“Where do I start?” Chris Alan asked in excitement.

“Where else but the beginning?” Toa stepped back. “Show me what you have learned thus far.”

Chris Alan went into his Krav Maga style of fighting. “Attack!” Toa ordered.

With his left leg in the lead, Chris Alan began walking left and right in quarter circles using the flowing-water-like attacks of this style. Toa avoided all of them by stepping out of the way. Chris Alan followed him, using his natural perception to measure the distance, and used a palm strike to reach Toa. Toa stepped back, leaving the attack hanging, then slid forward with a palm strike of his own which caused Chris Alan to land on his butt. Toa walked over to Chris Alan and helped him up.

“That was not bad.”

“I didn’t even touch you!”

“It’s nice to see Blondie get some for once.” Slate shouted from the sidelines. Autumn punched him in the shoulder.

“Most would not be able to touch me; you did well just to follow me.” Toa waved off the victory as if it were nothing. “With the White Hand behind your style, I am not surprised that even Edwin found you a handful. I have learned much from you, young cub.”

“*You* learned from *me*?”

“Yes, young cub. For a Blademaster above all, battles should not be seen as victories and defeats, but as lessons.”

“I’ll take victories, thanks,” Slate hissed. Toa just smiled at the comment.

“Shall we begin?” Toa gestured with his hand.

“Yes, *Sifu*.” Chris Alan bowed.

“Good, now that you are all warmed up.” Toa paused. “Stand in that spot, in the center of the room.” Chris Alan complied. “Now spread you feet shoulder-width apart.” Chris Alan followed that instruction as well. “Bend your knees slightly and relax; keep your hands at your sides.” Chris Alan obeyed yet again. “Good, now stay there until I say otherwise.”

Toa sat down in his chair and ordered Abram to pull up the Codex, then sat there reading while Chris Alan stood in his assigned position. After half a Standard Hour, Slate and Autumn became bored and went outside leaving only Rafael and Amber recording the entire exercise. Another Standard Hour passed. By then Toa was eating a snack, but Chris Alan had to stand there doing nothing. His legs began to burn and feel a bit tired, but he held out. Yet thirty more minutes passed. Now Toa was writing something, and Chris Alan kept standing obediently in position.