7/2 - Holy lands - BlackRock - morning

A crowd of prisoners surrounds the behemoth as he clutches the blondie, who turns out to be Marie’s brother. This little horde is attracting other prisoners who are passing by. Wouldn’t be surprised if guards came busting in here any minute now.

Marie, with a gaping jaw and wide eyes with the whites showing, stares at her brother. "Brother…"

Yeah, I think we need to do something before he gets his head caved in. Good thing there's a local punk in the area.

“Don’t worry, Marie. I got this.”

"Wait, what are you…?"

Picking up a tray from a table, I shuffle through the mob of people. I'm close enough. Now to get into the perfect position. I hop onto a table right in front of the big guy. Sweet, dude doesn't even notice me.

“Fore!”

I whack him with the tray. The sound of his cranium being used as a target echoes inside the cafe. Oh! That's gotta hurt?

"What the shit! Who was tha-"

Oh, no you don't, big guy. Before he can act, I kick his face. I can feel his nose crushed against the weight of my foot. Ya know, I don't think I put my back into that one. I kick him again, putting more weight into this one. Perfect, now I feel like I kicked him.

He retreats, closing his nostrils to keep the blood from leaking out. Well, that takes care of that. Time to see if blondie is okay.

"You okay?"

"Yes, I am, but…" He tilts his head with a raised eyebrow. "May I inquire why you hit that man?"

"You're kidding me, right? Cause he was gonna turn your skull into powder."

His eyes widen as his brows shoot up. “Ah, so you were coming to my aid? In that case, I appreciate your assistance," he ends with a broad smile that reaches his eyes.

I know I called him stupid earlier, but he can’t be this dense, right?

“You little shit!”

Crap, this guy is still geared to go! His humongous fist trained on my head. I pick up a tray to block it. It's too strong, it’ll break the tray! The force of the blow knocks me to the ground. Man, how am I still alive? The tray has an inward dent. Huh, go figure.

"Friends, let's not fight! Let us drink and feast together."

Idiot, that's not gonna work! I move the blondie out of the way before he can get his skull crushed. Swiping a bottle off a table, I smash it over this douchebag's head. I’m not gonna give him the chance to catch his breath. I keep hitting him with anything I grab, taking and throwing away stuff as fast as I can.

Getting ready to rock his head with a tray, his arm shoots up at my neck.

"Gotcha!" How did he tank all those hits!? "Thought I was gonna go down easily? Well, you're sadly mistaken. Right now, I can crush your neck."

Bastard probably can! His grip is restricting any oxygen from entering my lungs, crushing everything inside. It’s like my lungs will pop out if he keeps this up. I won’t let this bastard get me so easily!

“Here!”

I slam the palm of my hands against his ears, messing up his eardrums. A rush of air makes its way through my throat as I try to suck it all down. He thought I was a goner. Jokes on him, I’m too good to get killed.

The big claws at his ears, screaming his lungs out from the sudden interference in his eardrum. Thrashing all over the place like a willy mammoth. I bet the whole prison can hear this guy yelling his ass off.

“I’ll kill you!”

There’s no lag in my movements, I jump back the moment he tries to grab me. However, this was a mistake. Assuming backing up is all it would take was a mistake. That’s because this guy’s arms are freaking huge! They’re easily able to catch me. His gorilla grip wraps around my leg. I’m thrown through the air like I’m some freaking’ football! I bounce off a table. Numbing pain flares up everywhere around my body. Okay, that does it, he is so dead!

"Alright, you ape-looking asshole! Bring it...! Huh, why are y’all looking at me like that?"

Everyone freezes in place, looking at me in fear. Well, well, looks like my dangerous bad boy energy. What can I say? I’m just too strong for my own good. Oh, there’s a guy next to me, he’s drenched in that sewage that’s called food. Did I spill that on him? Now that I think about it, I think I hit something on the table before bouncing off.

"Oh, sorry dude, my bad."

Can’t tell if he’s pissed or not. Either way, this guy looks big, so I better be ready for a fight.

The guy stands up, showing off his ridiculous height and his build. Not too big, but not something to scoff at either. He turns his head to me, showing off his expression. Wait, hold on a minute, he seems calm.

"Nah, it's fine. I got ten other pairs of these back in my room."

Whoa, thought he was going to pound on me.

"G-G-Gil! I'm so sorry, I-I didn't see you there!"

This 6'6 man, someone who easily towers over guys like me, and this dude, who's 6'4.

"Nah, it’s alright man, I got more where these came from. Though it is a bit annoying that you guys are fighting in this place? Don't you know it's not allowed in here? Aren’t I right, guard?"

The guard in mention is Marie, who jumps up, straightening out like a plank of wood. "What? Yes, you should not fight here at all!"

Does she think she sounds like a guy? I hope to god she doesn’t.

"So, shouldn't they file out a request for a fight?"

"Yes...umm, they should!"

"Then why don't we set up a match for them? It's better to just settle it there than here."

Sounds fair. I might as well benefit from kicking this guy's ass.

"Sounds great. When does this fight start?" I ask, itching with excitement.

“It’ll be announced, so keep your ears open.”

"Fine by me. Maybe it’ll give him enough time to beg me not to beat him. And just so he knows who he'll be saying sorry to, the name is Proxy."

A roar of laughter follows after my declaration... Why are they laughing at me? What’s so goddamn funny!?

"Proxy. Okay, and the challenge would be?"

"I'm the Bison!"

"Alright, then I'm going to get the match set up, so until the next hour, no fighting, okay?"

With that, Gil, or whatever his name is, leaves the cafe, practically dragging Marie with him. The Bison, alongside his little posse, makes for the outside of the cafe.

He turns his ugly face to me. “Hey, kid, you better not try to pussy out of the fight, you hear?”

I flip him off. I ain’t scared of that overgrown loser.

"Kid, let's split," Chip says, holding a bag of chips in his hands.

I dart my eyes at the guys, who are still laughing at me. Trust me, when I say I want to beat their asses, I want to smash my fist against their heads, crush their stomachs with my foot! But if I did, I’d just look like a weakling. A lame punk hits those below them without being challenged. So even if it pisses me off to no end, I’ll keep my cool.

"Yeah, let's go."

I follow him out of the cafe, feeling bitter as all hell. Ya know, it feels like I’m forgetting something important. What is it? Damnit, I’m too pissed to remember! Man, that match better start soon, I need to get all this frustration out of me!

...

Leaning on the guardrail on one of the crossways, Chip and I are looking at the other prisoners doing their day-to-day, or something like that. Being this high up reminds me of sitting on the rooftop of the school. Course, students normally can’t sit up there, but who’s gonna stop me if they don’t know about it?

"Two fights in a row this early… Man, you must have bad luck."

"Nothing unlucky about it."

"Oh, sure about that? Did you forget your soon-to-be opponent threw you across the room? You’re gonna get killed."

"He can’t kill me. I’m gonna beat him."

"Pretty confident in yourself." Chip opens another bag. “...Just don’t get a swollen head, or you might lose it.”

Can’t tell if that was a snide remark, or he’s just monotone. Whatever, even if he has some ulterior motive, I’m stronger than him, so I don’t care.

"Thanks for the advice."

Turning away from the guardrail, a blonde hair man approaches us, waving his hand at us while grinning from head to toe. Isn’t that Marie’s brother?

"Hello, friends! How are you two doing on this fine day?"

"Doing fine, stiff," I called him.

"Stiff? why are you calling me stiff?"

"Cause you're talking weird, man," Chip adds, chuckling at the end.

"Oh, then, how about this? What is up, gentlemen?”

I cough out a laugh, heaving my chest while rocking back and forth from the guardrail.

“Umm, did I say something amusing?”

“Dude, you don’t gotta talk like that. Just act natural.”

“Natural, of course. I apologize for my odd behavior. Oh, and I am sorry that you got involved in my mess. I should be the one taking responsibility for this. Please, allow me to fight him in your stead!"

He drops to his knees, bowing with his head, touching the concrete ground. Come on man, people are giving us weird looks!

"Okay, okay, I get it. You can stand up now."

"So you'll allow me to fight for you?"

"Hell no."

Shock written on his face, he goes slack jaw.

"You sure ‘bout that, kid?" Chip asks me, lacking emotion unlike blondie here.

"Sure am. It might be your fault, but when I get into a fight, I don’t back down… Besides, even if that guy’s bigger than me, I still wanna fight him. Who knows, it might be fun.”

"Ah..." Alex stands back on his feet, staring me straight in the eyes with this honest look on his face. "...You impress me.”

"Hm?"

"You are not running away from this fight or fearing for your life. You are facing it with unwavering determination. I like that type of bravery!"

"I guess that counts for something, even if it’s gonna get you killed, kid."

"Thanks. Also, my name isn't kid, it's Proxy."

"Weird name."

"Coming from the guy named Chip."

"Chip and Proxy. Lovely names. I am Alexander. it's a pleasure to meet you both."

“Nice to meet you, Alex.”

"Same to you, blondie.”

We got mixed up in small talk for a while before we moved on to the important matters at hand.

"Okay, your opponent is the Bison, right?"

"Such an intimidating name," Alex says, seeming concerned.

"Nah, don't let the name fool you, he's nothing special. His win count is at 24 fights to 7 losses; an average score, at best. But, I'm just taking a guess here, while he isn't ripped to the max, he is strong enough to throw you across a room so I wouldn't underestimate his strength."

"Damn, how do you know all that?"

"Before coming to the prison, it was my job to gather information on people."

"Were you an info broker?" Alex asks.

"Not really, but enough of that. Back to the match."

Thinking back on my first match, my opponent had a knife on him.

"I can bring weapons in the arena, right? Cause last night, the guy I fought had a knife on him."

"Anything goes. Thinking about using one?"

"Nah, I was just asking if I could. I'm just fine using my fists."

"You sure about that one, kid?"

"Yeah, I'm better off with my fists anyway..."

"Well, if you say so. Just hope he doesn't turn you into paste."

"Proxy, do be careful."

"The fight isn't starting yet, so let’s just chill out."

"In that case, you guys start without me. I gotta go do something."

“Alright, see ya.”

“Goodbye, Chip. I hope we will be able to talk again later.”

“Sure, why not?”

Chip balls up the bag of chips and throws it on the floor. He pulls out another one from his pocket.

"What a strange character," Alex comments.

"Yeah, those chips are from another world?..."

Hopefully not from mine.

"So, are you certain that you will fight him with just your fist?"

"Yeah, I might not look it, but my fists are my best weapons. But you know what, enough about the fight, I wanna do something."

"Then allow me to show you around the prison."

"Lead the way, man."

For the next half hour, Alex gave me a tour of the prison. But all we did was just go up the spiral. After a while, we just took a break on another crossing.

"So you've been locked in here for causing a brawl?"

"Yep, sure did."

"I see... So, how long do you think that will deceive them?"

"What do you mean?"

"If such an event were to occur in the kingdom, it would be considered a mutiny. Surely enough, the likes of that would reach the ears of the guards, or fellow prisoners."

“Are mutinies common?”

“For the past 7 years, no. As a matter of fact, they have never happened because there is no need.” No need? Is that place perfect or something? "Nevertheless, you are taking quite the gambit. But fear not, I vow to never share this secret of yours. Furthermore, if you require assistance, call on me, and I shall aid you."

This guy… I don’t feel any malicious intent coming from him, and I don’t think he’s playing a joke on me. That smile on his face tells me everything I need to know.

"No offense, but I've only known you for half an hour."

"It matters not. A man should always help his fellow man if it is for a just cause.”

Wow, what a boy scout. But at least he’s not an asshole.

"Thanks, but you should be careful who you help out. Who knows, maybe I could be up to no good."

"But I don't sense you are up to anything nefarious, so it is alright."

"I mean, you're right, I'm not, but..."

An ear-grating buzzing sound reverberates throughout the spiral, scratching at the back of my brain.

“What the hell is this!?”

“They’re about to announce a fight.”

"Attention everyone," a deep, scratchy voice announces. “...the 12:30 AM fight is about to begin. Fighters: Proxy and Bison report to arena C-3."

Finally, now it’s time to show that big loser what I’m made of. "Looks like it’s showtime. Alex, can you show me to the arena?"

"I can. Just follow me."

Perfect. When I make my entrance, its gotta be stylish. Maybe a backflip into the arena? Nah, maybe two! Yeah,

...

Alex took me in a circle, we were getting no closer to finding the area. Not looking too good, not at all.

"You should've told me you had no idea where we're going."

"I am sorry! I thought I knew where the C-3 is at."

This is so embarrassing! If I'm late for the fight, people will think I chickened out or something like that! Damnit, this is totally not cool, man!

“Hm, aren’t you…?” Behind us, someone calls my attention. It’s the big guy from the cafe. What’s his name…? “...Aren’t you guys supposed to be heading to C-3?”

“Yeah, but this guy doesn’t know where he’s heading.”

“Again, I am sorry.”

“Oh, so you guys are lost? Well, just keep going straight until you see a sign for the arena number.”

“Sweet, thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it, but can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“You know your opponent is stronger, right?”

“You gonna ask why I’m fighting?”

“Pretty much.”

“Simple: I don’t run from fights, not now, not ever.”

“Sounds reckless. Don’t you have any doubts?”

“No way, because I know I’m gonna win.”

Why should I be? I've been fighting for most of my life. I can handle anything anyone throws at me; big, small? Who gives a shit! I’ll take them all on.

“Wow, you have amazing confidence. Well, I hope you have a good fight.”

“Thanks. I’ll make sure the match doesn’t end too quickly.”

I go on ahead of Alex. I’m in a better mood than I was before. Still, there’s gonna be no doubt once I beat this guy that I'm no joke. Those bastards laughed at me! I’ll show all of them I’m not a goddamn joke!

“Proxy, you are walking too fast!”

“Ah, sorry.”

BlackRock - C-3 arena - morning

Outside the area, pipes run along the walls, hissing barely visible steam. It gives a foreboding sense of danger, telling me to turn back from this fight. Even the prison itself is telling me to back off, huh? Screw that, I’m not afraid!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about Alexander. Guess this is the end of the line for him.

"Alright man, I think you should get going," I tell him.

He stands there, giving me a serious look. "Reconsider this. Allow me to fight in your stead."

Seriously, this again? The guy is persistent, I’ll give him that much.

"Like I told you, I ain’t gonna run from a fight."

“How come? Why is it so important that you fight back? Would it really matter if you did?”

“Course it would. Fighting is what I live for, so if I back out, if I lose a fight, then what am I gonna do? Besides, I hate being laughed at.”

I’m the best fighter in NewPort Island. Even if I have to beat older kids, I can’t lose, no matter what, I’m the best. I have to always be the best, even if my opponent is bigger than me. And so far, I haven’t lost a single fight yet, so why should today be any different?

“...I see, then, I apologize.”

“For what?”

“For insulting you. I assumed your words were out of sheer bravado. However, I was gravely mistaken. I hope I can earn your forgiveness.”

Whoa, what the hell!? I didn’t expect him to apologize, let alone practically grovel on his knees! Geez, this guy is something else.

“Hey, man, come on. It ain’t that bad…” I extend my hand to him. “...Wanna make it up? Just cheer me on in there, kay? That good enough?”

“Is that all?”

“Yeah, it ain't no problem, right?”

He takes my hand, letting me pull him up. “Then, I suppose so...”

“Right on!”

I head off for the arena, leaving behind Alex. Seriously, there’s something I have to say, but I don’t… Oh, that’s right!

“Alex, your sister is here, in the prison!”

“Really!?”

“Yeah! I’ll tell you more about it later, so I’ll come to find you after this match.”

“Wait, how do you…”

I run ahead. Alex’s voice grows distant as I run ahead. I’m already kinda late, so I can’t screw around. Ahead, there’s a door, wide open. Running through it, I’m in an area that’s lined with patchwork metal. The floor, like the last, is covered in dried-up blood.

Unlike the last one, I can see the audience, watching 8-9 meters above the walls that surround the arena. There’s a room on the left side of the audience area, 2 meters higher than the audience area. From down here, I can’t tell who’s up there.

"Thought you had run away, little man."

My opponent stands before me, standing around like he’s hot shit. On his back, he’s wearing a metal pole, crude in design, but seems to pack quite a punch if someone could swing it.

"You kidding? I was worried that you had high-tailed it out of here," I retaliate.

"Are you making fun of me?"

"Not obvious enough?"

I could see a blood vessel pop against his forehead. "You…"

Sudden microphone feedback interrupts him.

"Gentlemen and no ladies! Today's fight is underway! Our fighters today are the stark contrast in height, weight, and strength! New to the ring with 1 win and 0 losses, a boy of mystery, but has been up to no good in the kingdom! The shorty on the left, give it up for Proxy!”

Did this bastard call me short? The crowd jeers against me, insulting me every which way while telling me I'm gonna get my ass kicked.

“And the 6'6 giant on the right: He’ll slam ya against the ring, he’ll punch your guts out, and he sure as will crush you beneath his might! Give it up for the Bison!”

The crowd erupts into cheers, giving him compliments, telling him to stomp me out, and barely giving me any attention, like I already lost this fight. Ignore me all you want, but by the end of this, you’ll all see what I’m made of.

“...And to make it even more exciting, the arena king himself is watching!”

The crowd goes silent, shocked by that announcement. I can hear them murmuring up there, but not exactly what they’re saying, but it seems like he’s the big cheese around here.

“...Now, without a further ado, I present to you, the king of the arena: Gilhart!”

Light illuminates the room. What the hell!? It’s the dude from the cafe, and not only there, but when me and Alexander were lost. Does the king of the arena mean he’s the strongest or something?

Gil gives me a thumbs up. Does that mean he's in my corner? Not like it matters, either way, I’m kicking this guy’s ass, one way or the other.

“But that ain’t it, gentlemen! Our king has opened the king's pot. All of those who are here in the audience, please, with the pen and paper that’ll be handed out, write down anything under 20,000 credits, your name, and the fighter you’re betting on. A guard will collect your bets shortly..."

Everyone starts placing their bets. It’s pretty obvious who they’re going with.

"You know they're betting on me, right kid?" No shit. “…I could've broken you back in the cafe, but I knew I wasn't gonna get much out of it. Now, I'mma win a hefty reward for this." A creepy chuckle comes from his mouth. "...Man, I am so glad I threw you at the king." God, this dude doesn’t know when to shut up, does he? "Are ya scared, wetting yourself, or maybe you're-"

"God, do you ever shut up?"

"Huh?"

"Since you’re as dense as a brick, I’ll tell you straight-out: I don’t care if they bet against me. In fact, that makes it all the sweeter.” A smirk creeps across my face, unnerving my opponent. “...Makes beating the odds that much cooler."

Though, that thing on his back is a bit concerning. I’m guessing he’s not gonna let it rest there for long, isn’t he?

"That’s it! We’re gonna be collecting your bets! Don’t try to change it, or else you get jack!” A minute passed after that announcement. Guards move through the audience, collecting their bets. One of them gave an “okay” sign. “Awesome! Now that we have all the bets, let’s begin the match! On the count of 3, both fighters will beat the shit out of each other! Fighters, get ready!"

This is it, it's beginning! A fight, something that doesn’t need complex thought put into it, only my absolute attention. I relax my shoulders, raising my arms with my left extended forward. My left leg forward, ready to shoot off the moment it’s go time. In short, I’m mimicking a boxer’s stance.

My opponent is just standing there, wide open for a gut punch. Typically, the big guys usually go for grapples, so it won’t surprise me if he tries to grab me the moment I get close. But again, that staff is a bit concerning. With how long it is, being 5 meters wide, I have to be careful. Other than that, I got this in the bag.

"On the count of three...two...one, GO!"

I kick off the ground, closing the gap between us in a few steps.

...

I had found the man Proxy was with earlier.

"Hello," I announce my presence.

"Hey, blonde."

I sit next to him. His attention is transfixed at the fight occurring below. "You seem rather interested in the fight," I pointed out.

"Yep, I have credits riding on this."

"You seem rather confident. Unfortunately, I was not as confident. I have ill luck."

"Shame, you're going to miss out."

"Who was it you bet on?"

"Does it matter?"

"Perhaps not, but if I am to gander a guess, it would be Proxy’s opponent?”

"Yep, on the big man."

"I see..."

"You don't seem surprised?"

"No, I am, but I suppose that it would be the sane bet. A man of that stature going up against someone like Proxy is truly one-sided... However, there’s something about him that makes me believe he’s able to beat him."

“You serious? It’s gonna be a slaughter. You’d be an idiot to believe something like that.”

With a smile, I face Chip, who glares at me, puzzled in expression. “Then perhaps I am a fool.”

My confidence isn’t without reason. He has a type of confidence that can be mistaken for bravado, however, that fire in his eyes does not lie. While they hold a bit of arrogance, they hold something genuine in them. So I wish to see where it leads.