Descent into Infinite Mysteries [REWRITE]

Chapter 3: Legacies Reborn

"Kiddo! Kid! You with me?"

"Ehhh..."

"You did great out there champ! A double knockout!"

"Yeah...!"

Cain mumbles, holding up a thumbs up, then passing out.

I can't even begin to imagine how that fight was for him...having to face someone like that and saying those terrible things? God, if I see that prick I'm gonna deck him in his stupid face!

"You two, please return back to your seats. This boy needs further medical attention."

The paramedics shoo away Dad and me. We walk back up towards our spot and I nudge dad's shoulder

"Cain really did good, huh? I still think I'm gonna whoop him!"

Dad nods.

"He did good but could've won it before that double knockout. After that strike that sent Frazier-boy to the side of the cage initially, he could've sprung on him like a ravenous animal and knocked him out there. Kiddo let the guy get back up and monologue. He fights like his father did back in the day; he'd never end a fight without getting some fun out of it himself."

"That's who you and Cain's mom were arguing about, right? Drake's dad, Michael...and Joseph, they fought back in the day?"

"Uh huh. Joseph fought Michael plenty of times...each time it was like a predator playing with its prey."

Dad stares at the floor, clenching his fists.

"When a prey animal is backed into a corner...it either gives up or lashes out. Michael did the latter. Joseph made us all pay the price for his ignorance. I can only pray that I can guide Cain in the right direction..."

Cain's dad has a complicated history...even he doesn't know much about his own dad.

"I didn't really think Cain had it in him until our first spar. His ferocity...willpower...it surprised me. I'll believe in him, I think he's gonna do awesome."

Dad looks towards me, smiling slightly. I beam one right back at him, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in for a side hug.

"Here's hoping sweetie. That boy and you are the next generation of fighters...make us old timers proud!"

"Mhm!"

The announcer's microphone turns on, grabbing the attention of everyone in the arena.

"Apologies for the delay! Please give a preemptive round of applause for our janitorial team who will be working overtime cleaning the cage!"

Poor souls. I'll still clap for you...but I feel terrible. The whole arena cheers on the team walking out of the cage, holding up numerous towels coated in blood.

"The next match will be starting momentarily! Up on the jumbo screen we have...Aster Scott versus...Jeremy Griner!"

I'm not too impressed by their names...but watching them walk into the cage tells a different story.

"Dad! Look at that guy!"

I point to Aster, wearing a complete outfit of designer clothing.

"What the hell is that boy doing? This isn't a fashion show..."

Dad and I just continue to stare puzzled at this weirdo. Who brings designer clothing to a fight?! This guy is making a complete mockery of the sport...hopefully I face off against him so I can teach him a lesson about respect!

Both fighters didn't enter in with a coach...maybe they're just independent fighters? The announcer chimes in, grabbing our attentions again.

"Both of you came in without a coach, so assumingly you waive the 5 minute rest period?"

"Get on with it already. I'm getting bored over here."

Aster leans on the back of the cage, yawning. Who the hell is this guy?!

"Yeah me and this pretty gaylord over here are ready to fight! Start the show!"

The other guy, Jeremy, is dressed as one should be...but insulting an opponent like that isn't very sportsmanlike. Clearly Aster doesn't appreciate it either, as he stops leaning. Looking at him closer, he's actually quite imposing. He's got bleached blond hair, and I'm fairly certain he's taller than me...definitely 6 feet or so. His skin is a bit pale, making him look like a ghost.

"Well then...lets get this match started! This fight begins...NOW!"

Jeremy runs towards Aster recklessly, swinging a right hook at him! In the blink of an eye, blood spurts profusely out of Jeremy's arm.

"AHHH! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!"

Jeremy crumples to his knees, holding his arm. What the hell happened? He tossed a punch and then...wait...

"Dad is that...his hand next to Aster?!"

In the time it took me to blink, Jeremy's hand was ripped clean off!

"First we have Michael's boy here...and now this?"

I turn over to dad, tugging on his shirt.

"What happened?! Did you see?"

"It looked like he had some sort of string...perhaps a garrote?"

"Huh?"

"Remember in John Wick?"

Dad makes a choking motion with his hand. Ah...the tough piece of string some criminals would use to choke someone out or snap their neck. This guy used one of those...and sliced someone's hand completely off, bone and all!"

"This is intense...Jeremy is just sitting there with his forcibly amputated hand!"

Aster walks up to Jeremy, swinging his leg in the air and slamming down on his head with a devastating heel kick!

The crowd goes silent, before roaring in applause after Jeremy remains knocked out on the floor, blood pouring out of his arm and down the cage.

"This match wasn't even a landslide...it was a goddamn tsunami! The winner of this round is Aster Scott!"

Dad stares off into the cage, tapping his foot anxiously. Once the crowd claps around us, he claps too.

"There's something about that boy...something odd."

"Like Cain?"

"No— Actually...yeah. Cain and this guy are both odd."

"In what way? Tell me!"

"Mmm...not right now. It's not important, not until we see more of this guy."

"Fair enough..."

Cain and Aster are both reactionary to an extent...but that guy's ruthlessness is something I've gotta take note of. I don't know if I really wanna face off against him now that I saw he's willing to take off someone's arm.

I just hope Cain is gonna be able to fight...he's gotta be okay.