The SuperBeast Chronicles 6

Mike gets up by holding onto Cammy. Everyone stares at them as they ask for forgiveness.

Mike: All of you can blow me. You turned your backs on me. Lucky I don't fucking kill you all.

Cammy: Calm down, love. Here.

Cammy hands Mike a cigarette, and lights it for him. He inhales deeply, letting out a thick cloud of smoke. He realizes there's no room in the car.

Ryu: Mike, if you want, you can have my seat.

Mike: Just stay there, Ryu.

Ryu: Mike, when you heal, we need to talk.

Mike: Sure thing, brother.

Mike opens up the trunk. He takes his shirt off and balls it up. He hops in the trunk slams it shut. He didn't care where he rode, as long as he could just relax for a few minutes, if not, less. When he got home, he dragged his feet upstairs and took off his shoes. He tosses his shirt into the basket by the door and slipped into a pair of pajama pants. He flipped the blanket over, got into bed and folded the covers over himself and drifted off to sleep.

*******************

Later on that night, Mike had met Ryu in the backyard. Mike sat down by the patio, cigarette resting between his fingers. Ryu came outside and remained standing. His eyes were stern and callous.

Mike: What's up, Ryu?

Ryu: There isn't an easy way to say this. I think I should leave.

Mike: What? Why?

Ryu: Mike, don't get me wrong. I love living with you and Cammy. I do. But just I feel weak. I feel like I'm sitting on the sidelines as life goes by. Each day that comes, there is a challenge. That doesn't happen here in Izuna.

Mike: Not everyday, but--

Ryu: Please. Let me finish. I've been kidnapped, poisoned, brainwashed, and even had The Dark Hadou rise within me. I almost killed us all. I need to go and travel and get back on track to what I had been doing all along. Fighting. Fighting against people who aren't using powers or potions. Your fists and feet are the only arsenal you ever need. I'd always ask myself, "Why do I fight?" I must go on fighting. To find that answer, I must go on. I have to do this. To prove to myself I am worthy of the fight and the right to life. I just hope you understand.

Mike sat in a silent stun. He shook it off.

Mike: Fine. When are you leaving?

Ryu: Tomorrow.

Mike: Before you go, I think we should goodbye in a proper fashion. En guarde!

Mike stood up and took his stance. Ryu went in for a lunging punch to Mike's ribs. Mike responded with a high spinning hook kick, which Ryu easily dodged, tripping Mike's foot from under him. Mike springs up, sending his feet to Ryu's chin. Having the same idea, Mike and Ryu both fired off a Hadoken, bursting into itself. They looked at each other very hard. Mike walked up and hugged Ryu. They spent the rest of the night in the basement, meditating.

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The next morning, Ryu had his duffel bag packed up. He stood outside the house with Mike, Ken, and Cammy. Ken spoke of knowing that him and Ryu will spar once again someday and have a rematch. Cammy spoke next.

Cammy: I'm gonna miss you, Ryu. All those breakfasts that you helped make worthwhile and anything but lonesome, my therapist when I think Mike's gone astray from the world, I love you.

Ryu and Cammy hug, with him kissing her cheek. Mike spoke last, holding back tears.

Mike: Ryu, you're like a brother to us. I hate to see you go. But I respect it. You go out there and you be the strongest motherfucking warrior there is. Me and Ken got this for you. It's only a thousand, just in case you need it for food, shelter, wherever you go. And this...

Mike takes off his necklace. It was a small silver ball dogtag-like chain, with an Ankh pendant. He places it around Ryu's neck.

Mike: Take this, so when you feel like you're going down, and you feel like you're going down for the last time, or should you lose your way and your faith...

Mike's eyes welt up with tears.

Mike: Look at it, and remember that I'm always with you, brother. Cheering you on. I love you man.

Ryu hugs Mike tightly. Ken joins in as Cammy watches. Ryu picks up his duffel bag and begins to walk on into the unknown, welcoming what lies ahead. Mike can no longer hold back tears, as Cammy hugs him.

Cammy: Shh, baby...I know it hurts. He'll be fine. I know it hurts. C'mon let's go inside.

It seemed like the end of an era for Mike. The days where he shared the fighting spotlight with Ryu he felt were over. Ryu always seemed like the glue that held the household together to Mike. Ken joins Mike and Cammy inside the house, with Ken and Cammy having cups of coffee and tea respectively. Mike went upstairs into Ryu's old room. He stayed there for the entire day, before going into his room and laying there until he fell off to sleep.