Chapter 58 Thawing out? (1/2)

Kyle managed to reach Master Shifu's place easily. However, one look at him and Master Shifu started knocking him on the head with his cane. Kyle didn't really feel any pain, as Zen mode muted such sensitivity - which was probably why Master Shifu was really having a go at it.

”What's up with you, you brat?” he shouted at Kyle and knocked on his head a few more times before he stopped, ”That small escape from the dorms and you're in Zen Mode?”

Kyle turned it off and immediately felt the residue of pain on his head and the normal feeling of weakness after.

”You're in no state of mind to do any training today,” Master Shifu said, ”In fact, take the whole week off until you settle what it is that is bothering you. For now, just do the normal exercises and go back.”

Kyle nodded and sat down, crossing his legs while rubbing his head. He was so lost in thought that he jumped a bit when he felt strong hands on his head, massaging it. Kyle let down his arms and let Master Shifu do his magic.

”Kyle,” he said softly, ”It's been nearly 7 years now that I've been teaching and training you. I have never asked the reason for it, nor have I ever questioned it. I am not asking now but I am asking you...”

Kyle held his breath, as he listened intently while Master Shifu gathered his thoughts, ”Are you sure?”

”Yes, Master Shifu,” Kyle replied immediately, ”My revenge is not yet complete and until then, I do not dare slack. I do not know if my path is required, but I do know that I would regret it if I am unable to fight when needed.”

”Then, what about after your revenge is complete?”

”When that is done, only then will I think about it,” Kyle replied resolutely. Kyle truly did not know if he really did need such specialised skills, but he wanted to be prepared at all cost. Being strong also exhilarated him, for he had been so weak before. He was in control, even if he did not know what the future held for him. All he knew is that he had to be strong.

Well, he also had to admit that he felt really good when he could beat up people. Sometimes Kyle wondered if that aspect of him had always been there, or was it only after he was reborn? What would he have been like, if he had lived life differently before?

Master Shifu finished his massage, and patted Kyle on the shoulders. ”Go. I want you to rest, but do not slack on your exercises.”

Kyle stood up, bowed in respect and left swiftly. Master Shifu's question made him think again about the path he had set out for himself and he was grateful for it. Grateful, for it ignited his passion again. Being reborn wasn't as peachy as what the novels he read before seemed to indicate. Yeah, sure, there was the whole 'get more powerful' and 'improve yourself' part ... but it neglected to cover the fact that his past was the past while he had a life in the present. Then again, his situation was unique, he supposed. Those novels only talked about going back in time of their current lives, or they were reborn in a completely different life/world.

He shook his head, concentrating on the path ahead. He was thinking too much lately, and it was most likely because he didn't have Kay at the moment.

**--**--**--

Kay was in no hurry to execute her plans.

Since she could not use the Operation Honey Trap that had been planned before, she had to make an entirely new plan, taking into account that she had managed to initiate the first contact with Jason. She also had to include the Elite Five variables and the roles Sarah and Sophia were to play. One thing she had learned from Kyle was that each plan must be laid out as much as possible, and to go through it several times.

She renamed the Operation simply as ”Operation Kay”. It was sort of a sign for her. A new beginning. It wasn't just that the operation was to get to know the LaSelle boys, but it was an operation for her to come out of her shell. To be more specific, out of Kyle's shadow.

This was the first operation she would be conducting solo. From start until finish, there would be no Kyle and there would be no input from Kyle. Kay needed to make sure that this plan was perfect so that she could then shove it into Kyle's face at the end of it. With a smug, satisfied look. Just the thought itself made her all giddy and happy.