The weeks flew by. And much to his satisfaction, Ken continued to improve.

Beating Ryu was no longer a rare occurrence; the blonde estimated he probably still lost slightly more of their bouts than he won, but it was too close for either of them to really gain a decisive advantage over the other. Some days he'd win every match; on others, Ryu would kick his ass consistently. The important thing was that victory or defeat, Ken learned something from every fight, and he knew that Ryu did too. Tactics that would win him a spar one day would prove his undoing the next, and Ken found himself having to adapt every time he fought his friend. It was a challenge, but of the enjoyable sort.

In truth, Ken knew he'd probably never be so far ahead of Ryu that he'd be able to beat him every time they fought, but oddly enough he found some comfort in this. His rival being a worthy opponent would only inspire him to keep pushing himself and develop further as a fighter, at least until he returned home. And even then, Ken wasn't so sure he could slack off knowing Ryu was still progressing forward.

Gouken had noticed his students rapid progression as well, and one day he mentioned that soon he would begin sparring with them personally, holding nothing back. It was an exciting development for Ryu and Ken, the surest sign so far that the young fighters had impressed him. But they also both knew that neither of them could hold a candle to their master in hand to hand combat. So the pair pushed themselves even further. Whenever they finished a spar they'd ruthlessly critique each other's performance( as well as their own) intent on finding any flaws or weaknesses they possessed and eradicating them. This had some success, and both were able to correct many of his remaining deficiencies.

And when the day finally came that Gouken tested them, they were as ready as could be, having trained extensively in preparation for it. It didn't stop him from demolishing them both in short order, but Ken at least felt pretty confident. It had taken him over a month to even come close to Ryu in skill. It didn't surprise him that his Master would still take a lot more training to beat. Hell, half the moves he had busted out Ken had never even seen before. Until he learned all of them, the blonde doubted he stood a chance.

Ryu seemed a bit more troubled by how quickly he had been defeated, and Ken knew he was unhappy. So that night, he brought it up to him.

"I have just been training for so long, trying to become a martial artist worthy of Master Gouken. To lose so quickly to him... it makes me fear I have disappointed him."

"Eh, I doubt it." Ken replied. "Honestly he sort of seemed to expect it. Besides, If he was really pissed at our display he'd have accused us of slacking off and punished us."

"True," Ryu responded, but Ken could tell he wasn't fully convinced.

"Dude, remember how much I sucked for my first few days here?"

"Days? Do you mean week..."

"Days," he insisted. "Anyway, it took a hell of a lot of fights with you before I figured things out. My point is, you can't expect to beat Master the first time you really spar with him! It's gonna take a ton of practice. My advice is to do what he said; learn from each bout and apply those lessons going forward."

This seemed to cheer his friend. Ryu straightened up,his posture already becoming more confident. Ken was glad to see his quiet confidence returning. It was kinda amazing a fighter as good as freaking Ryu could ever doubt his own skills, but there it was.

"You are correct. Thank you for reminding me that victory or defeat are not the only indications of our progress. What lessons did you take from Master Gouken today?"

"He has a really mean left hook. Not as bad as his right one, though."

They shared a laugh at that, and things returned to normal.

Of course, the pair did more than fighting, thanks in large part to Ken's efforts. While he loved testing himself against his buddy, there were times when they'd both hang out and unwind. Ken always made it his personal mission to see Ryu relax during these times, and his efforts had mixed success. This was also the time they'd indulge in pulling pranks. Well, Ken was the one who indulged in them, really; Ryu was largely the victim. Though he had grown to like the other guy, the American could not deny that messing with Ryu was one of the best parts of this whole experience. And though the noogies and pantsings he handed out earned Ken more than one beatdown, he got the distinct impression that Ryu was learning to tolerate his sense of mischief. As long as it did not involve spiders, anyway.

In addition to the fun( for one of them), Ken also began to teach Ryu English, at the other boy's request. Unbeknownst to Ryu they started with the swear words, and the blonde convinced his pal that 'fucker' was a term of the highest respect in English. His treachery was revealed when Ryu used it on Gouken in a misguided attempt to impress the man, and Ken found himself having to avoid sitting down for a couple of nights.

After this incident, Ken began to teach his friend for real for real, and reasonably soon Ryu had a basic grasp of the language. Ken still wasn't exactly sure why Ryu wanted to learn it, but the other boy seemed interested in learning it for knowledge's sake, though he also confessed he wanted to try and communicate with Ken in his native tongue from time to time.

The teens also engaged in conversations, some of which lasted long into the night. Their talks covered the gauntlet, from serious topics to observations on daily occurrences. Ryu was actually a much deeper guy than Ken had once given him credit for, and the Japanese youth could pontificate on philosophy and spirituality with the best scholars out there. Ken was quietly impressed, even if their conversations sometimes made his head hurt more than the punches did.

"Dude, how do you know so much, anyway?" he asked one night, after a particularly deep talk.

"Master Gouken taught me philosophy from an early age, even before he began my training. Well, I should not say that; he viewed both as critical elements along the same path."

"Huh?" was his partner's intelligent response.

Ryu smiled indulgently, but continued. "I believe that we are all part of a broader whole,so to speak. What we learn here, the fight itself... it is about more than a physical path. It is deeper than that. By becoming the best fighter I can be, I am also learning more about my place in this universe."

"Un huh," Ken responded, still a little skeptical. "No offense dude, but I don't get it. I fight because I enjoy it, not because I want to become, like, a saint, or Buddha, or whoever."

The older teen nodded, not seeming to have expected a different answer. "And that is fine. But I maintain there is more to it than that. Take our meditation...you still find it difficult to access your Ki?"

"Yeah," Ken admitted, hating to do so. "Like, I try, and I feel like I've felt a warmth in me a few times, but I don't know if that's me hoping I'm feeling it or an actual manifestation."

"Keep at it. I know it's difficult, but once you access it, I think you will understand our arts on a deeper level."

"Alright, man. But to be honest with you, I kinda don't see the point."

"Well, Master Gouken does. He's mentioned to me once and twice that at the very top levels of our art comes the ability to utilize one's Ki in combat. It is very difficult to reach this point, but those who do truly become something other than human, at least in their fighting abilities."

"So what? Like...magic?" Ken asked. "That seems kind of hard to believe. Are you sure he wasn't messing with you?"

"Have you ever known Master Gouken to joke?"

The American was forced to admit he had not. "But, okay then. Why didn't you learn it already? You're in touch with your Ki or whatever, right?"

"Yes, but I still have a long way to go. And Master told me the path to achieving it is now without risk. He thinks I am too young to truly learn it."

"Mysterious as usual. Still... I'll give it a try, man."

Ryu nodded encouragingly. "We could try to meditate right now, and I could guide you through what works for me."

"Or we could just sit here. Or spar." Ken asked, hopefully.

His friend's expression did not change.

"Ugh, fine. I'll give it a shot, I guess." The blonde gave in, sighing in defeat.

And it may have just been Ken's imagination, but when he next looked over at Ryu his friend looked to be a tiny bit smug.

So began Ryu's training of Ken. Progress was slow, often frustratingly so. Never the most patient person, Ken would often find himself zoning out, or getting distracted by the itchiness he always seemed to get while trying to remain perfectly serene. Frustrated, he'd often try to convince Ryu to do something, anything else, but the older teen held firm, and forced him to work through it.

And eventually (after quite a few attempts) Ken found that he was beginning to be able to channel his Ki on command. The blonde still had no idea if this was a real energy coursing through him or just his mind willing him to feel something, but he was forced to admit it was interesting all the same.

But there was one thing he still didn't understand.

"My Ki, or whatever it is, feels different from how you describe it." He informed Ryu one day. Seeing a curious look on his friend's face, he continued to explain.

"So, like, you say yours is this calming energy that flows through you like a gentle breeze. The way you've described it, it's almost soothing. But mine... I dunno man, it's way more intense than that. It's like a burning feeling, but for some reason it's not really uncomfortable. And instead of soothing me, it kinda pumps me up."

"Interesting. Though it's nothing to be alarmed by. From what I've read and Master Gouken has told me, everyone's Ki manifests differently."

"But why is it different from yours? We're doing the same exercises and everything."

"It is difficult to say. Perhaps the way we will it to manifest is the result of the difference. I've never felt the sort of feeling you're describing, but that does not mean the way you've been doing it is wrong. Just the fact that you're able to feel it more now is a positive sign. It may even be manifesting in such a manner due to our different 'styles' and personalities, as it were."

"Huh." Ken considered. "Interesting. Though, dude, you have to admit that my way of channeling is way cooler."

Ryu was silent for a moment, appearing lost in thought.

"Actually, given the burning intensity you are describing, I'd say it's actually a good deal warmer."

It took Ken a few seconds to get it. But when he realized his friend was attempting to make a joke, he was torn between laughing at it (in appreciation for the rare event) or punching Ryu for the lameness of it.

He compromised, and did both.

###

"Nice one today, dude."

The day's sparring had been intense, even more so than usual. Ken had started out strong, their first few matches going to him. But Ryu had fought his way back up, and by the end of their day's training he had emerged as the victor in slightly more of their bouts than Ken. Nonetheless, it hadn't been easy for either of them. But then it rarely was anymore, and both teens made their way back home, exhausted but satisfied. It had been a good day.

"Indeed. I thought you had me in that last match."

"So did I. Never expected you to pull out that new jump combo. Threw me completely off my game."

"It's a new move I have been practicing. Actually, you inspired it."

"How?"

"It's like you said. What was it? Something like, 'Dude, you can't just copy Master Gouken's teachings. You need to blaze your own path forward in the arts.' So, I did."

"I'm regretting saying anything." Ken said, before he grinned, feeling very much like a proud father. "Seriously though, nice work. That move cost me our last bout, but at least I know I inspired it. Yeah, you should listen to Master Ken more often."

"Every now and again you do come up with something worth listening to." Ryu conceded.

"Yeah! Hey, wait a sec... why do I feel like that's kinda an insult in the form of a compliment?"

"I have no idea what you mean." Ryu responded, in a tone that very much indicated that he did.

###

By the time they reached the dojo, both fighters were famished. Rice was the main course tonight, but Ken had long dropped most of his objections to it. It was still bland, and there were times he would have killed for a burger and fries, but after a long day of pushing himself to the limit and beyond, just about anything would have tasted heavenly.

He was midway through his forth bowl when Gouken spoke to him. "I received a letter today from your parents."

Preparing to take another bite, Ken froze, his mouth wide open. "Wha?"

"They will be arriving on Monday to take you back home. Your training will soon be at an end."

"Monday? But today...today's Friday."

Gouken's eyes narrowed, the older man apparently taking the comment in a way Ken did not intend. "Yes, you shall have to put up with living here for a few more days. You've survived so far, I suspect this brief delay won't kill you."

"It's not that," said Ken, shaking his head. "It's just, kinda not a lot of advanced notice. I thought I'd have more."

"Your parents sent you here for the summer. It is now at an end."

Not like I had a calendar, Ken wanted to say, but didn't.

"Regardless, you've proven to be an adequate student. I was correct to take you in. I am confident that the deficiencies that led you here have now been corrected."

"Yeah." Ken said. He wasn't really feeling hungry anymore. Quickly, he disposed of his food, steadfastly ignoring Ryu's gaze.

But no sooner did he leave the room then Ryu came out after him.

"Ken..."

"Yeah, Ryu? I need to be alone for a few. I'll uh, catch you later."

And without another word Ken left the dojo, unsure exactly where he was going.

###

His feet led him to the river. The blonde supposed he should not have been surprised; this was the place Ryu and him generally came to relax. He sat down on the ground, observing the water and listening to the sounds of nature. They had once been so foreign to him, but now he could pick out every individual sound and identify its source.

He felt... well he wasn't sure how he felt honestly, and that surprised him.

There would have been a time he would have exploded in joy at hearing that he was getting out of here. Those first few weeks he had been counting the days, hell, counting the hours. But somewhere along the line he had stopped counting, and he found himself surprised the summer could be over already.

It shouldn't have been such a shock. After all, he knew this day had been coming. But over time he had gotten so caught up in learning from Gouken and sparring with Ryu that thoughts of his eventual departure had grown more and more rare. It was especially frustrating to leave now, when he was finally starting to master his Ki, and all the avenues that that opened up.

But he should be happy, right? As surprisingly enjoyable as this whole thing had eventually turned out to be, it wasn't the life he was meant to lead. He was a billionaire, not a warrior. Playing at one for a few months had been fun, but that was all. He belonged back in America, in California. In his normal life, in his huge mansion with his ton of servants. With his normal friends who were like him. At the endless weekend parties with the free flowing booze and the eager girls ready to please. In the exclusive clubs at 3 in the morning dancing the remainder of the night away and moshing to the hottest bands. Yeah, that was where he belonged.

So why was he having such a hard time convincing himself of that?

"I thought I would find you here."

Ken did not have to look back to know it was Ryu. "I told you I wanted to be left alone."

"Do you want me to go?"

The blonde was silent for a moment. "No. I guess you can stay."

Ryu soon approached and joined him on the ground. "I knew you leaving was coming up, but I never knew the exact date. I did not think it was going to be this early, however."

"Yeah. Me either."

His friend considered him. "You seem thoughtful."

Ken wanted to retort like he normally would, something like, Oh, are you saying I'm not usually thoughtful, man? But he found he did not have the energy for it.

"Yeah. Just... thinking and stuff."

"Would you like to share your thoughts?"

"I mean," Ken began, shrugging helplessly. "I don't know. It's a lot to take in. I've spent the last few months here, so it's taking me a bit to readjust."

"I see. I do admit, I thought you would be happier."

"Me too. Like I said dude, I did enjoy this and all, but...you know. I never thought I'd grow attached to it or anything. Turns out, to some degree I kinda have."

"Well, I'm glad you'll have some good memories from your time here to look back on."

"Yeah man. Like the first time I kicked your ass."

Both boys chuckled, but it seemed to Ken somewhat forced by both on them.

"But yeah. It's time for me to go. This isn't my home or anything. I have a life waiting for me back in The States. Plus, school. Heh, after everything that was thrown at me here, that should be a cinch."

"You discovered a reservoir of strength during your time here. I don't think any of it will prove a challenge to you, Ken."

"'Course not. After all, I'm Ken Masters."

Ryu offered a weak smile before both teens fell silent. They watched the river for awhile before the Japanese youth spoke.

"You know Ken, I've learned a lot from you this summer."

"Heh. Like what?"

"How to loosen up, as you might say. Before I met you training was everything to me. And it still is. But you taught me that there's not one way to be a good fighter. You've shown me that inspiration and creativity can lead one to greatness in the same way as strict and rigid studying can. It hadn't been something I would have ever considered had I not seen you evolve with it. In the short time you have been here I have watched you go from a newcomer to our arts to my equal. And I think much of that rapid growth was due to how you eventually approached our training."

"Thanks dude. I just found a way to make it work for me, you know?"

"And perhaps almost as importantly, you showed me what it was like to have a sparring partner. And a friend. I'm not sure which of the roles I found more valuable."

"Both of them were pretty nice. I'm glad you turned out way more interesting than I first gave you credit for."

"And I am glad you turned out to be less of a ... well, how do you say it? A dickburger?" Ryu retorted, the last word in English. It made Ken laugh.

"I guess it's true, what they say... first impressions ain't everything." Despite it all, Ken was feeling a little better. Leaving Japan would be bittersweet. But he knew he had made a friend for life.

He got to his feet. "So, anyway! Don't think I'm gonna be slacking off now, dude. You want to try that jump combo on me again?"

"As a matter of fact, I would." Ryu joined him in turn.

"Heh." Ken got into his stance, but then just as quickly he dropped it as a thought occurred to him. Ryu looked confused, but warily kept to his. The blonde had to grin at that.

Won't let me pull a fast one on you, huh buddy?

But Ken was not planning an ambush. Instead, he held out his fist. Ryu looked at it, uncomprehending.

"Fist bump, bro. Sign of respect."

"I see." After a slight moment of indecision, Ryu returned it. Then he looked at Ken. The teens had a brief moment of silent conversation. And then with a grin from Ken and a nod from Ryu, the fight began.

###

A/N: These chapters are really coming faster than I expected, but I'm inspired now, and been hit with a strong dose of inspiration. Watch the last chapter take me like six months, lol.

So Ken's training is drawing to an end, and he's feeling conflicted. He definitely has some things to think about. Hope you guys also enjoyed the first hints of Hadokens and the like. This fic covers a relatively brief time period, so you won't see the guys busting them out in this, but I wanted to lay the groundwork all the same.

Review Responses:

Ultimolu: Perfect is a strong compliment, but I do appreciate it. I'm glad you can see the bond between them growing. Pretty funny when at one time they couldn't even stand one another. Building that brotherhood has been one of my favorite parts of this, so I'm happy it's working for you.

Vammy: Thanks. I was a bit nervous about these last few chapters and the emotional shift they've taken. This was first and foremost meant to be fairly lighthearted, so hopefully I've threaded that needle and not swung too far to either side. Glad you're enjoying the heavier stuff though. As for a sequel, this was really meant to stand alone, since it's not a time in the canon that much fic is written about, and I feel like other periods have been covered better. But I've really enjoyed writing for Ken, and there may come a time in the future where I cover other parts of his history, such as his participation in the U.S. Martial Arts tournament. So if I can think of a good tale to tell I may be writing more in the future.

InfamouseCookie10: Thanks. Glad that's been working for you. In my opinion they have a friendship that's really interesting to explore, so it's been really entertaining trying to figure the start of it out. I'm really happy with the ending I have planned, hope you guys will be too.

I hope to have the next chapter up soon, provided my muse cooperates. As always thanks for reading and feel free to comment. They're part of why I think I'm staying inspired and working on this so fast.

Until Next Time,

DA