Contrary to popular belief, it actually isn't late at night, but it is dragging on toward the evening. It's a chilly day at the park it is, and a certain loudmouth from Southtown is taking residence here to make some extra money to take care of a... Previous problem from some time ago. So she stands in her Pao Pao uniform brown pants and a red shirt, plus a matching red cap, as well as a jacket, standing behind a vendor cart, marked with the resturaunt of the same name. "Man, it's cold out!" Xiangfei mumbles to herself, hopping lightly on her feet, "At least too cold to be standing out here for two more hours, what a bust. I wish I brought my game boy.." It seems to have been pretty slow day for the self proclaimed Heavenly Hip-Hop Honey of Southtown- Which could be dangerous to any familiar faces that happen to drop by! With the exception of another Pao Pao employee that approaches the cart, just your average young man whom slaps his hand on the counter, "Boss sent me to help you out, Xiang," he declares, much to the bored girls relief. What's Kim doing in the park? Well, his purpose is two-fold - first, as always, he's looking for the opportunity to 'teach' the ways of justice to some syndicate thugs, and second, this is where he stumbled upon Ryu's campsite a few days ago. They didn't have the chance to stop and chat after their last fight, where the TKD disciple actually managed to get the best of the man in a long, impressive fight, and the Korean man has a few things to talk to him about.. perhaps he would be willing to volunteer his significant skills towards Kim's investigation of the Southtown Syndicate. He doesn't stroll on the beaten path, prefering to walk on the grass, which is by now lightly dusted with a white frost - it's getting cold in Southtown, and each exhalation of breath is visible in the evening air. There's a low rumble of hunger in the pit of his stomach, and Kim reaches out a right hand to grab his midsection - how long has he been wandering the city? How long since he last meal? He can barely remember, such is the focus that he has been putting on his search.. but it's starting to get difficult to ignore, and the Korean man is about to abandon his presence in the park, when he spots a vendor up ahead in the distance. A broad grin cracking across his previously stern face, he begins to jog up towards the cart - hand already reaching into the pocket of his white pants to retrieve some money. The chill in the air, and the coming darkness, do little to dissuade Ryu from his training. He's a ways off, in the deeper parts of the woods, where the trees and lack of pathways make it harder to notice - or approach - the Ansatsuken disciple. It's not hard to identify the training area that rests near his makeshift campsite, because the previously undisturbed ground is churned and otherwise altered in many places, where the World Warrior's landscape-altering techniques were practiced a bit too close to something moveable. What cold and night cannot do, however, the smell of food can. It reminds the training man how long he's been without a meal, as the smells from the Pao Pao cart drift along the icy breeze. From the adjacent trees, Ryu begins towards Xiangfei's impromptu place of business, feet crunching lightly on the dead autumn leaves. Food - Guaranteed to bring warriors together. Xiangfei grins to her new partner, raising a hand in greeting, "Oh man, I'm glad to see you, Yan, I thought I was gonna go crazy out here by myself. But it's really slow, I don't really need much help selling anything," she explains, folding her hands behind her head, and before she can say anything else, her wandering eyes spot a familar face, or two? Though she spots Ryu first, and.. While she isn't exaclly sure she can label him as a potential customer, she gives it a go anyway, cupping her hands to her mouth and yelling in her trademark Loud Voice (tm), "Hurry hurry hurry! We got hot dogs! We got beef teriyaki! We even got hot chocolate, get it all while it's hot on this chilly day! You can't reject such an offer from a cute vendor like myself, right? Hahahahaaaa!" It's a known fact that all fighters train and work out for ridiculous amounts of time just so they can stuff their faces and not get fat. Bunch of gluttons. Kim sniffs the air like a tracking dog, the sweet smell of cooked meat flooding his famished body - it's enough to practically make him drool, and he quickens his pace slightly as he gets closer and closer to the cart. His single-minded focus on the vendor means that Ryu's approach goes unnoticed.. he's not thinking of anything other than 'omg give me food'. He's the first to reach Xiangfei and her co-worker, and he immediately deposits a handful of money on the table - his eyes tearing up as he looks over the beautiful assortment of food displayed before him, his beaming smile looking like it might consume his entire -face- at any second. "I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you two are here," he says with a friendly grin, looking over the menu plastered on the front of the cart, ?Hmm..? he ponders, looking over the various dishes they offer. ?I.. I can?t make up my mind..? Well. The smell of food may have brought Ryu wandering this way, but the loud sales pitch causes him to stop mid-step, pausing at the edge of the woods a moment while he just looks over towards the cart, a bit perplexed - or maybe just put off, by the greeting. Either way, Kim steps up to make his order known (eventually) and the prospect of food wins out over the threat of an overzealous waitress managing that food, as Ryu begins walking towards the cart once more. In his left hand rests a crumpled mass of yen notes that look to have seen better days, recently liberated from their long hibernation in his backpack, and while there's not a lot of money there, it's more than enough for a hearty meal or five. For a warriors whose meals tend to consist of simple, campfire cookable options, the assortment of grub is easily as enticing as it is to Kim. And he doesn't even have to wander into the city proper to get it! It's the best of both worlds for the legendary nomad, as setting foot in your average restaurant isn't something he likes to do. He steps up behind and beside Kim, so he can get a good look before he has to make up his own mind. He doesn't seem impatient, either, since like Kim.... He finds plenty to look at. He does clear his throat lightly, however, and offer a slight bow to Xiangfei, and Kim, announcing his arrival politely but silently. Xiangfei seems rather proud of her sales pitch, grinning broadly herself a moment, but then gives a look of suprise when Kim approaches the stand with a look of hunger that she's all but too familar with. But something nags at the back of her mind as she rubs her chin and furrows her brows. Noticing Xiangfeis distraction, Yan adjusts his cap by turning it backwards, and nods to Ryu as well when he approaches, "'Sup, 'ey, we gots a wide selection here boys." the young man starts, and points to the menu hanging on the side of the stand, "We gots hot dogs, beef teriyaki, fried shrimps, meat buns. You can combo it with miso soup, or white rice or fries and a drink for just a dolla more, feel me?" he straightens out his jacket cooly, and then continues, "Double up on meat for just ano-" "OH MY GOD!" Xiangfei then yells, slamming her hand on the counter, the other pointing to Kim, "I remember you now, I do! Kim, Kim Kaphwan, do you remember me? I fought you yeeears ago, and you kicked me right in the jaw!" she squeals in delight, hopping a bit on her feet, "I'm Li Xiangfei, do you remember? Remember me?" Ryu doesn't even get a second glance from the girl at this point. Kim?s eyes focus directly on Yan as he talks, looking at him as though the waiter?s words were the most important thing in the world right now. And then he is interrupted by a sudden yell from the woman standing next to them, cutting off both Yan?s explanation of the menu and Ryu?s clearing of the throat. Kim has no idea that the object of his search is standing directly behind him, and his pre-occupation with food makes him unlikely to notice the usually obvious ?aura? of such a powerful fighter in the vicinity. He looks at Xiangfei for a moment, the same friendly grin still plastered on his face as he examines her - and then a glint of recognition suddenly appears in his eyes. ?Why, of course I remember you!? he says, his voice sounding as though he were greeting an old friend - that?s not quite the case, but Kim is known to be a bit excessively friendly some times, ?It was a very good bout, very impressive on your part. So,? he says, suddenly changing the topic to get back to the important things, ?What would you recommend I get from your fine establishment, Li?? His smile widens. Oooh, a menu! Ryu takes a few steps to the side to read over the list of offered cuisine, his face showing a somewhat more subdued variant of Kim's attitude that this cart is an oasis in the desert. Better than a gift from god. Or at least, tastier. Xiangfei's sudden exclamation draws the World Warrior's attention back to Kim and the strange waitress, looking between them. The one he knows to be a warrior of remarkable resilience... The other doesn't look like much of a fighter, but apparently Kim disagrees, and Ryu is forced to reassess Xiangfei. There is a hint of her skill, perhaps, in the motions and raw energy, but just now the wanderer's priority is filling his stomach. He steps forward to lean in by the cart, and grab Yan's attention without really demanding it. Quite contrary to the sometimes loud and excited conversation going on beside him, Ryu orders, "Beef teriyaki with double meat and white rice, and three orders of fried shrimp. And three meat buns." Yep, Kim's right... Training means stuffing one's face is almost required. But if you spent most of your days eating stuff that keeps fresh when carried around in a backpack, well, you'd have to indulge fresh-cooked faire as it's found, too. He doesn't seem overly anxious to be noticed, or recognized, patient and adapting to the odd circumstances. Xiangfei doesn't... Really look like a fighter, no. She looks like a cart vendor! ... Who wears bells in her hair. And while she seems very excited that Kim recognizes her, the smile on her face weakens just a bit as.. Well... He just keeps smiling, just as she last remembered. Still... Smiling. ".....Uh, yeah!" she then pipes, rubbing the back of her head, "Are you feelin' all right, Kim? Did you win the lottery, or.. I dunno, win a prize recently or something? But anyway, I personally enjoy the beef teriyaki, we debuted our new honey glaze for it last week, it's guaranteed so good that it'll feel like you just but punched in the jaw!" as she makes a fist and throws a jab at the air, "Like pow! It's highly recommended, I hope you brought an ice pack," finished off with a wink. Meanwhile Yan just stares from one person to the other, and then his attention is grabbed by Ryu, "Sure, man.. Wow, that's quite an appetite, you doin' a marathon or something?" he asks as he lifts one of the covers of the cart, grabbing a styrafoam box with the other, "I'm gonna have to make two plates for ya, that a'ight?" ?Uhm, not recently, no..? says Kim, obviously confused why Xiangfei would ask something like that.. he?s just in a good mood, that?s all! He chuckles at the waitresses sale pitch, especially the ?punched in the jaw? comment. ?Heh. Wouldn?t be the first time this week. Sounds great, I?ll take two orders, both of them with white rice, aaaand..? he says, eyes looking upwards for a second as he tries to decide what else to get, ?What do you guys have to drink here?? The silence between his question and Xiangfei?s response allows him to hear a familiar voice ordering, just a few feet to his side. Eyes glancing in the direction of the voice, Kim looks away before doing a quick double-take and opening his mouth in shock. He?s silent for a moment, stunned by the sheer coincidence of it all, but then he yells out, ?Ryu!? he says, turning his entire body towards the man and offering a bow in greeting, ?How long have you been standing there?? It's probably harder to get Kim to stop grinning than it is to keep him down in a fight. Really, the Korean should be a motivational speaker, or something. Kim's Positively Positive Perspective Program. Ryu nods to Yan's question, "Just fine." He replies easily, smiling a relaxed but subtle smile in the waiter's direction. Two plates are better than one, as far as Ryu can figure, "And no, no marathon... Just been training all day, first time I've thought to stop for some food." Thanks to the scents that finally reached is campsite. While Xiangfei may be a fighter who looks like a waitress, Ryu has no handy dayjob and uniform to hide what he is, and there's no mistaking the white gi-clad warrior's calling in life. The legendary nomad doesn't mirror Kim's surprise, he's known the Korean was there for a bit now, after all, but he does spare that same quietly friendly smile for the Tae Kwon Do expert, "Only a few minutes. Good to see you again, Kim. Lured in by the smell, too?" He inquires, deep voice calmly amicable Xiangfei ohs! and cheerfully replies, "Well, we have water, cola, hot cocoa, herbal tea, lemonade, and cider, hot or cold. They're all very good!" she informs, though she then pauses as Kim seems to recognize Ryu and gives a few words. She puffs one cheek, seeming a bit jealous that the other fighter had gotten his attention so quickly, there was a lot she wanted to say! But she'll be patient for now... Though again the look seems familar, but she just can't quite put her finger on it.. As wel as the name- Didn't Sakura say something about I guy named Guu? Kangaroo? What was it? She sets up the order in the meantime as, Yan does pretty much the same, putting the rice and meat buns and the shrimp and teriyaki in another as he nods his head, "Trainin' huh? Well, I'm not gonna complain or nothin', you guys keep us in business, haha! All right, here ya go." setting the two plates on the counter, and gives a reasonable sounding price. ?Yeah, I was just out for a stroll and I couldn?t help but follow my nose,? says the famished Korean man, turning back to Xiangfei as she rattles off the list of available drinks - Kim holding his chin thoughtfully as he taps his foot, before finally deciding. ?I?ll take some hot cider with that, then.. seems fitting for the weather,? he says, his attention constantly shifting between the waitress-fighter and the crazy-kick-your-ass-fighter. ?I was actually looking for you, I remembered that you had set up camp somewhere around here? states Kim to the Ansatsuken disciple, ?I?ve got something to talk to you about, but fiiiiirst..? he grins, turning back to the cart as Ryu?s order is prepared, Kim almost salivating as he gazes upon the delicious, delicious food.. and then resumes waiting for his plates to be prepared. The man known simply as Ryu turns his money-holding hand over and eyes the bills therein, pushing them with his right finger to count out and consider the dollar figure on each one. There's a sort of diligent slowness to this that suggests counting out money isn't something the Ansatsuken fighter does too often, as there's a lack of practice inherent in the motion. But he stops short of just offering up the wad along with a 'Is this enough?!?' as he measures out an appropriate dollar value a bit above the quoted price and offers it over to Yan, "Add a hot cider for me, too, please..." He requests, "And keep the change. Thank you." He hasn't got any place to put it, for one thing. The money he still holds is pressed to the bottom of one of the take-away containers as he lifts it, popping the container open and snagging a meat bun, which he proceeds to chew a bite of before turning his attention back to Kim, priorities don'tchaknow. There's a curious light to the wanderer's brown eyes, and his initial response is an agreeable nod, "Yes... Right down that way." He replies, turning that nod towards the treeline, his sense of direction helping him out, here. Camping out? In this weather? In that gi that looks like it's seen better days? The guy must not be all there. Xiangfei snaps a hand up to a salute in response to Kims request, and replies, "Right away!" and goes ahead to get hot ciders for both customers, taking two bottles from inside the cart and sets them on the counter, with a plastic cup over the top of each, "Careful, they're kinda hot," she warns, as her associate nods to Ryu and accepts the payment. Xiang gives Kim the price for his order as well, though when she offers him the carry-out plate, she quickly brings her hands back, as if afraid he's going to eat her hands along with the food. and that'd be bad. Somehow, Kim figured that the chilly weather wouldn?t force Ryu from his campsite - there?s a certain roughness and discipline to the man that makes him seem the type who wouldn?t be forced inside by cold weather. But still, it doesn?t stop the Korean man from making an offer - ?You know, Ryu, I?ve got a lodging just outside the city, perhaps you would prefer to sleep under a roof tonight? It would give me the chance to discuss a few things with you.? He says nothing further, giving the World Warrior a chance to reply as he reaches out for his hot cider and takes a long gulp - seemingly unbothered as the liquid burns down his throat and into his empty stomach. He lets out a gasp of what can only be described as sheer pleasure as he removes the cup from his lips - ?Mmm.. that?s good..? he says, before motioning to the wad of money he left on the top of the cart, ?That should cover it..? When he?s offered the plate, his free hand shoots out to grab it, and his eyes immediately dark around the surrounding area, looking for a place to sit and eat.. before finally deciding the ground is as good a place as any, taking a step to the side and sitting cross-legged on the ground, opening the carry-out box and digging in. Hey, it's an instant ad spot, two world-famous fighters sitting right by the Pao Pao cart and munching on said cart cuisine. Ryu snags his own cider, and balances it between take away containers as he walks over to where Kim chooses to eat, and sits himself down as well. Luckily for Xiangfei, neither man seems to be a cannibal, and Ryu goes back to digging into the first tasty pork bun with a contented look on his face, a moment taken to dunk it in the tasty-smelling teriyaki, before he entertains the Korean's offer. Normally, it's the sort of thing he'd politely decline. The legendary nomad has done pretty well on his own merits, and changing doesn't seem to be something he intends right away. But two things give that decision pause... The first being the simple words 'outside the city'. And the second being the undertone of important business that Kim seems to want to mention without outright mentioning, so instead of shaking his head, Ryu pauses the gesture and nods instead, one crisp motion, "Thank you for the offer. That sounds like a good idea." Besides, even he could use a night out of the cold, right? His attention is momentarily stolen by a glance back to the cart. He's seen stranger things than tournament-fighting waitresses, but it's certainly something he doesn't see every day. Xiangfei seems pretty amused, to say the least, but to the mention of Ryu living in a camp.. A camp out here of all places in this weather, causes her to look to Yan who looks back to her in turn and just stare at each other a moment, and then back to the head-banded warrior. The waitress takes the money with a thank you and a bow, seeming disappointed now that Ryus gotten Kims full attention and crosses her arms, tapping her foot a bit in impatience, at least finding nothing odd with just sitting out on the cold ground- She'd been known to do that on occasion herself after all. Kim resembles a ravenous animal as he shovels the beef teryiaki into his mouth, speaking to Ryu between mouthfuls of the sweet, succulent meat. ?Great.. *munch, munch* we?ll go *chomp* ..mmm.. *chomp* after we?re finished *gnaw* here..? says the Korean man, pausing to wash down the beef with a few gulps of hot cider, finishing the drink off and placing the cup down on the ground next to him. Having reached an agreement with the World Warrior, Kim can hold off on his discussion with him until later, craning his neck up to look at Xiangfei and grin. ?So how have you been, Li? Still training hard, I assume.. I?d love to see how far you?ve come since our last bout.. perhaps you could accompany me and Ryu? Unless you have to stay here and mind the cart, of course..? Ryu is a bit more diligent and less hasty about his meal, but that's not to say he enjoys it any less. The crispy shrimps go well in the teriyaki sauce too, so it gets applied to just about everything in the Ansatsuken disciple's impromptu buffet, the white rice dumped over said beef as he plucks up a few bites with expertly applied chopsticks. He just nods to Kim's schedule, because it works fine for him, and not talking about it further means more time to chew down and enjoy the tastyness in front of him. He washes it down with a small swig of hot cider, savoring the spicy beverage on top of the myriad flavors he's enjoying. His dark eyes travel to Xiangfei as Kim addresses her, and while he doesn't have much to add to that, it's clear he'd like to see the pair go at it. Partially because, for once, he's faced with a fighter he can't immediately quantify. Normally, he wouldn't expect much from Xiangfei. But then, some things can't be judged by what's skin-deep, and he's unable to ignore both Kim's respect and the traces of unrealized ability in the waitress. Xiangfei and Yan do trade words for a moment, though once the invitation is given to her by Kim, the chinese decendant is suddenly sitting cross legged with Ryu and Kim, leaving her work partner completly baffled, rubbing his eyes as she seemed to have just teleported from one area to another, "Don't mind if I do!" Xiangfei pipes happily, raising a hand in the air, and then back to her lap, "I've been doin' great, a lots been going on since we last met, I'm still hoping to open my own resturaunt one day.. And not only that, I'm going to promote it best by becoming super famous," the girl grins broadly, "And I'm going to do that by becoming the strongest woman in the world! I've already laid out my path and plans and everything!" Grinning at her enthusiasm, Kim is happy to see that the young woman is so upbeat and motivated. The TKD master believes that having a positive outlook, and never doubting your own potential, is crucial to a fighter?s, or anyone?s, success in this world. "Well," he says, "when you ever open your own restaurant, don?t forget to tell me. If the food is half as good as this, I?ll be there every night." He punctuates this remark by taking another large bite out of his meal, scooping up some rice and popping it into his mouth afterwards. As he chews, he looks between Ryu and Xiangfei - not sure if the two have ever been introduced.. he deems it unlikely, considering the lack of conversation between the two. Swallowing the mouthful of beef and rice, Kim pipes up yet again, deciding to introduce the two - "I completely forgot.. Li, this is Ryu. Ryu, this is Li. I don't know if you've ever met eachother before." It definitely looks like Xiangfei has the market on enthusiasm cornered. The eager drive to test herself against Kim earns her a few points in Ryu's book, as he lets the pair exchange challenges while enjoying his shrimp. Ryu isn't the sort who's bothered by silence, or being uninvolved in a conversation, even one that's right at hand, so he's quite at ease throughout, despite remaining fairly detached from the situation. He's got good food to keep him distracted, after all, and he already knows how Kim's skill compares to his own. It's the Korean's sheer tenacity that impresses him, and Xiangfei seemss the sort to show that kind of drive as well. A polite nod is paid towards Xiangfei as the introductions are spoken, and Ryu confirms, "Not that I recall. Though such a meeting would seem inevitable, with that lofty goal." Becoming the strongest is not an easy task. But it is one that's almost certain to bring that warrior across the path of the Ansatsuken prodigy, sooner or later. Xiangfei gives a nod of her head again to Kim, though she gives a bit of an embaressed laugh to him as well as she rubs the back of her head, "W.. Well, I mean sure it's definatly going to happen, it's just going to take a little more time than I expected," she murmurs, blushing a bit, "There are a lot of really strong people out there, and I was kind of wondering.." her voice sort of trails off a bit, "Well, um anyway it's nice to meet you, Ryu!" she replies in her chipper tone again, "Yeah, if I'm not mistaken, I've heard of a lot of great things about you, i have a friend who wears a headband like yours- her hairs kinda messy like yours too. I understand you're one of the strongest fighters in the entire world, like... Is that true? Even stronger than Chun-Li?" Having introduced the two, Kim sits back and allows them to converse for the moment, left to consume his meal with no distractions. Mwahaha, his plan worked! He's already finished one order of beef and rice, and he's moved onto the next one without so much as slowing down. It's almost amazing that he's able to get breaths in between mouthfuls of food, but he somehow manages. And Ryu is forced to ignore his food for the moment, and be sociable! Curses. He wasn't shovelling quite as fast as Kim, though, so hopefully what's left will keep the rest of the stuff warm enough. The Ansatsuken disciple ponders Xiangfei's question a moment, "It is true that I have met very few able to defeat me." Ryu replies, not arrogant enough to present himself as just what Xiangfei says, even if it is true. For one thing, he hasn't met enough of the world's population to be sure about it, right? The chill wind sets Ryu's overly long headband fluttering behind him, "Though I have not yet had the pleasure of testing my skill against Chun-Li." He knows /of/ the woman, by flattering reputation, but is apparently not yet personally acquainted. Despite his relative humility, it's hard to discount the calm poise and intensity, even in Ryu-at-rest. Xiangfei hmmmmns, nodding her head slowly as she listens intently to Ryu, though she seems rather impressed by how.. Humble and generally calm the man seems. She waves her hand dismissivly though and she replies, "I see, I see, well I wouldn't rush into it if I were you, she's a machine of poetic destruction, you know! I read in a fan site that she kicked a runaway vegetable wagon clear off a road to save a bunch of orphans, man I wish I saw that..." seeming genuinly regretful, and lowers her head a moment, "Well anyway, no offense but I don't think you'd stand a chance. Hey, that reminds me," and she then looks to Kim, "Kim, the other day at the Pao Pao Cafe, I saw a really really cute guy who was fighting with a style that looked really similar to yours! He had silver hair and held a hand behind his back the whole time, have you heard of the guy?" As he shovels the last mouthful of food into his mouth, Kim gazes down at his now empty plate and rubs his stomach in satisfaction, letting out a long post-meal sigh and turning his attention back towards the two. ?Mmm.. Now that?s what I call a meal.. I?ll have to drop into the Pao Pao more often.? Xiangfei?s words, and the mention of a silver-haired man using a similar style, captures the TKD master?s full attention. ?Heh.. Yeah, you might say I?ve heard of him. His name is Jhun, he?s a friend of mine. Good friend, in fact. Why?? he says, flashing a grin, ?Do you want me to set you up with him?? It?s uncertain whether he?s just joking around, or deadly serious. The grin would point to the former, but one never knows with Kim. Ryu nods slightly to Xiangfei's account, pausing to chew a relatively large bite of teriyaki and rice, his eyes closing a moment, perhaps picturing the scene in his mind. Swallowing down the food, Ryu looks back to Xianfei with a small smile softening his rougly hewn features, "That just makes me all the more interested in finding her." He notes simply, and honestly. A fighter such as Chun-Li is rare enough. One with her apparent level of raw ability is rarer still. Saving orphans is something Ryu can certainly appreciate, but then... There are few who wouldn't, right?!? It's obvious that Ryu doesn't really buy his lack of a chance, though... He may not be arrogant, but he is steadfastly confidant. It's a very hard resolve to break, and not one that's often faltered. And as strong as Chun-Li may be, Ryu doesn't expect her to match Akuma. Xiangfei seems really pleased by Kims response to his meal, though she does seem a little caught off-guard by how his food is already gone. Wow. But it isn't nearly as off-guard as the offer that follows, Xiangfei suddenly blushing again and her lips move as if to say something. It takes amoment, but eventually she sputters, "S.. Seriously? W.. Well a date wouldn't be completely out of the question," she manages to sputter while laughing nervously, she of course unsure if Kim was serious or not- But if he wasn't, she'll definatly bop him but good. She swallows hard, looking to Ryu once more, and her eyebrows quirk to his response- Wow, he really is a crazy man, good for him! "Hey, I like your style, Ryu. Do you mind if I get your e-mail address? It'd be easy for me to keep in touch with you when I'm ready to take you on! ...... Or even if you find her for that matter." Ryu_Ansatsuken11@hotmail.com He doesn?t laugh at Xiangfei?s response to his question, simply maintaining his pleasant grin and saying with a nod, ?I?ll see what I can do, Li. Maybe I?ll get him to drop by the Pao Pao again.? Kim reaches out and grabs hold of the clean plate and empty cup, standing up and giving them to Yan to dispose of, patting his firm stomach. He bows to Ryu and Xiangfei, before speaking to the World Warrior. ?I?m headed to my lodgings.. I?ll be walking north, it?s in the outskirts. When you?re finished here, I?m sure you?ll be able to catch up with me. If not, just ask someone where the old dojo on the edge of the city is. They?ll give you directions.? With that, he?s off, leaving Ryu and Xiangfei behind to talk or get into a freestyle MC jam or whatever it is kids do these days. E-what address? It's only recently Ryu's even entertained the wonders of snail mail, the internet is... Well and truly outside his area of expertise, and only on the outskirts of his knowledge, even. Yep, when it comes to computers, the legendary nomad, champion of the World Warrior tournament, is a complete n00b, "I don't.... have an 'e-mail address'" Ryu replies, like he's not entirely sure whether Xiangfei is making something up, or maybe he's just not completely sure how that would work. Might have something to do with that whole travelling the world in relative seclusion thing. Most of the modern world is a visiting hours only sort of place for the young warrior, "I suppose when you're ready, you'll just have to find me. Or the other way around." He replies good-naturedly, his smile broadening a bit, and he nods to Kim as the Korean takes off, "Either way, I'll catch you in a bit." Ryu means to make that in the literal sense. He could use a brisk jog, despite the obvious rigor of his training so far today, in the sweat on his gi. Though it's somewhat ebbed from his face and chest as he relaxed, thankfully. Xiangfei blinks again, giving Ryu a look that pretty much says 'are you for real?'. It may be one thing not to have one, but this poor guy doesn't even seem to have heard of it either! "Um.. Well.. Ok, fair enough, that works!" she finally decides aloud, again glancing to Kim again, and seems at least a little less embaressed, but it still shows- She still isn't exactly sure how to take it, but she's generally an optomistic gal. Recalling that Ryu was supposed to be staying at Kims, she suddenly straightens up a bit and then says, "Oh! Well don't let me keep you, Ryu! But I'm glad I've gotten a chance to meet you in person, like I said my friend thinks very highly of you, so I'd been curious. I do have one question though, was wondering in your opinon what's stronger, a punch or a kick?" Hey. The wilderness of Japan isn't exactly a tech-heavy place to be brought up. Training and mental focus have taken up the majority of Ryu's life to this point, and while it certainly shows in his capability in the fighting arenas, his grasp of some of life's more 'common' areas isn't all that it could be. Though truth be told, Ryu's concern with such things is fairly negligible. A normal life just isn't in the cards for him, at least not right now, and he's comfortable with that fact. It's not Xiangfei who's keeping him, as much as his copious amounts of food, though. And as the waitress warrior speaks, he sets to enjoying the numerous shrimps still on his plate, picking up another meatbun to chew at as he considers the question, "I'll take off once I'm done eating." He replies first off, dismissing any concerns she has about delaying him. Ryu goes where he wants to go, after all, "Your friend is Sakura, correct?" It's not hard for Ryu to place from the description and attitude, much less Xiangfei's demeanor... Which is similar in ways, "You'll have some competition in going for the title you desire, but I'll certainly look forward to the day when you are prepared to test your might." Of course, if he keeps schluffing off the Taiyo schoolgirl's requests for training, she might take a bit longer to reach that potential. The other question is a fairly simple one, too, "The strongest is the technique that a fighter is best prepared to deliver to the best opening in the least amount of time, case by case." He replies, suitably non-committal, but at the same time convinced that his answer is not /opinion/ but hard fact, "It will vary with an opponent's openings, and a fighter's skill with various options. I would say that the absolute strongest is a balance of powerful offensive options." And that's a conclusion he's reached with ample personal experimentation. Ryu is, after all, an extremely balanced and precise artist. Xiangfei hmns, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward slightly, her eyes for the moment never leaving the other fighters, "Woah! Yeah, that's who I was talking about, so you know her, that's cool! But yeah, I've learned pretty much the hard way what kind of competition I'm up against, but I'm not going to back down from my goal at all!" she nodding her head sagely to her own comment. Unfortunatly, however, Ryus words of profound wisdom end up going completely over the waitresses head, and it shows with the blank look that she gives him, "..... Oh." she ends up replying, just blinking on occasion, "That sorta sounds like something Terry would say, just more.. Deep. I think." It's hard for Ryu /not/ to know Sakura. His '#1 fan' has certainly gone out of her way to get noticed, and Ryu isn't a man who overlooks or forgets talent, however unrefined. And Sakura has done fairly well (mostly) on her own. The Ansatsuken disciple sure wouldn't be compelled to give /Dan/ the credit for any of that, either. Ryu nods his head to Xiangfei's resolve, his tousled hair shifting a bit with the motion, though the red headband he wears keeps it out of his eyes quite effectively, "Good. You won't get far if you're intimidated by the competition." Ryu notes simply, and sincerely. That his words on technique and a warrior's strengths and weaknesses are a bit beyond her isn't really a surprise... Everyone has to start somewhere, right? And probably nearer to a familiar point. Ryu polishes off another meatbun before responding to the mention of Terry, "You know Terry Bogard?" He inquires, "I wouldn't mind running into him again, it's been a long time. I fought him in the World Warrior finals, five years ago." If Xiangfei hadn't placed him yet, that might do it, though that's not really the intent with which the words are spoken. He's giving Terry credit for being a good fighter. And while it's the same timeframe, he doesn't mention his 'victory' over Sagat. The fight with the elder Bogard? Well, he's much more proud of that one. Xiangfei can't help but grin again to Ryus approval. Though she had to be honest, while Sakura did seem to think Ryu was very fantastic, Xiangfei just really couldn't see what was so special about the guy, sure he looked strong, he looked young but.. Xiangs bells jangle a bit when she nods her head, "Oh of course! Well, not personally, but I'd like to think we were really cool with one another. Uh.." and that's when the girls jaw just drops, and she stares at Ryu, finding herself at that point completely speechless. "U... Uh... Wh.. Wh.... Uh.." she stammers, pressing a finger into her ear as if cleaning it out and shakes her head, "I um... Uh.... H.. Hey! You'll come to the Pao Pao Cafe more often now, right??" she then cries, finally having found something to say. Ryu wouldn't claim to be anything inordinately special. Perhaps that's one of the things that makes the innately gifted warrior the man he is today, and one of the things that has kept him from succumbing to the pride and power available to him if he simply let his intensive discipline lapse, even for a moment. He knows he is human. In fact, the man named Ryu is quite acutely aware of that fallible nature, and the polar edges to its variables. He glances up as Xiangfei goes silent and stares, and then begins stammering. A slightly puzzled look ghosts over his features, as he's not really sure what spurred the reaction. While he's aware of the clout his reputation carries, surely Xiangfei must have realized it by now? Perhaps not, and either way, he doesn't intrude on the surprise, polishing off his plate of shrimp, and piling the tails together out of the way, his eyes going in on the last bits of teriyaki and the sole surviving pork bun, "I'm not a big fan of restaurants, to tell the truth..." Which he almost always does, just exactly how he sees it, "But I think I'll have to stop in for take-away now and then... It's very good." That might be the cold and exertion talking, but he's certainly eating, and enjoying, enough of it. Xiangfei awwws, seeming a bit disappointed at first by Ryus response, and replies, "Well.. I guess that'll work, it'll be tough to make a promotion off of that, but.. Ok, deal!" she agrees, seeming to have much more respect than before toward the fighter, she then springing to her feet, and brushes off her backside, "Though you better remember those words, or I won't be searching for you for just a challenge, got it?" she asks with a wink. Sometimes, one just has to take what they can get. And getting Ryu to relax and enjoy himself somewhere public is a fair bit harder than just getting him to show up, though that accomplishment can't be discounted, either. The Ansatsuken disciple gives a nod of agreement, and another small but sincere smile, responding simply, "Got it." He agrees succinctly, turning his attention back to his last bits of food a moment before adding, "Good to meet you, Li Xiangfei." Beyond that, he seems content to finish his meal, and chase down the Korean. Xiangfei giggles, giving another little salute to Ryu and replies, "It's good to meet you too, Ryu!" she replies, and smacks her hand on the vendor counter, telling to him that she needs to use the restroom, hopping lightly on one foot to the other. A slight nod, and then she's off to no mans land! Kim's pace had been quite casual for the first half of the distance, allowing Ryu plenty of time to catch up to him. When the World Warrior jogs up beside him, he matches the man's pace all the way to his forested dwelling. Breaking through the treeline and running through the clearing, Kim's Southtown dwelling - an old, slightly run-down dojo - appears in the distance. The Korean has been making small talk with Ryu the entire way, but hasn't said anything about why he wanted to talk to the man - it appears as though he was saving that until they got to his dojo. He strolls up the steps and stops as the front door, looking at the Ansatsuken disciple and grinning, "Well, this is my place. While I'm in Southtown, at least.. my real home is in Seoul, but this'll do." He opens the doors and strolls in, tossing his jacket onto a rack near the door and walking forward, into a room adorned with several mats and various training dummys. "So, you're probably wonder why I wanted to talk to you?" After finishing his food, Ryu was quick to retrieve his pack from his campsite and set out after Kim. His initial pace is not nearly so casual, steeling his mind and body with the intent of catching the agile Korean before he gets back to the dojo. And despite the hefty backpack that rests on the Ansatsuken warrior's broad shoulders, he seems able to do just that, his pace and bearing showing no signs of fatigue as he pulls up beside Kim, adjusting his pace to something in-between their two rates for the rest of the trip, answering small talk with succinct, simple responses, and seeming rather patient about getting down to business, as it were. That calm, collected nature is one of Ryu's prized traits, and one he tries to nurture. His deep brown eyes take in the dilapidated dojo as if he were looking at an opulent resort, impressed by the surroundings in ways that more lavish options would fail to spark the least notice from the legendary nomad. He likes this place, though... It has character. A good place to rest his head, and practice his art. He follows Kim up inside the dojo and glances around, schluffing his pack off one shoulder before dropping it nearly to the floor, catching it on the fingertips of one strong arm and dropping the hefty weight the rest of the way to the floor, seeming unbothered by the burden of just about everything he has in the world. Albeit, it's not a lot of stuff... But pots and pans, especially, get heavy! To say nothing of the heavier blankets that the onset of winter demands. The Ansatsuken warrior nods once to the Tae Kwon Do expert, "It had crossed my mind." He admits, neither pressing for nor declining the information. Ryu doesn't need to press Kim for the information - once the reply is made, he begins to speak, his tone much more serious than usual. "You're an amazing talent, I'm sure you know this. For your age, your abilities are.. beyond impressive. From watching you fight, from facing you first-hand.. I can tell that you're the future of the fighting world, Ryu." He gives this a moment to sink in, as he strolls further into what appears to be the main training room of the dojo, even including a few punching bags that Kim likely set up himself. If Ryu thinks that Kim just brought him here to rain compliments down upon him, he's proved wrong when the Korean stops in his tracks and turns to face the man - his face stern. "I need your help, Ryu." Ryu is aware of his power. Of his raw talent. He's got a somewhat less inflated view of it than others near him, but that's for reasons aside from his own perceptions. Reasons he won't be getting into too easily. He knows what he's capable of, and is confident to a comfortable extreme in that skill, however. It's the pursuit he's spent his life training to do justice, after all. The artform he's nearly perfected, without resorting to the quick path of murderous intent, "I am well trained." Ryu replies, accepting as well as diffusing the praise without denying it, but with that air of calm realism that could be confused with misplaced humility. The wanderer follows the Korean fighter into the training room, taking a few ponderous strides over next to one of the larger punching bags and jabbing his right fist into it in a quick motion. There's not a lot of force behind the strike, not compared to what the legendary nomad is capable of, but it still sets that heavy bag swinging on its chain with a squeaking protest, as Ryu's eyes turn back towards Kim, "You need my help?" Ryu echoes, considering the words. Need is a strong one, especially when applied to him, "With what?" He seems curious, but noncommittal. Nothing personal, but simply part of how the man works. And jumping to conclusions, or decisions, without considering the angles is not something he likes to do, when he has a choice. Kim respects what he views as Ryu's humility - it's never good to brag about your skills, but a certain amount of confidence is very helpful.. it certainly hasn't hurt the Korean man. Part of his sheer relentlessness comes from the fact that he always believes he can win a battle, no matter how bad things are looking. That single-minded positiveness, that constant hope, is the very basis for his entire personality. "Perhaps need is too strong a word, my friend.. but it would be greatly appreciated. But let me explain things, first - what do you know about the Syndicate?" he asks, wanting to get a feeling on what Ryu already knows about the situation, or whether he's completely in the dark about the entire thing. Hope is a powerful equalizer, many times, and while there have been times during Ryu's journey that he's lost sight of that, he far prefers how he feels with that reaffirming drive in his heart, and Ken's demonstrated the power of that mindset on him before. Not a lesson he's likely to forget. Ryu's eyes remain on Kim, while his elbow slams back into the punching bag, this time setting it shuddering with a strike that doesn't even register on his face, so reflexive and instinctual is his power, even so relatively minisculely applies, "I know that as the name of a group of criminals operating out of Southtown. Beyond that? Very little." Names, techniques, agendas... Ryu has little experience with these sorts of things, on behalf of SouthSynd. His response is purely utilitarian, as he's still listening to this story, even if where it's leading becomes a bit clearer. "Well, let's just say that I know a lot about them," he says, speaking both from past experience with the gang and the accounts of his friends, particularly the Bogards, "Their methods, what they do to the innocent people of this city.. Southtown is so beautiful, but it's run by one of the largest crime syndicates in the world. The police can't.. won't.. do anything. Neither will the government.. the man who runs this is.. untouchable." He makes a sudden spin on the ball of his food, twisting his entire body and thrusting the sole of his foot into the nearest punching bag, sending the heavy leather bag flying backwards on it's chain. "Or so they say." Ryu takes this in quietly, considering the rather heavy words behind a sternly pensive visage. His brown eyes close for a moment as he runs all this over in his head, and settles his emotions from getting the better of him. The strong abusing the weak is a quick way to raise Ryu's ire, but this is a situation where it's best to let objectivity of mind and spirit guide his hand. To do the right thing for the right reasons, and not personal vengeance, "No one is untouchable." Ryu replies smoothly, as his eyes flicker open, levelled on Kim's. There's as much steady certainty to his words as there is irony. While he doesn't know the man they're speaking of, Ryu has fought him before. To a standstill. Ryu rests a hand on the side of that punching bag, his corded arm bending as he leans his weight that way a bit, "And you want my help showing them that fact, I take it?" Kim nods solemnly at the other mans words, "I too share this belief. That's why I'm in Southtown.. I'm not alone in my mission, either. My friend Jhun has followed me, and he is chasing the same goal. But we can't do it alone - many of their ranks are nothing but common street thugs, but I've faced their elites. Mr. Big. Billy Kane. That madman Yamazaki.." The Korean gets a distant look in his eyes, each name bringing back memories of a painful struggle - these men were nothing to trifle with, and that's precisely what Kim planned on doing yet again. "They are nothing to scoff at. Not to mention the man at the head of it all. That's why I'm asking for your help - you can help turn the tide, help to bring down the syndicate and restore justice to this city!" The names bring a different sort of nostalgia to Ryu. He doesn't know Yamazaki, but Billy is the man Geese dispatched to spy on him nearly a year ago, to follow his battles and report on his techniques. All in the latter crime boss' aims to understand, and perhaps exploit, the Satsu no Hadou. There is enmity there already, as Ryu has been less than cooperative in showing Geese 'that power'. That defiance didn't stop him from giving Mr. Big a fight to remember in the handicap match in Howard Arena, however. In fact, it probably helped, even if Ryu did eventually drop under the nicks and bruises he'd taken from the match, "That's certainly an intriguing offer." Ryu admits, the wanderer's sense of justice and right indeed inspired by the possibilities, and the plight of the citizens of Southtown, with such a cancer growing in their midst, "I would not wish to see even a team as impressive as you and Jhun go up against such a force alone. As long as I am able, my feet will strike with yours." For great justice! "And we will give those who terrorize the weak reason to hide." Kim is entirely unaware of Ryu's previous experiences with the crime lord, but he does know that the man has already faced Mr. Big in a handicap match, and was narrowly defeated. The news that the Ansatsuken disciple will offer his sizeable talents to Kim's cause of justice is some of the best news he's heard in a while, and it brings a pleased grin back to his face - stern look and knitted forehead disappearing as he moves towards Ryu and places a hand on his shoulder, "Excellent! I cannot imagine even Geese himself could stand against you, Ryu. I can't thank you enough for joining our cause.. you're welcome to stay here for as long as you'd like. There are many things that need to be done before we can bring the Syndicate to it's knees and end their evil ways.. I must talk with Terry, he will surely be willing to aid us." There's really no other option, in such a situation. Ryu smiles in response to the lightening of Kim's demeanor, though his eyes do shift to the side, eyeing that hand on his shoulder. It's not a show of appreciation or friendship the Ansatsuken disciple asks for, or particularly appreciates. While he respects and relates to Kim, it takes a bit more than that to really get through Ryu's hardened exterior. Time, for one thing, but while he's more relaxed about such things with Kim, Ryu is really an advocate of personal space, at heart. That's not to say he's offended, just not entirely comfortable with the contact, "Yes, such a thing should not be hastily planned and executed..." He agrees, "And I may know others who would lend their fists to this cause." No certainty there, but one never knows until it's discussed, "As for Geese... I have fought him before. Seldom have I met such a coldly calculating spirit with such raw power.... We declared a stalemate." A tie that Ryu is, perhaps, eager to break. There's really no other option, in such a situation. Ryu smiles in response to the lightening of Kim's demeanor, though his eyes do shift to the side, eyeing that hand on his shoulder. It's not a show of appreciation or friendship the Ansatsuken disciple asks for, or particularly appreciates. While he respects and relates to Kim, it takes a bit more than that to really get through Ryu's hardened exterior. Time, for one thing, but while he's more relaxed about such things with Kim, Ryu is really an advocate of personal space, at heart. That's not to say he's offended, just not entirely comfortable with the contact, "Yes, such a thing should not be hastily planned and executed..." He agrees, "And I may know others who would lend their fists to this cause." No certainty there, but one never knows until it's discussed, "As for Geese... I have fought him before. Seldom have I met such a coldly calculating spirit with such raw power.... We declared a stalemate." A tie that Ryu is, perhaps, eager to break. Kim gets the feeling that Ryu isn't the touchy-feely, friendly type, and so the hand doesn't remain on the man's shoulder for very long, Kim returning it to his side and backing off a step. "Anyone you know that could lend their support would only make things easier, and would be appreciated.. I'm sure you know your share of top-notch fighters." He doesn't seem too surprised when Ryu reveals that he's fought the crime boss before - it figures that such a high-caliber martial artist would run into Geese eventually. "I too have felt his power first-hand.. his reputation is well-earned, but it does not change his evil spirit. But justice will always prevail, as long as there are people who are willing to fight for it.. Howard will pay for his crimes against the city." Ryu nods his head slowly. Though honestly, he's not on a friendly basis with nearly as many high-end fighters as one might think. Ryu just doesn't have very many friends, tending to drift in and out of groups rather than make himself a mainstay among any one, "Power is easy. There is no grace or achievement in what Geese has accomplished, if he has done it as you say." A fact that the Ansatsuken disciple has no reason to question, "There is no force more powerful than that of a man who defends such a force as justice, fights to defend something imminently more valuable than power." Despite his own high plateau, Ryu holds no delusions of that strength making him the man he is. No, there are deeper priorities to consider, stronger goals and ideals. He turns back to the punching bag a moment, his right fist lashing out in a triphammer that carries enough force to slam the heavy bag of sand up on its hanging chain so forcefully that it rebounds off the ceiling and down, careening in at Ryu as the World Warrior stops its momentum with the motion of a forceful forearm, catching the solid impact and stopping it dead, without succumbing to the weight with which it hits him. As the bag shudders to a stop, a small sprinkle of sand trickles forth. While the blow was powerful enough, surely, to splay the thing wide, only a minor split in the seam shows, where Ryu's fist connected, "We will show them where true power lies." Kim's eyes seem to betray a new respect for Ryu - not that he didn't before, but when he hears the man's passionate words about justice, well.. it's like hearing himself talk, only more calm and reserved. He seems somewhat impressed as the man's powerful blow sends the punching bag careening into the ceiling, but it's nothing that the Korean man hasn't done before. "I knew I was right about you, Ryu. You're a good man, and your beliefs are pure. It puts my mind at ease to have you supporting my war against the criminals that run this city. Anyway, perhaps I should tell you where the other rooms are.." he points to another doorway, "Kitchen. All I've got is rice, fish, and maybe some sake laying around somewhere. Feel free to help yourself, just leave me enough to eat.." he says with a grin, pointing to the other exit from the training room, "Down that hallway are the bunks. Six rooms, pick any one you want - I'm the last on the left." He chuckles, "That's about it.. it's not much, but it's all I've got." That awful flight from Metro City to Narita Japan...20 hours of unadulterated tedium. Alex felt like a zombie as he finally stepped off the Southtown express bus from Tokyo. Japan once again, it only took a second of looking around and the brawler already felt homesick for his own metropolitan city. While both places shared the same kind of rough edges, they also had drastically different flavors to them. Alex missed Metro for sure, but while he was back home all he could think about was getting back in the action. He had fought many sharp fighters here in Japan, and learned many lessons. If this was where the heat was at, this is where he would have to be. Too many things buzzed around in Alex's head, he wasn't used to being so introspective. Foremost was his deadly fight with the former heavyweight champion. Just what was that all about? Alex had certainly felt something sinister about Bison, but he just couldn't put a finger on it. Also, not far behind in Alex's stream of thoughts. That impossibly strong karate master, Lou. Alex can't remember ever getting beaten so soundly...and he got his skills here, in the land of the rising sun. There has to be something about a country that produces such a warrior, and Alex was determined to find out just what it is. No rest, no break from training until he rematches with that man again, and defeats him. Alex is so lost in thought that he is almost ontop of Kim's humble dojang when he suddenly stops to take in his surroundings. He was looking down at a small scrap of paper as he walked, it was the address to the training hall that Kim had given to him after their match. "This must be it...Yeesh, I thought Kim 'oulda had a bettah shack than this." Alex sighed to himself. He wasn't quite sure why he was looking up Kim, perhaps something about the TKD champ's impossibly positive manner had struck a chord deep in Alex. The guy was as friendly as a newborn puppy, had twice as much energy too. Oughta pay him a visit, you know, just to be friendly. Alex rounds the bend of the wooden building and suddenly comes upon Kim and--Ryu?! Of all people, he wasn't expecting to see that guy here. Alex moves his lips slightly as if to greet both men, but pauses for a moment and simply stands before them, a nearly unreadable expression dour expression on his face. Ryu nods once, twice, as Kim lays out the dojo tour in a couple quick sentences. It's plenty for him, and he smiles slightly at the hospitality, "It is plenty, I assure you... As lodging goes, I am used to far less. And this place has the heart of the warrior that no amount of new plaster could imitate." Dilapidated? Naw, it's just homey! And with rice and fish and sake... Who could ask for more, really? "I've got some rice and various dried rations in my pack, I'll be sure to pitch in if I decide to indulge." The sake sounds like the most inviting element right now. Though some fresh fish wouldn't do him wrong, either. But he's still full just now (And who wouldn't be?) so it's something for later in the evening. As Alex enters the run-down dojo and arrives in the training room looking at Kim and Ryu, the Ansatsuken disciple turns to half face the big street fighter, his long headband fluttering with the motion as his dark eyes fall on Alex, and he nods a simple, wordless greeting to that stern countenance. Despite his national hero status in Korea, and his numerous tournament appearances and victories, Kim Kaphwan doesn't flaunt his money around - hence the sparse dojo that serves as his Southtown dwelling. His home in Korea is much more up-to-date, if only because it also serves as the home of his family, and he wishes to give his wife and children the best he can offer. When it comes to himself, though, the TKD disciple doesn't need much to get by. A place to sleep, an open space for him to train, and somewhere to cook up some decent food. The three essentials. He's about to speak when he notices Ryu turn his gaze to the side, Kim following his lead and grinning as he notices Alex has arrived. "Hey, Alex!" he says, turning to face the man, "This is Ryu. Nice to see you decided to drop by for a visit." At the moment he's contemplating whether or not to talk to the large man about the Syndicate - there's something about Alex that doesn't make him seem the type to do something just for the sake of justice.. it'll take a little bit more time until he can get a handle on the man's personality. The piercing gaze of the two street fighters cuts through the cool air like the swift stroke of a sure blade. Alex takes his time with the look, eyes matching up with Ryu dead on, both their headband's flutter as they move seeming to almost mirror each other in that way. For eternal seconds Alex stood before the Ansatsuken disciple, a shadowy reflection, both men opposite polarities of the same steely will. Finally, after what in reality was probably mere seconds, Alex returns the nod slowly. He then quickly faces Kim and allows himself his trademark cocky half grin. "Yeah, I've met 'im before. Quite the scrapper if I remember correctly..." Alex rubs a stubbly chin casually. He nods once again to Ryu, as if to pay respect to the fighter, or at least, as much "formal" respect as the jackass can muster up. "So this is your place Kim?" Alex whistles. "Man, thought a tourney chump--er champ would have had something...I dunno...different." He shrugs, in a way that could be interpreted as flippant. "Ah well, as long as your offer of hospitality stands...well actually, I'm broke and I need a place to shack up. I'll pay you of course, when I get a few bucks." Before a yay or nay can be uttered to the blonde, he is already walking inside, disregarding the step utilized for the removal of shoes. He slings his pack over into a corner and stretches his arms while looking about. "Glad you two are doin good...Hey what you got to eat in here?" The brawler starts to venture deeper. While Ken and Ryu are two sides to the same coin, Alex's relation to the legendary nomad is indeed more of a diametric opposition, the big fellow trundling heedless down the path that Ryu chose to forsake, and the dangers of that ego, and the accompanying attitude, is something he knows all too well. And is wary of in the blonde warrior. Of course, Kim would know Alex remembers correctly, and Ryu certainly recalls the fierce fight on the sands of the Metro City beach. He's not entirely comfortable with the manner Alex uses to assert himself into Kim's hospitality, partly because he suspects the Korean pro isn't going to make a fuss about such disrespect, and partly because the dojo is an almost sacrosanct place to Ryu's way of thinking. A respect that's all too clear as those intense brown orbs center down on the brawler's booted feet, a furrow of disapproval creasing Ryu's chiseled features in stern lines, "Boots have no place in a dojo." He notes, voice calm but undeniably serious, that edge of no-nonsense almost impossible to miss as his gaze rises back to level on Alex's, should he turn around. Sure, this is Kim's place, but some matters of etiquette, well.... They have to be upheld by ever responsible Japanese practitioner, right? Kim is ever pleasant, and he doesn't seem too offended when Alex insults his dwellings - "It's just a place I keep.. sort of a home away from home when I'm in Southtown. It's nice, quiet.. A good place to gather my thoughts and train." The large, blonde man's general rudeness is ignored, except for him not removing his large clunky boots - just as he is about to say something to Alex, Ryu speaks up first. Kim nods at the World Warrior before turning his gaze back to the American, "Yes, I must insist that you remove your footwear if you wish to remain in my home." Before he says anything further, or directs the new guest to the kitchen, he stands calmly in place and waits for him to take off his boots. "Oh!" A gloved palm slaps onto the big guy's forehead. "Thats right, HA. Sorry, you know I read that little rule over and over in the tourist guide but I just completely forgot." Alex turns unhurriedly and sits down at the edge step of the home. "I apologize Kimbo, heh, think I got a little mud up in there but it ain't look too bad." Alex looks at both of his acquantainces and raises both hands in a "surrender" posture. "Heh, how embarrassing you know. Let me kick these babies off here, I know I can't beat both of youse at once...so I'll play along." Alex winks at Kim before bending down to untie his big brown beauties. Most things, Ryu's willing to simply defer to Kim, this being his place and all. That, and Ryu really doesn't tend to create drama when he can avoid it... His life is full of such things without helping it by sticking his nose in when he doesn't have to. But simple polite custom, well... The Ansatsuken wanderer is not one to accept disrespect, either to the martial arts, or to imminently capable martial artists. It seems that wasn't the big brawler's intent, though, and Ryu's mood softens considerably in moments, returning to the calm collected ease he held before, the intensity of his gaze somewhat lessened, "I seem to recall our last fight being one-on-one." He observes, dryly musing. The subtle smile reaffirms that the words are a good-natured jibe responding to Alex's closing remarks. Take both of them at once, indeed. Once the boots are off the big man's feet, the smile returns to Kim's face and he motions to a door on the left wall of the training room. "The kitchen is over there, Alex. You'll find rice, fish and sake - feel free to cook whatever you want. Money will not be necessary." He points to a door on the opposite wall, "There's a few rooms down that hallway. They all have bunks in them, pick whichever one you wish. You may stay here as long as you want. I have much to do tomorrow, and I must be getting some sleep." He looks to the World Warrior and offers him a bow, "We shall discuss things further in the morning." The Korean man doesn't walk away quite yet, seeing if either man has any last comments/questions. Ryu turns his attention back to Kim and returns the bow, "As you say." He agrees politely, aware that there is plenty more to discuss, but nothing that will be pressing, tonight. Rising back to a standing posture, Ryu adds, "Thank you for your hospitality, I'm happy enough avoiding the chill outside, for a night at least." While he's aware Kim didn't ask him here purely out of the goodness of his heart, he does appreciate the sentiment, and the cause that spurred that invitation. He's fresh out of questions, and aside from expressing his gratitude for the shelter and company, the World Warrior doesn't seem to have much to say, instead pacing his way around the training room, taking in the various equipment and layout of the dojo, with the sort of relaxed appreciation with which others might enjoy a fine wine. "Don't worry about it, my friend" replies Kim in reponse to his guest's thanks, "Make yourself at home." He watches as the large man casually strolls into the kitchen, and vaguely hopes that he leaves him something to eat tomorrow morning. "Good night," are the last words that come out of his mouth, before he turns around and heads to the exit on the right side of the room, strolling down the hallway and entering his room. Things are looking good.. he's got Ryu on his side against the Syndicate, and he shall see about Terry soon. "Eh uh...Kim?" Alex shuffles around with the cupboards, seeing no familiar foods or spices anywhere. He pauses for a moment to open the rice pot and looks in it with a frown. "Kinda bland, dontcha think?" Alex moves on to the cooler and withdraws a skinny fish, one that he would have considered bait for catching other, larger, more tasty sea creatures. "You've gotta be kidding me..Hey Kim, whats up with this stuff?" He then moves on to the fridge, looking around only to see various vegetables and esoteric asian foodstuffs. A red jar is withdrawn, and Alex eyes it suspiciously. After a moment of deliberation, the jar is cracked open and he inspects the contents only to reel back. "Ugh!" The 'interesting' scent of fresh kimchi is much too much for the big guy and he starts to cough as if hit by a pepper spray attack. "Jeez Kim, what the heck is this stuff?!" Ryu wishes Kim a good night and continues to survey the training area, giving one of the other punching bags a series of quick jabs that brings that crisp sound of impact to life throughout the simple room, at least until Alex's bitching from the kitchen kicks up a notch. The Ansatsuken disciple walks casually over towards the doorway, leaning a shoulder against the portal as his eyes study Alex, and the results of his search, beyond, "Kimchi." He answers simply, and literally, seemingly unphased by the brawler's disdain. He may even be a bit amused by it, "It's a Korean specialty. Basically.... Spicy cabbage. Nothing bland about it." Nor is rice a necessarily bland component... If it's cooked properly. Of course, Alex doesn't look like an Iron Chef just yet. The sounds of Ryu's quick jabs perks up the ears of the young fighter. "Damn." He whispers to himself. This guy has the right idea, probably shouldn't be screwing around like this. When Ryu arrives at the door Alex turns up a nose to the jar and closes it up quickly. "No thanks...Who the heck eats cabbage anyway?" Alex takes another look around the kitchen and snorts. "No wonder all youse asian guys are so dang skinny, you ain't got nothing good to eat around here." Alex briskly moves towards the door Ryu stands in and gives him a tap on the shoulder. With a chuckle Alex walks past the karate disciple and immediately makes his way to the training floor. There are various martial arts implements neatly arranged around the edges of the dojo and hanging up on the walls. Martial weapons, stuffed dummys and pads, a few weights, and lots of punching bags. Alex continues to chuckle as he looks around and he looks back towards Ryu in the hall. He then makes mocking circular motions with the palms of his hands and entones: "Wax on...wax off...ha..." The brash street fighter then immediately drops to the ground near the edge of the dojo and presses himself with a slow set of finger pushups. His face has no grin now, its filled with an intensity that seems to broadcast to Ryu: "I'm training bitch, you better watch out..." "It's not McDonald's." Ryu responds, halfway between retort and acknowledgement. The Ansatsuken disciple makes way for the brawler even as the tap comes in, lithely moving just out of reach and letting Alex pass uncontested back into the training area. Nope, the World Warrior is no touchy-feely happy sort of fellow, though he's certainly not hostile or anything. As Alex heads off to train, Ryu takes up his spot in the kitchen. Not looking for food, but searching the cupboards until he finds that partly drained bottle of sake, which he pours a bit of into a glass, which he carries back out into the dojo proper, his dark eyes falling on the brawler's exercises with a calm consideration. Training, indeed... Alex is already extremely strong and talented, things which Ryu can vouch for firsthand. But the dark-haired master of the paradoxically non-lethal style of 'Assassin's Fist' is not one to rest on his laurels, and catching him could be a trick and a half. Not that he'd suggest Alex stop trying, "The look in your eyes before I fought you was one of strength, but also one of pride. Of satisfied accomplishment...." Ryu notes, his voice quiet as his own eyes level on Alex, "Little has changed, in that, but I cannot help but notice the gleam that supercedes that accomplishment. Once more, you are hungry." Clearly, the Champion thinks this a good thing. Hungry isn't the word. Alex's stomach growls audibly as he stands up to switch his exercise. He hasn't had much to eat since the flight, but he's ignoring it completely. No time to grub, training is all he's thinking about now. Through discipline and self denial one's body can be granted power, a tenet of martial training that rings true whether you are a shaolin monk, or a young boxer growing up in Harlem. Alex reaches up to a horizontal bar that is bolted solidly to the dojo wall. Wide grip pull ups, the former military man makes them look easy, he barely lets out audible breaths as he completes the motions of the exercise smoothly and slowly. Alex had always been pretty on top of his workout routine, but ever since meeting Ryu, he's become a different beast entirely. Each exercise session breaking the boundaries of his body's limits. Strength, endurance, flexibility, he's seeing just how far he can push himself. It's no longer just about being tough, being a great fighter. He can put a face to his training, and its the face of a warrior. "Yeah, I'm hungry. I know there's gotta be a Taco Bell or something around here..." The reply seems out of place and Alex lets the awkward silence hang for a few moments. Just as Ryu perhaps starts to reply he pipes up again. "I was jet lagged before. It won't happen again. You better start looking towards the future." Alex drops himself from the bar and his shoulders droop a bit. He looks at Ryu for only a moment and then drops to his back, starting on a set of commando style leg lifts. Not quite the sort of hungry Ryu was referencing, but Alex is close enough. And the brawler doesn't need to understand the comment to be exercising the spirit of it, which the renewed commitment to training shows all too clearly. It's a distorted, funhouse mirror of how Ryu's spent the last five years. Training to defeat an opponent whom all rationale would insist is unbeatable. And in the World Warrior's situation, his opponent is scarcely even human, anymore. Akuma has become... something beyond, or perhaps below, that set of ideas. Though there is undeniable power in the loathesome murderer's strange code. Then the man known only as Ryu hears something he hadn't heard before, from Alex. Excuses. He doesn't engage them directly, instead lifting the sake to his lips and taking a sip of the harsh beverage, without showing it on his face, "I am always looking towards the future, and living here and now." The young champion replies steadily, eyes studying the swirling liquid for a moment before rising back to Alex, "Whenever you think yourself ready..." He lets the open invitation hang in the air. The words seem to cut deeply into Alex and he pauses in mid stroke with his abdominal training. The man rolls up to a sitting position and looks straight at Ryu. God this guy...he was..was...-infuriating-! Alex gritted his teeth. He just stood there, he's just watching him train, watching casually. He KNOWS he's stronger and he's just so damn smug isn't he? And he's always so damn calm and collected about everything. No matter what Alex does or says, he always speaks with that flat rhetorical tone. Its enough to make Alex want to punch a zen monk in the nose. He stands. "Ready...ready?" A snort. "You're the one who should be getting ready..." The words start loud and brash but they get softer and more subdued towards the end. Alex turns away from Ryu for a moment and lashes out with a brutal punch to a nearby bag. Like with Ryu, the bag slams up to the ceiling before swinging back down, however unlike Ryu, the bag wobbles chaotically as it swings upward and seems to almost yank the bolting on the ceiling from its assembly as it comes back. There is power there for sure, but unlike the precise application displayed earlier it is merely a raw thump, a sledgehammer applied where one needs a sniper rifle. "Hey you gonna stand there and gawk all night? Its kinda bothersome you know?" Yep, getting a rise out of Ryu isn't the easiest trick in the book. Of course, the World Warrior isn't /trying/ to upset Alex, either. There's no smug condescension in his tone, or his face, just simple confidence, and that same damnable, nigh-tangible calm that he seldom allows to slip. The angry words and violent tantrum that follows are studied with that same impassive, unconcerned gaze... The dojo wasn't in the best shape to begin with, maybe, but the real unusual bit is the utter lack of anxiety in the face of the big brawler's rage. It's not something Alex sees often, most likely. Ryu is simply unaffected even by the dramatic display, and his stance doesn't falter as the actual question is levelled his way, "I was simply observing. Admiring." He replies, sincerely, "And taking a bit of a rest myself." He lifts the sake to his lips and drains the rest in one easy gulp, setting the glass back inside the kitchen. Save dinner, and the jog back here with Kim, Ryu has been training all day. Even he gets tired eventually, "I didn't realize you felt so strongly about it." It sounds as if he'd be willing to leave, but he makes no immediate motion to do so. After all, he might want to train some more, y'know? Alex takes a few breaths and then watches the bag swing to an idling stop. *huff* He starts to laugh, its a geniune one and he puts his hands on his hips. "You are a piece of work my friend. Doesn't anything zing you at all man? Christ, youse like a damn robot or something, sheesh." Alex appears to be coming to terms with Ryu's unshakable demeanor, at least somewhat. Its so foreign to him, coming from a part of America where people are loud and passionate even over some seriously trivial things. Regardless, maybe there's something about that way of being, something that is actually giving him in edge in battle. Alex is skeptical, but he certainly hasn't met anyone quite like Ryu, never met anyone so unstoppable either. An odd set of 'roommates' for sure, everyone was definately going to have to make some concessions. "I...look forward...to our next fight, Lou." Alex nods to Ryu and turns away, moving his attention towards one of the weight racks at a far corner of the dojo. No more words are uttered, and Alex resumes his training with the same amount of zeal as before. Oh sure, it's possible to get to Ryu. People do it in small ways almost daily. The controlled poise doesn't make him untouchable, or give him superhuman nonchalance, but he is still very much the master of his own responses, and that upset seldom so much as touches his face. More often, if he's truly angry, it comes out in the grim efficiency of his fighting, a rather different show from the competitive flair he more often exudes. Does his help him in his fighting? Well, yes and no. Discipline and precision are indeed strong commodities for any fighter to invest in, and Ryu has them in spades. But at the same time, his conscious control, his zenlike ease, is a preventative measure. To keep him from giving into his darkest flaw, and the power that comes with that mindset. He's seen it, shown it to Sagat, and rejected it. He doesn't need that kind of power, not at the cost of his ideals. Of Gouken's ideals. He is a legacy of the prematurely murdered master, proof of the strength even in his 'merciful' variant of Ansatsuken, "I look forward to it, as well." The legendary nomad replies simply, before falling similarly silent and resuming his own training, starting at the pull-up bar Alex just left. No, he's not a robot. But he's paid many tolls, and has a clear focus on what he really wants out of life. And an uncanny ability to avoid latching onto that which doesn't truly matter.