Section 1: Trials of Tradition

Location: Zen Strike Dojo

Time: Day

Scene One: Dance of Discipline

The following day at the dojo, Zel, Rema, and Biggy were immersed in a friendly yet intense sparring session, while Master Zyen observed from the side with a keen eye. The spar was electrifying—a dynamic three-man battle with each friend testing their limits against one another.

The dojo echoed with the rhythmic clashes of fists meeting forearms and the sharp crack of feet connecting with padded torsos. Zel, with his swift and precise movements, danced around Rema’s powerful strikes, while Biggy’s solid defense and surprising agility kept both opponents on their toes. They moved like true martial artists, their bodies a blur of motion and energy, each attack and counterattack executed with precision and intent.

Master Zyen watched, his discerning eyes missing nothing, noting the improvements and strategic innovations in his students' techniques. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction, seeing how far they had come under his guidance. The sparring session was more than a practice; it was a display of their growth, their evolving mastery of the martial arts.

After an exhilarating round, Master Zyen clapped his hands, signaling the end of the session. "Well done, all of you," he praised. "Your progress is remarkable."

As the students bowed and caught their breath, Master Zyen approached Zel with a thoughtful expression. "Zel," he called out, "how is Black doing? He hasn’t shown up for training in quite some time."

Zel mopped the sweat from his forehead, his expression etched with worry. "I honestly can't say, Master. It's been ages since I last saw him. He mentioned his mother passed away and that he's now living with someone named Skull."

The mention of the name "Skull" struck a chord with Rema; he recognized it, but uncertainty clouded his thoughts. Unsure if this Skull was the same formidable member of the Five, he knew about, Rema chose to remain silent on the matter, not voicing his suspicions.

"Skull, you say?" Master Zyen responded; his voice tinged with curiosity. "Is that the same man who was here asking about him?" He whispered the question more to himself than to anyone else, his thoughts deepening with concern.

Master Zyen's brow furrowed as he considered Black's prolonged absence from their training sessions. "It's understandable that he's grieving, but it's unusual for him not to even drop by to update us or just say hello," he reflected quietly, his tone laden with worry.

"Can you recall exactly where you two had this discussion?" Master Zyen inquired, looking intently at Zel.

"Yes, it was right in front of the bank," Zel replied, his memory clear. "He mentioned that he worked there as a shoe cleaner. Oddly enough, I haven't seen him there since that day."

Master Zyen's frown deepened, a shadow of concern passing over his features. "Hmm, I see," he murmured softly, his mind clearly troubled by the news. "I wonder how he's managing after his mother's death," he voiced aloud, his tone brimming with empathy. "Such a difficult time for the young man."

With a final nod, Master Zyen turned and made his way to his office, leaving the students to themselves.

Zel turned to Biggy, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Congratulations, Biggy. You've come a long way. I'm glad you took my advice and joined the dojo."

Biggy beamed, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, Zel. I’m happy I made this decision. It’s been life changing."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Shortly after, Biggy's parents arrived to pick him up, leaving just Zel and Rema in the quiet dojo.

Scene Two: Bonds and Revelations

After Biggy had exited the dojo, Zel turned to Rema, seizing the moment to delve deeper into his new acquaintance's background. "So, tell me Rema," Zel began, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, "where are you from? I’d really like to know more about you."

Rema felt a sudden tightness in his chest at the question. It was a reminder of the painful memories tied to the Star Tower—memories he had struggled to leave behind. Yet, he knew that building a genuine friendship meant sharing parts of his past, however difficult. He paused for a few seconds, gathering his thoughts before responding.

"Have you ever heard of the Star Tower?" Rema inquired; his voice tinged with caution. "It's that towering structure flanked by drones and cutting-edge security, nestled on the city's outskirts."

Zel's eyes sparkled with recognition. "Yes, I know of it," he responded, his tone laced with reminiscence. "My father worked there before he passed."

"That's my old home," Rema continued, revealing a mix of pride and melancholy. "I lived there before the disastrous event that everyone talks about."

Zel's reaction was a mixture of shock and awe. He had grown up listening to his father's fascinating tales about the Star Tower but had never set foot in it. "Really? You're from the Star Tower?" he exclaimed; his enthusiasm palpable. "That's astounding!"

"I've heard about what happened to the place. I’m sorry for your loss, Zel said, offering his sympathy.

Despite his compassion, Zel's fascination with the Star Tower shone through, driven by the stories his father had shared. After a pause, filled with a blend of curiosity and respect, he ventured, "I hope I’m not intruding, but could you share more about the Star Tower? I’ve always been intrigued by the stories my dad told, but I never got the chance to visit."

Rema hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. He knew that discussing the darker truths about the Star Tower might expose Zel to risks, yet he didn’t want to dampen his newfound friend’s enthusiasm. He understood, perhaps wrongly, that the incident involving the meteorite was an illusion crafted by his father, hinting at his father’s mysterious capabilities.

"Sure," Rema answered, choosing his words carefully. "The technology there is nothing short of revolutionary," he offered, hoping to satisfy Zel's curiosity without delving too deep into the more sensitive details of the Star Tower's past. "It's a place of incredible innovations and secrets," he added, sharing enough to keep the mystique alive while safeguarding the harsher realities.

As Zel and Rema tidied up the dojo after their training session, their conversation drifted easily from one topic to the next. Unbeknownst to them, Master Zyen, still within the dojo, found himself inadvertently eavesdropping.

"Something doesn't quite fit," he mused silently, his thoughts whirling as he leaned against the doorframe, watching them. "Rema hails from the Star Tower, a place known for its formidable owner—a master of countless martial arts. Why then, does he seek training here, in my humble dojo?"

The gears turned in Master Zyen’s mind as he pieced together the snippets of conversations he had overheard. "Perhaps the tales of his father's prowess are merely rumors. Or maybe, just maybe, Rema is here not merely for training but to earn his father's respect—a journey, not a mere quest, that resonates deeply with his personal aspirations."

Meanwhile, Zel and Rema had finished their cleanup and were preparing to leave the dojo. With a respectful bow, they bid their sensei farewell, stepping out into the cool evening air.

"So, are you headed home now?" Zel inquired, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

"Actually, I had plans to explore the city today," Rema responded with a light chuckle. "I want to soak in its vibes, see the sights."

"Don't worry about it; I've got you covered," Zel offered enthusiastically. "I know the outskirts of the city like the back of my hand. I’d love to show you around."

Rema hesitated, not wanting to impose on Zel's day. "I appreciate that, but I don’t want to disrupt your plans," he countered, trying to let his friend off the hook.

But Zel was adamant, his smile broad and inviting. "Honestly, it’s no trouble at all. I had nothing pressing today, and it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy the city. Let’s make an adventure out of it."

Finally, Rema conceded, his reluctance giving way to anticipation. "Alright, you've convinced me. Let's make it an adventure," he agreed, his voice tinged with excitement.

Section 2: Paths Converge

Location: The Shelter

Time: Day

Scene One: Legacy of Learning

After an eventful day exploring together, Zel and Rema prepared to go their separate ways.

"I really appreciate this," Rema expressed warmly, his gratitude evident.

Zel, with a hint of mischief in his eyes, suggested, "Why don't you come over to my place? I have something that might interest you."

Curious, Rema asked, "What might that be?"

"A book," Zel revealed. "It...