Like Father, Like Son
Author's Note: Ladies and gentlemen I'm back to present another Chapter of Like Father, Like Son! In this chapter Aaron will learn from the past about facing challenges in life, and a couple of lessons from his mom before the second tryout PLUS! Natalie and Xander meet at the Bakery. Time for talking is over, time to tell a story here.
Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Girl Meets World. I'm not getting paid by the writers to write stuff like this (but I wish I was) Sadly they wouldn't allow stuff like this to air because it's Disney!
October 2037
Aaron got settled in his seat in history class where his mom was already in front of the smart board and brought up a Japanese male carrying a Katana: A Samurai Sword. "Miyamoto Musashi, what did he do?" Riley asked her class. And as soon as she spoke about who he is, the class sat silently to the point anyone could hear a pin drop. She sighed.
"Miyamoto Musashi was a Samurai and is also the most famous of them all. He was known in Japan as a kensai or "Samurai Saint" Musashi fought in two wars and both of them he was on the losing side. Since he didn't have a master to serve: He was a called a: Ronin." Riley began to teach her class about the famous Samurai until she sees Stephen's hand raise really quickly.
"So were like the Samurai like Japan's version of knights?" The young teenager asked.
"Correct, they were like knights that they served noble lords but if the Samurai didn't have a master to serve, he was a Ronin like I just said." Riley answered Stephen. She continued.
"So anyway, Musashi was exposed to combat, in fact his first sword fight was at the age of 13! He fought an older Samurai to a Swordfight to the death and the young Musashi won! Later on in his life, after surviving his first war in a losing cause and survived, he went on a Warriors Pilgrimage for years mastering his skills, philosophy and even engaged in duels with the sword most of them were to the death. He sometimes would make his opponents wait for him by arriving late and angering them, this caused his opponents not to concentrate as they were already angry at Musashi for being late. In the end he was undefeated in over 60 contests." Riley told the class as Aaron really took a liking to this Samurai.
"So nobody has ever beat this guy?" Aaron asked his mother.
"Yup. Can you name anyone else that has gone undefeated throughout their careers let alone their whole lives in which where one mistake on your end, can decide whether you live or die." Riley asked everyone in the room.
"The closest one I can think of is Floyd Mayweather." One of the students in the front row beside Chloe on her right hand side answered.
"Ahhh Floyd Mayweather the Boxer. However, in some cases he chose his opponent, whereas Musashi, he had no choice. Mayweather had months to prepare for his opponent, Musashi only had hours or even no preparations but still Musashi was very focused on the moment, his foundations and fundamental skills were second to none and even was the reason why some people were able to fight with two swords at once." Riley remembered hearing about this man through Troy's and Lucas' karate instructor: Adrianna one time in the past when Troy was a little younger and Adrianna was teaching Troy a lesson in facing your fears and to always remain focused at the task at hand despite numerous distractions in life.
"So nobody was ever able to beat him in a sword fight?" Ruben asked Riley.
"Not even close! The closest was a 12-year old lord out of revenge for his brother who was killed by Musashi after he challenged Musashi to a duel." Riley exclaimed remembering that story.
"What happened with the 12-year old lord?" Chloe asked curiously.
"Well, the story goes that Musashi felt he was being set up after he brought dishonor into the 12-year old lord's family after killing one of his older brothers in a duel and defeated the other one and sparred his life in which after that, the oldest brother became Zen Monk. So unlike other times, Musashi arrived early and kept himself hidden until night fall where the 12-year old lord: Matashichiro Yoshioka and some of his men armed with swords, bows and arrows show up. All of his men found a place to hide while Yoshioka made himself vulnerable and appeared as bate. At the perfect timing, Musashi charged at the young lord and it's off with his head! After the young lord was killed, Musashi was surrounded and had to fight his way through with two swords them and he did! Eventually he hid and escaped in nearby rice fields at that moment, his legacy was set! In his later years, he knew his time was running out so what does the old Samurai do, he wrote books in a cave! He wrote his masterpiece: The Book of Five Rings and another book but about self-discipline called: The Way of Walking Alone both done in 1645. He passed away months later known as the best Swordsman to ever grace Japan." Riley told her class as Aaron became inspired by Miyamoto Musashi. The ability to fight 60 times most of them were sword fights that would end in death and win all 60 times! He escaped a set up and won! There was plenty of things to learn from the great Samurai.
"This guy was a bad ass for the ages!" Aaron exclaimed inspired from the Samurai.
"Oh yeah, Miyamoto Musashi had a great saying, he said, "When your opponent is hurrying recklessly, you must act contrarily and keep calm. You must not be influenced by the opponent." What Musashi meant is that, if your opponent is in a rush, remain calm and do not adapt to your opponent, let them adapt to you." Riley told her class.
"So what does that have to do with our lives?" Stephen asked.
"You know… I was getting to that Stephen." Riley shook her head at the young teenager as he kept his mouth shut.
"What it means for your lives is that whenever you feel you are being rushed to do things, keep calm. Do not be influenced by the pressure life places on you and do things on your own timing. Except when it comes to your homework and tests because you get a time limit on those!" Riley said to her class smiling at the end knowing her class always has a time limit on homework and tests they have to do. The bell rang as the class was dismissed. Aaron spent most of science class thinking of life in Japan in Miyamoto Musashi's time. No guns were around, people mostly fought with swords or by hand to hand combat. Musashi won over 60 contests never having a single defeat on his record. Until he ran into one quote that really see how his father was so strong not just as a basketball player, but as a father, a husband and, as a man, Musashi once said, "Never accept an inferior position to anyone. It is the strongest spirit that wins, not the most expensive sword." He sees why his dad is so respected and well-known it is because of his hard work, belief in himself, and his willpower that allows him to succeed in everything he does. The crew eventually met up for lunch and found their typical place in the cafeteria.
"So how's everything guys finally we get a chance to actually catch up with Aaron after his grounding his expired." Ruben said opening up the conversation as he patted Aaron's shoulders for no longer being grounded.
"Thanks guys, I really appreciate it." Aaron thanked Ruben.
"So, you gonna go to your second tryout for Coach Arsenault after school?" Stephen asked him.
"Yeah, as a matter of fact, I believe I'm doing very well and I also believe Chloe will make the girls team." Aaron exclaimed placing his belief in Chloe as well.
"Woah Aaron! What's with you today with belief and all of that? Chloe asked never having seen this side of Aaron before with positivity.
"Dude, is it because your mom was telling us about that stuff from a guy that lived about 400 years ago?" Stephen asked looking at Aaron strangely.
"It is. I can see why my dad is so good at basketball like Miyamoto was at sword fighting and duels! They both believed in themselves, they became masters at their own games, and all this time I thought we should be living like kings in high-end homes but I now get why my parents chose to remain in Greenwich Village. "It is the strongest spirit that wins. Not the most expensive sword" Meaning the one with the strongest will wins, not the one with most expensive things like houses, cars, pools, whatever. He doesn't live a life of luxury because I think he wants us to appreciate the value of determination, willpower, and gifts we have within ourselves." Aaron just rambled on in his analysis of Miyamoto Musashi's quote as the others eyes were wide-open at Aaron as if Aaron was enlightened by a Samurai.
"Yeah and maybe he doesn't want you to become a snob like some rich folks." Stephen scoffed knowing who he was talking about…The Meyers. After all this time he still didn't let go of the fact they placed a target on Aaron's back for having rough sex with Joanna Meyer and although they apologized and things are good between them, he just has a negative vibe around Joanna when he sees her in class during second and third period.
"Stephen, let it go." Chloe calmed him down rubbing the front of his shoulders to relieve some pressure off him.
"But you two are ready for tryouts today?" Ruben asked Chloe and Aaron.
"Yeah!" Aaron and Chloe answered together.
"Oh and Aaron, are we still going to Natalie's playoff game for softball? I hear she's pitching." Stephen asked Aaron.
"Oh yeah, and thanks to the both of you for coming with me so that I can't deal with my mom's cheering alone." Aaron thanked his friends knowing how over the top Riley can be when it comes to supporting her children especially Natalie in softball.
"Aaron!" Chloe exclaimed.
"What?" Aaron asked Chloe who looked disappointed.
"Honestly, support your sister, this is a big deal for her and she will need as much support as she can get!" Chloe said to Aaron wanting him to back up Natalie.
"Chloe, have you seen the Friar family? It is a bunch of weirdos! Especially on Mrs. Friar's side of the family!" Ruben asked Chloe in a questionable tone.
"But they're all very nice people! C'mon how bad can it be?" Chloe laughed off Ruben's concern as she now plans on going to the Softball game to support Natalie.
"Don't say we didn't warn you." Ruben told Chloe knowing she won't listen as Ruben took a bite out of his Peanut Butter and Nutella sandwich.
The rest of the day went by rather fast and in Maya's class they watched The Avengers, unfortunately they ran out of time and was about to get to the scene where SHIELD's base was compromised and Loki had already been captured. The class was dismissed for the day and Aaron and Chloe got themselves ready for their tryouts. They went to their respective locker rooms to get changed. Aaron was confident but strikingly calm. He had a presence around him that be believed in himself now and that was ready to take on any sort of challenge.
He got out of the locker room and everyone from yesterday was there too. The stretched and warmed up for 20 minutes and Aaron felt nice and relaxed as if he was having fun again. There was no need to worry about anything, however he knew not to be too relaxed because in his mind he knew he was competing for a spot on the team that only 15 guys can have. Again they worked on drills but this time focused on teamwork by having 3 on 3 games which saw Aaron pairing himself up with: Theo and Devon from yesterday. Devon still had that intimidating presence around him and was still a great player in his own way, Theo has great vision which reminded him of Yogi. Yogi according to his dad didn't make the team but had the best court vision of everyone on the team. It was there turn to play and they had their way and imposed their will! Theo would play Point Guard and would begin the plays as they dribble up court by this time it was 9-3 Devon and Aaron dominated while Theo just found them and made them do the rest. It was an easy game for the trio as Theo sees Aaron wide open after getting himself free with a screen from Devon as Aaron's man runs into the wall named: Devon Hamilton, Aaron runs behind the three-point line, Theo passes it to him, Aaron shoots and scores! The game was over as the players came back into the huddle since the tryout was coming to a close.
"Great job guys, I now have a good idea of who will be on the team and I will have the team posted tomorrow so thank you guys for coming out and trying out. If you do not make the team, don't let this experience discourage you. Make it become fuel for you to improve on your skills and abilities in this game. Michael Jordan didn't make his basketball team but with hard work, and lots of practice he made it to the University of North Carolina and eventually became the greatest basketball to grace this earth I don't care! Lebron James and Kobe Bryant ain't better than MJ." Coach Arsenault told the 34 young men trying to encourage them to whoever doesn't make the team.
"So get ready, go home and rest up. To whoever DOES make the team, meet me at the Health and Physical Education Office on the first floor during your lunch period." Coach told them ending the second tryout. After Aaron went to the locker room and got changed, after he got ready he met Chloe outside her locker room as they walked to the bakery together. As they were walking, Chloe noticed that Aaron was nervous, she's always known that Aaron wants to live up to his father's name and his legacy.
"Aaron, can you calm down I'm sure you made the team!" Chloe told Aaron trying to calm him down.
"Chloe I know I can't change how I did but I'm seriously hoping I did enough." Aaron said always being hard on himself.
"Aaron look, you did great I watched for a bit today and yesterday and honestly, you're one of the best I've ever seen! If you don't make the team, it's fine! You still got great people in your life that still care about you. You got Ruben, Stephen, myself and your whole family!" Chloe said as she knew how to make Aaron calm. Aaron knew that no matter how tough things got the people he could rely on the most whenever tough times occurred was Ruben and Stephen and now Chloe too. He felt more at peace knowing that no matter what, it's gonna be ok.
"Thanks Chloe." Aaron said smiling at her.
"Your welcome Aaron" Chloe told him as they approached the bakery where he saw someone talking to Natalie at the booth Natalie usually sits, oddly enough it was the same place Maya, Riley, Lucas, Farkle, and Zay normally sat when they were younger it was only fitting it was their turn to use it. He looked to see who was talking to Natalie and it was Xander Ross!
"Hey Xander what are you doing here?' Aaron asked him.
"Hey man, I'm just here to say I'm sorry how I acted when I left, I'm sorry for how I treated your folks and Zay and I just never could handle what happened with them and my dad from years ago." Xander apologized for his actions.
"It's all good man." Aaron told him as they shared a bro hug. "Hey Nat, I'm gonna work ok and Chloe wants to talk to you." Aaron told his sister as he went to get changed to his work uniform and punch in for today's shift.
"What's up Chloe?" Natalie asked as she moved over and allowed Chloe to sit beside her.
"Well, I know you're playing Softball this weekend and although your brother is somewhat supportive I thought it would be great if I come and support you with my boyfriend: Chris beside me." Chloe told her as Natalie liked that. Since they've met, Chloe and Natalie have been close friends and helped her with knowing the family better and they even plan to watch at Knicks game together at some point this season and it could potentially be even at the Home Opener against the Boston Celtics.
"Thanks Chloe I really appreciate that and I'm sorry about my mom's behavior in advance." Natalie told Chloe as they hugged.
"You play softball?" Xander asked Natalie.
"Yeah, I'm pitching this weekend in a playoff game." Natalie answered.
"Well umm…Can I come too?" Xander asked not really knowing Natalie but wanted to support her.
"That would be great!" Natalie answered trying not to freak out right now.
"By the way, we never got to the reason why I'm here so what did you wanna talk about?" Xander asked trying to get back to the reason why Natalie wanted to speak with him.
"Well, my best friend's sister did some research without me knowing and found your father's case as well as Charlie Gardner. Take a look." Natalie answered as she handed Xander the laptop Natalie was holding in her hands.
Xander read the case report of what happened and even saw some footage of the initial incident that occurred at Madison Square Garden in February of 2020 he saw Lucas and Billy getting into a fight while Charlie held Riley's breasts holding her down while. He couldn't believe what he saw, Lucas and Zay were telling him the truth the whole time… Xander was very disgusted at how his dad acted back in the day before Lucas broke Billy's ankle. He placed the laptop on the table in front of him and didn't have words to say to Natalie... "I'm sorry I thought they were liars Natalie…I just never could believe that…My dad of all people could do such a thing…I'm sorry Natalie." Xander apologized to her.
"It's ok, you know the truth now." Natalie accepted his apology and smiled towards him knowing he finally knew the truth of what happened all those years ago.
"How can I make it up to you Nat?" Xander asked leaving the ball in her court.
"Well since you have the proof, I want you to invite your dad here so that he and my parents could talk this out." Natalie suggested.
"Umm…Natalie, I think you should tell your parents about this first." Chloe suggested to her not liking where this was going.
"How bad can it be? They haven't spoken in years! Besides time does heal wounds right? Maybe this conversation they need to have between them would help ease of what happened." Natalie told Chloe defending her side of the story reaming optimistic just like her mother.
"I don't know Nat, I really think you need to tell your parents about this." Chloe recommended not liking this at all.
"Chloe, relax ok! It's all gonna be ok!" Natalie exclaimed still remaining optimistic as Chloe felt concerned while Xander too was optimistic about them talking and settling things peacefully.
Author's Note: Oh boy! This is gonna get interesting a possible meeting between Lucas, Riley and Billy?! This is gonna be good! More on this part of the story on the next Chapter of Like Father, Like Son plus will Aaron and Chloe make their respective teams? Next time of Like Father, Like Son: Natalie finally tells her parents the plan on having Billy Ross coming to the bakery find out on how Riley and Lucas take it and Chloe wants to know what it's like having a father. Who will she talk to about this? Please review, fav, and follow the story.
Let's Talk y'all this gets good!
ArabellaRoseD: Your questions will be answered in time Rucas and Markle will talk to Augava soon and help them on this issue.
Breakawayking57: Yeah man Jagr is a genetic freak being able to play at such a high level for so long! Really happy for him and his accomplishments because I don't know many people being able to do this for so long.
4ne1: Riley definitely rubbed off on her and we'll see if this is just being friendly or actually a thing :)
James Stryker: The answer on Xander and Natalie will be discovered sooner or later, Chloe really did compliment Aaron on his play and calmed him down and we'll see what happens IF Aaron faces Chris in a game or in some other way, either way this little rivalry isn't over yet. Not even close!