One Week Later
Aiko didn’t like it, but she did as Auntie Paige commanded. Whether it was scrubbing floors or being asked to parse through endless volumes of philosophy. A particular emphasis was placed on Pythagoras’s work. Aiko hated anything that drew her further away from her martial arts training rather than the learnings of an ancient philosopher.
“You need this information to help you in life.”Paige said.
Aiko did her best to learn the material, but found it dense and boring. When Aiko asked if she could read The Art of War by Sun Tzu, she wasn’t unprepared for Paige’s indignation display.
“The work by Sun Tzu is my philosophy that I identify with?” Aiko said.
“Pythagoras’s teachings are much more practical for your path.”
Has she predetermined my path in life?
“I will follow the warrior’s way,” Aiko said.
Paige gave Aiko a murderous stare.
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"I will not allow my youngster to learn about the art of killing when she should be focused on the finer things like mathematics, music, and the purification of your soul," Paige said, as she threw a bible toward Aiko.
The tome fell just short of hitting her bare feet. Aiko took a step back.
So, she’s going to whip me into submission, eh? We’ll see.
Aiko picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. It was well-worn and marked up. There were many dogeared pages and marked up.
“Read the entire First Testament by tomorrow, and we’ll discuss how it relates to Pythagoras’s important work.”
“I think I know the answer to that,” Aiko said.
Page perked up; Aiko thought she detected a hint of a smile on her overlord’s face.
“I’m eager to hear your response, child.”
“Well, I don’t believe that anyone it relates to any of his work. It may regard religion and maybe harmony, but that’s it. At least Sun Tzu will teach me something I can use in life,” Aiko said, tossing the tattered book onto the sofa.
Moments later, Paige loomed over her like a viper waiting to strike. Then she did. A wave of prickly needles enveloped her face as Paige’s hand slapped her. The motion knocked young Aiko to the floor. A single defiant tear streamed down her face.
“Uncle will not like what you’ve done.”
“How is he going to know? You’re not leaving this house until you learn some respect. Now go to your room. There will be no supper tonight.”
“Good, I don’t want your filthy slop."
“Go!” Paige commanded.
When Aiko didn’t leave quickly enough, Paige kicked her like she was a common gutter rat.
Aiko retreated, tears running across her face like rivulets of salty water.
I’m leaving—tonight!