Chapter Three
I almost didn't see the boomerang flying toward me.
Just at the last second, I ducked. Barely avoiding a concussive blow that would've ended our session early.
Jade spun and twirled her staff with remarkable ease. Resuming her fighting stance. We circled each other slowly in a clockwise motion. I studied her, trying to anticipate her next attack.
Suddenly, she lunged forward. Thrusting her staff into the ground, she used the momentum to pole vault toward me, her right foot extended out into a jump kick. I sidestepped to the left, easily avoiding it. But when she landed, Jade caught me completely off-guard. She faked, spun, and caught me in the mid-section with her staff.
The pain was intense.
"You're slow today," Jade said, turning around and planting her staff into the ground. "I hope your mind is on our lesson and not on that boy from the palace."
I clutched my stomach, trying to catch my breath. My best friend — although it didn't feel like it at that particular moment — had knocked the wind right out of me.
"Hey, go easy on me," I said angrily, recovering from the blow. "I'm nowhere near your speed."
I got back on my feet slowly. Releasing the hand that clenched my aching stomach, I readied myself. Jade pulled her staff from the ground and turned to face me.
"Your enemies will not be easy on you," Jade retorted.
She lunged again. This time I was ready.
I caught her staff with one hand, spun around, and countered with a backhand, catching her left cheek. Just as she had taught me.
Jade looked at me, stunned. She put her hand to her cheek.
Oh no, I'm dead.
But to my surprise, she smiled.
"Better!"