The Last peril Monk

Chapter 8 On training

Leeway and Mike walked in silence, the tension from their earlier argument still heavy in the air. Each step felt weighted with unspoken words. Leeway suddenly stopped.

"Okay, Mike, let's stop right here," Leeway said, his voice firm.

"What? We don't have time, we need to get back to Shou," Mike replied, continuing to walk.

Leeway threw a small rock, hitting Mike on the head. "What the hell, Leeway? What's your problem?"

"Let's fight right here, right now. No arm cannons, no special monk powers, just a regular fight."

Mike's eyes narrowed. "You know what? That's a perfect idea." He turned to face Leeway.

"You know I didn't mean to—"

"Whatever," Mike cut him off, throwing the first punch. It connected with Leeway's face, and he retaliated with a punch and a kick, pushing Mike back.

"Do better than that if Sensei Dai taught us so well," Leeway taunted.

"That's it." Mike charged, tackling Leeway to the ground. On top, he rained down punches, but Leeway blocked and landed a left hook. Mike dodged and got up, but as Leeway rose, Mike kicked him back down.

Anger flared in Leeway. He leapt up, spinning mid-air, and his foot connected with Mike's head, dazing him. An elbow and a left hook from Leeway knocked Mike down. Leeway moved to pin him, but Mike grabbed a rock and struck Leeway's arm. In pain, Leeway backed up, but Mike charged, throwing punches.

"Don't ever mention Sensei Dai's name if you're going to disrespect him," Mike spat, kneeing Leeway in the stomach.

Doubling over, Leeway accidentally released a pulse of energy, throwing Mike back. "Thought you said no powers?"

"I didn't even—sorry," Leeway stammered. They charged at each other, exchanging blows until both collapsed to the ground.

Lying there, catching their breath, Leeway spoke. "Mike?"

"Hm?"

"I don't think I'm mad at you or Sensei Dai. I could never be. I think I'm mad... at myself."

Mike turned his head. "What? Why?"

"For not being strong enough. Sensei Dai taught us for years, and I still couldn't save him. I can't even imagine if Janet is actually gone because I was there, and I didn't save her. Or even try. I ran, and now I find out I have these amazing abilities, and I still ran away. I can do things regular people can't even imagine, and I can't even protect the people around me."

Mike sighed. "Leeway, stop it with this 'I' stuff. I didn't leave the dojo because you were talking bad about Dai. Yes, it was terrible to hear, but I know you're going through a lot. I left because you pointed out you've been through a lot. What about me? I was with you every step of the way. Did you forget that?"

"Mike, I—"

"Stop. Let me talk. We saw Janet get stabbed. We left Sensei Dai to fight alone. We almost died back at Shadow City, we almost died in those creepy World Woods. We went through a lot to get here, Leeway. I also feel I'm not strong enough. I'm half android, my arm turns into a whole cannon, my stamina surpasses anyone I ever fought, but I still saw my sister losing her life in front of me and stood there. We've got a lot to learn, Leeway. Together, all we've got right now is each other. We can't forget one another, not now."

"You're right, Mike. I understand."

Mike stood and extended his hand, helping Leeway up. Bruised and battered, they embraced.