(So. I think I actually fell into my own lazy schedule of updating. Anyway, this chapter had a few revisions. Also, I know that the Apprentice is not the main character. We'll be seeing the Wolf Uncle soon enough.
Reviewers, try to put a little more effort than "Update More" when you comment. I would appreciate actual reviews/criticism, like misuse of the comma and semicolon and grammar. Don't worry about continuity in character and story, as I've got it down. Though feel free to comment, too.
Thanks for reading!)
Chapter 6
Sin
~The Sacred Flame's Entrance, Moments after Lord Shen's Arrival~
"Lord Shen; I had a feeling I would meet you here," I said as I walked toward the gates of the Sacred Flame. Lord Shen was following behind me.
"Of course my apprentice," Lord Shen replied in a tone I thought of as casual. Of course he would be casual; I haven't heard him speak in any other emotion personally. The wolves tell me he has spoken and acted in excessive anger when things did not go according to his plan. Yet, I know he has a back-up plan to his plans.
"We go in; I distract the guards while you go for the Masters?" I ask of the plan of action. Last time I was here, there were guards like right now. Also, I was alone last time and faced friendly resistance.
"You shall assist me of course," He replied, watching me as I moved a little faster as the guards spotted us. "But I shall deliver the decisive blow."
"As you wish," I replied.
"I am sorry my friends," I think as I rush at the first guard to my right. I swiftly thrust my right paw at his… or her… looks like a him… stomach to make him lose some air and balance. I turn to gain some spinning momentum, and thrust the same paw upwards towards his chin in an upward palm, effectively knocking him out. Or so I thought it was effective; it has been a while since I reviewed most of my moves. Maybe unorthodox is a better word; I felt uncomfortable after performing it.
To my left, the other guard already had his weapon, a spear, drawn and was charging at me.
"You don't charge into close combat with a spear," I couldn't help think despite being in battle. "I should know; stuff like this is my weapon expertise!"
At least the guard showed some experience by attempting to stab me as he stopped his rush. As he stabbed to my left, I parry to my right, sticking my legs to the ground for some foundation. I attempt to use my parried momentum to throw a closed-fist hook at his chin.
Ling, the wolf Lord Shen's apprentice befriended an hour earlier, was ordered by the apprentice to return to the small pack of wolves that served as initial reconnaissance of Gongmen City. She disobeyed, and followed the apprentice when another wolf informed him of Lord Shen's arrival in the city. She watched from afar, and was horrified at the apprentice's actions against the guards. Yet she couldn't help but think that it was Lord Shen who ordered the disposal of the guards. An hour earlier, the apprentice, naming himself Zhang Liao, cousin to the Zhang Liao who helped Tai Lung escape and was an ally to both the snow leopard and the Furious Five of the Valley, treated her with respect and kindness.
"Is he doing this because he wants to, or because Lord Shen told him to?" Ling thought.
"Hey, wolf!" A gruff voice shot from behind her, making her jump forward slightly in surprise.
She turned her head to see a group of wolves pulling something that was covered in a huge cloth.
"Give us a hand! After those two clear out the rubble, Lord Shen will unveil this to the Kung Fu Council within!"
Ling sighed, and found a place behind a wolf on the left side of the covered device. She found a holding point on the device to push.
"What of everything else?" Ling asked.
"The rest of the Wolves brought the others. We will resume mass production as soon as the Boss Wolf returns with the materials."
I was on one knee when I disposed the last guard into unconsciousness. It was coming again; the very reason I avoid excessive exertion: my heart was slowing down again and I began to feel hazy. Normally, any physical activity I do speeds up that thing I use to feel love, but ever since that event, blood has been difficult to travel around the entire body and back into the heart. Physical exertion would slow down my heart rate as well as weaken my entire system due to the lack of blood circulation.
Looking around with a little hazy sight, I stood with a cough.
"We are not finished apprentice," Lord Shen told me as he walked to my side. His tone originally was pleased with my quick work of the guards. He shifted his tone to a more serious tone. "I require a little more exertion from you. Afterwards, I shall give you a lighter job, as well as my debt of payment to you."
"Yes, Lord," I answer, breathing deeply afterward. I walked by him to the inside of the Sacred Flame.
I wished for the absence of any of the masters of the Kung Fu Council when this day would arrive, but I cursed in my head when I saw the three I mentioned previously to Lord Shen: Master Storming Ox, Master Croc, and Master Thundering Rhino. I was also displeased that Master Ox and Master Croc were casually sparring under the supervision of Master Rhino on what appeared to be a raised pavilion.
The fourth individual watching the three masters from the ground however was someone I did not see previously nor did I recognize. This… woman was old.
"Huh…" I thought. "Reminds me a bit of Maestro Shifu… Maybe they're rel… Is she a goat?" I thought, examining this old woman.
"Soothsayer," Lord Shen called to her. "Your prediction was wrong; here I am, standing strong."
"Shen…" She began."
"Master Liao?" Rhino interrupted, calling me before this so-called Soothsayer could finish her reply. Apparently Lord Shen had some relation with this old goat.
"Master Rhino," I returned with a curt nod. "You should have listened."
"Apprentice," Lord Shen told me in a voice with volume. He wanted everyone to hear him. "You take the two; the rhino is mine."
