Gray clouds hung low, rain dripping softly over the cemetery. Mikey stood at the edge of the grave, fists clenched, knuckles white. His mother's coffin lay before him, surrounded by mourners—teachers, neighbors, and a few classmates—but none could understand the storm inside him.
Jin stood beside him, umbrella in hand, silently letting Mikey grieve.
Memories and Pain
Mikey's mind flashed back:
Her gentle smile as she encouraged him through school struggles.
Late nights teaching him how to be strong, how to persevere.
The moments he'd taken for granted, now gone forever.
Tears streaked down his face, mixing with the rain. "I… I failed her," he whispered, voice cracking.
Jin placed a hand on his shoulder. "No. She raised you to fight, Mikey. That's exactly what you're going to do. You honor her by living… by becoming stronger."
Mikey looked up, anger and grief intertwining in his gaze. "Kang… I'll make him pay. For everything."
Final Goodbye
The priest's voice echoed faintly through the rain. Mikey dropped a single rose onto the coffin, heart heavy.
"I promise… I'll protect everyone else. I won't let anyone else hurt like this."
Jin's hand tightened on Mikey's shoulder. "And I'll be with you. Every step. But remember… control. You can't let rage rule you."
Mikey nodded, fists unclenching slightly, a mix of grief and determination burning in his eyes.
Aftermath
The funeral sets the emotional stakes higher—Mikey's mother's death is now the driving force behind his resolve.
Kang remains free, lurking as a looming threat.
Mikey and Jin now have personal motivation and focus for their next training and battles.