MOONLIGHT NINJA

MOONLIGHT NINJA CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

The sun's harsh noon rays struggled to overwhelm the thick, shrouding leaves of the tall trees. Fortunately, the sun light that penetrated through the trees softened as it landed the forest ground; giving the entire lair a misty vibe which reminded one of the weather during the spring season.

Everything felt solemn, untarnished by unwanted human noise as compared to that of the town's clamor. One could hear the orchestral sounds from the birds and animals; soft whispers of the swaying grasses and plants that carpeted the ground; and of course, the everlasting flow of the stream rushing against the bed rocks.

At the heart of the deep forest, a humble hut stood unperturbed. Not far from it was a spartan training ground filled with these amenities: a bamboo beam buried in the ground held by medium-sized rocks where one could practice the improvement of balance; myriads of fat cotton sacks filled with decaying leaves and earth were hanging on the branches of the tall trees used for strengthening one's fists and feet; a few wooden squares were erected to serve as targets when practicing one's skills in archery, and there were also several obstacle courses to improve one's speed and agility.

At the training ground, an old master stood tall and dignified in front of his student despite the limp in his other leg. He wore a simple black cotton training robe with a white sash tied around his thin waist, it cascaded down his dull white trousers which was weathered by time. His student wore the same except for the color- the robe and trousers were dull white while the sash was pristine white - this was to give a distinction between their status.

"You may think that your body is fragile and weak but don't be disappointed for it is only a shell. If you work hard towards the goal in uniting the elements of the nature and the forces around you, then you can utilize a power that has always been within you. Although it may have been latent but with practice and determination, you can harness the energy and use it to subdue opponents who are bigger and stronger than you." Master Tang Jiao Quon, an ancient man with intelligent small eyes and stern features said with certainty.

"Do you hear me, young lady?" He asked when he sensed that Yan Mei Ling's thoughts seemed to waver out of nowhere.

Yan Mei Ling shook her head from the peculiar thoughts that had continuously bothered her and gave her attention back to her master. "Yes, I hear you, Master."

Master Tang Jiao Quon stared intently at his only student as if trying to see through her thoughts. "It is a good thing that I am not holding my stick or else I am going to beat you back to your senses."

Yan Mei Ling bowed her head in contrition. "I am very sorry, Master."

Master Tang Jiao Quon walked around the grassy ground of his lair which was conveniently shaded by bamboos, beech, Ailanthus Altissima and many different varieties of trees.

His thoughts went back to the past when he used to have a training ground situated within the Imperial palace grounds.

He was once a highly regarded master of combat techniques and trained the best warriors of the empire, including the Emperor and his officers in the past. His training ground in the Central Capital used to be filled with strong and eager young man. However, after the cold and brutal war against the barbarians of the North; he, unfortunately, incurred great wounds and injuries that permanently paralyzed his other leg. With one working leg left, he saw himself unfit to teach martial arts.

His perspective had dimmed and since he could not set himself as a perfect example to his students, he decided to leave the Central Capital without informing anyone. He led a hermit life in the mountains, channeling whatever strength left in him through meditation and understanding how the nature works with one's body.