@maakherumalik said: Malik’s letter arrives on Ryou’s birthday. Between cross-continental travel and postal delays, there was no way that was intentional. Upon opening the handwritten letter, Ryou would find a long awaited and shockingly sincere apology. Malik didn’t dodge around the fucked up ethics of his actions, plainly admittedly his lack of morals. He writes of regret, so much regret, but still, a desire to do better, to live free. He doesn’t mention his band. He doesn’t mention the thief. The letter is focused- no demands for forgiveness or mercy, no half-assed attempts at justification. Just an apology, nothing more. But that’s only if Ryou chooses to read it.
When Ryou received the letter, his eyes widened at the name that was written across the envelope.
Why of all people would Malik send him anything?
Ryou was half-tempted to throw the letter into the garbage, but something propelled him to open it. Maybe it was morbid curiosity more than anything. Why send him anything now? It had been years since Battle City.
Ryou still held bitter feelings towards Malik and the Spirit for doing what they did to him. Still, he wasn't sure if what he felt towards the former crime boss was full-on hatred.
He took a seat on his couch and tucked his legs under his lap. He read the letter quietly, trying to ignore the ball of anxiety he felt as he looked it over. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but the seemingly sincere apology caught him off guard.
By the end of it, a tiny smile crossed Ryou's lips. He wasn't sure if he forgave Malik just yet, but it was a start, he supposed.
After a moment, he got off of the couch and went to grab some stationary paper and pen out of a shelf in the dining room. He sat down at the dining table and began to write a letter of his own.
