The Warrior

The Warrior

The warrior

The warrior readied himself for combat. He held his weapon up as ogres and beasts hovered menacingly around him. 'You don't frighten me!' he snarled. 'I, mighty Oniwaka, will tear you all to shreds!' Oniwaka then gave a bloodcurdling howl that echoed through the puppet theatre and set its audience cheering.

The Warrior

The theatre was packed that afternoon for a school puppet show and the air bubbled with excitement as Oniwaka got himself ready for the battle. The theatre was operated by an old couple, Mr and Mrs Suda. They were famous for their wonderful collection of puppets. Mr Suda made the puppets while Mrs Suda sewed the costumes. Besides the locals, the theatre was frequented by tourists .

The Warrior

In the front row, Hotaka was on·the edge of his seat. Finally, Oniwaka leapt at his foes. Drums rolled, horns blared and cymbals rattled and crashed as the warrior threw himself at the screen where the beasts were. The battle brought the audience to their feet. Hotaka wanted to leap onto the stage to help Oniwaka but something happened and everyone stopped. There was a sensation which everyone felt- a rumble that moved .up through their feet and sent a shudder of dread around the theatre.

The Warrior

For a second there was complete silence. Everyone held theIr breath. Then, there came a groan from somewhere deep within the earth. It surged upwards - screeching, grinding, gouging - erupting in a mighty jolt that made the whole theatre lurch like a doll's house that had

been kicked by a giant.

The Warrior

'Earthquake!' a cry rang out. It reverberated through the. room as everyone was thrown to the floor.

Everything began shuddering. The walls wobbled .and warped. Part of the stage crumpled like cardboard. Shelves and cupboards broke off the 'walls and cra$hed to the floor. Sections of scaffolding buckled and gave way. One part fell among the musicians, scattering them. Another toppled onto the·puppeteers, narrowly missing Mr Suda. The old man rambled from the wreckage. 'The doors,' he shouted to his assistants, his lips quivering with fear. 'You must open them now or ... .' He did not finish his sentence. The screen fell and he had to dodge it.

The Warrior

One of the musicians reached the door first. Fortunately, it was not jammed. Everybody began hurrying out. ·

Some children cried when the tremors grew !T)ore violent but things went well. Led by their teachers, the children exited quickly and in an orderly fashion without their belongings like they always practised. The earthquake· continued right through the evacuation, making the climb down the steep, wobbly stairs out of the theatre extremely difficult. The shaking went on for over three minutes. far longer than most quakes.

The Warrior

Hotaka was among the last students to leave. At the top of the stairs, Hotaka called to Mr Suda. 'I wish we could see Oniwaka smash those bad hats.'

'When we've cleaned up the mess, we'll have all of you back for a replay. Now hurry on!"

Mr Suda urged.

The Warrior

'Yes! Hurry!' hissed Miss Abe.

Hotaka poked up at his favourite teacher who was always happy. With her brow creased and her eyes darting about, she no longer looked the least bit so. Hotaka hurried down the stairs, led by Miss Abe.