An Hour Later... at Boxer's Dojo.

The skyline is threaded with madly-wired telephone poles, and the streets are busy with cars. Honksand shouts fill the air, from their hurried drivers. The dojo is a one-floor rented space in a strip mall, with gymnastics mats covering the floor. It's dusty, and the 'For Rent' sign is still up on the window. As Padgen enters, Brilly leaves. She has headphones on, and her cute black band t-shirt brings out her hair. She gives Padgen only a brief glance, a warm smile, and a peace sign. To Padgen, it's everything.

Padgen
(Enamored.) Hey, are you-

Brilly
(Pointing to her headphones.) I can't hear you! See you later, Padgen.

Padgen
See you...

Padgen waves at her, and looks on longingly as Brilly gets into Uncle Hampton's truck. She looks back, and waves as they drive away. Padgen waits for the training session to start, while Boxer complains loudly on the phone.

Boxer
(Echoing from the dojo.) Yeah, I know, Hampton. I'm sorry, alright? I just needed you to pick up my neice. ...uh-huh. Yeah, well, this whole thing started when the mayor had me fired for standing her up on a date. Otherwise, I'd still be on the force- yeah. Yeah, you too. Love ya, we'll talk later.

Padgen
(Poking fun.) You talk to him while he's driving away? That's cute.

Boxer
(Red-faced.) You heard that, huh?

Padgen
Yeah, a bit.

Boxer
...well, don't tell nobody. I dunno how modern the people here are, if you know what I mean.

Padgen
I think Lodubai's pretty modern, for the Heartlands.

Boxer
Last thing I ever thought I'd see, too: a full-fledged Little India, in Indiana. Everybody who lives here musta punched in the wrong word.

Padgen
(Shrugging.) I like it. It's like if Dubai was smaller, and colder.

Boxer
Anyway, I need a good rep to keep this place running. Bring friends, okay? I'm going broke.

Padgen
Yeah, I'll try.

Boxer
Are you ready for your lesson?

Padgen
Yes, sensei.

Boxer
Are you centered?

Padgen
Yes, sensei.

Boxer
Are you a boy, or a girl?

Padgen
Life is full of mystery, sensei.

Boxer
Damn, thought I got you that time. Alright, stand up.

Padgen stands.

Boxer
(Commandant.) Hit me!

Padgen throws a punch, and Boxer blocks. They repeat this a few times.

Boxer
Kick me!

Padgen swings a few high kicks, which are blocked as well.

Boxer
The legs!!

Padgen crouches, spins on his palms, and sweeps his right leg around him in a circle. Boxer hops over the kick easily. Then he stands straight up, and so does Padgen. They bow.

Boxer
Very good. You're flexible, and fast. But you don't seem to have control of your strength. Too hard, or too soft, never just right.

Padgen
I don't know why. I'm also struggling with push-ups, and chin-ups.

Boxer
You need to gain muscle-weight. Eating nothing but vegetables and fruit... you're lean, but brittle. Like a bird.

Padgen
Birds eat worms.

Boxer
Not all of them. Are you getting your vitamins, or eating enough iron?

Padgen
Yeah, I eat a ton of spinach. My femdad is on a vegan kick, lucky for me, but she mostly eats soy stuff, so I still have to cook for myself.

Boxer
Why don't you like soy?

Padgen
It makes me smell gross, and feel numb. Like a man.

Boxer
And you aren't... one of those?

Padgen
I haven't figured that out yet. But I'd rather be a dude than a man.

Boxer
(Trying to be accepting.) I've heard there's such a thing as being neither, or a mix. If you need someone to talk to-

Padgen
(Dismissive.) I'll ask my femdad.

Boxer
(Nodding.) Good, I was gonna say 'take that shit outta here'. I'm already bi myself, and that's as much as I can handle.

Ding, ding! The bell over the door rings as a boy arrives. He's Indian, clean-kept, and his trimmed hair frames his serious face well.

Sujay
(Enthusiastic, but downplayed.) My name is Sujay Khalid. I'm looking for a teacher.

Boxer
Oh yeah? Give me ten push-ups.

Sujay
Good thing I had chicken before I came here.

Boxer grabs a spare gi from the closet, and hands it to Sujay. He goes to change, taking his shirt off. His back is covered in bruises. He returns in uniform, drops down, and starts doing push-ups without effort.

Padgen
You uh... hunt down that chicken yourself?

Sujay
Ha, no. I have to eat at my father's restaurant, it's the only place that doesn't serve pork or beef. Cows and pigs are sacred, right?

Boxer
Yeah, we all know your guys' rules on that. I still like my pepperoni pizza.

Sujay
But, he makes me work for every meal. Sometimes, during a busy shift, accidents happen.

Padgen
Oh, that's cool. I don't eat any meat, I can't stomach it.

Sujay
You must be on a very spiritual path.

Padgen
Not really, I just don't like puking.

Boxer
Alright, that's enough. Sujay, Padgen, to the center, and bow.

The two bow to one another, respectfully.

Boxer
Padgen, spar with Sujay. Keep it 'breezy', like we talked about. All motion, gentle force.

Padgen
(Rolling her eyes.) Yeah, yeah.

Padgen and Sujay practice techniques gently and slowly, increasing pace only when they're certain of one another's skill.

Sujay
Do you wanna make out?

Padgen
(Blushing.) What? No! I like someone else.

Sujay
I was kidding, anyway. Don't lose your pants-

POW! Padgen lands a piston chop on Sujay's jaw. While he's stunned, Padgen sweeps his leg, and he falls over.

Sujay
What happened to breezy?

Padgen
Don't be annoying!

They try again, and Sujay easily out-strikes and embarrasses Padgen.

Sujay
What's wrong? I'm only making small-talk.

Padgen
Yeah, I'm gonna uh... go home now, I think. I'm tired anyway. You have some one-on-one with Sensei Boxer, try not to make out with him. He's twice your age.

Sujay
That's just gross! What's wrong with you?

Padgen
(Sarcastic.) I'm just making small-talk.