Chapter 26 - Training

Thong walks through the streets, carrying two bags full of drinks and snacks in his hands.

Thong's thoughts: Hugo really doesn't have the funds for anything, huh? Made me go out to get all these things…

Thong walked up to the shabby looking building, entering through the first door he could find, only to see Hugo sleeping on a worn down sofa.

Thong's thoughts: If I didn't know any better, I would've thought he was a hobo… Wait, isn't he already one? Did he think he could live purely off the matches?

Thong threw one of the bags at Hugo, expecting Hugo to react. The bag landed on Hugo's stomach, only for Thong to be met with Hugo's snoring.

Thong's thoughts: He can't be serious right now…

Thong walked up to Hugo, landing a chop on Hugo's forehead. Hugo's eye shot open as he sat up, holding onto his forehead.

Hugo: What the hell, Terrance? Can't you let a man rest in- oh look, food.

Thong: First off, the name's Thong. Second off, you said we were going to train. I don't think you can do that sleeping.

Hugo looked up at Thong, already having a sandwich in his mouth. After three bites, Hugo wiped his lips before letting out a cough.

Hugo: Right, right. You are my student after all. I will train you in the ways of a true martial artist.

Thong: For being a true martial artist, you aren't living very comfortably. And you're covered in bandages. Did you get into another fight?

Hugo: Another fight? Nah, I didn't. I've been busy spending all my time training here.

Thong's thoughts: I'm not that surprised to see he hurt himself this much. He hurt himself while trying to hurt me in our match…

Hugo: Well, enough about whether or not I lost, what matters is us fighting. You ruined my plans of fighting in teams, so you have to learn to survive without me.

Thong's thoughts: Aren't you the one that proposed that to me? I think I can make do without you.

Thong immediately sidestepped as Hugo threw a rapid punch at him. Thong raised his guard as Hugo slumped to one side.

Thong: What was that for?

Hugo: I already told you, I'm here to train you. You don't make much small talk in fights, so it may not work against you, but people always go on monologues. So just-

Hugo's head shot back as Thong landed a quick punch. Hugo held his nose as he looked at Thong.

Hugo: What the hell was that for?

Thong: Practice what you preach.

Hugo: I'm not religious, though.

Thong's thoughts: Maybe I should've messaged Jason to train…

Hugo wiped his nose before walking up a set of stairs. Thong followed behind, noticing how they went up three flights of dangerous looking stairs. Once Hugo opened a door, Thong saw the floor was full of holes.

Thong's thoughts: This looks way too dangerous!

Hugo: Yeah, this is where I usually train my flip kick.

Thong's thoughts: This idiot really did hurt himself in training!

Hugo: If you didn't know, my fighting style is all about being limber. So a shaky floor that can break at any moment is perfect for that.

Thong: That looks a bit too detrimental if you ask me.

Hugo: That's a big word you used, so I'm going to guess you mean that I'm an absolute genius.

Thong: More like that complete opposite!

Thong's thoughts: Mike… Why couldn't you have brought me to train with you? Where are you?

Minh: No point thinking about that bastard…

Thong: Shut up!

Thong closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. He slowly opened his eyes to notice Hugo staring back at him.

Hugo: You okay there-

Before Hugo could finish his line, the ground below him gave way, Thong watching as Hugo fell through the floor.

Thong: Hugo!

Thong ran over to the hole Hugo fell through, making sure to keep his steps light.

Hugo: … I'm okay… The pain should go away at any moment…

Thong: We're not training up here, you hear me? We're going back to the first floor and training properly!

Hugo: All I feel is pain, oh god.

Thong's thoughts: This is going to be a long month…

…

A week had passed by since the beginning of Thong and Hugo's training. Hugo threw quick, open-handed punches as Thong pushed them away before sweeping Hugo's feet. Hugo landed on the floor, putting a hand over his eyes.

Hugo: Man, training is hard…

Thong: Aren't you the one that brought me along to train?

Hugo: Was I? You know Toby, you're better at this fighting stuff than I thought.

Thong: It's… Never mind. But I don't think I'm that good. At least not as good as the others.

Hugo: Who?

Thong: Gonzalez, Jason, Spencer… Mike. They just seem like a whole different world.

Hugo: I have no idea who those people are. But if you're that far behind, does that mean you're putting in the right effort? I know I'm putting in the right effort. You only beat me cause… I was holding back. Yup, that was it.

Thong's thoughts: This guy…

Thong let out a sigh before going over and sitting down on the sofa. He pulled out a water bottle from the bag before slowly sipping.

Thong's thoughts: Am I putting in the right effort? What do they do that's so different?

Minh: Its conviction.

Thong's thoughts: What?

Minh: Think about it. They're people that fully embrace fighting. Yet you're scared. So scared, it makes me sick. If it wasn't for you, I'd be one of the strongest fighters!

Thong's thoughts: What do you mean?

Minh: Gramps hold all the answers. So open your eyes, shorty!

Thong's thoughts: Gramps?

Thong felt a pain shoot through his mind, holding his head with one hand.

Hugo's thoughts: Man, did I go that hard on him? Have I mastered delayed damage? I knew I was too strong for my student.

Hugo: I think we're good for today. Go home, I doubt you're ready for another beating.

Thong: Yeah, you're right. I'll see you later, Hugo.

Thong got up, holding his head tightly as he left the building.

Hugo: What's up with that guy?