Chapter 8

"Hey dad! You know this is gonna be our first Thanksgiving together with a dinner table!" Leon excitedly says as the two of them exit the subway.

"Well Thanksgiving isn't for another week yet! For some reason your Uncle Adam insists on celebrating early every year" Axel replies whilst taking his hand.

"He said it's because of your birthday and the turkey's are on special offer…" Leon answers, making Axel laugh.

"Is that so? Damn I forgot my birthday was tomorrow! I'm losing track of time kid…" he says as they cross the street together.

"And it's my birthday next month!" Leon enthusiastically replies.

"Now that's one birthday I'll never forget! Have you thought about what you want yet?"

"Yep, I made that list" he happily nods. He then stops to take a piece of paper out of his backpack.

"That's a pretty long list…" Axel raises his eyebrows.

"You did say you would make up for 9 years worth of presents!" Leon looks up at him with seriousness on his face.

"I did?... Didn't I..." Axel sighs.

"Yes!" Leon nods at him confidently.

"You don't forget anything do you?... Ok let's see what's on this list" Axel takes a quick glance. "….soccer boots, water gun, bike, even a drone huh?.. If you're good, I don't see why not…."

"Yes! I promise I'll be good at least for the next month!" Leon jokes.

"Hmmm…" Axel's face turns to surprise as he reads the rest of the list.

"What is it dad?"

"I'm sorry son, I gotta be honest with you. I can't promise this one… I mean who's gonna look after it once I start back at work?" He replies, crouching down in front of Leon as he hands back the list with guilt on his face.

"Please?" Leon begs. "You can take everything else off the list, that's the present I want the most!"

"I know" Axel sighs "but you gotta realise a dog isn't just a present. It's a huge responsibility. You know I'd love one too right? But it won't be fair on them if they have to stay at home by themself for long hours with you at school and me at work…"

"I guess…" Leon replies, frowning his head down.

"Come on, there's a store right over there, they do the best shakes and brownies! Let's pick some up" he smiles.

"Ok..." Leon perks up a smile.

"Then there's someone I'm taking you to meet after…" Axel leads him into the shop.

"Who?" Leon curiously asks.

"Well you know how you love Kempo? This guy is a boss at it!"

"Cool!" The young boy's face lights up with excitement again.

It's only a short 15 minute walk to Wood Oak's ChinaTown and it is the first time that Leon has experienced this part of the city. He is fascinated by the new sights, noises and smells surrounding him.

They enter a busy restaurant then pass through it into the back as soon as one of the managers notices Axel. He greets them with a warm smile then he leads them upstairs onto a roof terrace outside of a dojo.

"It's been a long time…" Shiva grins, stepping outside into the sunshine before extending his hand.

"Too long!" Axel smiles back.

"And you must be Leon, pleased to meet you…awesome name by the way!" Shiva winks then shakes the boy's hand.

"Your dojo is awesome!" He replies, peeking inside from the steps.

"Well you know any fighter from outside is always welcome, but if you enter you'll have to show me a few of your moves…"

10 minutes later and the three of them are dressed in their gis, warmed up and ready to go.

This is definitely the most exciting outing ever for Leon with not one but two teachers challenging him.

The young boy practises another sequence, roundhouse kicking a padded board that Shiva holds up before backflipping then throwing a set of punches and blocks on the two padded boards that Axel is holding up.

"Ok, higher this time!" Shiva encourages as Leon rolls forward, again standing to his feet and repeating the sequence with more speed over and over again each time.

"Not bad! When your dad and I were your age, we used to practise this same sequence every day at our school. Your punches are your strength, but those kicks need a little more work…" Shiva observes.

"See? I told you!" Axel looks at Leon folding his arms.

"Your energy is strong, but don't let anything hold you back, ever" Shiva places one hand on his shoulder. "Does the boy have chi yet?" He asks Axel.

"Why don't you show Sensei…" Axel encourages Leon.

The two fighters kneel on the ground and observe with their arms folded as the young boy takes a deep breath, readying his fists and palms.

It takes him a moment until he suddenly emits two large flames above each palm whilst executing several perfect scissor kicks. He then rotates his right arm and torso back, turning his fire into a dragon wing before somersaulting backwards. He ends up in a lunged position with his legs low and his palms pushed vertically forward. Suddenly the fire from Leon's palms turns into an array of bright electrical current that auras around his body as he rotates his arms. He then drags all of the energy out of the room backwards by his ear. The energy turns into one large electrical ball with a red flame at the centre of it.

"Kikosho!" He pushes his palm forward as the powerful bolt of energy flies past Shiva and Axel then hits the back of the dojo, breaking a hole into its wall.

Leon immediately drops to his knees, catching his breath back as Shiva and Axel look at him astonished for a moment.

"You ok?" Axel runs up to him, noticing Leon looking pale and faint.

"That was incredible!" Shiva comments with amazement in his voice.

"I'm sorry about the wall man, I'll get it fixed for you!" Axel says as he lifts Leon off the ground.

"It's ok, really!"

"You told me not to hold back so I didn't. I'm sorry about your wall" Leon apologises.

"You were only taking my advice, it's ok really, that wall can be replaced! How did you learn that last move?" Shiva asks.

"I don't know…. Dad is always telling me to breathe and let go. That just came out of nowhere!" Shiva and Axel cautiously glance at one another, knowing exactly where that move came from as the boy gulps down a large glass of water.

"Hey Leon, go and shower up and get changed back into your normal clothes - Cesar and Amaya will show you where to go," Axel directs him, pointing to the house at the other side of the roof terrace.

"But I wanna stay and watch you two spar!" He answers.

"Next time ok? We can't be late for Adam's dinner later, it's already 5pm!"

Leon nods back then bows at his father, at Shiva then finally he bows again as he leaves the dojo.

"Have you ever seen him do that?" Shiva asks.

"No," Axel replies puzzled with one hand at the back of his head. "His power's are constantly getting more intense. I'm worried he won't be able to control them. I mean I can teach him how to control the fire but his electrical chi is something else! Can you imagine when he mixes both?"

"I can try and help him with that…" Shiva answers.

"Thanks, I appreciate all the help you've given us today." Axel replies. "I never got to say this and we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I think you understand why I named him after you… Thank you for sacrificing yourself for them" he says with a serious tone, looking Shiva in the eye.

"It was my honour. And I would do it again if I had to. I'm sorry about Blaze" he replies feeling remorseful. "You know she killed that Yamato warrior without even using her chi! She was one of the best fighter's I've ever fought alongside. If Leon takes after either one of you, he'll make an excellent fighter one day".

"Thank you" Axel smiles with regret behind it.

"And for the record, Blaze chose the same name for him too when we were fighting in Lima." Shiva smiles.

"That's good to know she would have approved then!"

The afternoon ends bitter sweet, highlighting a painful past with a future full of promise.

"SURPRISE!"

The small gathering excitedly shouts out as Adam leads Axel and Leon through to the living room.

"Did you know about this?" Axel questions his son, not phased by the surprise.

"Errr no?" He worriedly answers.

"You didn't think I'd forget your birthday tomorrow did you?! Besides, it's the perfect excuse for a celebration with my early Thanksgiving dinner!" Adam smirks as the pair are greeted by Cherry, Sammy, Luca and Zan.

"Plus, the turkeys were on special offer a week early…" He whispers.

"I heard!" Axel says, unimpressed. He slowly warms to the idea of a surprise birthday party and Axel lets out an appreciative smile once he sees the effort that Adam has gone to.

"Ok, first gifts then we eat!" Adam orders.

"What the hell is this…?" Axel's eyes light up as he opens a large gifted box.

"Man, times have moved on over the last 9 years - figured you'd need a new games console" Adam smiles.

"And there's 4 new games right there from me!" Sammy responds.

"Ow thanks guys!" Axel says with a huge excited grin on his face from ear to ear.

"There's also two child friendly games in there from me too that you can play with Leon!" Cherry smiles as Axel pulls out a Sonic Mania case. "Thanks!" He gives her a warm smile.

"Salute!" Luca is next to hand him a bottle of rum with a pink bow stuck to it.

"Haha, thanks man!" Axel laughs.

Cherry then turns to Zan who is standing next to her. "Where's your gift then old man? I had to use 20 dollars of my pocket money!"

"Zan doesn't do gifts!" Sammy replies to her.

"Not fair, he should!" She folds her arms feeling the injustice.

"Who's ready to eat then?!" Adam proudly announces as he prepares to take out the turkey. The rest of the group gather round the table, hungry after a long day.

"Aren't we gonna wait for Max?" Axel quizzes.

"He was supposed to be here an hour ago! I've tried calling and texting. He's probably still in the gym or something!" Adam huffs.

For a moment, Leon tugs on Adam's shirt.

"Ok, dinner will be out in 5!... Thanks for the reminder kid" he replies.

"Hey Ax, could you come with us? Leon wanted to give you his gift away from everyone else… just come back to the kitchen when you two are done..."

"Ok…" Axel replies intrigued as Leon takes his hand and leads him into the hallway.

"This is for you". He hands over a card and a wrapped rectangular gift.

"Card always first" they both say at the same time smiling.

It's message is simple,

To daddy,

Happy birthday :-)

Love Leon

"Aw Thanks kid!" Axel smiles as he scuffles the boy's hair.

"What's this I wonder?" He shakes the box next to his ear trying to figure out what is wrapped up inside, teasing Leon.

"Just open it!" Leon impatiently laughs.

"Ok… I'll stop" Axel guiltily laughs as he starts to unwrap the present.

To his surprise, inside it is a silver bordered photo album with a picture of Axel and Leon together printed on the front of it.

"Wow, this is so nice!" Axel replies, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

"Do you like it?" Leon worriedly asks.

"I love it! Thank you!" Axel smiles, giving Leon the sweetest hug whilst kneeling on the ground next to him. "Now that we're no longer in the wilderness, you and I are gonna take so many more photos together of all of the places we go to. Plus there's your school events, sports days, birthdays... I'm so excited!" Axel grins.

"Me too," Leon smiles.

"And there's plenty of room in this album, so maybe tomorrow you can help me select a photo of your mom to put in here. How does that sound?"

"Really?" Leon's face lights up with excitement.

"Yes!" Axel nods.

"I can't wait to see a picture of her, I bet she was pretty".

"Yeah she was so beautiful. You have her smile by the way and you laugh the same way too".

Leon can't help but smile back, radiating with happiness all over his face.

"Just baby steps though... I'll tell you more about her in time ok?"

"Ok" He happily nods.

"I smell turkey, it's time to eat now…" Axel and Leon walk towards the kitchen.

"Dad, do you smell burning?" Leon asks.

"er...yeaaaah" he awkwardly answers as they witness Adam and Cherry frantically running around the kitchen trying to air out the smoke.

"It's dried out now! This is all Max's fault for being late!" Adam angrily throws his apron down whilst looking grumpily at their burnt dinner.

"Don't worry, I'll order us some pizzas!" Axel calmly replies.

"Yay pizza!" Leon jumps and shouts with joy.

"Pizza it is…" Adam nods defeatedly.

Another hour passes and the group are feeling satisfied and full up from dinner.

"Sorry I'm late!" Sammy leads Max through to the living room to join the others.

"Happy birthday Ax" he smiles.

"Thanks!" The two friends greet one another but Max's smile quickly changes into a concerning frown.

"What's wrong?" Axel asks him, feeling awkward.

"Nothing, I'm good".

He notices Max's palms in a sweat slightly shaking with his body becoming agitated.

"You high? I hope you're not popping pills again…" Axel discretely questions him.

"I'm not!" Max defensively answers. "Just tired from training that's all".

Their conversation is cut short when Adam brings out the birthday cake and candles.

'Please don't sing…!' Axel thinks to himself, glancing at his friends with dread, especially Zan right opposite. At least Cherry is in the room, she's practically a pro when it comes to singing.

After the group has sung the awkward happy birthday, Axel and Leon stand in front of the cake.

"Wait!" Cherry demands, taking a photo of them smiling together. "Ok, you're clear now!" She nods as she adjusts her phone to recording mode.

"Wanna help me make a wish?" Axel asks Leon right before the two of them blow out the candles together then the others cheer.

Once the cake has been served and eaten, Max takes the opportunity to approach Axel for a second time. "You and I need to talk…"

"You're still popping pills aren't you?…. You've been sitting here for the last hour shaking in the corner - everyone can see it. You said no more steroids, no more drugs! How are you gonna fight next week? Go home, sleep it off and I'll meet you in the morning!" Axel says to him then he turns to walk away.

"She's alive!" Max drops the bombshell with a stern tone in his voice.

"Who?" Axel shrugs whilst turning back around to face him.

"Blaze!... She's alive and living right here in Wood Oak City!" Max replies.

"Your fucking crazy you know that? I knew you were high! Just go home, your starting to piss me off"

"But I saw her!"

"What's going on with you two?!" Adam queries, noticing the tension between his two friends as Axel stands there heavily breathing whilst trying to contain his rage. The two of them face each other in an awkward silence.

"Cherry, do me a favour and take Leon to the park." Adam requests.

"But it's 9pm, the park is closed!" She answers feeling puzzled.

"Then go for a walk, get some ice cream"

"But we just had cake…." she shrugs.

"Just do it!... Please" Adam demands whilst passing her $20 in cash.

"Ok," she agrees before they leave.

"Are you two now gonna tell me what the fuck is going on?" Adam queries.

"Why don't you ask Max…" Axel folds his arms feeling perplexed.

"Blaze is alive! I saw her this morning!" Max insists.

"That's impossible…how? .. where?" Adam demands answers.

"He probably hallucinated again,..." Axel pessimistically answers whilst holding up a small plastic bag of pills he took from Max's jacket.

"Hey! That's none of your business!" Max angrily snarls.

"Do you realize what you are saying to me right now Max?! Don't go messin' with my head like this man!" Axel warns, still feeling on edge as he paces back and forth.

"But she's alive! I saw her with my own eyes I swear!" Max insists.

"No" Axel shakes his head. "If Blaze was somehow miraculously alive and in this city, I know she would have already came looking for me and her son! Just go home Max before I...!" He bites his tongue, slowly becoming more and more impatient.

"But she didn't even recognise me! I think she lost her memory…"

"Do you want me to spell it out again for you or do I need to throw you out of here myself!?" Axel clenches his fists then aggressively chucks the small bag of pills towards Max.

"What you do with your life is your business, take as many of these as you want I don't give a fuck! But don't ever bring this shit near my boy again you hear me!?"

"I'm sorry…" Max replies with regret and shame on his face.

Axel shuts his eyes tightly whilst clenching his mouth and fists in anger. He does his best to hold himself back from attacking Max who has just sent fury through his blood. He then takes a long sigh and exhales before he picks up his own jacket to leave.

"When Cherry gets back with Leon, do you think you can keep him here for the night? I need to be alone". Axel says to Adam as he leaves, avoiding any further eye contact with Max.