The next day, as the first light of dawn seeped over the jagged silhouette of the rooftops, Law moved stealthily through shadowed alleyways, his heart pounding with anticipation. His limbs were alive, eager for the brutal dance ahead. Every step brought him closer to the abandoned warehouse where Riko awaited, the air thick with the scent of rust and dust.
He slipped through the creaking doors, pushing into the expansive, dimly lit arena. Inside, makeshift obstacles and scavenged debris created a chaotic battleground, perfect for testing his limits. Law took a deep breath, steadying himself, eyes sharp and calculating. He examined every crack in the floor, every loose beam, knowing that in this fight, every advantage counted.
Suddenly, Riko appeared from the shadows, a rusty, crooked pipe gripped tightly in his hand. The metal gleamed menacingly in the weak light, a silent promise of violence. Riko's grin was friendly but carried a sinister edge, his eyes glinting with anticipation.
"Ready for the spar?" Riko's voice was smooth, almost teasing. "You've got a fight in three days. I want to see if you've got what it takes to win."
Law nodded, his jaw clenched. "As ready as I can be. With your help, I'll be even better."
Riko's grin widened. "Good. Then let's not waste any more time." Without warning, he lunged forward with blinding speed, the pipe swinging in a deadly arc.
Law reacted instinctively, retreating and analyzing Riko's aggressive, fluid movements. The pipe sliced through the air, rust flying as metal met air. Law dodged the first swing, the sound of metal scraping against the floor echoing through the arena. He knew he had to be quick, Riko's strikes were relentless.
Riko pressed the attack, swinging the pipe in a wide, sweeping arc. Law ducked beneath it, the pipe missing his head by inches. Riko followed with a quick jab aimed at Law's ribs, forcing him to twist away. The fight was a blur of motion, kicks, ducks, parries, and feints.
Suddenly, Riko pivoted and swung again, this time low, aiming for Law's shins. Law leapt back, the blast of wind making his pant-legs drift as the pipe grazed the air where he had just been. He countered with a punch, aiming for Riko's ribs, but Riko spun away, narrowly avoiding the blow.
The two fighters circled each other, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down their faces. Riko's grin remained, but his eyes flickered with a dangerous edge. Law's muscles burned, every movement a testament to his determination.
Riko closed the gap again, swinging the pipe in a vicious overhead strike. Law raised his arms, blocking the blow with his forearms, more rust flying from the contact. Riko's strength was overwhelming, forcing Law back step by step. He gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain, and managed to land a quick jab to Riko's stomach, making him stumble slightly.
"Not bad," Riko muttered, eyes narrowing. "You've got some fight in you."
Riko shifted tactics, feinting a strike high before dropping low, aiming to sweep Law's legs out from under him. Law instinctively leapt over the attack, but Riko followed with a swift kick aimed at Law's chest. Law dodged, almost seeing the rush of air as the boot slammed past him.
The fight grew more brutal. Riko's strikes became faster, more unpredictable. Law blocked a series of vicious blows, each one testing his limits. His arms would have ached from the constant parrying, and his breath came in ragged gasps. He knew he couldn't keep this pace forever.
Riko pressed forward, swinging the pipe in tight, rapid succession, thrusts, hooks, and overheads. Law deflected as best he could, but one strike caught him off guard, his arm briefly exposed, and Riko's pipe connected with a sharp crack against his side.
Law refused to fall. He lunged, aiming a punch at Riko's jaw, but he ducked beneath it, twisting his body and unleashing a vicious backhand. Law staggered but kept his footing, eyes blazing.
Then Riko saw a crack in his armor. He swung low, aiming to sweep Law's legs again. Law planted his feet and jumped, twisting his body midair, and managing to land on his feet. Seizing the moment, he lashed out with a quick kick, catching Riko in the head. Riko grunted but held his ground.
They circled again, each waiting for the other's next move. Law's mind raced, trying to read Riko's patterns, if he could feel anything he'd notice the burn in his muscles and the pounding of his heart. The fight was a test of will as much as skill.
Riko suddenly lunged, swinging the pipe in a wild, furious overhead blow. Law dodged at the last second, the pipe smashing into the ground where he had just been. Law countered with a desperate sweep aimed at Riko's legs, but Riko leapt over it, landing behind Law and wrapping his arms around his waist in a bear hug.
Law struggled, trying to break free, but Riko's grip was like iron. Riko squeezed, trying to destabilize him, forcing Law toward the ground. Law slammed his elbow back into Riko's ribs, causing him to loosen his hold. With a grunt, Law broke free and spun around, throwing a punch that Riko narrowly dodged.
The chaos intensified. Riko swung the pipe again, forcing Law to backpedal, the metal scraping against the concrete as sparks flew. Law's vision blurred from exertion, sweat stinging his eyes. He was tiring, but his resolve burned brighter.
Riko suddenly feinted a strike, then thrust the pipe forward with a quick, sharp jab. Law caught it, locked in a tense struggle. Riko pushed forward, forcing Law to stumble backwards to the ground, the pipe pressing against his chest.
Law's hand shot out, grabbing a loose piece of scrap metal from the ground, a jagged, cube-shaped fragment. Without thinking, he hurled it and Riko dodged, narrowing his eyes.
Seizing the moment, Law returned to his feet and charged forward, swinging his fists with deadly precision. Riko deflected the blows, their bodies colliding in a flurry of strikes and counters. Law's exhaustion was catching up with him, but he refused to fall.
Riko swung the pipe in a wide, sweeping attack. Law managed to catch it with his forearm, but the force knocked him back. Riko surged forward, aiming a brutal kick to Law's ribs, which he nearly avoided. The collision sent Law stumbling into a pile of debris.
Riko advanced, the pipe raised high, ready to strike the final blow. Law, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead, gritted his teeth and summoned every ounce of strength left. With a desperate roar, he lunged, grabbing Riko's wrist and twisting it downward. The pipe clattered to the ground.
Law threw a punch at Riko's face, connecting with a satisfying crunch. Riko staggered back, surprised but unfazed. The fight was reaching its climax.
Both men stood battered, bruised, and breathing hard. Riko's grin returned, a wild glint in his eyes. "Not bad," he said hoarsely. "You've got heart. That's what counts."
Law, sweat streaming down his face, nodded. "I'm not quitting. Not yet."
Riko nodded back, a challenge in his eyes. "Good. Let's finish this."
They charged at each other one last time, the clash echoing through the warehouse, a brutal, relentless duel of wills, strength, and skill. Neither willing to give in. Neither willing to back down.
The fight dragged on, a raw display of grit and determination, until finally, exhaustion overtook them. Both collapsed to their knees, gasping for air, bodies battered and bruised but alive, a testament to their unbreakable spirit.
Law looked at Riko, a mixture of respect and gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks," he rasped. "This was a real test."
Riko grinned through his exhaustion. "You've got a long way to go, but you're not giving up. That's what matters."
As the dust settled and the shadows lengthened, the two fighters shared a moment of silence. Both going over the fight in their heads, what they could've done different, when they should've attacked, when a dodge was better than a block. As time stretched on and the two picked each others brains, the sun began to set across Trax.
Law said his farewell and began his short journey home, shadow boxing through the corridors and revising everything he learned, trying to imprint all the actions into his muscles. He wanted to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming fight. he wanted it to be a one sided show, where only he could stand on the stage. He wanted to engrave fear into his future opponents. Most of all Law wanted to come home without a scratch so his sister wouldn't worry.