Lorraine missed the blade. It gave her a thrill, a sensation she had never felt before. While it was heavy, and her movements would’ve made any experienced swordsman shake their head in disappointment, she desperately wished to wield it. She felt powerful, invincible. It gave the 16 year old girl the strength to defeat what had been their family’s Buddha statue. Given that the thing was a strong, hulking abomination, the fact she destroyed it was an accomplishment in her eyes.

Of course, her family didn’t know that. All they knew was that she played around with a real weapon and somehow destroyed most of their monastery. She had to tell them that’s what happened. The truth was more unbelievable than the lie. And because of it, she would probably never get to wield that weapon ever again. It was a tragedy. Lorraine got up from her bed and stomped to the corner of her room, picking up the kendo sword that leaned against the wall.

It was light. Too light. She swung it. It was nothing like the real thing. It was like holding a BB gun after having shot a real rifle. The only consolation was that she impressed her club members after school, her speed having drastically increased. At least her parents still allowed her to do kendo, otherwise her life would’ve consisted of going to school, then immediately coming home to study. It would’ve been a life slightly better than prison. She swung the kendo sword a few more times, mulling over her fate when she heard a knock at the door.

“Lorraine you have a visitor.”

It was her father’s soft voice. It always sounded so timid when compared to her mother’s.

“I do?”

“Yes. It’s your ugh…martial arts club advisor?”

“It is?”

Lorraine put down her sword, quickly checking herself in the mirror to ensure she was presentable. Her black hair was in a tight ponytail and she wore a red t-shirt with a depiction of a samurai on the front. Her black pants were slightly too big for her but it was too late to change. She was in loungewear and hadn’t been expecting guests. In fact, her parents forbade it which only made this more confusing. She left her room, seeing her father talk to a man in the hallway.

Her father was in his abbot attire of a large red robe which wrapped around him like he was covered in a large bedsheet. He was a small man, so small even Lorraine was taller than him by at least 2 inches. She saw the back of his tan bald head as he conversed with a man she hadn’t seen before. The man looked like a Hollywood producer. Persol Ratti sunglasses covered his eyes while his body was adorned with a thin brown coat with a black shirt underneath. His black slacks looked firmly pressed and he playfully ran his hand through his dirty blonde hair. The stranger noticed Lorraine and smiled.

“And there’s my star pupil.” he said as Lorraine joined them.

“Lorraine, why didn’t you tell me about t-this tournament that's happening in New York?” her father asked.

Lorraine looked at her father, then at the stranger. The man slightly pulled his sunglasses down, giving her a wink.

“Ugh, yes. I-I ugh….”

“She wanted to surprise you!” the man answered. “She was like ‘Sifu Ramos, please don’t tell my parents. They’d think I have enough on my plate. But if I do really well, that’d prove to them how capable I am.’ Now as a teacher, I was hesitant to do so but she gave me those puppy dog eyes of hers. You know how kids are.”

“Y-yes.” her father said, giving her a glance. “I’m very surprised. However I can’t say I’m pleased my daughter hid this from me.”

“Hence why I am here! I’m here to sing your daughter’s praises so you'll allow her to go on this tournament our school is participating in. You know, parental consent and all that. Kendo is a martial art. Just because there's a wooden sword involved doesn't mean the end goal of self improvement isn't the same. That's what martial arts is, self improvement by harnessing one's skills. She's one of the best and I believe she'll grow a lot from the experience."

“I don’t know. She's in trouble at the moment and it could be dangerous.”

“There’s plenty of protection! Tons and tons of pads. It’s not like The Karate Kid. No one is going to break her leg. If they do, I’ll break both of theirs, I swear.”

Lorraine’s father pursed his lips and narrowed his eyebrows. Lorraine herself caught on to what was happening. Clearly this was Rama’s teacher. What his end goal was however eluded her.

“I’m sorry Mr. Ramos but I cannot in good faith-”

“Winner gets a 12 thousand dollar scholarship.” Sifu Ramos said.

Her father’s eyes lit up.

“Oh my. On second thought, maybe I will. Lorraine, you know you’re still in trouble but I’m making an exception for this tournament since it’s a part of your school activities.”

“Yes father.” Lorraine replied, still unsure of what she was getting involved in.

“Now, your daughter tells me you’re a collector of weapons.” Sifu Ramos said.

“Why yes I am! I’m quite the historical buff you see.”

“Excellent! Mind showing me? I too am a fan of weaponry.”

He gave another wink to Lorraine. Her father nodded, motioning for Sifu Ramos to follow him. While he led Sifu Ramos to his collection, Lorraine got alongside the spectacled man.

“You’re Rama’s teacher right?” she whispered.

“Not just his teacher, yours too.” he replied with a smile.

“Ugh right. What’s happening?”

“We're going on a trip. I’m taking Rama to some people who will help stop these otherworldly visitors. I’ve been told you’d be interested in coming along. You are, aren’t you?”

She remembered the damage caused to her home, the attempts on her life. He shouldn’t have even asked. She vigorously nodded.

“I like you already.” Sifu Ramos smiled. “Now, I want to see this Chi infused sword of yours.”

The katana was back in the display case, the glass having been repaired. It shone as brightly as ever. Lorraine wanted to break the glass all over again if it allowed her to wield it once more.

“This here is one of my prized possessions.” her father said, putting a hand on the glass. “It put a hole in my pocket but this blade is authentic. Its quality is remarkable, no sign of rust or decay. Isn’t that amazing?”

Sifu Ramos whistled, taking his glasses off to stare at the blade.

“She’s a beauty. How’d you get it?”

“There was an auction when I was in Japan for my religious studies. Once I saw it I had to get it. The wife certainly wasn’t happy when I came home with it instead of the groceries.”

The two men chuckled.

“Well I gotta give you credit, you sure know how to pick out a good weapon.” Sifu Ramos complimented. “How much are you willing to sell it for?”

Lorraine and her father were flabbergasted, looking at Sifu Ramos like he had gone insane.

“S-sell? I’m sorry but this blade is not for-”

“20 grand.”

Lorraine flicked at her father and saw he started to perspire.

“2-20 grand? Mr. Ramos I’m flattered but-”

“40 grand.”

“Oh my goodness!”

“I’m willing to pay any price. I need that blade.”

Lorraine’s father looked at the blade, at Sifu Ramos, then finally at Lorraine herself. Sifu Ramos clearly had intended to buy the katana from the start, and it must’ve had something to do with stopping the people after them. While it pained her she would never get to wield the sword again if their family didn’t own it, she was willing to sacrifice it for the greater good.

“Father, it's a good deal.” she said.

“I-I don’t know.” her father stammered. “Is it really-”

“45 grand.” Sifu Ramos offered, his face stern.

“O-ok sold!”

Her father took out a towel, wiping the sweat from his brow. This was huge. It was more than enough to fix the damages to the monastery and would even help pay for Lorraine’s college.

“I-I’ll be right back with the paperwork.” he scurried off, mumbling to himself.

Lorraine couldn’t believe what happened but Sifu Ramos looked calm, continuing to look at the sword.

“Why?” is all she could let out.

“The Chi coming from this weapon is palpable. We’re gonna need it. This thing is worth every penny.”

“Are you a swordsman?”

“Me? Nah, not in the slightest. This sword isn’t for me. It’s for you”

“What?”

“That’s right. We’re going on a dangerous trip. I’ll do everything I can to protect you but I’m gonna need you to be able to defend yourself. You have sword experience, we’ll use that to our advantage.”

“I can’t believe this.”

Sifu Ramos looked at her, putting his sunglasses back on.

“You better become a neophyte then.”

He stepped up to her, his expression becoming serious.

“However, understand what this means. You’ll be using a weapon. Weapons are tools made to kill. Are you willing to end another person’s life and live with that?”

Lorraine didn’t have an answer. She never thought about it. It should’ve been simple. It was kill or be killed. They tried to kill her so she should give them the same courtesy. Yet, her will faltered. Killing went against Buddhist practice. The thought made her stomach churn. While kendo was a martial art, she treated it more like a sport than true combat.

“I….”

Sifu Ramos laughed.

“I’m joking with you. Don’t worry young lady, you won’t have to kill anyone. Murder is not something a child should think about. If you get attacked along the way, just survive until I get there ok?”

Lorraine nodded when her father re-entered the room.

After signing some paperwork and a very generous check, Sifu Ramos was officially the owner of the katana. He held the blade sheathed, surprised by its weight. Lorraine led him out of the monastery as he conversed with her father. After a few more pleasantries, her father left, leaving the two of them standing at the monastery’s gates. Sifu Ramos smiled and handed Lorraine the blade. She held it with reverence, unsheathing the sword.

There was no glow this time. It was a bit disappointing on that front but she was happy to wield it regardless.

“You keep that hidden from your parents, you hear?” Sifu Ramos said. “I personally don’t know much about sword wielding but I have a book for you that should be a decent guide. Should get you to a good spot. Now your friends should be here any minute if they’re training right.”

“Rama and Jet?” Lorraine asked.

The man nodded.

“Got to train you kids before we head off on our roadtrip. We don’t have a lot of time but if you all work hard enough, it’ll be enough to keep you three alive in case I’m not there.”

In the distance they heard footsteps and heavy panting. They became gradually louder as Rama and Jet appeared, both drenched in sweat. They were adorned in yellow jumpsuits and stopped their jogging, ten paces away from Lorraine.

“Oh my god, I’m gonna die.” Jet breathed, falling onto his knees.

Rama was winded as well, putting his hands on his head.

“Yeah bro, this is rough.”

“It’s not just rough, I’m straight up not gonna make it. I’m sorry Rama, you gotta go on without me. Oh I see the light, here it comes.”

“You’re staring at the sun you idiot.” Lorraine told him.

“Oh….no wonder my eyes hurt.”

“Good job boys!” Sifu Ramos congratulated. “Now do it again.”

Jet sat up.

“What!? We just ran up this entire mountain!”

“Yeah it was great. Now do it again.”

Rama helped his friend up, but was clearly shocked himself.

“S-Sifu can’t we at least take a break? What does this even have to do with Kung Fu?”

“Everything.” he answered. “Now go.”

“Oh god no.” Jet whimpered.

Rama sighed, pushing Jet forward as the two ran away from the monastery. Lorraine watched on, pitying the boys.

“Well?” Sifu Ramos said. “Go with them. Training starts today.”

“B-But I’m grounded.” Lorraine pointed out.

“Not anymore. I’ll tell your father, now go make sure they don’t die.”

Lorraine nodded, running after the boys, leaving Sifu Ramos alone. He laughed to himself as he stared up at the bright blue sky.

“I am in so much debt right now.”