Part 52: Beach Life

Brendon closed his eyes, holding out his Kendo stance. Then he twirled up his sword, making it sing through the air. He swung it around at his airborne obstacles, he faced in his mind. The sword cut through the air, making a sweet hissing sound. The sword was old but Brendon knew it well. His father had trained him to use it. It was going to be Brendon’s job to train his younger brother but he was never interested. Is that when Brendon failed the family. “DUDE!” Seth called behind him.

Brendon stopped his sword play then looked to his friend. “I can’t tell you how damn cool you look doing that.” He laughed.

“Thank you.” The Asian smirked.

“Who taught you to use the sword like that?” Seth asked.

“My father. It’s been a tradition in my family for over 9 generations.”

“That is freaking amazing.” Seth was flabbergasted, “So in the truest sense . . .you are a Ronin.”

“Yes. I suppose that could be called truth.”

“Dude, can you teach me?”

“No,” Brendon replied.

Seth blinked. He wasn’t expecting him to say that, not to mention the way he did it without hesitation. “Why, Brendon?” he asked, “Please don’t tell me it’s because I am white.”

“Seth, please, it’s nothing personal,” Brendon walked over to him, “It’s just that as being a teacher goes, I am not worthy.”

“You look worthy to me.” The young man shrugged.

Brendon stared at him. He couldn’t tell if he was serious about learning the Kendo sword play or just because they all had no idea how long they were going to be on this island and if it was a way to keep from being bored. Perhaps, it was also a way to keep them from going crazy. The young Asian man then walked back toward his case. He popped the lock once again, then reached in and pulled out a Kendo stick sword. It was a long oak carved stick, shaped like a sword. He then tossed it to Seth who caught it immediately. “All right, man,” Seth laughed.

“Hold it, Seth. There is a price for my tutelage.” He said, sheathing his sword back into it’s hilt.

“Price? What price?” Seth said, confused.

“When I believe the training is over, you will repay me for training you by telling this little bit of your past that you are afraid to reveal to me. The one where you believe I find you stupid.”

Seth smiled, “All right. Then I have a counter proposal. I’ll tell you that, plus if you think I am worthy of the sword, you’ll tell me about what’s being the “I’m not fun” statement.”

Brendon held up his sword, sheathed in it’s hilt. “Agreed.” He smiled.

Brendon then began to train Seth on how to use a sword. He made him widen his stance, and he had to control his breathing. He couldn’t swing the weapon in two strikes, it had to be one fluid motion. They continued on, as the Asian man made his friend copy his movements to a tee.

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“Hey, McKay!” John said, walking to his Australian friend.

“Yeah, mate?” he said.

“I need to borrow your flash light.”

McKay reached down into his knapsack and pulled out the device. As he handed it to him, his face reflected his curioustiy. “Where are you going, John?” he asked.

“Mia and I are heading up into the valley a little further. We won’t make it back by nightfall, so we’ll have to camp out there.”

“You know what you doing?” McKay said, arms crossed.

“Yeah, sure,” John said, putting up the best front that he can.

“Okay then, mate,” McKay hit him on the arm, “if you are not back by tomorrow afternoon, I’m coming to look for you.”

“Thanks, man,” John said, walking back to his camp.

The archer bent down and picked up his quiver, placing it across his neck. He massaged his finger tips, as he was usually accustomed to firing his bow with his glove on. But the glove remained in his case, which was still missing. He sighed, wondering if he’d ever find his own bow.

He saw Mia waiting by the entrance to the wood for him. He walked over to where Tony was sitting with Marita. “Hey, guys,” John smiled, “I am heading up the valley with Mia to look for more stuff. If I am not back by tomorrow afternoon, McKay said he’d already come looking for us.”

Tony wiped his mouth from the banana he was eating, then stood up. “If you don’t come back, John, I’ll join McKay in looking for you.” He said.

“Thanks, Tony.” John smiled.

The blind doctor felt for his friend’s shoulder, placing it gently there. “Promise me, John. You won’t do any thing stupid,” Tony whispered, “If you see the monster, or the bears, please don’t be brave. Run.”

“Don’t worry, Tony,” the archer laughed, patting his hand, “Have I let you down yet?”

“No but I’ve only known you for nine days.” The blind doctor replied.

The two friends embraced and quickly parted. John playfully messed up Eddie’s hair as he walked past him. Marita turned to see John and Mia then began their trek into the woods. Tony sat down next to her. She smiled, playing with his hair. “He really cares for you.” She smiled.

“He needed a friend. I was more than happy to oblige him.” The blind doctor smiled.