Kao A was taken aback by his response. Surely Rodando would be glad to see that it is in one piece.
"Master. I-"
Rodando: (Hits his hand on the table) Kao A. I've, done everything I wanted to since arriving to your training grounds a few days ago. I've watched your methods, outsmarted your guard. Just look at him. (Points to a suprised guard 1).
Kao A: Henry, you're dismissed. Thank you for your honored work tonight.
They both bow to each other and he leaves.
Rodando: (Chuckles) I swear it's amazing how we can live in absolute paradise on this island. And yet we still insist on teaching the martial arts. And you have a bodyguard.
Kao A (Laughs) Just 2 to be exact.
Rodando: You can have 1.strong and a le as can be and yet we both know it's silly that you have them. (Raises both hands up his side) from what
It just marvels me that you expect them to do for you what you could do 1,000 times for yourself. Even on your worst day.
Kao A (Looks and smiles at the remark). It's sort of the reason why we teach martial arts right? To allow others to reach their full potential.
Most of my students may not be as big and strong and fast as me. (Stands up and walks behind Rodando). But with the right training even the sorriest of them...
Takes the sword and slices down on him with all of his might. Rodando immediately sensing it, blocks it with an upper forearm movement. Kao A continues the slicing from all angles. As fast as he could. Cling, cling, cling. Swoosh, cling. Poon, poon swap. Rodando blocked them as lazily as swatting a nat. All without turning around no less.
Kao A takes a few breaths then thrust the blade into the back of his chair. Same result. But this time Rodando quickly stands up and moves beside it leaving only the back rest penetrated.
Rodando: (Gives a sly smile and gestures his hand in a locking motion). You got to turn it if you wanted to get an artery out of me.
Kao A: Well, (drops the sword on the grown) does that answer your question...Cruel Master?
Rodando claps his hands slowly.
Kao A: Let me get to why your here. I need a favor from you.
Rodando: What kind of favor?
Kao A: Protection.
Rodando: For you?
Kao A: (Chuckles) For a friend in Hollywood.
Rodando: What? Hollywood? Why th-?
Kao: (Interrupts) Have a seat. His name is Benjay Suns. You've probably heard of him during one of your American trips. He is a big martial arts movie star.
Rodando: Vaguely. Uh, I got a picture of him in my mind I think.
Kao A: Ok. I've been reading about him in the paper for a while and fear his life maybe in danger. In one instance he's almost killed in a club fight. A few days later, he is severely injured on set while filming his latest movie. Now recently. (Pulls out a news paper with a destroyed building the headline with the title "Arsoned Dojo" on the cover).
Rodando: (Gives the paper a brief run through). It says here that it occured during a martial arts seminar: 3 injured. Including Mr. Suns who suffered 3 degree burns on his right arm in and hand. (Plops the paper down): It looks like he only needs protection from himself. This guy doesn't need a bodyguard, Kao A. He needs a prayer. I mean what do you give me here?
Kao A: (Grabs that paper and places it on the floor. And takes a deep breath.) He's a hero, Rodando. My sources tell me he was hit by an oncoming celling light while saving a few from the back.
Rodando: How do you know that? Where are you getting these 'sources'?
Kao A: Henry. The bodyguard you spooked used to work for Suns. He was one of the people helped from that Dojo fire.
Rodando: So he's a hero in real life too. Awesome.
Kao A stares at Rodando.
Rodando: What I am stuck on is what can I do for him that he can't do for himself? He's a movie star, so plenty of money..Ideally. And I'm an old man, Kao A. He doesn't know me. I walk up to him like 'Hey man. Let me be your body guard. You'll be safe from yourself. Which seems to be your problem. You.' Then He'll probably get his real body guards, real great big giant arrambados, a-.
Kao A: (Interrupts) And find that he should have insured them better dental after you've kicked their teeth out.
Both men laugh at Rodando's heightened ego.
Rodando: Ok. Say I accept, what's in it for me?
Kao A: So, it's a yes?
Rodando: A possibility.
Kao A: Well first. It's Hollywood! Don't you want to see the sights, people etc?
Rodando: And?
Kao A: (Stares at him) Okay. I didn't want to bring this up. But Rodando it's time for me to cash in on that favor you owe me.
Rodando: Oh boy (Adjust in his seat). Here we go.
Kao A: Exactly how long has it been? Almost 30 yea-
Rodando: (Interrupts) Yes, Yes. I kn-
Kao A: 30 years. Since the fall of the Homa.
Both at same time, but Rodando in a more jaded tone and Kao A in a heroic one. "I helped you walk again and together we both shut down that horror shack and freed the natives."
Kao A: Okay look, you don't have to be an ass about it. I'm just a lucky guy cashing in his favor from The 'Mestre Cruel' Rodando.
In hearing his name from someone as mighty as Kao A, Rodando feels a sudden rise inside. His confidence grows as well as the energy around his decades old body. He gives a smile to Kao A, who delightfully senses all of these things happening. He knows a way to Rodando's heart is through his ego. With that, he would help someone during even with the most ludicrous request.
Rodando: Kao A, favor accepted and cashed in. Consider Mr. Suns protected.
Kao A: Thank you, mestre. Don't scare him away from your protection.
Rodando: Not a problem. If something ever goes down, he will know where he stands.
Thank you for reading. Feel free to provide feedback. God Bless you and Keep you❤️!
YOU ARE READING
Cruel Mestre and The Kung Fu Priest
حركة (أكشن)Aged yet revered Capoeira teacher Rodando A.K.A "The Cruel Mestre" is more so myth than legend in the Martial Arts world. His storied training method has left witnesses in awe or shun of his abilities. One day he is sought for by long time friend an...
