Sovereign: Just a quick reminder, I have made some very minor editing to the previous chapter. With that said, enjoy the new chapter!
Building Trust, Part 2
After Dickson gave him a spare karategi and white belt, Kirito heads to the dressing room at the back of the dojo to dress up for their upcoming duel. The karate instructor kneels at the centre of the mats and patiently waits for his opponent while Asuna, Yui, Eugeo, Klein, Agil, the other store tenants and his students kneel at the side.
As everyone waits, Asuna takes a few moments to look around the dojo. The interior of Dickson's dojo has the same layout as her restaurant but flipped horizontally, which is no surprise considering it is built at the other end of the strip mall. There is a large and wide mirror placed on the wall behind Dickson and the right side of the dojo so that the karate instructor can observe the body postures of his students as they train under his guidance. At the other end of the dojo from where she and the others are kneeling are doors to two large rooms. On the left is the door to dressing room which she and the others just saw Kirito enter, and the other on the right most definitely leads to Dickson's office. Several punching bags and a few yoga balls are placed against the wall beside the door to the dressing room. And the last distinguishable features of Dickson's dojo are the four portraits and large white banner hanging on the wall at the left side. The banner has a black and white emblem of a bald cypress forest commonly found in the southeastern parts of the United States, and the words 'Bald Cypress Dojo' written around it. There are two portraits hanging on each side of the banner. The two portraits hanging beside the banner on the left are a waist-up photo of Dickson dressed in his police officer uniform that was taken during his days as a member of the New Orleans Police department, and another waist-up photo of him this time dressed in his white karategi with his arms folded. The other two portraits hanging beside the banner on the right are a graduation degree from his former karate school, and a photo of him shaking hands with his former grandmaster as he earned his black belt from him.
Asuna gulped as she learns the accomplishments Dickson had achieved throughout his youth and fears that Kirito may be no match for him, especially how much of a foreigner he is to Earth's cultures. She turns to Yui who kneels beside her and whispered into her ear, "Yui, has your foster father done something like this before?"
"Well, we did have a relative back in Mizuho who taught him hand-to-hand combat. But to my knowledge, he had never bested her or anyone else in this style of combat before." Yui replied softly and nervously as she looked back at her.
"I see." Asuna said, now more worried for Kirito's sake. Still, if he does not win this fight, her plans to get everyone in Calhoun Plaza to come and work with her at the charity carnival will be permanently scrapped. All she and her employees can do now is hope for the best outcome.
"What are you two whispering about?" The red-haired woman asked as she and the black-haired woman had been eyeing on Asuna and Yui while kneeling beside them.
"Oh! Um, nothing! It's just all this waiting is making us feel anxious, doesn't it?" Asuna asked as she and Yui fan themselves with their hands with nervous grins on their faces.
"It sure does." Yui said as she frantically nods her head. The red-haired woman chuckled in response.
"If that's how you're feeling right now, I can teach you something that my grandma taught me to help settle our nerves." The red-haired woman said as she places her fingers on her temples. "Close your eyes and rub your temples about ten times." Asuna and Yui did the same thing as her and the three rub their temples together. "Are you done?"
"Yeah." Asuna replied.
"Mm-hmm." Yui said.
"Good. Now count to ten inside your head and take a deep breath." The red-haired woman instructed and the three did exactly what she said. "And that's it."
Asuna and Yui open their eyes and lower their hands.
"Wow, it kinda worked." Asuna said and smiled at the red-haired woman. "Arigatou."
"You're welcome." The red-haired woman said before extending her hand to Asuna. "My name is Frances Foster by the way. But you can call me Frankie."
"Nice to meet you, Frankie." Asuna replied as she shakes her hand.
"And my name is An Si-eun. Bangabseubnida." The black-haired woman smiled and waved her hand at Asuna.
"It's a pleasure to know you too, Si-eun." Asuna said as she waves back at her.
"I'm glad you were able to convince Mr. Godak to attend the carnival without the use of force." Si-eun said.
"What makes you think I would have done that?" Asuna asked in confusion.
"I mean the way you walk right up to him, and never hesitate when he was shouting back at you, I thought you were going to punch him or something, and I would have fainted right there on the spot." Si-eun trembled as she wraps her arms around herself. Frankie chuckled as she rubs her shoulders to calm her down.
"Please forgive Si-eun. She can be really paranoid and emotional at times." Frankie said to Asuna.
"I understand. Sorry I made you worry, Si-eun." Asuna said apologetically to Si-eun.
"It's alright." Si-eun replied as she adjusts her glasses. "I know he sounds tough most of the time, but he does deeply care about our well-beings and the state of this strip mall. I can still remember when Frankie and I first started working here at the same time, he expressed how grateful he was to us that we are willing to set up our businesses here despite being so close to Addie's Baking Company, who was responsible for chasing his friends away. He sounded quite sad when he mentioned them, showing that he does take their departures to heart."
"Not to mention, he was a police officer back in Louisiana before working here. I'm sure back in his days working in the NOPD, he had experienced a lot of pain and distress while working in the line of duty." Frankie added as she and Si-eun look back at Dickson.
"Yeah…that is true." Asuna replied softly as she stares at Dickson as well with her eyes softened.
Suddenly, Kirito opens the door and comes out of the dressing room, now dressed in a white karategi and white belt. Asuna and the others watch as Kirito strides over to the centre of the dojo where Dickson had been patiently waiting for him. He turns and kneels in front of his opponent, and the two men gaze boldly at each other. They solemnly bow their heads to each other a few moments later, and they both stand up without saying a word.
"You can do it, Kirito!" Eugeo cheered.
"Yeah! Go on and show him what you're made of!" Klein added.
"Good luck, Pa…" Yui trails off as she realizes what she was about to say in the presence of the store tenants who are unaware of the existence of her home world. She quickly corrects herself as she pumps her fists into the air. "Party rock is in the house tonight!"
Asuna, Eugeo, Klein and the other store tenants stare at Yui in confusion as Kirito's foster daughter glances at them. "It's just…something I listened to from Asuna's phone a few nights ago." She explained nervously.
"At least you and Asuna got some good taste." Frankie remarked as everyone look back to the front. While Dickson gets into the standard karate fighting stance, Kirito on the other hand pulls his body back, have his right hand down and holds his left arm up in the air.
"Um, may I ask what fighting style you are going for?" Dickson acquired with a slightly arched eyebrow.
"Oh, I'm just following what a certain fighter from my hometown did before she gets into a fight." Kirito replied.
"He's imitating our summoner." Yui whispered to Asuna, who lowers her head and plants her hands on her face.
"We're doomed." Asuna said with her voice muffled.
"May I know where you are originally from?" Dickson asked Kirito.
"Let's saaaayyyy…it's somewhere far, far away." Kirito said.
"I won't probe further." Dickson muttered before returning his focus on their fight. "Anyways, like I said, this fight is best out of five. Round goes to the fighter who manages to land a punch or a kick on their opponent. The first fighter to win three rounds is the victor."
"Understood." Kirito solemnly nods his head. The two men gaze boldly at each other while Asuna and the others idly watch in silence and anxiety. It remained like this for about ten seconds until Dickson suddenly decides to make the first move.
The karate instructor steps forward and performs a twirling kick at the right side of Kirito's head. Kirito quickly evades the attack by bending his head low enough to dodge Dickson's foot as his opponent turns around. With his back facing him, Kirito steps forward and throws a punch at him. But Dickson swiftly turns back to his opponent and swings his left arm to the side to shove away Kirito's right arm. When he sees an opening, Dickson thrusts his right fist and successfully lands a punch on Kirito's chest. The saucier groans as he backs away and places his hand on where Dickson landed his punch.
Asuna, Yui, Klein and Eugeo gasp in shock while Dickson's top student exclaimed, "Mr. Godak, one! Mr. Kirigaya, zero!"
Kirito breathes heavily as he recovers from the blow. 'She was right. One day, I'll have to handle my battles without my swords.'
Kirito soon glares back at Dickson, and both men get into their fighting stances again.
"Papa…" Yui murmured as she and Asuna frown worriedly.
"Kirito…" Asuna uttered.
Kirito suddenly makes the first move. He makes a brief slide across the mats and swings his right leg at Dickson's ankles. Dickson dodges the attack by performing a cartwheel to his right. As soon as he lands back on his feet, Dickson rushes back to Kirito and swings his right fist down at him. Kirito rolls to his right to dodge it and quickly gets back up.
'VORPAL STRIKE!' Kirito thought to himself as he runs up to Dickson with his teeth gritted, and he thrusts his right fist at him. However, Dickson swiftly moves to his right to dodge the punch and grabs his right arm. Kirito gasps before Dickson makes a 90-degree left turn and tosses him onto the floor. As Kirito finds himself landing on his back, Dickson brings his right fist down and punches him on the chest again. Asuna, Yui, Eugeo and Klein gasp as Kirito has now lost two rounds in a row.
"Mr. Godak, two! Mr. Kirigaya, zero!" Dickson's top student announced.
'I guess swords and fists really aren't the same thing.' Kirito thought to himself as Dickson backs away from him. He closes his eyes and grits his teeth in pain as he clutches onto the area of his chest where Dickson had landed his fist on. To think that the swordsman who once led an entire army to victory against a ruthless organization could end up feeling hopeless without the use of his swords and magic. And if he loses one more round, their plan to get everyone in Calhoun Plaza to attend the carnival will be over. Kirito cannot bear the thought of disappointing Asuna and the others. He cannot bear letting anyone down, especially after…what happened to them. He needs to make a comeback now. But how? How can he possibly win?
'Onii-chan! Why are you already grovelled in pain?! How can you let our people see you in such a pitiful state?!' A voice scolded inside Kirito's mind, causing him to snap open his eyes with his mouth agape. He turns his head to Asuna, Yui, Eugeo and Klein, who all look back at him worriedly.
"Kirito…" Asuna murmured, her eyes pleading him to win.
'A true warrior would continue fighting than surrender. We must bring honour to the people we care and love until the end.' The voice said solemnly to him. Kirito seals his lips and furrows his brows as he regained his confidence. He quietly gets himself up from the mats and returns to his fighting stance as he faces his opponent again.
"Good. I don't wish to see you lying on the ground and sulking forever." Dickson said, getting into his fighting stance as well.
"Glad I don't disappoint." Kirito replied.
'Remember. Always remain calm and observe the body of your enemy.'
Kirito gazes at Dickson as the two men stay still for a few moments. When Dickson decides to make the first move and takes a step forward, Kirito quickly notices him turning his upper torso and pulling his right arm back. As Dickson throws his right fist at his left cheek, Kirito quickly dodges the attack by moving to his right and over to the left side of his opponent. Dickson quickly turns to his left and swings his left arm at the left side of Kirito's head. But this time, Kirito holds up his left arm to block his attack and shove his arm away. Dickson looked surprised for only less than a second as Kirito quickly delivers an uppercut to his abdomen, causing him to back away from him.
His students and the other store tenants gasp in surprise while Asuna, Yui, Eugeo and Klein cheered in response.
"Way a go, Kirito!" Klein shouted ecstatically.
"Alright!" Eugeo added.
"Yay!" Yui claps her hands in joy. Asuna smiled as his victory has helped her relieved some doubt from her.
"Good job, Kirito!" Asuna cried as she nods her head approvingly. Kirito nods back at her before looking back at Dickson who gets back into his fighting stance.
"Mr. Godak, two! Mr. Kirigaya, one!" Dickson's top student announced.
"Finally. That's what I want to see from you." Dickson said flatly.
Kirito flashes a quick smirk at him as he gets ready to fight as well. After both men stayed still for a few moments, Dickson takes a step forward. Kirito suddenly lifts his left leg up and throws a kick to the right side of Dickson's head. However, this turns out to be a trap as Dickson ducks down to dodge the attack, pulls back his left fist, and prepares to throw a punch at him as he gets up. Kirito widens his eyes, realizing his opponent has tricked him to make the first offensive move. However, he quickly remembers another word of advice he heard from a long time ago.
'If the enemy surprises you, react fast and strike back harder!'
As soon as Kirito's left foot touches the ground, and his back is now facing Dickson, the saucier quickly crouches and throws his head down to dodge his opponent's attack. Kirito swiftly looks up and grabs Dickson's left arm. The karate instructor gasps again as Kirito gets up, throws him over his head and slams him onto the ground on his back. Kirito releases his arm and lands a punch on Dickson's chest, causing Asuna, Eugeo, Yui, Klein, and the other store tenants to cheer and applaud.
"Alright Kirito!" Asuna shouted with joy.
"Well done! Yaaaaayyy!" Yui cried cheerfully while clapping her hands.
"You can do it, Kirito!" Eugeo said.
"Just one more round!" Klein added with a wide grin.
"This guy is awesome!" Frankie commented with her eyes wide in awe.
"Mid-eul su eobsneun!" Si-eun cried enthusiastically as she claps her hands.
"Truly this man has GUTS!" The blonde-haired man yelled as he flexes his biceps.
"Okay, chill out, Dan." Agil said to him chuckling as he places his hand on his back.
"Mr. Godak, two! Mr. Kirigaya, two!" Dickson's top student announced as Kirito backs away from his opponent with a small smile. Although the moment is something to be proud of, he cannot let his excitement ruin his focus now. Just one more round and everyone at Asuna's Baking Company can attend the carnival with everyone else in Calhoun Plaza on board with them.
Dickson turns around, gets back up and returns to his fighting stance. Kirito gets into his fighting stance as well as the two fighters prepare for the final decisive round. They both gaze boldly into each other's eyes, waiting for one of them to make the first move.
However, Dickson began swaying his body and slowly tilting his head side to side. As Kirito follows and observes his movements, he slowly begins to feel dizzy, and he momentarily closes his eyes and shakes his head. After managing to confuse his opponent, Dickson suddenly shouted at him, "Come on!"
Kirito yells as he charges forward and throws his right fist at him. However, the karate instructor backs away to dodge the attack, and swiftly lifts his right leg up to land a kick at the bottom of Kirito's chin.
Asuna, Eugeo, Yui, Klein and the other store tenants drop their jaws and fall silent as they watch Kirito throws himself back and collapses onto the floor on his back. When Dickson places his foot down on the mat, his top student announced, "Game set!"
His students cheer and applaud for their master as they stand up.
"That's Sensei Godak for you!" One of them yelled.
"Way a go, sensei!" Another one shouted. Asuna, Eugeo, Yui and Klein get up and rush over to Kirito while Agil, Dan, Frankie and Si-eun let out heavy sighs.
"Man, I actually thought the kid is going to win." Dan said disappointingly.
"Well, it's as expected from Mr. Godak though." Si-eun said as she adjusts her glasses.
"It's a shame, but Kirito still did a great job out there." Agil commented. As Kirito sits up and rubs the bottom of his chin, Asuna and the others surround him.
"Are you alright, Kirito?" Asuna asked in concern as she and her employees all kneel beside Kirito on both sides.
"Are you hurt badly?" Yui added worriedly.
"That kick must feel awful, bro." Klein said with a frown.
"Don't worry. I'll survive. But I lost the match unfortunately." Kirito replied dishearteningly. Asuna frowned as she shares the same sentiment as him. Now the other store tenants will not be joining them at the carnival after all.
"It's okay, Kirito." Asuna said softly as she places her hand on his shoulder. "At least you tried."
"We're still proud of you!" Yui cried to her foster father with tears brimming in her eyes while Eugeo and Klein nod their heads in agreement. Kirito manages to flash a weak smile at all of them as Dickson walks up to him. Asuna and the others watch as the karate instructor extends his hand to Kirito. The saucier grabs his hand, and the karate instructor pulls him up.
"That was a good match, Kirigaya." Dickson said to Kirito as Asuna and the others stand up.
"It sure was. You won fair and square." Kirito replied sadly as the two men bow solemnly to each other. But when they look back up at each other, Dickson's lips curved into a wan smile.
"Alright then. The Bald Cypress Dojo will join you all at the upcoming carnival." Dickson said, much to the surprise of Kirito, Asuna, Yui, Eugeo and Klein.
"W-w-what?!" Asuna said incredulously. "I thought you will only participate the carnival if we win the match?"
Dickson arches an eyebrow at her. "Um, I think you misheard what I said. I said, 'Handle me in a one-on-one duel', which clearly means try handling me in a real fight. If I'm satisfied with your performance, I'll join the carnival." He places his hand firmly on Kirito's left shoulder. "And since I admire how honourable your employee had fought against me, I will participate in the carnival after all."
Asuna, Yui, Klein and Eugeo continue staring at the karate instructor in bewilderment until the latter breaks the awkward silence, "Okay then."
Asuna sighs in relief and turns to Yui. "That was a nerve-wrecker, wasn't it?"
"Sure is." Yui said as she wipes away her tears. "We should listen carefully to what people say to us next time."
"Whatever guys, we should be celebrating!" Klein whooped to his manager and co-workers.
"That's right!" Kirito added happily as he turns around to face them. "We did it, guys! All of Calhoun Plaza are going to the carnival together!"
"Yeah!" Asuna, Yui and Eugeo all cheered as they, Klein and Kirito pull each other into an embrace and laugh cheerfully. Dickson watches them with a wan smile until Kirito breaks away from his hug with his co-workers and turns to him.
"Again, that was a great match we had earlier, Mr. Godak. But I'm more fascinated with that technique you used on me during the final round. Don't mind but can I ask what that is?" Kirito inquired.
"Oh, that would be my signature confusion technique-" Dickson is abruptly cut off when Kirito suddenly gives him another solemn bow.
"Please teach me that move! I believe that technique may prove extremely useful to me some day!" Kirito yelled.
Dickson momentarily scratches the back of his head and replied, "Well…I am completely free tomorrow afternoon. So if you are free too-"
Kirito perks up, and he interrupts the karate instructor again by crying and shaking his hand, "Arigatou! Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. Godak!"
"Umm…no problem." Dickson said, still looking bewildered. "You may keep the gi and belt then. But don't forget to wear it again when you come here tomorrow!"
"I sure won't!" Kirito responded excitedly as he gives Dickson a salute, causing Asuna, Yui, Eugeo and Klein to chuckle as they watch.
Dickson nods his head to Kirito before suddenly shouting at him and his co-workers, "Now would you mind leaving my dojo already?! I still have a class to run, you know?!"
"Right! Sorry, Mr. Godak!" Kirito said apologetically as he and the others bow down to Dickson again.
"Yes! We'll go now! We have work to do as well!" Asuna said excitedly. "Come on guys, let's start making our preparations for the carnival!"
"Right!" Kirito, Eugeo, Klein and Yui all said and nodded to her.
"So sorry!" Yui said to Dickson, giving him one last bow before they all turn around and hastily make their way back to their restaurant. A peeved Dickson Godak folds his arms as he stands at the centre of his dojo and watches them leave. When they are out of his sight, Dickson turns to his students who swiftly stand up straight and place their hands behind their backs when their instructor makes eye contact with them. They stay calm and silent as Dickson walks over to them.
"I hope you all learn something from our fight today." Dickson said to his students.
"Yes sensei!" All the students shouted in unison.
"You're such a liar, Dickson." Agil said to Dickson as he, Dan, Frankie and Si-eun walk over to him.
"Hmm?" Dickson turned to the other store tenants.
"You clearly said, 'Handle me in a one-on-one duel, best out of five.', which means you will only join them if Kirito wins. But despite his loss, you choose to participate the carnival alongside Asuna and her employees anyway." Agil smirked with his arms folded.
Dickson remained silent for a moment before explaining, "I just felt Asuna's commitment in wanting to help improve our lives for better to be genuine when I saw the look in her eyes. And seeing her employee fighting against me without backing away until the end further strengthens that. It'd be disrespectful of me as a practitioner of karate to reject such a strong display of honour from his opponent, wouldn't it?"
Dickson suddenly turns back to his students and commanded, "Give me 50 laps around the room now!"
"YES SENSEI!" The students responded before running past their instructor and doing what they had been told. As Dickson walks away, Agil, Dan, Frankie and Si-eun cannot help but smile as they watch him.
"Dickson sure is a kind person in his own way." Agil commented.
"As expected from Mr. Godak, again." Si-eun added. Dan and Frankie nod their heads in agreement before they all make their way out of the dojo and return to work as well.
The next day, when Asuna and her staff finished breakfast service, they temporarily close their restaurant and spend the rest of the afternoon visiting each store in Calhoun Plaza to get to learn more about the businesses of each tenant and discuss with them how will they operate and promote themselves at the carnival.
The first store they visit was Agil who runs the barbershop right beside their restaurant. He cordially invites them all in and gave them a live demonstration of how he does his shaves and haircuts on two of the patrons currently sitting inside his barbershop. As he worked, Kirito and Yui asked what motivate him to work as a barber in the first place. Agil explained that it was his father who inspired him to become one. They used to live right above his father's barbershop, and during his youth, he would come home every weekday after school to watch him perform his job with passion. Eventually, he would ask his father how he does his job, and he willingly showed him the ropes. One day however, his father accidentally hurt himself after tripping down the stairs, causing him to be bedridden for a week. But seeing how much his father tirelessly works every day and night in order to bring food on the table, Agil decided to spend the entire spring break operating the barbershop on his behalf, and he managed to help them earn enough money to pay this month's rent, much to his father's delight. Upon graduation, he could have landed a job in the military. But knowing how much his father loves his job and barbershop, he chose to take over the family business instead. Today, his father is retired and living his life happily without a care in the world while his loyal and filial son moved their business to Calhoun Plaza to help continue his legacy. Asuna and her staff cannot help but admire how much Agil put his heart and soul into this for the sake of his father.
Because of the simplicity of Agil's job, and the fact that he and Asuna had already established good relations with each other long before she took over the restaurant, the discussion between them went smoothly. The barber simply says he will distribute flyers to the carnival visitors and give them a shave or haircut at a low price, and it did not take long for Asuna and her employees to approve his plans.
The next store tenant they paid a visit to was Frankie, who turns out to be running a music store between Agil's barbershop and Si-eun's store. Asuna and her employees are amazed to see all the guitars, banjos, trumpets, and saxophones hanging on the walls at the left side of her store, and the thousands of vinyl records arranged neatly in shelves and wooden boxes at the other side. As she gives them a tour around her store, Frankie explains to them that she and her grandmother used to love listening and dancing to all kinds of music from different eras back in her home state of California. Her grandmother was the only family she had as both her parents died when she was at a very young age. Sadly, she too would passed away right before Frankie could tell her the good news that she has been accepted into Purdue University in Indiana, leaving her sad and alone. But she stayed strong and remains focused in her studies as she knows that this is what her grandmother would have wanted her to do, and she would later move to Chicago after graduation to open a music store in Calhoun Plaza in memory of her. Asuna could relate and sympathize with Frankie as she knows how it feels like to find the strength to continue with her studies after experiencing an awful moment in her life, and both women quickly formed a new sense of respect for one another.
Frankie explains to Asuna that not only will she sell a few instruments and vinyl records at her stall, but also perform some live performances with her favourite guitar every once in a while to get some attention for her and the other store tenants of Calhoun Plaza. Asuna and her staff approve her idea, and their visit ends with Frankie playing an acoustic version of Take On Me by A-Ha with her guitar, and Asuna and her staff sang along with her.
The next store they visit is a Japanese and Korean snack store run by An Si-eun. Si-eun warmly bows to them from her counter as they step inside, and Kirito, Yui and Asuna smile and widen their eyes at the various Japanese and Korean snacks, candies, chocolate bars, biscuits and canned drinks neatly displayed on the shelves and in the refrigerators at both sides of the store as they greatly remind them of home. Asuna berates herself for being completely oblivious that such a store exists only a few meters away from the restaurant this whole time. While some of the food and drinks in her store are imported directly from Japan and Korea, there are plenty of candies that are simply placed inside clear plastic bags. When Asuna asked which companies made these candies, Si-eun responded that they are not made by anyone but herself, and she motions her and her staff to the kitchen through the large glass window behind her where she painstakingly makes them, much to their amazement. She opens one bag of her candies and lets Asuna and her staff take a bite of them for free. They nod their heads approvingly and say their praises to her as they eat them. Si-eun thanked them for their compliments, and she admits that she learnt how to make them from her Korean grandmother and Japanese mother. Her father and grandmother were originally from Chuncheon, and her mother was from Niigata, and they all migrated to Illinois in hopes of starting a new life in America. Her parents would eventually meet, fall in love with each other and marry, and her father later started up a farm to grow Korean vegetables. When she asked her father why he would grow Korean vegetables in America, he told her that many Asians come to America every day hoping to start a new life like he and her mother did. But every now and then, they would think about the country they originally came from. That is why he hoped his vegetables will help put their minds at ease and remind them that they are never far away from home. Touched by her father's words, Si-eun decided to do her part in helping the Asian immigrants by learning how to make Japanese and Korean candies from her mother and grandmother, and she would later move to the big city to start up her own business in Calhoun Plaza. Asuna thanked Si-eun for setting up this store as she missed eating anything produced from Japan after working in America for quite some time.
Kirito and Yui suggest selling her candies at the carnival, and Si-eun added she can also set up her own makeshift kitchen over there so she can produce more of them while visitors are free to observe her at the same time. Asuna and her staff approve these suggestions and they and Si-eun end the visit by bowing solemnly to each other.
The next store they visit afterwards is Dan Eagleman's sports shop which sold all sorts of sports equipment, jerseys, socks, and even portraits and trading cards of famous athletes throughout history. Eugeo browsed around excitedly as Dan gave Asuna and her staff a tour around his store. The waiter quickly took a liking to Dan's store for he is a fan of ice hockey, having played the sport himself and represented his high school in some national competitions during his youth. Dan is delighted to meet a fellow sports enthusiast and a former high school athlete working in the strip mall. During his youth, he was a star player in his high school and college American Football teams and wished to pursue his dreams even further by having a spot in one of the major league teams someday. Unfortunately, those dreams ended in tragedy when he got himself a knee injury during a match, and the doctor told him the devastating news that his body would no longer be physically fit to play any sports upon recovery. Dan fell into depression for some time, even gaining weight in the process. But despite having his dreams rejected, he realized he still loves sports and never wants to give up on it. So, he hit the gym every day to get back in shape and fight off his depression, and he also continues with his passion by opening and running a sports shop here in Calhoun Plaza. Klein could sympathize with Dan's traumatic past as he knows full well what it is like to experience a tragedy while pursuing something they love. But hearing his story has motivated him further to never give up on his passion and move forward.
Dan tells Asuna and her staff that he will be selling any kinds of jerseys, socks, and sports equipment from his store at the carnival. And thanks to Eugeo's knowledge and enthusiasm in sports, he is able to help Dan out with suggesting which jerseys, portraits and trading cards are authentic and worthy enough to be sold at a higher price to any dedicated hobbyists and collectors visiting the event. Dan thanked Eugeo, Asuna and the others for their help and they wave goodbye to each other as the staff of Asuna's Baking Company leaves, not before the waiter bought a Maple Leafs jersey that caught his eye.
Finally, they visited the Bald Cypress Dojo owned by Dickson Godak. As they sat together inside his office and discuss about the carnival, Dickson says he will not only distribute flyers about his dojo to the visitors, but also agree to have him and his students perform a live demonstration of their karate skills on stage and share their knowledge of the fighting style at their stall. They ended their discussion by bowing respectfully to each other. But the visit is not over yet as Dickson kept his promise to Kirito that he will teach him how to perform his signature confusion technique.
After Kirito changes into his karategi again, both him and Dickson place themselves in front of each other at the centre of the mats while Asuna, Eugeo, Yui and Klein kneel and watch at the side. The two men bow down to each other, and the karate instructor teaches the saucier a few basic punches, kicks and blocking techniques as they train together. After thirty minutes of basic training, Dickson is ready to teach him his signature confusion technique, much to Kirito's excitement. As they face each other, the two men get into their fighting stances and stay still for a few moments. When Kirito sees Dickson swaying his body and tilting his head side to side again, he runs up to him and swings his left leg at the right side of his head, thinking he will outsmart him this time by performing a different move. But Dickson swiftly bends his head and body to his left down enough to dodge his leg, and after Kirito twirls around and faces him again, the karate instructor quickly slams his palms onto his chest, pushing him away. Asuna and the others gasp as they watch Kirito stumbles back and clutches his chest as he takes a few deep breaths.
"I don't get it. I thought I had you there because I wasn't following your movement this time." Kirito said, looking up at Dickson as he walks up to him.
"Because I remained calm, anticipating the next movement that comes towards me, while your sole focus is to take me down. If you were to charge towards your enemy without a second thought, you will be quick to fail." Dickson said before turning around to face the mirror. "Now then, look towards the same direction that I'm facing. What do you see?"
Kirito obliged. He stands beside the karate instructor and looks at the mirror to see their reflections. "Myself. My reflection."
"Yes. But what happens if the mirror is broken?" Dickson asked.
"I can't see myself anymore." Kirito answered.
"That's right." Dickson nodded and turned his head to him. "Every human being is like a mirror. If it's fine, they are calm and sane. But if it's shattered, they lose control. I could tell from the way you fought yesterday that you are willing to do whatever it takes to win. You clearly have potential to be a great fighter. That is why I used that confusion technique during the last round as your final test. Unfortunately, you fell for it because you are ultimately like a broken mirror."
"So how do I fix myself?" Kirito asked.
"Free your heart and mind from doubt and fear. Inner peace. That's how you fix yourself." Dickson replied. "Do you have any doubts and fears inside you, Kirito? Perhaps something traumatic?"
Kirito stared wordlessly at Dickson for a few seconds before he turns away and lowers his head. "I guess you could say that." He said grimly.
"Kirito…" Asuna uttered, staring at him in concern.
"I see." Dickson nodded as Kirito turns and looks at him again. "You don't have to share it with me if you are not ready. And…I won't lie that during my time as a police officer back in New Orleans, I have witnessed several traumatic incidents and made a few mistakes of my own that lowered my morale and self-confidence. And I would have remained shattered if I hadn't decided to take karate and release myself from the past. I hope one day, you will be able to find a way to achieve inner peace too."
"Arigatou, Sensei Godak." Kirito said with a weak smile.
"You're welcome, Kirito." Dickson replied. The two men adjust their bodies and give each other one last bow.
After leaving the dojo, Asuna and her staff return to the restaurant where she heads into her office to submit her application on behalf of all the stores of Calhoun Plaza to the organizers of the Jackson Charity Carnival while Kirito, Klein, Eugeo and Yui make preparations for dinner service.
The next day, Asuna received an e-mail from the event organizers, saying that they have approved her application and will reserved six spots for them at the carnival, much to the delight of herself and her staff. They inform the good news to the other store tenants, and everyone would spend the next nine days having daily discussions about their plans and preparations for the carnival inside Asuna's restaurant an hour before dinner service. Due to Asuna's experience in running a stall during a festival back in Japan, she is able to share her knowledge with everyone on how to operate a stall on the day of the carnival.
Finally, the first day of the Jackson Charity Carnival arrived. Asuna, Kirito, Yui, Eugeo, Klein, Agil, Si-eun, Dan and Dickson woke up extra early in the morning so they can meet up at the strip mall and wait for Frankie with the 'private transport' she promised to drive and take them to their destination as planned. Everyone brought out their storage boxes and luggage which they have packed their equipment, merchandise, and flyers inside from their shops and securely lock the entrances.
As they wait while standing outside Si-eun's shop with their boxes and luggage, the employees of Calhoun Plaza pass the time away by conversing with each other. Agil, Si-eun and Asuna share with each other stories about what their parents did in the past while Kirito listened to their conversation. Eugeo and Dan talk about which team will reach the Stanley Cup Finals, with the waiter vehemently claiming the Maple Leafs are going to win this year, and Yui and Klein listen to Dickson explaining to them why he chose to name his dojo after the Bald Cypress tree.
"So, the Bald Cypress is the official state tree to Louisiana, which is where you are originally from." Yui said to Dickson.
"That's right." Dickson said with his arms folded.
"I find it interesting that you would choose a plant to be the name of your dojo. Most other dojos would use an animal to make their name sound cooler. Why not a dragon or a tiger? Or better yet, if you're from Louisiana, why didn't you use an animal more symbolic to your state like the pelican?" Klein asked.
"Because the pelican name is already taken by my city's basketball team, and they wouldn't let go of it." Dickson replied, looking extremely annoyed.
"Oh don't worry, Mr. Godak. There are plenty of places where I came from that are named after all kinds of plants and everyone loves them." Yui said, smiling reassuringly to him.
"Is that so? Where are you from?" Dickson asked, causing Yui and Klein to yelp.
"Ummm…" Yui thought for a moment until she remembers the hometown of a friend whom she and Kirito had years ago. "Singapore?"
"That's right!" Klein nodded his head frantically to Dickson.
"Huh. That makes sense." Dickson shrugged. Yui and Klein both sigh in relief.
Everyone suddenly heard a honk and turn their attention to a small, flamboyant coloured bus driving into the carpark, much to their bewilderment. It is basically a small teal bus with orange and dark pink swirls and looks like it can hold up to 22 people including the driver. After the bus pulls up next to them on the curb, the pair of doors open to reveal Frankie in the driver seat.
"Good morning, everyone!" Frankie greeted as she waves her hand at them. "Say hello to the Foster express!"
Everyone glance at each other before they all bring their boxes and luggage over to her bus. Frankie gets out of her bus and goes over to the other side to open two large compartments beside the doors where she had already stored her bags of musical instruments and a box of vinyl records inside. After everyone help place all their boxes and luggage inside the compartments, Frankie closes them and returns to the driver seat while the others take turns to board her bus.
As everyone else take their seats, Asuna and Kirito are the last to board, and they approach Frankie as the restaurant manager said to the red-haired driver, "This bus is amazing but…how on Earth did you get it?"
"It's something my grandma hand it over to me before she passed away." Frankie replied.
"What exactly does she need a bus for?" Kirito asked.
"Oh, we and her friends just love our road trips back in the Golden State. Now come on, kids. The carnival is waiting." Frankie chuckled, motioning Asuna and Kirito to find a seat and sit down.
After making sure all her passengers have settled down on the seats behind her, Frankie looks back to the front, closes the doors, drives her bus out of the carpark, and make their way to Jackson Park.
The journey through the city was uneventful, and when they arrived at the park twenty minutes later, Frankie parked her bus in one of the empty lots in the public carpark. Everyone step out of the bus, take their boxes and luggage, enter the park, and make their way to the open field where the carnival is being held. After walking past a few grassy fields and several tall trees, as well as crossing over a wooden bridge above a small river, everyone widens their eyes in awe when they finally arrive at the carnival grounds.
Everyone places their boxes and luggage down and takes a moment to look around. On the left side of the open field is a small amusement park built for children which includes a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and a house of mirrors. Although the rides and attractions are much smaller versions of the ones people would see in Six Flags or Coney Island, they are already attracting the attention of some children and adults who have arrived early at the carnival. Taking up the centre of the field is the food market where there are twenty stalls divided and lined up in two vertical rows, selling and cooking all sorts of food, drinks, and snacks. There are also thirty rectangular-shaped wooden dining tables placed between the stalls where the carnival visitors can sit and dine on the food they bought. On the right side of the field is the open market, consisting of stalls either selling all kinds of merchandise or promoting their jobs, activities, and venues. Finally, at the other end of the field is a large performance stage with a wide screen. Asuna, Kirito, and the others can see the event organizers are nearly done setting up and testing the microphones, lighting, and stereo systems.
"Wow. Now that's what I call a carnival." Eugeo commented.
"It reminds me of our town's annual festival, doesn't it?" Yui whispered into Kirito's ear.
"Sure does." Kirito chuckled.
"Oh my! I never imagine it would be this big! Just think how many people will show up here today! I'm so nervous already!" Si-eun cried, trembling with fear and anxiety.
"Don't worry." Asuna said reassuringly to Si-eun as she places her hand on her shoulder. "Your stall will be right next to ours, remember?"
"Y-y-y-yes! Of course!" Si-eun said nervously before turning to Frankie. "Frankie, can we do what your grandma did to help settle your nerves again?" The red-haired woman chuckled in response.
"SENSEI!"
Dickson turned to his right and sees all six of his students, dressed in their karategis and belts, running up to him and standing up straight when they are a few meters away from their instructor.
"We are all here, sensei!" His top student yelled.
"Hello everyone. It's good that you all showed up here early." Dickson said to his students with a wan smile. "Let us have one last session before our live demonstration on stage, shall we?"
"YES SENSEI!" All his students shouted in unison. Dickson solemnly nods his head to them.
"Good morning, Chicago!" A voice suddenly exclaimed from the stage. Asuna, Kirito, Eugeo, Klein, Yui and everyone else present in the carnival grounds turn their attention to the woman on stage, smiling with a microphone in her hand.
"Welcome to the 2024 edition of the Jackson Charity Carnival! To all the vendors, it is highly recommended that you head on down to your respective stalls right now and prepare before the carnival officially begins in an hour. And to all visitors who are already here to have a sneak preview, we hope you are excited to see what we have in store for you. At the meantime, let's play some music here, shall we? Give it up for our carnival band!" The woman exclaimed as she moves aside and motions to the band behind her.
The guitarists, drummer and keyboard player began playing their instruments and the vocalist starts singing. Both Klein and Frankie immediately recognize the song they are performing to be Counting Stars by OneRepublic.
"Huh." Both Klein and Frankie muttered.
"I thought Ace of Spades by Motorhead would have been a better choice." Klein said.
"They should have played Panama by Van Halen instead." Frankie said at the same time as him. Both suddenly widen their eyes and turn to each other.
"I love Van Halen too!" Klein exclaimed.
"Awesome! What about Metallica?" Frankie asked.
"Slipknot?" Klein asked as he nods his head.
"Aerosmith?" Frankie nods her head as well.
"Iron Maiden?"
"AC/DC?"
"Led Zeppelin?"
Frankie gasped excitedly. "Klein! Why didn't you tell me you are a huge music fan too during your visit to my store back then?"
"Because judging by the instruments in your store, I thought you were not the heavy metal type." Klein replied.
"Are you kidding me?! My grandma and I love heavy metal!" Frankie whooped.
"That's great!" Klein cried enthusiastically.
"High-five!" Frankie yelled, holding up her hand to him. Klein chuckled as he returns the gesture to her.
"Alright everyone, this is it." Asuna said as she steps forward. Kirito, Yui, Eugeo, Klein, Agil, Frankie, Si-eun, Dan and Dickson watch as Asuna now turns around to face them. "This is the time we make our mark and change Calhoun Plaza for the better. We have been preparing for this event for the last ten days. And those last ten days…" She paused as her lips curve up into a wide smile. "Are also some of the best days I had in my life. It truly is an honour to get to know and work with every one of you, and we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for all of you. I sincerely thank you." She finished by giving all of them a solemn bow.
"You're welcome, Asuna." Kirito said as he, Yui, Eugeo, Klein and the other store tenants bow back to her. As everyone look back up at each other, Asuna extends her arm to them.
"No matter what happens, let us not forget what we have accomplished together." Asuna said. Kirito is the first to place his hand on top of Asuna's, followed by Yui, Eugeo, Klein, Agil, Frankie, Si-eun, Dan and finally Dickson.
"Let's go!" Asuna yelled.
"RIGHT!" Everyone else shouted as they all throw their hands up in the air.
Song Suggestions:
Got to Win by Yuji Kajiura (When Kirito gets back up after hearing the voice in his head.)
Everyday Life by Yuji Kajiura (When Asuna and her staff pay a visit to Agil, Frankie, Si-eun and Dan.)
In Your Past by Yuji Kajiura (From Kirito looking at his reflection, to everyone in Calhoun Plaza having their daily discussions in Asuna's Baking Company.)
Sovereign: I would like to thank AquaBluey, LayLay lives, Allfather-Ford, musicalwatcher99 for reviewing and following. Thank you!
How will the rest of the carnival go? Stay tune for the next and final part of the story arc.
Frankie Foster is from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, and Dan Eagleman is from Guilty Crown.
