Step Into the Ring (Percy/Leon)

 


Neutral Grounds was known for many things other than its life without magic. It was a metropolis of innovation and technology, and it was undeniably one of the best places to go for a city-life experience, especially if you were looking for work or entertainment. Well, for Leon, they were both one in the same. For the last six months, the menacing-looking man had settled down here for as long as he could afford it. It was difficult to find work outside of Neutral Grounds for him, since a lot of it was catered toward mages or people of remarkable combat ability. Not only was he not a sorcerer, but he didn't look for a fight anyway. He just wanted to make enough money to have a little security for when he traveled back to Bellum... if they would even let him come back. It had been a year since he was cast away, and he kept telling himself that they'd see his skills for what they were and let him return—it just wasn't the right time yet, is all.

Meanwhile, Leon had been working several low-paying jobs just to keep his head above water and afford his rent. Between working as a part-time mechanic, waiter, delivery man, and sometimes found other hustles on the side, he had enough money to cover the rent of his mediocre apartment and groceries, but he had to be frugal after that. A lot of his work was dependent on tips, and people were picky as to whether or not they'd be generous. The only sort of stable income he had were boxing matches, and that was only because he'd get paid some amount of money regardless if he lost or not, as long as he showed up, and Leon always showed up. It's not like he really cared if he ever lost or not, as the exercise and the ability to punch something helped him clear his head and vent a little. He even bought a punching bag so he could do it at home, too.

The Equal Grounds Boxing Ring was just that—a boxing ring. Ever since six months ago, Leon had been given several matches to participate in because of some man who saw potential in him as a professional. Well, it made sense, right? Leon came from a family of private soldiers and trained like one for eighteen years. Needless to say, he had some skills, but he didn't have a passion for fighting, and so he entered every ring with a goal of leaving it in one piece. He gave it his all each time, never pulling his punches, but he often fell short of a victory. It never really bothered him, but his "manager" seemed to reach the end of his nerves today.

"Out of all of your matches these past six months, you've only won about half of them. I'm sorry kid, but I'm losing a lot of money because of your losses." said a burly fat man, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'll win it this time. I'm sure of it." In a private training area separated from the main ring, the two men stood there alone together. Leon wore a grey hoody to cover his black tank top, bandages wrapped around his fists. He had a scary look on his face, although he was feeling pretty guilty right now. He always had that face—a resting bitchface, if you will. He had trouble landing tips and friends because of it. "Look, I... I really need this! Just give me another chance, sir!"

"Kid..." the burly man sighed, pausing for a moment to consider Leon's determination. After a few seconds of silence and Leon's intense staring (it almost looked like he was glaring!), the manager sighed again. "Look, I have one match left for you. If you win that one, I'll keep giving you matches. But if you lose—"

"I accept! Thank you, sir!" Leon made a ninety-degree bow, gesturing his immense gratitude accompanied by his passionate response in that deep, bass-filled voice of his. "I won't let you down."

"Hmph!" the burly man smiled, his arms crossed behind his back, "It starts tomorrow morning, so get here early, a'ight?"


The next morning, Leon arrived early as he was told. He had a small breakfast, nothing more than a large red apple, and he wore the exact same thing as yesterday. He didn't have very many clothes, and a lot of his wardrobe just consisted of various work uniforms. The only set of personal clothing was an old black tracksuit, sports sneakers, and cargo shorts. His hands were wrapped in a fresh line of bandages, and he seemed especially focused today.

When he arrived at Equal Grounds, it was packed with people. Needless to say, this boxing ring had quite the following. It wasn't even noon yet and people were still swarming to see a match. He always gave his all for every fight, but today was a little different. If he lost this boxing ring, he didn't know where else he could go to fight and blow some steam. There was always the gym, but it wasn't quite the same. Besides, there was really no telling what his income would look like if he lost this boxing ring. He had to win this. His livelihood literally depended on it!

Leon kept his hoodie draped over his head of black hair as he kept unwrapping and rewrapping his bandages, sitting on the bench on the other side of the ring as he waited for his opponent to arrive. It wasn't anything grand like some of the rings you'd see brodcasted over national lacrimavision, but this establishment had a hype of its own.

"FIGHTEEEERS! ENTER THE RING! IS EVERYONE READY FOR ANOTHEEEEEER RUMBLE IN THE RING?!" the announcer yelled into the mic, followed by the rampant cheers of the crowd. At this point it felt like white noise after hearing them so often, and the moment the announcer spoke, Leon stepped to his full six feet and three inches and over to the ring. He was a big man, well built, muscular, and tall. His opponents were usually around the same size, so it was nothing to sneeze at. "TODAY, OUR FIGHTERS ARE GOING IN WITH BARE FISTS! THERE'S NO FILTER, FOLKS!"

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WC: 1101 | Total WC: 1101 | WC Needed: ??? @Percy ""  —
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