PSSSSH! - A barefoot covered in bruises smashed through three thick 6-Inch blocks. Looking at Shaun he was the closest thing to a mummy as his hands and feet were wrapped in white cloth.
He frowned when seeing half of one brink was not fully collapsed. "Thought that strike was perfect," He chided himself.
Old Fox - Ha-ha! - "perfection you say, there is no such thing, lad. Perfection is a lazy man's comfort". He walked in with a tray. Upon the tray, there were two teacups.
He placed them down beckoning for Shaun to have a seat. "I'm not much of a tea drinker, Sensei," Shaun admitted when taking his seat.
Old Fox: "Nonsense, there is no such thing. With the world of mass production, you just haven't been introduced to a well-brewed tea." Shaun still had his doubts. His nose was bombarded with minty aromas which acted as therapy. A sense of peace overwhelmed him.
Old Fox: "Not bad huh lad? He uttered with a smile.
Shaun: "I haven't died so I'll reserve judgment until then Sensei."
Old Fox: HA-HA! - "You remind me so much of my older brother when he was your age. He was just as headstrong as you and would never admit to being wrong. But I guess that's what led to him being so revered in the martial arts community."
This was the first Shaun had ever heard Old Fox mention a brother but by his words, it could be seen how he looked up to him.
"Your brother was that awesome," Shaun curiously asked. He did not know much about the martial arts community. But with the progress he has made in nearly three full weeks, Old Fox was one hell of sensei. Anyone revered by him must be top-notch.
A reminiscent look appeared on Old Fox's face as he recalled his brother. "He was like no other, a true master. Fifty years ago he was feared by many around the world. You see, he competed in the Grand World Fighting tournament when he was nineteen".
How could Shaun not know about the Grand World Fighting tournament? It is to this day the biggest worldwide event. Only the elite of elites gets to compete. It was this platform that most Heroes today became world-renowned.
sixty years ago the supergene was nonexistent meaning the competition was defined as the Pre-Supergene era. Back then the competition was fair but Post Supergene it was impossible to win without the supergene. It was thirty years ago that those with the supergene were allowed to compete after a law was passed and adopted worldwide. Since then, not one normal individual had won and each winner became a famous hero.
Shaun: "How high did your brother place when he competed?" He curiously asked.
Old Fox replied with a proud smirk, "He came third." He went for a small box, in it was a small plaque with the jottings "Third place World Fighting Championship 1962".
Shaun's eyes lit up when holding the plaque. No wonder Old Fox was so proud of his brother's accomplishment. This was by no means a small feat, his brother must have been talented. It was then that Shaun thought of Old Fox. Was he as accomplished?
Shaun: "How about you sensei? Have you ever competed?" He asked.
HA-Ha - Old Fox laughed. "I tried but I was never as gifted as my brother. I barely made it to the preliminaries before losing in my first match. But don't look down on the old man. I'm proud of my accomplishment. I tried but that era was filled with so many talented individuals. Well, break time is up, get back to it."
Old Fox then took up the tray with the teas readying to carry them to the backroom when he was stopped by Shaun.
Shaun: "Sensei, I'll need a few days to deal with some urgent matters. I'll be back afterward I promise," He stated.
This was the end of the three-week deadline Shaun had given himself. He knew he now had to return to his apartment in Elvers. To make matters worse Jamie was coming into the city in two days so he knew he had to settle matters with Carlos and his gang of thugs.
Old Fox was slightly disappointed they had to halt the training but tried to be understanding. Shaun was truly a hard worker so it wasn't much of a problem. "In the three weeks you have been here, You have far exceeded my expectations for the month. Take your time, Lad."
"Thanks, sensei", Replied Shaun before he once more continued the training for the night.
That evening he returned Lucy's keys at the university. As usual, she checked to see if he was ok. "Have your nightly terrors ended?" She questioned but in a joking manner. With spooky hands raised teasing Shaun.
"You're a funny lady. Should be doing comedy. I don't know why you waste your time here at the University," Shaun replied in a sarcastic tone. Lucy only laughed; it was her test to see if he was all better and he replied as only Shaun would.
"Remember dinner at 7 PM, Tuesday" She reminded him as he stepped on the bus.
"Let me check my calendar," He replied.
"Shaun!" Yelled Lucy
"I'm kidding. Of course, I'll be there, how could I miss hanging out with my big bro?" He made a goofy face before poking out his tongue through the bus window.
Thirty minutes later he was back in Elvers. When arriving at this apartment from the outside everything looked ok. It was when he went in that he saw that the place was trashed. From all appearances Carlos and his boys came looking for him and when they couldn't find him took out their hate on this apartment.
Since it was broken into perhaps they had "sweet talk" the super into letting them in.
'Guess I was right to leave when I did,' Shaun thought before grabbing a broom and starting to clean. He then made a call to Nick.
Shaun: "Hey did you find the info I requested?" He asked.
Nick: "Hey man, yeah I did. I told you I had the hook up to the city. But I don't understand how this helps you." He was a bit puzzled by the requested information. Why would Shaun need such detailed information about Carlos and his gang?
Shaun: "Don't you worry about that. Let me see."
At Shaun's request, a few images with coordinates were forwarded to his phone. He took a second to process it all.
Shaun: "Good work! You came through for me," He lauded Nick.
Nick: "It wasn't easy to get with my limited resources but it's the least I could do," he said proudly.
Shaun: "I need you to gather a few more items for me. I just sent the list to your phone "
When Nick looked down the list he remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "Shaun this is some crazy shit! Are you trying to get us killed?
Shaun: "Don't chicken out on me. If you want it to end, this is the only way. All you have to do is get all the things on the list and make the arrangement. I'll take care of the hard parts".
Nick sighed. Perhaps it was out of guilt but he could not say no. If it were not for him the two would not have gained such enemies.
He then thought it through and tried seeing how best he could fight all that was requested and make the arrangements "I'll need some cash and someone tech-savvy to pull this off. So about a thousand dollars for initial stuff but we will need some serious cash to cover the other expenses."
He was strapped for cash and doubt Shaun would have any also. Therefore they would be forced for alternatives.
To his surprise, Shaun seemed unphased by the figure. He replied, "No prob, meet me at 6 AM at Cumberland street." With all details planned Shaun then proceeded to hang up the phone. He had a determined look on his face. Tomorrow this would be resolved one way or the other.