Regardless of who the fight was against, that mixture of a knot in his stomach and adrenaline surging through Coop's veins remained the same. This wasn't just the biggest fight of his life, this was humanity's first real crack at greatness on this stage. Decades of being the laughing stocks on the galactic stage after first contact, treated like the petulant children of the galaxy and hand slapped every time they reached out beyond their pen. This was something new and exciting. Coop was doing the impossible. Not just was he going to prove he belonged there, in that arena with Kriger, he was going to take that gauche title home to Earth. Fuck that, he was gonna take it home to the UK.

The Birmingham boy was gonna be something.

His uncle paced around the locker room as he was in the habit of, rubbing his hands together like he was imagining the credits piling up in his hand. An unexpected buzzing broke him from his churn of thoughts, Coop tapping his temple to see Sam's face, an uneasy smile breaking through the mass of purple hair. Coop couldn't help but smile back, even with his mind in chaos. She had every right to be pissed at him for focusing on his training so much his last time back down well, not even making it to her place once in his fugue state, so focused on the fight and his legacy.

"So this is it, then?" she asked.

"Seems that way, huh?"

"Any other girl would be pretty pissed, you know." Although there was a smile, Coop knew she was pissed, and rightfully so.

"Yeah, well, you are, and I know I fucked up. I'll make it up to you."

"Kriger's not one of those aliens you get to show off against. This is for real."

"You think I don't know this? Christ," he said. "This is why I didn't wanna deal with you. Don't need the stress."

"You need someone in your life who's in it for more than the money, Cooper. That uncle of yours—"

"Regis is an asshole, I know it, but he's shrewd. I wouldn't be here without him."

"You may not be anywhere thanks to him, either. He's gonna get you killed."

"You know..." He paused for a moment, trying to find the right way to refute her, but was at a loss.

"If it's that bitch of yours, just hang up. We need you focused," Regis shouted.

"I can hear him, you know that, right?"

"I don't need this right now," Coop said. "Shut up, uncle. I'm talking right now."

"Hey look, you can stand up to him," she chided.

"Look, babe. I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you. I promise."

"I'm here for you, Coop. You know that, right?"

"I know that, trust me. Look, it's almost fight time and I gotta be ready. We can talk after this." As much as this conversation was uncomfortable, it needed to happen and set himself at ease. Things were alright between them, which was what he wanted.

"Just... be careful out there. I love you."

"I love you, too, doll." The words sent a shiver down his spine, warming him up and steeling him towards the battle ahead. "Don't worry, I got this. Everything'll change for us after this."

"Just take care of yourself. Please."

"You got it."

Coop tapped his forehead, ending the call, exhaling in frustration. Like he needed more pressure right now, but that was life. A small zondian scuttled into the room, flicking at his projected screen before him, almost walking into Coop. Regis's hand jutted out, catching him where he stood. The zondian almost toppled over, grunting and cowering at realizing his error.

"Oh no, I'm sorry," he said.

"We're preparing for a fight here!" Regis intimidated the poor zondian who nearly fell on his ass at the shock. "Watch where you're going."

"S-s-sorry," he said.

"Out with it. What do you need?" Coop asked.

"F-five minutes until your fight, sir."

"Right, thanks."

He stared at the zondian, who continued to tap away at his screen, glancing up to catch Coop's death stare, shriveling inward and shuffling through the door. A laugh bubbled up from down below, Regis glaring at him before the laugh caught on, both laughing at the diminutive zondian scared of a human. The time drew near, Coop popping the black case open to reveal Guy with a fresh charge pack. With ceremony, Coop picked Guy up, giving a few solid swings before picking up the charge pack and slipping it into place with a click. His thumb flicked the power on, power surging through the metal wires and barbs, a few sparks flying out that bring a smile to his face. They'd come a long way, him and that bat. This was the big one.

"You ready?" Regis was checking his feed.

"As ready as I'm gonna be. How much time I got?" he asked. Coop took another swing at the air, an attempt to assuage the pre-fight jitters.

"Any second now the light'll come, then it's go time. I should get to my box to watch the fight. I'll be down here after... you'll be fine, kid."

"I know," he said, rolling his eyes. Still, it felt good to hear the reassurance. When he got out in front of that crowd, with those bright lights and the fervor that was the arena, he'd appear cool and confident and ready for action. It was, after all, just one big show for the crowd. A bloody, brutal show of strength, valor and finesse. Championship fights were worse than usual, and he knew it. Someone would have to give up or die, the officials allowing those fights to go further. Death in the arena was a certain one if the medics didn't get there in time, too.

The green light over the door blinked to life, his stomach dropping and his grip on the bat tightening. This was it. No turning back now. Everyone was counting on him, but fuck that. This was more than that. This was for him. Finally, that kid from the worst parts of the London sprawl was gonna prove he was more than anyone thought he could be.

"It's time," he muttered to himself while the door parted and the roar of the crowd filled the air.