Master explained that you are not assigned a partner till you are of age, So that means he must have just had a birthday.

"You will get up in the morning, report to dojo for morning exercise, do chores, then do long term assignment."

The taxi pulled up in front of a towering Temple, and Master escorted Disciple up the steps, to show him around. Before entering the Temple, Disciple looked toward the west and whispered, "Soon Death. Come for me soon."


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