4. Encouragement

Doc found who he was looking for. In the corner of the small gymnasium, Little Mac stood chatting with his friend, Ryu. Doc walked over and spoke up.

"Hey, Mac," he said, waving at him. He smiled at Ryu, who was there to visit Little Mac for a while.

Little Mac turned to his trainer and grinned. "Hey Doc. Did you see me out there the other day? I was invincible in that fight!" he cried, flexing his muscles to prove his point.

Ryu and Doc chuckled until Doc spoke in a more serious tone. "Well, tomorrow's the big day; fighting the champion of the ring!"

Little Mac's eyes widened. Already? he thought. Gulping down a lump in his throat, he started to sweat.

Doc stared at the boxer. "Mac baby? Are you okay?" he asked with concern in his voice.

The boxer nodded vehemently. "Y-yeah! It's…it's hot in here."

Ryu raised an eyebrow. Normally, Little Mac would be stoked whenever Doc announced that he would be fighting someone. What was going on?

Doc smiled. "I'll let you cool off for a bit, Mac baby. We'll be training in a few minutes," he stated as he walked off.

Little Mac sighed in relief as he sat down on a bench, his eyes closed. Ryu stared at him, his eyebrows raised. "Mac?" he questioned. "Are you okay?"

Little Mac said nothing, turning his head away from Ryu.

"Mac," Ryu called a little louder, sitting beside him. "Answer me."

Little Mac sighed and turned back to face his friend.

"What's wrong?" Ryu asked.

"I…" Little Mac looked down, his gaze focused on his feet.

"Come on," Ryu placed a hand on the boxer's shoulder. "Is something the matter? I could help you solve it."

Little Mac looked back at Ryu. Gulping down another lump in his throat, he felt his heart racing. "I…I don't think I could fight the champion…"

Ryu stared at him. "Huh? Why?"

"I don't think I'm strong enough to fight him…" Little Mac said, his gaze once again down at his feet. "I would end up being a Mac sandwich if I do fight him…I'm just weak."

Ryu shook his head. "Mac," he spoke sternly, placing both of his hands on the boxer's shoulders. "Mac, look at me."

Little Mac reluctantly looked up at the martial artist.

"You're a strong man. You've proved it during our matches and in the boxing ring. You can fight. If you can beat me, I'm sure that you can beat the champion."

"But Ryu—" Before Little Mac could get another word out, Ryu interrupted him.

"Mac. Listen to me. I know you can do it. I've watched you fight in the boxing ring. You've proved yourself. You're one step closer to becoming a World Champion; you can't back down now."

Little Mac stared into Ryu's eyes, listening to his inspirational speech. He then asked, "But…what if I lose? Doc would be disappointed in me…"

"He won't, Mac," Ryu encouraged. "He knows how hard you worked to get to this point. Don't give up; you can do this."

Silence filled the air as Little Mac stared at his friend. With his gaze down, he nodded. "You're right…I'm sorry for doubting myself, Ryu."

"Everyone feels nervous, Mac," Ryu reassured. "You just need to get up and do it."

A small smile spread across Little Mac's face. "Ryu…thank you."

"Anything for a friend, Mac," Ryu spoke with a smile, his fist up for the boxer to punch. Little Mac fistbumped him gently, his grin widening.

"Mac baby! It's time!" The two heard Doc calling from the other room.

"Go on, Mac," Ryu encouraged, "good luck with your training."

"I will, Ryu." Little Mac smirked as he got up and put his boxing gloves on. He then walked off to the other room to meet Doc for his training.

Ryu watched him go, smiling.

Good luck, Mac. I know you'll win this. For me.


Constructive criticism is welcomed! Requests are still open!

Beta reader: h34rt1lly