The warrior glanced over the plain white card that he had received in the mail. There was no signature, and no indication of the party who had written it. It said in gold calligraphy: You are invited to participate in a gathering among the best fighters in the world in Los Angeles, July 21, 2000. Skills will be put to the test.

 The warrior glanced out of his airplane window. Los Angeles was another two hours away. He had gotten the invitation a week ago, along with an all expenses paid plane ticket and two thousand dollars worth in traveler’s checks. This was an opportunity he wasn’t going to pass up.

 Things had been slow for a while…if you could call Ryu’s lifestyle slow. It’s not every day one meets a martial arts master who has dedicated his life to fighting. To perfect his skills, he has encountered the most dangerous warriors around the world. And he did this by choice. He fought in tournaments sponsored by beings so powerful, they can’t even be called human…But it is his way of life.

 A young boy sitting next to him on the plane is engrossed in his artwork. Crayons, pencils, and paper were scattered all over the small area of the tray table.

 “May I ask what you’re drawing, little man?” Ryu asked.

 The boy looked up. “I’m making a birthday card for me.”

 “I see.” One eyebrow shot up. “When’s your birthday?”

 “Tomorrow,” the boy said.

 “Mine, too…” Ryu studied the young boy’s features. “How old are you?”

 “Eight.”

 “Happy birthday,” Ryu said

“Same to you, mister.” He glanced at the warrior. “My dad’s meeting me at the airport. You have family?”

 Ryu glanced away. “No.”

 The child’s face fell. “Sorry…”

 “It’s all right. I’ve learned to live without ever knowing them,” Ryu explained.

 “That’s sad…” he sat up straight in his chair. “So…you got a job?”

 Ryu smiled slightly. He always wondered why children were so curious. He supposed that’s what made children endearing to people…their constant curiosity, their willingness to listen with an open mind. “I’m a warrior.”

 The boy frowned. “Does it pay good?” he asked dubiously.

 Ryu laughed. He was never concerned about money. “Sometimes. Especially if I’m fighting many times during the year.”

 “You win money for winning fights, right?”

 Ryu nodded.

 “Do you have a house, or do you just live anywhere?”

“I live in Japan,” Ryu answered.

 The boy continued coloring. “Never went there…”

 “Perhaps when you’re older, you will,” Ryu said.

 As silence fell, Ryu studied the ocean. Its waves danced and glistened beneath the sunlight. In many ways, the ocean was like himself. Calm and peaceful, yet capable of causing damage.

 Time had passed so quickly, that Ryu was surprised when the first officer announced that they would be landing shortly.

 The boy turned to Ryu, holding out a white piece of paper with color on it. “Here, mister. Happy birthday…”

 Ryu’s eyes widened. “Thank you…”

He took the piece of paper, looking over the artwork. While he had been busy staring out the window, the boy had managed to draw a cartoon of him training in the mountains.

 “Thank you very much,” Ryu said, smiling slightly. “You’re going to grow up to be a good artist.”

 “Thanks.”

As Ryu stepped out of the jetway, he spotted a short young Japanese man holding a sign with his name written in katakana. Ryu frowned slightly, then walked up to him.

 The man recognized him instantly. “Ryu-san, I am Hiro. Welcome to Los Angeles,” he greeted in Japanese, bowing. “How was your trip?”

 “It went well, thank you,” Ryu responded, bowing in return.

 “I was given instructions to escort you to your hotel. Please. Follow me.” He reached for Ryu’s bag, but the martial artist moved it out of reach.

 “I will carry my luggage.” Ryu gestured for the young man to lead. “After you.”

 Within a few minutes, Ryu and Hiro went to the parking lot. Hiro had placed Ryu’s bag in the back of a black Mercedes Benz and they were off, heading towards downtown Los Angeles.

 They arrived at the Marriott near Beverly Hills. From Ryu’s travels, he knew that hotels from this chain was not something he could afford. The luxurious setting was perfect for those who wanted to be spoiled and pampered. Ryu lived a simple life. He had no need for luxury.

 The front desk greeted him with a smile. “Welcome. Are you checking in today, sir?”

 Ryu nodded. “Is there a room reserved for Ryu Hoshi?”

 With a few types on her keyboard, she smiled. “Yes, there is…Your room, tax, and expenses will already be paid by this third party member, so feel free to use the minibar.” She pulled out a receipt and pen. “Just sign this to indicate that you’ve checked in already.”

 Ryu obliged and she handed him his room key. “Room seven-twenty-one.” She gestured to the elevators. “Take the elevators to the seventh floor. Enjoy your stay.”

 “Thank you…”

 Seven-twenty-one. The month and date of his birthday. How interesting.

 Once he and Hiro got upstairs to his room, Ryu set his bag down. A king sized bed, minibar, television and marble tiled bathroom with fluffy white towels gave quite an impression on the two.

 Hiro smiled. “I’m sure you’re comfortable here, Ryu-san.” He handed Ryu a small business card. “If you have any questions, just call me. I must be leaving now…I have many errands to run.”

 “Wait!” Ryu called out as Hiro paused at the door. “Where will I go for this gathering?”

 “You will receive a note tomorrow morning,” Hiro assured.

 “I see.”

 “Good luck, Ryu-san!”

As the door closed behind Hiro, Ryu headed to the window, opening the curtains. The city greeted him from below. It was time to take a walk and explore his surroundings. By the time he’d get back, it would be bedtime.