MOMENT OF TRUTH¹ eli moskowitz

the right path

Sensei Kreese was giving the students a lesson as usual, however this one was an early training before school. He had a giant log in the middle of the dojo mat with a plant on the top of it. He had the students stand on the outside of the mat as he spoke.

“Never underestimate your enemy. Even if you think they're weaker than you,” He looked at Amara as if he hadn't forgotten about their little private lesson a couple days back, “you always have to stay one step ahead of them. That's the only way to guarantee a victory. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sensei!” The students exclaimed.

“Good.” Kreese said, calmly. “Now let's see if you truly understand the lesson. I want you to kick this tree off the top.” He demanded. “Red, you start.”

Red stepped forward onto the mat and got into his fighting position. He began to do a side kick but he couldn't get his leg high enough, causing his pants to tear.

“Pathetic.” Kreese said, crossing his arms. “Rickenberger, show him.”

Rickenberger stepped forward onto a fighting position. He began to try a 540 kick but missed and fell onto the mat.

“Stop your sniveling.” Kreese spoke.

Amara began to think of how she could get the plant down. Kreese began to notice.

“Winchester!” Kreese exclaimed. Amara turned her head over to him. “Give it your all.” He spoke, motioning towards the log tower.

Amara took a step forward onto the mat. She looked over at her Sensei. “Go on. Use it.”

Amara knew what he was talking about. Her rage. Her anger. Her self control. Amara nodded, “Yes, Sensei.”

She took a step back and began to charge at the log. She jumped as high as she could into a flying side kick, but she missed the plant and hit the stop of log, causing it to wobble.

Amara landed on her back, on the mat and groaned. Tory looked down.

“Are you all right?” She asked, holding out her hand.

“Yeah.” Amara said, taking her hand as Tory helped pull her onto her feet. “Thanks.”

Amara made her way back to her spot beside Hawk. She looked over at Kreese who shook his head.

She looked down at the ground, knowing she disappointed him.

“I can do it, Senesi.” Hawk spoke.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Kreese asked.

Hawk stepped up onto the mat and took a look at the log. “Don’t you want a running start?” Kreese asked.

“Don't need one.” Hawk said, as he did a sidekick to the log post, knocking the plant down on the ground.

Kreese chuckled. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”

Hawk backed up beside Amara as she looked at him and sighed.

“But he cheated.” Rickenberger spoke, holding his arm.

“No, he didn't.” Kreese said, “Unlike you, he did exactly what I asked him to do. If your mind is agile, so are you.” He said, getting into some of his student's faces.

“That's the best way to beat your enemy. Not just with brute strength. But you have to fight smart.” He stood in front of Hawk. “Do that, and you'll always come out on top.”

Kreese then began to walk into the back room. “Class dismissed.”

All the students went over to their bags and started to pack up. Amara and Hawk set their backs side by side. Amars had looked at where Kreese had walked and back over to Hawk.