NO POV
The car dove from the Valley to the heart of Los Angeles. For the whole duration of the drive Max remained silent as did Clifford. During the ride Max peered out the window, gazing at the numerous lights and signs that flashed through the streets. Max has had his fair share of city life, mostly remaining in alleys and the shadier parts. This was a new experience for the young combatant.
In his mind Max kept thinking about who he would face. Would they practice a basic form of martial arts or some secret technique or rely entirely on brute force. While he was deep in thought the car started to slow down and turned into an alley. Max snapped backed to reality when he heard Clifford's plain voice.
Clifford: We're here.
Gone were the numerous towers and stores. They were now in the rougher parts of the city. In this case they were parked in front of an abandoned building.
The two exited the car, Max got his guard up.
Max: You sure you're not trying to kill me.
Clifford didn't turn to look at him.
Clifford: Like you said, if we wanted to we could have ended back in Reseda.
They approached the entrance and walked inside the desolated place. The empty city vibe then became full of life. Inside there was dozens of men in suits and formal attire, even a few women. They talked with one another as they sipped on wine and champagne. Leaning against a pillar was a familiar woman.
Desiree: Ah good, our young champion has arrived. How did it go?
Desiree had turned and faced them as she saw the duo approaching her. Clifford stood before her, standing tall with his hands behind his back.
Clifford: Everything went as planned madam.
Desiree got up and patted Clifford on the shoulder.
Desiree: Thank you Clifford.
She then turned her over to Max.
Desiree: So Max, what do you think of it?
Max to a look around the room, this old building was nothing new to him.
Max: Never thought this kind of event would be held in such a deserted place. And why the hell are all of these people here?
Desiree laughed at his question.
Desiree: I suppose that is fair. The Kengan Matches are held in hidden places, such as buildings like this or in underground arenas. We do this as to hide from the authorities and from public view. As you can imagine, most people wouldn't approve of this. As for our guest, they are all members of corporations and businesses. They love to view the fights, especially when they aren't holding anything at stake. Plus it's good publicity for my industry.
Max: I swear rich people are the worse.
Desiree: Eh, you're not wrong.
Just then the crowd of rich people started to part as a businessman walked through with an even larger man behind him. The businessman was an average height with hair that was starting grey. The man behind him was African American, with a white button shirt, red bow tie, and suspenders. Not only that but he had a huge grin on his face.
Desiree: Mr. Hopkins, how are you doing tonight?
The businessman looked at Desiree and then over to Max.
Hopkins: I must say Miss Morrow, when I heard your fighter was a teenager I was quite skeptical. Now I see that the rumors were worse from what I heard. It looks like you picked up a random delinquent off the street.
Before Desiree could respond Max got in front of Hopkins. The glare he gave made the middle-aged man shiver in fear.
Max: I'm sorry, could you please repeat that.
Hopkins stumbled back, right into his fighter. The man merely chuckled as he stepped in front of Max. The grin never leaving his face.
???: When they said I was fighting some punk, I lost expectations. But I can see now you are indeed a true fight. What's your name son?
Max: My name is Max.
???: Well Max, I'll be expecting big things from you in the arena. Try not to disappoint me.
With that he started to walk away as Hopkins followed after him.
Max: So, that's the one I gotta fight?
Desiree: His name is Jerry Tyson, relatively new to the Kengan Matches, but he's made a name for himself. Best not to underestimate him.
Max was smarter than that, he could sense strength of a person when he got near them. And for Jerry, he knew he was no push over. He would prove to be an interesting challenge for Max.
Soon after preparations for the fight begun. The mob of rich folks started to gather around a large hole in the middle of the floor. Max peered down and observed the his arena. It was clearly a basement with a stone floor and wide opened area. An area similar to where Max has fought numerous times.
The fight was about to begin, both fighters stood adjacent to each other. Max decided to wear a pair of old boxing shorts while Jerry had on the same outfit. Max looked at Jerry with his signature stone cold face, while Jerry had on the same stupid grin. Max felt a hand on his shoulder and turned behind him to see Desiree.
Desiree: Alright kid good luck, and most importantly don't lose.
Max: You forget, you're the one who came to me.
Desiree let out a sigh.
Desiree: In that case, try not to get to injured. We don't need people asking questions.
From the crowd a man stepped forth, everyone went silent. From his attire, Max could tell he was the referee. His voice boomed through the empty building.
Referee: Ladies and gentlemen, WELCOME TO THE KENGAN MATCHES!
A roar of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd; before quickly quieting down.
Referee: Tonight it will be Acedale Industry versus Hopkins Electronics! First up we have a new contender for the Kengan Matches! He may be young, but he has much to show us! Representing Acedale Industry, MAX TOKITA!
Max jumped into the pit and landed with ease as people clapped for him.
Referee: On the other hand we have a returning contender! Best get out of his way, because this man hits like a train! When he takes flight, there is no stopping him! With a Kengan Match record of 3 wins and 0 losses, he is the representative for Hopkins Electronics! Behold "The Unstoppable", JERRY TYSON!
As people cheered for him, he jumped down. He landed with a hard thud. The two fighters went back to their stare down as everyone quieted down.
Referee: Fighters at the ready!
Max got his hands up, while Jerry got into a running position with his arms together. Max got his guard up, seeing the unusual stance.
Referee: AND FIGHT!
Max charged at Jerry but was caught off guard by what would happen next. The moment when the fight started, the man took off like a rocket. Before Max could react, Jerry was right in front of him, striking Max with enough force as if he was hit by a car. The room seemed to spin as Max went spiraling through the air before landing back on the floor. He didn't get back up.
Jerry came to a quick stop and laughed at seeing the downed Max. Back up top the spectators laughed after seeing how easily Max was defeated. Nobody laughed more harder than Hopkins.
Hopkins: I must say Miss Morrow, I wish to I could say I was surprised! I would expect nothing less from an ingrate like you.
On the outside Desiree looked calm, but on the inside she was panicking. She was clutching her fist so hard they almost began to bleed.
Desiree (thought): Come on kid, get up.
Her prayer was answered as Max started to move before getting back onto his feet. Everyone quieted back down. There was a bit of blood on Max's mouth, which he whipped off. He then smirked at his competitor, who looked shocked.
Max: For my first fight, these Kengan Matches have already proven to be fun. That technique of yours especially, I've never seen anything like it before.
Jerry: If I'm being fair, you more than I anticipated for. I thought I could simply end this all with one blow. But you are more of a warrior than I thought. However, I'll still be the one to win.
He got back to his position from the beginning.
Jerry: Behold, SCUD MISSILE!
True to the name, Jerry took off like a missile. This time Max was quicker to react and jumped out of the way. Jerry's legs came out from underneath him and he came to a quick stop. He used the momentum to spin around before performing another Scud Missile. This time Max was ready to attack. He jumped out of the way, but he quickly turned.
Max: Your attack may be strong head on, but your sides are completely opened!
He launched his fist, however when it made contact the force of Jerry's launch ended up knocking Max back and onto the ground. Luckily he quickly rolled back onto his feet. Jerry came to a halt.
Jerry: You fool, when I take off every part of me becomes deadly. For my kenpo is truly undefeatable!
Max: Kenpo huh? I get it now, you're using imitations to fight. And from the way that attack works, the thing you imitate is weapons.
Narrator: Jerry Tyson, from a young age he was a true all-star at sports. He excelled in everything, especially sprinting. When he was 17, he discovered the world of martial arts and began training in Xing Yi Quan. This form takes inspiration from the movement of animals and utilizes them into techniques. However Jerry became to wonder why they imitated animals when humans are clearly superior. Then he realized that he didn't need to imitate humans, he needed to imitate weapons.
Jerry started to perform numerous Scud Missiles, dashing all over the room. All the while Max kept on dodging, with an attack grazing his body now and then. Even with it just being a graze, the force of the attack caused more damage to him.
From above the spectators were going wild at the sight of the battle. Desiree watched closely, not daring to take her eyes off the match. Clifford saw the worry in Desiree and decided to speak up.
Clifford: You worry too much madam, after all it was you who chose him.
Desiree: It's not that, I don't understand why he's having so much trouble with this. I knew from the start that Max was stronger than him, yet he's having a hard time. What the hell is going on?
Clifford: You forget about his fight with Adam. At one point he was even winning the fight, before Max turned the tide of the fight. That's when she saw it, a smile on Max's face. Jerry came charging once again, except this time Max was ready.
Max(thought) Redirection Kata: Weeping Willow
With a simple push, Max managed to turn Jerry into a different direction. Jerry was headed straight for a wall. but luckily for him he managed to stop himself. People were completely shocked at what had happened, and nobody was more surprised than Jerry.
Jerry(thought): What the hell? That kid managed to completely change my trajectory. And with such ease.
Jerry looked back at Max, who was smirking and gesturing for Jerry to come at him.
Max: What are you waiting for, I thought this was a fight? Or are you going to just keep running around all night?
Without even thinking Jerry launched off, and once again Max redirected him. Jerry performed several more missile attacks, each one Max redirected. In one redirect Jerry nearly crashed into a wall but managed to stop himself. When he turned around he was met with a fist to his face. Max didn't stop there as he began a barrage of kicks and punches onto Jerry. By the end of it Jerry fell onto one knee.
Jerry(thought): I've been relying on too much on the Scud Missile to win up to this point. I'm goanna have to break out the other moves if I wish to win.
Jerry broke out into another Sculd Missile, Max was prepared. Right as he was about to crash into him, Jerry threw out his legs and came to a halt. This caught Max off guard and he jumped back, but it was too late. Jerry reared his head back and threw it with great force.
Jerry(thought) Headbutt Bomb
There was a loud crashing sound from the impact. Max stumbled back which gave Jerry enough time to perform his next attack. He got into a stance similar to Scud Missile, except he was lower and his arms reared back.
Jerry: Time to finish this, PATRIOT SCUD!
Narrator: Patriot Scud, Jerry Tyson's greatest technique. Unlike Scud Missile, he adapts a lower stance with his arms back. This allows for aerodynamics to occur, giving him more speed.
The attack hit Max head on, the impact so great it sent the boy flying, before crashing into a wall. Max slammed into the wall so hard it had several large cracks. When Max slumped up against the wall, everyone was over. People broke out into applause, all except for Desiree and Clifford. They just stared at Max.
Referee: MATCH OVER, THE WINNER IS...
???: Hey shut up!
Everyone turned their attention to the voice, it was coming from Max. As he got back up Desiree couldn't help but smirk. Max started to stretch his muscles as Jerry couldn't help but stare.
Max: Hey Jerry, you're techniques are truly something. However, mine are better. About I show you one more before I end this?
Although shocked at what was going on, Jerry couldn't help but feel respect for Max. It had been a long time since the man had faced a challenged like this. He felt a fire ignite within him.
Terry: Very well, let's do this!
Max held his arms in front of him to protect himself while Jerry got into another Patriot Scud stance. Everyone watched closely, knowing this would be the end of the fight. It felt as if the world had gone still, and then it begun. Jerry took off as Max flexed his muscles.
Jerry(thought) Patriot Scud!
Max(thought) Adamantine Kata: Indestructible!
As Jerry got close to Max, he turned around, so his back was facing Jerry. Then a loud sound rang throughout the place, as if two cars crashed. Jerry had crashed into Max, and was sent flying back. Jerry landed on the crowd, unmoving, meanwhile Max still stood tall.
Referee: MATCH OVER, THE WINNER IS MAX TOKITA!
Jerry Tyson vs Max Tokita
Winner: Max Tokita
Match Length: 8 minutes, 16 seconds
The crowd broke out into cheers and applause. Mr. Hopkins looked like he had just lost millions of dollars, when Desiree saw his face she couldn't help but smile.
Desiree: Well done Max, you really are something.
Back in the pit Max walked over to Jerry, who had woken up. Max held out a hand for Jerry, who grabbed it. Max pulled the larger man back onto his feet.
Jerry: Thanks kid, been a while since I've been defeated.
Max: No problem, thanks for the fight. You were truly something special.
Unknown to the Max, there was somebody in the crows watching him very closely.
(timeskip)
Max spent the night having the best sleep he's ever had. After checking with the doctor, Max was taken to a five-star hotel where he slept on the most comfortable bed he's ever had. Then again most of the beds he slept on were old mattresses. By the time morning came, he was feeling good as new.
Before he was to head back to The Valley, Desiree wanted to talk to him. He was brought over from the hotel to a large building with a sign on it that said "Acedale". He got into an elevator and rode it all the way to the top. From there he was led to Desiree's office. Inside he saw her at a large desk with Clifford standing to the side. The oddest thing was Desiree was drinking a bottle of wine and appeared to be a little drunk.
Max: Bit early to drink don't you think?
Desiree: Hey it's not every day you get a bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet. It's not easy getting this stuff, but our friend Hopkins was more than happy to hand us over his collection.
Max: Wait, why did Hopkins do that?
Desiree: Oh yeah I didn't tell you. You see the bet me and Hopkins had was over a dozen bottles of this fine shit. The loser had to pay for it.
Max: Wait, that whole fight was just over some fucking wine?
Desiree: For the record a bottle of this tuff cost around $500,000. And besides, it was a good fight for you get started in the Kengan Matches. Besides even if it was over wine, there was something greater I got. The Kengan Matches also help a company build a reputation. For instance, this morning I got five new business deals.
Max: Alright I get the point, so when is my next fight?
Desiree: Don't worry about it, if we need you'll I'll have Clifford contact you. Until then relax and take it easy.
Max: Well if that's it I'll be heading out. Try not to get too crazy with your prize.
Desiree: Oh relax I'll be fine, and thanks for doing this for me.
That last part Desiree said in a sadder tone.
Max: Yeah no problem, see you next time.
With that Max departed, leaving Desiree with Clifford.
Clifford: I must say, you have great confidence in the boy.
Desiree: Max is special, he has yet to discover his true strength.
She was right, and Max would need to unlock that strength. For within the future lied enemies with great power and skills, and if he wished to protect his new friends he will need to advance to the next level.
There we go Chapter 9 is now completed. I hoped you all enjoyed it. See ya next time!
Next Chapter: Different But Same