The Black Dragon’s Foot drifted in orbit above a star shaped like flaming wings. It was here, Emberwing had whispered, that the final test awaited.
Alfie sat cross-legged in the training bay, his new Fire and Water Blades crossed in front of him. His red belt glowed softly, but Alfie looked restless.
“I know katas. I’ve done Shizuki Ich, Ni, and San a thousand times,” Alfie muttered. “But Emberwing keeps telling me I need more. What if I don’t have it?”
Just then, a small cluck echoed in the room.
Alfie turned. Cluckles, his space chicken companion, strutted into the dojo with his samurai helmet tilted slightly sideways. He bowed… and then, to Alfie’s shock, began moving like a martial artist.
“Wait… are you… teaching me?” Alfie asked.
Cluckles clucked proudly and nodded.
The Training of Cluckles
Cluckles demonstrated slowly, each move sharper and more precise than any chicken had the right to perform. Alfie copied, stumbling at first, but then found his rhythm.
- Heel Pick Self-Defence — Cluckles jabbed his claw down, twisting. Alfie mirrored it: a low sweep to catch an opponent’s foot and destabilize them.
- Uppercut — Cluckles stretched his wing up in a sharp arc. Alfie followed, punching straight up with force.
- Close Punch & Backhand — The chicken spun, wing snapping. Alfie learned to punch close-in, then whip his hand back in a fast backhand strike.
- Hook & Four Knuckle Punches — Cluckles darted sideways, wing curving like a hook. Alfie circled, landing a curved strike and then four rapid knuckle punches—bam-bam-bam-bam.
- Roundhouse Kick — The chicken leapt, spinning in mid-air. Alfie grinned. “Okay, now that one I know!” His leg swept in a perfect circle.
- Step-Up Front Kick & Jumping Kick — Cluckles bounced off a training block with one leg, launching into a soaring kick. Alfie copied, landing solidly, then added a higher jumping kick with both legs extended.
- Supported Block — Cluckles braced both wings together like a shield. Alfie crossed his arms to double his block.
- Inside-Out Block — Cluckles swept his wings wide, flicking sparks from his feathers. Alfie followed, blocking outward in a strong arc.
When Alfie finished, sweat dripped down his brow, but he was grinning ear to ear.
Cluckles puffed his chest proudly and clucked once, like a sensei satisfied with his student.
The Wrath Awakens
The bay door shook. Sirens blared. Blip Blop’s voice echoed:
“WARNING: Enemy fleet detected. Multiple ninja warships inbound.”
On the viewscreen, the Space Ninja Clan emerged from warp, hundreds of ships surrounding them. At their center loomed a monstrous construct—part temple, part fortress, shaped like a dragon in chains.
The ninja leader’s voice filled the comms:
“Your blades mean nothing. The Shadow Dragon will rise, and Emberwing will fall.”
The crew scrambled. “Battle stations!” Skull Fire roared.
Alfie stood tall, Fire Blade in one hand, Water Blade in the other. His red belt glowed brighter than ever.
“Cluckles,” Alfie whispered, “thanks for the lesson. Now let’s show them what a red belt can really do.”
The chicken clucked fiercely, lightning sparking from his wings.
The final battle had begun.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Next up: Chapter Eight – The Dance of the Stars.