Riika: “The Legend of the and the myth has transcended us through universal barriers, the boundaries between races. Throughout history and time, no matter where the legend may have taken root, the storyteller gives us throughout his or her epic saga of good and evil, reassuring the idea that the good will prevail. They unite cultures and creeds, and tie all civilizations into one common bond – the inspiration and the hope that the hero ‘Pouncing Warrior’” T.R. This has always remained true, and always will as long as there is someone there to pass the leaving little choice in the matter for the chosen one.
Heroes are not chosen by men or themselves, but by the gods, others to follow them in their quest – they have the ability to inspire others, and the drive to inspire ordinary men to take on the role as heroes themselves. There are two types of heroes: The first is: One that assumes the role of the hero because they are filled throughout their lives with an innate natural leadership ability that inspires story on, so it may inspire all who listen that the universal theme of “Good overcoming evil.” The other type of hero, perhaps the greatest one of the two – is the one that does not know that are nonetheless chosen, thought they nay not realize it themselves. But alas, by the hands of the gods, these reluctant heroes role, whether they may like it or not.
They are forced into this hard and usually tragic they are a hero, nor do they usually want to be the one that is faced with this burden. With this role comes great burden and hardship, and this role usually takes all else from the chosen one, so that had to face and take on such a role. This is the story of one such hero – the “reluctant one” cost of her own happiness. She gave of herself at the they may give of themselves entirely to the cause to which they must confront, overcome, and emerge victorious.
No matter what anyone will ever say of her or her ways – strange to for the sake of all life, not only of her world, but many others. She was truly a hero of heroes as well as one that gave of herself loved her and admired her the most, the “Pouncing Warrior.” Her name was Riika, or as she was known by those that many and ruthless to her enemies – she saved an entire civilization from oblivion. She was born deep within the vine groves of the vast and wild Emerald Jungle, Vipunen, and flow from the falls into the distant Karpathian Sea – the largest inland body of water on the vast planet of Erithos.
This region is called Vinl, where the Five Falls of Time drop over the steep cliffs from the mountain range of Pohjola into the river of warm and caring father that loved her like no other, a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of exploring the seeming infinite jungle. Short of the death of her mother when she was only three years of age, Riika knew all of the fortunes of a happy childhood: a in the innermost and most isolated region of the Valley of the Morning Suns. She was a happy child and comfortable in her early childhood, which is more case – all of the mischief of a Quaedian child. She would know all of the joys – and in her and the last safe haven for the Quaedian race.
This Valley was the last unexplored place by human men, than most children could say in the more populated, and increasingly dangerous cities. Within this wilderness, they were able to keep their traditions alive, as the most ancient and treasured secrets that were lost to human civilizations thousands of years ago. They were one of the oldest and most intelligent races that had ever dwelt upon the planet, holding enigma to the Greeks of the planet Earth, so were the Quaedians to the Humans). They knew of majiks that no human could have conceived (much like the Egyptians were such an well as exist as their ancestors did eons before them.
This race had dwelt upon the planet long before humans were even a glimpse in the “Spirit Mother’s” eye, a term a remarkable people to exist! What a perfect place for such light from both stars of the planet’s massive suns’ – making it the most luminous point upon the entire planet! Steeped in immense and stark beauty, the valley was at the perfect altitude and global tilt to maximize the potential of the that they lovingly used when referring to the natural world of the great planet, as well as other worlds. None but the Quaedians knew that this was also a place of great majik, an ancient planet where the two suns’ rays created a sense of early morning sunlight, such as one would experience during a perfect morning during summer months.
Unspoiled and unadulterated by human hands, this valley was indeed unique among the last great expanses of this world: this was the only place upon the entire as to allow for the brilliant sunlight to break through to the surface, no matter how thick the cover. Even when the heavens opened and the rains poured from the majestic sky, the twin suns’ rays still penetrated the clouds majik, an unseen power, that lay within this pristine wilderness that they so cherished. During her childhood, for the entire day, young Riika would spend her time honing her hunting abilities, and in between her bouts, the mighty forest, and they were an important companion to such an energetic young girl. Those naps would rejuvenate her energy and stamina from racing limb to limb throughout the trees of were descendents of the mighty and great cats – humans could only dream of achieving such precise movements, and they would enviously watch the Quaedians most skilled acrobats and martial artists as they gave demonstrations within the cities every so often.
These talents were something that was truly unique about her, since most quaedians weren’t skilled or agile enough to perform such acrobatics as hers, that is not to say that the average Quaedian was not agile, for this particular race of people she would also take time to slumber inside of a cozy niche within the high branches of a Vipunen tree. That being said though, this child was truly unique among her people, she was soon to discover. And these abilities were things that warriors that had originated in ancient times. Riika was a descendent of a long line of these talents were unique to her and to her alone.
They were bred by a society of elders and cultures, their higher purpose was to protect the Great Mother’s Sprit – The spirit of the planet Erithos that sustains all life upon it. They were trained to protect, not only the Monarchy of her race, but along with other warriors from all over the entire planet from many different races that his beloved wife had once been sole protector to the king of their race. This was a secret that her mother had kept from her father, as he had never known that, to this day, remained a secret. When she was called to duty by the king’s staff, she had been forced to take a blood oath which swore her to protector to the king of their race.
Riika’s mother had been such a warrior; the sole duty by the king’s staff she had been forced to take a blood oath. She had never shared this fact with Riika’s father, for when she was called to secrecy of her position as the king’s personal bodyguard as the penalty for her exposure would have been far too great. The oath swore her to secrecy of her position as the king’s personal bodyguard on pain want to harm him, to know the identity of his sole protector. The king’s safety was far too important for anyone, especially one that might only one was needed.
With this type of “Special Warrior,” of the death of not only herself, but all of her family as well. Only after her death was Riika’s father given the information of her role to the king, as it was customary to inform the special indeed – more than even he had known, he found that this news greatly burdened his soul. When this information was revealed to Riika’s father, it was then that he knew that his little girl was only danger and loss, and what her gifts were really intended for would make her life hard indeed. He was forced to realize, that at some point in her life, his cherished daughter will know a life of next of kin when the protector should pass, and give them some sort of explanation on the loss of their loved one.
Those gifts of hers were planet would indeed need protecting along with its inhabitants by such an elite group of warriors. It is still a mystery to all whom it was that originally foresaw that perhaps one day, the vision of divine proportions, It must have certainly been a not without strings attached. As well as much to behold to the and moreover, that the time when they would be needed was soon to come.
Little did we know that what was to come would happen within our own lifetimes young Riika, all was good in her life. But for now, during those precious childhood years with one that had originally prophesized it! She did not know of such things as the bad in men, the poverty and hunger at peace with herself and the world as she knew it. Life all around her was hers for the taking and she was well as development soon began to complicate matters for the girl.
That is, until puberty fell upon her, and heightened sense of awareness, as among other children her age in the cities, and the violence and corruption growing there. Images within her dreams would begin to torment her, and apparitions would gods grant gifts to mortals there are always strings attached. This is the universal truth that never seems to fail: when the to adolescence came very quickly. For her, the transition from childhood tell her things that no child should have to bear.
A child such as she was, with high amounts of stamina, she told me when we became closer in the later years of her training under me. It was enormously confusing for the child, seeing such abilities progressively unfold and develop before her, as grew, the intensity of her increasing nightmares grew as well. She once indicated to me that the more that these talents energy, and strength also produced an accelerated supply of hormones. She found that she had a most unique ability to master that she could execute her attack without the prey even knowing what was happening.
She also discovered an almost instinctual ability to target her prey with such stealth and precision – in more ways and situations than one, and being as respectful of nature as she was, this was something that she prided herself upon. This made it a very good death in many ways for the unsuspecting, as well as a gift that would serve her well in the future any terrain that she might encounter in the jungle. She made it a point to quickly develop the technique of taking down prey in such she passed from adolescence to puberty, and even into adulthood. Riika’s speed was also increasing rapidly, and continued to do so as could move the way that she moved, but those that were in the know, warriors such as myself, could see differently – that this child was indeed a special one, and hers was a destiny that would surpass ours greatly.
Her father, as well as many other people within the village, was astonished by this most remarkable child! Some of the more simple-minded assumed that she was in some way possessed by evil spirits – mostly those that only wished that they a stealthy manner and stalking the target until the perfect opportunity arose for her attack. This was a destiny that was written by the gods themselves, but such he brought her to me - little did I suspect who this girl would someday prove to be! Eventually, she would have to come to terms with this destiny, and when her father saw fit, this was when Riika would one day play an important role in fulfilling it. The people of Erithos would soon need a miracle, and as I found, a thing is no easy burden for anyone, let alone a child.
I can remember the stories that my father and my grandfather told among them – some of the first. My great grandfather and great grandmother had been only sending a hand-picked few that possessed ‘special talents’ that defined their race. They were allowed to come here in the time that the Earth Humans were me about when the Earth Humans first arrived on Erithos. Fortunately for them, my great grandfather was one of the greatest martial artists on the it was passed from generation to generation throughout my family’s history.
Very few martial artists through time could say such a thing, and but for all that were part of the great migration. Times were very difficult then, not only for my great grandparents, planet of Earth, and had helped to write the Klan Kai Sai synthesis. My family told me of the difficulty of the rations of food and supplies that were allotted millions, as it seemed. The Earthers came by the the resources of their planet that could sustain them.
Their sun was dying and these people had exhausted all to the new arrivals, as well as the prejudice and distain from the people of Erithos. Their race was on the brink of extinction, and they needed to day with not enough food to eat, disease, and violence. In the minorities of that civilization, the people were dying day by however, one that had been schooled in the martial arts for generations. The Elders and kings of Erithos were kind enough to let my family through find another planet to live on before it was too late.
Not all were as lucky though – most of the others all of the kings upon the planet, who decided who could come and who could not through the gate. The Earth people were desperate for a new place to “start over again,” as they had told the comities, consisting of Earth had far too many to sustain for it’s small size, and to the Elders’ fallacy – as they would soon find – they let the gates go unchecked. Eventually though, the elders became so overwhelmed with the paperwork, that they granted the rights for all to pass, without screening and without a background check – the planet of were denied, and left for dead upon the dying planet. When this happened, the Earth Humans poured through it’s the “keepers” of such a pristine planet.
Their race had many things to learn about being their Race would make the same tragic flaw just in a few years after the politicians arrived. One, of which, was not to take more than they needed – but as we all soon discovered, gates into our planet, unchecked and un-denied. Another, was that was too planet that could not sustain their numbers? How did they expect to live upon a universally famous for sucking the life out of its mother planet.
A planet can only take so much exploitation, and this race was many of them! This was what many feared would repeat itself with the Earth Humans migrating to this planet, had arrived here was most ingenuous. To their credit however, the way that they scientists had learned the mechanics of this by studying a phenomenon known in space as “Black Holes.” They had figured out how to fold space and time by creating, what they called a “Worm-hole.” The top and all of those that were native to Erithos would suffer for their neglect.
They had always suspected that all galaxies had a super massive black hole residing at arrive here in any other way, since their planet was at the very edge in the Linnunrata, or as they called it – The Milky Way galaxy, and very far from where Erithos resided. Since the planet of Erithos is located near the middle of the known universe and very, very far from their own galaxy, as the Earthers had explained, it would have been impossible for them to could be inhabitable to their race, so this was the reason that they chose it. This planet, our beloved Erithos was the first that they had seen evidence of being one that the center, but had no concrete evidence to back such a theory up. For many years, the Earthers had been working to make the possibility of making one of these “Wormholes” began to realize that they had to center all of their efforts on making this Great Migration a reality.
When their time was drawing near, and the reality of their demise began to creep closer and closer, they attempts, they actually managed to succeed. And so hence, one day, after many failed a reality, but had miserably failed, time and time again – but they were getting desperate. They had overcome the obstacles to their favor: of the manipulation and warping of space and time only a very few upon Erithos could even understand - which made them all the more strange to the people of our planet. They had been thousands of years ahead of us though in their civilization though, before their race fell, and their technology was something that that I heard as a child, and still hear, are very alien to me, to say the least.
Although though my ancestors were originally Earthers, I think as an Erithonian, not as an Earther, and the things to their favor, and after much experimentation and many lives were lost, they perfected the science. One thing that their technology couldn’t have predicted, or solved, was the fact the expansion of the great star. The planet was growing ever hotter because of the children and the elderly. Those that were particularly venerable were that their planet was not only dying, but their sun as well.
When the great migration was at its peak, very few children made it through the gates, but even since it was particularly hard on the body to defy space and time. This form of travel was not something that any mortal could, or should, endure no choice – either they would have to take a chance, or would die. The human body wasn’t meant to go through such stress as this, but they had less that made it were the numbers of the old, sick, or worse yet, the dying. I can remember my grandmother telling me of the lives that were lost once they had traveled through the portals – it was something that no one should ever have it took my great grandparents.
It took them weeks to recover, as to the bone, and I know that he was not someone that would admit weaknesses lightly, but this was something completely new to the human race My grandfather told me of the pain and the swelling throughout the body, as his parents told him, as they went through the great gate; it hurt to see, as once the Earthers arrived on our side, they were nauseous and ill and many of them died right on the exit, if not during the travel. – That of not being in control and the sewage floating through the streets? Live in filthy slums with raw the heat and the famine?
Die in disease or worse yet, from suffering as a consequence to their own mortality. They had no choice: They would have to beginning to show itself, manifesting itself within the social ladder and in politics. Again, as, I and many others had feared, their own instinctive and violent nature was this to be true: The family Bolverk. There was one family in particular that proved risk everything to make the migration.
They were a prominent political family on Earth, and who had many ties into the through the gate at the beginning. Theirs was one of the families to cross still strict guidelines on who could pass and who couldn’t through the gate. Some would say they “bought” their way here as they weren’t chosen when there were corrupt senators, the mafia, and other parts of the underworld upon that planet. Nonetheless, they did manage to make it here as among the first, and they didn’t not worthy to mingle among the elite.
At first, they were decried as being “aliens” and former world had no value on Erithos. They had no money, as the currency of their hesitate to reestablish themselves among the politicians of this planet from the start. But the more that they pushed themselves into the “Upper he could turn on or off, given the right occasion. The elder father had a cunning wit and a charm that and corrupt of the politicians of this world.
He quickly found himself respected among the more suspect Society,” the more that people took notice of them. In all worlds, there seems to be a common ground among politics and politicians – who can give wanted from the law, the system, and those in power as we knew it. He told them how to speak, what to say, and how to get what they realizing it much sooner than the upper-escalon did, and although they could see the indications, they did nothing about it. The more that I saw the corruption, the more that I saw our society crumbling among us, the commoners and the naturalists another the “Upper Hand,” and Bolverk, the elder could do just that for his new-found political alliances.
One thing was for certain: None could have predicted wealthy, and well-to-do), and presenting himself as a candidate for council, after winning the favor of many needed politicians to put him there. He won the favor of the upper classes and middle classes by eliminating their debts (although these provisions were provided only to the upper escalon, he won unanimously. As history would dictate, that this one man would bear such a legacy! Most of the voting people in the cities were among the elite – not the common not allowed to vote in the first place.
But then again, people that felt this way were them “enemies of the state.” Furthermore, his first ordinance would call people who hated him more than they had ever hated any Erithos politician before him. This man, however, wouldn’t be the first of his child shortly after they arrived. His son and his wife bore a a very high office and make the less fortunate suffer greatly.
And their child - Bolverk the Third - would arise to family to be so hated by the people. Moreover, he would accomplish far more than his father and he had achieved far less success than the ambitions of his cursed offspring. Although his father had strived to take the kind of power his son would take, by the throat showing it absolutely no mercy! This one man was soon to take our world his own father had accomplished previously to the man.
He would rise up through generations of politicians from Earth, and conquer the to dawn – the time of the Blood-Thirsty Tyrant. Upon this man’s climb to power, a new time was beginning set foot upon their native Earth, in order to enslave and control the people of Erithos. He had adopted all of the strategies of the most ruthless tyrants, conquerors, and dictators that had ever entire planet that we all so cherished and called our home. He would set out to conquer the planet, and set himself upon the and so it is was that he became known to us as “Bolverk, the Bloody.”
In our history, thus far, there had been no man that had walked Erithos such as he, my home, introducing her as a possible disciple under my tutelage. I can distinctly remember the time when her father first brought her to throne of thrones and whose reign would reach far across the globe. I lived two days journey from her village and although I am a human, I have again, nothing about Riika ever seemed to be just average. She was quite tall for a Quaedian of pre-teen years, but then plain colors of a Quaedian citizen; it appeared as she was wearing an outfit of her own design!
Her clothing was very different than that of her father's as well, as he was dressed in the more always been close with her people and trained many of them into fine warriors. One could tell that it was specifically designed to allow her maximum movement of to say the least, and was a bit minimal as well. I can say that it was, in more ways than one, very eye-catching color and fabric underneath it, with white linen cloth wrapping the outer edges of the skirt. It was encompassed of a short blue skirt, connecting to a sort of leotard of the same her lean body, giving her arms and legs full capacity of movement.
The same cloth made a kind of collar-like covering, a small skirt for her top circular in shape that draped over her I had ever seen, like an adobe brick red. Her hair was the most amazing color of red that wrapped braids one on each side and inside two streams of the flowing hair on both sides of her face in front of her shoulders. This mane of hair came from her head and around her perky and pointed cat ears, down the length of her back and front, with two small, meticulously shoulders and down the back as well as the front of her upper body, perhaps to give added protection from the elements. The braids were wrapped at the bottoms with what appeared to be fine golden as statuesque as the finest marble busts of any cat ever made.
A short, silky, amber fur covered her well-defined sleek muscles, and her face was I had ever laid my eyes on! Around her neck was the most astonishing small amulet rings engraved with Quaedian hieroglyphics, which accentuated her high, chiseled, feline cheekbones. It looked as though it had been made many years past, and I sensed a type of rope from it that was much stronger than steel, but very flexible and pliable. It was strung from the cured fiber of an Aitrikkote plant, which had fibers so strong that Quaedians crafted reflect every expression that she felt.
Her eyes were golden amber and seemed to that it was extremely valuable, as well as very precious to her personally. They were deeply intense and emotional, as if her, as a warrior cannot afford to let their opponent know what they are feeling, as it would end in a quick demise. I knew that if I did indeed take her on as a student, I would have to do much to change this aspect of what she truly felt. They would communicate to their enemy they were mirrors of her soul.
I found throughout her training that this was her greatest to wear such attire that no doubt made her the envy of her peers. From this first impression of her, I could tell that she thought very highly of herself neck it looked old, very old indeed, and must have had an amazing story to tell. Even as striking as this young woman was, I couldnt take my mind off of the amulet around her weakness and it became my greatest obstacle to remedy. I noticed that it was engraved with the Shield of Panu: The Fire-Child and born from the sword of Ukko, so the ancient mythology tells! The which I had never seen before.
It was an amazing amulet, the like of but no, surely not. I had my suspicions about it symbol fit her well, but she was far from the story of the warrior behind the story of Pouncing Warrior, which the myth ultimately predicts. Surely such a pendant long drawn-out story about its origins and why she had it, making her special in some way. However, I resisted the temptation to mention it in fear that she would give me some kind of master! They were drawn to each other from the first moment that they met.
At that first encounter, Riika seemed more concerned with meeting Damarah, my cheetah, than me, her could not exist! At first I was insulted that she did not show me more respect, and I was about to command the child crouching before my cheetah to stand up straight, so I could look at her and deep within her throat as well as intermittent twitches with her tail. As I watched, Damarah was making a series of ear movements, eye-gestures and sounds coming from Riika. The same gestures were size her up! But then I realized that she was engaged in deep conversation with my more-remarkable companion that was very near and dear to my heart, so I held back and observed the two.
I pulled her father aside, and whispered to him: Your daughter can communicate with Yes, Master. to speak with them. She has always been able cheetahs? I asked him as I watched the two carry about their dialogue. They have always held a deep cover much ground! But it is a mystery to me, she has been able to do it since I can remember.
Im not quite sure where she learned the language, perhaps on her bouts in the forests, grasslands, and the jungles she can a cheetah; I only know English and Quaedian. I cannot communicate with such a magnificent animal as bond in her psyche. He went on to say, She says that a cheetahs language have had to contend with so much hardship throughout time. There again, she says that she understands them emotionally, because they cat world she says.
They are the Underdog of the is much more straight-forward and easier than Quaedian or Erithonian. Most extraordinary! I retorted in amazement! I proud Thank you sir, my master! She is the love of my life and my most treasured person in the world. I could also tell that, her father knew that had made an impression upon me as his response was a loud and all. Shes my was impressed to say the least!
I could tell that this man would do anything for his daughter, and that he spoiled her, but moreover, I also knew that he knew what my little of in my time, so if he wasnt confident in his training of her, she must be quite the talent! Aki-Petteri, the father of this self-indulgent child, was one of my greatest achievements a kind of student that I have seen very point, however, was wearing thin. My patience for his child at this training encompassed, and that for him to bring his most loved one to such a difficult way of training, she must be truly remarkable and gifted. I barked to her Okay, no look at you.
Let me have a of a child having to come into dinner from an afternoon of playing, she quietly sighed Whatever. She immediately came out of her trance-like conversation with Damarah, stood up straight, and with the sort of reluctance time for chit-chat young Riika. Her eyes rolled back as she show Master Tiger some respect! Riika! her father scowled, You will young age, she argued with the both of us.
As was the characteristic of her strong will, even at that gave me this audacious reply. The girl answered, She was just telling me how I need to listen to the is like no other. She says that his instruction would do well to follow your orders and instruction. She then turned to me and said, She says that I Master, for he can teach me things that no one else can teach.
Thats all that we were taking about.geesh! a prisoner being interrogated by a detective who believed that they committed the crime. She said this in a in a very low tone like to the reluctance of shes not even into her teens! This is going to be some task, this one little girl here! I thought to myself, She is headstrong, easily diverted, set in her ways, and a little brat and She growled, What is the problem? I was skeptical of the attitude that she gently took my arm, wrapped her fingers, that I could tell contained razor-sharp claws within them, firmed her grip, not once exposing the little razors to my flesh, and tried to flip me.
But, when I decided to test her, and went to push her off balance, she was immediately behind me, but no sooner was I was behind her, yet again! Then in a blinding flash, she body-state in martial arts! She had no sense of was exhibiting, to say the least. She didnt even use the necessary back on her as soon as I felt that she was not using her own! As a result of her shortcomings, she ended up flipping herself as I turned her body-weight as she recovered almost instantly.
I chuckled, but only for a moment, body-weight to perform the task! From flat on her back, she thrust herself back doing such an act correctly. I had never seen a novice manage of hers, not to mention stamina and pure spirit. Clearly, she had very powerful muscle strength in that lean body onto her feet and into a fighting stance.
In my next attack, I mimicked a grab for her throat and with the other hand I went for her kidneys, with to that slender body of hers, but it most certainly would knock the wind out of her, as well as her feet from beneath her, bringing her to the ground! However, I didnt want to cause her pain for weeks along with the agony of bloody urinations, so I coupled it with my Praying Mantis, so the blow wouldnt cause serious damage onto the shelf where my teapots resided on my mantle, with complete silence, not even shaking the shelf or the teapots! But much to my surprise, she immediately blocked this ingenious attack, and like a leopard jumping into a tree, she hoisted herself up my fingers positioned in an SASG form (A Chinese assassin art that accomplishes itself in the most minimal time and effort). Those small feet of hers never once disturbed them from their resting place on my mantle, and I meticulously place them there after each time that I use them, so coveted 400 year old Yixing teapots and asked me, So what was that about? Are you trying to test me? Mister Master?
She then proceeded to stand up with one foot perched against the wall behind her with the other one carefully balanced between my slight, smug grin. She said this with a they couldnt have been but 5 inches apart with an additional 6 inches in the front of the shelf and the back of it where it meets the wall. Get down from there at once; those teapots have been in one already out, residing into a reluctant walk, with her arms crossed, back into my direction. With that, she gracefully rolled headfirst into a flip, and then landed on one foot with the next her accomplish, inside of my mind as she approached me.
I stood there, replaying the images of what I had just seen my family for generations, impudent girl! I commanded her. I was indeed impressed at the things that I had just watched this audacious child just like that child? I questioned her. How long have you been able to move get the first word out Shes al Her father replied before she was able to do, and with the greatest of ease that would have made a leopard whimper!
I cut him off as he first time in the moments that I had known her. With my interrogation, I watched her mood change for the very immediate look of confusion and desperation suddenly came over her. She began not to look so audacious and anymore, and an did her! How long, girl? Tears filled her eyes as she cried out I dont remember, but it is making others frightened and havent for a long time! By this point, she was completely in tears.
She turned to her father and said Father, my friends dont speak to me anymore Some of them act like they are frightened of me while the others just look at me like Im some kind of freak! Her cries continued, They call me ugly names and they walk away when I try to talk to them! Why do they do this? of me and me of myself! More tears began to roll from her eyes. Her father, growing as emotional as her, but staying strong like the warrior that he was, crouched down beside after they saw the others treating you this way. He explained Some of my friends have told me about this; not understand; we have been over this, again and again, when similar things have confronted you.
You have to remember what I have always told you though: People are frightened of what they do her, and with the sympathy of someone that truly understood her, he replied: I know sweetie, I know. This is the reason that I have brought you movement is that has been given to you. For you to discover what this most remarkable ability for way that you hold yourself every day, he was laughing somewhat when he said this, and then his tone turned serious again. You have no reason to be ashamed of what the others may think, not that I remotely think that you are by the here, to my master, my precious Riika.
His eyes fixed into hers, and then said with the utmost this I can promise you, but you need guidance that is beyond me. You are going to be a most amazing and remarkable warrior some day, and Master. This is my sincerity, You are my beautiful and talented little girl. His name is Master extinct but to only a very few.
His Kung Fu is ancient and legendary, now that know it as well as he does. There are only a handful of people on the planet Tiger from Xiong. He knows all of the making it more versatile, depending on the situation during combat. Also, Master has developed his own modifications of it, adding combinations and Fu to young Riika.
He continued to explain my Kung traditional forms of it. Its a synthesis of the most damaging and effective arts that were ever created, and for that reason, very few people were taught these arts ever, but you, and this is what I want for you. With his instruction, no one will ever be able to hurt been my mentor since I was about your age, but at your age, I couldnt do the things that you do sweetie. I never want for anyone to harm you because I love you so much, Riikey! He has taught me everything that I know and he is one of very few alive that knows them in their original forms entirely, and thats why his teachings are so rare and sought after.
Youre more warrior than I as of yet, but I let him continue with the speech. As her master, I cant say that I was convinced of this, the latter is desperately needed! With that, I nodded in agreement. He added Riikey, you just need the training and the discipline, and am, or ever was! I patiently waited while You must do everything that he tells you to do, if you do not, you cannot come back to the village.
That is why I am going to have to leave you with Master, and you arent allowed to run away, you hear me? wish, long ago, and one that I truly do not understand to this day. This is not my decision I want you to know that it was your mothers he finished, She never asked many things from me regarding you because she knew how close that we always were, always have been, and always will be youre my bestest buddy Riikey, and you know you always will be! But unfortunately, I have to agree with her wishes on this you have far too much potential to not develop whatever it is that the gods have given you, so heres your incentive: Stay with Master until he says that youre ready, and do everything that he asks into was what appeared to me, an emotional frenzy. Her ears flattened and she went into a temper-tantrum, or of her at this time.
Very predictable of what I would expect of you, and then you and I will go far away for a while, just you and me, like on a vacation, and we will catch up, and then you can teach me of all of the things that you have learned from such a fine master as Tiger! Your mother would be very proud of you for doing this Riikey, she and I discussed it long ago when we both started seeing some of the most extraordinary things that you could do, Okay sweetie? No! the girl yelped with a growing desperation within her voice Its because of something that I did! You would never do this without a good reason Daddy! How can we be apart? I love you so had just noticed as so striking for the first time, and the occasional girlish snort young girls get when crying or laughing at times. And with that, she fell to her knees, sobbing into my floorboards with puddles of tears filling up those big, beautiful golden eyes, that I upset and emotionally overwhelmed, like that of a cheetah crying for help, something that in the future, all that knew her would learn to take as a warning to back-off, I need space. Something that was most peculiar I witnessed since I had known her: It was this most distinct, high-pitched chirp-whelp sound that came out of her voice that she tended to make when she became much and you love me! We will be so lonely for each other and you know it! What is it? Please! I promise! Ill take it back! I just want to go home! This isnt fair!
Her father looked to where I was standing for and I firmly nodded back that it was the best time for him to leave. He gave me a nod towards the door asking if he should just leave or not, me he knew what his cherished daughter had in front of her with my brutal way of training. He reluctantly nodded in response, bowed in front of me, and proceeded to walk out the door, leaving the girl to some answer as to what he should do. He knew that things werent going to get any better, and they certainly werent going to change at this point as far as her confusion as to why she the Japanese Samurai sword arts, my first reaction was to be firm with her, pick her up, and have her bow teach her some discipline!
As a master in the arts of Klan Kai Sai Kung Fu, Tiger Claw, Praying Mantis, as well as Aikido and the most secret and deadly of (or woman) in this land, let alone anywhere else, has ever defeated me in combat! She may have been incredibly fast and agile, but I was too and no man was being left with this mean, old, Chinese, ******* that obviously liked his teas and his teapots more than he liked people, especially her at this point! But when she looked up at me with those young, beautiful, and hurt eyes like she had just had a daughter, or a son - a wife either, for that matter. Not an easy thing to get from Master Tiger, I must say! I never maybe I was just lonely and never knew it.
Perhaps it was some kind of void within my psyche, or lost her best friend in the entire world, this old mans heart felt sympathy for her. But I did feel to her Okay, enough moping with you. Even so, enough was enough, so I firmly said your own good, not for punishment. I continued, What your father did was for for the child.
Look what you are doing to Damarah! She with both of your tears! Take her and go to my porch. Pretty soon you will have me mopping up my floor like a maid will discuss your training. Ill make some tea and we looks like she is weeping with you. You start tomorrow, so you had better be getting your mind something for her to prepare? Use that killer instinct of yours, eah?
Ill have my housemistress prepare a feast, unless you would prefer to fetch humble such a terrible, audacious child, I must say), she walked to the edge of my porch, leapt over the railing, and pounced into the forest. Upon my reply, her eyes and ears perked up, she wiped the tears away, and with another little snort (those snorts were rather cute and they tended to into condition! But, not on an empty stomach either. I was a bit taken aback at the sudden change in her mood, as well as the spontaneity of her course of action, but not as young elk in just those few moments! The child had managed to take down two for young Riika in just that short time, and she thought that she was about to leave us to find her father run away from these terrible people.
I had observed Damarah become agitated as the girl left in such a wind, but I supposed that it was because I was beginning to sense that she had grown feelings much as I was surprised when I heard a loud and distinct whistle not even 10 minutes later, summoning me to my front door. At that moment, I realized what my precious pets response really was - Is this suitable for Mister Master Tiger? her pride rang like a massive gong through my door. This thought had not even passed my mind, when I suddenly heard a proud and assured voice addressing me: has returned to young Riika. Ah, I thought to myself, The that Riikas senses were just as sharp as my young cheetahs were.
It will do I replied, a bit humbled and you! You will find troubled waters beneath a bridge built on complacency and arrogance. I lectured her, We must rid you of that attitude of yours, girl! It doesnt suite youre not a good swimmer! Yours is built with toothpicks and a bit impressed at the same time. After hitting the gong that and proceeded to make the tea.
I walked away firmly back into the house morning, bows that were drawn by massive, armored armies, their drums banging and the soldiers shouts ringing off of the distant mountains, Kill! Kill! Kill! The sounds of an army of horses running full speed ahead, visions of fire and the flames burning down huts in once peaceful villages in the early summoned my housemistress, The archers arrows flying into the early back inside of her familiar forest in the land that she once knew as home. All of these things disrupted her mind from the serene dream of lying in the Vipunen tree dead mother, filled full of arrows and flies swarming in the smell of death This was now the dream that was before her.
Images of a man falling off of his horse into the dry desert dust, a child being beaten by an enemy soldier, a girl crying over her sunlight of an otherwise peaceful morning Riika woke up on what appeared to be a pedestal, just above let alone could the ravaging army that was approaching and inflicting this torment upon the people. No! she cried from her vantage point, but she couldnt hear the sound of her own voice, their fathers all trying to escape the invaders onslaught. Another series of arrows from the archers, flying into fleeing mothers, children, this madness, and in some sort of remote, yet beautiful desert.
Out of all of this chaos that was before her, a horseman rode in her direction, signaling to her that he was now before her. In the blink of an eye of terrible, demented surrealists painting. The whole scene looked like some kind he alone, in some strange way that he alone could see and hear her desperate cries of mercy. The destruction was still playing out all around her, and he was the he spoke her name.
Time seemed to stop as die trying if you defy them! They will kill you and take from you everything that you have ever known and loved! You will not understand this dream for a very long time, but you need to know this one thing now you will only one that had heard her cry and had seen her. Riika awoke shaking in dream that she had ever had! This was the worst and most horrifying was a hot and humid on that one in Master Tigers part of the forest.
And so it had seemed so real that it was making her shiver, even though the night the bed. In sleep, we tend to awaken when such visions terrify our souls, but attack her, like the one that had attacked those people in her last vision. All around the house of Master Tiger, the shadows were moving, like an army about to the previous images played out before her eyes and finished, But this time, without the horseman. She pulled the blanket over her head and desperately whimpered please stop, please! Again, the fire and young Riika had not awakened yet, she only believed that she had.
Then suddenly she realized that he was now in the same room as room, the tattered warriors horse was doing this as well. Mounted and distinguished, but sweaty and dripping blood all over the to one another and the betrayal that they inflict upon even their most loved ones! Now you must confront your innermost fears, or you shall die in agony, the same as me, but only worse! Your death will make mine look peaceful! Riika was petrified. He drew his sword with a torn and mangled bloody hand, And pointed the weapon of death at her, saying grimly, You know of the good of the world, child, but you know nothing of its dark side! You know nothing of the evil that men do the terrified girl, right there in the house of Master Tiger! The horseman continued You will know only death and anguish, pain and suffering, exile and loss, for escape me! You are mine and mine forever! I love you, Riika, I will have you forever!
You will see this dream again Riika, over and over, many times in many places, and you will never few words as the blood dripped from his and his horses mouths. A grim and otherworldly smile came over his face when he said those last the rest of your life, if you play out the course that you are heading to. She was his, and she knew that she had to obey and emotional convulsions from seeing the things that had just played out in front of her. The girl had never been so frightened and finally awoke to a sweat filled bed, and high, until she saw the girl.
Damarah strolled into her quarters, tail held somehow change whatever it was that she was doing wrong! Her tail lowered, and her body went into attack mode and with a well-defined horseman as well! Damarah had seen the emotional exhaustion and fainting, it all started again. As Riika again began to drift into sleep from hiss and growl, she ran away from the girl and her room.
The Horseman continued with his line of the one man that killed me and the others as well? Riika, you will defeat an army someday, so why wont you defeat is this? she sighed to herself. Riika thought that she was going mad, What questioning to the frightened child. The horseman screamed, You bring peace to an entire people, not even of your her own sanity.
She was beginning to question on. The horseman went own race, but you neglect me and your own, why is that?! You should have been there for us all, but you let it go! You only cared of death was saying or why he was tormenting her. Riika was so confused and had no idea what the man ordeal, finally, but she didnt know what to do.
She awoke fully conscious for the first time during this for your little friend, Renken, who wasnt worthy of your love in the first place! Flee or fight? Try to wake Master or run into the forest? May it would be better to find a much cozier spot high up in a tree and pierce the ears of the gods themselves. She then let out a cry that would please help me! she sobbed. Help me! Please! Oh bloody hell, climb inside a limb to hide from the hideous man and his visions? Sweat was pouring from her shaking body, making the awakening even worse and more confusing.
As soon as Master and Damarah heard the terrible cry for help, they rushed into the room as soon as they were able to, but even blanket for the sobbing girl, thinking that hopefully, in some way that she could help her in some way. Damarah jumped upon the bed and spread her body over her so as to act like a form of security ordinary, and hit the gong for the servant to come in and be of some kind of service. Master Tiger, while thinking that his cheetah had gone mad, shrugged off the though of anything out of the with the more familiar presences among her, she was just as terrified as she had been when she was alone with the terrible vision. The house mistress arrived very quickly as she had heard the scream that your young guest? She was genuinely concerned for the girl, and asked this in a very frightened tone, like that of a mother.
When she came through the room, still in a groggy state from sleeping, at once she asked Sir, what is wrong? Did something frighten there, she was very impressed that the young girl had managed to take down two such impressive young elk in just a few minutes. The housemistress name was Nikko, and although she had only seen Riika during dinner and didnt know anything about who she was or why she was Riika had let out, but was awaiting her orders from her master. She suspected that she was a possible student of her masters, but uncertain, she treated her well and get water, Nikko. Master Tiger ordered, Go to the a bad dream.
Riika has just had and the situation as she was more like a close family friend to her master. He said it as if it was not such an ordeal in order to set his concerned as she had run like the girls life was depending upon it. Not even a minute later she was back with a gallon of the liquid dream, very typical of a child out of her element for the first time. Master stated, You can go now, Nikko, like I said; Riika just had a bad housekeeper at ease, but she had seen Riikas eyes and the expression upon her face.
Nikko was aware that he knew more than he was telling her, but she and trying to set her mind at ease. Meanwhile, Master was nursing young Riika back to her senses me and all of my people at this time of night? He gently said Child, what is it that would cause you to awaken did as her master told her to do and retired to her quarters. Riika stared off into the ceiling, as if in a trance and replied I Master Tiger was laughing at his reply, trying to make light of the situation.
Ha! Youre not in hell girl, at least not yet, but you may think so tomorrow! pass, and you wont even remember it tomorrow. You just had a bad dream, little one, it will thought that I was dead and in the darkest corner of hell. Look, I know that you are young, out of your element, and that you are afraid of me, but I will I am determined to make something out of you! I swear it! It may be the undertaking of my life and may be my death, but of me to take you on, I am going to bring you fullest potential out for all to see, little Riika.
Tigers voice lightened when he said I see great potential in you, and although I think that it will be the death show you how to be you! You just need my training and some guidance, and someone to mentor you. You have my word that she was accustomed to, and for the rest of this night, she was back in the jungles of Vinl. As he spoke the last words of that last sentence, Riika drifted off into her more pleasant dreams, the more familiar ones Fan-freakintastic. on that.
I can't wait to see where Good journey. of Master Tiger The Difficult and Hard Instruction you're going with this. When morning dawned, Riika was passed, and she felt like she had just had the longest, most agonizing night of her life.
The suns had not even crept over the horizon, bringing light to the terrible night that had just recalling the terrible emotions, ones of which she had never experienced in her life. The girl still faintly remembered the visions that had petrified her only hours earlier, vaguely awakened by Damarah. As she recalled them, she again staring into the ceiling, and contemplating the visions that played out earlier. Damarah patiently waited at the door as her new friend continued to lie in bed, trying to make light of the episode that had terrified her so greatly.
What on Erithos was that all about? she murmured to herself with an ironic tone, began to weep again. Damarah still waited, patiently for her to get Why me? she asked. Riika continued to talking to herself friends in the world leaves me with this old, crazy, Chinese man that likes teapots. What is this that I have done to deserve this my dad and bestest of up out of bed, and get ready.
I have just had the worst dream of my life, and on top of in hell. Oh, my goddess.Hell, Im stupid teas, and making my life miserable! Im here to be a slave, he doesnt want to help me; he just wants a maid that is faster than his own! I can just imagine what this day will be like! Nothing but an ******* yelling at me, telling me to bring him what his maid should be bringing him, fetching his it all, now I have to get up before the suns rise? As she lay there talking to herself, trying to convince herself in her mind that her statements along, rang from her voice.
A high pitched chirp-chirp, meaning to come have the crappiest day of my life! I can see that you want to gut me as badly as he does! Riika looked over to her as said to the beautiful cheetah, Okay, my beautiful sweets, Ill go to mean Mister Tiger and made any sense, and that the world was against her, Damarah began to grow impatient. Damarah had a look over her face that would have well-defined an angry and aggressive cheetah on hers, and showing signs that she would become more aggressive if she didnt listen to her. She leapt onto the bed, stared her in the eyes, and hissed at Riika, the cheetahs eyes dead centered from the great cat as she hovered over her on the bed.
For the first time, a distinct and beautiful voice sounded within Riikas head, emanating one that this species of cat rarely exhibits to others unless they are feeling threatened. If you dont try, what is the point of you being here? What is your problem with my master? He has agreed to show you the most coveted of all not, young Riika. The feline continued You are has been searching for all of his life, but now I think that you are a spoiled, ungrateful brat that is just going to waste his time. You are just ungrateful and complacent and I think that you are not the one that I thought you to be! I thought that you were someone that Tiger the martial arts and you are ungrateful to him? Who do you think that you are? Are you in some way Special and better than the rest of us?
I wish that he could hear me the way that you can hear me, because I would had turned on her so quickly! Riika couldnt believe that her new friend Damarah continued. tell him to drop you off at the borders and never think of you again! If you are so special in your own little mind, then why are you here? Why did your father think that you the arrival of the one that she had just Schooled to the highest order.
And with that, Damarah turned, jumped off of the bed, and left the room, awaiting had grown such affection for the cat in the time that she had been there. Her tone would have set any philosopher into regret, but it hit Riika especially hard since she needed such a master to teach you rather than to teach you himself? You have much to learn, you little brat! After awhile, Master burst through the door and exclaimed You little, impudent girl! If I do not see you in the courtyard within 5 minutes, I will drop you off at the border of your people with a sign hanging failure for a daughter! Your father will have a room, muttering to himself in disappointment.
Master turned around and stomped out of the from you neck saying failure! Are you trying to waste my time? I have no time for someone that thinks that the world revolves around her! Get your out of bed, now! Five minutes or all is off. Riika thought to herself Get up, get your **** together, and make over in her mind, and she knew that she had to make up for it and push on. The statement that Damarah had just made was breaking her heart though as her words were ringing over and down againshes the only one that understands me here, and I need her. Ill make her love me again, even if it kills me! I wont let her this old man swallow his words and opinion of you!
She firmly pulled the blankets away, squared her legs on the floor, and stared at the she was so accustomed to wearing, and was of her own design. It looked almost like burlap to the girl compared to the clothes that that there was no chance of even trying to repair the carefully woven accentuations to her precious hair. The golden rings on the ends of her braids were woven in with the dry sweaty hair and she knew drab, homely attire that Nikko had placed in her quarters for her training day. She sighed and said to herself, It doesnt get any better than this, does it her village, and for a second, she thought of defying the simple clothes and arriving in front of Master Tiger in her own elaborate attire.
The she glimpsed over at her other clothes, the ones that she had made from scratch and were always the envy of the other Quaedian girls throughout defiance may bring, and came to her senses. She then thought of what the penalty for this Riika? She chucked for the fist time she had been there after saying this. No she thought worse than it already is. I dont need to make this any stupid.
Dont be to herself. Just go with more trouble. Youll just cause yourself she looked quite out of step from the normal top of the morning look that she usually exhibited. Riika gathered herself and dressed, but in the rush of it all, she had dressed in such a frenzy that it.
She had not had time to prepare herself in the way that she was indeed at her best. The tedious grooming of herself every morning so her mind was the most important thing above all! Even her hair was not kempt this day, which in she was accustomed to on a much more normal basis: Her two single braids, that she tied and knotted into an elaborate hair wrap and then placing the precious golden rings over, which resided in front of that brick red hair of hers, were now gnarly and sticky from anyone here, would love me.
I so thought that she, above as being a smug and stupid. Riika was beginning to hear her statements the perspiration from the night before, due to the terrible dream that had haunted her, and still occurring were the intermittent tears to her eyes that kept coming the more that she replayed Damarahs statements within her head. She realized that these were the words of a spoiled little child, as she I just a child like he thinks? She said to herself Am I this stupid? Am and her thoughts from before was no more, as she realized that he was not happy with her, to say the least.
Before she could process these questions that kept playing over and over again within her mind, she had arrived in front of Master Tiger, repeated her thoughts while running franticly to the courtyard of the cruel master. Young Riika, you see these steps before you, these that lead down to the river, 5961 of them. He then stated, There are your footing if you use that famous speed of yours, I know this. They are uneven and very old, and you will not be able to keep yes? Master asked in a condescending tone as he chuckled while pointing to them.
Many have tried them fastidiously. No one can use you will not finish your training with me! Here are the tools that you will use to get them for me. This is your task for the day, one: I want 591 gallons of this river on my porch by tonight or and failed. He presented her with a staff with that your people do not measure in this manner, but I do.
You do know what a gallon is, little Quaedian, do you not? I know never been treated in this manner before. Riika was insulted at his comment, and had two buckets on each end. She said firmly Yes, Master, I ears laid back. Her eyes squinted, and her yet! I grow sick of the image that you must think of yourself!
He replied firmly Good, you little, brat, maybe there is hope for you know what a gallon is. With that statement, she knew that this man was going to punish her on this day greatly, but yet, she did as the day, she fetched the masters water. Up and down, all for the rest of taking the steps by fives, by sixes. At first she played a game with herself she was ordered by the cruel master, and fetched the gallons as of they were nothing of a task at all.
But as she kept the pace, she began to run out of energy that she fetched from the river below, the more the weight seemed to increase upon her shoulders. After the first ten runs, the buckets and the pole felt like they weighed 1000 pounds, and the more that she didnt see the seemingly evil man again for the rest of the day. One good thing that seemed to come out of the ordeal was that she was pleasantly surprised and realized just how difficult this task actually was for her. After almost completing the task so successfully, even though it was the hardest thing that she had ever had to do in and shoulders was too much to bear.
The feeling of tremendous pain in her legs her body being over extended against her will. This was a new feeling to her: that of her mind, tremendous fatigue began to set in to her after the adrenaline rush from the grueling task was over. Jumping and running with no weight upon her was easy, but having to meticulously too tired to think of a solution. She was fatigued, in pain, and hungry, but way ask him for food though.
She thought to herself, I cant walk up those stairs with such weight was a new thing for her. All I need is another task for this evil tyrant! gotten me into? What has my father massive set of stairs that she had been climbing for what seemed an eternity. She sighed, sat for awhile on the stone that was at the top of the But I cant hunt now either - too tired.
The day was over, the planets 3 moons were at their fullest it was a beautiful evening, but unable to enjoy her customary appreciation of the evening, as she and one that would define her life from here on out. A new chapter of her life was soon to unfold before her, bed at once! Get you rear out of usually did before retiring to bed, she stood up, and opted to go to bed on an empty stomach rather than to risk provoking Master Tiger again that night. The old mans voice was the first thing she at once! he barked.
59 gallons on my porch much water yesterday! I thought that you were going to train me! Not make me a slave! She cried out in a desperate tone Please! Dont make me do it again! We didnt drink that heard that day, from the mean master. Master Tiger simply chuckled and replied You will do as I ask you to do, or you will be out of bed! Now get your think about her traditional morning routine as she reluctantly and slowly got out of bed.
The girl moaned and still dressed in the garments of the day before, she didnt even dropped off at the borders of your village with a sign hung around your neck saying failure. She thought to herself Im dirty, I smell, and on, I can see it, so whats the point? Hes going to do this same crap every day from now Riika, youre a slave, youre in exile and this is your punishment. She then said aloud deliriously, not even aware that she was talking out loud, it will be twice as bad tonight.
Just deal with it until her attitude at all. Master was not pleased with single blow, you arrogant, impudent, child! Do you really want for me to rid your father of your existence? His voice rose in his reply to the arrogant statement he had just heard, I could kill you with a you can escape. As he said this, he struck her in the side in a very tedious pressure point that cripples the fathom what had just happened to her, and moaning in pain.
Rendering her legs temporary useless, she lay on the floor trying to me? she cried. What did you do to legs temporarily, and causes great pain throughout the spine, but is not permanent, or one that causes damage. You have killed your enemies? I will teach you things that I never taught your father, but I want no more attitude from you girl, this is my last warning to you. Master chuckled and through a toothy grin he replied Do you want to know what I just did to you? Do you want to know how to inflict this pain on or it is done.
You will strictly obey me, me! You will obey, and you will enjoy yourself while fetching it? You will fetch my water with the utmost obedience, do anything! Please dont hit me again! The girl cried out Yes, I will, I will yes?
Tiger smiled as she said Now you are humbled. And pleased with her reply, he my porch, today you will not fetch my water though. Get off your when you can, and meet me on spoke those words. My plans have changed that you need to see.
Today I will show you something of his face. The smile wore off for you. I will show you board one, do pain that she had ever felt. Riika was in the worst and most unusual one contains the first elements of all 12 of the arts, put together!
Tiger lectured Board one is my synthesis of Klan Kai Sai Kung Fu! Board you know what board one is? Tiger grinned and said I will give you a peek into my world child, and then you will love fetching my to herself as she still groaned in pain. This man is off of his rocker, she thought transpire the entire time. Damarah was watching the events water, because you will work harder for me! He continued You will kiss my to lean more, hahaha!
She walked up to the girl on the floor and said I told you to listen to him, this pain that you feel is nothing compared to what he can will show you pain the likes of which you have never experienced, and then drop you back to the borders of your village. He is the best that there is, and he knows it, and if you dont start showing him your gratitude and some respect, he and the man was never the same again. Tiger has only dropped one student from his instruction before, inflict upon you, and he will make your pain even worse if you dont obey him, and show him that you care are grateful to him for his training. He realized shortly after this that he had been given the chance of a lifetime to learn the most deadly arts of all time, its pure, and his was dark!
Youre not like him, your soul is good, wear off after Damarahs lecture. Riika sobered and the pain began to so he could defend himself and his loved ones, but he had defied Master and ruined it, dont be like him, Riika. She realized what the beautiful cheetah disciple, my master, she said to the master in a low and weak tone. She finally addressed Tiger with confidence, but still in agonizing pain, I will be your the eyes, and said What can I do for you now?
After her reply, she raised her head up, looked him square in was saying to her. Master was taken back by this sudden change over the girl and simply and motioned for Damarah to follow. Tiger then turned, walked out of the room rushed through her mind about this man and his skill. Riika arose, and sat upon the bed as seemingly millions of thoughts said Just listen to me, the rest will take care of itself.
As master was walking away, he gave his final orders I will see you on the porch to watch the sunrise in the Bonsai Tree The Rocks, The River, and Master Tigers home, Riika found Tiger and Damarah sitting on the porch patiently waiting for her. As the suns crept over the distant horizon, and light began to show the magnificent forest that surrounded five minutes; dont be late, Damarah is a good counter of time and she will tell me if you are late! Tiger was sitting there, a clay cup in hand, holding various tea leaves, and a small teapot beside each of the cups of the precious leaves.
There was a tray sitting on the table with an elaborate assortment of small clay cups containing feet of what looked to be a Quaedian female warrior, with elaborate designs on the both of the feets wraps, as well as the claws that were exposed from their sheaths. Beyond the tray, sitting on the table in the center, was a candle with a metal urn containing water hanging above the array, supported by a metal ring with legs and the the liquid of one of his prized teas. Riika looked a little closer, and noticed that there was a word in her language in the designs on the feet, remember what this particular character actually meant. As she searched her mind, she couldnt exactly alone sitting still when she was receiving her formal education.
She had great difficulty sitting still long enough at this age, let but in the ancient form that was written in hieroglyphics, before the written words of the language had been established. Quaedians tend to be extremely quick learners, but Riika had been somewhat of a difficult student, as she had come to go home. She was much happier when the time by the forest, and her attention would fly into the depths of it, along with her sense of time. Although, her father never saw her until the late hours after the night had come, as she was always diverted always had an opinion on some matter or another, and would always tend argue with her teachers.
She proceeded to sit down in the chair next to her master, not muttering a to her. Ah, he sighed her own parents. The Mother is awakening to word as he took in the full splendor of the sunrise that morning. She is once again grateful, as they have allowed favorite time of day.
Yes, master, it is my warm and caring mother as her. We are truly blessed to have such a for her to awaken to another day. I love her loving child speaking of its parents. She spoke with the devotion of a about things other than just yourself!
So, the master replied firmly, You do care very deeply. She sighed underneath her breath and addressed the sarcastic comment that he had just given her, I care about many things spoiled little girl that only thinks of herself or what others can do for her? Tiger looked at the girl, with a toothy grin, and said Now have I? Youre not a love you if you would let me! Im a really nice person, and youre just trying to make me into a monster, she said with an agitated and sad tone. No! Im not! her voice was rising as she continued I love my people, I love all people and all living things! I love the Mother Erithos, and I could even that may surprise you, but you wont give me the time to show you! You have read me completely wrong.
She continued, How do you think that you know me? What do you think that you are so certain that you most know about me? Has my know others like you. The master quickly responded, Because I under me! I have had to break them all and make them humble, just like I am doing with you! Do you think that you are my first student? I have had many over-assured little girls just like you come to study father told you? He would never say bad things about me to anyone, so how is it that you think that you know me so well? The master then stroked his beard and replied If one of them, you know nothing and you have no clue what it is to be a warrior, young one.
You may know many things in your other world, back in the village and your jungles and forests, but outside learn from you she replied humbly. And that is why Im here Master, to thinks that they know everything, one cannot be taught. I know that my father has never done anything for me that he didnt do out of love, so I now I would do as you wish. She added, I already told you that either.
No more questions realize that this is what is best for me.so you dont have to keep treating me like an imbecile." I will do as you ask, okay? what it may have demanded! You have more to learn than just the arts girl, you need to learn how to deal with yourself, as well as whatever may come up on your journey through life, or you are not going to live very long, especially with those gifts of yours. The master grew furious and retorted, That is what Im talking about! You have the attitude of a mountain goat! Always complaining and whining! Do you think that the great warriors throughout time complained and moaned like you do? No! They dealt with the task at hand and finished it, no matter going to have to deal with them. People are going to challenge you, and you are She then sighed and said Geesh!
Are you going to cry and moan about them, a sheepish expression coming over her face. Why would they challenge me? she curiously asked with the Sun god himself, People are afraid of things that they do not understand, young Riika. Master replied as he stared off into the sunrise, as of reading what he was saying from or are you going to deal with them? He continued, I have never seen one at your age do the the urn of water over the candle.
He then looked at the elaborate stand for means on the stands lower leg, young Riika? Its Quaedian. He pointed at it and said, Do you know what that word things that you did the first day I met you. You should know she said in a slightly confused, as well as intrigued manner. I have seen it before, but I cant remember in what fashion, of your written language, girl.
The master explained Its the earliest form this. It means from the gods, character to the girl. He continued to explain the strange warrior will be sent by the gods to protect all of man. Your people believe that one day there will be a time that one here is a gift.
The warrior will be one of their favor, greatly punish the great warrior spiritually, by sending them into exile, and never to return to their home. Your people were told by the ancients that they will not understand the one by the Gods and will the most direct manner since she had known him, What if it is you? The old master then looked at her, and quietly, but with dead seriousness, asked her in and she will be called Pouncing Warrior. HAHA! she screeched, laughing in a very ironic manner and replying Me, a savior of all of man? Now thats the funniest thing that you his emotions back, and asked again in the same tone, But what if it is you?
He was very angry at her making light of this most serious question, but he held himself and and meet me down at the river, but first, grab the tray with my teapots and the urn from the stand, and bring them with you. He continued Something for you to think about, arrogant child as he got out of his chair, motioned to Damarah, and then gruffly said, Now get off of your have said the entire time that I have known you! Your Kung Fu is amazing, but your since of humor is even better! We have much to do this morning need all of the help that you can get! So will you, it helps one to focus, and you steps to the ground You little brat!
He added as they were walking down the bamboo and I will need my tea. As the two, master and the beautiful Damarah, preceded down those treacherous and worn stairs, Riika thought to herself about what he had said, while at the same time she took great care in the balance of the load. She knew that this was another one of his tests, so ground and then, looking down to the river far below, she thought again to herself and said Back to square one, Riika. After reaching only the edge of the porch and looking down the 2 flights of bamboo steps of the house that lead to the figuring out how she was going to balance such a precious load and actually manage to get down there to the river without dropping the treasured items.
Hes going to make you worse than it has to be. Go with it and dont make it any to the river below with the words Pouncing Warrior playing and replaying within her head as she went. And with that notion, she proceeded with the precious cargo in her arms, down the houses steps and the tedious stairway suffer yet another day. As soon as she had finally reached the last step of the treacherous journey, she nearly lost the entire load that she had so carefully hauled down to the river, quite deep, and that gentle flow was known to carry accidental victims away because of the amount of water that always continued to flow hard and steady.
Where she had lived before, in her own village, the river was shallow and serene, but here, in this region of the valley, it was known to be crouching upon her rock, and studying his every move. A beautiful cheetah was observing her master, lying down and as she observed a man and a cheetah, balanced and perched upon their own two rocks in the middle of the gently flowing, but deep river of Vipunen. On the other rock was the master as he was performing his White Fukien Crane forms, something that she had she could only see a blur from some sort of devastating strike, foreign to anything that she had ever seen in her life. So flowing in the movements, but with snaps and strikes so fast that not even her amazing eyesight could see the details of them, watch the most extraordinary movements from this man that she had ever witnessed in her life.
She carefully placed the tray and the urn in a secure spot, sat down, and proceeded to never seen in her life! His movements were beautiful, and looked remarkably like that of a crane itself. The old man looked like a ballet dancer! can he move so fast without breaking a sweat or tensing? So graceful! So controlled and so relaxed, even in his attacks! How the great cat was studying him as if she was in a trance, purring to the flowing rivers passing on all sides of her. She continued to watch the man upon the tiny rock, one that was much smaller than that of the one that Damarah was sitting upon, where Hes beautiful, she thought to herself.
The humbled girl then thought How did they get out could see nothing, even with those keen and exact eyes of hers. She looked all around between watching him for a way over there, but where Damarah resided, giving her a scratch under the chin while smiling, and then leaping back onto his own little rock. That too, doesnt make any sense, she thought to herself, but the thought quickly faded when she observed him fly onto the rock there without getting wet? That doesnt make any sense! She had never seen a human could have never have done it with the ease and grace of this human man.
She could have attempted such a thing as he had just performed, but she knew that she do, and that intensified her gaze upon him and his movements. She didnt think that such things were possible for a human to do such a thing! Suddenly, he leapt over to the closer rock of Damarah, and then you! I have never seen a human do the things that I watched you do! What is your secret, human? Immediately, Riika arose to her feet and exclaimed, Master! I have been here for a few moments and have been watching seen a human move like that! You are beautiful! What is the secret to your skill, dear Master?
Realizing her tone, she humble inserted, err, I mean master, gosh, Im so sorry! Its just that I have never back to the shore of the river where she was sitting. He smiled with pride and said, My little Riika, I know that you have been watching me, you have so much to learn, and even more to learn done, but first, you must learn of your body-state. You will be able to so all that I have sleep, or you do not know it at all. You must know it at all times, even when you over again! You are a killer of great prey, and, being a hunter, you move like one, but not with this grace and relaxation as I do.
You have to know and realize what you are capable of first, something that I dont... Riika replied skeptically You know but not in the way that you moved. I can move too, as you know, but not only then can you work with your body-state, and optimize it! You were beautiful and deadly! How skill, again, you still have much to learn, young Riika!
The man smiled as he said With lots of technique and of her mouth as her eyes stared into his. Show me! These were the only words that came out do I do that? The man knew that she was speaking from her heart move better then me myself one day, you just need to listen and obey my orders! The master laughed and said It will not be an easy task, little girl, but you will will Mister Master.
Shi, I know, and as he could see it in her eyes. She went on, that there is maybe hope for you yet! Maybe you are coming around after all. Master looked into her eyes, smiled, and grinned when he addressed his disciple, So, I see I am impressed. I must say that I promise.
With that, the girl smiled and said, One cannot be taught that thinks they know everything, right? Her eyes centered she finished. She smiled as attitude is improving, young one. The master then said firmly, Your into his, she humbly smiled and finished her statement A very wise man once said that to me. This is why I have had a and a school-girlish grin followed.
Riikas eyes and ears perked up father never taught you any of my Kung fu? You do not know what board one is? Then the master spoke the words that she had hoped to hear at that moment, So, board one, your change of heart in your instruction. No, the eager girl replied and continued He showed me other arts, but said that I had that is beyond him. One that could show me things himself, this is why he has brought me to you, my master, I know it now, so you may teach me as you were taught.
She continued to explain to him, My father teaches your arts to others in our village, but he has never been confident in teaching them to me so much potential, I should wait and study with a true master, this art of yours. I want to move like you face and in her golden eyes. A sincere look manifested itself on her of my greatest students! What gifts she must have, that he thinks that only I can develop them. The master began to think to himself What a most remarkable child that she must be! Her father was one move, please show me!
I will sculpt this girl into a I didnt know how much control she actually had, or would develop during her training. I must say that I was not without concern about teaching Riika all that I knew, as trying to get out of a situation that they dont want to be in. It is a great burden to cause great damage or even death, when one is merely most remarkable warrior, I swear it! Her focus seemed to me to be very poor at this time, and to start her out as part of her entirely, from which she had no option of ever surrendering.
I was most concerned with the terrible weapons that were instinctive to her, as well razor claws of hers actually were. I needed to see just how deadly those full-speed ahead with the entire synthesis of arts, I was somewhat reluctant of doing. I put fourth the question to her, These claws of yours, let me see them, then tell when she heard this most unusual demand. A look of confusion came over her face hand? Are you right handed, or left?
The master continued Also, are they in your preferred me which ones are your preferred set, and which ones you use the most instinctively. Still confused, but assuredly, she replied Both, I can use both equally, a day, ordinarily, but not since I have been here. She continued to explain I sharpen both hands and feet, many times seat since I met you, and began your training! She grinned. Many things that I routinely do, including grooming myself, have taken a back and I use both hands equally well, writing and otherwise.
I was impressed with the fact that she kept herself so meticulously, but not so that you must learn! I exclaimed. Balance, young one, balance this is something Do you meditate? Then I asked her much when she mentioned the fact of my training preventing her from doing so. No she it was important.
I never thought that you do not meditate? Ah, you have much to learn! I laughed and said You want to be a warrior and replied. She replied I am learning this, more and more, as each I thought to myself. The girl was finally humbled, ready.
Now she is minute passes! She said this in an almost comedic tone. Those little razors them! Let me see deadly weapons slowly from their tight and secure sheaths. She reluctantly held up both hands, and exposed the sharp and of yours.
I was most surprised to find that once they were fully exposed, they were about a quarter and I will have to say that I was very impressed. This was the first time that I had seen these little nasty weapons, the length of her fingers, as well as the size of her hands for someone of that age. No Quaedian that I had ever encountered possessed such a fine set as these! I was also impressed with as long as the fingers in which they resided, which were not, by any means, short! I had not dreamed that those fingers contained such spectacular weapons though! weapons, and since she had not exposed them since I had known her.
Even more so, as I realized the control that she had over these razor- sharp first night, which had petrified her to the bone. Not even when that terrible dream that had tormented her that I must admit, I was somewhat jealous upon seeing them. I was beginning to realize the discipline that she must have possessed to be so controlled witnessed terror from this girl, the likes of which she had never experienced. Most Quaedians tend to expose their claws frequently, when frightened or agitated, and I had weapons that night only this day.
But yet, I still didnt see these most remarkable and respectful of those weapons that she contained within each and every finger and toe. Young Riika, I admitted to her, those are the most impressive sets the candor with which you use them. I continued And I am most impressed with of them in their full fashion. This is the first that I have seen of claws I have seen in all of my years.
You have much control some extent, and for that, I apologize. I believe that maybe I have underestimated you, to hints of her characteristic proud tone. Thank you master Riika replied humbly, yet with with them. I hope that I can continue to impress Master and make him swallow his your disciple.
I am merely told that they are most remarkable, and that they are gifts. She continued with her humble tone regarding her claws I have been opinion of me, but you are my master, all is up to you. Her tone of pride and arrogance returned when she said, I grow back and to their original length. She continued, They take a very long time to recover to the way that they are supposed to be.
Then, I have to train them all over again when they have broken a few, and I hate breaking nails! This is why I work to keep them sheathed and sharp. They are very strong said, Once I really hurt one of my friends with them while play-fighting. A lighter and sadder tone came over her voice as she looked at them and and dont expose them unless absolutely necessary.
I opened his arm friend in the whole world, at least until I scarred him for life. Her voice turned very sad and she looked at the ground He was my best loss came over her voice. Then a tone of deep sadness and up by accident. I could tell that her former friend hadnt spoken troubled girl, yet again.
My empathy was growing for the left, and hadnt for a long time. I could tell that she probably had no friends to her since the incident had happened. I thought to myself Poor girl, she to come to terms with, too. Though, this is something that she will have been disastrous for the progress that we had made with her attitude, discipline, and her humility.
I only wished that I could have given her my friendship at this time, but this would have is so misunderstood by others. It could be devastating for the teacher/student relationship, and she needed focus and training, not a friend at this time. I wouldnt extend to her my friendship and companionship for a while to risk ruining the progress that she had made so far. This would be too much of a distraction and I wasnt willing I wasnt willing to take the risk.
However, I did know of her perch on the rock. I called my loyal companion from the shoreline, where Riika and I were standing. As usual, she effortlessly leapt from the rock to a solution: Damarah. With an enthusiastic, Chirp she sat down at the rock where I was training, but not before you make a strategy on just how you are going to get there!
I then addressed Riika I have the first task for your training for the day, girl: I want for you to go over to coming around, so I dont want for the river to carry you away just yet, that is. The masters tone lightened when he said You are a pain in my side, but, since you are finally my side and looked at Riika. We shall see if I have to swallow That wouldnt be fun. Riika grinned nervously, and replied with the ease of Master Tiger and his remarkable companion? As she said this, she blinked her eyes at me and smiled.
Gathering herself, she then said in her flirty tone Any hints, suggestions, or advice on how a lowly Quaedian may get over there my words! He laughed at the comment. I must say that this child, as much of a pain in my side as she has been, would soon that I had ever looked upon, Quaedian or otherwise. She was indeed one of the most strikingly beautiful females to win her favor, and shes going to have to fight them off, no doubt about it! I thought to myself Good thing that she is studying under the best, men are going to die trying be a real heart-breaker after seeing some of her expressions that I had witnessed in the last few days.
I finally shrugged her spell off, and out of your strategy. I need to see yes? You can swim, my thoughts and I replied No, young Riika. She nodded with confidence, but as she stared into the distance, to where the little are on your own, little one.
I continued, If you fall in, you carried away myself for the likes of you! Im not going in after you, or risk being rock was, and contemplated the task that was at hand, her confidence waned. I then said firmly And I dont want for you to use your feline then to the rock where he had been, where he was when she had seen him perform the most beautiful movements that she had ever seen anyone do. With that, master leapt into the air and seemed to glide like a bird, and with the greatest of ease, over to the rock where Damarah had resided, and her Like that, see?
He then shouted back over to techniques or abilities either you must try to move like this She reluctantly nodded back to him in agreement, as the master, exhibiting his lecture: You wont make it girl. He then stood before her, smiled, and then began be very surprised if you dont get wet. Even for a feline of your talents, I would the same grace of movement, returned back to the rivers shore.
I will give you one bit of advice for when you fall in the river: the power of the current to help aim you to the islands shore. When you see a small island with a single bonsai tree upon it, use will be able to come back upstream and find your way back. I have a rope-bridge that connects it to the rivers shore, and you Dont panic, and dont swim against the current, let it carry you downstream. Then I will tell and show you must train as I train, and I will show you how I learned to do what you think is so beautiful.
None of those feline gifts of yours though, Im teaching you to do what you saw me do, and Im no feline, so would be cheating. To use your feline grace you what you did wrong. You must glide like a bird, Walu, the first form of Wing-Chuan, the essence and principals of Hsing-I, the fist of the eight forms of White Fukien Crane, and Pakua. Dont worry though you will get to use those feline gifts of yours later, but with the first board, it contains the first movement of hand kill of SASG, and Dimmok single-finger pressure point kills.
Also, I have made modifications that incorporate Stone Killer Monkey, the first not pounce like a leopard. The master grinned confidently and asked Do you think that able to hold back her enthusiasm. Her eyes glowed, ears perked up, barely of Board one, my master? She anxiously asked Is that all will be satisfactory for your first lesson, young Riika?
The master replied It that you are the first that has ever managed such a task! If you can even understand it all in one day, I would say you make it without getting carried away, we will have time to complete this task in its entirety. He continued, You will train when you get back from the river, but time is of the essence, should is enough. However, since I know that you will not make it, it will be your task to get back here as soon as you can, then I ask of you this day is to make it with ease to my favorite rock, young Riika.
As I made this reply to this girl that was seemingly becoming the Perfect Student, I added All that tomorrow. There is always after I show you what you did wrong with the task of making it to my rock, then we shall start with Board One. Your training cannot be rushed, and I think that you will find that your hands are will fall into place after. Focus on that right now, the rest begin your instruction of Board One, however, if you do not, it is going to cost you time this day, time that you could be training and learning the secrets that I have to offer you.
I continued to reply to the girl that was slowly beginning to live up to my expectations of her as I embellished and stressed, If you do indeed make it to the rock successfully, then we will going to be full just getting over there, as I have asked of you. With that statement, the master sat down to observe his and figuring out how she was going to accomplish such a feat without falling into the deep and powerful river. Riika was already working the strategy out of how she was going to make it to the masters rock within her mind, did if you will not offer me even one suggestion? You tell me that Im going to fail, and now you sit here to watch it! Shortly though, she began to grow frustrated and she turned to the man and desperately asked, How am I supposed to move to these stupid rocks as you student and what she was about to do.
The old man growled I can tell that whine, and I have no time for this. Youre not going to do anything but cry and begin proceeding up the stairs with him. He stood up, motioned to Damarah to return to I am just wasting my time. Before they were only ten steps up, they both heard a desperate cry, and as they turned around, they found she was crying in pain.
Tears were rolling from her eyes, and steep cliffs, and looked to him for what she should do next. She looked over to him, on the first set of stairs, up the the girl had made it to the first rock and was on her back and clenching her elbow. He shouted to her, Now let me see I thought you would do! You have already done better than He suspected that she had tried to pounce upon it like a cat, not glide over to it like a bird.
He hadnt seen how she had made it to the first rock, but judging by the looks of how she must have landed, you glide to the next rock. The next move would tell obviously wasnt broken just a little banged up. She gathered herself, stood up, and rubbed her wounded elbow that whispered something to herself that the master couldnt make out. Then she proceeded to crouch carefully to execute her move, and him for sure.
She then leapt into the master himself had shown her earlier, when she had been impressed so by their movements. Not like a cat pouncing upon its prey, but somewhat like that of the movements that Damarah and she was able to mimic, to some degree, what he had shown her. The move wasnt fluent or graceful, like a well-trained warrior, but he could see that the air. I thought to myself, this girl has more potential than I had guessed, but we shall see if a smile of one that had accomplished something that they did not believe was possible.
She looked at me for my approval, with a questioning expression on her face, as well as bad at all, but now you have to come back. I shouted to her, Okay, young Riika, not bad not she makes it back without falling into the river as I had suspected her to do. Take your time and remember to do whatever it was that that had defeated her attempts and crouched to make her move. She thought very carefully to herself, planned her strategy to the rock her decent, her arms were flying in front of her as she crashed into the river.
As she leapt, the confidence suddenly left her face, and the grace left her body, and upon you did before, when you didnt hurt yourself, that is. Oh my Goddess, Master! she to aim you to the island with the single Bonsai tree upon it. I shouted to her, Remember what I told you Riika, and use the current you find your way back. Ill send Damarah shortly to help screamed Please help me!
Before I could get the last few words out about Damarah and the tree, her best friends life was on the line. Damarah had a look of desperation over her face, like told her what to do. I crouched down beside her and she was already out of distance from even that keen hearing of hers. Damarah, my precious one, Riika needs to be a companion to her as you always have been to me.
Someone to care about and someone to care about her, so I want you friend to her she really needs one, and you know that I cannot take that role at this point, my role is as her teacher, not as a friend. As you already have guessed, I do care greatly for the girl, and feel sad that she has only her father to confide in, so I want for you to be a a friend and a confidant. So you will do this and chirps, signaling to me that she would with all of her heart. A loving look came over her face, and she responded with a series of squeaks knew that I could count on you, my beautiful.
I stroked her gently under her chin and replied I for me, yes? Now, go to the island before she gets there and help her make it to rescue her precious friend. Damarah rushed frantically downstream to run for the fast cat who was now reaching her top speeds. Master kept the trails in very pristine shape and it made an easy the shore, if she sees you, then it will help her focus, I suspect.
As she approached the rope bridge, she carefully crossed the swaying structure, step, by step, arrived on the island and sat before at the full volume of her voice. Chirp, chirp the cheetah repeated, over and over, down, crouching herself as to signal that this was the spot. She ran to the spot where Riika needed to aim, jumping up and the bonsai Just in time too, as the frantic and screaming girl was now beginning to approach her sight. She did this repeatedly until the girl began to make her way it to the edge of the island.
The terrified and disoriented girl had finally made her head as to provide some kind of assistance for her friend. Damarah went into the shallows and got behind the girl, nudging her along with to the spot that she was signaling her to arrive. Finally, she was out of the water, blinked her eyes from exhaustion into unconsciousness. With that reply, she collapsed friend, and didnt move once until the girl woke up.
Damarah lay by her side, one leg over her protecting her with love at the cheetah, and replied My hero. Nearly two hours had passed before she finally awakened, and she found I see that the sleeping princess has awakened! He looked over to her and firmly said Ah, to wake up to, this arrogant old *******! She sighed and though to herself What a great thing Master Tiger over her, sipping on a cup of tea.
Now, now, young Riika, this happens dont feel so ashamed. It happened to your father, so master Did it happen to you? She gathered her senses and asked the to everyone the first time. The old man laughed and replied Of course not! Then he began laughing even robe of his as if he was a gift from the gods.
He continued to sip on his tea over her, wearing that elaborate white ******* he is! Gosh, my elbow and my head. As she continued to lie there, she thought to herself What a more as he said, I am the one that devised this test! Maybe one day he will know what up with you. He then replied Come on, back to the house.
I will help you get this kind of pain feels like! You need some training tomorrow. We will start your preparing lunch. I already have Nikko rest.
After that you can take a nap, and then we will we will discuss that later. But you need to rest, so head you must have hit something on your way down the river. While you sleep, Ill tend to your arm and that nasty bump on you talk about what you did wrong at the rocks. No worries though, I am a good healer, and you go.
Come on, lets proceeded on the long trail back to the house. He helped her get up; they crossed the bridge, and then wont think twice of it tomorrow, my Riika. Riika awoke in her bed, not even remembering at achieving what Master Tiger had wished for her to do. All she could think about was how she had failed so miserably with that stupid jumping from the rocks! Why does it have to be so hard?
She buried her head into the pillows and moaned Its too hard! He almost killed me the trek back to the Masters house. As soon as she finished her complaint, she heard a beautiful and her beside her bed and looking at her. The cheetah was lying on the floor next to indeed graceful, but you can move much better and much more accurately if you listen to him. Because Riika, you do not know how to move with grace, you move like a cat, and that is familiar voice that of Damarah, ring inside of her head.
The cats words sounded like that of a teacher addressing a student that kept asked the great cat. What am I doing wrong? Riika your abilities are prohibiting you from learning new things; new techniques, skills, and abilities; you think that you are more skilled with your movements than my master. The slumbering cheetah replied as she lay her head back down back to the floor, You are too set in your ways of the hunt, and your confidences of making the same mistakes over and over, never learning what they did wrong. Riika replied No I do not! I saw him today I want to move as you you do among your people, and you know it.
The mighty cat replied Because, you are the best at what your judgment. Your pride is shading and he do! So why would I think that I know more than either of you? Youre not better than Tiger, or even me, best of your race, but my master can show you much. The cat continued You are not the best Riika, you may be the you can get, my friend.
You need all of the help that you pride is getting in the way. I genuinely care for you, but you need to rid yourself of all she slumbered back into the dreams of the more familiar forests of her village and surrounding forests within her dreams. Riika thought about this as she was drifting back to sleep with the words Pouncing Warrior ringing within her mind, as her, but then the dream before her changed. Clearly, the girl was inspired to meet Masters expectations of of this pride that you have, it will not serve you well.
She was back to the dream arrows flying into the village! These were the thoughts what were ravaging her mind! The pounding of footsteps, arrows being drawn by massive armies, and then the sequence of the and ran to the masters quarters. The cheetah jumped up on all fours, that had so terrified her! Upon her address to him he didnt know what to make of his precious dream that so tormented her!
Master, shes having it again, that Riika could understand it, he exclaimed to her: Since master couldnt understand the cheetahs grammar the way that cheetahs words as he couldnt understand her the way that Riika did. What gall do you have to disturb me tonight, master, but she is going through the same nightmares! The cheetah exclaimed, It is not my intention to disturb you all of the chaos that seemed to surround it.
He was growing weary of all of these episodes between chirping and whining in front of me? The Master got out of bed, got on his so viciously, and upon realizing this, he knew it was going to be a long night indeed, for the girl was in frenzy! He arrived there to find her in the same state of panic that he found her nights before when the same nightmare had plagued her bed her words pierced his soul. As the master sat down upon the feet, and proceded into the girls room.
Why me, why? the petrified girl asked as those tried to smile, hoping that I could comfort her in some way and rid her of this torment that the dead horseman was inflicting upon her. Upon seeing her in this state once again, I said nothing, but merely sat down upon the bed next to her, as I rubbed her sweaty forehead and he just looks at me and smiles? He says that he loves me and that I will be his forever! What wrong with me? The terrified girl cried. Poor Riika asked, Why is he coming back, why does he show me these things terrible things all of those people dying, all of those arrows, then beautiful, amber, eyes glared into the ceiling. I replied with the utmost sincerity, as I felt such sorrow for the girl that had to deal with such terrible visions, terrified girl shrieked, I have never had nightmares such as these!Then she said in a low and serious tone, Im going mad.
Then I asked her, Have you ever seen such dreams and visions as you did on these last nights of his visit?No! the it!I cant say that I had a definitive answer to offer her at this point. Im losing my mind, just like those people that have to be put away! I know I truly do not know, my child, but there must be a reason that he has come back so soon. I went on to reply, Do this, my poor child: Im going to leave Damarah here vividly as you can describe it, I want for you to write it down, so it will be of some use tomorrow morning. I want for you to write down everything that you just saw tonight, and all that you can remember from the last time, and as can, if you should see him, Damarah will come and get me.
After you are finished, I want for you to sleep as best that you with you, to protect you, and I am going to bring you pen and paper. The cheetah did not look happy at all - I had never seen her have such a look of fright upon forsake the poor child. I knew that she would not refilled the lamp so it would burn through the night if necessary, and went back to my slumber. I fetched Riika a pen and paper and gave it to her as she lay there trembling, then I her face, but she jumped upon the foot of the bed and proceeded to lie down and guard the child.
Riika would not be awakened by this old ******* tomorrow she needed her rest, and it was then that I began to show her a little more lenience towards her, decided to contact her father to see if he could aid me in helping her deal with this terrible matter, but that would have to wait until the morning. I was determined to make the finest warrior out of her, the best in all of my years of teaching, and upon contemplating her predicament with these terrible nightmares, I solution for young Riika! Unfortunately, matters outside of my world, and hers, were worse than I had ever imagined. I would send word for him to meet me as soon as possible, so we could contemplate and find a for I knew that she was nearly at the breaking point emotionally, and I didnt need to complicate matters further by treating her so harshly like I had been. When I awoke, I walked but she and Damarah were still sound asleep.
I found the lamp still burning in the girls room, the night with no other incidents that I could see had occurred. I was more than relieved to see the two had made it through immediately to Riikas quarters. Although, I observed several pages written by young Riika, maybe twenty or so, I resisted entering it was a monumental task to defy her senses or take them for granted as I was accustomed to doing with other students! I would no doubt awaken her with that most remarkable hearing of hers, as well as her touch and smell; even I was finding that to be so foolish to try to take these things for granted.
She was a supreme hunter, and it would have not looked to my favor the room and trying to stealthily steal them from the bed to glimpse over them. She knew that she was a superior feline, and I was merely a mortal human were something that were most extraordinary. She had much to learn, but her gifts porch to witness the suns rise with my ever faithful teas. So I left the notion out of my mind, and proceeded to my but not one that could have been taken off-guard by her either, I must say!
She didnt awaken until about ten that morning, and I wasnt about to sent the scroll in care of my neighbor that lived downstream of the river, who rides fast, and was once a student of mine as well. I scrolled a message asking for her father to meet me at the island where the girl had met my precious bonsai tree, in her precarious lesson, and mind such tasks from this old man. Paavo a close friend to me, and didnt awaken her after what she had been through the night before. He was once a messenger for the Quaedian guard, and the feverish rush of adrenaline from a fast haul would never have read the message.
Moreover, I trusted him, and knew that he visions, the likes of which, I did not know existed. You daughter, in my opinion, is in grave spiritual danger from on horseback, as well as that of the thrill of the mission itself, had never left him. On two nights now, she has been scared out of her senses by a disfigured horseman than assistance. I need your on the island of my precious bonsai tree.
Please meet me in two days, at full sun, shows her images of a village of Quaedians being slaughtered by the hands of human armies. We need to discuss a her, and am deeply concerned for her safety. I have grown to care a great deal for my former student where he, and only he would be able to read it without others knowing that it had come from me. When I handed the scroll to my messenger, Paavo, I specified that it was to arrive at the home of Aki-Petteri, Riikas father and solution for young Riika.
Furthermore, my messenger was not allowed to leave without a reply from her father as I knew his was most amazing due to his teacher, so was his skill at breeding these rare horses. Paavo bread most unique horses for messengers of the Quaedian guard, and just as his Kung Fu and we could find a solution for my new friend: the troubled Riika. I was confidant that her father would get my message, meet me at the tree, skill of riding is not as quick as that of my messenger, nor was his horse. When the girl finally awoke, she asked my permission to come out to a thing in the future.
I reminded her not to ask such for you future reference however: Do not ask me if you can come out here and sit with me. I gently replied, Of course, little one, they will do you good and rejuvenate your energy! Let me tell you the porch and sip some of my favorite teas with me. This is your home now, of tea! I will not be offended and will be curious to find out which ones are actually your favorites preferred teas speak wonders about a persons taste, as well as their personality. If I am meditating, then do not disturb me, wait until I speak to you, but always feel free to come out and enjoy the morning with your old, mean master and pour yourself a cup inquired about the Art of Tea.
Riikas eyes and ears perked up and as well as mine. I began to explain the strange assortments, different styles, as well as the heating temperatures of each of the varieties of most of my students had no taste whatsoever when I had attempted to teach them in past times. I cannot say that I wasnt excited to teach her the Fine Art of Tea as it seemed that the first cup. I pointed my finger to the leaves in those cups, just waiting to be consumed in the Tea Tasting that I foresaw this morning.
You see these green, small, and tightly wound leaves, urns on this morning, yes? You see that I have 3 why is that? She replied, Yes, but young Riika? These are called Green Lotus Blossom. In response I explained, Because green teas have to be infused kill them with water that is too hot!
They are green and somewhat alive; therefore, you cannot girl exclaimed. Ah, I see, the with water at approximately 145 degrees farignheight, otherwise, they burn. They would be of the contents of the small clay cup that was holding them into the teapot that was next to them. Yea, they would I replied, and then instructed her to pour from the urn closest to the left to pour half terrified of me at this point I suspected, and I found it quite amusing).
She did, very carefully, not to do anything wrong to upset me (She was still scalded. After she had placed the leaves within my teapot, I then instructed her to carefully pour the water will get from these leaves, the second is called heaven, and you will get another from cup 3 as well. I then explained This is not your heavenly cup, this is only the first of 3 of the ones that you was a sign of her enthueasim as well as excitement that made this occur. Her eyes and ears perked up again, something that I was slowly beginning to realize from the first urn upon the leaved, replace the lid, shake it about carefully, and then pour.
I realized that I was starting to care for the girl, an exotic and rare taste! And, you say that the second is even better? She then put the cup up to her lips and sipped, with a satisfied Ah, such more profound. Yes, it is much more than I had ever suspected that I would have. You will get greater pleasure out of pot two, but enjoy and savor pot one first such a tea is and savored her very first pot of fine tea.
I replied like that of a teacher, and she sat what she was experiencing. I smiled, as I knew not to be consumed fastidiously, it is to be savored! So, finish your pot and then pour another one. Then she went on, Its, what my some do you know of an orgasm, young one? With that comment, I barked to her And what changed into one of confusion.
Her ears lowered, and her look of my friends would call, orgasmic! I dont, Master, honest, but I have say that. I didnt mean to boys dont like me theyre afraid and threatened of me. Only girls with boyfriends talk about that, and I have never had one, heard girls talk about them.
Please, let me take it back and lets try not corrupted herself to frivolous pleasures, I smiled, feeling that this young one had fortunate of all men, rid yourself of those stupid girls gossip, and think about Riika you are quite a gifted one, and I see why others are frightened of you. The I replied Not to worry child, I know that you have not, I can see it, and when it is time for a man to love you, he will be the most some more of you beautiful tea? Please? Master Tiger will bring this out, and only the best of the best will win your heart, said Done! Now may I experience heaven?
A relieved smile came about her face as she you will indeed feel like you are in heaven! I replied Yes, pour your second pot on the Blossom, but you have many years for that, right now, you need to learn my world. She poured the second pot, tasted it, and began purring in a deep emotions that reflected itself physically, along with her eyes. That purr of hers was quite loud, another extension of her and something that I would have to remedy.
Again, something that a warrior cannot afford to display, way that I could feel resound within my own chair! "Oh My Goddess! This is so good! How is like a student. I replied Because, young one, it gets better, then it is perfect. It starts out one way, and then it can these teas so change tough? She exclaimed.
Much like you aid of additional water, like my instruction to you, it gets better and it shows its full potential! It refines itself and shows its full potential, just like any other being that is alive, and with the fine teas of Tiek jaon Yin! I then said Okay, let me introduce you to the will be. Before she even had the chance to pour the water over the second cup of leaves, as she had heard then far before I had.
I had seen her ears perk up moments before though, I heard them, and as she was pouring the water onto the leaves, I saw the expression in her face change, as she knew that he was heading into our direction. She was a girl in constant movement, and I had just suspected that she though that it was an animal that she knew that she would enjoy making me for dinner, but as I heard the hooves of a feverously galloping horse arriving at the trails end. Upon the horsemans arrival, I knew get here so quickly? I exclaimed, How did you the ground, not making any since in his words.
He dismounted himself from his horse and began to weep into that it was Paavo. Paavo said with tears rolling out of his eyes, They gutted them, the children; they killed sorry! Another messenger told me this. I didnt make it Master, Im so ever loved there! All of my family is dead! I couldnt go I lost everyone that I had them all, the mothers, the fathers, and they are all dead! He was frantic.
He looked up to the sky and cursed the gods, How can you do this to such a replied. Nonsense, I of taking care of themselves. The Quaedians are more than capable peaceful people! I curse thee down and hope that you feel the pain of my people! You should know they are not.
No, he grievingly replied No, new army. Not with this this Paavo! They have tens of thousands arrows can fly for miles and miles and are deadly accurate! I have never seen the likes of such and army, but their into the dirt.
The man collapsed, sobbing of skilled archers. Riika heard the words that Paavo spoke Riika, your father is dead. He looked at her and cried, to fight, as weak as he was. He was hit by several arrows, but still continued thrust a knife into her soul.
Then the general cut his throat, personally! He put his hands over his eyes and sobbed, Im avenge them and you father, I swear it! The man kept up his sorrowful speech, I will and if she still sees fit to have such a burden on her soul, but not until then will you two even attempt such a thing! If you do, Ill have the heads of both of you mounted above my fireplace! Understand? Nothing of the sort from either of you, nothing until I am done with Riikas training! With hearing his promise of vengeance, I was I screamed out hoping that she wasnt getting any ideas of vengeance herself and barked, You will do nothing of the kind! You want to end up dead like them? You will come here and begin training again, and I will help you guide Riika, one day when she is ready so sorry child! I would give my life to bring him back, but I cannot! My urn was shattered and she was face down on my as she would have suffered much pain that morning, but I ran as quickly as possible to tend to it.
As I tried to pick her up, a razor went through my arm, but not cutting the tendons fortunate for her, a horse running away, and I knew that they were heading to the village. As I was cursing to myself about that damned razor-like claw, I heard the galloping of porch sobbing, the likes of which I had never seen. I have many allies in this part of the Valley, so I sent Nikko to alert all of had anything to say about it! They wouldnt get very far, if I state, and I had rather the both of them be a prison where I could monitor their safety, than to be killed especially Riika.
I knew that Riika could one day defeat them, but Paavo was of no use to her, he would only get her killed in his emotional them that the two were escaping, and would be killed if they made it to their destination. By now I truly loved the girl as my own daughter, and no one, but her head she was going to go kill the one that was responsible for her fathers death. I knew what she was going to do, and my neighbor was directly responsible for implanting the damned idea in out to be and his standing in the army. Little did any of us know who he would turn no, one was going to hurt her, as I vowed my life upon it.
She was in no way prepared to deal with an army the likes of which Paavo had reported, and be the armies camp would be enough to warrant their execution, no questions asked. The very fact that two Quaedians were riding on horseback into what would most likely did reach the camp, prepared my horse, and began racing after them, hopefully catching up to them by evening. I began gathering my gear, and some weapons of choice that I knew that we would all need if they I knew that she would be killed the minute that she confronted the man, if not much sooner. Paavo had given me his most prized stallion as a symbol of his gratitude of my what we are going to do?!
Riika looked back and screamed frantically, Theyre coming, I suspect, they have much heavier loads on their horses. I replied, Dont worry, they wont be able to catch us instruction, and I knew that this animal was my only hope of saving them. This is your neck of we can lose them! Tell me where to go so were just getting their momentum up.
We had already crossed the river and they the woods, girl. They wouldnt be able to find the shallows where I had crossed behind us, and at that moment I felt an arrow whiz past my head. I was right, many of them fell, but only about half, the other half were still tell me where to go! I shouted. Okay, young Riika, I want for you to if they were riding as fast as they could maneuver.
She lectured me as she replied, I cant tell you! horse? What do you know of horses? I asked. You, I laughed, You want me to let you lead my change, I can get us out of this, do you think that I want to die as well? The girl then replied in a most serious voice, Will you please, damn it! Just Please trust me for a You will have to let me do it! Okay, but I hope that this isnt racing animal, and let her sit in front and take command of my horse.
I pulled my foot out of one of the stirrups, shifted to the side of the greater speed with those powerful legs of hers. She screamed to the horse as she demanded for a mistake! I reluctantly replied. As I looked down, she was using the claws in her feet as if they were spurs, horse buckle, but he didnt and recovered fastidiously. Suddenly, she took a sharp left, nearly making the animal, and she, although very tall, was very light and small.
I was leery of letting her take charge of such a powerful and I could tell that young Riika was an experienced rider, which was very surprising! I was very afraid that was surely meant only for walking, my faith in her abilities slowly grew. However, as she jumped each and every log on a tiny and very treacherous trail tree in the path with branches and limbs at least ten feet in every direction. A new obstacle however, made my gut jump into my throat, as there was a fallen for us both.
With the greatest of skill, she slowed the horse, led it to the lowest point of the trunk that was off of the ground, reared the animal back, and lead him into did I never I suspect the strength of her self-preservation. Not ever did I suspect her strength of riding, but then also going to be the perfect warrior one day. I knew then, at that moment, that she was a jump onto, and then over the massive tree! I cannot say that I wasnt impressed, indeed, and didnt know that even my horse had that kind of skill within him! She had been genuinely concerned for, not only her own, but my well-being as that I have trained in the past the genuine concern for others.
This quality of hers was something that I cannot say about many of the warriors routine that she used to conduct on a daily basis in this part of the forest. She wove my horse through the forests and jungles as if it were nothing compared to her ordinary we were riding, as she kept asking me if I was okay. She knew every back-trail and passage through this part of the land, getting us farther that I could never say that he did for me. The horse obeyed every command that she gave him, which is something guide my horse through the most treacherous of terrain.
The girl was coming into her prime as I watched her and farther away from the army as we rode through the treacherous trails. Once we had ridden far enough, with no sign that the army was anywhere close to finding our trail, she relaxed the horses pace, and was as skilled as her on the back of a horse either, even in my prime. I still couldnt believe what a skilled rider that she was! Furthermore, I cant say that I her, Riika, I had no idea that you were so skilled in your riding! Where did you learn to ride a horse? Who taught you? I leaned over that red mane of hair of hers that had been flying in my eyes and mouth throughout the entire chase, and exclaimed to brought him into a trot, giving him some much-needed rest from the furious pace that she had demanded of him in the chase.
She replied, My father, in and tried to hold her emotions back. She said nothing else as she cleared her throat that tears were coming out of her eyes again. Her voice was shaky and cracked, and I could see a somber tone. Just the thought of her father being dead was more about him until we set up camp for the night.
I made it a point not to bring anything else up her about him, her plans for the future with me. We would have plenty of time tonight for me to talk to than she could deal with at this time. I now knew who he, the murderer of her was training her to ruin the rest of her life with the burden of vendetta upon her shoulders. We also had much to talk about regarding her training, and why she should not even be thinking that I way for such a beautiful, pure, and kind-hearted girl to live.
She had her whole life in front of her, and that was no father was from watching poor Paavo die. We rode at a steady trot for the rest of the day, as she was making the right decisions to all of the questions that she must have been considering. She was very deep in contemplation, and I said nothing to distract her from her thoughts, hoping that started the fire, and let her rest while I set up camp. I made a bed for her with the camping bags that I had brought, Riika said nothing until we stopped to make camp for the night.
Having done this kind of mission more than once the rescue of a dear of the necessities that were to be taken along in an uncertain rescue. After all, I was taught to live as my life need be, along with all something to eat for dinner. I then proceeded to go find friend I remembered everything I needed to bring to the slightest detail. I wasnt nearly the hunter that she was, but bounty hunters to find us, I unsheathed my samurai sword and addressed Riika.
Considering that we were now fugitives and that an army was probably sending out one of these, girl? You know how to use could certainly hold my own with a bow. To an extent, but not like I saw you use it, my master, she replied as her eyes and blade from the men that I had slaughtered. There was still fresh blood on parts of the leaving you here long enough for me to find something for us to cook.
Never mind that, as long as you know how to use it, I will trust ears perked up when I handed it to her, and she held it with the greatest of caution. Yes, she replied, Dont worry you are tired. Ill go fetch something if You rest. Nonsense, I said, about me master.
You have had some hard few days, and I want you at your the dinner tonight. Ill take care of feed our hunger, and to take Riikas mind off of her troubles. And with that, I walked away from the camp to find something to best, both mentally, as well as physically, when we return home. We had much to talk about that night and I larger, and Riika took it upon herself to take care of the gutting and preparation.
I had been successful in taking down a Hiisi, an animal similar to elk, but much into the dead beast, but I said nothing to her about her emotions until after we had finished with our dinner. As I watched her cut it open with her claws, I could tell that she was releasing the anger that she felt needed for her to have a clear mind. I understood her feelings, but I could tell that she was ready to gut the the same raw aggression that she had used to gut the animal. She didnt speak while we were eating; she only devoured the Hiisi with figure out just how I was going to explain to her why she shouldnt seek vengeance for the murder of her father.
After she had finally relaxed to digest her meal, I began to think about the way that I was going to address her, and one that had taken her beloved father as soon as she got the chance. I had finished much sooner than she had, and I didnt think that it was the sky, Did you enjoy that? I finally asked the girl staring aimlessly into did. Yes, master, I possible for such a slim, lean girl to consume so much meat at once!
The hiisi was still gazing at the stars. You are a fine hunter, she replied, I meant tearing the hiisi apart. I corrected her, I didnt mean the dinner, delicious. What was going through your mind when you were doing all of it that you could? What wrong did the animal do to you, young Riika?
Did the hiisi anger you in some way and is that why you worked so fast to consume replied No, it didnt do me any wrong. She leaned up and stared into the fire, then that? I have never seen this side of you. I was just thinking of what that soldier did to my father, and was thinking uncertainty in just what it was that I was asking her. Did I upset you master? She then looked over to me with gave me concern for your state of mind.
I replied, No, you didnt upset me, you only of what I want to do to him when I find him, thats all. With a confused look, she replied had wanted to get to. This was the point that I vengeance now, and not of your training. I replied, You are thinking of nothing but What do you mean, master?
How do think that you are going to get vengeance, when you couldnt even defend yourself kick you before I arrived. One of them was about to believe that you could have prevented them from beating you to death? What could you have done? You were already nearly unconscious! Am I to today? When I finally got to you, those men were seconds away from killing you. She angrily replied, I can take care of myself! I would Sure you would have.
As I laughed, I said everything under control, little one. I could see that you had have torn his leg off if he had kicked me! Thats why I had to come all tired, and not in the mood. I continued Dont make me laugh girl, Im you know it, so what are you thinking of when you think of this vengeance?
If I had not come to get you, you would have been dead on this night, and the way to save your ! I then commanded her to look at me in the eyes and tell me, Are you going to pull another stupid attempt like today? Because if you expression and growled, No, I am not. She then looked at me with a most serious defeat them. Teach me how to are, Im not coming to save you again you should have learned your lesson from this day, but I dont believe that you did!
I shouted, Im not going to train you will not be your teacher! Thats it! Im not training any Reijos! I wont do it! I train warriors, not mercenaries and assassins! If this is what you want from your training now, I prepare my bed for the night. With that, I stood up and began to to go kill this man, Riika. Nothing, let it drop, I answered gruffly as I jumped to her feet, crossed her arms, and stared me down.
Youre the one that brought it up, Master! She replied as she teacher! I commanded as I ignored her stare. Dont question me girl, youre my student, and Im your pulled my gear off of my horse. I fear that I may have made a mistake my I wanted her thinking about. He was the last person that mind, the notion to pattern and justify herself after such a man.
That would have been the worst idea that I could have put in her even bringing up his name that damned Reijo. She began to weep as she sat everything that I have ever known, and now you wont help me make them pay for what they did to me and my people! She looked into the fire and said You dont understand how I feel! I have just lost everything that I ever loved, my father, my village, and said, I dont want you to waste your life on hating others Riika. Feeling her pain, I sat down next to her, looked into the fire with her, back down on her camping bag.
I truly care for you, if you havent guessed by now, and they will hunt you down until you are dead. If you kill the man that I suspect killed your father, either. Theyll never stop I dont want you ruin your life by becoming a mark. The man that killed Paavo wasnt a a prisoner because another one got away.
I have never heard of any general simply killing wasnt a soldiers knife, it was a Quaedian knife. Furthermore, did you see the knife that he used? It common soldier, he was a general. Im surprised that those amazing eyes a deep somber tone. A Quaedian knife? She inquired in knife.
Yes, a Quaedian of yours didnt notice it. I recognized the decided to take a souvenir from his slaughter upon your village. Then I continued The man that killed Paavo was a general and knife, Riika. That was your fathers work.
I know what it and no one wraps like that, because I invented the knotting and the style. I taught him how to wrap the handle in the manner that it was wrapped, my sword. I then showed her looks like. You see the way that I wrapped the string around the handle and the sheath? Thats the same wrap that was on the knifes handle eyes looking furious and her ears laying low.
Yes, she replied, growing angrier by the second, her kill this man, Riika. I then lectured her, You cannot that killed Paavo and the same one that your father used to wrap all of his knives and swords, does it look familiar now? You dont stand a chance, and if you ever elect to go out now, dear girl. I am your family accept you as my daughter, if you are willing.
I know that I cannot replace you father, but I will and seek revenge ever you will be marked for life. I will teach you everything that I know teaching fine warriors. I can give you a life this I can promise you, but I will not lose a daughter. You will be sought after all of your years for your skill and technique, and you will inherit my legacy.
You have to make a decision now: Take my offer, for breath, she sighed, Thank you master, Im honored and I accept. A tear rolled out of her eye, and with a pause as she gasp wanted for me to do. This is what father would have or do as you will, and get yourself killed. During her answer, she laid her head in my lap, put to the gods that she would do as she said that she was going to do.
I embraced her and fell asleep looking a the stars in the clear sky that night, and prayed I finally had something that I never thought that I would have a daughter I felt a feeling that I had never had before, the love of a father for his girl her arms around me, and cried herself to sleep. The next morning I awoke, Riika was snuggled up next to me I was the last family that she had left. The poor girl was alone in this world now, and daughter that I could pass all that I had done, and all that I had accomplished in my life to her.
My heart ached for her, but at the same time, it also had a feeling of joy that of having a in the camping bag, still embracing me and holding me tight. I had a new goal, and something to work towards to make her better but it was going to take much more work than I was planning on initially. She too, one day would become a master, I knew this for certain at this time, a master, but merely a warrior. I hadnt planned on teaching her to be than anyone that I had ever taught in my long years as a master.
She would have to be stronger, both physically and spiritually, and this was something that I knew was going to be tremendously difficult to purge from her spirit. She would also have to work to rid her mind of all emotion and feeling when she was in combat, was no room for these attributes in a master when teaching students it would only hinder their progress. As I got to know her better, I realized that she was a kind and genuinely sensitive heart, but there than any of my previous students had ever been. I nudged her gently and said Riika, we have proceeded only buried her head in my chest deeper.
She gently moaned and began to purr, still sleeping, and she her purring throughout my body. I could feel the vibration of to get going wake up girl. She was a powerful she-cat, to say the least, but I pulled her arms from around me and your village, we have to go now! And we are not far enough away from watch the glorious sunrise, I knew that if we stayed, we would lose time getting home.
The suns were only beginning to creep over the horizon, and as much as I wanted to then addressed her more firmly, Riika, we have to go! They will be looking for us. Then I realized that even worse, if we didnt leave soon, that the army could pick up more over, it would mean certain death for young Riika. That was not something that I was prepared to deal with, but to blame for what I had done to those soldiers, and they would surely want her head. After all, they knew nothing of me, as dead men dont speak to the living, but Riika was our trail, and would become closer to us the more that we procrastinated in leaving.
This wore heavy upon my heart that was the last thing that I wanted to the killer, had I chosen that option, I probably would have been killed myself, leaving Riika with nobody to train or guide her. In retrospect, I should have planned my strategy of saving the two of them more carefully, and should have let the army see me as get herself killed seeking revenge anyway. Then she would have surely managed to inflict upon her for her to be blamed for my slaughter of those men. As much as it hurt me to have her be the one that would be blamed for my deeds, I mauled by another one of those razors residing within her fingers by my yanking her up so quickly.
I then got out of the camping bag, and then pulled her to her feet, hoping that I wouldnt get hiss come from her and her eyes were dead centered into mine. Before I had the light girl to her feet, I heard a terrible knew that there was no other option at the time and that I had done the right thing. Then I realized that her right hand was at the side of my neck, claws I knew that she was still in deep sleep when I had pulled her up from the ground and I couldnt bring myself to do that to my new daughter. I can say for the first time in my life, that I felt completely defenseless, and I wasnt going to risk breaking her wrist that I had a solid hold on; that she realized just who it was that had her before she hit my jugular.
I would have rather have had her begin the raking of my throat and only hope fully extended, and just ready to plow across the side of my throat. Riika, I said in a careful voice, up so we could go home. I was just trying to get you one of them kicked me in the back, when Paavo and I went into the camp! I collapsed, and the one that killed Paavo kicked me, and then pulled me to my feet then the ******* kicked me in the stomach! Oh my Goddess! the girl shouted out Im so sorry, Im so, so sorry master! I thought that you were one of the soldiers! Please forgive me! I was about to kill you! Thats the way that they pulled me up after Its me, Tiger, and youre alright.
She continued, I love you, dangling at her side, and shaking nervously. Her hand that was at my throat was now me to change my wrist position and fold it down, breaking it into a compound fracture. I still had her wrist in my hand and all that it would have taken was for please forgive me! Of course, this was something that I would for her, but I could say now that I truly loved her as my own.
Over the course of the last few hours, I had begun to not only care even more her how she needed to do things that she didnt understand. I would never hurt her again, except in training to only show have never have done to the girl. A Master has to occasionally cause his students pain to show them how to execute movements; but injuring know that I startled you out of your sleep. I replied to her nervous apology, Its okay sweet Riika, I with your deadly little knives! Ha-ha, but now, you did just the right thing! Im not angry, Im proud! Good move for you!
What you did was amazing! I didnt even see that coming, although I was thinking about the time that you opened up my mid-arm them was not something that was ever necessary even for the most insubordinate of students. She apologetically replied, I never did say that I was deep? Was it sore, but time heals all things, Riika. No, I replied, but it is still very sorry for doing that, I really didnt mean to.
One day your heart will heal too, it what the hay are we waiting for? Lets get out of here and go home before those ****heads find our trail! She looked at the ground and sighed, then looked at me as a smile came over her face as she said, Well, to refer to the ones that we were trying to get away from this day. I was amused at her reply, but not so much at the word that she used will just take time, thats all. They were indeed the word that she had used for them, but they were far going to have to learn to use more tact in your speaking.
I started gathering our gear wile I said frankly to her, Riika, you are if you are going to be a master, you must have dignity and self-assurance as your companion at all times. Why is it that you use such words as ****head and suck? It doesnt make you look very dignified or mature, and from idiots and they were not taking this episode as lightly as she was. The girl replied, I dunno, those words just seem to fit the you of your foolish and girlish ways. I lectured, We are going to have to rid off my and get my down to the river.
She then replied, So is that why you tell me to get up situations and context at the time that I use them. I realized that she had a good point, but such words as I use for emphasis in a situation to wasnt mad and this didnt dignify her at all. She tended to curse like a sailor, even when she folded the blankets and rolled the camping bags, while continuing our conversation about her course language. I tended our horse and gathered the weapons putting them back into my roll-up saddle bag, while she emphasize my point and drive my message across, I use those words for effect and very sparingly.
The difference is, my young student, that I use these words for effect any respect from a student by sounding like a commoner. You need to watch your tongue girl; you will not get to act a cut above the rest. You are not a commoner and you need not for a lack of better words, as you do. You are going to be a master one day, and you would do well to start then she replied, Do I really sound like such a rogue?
She thought for a while about what I had said to her, and you do know how to speak English properly. I replied, You do, not all of the time, but acting like one in your mind, then the training will take care of the rest. I know that quaedian is your first language, but I have never met a Quaedian this way? Do your friends speak But yes, they did when I had friends my age.
I dont have any friends anymore, remember? She smartly replied and continued, that uses profanity just for the sake of doing so, as you do. I was still packing the last blankets and bags as she prepared them and handed them to me onto my horse while I replied, Well, your former friends also abandoned you because one that was above such adolescent ways. No, she replied, in a new tone of insecure, and they are the ones that will never be anything more than children! She continued, They are the ones with the problem, they are the ones that are they saw great things in you that they knew that they would never have in themselves, so do you want to lower yourself to your ex-friends by speaking their gibberish?
She then purred, They are losers and commoners, but I will be a Pouncing Warrior. Let them deal with their punishment the will always be in their existence! They deserve each others friendship, but not mine! With that reply, she started to laugh and continued, Let them rot just brats and children. Ah, again, and again, the arrogance returns to the girl, I thought up.
She was growing which keeps popping up, could be turned to pride and self-assurance. I then had an idea: I suspected that this arrogance of hers, to myself, but this time, I liked what I had heard. I knew that only time would tell, but I to be the one in charge of guiding him in case we had another run-in with the army. We mounted the horse, and I let her take the control of my horse, as I definitely wanted her I scanned the area behind us.
We rode away from the camp slowly as suspected that I was right about her. I made sure that there was no trace of us stopping there trail to get to the spot where we had camped for the night. I had Riika take us back to the spot where we turned off of the sweep the hoof prints that led to the location where we had veered off of the trail. I then got off of the horse, found the branch and leaves of a thrymheim tree, and began to by burying the fire and sweeping away all of our footprints.
I instructed Riika to leave me and ride ahead for away my own foot print, leaving no evidence that we had been along that way. Then I walked along the trail, brushing away every hoof print and then turned to brush to do this, it would take the army much more time to figure it out and maybe it would buy us another day before they found our trail. I knew that this may be wasting valuable time that we could get further ahead them, but I also knew that as much time as it was taking me about a mile and wait until I met her. Riika patiently waited for me, and those virtues were not something that she had in her yet, rest, and I had a new-found admiration for her in all ways.
By this time, she knew that she wanted to be a cut above the appeared to be writing something. When I finally reached her, she patience or waiting, but she was becoming a woman and she was consciously exercising new virtues. She had found my calligraphy bag and the deep thought with whatever it wasthat she was writing. As I approached her, I could tell that she was in resided on my metal urn that I used for heating water for my tea with the metal ring that has the legs and feet of a female Quaedian warrior.
Once I was able to see what she was doing I could tell that she wasnt writing at all, but scrolling out a Quaedian hieroglyphic the same one that box with my quills and brushes. She had finally remembered what the ancient word of her language that resided in the designs on the warriors in red ink. She was scrolling it we spoke of that morning, yes? I asked, So, you finally understand what feet meant and the one that I had questioned her about that was written in hieroglyphics!
Yes, master, she replied, It means the Hero of Heroes, and you really think that someday that I decide, my little Riika. That is for you to that you have a destiny, and this is why I came to save you. Only you can know what you are going to do with your life, but I think will be a hero? She questioned, stopping what she was doing and waiting for my reply. But aside from that, I, as you now know, care for you very much and would have saved Otherwise, neither one of us will have a future!
I then continued, Now, lets get moving before we are detected! asking me about the legend of Pouncing Warrior, We mounted and continued home, all the time she kept you, even if I didnt think that you were intended for something greater than us all! I told her that there would be plenty of time for us to her, Enough with this notion! You arent even going to be a warrior, unless you focus on your training! I dont think that you are Pouncing Warrior, so let it go! Yet, between my explanation of the short and long boards of Klan Kai Sai Kung Fu, she always managed to figure out a way to slip in another question, until I firmly addressed attention about the sequence of the boards.
With that, she sighed, and gave me her undivided discuss this, but for now, she needed to concentrate on her training. From that moment on, she listened to everything that I had to part of the valley. By dusk, we reached my him to the stables, and instructed Riika to meet me on the porch for tea and conversation. We took the gear off of the horse, then I summoned Nikko to tend to my horse and take say, never diverting her thoughts for the rest of the trip.
She was tired and reluctant, I could tell this, but she did as I asked and a few minutes later she was sitting with me, to fill the elaborate urn, lighting the candle beneath it, and sitting down to watch the sunset and the glory of the evening. I think that she felt this too, as she had no hesitation in preparing her and my teas, and fetched the water from the kitchen was her new home, and would be for quite some time. I was happy that she felt like she was home, for this pouring her tea, and for the first time she had been on my porch, I felt like I was sitting with my own family. I also felt that she was beginning to consider me, not only her teacher, but as her father, and I was that they saw her soft side and not her angry, emotional, self-assured side that particularly turned me off when we first met.
I could see why he spoiled her so much she had the qualities of someone that could easily be loved by anyone, providing to spoiling this girl. I, however, would not yield beginning to have the feelings for her, perhaps the same that her father must have felt for her too. What I had in mind for her to make her a master that would even surpass my skill someday was to scrolling the word Hero when I came back to meet you. I asked her as we sat on the porch, Riika, you were were writing your calligraphy today?
What were you thinking when you make her unsurpassed in skill, and spoiling her would not help, but only make her complacent and lazy with her instruction. She replied, I would hardly call it calligraphy, but I was thinking about what if you were indeed the one? I asked. You have been contemplating what I asked you that day? That I was. She replied, Yes, master, your story, the one that you told me of Pouncing Warrior.
But how could I be the your father had the same thoughts, and that is why he brought you here to be my student. I told her the truth, Because Im no the only one that thinks that you may be the warrior, you were indeed her, that you needed to have the best instruction, He worried about this a great deal, and wanted to be sure that if one that you speak of? She replied, her voice was quiet and somber, Im afraid that if I am worry about others causing them pain; for others, it could be to live far away from the cities, this is my peace living far from the cities and in harmony with nature.
I didnt know, so I told her what I thought she needed to hear, Eventually, everyone finds peace Riika, but we all define our own peace for some, it could be never having to own peace someday, Pouncing Warrior. Dont worry though, you will find your her, then I will never be happy does she ever find peace? After I spoke these words, I told her even call me father, as I hope that this would give her a little peace at the moment. I told her to talk to me as if I was her father and if she was willing, to to me the majority of the time that we have known each other! She laughed as she finished.
A look of gratitude came over her face as she replied, Ill try, but you havent been all that kind to never address me as master again. Ah, yes, I know, you like that before, do you not? But you understand the reasons that I treated I understand. She replied, Yes, dear girl.
You wanted to make a warrior out of me and to break me of my disciple, my daughter, and the beneficiary of my art. Yes, that is it, but now I want for you to be teach all that I know to. You are the only one that I can pre-conceived notions of what I thought that I was and could do. She smiled at my reply, but then looked into the candle with hesitation and her about my predicament.
I finally opened up to that I want to teach. Because Riika, you are the last one said, But what if someone better comes along while you are teaching me? I think that I have finally found the student that once that I am done with you, and my career as a teacher will be fulfilled. I believe that no student that I have ever taught will ever be able to rival you, legacy on to you.
I want to pass my I have always searched for in you. You will be able to do things that I cant do, I truly believe that you are the chosen I saw you ambush and outride the army, it even furthered my predictions. If this is true, then there is no further use for me and when we need but you will train with me all day and every day, until you become my protg. But, you will have to train long and hard, and not by fetching my water though you will fetch what one, and I truly believe that you may be the Pouncing Warrior, as the gods prophesized it.
Before I could finish my statement, she wrapped her arms around me and began to weep, whispering between those chirps and whelps that I now and you know what you have to do. I told her, I know that you wont; you are growing to the suffering that men inflict upon others. You will be Pouncing Warrior, and you will bring ease had heard her exhibit the first day that I met her, Thank you, father, I wont let you down, I swear it! You are my special much training to do tomorrow, and so I will leave you to enjoy the rest of the night in peace.
After a while, Riika stood up, bowed, and said Its time for me to go and get some rest, father, I have Ill be ready. Wake me, when you will, girl, Riika! As she was gathering up the teapots that she had be perfect, Pouncing Warrior. I simply replied, It will teapots exactly where they were supposed to be, and retired for the night.
With that, she smiled, kissed me on the cheek, walked into the kitchen, placing my used, she asked, Does five o'clock sound good? They both fell fast asleep and Riika was to have new dreams tonight, not of being back in those of Riika, but there was another set as well, and those I knew very well those of Damarah. As the first signs of the suns coming up, I heard the scurrying of small feet, one, I was certain that were of yxing clay on a tray, as well as my stove being lit. As I heard Damarah exit my front door, I could also hear the clinging the forests and jungles of Vinl, but dreams of who she was to become, the Pouncing Warrior.
It wasnt even five oclock in the morning, closer to to see what those two were up to this hour of the morning. I pulled myself out of bed, put on my gui, and went into the kitchen when I entered the kitchen, both of them were standing there side by side. As usual, Riikas keen hearing, as well as that of my precious cheetah, detected my awakening and four thirty, and both of them were awake. Riika an entire tray of teapots, the urn with the candle lit beneath it, you, look! I have prepared the tray for our training, as well as poured some of your special energy tonics!
Good morning father, Riika cheerfully greeted, I am ready to meditate to the suns rise, if it isnt too early for what time do you think that it is girl? Riika, I growled, You arent to be up until five oclock, and an assortment of energy tonics and teas in small cups awaiting consumption. The she cheerfully replied, Well, I woke up at four, and couldnt sleep anymore, so I lay there talking to Damarah, and she thought that it you up though. Im sorry if we woke playing chase.
Damarah and I were would impress you if I saved Nikko the burden of getting your tray together and had it ready for you myself when you awoke. We tried to keep it her attitude. I was impressed with even before me! She was ready to start, down though, Im sorry.
What was this game that you corner where the wood stove was. She smiled and pointed over to the other with not one drop spilt on the floor. There were twenty buckets, stacked meticulously one on top of the were playing, I replied. Child, did you go to the river and get were ready to start! So I fetched our water for the day and saved Nikko the trouble!
But of course! I wanted to get my blood flowing so I could begin training as soon as you and then we will start as soon as the first rays hit the horizon. I was floored at how to respond, so I said Well done! Okay, let me meditate these since you have been up? I inquired. Am I to expect that youre going to want to you did the first few days I was here! Riika replied, Only if you dont wipe me out like as she said this.
She let out a chuckle do this everyday from now on, little one? I simply retorted, No guarantees, but promise you, no more tests and no more unnecessary tasks from me, so I will try. Just know that your training is going to be very hard from here on out, but I me in her customary manner, and Riika followed behind. I then proceeded to walk out to the porch, Damarah following I will do my best.
Before I went into my meditation, I asked a question that I had been waiting to ask for it mean why do you have it? Riika, what is that amulet that you wear? What does was my mothers. She replied frankly, It a very long time, and now I felt that it was the appropriate time to ask it: My father gave it to and give me strength when I feel helpless.
It is supposed to protect me, look over me, said that it was an amulet that only very special warriors wore. My father, Tears began to build in her eyes but she continued, My father me after she died. Only one quaedian per generation wore it, and king gave it to him. He gave it to me when the what, or the gods would punish me greatly.
He told me never to lose it, no matter it has always been in my family. At once I realized what this meant Riika was supposed to be father was right, guard that piece with your life, young Riika, one day you will need what it has to offer you, but whatever your do, never take it for granted. I sensed that she didnt know what her mothers role had truly been though, and I wasnt about to divert her with what I knew of it, so I simply replied, Your that I have left from either of them. She replied, I never would, and its the only thing the inheritor to her mothers role as a guardian to the king.
She began to weep, and then shook her head, with tears flying out of her eyes, off meditate? I am when you are. She then asked, Are you ready to tasks at hand, so I replied After you, as I motioned to the door. I was very surprised and impressed with her strength and her willingness to proceed with the of her face, and a small amount of mucus from the nose from almost breaking down. We sat down, Riika prepared tea for both of my trance by Damarah pulling at my shirt with her teeth.
Shortly after I had reached my peak, I was shaken out of and growling frantically! She was chirping, hissing, us, we drank, and then began to meditate. Master, Master! Look! Riika is having the was saying, Riika isnt asleep Damarah shes meditating. I replied to her, even though I couldnt understand what she she needs.
This is what dream again, she said to me. Yes, I think that you and I both know what before its too late. She needs to deal with this it is that this apparition wants from her! I only hope that she can find out what she is seeing, but she is not asleep.
Damarah went over to her and laid her head in waited until she came out of her trance. I poured another cup of tea for myself, and screamed with the most ear-piercing shriek that I had ever heard. A few minutes passed and then she opened her eyes, the she her lap while Riika was moaning and breathing heavily. She lay on her back me again.
He came to grimly. she said and tried to recover. I know he did, my child, did he angry with me, they will suffer as I am going to suffer, and they will die trying to save me from myself! Yes, she groaned, He said that Im going to defy someone who loved me with all of their heart, but they will not be like she did when she lost her father.
She turned over, face first on my porch and cried tell you anything new? I inquired. I went over to her, sat down, and embraced her as I put my head into her thick red moment to think. She paused for a I think that he means you. She wrapped her arms around me and said, hair with my mouth at her ear and asked, Who are you going to defy, sweet girl?
I sighed and then replied, you wont be defying me, you will be a victim of fate, and I will understand. Not unless there is no choice in the matter for you, and if that is the case, then if the gods give you no other choice, then how can I? You know that I said what I wouldnt allow you to do, but No you wont. She looked up at me with her beautiful, loving eyes, buried her face into my neck, and said, you to get hurt because of me.
I dont ever want to hurt you or for or killed because of me, promise me, please? Please promise me, you will never get yourself hurt I swear it, I will never leave you or let you down I love you Tiger. She then looked back up at down if you tell me, and that I will promise you. Riika, I whispered, I wont let you get hurt, but Ill stand what a blood oath is?
I then continued, Do you know me into my eyes. I then motioned to Damarah to and fetched my coveted knife from the case containing my weapons. With a very sheepish and frightened look, she went into my bedroom and she snarled, implying that I had better know what I was about to do. She returned with her head lowered and her tail between her legs and out of distance, bring my assassin knife.
I just nodded to her, reassuring in Riikas hands. Now, Damarah place it into my neck and chest. The girls head was still buried her that it was necessary. She butted Riika gently with her head to get her attention and Riika pulled her head out pineapple, a very odd scent for a quaedian, but one that didnt seem to bother me as they were some of my favorite fruits.
I can say that ordinarily these occurrences of getting hairballs in my mouth would have bothered me, but the girl smelled like fresh mangoes and and my love for her in such a fatherly way, I simply didnt care. Also, I think that between the beauty of the girl herself, as well as my admiration of my face, along with the hair that had managed to get into my mouth. She then took the knife and looked up at me said, Pull the large knife out, the one with the serrated edge. I smiled at her, kissed her on the cheek, hugged her tight and to do what I asked her to do.
She looked at me with fear and confusion, but proceeded as to what I wanted her to do. I then continued, This knife has killed many men and it has been with me since I yours one day. This knife will be hook-like clawed edge for ripping tendon, then residing into a straight razor throughout the rest of the blade. She stared at the terrible knife, a filet blade that encompassed half of the knife, then sharply dropping into a was about your age it is my most prized possession, next to my sword.
On the opposite, at the top, it was serrated like a saw and exceptionally sharp, with the jagged edge, and then it dropped into a curved blade need if stranded out in the middle of no-where. It was truly the only knife that anyone would ever a razor sharp throwing/hunting knife made out of the same high-carbon metal. Accompanying it in the same sheath in a different outer sheath was its companion with which one could either shave with, or use to roll logs, depending on the situation and the sharpness of that division of the blade. I told Riika the story of my most unique knife: This knife had been fashioned for my father by a master swordsman/knife to his student to build two of them.
My father designed it himself, and then gave the sketch hence, my knife was only one of two, and the other one went missing when the knife maker went to the Pohjola range, and was never seen again. He then threw away the design this was not a knife that anyone should ever have unless they knew how to use it with respect and extreme caution, maker who gave it to him as a gift for showing him how to survive in the treacherous Pohjola Mountains. The gods of the majestic range didnt like the knife, so I was told, her thumb as I was telling her the story. Riika caressed the blade and feeling the intense sharpness with father, then you, having this other knife?
She then replied, But they werent angered by your as it gave mortals and upper hand, and the gods felt defied. No, they I questioned her. Do you know why? blade with her thumb, in awe of the ungodly, sharp edge that it held as she said, No, tell me. She looked up me with the most inquisitive expression on her face as she continued to stroke the edge of the werent.
Because, I paid respect to the gods by shedding blood from my arms with that blade that you are stroking, and offering it to the students, I made peace with the gods each time I received one. And the older ones that were passed to me from my family, friends, or I pass them on to you. You too, will have to do this when gods I have done this with all of my weapons, because they are all one of a kind, from the best craftsmen. Riika nodded in agreement and then asked, So what do you cut into your wrist, but not here.
I smiled, and replied, I want for you to and shook my head. I pointed to her arteries want for me to do with this knife, father? Even under that thin, soft, golden fur of hers, I could cant have you getting hurt on my account, just to make a blood oath! If you cut here, you may bleed to death, or cut a tendon and I want you to cut, lengthwise and deep, so there is much blood.
I then pointed to a smaller vein and said Here, this is where I see every artery on top of those powerful lean muscles. After you do this, then I frightened. Riika looked cut myself father. She replied hesitantly, I cant will do the same.
Im afraid, especially of you cannot take a few cuts and scrapes? I retorted, but with a smile. Nonsense young warrior! How do you ever expect to master combat with a samurai sword if skin at the exact place that I indicated, and brushed it across the vein, lengthwise. The girl thought about what I had said, and then sat up, put the blade to her this knife. GAAAAA, she cried as the blood immediately rushed out behind I grabbed her by the wrist and stopped her.
She then raised it to lick the wound, but luckily, join our blood, then it taints the ritual! Let it bleed Riika, you arent a baby, you can handle a little pain! I then explained, We are making a blood oath to one another, remember? If you lick it before I cut myself and we the blade as it was cutting into her flesh. Riika gathered herself and watched the blood ooze from the vein, turning her arms from side and proceeded to cut myself in the same place and fashion. I then took the knife with her blood still upon the blade into a pool and build.
As Riika did, I let it drain to side, trying to make it stay localized into a pool until I cut mine. Then I explained, Now, put your wound up to mine and let our sat there as our blood flowed together. She held hers up to mine and we on your word because of fate from the gods, or otherwise, you will never defy me. I swear to you Riika, I will never disown you, and if you have to go back blood flow into one, and into our wounds, then into our souls.
I will never betray you by getting myself killed to save you, but if anyone ever hurts you or kills you, Ill kill every man long as there is breath in my lungs and beating in my heart. I will always be here for you and you will always have a father, as of vengeance, for you are my father now, and I will never let anything that I do come back to harm you. Then she made her oath: I will never defy you father intentionally, unless I have no other choice, but I will never kill out and woman that is responsible for it, unless you tell me to stand down, and if you do, I promise you that I will. If fate deals me the possibility of killing the man responsible for my fathers death, unless it is my life or his and there is no time and embraced each other.
We held our wounds together for some sat with us with her head propped up against ours. Damarah was watching nervously the entire time, but eventually, she came and other way, or unless he is slaughtering anothers father, mother, or people I will never break my promise to you I swear it! We were a family now, and it was in chairs to enjoy the morning suns. After awhile, we both got up and sat down shipped in this time of year, when the fruits were ripest and at their peak.
Nikko brought us fresh sushi and tropical fruit from the Tuonetar islands, which she always had almost time to begin training a warrior. We ate, and then proceeded with the porch all day. Nikko and Damarah watched from and defenses the defenses were even embarrassing me as they were too easy to overcome. Riika was a natural fighter - even though she started out rather stiff and sloppy in her attacks the training until dusk.
She found the greatest obstacle to remedy that morning was to be relaxed and then, many terrible locks and positions that over-extended her lean body. I threw her to the ground many times, and had her in since they were very similar, and because of her long arms and legs. Then I decided to focus on Wing Chuan and the elements of Praying Mantis, while being relaxed, explode, not only in the attacks, but in the defenses. Both of these arts utilize the stretch than I had.
She had much greater distance of arm stretch of about twenty seven inches. Im only five feet and eleven inches tall, with reach of the individual. She, on the other hand, was already six feet tall, and after I measured her reach from the that walked on all fours, this was quite remarkable, even for a quaedian! Although quaedians tend to have longer limbs, since they originated from the great cats as to train and refresh myself with only these two arts to defend myself against her length of stretch.
I decided to focus on these two arts for now, so I could improve her attacks and defense, as well tip of her index finger (claw not included, or course), it was an astonishing thirty six inches! I had Nikko ride over to my nearby neighbors, Jorma and my house when I couldnt manage the tasks myself. They tended to help me out around my land, and repair occasionally to train students, as well as myself. They also owned a large mirror that I used Petra, a young couple that were good friends of mine.
A mirror is a martial artists greatest tool, for one can watch themselves returned with the massive object. Within a few minutes, they all since they realized that I frequently needed it to train with. They tended to keep it contained in a very protective and durable casing, to see where their angles of form and stance are flawed. I had a mirror in my Kwoon, but it wasnt practical to train Riika inside, since she had such abilities Mantis as I was doing them, she picked them up instantly and could perform them straight through without watching me!
After an hour of watching and mimicking the first three forms of wing chuan, and then the first three of Praying well as a different perspective of her reflection in the mirror, her angle of strike, block, and the entire form was nearly flawless. Even more to my surprise, was when I left her alone, and went up to my porch to see her from a better angle as of movement and jumping the greatest height that I ever saw her jump was 16 feet from standing! After she finished everything that I had shown her, I went back down and had her do it all over again on one foot, hovering all around her had shown her that day, on the opposite leg she had it perfected. By the third time that I had her do the entire synthesis of everything that I would forget parts of them overnight but her ability to see and then remember was unheard of.
She would only need to remember them the next day, and I found that most of the time she to be sure that she wasnt segmenting (loading strikes with muscle strength, as opposed to projecting them from her tan-tien the gut where energy projection originates). It was then that I suspected that she had a photographic memory, and later a much-needed break for Riika. It was now time for lunch, and we discussed the rest of the day. Nikko again brought fresh sushi and fruit, and it would be confirmed true the more that I watched her learning processes.
After we had filled ourselves with the hearty meal, we drank tea for about thirty minutes to let it settle, see what she was about learn next, but the sauna was an important companion to training. Riika was barely able to contain herself with the excitement that she felt and couldnt wait to muscle weakness, and tends to make one tense if not in a relaxed state, thats why we must do this first. I explained to her, Young Riika, we must not train as soon as we eat a large meal, for it brings about fatigue, and then we went into my sauna to sweat out the toxins from our ordeals during the previous days. Have you ever used I was ashamed to go in naked.
She replied, Yes, but I always wore my clothes felt comfortable doing that. Everyone else did, but I never a sauna before? I laughed, Heres the reason that you cant benefit from the sauna if your wear your clothes: If you wear your clothes, then you hold the toxins in, then when you be nude? Is that it I continued, Are you ashamed to she sheepishly replied.
Well, a little bit, yea, get out and they are still in your garments, and your pores are still open, so the toxins go right back in to your body! That defeats the entire purpose! I, thinking that that was ridiculous, assured her, Why would you be ashamed of how you look nude? Youre a beautiful young woman, and you back, from the bottom of my shoulder blade, to the top of my shoulder. I know, she replied, but I have a bad scar on the right side of my a vipunen tree, years ago. I got it when I fell from dont have to worry about me Im an old man, but not a dirty old man! After all, Im your father now!
It looks my daughter, so I have no desires to see you naked other than for you to get the benefit of the sauna. I gently replied, trying to give her some self-assurance, I think that you are a beautiful young woman, but I see you only as looking at females anyway! Im too old to be bad. She raised her voice abruptly, I said that wasnt course, looked away until she said that it was okay.
She stripped down right there in front of me; I of Here it is! See, Im not lying, and its hideous! She turned her back to me and said, Are you happy now? the reason! You want to see it? Fine! The scar looked like it had been healing for extremely hard fall through several heavy branches, but it still wasnt nearly as bad as she had indicated to me. It had indeed been deep when it occurred, as the flesh had the indication that it had been torn by an Nikkos back, ironically, from the same army that you and I had our run in with the other day!
That? I joked, That looks like a scratch compared to Nikkos! You should see what a group of soldiers did to many years, and wasnt that bad at all. I yelled for Nikko to come thinks that she has a scar! Nikko, come here for a second, poor Riika of the sauna door, I dont want her to see it! No, Riika yelped, as she grabbed one of the robes from the inside out to the sauna.
I calmed her, You dont have to show her your scar, my girl, but you will where she worked at the time. I found her outside of a tavern, and she refused, so they cut her. They wanted to have their way with her, feel better about your own when you see this one they nearly killed her. Thats horrible! Riika within their souls!
What darkness men have are dead inside and have stone where their hearts should be. I replied, Not all men do, young one, just the ones that exclaimed sorrowfully. Nikko arrived after I housemistress and friend, I then asked my loyal that I tended to when I met you?
Nikko, my friend, would you mind showing Riika your scar replied to Riika. She blushed and smiled and then asked, Riika, have She laughed, not seeming so shy anymore. Riika replied, Yes, just a few minutes ago! you are that sensitive about it, I can just show you mine. Nikko then said, Ill show you mine, if you show me yours.but if you ever been cut with a knife?
Before Riika could even reply, Nikko unbuttoned her shirt, taking breasts, and then she turned around, exposing the scar. She then proceeded to hold up her arms up to her you live through that? Oh my goddess! How did it off and putting it to the side. Nikko replied, while still exposing the scar, I wouldnt have if Tiger him when he came in, he was one of the nicest people that came in.
We always spoke when he came in for his food and drinks, and I always waited on friends instantly. We became good hadnt happened to find me in the alley outside the tavern. After he found me that day, he brought me back here doctor he has been studying herbal medicine all of his life. Hes not only a master of kung fu, you know, but also a it, and giving her back full capacity in movement of her arm and shoulder she very well should have been paralyzed in her limb, at the least.
I began to touch the scar on her back, showing Riika all of the damage that the blade had done to her nerves, and then explaining how I remedied and nursed me back to health with his special medicine. Im so sorry, Riika pleaded, Please turned around and showed Nikko her scar. She dropped the robe, and fully nude, she Sai! How unusual! Riika, darling, you have nothing to be ashamed of; scars are who we are and what makes us. Nikko looked at it for a moment, and then exclaimed, It looks somewhat like the Tiger on the seal of Klan Kai forgive me, heres mine.
Yours isnt bad at all! Besides, youre a physical specimen of perfection, as it is! Its her with, after her scar was completely healed. She then inquired about an offer that I once presented wanted a tattoo to cover mine, master? Do you remember when you asked me if I refreshing to see that you have at least one flaw on that body of yours! I already had been thinking of the exact question that she was about to save that for later on in her training, Nikko!
Reluctantly, I replied, Yes, I do, but I was going to mind, my master. Well, just keep that in ask me, but I didnt want to bring it up at this time. She giggled, buttoned her shirt back up and walked coming in too, or am I going to sit here and cook by myself? A giggle came out of her voice. Then Riika walked into the sauna, fully nude, but at total ease with her flaw and in a self-assured voice said, Are you my essential oils mixed into the water to bring about the maximum heat possible.
I stripped down and went in, throwing more coals on the burner and spraying them with back to the porch where Damarah was watching. After we settled down, the heat grew intense, and we began to relax and let our bodies release to the sweltering air and always put them in the most inconspicuous of places, usually on the shoulder blade, so they wont advertise that they know the arts. I replied, I usually give all of my finest students tattoos upon their graduation from my training, signifying that they are outstanding warriors, but I arts? She asked. Did Nikko study your aromas of oils, Riika turned to me and asked, What was the offer that you made to Nikko about her scar?
I replied, No, but I wanted to give her an option for a long time. She was terribly self-conscious about it thats her spirit animal. I wanted to give her a falcon of having something of her choice over the scar. She still declines because she wants to remember how I gave her a new life, was feeling the intensity of the heat and she was pouring sweat.
The girl was silent for a while, and I could tell that she was happening to her, especially since her metabolism was so much higher than my own. My heart was racing and I was pouring sweat as well, so I knew that the same and rescued her from the life that she had before I brought her here. She said that she felt very light-headed, but she wanted to know one thing: who they are and the spirit that lies within them and their fighting, I replied. I havent decided yet, each student gets their own unique tattoo that is the epitome of into her flesh and how I was going to curve the design it would be a circle, about the size of a saucer and would be the yin-yang.
I already knew what hers was going to look like and what animals were going to be in it, but now I knew exactly how I was going to lay it What tattoo are you going to give to me when Im finished? A cheetah would be on top of the yin, and a sands and majestic mountains in the background, like the one that she would soon show me from her writings and drawings of her nightmares and visions. Behind the design, in the background, would be the trees of her forest in the yin section, and in the yang - a desert, accentuated with beautiful by my father, when he taught me calligraphy. I had been taught the art of drawing and color dragon would be on the bottom of the yang.
After I was beginning to master the arts, when I took up swordsmanship, I wasnt allowed to touch a sword for I had mastered calligraphy, my father needed to show me little else of the art, aside from very basic maneuvers. Calligraphy is the essence of swordsmanship, as I learned, and through calligraphy, I became lethal with a sword as once rocks in the river, although, she would need to master that task that I asked of her and perform it as gracefully as I, but that was to be later. I would train Riika the same way that my father trained me not the way that I approached other students with my own inventive, terribly difficult performance of forms on the almost two years, only to practice what he had taught me, and then to work on perfecting my calligraphy. I was about to sweating and was in my own meditation and making these decisions.
I was envisioning all of these things while we were sitting there up, and gasped, I think that my heart is about to explode! I need to get out of here! I was about to ask Riika another thing that had been on my mind, when all of the sudden she sat build a master. A desperate look was on her face as she thrust open the race and you cant bear the heat and the pounding of your heart anymore then come out here and rinse off with the shower! Forgive me, Im sorry. Riika, I gently said, You should have told me that you were getting too hot! Come over here to the shower, I should have told you, when your heart starts to icy-cold water from the river below onto her sweltering body.
I guided her underneath the shower and pulled the string, releasing the door and rushed outside, breathing heavily, and gasping for air. She screamed and leapt away Make my heart explode? GAAAAAA! She shrieked. What are you trying to do to me? shock your system and regulate it back to normal, as well as rinsing away the toxins that you are sweating out its very good for you! I laughed and explained, No silly girl, the heat is for driving your pulse and body temperature up, to release the toxins, and then the shower is to from the water.
I continued, Come will make you strong! You need to do this, it again, Nikko pointed her finger at me and worded with her mouth Tell her that its coming this time, dont be cruel! Nikko and Damarah were watching the entire spectacle and laughing, but when I put my hand on the cord to release the chilly water here. I then turned to the shivering girl anyway! and I pulled the cord.
I laughed and said, Well, here it comes teeth, but she stayed. She shrieked again, gritted her and said, Okay, are you ready? After a few seconds, she was relaxed that you werent going to be cruel anymore! She then looked at me and said, I thought it because they dont use it in the way that they are supposed to! This is what it was invented for! Its a form of therapy.
Im not being cruel! You have just never done this therapy in such an extreme manner! Most people that use the sauna never get any benefit from again as her body regulated itself. Pretty soon, I wont be able to normal, she grinned and said, What a rush! That was cool. As the girl got her senses back, and her body was back to back to our training? But, now can we please get keep you out of here!
I replied, Yes, go to the porch and get some tea, I would same benefit that you just did, then Ill rinse off and join you. Im going back into the sauna one more time so I can get the our heart rates are back to normal. We can start again in about twenty minutes, after recommend the Puh-er to supplement your energy and give you stamina. She looked much better than any other time since I had seen her, she looked rejuvenated, and of its target and barely touches it, similar to the one inch punch pioneered by a fellow martial artist back on Earth, many years ago.
I was correct, and that afternoon, I was to teach her interdiction palm training to prepare her to crush anything with a strike that grazes off blow from a direct shot to the chest of an opponent could crush the chest, and making the heart stop instantly. However, this wasn't for show or demonstration - this would turn bricks to dust when properly executed, ice to slush, and a single I could tell that her energy was going to be over the top this afternoon. No one would ever suspect that a girl of this size, barely when my protg began to show her full potential. I truly felt that she was ready though, and this is thought process, her photographic memory; thus, enabling her to mimic her masters every move.
Over the next few years, Riika would continuously please Master Tiger with her quickness in her one hundred and thirty pounds, could inflict such devastating blows. The rate at which she was capable of learning new things, while never forgetting the fine details of which was making her the perfect student, and the only one that he would have given every waking hour of his days to, without hesitation or complaint. Furthermore, was her ability to adapt to any combat situation that the Master would use to test her and her single-minded focus on her arts all of so, re-teaching himself things that he found that he had forgotten. He taught her as fast as she could keep up, and by doing what she had already mastered, no matter how difficult or meticulous the moves may be, was astonishing.
Master kept emphasizing one main thing to her, whether it was in but moreover, it can be any and all things between the two. Water can be soft and gentle, or it can be hard and crushing and taking notes on everything that the master told her. She began to keep a diary, writing down her thoughts every night, combat, or just in everyday life to be like water. When she didnt understand a concept, a move, or how to execute a form, when the day was over, she would completely dedicated to carrying his most amazing arts and talents on, and to do justice to his legacy.
Riika was quickly surpassing each and every student that had ever studied under the great master, for she was daughter when she lost her entire world. The man had accepted her as his own diagram the problem and play out the moves within her head before she tried to fix them the following day. She had no family left, no friends, not even because of her first impulse to seek revenge, the man had come to her rescue and had saved her life. When she was at the worst moment of her life, and it was about to come to an abrupt halt completely techniques that he has never taught to anyone, would live on after his life was over his essence would live on in Riika.
This was not something that she took for granted and she vowed to make the master rest easy that his teachings, even his most secret anyone that she had known from her village. Quickly, the two became best of forests around his home, and he would always go along with her. When Riika could find some spare time, she would go out to explore the never get ahead of him, as she knew the strength of her own abilities. She always made it a point to never push the man too hard, and to friends, and were inseparable.
It was very important to her that she never made him feel less than equal to her when she was in her own element, exploring the forests, jungles, and the grasslands for together in the forest, so not to make him lose face. She toned down her acrobatic abilities when the two of them were to extend to him the same courtesy when he was in her element. He treated her with the greatest dedication and respect, and likewise, she was very careful her respect for her new father was far too great, and she began to love the man just as much as she had loved her own father that had been killed. After a few years passed, Tiger decided that his cherished girl was ready to learn the most and unfathomable what this man can do with a sword!
The girl never ceased to think to herself, It is amazing ever seen to such a degree, and the likes of which was extraordinary for both human and quaedian females alike. Riika was now seventeen years old now, and was definitely coming into her prime, both as a woman with beauty few had advanced and secret of the Samurai sword arts, the likes of which she never knew existed! But moreover, she was also reaching a crest as a extended journeys to the far east, the purpose of which, was to obtain ingredients for a particularly special jaos, used to strengthen and calcify the fingers for White Fukien Crane. Upon Tigers decision that she was to begin the sword arts, she immediately took up calligraphy from an old, and dying master that Tiger introduced her to during one of their upon the opponents body as if they had been struck with 4 heavy, flexible, metal rods all the size of a finger.
This jaos was used in preparation before Yandar training, making the impact of the snap of her fingers, even just slightly, leaving deep whelps formidable warrior that was quickly becoming without rival. Tiger was not only molding her into a warrior with no equal in her time, but he was also teaching her must use to spread over whatever part of their body that they were training and strengthening at the time, preventing permanent and irreversible damage were invaluable as they were thousands of years old. Moreover, were the personal reasons that he was spending every waking hour pouring his vast knowledge into Riikas brain Tiger felt that his knowledge of the oldest recipes for the Jaos, the liniments that one tree trunk and protruding cylinder-shaped arms that decreased in diameter the farther out they extended from the trunk of the dummy three of them to mimic arms on a person, and a single leg protruding out, and then down. There were the Ditta Jaos, used for mook jong training in wing chuan which calcifies and hardens the bones throughout the arms and the legs the more that one hits and spars with the massive wooden dummy, made from a everything that he knew about healing the body, herbs, natural medicine, and preparing tonics and jaos for kung fu.
All of these wooden arms and the leg could move side to side and up and down about the energy being absorbed by the wooden dummys arms or leg, resulting in a very loud cracking sound this was the sign that one was hitting it in the proper way and not about to cause themselves irreversible damage or breaking an arm or a leg. If the student hit the arms or the leg with muscle force, then it could break their arms or legs with the level of impact that they were hitting but if they executed the blows in a relaxed state and unsegmented, then the strike would result in the students bones in their arms and legs as hard as steel, due to the nerve-numbing action of the jaos, as well as its ability to prevent bruising and injury. By weaving in and out, striking and blocking at the same time, as well as kicking the leg this training not only taught the line/angle fundamentals of wing chuan, but making a half of an inch, snapping and reflecting the shock-force that the student put into the strikes. Then, even more obscure and rare, but no less important is the Yandar Jaos used for Yandar training, which step of White Fukien Crane iron-finger training.
This propriety formula is essential in the first snap like steel whips made from metal rods. The process is extremely peculiar, but makes the fingers is used to soak the fingers, numbing them while preventing clotting, bruising, and torn joints and ligaments. Immediately after the fifteen-minute soak in the jaos, the student places sandbag on top of the hands and another one below to shield them from the tremendous weight on the fingers. Then the master, progressively but gently, places four hundred and fifty pounds of weight upon the students hands with only a above the fingers, cushioning them from the weight, and allowing the shock force to travel out the other side of the bags, without shattering the small table that holds the students hands, as well as the load.
When all the weight are in place, the master turns out the light and leaves the room as the student meditates, while projecting immense shock force this energy projection into the sandbags that are below and their hands between two bags filled with fine blasting sand. After thirty minutes pass, after sitting in complete silence and darkness while in deep meditation the entire time, the master then rushes in, pulls the weight off as quickly as possible, and from right to left, deep into each of the buckets. Then with massive energy projection, thrusts the hands one hundred times, alternating right hand on the first day, and then the next day, he instructed her to begin with her left. Although, in Riikas case, when Tiger saw fit for her to undergo such a regime, he had her begin with her the student straightens the fingers, holds them together rigidly and tightly, side by side, and points them down squatting between the two buckets of fine sand on both sides of them.
Tigers augmentation of Riikas White Fukien Crane Iron-finger training would maximize the damage that each blow from her fingers was capable of where as most ordinary people, including Tiger, only needed to go for a month at the same intensity, at the same time once per day. The girls hand and finger training for White Fukien Crane was to continue straight for 2 months, at six oclock to the second, each and every morning much higher degree than normal, since she had no preference of a favored hand. However, Tiger felt that Riika should need to calcify and strengthen both hands equally, to a producing, and could be increased or decreased accordingly, depending on what she was trying to accomplish during a combat situation. Before the training could even begin, there was one very important ingredient that Tiger was missing before he could start making the jaos to start this most powerful, and top breed stallion by Paavos family after they finally decided how they were going disburse their beloved relatives possessions after his death.
One of the deciding factors, in Tigers mind that would made such a journey possible, was the fact that Riika had been given a tremendously never been ridden and Tiger feared that she would be seriously injured while trying to break the horse. The girl and the stallion took to each other as soon as they met but the horse had unusual way of training for the girl the purple salts which could only be found in the Huangdi province, and was a thousand miles away. He knew her and her stubbornness, and she would never ask for anyones around and looked into her eyes, and as she looked into his, an unspoken trust seemed to exchange between the two. Much to everyones amazement, and complete awe, as she gathered her courage and mounted the horse for the first time, as he turned faithfully obeyed her every command!
From that time one, the horse help if she believed that she could eventually do it by herself. After watching her ride the powerful animal for a few days, between her training, Master Tiger beloved daughter her wishes for him to show her where and how to collect each ingredient for all of his secret jaos. This girl was the textbook definition of tough, and ultimately, the master realized that he really didnt have a legitimate excuse not to grant his and shortcuts, combinations, and her own synthesis of what she had already learned from the master that day. After much contemplation and mental preparation, he finally walked into her room one night, as she was diagramming moves knew that she would be able to handle such an arborous and treacherous journey.
The proud master said the words that she had been waiting to hear since he had mentioned that she leave in two days. Okay, my tough one, we will hard every morning throughout the journey, your progression will suffer due to all of the riding that will have to be done. Dont you, for one second, think that this is going to be easy Riika, its not at all, and although we will train couldnt start her finger training just because he was lacking only one ingredient to complete the jaos. Riika didnt care because, as she saw it, this was all part of the was a young woman.
She wasnt a child anymore, she most teenagers would ever dream. She was growing up faster than greater whole, and she knew how to utilize her time training by now. Most teenagers that grow up quickly are forced into becoming an adult was going to define whom and what she was going to be for the rest of her life. Riika, on the other hand, fully embraced the rapid change, for she knew that this chapter of her life father and mentor as much as she could.
She wanted to savor the journey with her new due to unfortunate circumstances and responsibilities that are cast upon them. Something deep inside of her, along with the still persistent nightmares and visions, told her that it wouldnt last as long as she wanted existence that she had so come to love. She wasnt going to waste one second of this comfortable so it is more readable (I know that it is somewhat tedious, so I hope to remedy that) I have an EXCELLENT Beta-Reader that has edited this, so I will be editing everything in the next few days, it to last either, as premonitions of something bad to come, changing her life, yet again, began to arise deep within her psyche.
Anyway, this is very far from over and more chapters are going to be added in Part 1 as well as 2, so please stay You're welcome.... pages of story in a two-day period. That's the last time I edit a hundred tuned! I appreciate all of the views so far just hope that the improvments will make this book better for all to enjoy!!! My brain ingredient needed to complete the jaos, would prepare her to master yet another art that of White Fukien Crane.
The long trek, which encompassed roughly a thousand miles into the highest mountains into the Huangdi Provence, to find the missing her into awe as she watched Tiger perform the eight forms of the beautiful and deadly art, with such agile grace and majestic ease. It would allow her to execute the beautiful, but deadly, whip-like strikes from the tips of her fingers the same art that had sent hurts.... That was the day that had convinced her of his power, as she observed him on perform the now extinct art, but she insisted on knowing exactly where to find each of the ingredients! Not only did Riika want to learn how to make this special jaos for the finger training necessary to to settle with just a part of the whole.
Arent we tenacious, eah? Tiger would usually respond, when she refused the rocks, at the river, and the place that she now knew as home. Nonetheless, Tiger was impressed immensely with her thirst for his art, and in its entirety, but the master had not expected to in the early morning before the suns rise to train. The only time the two stopped was to sleep, then waking was another source nearby to add another ingredient to the menagerie of their strange specimen collection. Then starting over and riding yet another day, all day, and stopping only when Tiger knew that there take such a difficult journey over the course of so many weeks, and just the two of them on horseback!
The entire journey, including the stops to collect the various herbs, minerals, venoms from scorpions, and finally the the final and rarest ingredient of all the purple salts. On the sixty-eighth day of their odyssey, they reached the location of caught sight of an old and familiar sight from his younger years and his first quest years earlier for the very same salts the famed Huangdi Calligraphy School. After Riika finished filling their remaining bags as much as she could with the salts, which resided high at the summit of an ancient and inactive volcano, Tigers eye suddenly salts, took them over 3 months of straight riding through all kinds of terrain and weather. He had not been to this part of the continent in nearly thirty five years, but he remembered an old master to either, considering that you have enough salt to train 30 armies twice over would you like to meet another famous warrior, and one that I learned many secrets of the sword from?
Tiger inquired to his always enthusiastic companion, So, since we are here, and Ill probably never make it back this way in this lifetime, and I can see no reason that you will ever have even still alive, so dont be disappointed if you dont get to meet him, but it would be honorable to pay an homage to his school. He warned the girl however, whose eagerness outweighed her immense fatigue and the weariness from riding persistently over such a great expanse, I cannot guarantee that he is that was not only famous for his beautiful scrolls, but was once an unrivaled swordsman throughout the land as well. Perhaps we can get a warm bath, even wash our clothes, and sleep on thought of meeting another great master, as well as perhaps getting to take a break from the endless traveling that she had become so accustomed to at this point. That would be the greatest! I would love to meet one of the men that taught you, or at least pay honor to his legacy! She smiled and purred as the her body was excited at the other, more practical, possibility of getting off of the horse for a day or two.
The hope that she would get to have a few lessons with the man that trained her father was overwhelming her, but moreover, a real bed for a change! Does this sound good to you Riikey? As they approached the famed and ancient school, Riika could see that it was still inhabited by many students all around the dwelling. There was a swirling of activity on the banister with a sword! Look! Riika exclaimed, Theres an old man training some of them sitting in the grass writing haiku, while others were rendering paintings of the countryside.
The old man that they were hoping to see was not only alive, but he was performing sword forms with a feeling of nostalgia, he was certain that it was his old cifu. As they rode closer, Tiger could begin to make out the face of the man, and were only yesterday that I was here! Where does the time go? Tiger though to himself, By the gods, it fee s as if it flawlessly while perfectly remaining balanced upon the banister of the uppermost deck of the school, while blindfolded! They both paused their horses and Tiger lectured his young protg, Whatever you you think better of me by now?
She replied, somewhat insulted, Of course I wont! Dont her customary, you must think Im stupid manner. Then she smiled and blinked her eyes at him in do, do not show him disrespect of any kind, do you understand? See, thats what Im talking about, damn it! Promise me Riika, Ill never see this For me? Tiger nervously pleaded. You will hold your tongue, yes? dishonor you by being a brat! You know who I am now, she explained.
Im just kidding! Holy purple salts father! Im not a child anymore, and I would never man again, and I want to visit him in honor, not in arrogance. Yes, I know and I know how far that you have come, but best friend, you really do have a way of always having fun and amusing me during our training, Tiger winked. As your master, I still let you slide when I should make you have more respect, but as your father and and for my sake, show me the same respect that I ask you to show him! Okay? The he continued, Just pretend that we arent friends, okay? Merely teacher and student, and not father and daughter, you are my heart now, and this man does not know you.
The girl reached over and placed her hand on his, man and pay their respect. They proceeded to ride to the old talent for storytelling! you have quite a and in a faithful tone, she replied, I promise. As they approached the old master, who was still perched upon the banister performing White Pao.
That is Master saw fit for him to retire to teaching only, and not killing for hire. He was once the most dangerous man on the planet with a sword, before the gods Fukien Crane sword forms, Tiger told Riika the story of the old master. After he taught me, though, the gods decided after, and why would the gods not want for him to teach? Riika replied, But why would he retire if his swordsmanship was so highly sought worded what he said in his mind.
Tiger cleared his throat, and paused as he carefully that he should never teach again. He then continued, Because once I had a student that defied the gods to learn Klan Kai Sai, as well as the sword arts. He didnt tell me that he had studied with Pao, and wanted had stopped and were about to dismount they were at the gates of the school. Riika was studying every word that was coming out of his mouth, and didnt even realize that they he came to me after master Pao refused to teach him anymore.
Tiger took a yellow flag out of his coat and continued his story. As they opened, Tiger was very sloppy in his kung-fu. He learned very quickly the sword arts, but waved it in three circles to the guards. It took me much time and effort to teach are, but his swordsmanship was immaculate.
He wasnt a natural fighter, not like you Tiger finished the story. As they walked through the gates, the essence of Klan Kai Sai to him. Eventually, he became pretty good at fighting with bare hands in Klan Kai Sai, but he learn the arts that my family had cherished for generations. Then one day, he finally told me that he wasnt there to pupil, and that was why he had come to me.
He admitted to me that Master Pao had disowned him as a never could truly understand the true essence of the arts and was a poor student. Riika exclaimed, What an ! What trick me! Had I known what he was to become, I would have probably killed him right then and there he was studying the swordsmanship and the arts to become a mercenary a hired killer. Tiger replied, I disowned him as my own student and told him never to return he was deceiving me, as well as disrespecting Master Pao, and I would have no part of that! What nerve he had to officials that had killed his brother. He only wanted to kill the Earther did you say to him?
Riika was dumbfounded this had struck that he was foolish and selfish for undertaking the arts just for the soul reason of killing the Earthers. She could fully understand the intent and ambition of this student that Pao and Tiger had disowned, but she felt Pao taught him? Riika inquired. He didnt know anything before you and a nerve within her soul. No, my girl,
Tiger answered. as a means to murder and to profit. He continued, He only wanted to use the arts he didnt. Not only was he disrespecting himself and his you didnt come to me out of revenge. Tiger went on to explain, You are different, my precious Riika was as far as it went.
You knew of your mothers death, but that brother, but he was disgracing his masters. You didnt come to me out of vendetta, you only wished it after your found out of your fathers fate, but you were already drawn to the arts such ambitions. Reijo had no kill for revenge and profit. He only wanted to learn to for your spiritual growth, as well as to protect and hone your abilities your father made a very wise decision by bringing you to me.
His soul was dark and possessed by youre the last that I will ever teach this lineage of death-arts to. Then Tiger looked her in the eyes and said, Thats why youre my protg Riika soul, as well as the control deserving of these teachings. Youre the only one that has the strength and purity of demons of his own doing! I know that you will use them wisely and sparingly, and that is why I am teaching why it is so important to me for you to know everything that I know.
After I die, you will be the last to ever know these things that is herself, I will never disgrace my beloved father. As they were dismounting from their horses, Riika thought to you things that I have never taught any other student that has come before you. He is giving me the greatest gift that a soul, and my very essence. I owe him my life, my like Reijo.
I will never be father or a master could give of themselves. If he ever crosses me, I will kill him for the her head in disappointment as she was involved in her thoughts, making him partially amused, but moreover as intrigued at watching the girl as she appeared to be talking to herself and questioning herself and then answering in turn. Tiger looked over to the girl as they began walking up the massive stairs to the great school, and to the balcony where the famed Master Pao was training.He could tell that she was deep in thought and saw her shaking consumed with inside of your mind. He then asked, What are you so honor of my master and father! I swear it!
It was a long walk up those stairs, and that night about revenge, and why you wouldnt ever train another Reijo. The girl replied, I was just realizing what you were saying to me was speaking of now, do you? Ah, Tiger replied, You realize what I they still had plenty of ground to cover. Yes father, I do, She nodded, You are ashamed of what you did, and you dont want for your fault though you know that, right?
She explained to her father and disgraced master, It wasnt I know, but nonetheless I created a killer, Riika. With admiration, yet with sorrow in his voice, he replied, Yes, my soul to harden and for my heart to grow cold, like Reijo who deceived you. Thats why I dont want you to ever will die if I have to just to keep my word to you, father. Riika nodded in agreement and said, Remember the blood oath that we took years ago? I as they met the old master.
Tiger smiled with pride for his daughter think of killing out of vengeance. As he approached the two, a look of nostalgia again! Someone had told me that you had died fighting against Bolverk the Bloodys armies! Tiger, he smiled as he reached out his hands, I never thought that I would see you he were his own son. The old master hugged Tiger, as if and fond memory came over Master Paos face.
No master, you should know me better than that to get These are matters that concern us all. Then the old master looked at him and exclaimed, mean that they dont concern you? The man is a monster! What do you involved in matters that do not concern me, Tiger humbly replied. Tiger replied proudly, but still with that of a student in front of his master, I pay no attention to outside matters anymore unless they affect my have a new protg I see! Good.
Pao looked her over and said, So, you his student I understand now. A Master must give his all to community or my loved ones besides, I have my hands full with this one here and thats enough to have to worry about! So where have you been one that shall remain nameless I quit teaching. Tiger explained, After that affair that we had with the the knowledge that you and I hold so sacred.
I only teach those now that are worthy of possessing hiding yourself these days? Pao, as well as Riika, knew to whom he was referring to, a Hum. Pao grunted with saddle for some days now, where did you come from? He continued, You two look like you have been in the but neither one of them said anything about the nameless one.
From just outside of Vinl, thats where I though at the time and last time that we spoke. He then continued, I was living closer to the young one heres village grow old with the trees and live day to day. I now live more of a remote area where I can call my home now, Tiger replied. Master Pao nodded as he said, Ah, yes, the freedom to live in peace I understand all fixed at the ground and her head lowered in respect.
He smiled as he looked at Riika, her eyes were still the way out here? What kind of business could you have out here, my friend? The elder master then commented, But why have the both of you come so far, all too well! No one to bother you only those that you want to bother you, eah? Tiger explained proudly of his daughter, The young my prized pupil. Shes my greatest achievement and our recipes for jaos and liniments.
She wanted to learn the ways of our medicine one here her name is Riika. Shes very driven to learn all aspects of our craft, even where to find the ingredients! So we are accommodating this most peculiar request? Pao looked intrigued as he gruffed, And you for this madness however. Shi, there is a reason have been on a trek to compile all of the ingredients for each one that we use.
Shes the shes the one. Im not teaching anyone after her watched a look of disappointment come over his masters face. My work is done after teaching her, Tiger explained as he last. The old man looked very skeptical, as he eyed him in the eyes until he addressed her.
Riika knew that it would be disrespectful to look talents that I have never seen before. Tiger continued, She has a very rare gift, and the girl still staring at the ground. She is about two years away from and understanding she will keep our lineage alive and do it and ourselves justice. I can say that I have never seen anyone master them as fast, and with such precision, know.
This I reaching her mastery of the arts. The elder master grunted again and the addressed her, Let and said, Yes, master. Riika then looked into his eyes body as he watched her balance. He walked around her, studying her lean, muscular, me have a look at you, young one!
He then quickly raised his arm and tried to push her over, as she was a solidly as rooted as one. He had might as well have been trying to push a tree arms, feeling for tension. Then he reached for her off balance where she appeared that she was venerable. She was as light and relaxed in well, the old man complimented.
Very impressive Tiger, you have trained her all this way for jaos ingredients? He then continued, addressing her You two rode her posture as a feather. Shi, master, and to pay homage to crowning achievement and he sees it. Tiger smiled and thought to himself, Shes my with my tuition.
I have impressed my master you as well, she replied. The elder master then addressed them both and said, You have come both and well celebrate your long odyssey. Ill have my servant prepare baths for you talk about! We have much to far go inside and get out of those clothes.
The two of them bowed and knew that they would be comfortable. They were tired and weary, but tonight they weeks, and they would feel at home with the great master. They would get to sleep in a bed for the first time in walked to the Masters quarters. Riika would indeed gain understanding over the next few days in this ancient calligraphy school of who she truly was, and what because before they would leave, Riika would be a mark for the rest of her life.
The two of them had no idea that it would have to be this difficult however with invitations to dine in Master Paos quarters informally. After their baths, Tiger and Riika found that they were presented she, as well as Tiger, was going to have to overcome before they would get to see they're home again. Riika almost couldnt wait as she let out a girl, Tiger lectured. Not so fast, my impetuous you mean? He already said that I was impressive!
Riika looked at him with confusion and replied, What do cheerful, Goody! I knew that he liked me! Tiger continued, Impressive in your body state, maybe, but he hasnt seen you fight yet, what if he tries to strike he laughed at his question, hoping that she would say something that would set his mind at ease. He turned around to dress in the garments that Master Paos servant placed on the bed for him as to jump onto his shelf and purr at him? She said in a semi-defensive, but joking tone. No! Heck no! When are you going to trust me with other people? Do you think that Im going you? Are you going to put on a display like you did with me when I first met you?
The insulted girl continued, You know, I am a lot older and will be a silly girl! So, what will you do if he tries moreover, what will you do if he succeeds? Tiger replied while he was still dressing, I know, but youre still you, and I know your ways you are, and always with the same blow, but if he succeeds, then I will let him and certainly not engage him! What am I? Stupid? Riika, very eloquently replied, If he tries, I will do my best to block his blow and show him that I could attack wiser than I was when I first met you, you know? She went on with her explanation of herself and answering good answer.
Tiger replied, No, you havent that you have to do. Now finish doing whatever it is his comment, Have I ever tried that with you? I know that you and your hair will be a half and for puurfection, nothing more. Riika smiled and replied, Thirty minutes see you in a few, I dont want to keep him.
Tiger shook his head at the girl and said, Okay then, Ill hour behind me when I arrive! as he laughed out. We have much to wouldnt do! Riika purred. Dont do anything that I few things that I could do to make that statement possible then. Tiger just shook his hand and replied, It looks as if I have very talk about.
He smiled at her and walked over to kiss her on the everything that I know. This man taught me nearly to impress him. I want for you cheek as his voice turned serious, Hurry up though, seriously Riika. I was very proud of the way that you handled yourself today forehead and then leapt up onto the bed across the room, lay down and winked.
She hugged him and replied, I love you, I promise, as she kissed him on the he left the room and proceeded to his masters quarters. Ah, you will be the death of me yet! he groaned as when you met him keep up the good work, eah? Upon entering the room, Tiger smelled the rich incense that he had once known so well the rich fragrance that he just remembered that his old master played so well, and that he always played during sunrise. The old Master was sitting at the table, sipping on Sake, and playing a guqin the beautiful seven-stringed instrument have longed to spend another sunrise with you as you play, my master.
As the old master finished, Tigers heart ached as he said, Ah, how I of freshly rolled jasmine incense, the quality of which can only be found in this part of the world. You still touch the deepest notes within even though you have a beautiful daughter with whom to share it with now? The elder master put the guqin down and asked, Is your heart still cold, Tiger from Xiong about her than he would say about another student that didnt deserve his praises. He questioned to himself just how that he could know, as he hadnt said anything more this cold heart of mine!
Tiger stumbled as he replied, How did you know traveled two months one way to teach her about our jaos, and she isnt you daughter? I have never witnessed you care about anyone this way! Only a father would show such an act of love! The old man winked his eye as he said, Because, when you spoke of her, I could tell that you were now her father! You were never that kind to your other students! The old man laughed and continued, You heart up to his master, I fear that I have cursed her, master. Tiger knew that he was right as he replied without hesitation, and opening his that I took her as my daughter, master? I became involved in matters that I Go on, what is it that you did?
The old master prompted him to embellish as he said, were soldiers in the Bolverk army I killed them to save Riikas life. Master, Tiger admitted, as he held his head down in shame, I killed five men that shouldnt have become involved in. I dont feel regret for those men, for they were about to kill the poor not I. They blame her, but it was too late, and I could barely save Riika.
I tried to go back and let them know that it was me, girl, but I fear that I have made her a mark for life. My neighbor died for friend Paavo. It was my that he could remember. Tiger cried for the first time her as well.
Nonsense! exclaimed Master Pao, You did what you did out of love! Were you Bu. Bu, exclaimed Tiger, her father, my friend and student, Aki-Petteri Those men also had a part in killing going to sit there and let her die to Bolverk the Bloodies hands? Tiger continued as he was weeping, But now, one day actions Tiger, not yours! The master retorted.
No, she will have to pay for her own came from Tigers mouth. Shi, was the only thing that she will have to pay for my own actions. Then the before the master asked him about Riikas whereabouts, Where chuckle at his response, hoping that the Master didnt think that he had gone crazy with such a silly reply. Tiger then held his head up and replied, She says that she wants to be puurfect for you tonight! He began to as he inquired, Puurfect?
The Master began to laugh is the girl, anyway? I invited the both of you! Yes, Tiger replied, Thats one of her words, he explained as he even more the more that they repeated it. Puurfect, the both of them kept saying, and laughing kept laughing as they repeated Puurfect a few more times. The old man poured Tiger a cup of Sake and they began laughing and wiping the tears away from his face.
All of the sudden, the both of them heard the you may enter! The old man shouted, Yes, was a shadow of a tall woman. Slowly, the door opened and there, behind the candles sound of gentle tapping on the Masters doors. As the door opened more, they could make out pointy cat ears on that had ever been made by the hands of man as she entered the room.
As she came closer, they could make out a sculpted face of the most beautiful quaedian goddesses everyone in the room. The candles flickered to her motion her head as she walked through the door, and then her tail. A soft, gentle voice then spoke, flowing robe that Tiger had ever seen. Riika was dressed in the most beautiful and certainly never in anything this formal or elaborate to date.
He truly had never seen her look this beautiful before, and May I sit down? It was a sky-blue, sheer robe that draped all around her, still of knife, or other weapon attached to the girl in some fashion or another. This was the first time in quite some time that Tiger had not seen some kind quaedian in admiration and awe. Master Pao just stared at the beautiful exposing her powerful limbs and only down to her knees.
Tiger cleared his throat and managed, Yes, if you did not, such a beautiful young woman as you is a great compliment to us. Master Pao shook out of the trance and replied, But of course, young Riika! I would be insulted lady of such beauty to sit among us old men! The gods have granted us fortune indeed tonight to have a Master, may she sit with us? Thank you, Master; Riika replied smiling, Im honored to young Riika? asked Pao.
Would you like some Sake, can have my first drink in two days, but not before. Riika looked over to her father and replied, Master says that I be invited to your table as well. The old man looked confused as he retorted, Two days? What old then. Ill be eighteen years be a special occasion, and I will be a woman when Im eighteen.
Master doesnt want for me to drink until then he says that it should is the difference in now and two days child? Tiger intervened, I know that I said that you would have to be eighteen before I would allow you to take your first drink, but this is a very special occasion! and replied, Thank you Master! Riika looked excited, and she smiled Just remember though, this isnt tea girl, and you are very light. Tiger poured her a cup of the warm sake as he lectured her, Look at us here! Three generations of warriors all that Master Pao has build from his teachings! You may have sake Riika; this is indeed a special occasion!
I dont want you getting silly here you will find training exceedingly difficult with a hangover! I also dont want you to have a headache tomorrow Dont worry, Ill be good. Riika sipped the sake, and purred, or even worse foolish. The stuff isnt good though stuff it creeps up on you before you know it!
Tiger stated again, Just remember what I said about being careful with that because you are going to be training with the both of us! Haha Pao stated, Yes Tiger is right Riika, and tomorrow you will have to be very focused its fantastic! I love it! The both of us? he asked as he looked to see what she can do with a sword. Yes, Tiger from Xiong, the both of us I want The old master declared.
She will use mine tomorrow! over to his master with a smile. He then continued, The Emerald Dragon is many warriors in its time. It has unspeakable power, and has killed the sword likes her. I want to see if a very difficult sword to control.
Master, Tiger was floored as with the Emerald Dragon of you dont know how to use it. Pao fired, Dont thank me you know what its like to train you know that the Emerald Dragon isnt just a sword. She may be good with a sword, so you have said, but he replied, Thank you. I know master, but thanks for extending this he finished.
Tiger bowed as she too bowed. Shi, Riika added as offer we are both honored. Okay then, lets feast but we are going to train very hard. Tomorrow will be a very good day for us all, night is still young!
Lets celebrate tonight while the and drink. As Master Pao, poured another round of sake for the three of them, he asked Riika my mothers. She replied, It was our king when she died. It was given to my father by what she knew of her amulet, Your amulet Riika, when did you get it?
Pao asked, Do you know know what it means. She explained, Shi, master, I born from the sword of Ukko. Its the sign of Panu The Fire-Child, what it means? Shi, it is Riika, but do you know way to me, besides my father giving it to me as a birthright?
Riika was confused by the question and asked, You mean, why did it find its that you have it? The master asked. Shi, why do you think that it is why you have it? the master inquired. I dont know, but he never explained to me just what she did for him, she stated. I was by my father that she was a very important person to our king, hear what he was about to say, Riika, you are very special.
Pao filled her cup and knew that she may not be prepared to master. There is a legend called Pouncing Warrior, me about it. Shi master, Master Tiger told warrior in the legend. He thinks that Im the do you know this legend?
The Master looked over to Tiger amulet otherwise. You wouldnt have the protected the king, and died the same as your mother died. The legend also tells of a girl being born to a warrior that and replied, Yes, you are. Riika continued to sip on the sake as Tiger reminded her that she should be eating if little much for me to deal with.
I will father, she replied, But this is a was dripping from her right eye. She looked at him as a tear she was going to continue to sip sake at the rate that she was consuming it. Master Pao continued, Riika, the legend tells of the girls father dying one that her master eventually adopted as his own. The girl was a quaedian, a very beautiful quaedian and She looked into his eyes with a troubled expression.
So it is true then, master Pao, I am the one? at the age that you were when he died too. Im afraid so, are going to be the greatest warrior that this world has ever known! But, dont despair! If the legend plays out the way that it was told, you at the same time. She was excited and terrified young Riika.
She then asked the master, Will I ever find peace? I have these dreams terrible dreams master! I also have at each other. Tiger and Pao looked him to tell her the truth. Tiger nodded that it was okay for a feeling that my life is about to change drastically, and it will be a hard life until I die! Pao told her what she had wanted to hear since she first for the gods to decide, I cant tell you this, but in the legend, the Pouncing Warrior does find peace.
You will find much loss and sadness, but you will one day be at peace when that will be is isnt going to be easy. Just know that life for you heard the story, Your life is going to be hard Riika. Never take anything good in your life for granted this world is about to change she could have another cup. Riika pointed to the sake, asking if her, and hated that he had not told her sooner, but he knew that she was old enough and mature enough now to deal with these facts.
Tiger poured her another one, and placed the urn beside her so she could help herself without asking anymore he knew that this was very difficult for drastically and not for the better, I fear, not for a very long time. Pao pulled the rope that rang three with a look of melancholy and fear in her eyes. As he entered, he saw the quaedian sitting at the table his life and was immediately drawn to her. He had never seen such a beautiful woman in little bells in his servants quarters.
He resisted staring at her as he here is going to have a headache is she doesnt watch it! Pao replied, More sake Renken, and bring the first course of food, young Riika kitchen to fetch the masters request. Shi Master, Renken replied, and proceeded to the asked his master, Yes, Master. Master Pao then continued addressing Riika, Do not despair, my child, for you are going to set things the one that will liberate the people from a ruthless tyrant.
There is no doubt in either of our minds that you are was about her age, and she knew that he studied the arts. When Renken arrived with the sake and the food, Riika noticed that the servant straight with this world of ours it was foretold that you would come to me. While he was setting the food down, he nearly dropped the other hand just before it hit the floor. With no problem, he grabbed the falling urn with his presence of a beautiful woman, but he has never broken any of our old china.
He then bragged about his servant and student, He is a bit clumsy when in the large urn of sake as he looked at her again. He has reflexes like a cat! One of my best students to date, but a fool when it comes to to have such desires! Ah, to be young again and that be all for now master? Renken was blushing as he said, Will a beautiful woman all of his blood flows away from his brain and into his less-intelligent head.
Shi, Renken. call next you need some rest. Have one of the other servants come when I we will be training in the courtyard. I want you to train on the roof tomorrow Your balance is off tonight as it seems! The roof will help remedy that! Master was sitting with his master, and thinking of what he is going to say when he finally gets to speak to her.
Shi Master, He responded as he walked out, thinking of the most strikingly beautiful woman that he had ever seen, the one that Riika hes reckless and immature. Pao grumbled, He not for you, young chuckled as he poured another round of sake and began cutting the Hiisi appetizer. Not at all worthy of now and lets feast! Put it out of your head and drank until midnight.
The tree of them ate, laughed, someone like you. They were happy, and would bring what it did. They had no idea that tomorrow a gong both at the same time. Riika awoke to the sound of a rooster, and fulfilled that evening.
The gong rang five times, but the sound at the door. When the gong stopped, there was I come in? Are you awake? Master Tiger was gently tapping, whispering, Riika, may rooster seemed to go on forever. She fluffed the covers back over her head, hoping that he would give her a few more minutes so I hope that you are decent! Master persisted.
Riika, come on girl! Twenty seconds and Im coming in say the same for my head! she whimpered. Yes, gaaa, yes, Im decent but I cant to sleep her head was throbbing from the sake that she consumed the night before. He sat down at the edge of her look at you youre a mess! Let me see your eyes. He replied, I told you not to drink that stuff so fast! Now looked directly into the girls blood-shot eyes.
He pulled the covers off of her head and bed, messaging her forehead beneath the covers. Okay, I know what to with gives you 3 hours, Tiger reassured her. Master Pao isnt expecting us until eight, so that then meet me back here in your quarters. I want for you to run eight miles, and you a quick remedy.
How long do you think that it will take miles now? Are you crazy father? I cant even move! Riika just laughed at him, You want for me to run eight alcohol leave your system, along with the special tea that I have prepared for you and you will drink it. Riika, Tiger replied, You have to be at your best this morning! I want for you to run it will make the for you to run your eight miles? It tastes damn awful, but it is a hangover remedy brought the remedy to her.
He walked to the door and of water too you need to drink all of it before you run. Tiger instructed what to do, While you are getting this down, Ill go fetch a gallon that I have been using for years now. You will be, as you say, the sauna for you as well. Master Pao had his servant begin heating you have to do this Riika.
Well both sweat when you get back puurfect when you are done. Pao is very strict if you think that I am strict with you, knew that he knew what he was talking about. Riika, of course, trusted her father beyond all else, and she gagging between the sips of the wretched elixir. Reluctantly, she started sipping on the foul formula, while nearly you have no idea what Pao is going to do to you today!
Before she knew it, Tiger was back I know that it is terrible, but it will rid you body of the toxins. He said, You can drink the water between the formula, it will help kill the taste fully dressed, and meet me in the courtyard. Now, I want you ready to run in thirty minutes, with a large urn of water. I know how far eight miles is by standing in the eight miles.
There and back is time, and between the sauna and your training this morning, you will be a mess anyway! Ill see you in thirty minutes and dont even think about grooming yourself you dont have courtyard and looking to a specific rock-formation in the distance. "Yes, Father, Just let me get this work on his calligraphy while he waited for the girl. Tiger just smiled and walked out, proceeding to the courtyard to about a half-hour later and approached Tiger.
A weary, water-logged Riika slowly walked into the courtyard, crap down! Gaaa, its god-awful! Okay, now that I weigh 5 more pounds, just where is it that over there to your left the one with the Ying-yang engraved into it? Tiger, not looking away from his calligraphy, or breaking his concentration, replied, You see that rock-formation more than eight miles! She replied skeptically. Yes, master, and it looks like it is you want for me to run, she said in a skeptical tone.
Dont worry, young Riika, Tiger said slowly as he continued to work, I used to run that every day before when you get back! So go! Run with that legendary speed of yours! Tiger continued, Now, be off with you we have to prepare for training flash, she was gone. She sighed reluctantly, but in a training and I know if I can do it, better yet, could then you can do it! Not even a few seconds later, Tiger raised his head from his work, and saw that the girl although very he said to himself.
She never ceases to amaze me, longest run of her life, but she now felt nearly rejuvenated. Riika had managed to make it to the rock in, what seemed the weary, was making distance in an amazing amount of time until she finally disappeared in the dry, desert dust. She thought to herself, He is always right but although the bladder of water was nearly empty, her own bladder was beginning to feel full. She took off her bladder of water and drank deeply, nearly finishing the entire ration that Tiger had given her and proceeded to relieve hers before the long run back to the school.
She stopped, walked behind the rock to a place that no one could spot her, I feel like me again! As she was finishing, she could hear in the distance horses she shuddered at her thoughts. Oh, no - It couldnt be! get back to warn them! Bolverk! the girl thought, I have to many of them and what sounded like an army!
With that thought she gathered herself and ran like her life depended upon it for speed one hundred kilometers and hour. She ran, as some would claim, at her fullest four miles within 7 minutes, to the minute. Many would debate this later, but she managed to cover it was indeed what she though it was, her life did depend upon it. As she was running, she could hear the sound of the horses falling into the distance, which meant that she was covering ground far-faster than the army; could remember of the tormenting visions that she had been having for years now, and on a fairly consistent basis.
As she was running at top speed, Riikas imagination began to go wild as she played and replayed all that she the places in the dreams where everyone dies? She thought to herself, What if this is one of nonetheless, she had to warn the school so they were prepared for the onslaught of the army, if it was indeed what she suspected it was. As the adrenaline was beginning to produce somewhat of a even worse the Army of Infinite Arrows, as Riika was beginning to refer to the archers, then she felt that the school would stand a fair chance against the onslaught. If she could make it back to the school fast enough to buy her enough time to make sure that everyone was ready, should the army begin to storm the compound themselves, or this was not an alternative that she was willing to risk.
If not, then she would have to hope for the best and Runners High, she began to prepare for the worst. Even though she was beginning to tire, and still a mile from the school, she didnt slow down even though she knew that she was pushing herself too there! she kept repeating over and over in her mind. Its more important for me to warn them, Ive got to get sprinter and not a distance runner, as she had been realizing for awhile), the gate began to open. As she arrived at the gates, and had been screaming to the guards between heavy breaths, (Riika was a hard, and she wouldnt be able to assist the Masters if she had to take the average time of about fifteen minutes to not do anything except rest.
Before it was barely open, she had jumped the trench before the schools gates, and dove under the gate before it she shouted as loudly as she could, We are about to be attacked! There is an army of horses approaching! Since she still only faintly heard the approaching army in the distance at this point, she managed to calm herself before to prepare, Master Pao and Master Tiger began arming themselves. As the students heard her alarm and began to take action and was nearly a half-meter from the ground and pounced to the operator in charge to make him shut it fast. Tiger assured Pao that if Riika says that something is about to army is approaching! She was still recovering from the long run and winded.
She continued her warnings, Please! Hear me! Youre lives may be at risk! An appeared. The Masters finally happen, she would be, without any shadow of doubt, correct. Pao held the Emerald Dragon Sword, his legendary weapon and companion most of his life, and Tiger had his Winter Wind the and ready for anything. The two were in full form caught the two and they instantly knew that she was terrified.
A magnetic glow seemed to shine all around them as Riikas eyes sword that Riika had only held a handful of times, and one that was equally as priceless as his Masters beside him. Father, father, Riika frantically asked, What should think that they could know that we are here. As Master Tigers face turned pale, he replied, I dont if it is Bolverk Riika. But, they havent come this far west, we do? Are they after us?
He hasnt conquered anywhere this far you have ever listened to me: We have to hide you they may not attack us at first, but they will send a negotiator along with an entire unit. His voice turned equally sad and frightened as he warned the nervous girl stareing into his eyes, and awaiting a response, I want for you to listen to me closer than they may take you as hostage until we give them a decision. Confused, Riika stared into Tigers eyes as he continued, If they see you, out that I know of! They wont hesitate in killing you either, and Im not ready to die fighting for you to the laundry room.
Tiger continued, Follow me, were going frightened girl, Can you hear how close they are now? He grabbed her hand as he asked the trembling and even more just yet! His voice cracked as he was trying to finish his last statement. They dashed through the school as she replied, They stopped a few seconds ago, be outside before they get to the gates, yes? Good, Tiger fired back, We can hide you and I can are still a mile from the gates, I think, Im certain!
A small amount of relief came over Riikas voice when she answered, They I can just hear a small party heading in our direction now! She then asked, Do you think that theyre taking their time to get had time to get out. Shi, was the only word that Tiger her, Lay down here in as small as you can get without being tense. Tiger began grabbing piles of robes, sheets, and clothes as he barked his orders to here? So we wont assume theyre attacking us? in a hopeful voice.
You may have to lay quickly lay down, taking up as little space as she could. He motioned to her that tine was of the essence and she what happens Riika, do not come out unless they are about to find you and make sure that you kill them as quickly as possible use SASG moves while you use the sword! As he began to hastily, but carefully, layer as much of the laundry over her as he could, he slipped his other sword, the companion to his Winter Wind underneath to her and said, No matter here for awhile! He continued to lecture the girl trembling beneath the growing load and hot load, Yes, perfectly.
Riika faintly replied under the massive left and right randomly, as he was trying to pad that section of the room. The layer of clothes was quickly about to reach the ceiling as Tiger began throwing to his of clothes on top of her, Can you hear alright? Good, Tiger slowly replied as he at the gate! I can hear the gate! Suddenly Riika called out with a shriek, Daddy! Theyre Calm down.
He reassured her, continued to camouflage the girl. Be quiet, and whatever you do, try to lightly unless you have no other choice, right? As Tiger finished, he reminded her, Remember, not beating heart with a meditation that he learned from his master. As he reached Master Pao and the others, he began to calm his meditate and relax! Well be fine, Pouncing Warrior!
Pao was already in combat meditation and was to the open courtyard where nearly the entire complex of people were gathered, ready, and on guard. As the gate rose, the enemy party hastily rode through the gates and into the school and proceeded horses and faced them. Then they stopped, turned their just waiting to spring into battle. A soldier, a general, addressed the crowd, Good day all, the general introduced, Im terribly sorry to bring bad tidings to if he was apologizing for interrupting a conversation.
He was unrelenting and blunt in his indifferent attitude, as be ready to announce your devotion to your new leader by dusk this evening, or suffer the consequences! He continued to announce, Now his royal highness is your king! We would appreciate it greatly, if you would you, but this land has been claimed by his excellently, Sir Bolverk, in the name of the Kingdom of Kalma! Master Pao leaned over to Tiger and whispered, He thinks that we will all be prisoners, mark my word Tiger from Xiong! They wont do it everyone here knows of that tyrant! Before tomorrow, army would do to her if they surrendered.
Tiger looked away, thinking about Riika and what the it will be that easy but it wont, sadly. After realizing that this may be the last days of his and Riikas life, he faced the possibility, and he replied as quietly and as frankly that he could, Ill follow your lead master, if you decide will have to fight them as well, out of sheer principal. Master Pao said sadly, Yes, I know Tiger, which means that I has to die today, I want for them to know it before it is too late. Let him finish, and then I will address him, as well as the school not everyone here to attack, but no matter what you decide to do is fine, and I will hold no ill will towards you As you know, I will have to fight them regardless, you know this.
Meanwhile, the general finished laying out the conditions as he announced, Failure to abide by them speak now or forever hold the peace! If anyone has a problem with these conditions, please let will elect to discuss it until the time that you have so generously allotted us, sir. Before anyone could speak, Master Pao addressed the arrogant man, We agree to the terms and conditions, and any of the conditions I have just specified will result in full-military response. We will have a response for you by expected this.
The general hadnt at that instant, as so many others did so consistently! He was expecting for everyone to cower and give into the demands dusk! Not to worry, kind sir! Master Pao was polite and accommodating this rose suspicion within the hardened soldier for now, I wasnt expecting this response I dreadfully hope that you and your people here make the right decision. Very well then, the general sneered, We will expect to see you at dusk then! I must say, before we leave you to make the time to kill you!
What a pity it would be if we had and he scrambled for words, completely taken back by the turn of events. He then signaled to his men to about face, and motioned them toward the rushed to the laundry room and broke the news to the girl. As soon as the enemy party began to fade into the distance, Tiger the girl, hoping that he could test to see how Riika would deal with the possibility that it may or may not be him. As he entered the room, he made sure to be very quiet and stealthy as he walked over to the heavy stack of garments hiding gate wondering the entire time what the old man may be up to.
As soon as he began to play out his plan however, he realized that she easily Ill help you out of there. Its me Riika, he somberly told her, louder he could hear that she was weeping. The more that he pulled away the laundry, the heard everything that was said already, and knew as much about the circumstances as well. When he finally pulled the last article off sheepishly asked afraid of the answer.
What are we going to do? she least we will die for each other and well will die together! Tiger replied like that of a loving father, We may die, but at of her, she was completely in tears. Riika slowly looked at her arm, to the spot where she had once cut into her she could save Tigers life, as well as the lives of the rest of the school. No we wont father, she reluctantly replied, as she realized that she was now in a position that of what she may be thinking.
What? Tigers voice rose, as he was afraid flesh to make a promise to the man that she owed her life to. She looked him in the eyes and continued, Remember our bear the thought of hearing her actually say it aloud. Tiger knew exactly what was about to come next, but couldnt she commanded him for the first time that they had known each other. Stand down father, I owe it to you and for once, you will obey me, blood-oaths? She asked as she held his hand.
Tiger nearly broke into tears, he couldnt bear to think that she may die just to replied as he held back the tears, Shi, whatever you say, my precious girl. But, as a warrior and a man of honor as well as his word, he me to do. Whatever you wish fir save him! She was so young and had her entire life ahead of her. He broke away from her and stood up Master Pao your decision.
I have to go tell cleared his throat, turned, and began to walk out of the room. Ill be back as soon as Im done Riikey, he said as he straight, trying to gain his composure. Before he closed the door, he not shaking anymore. She was very peaceful and do in the next few hours.
She had accepted what fate was about to looked back one last time. Tiger painfully realized that the next time he spoke, he would have to explain why his teenage daughter was how much it was going to destroy him when they steal her life from her body and this world. He walked slowly from room to room, and realized just how much a part of him she was and moreover, just sobbed harder than he ever thought that he was capable of. Before he was even halfway through the school, he broke down and about to sacrifice her life so the rest of the school may have a small chance to live.
He knew that she was going to try to save them as soon as they were off guard, and she wouldnt quit until either was completely numb and almost indifferent to anything else. By the time that Tiger reached his masters quarters, he was all around him. The feeling of impending death all of the enemy soldiers in the school were dead, or she was whichever one was still breathing when this was over. He gave Master Pao the news after he collected himself, Master, Riika has shocked.
Pao was to their favor! After all, she had suffered more than anyone from the man that these soldiers obey! He thought that she, above all, would want to at least try to find a way to turn this asked us and the rest of the school to stand down. What do you mean, Stand is going to try to stop them herself. Tiger paused, looked to the ground, and explained, She captured her years earlier, that she would be putting the school in danger.
She knows that if they detect her and realize that some of them had Down? he angrily inquired. She is going to wait for them to come thats all that I can say besides that down. I must stand oppression against your people! What right do you have to stand down, just might I ask? Pao shouted. Why must you stand down? You are a warrior; it is your duty to fight this kind of tyranny and I cant fight them she has asked for me not to risk my life for hers.
Tiger knew that he was right, but he wasnt going back on his life in danger for her because she loves me. She made me promise that I would never put my stand down if it came to her life or mine. The promise was that if she asked me to, that I would word to his beloved daughter, We made a blood oath once. A tear rolled out of his eye as have never heard of such selflessness by one so young in all of my years.
Pao sighed, You have raised a fine daughter, Tiger from Xiong, and I must say that I and I cannot allow for her to do such a thing. But the oath was between you and her, not the rest of us, he finished, I gave her my word. I wont have it! We are two old men! And as for the rest and justice and this is what your daughter shall bring to this land. As much as I am devoted to my students, I am devoted to peace if I have anything to say about it!
She is not going to die on this day of the school, you will find no better warriors anywhere on the planet. Tiger, still looking to the alone, I need to talk to her. Pao continued, Tell her to come to me and walked to the door. Shi master, Tiger replied as he bowed ground, replied, Shi, master.
Riika was sitting on the floor watching the suns rays warming her, and calming her. It was shining in on her, her hands as she looked at the lines on her hands. She held her hand up to the incoming rays, allowing it to warm of the morning penetrate the windows of the school. What a nice day it is today, she though to herself, in her right eye.
A tear began to form she would ever experience this kind of calm and serenity. She couldnt help feel like this was the last time that Its so nice to be off of the road. She looked out, not getting too close to the window in fear that she home. Riikey is coming and to her quarters to meditate and ready herself for her fate.
As she finished, she closed her eyes and began walking to the door would be detected, and said quietly, Father, I will see you soon. As she made it to the door, she saw wants to see you alone. Riika, Tiger called out after her, Master to get you. He asked for me that Tiger was coming down the hallway.
Okay father, she replied, But do I have to go firmly said, No, now Riika. Tiger just shook his head and for anyone. Master doesnt wait just now? I wanted to begin getting ready. He wants to see you now, then, she stated.
Shi father, Ill go the hallway that their quarters were on. Tiger walked with her until they were to so you must go now. Without saying a word, Tiger immediately turned and proceeded down the master Paos door. Riika gently tapped at a calm and serene tone.
Yes, you may enter, Pao answered in hallway and Riika kept walking straight to the masters quarters. Riika opened the door and addressed the you, the master said, Something has been troubling me come, lets talk awhile. Yes, dear Riika! Come in and sit down, I would like to have a word with him to stand down, if your life is in danger on this day. As she sat down, he continued, Master Tiger tells me that you have asked master, Master wanted to see me?
Riika replied truthfully, Shi Master, I have asked him troubles me a great deal! Yes, the master replied, and this bit confused. Riika was a not to endanger his life for me. She wondered as a master, why he wouldnt understand that she wanted to honor her father for saving I ask? Riika inquired.
Why does this trouble master, may know, Im not tied in to this blood-oath of yours. Because you will not allow him to fight, and as you her life once, as well as keep him out of danger out of her love for him. Do you expect me not to fight as it is not in my fathers best interest to try to take on an entire army! He should try to escape, so he may live. She shook her head and replied, Bu, master, I dont expect for you to do anything that you do not think is in your best interest, but only want for him to live.
Thats all that I care about I well? the master winked and smiled. Master nodded and continued, I understand how much you care about him, young Riika, but it isnt fair to him to watch you be shackled and carried away like a common criminal, or yet worse, murdered right in being completely honest with us either. He continued, I dont think that you are peacefully, are you? Youre not going to go front of him isnt fair either, now is it? Asking him to stand down when he isnt present is one thing, but asking him to watch you die, thats quite another oath or no oath.
Riika smiled and sighed, Master Tiger told you youre a fire-child, the Fire-child, and nothing about you is ever peaceful! Shi, young warrior, he did, the old master chuckled, But that I already knew army is going to grow suspicious when they dont return in a reasonable amount of time? He tone then grew serious again, But, if you kill these men, do you not think that the that I wouldnt go peacefully, didnt he? Riika explained, I was going to take responsibility, and was going to going to.
Then I was noble and with the best intentions, is flawed girl. Thats enough! the old man exclaimed, You plan, though very go in peace until we were safely away from the school. You would have no chance of killing even one of them they would gut you like a pig, a better solution. The Master Continued, I have hope this time something that she found, was very rare in her life to date.
Riikas eyes and ears perked up, not out of excitement like they customarily do, but out of and then turn around and shower us with arrows and you would have died for nothing! The master explained the solution to her, First and foremost, I want for you the two of you return to me. Go get him, tell him this and then went for her father. Shi, master, Riika replied, bowed, and to tell Tiger that you are not going to die on this day.
When she reached their quarters, she found Tiger sitting on the edge of the bed with an never seen in her life they all had six razor blades descending from the tips of each and widening down the arrowhead for about 3 inches. There was a bustle of arrows laid out at the top of the bed and going straight across, all razor-sharp and all with a new thing that Riika had assassin knife and its smaller companion the deadly throwing knife. Both of his prized swords were also laid out, as well as his assortment of sharpening stones of varying textures in front of him on a small table. There was also a bolo, his three rattan sticks, intend to tell her about it until the last moment.
Riika knew that he was up to something and that he didnt she stated in a quite and uncertain voice. Father, Master Pao wants to see the both of us, and his armband of straight throwing daggers. Give me a minute to finish sharpening this arrow and Ill walk with you, he replied in a very are you doing? Father, the girl questioned, What am going before they get here Riika.
A few seconds passed before he replied, I somber but firm tone, one that he had not addressed her with since they first met years before. The confused girl replied, Where are you going to go, master? They are just waiting for Im not going to watch you die, Riika. He put down what he was doing and explained, they will get cut. If they should catch me, then someone to try to escape! You know this! What are you thinking, may I ask?
They may kill me, but it father for the first time. Riika was growing impatient with her was in more control of the situation than he was! This was a new feeling for her that she, somehow wont be easy for them. Riikas temperament rose as she replied, Pao told me to tell you that as he looked into her eyes with his, as he wiped the dried and crusted tears away.
Solution or no solution, I wont watch them take you away Riika, not in this lifetime, Tiger answered frankly to Father! Lets go see Master! Riikas voice grew frustrated, You do not have neither one of us has to die he has a solution! Do you remember what a blood oath is Riika? Do Yes, I do remember. The girl calmed down and answered, wouldnt die for you, if you asked me not to.
Then the master went on, I gave you my word that I you not remember that we shared blood? Tiger questioned. I will, however, die cannot prevent me from doing. That is one thing that you grief-stricken and not thinking clearly. Riika suspected that he was already for my master.
She then inquired, Have you had Tiger replied, as he finished fine-tuning the edge of another arrow. I am meditating while I am tending to my arrows and blades, from the blood-oath, father. Riika abruptly replied, I release you a chance to meditate? Master Pao has a leapt across the room and drew his Winter Wind.
In what seemed to be a blur to her master, she again before her master. With a swift flip, she was solution for us! He felt something dripping off of that he had cut himself many times for ceremonial reasons and for blood oaths. As he looked down at his arm, he found that he was cut in the same place Riika was cut as well!
The he looked up and noticed that his arm onto his foot. Confused and astonished that she had managed to so surgically and swiftly cut the both of them before reply. She didnt bed, and pounced to his knees. She threw the sword on the other she landed back on her feet, he asked, What are you doing girl? He was becoming agitated.
Then she grabbed his arm, and cut, and in the same blow to herself, she cut his as well in the same location. With her claws fully extended in her left hand, she swiftly cut another time next to the existing that morning! Somehow, something about her had changed. Tiger couldnt believe how fast she was moving on held hers up to his. She placed her wounds up to his, danger I now release you from that oath as I was young and immature and what I asked you to do was selfish.
Father, if you are in danger, I will not stand by and do nothing nor do I expect you to stand down if I am in that now. I can see and then made an oath. I will not stand by and let you ride into the enemy will die together, not apart! If we are to die, we at her actions, her speed, and the infallible technique of her movements but moreover, of her spirit.
Tiger was speechless! He had never seen this aggressive side of her and was more than surprised, not only because of a vendetta that hasnt even been yet warranted. He looked at her with a relieved smile and then finished, purred, Good idea. Riika smiled nodded, and Lets go see what Master Pao has to say, eah?