"Get Bulldozer in there."

"Did he just say Bulldozer? Is he serious right now?" Ray said to Leyon, handing him a bottle of water. "K, it's obvious Zayden wants to kill you."

"That piece of human waste," Leyon muttered, taking a sip of the water and then spitting it out.

"Why's Titus your last opponent? Zayden's playing dirty. You should surrender now before it's too late, K," Ray said, nudging him on the shoulders.

"I won't give up."

"But you'll die if you fight in this condition. Look at yourself. Your body won't be able to handle it," Ray tried to convince Leyon.

"He's here. I'll make sure I win. Just watch," Leyon said to Ray, getting up from his seat where Ray had been taking care of him. "Wipe that worry off your face." Leyon patted Ray on the shoulder, giving him a determined look before entering the ring. His last opponent, Titus aka Bulldozer, was waiting for him there.

Leyon and Titus stood three feet apart inside the ring. It was Leyon's first time fighting against Titus. He knew Titus was an extremely strong fighter. Titus's incredibly tall, big physique was the first thing Leyon noticed. Titus's body was more than thrice his size, exceedingly broad and uselessly muscular. Barrel-chested and built like a brick, anyone could tell he was going to be a tough opponent to take down.

"K, today's the day you die. I'm going to kill you with my own hands," Titus said menacingly.

"It's impossible to kill an already dead person," K shot back, unfazed.

The last round began. None blinked an eye as they watched the violent showdown between the two S-ranked fighters — the ferocious lion versus the dominating bull.

Leyon was the first to strike. He smashed his knuckles into Titus's jaw, but the guy didn't even flinch. Pain shot through his wrist right after his fists made contact with Titus's skin. Was this guy made of stone? Leyon jumped back and waited for Titus's reaction. He's not making a move, Leyon noted.

"Do you have fists made of cotton? How come I can't feel a thing?" Titus said in a mocking tone. "Come on, K, you got to do better than that." He laughed.

Leyon yelled and ran forward, throwing more punches and kicks, yet Titus stood stock still, receiving all his blows without any complaint. He held his ground, standing motionless in the middle of the ring like an unbreakable stone statue, while Leyon panted heavily on the other side, his body dripping with sweat.

Leyon tried to calm himself. You can't tire yourself. If I pass out now, I lose. Leyon took in a deep breath and steadied himself. His body burned, the pain pricking him like a needle all over his body. He felt like jumping into a pool of ice-cold water.

"It's getting boring now. I still don't feel a thing," Titus stated, feigning a yawn. He stretched his neck and cracked his fists, smiling widely. "It's my turn now," he said thirstily.

Titus marched forward, his iron fists swinging back and forth. Leyon staggered backwards in an attempt to avoid his punches. Leyon managed to block his first fist, but not the second. That brutal blow knocked the wind out of his lungs, and when he came back to his senses, he found himself lying flat on the ground. His ears buzzed loudly, and for a moment, he thought he had gone deaf. Something wet trickled down his forehead and over his eyes. The pain was trying to cripple him yet again, but he ignored it and got up, unaware of the blood dripping down near his feet on the dusty ground.

"You don't look too good, K," Titus said to him, acting concerned. "You look like a real live zombie right now. I'm just going to sit here and watch you for a bit," he taunted. Then sitting down on the ground with his legs crossed, Titus watched Leyon in fascination.

This guy... he's clearly mocking me. Am I really going to lose to someone like him? Leyon gritted his teeth, not liking the idea. Every blow he gives is lethal. The next time I receive one, it might completely knock me out. I must try not to get hit from now on. But I can't block his punches either. I feel like my bones will crack if I try to defend myself by blocking them.

"Hey, get up," Leyon commanded, his voice clear and deep.

"Oh, finally ready to get punched again?" Titus snickered, slowly getting up.

"Come at me, you big buffalo," Leyon mocked. The crowd went ooh at the remark, knowing that the nickname would trigger Titus. It was a name he truly loathed.

From the corner of his eyes, Leyon could see Ray biting his nails nervously and crying animatedly.

The disrespectful name-call seemed to have angered Titus. His nose flared and his eyeballs went white. "K, you're dead," he growled and lunged at him.

Good. When you're on a rampage, you become reckless. That's exactly what I want. With that anger, you're just a bull, an animal that doesn't know how to use its brains.

"I'm not a buffalo," Titus shouted, flinging his fists aimlessly, consumed by rage.

Leyon swiftly dodged his attacks, being extra careful not to get hit. He jumped in and out of the way whenever he sensed Titus's fists and legs coming his way. His body was getting heavy from moving too much, and the pain was not being friendly with him either. Leyon knew he needed to end fast.

Leyon jumped back one last time and pretended to slip and fall, causing Titus to think he had him all cornered. "This is your end. Give it up, K," Leyon heard Titus say and watched as he loomed over him. Titus raised his one leg, ready to thrash Leyon's face with his kick. Here it comes. Leyon predicted his movements, barely managing to dodge Titus's kick at a hair's breadth. He took the chance and quickly crawled in between Titus's legs.

Leyon quickly got up and faced Titus's broad backside. Right before Titus could turn to face him, Leyon immediately jumped on his back and latched onto him like a leech. Tightly wrapping his arms around the back of Titus's head while using his entire body weight to apply pressure to his neck, Leyon strangled him.

For two whole minutes, they both struggled. Leyon was at his limits, but luck seemed to be on his side. Leyon felt Titus's body slowly relaxing under him. A second later, he jumped off, letting Titus's unconscious body crash heavily to the ground. A random person then rushed in and checked his pulse. The person got up and raised his hand, signalling that Titus was not dead.

After the signal, the crowd began the countdown in one single voice. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..."

Everything seemed to fade around him, and all he could hear was the inexplicably loud cheering noise of the uncontrollable crowd in the background. Upon seeing Titus's unconscious body being carried out of the ring, Leyon finally allowed his body to hit the ground. He lay there, breathing heavily, with his head facing the ceiling and eyes closed.

"K, you won! You won!" someone shouted from above him. Leyon opened his eyes only to meet Ray's bright smiling face positioned a few centimetres away from his own.

"You're too close," Leyon shouted and Ray leaned back playfully, his smile never leaving his lips. Leyon would have already bonked his head at his action, but he couldn't even raise his arm at the moment.

"Whoa, you're a bloody mess, K. Can you get up?" Ray extended his hand.

"Yeah," Leyon answered, accepting Ray's outstretched hand and getting pulled up by him.

"Let's go get your prize."

When Leyon and Ray climbed up to the dragon's chamber, Zayden greeted them with loud, synchronising claps.

"K, K, K... I'm honestly SUPER impressed. You're really a diamond in the rough. You never fail to surprise me," said Zayden.

"Our deal?" Leyon questioned, squinting his eyes at Zayden.

"Hahaha, my apologies... Fifteen grand," said Zayden, throwing the rolled bundle of cash on the table. "You can count if you want, K," he added.

"No need," Leyon replied, grabbing the money from the table.

"K, when will you come to my side? I really want you here with me." Zayden clicked his lips. "It's a shame you keep rejecting my proposal. Tonight, I'm not planning on letting you leave until you agree to become one of my... toys." He laughed sadistically.

"I'm afraid I'd still have to disappoint you. Because I have no interest in becoming your toy," Leyon retorted.

"You have no choice. I'm keeping you here," Zayden announced. He flicked his fingers, and three tall, muscular males came forward. There were most likely his other toys.

"K, this doesn't look good," Ray whispered.

Leyon quickly analysed his situation. His body was too broken and tired for another fight, and even if he ran, those toys would be right on his tail. Think, think. What do I do?

At that precise moment, Leyon noticed a flying sneaker coming from among the crowds. The shoe hit Zayden flat on the face. Everyone froze in shock, awaiting Zayden's reaction.

"Who threw that?" Zayden shouted at the top of his voice, cocking his head side to side. His so-called toys followed suit. "Come out now!" he raged. His pride had been completely shattered by the person who had hurled the shoe in his face.

"Psst K, escape while they're distracted," Ray whispered, keeping his voice as low as possible.

Leyon nodded and proceeded to creep his way out of the area. "Wait. Wear your jacket and go. You're literally naked." Ray came running after him to give him his jacket and shirt.

Leyon thanked Ray and quickly slithered his way out of the place, with the money he won shoved into his pockets. By the time Zayden caught on, Leyon was past the exit and too far away from his reach.

Present timeline...

"The look on Zayden's face must've been priceless," Leyon thought out loud, earning weird stares from people by the roadside. He blushed, cleared his throat to hide the embarrassment and picked up his pace, wanting to reach home as quickly as possible.

Come to think of it, that night, I'm sure I came back home. I remember seeing someone's shadow in front of the door to my room. Was that the stray cat? Leyon pinched his nose in annoyance, heading towards the stairs leading to his apartment. He tried to recall what had happened that night, but there was no luck. Shaking his head, Leyon climbed up the stairs and entered his room.

The lights were on and the room felt warm. The past three days had been like this. The feeling was something Leyon wasn't quite used to. He found himself hating it instead of relishing it. This temporary feeling of warmth, he didn't need it.

Leyon found the kitchen clouded with steam, a delicious, sweet aroma filling his senses. So, the stray cat was still here.

Leyon took out his phone from his pocket and tossed it carelessly on the small side table beside the door, and kicked off his shoes. That was when he heard the sound of footsteps making their way towards him.

Hikari came out of the kitchen and welcomed Leyon with a bright smile. Wearing a stained apron with her hair tied up in a neat bun, she looked like the typical housewife in the kitchen, preparing food for her family — something Leyon found ridiculously disconcerting.

"When are you leaving?" Leyon asked. Right, she can't talk. Throwing his backpack on the floor, Leyon passed by Hikari without as much as throwing her a glance. He didn't care to change out of his school uniform as he straight away dived for the bed, landing facedown on the semi-hard mattress. The hot shower could wait. "I won't hear any excuses today, so leave when I'm being nice," Leyon said, his voice coming out muffled from under the pillows.

Hikari gently picked up the discarded backpack and hung it over the hook attached to the door. She then went over to Leyon. Twisting her apron with nervous fingers, Hikari silently stood beside the bed, staring at Leyon.

"If you keep watching me like that, I think you're going to burn a hole through my back. What's the meaning of this?" Leyon questioned, slowly dragging himself up from the bed. A hand holding some kind of note was extended to him. Leyon shifted his gaze from Hikari's hand to her eyes. What's with that unsettling look?

Leyon snatched the note from Hikari's hand, not even bothering to mask his annoyance, and quickly scanned its contents. "So, you haven't found a place yet and want to keep staying here?"

Hikari obediently nodded her head.

"Don't even dream of it," said Leyon, crumpling the piece of paper in his hand. Wait. His mind shot up in alarm. That handwriting looks familiar.

Leyon opened the crumpled note and carefully went over it. He hurriedly shoved a hand into his pocket and took out the letter he had gotten from the school earlier.

"Why? Why does it look the same?" Leyon gritted his teeth, hands shaking as he held the two pieces of paper together. He got up abruptly and threw Hikari a piercing glare. "Hey? Explain. Do you hear me?" Leyon shouted, making Hikari flinch right after. He threw the letter on Hikari's face and watched as she bent down to pick it up from the floor. "You're the one who paid the money, aren't you?"

Hikari slowly nodded her head, her eyes cast downwards, refusing to meet his. She was scared of seeing the look on his face. From that tone, and the way he acted just a second ago, Hikari knew Leyon was angry.

"Why did you do something so unnecessary? No. How did you even know I attend that school? Just who are you?" Leyon shot questions after questions at Hikari. "You." Leyon gripped Hikari's shoulders. "Did Zayden send you? How much did he tell you about me? Did he send you to spy on me? Answer me," Leyon demanded, violently shaking Hikari's small body, his cold, manoeuvring eyes boring through her head.

What is he saying? I don't understand, thought Hikari, a lump forming in her throat. I'm scared. I don't recognise this Leyon. He looks exactly like my... father. Tears clouded her vision as she began hitting Leyon unconsciously. She didn't even know where she was aiming as she closed her eyes and continuously flung her hands at him; some of them managed to hit him on his chest.

"Hey, hey? What's wrong?" Leyon softened his voice, seeing the tears streaming down her face. He grabbed both her hands, stopping her from hitting him any further. "Calm down, you."

I'm scared. I'm scared. I'm scared. The words kept repeating over and over again inside Hikari's mind. She didn't like loud noises, or when people shouted. It reminded her of her father, of the pain she went through. It was like the replayed scenes from her childhood had come to haunt her again.

She was but nine when the door to her room barged open, and the loud, angry footsteps came searching for her. The vicious hands grabbed her from under the bed and dragged her by the hair across the room and beat her till she was black and blue. The constant shouts of blame she received for no reason, the death threats, and the tears that went unnoticed almost made her go insane, but she didn't even though she wished she had.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." — were the words she used to chant in her head at those times. But why? For what reason was she apologising? She didn't know then, and she still didn't know why she was chanting the same words over and over again now.

I'm scared. I can't breathe. I have to get away. No one will come to save me. I have to run away from here. Hikari wasn't aware of her surroundings or who she was with. All she wanted was to escape from the situation at hand. She felt her wrists being grabbed but her mind was panicking too much at the thought of her abusive father that she became extremely aggressive.

Pushing Leyon away violently, Hikari darted for the door.

"What's that girl's deal?" Leyon mumbled to himself. His hands balled into fists; his eyes fixed on the door that was left ajar after Hikari rushed out without an explanation. "Is it my fault now?" Well, good riddance. She's gone now. Leyon couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that soon followed him. He didn't want to admit the fact that he had made her cry; it made him feel pathetic.

"What kind of man makes a woman cry? Ley, you mustn't be like that or else mama will get angry." The voice inside his head sounded so clear as if his mother was standing right beside him and was reprimanding him for his mistakes. It had been so long since he'd heard her voice. He had forgotten what it sounded like until now. In the past, his mother had always taught him to treat women with kindness and respect, just like how he would want others to treat his own mother. But there he was, doing the opposite.

"Damn it," Leyon cursed loudly, running past the door and hurriedly descending the stairs.

It was dark outside when he came out. Tired and hungry, he didn't know where he was going as he ran around in circles in hopes to find Hikari. That stray cat. Where could she be? It was only when he finally spotted her walking a few distances ahead that he stopped to call out to her.

"Hikari?" Leyon saw her shifting her head in his direction. He thought she'd wait for him to catch up to her, but she ran away again. "Hey, stop!" he yelled and ran after her, but Hikari ignored him.

From the corner of his eyes, Leyon saw a bright light flash from the side of the road; a truck was heading toward Hikari.

"Hikari!" Leyon shouted at the top of his lungs, sprinting through the traffic and towards Hikari. His legs suddenly felt enormously light, and the tiredness became almost non-existent as adrenaline soared through him.

The glaring lights and the loud honk snapped Hikari out of her daze, and she stood there frozen in the middle of the road. Her mind went blank, seeing her life flash before her eyes. That was it. That was how she was going to die — hit by a truck. Suddenly, she felt her body being pushed out of the way. The force nearly knocked her out the instant she hit the ground.

Leyon and Hikari crashed to the hard, dirty ground, with Leyon sprawled on top of Hikari. The truck drove past unbothered, not even stopping to check back on them.

Leyon got up almost immediately. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?" he asked, sounding extremely concerned.

People in the streets began to gather. And all Hikari could do was stare at Leyon, dumbfounded, surprised she wasn't dead yet.

Leyon?... How? What was he doing here? Hikari could only wonder.