There comes a time in every person's life, where they must walk the road or path towards what they want to do with it. Some may have already had an idea while others wait till they've become to old to think about the future. I am the former.
There are also moments when parents must let their children go, because none of them are supposed to be under their wing forever. This is that moment.
8 years have passed and I have learned every useful thing I possibly could. Whether through my academics or martial arts. My final test, is a sparring session to see the fruits of my labor.
My whole physique has changed tremendously. I am taller now but definitely not 6 feet, my muscles bundle around my torso leaving an always prepared for action look. My arms look like tree branches, certainly big enough to contain power. To be honest, every part of my body looks like it has reached that level.
I stand at the entrance of the Morisawa Ryu, dojo. I inhaled and exhaled slowly then opened the door.
"Sotaro, glad to have you join us. Today will be your final test where you must have a match against me and your father. Ok?"
"Understood."
"Get dressed."
As my body under went change. A new dogi was created to accommodate for my growth in musculature and stature.
The sleeves of this new dogi were shortened for a more comfortable fit around my shoulders and just like my father's, the emblem of the forest on the front.
I put it on and stepped in the middle of the sparring area. I noticed both of my parents surrounding me.
I see... So I am going to be attacked by them at the same time. Well this is going to be a little difficult.
I took another breath and almost immediately they charged me.
Father threw a roundhouse towards my body and my mother did the same on the opposite side, forming a pincer. They must think I am going to dodge by jumping so I'll just do this. I backstepped their strikes, leading to their legs smashing against each other. *Boom
Both looked rather stoic, like the damage meant nothing to them.
And as if reading one another's mind, they moved in unison, expertly switching their positions. And in response, I front kicked toward the middle of their transition. Leaving a piercing impact in the stomach for mom. She may have been hit but she is definitely not out.
Sparring with family takes a lot of time to get used to, especially when its this serious.
A right hook entered my peripheral view. Closing in on my head. I rolled it and countered with a right hook to the stomach. But I knew just like with mom that even that, wouldn't be enough.
This time I rushed them. Angle my left foot and thrusted it towards Dad's side, hitting the liver and at the same time contorted by upper body to land an uppercut on Mom's stomach.
Both of them stunned, brought down one knee. This is it, right?
"Ungghh!" I was hit suddenly, just when I had thought that I had already won.
Mother leaped into the air.
And Father kicked me in my calf. The pain was enough for me to start hunching over.
I moved with the hunch, tilting over and dropping my elbow on his foot. He won't be able to maneuver the same way.
*Poof
While I was busy. Mother landed behind me.
I spun around and threw a side kick and she did the same. *PSSHOWW
Clashing in the process. Her timing was just better than mine which is why I was pushed back a little.
Both of them had finally relaxed. I was just awaiting a few words from them to know if this match was enough.
"Well son, how did you like this spar of ours." Father said as if he knew I would have been confused at the start.
"Well If I had to describe it I guess I'd... say it was rather surprising? I didn't expect both of you to attack me at the same time, it was clear to me could that you both work well together."
Both of the looked at each other and grasped hands and looked at me. "Of course we do, we've been together for many years and know each other in and out! That's what love, is all about! They replied, in an almost childlike tone.
On the way back home, we stopped by a park and just sat down to enjoy the scenery. Many other people had done the same thing.
This place seem like a good place to come back to.
I think that I'm ready to begin my journey. It will likely be a long one, I may come across strong opponents possibly even some who live on the crueler side of life. But I will not become like them, I will be a man whose strength does not come from malice.