2 Master and Students

"Like this," Master Shen said. "The story of the legacy of the Twin Gods is yours, chosen ones. Your souls are connected through a sacred bond from generation to generation. All of your distinctive traits come from here."

"Master, what is this trait then?" Tadashi began staring at his master with wide-open eyes.

Master Shen's face beamed a smile as he gently stroked Tadashi's spiky hair. "Little Tadashi, it's the inherent ability within you that we don't possess. Your souls are naturally awakened; we strive to awaken our souls, but you always possess an awakened spirit."

"WOOAAW, so I'm chosen and have exceptional abilities, and I'll also undertake the gods' duty. Master, please make me an excellent warrior; I want to fulfill my duty in the best way possible. I WANT TO BE THE BEST HEIR IN HISTORY."

"Hehe, little Tadashi, I have no doubt you'll achieve that," Master turned to Yu. "Now, young Yu, are you ready to become an Heir?" Yu had listened to his master in silence. Such an important task had been bestowed upon him. He would be the most significant figure in the realm, the most noble, powerful, and respectable... his heart felt like it would burst, even for a child. With a firm voice, he said, "uhm, I'm ready, master."

"Then, we continue your training from where we left off, children," the master stood up and opened the classroom door. He gestured for the children to come. As Yu rose slowly, Tadashi leaped quickly like a grasshopper, darting out of the door. "Ah, my brother," Yu smiled as he exited through the door, the master closing it behind them.

"Now, children, you must learn to control the inner spirit. The spirit is an invisible force but can yield immense things, for instance..." The master picked up a small stick. Yu and Tadashi watched their master in an area surrounding the temple, filled with fences and grasslands. "Observe this little stick." The master raised the stick into the air and suddenly dropped it. While Tadashi tried to guess with curious eyes what would happen, Yu didn't seem to grasp much. How could a falling stick provide any kind of show? Just as the stick was about to hit the ground, the master lowered his hand towards the ground, joining the tips of his fingers with his thumb. The stick stopped just before hitting the ground, seeming tethered to an invisible string, and began to sway in the air. "WOW, master, I want to learn this too, teach me, teach me!"

"Hey, Tadashi, he only stopped a little falling stick, are you really impressed by that?" The master showed them his other hand. "Wait, children, this is just the beginning. Now, let's move on to the real part of the demonstration." The master let go of the invisible string in his hand, and the stick fell to the ground. Then, as he opened his palm towards the stick and gently closed his fingers, the stick began to slowly glide towards his hand. When he took it in his hand, he showed it to the children.

Things got a bit more interesting for Yu; Tadashi was even more fascinated. Suddenly, the master turned around and threw the stick towards distant mountain silhouettes. The stick went incredibly fast, and at the same time, the master vanished unbelievably. Yu's eyes widened, Tadashi was spellbound and fell to the ground.

In a matter of seconds, the master returned with the stick in hand. "I have a few more things to show before I hear your comments," he handed the stick to Yu since Tadashi was in awe. "Young Yu, make a scratch with this stick." Yu took the stick surprised. "But why, master, you gave us such a fantastic show-"

"I'll take your comments later, chosen one," Yu was impressed upon hearing these words and set aside his thoughts to grasp the stick. "Don't hesitate, be firm and unafraid; this is part of the demonstration." Yu nodded. He raised the stick and swung it forcefully towards his master. An unexpected effect occurred; just before the stick would hit the master's body, the force of the impact bounced back onto Yu. He stumbled back and fell to the ground. The master slowly sat beside Yu, making him feel the friction on his leg. Yu was furious; Tadashi was watching in astonishment. Without saying anything, the master passed his finger over the wound without touching it, leaving behind clean skin. Tadashi rolled excitedly, unable to contain himself, before quickly getting up on his knees and rushing towards his master with clasped hands. "Please teach us too, master."

Yu, losing his temper and bewildered by what was happening, gathered himself at the sound of Tadashi's voice and assumed the same posture. "Yes, teach us too, master."

The master smiled at both of them. "Of course, you are the chosen ones, this is my duty, and I have thus demonstrated to you every art. The invisible string: seisaku art, the stick I pulled into my hand: kanri, the stick I threw at high speed: kyouka, my disappearance: sokudo, the reflected impact: taikyuu, and healing the wound: chiyu."

Tadashi stared blankly. When the master finished speaking, he shook his head and came back to himself.

"Don't worry, master, I will memorize all the arts and become skilled in them."

"Yes, you can do this most easily; you have the potential to master all six arts. Normal individuals can master at most two arts in their lifetime."

"But master, you used all six arts. I haven't seen you perform amateurishly in any of them." Yu fixed his skeptical gaze on his master.

"You caught a fine detail there, Yu. Yes, I am an exception. My family and ancestors were also masters like me. It was our duty to train chosen ones like you, so we had to master all six arts. People master arts that will benefit them personally. But for us, it's different; we have to train you, you will be the guardians of our peace."

"Yes, yes, yes, we'll be them, my brother," Tadashi grinned, jumping on Yu's back. "Ah, Tadashi, even if we master the six arts, what difference will there be between us and you? Master, you'll still be an expert in all six arts like us, after all." The master stroked his slight beard.

"Yes, you're right, young man, I appreciate your intelligence, but you missed a few words from what I said. I mentioned that you will more easily excel in these arts, which means you'll be able to easily reach my level, even surpass it."

Things were starting to connect in Yu's mind, while Tadashi got off Yu's back and lost himself in daydreams, picking up a stick and throwing it as far as he could. "Don't worry, Tadashi, when the time comes, I'm sure you'll send that stick beyond the realm itself. Now, come on, future chosen ones, your training begins." Yu and Tadashi walked side by side, following their master with assured steps. The adventure of the heirs had begun.