by S Mays
“I thought you said we’d begin my training this morning.”
“It’s morning, isn’t it? You expected push-ups and jogging?”
“I…wasn’t ready.”
“Do you believe a banshee is going to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you are ready? You must be ready at all times. Sleep lightly. That is a skill that will save your life more than you know.”
“May I ask what the two of you are talking about?” Bilford asked, peering over his paper.
“I bound Jessica this morning while she was sleeping,” Faith said.
“Ah, I see,” the old man said, shaking his paper to straighten it before he began reading again.
Jake looked as if he was about to speak, but Faith cut him off. “Recall, I have full domain over the girl now. My methods will seem harsh and unorthodox to you, but on this I outrank even you, Overseer. My authority is absolute over my trainee.”
“I was…just going to ask if you could pass the sausage,” he said sheepishly.
“Oh. Here,” she said, handing him the plate.
It was clear to Jessica that no one was going to come to her aid, and she had a feeling this incident was nothing compared to what was going to come.
***
Faith spent the first day testing Jessica’s combat prowess, strength, and stamina. She seemed mostly satisfied. “I believe we can safely move to stage two of the training. Bilford and Jake have done a fair job of teaching you. Your chi abilities are behind where they should be, but Bilford has never been very good at chi manipulation. He relies on his magical abilities too often. Talented magic users are some of the laziest people you will ever meet. There aren’t many of them left, but they all share that common trait.”
Jessica had never heard her grandfather being referred to as lazy. It did seem appropriate, however. She’d never seen him do any physical training whatsoever, other than walks through the woods. He also had very little chi ability. When you could call down a meteor on your opponent, squats probably seemed like a wasted effort.
“Your physical training has been exemplary. You have sufficient strength and stamina. Your father has done a fine job. I hear you train by yourself as well.”
“Yes. I usually train in the gym five days a week on top of my training with Father.”
“Excellent. That allows us to skip ahead months.”
“Exactly what kind of training is this going to be?”
“I will hone your body, your spirit, and your mind. Your body and spirit form the edges of the blade. Your mind is the point. You are most deadly when all three are razor-sharp.”
“May I ask who trained you?”
“If you pass your test, I may tell you who trained me. Now, let us begin with a jog through the forest.”
“Yes, Mas — Faith.”
They jogged side by side through the forest. Jessica focused on her breathing and movement, attempting to remain as efficient as possible.
“At any moment, you must be ready to act. You are focused on one plane of existence. The physical. By the end of this training, you will be operating on two. It’s good you are in tune with your body, but while you focus on that, you are vulnerable to attack. Your body’s actions must be automatic. You must train it to operate at optimal efficiency without your input or thought. Your mind must be focused on the world around you. How many animals are within two hundred meters of us?”
Jessica looked around, attempting to spot any woodland creatures.
“Too long. There are fifteen — now fourteen. How many have you spotted? One? Two? You should have noticed them all by now. By the end of this training, you will.”
Despite their quick pace, Faith had no trouble breathing and talking simultaneously.
“What is that squirrel going to do next?” she said, pointing at a tree to their left. It took Jessica a moment to see the squirrel.
“I believe it will —” she started, but turned to see Faith was gone. “Faith?” The woman had completely disappeared. Jessica searched the ground for a pit or tunnel. “Faith?” she said again, now worried. She searched behind several trees before Faith spoke from a few feet behind her, startling her.
“The squirrel is going to become my captive,” Faith said, holding out the small, frightened creature. “That was the answer.” She let the squirrel down gently. It scurried away.
“How did you…I don’t understand…” Jessica stammered. The feat seemed impossible. She had been gone half a minute, yet had somehow crossed the distance, climbed the tree, caught the squirrel and returned without Jessica noticing her.
“These are all talents a Stalker possesses. If you are to succeed, you must learn them. I believe you can learn everything I have to teach you in less than three years. You have a keen mind, a desire to learn and an inner strength that is rare. Are you ready to learn from me?”
“I am,” Jessica said solemnly.
“Know that this path could lead to your death. Some trainees die during training. Some die during the test. You are sure of your decision? No one else is coercing you?”
“No, I made this decision long ago. I was born to be the will of God on Earth.”
“Good. Let us begin in earnest.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
The blade missed Jessica’s head by inches. Her parry was slow. For the first time in her life, she began to question her use of a sword. Again, the blade rushed in, then three more times in a split second. Jessica tumbled over onto her back. She flipped back to her feet only to see the blade inches from her face.
“Don’t be so quick to rise. If it means you place yourself in danger, stay on the ground and fight from there. You will be at a disadvantage, but it can also result in an opponent rushing in to finish you, leading to their error. Use your foe’s strengths against them. Find a way to turn their physical structure, abilities, and battle techniques to your advantage,” Faith said, slinging her large staff across her shoulder.
Jessica grabbed a water bottle and a towel. “I don’t understand how I am supposed to combat your guandao with a sword. You have momentum, reach, and power on your side.”
“And you have agility and precision on your side. You must work your way in close and wait for an opening, or make an opening. You don’t always want to end a fight quickly. Sometimes drawing a fight out is the only way to win. In another hour, I would tire from the use of my staff, while you should have enough stamina left to finish me.”
“How would I know that?” Jessica asked.
“My body movements, my breathing rate, my chi reserves. You must monitor them all simultaneously.”
“I see.”
“Speaking of which: we need to focus on your chi skills. One reason you can’t match me is that I’m automatically enhancing myself with chi. Even when I’m not trying, a small amount trickles in. Once you enhance your spirit reserves, you’ll find the same is true for you.”
“We’ve been training for a year, and yet I feel I haven’t progressed at all in this area,” Jessica admitted.
“You have made progress. We have to wait for you to mature a bit. You won’t be able to bring your chi out until you are firmly in the midst of puberty. Speaking of which…”
Jessica paused, wondering what Faith was referring to. She then blushed, “Yes, it has begun. I did as you said and requisitioned the proper feminine products.”
“I can tell. You’ve been far moodier recently. Especially yesterday.”
“It…was not a good day,” Jessica said.
“It varies from person to person. Let me know if there’s anything you don’t understand or have questions about,” Faith said, smiling. “Some girls are late bloomers. When I was twelve, the boys called me Torpedo Tits.”
Jessica chuckled at the thought of anyone calling Faith a name as ludicrous as that. Then again, she could see where the name had originated. She looked down at her own chest.
“Like I said, some are late bloomers. Believe me, these can be a hassle in combat. Not to
mention, body armor wasn’t designed with these in mind. I’ve got to wear a special compression shirt when I’m wearing armor, and it is not comfortable,” Faith admitted. “Trust me, I’ve seen your mom. You will do fine in that area.”
Jessica thought back to the pictures of her mother on her computer. She had been breathtakingly gorgeous. Her thoughts again turned to the social media posts she perused almost nightly. She had to use an alias, a fake profile, and a realistic computer-generated image for her posts. The account was run through several proxy servers, so no one would ever know who she really was. Most girls her age posted pictures of social outings with their friends, family gatherings, or dates with their boyfriends. Jessica had few pictures like that. A few with her and her grandfather, or her and Sam. Pictures of her with her father were almost nonexistent. The only social interaction she had was through online accounts.
“You know, many Order members marry or end up in serious relationships,” Faith said, noticing Jessica’s pensive demeanor.
“I-I don’t care about such trivial things.”
“Of course you do. You are human, aren’t you? I’m not saying you have to. I’m just saying it’s not impossible.”
“I thought we were discouraged from having families or engaging in such…behavior,” Jessica said.
“Sure, but if you are smart, it can be done. Just don’t screw up your security clearance or bring an outsider into danger. You’ll be demoted, and your boyfriend will end up with his memories of you erased. Three years down the tubes.”
Jessica looked at Faith questioningly.
“Or so I’ve heard,” Faith said, blushing slightly. She changed the subject abruptly. “Enough chit-chat. Let’s start your chi exercises. I’m willing to bet you’ll be able to utilize a bit more spirit energy now. Assume the lotus position.”
Jessica folded and crossed her legs, leaving her arms across her knees with the tips of her thumbs and index fingers touching. She closed her eyes.
“Good. Now, focus on your breathing. Feel your life energy pulsing within you. Bring it forth. Visualize it flowing into your extremities.”
They had done this exercise daily for the past nine months, but Jessica felt no different than when they had started. What if she ended up like her grandfather, with no inherent chi ability? She wouldn’t have magic to fall back on, like him.
“Good! I can see the energy forming. This is very encouraging,” Faith said. She’d shifted her vision into the spectral realm, observing Jessica’s aura. Jessica felt a surge of hope at Faith’s words.
“And…now it’s gone. I shouldn’t have said anything. I distracted you. But this is good news. I knew it was your age that was holding you back. We can begin your spirit energy training in full now.”
***
Jessica sat unmoving as water poured over her body from the massive waterfall above her. The deluge pounded her small frame, but she was unaware of the pressure. Inwardly, she listened to her heartbeat. Her mind traced the flow of blood through her body as it moved. She could almost picture the chambers of her heart to her aorta. Concentrating, she felt this particular bit of blood move into her brachiocephalic artery. It flowed into her right arm. The water around her vibrated for a split second. She continued following the blood, feeling the energy it provided each subsection of her body. Again, the water stopped around her for a split second before falling again. Her mind raced as she attempted to follow different paths simultaneously, attempting to draw more power. The speeding thump of her heart intensified, increasing the speed of her blood. She frantically traced it, her mind moving faster. In turn, the blood flowed even faster. The water visibly went around her body for half a second. Again, she followed the loop to her arm. The unbidden image of Lyle’s severed arm flashed into her thoughts. Red-hot pain seared her mind as the water around her exploded. She slumped over into the pool.
“Jessica!” Faith shouted, dashing into the water. She gently scooped up the unconscious girl and laid her on the shore. She checked the young woman’s pulse as well as her spirit levels. Jessica groaned, grabbing her head as she woke.
“What the hell happened, girl?” Faith asked. “Your chi exploded like a bomb.”
“I-I lost focus, that’s all,” Jessica said.
“Lost focus? That’s not like you. If you’d lost any more energy, I might have had to start resuscitating you. You must be cautious. As women, our spiritual energy can reach dizzying heights.”
“What do you mean?” Jessica asked.
“Just what I said. Our chi potential is far greater than a man’s. We are capable of creating and nurturing life. That requires a staggering amount of energy. Are you sure you are okay?”
“It’s nothing,” Jessica said, struggling to stand.
“Your chi is like the water from the waterfall. It flows down each level, building momentum until it flows freely. You can amplify it through concentration. However, it can also be like a dam bursting if you build up too much power without control. If you expel the entirety of your chi at once, you’ll die. Feel your energy cascade through you, amplifying your power, then strike. Let it slice through your target like water through stone.”
“Cascade through me?” Jessica looked up at the gorgeous waterfall above her. The roar of the water overwhelmed her senses for a moment. The power of nature could dwarf even that of man. She thought of the other beauties of creation.
The silver necklace her father had given her a little over two years ago caught on Faith’s hand, causing Jessica to think of her mother’s picture. She wished she had known her mother better. Only sporadic images of her early childhood existed. They became less focused as she grew older, no matter how hard she attempted to save them.
Jessica noticed Faith was observing her. “I’m fine. Really.” She smiled to alleviate any concerns that Faith might have. Faith returned the smile, which caused Jessica’s smile to broaden.
Faith had been an excellent teacher over the past few years. Not just a teacher, but also a good friend and even a mentor. Jessica thought back to some of her questions about puberty and other embarrassing topics. She had been hesitant to bring them up, but Faith was extremely observant and could tell when something was bothering her. The Internet could provide information, but relatable knowledge through someone close was far more valuable. Her father had been instantly relieved when he tried to broach certain topics with Jessica and learned that Faith had already discussed them with her. It was amusing to watch his discomfort each time he felt obligated to approach her about something new, like shaving her legs or sexual intercourse. He had nothing to worry about on that front. The accelerated training program had consumed all of her time. Not that she was interested in dating. She had far more important matters to attend to — or at least that was what she kept telling herself. She and Faith had spent time out of town several times per year on missions, but they’d had fun on some of their trips as well.
Faith felt that Jessica needed to immerse herself in local cultures and society. It would be hard to infiltrate and observe if she were noticed easily. When Faith returned to the hotel room after her missions, she and Jessica would go out to food courts, clubs, and shopping centers. Jessica’s fake ID was impeccable (as were all Order documents), although most bouncers did not believe for a second that she was twenty-one. Jessica had filled out a bit in the past few years, but not that much. Faith was an excellent negotiator, either through force or bribery. Jessica learned quite a bit about skirting the law on these trips. Rarely were they turned away from their destination.
Although she couldn’t relate much to the people in the establishments, she did learn a lot about human nature and manipulation. On one particular trip, Faith had said that Jessica’s aptitude for subterfuge and deception was uncanny. Jessica had again thought back to Lyle’s twisted face of rage. The comment had been meant as a compliment, but it stung. She’d deceived those she loved.
Her thoughts returned to the present. Faith submerged herself in t
he heavy waterfall, running her hands down her long red hair. She was both gorgeous and intimidating. Jessica still feared fighting her when they trained. She wondered if her father and Faith had ever sparred. It would have been a battle of the goliaths, if so.
In a way, Jessica thought of Faith as both a big sister and even as a maternal substitute. She had confided things with Faith that she would never had told her father. Perhaps she could tell Faith what had happened that night.
“What’s on your mind?” Faith asked.
“I… Can I tell you a secret? Something that I’ve never told anyone else?” Jessica asked. She wondered if this was the right thing to do. Keeping it secret for so long hadn’t bothered her as much as she had thought it should, but perhaps it would help with the occasional nightmares or lapses in concentration she’d been having.
“Of course. We are friends. Do you have a secret crush on someone? It’s that young man you keep stalking on social media, isn’t it?”
“How do you know about tha — I mean, I don’t know what you are talking about,” Jessica lied.
“Of course I keep tabs on you. I’m responsible for your safety and training. I can’t have you running off with cute boys from online chat rooms, can I? I’d like to leave this place eventually, and I can only do that once you’ve passed your Stalker training. California beckons me. Not that Virginia isn’t nice, but I’ve had my heart set on Cali for years,” Faith said, then sighed, envisioning a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
“I…didn’t know that. I don’t appreciate the lack of privacy,” Jessica said coldly.
“Don’t worry. You know we are like family now. I won’t tell your father or Bilford. I understand life can be lonely in the Order. Believe me. What was it you wanted to tell me?”
Jessica paused before letting her terrible secret pour out. “I…killed Lyle. He died because of me.” She looked at Faith, not knowing what to expect. Faith stood unmoving for a moment before she smiled.