Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty training room. Kai walked in, feeling as though he were moving through a dream. His training partner, the legendary Sensei Ito, was nowhere to be found. A note was taped to the dojo wall, the paper slightly yellowed with age.

"You are ready, Kai. Go forth. – Ito." Kai ran his hand through his hair, the gesture lacking its usual energy. He felt a heaviness in his limbs, a reluctance to begin his daily practice. The familiar routine, usually a source of comfort and strength, now seemed a daunting, almost impossible task. He looked at the empty mats, and his spirit felt… subdued.