Power Rangers Valetudo

[Scotty Rave]

Information Thread @ TokuAsia

Raveworks Fiction Presents…

Power Rangers Valetudo

Written by
Scott D. Harris

Based on Juken Sentai Gekiranger© TOEI and Power Rangers© Disney

Volume 1, Lesson 1: Mr. Lee

Our story begins, rather plainly, at the Dancing Dragon restaurant in London’s West End. It is managed by Forest Lee, who is also the head cook. The Dancing Dragon is famous for its wonderful food and drink, and the outward politeness of the staff. Of course it is, Mr. Lee wouldn’t have it any other way.
So here we are, on a warm Friday morning, and it appears to be business as usual…

“Hey!†an obnoxious tourist called out from his table. He was the very picture of a stereotypical American sightseer – overweight, with a straw hat and Hawaiian clothing. His wife and brat of a daughter were equally stereotypical.
“Hey!†he called out again. “Jackie Chan! Get yer butt over here!â€
One of the younger waiters walked over.
“Are you ready to order, sir?†he asked in an accent that actually held very little Chinese in it.
“Yeah I’m ready,†the tourist told him. “We’ll have abalone for starters, then three servings of General Tso’s chicken, followed by Kung Pao chicken and…â€
“Sir rather likes chicken, yes?†the waiter asked pleasantly.
“Watch your mouth, Charlie Chan,†the tourist retorted in an impatient voice, “and take our order. After the Kung Pao, we’ll have two servings of moo shu pork and…†He looked at his daughter. “What would you like sweetheart?â€
“Ice cream!†his daughter snapped.
“What flavour ice cream do ya have buddy?â€
“Oh,†the waiter stopped to think for a moment, then replied, “We don’t usually serve ice cream, but if sir wouldn’t mind waiting, I would happily buy some myself. I would not add it to your charge.â€
“Damn right ya wouldn’t, Bruce,†the tourist laughed.
“And what would you like to drink?†the waiter inquired.
“Well, I gotta drive, so I’ll just have a coffee,†the tourist replied.
“I’ll have a glass of wine,†his wife added.
“Coke!†the daughter demanded. Another family passed glances and muttered amongst themselves regarding their atrocious behaviour. The tourist looked over at them.
“Hey!†he barked. “You got somethin’ to say ya damn limeys?!â€

From the kitchen, Forest Lee heard the commotion and quickly removed his apron and hat. He walked out into the restaurant towards the two families.
“What’s the problem, folks?†he asked politely.
“An’ who’re you, Fu Manchu?â€
“I am the manager.â€
“Oh. Well, if you’re the manager, I got a whole bunch o’ complaints! Number one: your customers keep talkin’ ‘bout us behind our backs! You think they’d never seen Americans before! Number two: your waiter here’s been makin’ fun of us!â€
“Ah! That is not true, Mr. Lee,†the waiter quickly butted in. Mr. Lee gave him a slight nod. Johnny Wo had only been working at the Dancing Dragon for six months on part time, but that was long enough for the rest of the staff to know he was a good employee who didn’t make trouble.
“Number three!†the daughter chimed in. “No ice cream! Where’s my ice cream?!â€
“Please, please, calm down,†said Mr. Lee. “There are people trying to eat their breakfast here and I fear you may be causing a disturbance.â€
“I’m a disturbance?!†the tourist stood up and tried to look imposing. “You’re the disturbance here, buddy! How ‘bout I take ya outside an’ show ya some real American fighting?!â€
Mr. Lee put on his most pleasant smile, then picked up one of the hardback menus from the table. He held it out in front of his face, then butted it with all his strength. The menu splintered into several pieces, which dropped to the floor.
“Pick those up, would you, Johnny?†he asked. The waiter nodded and bent down to pick up the broken fragments. “Now, sir, you mentioned something about fighting?â€
“Uh, never mind,†said the tourist. “Come on, let’s get out of here.†He led his hungry and embarrassed (and seemingly hypocritical) family away from the restaurant, mumbling how much he hated England because there were no Americans and how it was stupid that they solved their problems with words instead of guns. Stereotypical to the final humiliation. There’s pride for you. Mr. Lee turned to the rest of his customers and said in a loud, clear voice, “I hope everybody is enjoying their breakfast. To apologise for this disturbance, I am offering a free dish of xiaolongbao for every customer, all day.â€
Immediately, frowns turned to smiles. While xiaolongbao was hardly sensational, being just a sort of dumpling, they were one of the many treats that brought more customers to the Dancing Dragon. In short, the place made good food.

<><><>

Deep within the icy depths of the Unseen Continent, the castle and gardens of the Dui Zheng Quan Dojo stood upon a floating landmass, Mt. An Ying. The sky of this dark and foreboding place was purple, and toxic gas smothered the land far below. The Du Pin River flowed from its source underground, arced around the dojo and then disappeared on the other side, creating a waterfall that heated upon contact with the noxious ground. The courtyard was occupied by masked warriors, kyonshi, practising the very basic moves required in Dui Zheng Quan.

In a temple area of the dojo, a man was knelt before a shrine to the three creators of the fighting style he followed so strictly. There was a raised platform before him, guarded by a low, red, metal fence, and two metal knights that resembled ancient Chinese demons on the sides. On the wall, looking down on everything, was a golden triangle containing three monstrous faces.
The faces were known as the Kenma, the Three Great Masters.
The young man was Dojan Master Riomus. He was an Asian youth with cat-like, amber eyes and long, brown hair. He was clad in black and gold, form-fitting armour and a brown cape. On the back of each hand were three gold protrusions. Riomus muttered under his breath in a lost dialect.

<><><>

“Sifu,†said an Asian youth with a bald head, dressed in an orange track suit. He was addressing Mr. Lee, who had decided to take a break from business and retreat to his personal dojo behind the restaurant. The man came out of his meditative stance and turned to his apprentice.
“You summoned me?†the younger man asked.
“Yes,†Mr. Lee replied. “Did you feel that pulse just now?â€
“A pulse, Sifu?â€
“A great evil is on the move. I sense its power….it’s the Dui Zheng Hall.â€
“What must I do, Sifu?â€
“Not you. At least, not alone. I have already summoned three talented warriors from thredifferent places on Earth. Do you have the Transmorphers?â€
“I do, Sifu,†Jiqi nodded, tapping his chest, which made a hollow ‘clunk.’ Mr. Lee gave him a nod of acknowledgement and closed his eyes, returning to his meditation. His chi, the source of his physical and spiritual power, had sent out a message to three parts of the world, attracted to three fighters whose own chi power surpassed all others.

 

[Scotty Rave]

Volume 1, Lesson 2: The Tiger of Muay Thai

In the mountains of Thailand, a young warrior practised his great power. He, possessed of the ferocity of the mighty tiger and the unbreakable body, was Bryan Jaa. Bryan was a muscular youth with deeply tanned skin, brown eyes and black hair that spiked up at one side and down on the other. He wore a pair of black boxing trunks, a red cloth belt and white tape wrapped tightly around his forearms, hands, calves and feet.
“I will show them all,†he grunted between moves, “the power of Muay Thai! HA!†He punched with his right fist, then his left, then raised his right leg in a kick, lowered it, spun on it and kicked out with his left foot. He relaxed, shook out his hands and feet, then began to practise under the pale gaze of the Thailand moon. Then, he pressed his palms together in a praying motion, raised them over his head in an upside down triangle, and proceeded to practise a series of stances, saying their names out loud to make sure to himself he had them right.
“Yan Yothee! Jarakae Fad Hang! Pajon Chang San! Hanuman Thawai Waen!â€
He stopped. He felt something calling at him, like a force tugging him at the back of his mind and the centre of his soul. A rush of heat seemed to fill him up and he knew it was a calling. He was being summoned for something, and it could not wait for him to arrive, like a family when their long lost son is returning home. Bryan did not know who was calling him or where he had to go, but he knew the feeling his mind and heart would show him the way.
“Oi!†a voice shouted.
Bryan looked over his shoulder. A shaggy-haired man with a goatee was coming towards him, with a look of friendly anticipation on his face.
“Are you Bryan Jaa?†the newcomer asked.
“I am,†Bryan replied.
The newcomer extended his hand. “My name is Shura Humby. I came to challenge you to see if you’re really as good as the rumours say you are.â€
“Are you good?â€
“I’ve won every tournament…though that’s probably because you never enter.†Shura followed up with a little laugh. Bryan smiled. He liked Shura Humby already. He looked only a year or so older than he was, well trained and eager. That was how he liked his opponents. The two shook loose and prepared themselves for battle.
“So what’s in this for you?†Bryan inquired.
“I’ll be able to say I fought the best,†Shura smiled. “So don’t you dare let me down.â€
“Or what?â€
“Or I’ll clog-dance on your head.â€
Both men laughed. Bryan started the fight with a low sweeping kick. Shura dodged it and struck out with his fist. Bryan blocked the blow and jumped to go for a high kick. Shura struck the leg with his elbow, causing Bryan to twist in the air. As he moved, he extended his other leg. This one caught Shura unawares and while he did manage to raise his arm, he was still forced sideways. Bryan immediately followed up by jumping into the air and planting both feet into Shura’s chest, knocking him into a tree. Shura opened his eyes and gasped. He ducked down as his opponent’s fist burst straight through that side of the tree and out of the other. It was at that point the spiky-haired youth realised his mistake.
“Oh my god!†he shouted. “I put my goddamn fist through the goddamn tree!†Shura spun around and kicked him in the back. Bryan’s entire arm went through the bark, and then slid out as he fell on his rear. He got to his feet and crossed his arms to deflect a jump kick from Shura. In the process, he grabbed his leg and swung him through the air. Shura rolled along the ground. Bryan jumped into the air and came down with a lethal knee drop. Shura rolled over and avoided. This constant ducking and darting, with only the occasional blow, lasted for almost an hour, before both men began to tire.
“I guess the rumours were true after all,†said Shura.
“And you’re pretty good yourself,†replied Bryan.
“So what’ll you do after this?â€
“…Find my destiny.â€
“I wish you the best of luck, Bryan Jaa.â€
“Thank you, Shura Humby.â€

<><><>

As the sun rose brightly over the horizon, Bryan left his small hut with some supplies and money, and dressed in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and plimsolls. He also placed a conical straw hat on his head to keep the sun off. Thailand was hot enough in the night, but sometimes the day could be just brutal. Slinging his burlap sack over his shoulder, he walked along the path of the force. He was like a fish being reeled in, and the hooks were embedded deep in his skin, and like a fish, he had no idea where his new destination would be. Thankfully, nothing as fatal as what actually happens to caught fish.

<><><>

“Time is money!†the director bellowed.
Toxic Gate Productions had set up just outside of Bangkok, to film a new action flick starring the legendary kung fu star Baek Jang-ri. Unfortunately, everyone but Baek had showed up for the shoot.
“Does he even care?†the director scowled. “It’s a little difficult to make the movie without the star.â€
“He knew when his call time was but nobody’s seen him since lunch,†responded the assistant director.
“It’s always something with that Jang-ri! He’s an arsehole!â€

The fight club on Khaosan Road was absolutely notorious for the dwellers of Bangkok’s seedy underbelly. As a huge man pummelled a smaller man into the ground, a Korean youth entered the building, wearing a long, dark blue coat over his clothes. He had black hair in a braid, dark eyes and signs of stubble on his chin.
“Hey, Baek!†a man in dark glasses to his left said. “How are ya?â€
“Oh, god, what’s this?†Baek asked boredly.
“Nothing. We’re just having a little fun is all.â€
“…Fun?â€
“Yeah, they’re dragging some poor shmuck into the ring who’s dumb enough to shoot off his big trap, ya know?â€

Down below, the downed fighter had been taken away, and two burly men roughly dragged a Thai man with spiky hair into the ring.
“Hey, I didn’t even say anything!†Bryan protested.
“Fighters don’t take smart-arse remarks lightly around here, chicken,†said one of the burly men.
“You can back up your words, can’t you?†the other one sneered as they shoved him into thng.

“Ah, this looks interesting,†murmured Baek.
“Even if movies turned you into a big star,†said the man in glasses, “this stuff must really bring back the old days, right?â€
A pause.
“Keep an eye on the new guy, he looks good.â€
The man in glasses grunted and looked towards the ring.

 

[scikaiju]

nice to see you didn't forget about us over here

 

[Scotty Rave]

Volume 1, Lesson 3: The Way of the Foot and Hand

The big man in the ring, a tattooed monstrosity with several multi-coloured stripes dyed into his hair and piercings in every possible place, chuckled menacingly. He picked up Bryan Jaa by the collar of his shirt and shook him slightly. Bryan launched himself forward in a head butt that struck with so much force, that the man’s face caved in, leaving a pink, pulpy mess, two bulging eyes and a toothless mouth. He lay on the dirty floor, gurgling in the back of his throat. Baek, his attention caught, moved down to the edge of the arena.
“That wasn’t bad,†he remarked. “Or was it just luck?â€
He threw off his coat to reveal a white martial arts gi with blue trim embroidered with gold patterns and a black belt.
“Let’s see how well you do against a fighter like me.â€
Bryan raised his fists and positioned his feet. Both opponents eyed each other for a moment.
“There’s been a shortage of new blood around here lately,†he continued. “So what’s your name? After all, I should know who exactly I’m about to put in the hospital.â€
“I’m just a normal guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time,†the newbie replied, “and my name is Bryan Jaa.â€

Baek shot forward with a spinning jump kick. Bryan fell on his back and brought his foot up, kicking Baek in the calf. The movie star spun back through the air and landed on his feet, wincing a little at the pain in his leg. He then edged forward, and went for a high kick, followed by a roundhouse. Bryan was able to block both but also had to swerve to the side to avoid his enemy’s foot from breaking his wrist. Baek went for a jab but Bryan ducked down and kicked his feet out from under him. The Korean man landed on his back then rolled over his head and got back to his feet. He then launched himself forward with a downward chop that knocked away Bryan’s hands and he smashed his elbow into the Thai man’s stomach. Bryan gasped as the wind was knocked from his body and he fell on his rump. As his opponent lay on the ground, Baek performed a few actions, a sequence that ended with the traditional ‘come and get me’ wave of the hand.

“That’s great!†someone in the cheering audience cried. “Kick his arse!â€

A long pause followed as the fighters prepared themselves mentally for the next round. For a while, it seemed as if Bryan wasn’t going to strike him.
“What’s wrong? Chickening out?†Baek sneered. “That’s the problem with you kick boxers, you aren’t built for real fighting.†He raised his middle finger. “Fuck Muay Thai!â€
“Shut your mouth, Korean!†Bryan shot back. He ran at Baek and attempted a left cross, which his opponent blocked, but managed to deliver a right hook into his ribs. Next came a high roundhouse, which Baek dodged under. However, the power of the kick meant he lost no momentum and slammed his heel into the side of his head. Baek staggered back, rubbed his temple for a second, then released a furious battle cry. Bryan dodged an elbow attack and then a palm slap to the gut, but not a high kick to the chest. He bent on his knees, his lungs on fire as he struggled to suck in precious oxygen. Baek moved with great speed, kicking Bryan first in his crossed forearms and then in the stomach. A third kick was aimed at his head. This one he avoided and lunged at Baek, punching him in the wrist and then kneeing him in the chin. Baek struck out with a high kick, and Bryan countered with one of his own. The Korean punched with his right first, the Thai caught it and spun around, elbowing him in the chest. He swung with the blow and performed a backhand across his opponent’s face.

The crowd were going nuts now. Well, the foreign members did anyway. They were chanting, “KILL THE THAI! KILL THE THAI!†The native spectators looked angry. They hated the idea of a Korean, of all people, getting the upper hand over a practitioner of their great sport.
“SMASH HIS FACE IN!†a Thai man shouted to Bryan. “BEAT THE GODDAMN **** OUT OF HIS SMUG FACE!â€
“You heard the crowd,†Bryan smirked.
“Yeah I did,†Baek retorted snidely, referring to the foreign half. He jumped forward on one leg as he raised the other in a kick. Bryan darted to the left, then to the right to avoid another one. A third one came his way, and he clamped it between his elbow and knee like a vice. Baek groaned in pain and hopped back to the side of the arena. Bryan didn’t give him a chance to recover and spin-kicked him in the stomach. Baek fell against the side of the ring and fell still. A few people, in shaken fear, began to drop their betting slips to the dirty ground. Bryan breathed heavily, waiting for a reaction.
A whole minute passed. Then two. Then three. The referee was about to give Bryan the win, but at that moment, Baek opened his eyes and stood up. The crowd cheered loudly.

“You think this is over?†he asked lowly. He spread his arms and legs, and Bryan backed up a little. A blue light shone visibly in his opponent’s veins, and his eyes seemed to blaze with sapphire energy.
Is it his chi? Bryan thought. It’s so powerful…so primal…I’ve never felt something so powerful since…well, since myself…
“Okay, pal, let’s party,†said Baek. Bryan clenched his fists. The tendons cracked and stretched with the pressure, and then he unclenched them as his own eyes and veins blazed with what looked like fire. Pure, uncontrollable, mighty fire. Baek’s lips curled into a vicious smile. Both men released a loud, deep cry that was more like the roar of an enraged jungle cat. They ran at each other, propelled into the air and extended their legs for a kick. They crossed over, and a great light exploded from them.
To the audience, it lasted about three seconds.

<><><>

Nobody was quite sure about the outcome. The fight seemed more like a dream, but the warriors knew it had been real. Now, they sat together at a table in a small cafe, with bandages and plasters and gauzes on various parts of their bodies.
“So you’re that Bryan Jaa,†Baek said calmly, taking a sip of his tea.
“The one and only,†Bryan replied. “And you’re Baek Jang-ri, the movie star.â€
“That’s right, but I’m taking a break from it.â€
“Why?â€
“I don’t think you won that fight, but I don’t think I did either. I’m going to train myself until I know I can beat you. Then I’ll feel worthy to my fans.â€
“You’re not just in showbiz for the money, then, Baek?â€
Baek chuckled. “Bryan, knowing that people out there watch my movies because I’m in them…well…that means more to me than my whole fortune. The cash is a pretty good bonus though.â€
Both men laughed.
“I’m on a journey,†Bryan said after a short silence. “Why don’t you come with me? Travel often helps when training. I know you felt it too.â€
“…Felt what?â€
“Don’t you feel a strange force, tugging at your very flesh? Right now, isn’t every nerve in your body screaming for you to follow it?â€
Baek just looked at him.
“I’m on my way to find out what this force is. I want to know who is out there, calling me…calling us. Will you come with mBaek? Then we can face our destiny together.â€
“Queers!†someone shouted from another table. Bryan and Baek looked at the homophobe, then at each other, and laughed again. Once they had calmed down, Baek took Bryan’s offer into consideration. He opened his eyes and nodded, then offered his hand. “Yeah, I’ll tag along, could be fun.†Bryan accepted his hand and shook it.

 

[Scotty Rave]

Volume 1, Lesson 4: The Dance of War

Far from Asian matters, a beautiful young woman named Christie Crowder danced in the midst of a corn field. Her parents were farmers, and since a very young age, Christie and her twin brother Eddy had been tutored in the ways of capoeira. Right now, Eddy was helping their father with the annual harvest as their mother busied herself around the house. Christie flipped and twirled and balanced like a true Mestre. Her long hair blew about her face and the sunlight glistened in her caramel eyes. She stopped for less than a second, pressed her hands to the ground and flipped over just in time to avoid a break-dancing kick from Eddy.
“Eddy! What the?!†she shut up, realising she should have been used to this by now. Whenever her brother saw her training, he had to get into a fight with her. Eddy smirked and got down on his hands, attacking with another deadly kick. Christie moved like fluid, bending down and swinging out her legs, knocking Eddy’s hands out from under him. Her brother belly-flopped on the ground a couple of times and rolled up onto his feet, squatted down, faked a roundhouse to the left, then struck out at the right, catching his sister unawares. She rolled over in mid-air, landed a little clumsily on her feet, and watched her sibling cautiously. Then she froze. Her arms fell limp at her sides and she looked off into the distance. Eddy stopped moving and approached her.
“What’s wrong?†he asked her. Christie didn’t answer for a couple of seconds, then said in a whisper, “Something’s calling me.â€
Eddy stared at her, more than a little concerned for his sister’s welfare.

<><><>

That night, the Crowder siblings ventured into nearby Rio de Janeiro, where they met up with some friends and went to Zed Tops, a popular nightclub. Rather than go to the bar however, Christie walked briskly onto the dance floor, and immediately the other dancers began to get out of the way. Christie was the undisputed dancing queen of Zed Tops and probably all of Rio. She requested a song from the DJ, and he slapped it onto the deck with a big grin. As the song started up, Christie moved with so much speed and grace, she looked almost like a dance goddess.

Modem talking, modern walking in the streets
New desire, take my higher
Lift me higher with your speed
I need fire

Get the satellite if you wanna see me
Talking on the net, I know the way you like it
Get your credit card ‘cos I need no money
All I wanna get is you baby

“I’m worried about her,†Eddy muttered.
“Why? What’s going on?†asked his best friend, Wesley.
“Eh, ya know what? Nevermind. She looks like she’s enjoying herself.â€

Runnin’ in the 90s, is the new way I like to be
I’m just runnin’ in the 90s
Come on baby, run to me
We are runnin’ in the 90s, is a new way to set me free
I’m just runnin’ in the 90s
Yes I wanna know, yes I wanna see

<><><>

“All goes well,†Mr. Lee said calmly as he looked at the roaring fire before him.
“How long do we have, Sifu?†asked Jiqi. The apprentice/butler had exchanged his truck suit for an outfit he favoured – an orange-and-black ensemble much like those worn by the Shinto priests, minus the head adornment. He placed a tray with a teapot and cup in front of his master.
“Not long, I should think,†Mr. Lee replied calmly. “The Dui Zheng Hall will not waste their time.â€
“Dui Zheng Hall?!†Jiqi was shocked. He had heard stories of the ancient art of Dui Zheng Quan, a style that was based on utterly annihilating the opponent, drawing upon the destructive potential of all living creatures. The idea scared him – a fighting technique designed to kill and destroy. It just seemed so wrong.
“But, I believe my calls have been answered,†Mr. Lee took a sip of his tea. “The chosen three will soon be here. They will be unable to resist the pull of strong chi.†He smiled. “Jiqi, when Gan created both you and the Transmorphers, he said that they were for the fight against the evil of martial arts. I didn’t know if it was just an elaborate joke at first…but now, I guess, he was serious…after I met Riomus. Ah well, it’s too late for such stories. I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Jiqi.â€
He stood up and placed his empty cup on the tray, then walked out of the room.
“Goodnight, Sifu,†Jiqi responded in a whisper. After cleaning the cup and putting it away with the teapot, he walked back into the living room and into a seemingly empty corner. He pressed a panel on the wall and a section of the floor loosened beneath him. It lowered him down into a secret compartment and the floor closed up again above him. A circle opened in the android’s forehead and a plug extended from the wall on a thin, metal arm, inserting itself through the hole and into his cybernetic brain. Jiqi’s eyes flickered and closed and his body became lifeless.

After changing into some pyjamas decorated with various Japanese symbols, Mr. Lee looked at the photo on his bedside cabinet. It showed him when he was younger, with his wife Hinako and his best friend, Gan Tochigiyama. Gan was a round, but handsome man who had been mocked during their school days, but had been offered (yet subsequently declined) a place in Mensa International, plus numerous other scientific and engineering institutions. He had made his living as a science teacher, and later principle, at the Goodgrace University. Not too many years ago, he had suffered a terrible accident that gave him severe back problems, and so with his accumulated wealth, he had bought a house in Ibiza and now spent his days there.
His wife Hinako had not suffered such a fate – she was staying in Japan with her parents, as her mother had caught a bad sickness and had asked for her daughter. However, because he still had to run the Dancing Dragon, Mr. Lee had been excused by his parents-in-law with no negative feelings.
“Hi-chan,†he whispered. While he was not Japanese, and thus did not follow their customs, he always called Hinako his ‘Hi-chan.’ It was a break in tradition that he only ever performed for her, because of her. As he slept, he remembered the last time he had made love to her – the night before she had left for her homeland.

<><><>

A bus travelled out of Rio de Janeiro as the morning sun crawled over the horizon. At the back, Christie Crowder watched as everything she knew began to fall behind her. Unable to say goodbye to her parents’ faces, she had left a note, kissed them all farewell, and left with a few supplies. She could no longer resist the power of the force tugging at her skin with invisible hooks.
She looked down at her hands, and closed her eyes. The cry of a swift cheetah seemed to fill her senses. Telling her to go. Telling her to fight and to win. Telling her that the fate of everything she knew may very well rest upon her slender young shoulders.

 

[scikaiju]

And we have our yellow ranger. Some good story potential there with her feeling forced more or less to leave her family to follow the pull. And some interesting background info on Mr. Lee

 

[Scotty Rave]

Volume 1, Lesson 5: The Trial Gate

Once more, Riomus was knelt before the great statue of his lords, the Tenma who created the art of Dui Zheng Quan.
“Riomus,†said a female voice behind him. The armoured man stood up and turned around. Standing in the doorway was a woman with black hair in two curled, green braids. She was dressed in a sexy, green outfit with elbow-length gloves and boots that’s topped just above her ankles. Like her master, she appeared to be Asian. This was Riomus’ immediate apprentice, Chamelia.
“What is it?†he asked of her.
“One of the kyonshi is requesting permission to enter the Trial Gate.â€
“Bind his forehead and we’ll see what happens.â€
Riomus swept past her, his cape billowing in the supernatural wind.

A lone kyonshi looked around the room. While his eyes were blinded by his black mask, his other senses had heightened enough for him to realise he was in the Trial Gate. Though to be frank, it wasn’t a gate at all. It was a battle arena where kyonshi could take their chance to ascend to a higher existence. The lone kyonshi wore a red headband so his opponents would know who to beat the ever-loving **** out of.
The lone kyonshi stopped in the middle of the arena and clapped his hands twice. More kyonshi jumped out of the shadows in every conceivable direction. They came at him relentlessly. The lone kyonshi started off with a low roundhouse kick, followed by an uppercut and backhand. He floored about six of them with that. One of them forgot all his training and just leapt towards him. The lone kyonshi responded by ramming his hand forward, fingers out straight, impaling the attacker through the chest. The dead warrior disappeared in a swirl of purple light.
He then proceeded to strike out with a high roundhouse kick, followed by an elbow drop, followed by a leg-scissor, followed by a head butt. Move after move after move after move. The lone kyonshi decimated every opponent until he stood in the middle of the arena, surrounded by twitching and smashed corpses. The doors of the Trial Gate swung open to reveal Chamelia, who motioned for the kyonshi to follow her.
The undead warrior bowed with his hands clasped together, then obeyed.

<><><>

The hot sun beat down on India. In Delhi, two young men walked together. Bryan Jaa and Baek Jang-ri had been on the road for several days now. Several long, hot days. The days melded into weeks. Bryan remained tough against the relentless heat, but Baek looked like he was about to faint.
“Can’t we stop?†he groaned. “I haven’t eaten since yesterday.â€
Bryan rolled his eyes. “Where I come from, we went without food for three days for that sort of complaining.â€
“No wonder you’re always such a hard-nosed git,†Baek murmured. “You know, we’re very unlikely to get wherever we need to be if we’re dying of starvation. Don’t tell me you’re not hungry too.â€
“Ravenous,†was the blunt response. “So we’ll stop.â€
“Well hallelujah!†Baek threw his hands into the air. “The Mighty Boosh does have a brain!â€
They went into a small restaurant, but about halfway through their meal, they were interrupted by loud noises outside: shooting and screaming. Leaving their backpacks and straw hats in the restaurant, the two warriors rushed outside. A black Lincoln Town Car had pulled up in the middle of the street and a black-suited man in sunglasses had opened fire with an AK-47, killing several civilians. The car was now pulling away at great speed.
“All…all this destruction…†Bryan whispered, his sense of identity and code of morals dulled by the growing rage in the pit of his gut. “YOU BASTARDS!â€
He started running after the car. Baek, who managed to remain calm, looked over at a teenager who had managed to evade the attack.
“Call the authorities now!†he shouted in Indian. The teenager nodded and sprinted off up the road. Baek looked at the receding spots that were the car and Bryan.

The driver of the Town Car looked at the rear view mirror.
“What the hell?†he asked in a language not quite like anything heard so far. “Shoot him, Abramo!â€
Abramo, the shooter, leaned out of the car and squeezed off a few blasts from his gun. Bryan had already darted to the side and launched himself into the air.
“He’s a fast bastard, Baldovino,†he murmured indignantly. “Floor it.â€
The Town Car picked up speed at a dangerous rate, rocketing through the streets of Delhi. A shadow suddenly filled their vision, and both men screamed as Bryan Jaa’s feet burst through the windshield and caved in Baldovino’s nose. They skidded dangerously and toppled it over, crashing into a wall. Bryan had jumped away in time and landed nimbly on his feet, gazing hatefully at the demolished vehicle. Abramo pushed open the door and climbed out. He lifted his AK-47 and prepared to fire. Bryan vaulted through the air and landed in front of Abramo. He grabbed the barrel of the gun and twisted it upwards. Astonished, Abramo threw his weapon to the ground and tried to run.
He ended up running right into Baek’s outstretched fist.
“Why should I let you have all the fun?†the Korean smirked.

When the authorities arrived, the criminals were taken away, the injured were taken to hospital and the two heroes were given their congratulations.
“Just who the hell were those guys?†Baek inquired, jabbing his thumb in the direction their quarry had been taken.
“They’re terrorists from Dratovania. Some country in southernmost Europe,†replied an officer. “They haven’t made that many attacks, but the ones they do make are utterly ruthless.â€
“Who exactly is in charge of these guys?†Baek asked.
“We don’t know what he looks like, but we do know they refer to him as Okudo, which means ‘wizard’ in their language.â€
Baek was about to ask a third question, but Bryan interrupted.
“Good luck in your mission,†said the Thai, “but we can’t help you, we have our own mission to be getting on with.â€
“I understand,†the officer nodded. “Godspeed to you both.â€

<><><>

Riomus and Chamelia watched as the kyonshi before them was changed from the inside. His arms were spread and purple energy wafted out of every pore on his body. Riomus placed his hands in a praying position, with the right fist against the left palm. He chanted a rite of ascendance under his breath.
“Kenma…Zhan Shi…Zhi…Quan!â€
The fist shot out, stopping an inch in front of the kyonshi. There was an explosion of power, and then it settled. The kyonshi reached for the black mask covering his face and removed it. Underneath was a human face – albino to be exact. A red symbol glowed on the front of his forehead.

蟷

“Well done for passing the Trial Gate,†said Riomus. “As a reward, you have been given the power of the Kenma. Your name from now on…shall be Dang.â€
“Thank y Master,†Dang bowed, placing his right leg out and pressing his fist into his palm. “Your will is my command.â€
Riomus smiled and placed his hand on Dang’s shoulder, “With that in mind, my student, we will soon be the rulers of the world, practitioners of what fighting is really all about.â€

 

[scikaiju]

Nice look at how the grunts reach a higher level. Also a nice look at how different Bryan and Baek are too. Should be an interesting mix as soon as all three of them are together