Author's Note;
Smiles; Now you all most be screaming where have we been. Well simply really Jesters job sucks! Also to everyone looking for work don't go to a fast food job unless you plan to stay for six months. Don't make it a career it's not worth it believe me. Also Jester has gotten sick a lot since he started to work where he works. But thankfully he managed to put together these chapters for me to post while he well relaxes and plays video games. So can't tell you how often we will update. But we will try to update us many chapters as we can. And hopefully Jester will be able to fine a new job soon. So lets check out the reviews. 3headed-dragon then you'll get a kick out of how this chapter goes dude. He23t I'll give you that a lot of people model fighters after the Last Dragon Bruce himself. But I actually have one video game and movie character in mind for Dante. And well you'll have to try harder to guess them. Ok well I'll see all you horny readers at the end.
Bonnie's View
I groan as Mr. Barkin goes over another piece about how the sudden change in our culture is shaping our futures. Sure wish he'd just get to the point instead of boring us to death. The last thing I want to hear is him talk about Gamma particles and the atmosphere. Looking over I see Tara fighting between falling asleep and staying awake. Hope is just like me right now trying not to lose her mind about how boring this is. Kim like always just paying attention like this will be on a test. But knowing Brakin it'll have a small mention in the last two questions on whatever test he puts it in. Finally the bell rings and we head to the last period before going home. Meeting up with Liz she follows the girls and me to Outer training at Ms. Go's class. Reaching the large two-room class Ms. Go already is setting up some dummies and targets.
Ms. Go smirks to say "Good at least some of you younglings take training yourselves seriously." Sitting on a stool the rest of the class soon file in. Josh is still hitting on Kim like normal and Felix is talking with the new girl. Ms. Go says "Alright zip it all of you. As of today I've been informed that you will be doing in field showcases." Confused Felix asks what does she mean. Ms. Go explains "Recent talks within the UN has countries divided. Some want Outers with more military and power based Outer to enlist and serve. Others want to finally use such Outers in more domesticated environments. As such soon we'll be having a school wide showcase for those who wish to join private or government agencies." Felix asks "But Ms. Go almost all Outers are some kind of weapon or armor. Doesn't that mean that all countries citizens will be forced to enlist even when they aren't in academies like ours?"
Ms. Go shakes her head to answer "Not quite. Take Ms. Rockwallers and Mr. Furges Outers for example. She can create a projectile class mild arms weapon. And he can recreate a close combat melee weapon class. Depending on the class type and how valuable it appears. Some will not receive high enough recommendations. Also like most showcases in the arena not everyone will be seen as you can pretty much guess." I tilt my head as Felix says, "This sounds like an arms race to see which country has the stronger Outers." A few others even Tara agrees while Ms. Go shrugs. Ms. Go says "That maybe it but it's also to curve the growing idea of heroes and villains. Our world puts both on their own pedestals at this point. Super powered groups like the Avengers, The Fantastic Four, and the X-men have their our galleries of evil opposites. New York has become the center hot spot for evil to try and make their first moves. It's why the governments no longer wish for people to feel they must rely on these groups. They feel that they have too many personal vendettas or emotional ties to villains."
I rest my arm on my hand to say, "So it's basically an enlistment for the governments to phase out heroes." Ms. Go nods to say "In a way yes. Heroes stand often as the first line of the defense for people but now that anyone can have an Outer with the right parents or parent that's not the case. Some governments see Outers as a safer means to natural Meta beings or beings of myth." I remember on the news how mutants were once a huge deal to every day people. Now not so much seeing as the mutant gene can be detected before it triggers. And heck doctors can even tell what kind of Outer someone will have. But some doctors still can't understand the more rare forms of Outers. Kims family their hyper screams, her aunts Ocean and Honey and their bubble and orb outers. And even my cousins Outer to create pockets of air with his limbs.
Felix says, "Sure sounds like more of a bad thing it more Outers will be controlled by the governments." Ms. Go says "This is actually payback for the founders of the arena fighting league. Outers wouldn't be as popular as of now without the arena battles. Anyone can get money and win or lose and Outer fighters can still make a name. Hell anyone worth his or her salt can get anything they want in the right fight. And the government only had one rule during the matches that death can't happen. Other then that they have and still have no full regulations on Outers. And it's common practice for Outers not to use the abilities in public because of earlier kindergarten teachings. Now with these enlistments the governments of the worlds has a mean to not just control but influence Outer users to fight for their country for political favor."
I good amount of the class began talking and even I had to agree it was something to think about. Imagine being able to talk to any government official and know that they were personally backing you. Or that they could be just a phone call away if you needed help in the area of politics. Soon Ms. Go gets our attention to say "In a few days some students in the senior year will be talking with all of you about the showcase. As well as field work in various private and law enforcement groups. These work-study internships will help you not only grow your Outer. But also give you an idea of how you will probably handle the enlistment idea. For now we'll be continuing our second-degree tactic measures. Now pair off like last time and lets finish that lesson and move on to the next."
After class I went home following me is Tara and Marcella. Marcella says "Bonnie how much longer till Dante comes back. After what Tara told me I just honestly want a night that she had. Plus Rufus is so cute with how excited he gets at us mentioning Dante." I nod to say "Yeah little rodent does miss Dante. And Kim has been really weird since she got back from her job. Every time Ocean mentions Dantes name to Rufus she gets a weird look on her face." Tara huffs to say "I think she's just mad at Dante like always. She really needs to leave him alone." I've noticed a big change in Tara since that night she spent with Dante and me. She's been more out going and less dense then most people expect for blondes like her. Tara isn't stupid by any means. But she doesn't normally get mean when people talk about other people. She's really become defensive whenever Kim talks down about Dante. Even though Kim has done that a little less for the last few days.
Getting to Dantes house I'm surprised that someone is waiting by the door. The woman turns to ask, "Hello do you know where I can find Dante Shin by any chance?" I say, "What do you want with my boyfriend miss?" The woman face remains still as she says "My company wishes to speak directly with him about the unique metals he's created. We also were hoping for other business offers if we managed to speak. But from how you're looking at me it would appear he isn't here correct?" I nod telling her Dante is out of the country for a while. She thanks me and gives me a card for Dante to call later. As the woman walks away Tara looks at the card to say, "Do you know anyone in the Hands corp. Marcella?" Marcella says, "I could ask my dad he pretty much lives business. But lets get inside I want to figure out how to look sexy for when Dante comes back." Tara giggles to say "Girl all you have to do is flash Dante once and ask him to treated you right."
I sigh to say "Well Tara's half correct. Just remember Marcella Dante wants two things a big family and love... I talked to the head speaker when I went to Temple over the weekend. He said Dante's teacher in the Holy land found Dante crying at their temples graveyard a number of times. He said Dante feels said whenever he sees and is present when young people die... Dante wants love girls and I want to know if you are series cause I don't like hearing or ever want to see him like the way the speaker described him." The girls nod as we head to my room to talk about how we can stack Dante winning Marcella and Taras challenges in his favor.
Dante's View
I crack my neck as I try to relax near the soft lakeside. It maybe a little rainy but the fish are more active when it rains from what the lake owner claims. The boys are reading old novels from a shelf and Anne she's well she's sitting close by. For the last two days we've gotten a little closer. But there is still distance between us. We at some level have connected more but the friction with us being together is still there. Looking over to Anne I sigh to pull my line in. Placing the rod to the side of me I stand up to look at my hands. Above all else I'm weak but I have a dream. A dream that Anne is now apart of because her sons see me as their father. I walk a little over to Anne as she lifts her head from her magazine. I ask "Anne when you look at me what do you see?" Anne is taken back from my question. Sure she and the boys know now that I killed and still kill people who deserve to die. But my question seems to draw me in a venerable state to her.
Confused Anne answer, "Dante I'm not much of a fighter. If anything I only know basic defensive means but... I can't say your weak. You've held your ground against tons of horrible people... But I know you're not a saint nor are you a bad guy. I honestly can't say I know how to help you feel better about your own emotions." I shake my head to correct myself saying "No you're right my problems are in my head. I came back into you and everyone else's life fired up and ready to show my worth and what others did to wrong me... Anne I have an idea but I need you're help to figure it out. Jim and Tim they think I'm an unstoppable badass..." Anne says, "Dante language the boys can hear you."
I nod to say "Sorry, just like you they mean the world to me now. They don't care that I might not be blood related to them. I find it nice actually that they see me that way. I need to push myself in new ways like you said. So um can you hit my arms with your hyper scream? It's rare for Outers to have powers like us. Most scientists think that some Outers with Stranger Rims like ours are because of the mutant gene. But with new studies saying that it's because of exposure to mystical elements or some form of elemental exposure. I'm sure you can help me push my limits in some way. Or expose something that I haven't noticed before in myself."
Anne looks at me to say, "Dante I'm not sure about this. It's very dangerous to even try something like this with no means of safety. And I don't want to set any examples for the boys to get reckless." I shake my head to say "My training has pushed me to the point nearly every one of my joints have been dislocated. As well as my knuckles being cracked or broken in some way a number of times. Anne please even if I get hurt I need this more so because it'll show the boys on some level we can work together. Even if we won't be romantic with one another it'll prove we can communicated and help each other." Anne chewed over my words for a while to say firmly "If I hear one bone break or shift we stop right away." I nod knowing that if either happens I'll be having a trip to a hospital to look forward to.
Standing up I ignite my right fist to then use my freehand to grip my forearm. Pointing my fist at Anne she looks at me asking if I'm sure? Nodding she takes a moment to collect herself to inhale and exhale a little. Breathing deeply she sends a controlled scream through her cupped hands into my fist. Feeling the vibrations shaking my whole arm I try to concentrate but the shaking jerks my fist sending me tumbling backwards. Anne stops to say "I knew this was bad let me see your hand." I shake my head to say, "No I'm ok please let's continue Anne I can get it please." Anne glares to say "One more try and if it doesn't work then no more." I nod to once more grip my hand as she screams into her cupped hands. As my fist shook I wondered if this would work and as the minute turned to two. Then to five minutes Anne stopped and slowly my hand calmed down as well.
Jim and Tim ask, "Dad what are you and mom doing?" I look at my hand for a few long moments feeling the throbbing of Anne scream still having an effect on my arm. I say "Just an idea boys but I'm not sure it this is the right method to bring it out." Jim asks "But dad don't you have two abilities. I mean your normal Outer is that fur coat on your back. And your mystical power is you hands glowing. Haven't you thought of putting them together?" I nod to answer, "I've tried boys but when I try my hands feel like..." Feeling the throbbing in my hand still I snap to a realization. I have been too safe I haven't pushed myself harder after I awoken my Outer powers with the help of Sensei. Science couldn't bring out my Outer but the mystical ways did. Proving that some Outers are tied to mystical elements in my case anyway. But if both are mystical then there must be a way I can combine the two.
I smile softly to say "Boys you've been pushing your creativity since your mom allowed you full access to the garage. I think it's time I start to try and get creative too. Mystical powers comes from a persons Chi the very soul of a person. My Outer and mystical powers are one in the same if my assumption is right. But I need a teacher that knows the ins and outs of Chi itself. And there is only one man alive who can teach me such things." The boys curious faces looking at me as I continue on to say "Boys before we leave for home we're going to see The master of Kung Fu. And I stress this boys he is The master of Kung Fu... To put it simple he knows every form of Chinese martial arts. And as a grand master of every form know no other master has been able to best him when they challenge him." Jim and Tim ask "Are you going to fight him bad? But how will you win if you do?"
I look to Anne her eyes showing worry and a bit of question my reasoning for looking to her. Anne nods as I walk closer to her. I whisper, "I'll go when the boys aren't looking if that's what you want? I know you don't like seeing the boys worry about me." Anne whispers back "And have them be mad that I keep them from cheering you on as you fight whoever you plan to fight keep dreaming... but do try not to get hurt again. I maybe a doctor but there are only so many injuries I can patch up on family without crying." I nod while feeling a little embarrassed cause of how concerned Anne is of me now. I go to my flip phone and make a call hoping Sensei can manage this meeting on such short notice.
Unknown View
I inhale and exhale slowly waiting for the challengers to come today. Around my dojo sits the various teachers of the old ways. And with them their most trusted and loyal of students. When my old friend Cun sent word that one of his students would be a challenger for me today. I honestly questioned his reasoning. A ninjas art of stealth isn't to be seen and to openly fight an opponent is foolish. When they fight from the shadows they have the advantage over almost all challengers. But Cun stressed that this student is different and that he not only wanted to fight me as a challenger. But to ask me something after our fight. Still I meditate and wait as the hour of challenge draws near. With the final moments of peace ending my first challenger arrives. Looking up from my meditative seat I see the large brute of a man. His arms and chest covered in scars and only wearing a pair of red sports pants. Rolling his shoulders the brute of a man says "Master Chi I have come forth to defect you."
Smirking I look over his broad body knowing that his stance alone shows that his knees aren't really a weakness. Still his stance shows that he does have skill. Standing we exchange pleasantries to begin our fight. Within a few moves the large brute spoke something in Russian and admitted his lose once I dislocated his arm in two places. Following after him were a sister and brother both using weapons. She using escrima sticks and he a curved dao sword. The brothers training I must say places him on the path of a warrior monk. His stance is good but his strikes have too much power and little defense. With his lose the sister began her challenge. Her moves aren't as strong but her speed does put her at a mild advantage. But her tendencies to use flexible gymnastic moves are too flashy and leaves her open in some of her moves. To an untrained opponent this would put them on their back feet. But seeing the flaws in her attacks even more surprising her chi powers. Her lose ends the challenge but both thank me for the chance.
Calming myself I wait for the next challenge. After a few hours the sun has reached mid day and it looks like much like yesterday it will rain once more. But slowly a series of footsteps echo as they approach. As the small group enters I see a woman, two young twin boys, and a teenager. I can feel his chi flow very well as he removes his shoes. The twin boys also have a similar flow it their chi but it's very small. Stepping forward he bows to say "Master Chi I have come to challenge you please." Nodding I rise to my feet returning his bow to ask "Then let us begin." In a rush he charges me his fist slamming into my forearm. As I grab his wrist he puts his weight into his low half. Planting himself I see he predicted my throw. But shifting my waist I spin to land a punch to his side. But as he takes the punch he leaps and does a roll in air to kick me away.
With distance between us he takes a new stance seeing his style now more of the tiger fist arts. As he charges he goes into the tigers aggressive first swings. But he drops backwards to use my surprise to his advantage. But I back off only allowing him to glance my guard. As he kicks both his feet upward towards my chest I back off to swat his feet past me. Striking at his stomach he grips my fist as he recovers in a low backspin. He stops to then guard himself waiting for me to try and strike him in his low stance. But I keep my distance still to smile. I say, "You are well trained student of master Cun. Or does he still call himself Master Sensei now from last I heard?"
The teen smiles to answer, "A little redundant yes but Sensei has trained me in the ways of the old masters of the school. I have come Master Chi to test myself before you. All I ask is that you don't hold back too much." I nod asking him to do the same. Much like the young Iron Fist Danny Rand the student of Cun hands glow and pulse with red chi. Smiling I nod to say "Yes the newest of Japans fists. I see you are either eager to learn more. Or have faced a problem that you cannot face through your normal skills. But do not worry my young friend I will teach you this day. But pain will be the biggest part of it." The young fist nods to ask "But please master no blood not in front of the children." I nod as we bow once more to begin the lesson.
Smiles; And the lesson begins. But we'll save the action for the next chapter. So leave a review and check out our other stuff if you feel like it. So like always WE'LL HUG YOU LATER!
