Ron walked out of the changing room of the dojo, adjusting the red sash around his heavy black kung fu uniform. "Master, why…" the boy started to ask before getting cut off.

"I am not your master. In my training hall, we are equals. You may call me Jonathon, Jon, or Mister Wolf." Gesturing to the words carved into all the boards of the wooden wall around them, "these are all the same phrase in the different languages I have studied martial arts under. Each states the same, 'The true master has nothing left to learn.' Here, everyone is a student with much to learn."

The blonde absorbed this, then asked his question again. "Why do I wear a red sash? Doesn't it show rank?"

Smiling, "Normally, but the colors were originally chosen to represent a student's skill progression. White for the purity of mind and lack of skill. Black to show he has learned all skills and the burden of having life and death at his command. In this case, I chose red because it is Miss Possible's hair color and will remind you of your commitment."

"That reminds me. How'd you know her name last time?" he accused.

"The same why I know her hair color. I watch the news. I also recognized you similarly, though they do disgrace their journalistic integrity by not getting your name right or not even mentioning you at all," Jonathon responded matter of factly. "Now, sit down, and we will begin with meditation. Then I will tell you the true history of Tai Shing Pek Kwar. And I will tell you the answer to the question you have feared to ask since last we met."

Ron blushed sheepishly, taking a seat in a cross legged position across from Jonathon. "You know, I don't do too well at this meditation thing."

"That is because you have tried to achieve a state of mind when you already had it. The power matches your personality. We shall be focusing on looking inward at the mystic energy. Right now, it is like a beast caged within your soul. Just breath evenly and search your inner self until you find something that seems foreign."

Closing his eyes, Ron slowed his breathing to an even pace. Still only seeing the backs of his eyelids, he started to get bored. 'Hello, monkey power? You in there?' he silently asked himself, not expecting an answer.

Suddenly, he found himself standing in a room with all the features shrouded in darkness. He wasn't sure how he knew it was room; it just felt like it. Hearing a shuffling noise behind him, he turned to find a small monkey a few feet from him. 'Ah, monkey!' he cringed.

The monkey stared at him sadly, and then crawled up into a ball and started to cry. Feeling bad, he went over and sat next to the creature, petting its head. 'Aw, I'm sorry, little guy. I have camp issues.'

It looked back up at him, tears in its eyes. 'I know. You hate me, and I'm sorry.'

Too surprised to freak at a talking monkey, he stared at the animal. 'You can talk?'

'We're in your mind. You are a manifestation of yourself, and I am a manifestation of the monkey power.'

'Dude, school words. And you sound like Sensei.'

'I apologize. You represent yourself in this dream. I represent the monkey power.'

'You're what I'm supposed to be looking for,' Ron exclaimed.

'You finally want me?' it asked happily.

'If you wanna help me,' he said, rubbing the back of his neck. 'I guess it hasn't been fun in here with my monkey phobia and never using you.'

'It has been lonely. I've helped you when I can. Fighting when you would use me; guiding your steps to reach your goal.'

'Wow, thanks. I knew you helped me fight sometimes. Didn't know you did other stuff, too.'

The monkey climbs up to hang on Ron's back. 'Everything I needed was there. You are well suited for my power.'

'Aw, thanks. I think. I guess I should tell Mr. Wolf what's happened so we can continue training.'

The monkey nods. 'The man wolf is strong with power. His is ancient, but it feels like it does not belong.'

'Should I trust him?' he asked, concerned.

'For now. His deceit feels of caution, not of malice.' Seeing the look on the boys face, the monkey quickly rephrased. 'He lies to protect his true nature, not to hurt anyone.'

'Gotcha, ' Ron said, giving the two handed point.

Ron opened his eyes only to find himself alone. Looking around, he saw Jonathon walking through the open doorway. "Good timing," he said excitedly.

The man chuckled. "Not really. I was listening for the change in your breathing and heart rate while I took care of a few things. And I see from your scent you've come to terms with the power."

"Yeah, we got it worked out. But I don't feel any different." The boy looked confused. "My scent?"

"Yes. It now hints of the power you possess. As you work with it, you will cease referring to it as a separate entity, and your scent will become infused with it."

"No, you can smell me. That's just sick and wrong. The monkey told me there was something up with you," Ron accused.

Jonathon looked at the boy with confusion until realization dawned on his face. Laughing, "I'm used to the people I deal with knowing my history. I'll explain everything later. Right now, did you know there was a small animal in your pants?"

The blonde paled. "Is Rufus OK? No one ate him, did they?"

"Rufus is fine," he said calmingly. "Shadow found him and has been giving him a tour. Last I saw, he was sitting on Shadow's head acting like a cowboy," an amused smile on his face.

Ron breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. Forgot he was in there."

Jonathon smiled as he got two bottles of water from a cooler. Tossing one to Ron, he sat back against a side wall of the dojo. Motioning for the blonde to take a seat, Ron realized just how fatigued he was.

"Yeah. You've been meditating for about two hours or so. Rest up before we continue. Let me tell you some of my story and the true beginning of Tai Shing Pek Kwar.