The alley reeked of sweat, blood, and fear. Mikey's heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins. He could see the smaller boy cowering behind a dumpster, bruised and barely conscious, while Kang's muscles tensed like a predator ready to strike.
"You shouldn't have stepped in," Kang said, calm and almost amused. "But since you're here… let's see what you've got."
Mikey swallowed his fear, clenching his fists. I can't back down. Not now. Not ever.
[The Brutal Fight Begins]
Kang moved first. His Muay Thai strikes were precise and devastating—elbows swinging like hammers, knees smashing into Mikey's sides, fists flying with lethal speed. Mikey barely dodged a spinning back elbow that shattered part of the brick wall behind him.
"You're fast… I'll give you that," Kang said, almost conversationally, as he struck again. "But fast isn't enough."
Mikey blocked a knee to the ribs and countered with a low kick, forcing Kang to step back. Pain shot through his side, but he pushed forward, landing a rapid combination of punches aimed to stagger Kang.
Kang grinned, wiping blood from the corner of his lip. "Not bad… but this is only a warm-up."
He unleashed a flurry of Fire Fist strikes, each blow leaving faint heat trails in the air. Mikey dodged and rolled, sweat stinging his eyes, heart hammering. He could feel the sheer power behind every strike—Kang wasn't holding back.
[High Stakes]
Kang lunged at the smaller boy, ready to continue his attack. Mikey's stomach dropped. He couldn't let Kang harm him again.
"I said stop!" Mikey shouted, rushing forward. He feinted left, then struck with a spinning side kick to Kang's ribs, followed by a rapid Taekwondo combination aimed to push him back.
Kang staggered but recovered instantly, his eyes cold and calculating. "You really think you can stop me?"
The alley became a whirlwind of blows. Mikey's legs and arms burned, muscles screaming in pain, but he dodged, blocked, and countered with everything he had learned—from Marcus, Hana, and his past fights.
[Turning the Tide]
Mikey remembered the tournament: timing, distance, exploiting openings. He saw Kang overextend on a Fire Fist strike. Heart racing, Mikey ducked under the blow, delivering a spinning back kick that connected with Kang's side, sending him stumbling into a pile of crates.
Kang grunted, blood trickling from his lip, but he smirked, impressed. "Okay… you're stronger than I expected."
Mikey planted his feet, breathing heavily, fists ready. "I'm not letting you hurt anyone else!"
[Aftermath]
Kang wiped sweat and blood from his face, chuckling low. "You've got guts, Mikey. I like that… but don't think this is over."
The smaller boy scrambled to his feet, trembling but safe. Mikey's chest heaved, bruises and scrapes covering his body.
For the first time, Mikey understood the true danger of Kang—and how much he had grown since the tournament. The fight wasn't just about skill; it was about survival, courage, and morality.
Mikey clenched his fists, staring at Kang. I'll get stronger. I'll protect those who can't defend themselves. And next time… I'll be ready for you—and Jin.