Descent into Infinite Mysteries [REWRITE]

Chapter 10: Back to Basics

I help Abraham back onto his feet, and he grabs his cane.

"Become my pupil, and I will help hone your strength. If you think this is the peak of your abilities...you have much to learn."

"I'll follow you, for now."

"Then it's settled. You'll be my student, and I will be your master. Please refer to me as such."

"Master Abraham, do you really think we can change fate?"

He sits there for a second, before nodding his head.

"We change fate every day by merely existing. We stoke the eternal flame of life with our decisions, adding our kindling to the bonfire. It'll be your choice, whether or not to snuff the flame of someone else. Hopefully...you'll make the right decision."

"I'll do my best, Master. What's the next step I have to take?"

"You're still green. I will teach you how to master the tempo of combat. Mastering the basics of martial arts is no easy feat...but after you do that, I will bestow upon you what I know of the Zodiac's styles of combat."

"I won't let you down, Master Abraham. I promise."

Uncharacteristically, he looks at me with a smile. This will be a long journey, but it will all be worth it in the end...I'll make sure of it.

Chapter 10: Back to Basics (Cain POV)

My consciousness fixes itself back into reality as I gasp for air. I need to ground myself...where am I?

I look around and see I'm in bathtub, alongside the various shampoos and body washes, and a rubber duckie on the far end of the tub.

"Thank god...I'm still here. I experienced another memory from you dad...you really wanted me to see that?"

There's a few pieces missing...but dad's journey and mine aren't so different. I'll do what you couldn't...I'll protect everyone and secure a better future for us all!

Loud knocking echoes throughout the bathroom, diverting my attention.

"Dinner is ready! I have a fresh set of clothes for you outside the door!"

Master Abraham shouted through the door, then walked away. I quickly dry myself off with a clean towel on the countertop, and sneakily grab my clothing from outside the bathroom. Instead of a plain t-shirt and jeans, Master Abraham gave me a short sleeve with a graphic design on the front, and some joggers. I slip on my clothes and look in the mirror.

"Hm...the writing is a bit cracked, but it says...'World Fighting Champion of 2012' This must be...dad's old shirt!"

I walk outside and into the dining room where everyone is already sat at the table. It's like the table I used to have...it could seat about 8 people, but we're all sitting across from each other.

"How was your bath, Cain? Feel rested?"

Misako's warm smile graces my vision as I sit across from her. Jimbo is next to her, and I'm next to Master Abraham. I look at the table and see that we have a simple meal of pan-seared chicken with rice and broccoli. This is basically what I made for lunch to take to school whenever mom didn't cook for me, except there's a good smelling sauce over the chicken.

"Yeah. I learned quite a bit while I was in there...I feel ready."

"You learned a lot...in the bathtub?"

Misako's puzzled question causes Jimbo to point his knife at me.

"What sort of funny business are you doing in master's bathroom!?"