Peter watched in amazment as his father pushed his hand towards the lit candle and the flame died.
"Outstanding!"he laughed. "What would you use a trick like that for?"
He realized how stupid that question was as soon as it was out of his mouth. If his father had the ability to do that at the temple, he could have stopped the fire right?That thought was disregarded as a counter thought came to him. That night had been one of terror, anguish, disorder, and confusion. Dao's man had attacked robbing and pillaging, murdering the monks who stood in there way, and murdering the monks who didn't. Escape had been the goal. Save the children, escape the attack, these were the only thoughts on the monks minds that night.
Escape was difficult as the temple was ablaze with not just fire, but an angry, ravenous red dragon born of evil. As the fighting waged on, who had had the time or frame of mind to find calm, center themselves, or focus their chi long enough to extinguish the avarice blaze.
Peter shuddered involuntarily and exhaled a ragged breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, as he pulled away from the disturbing memories. His father was still demonstrating for him, unaware of his son's turbulent thoughts of possible rescue that had never come. It's not his fault, Peter thought, trying not to feel bitter.
Even Shaolin monks can't be perfect all the time.
Finis
