Eye of the Tiger

Temperate days in Night City were a rarity. It was only two weeks since Billy and Miz had gone for their walk through the Japantown Markets, and the temperatures in the city were already back to sweltering. Something had to give. The heat and humidity trapped in between the high-rise buildings mixed with the scorching mid-morning sun made it unbearable to even walk, much less run between the districts.

Legs and lungs were burning, trying to keep pace as sweat poured like a summer rain. Salt stung the eyes and nostrils, every blink and every breath tinged with the assaulting presence of ammonia. The flashing red sign and screech of "DON'T WALK!" was a welcome reprieve as Billy stopped for the first time in nearly 30 straight minutes. He doubled over, holding his gut and trying to catch his breath amid the toxic mix of CHOOH2 exhaust and pollution. As he looked up, cars flew by in the streets only a few feet ahead of him, and everyone else standing on the corner gave him a wide berth.

Almost out of habit from his high school days, he reached up to feel his pulse, forgetting for a moment his HUD had all of his vital signs in plain sight. He was surprised as his heart rate hovered around only 90 beats per minute. He expected a much higher number considering the way he was sweating and gasping for air. He could kill Vik for making him do this. A straight run from Japantown all the way to Heywood was not his ideal start to a morning. But, it prepared him for what was to come.

Speaking of Vik, Billy caught sight of him waving across the street, another block down. He was leaning against the brick exterior of an old warehouse, as cool, calm and collected as always as he looked over the rims of his sunglasses. A green light flashed, followed by the same screeching voice announcing "WALK!". Billy resumed, crossing the street at a slower pace as he had apparently reached his destination. Vik reached out and gave him a heavy pat on the shoulder as he said with a smile, "Hey kid. You ready?"

--

[The previous day]

Miz growled in frustration as she punched the canvas and tried to push up. It was no use, she was pinned down face-first, and with Billy's knee in her back, she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. He laughed as he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You know I still love you, right?"

Mistake, Miz thought as she reached back and wrapped her arm around Billy's neck. She pulled him down and forward as she kicked off and rolled over, breaking free of his hold. She recovered to one knee as she crouched, ready to pounce as soon as Billy was back on his feet. He was ready, as he kicked backwards off the mat and rolled over his shoulder to a kneeling stance. He faced Miz as she launched towards him with a smile, blocking each strike she threw his way and countering with his own. Their shouts were in sync with each other. Billy noticed he was backed into the corner of the ring, so he took his chance. He saw an opening and shifted to the left, using Miz's forward momentum to slip away

She tried to recover with a reverse roundhouse kick, but Billy caught her leg as he picked her up over his head and threw her down on the canvas once again. She reeled upwards from the impact and arched her back with another frustrated groan. Her threading flashed red as she rolled over and pushed herself up before Vik stepped into the ring and exclaimed, "Alright! That's enough!"

She turned to face both Vik and Billy as she pouted lightly. They always got in the way of her fun. Pops was standing by the side of the ring chuckling at the whole affair. Billy still had a smirk on his face as he eased up from his stance. Vik called out again, "No hard feelings, c'mon. Shake on it."

Shake on it, yeah right, Miz thought as she barreled into Billy's chest and wrapped him up tight.

"Good enough, or whatever", joked Vik as he waved and stepped out of the ring. As Miz pulled away, she gave a love-tap to Billy's stomach and winked at him. He smiled back to her before he wrapped her up again and gave her a kiss as she squealed.

As they exited the ring, Pops gave a heavy hand to Billy's chest as he said, "Damn good fight, pup. Not many can go multiple rounds with Miz like that."

Miz cut in and said with a smile and a blush, "He's uh... been working on his stamina..."

Pops rolled his eyes and Vik mimed a vomiting face as Billy burned red with embarrassment. It had been over eight months; why was he still embarrassed at discussing his sex life openly? This crew had been to hell and back multiple times. He knew Pops wholeheartedly approved of them being together, and hell, Pops was living with his mom at this point. It was his own issue to work out.

As he wiped his face down with a towel, Vik gave him a gentle nudge and said, "Hey, so I got a call from Padre yesterday. There's a cage fight going down in Heywood tomorrow, and they're short a man."

Billy's eyes lit up with excitement as Vik continued, "Yeah, that's about the response I expected, but I didn't want to speak for ya, kid. So I should tell him you're game?"

"Hell yes! That's fucking nova, Vik!", exclaimed Billy, now trying to keep from breaking into a spontaneous happy dance. He had been waiting for a real fight, a real opportunity to lay down everything he'd learned. Fighting on the job was different; that was more about surviving. But a real fight, purely for sport? Fuckin' preem, Billy thought.

Vik smiled as he looked to Miz and Pops, "Hey, mind if I borrow him so we can sort out the particulars?"

Pops waved his hand and Miz said jokingly, "Yeah, so long as I get him back in one piece."

"Uh huh, no promises", Vik joked as he and Billy turned to walk to the other side of the gym. By this time of day, the gym was alive and full of people either sparring one another, punishing themselves on weight racks, or practicing on bags. It did Vik a lot of good to see the spirit of the NC Devils alive and well, especially now that he (and Jackie) were out of the game.

After a couple of seconds, Billy turned to Vik and said, "Ya know, I've got no secrets with them. Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Pops and Miz."

Vik scoffed as he said, "Yeah, whatever, siddown and shaddap, kid."

Billy's eyes narrowed, but he followed Vik's lead and took a seat on a bench. After several seconds of silence, Billy asked, "This isn't about the fight, is it?"

Vik smirked as he locked eyes with Billy, "Not much gets past you, huh? That was a good spar you two had..."

There it is, Billy thought. He returned the smirk as Vik followed up with, "And how's everything else going, since..."

Billy's smirk broke into a light smile as he nodded and said, "Yeah... it's been good. Great, actually. You gave us a lot to talk about and think about."

Vik lit up at that as he said, "Oh yeah? So is Miz seeing anyone?"

Billy shook his head, "Nah. Not for now at least. We wanted to try it ourselves first. You know it's hard for her to open up. She wanted to try holding herself accountable with someone she trusts."

Vik cut him off, "...with someone she loves. And it's working?"

"Yeah, it's actually been really great", Billy said, "It's a totally different dynamic. If she's closing herself off, I call her out on it. If she needs space, I give her all the time she needs. She knows I'm there when she's ready."

Vik gave a heartfelt smile as Billy continued, "Ya know, it's only been a couple of weeks, but we're giving it a shot."

Vik rested his hand on Billy's shoulder as he said, "If anyone can do it... I'm putting my money on you two, kid."

Billy looked down as he tried not to choke on his own words and answered with, "...thanks, Vik... so, anyway, about the fight?"

Vik waved his hand and said, "Yeah-yeah-yeah, I already accepted yesterday. I knew you'd jump all over it. C'mon, let's get back over there."

The sheer whiplash wasn't unlike a conversation with Ky, and Billy laughed as he stood and followed Vik.

On their return, Miz was biting her bottom lip and bursting with anticipation as she said, "So... who's the lucky gonk?"

ME, IT'S ME, I'M THE LUCKIEST FUCKING GONK IN NIGHT CITY, Billy screamed in his own head before Vik answered, "It's uh..."

It wasn't often that Vik stumbled his own words. That was actually concerning. Billy had to wonder what Vik had just signed him up for. Miz and Pops both cocked their heads in curiosity as Vik continued, almost retracting as if to protect himself from impending doom, "...it's El Hechizador..."

Miz's and Pops' faces both went blank as Billy looked to Vik with confusion and asked the pertinent question, "Uh... who is El Hechizador?"

Geraldo de Rivias, aka "El Hechizador", was a notorious Valentinos enforcer; a veteran streetkid from Heywood born in the early days of the Red. Some could argue he was the right hand of Sebastian Ibarra himself; a red right hand of righteous retribution. If there was a delicate matter that needed handling that Padre didn't trust to an outsider, El Hechizador was his man. He was an imposing man at over six feet tall, solid muscle, and a force to be reckoned with, in or out of the ring.

As Vik explained, Billy's eyes only widened further. There was no hiding the look on Miz's face; she wasn't happy about it. On the other hand, she trusted Vik's judgment. She knew Vik cared about Billy, and would never put him in a situation where he could get seriously hurt. If Vik thought he was ready, that was between them to decide.

Billy took a seat on a bench, leaning back against the ring as he thought for a moment. Vik reassured him, "Hey, if you don't think you're ready, I can call it off. This match is a good way to get your foot in the door for something bigger, establish your bona fides. But I get it, it's a lot to take in."

Billy looked to Miz, seeing the concern in her face. She stood her ground and said, "It's your call, Tiger."

He looked last to Pops who kept quiet, but gave him an approving nod. He could almost hear Pops' voice inside his head, You're ready, Pup.

Vik was gearing up to say something else, but Billy cut him off as he stood up and said with steely determination, "Let's do it."

--

Vik repeated himself, as if trying to break Billy out of a trance as he said, "Hey! You ready, kid?"

Billy smiled as he nodded with confidence and repeated himself from the day before, "Let's do it."

Vik smiled back and gave him another pat on the shoulder as he pulled opened the heavy door and guided him inside. The warehouse stunk of sweat and blood. It was an older building, looked to be a meat processing plant at one point from the hooks and other equipment strewn throughout, but clearly had been repurposed for unlicensed cage fights. There was a brand new caged ring set in the middle of the atrium, roped off by stanchions with several broad-shouldered Valentinos standing guard. There were speakers mounted up high and sitting down low, playing a medley of different music, and a small crowd had already begun to form.

Billy wasn't afraid, but he could feel a knot forming in his throat nonetheless, and he swallowed hard as he followed Vik around through the atrium. To his surprise, all the huscle standing guard around the ring either waved or nodded their heads to Vik, a few even greeting him as they passed by. He knew Vik had a reputation, but it never dawned on him how widespread it was. Viktor Vektor actually commanded respect from people; it was a humbling sight. In this moment, Billy knew he was in good hands as a warm feeling of relief swept over him.

They made their way through a set of double doors leading to a wide hallway. Vik indicated to him to turn right as he kicked open a door, allowing Billy to walk through before following him inside. It was no surprise that an old factory had a "working" locker room and showers. The overhead lights were dim, barely illuminating anything not directly under them. The lockers and floor were aged and dingy. Billy sat down on the bench, stretching his legs out to keep limber as Vik dropped a gym bag down next to him and said, "Open it."

Billy cocked his head as he unzipped the bag and reached in. He pulled out a brand new pair of boxing trunks, shiny black and red, bearing the Night City Devils livery. As he held the shorts in his hands and admired them, Vik spoke up, "I hope I'm not overstepping here, kid, but I figured your first time out, you could rep the club?"

Billy felt a sudden and overwhelming sense of pride as he jumped up, startling Vik as he grabbed him tight and embraced him. Vik reciprocated with a few heavy pats to Billy's back before they both let go. He could see the joy in Billy's face as he said, "I'll uh... leave ya to get changed. I'll be back in a few to get you warmed up, hands taped and all that."

Billy said with heartfelt sincerity, "Thanks... Vik."

As Vik exited the locker room, Billy kicked off his gym shorts and t-shirt, still soaked from the morning's two kilometer run and stepped into the adjacent showers. He didn't want his joints to ice over, only standing under the water long enough to wash the sweat away as he quickly scrubbed his scalp and down his body before stepping out. As he reached for a towel in the bag to dry himself off, he heard the door open again and he chuckled as he said, "Damn, Vik, that didn't take long..."

There was no answer, and Billy looked up to see an older man standing in the doorway. He couldn't explain why, but he suddenly felt a sense of shame and apprehension, standing as naked as Adam before this older man. He covered himself with the towel as the older man approached, slowly, and said, "I am not Vik."

Billy nearly spat as he said, "Clearly. So who are you?"

The older man was dressed modestly, a blue collared shirt with white accents buttoned to the top under a grey v-neck sweater, accented by a large and heavy gold crucifix on a chain. He wore a pair of simple black denim trousers, finishing the ensemble with black leather shoes forming pointed toes. Stylish, but not obnoxious. He carried a nearly permanent scowl on his face, but he didn't exude anger. His eyes gave more stoicism and sadness. He was balding, a horseshoe patch of dark grey hair adorning the back of his head under an older cyberware implant in his right temple. Among multiple scars and liver spots, his face bore a neat and tidy mustache to match what hair he had left.

Despite the man's modest apparel, he bore tattoos over most of the visible skin on his body. Above his right eyebrow was the signature "V" and cross of the Valentinos, and above his left eyebrow was the word "Repent". Leading from his chin down under his shirt and all the way to his wrists, were multiple tattoos of arguably Latino and Catholic influence, bearing images of Jesus, Mary, roses, skulls and flames, and other Valentinos symbols. He held a thin smoldering cigar in his right hand, the wilted smoke rising up to fill the air. In an accented voice, he answered Billy's question, "I am Sebastian Ibarra."

Billy felt his blood run cold at hearing the name. "Padre", as he was known; famed fixer and de facto leader of the Valentinos in Night City. He stepped forward and said with a stern yet fatherly tone, "Do not be ashamed, my child. You were born into this world naked."

Billy kept the towel over him, but he eased up as Padre approached him. After shifting the cigar to his left hand, Padre reached out, Billy meeting him halfway in a firm grip. As they released, Padre continued speaking, "I must thank you for agreeing to this match. I can see you have a good heart and a strong spirit."

Billy nodded with respect as the door swung open again, this time Vik walking through. Upon seeing Padre standing there, he smirked and said, "Hey, don't scare the kid, alright?"

Padre gave a light chuckle as he puffed his cigar and said, "Go with God, my son. Fight well, today."

As Padre turned to leave, Vik raised a hand and gave him a pat on the shoulder as he said, "It's good to see you, Father. Be out there in a few."

When Padre was gone from the room, Vik turned back to Billy and joked, "Would you put some damn clothes on already?!"

Billy laughed as he finally dropped the towel and aquiesced. Before long, he had the new trunks on and knotted as he stood proudly in front of Vik and said, "So, how do I look?"

Vik gave him a playful punch in the gut as he said, "Like a gonk who's ready to eat canvas if he doesn't get focused. C'mon, sit down."

Billy nodded and sat down on the bench, reaching back in the bag and pulling out a single left-handed glove colored to match his trunks. He smirked and turned to Vik with a raised eyebrow as he asked, "This a joke?"

Vik chuckled, "Maybe just a little bit... nah, no sense in gloving up a cybernetic hand. Speaking of, give me your left."

Billy obliged, raising out his left arm as Vik wrapped tape around it starting at the wrist and continued, "Cage fights aren't like regular boxing matches. Lot of different rules, or complete lack of rules altogether. It's more carnal. Anything goes, y'follow?"

Billy nodded as Vik kept wrapping and talking, "These guys are out to hurt each other, but it's not personal... well, sometimes it is personal. But you don't know this guy from anyone else. Don't make it personal. Just focus on staying upright and out of his way. Take your shots as you can, but don't get greedy. Work him, wear him down. You've got the stamina for it. Miz has seen to that personally, looks like."

Billy's eyes narrowed and he cut to Vik flashing a smile. He broke, giving a chuckle as he shrugged his eyebrows. Vik let go of his hand, reaching for the glove as he said, "Hand out", before sliding the glove on and strapping it tight. Billy curled his fingers and stretched his wrist to get used to the tape as Vik stood up, looking down as he said, "How's it feel? Too tight, too loose? Right as rain?"

To Billy's surprise, it felt familiar and comfortable, as he looked up at Vik and said, "It's good. Vik... thank you. For everything."

Vik gave a genuine smile as he said, "You're welcome, Billy. Really, I ought to thank you. It's been a breath of fresh air having someone to train these past few months, and teach all my tricks. Now stand up."

Billy stood from the bench, facing Vik. He only had two inches on Vik's 5'10", but in this moment, he felt like the older man was craning his neck to look up in his face. There was a twinkle in Vik's eyes as he gave him heavy smacks on his arms with a proud shout before he locked eyes and said, "Go give 'em hell. Let's go, kid."

As they walked back down the hall, the noises grew louder; the mixed voices of a crowd cheering drowned out by blaring music. Billy could feel himself tightening up as Vik gripped both shoulders and said, "Loosen up, kid. It's time."

Billy shrugged and rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck from right to left and back, starting a small dance as he bounced on the balls of his feet. At last, the doors pulled open, the full sounds of the crowd and music hitting all at once as they walked into the filled warehouse. The speakers were blaring the Cartesian Duelists' "Kill the Messenger" as Billy strutted down the aisle, large groups of people lined up on either side, Vik closely following. There was microphone feedback mixed with the music as a loud and booming voice spoke in Spanish from the middle of the ring. Billy caught sight of the ring announcer; it was hard not to. The overhead spot lights reflected a glare off his mirrored aviator sunglasses and flashy gold-tinted face implants. He was dressed in a wildly obnoxious fitted suit and covered head to toe in Valentinos ink as his arms gyrated and he narrated the day's festivities to thunderous applause and cheering voices.

As Billy approached the ring, he was honestly surprised to see the entire crew was present ringside. He knew Pops and Miz would be there, but he never expected Ky, Max, and even V would be in attendance. They were all cheering and smiling, mixed with the jeers of the crowd now taking notice of the new challenger as the announcer called out in Spanish, followed by, "El Rookie de Rancho... BILLY BARRETT!!!"

Billy found his stage presence, smirking and waving his hands at the crowd dismissively as he continued his strut. Unconsciously, he pulled towards Miz's direction, and she reached out over the stanchions and pulled him to her as two heavy guards approached. The guards stopped in their tracks as Billy pulled Miz close, nearly picking her up off the ground as they kissed, the crowd beginning to cheer. As Miz pulled away, she looked in Billy's eyes and said, "Go get 'em, Tiger."

That's the stuff, Billy thought as he set her down. He was ready to fly to the moon at this point, as Vik gently guided him back on track. He stepped up to the ring, climbing a set of stairs and bending down to navigate the ropes as he entered through the cage's door. Vik stayed on the outside of the ring, but he waved Billy forward with a smile and a thumbs up. Billy nodded and stepped forward to take his place next to the announcer.

The music faded out mid-song, and another song began to play as the announcer started calling for Billy's opponent. He could only make out bits and pieces of what was being said, but the announcer clearly favored the other fighter as he droned on and on for over a minute before excitedly calling out, "La Mano Derecha Roja de la Justa Retribución... E-E-EL HECHIZADO-O-OR!!!"

The lights dimmed for a few seconds before a dark figure hooded in a gaudy red and gold syn-silk robe entered from the opposite side of the warehouse. Even obscured by the low light, Billy's eyes widened at the man's sheer size. He was easily as big as Pops, at least 6'6", and just as big, if not bigger; all muscle, by the looks of it.

As the lights turned up again, the hulking man walked slowly down the aisle before stopping. In a single motion, he raised both of his cybernetic arms, shedding the robe entirely and revealing himself to Billy and the crowd. His arms were chromed and gilded, etched with images to match the tattoos covering his body from the neck down. His face bore cyberware implants along his jaw and cheek bones, a stark white goatee and mustache accenting the rest of his deeply tanned and aged face. His matching white hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. His eyes were deep black in both pupil and iris, clearly implants. They narrowed as he caught sight of Billy, and he pointed directly at him with his right hand before curling his left into a "crushing" fist. Every muscle in his body was lean and solid, veins bulging.

Billy's blood ran cold once again, and he wondered if he'd made a mistake agreeing to the fight. It didn't matter now, he was too late. He wasn't about to embarrass Vik or the crew by walking out. He turned and faced Rivias as they stared each other down. Rivias only broke the stare because Padre stepped in front of him, speaking some words before anointing him with a sign of the cross. Rivias bowed his head in humility, closing his eyes and bringing his hands together as if to mimic saying a prayer.

After several seconds, his eyes opened again, locked on Billy as he began his march to the ring. Billy had to fight every instinct in his body telling him to take a step back. After seeing the looks on Pop's and Miz's faces at the mere mention of El Hechizador the day before, he could only wonder what they both looked like after seeing the man in the flesh. He couldn't break his stare, and he wasn't going to. If he broke now, there was nothing to stop him from running out of the ring altogether.

Rivias climbed the steps, although one had to wonder why. The man was tall enough, he could have just stepped onto the ring's platform with ease. Billy noticed as Rivias opened the ropes and bent over to enter the ring, he had no coach, nobody following. He was solo; he was a Solo, in the truest sense of the word.

By this point, the announcer had relinquished his microphone and vacated the ring as a referee stepped in his place, calling both fighters to the center. Billy had to laugh at the concept of a referee in an unlicensed cage fight. As both men approached, the referee began laying down the law, explaining the rules. Billy could already see from the look in Rivias' eyes, it fell on deaf ears. There were no judges here, no officiating. Whatever happened in this ring, stayed in this ring.

Finally, the referee reached for both fighters' hands as he brought them together. Rivias smiled, baring a full mouth of chromed teeth as he spoke in a deep, gruff voice, "Oye! Im'a send you cryin' back to yo' moms, cabrón."

The referee waved him off to cut the crap as he brought them together before instructing them to bump fists, and give him a clean fight. Yeah right, Billy thought. He obliged anyway, placing his fists in front of him. Rivias smiled again, meeting Billy halfway as their fists bumped against each other. Before the referee could even clear the two of them, Rivias arched back before swinging his head forward. CRACK!

Like a strike of thunder and lightning, Billy heard Rivias' skull impact his own with a flash of light as he flew backwards against the cage. Everything became grainy for several seconds as he fought to regain his bearings. He could hear Vik's muffled voice yelling out, "What the FUCK, man?!", as he looked up. Rivias was charging like a bull seeing red. No time, Billy thought as he forced himself to the left, sidestepping Rivias' charge altogether. He barely made it before turning to face Rivias as he shook his head, still woozy. He noticed as his head whipped back and forth, a few drops of red splattered the canvas. He was bleeding. He was in trouble if he didn't do something. The crowd cheered loudly at the sight of blood. Billy could feel its warmth trickling down his face.

Rivias turned to face Billy as he smiled yet again. He took no stance of any kind, just walking tall directly towards his target. Billy stepped from side to side, trying to fake him out. It was no use, Rivias was wide enough that he could catch and block Billy whichever way he tried to go. The only way to dodge was to lure him into attacking. Speaking of attacking, Billy thought as he watched Rivias charge up a left haymaker. It was his chance. As the arm flew forward, Billy ducked and slid to the right. He could feel his right hand articulate as he charged and released a solid hook to Rivias' ribs. He could hear a crunch, followed by a grunt, followed by Rivias' massive right arm hooking underneath as his body turned. Shit.

The uppercut landed in the middle of Billy's chest, sending him flying backwards into the cage again. He had no opportunity to recover this time, as Rivias was already on him. He felt a massive hand grab him by the chin and prop him up before unleashing a barrage of fists against his gut. Each strike sent him doubling forward further, until he could stand no more and fell forward against his opponent's arm. Rivias jerked his arm back in almost disgust as he said, "The fuck you doin', 'ey? Get up and fight, boy!"

The bell rang to end the match as Billy fell to all fours on the canvas, a spew of blood flying from his mouth as he coughed and gasped for air. Rivias turned away and walked nonchalantly to the other end of the ring, turning back to face Billy as he squatted and stared intently. The cage doors flew open and Vik was by Billy's side in a matter of seconds, checking to make sure he wasn't permanently injured. As Billy grabbed his stomach and winced, he heard a sly voice in a heavy accent from outside the ring calling to him and flashing a bundle of cash, "Oye! You can't last another round wit' 'im, homes. Is worth yo' while to take a fall, eh?"

Vik tried to wave him off as Billy cut them both off, his jaw clenching as he met the man's eyes and said after spitting more blood between breaths, "Get... the fuck... out of here... while I still let you."

"The fuck you goin' to do, ey?!", the man called out, "Look at you, pendejo. You're all fucked up and it's only the first round. How the fuck you think you're goin' to make it another fou—"

Billy punched the cage bars with his cybernetic hand, sending a reverberating rattle up and down as the man jumped back. Billy laughed as he said, "Made you flinch, bitch. Now fuck off."

Vik's eyes narrowed as he watched Billy grunt and groan, forcing himself to his feet. As they stood side by side, Vik had a look of despair and regret on his face. This wasn't the fight for Billy. He should have started off lighter. From the look on Billy's face, Vik could tell the kid believed he was exactly where he was supposed to be. That was enough to scare the shit out of him. As the referee approached, Vik looked to Billy again, noticing the bruising already forming on his head and torso. Vik wasn't sure, but Billy waved him off as he gave a thumbs up to the referee. It was his choice now. He wanted to keep going. The referee stepped over to Rivias' side of the cage as Billy locked eyes with the man before spitting more blood out and taking a deep breath. Rivias almost looked impressed at Billy's gall. Most of his opponents were known for either forfeiting or bowing out after the first round, if they made it that far. Nobody in over ten years had survived a second round with El Hechizador.

Rivias stood up again and readied himself, timed perfectly with the ringing of the bell and the referee giving the all-clear. Billy shook his one last time as Rivias took a stance and started his approach. Billy took his own stance as he began to bounce on the balls of his feet. They danced around each other, Rivias trying to trip Billy up with a few fake punches. Billy wasn't taking the bait as he bided his time and waited patiently for a solid opportunity.

And there it was; Rivias led with a solid left jab, to which Billy deflected down before delivering his own right hook. He expected little effect, but was surprised when Rivias recoiled from the hit with a solid crack of his jaw as he spun around. Billy found his second wind and took his chance as he closed in with a left knee to his opponent's ribcage before a planting another solid right punch in between his shoulder blades. This brought Rivias to his knees, and the crowd to a stunned silence. Billy knew well enough to quit while he was ahead as he took a step back. Rivias turned to look up before Billy gave yet another solid right, sending Rivias to the canvas as he struggled to hold onto the ropes. The referee stood close by, ready to start a count if Rivias were to let go of the ropes. Billy knew he wasn't that lucky. This was a small grace; he'd have to fight tooth and nail to survive this match, but he was now in his zone. He broke away for a second to survey the crowd as they were starting to pick up noise again. As his eyes turned back to Rivias slowly pulling himself up, he spat another wad of blood onto the canvas and readied himself for the impending onslaught.

And there it was. Rivias' eyes were glowing red as he let loose a rebel yell and ran full speed. Billy stepped to the side, narrowly avoiding his opponent's massive shoulders as he deliver a solid left to the man's gut. Rivias doubled over slightly as Billy retreated back a few steps. He now knew better than to stick around once the shot was landed. Rivias turned to face Billy once again, preparing a charge as the bell rang.

Billy had done it, he'd survived a second round, and then some. The crowd began to cheer again. As Billy made his way back to his side of the cage, he noticed a sparkle on the canvas, and he bent over to pick it up. As he held it up, he realized it was one of Rivias' chrome teeth. Rivias noticed as well, and he felt around his mouth, quickly finding the gap. Billy tossed the tooth to Vik as a joke before turning back to Rivias with a smile as he chuckled.

Vik gave Billy a drink of RealWater and a few cautioned words, which only made him laugh harder. Rivias was now fuming, furious and ready to launch. As Vik vacated the ring, the bell rang to start round three, and Rivias wasted no time at all. He pushed forward, closing the distance between he and Billy, before unleashing a wild barrage of haymakers and hooks. Billy struggled to keep up, if only because of the sheer strength and force behind every swing. He knew he couldn't keep this up; he was bound to get overpowered at some point. He saw an opening and weaved out of Rivias' way, delivering a quick right jab to his ribs once again.

To his surprise, Rivias got lucky with a wild and heavy back-hand, catching Billy clear across the face. As he stumbled to the canvas, he could feel Rivias stepping into position over him. This might be it, Billy thought, as he felt a massive arm wrapping around his neck and pulling up. Rivias whispered something in his ear as he began to squeeze, his arm tightening like a python. Billy paid him no heed, mustering all of his strength to stay conscious. Everything went silent as he caught sight of Miz through the cage bars. She had a look of sheer panic on her face, and that was all he needed. He felt the blood rushing back and warming his entire body as he flashed white hot. He grabbed Rivias' arm to try and break free, but it was no use. Rivias had him wrapped up tight in a half-nelson. Billy considered his options; he had one. He closed his eyes for a second as he braced every muscle in his body. Eyes open again, He brought himself up to one knee, planting his foot as he yelled out and exerted himself. Rivias' face bore a look of confusion as he felt his feet leaving the ground. Billy planted his other foot as he continued his press upwards. Miz's face changed from panic to awe as she watched Billy raise this hulking mass from the ground. With a final scream, Billy leaned to the side, using Rivias' own weight to his advantage as they both pulled over. Billy stayed on his feet long enough to slam Rivias' back into the cage bars, forcing a release as Rivias fell to the canvas. Billy wasn't going to waste this opportunity, not again. He pulled Rivias up and held him by the ponytail as he planted right fist after right fist into the man's jaw. With every strike, the canvas became more and more red. The referee finally stepped in, separating them and warning Billy to get his shit together.

Billy took a few steps back, giving Rivias room to breathe as he planned his next move. Rivias was slower to get up, but it looked as though he yet had some steam to keep going. He spat blood before wiping his mouth as he looked at Billy with red eyes full of rage. His breathing was uneven, and it was clear he was off balance. Billy saw no better opportunity to close it out for good and all as he pressed forward. He began working Rivias' body, careful to block and counter any strikes Rivias tried to throw his way. Billy was gaining ground, as he could feel the crunches of bone and meat with every hit he landed. He was wearing the beast down.

In a sudden move, Rivias caught Billy's arm from a punch and wrenched it outwards as he swung his head forward for another smash into Billy's forehead. Billy caught it early as he ducked and weaved to the side before planting his shoulder against Rivias' waist. He wrapped his free arm around and performed another dead lift before rotating around and slamming Rivias' down on his back. Billy stepped over Rivias again and knelt down to deliver blow after blow, splattering more and more blood over the canvas. The referee stepped in again, pulling Billy back and yelling in his face. Billy pushed the referee aside, not taking his eyes off his target. The referee noticed Rivias wasn't moving, and so began his countdown. Billy prayed as he counted with the referee. One... two... three... come on man, fuckin' stay down.

Rivias began to stir as he looked up at Billy. He tried to sit up, but his arms gave out and he fell flat on his back. With a cough of mixed blood and spit, he resigned himself to staring at the ceiling of the warehouse as the referee's count sounded off, "Eight! Nine! TEN!!! THAT'S IT!!!"

The crowd sat in stunned silence, Billy himself among them, as the referee ran over to him, grabbing him by the hand and raising it up to signal the winner. After several seconds, the crowd erupted into cheers and screams as "Kill the Messenger" resumed playing over the loudspeakers. It probably wouldn't have been Billy's first choice, but it was okay for his first time out. Still in a state of disbelief, he finally shook himself loose as he smiled and raised his free right hand, pumping his first in the air as he called out and flexed his arms. He also winced, reminding himself that he probably had a cracked rib, or at least some mashed up meat to deal with.

The cage doors flew open, at which point Vik climbed into the ring as he yelled and cheered for Billy while embracing him. It was a proud moment for both of them. The guards tried and failed to contain the crowd as Miz jumped over the ropes and ran into the ring, barreling into Billy's chest as she wrapped around him tight. It was the best pain he'd ever felt, as he rested against her and planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head. Knowing he was still "on stage", Miz did him a favor as she pulled away before reaching up and kissing him deeply, to further cheers from the crowd. Billy's heart lit up like Christmas, and in that moment he felt like he could take on the rest of the Valentinos present in the building.

Before long, the announcer took his place in the ring with his microphone to announce "El Rookie de Rancho" as the winner. Billy had already turned to leave as he gave a wave to the crowd. He was guided on either side by Miz and Vik as the adrenaline subsided, replaced by pain. He needed to get looked at, and soon.

As they left the ring, Ky and Pops stepped forward to help Billy down the steps. He insisted he was okay, they summarily told him to shut up. The strong cowboy act was Pops' gig, as Ky put it. Before they could escape down the aisle to the locker rooms, Rivias' voice called out from the crowd, and Billy turned to face him.

Rivias was standing next to Padre and several Valentinos huscle, a smile of auspicious motive on his face. Billy stood warily, keeping watch of every detail. Finally, Rivias stepped forward and stretched out an honest hand as he said, "You fight well, choom. You made me eat my own words, 's been a long time since anyone did that."

Billy smiled as he returned the handshake before Rivias pulled him in for an embrace. Billy had the wind knocked out of him slightly as he slammed against the man's bruised and bloodied torso. Looking past Rivias, Billy could see Padre giving him a nod and a light smile, the rest of the Valentinos following suit. It felt strange, but good, to command respect from hardened men like this. As he pulled away from Rivias, he found his confidence and said, "Be seein' ya, choom. Take care of yourself."

Rivias smiled wide and gave Billy a heavy pat on the shoulder before turning to leave.

Vik called out to Billy. It was time to go. He needed to get to Vik's clinic and get checked out.

--

[Two hours later]

Billy sat back in his usual seat in Vik's clinic. Vik had just finished wrapping his torso in bandages. His head wound was held shut by two adhesive strips. Total count was two fractured ribs, a nasty head wound, and a possible mild concussion. Considering the punishment he was subjected to in the ring, he made out okay, at least by Vik's reckoning. By all rights, it could have been a lot worse. As he worked on dressing Billy's injuries, Vik told him about times he'd actually seen fighters lose their cyber-limbs before the match was called. Billy stared with wide eyes at all of it.

As Vik was finishing up and checking a few things on his screens, Miz poked her head around the entrance and asked sarcastically, "Can we come in now?"

Vik chuckled as he said, "Yeah, come on in. We're about done here."

Billy tried to sit up, wincing in pain as his ribs reminded him NOT to do that. He propped himself up to look at all the crew coming to check up on him. He couldn't help but smile. Ky of course had to ruin the moment as he called out, "Man, it's a good thing you won, otherwise I'd be out twenty-five grand..."

Max smacked his arm and swore at him in Creole... apparently he forgot to mention to her the large bet he placed on Billy before the match started.

Miz and Pops laughed, leaving them to sort that out across the room as they both took seats next to Billy. Miz took his hand in hers, rubbing his fingers gently. He was still amazed at how well his cybernetic arm interfaced with his brain, as he could feel her gentle warmth. Pops smirked and said, "Ya did good today, Billy. Really. Liv's proud, wished she could've been there."

Billy laughed with a tinge of pain as he said, "Ah, she didn't need to see that."

Miz joked, "She may see it yet. A couple of bootleg recordings are already making waves on the Net. You're famous, Tiger."

Pops cut in, placing a hand on Billy's shoulder as he said, "And uh... Ky's not the only one flush after all this... we all put bets on you, so thanks for pulling through."

Billy rolled his eyes and said, "Okay, so where's my cut?"

Vik rolled around in his chair, eyes flashing blue as Billy's HUD popped up a transfer of €$50,000. He nearly spat as he yelled, "Jesus Christ!", before grabbing his sides and doubling over. Vik laughed as he said, "I think a little pain is worth a purse like that, don't you agree?"

Billy shrugged his eyebrows as Vik handed him the usual inhaler and continued, "You know the drill, kid. Two whiffs now, another two in an hour."

Billy nodded and obliged. He was used to the taste of Vik's medicine by now, and his face no longer contorted. Vik kept giving his usual doctor spiel, "Training's off for two weeks, at least. I want you to come back for a check-up tomorrow, then three days, then a week. With your head injury, I don't want you drinking for at least a week. No smoking either. You need rest, time to recover."

Billy nodded again as Vik turned to Miz and said, "Think you can stay off of him for a week?"

Miz bit her bottom lip and winked at Billy as she said, "No promises, Vik."

He chuckled at that and said, "Yeah, alright. Just don't kill the kid, okay? I've grown to like having him around."

Miz fired back with a chuckle, "That's about how we all felt at first. He's an acquired taste", before she wrapped herself gently around Billy and they all shared a laugh.

Across the room, Max and Ky were still going back and forth. He wasn't out of the doghouse yet...

--