By the time the teens made it back to the dojo it was nearly dusk. The conversation between them had naturally died out, Ken still finding it hard to get Ryu to open up. And really, how interested was he in doing so anyway?
Continuing up the path, they heard their master before they saw him. Gouken was out in the courtyard, performing a complicated series of punches and kicks against one of the training dummies. Judging by the large hole in the dummy's side and the sand leaking out of it, it was not long for this world. This was confirmed a second later, when Gouken finished his onslaught off with a brutal flying kick that tore open the middle of the dummy and sent bits of it flying everywhere as it collapsed in on itself. Despite himself, Ken flinched.
Yikes. Glad he's not used that move on me. Yet.
The martial artist seemed to sense his students presence and turned as they arrived, pausing in his training for the moment. "You were both gone for a long time."
"Forgive us Master," said Ryu. Approaching, he handed over the bag of supplies. "I was able to get most of what you wished, though not everything."
"What were you unable to retrieve?" asked Gouken, taking the bag from his student's hand.
"The copy of Asahi Shimbun you requested."
"I see." Gouken let these words hang for a moment, silently regarding his student. So far he had not even looked at Ken, who remained back behind Ryu. "And why not?"
"We were short on money and unable to purchase it."
Ken's eyes went wide as Ryu lied to their Master, something he had never expected to see. Hell,he practically worshiped the man! And yeah, even if it was kind of the truth, Ryu was neglecting to mention the blonde's blame in the matter. Was that some form of payback for what he had done earlier?
Gouken tilted his head. "That is very interesting, Ryu. I have sent you to town for years now to retrieve my goods, and you have always returned with everything I asked for. It is rather surprising that that would change during this particular trip. Ken's first."
Ryu was starting to look uncomfortable, not that Ken could blame him. He had given it a valiant effort, but Gouken had seen right through it. Taking a breath, he stepped forward, a part of him surprised he was willing to do this at all. But payback went both ways, right?
"Eh... that was my fault, Master. Ryu gave me the money to buy the paper while he went to get everything else. Instead I spent it playing an arcade game."
Gouken starred at him, his expression neutral.
"But uh, I got the high score? So it was money well spent?"
The stare did not change, but it shifted to Ryu.
"And why did you attempt to hide this from me, Ryu?"
"Forgive me Master. But Ken was my responsibility. I should have watched over him more..."
"Nah dude, I told you it was my own fault." The American insisted.
Gouken raised an eyebrow at this interjection, but said nothing.
"Ken also helped me. Some of the locals ambushed me while I was alone. He intervened and they fled."
"I see." The older man looked to Ken, and there was a glimmer of something in his stare. Pride? Respect? Or was that just what he wanted to see? "Regardless of your prior thoughtlessness, I am impressed that you stood up for your training partner. Tell me, how did you scare them off?"
"Eh," Ken shrugged. "Just acted like I knew what I was doing. They didn't seem to want to fight someone who they thought would fight back. Not that I blame them. Ryu could have messed them up had he wanted to. But, yeah. It's no big, really."
His Sensei considered. "Though it in no way makes up for your prior selfishness, I am encouraged by your attempt to redeem yourself. Therefore, I shall go easy on you and simply warn you not to waste the money I give you again. If you do, the consequences will be far more severe. Am I understood?"
"Yes Master."Ken said, a grin spreading across his face in his relief. He could hardly believe he had gotten off so easy!
"However, regardless of Ken's actions, it does not excuse yours, Ryu. You attempted to deceive me."
And just like that, Ken felt his mood drop. Sure he had his differences with the other teen, but he knew the sort of punishments Gouken gave out. Suddenly he felt pretty bad for the dude. He had had a perfect track record until now. And Ryu was going to lose it because of him.
"Forgive me Master." Ryu said, his voice full of despair. "I acted shamefully and accept whatever punishment you feel that I deserve." He bowed his head and awaited his master's judgment.
And yet again, Ken felt himself move forward.
"Yeah, uh, he was only trying to protect me. I mean I really appreciate it dude," he gave an appreciate nod to Ryu before continuing, "but if I had just bought the stupid paper he'd have had no reason to lie. And he'd probably not have been ambushed either."
"What are you trying to say?" questioned Gouken
"I guess..." he sighed in defeat, his victory short lived. "I guess if you're going to punish Ryu, I deserve it too."
There's my good deed for the week. There was a time not long ago I'd happily have let him take all the blame. I've clearly been hit in the head too much.
"Noted. So it shall be." The martial artist turned to regard Ryu. "The usual punishment for deception is flogging."
Ken cringed. To think there would come a time when he was hoping to be spanked.
"But I find both of your actions today encouraging. Misguided, but encouraging. You both stood up for one another when it would have been far more beneficial not to do so. I am glad that you both have started to look out for one another. Even if you have chosen foolish ways to express it.
"As a result, this once I shall give you both a lighter punishment than you deserve."
Huh, it worked out for us both. Maybe honesty is the best policy.
"Grab the rags and clean the entire dojo. Every speck of it."
...Or not.
"I suggest you both get to work. It will take well into the night. And there will be no dinner for either of you until you finish."
Ken looked towards Ryu, pleased to see that the Japanese youth for once looked somewhat dismayed as well. But upon noticing Ken he gave an assertive nod and seemed to psych himself up for it. Having no alternative, Ken returned a thumbs up.
"Need I repeat myself? Get to work."
Both boys bowed and headed off inside. And Ken reflected that here, there truly was no rest for the wicked.
###
Gouken hadn't lied to them. It did in fact take well into the night.
Ken had gotten better at cleaning over the weeks and did not need to redo areas nearly as much, but the sheer size of the task was daunting. The American had never considered the dojo to be anything but small and cramped before, but he was starting to reevaluate that notion. Even Ryu seemed to struggle with it, and the pair worked in silence (apart from the occasional curse from Ken) until well past midnight. Still, between them both they eventually finished, and the boys scarfed down their dinner before staggering into their freshly cleaned bedroom. The floor truly sparkled, and Ken felt confident enough in his work to think that one could eat off it. He also felt confident that sooner or later he'd have to.
Settling into his futon, Ken prepared to drift off to sleep, exhausted from the long day. This night though, Ryu surprised him. Usually the teen would meditate before bed, but instead, he spoke.
"Ken?"
"Hmm?" The blonde opened one eye, finding the sleep which had been fast approaching was already fleeing from him.
"Thank you for today."
"Oh, that?" he yawned. "Yeah, no problem. Besides, not like I helped you all that much. A flogging would have at least been quicker!"
"Not that," Ryu shook his head. "Well, not just that. You spoke up for me twice today. I wanted to let you know I appreciate it. And that I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Ken sat up, adopting Ryu's own cross-legged pose. "For what?" He couldn't imagine why Ryu was apologizing to him.
"I snapped at you earlier. I accused you of being self centered and not even attempting to fit in here. But the truth is, you are making an effort. Today confirmed it. I should have seen it earlier."
"Thanks, man," Ken replied, appreciative. "But you were right. I was being a bit of a brat. I knew Master Gouken would punish me... but it never even occurred to me you'd get in trouble too. I know how important it is to you to, like, live up to his standards. I was wrong."
"There is enough blame to go around. But I am glad you wish to share in it," the youth said, half a smile upon his face. "Ken, I know this life was not what you were expecting..."
"Not at all, "Ken admitted with a harsh laugh. "I really thought I'd have the 'old man' wrapped around my finger. I thought he'd be a soft touch, and all the warnings my mom gave me were just her attempts to scare me straight. I mean, to be fair, my folks have a pretty shitty track record when it comes to warnings. I was sure he'd be easy to break. "
The darker haired teen offered him a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry it took you so long to realize that was not the case."
"You and me both dude." he sighed.
"Still, Master Gouken is well intentioned. Everything he teaches us is designed to make us better as both martial artists and as people."
"Eh... kind of feel like all his lessons are wasted on me."
"Why?"
"I mean, come on dude. The only reason he took me in was because he was friends with my mom like a million years ago. It's clear I have no interest in martial arts. Or talent in it, for that matter."
Ken expected this was a rather noncontroversial point, so he was surprised when Ryu frowned. "That's not true at all. Master Gouken sees potential in you. As do I."
"Heh." he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I doubt that."
"I've lived here my entire life, at least that which I can remember. Ken, do you know how many people have come asking for Master Gouken to train them?"
Ken shrugged, so Ryu continued.
"There have been a few dozen. Many of them were powerful warriors in their own right, versed in a variety of combat styles. And most were as respectful and eager to learn from Master as me. You may not know this, but Master Gouken is one of the last teachers of our art. He's well regarded as one of the finest warriors in the world. A living legend."
"And?" Ken asked, still not sure why he should care.
"He refused them all his tutelage, no matter how impressive they were, and no matter how willing they were to learn. None of them met his standards."
"One thing I've definitely learned is that he has ridiculously high standards," admitted Ken. "But that just proves my point. He only took me in as a favor, instead of a more qualified student who was actually, y'know, good at all this."
Again Ryu shook his head. "Traditionally our Master's style has only been taught to pairs. The thinking goes that two pupils balance one another and bring out the best in each other. But Master did not feel that any of the ones who sought him out for training were a suitable partner for me to learn with. He mentioned once that they were too much like myself and would not 'challenge' me. I did not understand what he meant, then. But I am beginning to.
"And," he continued, "there's something else. What Master said the day before you arrived."
###
The day had been an ordinary one. Master had drilled me relentlessly, and it was only after we settled in for our usual dinner that he broached the matter.
"Ryu."
"Yes, Master?" I responded. Rare was conversation as we dined; Master rarely saw fit for small talk. I expected he was going to point out a mistake he had made during the day's training, or offer some advice for improvement.
"Your training will be suspended for tomorrow. Instead you are to ensure that the dojo is in pristine condition. We will be receiving guests."
"Of course, Master." Hearing my affirmation, Master Gouken returned to his food. It was a clear indication that he considered the conversation over. I attempted to do the same, but after a moment I admit that I found curiosity had gotten the better of me.
"Master? If I may, who will be arriving tomorrow?" Guests were rare here, and their arrivals were always something of a source of excitement for me. Much as I love and idolize Master Gouken as both a Father and a Sensei, it did get rather lonely at times.
"An old friend of mine from long ago," Master explained. " She married an American and moved to that country. They're bringing their son to me to evaluate for training. He is apparently a troublemaker and requires some discipline, and she thinks training in our art would be good for him."
"You are going to take on a new student?" I asked, trying and surely failing to keep the excitement from taking over my voice.
"Nothing is decided yet. Much as I owe Megumi, I first must ensure that her son is a good fit for training. But he is around your age, and if he proves satisfactory I think that I will indeed take him on as a pupil. It is about time you had a partner to train with. I have perhaps neglected that for too long. Still," he continued, "let us not get ahead of ourselves. There is yet much to do before I make a final decision." His tone indicated he considered the matter over, I dropped the subject and returned to my food.
But I was excited to meet with one my age, and sleep did prove difficult that night.
###
For once Ken was quiet, contemplating what he had just heard. He thought back to that first day. Indeed, Gouken had spent some time examining him before anything else.
He is acceptable. I believe he will make a fine student.
At the time Ken had been annoyed, but now knowing how many others the old man had turned away before, he actually felt kind of proud. Somehow he had impressed his Master. But how?
"That's... pretty cool to know, actually. But I don't really get it." Seeing Ryu's puzzled expression, he elaborated. "Dude, I suck. I mean, I've failed at pretty much everything Gouken's tried to teach me, and everyone of our sparring sessions have ended with me on the losing side. I don't, like, get it. Whatever potential he thought I had... I'm pretty sure he no longer thinks I have it." And when the hell did I start to care what the old man thought, anyway?
"If he felt you were hopeless he would have sent you away by now." Ryu insisted.
"Whatever. I just don't know what he expects. I haven't improved, like, at all."
"I disagree."
"You really don't need to pity me dude, I..."
"I'm not pitying you." Ryu's tone was firm. "You've been here for only a few weeks, but already I have seen much progression in that time. And I know Master Gouken has as well." Ken looked skeptical, so he continued. "When I first saw you, you were..." he searched for the right word.
"A dick?"
"No. Well...rather difficult, not to mention entitled. You seemed to think yourself above us and were not shy in showing it."
Ken smirked. "Yeah, I did think you were kind of lame, bro."
"But you don't seem so arrogant anymore. You're actually talking to me now without sounding as if it is painful for you to do so. If I may say, it is a refreshing change."
"Well it's kind of hard to be arrogant when you've shown you can kick my ass time and again." The blonde pointed out. "Still, yeah. You're not as bad as I first thought. Sometimes you even border on cool."
Seeming to appreciate the admission, Ryu smiled before continuing. "Still, it's more than just how you address us, but your actions as well. Would the Ken I met that first day have stepped into that alleyway back in town?'
"No," Ken admitted. "I'd probably have left you to it. I might have even laughed and cheered them on. Probably have recorded it or something and posted it online." Man, I was kind of a dick.
"And would you have spoken up on my behalf to Master when we got back? Willingly accepted a punishment you felt you deserved?"
"I don't think I'd have felt I deserved any punishment." Ken said. "Not that I think this was deserved now. I mean, c'mon. I got the high score, and I've been bored for so long..." he began, but Ryu's stare and the fact that his own words rung hollow led him to abandon this defense. "Nah dude... you're right. I messed up and got you in trouble. I had to try and fix that, man. But to answer your question, no. I'd have let you take the blame. It's kinda what I've done my entire life."
The older teen smiled. "Then you have grown."
"I guess, yeah." Ken acknowledged. He hadn't really thought of it like that before, but it made sense. "But I still don't know what that has to do with martial arts."
"There's more to martial arts than just combat proficiency," Ryu said. "But Ken, I know you have potential in them as well."
"Oh yeah? And how do I unlock it?"
"Stop whining so much."
"Hey!" Ken protested, the unusually direct answer pissing him off. "You were just telling me how much of a better person I've become. Now you're saying I'm whining?"
"Yes, you have made great strides," Ryu assured him. "But whenever we practice our katas or spar, you seem more focused on complaining than learning from it. You seem determined to view our training as a burden, and suffer for it."
Ken tilted his head. Yeah, he did whine a lot, but it was hard to do anything but. The constant beatdowns and reminders of just how much he sucked compared to Ryu(not to mention Gouken) were frustrating.
"I know this was not what you were expecting and that you still do not wish to be here. But you are here, and the training will continue regardless. You can continue to sulk and find it miserable, or you can try to learn something from it." He smiled. "I think you will find our art more rewarding if you make an effort to learn it. Or at least, less painful."
"That would be nice." Ken smirked, but his smile faded as he grew thoughtful. "But maybe you're right." In truth, he knew he had been slacking off, and it hadn't gotten him anything but a sore body and a pile of chores. "I could try harder to actually pick up the stuff."
"I'm glad to hear it." his sparring partner said, encouraged."Though you deny it, I know there is a warrior's spirit within you. All you need to do is embrace it."
"You really think so?" Ken asked, skeptical but curious. He really didn't see it, but Ryu seemed confident.
Again his friend nodded. "I saw it in the way you entered that alleyway today. It was more than just standing up for me. I saw you, Ken. There was a fire in your eyes. An anticipation that comes from before a fight. A certain energy. Win or lose, you were ready to unleash it."
The blonde said nothing, considering. And Ryu seemed content to leave him to sort out his thoughts.
"Regardless, we should go to bed. Master will have us up before long."
"Yeah, I don't think he'll be cutting us a break despite working us to the bone today. But thanks for the pep talk, dude. You've given me some things to think about."
"It is no trouble. Goodnight, Ken."
"Yeah, night Ryu."
Both boys laid down once again. Ryu was asleep within moments, but Ken stayed awake for some time. His hands under his head, he stared up at the ceiling and thought back on his friend's words.
He had felt nervous as hell confronting those thugs earlier. It had been stupid, nerve-wracking, and made him want to vomit. But thinking back, he realized it had also been invigorating. Ken wasn't sure he had ever felt as alive as when he had stepped into that alley and faced down three others. He could remember every second of it, every minute detail. It was scary and stupid and crazy and epic.
The words Gouken had offered to him his first night here flashed in his head.
Men either find hidden strength when confronted with adversity, or they collapse in defeat.
Maybe, Ken reasoned, it was time for him to do the former.
###
A/N: An important chapter behind us as Ken takes a major step forward. Well done, Ken. You've made this author proud.
Review Responses:
Vammy: Thanks as always for the kind words. Glad you're enjoying this so far, and hope this chapter did not disappoint. Yeah, the friendship between Ryu and Ken is really interesting to explore. They're opposites in so many ways, so it was fun to explore the tension and early clashes between them. But I'm looking forward to moving them forward and having them transition into friends(and of course rivals.) Though Ken's changes are probably more notable, I'm enjoying chronicling Ryu's evolution as well, and hopefully they'll become more notable going forward.
Ultimolu: Hey, thanks a ton for the praise. It was nice to wake up to see 6 new reviews. :P
I'm glad you enjoyed how I wrote Ken. He's very much meant to be unsympathetic at the start of this. I figured he'd have to be a colossal ass to explain why his family took such drastic measures to straighten him out. Part of me's going to miss the sheer arrogance and cheekiness as we proceed, it was fun to write. I enjoyed writing his folks as well and they may pop up in the future.
Yeah, Gouken did indeed give him a major attitude adjustment, but hopefully it came across as well deserved. :P
As for Gouki and the tournaments (awesome name for a band) I conceived this story as being largely about Ken's early training days, so I don't think much of that will be showing up beyond a hint or two. But who knows, if reception is good and I get ideas I might always expand on it at some point.
I'd say around chapter 4 is about the time when Ken realized, "Oh shit, this guy means business." Chapter 5 and on just cemented that. Fortunately for him he's starting to catch on on how to avoid pissing Gouken off so much.
Really glad I could entertain you with this dumb little project of mine. Hope to keep you onboard as we move forward.
Thanks a lot to all my readers, including the silent ones. Feel free to leave a review if you like, they're always nice to see. Not sure how long we have left, but I hope to keep you all entertained till the very end.
Until next time,
DA
