246 50 Own Way

As they entered, Larkin chuckled. "How amusing..." He looked at Rick. "So you've decided to abandon the mask, eh Mr. Reaper?" He grinned. "Larkin!" Rick cried out. "I'm afraid that you're already too late, the synchronization was a success." He knocked on the tubes. "Alas, despite your status as a notorious killer, I'm afraid you'll be beaten to a pulp within a mere few seconds." Rick growled. "However, perhaps your friends may be able to take on my underling while you warm up." He said, leaning on the balcony. Rick quickly turned to the group. "I have some grudge with the pink b.a.s.t.a.r.d." Norio sighed, as he took a step forward. "Did you see how Chris ended up!?" Rick cried. "Forget it, he's just tauntin' ya!" Suddenly, Mim appeared behind Norio. "A grudge with me?" He asked. "How amusing..." Norio quickly spun around. "That is," He began. "If you're fast enough!" He said as he kicked his leg. Norio quickly dodged. He panted, putting up fists. "Nori, you better be careful!" Keren cried out. Norio examines the room. His eye widened as Mim quickly came from behind him. Norio quickly ducked. "This is lame, ya gonna try offense soon or what?" Mim asked. Norio lifted his leg, kicking in a circle. "Tch!" Mim appeared, and fell to the ground. "I didn't mean right this second!" He cried. Thats it, when he's immobile on the ground, he's vulnerable!" Norio thought to himself. He quickly began kicking. Mim grinned as each kick hit. He then grabbed Norio's leg. However, Norio kicked him with his other leg, and spun out from the lock. "s.h.i.+t!" Mim grumbled, as Norio continuously kicked him. "The h.e.l.l are you so quiet for, you're," Norio kicked him in the mouth before he could finish. "I'm not here to play, dumba.s.s!" He growled. "My kids life ain't a game!" He said, as he kicked the final blow. Everyone watched on, stunned. However, Larkin chuckled in amus.e.m.e.nt. "You've grown, Norio." Norio quickly looked up, his eye widened.

"Why did you think a knife fight with an eleven year old was a good idea!?" Mikael cried out. Larkin was silent. Norio nervously hovered in the doorway, the two adults unaware. "Don't you think these children need self defense?" Larkin finally spoke. "Yes, But!" Mikael paused as he looked at Larkin as he chuckled. "What is so funny?" He glared. "Nothing its just, Rick has shown potential is all." Larkin said. "Potential for what!?" Mikael angrily snapped. "Oh it's nothing..." Larkin sighed. Mikael looked down. "Larkin don't tell me..." Larkin chuckled. "You worry too much, Mikael." He said, patting him on the shoulder. He then frowned. "You know on the other hand," he paused. "Norio is far too weak..." Norio's eyes widened. "Do you think he'll be able to protect anyone the way he is...?" Mikael was silent. "Tell me?" Larkin asked. "He has a good heart, he will protect what he needs to, in his own way." Mikael said, giving a big smile. "I believe in him." Larkin looked at him, then let out a sigh. "Have it your way..." Norio began tearing up, causing the two adults quickly panic.

"That day..." Norio said, turning to Mikael. Mikael quickly looked up. "Have I grown stronger...to protect what I want in my own way?" Mikael looked down as he smiled. "Ah, You've grown into a fine young man, able to protect what's dear to him in your own, special way." Norio looked at him, then smiled. "Thank you for believing in me..." Mikael closed his eyes. "Fight for what you believe in, always." Norio nodded. "Norio..." Rick whispered. Larkin closed his eyes smiling. "Rick." He began. Rick quickly turned his head. Larkin quickly jumped from the balcony, lunging at Rick.