Chapter 2
A Different Kind Of Training
'Westward, travel westward' Takeli thought. That was what his grandfather said when he sent him off to get trained by the mysterious Kung Lao. Who was Kung Lao anyway? He'd never heard of him or had any contact with him. He must be a very good trainer in the many types of martial arts if he'd never heard of him. Must be very secretive. 'I should have asked about him when I had the chance' Takeli thought. There was no turning back now though. His grandfather was dead, his people were dead, and the Shaloian Temple is just a death place.
Takeli started to heading towards a small lake. This day had not started well for him, and he's not sure if it is going to get any better at all. The old man told him that he should always head towards the west, no other direction. He didn't know what the big deal was. There was only a vast desert in front of his eyes ever since the river disappeared. Going towards the lake, Takeli refilled his bottle of water. He couldn't stop thinking about what happened during the morning somehow. It just got to his head somehow, like a dart through a blade.
What the old man said though was weird in his eyes. Shinnok? What was this guy? Was he an emperor or something that was planning to take over Earth and all that dwell upon it? This began to creep him out a little. He might have heard stories about him when he was a kid. He remembered some man named Liu Kang, who was from the same temple. He never got to meet him though. He was usually too busy going away to some place for a tournament. His father knew his though. Takeli could remember though that he had played with him when he was just a little boy.
Takeli filled up his water bottle, and started to walk towards the hot sun. In the far north, he could see a small town. He decided to take his chances and started towards the illuminated town. From the sides of his ears, he overheard deep voices and whispers. Standing on the hard dirt road, he could see a pigeon flying over his head. Wait! It wasn't a pigeon at all. It looked more like a hawk with a small note attached to its small foot. The owl dived down and dropped the strange note into Takeli's hands, and flew away.
Takeli unfolded the letter, and saw small prints around it.
Dear Lao Takeli
Yes, were you expecting something like this to happen to you in the near future? I didn't think so, because as you see. Life cannot be made on its own. I've heard the terrible news about the death of your families and friends at the Shaloian Temple. I am terribly sorry about the death, and wish to train you in any way possible so you would feel comfortable to express any feelings you might have. I guess now I may be your only family, and I promise that by the time I am done training you, you will have become stronger than me. For now, continue on your path, I'll meet you soon.
Lao Kung
Takeli looked up and tried to find the strange hawk. It was gone. Strangely, Takeli did not really understand the letter. How did this Kung Lao find him in the middle of no where? Is he actually around him, but won't tell? The letter did make some sense though. He knew that he would meet him soon, so he better just keep moving forward. Takeli was starving though. All the food that he had packed was lost when that ninja chased him in a rage. He had a few coins though. So he decided to head into town to get some food.
Just then, a little boy came running towards him. "Hey, watch it!" Takeli cried as the little boys slipped under his legs. "What are you doing?" The little boy gazed up at him and smiled. "Nay howe ma?" Takeli didn't really understand Chinese that much, but he knew exactly what he said. "Howe," he said in response. The little boy giggled and ran off towards the forsaken city. "Now he seems to know his way around here." It was getting quite dark, so Takeli decided to follow him to the city. "Hey little boy, wait for me!" The little boy looked back and giggled. "Toung ou woun a!" The boy clapped his hands loudly and ran through the bare sand.
"Play with you, fine." Takeli chased after the little boy as he headed for a small fountain inside the city. Takeli dashed through the sandy ground, when a black arm popped out and grabbed his leg. Takeli lurched forward and fell to the ground, scratching his leg in the process. He looked back and saw the black ninja once more. "Who are you!?" Takeli cried as he rolled over to the side, dodging his fist. "You're the one. You must die!" The ninja shot forward a black cloud. The cloud encircled Takeli as it drained away his energy. "Help!" The little boy looked back and saw a black cyclone circling around his body. "Time to die." Just then, a bright light emitted out of Takeli's body shined out the strange cyclone. "What?" A great black dragon erupted and closed in on all that was near...
Takeli opened his eyes. He saw a room around him, filled with stuffed animals. Looking around himself, he saw bandages wrapped around his left leg. He stared out at the clock. It was seven AM. 'I guess someone found me.' The door creaked a little. Takeli stood up from the bed. "Ahh!" He fell back down at the pain of his back. A young lady walked in and placed a small piece of cloth on his head. He stared at her for a while. "You need your rest. Just relax in bed." "Hmm, huh?" Takeli laid his head back onto the bed.
Gazing upwards, he began to open his mouth to thank her. Before he could, she stuffed a piece of apple into his mouth. Takeli crunched on it until it was gone. Takeli began to open his mouth. "Oh, don't thank me. It's my job, and you're really tired," she said calmly. It was like she had read his mind before he could make a sound. "Don't bother talking right now. I've placed some herbs into your mouth to take out some of the pain." Takeli nodded silently, and began to close his eyes. 'Is this a dream? How did I get so bruised?' Takeli wondered silently to himself. Tired as usual, he took another slow nap.
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When Takeli woke up, he could see that some of the pain has gone away. Most of his bandages have been taken off, leaving only a bare mark on his skin. Looking out the window, he saw the moon casting a shadow through the ground. Next to him, he saw a bowl of rice and some roasted pig. Feeling very hungry from his slumber, he grabbed the bowl of rice and began to eat. Piling up the rice, his door opened up revealing the little boy. "There you are. So, I finally found you," Takeli said smiling at him.
"Ou joung yue lay," the little boy said. "So you like me huh? You sure know a lot of Chinese even for a little kid." Wait, how can he even think that? He was playing around that desert a little while ago all alone. He decided to play with him a little while he was still in bed. Takeli grabbed a piece of paper and crafted a small crane out of it. The little boy reached for it and laughed. "Dou Jeue." "You're welcome." As the little boy played peacefully, Takeli continued with the rice and pig. He gave some to the little boy, unsure if he was already fed.
Just then, the young lady came into the room. "You're awake." The little boy ran over to her and showed her the small crane Takeli had made. "That's very nice of you," she said. "I would like to thank you for all of your help." She shook her head. "It's no big deal. You were hurt, but I do accept your kindness. My name is Mok Sui Loung. This is my son Little Firefly." The boy giggled under her. "I'm Lao Takeli. It is very nice to meet you, and your son." "Well thank you. It is almost ten o' clock. Would you like to take a warm bath?" "Yes, that would be nice."
Takeli got off the bed and bits and bits of rice fell down from his body. "Well, we have a little mess here. Why don't you go to the bathhouse outside, and I'll clean up this little mess." Takeli rubbed his head in embarrassment. "Sorry Mrs. Mok." "No big deal, you just hurry now. There are some towels inside the bathhouse." Sui Loung began to wipe the small pieces of pork and rice off the blanket. "Boy, would you think someone would eat a little more better?" she asked. Little Firefly grabbed some pieces of pork and stuffed them into his mouth. "Stop that!"
Takeli walked down the steps and into the bathhouse. Inside was a very hot and steamy sauna like ground. He filled up the hole with hot water and grabbed a towel. Locking the doors just to make sure someone didn't come in and disturb him. Takeli stripped off his clothes and entered the hot water. "Ouch!" The water was too hot. Filling it with some cold water, Takeli finally got in and started to rub his head with water. The steamy liquid was bubbling beneath him strangely. 'I hope I can get back to my journey soon.' His scars started to feel less painful, and his body heat began to rise.
"Way!" "Huh?" Takeli looked back and saw Little Firefly taking his towel and clothing. "Hey! Lay deem yup lay ah?" Takeli crackled in the water. 'Great, how DID he get in here? I locked all the doors.' Little Firefly ran out the door carrying his clothes with him. "Wait!" Not thinking clearly, Takeli rushed out the door naked. "Come back here!" Little Firefly went through a small peephole and into the house. "Yikes! I'm still naked!" Takeli ran back to the bath house as fast as he could before anyone saw him. Then, he overheard a small voice near him. "What Little Firefly?" Takeli gasped. Little Firefly ran towards Takeli and rammed into him. "What the? Oh dear!" Sui Loung giggled a little.
Takeli quickly rushed into the bathroom. Locking all the doors along his way. "Man was that ever embarrassing!" Takeli heard small footsteps coming towards him. "Takeli, are you in there?" Sui Loung asked. "Yea!" "I'm terribly sorry for what my son did. He's not usually like this!" Takeli sighed. "No big deal. He's just a kid!" Sui Loung pushed his clothes through a small trap door. "Here are you clothes. You better hurry up on your bath." "Sure." Takeli washed off the dirt and debris he caught when chasing Little Firefly.
The next morning, Takeli woke up and saw Little Firefly staring at him again. "What is it this time?" Takeli asked. "Mou Yea," he replied. Sui Loung then walked into the room, holding a hot cake in her hands. "Well, it is time for you to leave. All of your scars have been healed, so you're ready to go." "Thank you for all of your kindness and hospitality. I don't think anyone has ever been that nice to me before." "You should get out more often then." "I can't really. I'm usually always in the Shaloian Temples that's why."
Just as Takeli was about to leave, Sui Loung stopped him. "Well, I know a way that you can repay me," she said. Takeli looked very stunned. "Well, what do you have in mind?" "Well, last night when you were eating dinner. You were eating it very poorly I might say! So you have to learn some manners or you're not going to get what you want in the future." Little Firefly started to jump up and down screaming. "What!? Manners!" Takeli's chin dropped. "No way! I'm not good at keeping good manners!" "Well you're gonna learn now!" "Ugh!"
As Takeli walked outside, another hawk flew over and dropped ANOTHER note into his hands.
Dear Lao Takeli,
Hope that everything is fine with you. I wonder why you are taking so long to answer my messages. Have you even received my recent one yet? If you keep going west from the city, you can reach me in just a couple of miles. I'll be waiting around the Glass Lake. When you reach it, just stand there until I arrive. Farewells
Lao Kang
"I hope I can meet him in person soon." Takeli followed Sui Loung as she entered a Japanese style teahouse. Takeli walked in and sat down on the soft mats. She closed the doors as Little Firefly walked in. "Takeli, I hope I am not interfering too much with your journey. But to be a good Shaloian fighter, you have to learn to have manners." Takeli sighed a little. "How can having manners prove I'm a good fighter?" "A lot. It shows elegance and the motivation to do well in battles. From what I've seen a lot of work has to be done." "Alright, I'll give it a go."
Sui Loung walked behind him and kicked his back softly. "Ouch, why did you do that?" "You're posture is very bad, Stand up for me." Takeli stood up, trying to keep a straight back. "Well, so far so good on your back. Juts a little bit of this..." Takeli felt a small jolt on his spine as she straightened it out. "There, that should do it." "I can't really move now though." "Yes you can, just give it a try!" She patted Takeli on has back and he collapsed.
Later that day, Takeli was served some weird porridge that looked like mashed up gravy and peas. "Now, I want you to eat like how you always do," Sui Loung said gently. "Alright," Takeli said. He took the spoon, took some of the porridge, and studded it into his mouth abruptly. Then he placed the spoon back in hard, splashing bits and bits of meat over the table. "Well, I think I know what needs to be worked on here. When you were sitting down, your back was very bad. Even when using the spoon, it wasn't really heading for your mouth, but your shirt." "So what needs to be fixed?"
"Well, first, I think that you should sit straight." Takeli did as he was told. This time though, he could no longer reach the porridge. Who wanted to eat it anyway? "Next, your elbows were on the table. Little Firefly." Little Firefly came over to Takeli and pried his elbows off the table using his teeth! "Ouch, why did he do that?" "If I told you to do it, you would do it again after this exclusive training." Takeli sneered at Little Firefly, who was hopping up and down now. "Don't do that Takeli. It might frighten him." "Alright."
"Well," declared Sui Loung," now that this portion of the training is done, one of us has to clean up the tea and crackers. Takeli, you have been chosen to do this." Takeli groaned even more now. he just had tea and now he has to wash the plates and teacups that they drank and ate from? "Why am I doing all this work?" Takeli asked. "Well, you are the guest. This is just another part of your gruesome training. Soon you will be able to do all of this in a snap. Once you've learned the basic things at least. Later, meet Little Firefly and I at the restaurant down the street. We'll go from there." Takeli nodded and started to pick up the dirty plates.
After a couple of minutes of washing the dishes, Takeli walked out of the teahouse and down the street to the nearby restaurant. While he was walking, he bought some elixirs for his journey. Costing him half of his money, he decided not to buy any more things unless he really needed them. He finally reached the restaurant just as the sun was beginning to set. As he walked in, he saw Little Firefly waving his hand towards him. Takeli walked through the other dwellers as they stared at him. He sat down next to Sui Loung just as a man was passing out some roasted duck.
"What does coming here have anything to do with manners?" "Nothing really, I just wanted you to have a good dinner before you depart. I think you've learned enough for today anyway." Takeli was surprised at the food that the people served here. "How did you get this roasted duck? Isn't that expensive?" Sui Loung's eyes gleamed. "I guess you can say that. I just wanted to give you a good meal." What really surprised Takeli was that the waiter brought out some strange prawns that looked like they were still alive.
"Takeli, why have you gone on this journey anyway?" "I am from the Shaloian Temple, and my Grandfather died this morning." Sui Loung looked surprised when she heard that. Takeli continued. "I stopped by this city because I needed some rest. I was suppose to find a man named Kung Lao, who could really train me in the arts of tai- kwon doe. As well as other styles of martial arts." Takeli grabbed another piece of roasted duck and 'politely' ate it to satisfy his standards. "When I learn all that I can, I hope to find the one who killed my grandfather, and kill him."
After dinner, Takeli thanked Sui Loung for helping him out during his time of needs. "I'm very grateful about you helping me out. I'm sorry if I seemed like a burden during these past days." "No problem at all. Just remember to visit me when your training is over." Sui Loung gave Takeli some small charms for good luck. Little Firefly, however, decided to give him a piece of lint he found lying on the ground. "Take care of yourself now."
Just as Takeli was about to leave, someone jumped in front of him and started to choke him. Trying to resist, Takeli kicked the man's leg. "Look boy, if you don't want to get hurt, I advise you to get out of my way!" He jabbed his fist into Takeli's stomach, causing saliva to come out of his mouth. He threw Takeli toward a brick wall, causing him to release some blood from his back. "Now, I'm here for you!" He grabbed Little Firefly around the neck, and started to drag him away. "What are you doing?" Sui Loung asked. The man slapped her face, causing her to spin through the air.
"Goew Mang a!" Little Firefly pleaded. Takeli opened his eyes and rubbed his head. He could feel a soreness through it. He heard Little Firefly's please for help. "Don't worry, I'll save you!" Takeli got up and dashed towards the man carrying Little Firefly. "Heym that's my friend you got there!" he yelled. The thug looked back, and saw Takeli's fist headed for his face. "What!" Takeli punched his face in anger. Little Firefly fell off of the man's shoulders, and started to run away.
"What the hell are you up to boy?" The man took out a sharp knife with blood still dripping from it. He started to jab it towards Takeli in an angry rage. Takeli didn't know have any fighting skills. 'Man, what am I'm going to do?' he thought. The thug began to go through a pattern as he tried to stab him. "You made the kid get away! Now my boss's going to kill me!" the man cried. Takeli back flipped and the blade barely missed him by an inch. "Get back here!"
When Takeli landed, he saw the sharp blade fly through his side, hitting a narrow tree. Ironically, the thug instead performed a jump kick on Takeli's chest, making him fall back slightly. "What do you want? Little Firefly or me?" Takeli asked. "Neither, now come on." All Takeli could do was perform numerous blocks while trying to dodge the man's fist. "Aren't you going to fight back!" Takeli couldn't tell him he didn't know how. That would leave him the weak one. "Take this then!" The man jumped up and kicked Takeli's head back. "Ahh!"
Three points of light suddenly appeared. The man jumped back, holding his turban near him. "What is that light!?" he cried. Takeli's body began to glow bright and steady. He panted for breath again, trying to stay focused. "What's happening to me?" Blinding rays of light were released through his body and into the sky. Meteors started to fall down on the Earth, but it wasn't that big. Takeli screamed as he felt a paining thrust happening around his stomach. "Somebody..." The lights began to shake the ground like an earthquake. A fault appeared just before Takeli fainted...
Later, Takeli woke up inside the room where Sui Loung was before. "Are you feeling better now?" she asked. Takeli nodded, and got up from the bed. "I better get going," he said. Sui Loung agreed. "I'll miss you though. You were hurt today. Don't let it happen again." Little Firefly giggled again, and all Takeli could do was smile. "Joy geen."
'Westward, travel westward' Takeli thought. That was what his grandfather said when he sent him off to get trained by the mysterious Kung Lao. Who was Kung Lao anyway? He'd never heard of him or had any contact with him. He must be a very good trainer in the many types of martial arts if he'd never heard of him. Must be very secretive. 'I should have asked about him when I had the chance' Takeli thought. There was no turning back now though. His grandfather was dead, his people were dead, and the Shaloian Temple is just a death place.
Takeli started to heading towards a small lake. This day had not started well for him, and he's not sure if it is going to get any better at all. The old man told him that he should always head towards the west, no other direction. He didn't know what the big deal was. There was only a vast desert in front of his eyes ever since the river disappeared. Going towards the lake, Takeli refilled his bottle of water. He couldn't stop thinking about what happened during the morning somehow. It just got to his head somehow, like a dart through a blade.
What the old man said though was weird in his eyes. Shinnok? What was this guy? Was he an emperor or something that was planning to take over Earth and all that dwell upon it? This began to creep him out a little. He might have heard stories about him when he was a kid. He remembered some man named Liu Kang, who was from the same temple. He never got to meet him though. He was usually too busy going away to some place for a tournament. His father knew his though. Takeli could remember though that he had played with him when he was just a little boy.
Takeli filled up his water bottle, and started to walk towards the hot sun. In the far north, he could see a small town. He decided to take his chances and started towards the illuminated town. From the sides of his ears, he overheard deep voices and whispers. Standing on the hard dirt road, he could see a pigeon flying over his head. Wait! It wasn't a pigeon at all. It looked more like a hawk with a small note attached to its small foot. The owl dived down and dropped the strange note into Takeli's hands, and flew away.
Takeli unfolded the letter, and saw small prints around it.
Dear Lao Takeli
Yes, were you expecting something like this to happen to you in the near future? I didn't think so, because as you see. Life cannot be made on its own. I've heard the terrible news about the death of your families and friends at the Shaloian Temple. I am terribly sorry about the death, and wish to train you in any way possible so you would feel comfortable to express any feelings you might have. I guess now I may be your only family, and I promise that by the time I am done training you, you will have become stronger than me. For now, continue on your path, I'll meet you soon.
Lao Kung
Takeli looked up and tried to find the strange hawk. It was gone. Strangely, Takeli did not really understand the letter. How did this Kung Lao find him in the middle of no where? Is he actually around him, but won't tell? The letter did make some sense though. He knew that he would meet him soon, so he better just keep moving forward. Takeli was starving though. All the food that he had packed was lost when that ninja chased him in a rage. He had a few coins though. So he decided to head into town to get some food.
Just then, a little boy came running towards him. "Hey, watch it!" Takeli cried as the little boys slipped under his legs. "What are you doing?" The little boy gazed up at him and smiled. "Nay howe ma?" Takeli didn't really understand Chinese that much, but he knew exactly what he said. "Howe," he said in response. The little boy giggled and ran off towards the forsaken city. "Now he seems to know his way around here." It was getting quite dark, so Takeli decided to follow him to the city. "Hey little boy, wait for me!" The little boy looked back and giggled. "Toung ou woun a!" The boy clapped his hands loudly and ran through the bare sand.
"Play with you, fine." Takeli chased after the little boy as he headed for a small fountain inside the city. Takeli dashed through the sandy ground, when a black arm popped out and grabbed his leg. Takeli lurched forward and fell to the ground, scratching his leg in the process. He looked back and saw the black ninja once more. "Who are you!?" Takeli cried as he rolled over to the side, dodging his fist. "You're the one. You must die!" The ninja shot forward a black cloud. The cloud encircled Takeli as it drained away his energy. "Help!" The little boy looked back and saw a black cyclone circling around his body. "Time to die." Just then, a bright light emitted out of Takeli's body shined out the strange cyclone. "What?" A great black dragon erupted and closed in on all that was near...
Takeli opened his eyes. He saw a room around him, filled with stuffed animals. Looking around himself, he saw bandages wrapped around his left leg. He stared out at the clock. It was seven AM. 'I guess someone found me.' The door creaked a little. Takeli stood up from the bed. "Ahh!" He fell back down at the pain of his back. A young lady walked in and placed a small piece of cloth on his head. He stared at her for a while. "You need your rest. Just relax in bed." "Hmm, huh?" Takeli laid his head back onto the bed.
Gazing upwards, he began to open his mouth to thank her. Before he could, she stuffed a piece of apple into his mouth. Takeli crunched on it until it was gone. Takeli began to open his mouth. "Oh, don't thank me. It's my job, and you're really tired," she said calmly. It was like she had read his mind before he could make a sound. "Don't bother talking right now. I've placed some herbs into your mouth to take out some of the pain." Takeli nodded silently, and began to close his eyes. 'Is this a dream? How did I get so bruised?' Takeli wondered silently to himself. Tired as usual, he took another slow nap.
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When Takeli woke up, he could see that some of the pain has gone away. Most of his bandages have been taken off, leaving only a bare mark on his skin. Looking out the window, he saw the moon casting a shadow through the ground. Next to him, he saw a bowl of rice and some roasted pig. Feeling very hungry from his slumber, he grabbed the bowl of rice and began to eat. Piling up the rice, his door opened up revealing the little boy. "There you are. So, I finally found you," Takeli said smiling at him.
"Ou joung yue lay," the little boy said. "So you like me huh? You sure know a lot of Chinese even for a little kid." Wait, how can he even think that? He was playing around that desert a little while ago all alone. He decided to play with him a little while he was still in bed. Takeli grabbed a piece of paper and crafted a small crane out of it. The little boy reached for it and laughed. "Dou Jeue." "You're welcome." As the little boy played peacefully, Takeli continued with the rice and pig. He gave some to the little boy, unsure if he was already fed.
Just then, the young lady came into the room. "You're awake." The little boy ran over to her and showed her the small crane Takeli had made. "That's very nice of you," she said. "I would like to thank you for all of your help." She shook her head. "It's no big deal. You were hurt, but I do accept your kindness. My name is Mok Sui Loung. This is my son Little Firefly." The boy giggled under her. "I'm Lao Takeli. It is very nice to meet you, and your son." "Well thank you. It is almost ten o' clock. Would you like to take a warm bath?" "Yes, that would be nice."
Takeli got off the bed and bits and bits of rice fell down from his body. "Well, we have a little mess here. Why don't you go to the bathhouse outside, and I'll clean up this little mess." Takeli rubbed his head in embarrassment. "Sorry Mrs. Mok." "No big deal, you just hurry now. There are some towels inside the bathhouse." Sui Loung began to wipe the small pieces of pork and rice off the blanket. "Boy, would you think someone would eat a little more better?" she asked. Little Firefly grabbed some pieces of pork and stuffed them into his mouth. "Stop that!"
Takeli walked down the steps and into the bathhouse. Inside was a very hot and steamy sauna like ground. He filled up the hole with hot water and grabbed a towel. Locking the doors just to make sure someone didn't come in and disturb him. Takeli stripped off his clothes and entered the hot water. "Ouch!" The water was too hot. Filling it with some cold water, Takeli finally got in and started to rub his head with water. The steamy liquid was bubbling beneath him strangely. 'I hope I can get back to my journey soon.' His scars started to feel less painful, and his body heat began to rise.
"Way!" "Huh?" Takeli looked back and saw Little Firefly taking his towel and clothing. "Hey! Lay deem yup lay ah?" Takeli crackled in the water. 'Great, how DID he get in here? I locked all the doors.' Little Firefly ran out the door carrying his clothes with him. "Wait!" Not thinking clearly, Takeli rushed out the door naked. "Come back here!" Little Firefly went through a small peephole and into the house. "Yikes! I'm still naked!" Takeli ran back to the bath house as fast as he could before anyone saw him. Then, he overheard a small voice near him. "What Little Firefly?" Takeli gasped. Little Firefly ran towards Takeli and rammed into him. "What the? Oh dear!" Sui Loung giggled a little.
Takeli quickly rushed into the bathroom. Locking all the doors along his way. "Man was that ever embarrassing!" Takeli heard small footsteps coming towards him. "Takeli, are you in there?" Sui Loung asked. "Yea!" "I'm terribly sorry for what my son did. He's not usually like this!" Takeli sighed. "No big deal. He's just a kid!" Sui Loung pushed his clothes through a small trap door. "Here are you clothes. You better hurry up on your bath." "Sure." Takeli washed off the dirt and debris he caught when chasing Little Firefly.
The next morning, Takeli woke up and saw Little Firefly staring at him again. "What is it this time?" Takeli asked. "Mou Yea," he replied. Sui Loung then walked into the room, holding a hot cake in her hands. "Well, it is time for you to leave. All of your scars have been healed, so you're ready to go." "Thank you for all of your kindness and hospitality. I don't think anyone has ever been that nice to me before." "You should get out more often then." "I can't really. I'm usually always in the Shaloian Temples that's why."
Just as Takeli was about to leave, Sui Loung stopped him. "Well, I know a way that you can repay me," she said. Takeli looked very stunned. "Well, what do you have in mind?" "Well, last night when you were eating dinner. You were eating it very poorly I might say! So you have to learn some manners or you're not going to get what you want in the future." Little Firefly started to jump up and down screaming. "What!? Manners!" Takeli's chin dropped. "No way! I'm not good at keeping good manners!" "Well you're gonna learn now!" "Ugh!"
As Takeli walked outside, another hawk flew over and dropped ANOTHER note into his hands.
Dear Lao Takeli,
Hope that everything is fine with you. I wonder why you are taking so long to answer my messages. Have you even received my recent one yet? If you keep going west from the city, you can reach me in just a couple of miles. I'll be waiting around the Glass Lake. When you reach it, just stand there until I arrive. Farewells
Lao Kang
"I hope I can meet him in person soon." Takeli followed Sui Loung as she entered a Japanese style teahouse. Takeli walked in and sat down on the soft mats. She closed the doors as Little Firefly walked in. "Takeli, I hope I am not interfering too much with your journey. But to be a good Shaloian fighter, you have to learn to have manners." Takeli sighed a little. "How can having manners prove I'm a good fighter?" "A lot. It shows elegance and the motivation to do well in battles. From what I've seen a lot of work has to be done." "Alright, I'll give it a go."
Sui Loung walked behind him and kicked his back softly. "Ouch, why did you do that?" "You're posture is very bad, Stand up for me." Takeli stood up, trying to keep a straight back. "Well, so far so good on your back. Juts a little bit of this..." Takeli felt a small jolt on his spine as she straightened it out. "There, that should do it." "I can't really move now though." "Yes you can, just give it a try!" She patted Takeli on has back and he collapsed.
Later that day, Takeli was served some weird porridge that looked like mashed up gravy and peas. "Now, I want you to eat like how you always do," Sui Loung said gently. "Alright," Takeli said. He took the spoon, took some of the porridge, and studded it into his mouth abruptly. Then he placed the spoon back in hard, splashing bits and bits of meat over the table. "Well, I think I know what needs to be worked on here. When you were sitting down, your back was very bad. Even when using the spoon, it wasn't really heading for your mouth, but your shirt." "So what needs to be fixed?"
"Well, first, I think that you should sit straight." Takeli did as he was told. This time though, he could no longer reach the porridge. Who wanted to eat it anyway? "Next, your elbows were on the table. Little Firefly." Little Firefly came over to Takeli and pried his elbows off the table using his teeth! "Ouch, why did he do that?" "If I told you to do it, you would do it again after this exclusive training." Takeli sneered at Little Firefly, who was hopping up and down now. "Don't do that Takeli. It might frighten him." "Alright."
"Well," declared Sui Loung," now that this portion of the training is done, one of us has to clean up the tea and crackers. Takeli, you have been chosen to do this." Takeli groaned even more now. he just had tea and now he has to wash the plates and teacups that they drank and ate from? "Why am I doing all this work?" Takeli asked. "Well, you are the guest. This is just another part of your gruesome training. Soon you will be able to do all of this in a snap. Once you've learned the basic things at least. Later, meet Little Firefly and I at the restaurant down the street. We'll go from there." Takeli nodded and started to pick up the dirty plates.
After a couple of minutes of washing the dishes, Takeli walked out of the teahouse and down the street to the nearby restaurant. While he was walking, he bought some elixirs for his journey. Costing him half of his money, he decided not to buy any more things unless he really needed them. He finally reached the restaurant just as the sun was beginning to set. As he walked in, he saw Little Firefly waving his hand towards him. Takeli walked through the other dwellers as they stared at him. He sat down next to Sui Loung just as a man was passing out some roasted duck.
"What does coming here have anything to do with manners?" "Nothing really, I just wanted you to have a good dinner before you depart. I think you've learned enough for today anyway." Takeli was surprised at the food that the people served here. "How did you get this roasted duck? Isn't that expensive?" Sui Loung's eyes gleamed. "I guess you can say that. I just wanted to give you a good meal." What really surprised Takeli was that the waiter brought out some strange prawns that looked like they were still alive.
"Takeli, why have you gone on this journey anyway?" "I am from the Shaloian Temple, and my Grandfather died this morning." Sui Loung looked surprised when she heard that. Takeli continued. "I stopped by this city because I needed some rest. I was suppose to find a man named Kung Lao, who could really train me in the arts of tai- kwon doe. As well as other styles of martial arts." Takeli grabbed another piece of roasted duck and 'politely' ate it to satisfy his standards. "When I learn all that I can, I hope to find the one who killed my grandfather, and kill him."
After dinner, Takeli thanked Sui Loung for helping him out during his time of needs. "I'm very grateful about you helping me out. I'm sorry if I seemed like a burden during these past days." "No problem at all. Just remember to visit me when your training is over." Sui Loung gave Takeli some small charms for good luck. Little Firefly, however, decided to give him a piece of lint he found lying on the ground. "Take care of yourself now."
Just as Takeli was about to leave, someone jumped in front of him and started to choke him. Trying to resist, Takeli kicked the man's leg. "Look boy, if you don't want to get hurt, I advise you to get out of my way!" He jabbed his fist into Takeli's stomach, causing saliva to come out of his mouth. He threw Takeli toward a brick wall, causing him to release some blood from his back. "Now, I'm here for you!" He grabbed Little Firefly around the neck, and started to drag him away. "What are you doing?" Sui Loung asked. The man slapped her face, causing her to spin through the air.
"Goew Mang a!" Little Firefly pleaded. Takeli opened his eyes and rubbed his head. He could feel a soreness through it. He heard Little Firefly's please for help. "Don't worry, I'll save you!" Takeli got up and dashed towards the man carrying Little Firefly. "Heym that's my friend you got there!" he yelled. The thug looked back, and saw Takeli's fist headed for his face. "What!" Takeli punched his face in anger. Little Firefly fell off of the man's shoulders, and started to run away.
"What the hell are you up to boy?" The man took out a sharp knife with blood still dripping from it. He started to jab it towards Takeli in an angry rage. Takeli didn't know have any fighting skills. 'Man, what am I'm going to do?' he thought. The thug began to go through a pattern as he tried to stab him. "You made the kid get away! Now my boss's going to kill me!" the man cried. Takeli back flipped and the blade barely missed him by an inch. "Get back here!"
When Takeli landed, he saw the sharp blade fly through his side, hitting a narrow tree. Ironically, the thug instead performed a jump kick on Takeli's chest, making him fall back slightly. "What do you want? Little Firefly or me?" Takeli asked. "Neither, now come on." All Takeli could do was perform numerous blocks while trying to dodge the man's fist. "Aren't you going to fight back!" Takeli couldn't tell him he didn't know how. That would leave him the weak one. "Take this then!" The man jumped up and kicked Takeli's head back. "Ahh!"
Three points of light suddenly appeared. The man jumped back, holding his turban near him. "What is that light!?" he cried. Takeli's body began to glow bright and steady. He panted for breath again, trying to stay focused. "What's happening to me?" Blinding rays of light were released through his body and into the sky. Meteors started to fall down on the Earth, but it wasn't that big. Takeli screamed as he felt a paining thrust happening around his stomach. "Somebody..." The lights began to shake the ground like an earthquake. A fault appeared just before Takeli fainted...
Later, Takeli woke up inside the room where Sui Loung was before. "Are you feeling better now?" she asked. Takeli nodded, and got up from the bed. "I better get going," he said. Sui Loung agreed. "I'll miss you though. You were hurt today. Don't let it happen again." Little Firefly giggled again, and all Takeli could do was smile. "Joy geen."