Daniel slept like a baby in Gun's embrace which was a first. Usually, the Doctor would either roll around or mumble things under his breath. He doesn't this time but Gun is not opposed to the peaceful change.
Even as morning light shines its first few rays through the lone window of the room and as Gun wakes up with the rising sun he couldn't withhold the fondness that he had unknowingly built in his heart for the man in his arms. There was something deeply intimate about seeing Daniel like this, seeing him as he was without a single thing to hinder his sight
How many times has it been by this point where he finds himself waking up to the sight of Daniel? How many times has he been entranced by the other man's beauty? How many times can he touch the ethereal being next to him until Gun ruins it all simply because he is poisonous?
It's a concern that Gun has felt ever since he came to the realisation that perhaps he feels more for the young Doctor than he should. He was poison, everything that he had ever loved had withered away. He was a criminal, a delinquent, a gangster, he didn't deserve whatever this blessing was, he was going to ruin Daniel. Yet he's not strong enough to push it away from him, Gun is a greedy monster and he knows that he wants Daniel to himself.
Pulling himself up and off the bed, Gun places his feet on the cold floor before reaching over to shake the Doctor awake. Usually, he'd let the others sleep in but today they couldn't, they were needed for their jobs and if Gun let the Doctor sleep any longer he might just give in himself and fall asleep as well.
"Daniel, wake up" He hums and a tired groan is voiced before Daniel rolls over, blinking himself awake before his eyes land on Gun's figure. Previous annoyance evaporated into a fond softness.
Gun didn't know how to feel each time the Doctor would look at him that way. It didn't used to be like that, Gun remembers when Daniel hadn't even wanted to look at him or when he did there would be flashes of hot anger and irritation. It had changed so significantly since then and yet Gun couldn't tell which way was better. Anger or the look of adoration, as if Gun himself had hung the stars and moon just for him as if he was good enough to be worth that look.
Because for the longest time, Gun knew that he was a bad person. Everyone else saw him for the horrible individual that he was. Yet for the first time in forever, someone saw him as someone good.
"Why so early today? The tournament doesn't start till later anyways" Daniel replies sitting up so that he can crawl to be over by Gun's side. Close proximity, touch, Gun was never a handsy kind of guy, in fact, he hated it when anyone ever tried to touch him without consent. Daniel was the exception.
Daniel seemed to live and breathe through physical touch, leaning, poking, and prodding Gun to test his limit but if it came down to patience, Gun had an infinite amount for the Doctor.
"Well, I thought you'd want to check on your patient, also because another check-up needs to be done on the remaining 16 participants before tonight's events. They'll be coming in soon" Gun informs and Daniel pouts before nodding, leaning his head into Gun's bare shoulder before reaching out to wrap himself around Gun's arm.
The hug was gentle and brief, the faintest kiss on Gun's shoulder was given before the Doctor unravelled himself and moved to get ready. At that moment from the loss of touch, Gun's heart wanted nothing more than to grab the Doctor and bring him back into his arms, his mind logically overpowered those thoughts.
"I should go and shower, join me?" Daniel questions as he grabs some clothes, his toiletries and a towel.
Gun's mind wasn't strong enough to deny the request.
.
.
.
They walked into the medical room together. The blonde nurse and that new Doctor was still present, keeping watch and discussing something quietly with each other before Gun and Daniel's arrival.
"How is everything?" Daniel questions and Jay is quick to give him the rundown report. Jacky was stable and he had even woken up briefly a couple of hours ago. "Alright, Jay and Collin why don't the both of you head out for a break? Take a nap or eat food from the mess hall. Gun and I will stay here to keep watch of Jacky" He offers.
"Nurse Hong and I already split shifts to sleep during the night, although I won't waste this opportunity to go grab breakfast and shower" Collin states and Daniel nods.
The two leave, side-eyeing why Gun was present but not voicing their questions.
"You don't have to stay," Daniel hums as he takes his seat.
"The others will be coming here soon anyway. There's no point for me to leave" Gun replies, taking a seat as well and crossing his arms.
Daniel hums before turning around to do some work.
As expected the other fighters that had been told to come to the CC for a check-up arrive one by one. Hudson was the first to arrive, not for the sake of his check-up but for the sake of his crew mate.
"How is he, Doctor? Has he woken up yet?" Hudson questions the minute he steps into the room, making his way to the bed that Jacky was lying on, still attached to a couple of monitors.
"He's in stable condition, Doctor Yu informed me that he woke up once when he was on watch duty which is good" Daniel informs easily, making his way to the Public leader. "He underwent a splenectomy, we had to remove his spleen but the operation was smooth and successful. After a week's rest, he should be okay for discharge. Would you like to move him to a proper hospital or allow him to stay here?" Daniel informs the man who shakes his head.
"I want him to stay here, I trust him under your care" Hudson replies firmly.
The tension that was in Hudson's body relaxes and soon he turns to Daniel before grabbing him by the hands. Gun frowns at the action but doesn't move to say anything.
"Thank you, Doctor, thank you!" Hudson tells the Doctor who only smiles at the blonde.
The next couple of people start to arrive and it is at that point when Daniel moves his hands away from Hudson and walks to close the curtains around Jacky to provide the patient with some privacy before moving on to do his checkups on the fighters.
Daniel's about halfway through the checkups before James, Goo and the two other medical professionals return to the room. Both Nurse and Doctor were quick to jump into action and help Daniel and it didn't take much longer before they finished.
"I'm concerned about your leg" Daniel hums to Zack who winces as the Doctor presses down on the calf. "The muscles are sore and tender, in any other circumstances I would tell you to sit the fight out" He states but the boxer stubbornly shakes his head.
"I know I should but…I won't" Zack replies earnestly and Gun is honestly impressed.
Daniel sighs, wrapping his leg.
"Alright, Doctor Park, are there any concerning injuries that warrant anyone to be excused from the tournament?" James questions.
"Other than sore muscles, fatigue and exhaustion? No" Daniel replies easily after conversing with Doctor Yu about the 15 individuals that were present.
"Alright then, I guess we should start debriefing you all about what the next part of the tournament will be about" Goo grins when someone cuts him off.
"Hey, what about that monster?" Samuel questions and there were hums of agreement. "Why isn't he here?"
"Ah, No.1 won't be attending this meeting" Goo replies easily, peeved that he was cut off.
"What the hell, why's that? In fact why the hell is that monster even participating in the tournament in the first place? He's not normal and there's clearly something wrong with him!" Olly shouts.
"No.1 is just as free to fight in the arena as you are" Mandeok calls out.
"Hah? Is that coming from someone who ran away from him the entire night? You do realise that you're just as screwed as everyone else if you end up going against him?" Jake points out.
"Maybe for you lot" Ryohei snorted.
"Enough" Gun silences and people turn back to the three Founders. "You all squabble like toddlers. Enough talking and listen up because we won't be repeating anything we're about to tell you" He orders and most of the group glares in his direction but remains quiet.
Daniel, Collin and Jay all watched the meeting from the back of the room.
"No.1 isn't here for his check-up because he has his own personal Doctor. He also doesn't need to be here because he already knows about the second part of the tournament and has already chosen Ryohei as his partner" Gun informs and this sparks confusion.
"Partner? What do you mean by that?" Changyong questions and it's James that takes over the explanation.
"Because of the sheer number of participants this time around, we allowed 16 of you to pass rather than the usual 8. Because of this and still the time constraints of the tournament, we have decided that rather than fight one-on-one for the second part of the tournament it will be done in pairs. At this moment you will be choosing a partner to pair up with, we will then create the table before tonight. The pair that wins will then go up against each other which will then ultimately decide the winner of the entire tournament who will go up to get the prize. When fighting in your pairs the only way to win is if you knock the other pair out of bounds, knock them unconscious or if they both decide to forfeit" James states and they gape.
"Be careful with who you choose, While you want a strong partner that won't keep you down you also need to consider whether or not you would win against them" Goo crackles as they turn to each other.
"You have now to get into pairs, go on. Gosh, it's like assigning partners to a group project" The blonde remarks excitedly.
Some of the pairs were easy to decide. No.1 and Ryohei had been decided beforehand, Mandeok and Yuseong, Samuel and Jake, Changyong and Dosu, Olly and Eli. The others are not so easily chosen.
"Zack" Vasco calls quietly, walking over to his friend. "Should we partner?" He asks but his eyes warily gaze at the boxer's foot.
"Hah? Why the hell should you choose him? He's injured" Logan scoffs before pointing to himself. "Vasco, pair yourself with me" He suggests.
"Nuh-uh, he should be with me. We may not like each other but at least we've known each other for longer. Also, Zack is a liability at this point, getting caught by No.1 like that and injuring his foot was stupid" Vin Jin scoffs.
"Tch shut up, I'm surprised the both of you even made it this far" Zack sneers back but their words were right. "Vasco, if you want to win you should choose someone else" He states in a pitiful tone.
Zack knew he was in no condition to fight but even still, he wanted to give it his all. Knowing now that he had to have a partner…he was going to drag them down.
"But…then who will you partner with?" Vasco questions in an earnest tone.
"With me" Johan makes his way towards the boxer. "Zack will partner with me" He restates before placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Zack couldn't help but stare back in shock.
"Why?" He couldn't help but blurt out.
"Because you're stronger than you think you are" The brunette merely shrugs.
"Bruh, what is this power of friendship bullshit that I just witnessed?" Vin Jin grunts.
"I thought it only happened in shows or anime" Logan quips.
The two turn to Vasco.
"So how about Vasco, which one of us will you pair with?" Vin Jin questions.
"Neither of you" Vasco snorts in return, causing the two to gape.
"Huh?!"
"Of course, the only logical answer is Hudson" Vasco turns to the blonde who had been watching and waiting on the sidelines. He was the only individual there that wasn't close to anyone in particular. Seeing as there were an even amount of people he knew that he would end up with someone eventually. Sure he could've gone to the strongest person and attempted to convince them about seeking revenge against No.1 but it was too much effort.
"We may have a past but we have reconciled since then. We have similar values and Hudson is strong, why wouldn't I choose him?" Vasco shrugs off, extending a hand to the leader of Public who smirks before agreeing to the partnership.
"Damn…I guess that leaves us two" Logan grumbles as he looks down at Vin Jin.
They turn away from each other with a sigh.
"Hmm, looks like the groups have been decided. We'll release the brackets within an hour or two but otherwise, you're free to do as you please until tonight. May the odds be ever in your favour" Goo grins.
"Goo, this isn't the Hunger Games" James sighs before nodding at the group.
They disperse, some lingering around whereas others either left to head to the gym, mess hall or just around the CC. Daniel approaches Gun, smiling and waving at a couple of the fighters who greet him in return just as fondly. Olly himself gives him a wink and thumbs up before trailing after Eli.
"Pairs, huh?" Daniel remarks and Gun nods.
"It can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on who they choose, currently even though they've only just chosen I can already see who will be going further than others" Gun crosses his arms and Daniel raises a brow.
"And who do you think is going to win?" He questions, making sure to whisper the question.
"Honestly my money is on either Jake and Samuel or Eli and Olly. Johan would have been up there too had he chosen someone more reasonable like Hudson" Gun shrugs and Daniel frowns.
"What about Ryohei and No.1?" He questions and at this Gun seems to frown.
"I'd hope that those two don't win. It'd be rather unfortunate if they did" Gun sighs. "But from the way I see it…it seems to be inevitable" He adds and Daniel grabs onto the man's shoulder.
"Gun I don't have a good feeling about No.1 at all" He confesses earnestly. "Even with the previous night when we saw him for the first time. The amount of damage he was able to do to all those people and even sending Jacky into emergency surgery…that's not ok. Now they're going to be fighting two on two? The injuries will only get worse"
There was a moment where Gun fell silent, staring down into the younger man's eyes before turning to two other occupants in the room.
"Is there anything we can do about No.1?" He questions James and Goo who had both been watching them with curious looks.
"Doctor Park, I understand your concern but at this point, there really isn't anything we can do. I've already agreed with Eugene and so No.1 will have to fight until the end" James reasons gently.
"Furthermore, even the ratings of the CC have gone up because of that guy. No.1 Moreover the CC is the talk of the city again, not that we ever aren't but he's made a boost to our presence" Goo grins, giving a thumbs up before he falters, taking a moment to think before speaking again.
"Although he does seem kind of freaky and not even in just the weird type of way. I don't want to accuse anyone of anything but I'm sure it's not farfetched to assume that Eugene and that guy Hangyeol Baek have done some unseemingly things to the guy" The blond remarks and Daniel nods along with the blonde, ready to state his observations.
"You guys and everyone else saw the numerous surgical scars on his body, those aren't just there for show. Either he's been an unfortunate individual who's had to have several dozen surgeries or that was all done to enhance his body. He doesn't communicate unless it's through sounds or the occasional grunts, I've seen him only respond to basic commands that come from Hangyeol and no one else. There is seriously something wrong with this situation" Daniel hisses at the three, trying to get them to come to their senses and do something about what was going on.
There were doubtful looks on their faces as if they were accepting his words but didn't know how to handle the situation. Eventually, it's James who gives in, walking towards the Doctor and raising a hand to ruffle his hair.
"I'll look into it, Doctor" He hums as if he's trying to please a crying child with candy. "I can't do anything right now to Workers or Eugene before the tournament, it'll only make it seem like I'm going back on my agreement with him but once it ends I'll be sure to take action" James explains in a soothing tone and Daniel let out a deep sigh.
"I understand, I'm just worried about the other fighters. If he defeats them then he'll have to fight one of your three and that might mean…" It might mean that one of them could come out of the fight critically injured and Daniel wouldn't be able to withstand that. Whether it was Goo, James or Gun, especially if it was Gun.
A soft chuckle was let out and Daniel turned to look up at James' amused face as he stared down at the Doctor.
"That's awfully sweet of you, Daniel" James coos out before nudging his pointer finger under the shorter man's chin in a teasing manner. "But there's nothing to worry about, we are the strongest after all" He boasts and Daniel raises a brow at the cocky tone.
Goo snorts at the words whereas Gun who had been watching the scene with an intense stare relaxes, crossing his arms before rolling his eyes and turning away.
"Anyways we should get going, good luck with tonight Doc" James calls, stepping away from the younger before heading to the door with a wave.
"I gotta head off with him too, I'll see you later!" Goo adds as he moves towards James who's exiting the room yet before he leaves he comes to a stop, spins back around and runs back towards the Doctor.
Daniel doesn't even so much as flinch as the blonde Founder wraps his arms around Daniel, lifts him off the floor and squeezes him in a tight hug.
"Thanks for caring about us, Doctor" He's quick to whisper before letting him go, flashing one last brilliant smile and disappearing out the door with dramatic flair.
"What was that about?" Daniel laughs as he turns to Gun who comes to stand by his side.
"Goo has a habit of becoming attached to people he likes. You've been an interesting and nice person since the beginning. You admitting that you'd be worried if one of us got hurt just nailed you straight into his good books. Not many people can genuinely say they care about us" Gun explains with a simple shrug as if he didn't just say they were hard people to love and care about.
Now Daniel does not doubt that the three were menaces to everyone including each other but surely what Gun had just said wasn't the truth. The three had their own fan bases that were bigger than most of the other fighters in the CC, they were popular, loved and even adored by people who saw them as the solutions for Korea's delinquent and gang problems. Sure the crews themselves disliked them but still…
"You're thinking too hard again" Gun remarks before moving his hands up to brush Daniel's hair, setting it back in place after James had messed it up. "Whatever you're thinking, drop it. It's not like any of us care" He hums out.
"Well, Goo must at least somewhat care if he reacted that much from me showing slight affection towards him. I interact with him the least when it comes to you Founders" Daniel grumbles, feeling his lips pursed as he speaks. "Still, of course, I care" He mumbles under his breath.
Gun let out a huff of amusement before stepping away from Daniel.
"I should get going too, I'll see you tonight," He tells Daniel before leaving.
The Doctor watches him go off silently before turning back to the last few occupants in the room. Collins and Jay were present, Jay was frowning and Collins was smirking.
"You have a thing for that guy, don't you?" He calls Daniel out and immediately the younger snorts.
"I do not"
"Hmm, sure" Collins turns away.
Silence ensues. Daniel should just let the conversation end there but somewhere in his mind he can't.
"Is it that obvious?" He blurts out, feeling himself flush the moment he voices the question.
Collin snorts as Jay gapes.
"You were making eyes at him the entire time, yes it was kind of obvious" Collin replies with a laugh before making his way to his fellow Doctor. "Don't sweat it kiddo, a lot of people are into bad boys" He teases and Daniel can't help but flush even further.
"Shut up!"
It only makes Collin's laugh even further.
.
.
.
Night time approaches sooner than later and with it comes the second round of the tournament. Sure it wasn't as hectic as it was during the first night but there were still plenty of people in the stands watching and those who were tuning in through the livestream.
The minute the brackets for the paired fights were released everyone had gone crazy. For the first time, the CC would be doing partnered rounds and that set everyone's excitement alight.
"Since there won't be a hundred fighters coming in and we'll be tending to four of them at a time we can treat this how we usually do during regular nights. Doctor Yu will be taking one pair and I will be taking the other. Still, let us all remain on high alert" Daniel announces to the team who all agree.
Mira was present in the room as well as Taejin and his first responders but Jay was tasked with staying back in the medical room to watch over Jacky with two other employees. Despite that, it still meant that they had plenty of hands to help them if anything decided to go astray that night.
As per usual the Founders hyped the crowd up before settling everyone down and explaining the changes to the tournament. Since the brackets had been released everyone knew who would be competing against who and the first ones up to the plate were none other than No.1 and Ryohei vs Hudson and Vasco.
"This feels one-sided" Someone had murmured quietly as if it was blasphemy but many agreed. Daniel himself couldn't help his feelings, although he was biassed and wanted Vasco and Hudson to win, the numbers and statistics of No.1 fighting prowess and strength didn't overshadow the fact that he was favoured to win.
Apprehension was clear on both Vasco and Hudson's faces when they stepped out into the light and onto the arena grounds. Their eyes flickering from No.1's passive body to Ryohei's smirking face, the blonde, Japanese male couldn't help but shoot the other two a cheeky wave much to the opposing fighters' annoyance.
Daniel watches, there is a silent exchange of words between the three men and once Goo announces the start of the fight along with the sirens going off, they are moving. Ryohei steps backwards whereas No.1 launches forward. Hudson and Vasco split, dodging out of the way on opposite sides of the large fighter.
"Hmm, so that's how they're going about it" Taejin hums from beside Daniel.
"What do you mean?" Daniel voices out and the First Responder points out a couple of facts.
"Nomen is staying out of the fight" The blonde sat down at the edge, watching the ongoing fight patiently. "Not that there is any reason for him to fight in the first place. Vasco and Hudson are out for revenge against No.1, who in this fight and probably any other fight, is the strongest among the participants. If they can collectively defeat No.1 then they can work together to deal with Nomen but Nomen on the other hand knows not to waste his strength. If he fights now he risks getting into No.1's way and being hurt. So he'll wait and see if he needs to step in" Taejin spoke and Daniel nodded.
"Do you think Vasco and Hudson could win?" Daniel hums out, watching as Vasco uses muay thai against the giant's leg whereas Hudson uses the strength of his fist to hit the other against his abdomen. The hits lead to No.1 staggering and roaring in pain but neither were enough to take him down. Instead, he lashes out with even more viciousness.
"Honestly, no," Taejin responds.
"No faith that they aren't going to power up together and prevail using the power of friendship?" Daniel snorts.
"It's not that, it's more of the way they're fighting," Taejin remarks. "They're going all out, there's no doubt about it but they're being rash in their actions. Leading with emotion rather than logic and with how they're going they will lose" he sighs and Daniel winces when he catches sight of Vasco getting hit by No.1's fists, knocking him a couple of metres away.
"But?" Daniel turns to the darker-skinned man. "It sounds like you're about to say 'but' and I hope you are" The Doctor notes and Taejin nods.
"But I don't think they went into this fight to win, it looks like they're going to hurt and damage No.1 as much as they can so it can be an advantage for the next pair. They may not be able to defeat No.1 but if they can hinder him as much as possible to give the next group an opportunity then that will count as a win for them" Taejin explains and Daniel gasps.
"So that's their plan!" Daniel couldn't help but feel hopeful.
If each team could consecutively bring No.1 down a couple of inches then in the end there would be no way for the large man to win. Right? There was already the assumption that no one could solo and win against No.1, so if they worked like this then the chances of victory for the other fighters were at an all-time high.
Daniel watches with bated breaths as both Hudson and Vasco land consecutive hits against No.1. They were both powerful, their punches and kicks were bone-shattering and Daniel knew that first hand. The fact that No.1 didn't try to dodge or block the hits was something even more amazing, how much had the man gone through to not showcase his pain? Instead, every time he was hit he would retaliate with even quicker force, leading to both Hudson and Vasco having to jump away as quickly as possible. It was exhausting to watch.
The Doctor doesn't know how much time goes by before eventually everyone could tell that it was a battle of stamina, one that No.1 was clearly winning judging by the sweat and bruises that marred and decorated Vasco and Hudson's skin. Their breathing was ragged and their arms and legs twitched from overexertion. Quicker than anyone had been anticipating, as the two gang leaders had taken a second to pause their onslaught of attacks and rest, it was then when No.1 finally struck.
Two, perfectly timed yet powerfully packed hits to both Vasco and Hudson's stomach were enough to send both of them to the floor. It has both men clutching their stomachs and gasping for air, struggling to come too. There was a mental countdown as people were waiting for the two men to sit up and continue but the expectation was met with disappointment as Hudson shook his head and Vasco signals with his arm that they were conceding.
And with that, the first round of the second part of the CC 18th Tournament comes to an end. Sirens signal the end of the match, Hangyeoul directs No.1 out of the arena whilst Ryohei follows like a lost puppy whereas Daniel and Collins head to the two defeated fighters.
Hudson and Vasco were wheeled in as people from the crowd called out in encouragement. Saying they did well and fought the best they could. Daniel was sure that if he paid enough attention to the crowd he'd be able to identify that the loudest calls were from the Burn Knuckles and Public, perhaps even Taesoo Ma was shouting words of encouragement to his student.
Once in the medical set up the two Doctors were quick to look over the two fighters. Ryohei was quickly dismissed as he hadn't participated whereas No.1 was taken away by Hangyeol with a smile. Daniel was thorough in his examination of Hudson, noting down any broken bones in his abdomen, cleaning any exposed cuts and bruises as well as patching up any other wounds yet overall the Public leader would be fine. Vasco was in much of the same condition.
"You two boys did well," Daniel encourages, patting Hudson's shoulder. "You may have lost but you both surely left marks on No.1" He nods and Hudson sighs.
"Any medication, Doc?" Vasco asks.
"I'll prescribe some painkillers, you'll be in more pain tomorrow but you'll both recover after some well-deserved rest. Otherwise, the both of you are good to go" Daniel smiles encouragingly at them and they nod.
"I'm going to head to the stands, Hudson will you be coming with me?" Vasco calls out but the other leader merely shakes his head.
"If it's alright with Doctor Park I'd like to head to the infirmary to stay by Jacky's side" Hudson informs them and Daniel agrees easily.
"Of course you can" and with that, the duo left the space.
Daniel mourned for their loss only momentarily before turning back to the arena that was being cleaned and set up for the next match. There were still several matchups to go.
Next up was Jake and Samuel vs Changyong and Dosu. This matchup was a little more active and interesting, less one-sided than the last. Jake and Samuel were many people's fan favourites but the new addition of Changyong and Dosu sparked people's curiosity. There were quite a few CC newbies that had made it into the second round of the tournament this time around and that seemed to pique everyone's interest.
As the two pairs fight each other, Goo and Gun narrate each individual's background. They reminded the crowd of Jake and Samuel's fight record and how they usually were when they fought alone. With the two as partners, it could only spell trouble for their opponents.
Yet despite their boasting, it was James' words that had people second-guessing themselves.
"Both Changyong and Dosu are nothing to scoff at either, they are the Leader and Weapon of Seokdu's agency, aka the 1st generation King of Suwon" James announces and the spotlight flutters towards a seat on the upper floor. The same man in the blue pinstripe suit with scars on his forehead that Daniel had met the previous night appears on screen. "King of Suwon, it's been a while hasn't it?" James questions, a smirk in his tone as he addresses the king who seemed to be glaring down at the other.
The man doesn't seem to verbally respond to James' jibes and the redhead indulges in it.
"Fancy seeing you here of all places, although I guess it was inevitable that you and your students would end up here whether this is you attempting to get back at me or for you to test out the strength of your agency" James speaks and with each word, Seokdu's temper seems to grow. "Don't worry, I don't mind if you're planning either of those and not to worry, I noticed that everyone else is also present as well. Let's go out for a drink and catch up some time" He smiles before the camera feeds and the spotlight on Seokdu disappears.
Daniel was sure that as soon as James' focus left the man the first-generation king had exploded into a fit of anger from being teased by the person that had defeated him. Still, no matter what James had done it had inevitably showcased to the crowd that both Changyong and Dosu were nothing to overlook. Similar to Hudson being a student of Taesoo's, Changyong was Seokdu's.
The fight between the four was interesting to watch, Changyong and Dosu's fighting styles were impressive, from the temple-aching headbutts to the perfect flow of their hair as they fought but in the end, they lacked the same conviction that James and Samuel seemed to hold. James and Samuel's fighting styles were both different but still held the same raw ferociousness. In the end, it was both Changyong and Dosu were knocked out and lying on the floor with Big Deal standing above them in victory.
The next couple of fights go by similarly. Olly and Eli vs Mandeok and Yuseong. Whilst the two Worker bodyguards put up a good fight that left several scars on both Hostel leaders' bodies, it was Olly's unpredictable nature and Eli's calming prowess that overcame the two.
Johan and Zack vs Logan and Vin Jin went by a bit quicker than the other fights but not quickly enough to be embarrassing. The two J High fighters attempted to go after Zack first, seeing as the boxer was apparently the weakest in the arena as of currently due to his leg injury yet Johan didn't allow this. The brunette fought to not only protect Zack but also ensured that the two wouldn't even have the opportunity to reach the boxer. The fight only drew out due to how persistent Vin Jin and Logan were but eventually Logan was knocked unconscious and Vin Jin admitted defeat when he was thrown out of bounds. Zack had done little to support Johan at the moment but it was more due to Johan keeping the opponents away rather than his leg deterring him.
As the four fighters were brought in to be checked out, Daniel focused on Johan and Zack, making sure to check on the condition of the brunette's eyes as well as rewrapping Zack's leg. Logan was treated easily by Collins and so was Vin Jin, what didn't come easy was when Vin Jin approached Taejin.
The blonde had raised his brow and smirked as Vin Jin came to stare at the First Responder.
"Gentlemen, do we have a problem here?" Daniel voices out when he notices everyone else has gone tense with silence.
"Yeah, we do," Vin Jin sneers in return. "I knew that the CC was filled with scumbags but to think you would employ the likes of this disgusting criminal?" He questions and confusion swims in everyone's mind as he addresses Taejin.
The CEO on the other hand didn't look surprised by the words, instead, he calmly raised a brow before smirking in return.
"It's been a while Master of Cheongliang, I didn't think I'd see your sorry ass in a place like this after you ran off with your tail between your legs" Taejin responds, his voice amused and airy as if he didn't give a fuck that Vin Jin was attempting to size him up. "Mutt" The blonde sneers out like a derogatory term.
"I might be a dog but at least I'm not the murderer that's out here galavanting around like I did nothing wrong. I still remember exactly what you did to her" Vin Jin snarls.
"Pot calling the kettle black" Taejin sighs in return before his gaze and voice hardens, he steps closer to the other before sneering. "Also, what proof do you have? I've done nothing wrong, unlike you, eyeball monster" He replies and that's when Vin Jin loses it. He throws the first hit which lands against Taejin's jaw who then retaliates by socking the other to the face.
There were several screams of terror as the two men suddenly started grabbing at each other, Daniel was quick to pull away any employees that might get sucked into the fray.
"Boys! Stop it!" Daniel calls, alarmed but also pissed that the two would start a pissing match right then and there over whatever history they might have had.
The two were struggling to get a good grip on the other, neither giving in as they used all their strength not to trip or get pushed over.
"Where the hell was all this when we were fighting the dog and the boxer?!" Logan shouts.
"Vin Jin stop it! You shouldn't be fighting!" Zack also chimes in.
Both were enough of a distraction for Vin Jin, causing him to pause ever so slightly and for Taejin to use it to grab onto the male and flip him over, slamming the high schooler roughly onto the floor with overwhelming strength. Nearby equipment that had been caught in the move goes clattering to the floor along with Vin Jin's glasses as it dislodges from his face. It was a miracle that cracks didn't form on the floor but the wind and fight were knocked out of Vin Jin's already exhausted form. At that moment it looked like Taejin was about to start whaling down on the other and it was up to Daniel to step forward.
Lunging across the room he grabs onto the wrist and with strength that came from anger, Daniel holds the hand in place.
"ENOUGH"
Taejin pauses before looking back up at Daniel's enraged face. Taejin's initial face that had showcased mirth and glee at hurting Vin Jin smoothes out and soon he's standing up from where he was towering over the fighter.
"The both of you, enough" Daniel sneers before yanking Taejin up by the wrist and sending him stumbling a couple of feet. The other First Responders move forward but Taejin holds up a hand to stop them wordlessly in their tracks, his eyes still on Daniel.
"I have no idea what the hell is going on nor do I have the energy to currently care. You are employees of the CC, the both of you know better than to start a fight right here on a tournament day no less! Are you asking for a beating from a Founder, is that what it is? You both squabble and handled this like babies, disgusting" Daniel shouts at the two, making sure that the two of them knew they had crossed all of the lines and boundaries. "I should report and ban the both of you from the CC after such a revolting display but I won't" he adds.
At this, both men turn to look at the floor. Letting out a disappointed sigh, Daniel points to the CEO.
"Taejin take a walk and cool down, we still have work to do tonight" He orders.
"But why me? He started it!" Taejin replies like a child who is being treated unfairly. Daniel glares.
"Because I have to check him over again since you just smashed him into the floor" Daniel replies. "Go" He adds in a tone of finality and the darker-skinned man grunts before leaving.
Daniel then turns back to Vin Jin who had propped himself up and was hiding his face with his hair. His eyes were shut and his shoulders were pulled tight, as if he was ashamed of his actions, of his loss and of himself. Softening up only just a bit, Daniel searches the floor for an object before spotting it a couple of metres away. Grabbing it off the floor he gently kneels next to the fighter, as if he would spook or provoke the other with his sudden movement.
"Vin Jin, I'm going to need you to stand up so I can check you over. I'm sure Doctor Collin's already did a great job but after Taejin hit you I just need to check you again, is that alright?" Daniel asks softly, patting the male's knee which causes him to twitch slightly.
"Doc, just kick me out. I fucked up" Was Vin Jin's response and Daniel snorts.
"Oh, believe me, I want to but I'll kick you out after I check you again. Come on big guy, you can do that for me, can't you?" Daniel urges and with a soft sigh, Vin Jin nods.
His own hands reached out around him, searching for something and Daniel was quick to intervene.
"They're right here, I've got them" Daniel hums as he pulls the shades up and reaches out to place them back on Vin Jin's face. Some of the tension dissipates as the weight of the glasses back on his face grounds him. He opens his eyes just in time for Daniel to see his unique eyes before they disappear behind the dark glasses.
"Thank you Doctor" Vin Jin mumbles before Daniel nods and reaches out to help the other back onto his feet. Vin Jin hobbles to the bed and Daniel is quick to survey any new damage.
Others who had been frightened off by the fight were slowly entering the space again, Logan still stood a little further away from his partner, an indescribable look on his face as he watched Daniel whereas Johan and Zack who should have been dismissed at this point were still present.
Vin Jin's back and chest were tender but otherwise, there weren't any broken ribs.
"Alright, you're good to go" Damn hums, this being the part where he finally kicks the fighter out. "And Vin Jin, I don't know the history between you and Taejin but next time, make sure it's not anywhere near the CC or my workspace if you're both going to throw it down, okay?" He tells the other who nods obediently.
"Yeah, yeah" Vin Jin hums before getting up and hobbling over to the exit. After a moment it's Logan that follows the man, reaching out and helping hold the other man's weight as they leave. They bicker about it, Vin Jin at first refusing and Logan snorting for the other to just accept it but eventually they're gone.
Logan might have been his bully at one point and he still might be a horrible person but at least he wasn't the type to leave his teammate alone when he needed help. Perhaps there was some humanity in him after all, hidden in the darkness of his toxicity.
"You two should head out, you're in the semi-finals of the second part of the Tournament" Daniel tells Johan and Zack. The boxer pales at this whereas Johan nods.
"I didn't think I'd get this far," Zack mutters to himself.
"Zack I don't think you should go any further" It's Mira who spoke, determined to knock some sense into the boy.
"Huh? Why should I?" Zack fires back.
"What do you mean why? You're injured and currently, you're of no use in the ring. There's no way you could beat…if you fight in the next round it means you'll have to go up against No.1 and Nomen and I…you'll lose!" Mira hisses and Zack's face falls, she continues to speak. "You'll only damage your leg even further if you choose to fight, Zack you don't need to prove anything by going out there are fighting. You made it through the first round of the arena, you don't need to do anymore" She was desperate to convince the others.
Zack takes in her words before turning to Johan.
"What about you? What do you think I should do? You're the one that agreed to partner with me so you should give me your opinion on the matter" Zack points out and the brunette frowns.
"I agree with Mira, you're in no state to fight" Johan breathes out, looking relieved that he could say his answer. Zack's face falls even further into a state of despair.
"But if I forfeit it means that you will too! There's no way they'd allow you to fight alone and even if you did your chances of winning…not that your chances were all that high the moment you asked me to partner with you" Zack's shoulders sag.
"I don't care, I've already won once, I don't need to win again. I'd rather get out of his tournament without my friend dying in the process" Johan retorts, crossing his arms. "Look, if you really want to fight then I won't stop you but I'm just saying that it doesn't look good right now. I'm worried about you" Johan conveys and Zack could only shut his eyes and groan in frustration.
There was a moment of silence, the two brunettes giving Zack some time to think. Everyone seemed to be against him and even Daniel himself, if asked, would give his opinion on the matter of Zack giving up. A win wasn't plausible for them but if anyone could do some real damage to No.1 it was Johan.
"Doc" Zack calls out and Daniel looks up.
"Yes, Zack?"
"Can you please rewrap the bandages around my leg? They feel a bit loose and I need them to be as tight as possible and hold up if I'm going to be fighting those bastards" Zack announces, clear determination dripping from his voice as he stares at Daniel.
"Zack!" Mira shouts in disbelief at how stubborn he was being. Johan only face palms before running a hand through his unruly hair.
Daniel in turn stares back at the man, amazed by his confidence even if it looks like it was going to falter. Zack was just as desperate as the others to win, he had barely even gotten fired up in the last rounds, and he sure as hell wasn't going to lose by forfeiting a match. Letting out a smile, Daniel nods.
"Tight enough to cut off the circulation?" Daniel teases.
"If it means I won't be able to feel pain, do it" Zack replies cockily.
"Oh you won't feel anything after I'm done" Daniel snorts.
.
.
.
The next match was Eli and Olly vs Jake and Samuel. A match that was highly anticipated purely because it was power vs power. Both Hostels and Big Deals top dogs were in the running and whoever would win in this match would go on to fight the last pair before ensuring their spot against a Founder.
The Legend of Gangdong, Eli Jang, was well known for his street fighting style and savagery when faced with the challenge of a battle. Daniel has witnessed the handsome leader fight on numerous occasions in the CC and there were very few times when he's lost. He was efficient when he fought but also didn't limit himself to playing by the book, this led to most of his opponent's injuries being quite obscure. From swollen groins to bite marks, Daniel wasn't censored from the cruelty that Eli could inflict on others.
The Crazy Psycho, Olly Wang, was an enigma best known for his recklessness and lack of self-preservation when it comes to fighting. Using anything and everything under the sun to win which was exactly the reason why people feared and lost to him. Ever since his return to the CC, Daniel hadn't been given many opportunities to watch the leader fight and the ones he had witnessed were against pitiful small fries. This fight though? It was gonna rock the entirety of the arena.
Son of Gapryong Kim, Jake Kim, was a gangster who held the same amount of influence as he did power not only because of his bloodline but also because of his charisma. Proficient and extremely skilled in combat, few people could defeat him in strength and skill, Jake Kim was just that guy. Furthermore, despite being ruthless he could also showcase mercy, one of the main reasons he was a fan favourite and why people respected him.
Then there's the Mad Man, Samuel Seo, a monster that ran on adrenaline and survived on nothing but his endurance. Charming in a deceptively seductive way he was also vicious when he wanted to be, anger and underlying inferiority powering him through every fight, the thirst to prove himself despite already being feared by many. Samuel was a resilient one, hard to fight and even harder to kill.
The moment the sirens sounded to start the match, everyone watched with bated breaths and no one was disappointed. Each individual had picked their partner to fight, it was Eli vs Jake and Samuel vs Olly.
"Awe, I wanted a rematch with Eli after the last time I fought him" Samuel calls as he dodges Olly's fist that flies past his head.
"You're going to have to get in line" Olly laughs as he spins around to try and catch the other with his foot only to be disappointed as Samuel dodges. "Besides, it's been such a long time since we've fought, Sammy!" He teases and Samuel's brow twitches.
"Don't call me that!" Samuel shouts as he tries to backhand the other.
"Oh right, I forgot that only your boy toy can call you that!" Olly taunts in return.
"At least I have a boy toy," Samuel smirks. That pisses Olly off enough for him to lunge forward and land a critical hit against the back of his opponent's knee. Samuel stumbles and grunts before returning the hit with his own punch.
On the other side of the arena, Jake was dodging Eli's baton, weaving and swerving out of the way with a heavy frown on his face.
"Come on Eli, let's fight fairly" Jake encourages, annoyed that he had to keep the distance between them due to the weapon.
"No," Was Eli's simple response as he landed a perfectly timed hit to Jake's jaw with his baton.
Despite being partners, the fights were happening independently from one another and no one knew whether or not it was an advantage or disadvantage for either side. Each individual was powerfully yet evenly matched.
Jake, having gotten tired of being smacked and hit with the weapon, rips it out of Eli's hand during the next hit before throwing it out of bounds.
"There, that's better" Jake grins before raising his fists, taking his usual MMA form when Eli simply reaches into his coat pocket and produces another baton. "Oh you've got to be kidding me, how many of those things do you even have?" Jake cries in exasperation even if he is slightly amused by the other leader's actions.
"Enough to keep you at bay" Eli responds softly.
Jake clicks his tongue in annoyance.
"Alright, change of plans" Jake lunges, pouncing on Eli as he grabs the pretty boy by the sleeves of his coat and pulls harshly. Bewildered by the action it takes Eli a moment to realise what the other is trying to do but by then half his coat was off.
Eli swings his arm, catching Jake several times in the side with powerful hits with the baton, Jake grunts in pain and jumps away, his hands having been securely latched onto the fabric he rips the coat of Eli's slimmer frame. Big Deal's leader throws the coat out of bounds.
"There we go, now I just have to get rid of the one you're holding" Jake grins proudly only to splutter as Eli brings out another baton but this time out of his pant pocket. The scarred man scrutinises Eli, eyes dragging from his opponent's duel-wielding form to the pants.
"Don't even try to take my pants off, I'm wearing a belt and I don't have any more weapons on me" Eli replies, inching away from Jake cautiously once he realises what the other was trying to figure out. Jake merely shrugs.
"I'm sure if I stripped you naked no one would be mad" Jake snorts which elicits some squeals of agreement from the crowd.
"Please don't" Eli deadpans.
"OI! Can you two stop FLIRTING?!" Samuel roars out from the other side of the arena.
"Yeah, it's quite distracting to listen to" Olly adds.
Both leaders turn to see both Samuel and Olly rolling around on the floor, Olly having straddled and locked Samuel in position and attempting to strangle the other whereas Samuel was throwing his fist up against the Hostel man's face. They were both bleeding heavily but their eyes were glaring at both Jake and Eli.
"He started it" Eli huffs and Jake uses the distraction to his advantage, lunging jump kicking the Big Daddy in the chest which knocks him off balance. His grip on the batons loosened and Jake was quick to kick them away before throwing himself at Eli who rolled out of the way with a grunt.
"You were trying to provoke me with all those toys you kept pulling out, stop whipping out weapons" Jake calls as he punches Eli who evades and sends his own punch back.
"I can whip out a different kind of weapon if that's what you're into" Eli retorts and Jake holds back a snort as he grabs at Eli's wrist and twists it around the man's back before kicking him in the back to put some distance between them.
"If that was you trying to catch me by surprise then don't bother, I spend most of my time with a degenerate named Samuel Seo" Jake calls only to gasp in surprise as a foot catches him in the neck. Eli who had recovered graciously, sends a roundhouse kick to Jake's face, uncaring that the other was speaking.
"Birds of a feather flock together" Eli calmly states.
"Hey! I'll have you know that I'm quite the gentleman!" Jake cries out, offended by the insinuation. "Besides, not many people can be as lecherous as Samuel" He pouts only to hear screaming come from the other pair.
"I'M GOING TO RIP YOUR DICK OFF AND SHOVE IT DOWN YOUR THROAT YOU ASSHOLE! DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR!"
"I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU AND YOUR CULTURALLY INAPPROPRIATE HAIRDO GIVE THAT A TRY! FUCKFACE!"
"AT LEAST I DON'T HAVE A MULLET YOU OVERGROWN COW WITH FAT FUCKING TITS!"
"THEY'RE PECS YOU STUPID CUNT!"
"SUCK ON MY COCK!"
"SUCK ON MY TITS!"
"I THOUGHT THEY WEREN'T TITS?!"
Jake and Eli both let out simultaneous sighs.
"Key words, I said not many, I didn't say none" Jake could feel his life span get sucked out of him every time Samuel opened his mouth.
"You're not wrong about that, although I do find that people who usually say that they're nice guys or gentlemen are usually the opposite" Eli cocks his head to the side.
"Hey, I'm not the one with a biological child after knocking up my baby mama, not that I have a baby mama" Jake shrugs which gets him a slap to the back of his neck and then a punch straight to the nose. "Ok, I deserved that. My bad" Jake relents as Eli glares at him.
"Okay, enough joking around. Let's fight properly" Eli announces.
"That was joking around? I thought that was us igniting our electrifying chemistry. I'm hurt" Jake sighs.
"Not as hurt as you're going to be in a couple of minutes" Eli threatens.
"Fiesty" Jake grins.
.
.
.
The banter that was going on between both Eli vs Jake and Samuel vs Olly was captivating but in the most confusing ways, that was what Daniel had noted down. Whilst Jake vs Eli had started off with small jokes and casual flirty remarks that had dissipated into a ferocious battle of strength and wits. The two leaders were relentless as they beat each other, attempting to find a break in each other's armour whilst simultaneously trying not to die.
On the other hand, Samuel and Olly looked like they were going to kill each other. Their fight had started just as light but quickly broke down into taunting each other with words and screaming bloody murder as their fists broke skin. It had simply started when Samuel had yanked Olly's dreads in an attempt to dislodge him from his straddle position, which in all fairness had worked. This led to Olly becoming enraged and him firing open insults and in turn, Samuel becoming just as worked up.
Currently, the two had one hand wrapped around each other's hair whereas the other was landing punches against their faces. Olly even made attempts to try and kick Samuel's ankles to try and trip him, some of the hits landed but most missed.
"That's…that's not smart" Daniel sighs, wincing with every hit that sends blood spurting out of each other's nose or mouth.
"It's quite…unsanitary" Collin adds, recoiling in disgust. "It'll be a Godsend if neither one of them gets an infection from this" He shakes his head in disappointment.
"A match of endurance between them is creative. To the Mad man who doesn't know when to quit versus the Psycho who won't stop until he quite literally drops" Taejin muses having returned from his breather and both Mira and Daniel nod, entranced by the fight. Daniel had sent the CEO a subtle look of contempt, deciding on whether or not the man was calm down and going to act right or not. Seeing his fight with Vin Jin and hearing the words they had exchanged made Daniel wary.
"I wish I had popcorn" Daniel mumbles instead and Collin sends him a disapproving look.
"Are you seriously enjoying this? Have you worked here long enough to enjoy this sort of stuff? I thought you were a better man than this" Collin calls out and Daniel shrugs.
"Nah, I'm no better than the next person" He retorts before wincing with just about everyone else in the crowd as Olly kicks Samuel in the balls. Samuel let out a strangled cry as he lets go of Olly and tumbles to the floor, grasping his poor dick before his opponent is straddling him again and reigning down more hits.
"Add testicular torsion to the list of injuries I might need to check for" Daniel states and Mira jots it down without question.
"It'd be a shame for someone like Samuel to lose a testicle" Mira snorted and there were hums of agreement that rang throughout the employees who were watching and listening.
"Yes, yes it would" Daniel hums, thinking about how to approach the situation if Samuel did suffer from a testicular torsion only to catch Mira letting out a disapproving sigh. "What?" He turns to look at the brunette who didn't look impressed.
"Nothing," She mumbles.
"You sound like a disappointed mother, so clearly something is wrong. What is it?" Daniel urges the woman to tell him and eventually after a minute she does.
"Are you interested in Samuel?" She blurts out which catches the attention of many of the people around them. Eyes turn to Daniel who could feel his face catch on fire.
"Huh?! What spurred that question on?" Daniel squawks indignantly.
"It's just a question and I've been curious ever since we all saw the photos and video footage of you being all over the fighters several weeks ago which included being pampered by Jake and Samuel" Mira points out and Daniel stretches the collar of his shirt, feeling his entire body heat up.
"It's not like that" Daniel replies. "I mean sure, Samuel's hot…most of the fighters are. You can't blame me for…flirting with them when they all look like sin" Daniel pouts.
"I'm not condoning your flirting but…really? CC fighters? You know half of them are criminals and the other half are degenerates right?" Mira points out and Daniel raises a brow.
"And which category does Zack fall into?" He teases and this time it's Mira's face that explodes into colour.
"We're not together and Zack's a good boy…well he used to be a bad boy…" She mumbles under her breath, hiding his face with her hands which causes Daniel to let out a chuckle.
"Bad boys huh? Everyone loves a bad boy" Daniel teased and there were a couple of wolf whistles from the other employees.
"Shut it" Mira hisses but Daniel can't help it.
"Oh come on Mira, you know that boy likes you and is willing to do anything and everything for you. It's not nice to string him along" He points out but Mira shakes her head.
"No, this isn't about me, this is about you! Don't change the subject" Mira replies, twisting the subject back around. "So if all that from a couple of weeks ago was just flirting…who from the CC would you seriously consider being with? Come on, you can tell us. We won't judge"
Several people were waiting to hear Daniel's answer and as crazy as it would be to just name-drop anyone or even Gun's name he doesn't. Instead, he smiles coyly before turning back to the fight that was going on.
"Hmm, wouldn't you like to know" He torments and people let out soft groans at the words.
"Oh come on Daniel, there are so many guys that you have chemistry with" Mira calls.
"Oh? And who would that be?" Daniel inquires, curious to know the names.
"Uh let's see. You have chemistry with Jake and Samuel, they were practically all over you that one week and they always come to see you in your office. Olly is oddly nice to you, Eli and Warren respect you, Vasco and Jace have soft spots for you, Nomen has stopped taunting you and flushes whenever he sees you, Jerry goes pink whenever you tend to his injuries, Hudson invites you over to his bar and can't keep his eyes off you whenever you're around, Johan actually tolerates you, Fricken Taesoo let you sit on his lap and shotgun smoke, Goo seems giddy around you, James likes you enough to talk and message you, Vin Jin whom I don't like actually lets you touch him tenderly, hell even Zack might have a crush on you at this point which I wouldn't blame him for" Mira rattles off in one whole breath which was both impressive and concerning. She sucks in another breath to continue.
"You've even got chemistry with Jay who doesn't talk but you understand completely, Collin's here is someone who you've got some rivalry with but I can't tell what type of tension it is and even with Taejin you're relaxed. You get along with everyone and everyone loves you" Mira points out and Daniel feels himself soften. "You can have anyone you want, Doc. Just…take your pic" She finishes.
Daniel considers her words, sifting through the list and noting down that Gun wasn't on there.
"What If the person I want is unobtainable," Daniel asks.
"Excuses" Mira scoffs back just as quickly which causes Daniel to let out a bark of laughter. He smiles at Mira's confidence in him but also her encouragement.
"Well, I still won't tell you who I'm interested in…I'll only tell you once you get together with Zack, how about that?" Daniel offers and the female sighs.
"You drive a hard bargain" She mumbles and Daniel shrugs.
"Take it or leave it" He retorts.
The group goes silent.
"Uh…I'm straight" Collin pipes up to many people's amusement.
"You don't like me Doc? If you did I wouldn't be opposed" Taejin teases and Daniel swats the man's shoulder. He was still slightly angry at the First Responded for the earlier dispute.
"Shut it"
The fight continued and there were moments when Daniel wanted to call a timeout with how brutal each individual in the arena was being. Eli was quick, he was able to easily out-manoeuvre and evade the majority of Jake's hits before landing his own relentless barrage of hits. Jake on the other hand, when he did land his hits, always seemed to knock Eli back, making him stagger just due to how powerful the moves were, furthermore he was able to tank and block most of Eli's hits.
Samuel and Olly should have honestly been dead at this point. Samuel had at one point unbuckled his belt and used it to start strangling Olly who only crackled manically in return before viciously ripping the leather object with pure power. Although there were red burn marks around Olly's neck to showcase he hadn't gotten away unscathed he simply brushed it off by suddenly grabbing his thick and heavy boots and chucking one at Samuel's head. He used Samuel's pause of confusion to grab his last boot and use it to start smashing Samuel's thighs with it, making the fighter cry out in pain.
"Anything can be a weapon for those two" Someone, perhaps it was Goo who had stated it through the speakers, mentioned and it couldn't be truer.
As the fight continued it was reaching the hour mark which meant either they had to settle the matter quickly or the fight would end and it would be up to the crowd and the Founders to vote who won. There could be no ties in the tournament.
The very fact that the four still had fight left in them impressed the majority of the crowd. Even Daniel didn't think he could survive if a fight went on for this long.
As it hits the last five minutes a timer appears on the big screens, counting down the seconds for when the battle would be manually stopped but also to pressure the four in the ring. Eli and Olly take this as a cue of some sort as the instant the screen changed they also reacted. Olly who had swerved Samuel's punch and spun out of the way to land another ankle hit immediately bolts towards the other end of the arena. Samuel was left baffled before coming to a sudden realisation.
"OI! GET BACK HERE!" Samuel shouts, going to run after Olly only to falter when his knees start shaking. He turns to look at his legs and in an instant, he feels a rush of fatigue and pain reach him, pain that his adrenaline had been preventing from reaching his brain. "Shit" Samuel swears once he registers what was happening.
Olly had been subtly targeting his legs from the beginning, with kicks and painful hits and now they felt fragile. As if Samuel was going to fall over any second if he moved yet no matter what he had to reach Jake. He had to move because Olly was charging straight at Jake's unsuspecting back but even Samuel knew that if he started running he wouldn't be able to make it in time.
"JAKE! WATCH OUT!" Samuel screams across the arena.
Jake, who had been blocking Eli's hit with his forearms was startled by the voice, turning around frantically just in time for Olly to wrap his arms around his body.
"The hell?" Jake hisses, hands immediately going to rip the arms away only to realise his mistake. Eyes widening, he doesn't have enough time to block the onslaught of punches from Eli, he had let his guard down.
People gasp at the sight. Olly held Jake down firmly in his spot as Eli landed powerful hits to Jake's upper body and head. In under a minute, Jake who had already been sporting different injuries and had been exhausted, goes down without another word.
"AND JAKE KIM HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT!" Goo shouts much to the disbelief of many people.
Jake Kim was out?!
Olly tosses Jake's limp body to the floor before bracing himself as Samuel tackles him from behind. He lands with his back to the floor and Samuel on top of his chest, fury and venom in the Big Deal member's gaze as he tries to hit the Hostel member. He doesn't get far as in an instant Eli is dragging him off Olly by the hair and ramming a knee into his jaw.
"Don't get cocky" Eli murmurs as he repeatedly rams his knee and leg into Samuel's face. There wasn't much point hitting anywhere else, not when Samuel was built like a truck, with thickly corded muscles that could endure almost any hit. No, his face was the most vulnerable option.
Blood spurts out from Samuel's mouth and nose and he could barely see through all the hits and sweat. He raises a fist, ready to blindly try and land a hit against Eli when a pair of arms grab the arm and twist it. A scream barely rips out of Samuel's mouth as Olly dislocates his shoulder.
"Give up!" Eli shouts.
"NO!" Samuel screams in return, through the pulsating pain that was settling over his entire body. Eli and Olly click their tongue.
"Fine, we do this the hard way" Olly grunts and soon enough the two are hoisting Samuel up which was quite the endeavour with his kicking and screaming and weighing about as heavy as an elephant. But soon enough they're tossing him over the boundary lines just as the 5 minute timer goes off.
Samuel let out a roar of anger and defeat as the crowd started cheering. The match was finally over.
"AND WITH THE END OF THAT DISPLAY THE WINNERS OF THE MATCH HAS BEEN DECIDED! CONGRATULATIONS TO ELI JANG AND OLLY WANG!" Goo announces as people chant their names.
The two Big Daddies breathed heavily, barely revelling in their victory due to the exhaustion that had finally hit them. Eli was wiping sweat off his forehead and neck whereas Olly had both his hands on his hips, his chest heaving heavily. The two look at each other, eyes connecting before dual smiles appear on their lips.
"We did it" Eli hums.
"Hell yeah" Olly grins before reaching out and slinging an arm around Eli's shoulder, his other arm raising a fist towards where Hostel was sitting. Hostel, both A and B, were cheering like crazy and even the Big Deal members gave their humble applause to the two men. It wasn't every day that both Big Deals top dogs would lose to Hostel's but alas the results were in.
Jake and Samuel were wheeled off on stretchers whereas both Olly and Eli were also ushered to the medical set-up. Doctor Yu took care of Hostel whereas Daniel checked on Big Deal.
Olly is sceptical of Collin's being the one to check over him but after being reassured by both Daniel and Eli he allows the man to do his job.
Daniel concluded that Jake would be fine with some rest and sleep, he was in stable condition and had his wounds cleaned and bandaged appropriately. Samuel was a little more complicated, his legs felt like crap, his face was beaten up and his shoulder was the worst.
Acute anterior shoulder dislocation is not the worst injury someone like Samuel could get. Especially after the fight that he had just been dragged from was what Daniel thought of the minute he was able to undress the fighter from his shirt to get a better visual of the injury.
"Samuel I'm going to set your shoulder back into place" Daniel tells the elder who nods. The Doctor readies himself, pressing gently against the hurt appendage to assess the area only for Samuel to let out a growl of pain. Daniel pauses, eyeing the larger man with concern.
"I'm good Doc, just get it over with" Samuel states through gritted teeth but Daniel still feels hesitant. Samuel had a history of shoulder pain, with this injury it could only mean that the fighter's shoulder would be in even worse condition. Still, Daniel couldn't let Samuel's dislocated shoulder stay in place, it would only lead to more unpleasant situations.
Settling his thoughts, Daniel gently reaches out to grasp Samuel's hand.
"Okay, this is going to hurt but I'm going to need you to bear with me" Daniel orders and the fighter nods. Daniel lifts the arm at a 90-degree angle, facing up and forward before rotating the arm around so that the man's wrist is facing upwards. "Uh, Mira, mind giving me a hand?" Daniel calls and the brunette comes forward.
She takes Daniel's spot to hold the arm in place.
"Apply steady traction, yes just like that" He coaches her through it and she follows through effortlessly, bracing one palm between Samuel's collar and shoulder and the other around his upheld wrist. Daniel walks around them before he comes to stand behind Samuel's back, eyes locating the scapula. "Samuel I know it might be hard but I need you to relax as best as you can, alright?"
"Hard to relax when I have your gorgeous hands on me" Samuel laughs, attempting to lighten the mood despite his pain. Daniel sighs, shaking his head before proceeding to rotate the scapula. Samuel sucks in a sharp breath, going quiet as Daniel gently pushes the tip medially inwards and the acromion inferiorly, aka outwards, hereby rotating the scapula. "Good, good. That's it, keep it steady. Mira you're also doing well just keep him still with your tractions" Daniel encourages.
In less than a minute of working, Daniel could feel and hear the bones fall back into their places.
"There we go," Daniel hums. "Alright, for now, I want you to ice the shoulder to get some of that swelling down and then I'm going to put you in a shoulder immobiliser" He informs and Samuel nods, still feeling the pain in the shoulder but looking more relieved than before.
"You have shoulder immobilisers?!" Collin shouts in shock from his side of the room.
"Of course we do, you think this is the only dislocated shoulder I've treated at the CC so far?" Daniel snorts in return as Collins nods in approval.
"How long am I going to have to be in it for?" Samuel questions, icing his shoulder with a pack that Mira had passed over to him.
"Around 3 weeks but even during then and after you'll need to do some exercises and motions to help retain your mobility and shoulder movement. We wouldn't want you to dislocate your shoulder again" The Doctor answers easily and Samuel sighs deeply.
"Uh sorry about that dude, I didn't realise that it would cause so much trouble" Olly calls out from where he was seated.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever" Samuel replies grumpily. "Just make sure that you and your man win the tournament" he retorts and Olly starts spluttering.
"He's not- we're not!" "Of course, that's our only intention" Eli cuts Olly off with a smile. "No hard feelings right? Hostel and Big Deal are good even after this, right? I promise to land a few punches against Gun in both your honours if it makes you feel any better" Eli smirks.
Samuel lets out a bark of laughter whereas Daniel raises a brow at the mention of Gun's name.
"If it comes down to it, you better" The tattooed man replies.
A groan comes from Jake and the leader sits up, taking in the banter and their different states before groaning.
"Damn it, we lost again" He mumbles, disappointment clear on his face as Daniel immediately heads over to check over his injuries now that he is awake. "Doc, comfort me" He pouts, reaching out to wrap his arms around Daniel's waist before resting his head on the shorter man's shoulder.
"Um, I didn't come over to give you a hug" Daniel murmurs but obligingly patting the leader's head anyway.
"Maybe this is the only thing that can cure me right now" Jake replies.
"Jake I'm pretty sure you're concussed" Daniel sighs.
Samuel reaches over with his good hand to slap the back of Jake's head.
"Oi, stop cuddling with the Doctor and let him do his job, you idiot. You were seriously knocked out for a while" Samuel grunts yet despite his irritation both Jake and Daniel knew the words were spoken out of care. Jake relented and Daniel was quick to work.
After confirming that the leader was concussed and would need a long while to rest, the roaring of the crowd causes all their heads to turn and signals that the next match is about to start.
"Last match of the night" Daniel calls to his team and the medical group get ready to watch. "Who are you four betting on for the next match?" he asks the four fighters who have stood up and were looking out to assess the next match.
"Honestly, Johan needs to pull a miracle out of his ass if this is going to work" Olly pipes up.
"Honestly between fighting No.1 and fighting Johan, both are nightmare-inducing scenarios" Eli points out.
"I'm more worried about that injured newbie out there, what's his name? Zack Lee?" Samuel points out and Daniel nods in agreement.
No.1 stomps his way out onto the arena, Ryohei following him with his head held high and a satisfied smile on his lips. Johan was the next to enter, passive as usual as he leads Zack into the arena. He wasn't completely limping but Daniel could tell he was trying not to put his entire weight on his injured foot. Despite clearly not feeling confident, Zack didn't show any fear on his face.
"I don't know, maybe it's not Johan who's going to be pulling a miracle out of his ass, maybe Zack will" Daniel murmurs before turning to Mira who had her hands clasped and her brows furrowed as she stares at her two friends.
Daniel turns back to the fight just as the sirens and Goo call start to the last battle of the night.