38} Training.
Lars had woken up early the next day. He wanted to squeeze in as much training with Emerald as he could. He decided to jog his way to Emeralds home. He came across Steven on his way there.
Steven: Hey Lars! What'cha doing!?
Lars: *sigh* (Don't be rude Lars. Do not be rude.) [He stopped jogging. Turned to Steven and gave a smile.] Well, I'm going to Emeralds Steven. He has been teaching me kung fu, and I have to get going.
Steven: Whoa! Can I join?
Lars: I'm not gonna stop you.
Lars went back to his jog with Steven close behind him laughing. They got to Emeralds home. They went inside and looked around. When they got to Emeralds room, they saw Emerald and Pearl laying on the bed. They were asleep and holding each other in a tight embrace. A peaceful look was on both of their faces. Lars motioned Steven to back away quietly.
Steven: They looked so happy.
Lars: Yeah. I guess the Mayor didn't get to her as much as we thought.
Steven: Huh? What do you mean?
Lars: Uh.. N-nothing. Forget I said anything.
They both just wound up sitting around for a while. They found a deck of cards and Lars taught him texas hold 'em. They played for a while. Then they heard footsteps. Pearl was holding Emeralds upper left arm and resting her head on his shoulder.
Emerald: I love waking up next to you.
Pearl: Me to. *hum* I love you R- STEVEN!
Emerald: What!? [He looked at her. She simply point to Lars and Steven.] Oh.. What'cha doing here Steven?
Steven: Lars told me you're teaching him kung fu, and I wanna join to!
Emerald: [He looked at Lars, who laughed nervously.] It's actually called Tekiō no michi, or 'The way of adaptation'. But I see no reason why you can't join in. What do you think Pearl?
Pearl: [She looked at a smiling Steven.] Hm.. (Steven could benefit from Emeralds fighting style. It would certainly make sure that he would be safer.) *sigh* Okay then. I'll leave you all alone.
Steven: Yes!
Emerald: Why? I'm going to need your help. [Pearl gave him a questioning look.] I have a routine jog. If I break that, I'll go mad. With that, I'll need you to help them get into a calming state. Add that with the laptop. With you here while I'm training them, you can give me info on what Hins was doing. [He walked to a cabinet and pulled out a scroll. He handed it to Pearl.] This is what I've been using for Lars. We're only at the basics, so don't worry about Steven getting left behind. Think you can help?
Lars: It would be interesting.
Pearl: Well.. Okay. I'll do it.
Emerald: Great. It'll be nice having some help while training. All right boys, line up. [Steven and Lars stood straight.] I'll be back in a half hour. [He spoke as he was putting on his 300 pound training gear.] You are to learn from Sensei Shinju [Pearl] until I return. When I get back, the real training begins.
Pearl: [She gave a smile.] Oh? And what makes you think your methods are any better than mine?
Lars: He's going to be hitting us with a stick while equipping us with random stuff. He once had me come at him with, and I'm not kidding, an accordion.
Emerald: While I had only chopsticks and my bottom left hand to defend myself with.
Lars: It, was, an accordion!
Emerald: You need to learn how to adapt Lars. That is the point here.
Steven: Can I fight with a ukulele?
Lars: Dunno. The weapons are always random.
Emerald: Just be lucky I took out newspaper as an option.
Lars: *shudder* I still have scars shaped like the sports section..
Pearl: Huh? [She looked at Steven who was jumping with excitement.] Are you really going to be hitting them with a stick?
Emerald: Stick, brick, shoe, a plastic spoon, that weird guy who keeps pestering me about his blog and stuff, anything I can hold. To be honest even I don't know what I'm gonna hit them with. [He kissed her on the cheek and spoke quickly.] Okay love you and I'll be back in half an hour bye! [He waved as he ruched out the door.]
Pearl: Hey wait! *facepalm + groan* I swear Ryokki, you're just lucky I love you.. *sigh* Now then, let's see what Ryokki has been teaching you Lars. You may both sit down while I read this thing.
While they were all waiting for Emerald, Pearl had them partake in breathing exercises. She also had them take note of their foot work and their environment. When Steven asked why, Lars noted how Emerald would sometimes litter objects that could be used as weapons around the training area. He told him how he once used a 2x4 during a training session to defend himself against one of his staff attacks, only to be brought down by butt of an ax. Pearl was slightly worried after hearing that, but she calmed down when she remembered that Lars was alive, and Emerald wouldn't do anything to seriously hurt him or Steven. Pearl had them both move to the flow of some music she had playing. Emerald came in and changed the song three times, making them change their moves.
Emerald: Good. Adapt your moves with the music. [Everyone turned to the green gem, who was laughing.] Now then, [He pulled out a deck of red cards. Lars flinched.] Let's get to the thrashing. [Pearl shot him a look.] They're privileged enough to have some time to plan things out ahead of time. [He placed the deck on a table and motioned them to pick one up each. All three picked up a card.] So Steven will have the ax, while Lars will have a pipe. I drew the two weapon card. [He drew two cards.] A six-foot Quarter staff, and a shield. Pearl, you can check out the laptop. This won't take long.
Pearl: You're that confident huh?
Emerald: I'm confident that I won't underestimate them. The laptop is already on. Thanks to you, it only took a few minutes. [Lars handed him the quarter staff and shield.]
Pearl: Well then, I guess I'll finish what I started. Try not to hurt them.. To much.
Emerald: No promises outside any injuries they sustain will not be life threatening. In the unlikely event that they are life threatening, I will immediately stop training, call 911, perform first aid, and then keep them stable until an ambulance arrives. It is contractually obligated by my moral code. Onto the training grounds! [He moved to the stairs. Steven, Lars, and Pearl with the laptop went close behind him.]
They stood on the roof of his home. It was littered with random objects.
Pearl: I think Amethysts room is more clean than this.
Emerald: It's to ensure they can adapt. Like my dad always said, 'Anything can be a weapon.'
Pearl: Care to tell me THAT story?
Emerald: In due time.
Pearl laughed and found a table to work on. She cleared it of some junk and found a chair. As she was working, Lars and Steven took up offensive positions.
Lars and Steven rushed forward.
Emerald stood his ground.
Emerald blocked Lars' attack with the shield, and used the staff to trip Steven.
Emerald: Keep vigilant of your foot work Steven. You also can't be afraid to hurt me.
Emerald kicked Lars in the chest.
Steven saw a boomerang, dropped the ax and threw the returnable object instead.
Emerald blocked it with his shield.
Lars got back up and struck at him while his back was turned.
Emerald blocked it with his staff and smacked him with his shield.
Steven grabbed a stick and ran at Emerald.
Emerald used his stick to perry Stevens. {Don't read to deep into that.}
Lars saw Stevens ax and ran to it.
Emerald used his staff to pick up Steven and threw him at Lars.
Both boys fell to the ground with a huff.
Lars lost his weapon, and picked up a crowbar.
Steven grabbed his stick.
They both rushed at Emerald, swinging at random.
Emerald dropped the shield and used his staff to block all of their attacks.
Luls in combat allowed Lars to grab Emeralds shield.
Lars used it to bludgeon him, but that didn't work.
Emerald expected the attack and sweeped the feet, grabbed the shield and threw Lars at Steven.
Steven dodged, instinctively summoned a shield, and threw it at Emerald.
This shocked Emerald as he redirected the shield at the last moment.
Emeralds eyes glowed for a millisecond, letting him see his environment.
Lars had grabbed a hockey stick and was coming at him.
When Lars attacked, Emerald side stepped him and threw him away.
Steven grabbed a slingshot and fired small object at him.
Emerald deflected them all at Lars.
Lars: Ow! Steven quit it!
Steven flinched, and Emerald threw Steven up in the air and then smacked him like a baseball at Lars.
Steven landed back first into Lars' chest.
Emerald: *laugh* Game, set, match.
Lars: *groan* Get, off, me..
Steven: *grunt* [He rolled off Lars.] Did we win?
Pearl: No. But you did give it your all.
Emerald: Yes. While Lars fell for my trap with the shield, [Lars gave a facepalm after realizing his master duped him.] you surprised me with some shocking ingenuity. If not for my eyes, Lars would have hit me from behind. If we add to your instinctive battle tactics, you could be quite the combatant.
Steven: Really? [A wide smile on his face.]
Emerald: Yes. [He thwaped them both on the head.] In the meantime however Steven, you need to learn to act more quickly. You'll also need to think things through. [His tone was very harsh.]
Pearl: Okay Ryokki, that's enough. Let's talk about-
Emerald: And Lars.
Lars: Oh no..
Emerald: How many times do I have to tell you?
Emerald + Lars: Never trust your opponents actions.
Emerald: You know I love to trick my adversaries. This is the third time I've baited you into a trap. Just for that, you will be wearing the armor during the rest of the exorcise.
Lars: *groan* [Emerald stomped the staff on the ground with audible crack. Lars immediately got up.] I-I mean yes sensei! Whatever you say sensei!
Emerald: *growl* Steven, follow Lars downstairs. I'll join you shortly. [They both did as instructed. Pearl gave him a look.] What? When I get down there, I'll be instructing them how to anticipate an opponents attack. This was to teach them to think on their feet.
Pearl: Did you have to yell?
Emerald: A teachers job isn't to be a friend. A teachers job is to make sure they understand what I teach them. If they do that, I've succeeded. If not, I've failed. I don't like to lose Pearl.
Pearl: *sigh* Just don't over do it. Okay?
Emerald: *groan* I'll take it easy on Steven, but only because he's got the choice between three other gems to help him improve. But I'll be as tough as I want with Lars. The guy needs discipline. We good?
Pearl: Yes. And might I say, I'm liking tough Emerald.
Emerald gave a laugh. When he went downstairs, Lars was in a 100 pound suit.
Emerald: Steven, I think you should sit this one out. See how Lars trains, then ask yourself if you still want me as your master. I don't take occasional students. [Steven looked at him but nodded.] Let's begin Lars.
Steven and Pearl both watched as Emerald taught Lars hand movements and had him run obstacle courses. Lars became more and more ragged. Emerald would also have him meditate in between exercises. Three hours had passed, and Emerald gave Lars a scroll detailing exercises he must do at home. When he left, Emerald spoke.
Emerald: So, Steven fell asleep?
Pearl: Yeah..
Emerald: Meh. I'll just ask him when he wakes up. So what'd you find out?
Pearl: Bert Hin is a professional detective and wanted by the state of Virginia for obstruction of police investigation during a murder case. Pen Mark, who was found guilty, but was later set free because of how he was arrested. Pen then murdered three women and committed suicide before police could apprehend him. He also has a 100,000 bounty on his head.
Emerald: No doubt by a family member of the victims. Also, you found all of that on his laptop? How long was I training Lars?
Pearl: Hey, not my fault I rock. He keeps a record of everything on this. I found it while I was hacking in. I also found a file that was meant to be sent last night. It's about you. He hasn't been here long, so he didn't have much information. We're just lucky I didn't anciently activate the master delete.
Emerald: Hm.. Makes sense. Any idea who hired him?
Pearl: For that, we NEED the keys. Trust me I've tried.
Emerald: Right.. Let me see- [His eyes glowed.] He has info on Oozaru, there are others besides Janet, and the one in control doesn't trust ANY of them enough to give a name or face. Or at least not in front of Bert. He is also smart enough to ask as few questions as possible, while also censoring his partners names and faces. He covered his tracks well.
Pearl: Hm.. Indeed. *sigh* Wake up Steven.
Steven: Uh.. Wha? Is it over?
Emerald: Steven, I need you to take a day to think about weither you want to be my student. If in the end it's decided you should learn from another, you already have many other options outside of me.
Steven: What? Why can't we start right now? I'm super pumped! [He held a pose.]
Emerald: *harshly* Steven this is serious. [Steven looked ay him sharply.] Pearl I know you want me to go easy on him, but I need to be blunt here. Steven, you are growing up, and as such you need to be treated more as an adult. If you decide to become my student, then that is how I will treat you, an adult. I'm not going to hold back. You may end up injured, hell Lars once wound up with a broken arm and I still had him come in for training. Go home for the day, and decide long and hard if you want me as a master. Now!
Steven: ... Thanks for saying you'll treat me like an adult.
Emerald: Home Steven.
Steven: Okay then, see you tomorrow. [He runs out laughing.]
Emerald: *sigh* He's going to become my student.
Pearl: Well what did you expect?
Emerald: I'm going to need drill some patience into that boy head.
Pearl: Uh, yeah good luck with that. That boy, love him as I might, is not the poster boy of patience. So I'd appreciate it if you didn't yell like that.
Emerald: *low groan* He will. He just needs some, initiative.
Pearl: Ryokki, what are you planning?
Emerald: Call the other gems, I've got a hunch about something.
What's the hunch? Either way, chapter 39 will come out after the next episode and I can properly work the scenario I want for the next chapter. Bye. :D