Freeman's Odyssey
Chapter: 17
Learning Kung-Fu
Kung-fu or wushu is a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" "sects" or "schools" of martial arts. Examples of such traits include physical exercises involving animal mimicry, or training methods inspired by Chinese philosophies, religions and legends. Styles that focus on qi manipulation are called internal while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are called "external"
According to legend, Chinese martial arts originated during the semi-mythical Xia Dynasty more than 4,000 years ago. It is said the Yellow Emperor Huangdi (legendary date of ascension 2698 BCE) introduced the earliest fighting systems to China.
The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous general who, before becoming China's leader, wrote lengthy treatises on medicine, astrology and the martial arts. One of his main opponents was Chi You who was credited as the creator of jiao di, a forerunner to the modern art of Chinese Wrestling.
A portal opened up to back where he came from as Gordon appeared in thin air as the village had been trashed beyond recognition. The animal people are cheering for joy as the day had been won by Shifu, the Dragon Warrior Po and the Furious Five as they do look like they had been in a war.
Gordon came in the scene as it looks like some others helped as well in other kung-fu masters from all out China and some armored animals that looked like Imperial troops.
"What happened to you and Mogwai?" asked Shifu
"Let's just say he got blasted to bits," said Gordon
"What is that stuff on you." asked Po "It smells good!"
"Po stop thinking about your stomach," said Tigress
"I guess you wouldn't believe me if I told you, the goop is off of a giant marshmallow man," said Gordon
Everyone gave him blank stares.
"Never mind," said Gordon "So what happened to the Ferocious Five?"
"It was a devastating battle," said Shifu "Not an easy one considering how powerful those five were, we were seriously on the losing end until other kung-fu masters from all walks of life in China joined in the fight, then the Princesses Troops came in as well. As you can see the village got trashed in all the fighting and they retreated for now….but they will be back. Dangerous and deadlier than ever"
"It was awesome," said Po "The never ending battle between good and evil, won by the great dragon warrior and his trusty side kicks the Furious Five."
The furious five glare at Po and playfully knock him around a bit as the villagers just laugh at the antics going on.
"Mr. Freeman," said Shifu "Thank you for saving all of China, perhaps in return we can teach you kung-fu."
"Well I did receive combat training while I was in Black Mesa," said Gordon as he shrugged his shoulders "So sure why not and as long as I am not trained by Po over there."
"Hey what is wrong with me—"shouted Po as he is getting bounced around a bit.
"Perhaps be trained by Tigress as well," said Gordon "Her skills in Kung-fu is like poetry in motion."
"Why thank you," said Tigress as she blushes a bit.
Gordon Freeman spent a week learning the basics of Kung-fu and in some ways it is almost like science, there were a few ups and downs but he managed to get the hang of it. Shifu and Tigress, but sadly he knew he had to go soon and after the weeks worth of training he said his goodbyes and went on his way as he walked away from the village. Although he did not even know that the G-man has been watching in which the mysterious man just fixed his tie and disappeared into thin air.
Log Activated
Freeman's Log continuation:
Learning is the fundamental understanding of new skills, tricks and among other things. Perhaps the skills I learned in Kung-fu will help me better in the future adventures. Until then I will learn what road this Odyssey will take me and I had the pleasure in meeting Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior Po. Although I might say that Tigress is a cute one. I leave this dimension with the knowledge I possess. End Log
Gordon Freeman pressed a button upon his forearm compartment as a portal activated and he stepped inside as both the portal and him self disappears into thin air. In what next adventure awaits him.
To be continued
Chapter: 18
Broken Mirror