Descent into Infinite Mysteries [REWRITE]

Chapter 10: Back to Basics

"Master Abraham...if you don't mind me asking...if you're going to train Misako and I...I would like to at least know what November did—"

Master Abraham raises his hand in the air, interrupting me.

"November committed a cardinal sin, and I have continuously paid the price for it by not executing him when I had the chance. There is no need to dwell on the past...mistakes were made...and the future has nothing but strife in store for us all."

Master Abraham pushes his chair back and stands up, staring at Misako and I.

"You two children shouldn't have to concern yourself with the mistakes of your elders...but when your elders fail, it's your job as the future generation to take up the mantle of protector. Right now...that means training as hard as you can to protect yourself, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of the Devils. We'll strike them down once and for all."

I can't just keep this to myself anymore. I need to convey my feelings to Abraham as well as Jimbo.

"I understand striking down November and the rest of the Devils...they've clearly committed horrible acts to deserve their fate; but not Drake."

I turn over to Jimbo, his stoic expression remaining as such.

"Like I said in that arena...it's not my legacy to kill Drake. He hasn't committed any 'sins'...the only thing he's done is be born into a terrible life. What he did against Misako wasn't right...but we stopped him before he did anything wrong. I refuse to kill him, it's not right. If Drake and I switched spots in our life...I can imagine myself being just as frustrated as he is. My father took his father's life...left him with nothing."

The air around the dinner table is thick. Misako messes with her hands, avoiding the conversation. Abraham grabs my attention as he begins talking again.

"Drake is...a preventative matter. He has the possibility to hurt innocent lives around him, especially with the company he keeps. November will groom Drake into becoming a monster, just like his father. If we all desire a better future, it will be better without Drake and November."

"Master..."

Jimbo holds up his hand, seizing the table's attention.

"Cain is right...I don't want him to be right, but he is. I would like to just bury all of our mistakes in the ground, but we need to be better. These are the consequences of us not following through. Drake wouldn't have grown up in this circumstance if you and I did our job better, if Joseph did his. We need to correct Drake's path...lead him down a better road."

Jimbo looks at me, giving me a solemn nod. Abraham sighs, picking up his cane.

"Don't make a fool out of me, Jimbo. Your pupils are the key...remember that. For now, clean up the table and meet me back on the mat. Lets do a quick sensing session on those two."

A shiver of invigoration slinks up my spine, causing my heart to race. I look to Misako and see goosebumps on her arm. We pick up all of the dishes from the table, setting them in the kitchen to soak after scraping the food off. Misako and I walk into the gym and fall in position on either side of the mat. Jimbo is watching alongside Master Abraham on the sidelines.

"Whatever fights you may have faced before now...have only been child's play. You won because of instinct...or perhaps the tenacity of your fighting spirit. Whatever the case may be, Misako, Cain...you are woefully unprepared for the path that lies ahead. You two have 6 days until the state tournament falls upon Miami, and the clutches of destiny grapple you both."

Is this the feeling of destiny crawling up my spine? The chill, my fingers twitching with excitement?

"There is not nearly enough time for you both to learn everything I know...but I shall attempt to fill you both with enough knowledge to give you an edge in combat. Are you ready?"