Wednesday Evening

Wednesday Evening

Emanuel

“Mainly, there are two important things to know about meeting Sensei for the first time. First, when you step through the curtain separating the outer area of the dojo and the inner, put your hands together near the upper middle of your chest and wait there until he acknowledges your presence. Secondly, shoes, socks and other belongings go in the cubbies before the curtain. Besides that, the obvious things: when addressing him, speak in a polite tone of voice and call him Sensei.”

“I was nervous there was going to be more to it than that.”

“Things are never quite as bad as you initially think they will be.”

“I can’t help it if I’m nervous though. I want to make a good first impression.”

“No need to worry about that. Sensei has the sometimes unnerving talent of being able to discern a person’s true nature no matter how good of an actor they are. He’ll like you the moment he meets you. He will give you one piece of advice if you choose to continue studying though.” As soon as we step through those doors, we should be safe.

Here’s hoping. “And that is?”

“Don’t let our relationship negatively affect your training.”

“Meaning?”

“Don’t let anything that happens in the relationship get in the way of your training.”

“Oh ... that makes sense.”

“Would you like me to bring my bike over, or should we walk through the crowd together?”

“As tempting as the former is, I’d like be swarmed as a result.”

“As you wish. It’s right this way” he said, pointing toward the nearby bike rack with one hand, grabbing Allison’s hand with the other. Look out precious ... the freaks are back.

Great. Just what we need right now.

Don’t worry. Just keep on walking, we’re almost there. “Sorry, no requests. School’s over and we don’t have the time.”

“But ... you two are still on school grounds ... you have to comply” one of the boys said as the group quickly surrounded them.

“True, but so do you. Remember, you are all in the Program now.”

“Uhm ... never mind then. Let’s go guys.”

“Yes leader” the rest of the group replied.

Emanuel watched the group quickly retreat. “I was hoping that would work.” Emanuel closed the distance to the bike, Allison’s hand still in his. He quickly grabbed her bags. Okay, this one there, then ... that should work. Now for mine and... “Ready precious?”

“Yes. How did you know how to get all the bags to fit?”

Emanuel climbed onto the bike. “General strength with spatial challenges and the training I suppose. I’ve never really thought much about it.” Allison climbed onto the bike, wrapping her arms around him as he started to peddle. “Precious, is there something wrong?” he asked after a few silent minutes passed.

“I’m trying not to focus on the wind hitting my body. Riding naked is very uncomfortable.”

“Agreed. Next time we need to go somewhere, we put on our clothes first.”

“Yeah. How much further is the dojo?”

Emanuel quickly glanced at his surroundings again. “Not too much further. Two or three minutes maybe?”

“Good. Is it bad that I’m still nervous?”

“About meeting Sensei? Not really. I remember I was all nerves when I first met him. You have nothing to worry about. You have my word.” Allison laid her head on his shoulder. There’s the Chinese restaurant, so one more block. “Brace yourself precious ... I’ve never attempted to park my bike here with two people on it before.”

“Okay.”

Emanuel felt her grip tighten. Good, no traffic around. That should make getting to the other side of the street easy. Emanuel quickly maneuvered across the street, and in one motion came to a stop in the nearby bike rack. “We’re here.”

“Really? This doesn’t look like a dojo.”

“Really. It looks a lot more like a dojo inside. I promise.”

“Uhm ... won’t your Sensei mind that we’re naked?”

Emanuel felt Allison’s arms loosen as she stepped off the bike. He quickly followed suit, securing the bike with its lock a moment later. “I don’t believe so, but if you wish you can wait in the changing area after I dress, and I can bring your uniform to you. Or, you could always quickly pull on some of your clothing from this morning.”

“I’ll take option one. How thick is the curtain?”

Emanuel quickly grabbed their duffels from the bike, slinging his over one shoulder and grabbing hers in the other hand. “It’s one of those beaded ones, but they’re close together. You have nothing to worry about. Are you ready precious?”

“I suppose.”

“You’ll be fine. I promise”. Emanuel watched the nervous look lessen a little as Allison grabbed his hand again. He quietly started on his way into the dojo’s entrance hall. “See?”

“Yeah ... I still wish it was solid cloth though.”

“I didn’t realize you were in the Program Kenshi Emanuel. You may enter with your special friend now if you’d like.”

“How did he know we were ... oh, right.”

“Precious, obviously Sensei isn’t bothered by our nakedness. Do you want to just enter and get your uniform?”

“But what about the other students?”

“The only other student here right now is Kara, and she’s already seen you.”

“May I ask your name friend of Kenshi Emanuel?”

“Allison, Sensei.”

“I appreciate what you are doing, but it is not necessary until you decide to study here. Do you wish to watch a lesson first, or would you like to jump right in?”

“I’d like to jump right in please Sensei.”

“Very well Kenshi Allison. I will send Kenshi Kara out with a uniform that should fit you. Kenshi Kara, please assist Kenshi Allison.”

“I think a medium should fit you. Here Kenshi Allison.”

Emanuel watched Allison quietly grab the uniform that made its way through the curtain. “Thank you Kara.”

“For future reference, within the dojo, it’s always Kenshi, then the person’s name. Don’t worry if it takes you a little while to get used to it, Kenshi Allison.”

“Thank you Kenshi Kara. Manny, why does the word Kenshi keep coming up so much?”

“I’ll tell you inside the changing area. I’d suggest you wear a bra under the uniform though.”

“Right. Hand me my duffel please?”

Emanuel quickly handed Allison her duffel bag, then reached into his for underwear and his uniform. “That room is the changing area.”

“Oh ... it’s not bad. So?”

“Right. Kenshi is the word for student. It’s a term of respect.”

“In the same way you use Sensei for your teacher?”

“Our teacher, but otherwise correct. That really does fit you well.”

“You’re only saying that because it’s form fitting.”

“Is it wrong for me to think you’re beautiful?”

“No. How do I bow again?”

“Just like this”. Emanuel put his feet together and brought his hands together at chest height. “Then bow, and hold it until Sensei says to be seated.”

“Okay. And I do this as soon as we step through the curtain?”

“Correct. It looks like Ken is near.” Emanuel quietly put their bags inside one of the cubbies.

“You mean you feel he’s arrived.”

“Same idea.” Emanuel watched with concern as Allison stood before the curtain. “If you’re still nervous just repeat what I do.” Emanuel stepped through the curtain, raised his hands together, and waited. He watched Allison do the same a second later.

“Please sit down and prepare your spirits Kenshi Emanuel and Allison. Kenshi Emanuel, please guide Kenshi Allison in anything she needs to know.”

Emanuel bowed quickly and found an empty spot on the mat near Kara. He watched Allison take the spot next to him. This preparation is fairly simple. Breath in and out slowly, focusing on each breath as it enters and leaves your body.

Won’t Sensei be angry that you’re not speaking this to me?

Even if he doesn’t know exactly how, he’ll know I’m giving you all the information you need. Just continue to focus on your breath until it’s time for us to stretch and say the oath.

“Kenshi Ken, please sit and prepare your spirit. Kenshi Allison will become your partner until Kenshi Paul recovers.”

“Yes Sensei.”

Allison

Allison felt her body finally relax what felt like hours later.

“Kenshi, we will start the lesson with stretching.”

“Kenshi, that’s enough stretching. Kenshi Ken grab a blocking pad, Kenshi Allison pay attention to what Kenshi Kara and Emanuel show you.”

Allison stood up and moved over to where Ken was standing with a foam pad. Is this typical sweetheart?

Not really, but it makes sense that Sensei would ask this of us. After all, how better to show that we know what we’ve been taught then by teaching it? Make sure to pay equal attention to where Kara will be hitting me, and how she does it.

Okay. Emanuel and Kara bowed toward each other. Is that the normal foot position to use?

Indeed.

Kara’s arms started to punch Emanuel in alternate strikes. Wait, that doesn’t look like punching I’m familiar with.

Kara stopped. Yes. Why is that important?

Because, it’s a lot easier to see that coming than the quick punches you just saw. Now you try ... don’t worry about hurting Ken.

Okay. Allison mimicked Kara’s motions, and felt a small vibration as each punch landed on the pad. Is this small aftershock normal?

Emanuel nodded his head. Think about when you learned about forces in physics. It should make sense.

Oh, right. When should I stop punching?

About ten more should do.

Allison counted down each one. Three ... two ... one. She stopped for a moment and breathed in and out a few times. Now what?

Blocking of course. It’s not good enough to know only how to attack. Allison looked down for a second. No need to punish yourself for not knowing that.

But, I should have realized that.

Remember the oath? We come into this assuming we know nothing. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about.

Allison felt a pout appear on her face. If you say so.

Allison watched Emanuel turn towards her and lightly shake his head. A pout? Precious, a smile is far more becoming on you. Now, watch what Kara does as I take the lead and attack. Kara’s arm moved to block each punch Emanuel aimed at her.

I think I get it. Does that work the same way for kicks?

Nope. Kicks get deflected away from the body. Although, with training you can learn to deflect or even step out of the way of attacks. Think you can try it?

Allison smiled. It looks easy enough. Allison looked at the large pad Ken was holding. Do I need that pad?

Allison watched him shake his head. That pad is too big for that kind of training. His finger pointed towards a smaller set of pads nearby. Those fit on your arms, and are much better suited for the job. Go ahead and grab them.

Allison walked over to the wall and grabbed the small arm pads, then made her way back to in front of Ken. She caught the slightest look of confusion on his face as he attempted to force a smile. “Are you ready Kenshi Allison?”

She smiled back, realizing just what he was confused about. He hasn’t picked up on our gift yet, has he?

Emanuel smiled at her. I doubt most of the people around us have picked up on our gift. Sensei’s probably the sole exception right now. Are you up for a little wager?

Sure. What are the conditions? “Yes Kenshi Ken.”

Allison felt a punch hit her chest. Pay a little more attention to his strikes. You’ll see the motion he makes when he’s readying a punch. I’ll tell you the terms after you finish with this. Allison focused all of her attention on Ken, and raised her arm as the next punch came flying in.

Yes! Got one! Suddenly, another punch landed right in her solar plexus. Allison doubled over for a moment. Ouch ... that actually hurt.

Allison stood back up and looked over at Emanuel. She watched him shake his head with a pained look on his face. Remember something precious ... when in combat or training never take your focus off of your opponent or partner. Just be glad that punch wasn’t at full strength.

Allison felt a look of shock appear on her face. That was pulled?

Yeah. Not well, but enough that it wasn’t the best he could have hit with.

“Are you okay Kenshi Allison?” Ken asked.

Allison breathed in and out a few times, then turned back towards Ken. “Yes Kenshi Ken. Please continue.” Allison resumed her footing as Ken did the same. Okay, focus on Ken. The next punch snapped towards her stomach, and moved the pad just in time. Only a few more, and he’ll be done.

Watch out precious. Sometimes Ken decides to be fancy and do the last few in rapid succession.

Okay. Ken’s right hand came flying in towards her stomach, and she quickly moved the pad into position. Suddenly, just as the right hand started to pull back, the left came flying in. Ahh ... this is what Manny meant. If I shift the pad just a little to the right ... got it! Allison smiled as Ken repeated this pattern two more times, slowly enough to give her time to move the pad into the proper position. Allison’s smile brightened as a surprised look crossed Ken’s face.

Uh-oh ... Ken shouldn’t have done that. Sensei is standing up and heading towards you two.

Do I need to do anything?

Not until he gets to you. Just remain respectful and bow towards him like you did to Ken.

“Kenshi Ken, that was a very disrespectful thing you just did. Maybe your old partner was used to it, but a new partner demands care until you are used to each other.” Allison watched Ken bow with his head hung low.

“Understood Sensei.”

The Sensei turned towards her. “Kenshi Allison, you did very well in blocking those punches. However, I feel it unfair to ask you to continue today with a partner who does not understand the caution one takes with a new partner. Therefore, I will end the lesson early today. I hope you will return and learn more with us.”

Allison smiled and bowed. “Thank you Sensei. I will definitely return another day.” Allison’s smile broadened as the look of worry left the Sensei’s face. He turned once again towards Ken.

“Kenshi Ken, as your action reflected poorly on yourself and this dojo, I feel an apology is called for towards Kenshi Allison. Understood?”

Ken bowed with his head low again. “Yes Sensei.” He turned towards her. “Kenshi Allison, I should not have treated you as if you were my last partner. I am deeply sorry and ask your forgiveness.”

Allison’s smile brightened even more. “I accept your apology.”

“Very well Kenshi, you may all leave. Kenshi Ken, I would like you to stay behind so I may discuss something with you. Kenshi Allison, the shower room is in the back of the changing area.”

Now what sweetheart?

Reverse the process we did coming in. Bow when we’re at the curtain, then step through.

Emanuel

Emanuel glanced again up at the clock in entrance hall. It’s a good thing Sensei allowed us to finish early. She’s been in that shower for a half hour now.

“Finished actually”. Emanuel turned around and couldn’t believe his eyes. He attempted to open his mouth, but somehow couldn’t. A huge smile crossed her face. “Speechless huh? Mom was right about this one.”

“She certainly was. You look gorgeous my precious.” Emanuel looked again at the dress Allison was wearing – a sleeveless, full length, skin tight black dress that managed to show just enough cleavage to catch his eyes.

“You mentioned a wager earlier?”

Emanuel looked quickly at the clock again. “I completely forgot what I was going to propose earlier. Besides, we should be on our way – we’re due to meet Emily and Tony in fifteen minutes.”

“Best not to keep them waiting then. By the way, you look very handsome yourself.”

Emanuel felt himself blush a deep red. “Thanks.” He smiled and grabbed Allison’s left hand with one hand, and his duffel with the other. They smiled, and started towards the door.

“Manny? Do we need to ride the bike there? I don’t know how comfortable I’d be riding like this.”

“Not at all. We can make it there in ten minutes walking. I’ll just need a moment to secure the bags in the basket. Give me a second, okay?”

“Okay.” Emanuel turned towards the bike and carefully loaded both bags into the basket, then reached into his bag. Now where is that spare rope? Right, in the front pocket. Emanuel took the rope, folded it in half and fed the folded end through the handles of the bags. Now, it goes under the bags and through the basket, then back around and through the bight. Pull tight, feed each end under it’s nearest side and finish with a square knot.

He smiled. “Perfect.” His eyes traveled quickly to Allison’s eyes, which were wide open in amazement.

“Where did you learn how to do that?”

“You know the town dock right?” he asked. She nodded her head. “The last two summers I worked there. Naturally I worked out by the boats a lot, and I managed to pick up a few tricks with ropes and knots.” He paused for a moment, than continued “Actually, I’m surprised you didn’t see me there.”

Allison looked down for a moment. “I haven’t been down there in years” she answered nervously. “Is there anything else you need to do?”

Emanuel smiled and grabbed the right handlebar of the bike. “Nope. Would you mind grabbing the other handlebar? I don’t know how steady I can keep the bike by myself.” A smile appear on her face as she did and started to walk. He smiled back and started to walk as well, finding himself lost in her eyes.

Suddenly he looked up and noticed the restaurant approaching. “We’re here already? Didn’t we just start walking a few minutes ago?” Allison asked, her face turning towards the awning.

His smile deepened. “Seems that way, doesn’t it? I’m just amazed we didn’t accidentally hit anyone as lost in the moment as we were.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s kind of hard to miss a pair of people walking a bicycle like you were” Tony quipped.

Emanuel spun around, face to face with Tony and Emily, less than a foot behind him. “When did you guys get here?”

“We’ve been behind you for the past ten minutes, trying to get your attention. Talk about being lost in lala land.”

Emanuel sighed lightly. “Fair enough Tony. Incidentally, you both look very nice.” He turned back towards the bike and started to undo the knot.

“Nice rigging job there. One question though – why didn’t you finish it off?”

Emanuel glanced back at Tony. “Why bother? That would have just created more work for me to do to untie it.”