The SuperBeast Chronicles 9


Driving home from the arena was no picnic. Mike's hands were shaking from the adrenaline.

Mike: I got my hits in. I'm gonna kill that motherfucker.

Cammy: Forget him. Your hands are bleeding.

Mike: I'm fine.

They get home minutes later. Cammy goes into the shower as Mike goes into the basement. He grabs a tape of his last match, where he had faced Dudley. He watched closely, as he rewinds it and slow motions certain parts. He was pointing out to himself his mistakes and what to keep in mind.

---------------

For the past week, Mike was acting as if he lived in the gym. He would do 45 minutes of cardio, an hour of weights, then a hour of ring work. The next day, he went to his car, and saw a note inside his car. He opens the door and reads the note.

"I've seen you in the gym. Go there tonight at eight for a real workout."

Mike: What? Who the fuck?

Mike drives to the gym and enters. He drops his bag by the dumbbells. He sees someone by the mirrors. The voice is altered in a way Mike wouldn't know who it was.

Person: Mike Stoselmo?

Mike: Yeah.

Person: Attack me. Let's see if you're ready.

Mike: Random, but okay. You asked for it.

Mike runs at the mystery man, who had his back turned. Mike gets an elbow to the jaw and gets sweeped, causing him to drop to the floor. Mike looks up and sees the mystery man take off a mask.

Mike: Oh shit! Ryu?

Ryu: That's right, brother.

Mike nips up to his feet.

Mike: Damn, that hurt. What are you doing here?

Ryu: Heard about your match, figured I'd drop by.

Mike: Couldn't find a phone and just tell me?

Ryu: Ha ha. I wanted to surprise you.

Mike: Does anyone know you're here?

Ryu: No.

Mike: Well, where you staying?

Ryu: Not sure.

Mike: Well, your room is still the same as always. You're more than welcome to stay.

Ryu: Thanks. Now, let's get to work.

Mike: Funny, I was thinking this would be the first match I wouldn't have you by my side, but I guess not. Let's do this.

Mike takes off his jacket and gets into his workout clothes and started to train with Ryu. Mike was very pleased that Ryu had surprised him and continued to support Mike in something he took just as serious as his training with Gouken.