From the next room, the father of Ken Masters would step out, holding a smile upon his face, and a box of documents in his hands. "There you go, Champ." The elder version of Ken spoke, handing him the small box of file folders. "Everything I have on my work on Japanese affairs when I ran the company. I hope they serve you well." Mister Masters gave a small nod to Ken, who in turn accepted the box. "Thanks, dad." Ken began, "Maybe I can figure out what's been bothering me. Hey, maybe it'll lead to new money?" Masters grinned, standing up to his feet, offering a bump in fists to his father.

"Oh! New money is always a good thing. You are still spending my money from my twenties I believe--old money does get rather dull, hm?" The father chuckled, bumping fists with his son. "Do say hello to Eliza and Mel for me when you return home, son." Were his words as Ken headed toward the door. "As always old timer. Chow." Ken lifted his hand up as he walked off, idly waving good-bye to his father.

Masters had stepped outside--immediately having a valet drive one of his expensive vehicles up to the circle drive.  Ken smiled, nodding to the young woman who had done so. "Thanks. I appreciate it Jamie." He apparently knew the woman on a friendly level, "No problem Mister Masters. I hope you left a tip again, or else I'll be complaining to Eliza at the book club meeting." The valet chuckled as Ken placed his files in the passenger seat, and sat down in the driver's side. "Heh, of course! Take care of yourself, kiddo." The engine roared to life, and soon after, Ken would be pulling out of the driveway, and eventually through the gates and back out on the road.

********************************

A head would crash into a bathroom mirror, and soon the body would be thrown to the ground, kicked several time by a rather fancy pair of designer heels. A Crimson tail fluttered through the air as the individual sped forward, tugging the man's body up, locking him in a tight sleeper hold. His nose had been busted--possibly missing some teeth--but one thing was for sure--he was not winning this fight. The transparent yellow lenses of the woman would peek from the side of the man's head as she leaned near his ear.

"So, I am going to ask you this one last time. Who is funding S.I.N., baby?.. Hm? "

Her tone was soft, regardless of how roughly she had treated the individual. The man had been trying to speak--seeming to be breaking from the beating she applied to him.

"B-B-Bison's m-men..!" The man gurgled out.

"Ooh? See, if you'd of said that five minutes ago, we wouldn't be doing this five minutes later. One last thing, baby, before I let you go...where can these men be found..?"

The captured man--who was wearing a S.I.N. uniform had not even attempted to respond. "Oh? Holding out are we? Well, mama has a remedy for that. You're no longer of use to me--goodbye." She said, releasing her headlock, and stuffing the individual's face into an overflowing sink in the public restroom..she held his head down in the water, and faught against his struggling--until a SURGE of energy flew through her gloves and into him, making the lights flicker rapidly before she pulled her hand away. The man fell aside limp...he was gone. Turning off the faucet, Crimson Viper would check the man's pockets....he had a weapon, an ID, and that seemed to be all. Nothing important.

Viper's Cell phone rang...one of the several she had. Once picking it up, she spoke into it. "Friendly Date Service, how may I help you?" She said jokingly.

"Did you get the funder's name?"

"Yes sir. Though it is a bit far fetched, Bison was mentioned. With recent Shadaloo reports from Interpol, I wouldn't be surprised if t was him...or someone posing as."

"Very good, Viper. However there's someone you need to track down for further information. Ken Masters. Our scouts have reported him to of been digging into the archives of his father's affairs in Japan in the past. Sales of his company seemed to of been effected by Shadaloo men near their HQs or something of the sort. We listened in on his conversations, and he believes that there is a really hot area in Japan that always ruined business transactions due to criminal action. It could be a Shadaloo fort."

"Ken Masters huh? Well I'll be able to gather a visit with him...if he's planning on heading to Japan, it will not be witout me, besides, he'll only get the floor mopped with his face by the Demon if he came there again I believe."

"Get the files from Masters and any vital information. He is to remain alive."

"Understood, sir."

Her protector.

Her provider.

He used to be so happy. So carefree.  He seemed vexed.  There was something wrong. Something he had not told her. There was something far beyond him that he could not even express to her.  She'd finally seen him awake, but it was not the same Ken as before.  She knew he was healthy, but she could only find herself thinking of her life without. How she would be destroyed if something ever happened to him.

Hearing news of Ken's passing would feel as if death itself was coming to her. She could only imagine herself begging to join him, to be with him.  That wouldn't be what Ken would want...she had to take care of Mel. That look she saw in Ken's eyes...

That fire...that desire to do something that she did not want him to spend too much time on...that desire to fight seriously had returned.  They had a child now, though.  Ken also had a business to run, and there was only so much she could do to support his career as a warrior. Would he abandon her? Would he travel afoot for the rest of his days as Ryu was? Such things always came to this woman's mind.

She worried far too much.

Ken was in good health. That was all that mattered. The phone had rang, drawing her attention.  However she did not try to let it ring more than once, in fear of having her napping son wake up. It was hard enough getting him to sit still! "Hello?" Eliza said, placing the phone to her ear. She listened  for several seconds, nodding softly. "So he is alright then?" Left hand reached up, clasping her small charm hanging from her silver necklace about her collar area. That beautiful diamond ring flashing in the sunlight projected through the window. Eliza's lips curled into a smile. "Alright. I will be there."

Mrs. Masters placed the phone back on the hook, taking a moment to breathe with her beautiful smile on display. "That man of mine." She turned her eyes to her sleeping son, only being reminded of Ken.  She stared at his closed lids, and those split ended black brows...

----

Long black brows twitched as various gobbling sounds were heard. The closed eyes of Ken Masters had clinched up...only to have a bowel lifted up nearly over his face! Those chopsticks had been rapidly throwing food down his mouth, throwing out all the etiquette he had learned from his proper upbringing, and let out his wild side on that bowl of beef noodles. Hey, the man was hungry!

"Eeh..." The nurse watched on, a bit wide eyed as Ken stuffed his face. "M-Mr. Masters..., is there anything else you need?" She politely tilted her head.  That bowl was stacked on top of a very well established pile of four bowls, as Ken called out. "Yeah! Get me some more of that! My complements to the chef!" Ken said, now downing a large glass of water nearby. 

"Uh..r-right away Mr. Masters!" The young woman snapped her fingers, and right away another young lady would approach with that bowl of hot noodles ready for him! Before she could even set it on his tray, Ken had swooped it up, gobbling it down with that same pair of chop sticks! "Mmm! I want some MORE!"

"Sure thing, Mr. Masters, but your wife should be here shortly! I'm sure she wouldn't want to wait too long..!" Hearing this, Ken would look up to the nurse, offering a small grin. "She's on her way? Well alright...cancel that last order. Just let me get dressed up."

(OOC: At this point...you should listen to #58 on my playlist, if you want a chuckle)
 

Long after Ken had dismissed them, he had begun getting dressed. A nice pair of dark gray slacks were pulled up over his legs, neatly creased and loose about his powerful stems. Bare feet coming to slip into silky dress socks--a must for any gentleman getting ready to get into his best. Blue colored dress shirt was brought about his broad shoulders, carefully buttoned up before a large mirror.

"Ah...I look good."

Ken winked at himself, buttoning up that shirt, and began rolling those sleeves up his thick forearms.  Jacob watch would follow soon--being placed about his wrist.  Black Italian leather shoes were slipped on, and that matching dark gray suit jacket was slung up and over his shoulder. Ken took the time to admire himself a moment more. "Heh..., just think positive...last thing I need is Eliza worrying about demons...she's already got a little devil to deal with." 

Ken lowered his head, closing his eyes up for a moment.

----------------------

Outside, Eliza Masters would be standing near a limosine all for Ken. The woman was dressed in a long jade colored dress that fit her form quite well. With a pair of dark shades over her eyes to protect them from the sun, she would patiently stand, awaiting for Ken to step out of the hospital. In her right hand, she held a bottle of water--all for him!  Eliza was growing nervous...how was her hair? The woman felt she couldn't get it to behave how she wanted quick enough! Ooh!

When Ken stepped out, it was like seeing him for the first time. She smiled brightly, watching him approach. She had not seen him this way in quite sometime...,perhaps this invoulentary 'vacation' was good for him? He walked with that same swagger he used to hold...so carefree, so cocky!
----

To Be Continued!
 

"Ken...."

The gruff tone that had spoken to Ken Masters for a great chunk of his life could be heard in the darkness that surrounded his body and his eye sight in every direction.  Ken had not woken up since his battle with Akuma. The demons words had reached his ears...it was all he could think about in thise state he was in.  The border of life and death, perhaps.  His thoughts this was closer to death were solidified by the presence of that voice.

Gouken's voice.

"Master Gouken...?"
"Before you begin your apologies, please know that you have done well. My brother may of held back his power, but he spoke truth of your own potential.."

Ken's eyes began to open...he could see grass fields all around himself...stretching as far as the eyes could see... he was now a younger man once again...his skinny arms seeming to be weighed down by the thick bracers wrapped about his wrists and forearms. Starting to stand...he would look to his great master Gouken standing before him.

"...But Master...I lost.  I couldn't defend your honor...if it were Ryu...he may of..."

"You doubt your skills because you have not stuck strictly to what I have taught you. You should not feel that way...I taught you the way I taught you for a reason, my student. No matter if you leave the statue untouched or coat it in colors, it will always and forever be the same statue.  You are the statue of color...more appealing to the eyes, standing out against the wall of the martial arts behind you...but Ken...your painting is not yet complete..."

Ken looked to Master Gouken, listening to his words intently...
"Not yet complete, Master?  I've won championships, I've beaten a lot of guys, I'm not sure what else I have to do to prove myself..."

"...You have still not learned to go beyond victory, my son. However, the two of you will learn soon enough. You have already proven yourself to your fans, Ken.  Now prove yourself...to yourself."

"Prove myself to myself..." Ken looked down...knowing that despite his abilities in America, he still wasn't convinced he was truly the best....he could of done so much better against Akuma...

"To go beyond victory, my son...you must first experience a great loss...however...the fight against my brother is not the loss I speak of....your path is yours to travel...I will watch over you.  Your heart is one of a true warrior...do all you can to resist the darkness attacking you.  No weapon formed against you shall prevail, my son, as long as you know in your heart that you are a great warrior...."

Gouken's body began to get surrounded in smoke--Ken's eyes widened as he stepped forward, trying to reach out to him. "Master, wait!" He called out--

------

HOSPITAL -- // -- TOKYO, JAPAN
3:32 PM. Six days after the battle.

--Only to awaken...looking up at the blurry ceiling above him..his body felt battered...but much better than it did back in the Castle. Ken looked around...he could see balloons, flowers, and even cards all around the tables in his hospital room...

"...Man..." Ken said to himself, now fully awake for the first time in a couple of days.  He had remembered hearing Eliza's voice in his dreams...she had come and stayed as long as she could until she was asked to leave by the doctors for safety purposes. She had to take care of a child, afterall.  Ken's forehead was wrapped, his cheek held a bandage upon it, his chin was bruised a bit, and his collar and shoulder area were taped up under that usually embarassing hospital gown.  Masters had been propped up to lean back in a seated position on the hospital bed.  The television was on, but he wasn't paying any attention to it...hopefully..Eliza would visit him again soon!

As promised, Ken Masters had taken his remaining pupil to Japan for special training. These would be the grounds in which Matsuda would learn basic techniques such as the Shoryuken, first and foremost.  It may of required the least skill, but it properly trained, it could be the deadliest ability in a fighter's arsenal. Ken had been tracking through the grass barefooted, accompanied by his yellow clad pupil.  

"This is the resting place of my old Master, Gouken.  I expect you to respect this place, alright?"

The one time Ken sounded dead serious about dire concequences was now.  He gave Sean a simple look, and Matsuda nodded his head. "A-alright, Sens--...Ken.  I'll respect these grounds one hundred and ten percent!" He gave an energetic nod, which only caused Ken to roll his eyes. "Don't waste your energy trying too hard, Sean.  Save it for the real training."

Ken approached Suzaku castle...and came to a stop before it.  He could recall combatting Ryu upon these rooftops all those years ago.

"This place sure brings a guy back." Masters took in a deep breath as Sean came to stand near him. "Alright, kid.  This is where the training gets serious..."

Training The Kid
(Pt 6)

Ken turned around, still holding that smirk on his face. "That's that kid. Beat it." He motioned his thumb aside, but Sean didn't budge. Matsude went back into stance--as if ready for a third round! "Huh...okay...lets go again. It's your hospital visit kiddo." Masters flicked his hand through his hair and closed his eyes. "Just to prove my point, I'll fight you with one arm behind my back! If you can't beat me then, don't bother comin' back."

"I'm...not gonna lose!" Matsuda rushed in, throwing two punches quickly toward Ken's face, but Masters ducked aside of each of them with ease. Sean spun about, attempting to round-house kick the Master....but Ken threw his one arm up to smack it aside. Dropping down, Ken would sweep his leg along the mats, causing Sean to leap over it!  "Gotcha..."

Ken said under his breath as he sprung up from the ground, scraping his gloved fist along the mats, and ripping upwards into the vulnerable jaw of Sean! "SHOOOORYUKEN!!" Ken shouted out as he nailed Sean. As he reached the peak of his leap, Ken spun once, back kicking Sean away from him in a half-attempted Hurricane kick.  Coming back down, Ken would land in a crouch, watching this time as Sean collided with the ground. "Hmp. Alright, now you're beaten." He said with his arms coming to fold across his chest. "...It took a lot of guts for you to want to continue after two rounds...and I have a gut feeling you don't want to quit..."

Sean was being helped up, bleeding a bit from the mouth, but he was not going to settle for anything less than being Ken's student! The rules were that if one lost, they were eliminated...but...

"Give him a ticket in."

The announcers and spectators eyes went WIDE as Ken accepted a beaten student! "He's got a little more heart than the bozos who came here with no style or martial arts background or respect. Hmp, you might go all the way, kiddo." Ken's words made Sean's eyes light up--and though beaten up, Sean sprung forth, HUGGING Ken's leg, sobbing and yelling out his praises as his dream had come true!

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU KEN! I MEAN SENSEI! CAN I CALL YOU SENSEI?! OR KEN?"

"Augh..get offa me before I change my mind!" Ken grunted, watching as Sean immediately scrambled away. "Go get cleaned up. After the rest of the rounds close, class is gonna start next week on this same day at the same time you all got here.  Let me know how things went. I'm gonna go home." 

Masters waved them all off, heading through the back of the dojo.  As Sean got his certificate to become Ken's student...he felt like running. The celebrating young man ran out, cheering and screaming, all the way home!

"I did it! I finally did it..!!"

Training the Kid

(Pt 1)

Reaching over for his glass of water, Ken would scroll down the list, reviewing one of his favorite 'styles', Jeet Kune Do, which wasn't really a style at all.  It was more of a mindset while in battle..., and of course, the world famous Fei Long was one of the first ones mentioned.

"Hm. Good old Fei. Wonder how he's doing?"

Ken said to himself, taking a quick drink of his water before setting it down. The sound of a door squeaking open would soon come to Ken's ears, but he hadn't turned his eyes off the screen's information.  He knew good and well who it was! Soft footfalls would come against the tiled flooring, taking it's time to enter the room, before pushing the door to a close. "Ah," The woman sighed with deep relief. "That's just what I needed." Eliza had just finished drying herself off in the shower, and stood within the room in a pair of light pink boy shorts, and a loosely fitting tank-top, which belonged to her husband. Her towel was draped around her shoulders, just as her damp hair draped along either side of her ovalish face.

"I'll say." Ken turned with a sly grin on his face. "Nothing hits the spot like a nice shower. I took one right before you got home babe." Masters of course gobbled up the eye candy, not even thinking about the screen right now.

Lookin' good...

Eliza chuckled as she made her steps toward that of her husband. "So, what are you up to? Research?" She asked, standing beside him as he sat.


"Yeah," Ken began, but took more time to research her! Ken had too been in a tank top, but of a gray color, and a pair of dark blue sweat pants. "But I'd much rather check you out babe." A wink was given up to his wife as he brought his arm around her, hugging his cheek right into the side of her hip, drawing a playful giggle, and a hug from her. "I am quite sure, you dog you! Ha ha."

Nuzzling her hip with his cheek, he'd turn his eyes upon the screen. "To answer you though...before I get to research..." wink~, "I've been researching Martial Arts. This is the first time I've ever thought of using the internet for this."  Ken usually just experienced a new style in battle, and learned his way around it as he went.  But the majority of a fight was in the preperation. He had to be prepared. "Since that spar with Chun Li, I've been thinking about seriously fighting again. Actively. Go back to the big time."

These words were all acceptable for Eliza. She would support Ken's love for martial arts....but mentioning Chun Li was a bit annoying to her. As if those wide hips stretching her clothes out wasn't enough!  Hopefully, Chun Li had gone back to Japan. Eliza didn't say a word, however.  That woman was just a friend. She was the wife. She was in control of any competition.  She just knew she'd better not catch Ken with a wondering eye! "Big time fighting hm? Well, that sounds great, dear! What about business, though?"

There goes Eliza doing her job--making Ken consider the other things outside his big picture. "Hm.  Well, I can get all the things that need my attention through E-mail I guess. I don't have to be physically present." Ken's arm uncoiled from Eliza's waist, and went back to the keyboard and mouse. Clicking and closing out the computer he would proceed. "I plan on calling up Sean and heading to Japan tomorrow. I want to show him Master Gouken's old Dojo.  Have a few lessons there and head on back. I let him go loose to practice the basics...I think he's ready to go to level two." Sean Matsuda was Ken's only student, and despite being hard on him, he wouldn't be hard enough to scare him away. He had potential. More than Dan, for sure. "Maybe if we're lucky a Tournament will roll around, right?"

Those green eyes of Eliza's were on Ken and his body language the entire time as he spoke. This was something he really wanted to do. He wanted to go to Japan for a while? All good with her.  The forests were not her cup of tea, so she would not ask to come along. "Maybe so. You better be sure you're saddled up for that if it does, cowboy." Her hand came up to brush through his hair, looking near dreamily into his big brown eyes. "Oh!" She nearly jumped as she remembered something. "That just reminded me.  My sister called me this morning. Apparently she wants me to come with her shopping tomorrow.  She wants to shop for an Anniversery present for Guile.  I may be out all day, knowing her, but I'll text you on the hour?" She tilted her head as she tried to make an arrangement with Ken.

Oh dear, the sister-in-law wanted to go shopping?

Thank goodness I'm going to be in Japan...

"Maybe every two hours will be better. I wont have my phone in my pocket while I'm in session." He gave a nod to his wife, starting to get up to his feet. "Anyways, tell her I said hello. Let Guile know I did too, if you see him. Old brush head may be interested in a spar for old time's sakes!"

"Ken!" Eliza giggled out.
 

"What? He IS a brush-head!"

"That's not very nice, you know!" She giggled a bit more, tapping his strong chest.

"Oh yeah? Well maybe I should take up a match with you!" Ken grinned, placing his hands about her waist and lifting her up overhead as she went into a fit of giggles.

--------------------------------------------------------


 

ELSEWHERE...

"Okay! One...two..." The dark skinned Shotokan's feet would slide across the carpeted floors of his bedroom as he solidified his stance. He clinched his fists up, and looked toward his ceiling. "I can do this..." He muttered softly to himself...bending his knees, Sean would launch into the air with one fist, and twirl about...

I'm doin' it! I'm really doin' it!
...WHOA!

But lost control, miserably. Sean spun out, and crashed into his dresser drawer, knocking down his things, and making his basketball roll off of his bed!

THUD! 

From upstairs, he'd hear the cry of his grandfather. "SEAN! CUT THAT OUT AND GO TO BED! ITS LATE!"

"S-Sorry Grampa!"

Damnit! Screw you, Ken! Screw you! Why can't I do it right?! I better get it straight, or I'll be a complete embarassment to Sensei...!

and despite being an older car now, it still looked to be in great shape! That was because Masters spent plenty of time washing, upgrading, and keeping tha new car feel about his vehicle.  They had to be an extension of himself as well as his attitude, and run down and old wasn't Ken at all! (Even if he is a little older now, lets be serious!) Once he came to a stop at a light, Ken's brown hues shifted to his right wrist, checking that Jacob Watch out to see just what time it was.  Mel would probably be getting out of baseball practice sometime  soon!

"Hm.  Still got a couple hours to hit the Dojo.  Thing's probably collecting dust..."

The Dojo mentioned was his replica of Master Gouken's dojo deep within the wilderness of Japan.   It was where he, his students, and a particular significant other had often practiced, sharpening their skills.  It was hard to believe it had almost been a full year sinc Ken even threw a punch into a punching bag.  With the ecconomy in shambles, and with so many businesses in his name, Ken's time was often in the office solving problems, or with the family. It would be nice to throw a couple of kicks around for once!  He had to be in shape for when Sean came back around for his graduation test, afterall!

Darn kid's probably going to run circles around me...heh, right! As if!

Ken thought to himself as he started on the road once again.  Sean always worked his way into Ken's subconcious.  Matsuda was behind a good portion of Ken's new found music taste!  He and Estacado, that is.  'Man With a Plan' was one of Ken's own selections, but it was nearing it's end as he approached his rather luxurious Florida homes.  Being from Seattle, living in LA, and even in Japan, Ken found it was hard to match the beauty of Florida.  With the women, the heat, the sports, and the booming popularity of his fights and merchandise, Florida was hard to beat!  Once pulling up into his circled drive way, Ken would pull up into his rather large garrage, filled with new and vintage vehicles he'd collected over the years.

Within a few moments, Ken would be out of his car and heading on inside of his large home, tossing his keys over into the nearby key-bowl in the kitchen.

"Hey! I'm home!...if anyone's here!"

Now, where did he leave his red gi...?