Returning

Mike was on his way on an old, broken apart cruiser ship to his way back to Canada, yet he was accompanied by that same dark man that he saw before. Mike then asked as he saw a huge sunset go down for the sixteenth time since he left London, "So might I ask who you are now?" The dark man then took off all of his dark clothes to reveal an old man, with a dog-like face and a black mustache across his face in old brown robed clothing. The old man then said, "My name is Sarunai. Right now though what is important is that you get back to Edmonton at once. It's very urgent that you and your brothers are reunited together." Mike then asked, "Why is it urgent? We're just kids. Nothing but orphaned kids." Sarunai then replied, "Yet you both were born to extraordinary parents. They both entrusted me to take care of you and your siblings. I also said that I would pledge my life to do so. Otherwise, if I can't help you three out, how are you supposed to face your enemies." Mike looked confused as he said this and as the sun finally stopped shining and the moon began to come out.

Sarunai then began to explain Mike about his parents history as studying lawyers, determined fighters, and strong people with strong hearts. He then went on to explain that Mike, Victor and Chris were in danger of becoming prey to the darkness, evil, and of becoming villains. If that were to happen, the whole universe would fall. Mike then replied, "But that doesn't make any sense. I'm a puny kid, so are Victor and Chris. How could we possibly be a threat to humanity or the universe?" Sarunai then explained as best as he could, "You have so much to learn about fighting my boy. Which is why I shall be your Master. Now don't ask me any questions about this, the answer is the same way. I am doing this for your benefit, not mine."

So before Mike could even bother to ask, he was at more training while on the cruiser. He spent a lot of time fishing, working out, and even one time he practiced doing yoga unfortunately. Mike then asked as his Master Sarunai held his hands in the air and his legs were crossed, "So why am I doing this again?" "You need to learn about balance my boy. It is the only way you'll be able to focus on your opponent." Mike then grumbled as he tried to the same thing as his sensei as they both sat on a blue tarp. Days and days went by, as Mike scrubbed Sarunai's room and polished his night stand and everything. He worked hard to make sure he pleased his master and as a reward, Sarunai would give Mike either a medal, some candy from the many drawers he had in his private, old smelly quarters, and sometimes he would even give Mike some ice cream so they could watch the sunset and talk about different things that happened during the day, the people they met, etc.

One day, Mike began to talk to Sarunai about being a responsible brother. "So you think you're not a good brother then?" Mike then replied, "It's not that I don't mean well, but I just couldn't help Chris and Vic out when they needed me. Ever since our parents died, I couldn't help, but feel alone, afraid, abandoned. We were left to fend for ourselves. We don't have the same luxury every other kid has." Sarunai put his arm around Mike and said, "It wasn't your fault Michael. You're still very young. You have much to learn about being a man." Mike then asked, "But what if I can't do it? I could barely handle myself in the military in Europe. How can I possibly help my brothers out now especially being the weak little guy I am now?" Sarunai then thought to himself and said, "You know, sometimes you just have to understand that there are some things in life you just can't control. We don't always understand why we are in a certain situation, but in the end it helps to know that if we just do our best, we can get out of things just fine and who knows? Maybe you and your brothers will be able to find your way in this world into a better life too." Mike smiled as he hugged Sarunai and said, "Thanks Master. I needed that." Sarunai hugged Mike and replied, "Just remember my son, in order to protect your brothers you must be strong for yourself and to believe in yourself as well. Do these things I tell you and you will never lose in battle." With that Mike went on his way to cleaning up the private quarters, even though he slept on a cot and Master Sarunai got the bed, Mike felt at home on the ship. The shipmates were really friendly, the food was decent since they made sandwiches, ate fish sticks, etc. Mike never did need to prove himself until one fateful day when Sarunai's advice would really come in handy.

Mike then heard a roar out at sea the next day and when he looked out, he could see that dark, puffy clouds were gathering together, the wind was picking up, the water was brushing the boat back and forth, and what's more there was even a heavy downpour of rain on the ship to make things even worse. Master Sarunai appeared from his quarters and said, "It looks like my training will be put to good use after all. You'll have to face this enemy on your own though son." Mike then asked looking out to sea, "Who are you talking about? I don't see anything out there, but some bad weather." Then Mike saw a giant sea dragon looking like a black plesiosaur and Master Sarunai then asked, "You were saying?" Mike then jumped on top of the ship near the captain's mess hall and the giant aquatic lizard rammed the boat with its giant head. Mike then jumped as high as he could as the dinosaur aimed for Mike and nearly bit him, but Mike grabbed hold of the monster's head and held on tight as it swung him around rapidly in circles. Then one of the shipmates dressed in a classic Donald duck sailor suit then let the whole crew know about this and said, "We ought to help the lad out. He could get eaten or worse drown if that won't kill him."

Sarunai then replied, "He's my pupil. Let his figure this one out on his own." Then as the beast roared and dived underwater, Mike punched its left eye as it came to the surface and then Mike kicked its bottom jaw. He then thought to himself as he tried to kill the monster, 'What am I doing here? I can't take on this thing here. I'm just a kid with some ideas. I'm no hero." Then Sarunai's advice came back to him, 'In order to protect your brothers you must be strong for yourself and to believe in yourself as well. Do these things I tell you and you will never lose in battle. You will never lose in battle.' Then Mike began to believe in himself as he nodded and punched the monsters eyes out and nearly fell off into the sea. The beast slashed Mike with his tail and as he fell the plesiosaur turned around to eat Mike whole, but Mike then took out a spare knife he carried with him on special occasions and slashed the monster's eyes, blinding him. Mike then grabbed onto its neck and slashed at it repeatedly until lighting struck the water right near the plesiosaur. Miles away, the crew noticed this and then it began to rain. They lowered their heads as a sign of respect thinking he died out at sea. Then as they began to head to their duties, Sarunai heard a cry for help and he replied, "Get a lifesaver. The boy's alive." The shipmate then replied, "I'm sorry pal, but there's no way a boy like that could survive lighting especially out at sea in this weather. He's as good as dead." Then even the shipmate heard this and as Sarunai gave him a look of 'I told you so' they threw a lifesaver out to sea and Mike sure enough grabbed it and was pulled to safety. Then the same shipmate asked, "So what were ya thinking lad? You could've drowned. Or worse, you could have been eaten by that creature." Mike then replied with a smile as he looked at his master and into his green eyes, "Because of him. Master Sarunai taught me that to be a stronger man and a good leader means to face your fears and never give up ever." With that the crew lifted Mike in applause and they headed down the stairs to the kitchen and as they did, Master Sarunai looked at to the sea just starting to come out of the storm into a nice warm morning and he said, "Oh my what a son you have. If only you two could see him now."

(This last part really gets you thinking, but I'll leave that for further speculation. Anyways, I am going to spend another chapter on Mike and his travels at sea and then three more chapters on Chris and his saga and then after that, every chapter fluctuates pretty much between all three boys so I'll make a sole set of chapters based on the events said in them. If that doesn't any sense, you'll see what I mean really soon!!)

(Next Time: Out at Sea.)

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