Cool…i know its gonna be great.
Chapter XXIII: Oyaji
Once again we move forward a handful of seasons. They can move quickly and effortlessly if one is in a secure and comfortable position, if one is at least partially content with life. Such are the feelings of the three students and their two teachers. Years have passed, and now we find Ryu at 15, Ken at 15 and Dan at 16. Gouken is 38 and Gouki 35. Retsu is 36.
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The final match of the tournament; Ryu was proud that he had made it this far. Gouken didn?t seem surprised. Now winning the entire competition seemed possible.
Ryu fought by the book in this decent sized tournament, approaching each fight as a series of actions that either determined victory or defeat. He struck accurate and efficient blows; but of course not everything went exactly as Ryu planned, it was still combat. He caught elbows to the head and kicks in the chest so deep they burned not with pain, but with an overwhelming numbness. But nothing defeated him yet. Now he stood on the brink of significant victory.
The tournament was invite only, underground and you only got in if you knew what was going on. It took the organizers some convincing to let Ryu even enter, they feared for the young man?s safety.
The two last fighters stood in the center of a garden. The garden was a part of an old compound built for a noble family, but now belonging to organized crime as a place to host events like these as discreetly as possible. The night sky was in full bloom but the crowd was still around; only by now the sake had made the spectators rowdy, slightly reckless and most of all entranced by the fights.
Ryu?s opponent had very little steam left. Every time he was knocked down he came to his feet slower than the previous time. His stance had grown sloppy and his eyes were drained. Some of the spectators had labeled him a fool who didn?t know when to quit and others saw a glimpse of the determined, fearless but disadvantaged warrior that is praised across cultures and history. Sometimes even when they end up losing.
Ryu saw one last, well placed blow, one that would end the match for certain and little else. Ryu did not want to injure him, only to defeat him.
Yen notes sailed through the air as last minute bets flew from the mouths of the mob. Something was going to happen soon, but for now neither fighter engaged one another.
?Come on! You?re not statues! Fight already!? One man shouted, waving a slip of paper in the air.
Ryu watched as his opponent steeled himself, mustered some last bits of strength for the last round. Ryu already knew what to do; he had a plan. A simple kick to the chest would drop him. His kick would easily break the weak guard. With that, Ryu?s final opponent would fall.
Ryu watched in stance as his opponent began to sag to the side, but it was only for a fraction of a second, enough to spring toward Ryu in a last burst of adrenaline.
His opponent was faster than usual, enough to close the optimum distance of a front kick before Ryu could notice. Ryu then caught a fist to the face strong enough to make him crazily stroll backward. Ryu tasted fresh blood in his mouth, the mix of metal and salt that conjured a handful of feelings.
Ryu stared at his opponent?s face. He barely stood, his torso hunched over and his mouth hung loose. But his fists stood defiant of the rest of his body, clenched tight. Ryu focused into his opponent?s fierce eyes, and in a flash they became a mirror. He saw himself. Ryu realized that his opponent was giving everything he had, pulling from the corners of his spirit and body just to keep fighting. The same thing Ryu would do in the situation.
The match ended softly but quickly, with a few skirmishes followed by Ryu?s opponent crashing to the ground from a wobbly fighting stance and not returning to his feet. While Ryu was declared the winner his mind drifted elsewhere. Ryu could tell he had had just grown. Ryu felt like he had just caught himself learning. From that moment on Ryu?s love for the fight grew in scope and density. Ryu now had a new level of respect for all fighters, and for combat in general. The elaborate Darwinian dance, the fight would go on forever, and Ryu wanted to spend as much time as he could, to be strong enough?worthy enough to commune with such elementary tests of the spirit and body. He no longer wanted to be the best and he no longer feared being the worst. He felt there was so much else that mattered more.
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The cicadas, crickets and other creatures of the woods always seemed to make the perfect background music. It relaxed Gouken as he sat on the porch with his old friend Retsu. Drinking, talking and enjoying the night.
?They?ve all grown in so many ways, our students.?
?Yes. Ryu showed much promise even when he first arrived. We both could see it and that is rare. You seem to see limitless potential in everyone.?
?Well, really doesn?t everyone have limitless potential??
?Yeah, but some people have more potential than others realistically. Some people are just stronger than others. Wait-? Retsu paused abruptly, as if he just understood that a joke was being played on him.
?Remind me why we always seem to talk about the same subjects through the years??
?Because we discuss a lot of things, we are going to repeat ourselves eventually.?
?I don?t want to just ease into senility Gouken.?
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?Man?Master Gouken is kinda weird. I can?t be the only one that sees it.?
Ken stared at the wooden dummy he was practicing on as he spoke. Ryu was 15 feet away, motionless in his horse stance. Dan was 20 feet away from the both of them, kicking and punching the air while shouting exclamations and taunts to no one. Autumn would not be ignored.
?Why is he weird? Because he didn?t shower his disciples with compliments and gifts? You won a stupid tournament…big deal!?
?You?re only saying that because you didn?t win anything Hibiki. In fact you haven?t entered a tournament in three years.?
?You idiot! I want to perfect my devastating techniques before I reveal them to the world!?
Fall was preparing for it?s debut. The merciless heat was making its exit, chilly winds and colored leaves were floating in again. The seasons had all the time in the world after all.
?Ryu and me winning gave Master Gouken and Retsu some more credibility. We added to their good reputation. As my Dad would say?they got good press.?
?It isn?t about that though.? Ryu?s mouth was the only thing that moved.
?Still?it is good.? Ken put extra emphasis on the word ?good?.
?I don?t think either of them care that much about good press.?
?Well what do they care about Ryu?? Dan questioned. He had stopped attacking the air and was now next to Ryu and Ken standing with his arms crossed in front of him.
?They care about us improving as human beings.?
?So they care about us getting stronger?? Ken diverted the conversation to his point a couple steps ahead.
?Yes, they do.?
?Better fighters.? Dan added. Ryu moved out of his horse stance and was now standing next to Dan, wondering what Ken was getting at.
?Then to be better fighters we need to fight them. We need to spar with them more! I mean we are champions now eh? Most of what?s out there isn?t good enough anymore.?
?We need to intensify our training! I must perfect my deadly combinations!? Dan?s eyes were skyward, with clenched fists.
?Well?you ask.?
?Let?s go right now. Come on Dan.?
?OYAJI!!?
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Gouken took in a lungful of air, squatted and fidgeted until he was comfortable sitting Indian style. He slowly exhaled, the air making the choir of candles flicker around the modest, windowless room.
He had never attempted this before, to communicate with someone else?to have a conversation on another plane. Years ago Goutetsu mentioned that he had done it several times. As he slipped into meditation, as the world withdrew he could reach back and witness the moment, as if he were 15 again. The familiar woods, the fallen log Gouken and his master were sitting on.
?It is like concentrating on sending a spiritual beacon, if your spirit is strong enough people that know the way halfway around the world can notice it. At the same time you are reaching far for the beacon you want. It is very taxing?but obviously worth it.?
Gouken followed his master?s instructions, going on instinct. He pictured little flames, some violently flickering, some small and dim, some bright and calm. Little flames across untold distances.
?Hello Gouken?I?m glad we had that conversation years ago.?
Gouken opened his spiritual eyes to find himself in the same woods from decades ago, but in his very adult and current body?with a slight pot belly intact.
?Master? But you?re-?
?I know! I was given a gift, a little more time to with foot in the living world.?
?By who? What do you-?
?I don?t know who gave it to me, I just awoke with the knowledge of it. No I don?t have a body. Most of the time I just do what I think I?m supposed to, observe and appear to those with the desire and skill to contact me.?
?The forces over us must have rewarded you for your character and earthly work! How are you? How does it feel to be dead?!?
?Very freeing. But Gouken I?m not the one you should be talking to.? Goutetsu paused after he spoke this time and Gouken nodded slowly.
?Can you connect me to him??
?Yes.?
?Can I speak with you more before??
?Of course. But don?t expect me to reveal much of anything to you. My role is different now?I exited the stage.?
?With all due respect Master Gouken, of course your role is different. You?re dead! You?ve been dead for 7 years.?
?I keep forgetting it has been that long. A year over there is like a day here.?
?Have you seen my students??
?Of course. Your take on our art is less primal to me at the core. Yet it still works because your students are strong, and they are taught well.?
?Even Dan??
?Dan is more Retsu?s student am I correct??
?Yes but-?
?Yes he has potential. But his spirit isn?t in the right place yet to fully unlock them.?
?Good. Ryu hasn?t completely conquered Satsui No Hadou has he??
?Even within you it still lurks. It is small and weak because you do not channel or feed it. No it will never go away totally.?
Gouken frowned, Goutetsu chuckled. It reminded the master of Gouken when he was much younger, grimacing at the amount of work Goutetsu had requested from him day after day.
?I?m going to let you two converse in private now. Do you have a last question??
?How do you feel about Gouki?your student and my brother?taking your life??
?I?m proud of him. I don?t mean to boast, but I wasn?t an easy person to defeat.?
?But he didn?t have to kill you.?
?It was a formal challenge Gouken. As serious as they can get. If he had not killed me I would have killed him. It must sound repulsive to you, but that is how it is in some moments. You are trying to remove the killing intent for future generations?..that is admirable. But some people who are used to the old ways?know only that??
?And it is hard to change.?
Goutetsu nodded, and looked at Gouken. He held his gaze until he casually and soundlessly faded away.
?Farewell Master.?
?Gouken.?
Gouken turned around to find Gouki squatting on the ground propped against a rock, his arms resting on his folded legs with his back slightly arched away from the rock. He looked cast in shadows. The purple aura around Gouki?s form was a razor thin line around his entire body.
?Gouki. It has been too long.? Gouken searched for a hint of warmth from his brother, but he could only discern Gouki?s guarded exterior, with the face of a diplomat.
?I hear you have gotten a lot stronger through Satsui No Hadou.?
?Yes. I hear you have turned your back on it, and taught your students a weaker version of our art.?
?I made a choice. I am better for it. So what you will, but my students are not weak at all. They constantly surprise me with their skill and strength.?
?They are not as stronger as they could be.?
?You haven?t even met them.?
?I don?t need to. A weak master makes weak students.?
?If I remember correctly, you were the weak one Gouki. Not me.? Gouken watched as Gouki?s aura thickened considerably and began to slowly pulse. Gouken said nothing more; he wanted to hear what his brother said next first. Gouki however waited before he spoke.
?You are in a zoo, while I am in the jungle. I am more powerful than you are now, and I think I have been for years. I only continue to grow more powerful while you weaken.?
?You fool!?
The pause in conversation after his response lasted a little too long for Gouken.
?You want to fight don?t you? Like the agreement you and Goutetsu fought under??
?Yes.?
?When??
?When you tell me you are ready to die. When you are able to fight as nothing else mattered.?
?I want to guide my students just a little more. A few more years. Then I can give you the fight you want.?
?Fine. I will be awaiting that day. I hope you will be prepared??
?Don?t disappoint me Gouki.?
Gouki?s form began to flicker as his words carried more of an echo.
?Goodbye for now, brother.?
Gouken sat alone in the woods of his mind for a few more thoughts, then surfaced to find himself back in the same candlelit room he sat down in. He noticed the sound of footsteps drawing closer outside the door. Gouken found himself breathing in deep and quickly, his mouth opening and closing and in time to his chest expanding and retracting. Gouken noticed sweat on his chin forming a droplet, about to fall off to the floor.
?Did it work?? Retsu spoke through the closed door.
?Yes. I even met Goutetsu.?
?Very interesting, how do you feel? Do you still want to spar with all of us??
?Yes. Can you warm up with them first? I need a moment.?
?We?ll start in 10 minutes.? Of course Retsu knew Gouken never wore a watch and ignored clocks, but he liked to give a number. He knew whenever Gouken emerged would be soon enough. With that, Retsu?s footsteps were heard strolling away from the door and out to the students.
Gouken wondered what went wrong, if anything was wrong at all. Was this the part he was supposed to play?
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Gouken stepped outside to find a circle carved into the dusty ground, seemingly with a large tree branch. It was 40 feet in diameter. Inside was, well everyone. It was Retsu versus the students.
Gouken tossed his shirt off and re-tied his belt while walking, his grin getting bigger and bigger. A wall of white teeth poking out of a grizzly black beard.
?We?re getting warmed up master. I?m ready for you though.?
Gouken chuckled in a way that not coming from him would sound disrespectful and arrogant, but the laugh from Gouken felt playful but still retained the slightly mocking undertone.
?I?m going to hold back less from here on out. Just letting you know. I feel I must quicken the pace.? Gouken hopped backward into stance, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
The students replied by getting into stance. The sky was beginning to turn orange; how much time would they have before nightfall?
Gouken stopped beside Retsu and quickly stretched, still grinning.
?Don?t kill em.? Retsu winked.
VERY VERY good FoF, i like the advance of the timeline showing how all the students are coming close to the end of their training years.
Gouki still seems to have a bit of anomisity towards his brother, but i know their fight will be awesome.
Who was the first person Gouken was talking to before he started talking to Goutetsu while in meditation (that kind of threw me off) ?
Nice, very good addition to the Fan Fic, i liked how you showed ryu’s feelings towards the fight as he started seeing the intensity in the eyes of his oppenent.
lol at Gouken and Gouki’s conversation, that was priceless.
Can’t wait to see the fights between the master, and students.
Thanks for the new chapter. Retsu was the one who trained Dan huh? Priceless twist! 
I bet Gouken will think more about what is wrong with Dan, after his conversation with Goutetsu. And one day he’ll notice Dan won’t change much… If he keeps this up, one day he’ll get kicked out of the dojo, for his vengeful feelings with Sagat. :wgrin:
I believe Gouken started talking to Goutetsu, and nobody else. After that Gouken talked to Gouki (Akuma).
Though this line is confusing: With all due respect Master Gouken, of course your role is different. Youre dead! Youve been dead for 7 years.
I guess it should be Goutetsu instead of Gouken.
Thanks, just fixed it.
Thanks. :tup:
Your welcome… :wgrin: and no problem, FoF!
I’ve send the requested PM. 
:wgrin:
Next chapter FoF ??
A record for long running continuously posted fanfiction…
Well I say it has earned breaking a record, since it’s one of the best written. 
I’ve been editing the older stuff. And I smashed them together.
Pretty much the final edit of chapters 1 through 10.
(It is a word document)
Nice complilation of stringing the first 10 chapters together FOF.
Are you gonna do the same for chapters 11 thru 23 ??
Stil here bro,patience is of the essence,salivatating for the next chap as usual.
11-18 will be coming up soon.
Cool.
Anxiously awaiting…
I always wanted to read the rest of “The Path” since 05’ but never got any chance.
Til now. 
Thanks for chps 11-18…you da man FoF. :rock: :nunchuck: