No Turning Back

Chapter Twenty: Self-Discipline

Takeo planted himself down by the makeshift watch-post. He had set up his post atop one of the buildings which looked out onto the fire pit and surrounding area. Looking down, he could see Kiana and Primis laying together - still embracing - as they caught up on some well deserved sleep.

Every so often, Dempsey would wander past Takeo's line of view; mumbling to himself and dragging his feet. Nikolai stationed himself on the steps that led up to the PhD flopper vending machine. He had been using the stakeout shotgun but he had longed for the Fn Fal. However, each trip to the box resulted in disappointment. All the points Nikolai had built up during the invasion of the theatre were now reduced to nothing.

Takeo breathed a deep calming breath. He steadied his breathing and released any tension he held in his body. With his famas machine gun beside him; he assumed the yogic lotus stance. His muscles felt fluid and relaxed and his face now looked serene.

In this meditative state; his senses became heightened. His eyes scanned the vistas - memorising every detail he saw. His ears honed in on every sound which was now magnified and discernable. From the mundane dripping of a leaky overhead pipe, Dempsey's heavy footsteps crunching on the gravel or the creaks and groans of the building as it swayed in the wind; each one could be honed in on and analysed.

Even Takeo's nose became a method of detection. Every smell that drifted along in the cool afternoon air flooded his nose as he took in the harsh abrasive smells of damp earth, rusting metal or acrid smoke. The aging iron facility even left a metallic taste in his mouth.

They may have been deeply unpleasant sensory experiences but the facility itself was just as unpleasant. What Takeo was really doing was extending his metaphorical roots throughout the facility. Every little quirk and nuance was noted as he built up a map within his mind.

As a young boy growing up in a small village in the Kyoto Prefecture; Takeo had become accustomed to being outdoors. When his father took him and his three brothers hunting; the young boys were schooled in the predatory arts. Being out into the woods with only a wooden bow and arrow had been overwhelming for Takeo at first. The youngest and smallest of his siblings; he struggled to keep up with the pace of the others.

He would try his absolute best to become a better hunter but, despite his best efforts, they were always in vain. This left Takeo feeling frustrated as he constantly chastised himself about the dishonour he brought upon his family.

His father was a cold, distant man who saw more value in muted emotion and tempered discipline. He was all too aware of Takeo's lack of progression and it concerned him deeply. He felt ashamed to bring Takeo along on hunts lest they meet a fellow villager and his - much abler- sons.

The traditions and values he tried to instill in his sons had been passed down throughout the generations. He owed his wisdom, self-sufficiency and honour to his ancestors. And it was a debt he believed he could never truly repay.

So it was incredibly disconcerting that - no matter how hard he tried to teach him - Takeo could never rise up to the challenge and take up the mantle of his ancestors. And it would mean that his children would be as feeble and dishonourable as he was. The historic legacy of his ancestors would die with him.

Takeo's mother also shared the same concerns as his father. She was a small quiet woman who spent most of her time tending to the garden and the house. Particularly in his early years, Takeo would long for affection from his mother. She never showed it to any of her children yet they never seemed bothered by this. But for Takeo; it felt alien and isolating.

However, it did not take long before he realised that the attention he desired would never be given to him. So instead, he tempered his mind and body to withstand even the harshest feelings and sensations. When the rainy season swept through the land; Takeo would sit outside - in no more than a shirt and shorts - and subject his body to the freezing rain as it pelted him.