“Well, it means a lot.”
“Anytime.” He smiled, jumping up to help Lily with her groceries. Allie scrambled to hide their empty plates. She didn’t want to explain the missing cake.
“Graham, it’s always nice to see you! Stay for dinner? We’re having lasagna.” Lily and Carson had a major soft spot for Graham.
“I never say no to food.”
“What’s this, Allie? You’ve got another boyfriend?” Carson said as he entered the room, grabbing plates to set the table.
“Seriously, Dad?”
“No, Mr. Carmichael, she has enough boyfriends already,” Graham said. “Besides, Vince would kill me if I even tried to make a move and Aidan’s already impatiently waiting in that line.”
“Graham!” Allie glared daggers as he dodged her not-so-playful punch.
“By the way,” Lily said as they took their seats. “Jin Jing called earlier today. You’ve been invited to go camping this weekend.”
“Camping?” She made a face at Graham, passing the salad to her mother.
“Did I forget to mention that? It’s sorta why I stopped by. We’re going up to the Canadian islands to do some, er—hiking and fishing.”
Allie continued to argue with him over dinner in a tone too low for mortal ears.
“Trust me, you don’t want to miss this trip.”
“But it’s freezing!”
“You’re so going.” He kicked her under the table for emphasis.
“Alright. Split the last piece of lasagna with me?” She winked.
~~~
“Chloe talks about you often.” Ming Lao said. “I know you’re probably more comfortable with Gregg and Naeemah, but I hope in time you’ll feel just as comfortable with Jin Jing and I.”
“I’m looking forward to training with you both,” Allie said politely. But if truth be told, Chloe’s mom scared the crap out of her.
“You’ve probably wondered why my appearance is so much different than before.”
“It’s odd, everyone looks younger, but they all still look like themselves.” The Ming Lao she met weeks ago was nothing like the gorgeous young woman sitting across from her today.
“In this, I am much more talented than most. I can alter my appearance more dramatically—even appear as a man if I choose. Now that you’re manifested, I could probably only influence you for a few moments.” Her rare smile was warm and inviting and it helped Allie relax.
“I can come across as a hard woman, Allie,” she said sadly. “Most young Immortals do not warm to me very easily and I find it extremely difficult to remember what life was like at your age. But, like Naeemah and my daughter, I am a natural born. My family life was very different from the life you’re learning.” Her obsidian eyes grew even darker.
“My mother and father are what we call Scholarly Immortals, a very rare and greatly respected breed. They do not possess the powerful gifts we do. Although they are strong and fast, their skills are more inclined to the world of academia.”
“My powerfully gifted nature was very unexpected and made for a difficult adolescence. For my parents and those like them, the focus of life is education and the pursuit of knowledge. Training, fighting, and honing skills are always of secondary importance.”
“As my first abilities began to emerge, I discovered I was capable of manipulating earth, an elemental talent which marked me as powerfully gifted. I felt I was a disappointment, but in time I realized my parents were proud of me, although they feared what my future would hold.”
“Eventually it became apparent that I needed more than my parents could provide and a distance formed between us. I began spending more time with my tutor, Jing Zong, a Buddhist monk who offered the training I desperately needed.”
“I have no doubt you worry about this very thing,” Ming said kindly. “Inevitably, you will grow closer to your Immortal family, but your mortal parents will always be an important part of your life. Trust that your bond with them is strong enough to sustain even this. And don’t be too hard on yourself for doing what you must.”
“That frightens me more than anything,” Allie admitted. “How can I remain close with my family when there is such a huge part of my life they can never know about?”
Or never talk about.
“Their ignorance will be a challenge, but it does not have to change your relationship unless you allow it. My parents kept me sheltered for a long time in a misguided attempt to keep me from the life they knew I would lead.”
Is that what they’ve been doing all my life? Sheltering me from all of this for as long as possible?
“As I grew older, I began to resent their stifling protection. I ran away from home when I was very young. During those years, I strayed so far from the woman I was, I didn’t think I could ever return, but my past shaped who I am today. I’m still me. Maybe just a little tougher and a bit more capable,” she said. “Hang on to that thought and take comfort knowing you’re still you.”
“I’m trying really hard not to lose myself in all of this,” Allie said.
“I know we’ve thrown a lot at you, but we really need to move on to today’s lesson. I have spent much of my life studying the martial arts in depth, and I can teach you a great deal in time, but we need to get you performing rather quickly. I hear you’re a graceful dancer, so we’re going to begin with an unusual style of French kickboxing that will allow you to draw from those existing skills. Today you begin your training as a Savateuse.”
“A Sava-whatsit?”
“A female Savate kickboxer.” Ming’s laughter sounded like bells. “The sport is comprised of many variations of four simple kicks and four simple punches; all very elegant in movement, but aggressive and powerful as well. It is an ideal place to begin. Within a few months you will master the art.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” Allie said.
“You might surprise yourself. Let’s move into the gym for a little demonstration and then we’ll get started.”
The airy room was adorned with thick green exercise mats and brightly colored walls. The domed ceiling was tiled with mosaics of the most spectacular Chinese mythological creatures.
“The first kick is called a Fouetté.” Ming paused to adjust a wooden dummy for the demonstration. Allie watched as she settled into a crouch, her movements careful and controlled. Whipping her right leg in a fluid arc, she connected her foot with the target with a loud thwack.
“The second kick is a chassé, which is a piston kick, landing your vital point strikes in rapid succession. The third is a Revers, or hooking kick, meant to throw your opponent off balance.
“The last is called a Coup de pied bas, meaning a low front sweeping kick with a backward lean.” She moved slowly through the form to demonstrate.
“These four kicks will become second nature to you, but the true beauty of the art is how you put it all together.”
“The first of four punches is a Direct bras avant. Ming Lao slowly demonstrated the open fisted jab. Allie watched as the fleshy part of her palm struck the dummy target.
“The second is the Direct bras arriére, a closed fisted cross punch using the rear hand. The third is a simple Uppercut which is a short, closed fisted jab leading with upward momentum.”
“The final strike is called a Crochet.” The movement seemed familiar to Allie as Ming twisted her body into a pivot, giving strength to the closed fisted hooking punch.
“Now watch as I incorporate speed with the simple forms.”
Allie saw it then—the reason Ming Lao chose this particular style of kickboxing for her. The complex combinations and familiar movement was something Allie could connect with. She felt a surge of confidence as she watched, feeling for the first time that she could actually do this.
“So, that is Savate, what do you think?” Ming asked.
“I like it.” Allie nodded. “It’s simple but powerful and not too intimidating.”
“Excellent! Practice the forms this week and be prepared to dive right i
nto sparring with Chloe on Saturday.” Ming ended their session with a formal bow.
~~~
Allie darted across the common room Thursday afternoon. She was late for her session with Jin Jing, but she had a very good reason. Her advanced art teacher kept her after class to discuss her work. Ms. Santini was going to help her get her portfolio college worthy and she’d lost track of time in her excitement. She just hoped Jin wouldn’t freak out about the after school meetings once a week.
She skidded to a stop at the entrance to his office and reached for the doorknob. The fine hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention. She took a cautious step into the empty room and exhaled in relief. At least he wasn’t waiting for her.
Her spine went rigid as she hung her jacket on the coat rack. Something was off. She whirled around, eyes wide with fright. Without a thought, she screamed, ducked the fist barreling toward her head and braced her right hand on the floor. Her body moved fluidly, pivoting just as she arched her left leg over her head, landing a swift kick to a strong, muscular shoulder. He toppled to the ground, roaring with laughter.
“What the frigging hell, Jin?” Allie’s heart raced in her chest.
“That was a perfectly executed scorpion kick!” He grinned as she helped him up.
“That what you call it?”
“Yeah, and you proved my point for today’s lesson.”
“What? Scare the crazy redhead half to death so she won’t ever be late again?”
“No, convince the stubborn redhead she’s a born martial artist. You reacted like a natural. Did Ming teach you that?”
“No. I’m really not sure where that came from,” she said.
“Instincts, kid. You need to start trusting them. I know it’s not easy.”
Sure you do. She’d heard a near constant flow of such encouragement these last weeks. Everyone thought they could relate to what she was going through, but they couldn’t possibly understand what this was like.
“Have a seat, we’re just going to chat for a bit. Did you get a chance to eat?”
“Yeah, that’s why I was extra late. I blew through a few drive-thrus on the way home.”
“Don’t worry, life gets in the way sometimes. Just don’t ever come to our sessions hungry. Text me next time, we can always meet later.”
“Um, this might be a regular occurrence.” She rushed through her explanation about the advanced art meetings.
“Allie, we will always encourage you to indulge in extracurricular activities. We’ll just meet an hour or two later on Thursdays. Just be careful not to take on too much.”
“Thanks, Jin.” She watched him rummage through his cleverly concealed mini fridge. He wasn’t what she would expect of an ancient Chinese man. He was beautiful, like a male model. Although of average height by modern standards, he was probably considered very tall when he was young. He was muscular with shaggy jet-black hair, golden skin, and his eyes were startling swirls of blue agate with flecks of citrine.
“Would you like a Coke?” he asked.
“Sure.”
“Ming insists on all organic foods at home, so I have to sneak the sugary carbs or I’d starve.”
“Secret’s safe with me,” Allie promised.
“My wife thinks I think she doesn’t know about my stash, but this is just a decoy.” He winked. “She doesn’t approve of my sweet tooth, but I’m a fan of moderation.” He was several hundred years old—maybe even a thousand, but training with Jin was like hanging out with a friend.
“Okay, let’s get started. Wait! We need Twinkies. Don’t tell Ming about those either.” He tossed Allie several golden cakes from a hidden cabinet beside the fridge. He finally settled down beside her with an entire box of contraband snacks for himself.
“What was that about moderation?” Allie giggled.
“Mortal portions? How do they not starve?” He finally settled down on the couch beside her.
“I’m sorry for ambushing you like that.” He grew serious.
“It’s alright.”
“I needed to see how you would react.”
“Did I pass?”
“With flying colors,” he said proudly. “Much better than I did when my mentor pulled the same trick on me just after I discovered I was Immortal.”
It took Allie a moment to understand what he was saying. “You didn’t know?”
“I did not learn of my immortality until I was seventeen years old—a full year after my Awakening.”
“What?” Tears welled in her eyes.
“I also grew up in complete ignorance. So I do know what you’re going through.”
Allie choked on a sob, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief that she wasn’t completely alone in this.
“It was a difficult adjustment, but once I accepted it, I was able to move on. I finally knew who I was. The revelation was an immense relief.”
“It’s weird,” Allie whispered. “Part of me hates what’s happened, but the other part of me feels like I can finally … breathe out.”
“It gets better, kid. I promise.”
“But you’re a natural born? Why did your parents keep it from you?” It seemed such a cruel thing to do to a child.
“I was raised in the palace nursery with the other royal children. I didn’t know my parents, the Emperor and Empress, until I was much older.”
“Emperor?”
“It’s a long, sad story. My parents weren’t exactly the most nurturing and loving parents a young, unwanted prince could have. But once I knew what I was, and I had a mentor to train me, I flourished, embracing the gifts I once suppressed. My gifts are rare. Much like my wife in her connection with earth, I have an intrinsic affinity with water. I am able to accomplish remarkable things through the element, but that is not my only skill. I am also capable of manipulating emotions, creating a rise in intensity or infusing a situation with tranquility.”
“However, the gift I’m most well known for is my ability to see statistics and probabilities as a tangible thing. I can see the mathematics and physics behind tactical maneuvers, which allowed me to influence the outcome of many battles, but these days it’s more useful in sports.” He winked. “I will share my experiences with you someday when we know each other better, but I wanted you to know I do understand what you’re going through and I’m here if you need me.”
“Thanks, Jin. I really needed to hear that.”
“Alright!” He clapped eagerly. “Now that we have established that you do know what you’re doing, it’s time to move on. We will begin your mixed martial arts training on Saturday with an Americanized version of Karate, which is traditionally an Okinawan, empty-handed combative art. We will concentrate on the key components of the art: punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes and open handed blows, grappling, restrictive wrestling techniques, throws and vital point strikes. By spring, you’ll move on to Kung Fu and this summer, Taekwondo.”
“I know we’ve had you hit the ground running and not given you much time to breathe, but I promise you’re doing exceptionally well. That perfect scorpion kick proved it. I’m going to give you an exceedingly rare break and let you go early today, but be prepared for a long session with me on Saturday.” He stood and bowed slightly, her cue that their lesson was over.
Saturdays were becoming the absolute bane of her existence.
~~~
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
“Where are we going?” Allie yawned as they pulled away from the dock late Saturday afternoon. She was exhausted from a long day of endless training and really wasn’t in the mood for camping.
“To our island,” Sasha said.
“You have an island? Like a whole island?”
“Just a little one.”
“Alrighty then. So what exactly is ‘camping’ code for?”
“We’re going to drop you off in the wilds of Ohio to see if you can survive on your own,” Aidan said.
“The wilds of Ohio?” Allie smacked him p
layfully. Only she hit him much harder than she intended, and he went tumbling into the icy water below.
“Aidan!”
Everyone laughed as Daniel maneuvered the boat around to fish him out of the frigid lake.
“I’m so sorry!” Her face flushed red with embarrassment.
“Th-that’s three, Carmichael!” he snarled as Ming Lao wrapped him in a blanket and sent him below.
“So what’re we really doing?” Allie asked sheepishly.
“We’re going to show off. Give you a little demo of what we can do,” Graham said.
“Can we do that here?” It was drilled into her immediately that secrecy was of the utmost importance and anything remotely Immortal-like should be contained to the underground.
“Our island is special,” Jin said. “Thanks to Naeemah’s eldest daughter, only family can see it.”
“Then how can I?”
“You’re family now, kid.”
It happened so fast, but these people really were like family and she was grateful for their guidance.
“We’re here!” Daniel announced.
Graham, Quinn, Daniel and Sasha took off running at full speed as soon as their feet hit the sand and they were soon a blur in the distance. A miraculously dryer Aidan shot after them. Allie was just about to join them when she noticed that Ming and Jin were walking with Chloe, who couldn’t keep up with the others yet.
“You don’t have to stay,” Chloe said.
“I don’t mind.” She could see how lonely and left out Chloe felt most of the time.
“Thanks, Allie!”
They trudged through the woods along the trail until they came to a cabin nestled in a clearing at the center of the island. Elevated on stilts over a wide rocky creek, it was small but luxurious.
“Someone should have mentioned the glamping part of this camping trip.” Allie flopped onto a comfy seat by the fire pit.
“Not so fast, kid.” Jin pulled her up and steered her toward the outdoor kitchen. “Everyone chips in to feed this mob.”
Dinner turned out to be a feast of hamburgers and hotdogs, and after they had all eaten their fill, they settled in for the evening’s entertainment. Aidan and Quinn were busy toasting marshmallows for s’mores while Graham prepared to demonstrate his gifts.
Immortals of Indriell- The Collection Page 14