Chapter 3: No Holding Back

Disclaimer: I don't own Loud House, all rights are owned by their respective owners and companies.

Important AN at the end of the chapter.

Los Angeles, California


Lincoln was sitting across from Clyde who was typing away on his laptop with a coffee table between them as Clyde was on the suite's couch while Lincoln was on a sofa chair. Penelope, who turned out to be Clyde's personal secretary was standing right behind him. They were all waiting as Clyde was bringing up the info on Lincoln's fight and opponent.

Finally Clyde smiled as he turned his laptop around to show Lincoln what he had on it.

"Here we are, this info cost a bit of money to get but I got more than enough." Clyde smiled slyly. "You can thank my lovely secretary for digging up this info."

Penelope blushed a little as she smiled.

"Anyways, Lincoln you really need to check this out."

Responding with a carefree grin Lincoln simply made himself comfortable in his chair as Clyde got ready to speak.

"As you already now, Nasbro a rival company of mine has been causing trouble for me because I want to expand my operations here. They've agreed to stop but only if I win this odd bet of theirs. A fighter of my choosing versus a fighter of their choosing. Like I said I thought they were nuts but I don't really have a choice. Again that's why I came looking for you, when I saw you fight I thought I was watching a champion at work. I don't doubt your fighting skill at all Lincoln but after getting the info on your opponent has got me a little worried."

Worried?

That usually went hand in hand with someone like Clyde, even back then Clyde was always a bit of a worrywart. Lincoln didn't really show much concern as Clyde continued to speak.

"Your opponent's name is Cassidy Tsuyoishi, age 40, formerly Cassidy Sullivan but that was changed when he was adopted by The Tsuyoishi Family. A Japanese family who were visiting the states at the time, after formally adopting him they returned home with him. Eventually they managed to conceive a child of their own, fortunately they never neglect Cassidy. From what we've gathered he grew up happily with his adopted family. He was an ace student and was very good in sports, sumo and wrestling being what he excelled at the most. Winning countless trophies and championships."

Sumo and wrestling, now that got Lincoln's attention.

Those who considered sumo nothing more than two people in loincloths simply trying to push and slap their opponent out of a ring were ignorant. A sport which originated from Japan and dating back thousands of years ago, Japan is mostly where sumo is practiced professionally but there are attempts to expand it to other countries. While many consider it a sport only, a sport which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, sumo is in fact a Gendai Budō. A modern martial art, examples of these are martial arts are aikido, judo, karate, and shorinji kempo. However this is often incorrect as sumo and some of these martial arts are considered ancient arts or have roots going back centuries.

So yeah, sumo was more than two people trying to topple each other off.

"From middle school to high school, Cassidy proved unmatched in sumo and wrestling. Given his tall stature and training from his father who is also a sumo wrestler. A professional one to boot too. No one proved a match for him as he rose up to a high ranking professional sumo after graduating high school. Even then none proved a match for him there either, experienced pros couldn't stop him. A lot of people thought he was going to reach the top but that all changed when an unfortunate accident happened."

Lincoln's interest in this man only grew as Clyde continued.

"Around 8 years ago while Cassidy was rising through the ranks of sumo, he was attacked while out shopping one night. The articles and reports we got said they belonged to one of the Yakuza gangs who weren't happy that a foreigner, an American one at that was undefeated in their national sport. So, 15 guys armed with bats, knives and other nasty stuff ambushed Cassidy. Armed with nothing but his experience and skills Cassidy effortlessly fought off 15 men armed and took each of them down without a single scratch. However something happened as he took down the last guy… he accidently killed him."

A surprised look showed up on Lincoln's face before it subsided as he listened while Clyde went on.

"The authorities called it self defense so Cassidy wasn't brought up on charges, even the Japan Sumo Association Board saw no foul play given the circumstances. Everyone was just happy it wasn't Cassidy who was killed. Unfortunately Cassidy himself did not feel the same way it seems. In an unexpected turn of events, Cassidy formally announced he was retiring. This caused an uproar throughout the sumo community as friends and family scrambled to ask why he was retiring. He offered no real explanation other than that he dishonored himself, his family, and sumo as a whole. Shortly after that he left Japan and mostly kept under the radar, that is until 5 years ago when he opened a small dojo in Los Angeles to teach sumo. Since then he has also partook in some underground matches just like you and has made quite a name for himself. Earning himself the name "The Rouge Sumo". We got some of his fights on video if you want to check them out, what do you think about him?"

All this gave Lincoln a lot to think about but there was one thing he wanted to really know.

"Where can I find this guy?"


An Hour Later, Across Town

At a somewhat shady neighborhood close to Little Tokyo, a decent sized building was located at the corner of the street. The sign above it said "Tsuyoishi's Stable, Learn The Art of Sumo!". Right now it was opened and the owner was hard at work.

Cassidy was still in his off duty clothes sitting while siting on a cushion in the middle of the dojo as he oversaw each of his students doing exercises or drills. Having 29 students, each of them from different backgrounds and ages. The oldest being 28 and the youngest being 13. Most of them lived with Cassidy as it should be given he was a stablemaster. In sumo those wishing to become Rikishi, a sumo wrestler, would live and train with a stablemaster. A current or former Rikishi who was experienced.

The rest lived close by and would always come for training.

At first it many thought it was nuts to open a place where you could learn sumo, not a lot of people were familiar with it. Getting students was slow but eventually Cassidy started to see a steady flow of people coming to his place. Ranging from people who were curious and wanted to try it out but got more then they bargained for. Those who would leave meant little to Cassidy since he didn't mind one bit. If they couldn't handle it then they should quit while they were ahead.

Now for those who stayed, they proved worthy of Cassidy's attention.

Most of his students came from rough backgrounds, former hoodlums, runaways and ones who were lost and trying to find their way. Cassidy welcomed them and did his best to teach them and take care of them. Not only did he just limit himself to them but he also did his best to help his community, the budding sumo movement here in American and those less fortunate. Upon entering the underground fighting scene, Cassidy was unstoppable so far as he won match after match and earned a reputation along with rewards.

Which he used to help those who needed it, his students, their families, many of the homeless and those in need. None of it mattered to Cassidy because he simply wanted to help people even if they were complete strangers. That's just how he was.

"That's it, once you all are done with these drills we will begin one on one bouts!"

"Yes sir!" A collective shout filled the dojo making Cassidy smile.

Cassidy stayed put while overseeing his students progress with a watchful eye. This went on until suddenly the dojo's front door opened and two people entered. When the students started to notice and saw who they were, they all bowed their heads in respect. Cassidy simply looked at the them with a neutral expression.

"Thank you for your hard work!" All the students shouted still bowing their heads.

The two people who entered the dojo were well-known in the sumo world if not considered legends. The first was a large bald Asian man who was large and close to Cassidy's height. The thing about him was that he seemed fat but all that looked to be pure muscle, he had an approachable aura about him however there was also a bit of something else about him. The other was a man with shoulder length hair which was tied in a traditional Japanese ginko leaf topknot, he was Asian just like the other man and was close to his size and mass too. Both of these men were sumo wrestlers, Rikishi.

The first was Ulambayaryn Byambajav, age 35, better known as Byamba or formally Daishōchi Kenta. A Mongolian sumo wrestler and a 4 time Sumo World Champion, who has entered in over countless matches and won much renown and rewards. At age 20 he grew tired of the hard lifestyle of sumo and formally retired but that didn't stop him from still doing and teaching sumo. Just last year he entered the US open Sumo and won. He is also well-known in television, movies, and TV commercials. While not as formidable as he used to be, Byamba was still a force to be reckoned with in and off the Dohyō. He was also a close friend to Cassidy.

The final person was also someone Cassidy knew very well, after all he was Hinogoto Tsuyoishi. His little brother and a high ranking Rikishi. It wasn't strange seeing him here because he was far from home, Cass could only guess he was either here for an unexpected visit or was in the states to check in on what it had to offer for the world of sumo.

"Byamba and Hinogoto… nice to see you two." Cassidy said as he looked up at the both of them as they approached him. "Give me a second and go to my office, I'll be with you both in a moment."

Not seeing a problem with this, both men headed towards the back. Cassidy let out a sigh as he started to give each of his students instructions to keep up the drills and exercises a while longer, he then got up and headed towards his office. When he got there he saw both Byamba and Hinogoto sitting on chairs in front of his desk.

"Before you two say a word let me just tell you I already know why you're both here. You're both here to try and convince me to come back to sumo aren't you?"

Hinogoto was the only one to visibly flinch a little while Byamba kept quiet. Cassidy just let out a chuckle while shaking his head.

"Yep, knew it was something like that."

"Brother please just hear us out."

"No, you listen here Hinogoto I've told you countless times I will never do sumo professionally again. Not even if it was unofficial or something like the US open. You and Byamba aren't the first or are going to be the last to try and talk me into going back… but I just can't. I did a terrible thing and I must face my punishment even if no one thinks I deserve it. I love sumo more than anything, I miss the sound of the crowd, the smell of the salt in the air, the tension between myself and my opponent. There's nothing I miss more than that."

"But what about us?! Your family and friends! You say you miss sumo but what about us, don't we mean anything to you?!"

"OF COURSE YOU DO, ALL OF YOU!"

Hinogoto was taken aback by his older brother's outburst and as he stood up to glare down at him. Combined with size and the aura he was giving out along with that intense glare made Hinogoto shut up. Byamba stayed silent as he watched both brothers and wondered how this would unfold.

"You, our family and my friends are very dear to me. Next to sumo if not even greater, you guys are everything to me." Cassidy proudly stated as he started to calm down. After calming down he sat back down to look back at his little brother and Byamba. "However this is something I must do alone, when I know that my punishment is over then I will return home. That's what I promised mother and father… little brother I must do this."

There was a part of Hinogoto that wanted to argue some more but he knew better. His older brother was a lot of things, a man to go against his word was not one of them. If he promised he was going to come back then he was. Still, he wished he would let the past go. Regret was a strong emotion as it was able to make everything feel worthless. From family to honor.

"God you can be so stubborn, you know that?"

Now smiling and letting out a chuckle, Cassidy gave a nod.

"What can I say, probably that Irish American blood of mine or something. Or perhaps I learned more from father than I expected. While I'm glad we got all this settled, wanna tell me why you're really here for Byamba? Because I know you aren't really foolish enough to waste your time and convince me to go back to sumo. So why come other than checking in on an old friend?"

Byamba chuckled as he shook his head a little, he knew better than to hide anything from his old friend. Cassidy wasn't just a strong and skillful sumo for he was rather smart. Another thing which made him dangerous for anyone if they faced him in the Dohyō.

However that didn't stop him from worrying about him at times.

"Never could get anything past you. You are right as always old friend, I'm here to just check in on you and how much progress you have made with your stable. I have to admit myself and a few of the others were curious to see if this stable of yours would succeed, I'm glad to see you were right. Now before I continue to discuss with you why I truly came, I want you to know that I do not doubt your ability or experience as a Rikishi. You are perhaps the best of us in this day and age, there is no doubt in my mind that you would be a Yokozuna by now if you stayed as a professional. But… I worry about the rumors I've been hearing about you. I always wondered how you required so much money to open this place and keep it running, I simply assumed it was from your past winnings or your family's wealth but I now know the truth. You have been partaking in underground and unsanctioned fights haven't you?"

Things got real quiet really quickly, Hinogoto's eyes grew in shock while Cassidy kept on a neutral face like last time. Byamba sent him a worried look as he went on.

"Old friend, like I said I don't doubt your skills. I know first hand how strong you are. Although you are fierce in the Dohyō I grow worried for you, I don't doubt how strong or effective sumo is as a whole but even I have to admit it has it's limits. Testing those limits against those who don't care about rules or honor and only for money is questionable. Now I am not telling you to stop because I don't have the right and I respect you not only as a friend but also as a fellow Rikishi. I only wish to know that you'll be careful."

Cassidy stayed silent while looking deep in thought, he then looked up at both Byamba and Hinogoto with a dead serious expression.

"Thank you for your concern my friend, I know it may be dangerous and possibly an affront of sumo. But I need a way to earn money, not for my own selfish reasons but for my students and their families. For this neighborhood and community, these people need all the help they can get. It goes against my ways to just stand by and do nothing. Perhaps I am doing it to fill the void of sumo in my life. I will not lie when I say I don't enjoy it, the thrill of a fight and the uncertainty of winning or not. Surprisingly I have been enjoying a winning streak of sorts in the underground fights. In fact I have recently been employed by a wealthy American company to represent them in an upcoming fight. Whether I win or lose I give you my word I'll be careful."

The smile Cassidy gave Byamba and Hinogoto placed them at ease but they were still weary for him. They both knew he could handle himself, if he was having a winning steak then that meant he knew what he was doing. However both couldn't help but have an uneasy feeling.

A sudden knock at Cass's office door got all their attention, they looked and saw one of Cassidy's students enter and gave a bow before addressing them.

"Forgive me for the intrusion, but there is someone here to see you teacher."

"Who is it?"

"I don't know sir, he refuses to say and he won't leave until he speaks with you. Um, he really seems serious sir."

This caused Cassidy to raise an eyebrow as he got up, he gestured for both Byamba and Hinogoto to follow him. Soon all three of them left the office and walked to where the visitor was waiting. He was waiting near the entrance of the dojo.

"Well, I gotta say you pictures do you no justice Cassidy Tsuyoishi."

"I'm afraid I do not know you, may I ask why you've come here? Are you here to sign up for lessons?"

"While I wouldn't mind taking up some lessons from a pro like yourself. Sorry to say I here for something else… I'm just here to scope out my opponent."

Cassidy quickly got really tense, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Everyone could feel it, from the students to Byamba and Hinogoto. For Cassidy he only let out a dry chuckle while starting to size up the man in front of him.

"So, you must be this Ace I've heard so about?"

Ace, or rather Lincoln chuckled as well and smirked underneath his orange face mask. Right now he had on his "Ace" clothes as he liked to call them. They were the same clothes he had on when he ran into Clyde.

Speaking of Clyde, he and Penelope were against what he was doing. They thought this was a stupid plan and that it would backfire horribly. Maybe they were right but Lincoln didn't care. He wanted this, no… he needed this.

"Yep, and you are the fighter representing Nasbro in our upcoming bout. I've got to say I didn't think much of you when my boss told me about you, that is until I started to hear more about you. Your past, your exploits as a sumo and a former amateur wrestler when you were in school, your promising career as a pro and how that all fell apart. Even your underground fighting record is incredible, 23 straight wins by knock out or surrender. You are truly an exceptional fighter worthy of praise and recognition."

To those present this caught them by surprise, they thought this was going to end badly but it looks like they were wrong. Cassidy however knew that this wasn't just it.

"Still… all I see in front of me is man who isn't worthy of such praise, because the man in front of me is nothing more than a coward."

That single sentence sent a shockwave of shock and then anger throughout the dojo, the only ones who didn't show any emotion were Lincoln and Cassidy as both just stood there staring at each other.

"How dare you insult our teacher!"

One of Cassidy's students shouted as he got close to Lincoln as did a few of his other fellow students started to surround him.

"Tell your students to keep it down before I make them."

"What the hell did you—ARGHH!"

The student from earlier never got to finish as he suddenly fell to the floor with a bloody nose and clearly knocked out. The other students that had surrounded Lincoln stood in shock as they saw one of their own hit the floor like it was nothing. None of them were prepared for what happened next. Lincoln took a breath and then in a quick flash it was over. With a fast blur of movement from his fist, all the surrounding students all yelled or groaned in pain as each of them fell down to the floor holding onto their faces or were knocked out. For all those saw this it was unbelievable, the remaining students who saw everything from afar couldn't believe what they witnessed. Even Byamba and Hinogoto were at awe by what they saw. The only person who kept their cool was Cassidy who took a look down at his students and then back at Lincoln.

"Hmm… is that why you came? To take down my students in front of me to get a rise out of me? To declare your victory already? To show me that I stand no chance? I admit your jab is the fastest and probably the strongest I've seen. You could give the pros of boxing a run for their money but it will take more than a few jabs to bring me down. When we meet in battle, kid… I will lay you out flat on your back."

Lincoln clenched his fists tighter as he looked up at Cassidy, who glared intently down at him with such intensity it almost sent a shiver down Lincoln's spine but all it did was get Lincoln more fired up, but in a totally unexpected act he let that fire die down as he took a deep breath and bowed in a respectful way catching everyone off guard including Cassidy.

"Forgive me, it was not my intention to hurt your students so badly. They did force my hand but I was too hasty. It's just being around those who spend all their lives in honing their skills for combat whether it be for sport or honor just gets my blood pumping. It's more my fault seeing as I should have used my words better. You see, I don't doubt your skills and I didn't come here to say I'm going to win. All I'm saying is that won't beat me in the state you're in"

The tension in the air got thicker when Cassidy started to scowl and tightened his hands into fists, while he gave Lincoln the nastiest glare he could.

"What was that?"

The remaining students began to quiver under the pressure of it all. None of them had ever seen or felt such anger in their teacher, the man who taught them everything about sumo, who gave them a chance when no one would. A man who was kind and caring as he was strong and larger than life. Now that man was replaced with a slumbering giant who has now awoken. Not even Byamba and Hinogoto have seen Cassidy this way, honestly it frightened them.

None of it affected Lincoln however. The young man in orange just smirked under his mask and gave Cassidy an honest gaze.

"What I mean is that while you are a talented sumo wrestler, that is all you shall remain if you do not change. Just by looking into your eyes I can see a man who has put himself into a crucible and doesn't want to come out because he's scared of what he'll see. I know for a fact you might regret killing that punk who attacked you all those years ago yet I know it's just a poor excuse for you to keep yourself from reaching the next level. Not just as a sumo or a fighter but as a person who has everything a guy like me wishes I had. A family and friends who care for you and want the best for you and yet is so stubborn to keep them away. Sure what you're doing here is admirable, you are doing good work here and there is no doubt you have changed their lives for the better. Yet how can you stand there and deprive yourself of doing the same for yourself?"

Whatever tension there was quickly faded away, a dead silence filled the dojo. The anger Cassidy was feeling was replaced with another feeling. He was in shock hearing all this as he remained still while looking down at Lincoln.

"Whatever you plan to do is your choice, I know you will give me a fight but you won't beat me as you are now. Unless you change you will never beat me… simple as that. That's all I came here to say. Again I apologize for hurting your students, I will be sure to send proper compensation if they need it. I'm also sorry for revealing your private life in front of your students. It was pretty shitty of me. Anyways, I will be seeing you Cassidy Tsuyoishi, next time I hope you are ready to leave that crucible of yours and become the man you are supposed to be."

With all that said, Lincoln gave a slight nod to Cassidy as he began to leave. After he left the dojo and closed the door behind him. Everyone stayed silent, none of them dared say a word as Cassidy let out a sigh. He then turned around and started to head back to his office with a somber expression.

"Please tend to those who are hurt, afterwards you may all leave. Training is canceled for today." Cassidy stated in a gloomy tone just as he was about to enter his office. "Classes may not resume until next week, you are all dismissed."

No one said a word as Cassidy shut himself in his office. The students who were up went to go do as they were told and help their fellow students. While they were doing that both Byamba and Hinogoto stayed where they were. They were processing what just happened but one thing was apparent. Their worry for Cassidy only grew.

"Brother…" Hinogoto muttered softy with a worried expression.

Cassidy was feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now as he sat at his desk in deep thought.

He did expect this when he first woke up in the morning. He felt angry and insulted by the sheer ignorance of this fighter Ace, yet he also felt confused and was caught off guard by what he said. It was strange and unsettling the way he spoke to him, his words seemed to have more affect him than he thought. What was more unsettling was how there was truth in his words as much he hated to admit it. While he did regret killing that man long ago, that was not the only thing that stopped him from quitting sumo. In that fight something had awaken inside him. During that fight he was no longer a Rikishi, no longer Cassidy Tsuyoishi. At that moment he was someone else, someone who frightened him and caused him to give up sumo but also gave him much to think about.

Ever since he was adopted by his parents he has always wondered if he deserved such a chance. Another chance to have loving and supportive parents again when his were taken away. Why him when so many kids weren't as lucky? What made him so special? There was no doubt he loved his parents, he especially grew to love his little brother. They weren't related by blood but DNA isn't everything. His biological father Lucas Sullivan always said that family don't end in blood but it doesn't start there either. All his life he wanted to make his new family proud and prove that he belonged there. That they didn't make a mistake by taking him in. Sometimes it would cost him but he didn't care. Things were normal and Cassidy wanted to keep it that way, sadly that didn't go as plan when those Yakuza punks attacked him.

It was not the first time he was in a fight but that one was different because for the first time in his life he was fighting for his life. Thankfully none of those punks were skilled or experienced so he handle them with ease that is until he accidently killed one of them.

At the time he had no idea he had done it until it was over. In the fight he used sumo techniques like palm strikes and hard slaps however something odd happened, seems like he lost himself in the sheer rush of the fight and he instinctually used a wrestling move which was a German suplex. Apparently he slammed him a lot harder than expected and broke his neck. As the police arrived they couldn't believe the sight before them. When they started to comb through the carnage they found the man Cassidy killed, of course Cassidy was shocked and horrified. So much so that he didn't realized he was being arrested. He wasn't charged seeing as he was only defending himself, the fact they were armed and wanted to seriously hurt or kill him only pushed things in his favor. His family, friends, fans, fellow Rikishi and the whole sumo community supported and stood by him.

He didn't feel like he deserved it, even as his family and friends reassured and comforted him by saying what he did wasn't his fault. Taking a life felt horrible and yet at the same time Cassidy felt something that really terrified him.

Satisfaction.

How could he felt such a thing he asked himself? When we are young we all grow up to learn killing is wrong, especially killing people. Although we as a species do it all the time. We kill countless animals to feed ourselves everyday like it's nothing, while many only see the final product we haven't changed much as a species. Since the beginning we have killed for a number of things, and an unfortunate one would be for enjoyment and Cassidy was afraid of what kind of person he would be if he let this deep feeling fester while wrestling in the Dohyō. He didn't want to risk his fellow Rikishi and sumo's honor as a whole, so he formally retired quietly and left home to try and discover himself.

Along his travels he discovered that he didn't like killing, no. What he liked was winning and surviving. He discovered this when he first entered an underground match, at the time he was desperate for money and there weren't a lot of jobs for former professional sumo wrestlers. Working outside the law and dealing in the shady underground did not sit well for Cassidy at the time but some things were more important than morals.

In his first match he went against a boxer, the match lasted about a minute.

Turns out he had a knack for fighting people other than sumo wresters. Match after match Cassidy proved he was a force to be reckoned with. Knowing full well he would most likely face tougher opposition in the future, Cassidy trained harder and began rather unorthodox regiments and drills not suitable for a sumo wrestler. However he exceled at them surprisingly and got stronger than ever before. Cassidy kept on winning until he came to the sudden realization that he really didn't want the money but the rush of the fight. That's one of the reasons he liked about sumo, to face off against people who are stronger than him. It's probably why he found himself in this troublesome solution in the first place. The rush of a fight made him careless and got that punk killed. In the end Cassidy tried his best to stay away from fighting, that's why he retired. It is unfortunate that fate had other plans.

This upcoming fight, Cassidy knew he would give it his all but would it be enough? The speed of Ace's jabs were very fast and had a lot of power behind them. While he fought boxers and a few fighters who incorporate all types of jabs and punches. Still, he had a feeling there were more to Ace than meets the eye and honestly?

He was looking forward to it

"Crucible or not… I will win."

Cassidy may have seemed determined on the outside at that moment, but deep down Cassidy felt something else. An ugly feeling that has always troubled him since he began sumo.

'I have to win…'

For better or worst the die was cast.


With Lincoln

After Lincoln had left Cassidy's dojo, leaving in the back of a luxury car which is being driven by a chauffeur. Clyde of course set it all up, well it was all really Penelope who did it given she made the arrangements herself. Though it was coming from Clyde's pocket so in a way it was all his doing but with much needed help. They both thought what Lincoln wanted to do was crazy. Confronting a dangerous underground fighter who wasn't just infamous on the fighting scene but had actually killed someone in the past.

Big deal, believe it or not but Lincoln has faced worst and was actually taught by more dangerous people than Cassidy.

Letting out a chuckle Lincoln kept looking out the passing cars, people, and buildings while sitting comfortably in the back seat as the chauffeur drove back to the hotel Clyde was staying. Apparently he had some people he hired to go and collect Lincoln's things while he was heading out to see Cassidy. Not that Lincoln mind the change of where he was staying, but he really wished Clyde had talked to him first.

Still though, Clyde was his boss so what he says goes. Besides, he was getting the second best room out of the whole hotel.

Lincoln never had a hard time taking orders, half his life was catering to all his sisters needs and wants. He had to do some crazy stuff while under the tutelage of teachers over the years. So none of this was nothing new, the only change was that it was his best friend telling him what to do.

Also he was getting paid.

Naturally he had no idea how much but Lincoln didn't care. As long he was getting something he didn't care, he trusted Clyde.

It didn't take long for Lincoln's thoughts to drift back to his talk with Cassidy. Truthfully he didn't have the faintest idea why he confronted him. From all the stuff Lincoln learned about him at first he thought Cassidy was interesting but nothing special. However that quickly changed when he heard about the incident and his matches in the underground intrigued him. Lincoln knew that there was something wrong with Cassidy, although he was a formidable sumo and very skilled. There was no way he could win. Not unless he leaves that crucible he has put himself in.

A sort of place where we all places ourselves in eventually, some believe two types of people place themselves in this. Those who come out, come out stronger than before and those who don't are broken beyond repair. Long ago Lincoln himself put himself in such a place and came out stronger. It was only thanks to his teachers and the friends he's made along the way are the reason he's still around. Along with one other reason he kept to himself.

However there were some who never leave the crucible. Those who choose to stay and embrace the pain, finding it easier than what caused them to place themselves in the crucible in the first place. Lincoln hoped Cassidy would make a choice soon. This fight was not only just about Clyde's company's future but also Cassidy's future as well.

Even with such stakes on the line, Lincoln managed to smirk under that mask of his. He's never faced a sumo before especially one so skilled. However the outcome may be, Lincoln was going to face the challenge head on.

Some time went by and Lincoln found himself back where he started, at the luxury hotel Clyde was staying at. Now it was where he was staying at now too. Getting out of the car Lincoln walked and enter the large lobby, he went towards the front desk where he was told to go by Clyde to get his room key. After some talking and confirming who he was, Lincoln got the keycard and made his way towards the main elevator. Once inside he pushed the button taking him to the second highest floor. When the elevator reached the floor its doors opened and Lincoln got out. Taking a look around Lincoln saw that it was just like Clyde's floor with only one room it seems. At the end of the short hallway he saw a door with his room number.

Reaching the door Lincoln went on and opened it with his key. After that he walked inside and looked around inside his room. Since it was the second best suite in the entire hotel, Lincoln saw that it wasn't that different from Clyde's room. The room was pretty much the same size, there was a little kitchen along with other stuff a suite would normally have. Didn't take long for Lincoln to see where his bags were placed as they were placed right on top of his new bed. Deciding it was time to get settled in, Lincoln walked over and proceeded to unpack. While he was doing so he heard the door close from behind him and he smiled as he kept on unpacking.

"Hey Clyde."

Safe to say given the look on Clyde's face he didn't expect Lincoln to figure out it was him. Until he realized who else would come into his room unannounced? Quickly Clyde's expression turn to an friendly smile.

"What's up buddy, just came to see if you were settling in okay and… well, just to make sure you were okay overall."

This time it was Lincoln's turn to smile as he stopped unpacking and turned around to see Clyde giving him a worried look.

"Come on Clyde, just because I wanted to meet a fellow fighter doesn't mean I wanted to fight. I mean sure I want to fight him but I can wait until the proper fight goes down. So yeah I'm alright."

The worry on Clyde's face quickly turned into relief. He walked over to his friend and gently slapped him on the back.

"I'm glad to hear that, not that I wasn't worried you Linc but gotta be more careful man." Clyde softy chastised. "It's not just because you're my fighter or employee now, you're my best friend and I don't want you to take unnecessary risks. Why did you want to meet that Cassidy guy anyways?"

"Hmm… I guess you can call it a fighter thing. Really I don't have any idea why I did it." Lincoln admitted honestly. "At the time it just seemed like the right thing to do."

Knowing that was the best answer he was going to get Clyde sighed and left at that.

"Are you okay?" Lincoln asked raising his eyebrow.

"Hehe, yeah its just I got a lot on my plate. Running a multi-billion company isn't as easy as it sounds. Thankfully I have people like Penelope and those on my board to help me but still it takes a load man."

Lincoln saw Clyde start to walk off and head towards where the nearest chairs were which were over by a coffee table. Letting out a sigh, Clyde took a seat and laid his head back. Knowing that something was bothering his buddy, Lincoln walked over to join him.

"What's really wrong dude?"

It took moment but Clyde finally started to open up.

"Maybe it's all this stress with this expansion or just finally seeing you again after so long, but it's got me reminiscing. Making me wish things were like they used to be. You know, before all the drama and crap. Sometimes I miss the old days, hanging out with the guys, messing around and just having fun. Yeah there were the bad times, like real embarrassing, crazy, dangerous, and somewhat painful times. Still, I find myself often missing those times. What about you?"

The young billionaire looked over at his best friend who was sitting across from him. Lincoln was surprised at first but soon became rigid. Seeing his reaction caught Clyde a bit off guard, that is until he remembered something.

The Loud family.

"Ah shit, sorry man." Clyde facepalmed himself softy with a sigh. "I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

"Nah, its okay." Lincoln smiled sadly as he let out a sigh. "Funny thing though is that they weren't all bad memories."

"What do you mean?" Clyde asked with a puzzled look.

"What I'm saying is that while my family did treat me like shit a lot until they threw my ass out. There were times they actually treated me right, you know treated me like a son and brother. Times when I was treated with love and attention, small moments that I still remember quite fondly. Memories with all of them… I know I shouldn't but I still do."

Lincoln's smile eventually turned into a sad frown, Clyde shared the same expression. Part of Clyde wanted to stop talking right then and there but another part of him overtook the other. He need to ask something he's been wondering about for a while.

"Do you hate them?"

There were a lot of reactions Clyde expected Lincoln to have when he brought up his family. He sure didn't expect him to have a soft smile while he shook his head.

"You know, I've asked myself that question a lot ever since they kicked me out. At the start of this all I did was wonder why, why did they throw me out? Why didn't they want me? Over time it just got easier to hate them than just keep thinking about it. I held on to that hate for a long time, eventually I moved past it along with whatever else was eating me. Past is the past bro, I don't hate them anymore. I can't say I have love for them anymore though, at least not all of them."

Clyde was smart enough to pick up on that last part, he knew his best friend all too well.

"I want you to know that neither I or anyone else blamed or hate her for what happened. She was just a baby when it all happened, besides we all know she would never hurt a fly. From what I heard her childhood was okay, a bit bumpy given what the rest of her family was going through. She always asked about you from what I heard. Always wanting to know more about her long lost brother that she barely remembered."

Lincoln's lips quivered a little when he heard that, he took a deep breath and recovered his composure.

"Does she know?"

"I don't really know, I stopped checking in on her after I left for college. She was happy though last time I've heard."

"That's good." Lincoln smiled lightheartedly. "I'm glad she at least had the childhood I couldn't have. If anyone deserves it, it's her."

"Do you wanna know what happened with the rest of them?"

"Nah." Lincoln was quick to say with a soften expression. "Best to let the past stay in the past, sure it's nice to remember the good times but you got to keep looking forward to the future. That's what's kept me going so far… while my life isn't what I expected or maybe wanted. It's all I got, besides I wouldn't trade it for anything."

The way Lincoln smiled gave Clyde a moment to pause, his best friend really had changed. It also gave Clyde to think over what he said. While it's nice to look back on the past, you should also have the time to look forward. His business, his employees needed his attention here and now.

"So, what else are you here for Clyde because I got a feeling you didn't just stop to talk about the old days?"

"Heh, yeah you're right." Clyde chuckled, his face then became serious as he met Lincoln's gaze. "We finally got a call from Nasbro, they set up a location and date for the fight. It's in 3 days and will be where there'll be plenty of room and off the grid for this not very legal event. Should give you enough time to prepare and come up with a game plan."

"Game plan?" Lincoln scoffed slightly. "Hate to tell you this buddy but I'm not really the Man with the plan anymore. Besides, I like going in blind when it comes to fights. Makes it more fun that way."

Confusion and shock were Clyde's expression, which then quickly turn into worry and mild irritation.

"Lincoln, this guy is real bad news. I had Penelope take a deeper look into his past fights and we're worried. Cassidy has proven himself in past that he can handle boxers. First guy he ever fought was an ex-pro boxer who won a few championships in the pro circuits. Guy had a mean right hook, Cassidy took all his hits like they were nothing and ended the match in a minute. He's never lost a fight since then, from what we gathered he's only gotten stronger since that fight. Going in blindly against this guy is not smart, you are going to need a plan if you want to stand a chance against guy."

To Clyde surprise and annoyance Lincoln didn't look scared or serious, in fact he was smiling like an idiot.

"Oh don't you worry, I got a plan and that's to win."

Normally Clyde would have let this go given it was Lincoln but that's why he couldn't. Not with his best friend's well-being at stake.

"Lincoln this is serious!"

"I know, that's why you are gonna take my word when I say I know what I'm doing." Lincoln explained ignoring his buddy's outburst just now. "I'm not a one-trick pony, do you really think I've lasted this long by only knowing boxing. No shit I'm better than most when it comes to it in boxing but I do know more than just boxing."

Now Clyde was more confused than ever.

"What do you mean?"

Looking over at his best friend, Lincoln let out a coy smile. Looks like it was time to shed some more light on his past.

"Good thing you're already sitting down because this going to take a while. Okay, first thing is to tell you what happened after I went on my own…"


Great Lake City, Michigan

The sun was shining over the city called Great Lake City, a place that has been rather prosperous since a new company had shown up and breathed new life into the city. That company was Loud Inc. which was founded by none other than Lori Loud.

Who was currently sitting in her office going over some paperwork she needed done. She wanted to get things in order before she, Lisa and Carol would leave for the airport. Everything seemed in order, one of their most trusted employees would keep watch of things here while they were off in Los Angeles, Lisa and Carol had set up the flights for everyone. She had also already contacted everyone and caught them up to speed about Lincoln's whereabouts.

The only ones she haven't told yet were her parents, something that wasn't as easy as it sounds.

'God, what do I do?'

Life for the Louds were not easy after the bad luck incident, it didn't just left a heavy impact on the lives of Lincoln's sisters but also his parents lives. Being arrested and have their children taken away was horrible for them, but not as horrible when they finally realized what they had done. There were no words to express the sheer amount of guilt and shame they felt. They both let their foolish superstitions get the better of them which had cost them not only their only son but entire family as a whole.

It was lucky they had gotten a gotten a good public defender and an fair judge, the deal they got was a blessing but both Lynn. Sr and Rita Loud felt like they should have been given a harsher punishment for what they did. If it wasn't for their lawyer convincing them otherwise they would have probably been given a normal if not harsher sentence. Both Lynn. Sr and Rita Loud accepted the deal, under a year both were released from prison.

Upon their release the both of them came to realize the harsh reality they had put themselves in. The both of them were now convicted felons, were jobless, homeless and found themselves with no friends or family to help them. Whatever friends or family that could help them had made it clear they wanted nothing to do with them. The only thing worse about their situation was that they couldn't see their children.

Still, both went on and tried to recover whatever they could. First thing was to find a place to stay, thankfully that was easy since they had some money saved in the bank and just had enough to get back their old home. Turns out no one wanted the place after word got around who lived there and what happened. It was a good start to try and recover their old normal lives, at least what was normal for them. Returning home was both a bittersweet feeling, no one welcomed them home. The neighbors who saw them shunned them, especially old Mr. Grouse who spat in their direction. For both Lynn. Sr and Rita their home felt cold and empty, a feeling they grew accustomed to since going to prison. Without their children their lives didn't seem to have much meaning to them, that's why both parents quickly made a plan.

They were going to make their family whole again.

Both put this plan in motion by trying to find jobs, which wasn't easy given they were convicted felons. However in time both somehow found jobs, Lynn. Sr became a dishwasher again and Rita with little choice became a clerk for the Super Mart. After finding steady jobs both followed their parole to the letter, after a few months they were now eligible to try and regain custody of their children. At first they wanted to try and get their son back but both Lynn. Sr and Rita realized that wouldn't be smart given what they put him through. So they started slow and got back their youngest and started from there, slowly they finally regained custody of all their girls. Now was the time to get their son back.

Sadly we all know how that went.

Their family would never be whole and that broke all their hearts, no one blamed themselves more than the parents. Both felt like they had not only failed as parents but as human beings. Dealing with Lincoln's disappearance wasn't easy for any of them, they held on hope that he would either be found or return home. Today both still hold on to that hope.

Unfortunately for them as time past they had to watch as their family remain broken and slowly drift more apart. They tried their best to make sure each of their children grew up as normally and peacefully as they could even though they with the exception of Lily were ostracized from friends and loved ones. Life for them went on but that didn't stop for more woes befalling their already broken family. The recent one being Lily, who until recently wanted nothing to do with her family.

Now both Lynn. Sr and Rita were retired, since they didn't have to worry about money with Lori taking care of everything. They spent their golden years being together even after their family had gone through hell, the both of them still loved each other deeply. However they both desperately wished their family was whole again, to them it didn't matter if they had to worry about money or not. If they could, they would trade all the money in the world to just have all their children together again, that all the bad blood was gone and that they can be a family again.

Like what they used to be.

"Everything okay?"

Lori broke away from her thoughts as she looked over and saw Lisa entering her office.

"Uh, yes." Lori sighed as she went back to finishing the last of her paperwork. "Just finishing some much needed paperwork before we leave. Is everything in order?"

"Yes, Carol and I have made all the arrangements. All our siblings flights have been arranged along with our hotel reservations, by my estimates Lynn will be the first to arrive while Luan and Luna shall be the last. All the equipment needed to help us is being packed and will be traveling with us. I also took the liberty of finding out where Lincoln's friend Clyde is staying at and I'm currently monitoring his and Lincoln's movements as we speak. Now, may I ask why you have yet to notify our parental units of Lincoln's whereabouts?"

Now Lori should have surprised but she wasn't, she only smirked at her sister. Lisa was a genius after all. Lori knew better to hide anything from her.

"You sure don't miss a beat do you Lisa?" Lori kept smirking, even though that was replaced with a frown. "I really do want to tell them, but I don't want them to do any unnecessary travels. There's no telling how all this will go down. You should know more than anyone."

Lisa listen to Lori's words and gave it some quick thought before nodding.

Even though they had found Lincoln and intend to reunite with him, some of them having nothing else in mind. There was telling what was going to happen. It didn't take a genius to realize that Lincoln had made it known he wants nothing to do with his family. Him running away was obvious enough. Who could blame him though? After everything they put him through it was only natural. Didn't matter how much they were sorry and how much they loved him. The chances of this going smoothly were very low.

So, it would be best not to involve their parents. No matter how much they hated it or how much they wanted to make their parents wish come true. There was no doubt what was going to happen wasn't going to be easy or pretty. Perhaps it was selfish and wrong but this is how it was going to happen.

"While I don't doubt your decision Lori, I must ask what exactly is the plan? We both aren't naïve to think Lincoln will be happy to see us and just drop whatever he and Clyde are doing to come home with us. I am a genius but I am no miracle worker."

"I know Lisa, we've all have been dreaming about this for years. Our family has been through a lot, we've all paid a price for what we did. Some of us are still perhaps paying for them. Our lives aren't what we've dreamed about but we made our choices no matter how wrong or selfish they are. We lost our brother… now I think I have a plan to get him back. It might backfire but we need to try. Are you with me Lisa?"

"Of course… eldest sibling."

For a moment both women smiled and shared a laugh.

"I forgotten how you used to talk." Lori giggled, she then took a look at her computer to see the time. "Anyways, it's almost time. You better head down and tell Carol to prepare for our ride to the airport."

Giving a slight nod Lisa turned around and began to leave, but not before giving her big sister one last look.

As Lisa left and closed the door, Lori looked down at her paperwork and sighed. She would have to do this once she got back. Right now she had a lot on her mind. After putting her paperwork away something on her desk caught her attention. It was a small photo frame she had placed on her desk ever since she got this office. It held a picture that meant a lot to her, it was an old family photo. It was taken back before their family fell apart. Back when everything seemed normal to them, now it seemed like a lifetime ago.

In the picture was each of the Loud siblings smiling at the camera as they sat or stood on the front porch of their house. This picture was taken 17 years ago. Lori grabbed the photo and began to look at it with a soft smile, her eyes then focused solely on Lincoln. That's when she started to frown sadly.

Up until now Lori had a lot of regrets, some she still thinks about to this day. However if there was one that she regretted the most. It would be not being a better sister to her baby brother, even before they kicked him out of their house. Lori knew she was terrible sister not only to Lincoln but all her siblings. She wanted nothing more than to change who she was back then, but that wasn't possible. Only thing she could do now is make up for what she did. She only hoped that her little brother would let her.

"I'm coming Linky…"

With that said, Lori put the photo back and got up to collect her stuff. Once she did she logged off her computer and started to leave her office. Last thing she did was turn the light off before leaving.


Royal Woods, Michigan

"I'm all packed, I'm leaving now Aunt Ruth. I'll call you when I can."

"Alright, you behave and have a nice camping trip with your sister!"

"Okay, bye and love you!"

Lily let out a sigh as she walked out of her Aunt Ruth's house with a suitcase in hand and a backpack on her back. She looked at the driveway and saw her ride waiting for her. It was Lana's jeep, Lana herself was sitting in the driver's seat texting on her phone. Casually walking over, Lily put her stuff in the back along with whatever Lana packed for herself. She then walked over and entered the front passenger side, taking a seat she buckled herself up.

"Everything is taken care of on my end, are we all set?"

"Yep, Lisa and Lori got everything ready for us. We're gonna take a private jet that's waiting for us at the airport. Should take a couple of hours at best before we arrive in Los Angeles. You ready to hit the road?"

It should have been easy for Lily to answer but she was hesitant. As it should be since all of this was happening so fast. Just this morning she was expecting to have a normal day like always, and here she was with one of her estranged siblings getting ready to take a flight to California to try and find their long lost older brother. Sometimes Lily hated how her life could take such a turn. Guess it's just how being a Loud is.

"Yeah, let's go."

Not wasting any time Lana started her Jeep and began to pull out of the driveway. Their journey had officially begun.

After a few minutes of driving both sisters sat in silence for the longest time. To say it was awkward was the understatement of the damn year. Neither one of them saw this coming nor did they enjoy it, more so Lily than Lana. Eventually Lana grew tired of the tense yet awkward silence, turning on the radio to the nearest station and left it there. It was some cheesy pop song that both sisters didn't know the name of but have heard before.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Lily leaned her head against the car doors window to take in the passing scenery.

"So, how are… things?"

Nothing bothering to turn her head or answer her sister, Lily kept her focus outside her window. Lana frowned and decided to keep her focus on driving. She should have known better to make small talk with her baby sister. She had every right to hate them. Traveling alone with Lily was not really her choice to begin with since it was all Lori and Lisa's doing. It made sense given they were the closest to each other, Luan couldn't do it since she already left to visit Luna. Not seeing any other choice than having her little sister travel alone, Lana agreed to travel with Lily.

"Did anyone tell them?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you guys tell mom and dad?" Lily asked still not taking her eyes off what was passing by her window. "Pretty sure they should be here too if we're going to find our brother. That is unless you guys haven't told them yet."

This time Lily turned to see her sister's expression and saw that Lana had an uneasy look.

"Figures, you guys sure love keeping secrets." Lily sneered with a chuckle. "It's what you guys do best after all. Only reason I'm not gonna tell them is because I'm still mad at them."

That uneasy look of Lana quickly turned into a frown, her attention going straight back on the road. Part of her wanted to say something but it wouldn't matter. It's been close to a year since Lily found out the truth about Lincoln, and she hasn't even seemed close to forgiving them. Lana wanted nothing more than to earn her little sister's forgiveness, before Lily discovered the truth she was close to everyone in the family. Because of her The Loud family had some sort of normalcy. While it was never same without Lincoln it was Lily who kept everyone together.

It's a shame most of them were too oblivious or stubborn to see that.

The drive was quiet with the exception of the radio, Lana kept her attention while Lily's mind was elsewhere. Los Angeles was a long way and they weren't even on a plane yet. Lily still had a hard time believing this was happening. Ever since she was still a little kid she always dreamed of meeting her brother. Although it could be said they have met before considering Lincoln was there for her first year as a baby, Lily had no clear memories of him. There were glimpses here and there but Lily could never see through them clearly. She often wondered about him a lot.

From all the stories her family have told her, Lincoln was everything she wanted in a big brother. She was told he had a good heart and was well-mannered, he loved his friends and family. He had his faults like always making plans usually that backfire or something worse. Still though, he may end up looking like an idiot at times but he would always try to make things right. No matter how much it hurt or embarrassed him.

Lily wondered if he was still the same person after everything that's happened to him. Going through something as traumatic like what he went through can change some people, and not for the better. Often Lily found it strange to be thinking about someone so much even though you haven't properly met them. Most of the time Lily wondered what Lincoln would look like now. The pictures they've had of him usually helped her make an image of him in her head, he would be 28 years old if what everyone has told her is true. Sometimes she would usually draw about him when she had time. Drawing and painting were one of her favorite things to do.

A lot of people seemed to really like her art and sketches, now Lily wasn't a vain person but hearing people say that and if they were close to her made her feel good. She took whatever she could get considering what her sisters have accomplished. Lori was the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, Leni was a famous fashion designer, before her fall from grace Luna was a popular rock star and Luan was an accomplished comedian and had an amazing girlfriend. Lynn and Lucy were out there traveling the world going to new and exciting places. Lola was a famous model and Lana was pretty good at anything when it comes to getting dirty or fixing stuff, she was also an experienced animal handler. Lily didn't even want to get started with her former roommate and genius sister Lisa. Compared to them Lily felt like whatever she did was small.

Like none of it mattered.

Even before Lily's fallout with them, she has always felt like the odd one out. Maybe it was because she was the youngest out of everyone. Lily never really did know why but she did her best to ignore it. She loved her family and did her best to be the link to keep them together, sadly whatever she did never felt enough. They always seemed busy doing their own thing or wanted to be out there looking for their brother. Lily would be lying if she didn't feel a little bit envious of her brother when growing up even if she hasn't properly met him. She tried her best to keep her family together, funny that she no longer cares about them.

Well, that was a little bit of a lie.

What Pop-Pop told her before she heard about the news with Lincoln got her thinking. There was no mistake Lily was still feeling angry and betrayed at her family. However there was also a small part of her that still loved them. Now there was no way Lily would be telling any of them that but it was best to be honest with herself.

As Lily's thoughts went back to Lincoln she started to wonder what he was doing in Los Angeles of all places. Lily knew that he could have ended up anywhere but why Los Angeles? She asked Lana the same thing only to be met with the same confusion, all Lana knew was what Lori told her. At first Lily thought Lana could be lying considering what they hid from her before. However Lily somehow sensed Lana was in the dark just like her so she dropped it. That didn't stop her from wondering why though.

Another thing that was bothering Lily was the nervousness she was feeling.

How was all this going to end? Lily had many dreams of how this would go, sadly those were dreams and reality was always harsh. Unfortunately The Loud family knew that better than most families. Deep down she wanted this to end up good for everyone but Lily was smart enough to know that's not what was going to happen. 17 years was a long time, however that doesn't mean time can make up for what happened. She desperately wanted to reunite with Lincoln just like everyone else but she had to be realistic.

Did Lincoln hate them? Most importantly did he hate her?

Hearing that inside her head caused Lily's chest to tightened up. All her life she wanted nothing more than reunite with her brother, to finally know the feeling of having a brother's love. Not that she didn't really know the feeling loved before because growing up she knew that her family loved her even when they were going through their own problems and had their faults. Call her selfish but she wanted all her family's love, that's includes her big brother's. If he hated his family, did that mean he hated her too?

"Hey Lily, we're almost there."

Quickly Lily was brought back to reality when Lana called out to her. Looking around she saw that they were getting close to the airport. Lily simply sighed as she went back to looking outside her window. This made Lana frown some more but she kept quiet. As Lily kept looking out her window whatever fears she had remained but weren't as present as before. Soon she was going to finally reunite with her brother, and then she'll get her answer.

Whether it's the one she wants to hear or not.


Paris, France

"Awww! Why aren't we moving? Shouldn't we have taken off already?"

"Chill out Leni, all our luggage is still being brought in the cargo hold. Don't worry we'll get there soon sis."

"Oh I really hope so Lola, I totes can't wait to finally see everyone again… including Linky."

Leni and Lola were both relaxing in their seats inside their private jet. Well, technically it was one of Loud Inc.'s jets but since they owned a bit of the stocks and we're on the board. It was their jet so to speak, anyways the both of them were ready to start their journey to reunite with their family. Only thing keeping them from doing that was the fact their luggage was still being loaded on. They could only blame themselves since they've packed so much stuff, however that's the life of a famous fashionista and model. Also being very rich does have in ups and downs.

Lola was in her regular outfit, she was on her phone checking on her social media accounts. Leni on the other hand was looked completely different since she was not sparring or working out. Her hair wasn't tied up into a braid and was long and loose reaching down to her waist. She wore a beautiful and stylish seafoam blue dress that she made herself fit her curvy figure well, around her waist was a stylish white belt. Her other clothes consisted of tight black silk leggings and seafoam blue high heels, she had on wrist length pure cotton gloves that hid her rough hands from the last few years of practicing Savate. Only thing that she wore reminiscent of something she used to wear was her small red hoop earrings. Leni looked very anxious as she peered outside the window by her seat, hoping for them to soon take off.

Both girls couldn't believe that this was finally happening, not just that they finally got a solid lead on Lincoln but that all the Loud sisters would be in one place after so much time apart. All of it excited Leni so much that she could barely sit still, Lola on the other hand was a different matter. While being one of the youngest in the family that did not mean Lola was naïve and bratty like she used to be. She knew that having all her siblings in one place was a powder keg waiting to go off rather loudly.

It didn't help things knowing that a few of them were trained in martial arts or some other combat arts. Nope, it only made it worse. She only hoped that they would find Lincoln quickly and avoid all the drama before that. Now what happens after was going to be a pain, Lola knew that for certain. Regardless of what was going to happen she was still excited to see everyone again. Including her twin and Lincoln.

After a few minutes both girls heard the jet's engines roar to life, the voice of their pilot quickly followed.

"Miss Louds, each of your luggage is secured and we're ready to take off. Get comfortable because it will be quite a long flight."

Leni let out a restless sigh and started to pout, causing Lola to smile at her childish antics. At times Leni after more like a child than Lola even though the both of them were now young women.

"Don't worry Leni, we'll be there before you know it."

Leni stayed silent as she kept looking out at her window, her thoughts drifting towards reuniting with her family.

All of her family.

'Oh Linky… I can't wait to see you again.' Leni thought with a look of longing in her eyes. 'This time things will be different.'

At that moment, all the Loud sisters thoughts were of their brother and what was going to happen. From Luna and Luan in the UK to Lucy in Japan, each of them had their own worries and different expectations of what will happen. However all of them had the same someone in their thoughts.

Lincoln Loud.


Three Days Later

Los Angeles, California

It was around late in the evening, the lights of the city were lit up and shining brightly in the night. However our sights were not on the city itself but just outside the city limits, at a random junk yard. A place where broken and useless things go to be reused or forgotten. However tonight it wasn't just some ordinary junkyard, for it was the venue of a very important event.

A fight.

At the front gates of the junkyard which were opened, a black limousine drove up and parked in front of it. The backdoors opened and out came Clyde and Penelope, finally Lincoln came out wearing his normal fighting attire. Only difference was his face mask, it was still orange but had an outline that was white that resembled a sharp tooth smile. It was something you might see on a monster's face, like the Anti-Hero Venom from Marvel Comics.

"So this the place?" Lincoln asked turning to Clyde who nodded. "Can't say it's the worst place I've fought in but I gotta give it to these Nasbro chumps. They sure know how to pick a place for an underground fight."

Clyde was the only one to smile while Penelope sighed with a shake of her head. The odd trio walked over and passed through the gates, as they were walking they suddenly heard sounds. Lincoln immediately recognized these sounds for he knew them well, the sounds of the crowd. Eventually Lincoln and his friends found what was making the sounds, a large crowd of people were gathered in the middle of the junkyard. Both Clyde and Penelope were shocked to see such a large number of people gathered here. Lincoln on the other hand smirked under his mask.

"Don't look so surprised you guys, having this fight away from the public eye was going to draw people whether you wanted it to or not. You really can't have an underground fight without drawing those who just love the odd exotic appeal of it all. Bet a lot of these guys here frequent tons of illegal events just like these."

All of this was still new to both Clyde and Penelope, even though Clyde had witnessed such an event before when he was searching for Lincoln. Neither of them were familiar with that of the underworld fighting scene.

Not wanting to waste anymore time Lincoln made his way towards the crowd, both Clyde and Penelope quickly followed. As they drew closer people started to notice them. The crowd slowly dispersed a little to let them through, soon Lincoln, Clyde and Penelope found themselves in the middle of the crowd facing two people. One was a middle age man with greying brown hair in a business suit with a blue tie and glasses on, while the other was Cassidy Tsuyoishi in nothing but his mawashi.

"Mr. McBride, I'm happy you are here and I must say myself and the higher ups at our company are glad you agreed to this. My name is Tim Courtney and I am the Executive Vice President of Nasbro's Global Operations. This man next to me is Cassidy Tsuyoishi though I think you already know that. Ah, and this must the infamous "Ace" I have heard so much about. I must say the rumors of you don't do much justice."

If he was expecting an reply from Lincoln he wasn't going to get one, all of Lincoln's attention was on Cassidy. Who was giving his straight back at Lincoln. Both men ignored everything and everyone at that moment, only thing that mattered was them. The reason why they were here.

To fight.

"Mr. Courtney if it's all the same to you, I think we should get this underway." Clyde spoke in a clear voice full of confidence and authority, a voice fitting a CEO. "We both know what's at stake here, if you win I'll put my expansion plans on hold and pay the agreed amount of money. If I win you and Nasbro will stop trying to undermine myself and my company. If we are at an agreement I say we shake on it."

"Yes, let us get this underway." Tim Courtney stated with a smile that was somehow arrogant and coy. "May the best man win."

Ever since becoming a CEO, building his company from nothing. Clyde had grown to recognize the arrogance of the rich and powerful. Many have tried to undermine his company before and underestimate him because he came from nothing and is still pretty new to the game of the rich and powerful. Luckily for him he was not some naïve playboy pretending to run a company, he rose to power and riches for a reason. If this man from Nasbro wanted to test him, let him try.

"Good luck to you and your man Mr. Courtney." Clyde forced a smile and offered his hand, which Tim Courtney accepted and shook it. "Something tells me you're going to need it."

Tim Courtney did his best to smile back but Clyde knew he struck a nerve, when both men were done shaking hands they started to slowly turn away and leave. However both Lincoln and Cassidy lingered for a moment, both locking eyes with each other. Finally after a few tense moments both men followed their respective employers.

Now it begins.

Clyde, Penelope and Lincoln stood at one side while Cassidy and his boss stood on the other. A large bit of space was the between them, more than enough room for what was going to happen. The crowd had broken into four sides, one on Lincoln's side and the other on Cassidy's and the last two watching on the sidelines. All of them talking or making bets for the outcome of the right. A lot of them were placing their bets on Cassidy since they have either seen him fought before or have heard his reputation. A few of them were curious to see what this mysterious Ace had to offer or just wanted to get on the dark horse. Either way they were all going to get their moneys worth.

Lincoln began to take off his track jacket and stretch out a little, Cassidy took a deep breath and started to do what he normally does before a match. He lifted his right leg as high and straight as possible and then brought it down with much force as he could. He then did the same with his other leg, this was both a sumo ritual and exercise called Shiko. For exercise sumo wresters may do this over a hundred times in a row, as for a ritual it is used to drive away demons. While Cassidy has moved himself away from the world of sumo, he still uses the style, techniques and rituals on occasion in honor of his father and his teachings.

As both Lincoln and Cassidy were preparing themselves, an older stocky man with a goatee and black hair tied into a ponytail walked in the middle between both opposing parties. He had an average height and built, he was wearing a regular white and black striped referee shirt and black slacks and shoes.

"Hello and welcome, my name Cheetah Hattori and I will be the refereeing tonight's match! The rules are quite standard, no weapons or other foreign objects are allowed to be used between either fighters. Low blows and other such low handed techniques are allowed, the match will be officially over when one of the fighters submits or is incapacitated. Killing is also allowed but I will do my best to cut in and stop the match if needed. Tonight's match is between Clincoln McLoud Entertainment and Nasbro!"

Cheetah pointed towards Lincoln just as he was about done stretching out.

"Ace, The Bad Luck Vagabond! The affiliated fighter for Clincoln McLoud Entertainment!"

After saying that Cheetah pointed off towards the other side at Cassidy, who had finished doing the Shiko.

"Cassidy Tsuyoishi, The Rogue Sumo! The affiliated fighter for Nasbro!"

It was soon about to begin, both the fighters and spectators were getting restless. However Clyde was more worried than anything as he looked over at Lincoln's opponent. No doubt Cassidy had the sheer height and weight advantage over Lincoln, the only thing obviously going for Lincoln was most likely speed and striking power but Cassidy has proven himself against fighters who focus on striking. Lincoln noticed his buddy's worry and sighed.

"It's no use worrying now Clyde, we're way past quitting or postponing this. I gotta admit this guy is tough. Probably tougher than most of the fighters I've fought recently. Can't say I'll be able to walk away from this without a scratch though. Truth be told buddy it's getting me excited."

Both Clyde and Penelope were shocked to hear this, not really putting any of their worries to rest.

"Lincoln, promise me you'll forfeit if things get too dangerous."

There were a number of reactions Clyde was expecting to see from Lincoln after saying that. What he didn't expect was for Lincoln to turn around and give him a small hug and pat on the back.

"Don't worry bud… I got this." Lincoln gave an eye smile since no one could really see through his mask. "Like I said before, I've always have your back."

With that all said, Lincoln turned back around and started to head towards the referee. Leaving a speechless Clyde alone with Penelope, who gave a worried at her employer. When this all started Penelope thought this was a terrible idea. Putting the company's plans and future on line in some crazy bet that made no sense to her. She knew that Lincoln and Clyde were best friends and that Lincoln was an amazing fighter given what Clyde has said but all of this seemed really risky.

Unfortunately no matter how much she lacked faith in this entire deal, Penelope was simply an assistant. She didn't know Lincoln all that well but she knew Clyde very well. If he had faith in Lincoln to win this then she would as well.

On the other side Cassidy saw Lincoln approaching the referee. Taking a look back he gave a simple nod to his boss, who said nothing and nodded back. Cassidy started to walk off towards the referee. It didn't take long for him and Lincoln to finally come face to face, Cheetah the referee began to pat them down checking for weapons. After the pat-down he went off to the side and looked back and forth between both fighters.

Cheetah had been refereeing for about close to 17 years, not only that but he was also once a fighter too.

He could tell at first glance that the two men in front of him were very strong. The question though which one of them is stronger than the other? That's the question going through everyone's mind at the moment, especially through Lincoln and Cassidy's.

It was time to find out.

"Fighters!" Cheetah announced with tone mixed of excitement and nervousness. "Take your stances!"

The crowd started to cheer as both fighters got into their stances, Lincoln broken into an orthodox boxing stance while Cassidy performed a deep squat, without taking his feet of the ground and moved into a head-first crouch position while resting on one fist. A stance like this was common amongst sumo wrestlers, it was very important because it allowed them to adopt a more efficient posture to charge from and also isometrically preloads their muscle to spring up and charge their opponents more powerfully when a referee signals the bout to begin.

"Begin!"

Again the crowd cheered as the match officially starting. However that soon stopped as Lincoln and Cassidy did the unexpected, they refused to move an inch as they just stood there sizing each other up. It didn't take long for the crowd to get a bit restless seeing that neither fighter had yet to make a move.

"Why aren't they moving?" Penelope asked not having the faintest idea what was happening. "The fight has started hasn't it?"

"Yes… but look closer Penelope."

Giving her boss a confused look before doing as she was told, Penelope slowly started to realize what was happening.

"They've been studying each other very carefully since before that match had began, focusing on the shifting of their weight, the simple twitch of their muscles tensing up, the subtle shifting of their eyes. They're watching and waiting for the perfect time to strike. Almost like two gunslingers waiting for the right time to draw and pull the trigger, one move could make all the difference in a fight like this. One little mistake could cost them everything."

It all slowly made sense to Penelope, the match her really started. It was just that both fighters were readying for the right moment to attack. Clyde focused his gaze on Lincoln.

'Lincoln… be careful.'

Tim Courtney smirked arrogantly as he watched Cassidy carefully.

'Mr. McBride, this is where your silly plans end.'

Both Lincoln and Cassidy remained still, looking for the right moment to strike. Finally after a full minute a small droplet coming from a nervous Cheetah slowly dropped to the ground. Once it dropped the looks of each fighter lit up.

'NOW!'

Lincoln and Cassidy made their long awaited moves and charged towards each other! Oddly enough it was Cassidy who was the fastest as he closed in on Lincoln, Lincoln kept up charging until the last second he performed a quick sidestep and dodged Cassidy's charge. Lincoln then deliver a well placed right hook aimed at Cassidy's face. However Cassidy was quick to stop his charge but instead of dodging or grabbing Lincoln's punch, he let the punch connect!

Everyone except Tim Cortney were shocked and wondered why Cassidy would let himself get hit on purpose. Even Lincoln thought the same until he realized something that everyone else started to notice.

Cassidy had took a direct punch to the face and it looked like it didn't even faze him.

Lincoln shook off this uneasiness he was feeling and kept on his attack. He began by unleashing a barrage of punches and strikes all over Cassidy's face and upper body! The sound of fists hitting flesh caused many in the crowd to either cheer or cringe. When it was over they expected to see Cassidy's face become a bloody mess and his upper body be covered in welts or have tears on his skin. But that's not what they saw, what they saw was Cassidy standing tall without a single sign of injury.

'You got to be shitting me.' Lincoln thought taking a good look at Cassidy. 'Most of the guys I've recently been fighting would be messed up after an onslaught like that. Guess I was right, this guy is really something else.'

On the sidelines, both Clyde and Penelope grew more worried as they saw Cassidy looming over Lincoln. Tim Courtney was smirking at the sight before him. In the crowd, a lot of them were clamoring for more. Meanwhile both Lincoln and Cassidy stood there facing each other, Lincoln had his stance up but not Cassidy. No, he was just standing there looking down at Lincoln.

Then in sudden move no saw coming, Cassidy delivered quick and unexpected head-butt that Lincoln didn't see coming!

SMACK!

The sheer force of the head-butt sent Lincoln down to one knee. Lincoln was almost thrown out of a loop after that, it was lucky Cassidy hit his forehead dead on and not his nose. Pretty sure it would be broken after a hit like that. Shaking off that hit Lincoln suddenly saw an open palm strike heading straight at him, just like before he couldn't move or block in time. The palm strike hit him right on the left side of his face and sent him straight to ground!

"You aren't on your back but the night is still young, you gonna get back up?"

Now this was feeling Lincoln hadn't felt in awhile, the taste of blood in his mouth, trying to get himself off the dirt. It sort of brought a bit of nostalgia to Lincoln, reminding him of the old days.

"Don't tell me you're going to give up. Not after that little show of bravado you showed me days ago, come on show me what you got kid—"

Before Cassidy could finish, he felt a tremendous amount of force and pain coming from under his chin. Then before he knew it he was sent flying by a quick and powerful right uppercut Lincoln performed right before he quickly jumped back on his feet.

Cassidy hit the ground and landed on his back!

Everyone grew quiet after that, everyone was shocked by what they saw.

"Funny, thought you said I was going to be the one on my back?"

Lincoln cracked his knuckles as he looked down at a very shocked Cassidy. Who began to slowly realize where he was. He was on the ground and on his back, if this had been a sumo match he would have lost. Never in his life had this happened to him before.

"You surprised me at first when my first round of attacks didn't phase you, then I remembered something. Long ago, bareknuckle fighters used to do an old trick that toughened up their skin with salt, where they would rub it on themselves constantly. Either you did something similar or you picked up that little trick from them. Never really expected a sumo guy like you to do that but considering our line of work I gotta give you props for you ingenuity."

There was no words for amount of shock that kept coming from Cassidy.

Suddenly a scowl found itself on Cassidy's face, then with newfound vigor he did something very shocking. He performed a kip up, a acrobatic move where a person who's on their back draws both their legs up to their chest and launch themselves back up and land on their feet! It was shocking to say the least given his size. Next thing he did was launch another palm strike at Lincoln, who this time managed to block with a cover up. However while he protected himself he did not anticipate the force behind the strike and didn't fully brace himself for what happened next.

The force of Cassidy's strike sent Lincoln skidding a few feet away from him! It lucky he kept his center of gravity and didn't topple over.

Both of Lincoln's arms ached heavily as he felt the aftermath of Cassidy's strike. It was a good thing he blocked that attack, if he had not Lincoln would have been hurt badly. Not wanting to remain on the defensive for too long, Lincoln went on the offensive and began to deliver a few quick flicker jabs!

Many in attendance have seen plenty of fights and knew a thing or two. They knew what a flicker jab was, in boxing there was only one attack that was considered the fastest. It wasn't a straight punch, uppercut nor a hook.

It was a jab.

However there was a different variation of the jab and it was called the flicker jab. Unlike a regular jab which is snapping out a straight punch with great speed. A flicker jab is used from a lower angle and is what the name implies, a flicker with an almost jerking motion. This move was created by the famous professional boxer named Thomas Hearns aka "The Hitman". The man who invented the Hitman style in boxing. Lot of famous boxers today use this style like Gaolang Wongsawat, Ryo Mashiba and a few notable others.

Back on topic, many in the crowd were in shock and awe as they saw Lincoln throw a fury of flicker have that they couldn't see. It was almost like Thomas Hearns himself was controlling Lincoln. Each jab hit their target and were doing their job, keeping Cassidy at bay. For you see the flicker jab was meant to keep an opponent at bay and give the user an advantage to plan or tire them out. It was possible to have enough strength the jab to cause more damage or even knock out a person. Sadly for Lincoln he didn't have the right opponent for that.

Cassidy was sure enough feeling the jabs but was still taking them like nothing. Given his size and how tough his skin was it made perfect sense.

'Shit… looks like I'm going have to get more serious.'

When Lincoln stopped using his flicker jabs everyone was surprised, Cassidy however saw an opening and attacked with another palm strike. Narrowing his eyes a bit Lincoln used his foot work and dodged the strike. Cassidy went for another strike but Lincoln kept on moving away last second, which was beginning to irritate Cassidy a little. Finally after going for one more palm strike, Cassidy was caught off guard to see Lincoln go for a heavy right hook that sent Cassidy back a little.

That right hook really hurt which surprised Cassidy but what surprised him more was the fact he felt a welt where Lincoln had last hit. Which shouldn't have been possible, that's when Cassidy realized something. Why that last punch hurt a whole lot worse than Lincoln's earlier attacks.

"You cheeky son of a bitch, you were pulling your punches."

Lincoln kept up his stance but smiled at Cassidy.

"What can I say, up until now I never had a reason to go all out."

Maybe Cassidy should have felt pissed off but he wasn't. In fact Cassidy also had a smile on his face.

"Are you really going all out though?"

Lincoln didn't say a thing at first, he only smirked and chuckled.

"How about you come here and find out."

This time it was Cassidy's turn to chuckle, he happily obliged his opponent.

Letting out a yell Cassidy charged at Lincoln who brought up his guard, he was expecting Cassidy to go for another strike but he was wrong as Cassidy opened up his arms and hands going for a grapple!

Thankfully for Lincoln he sidestepped to the left side in time, he then went for a couple of quick jabs at Cassidy's body. The tall sumo wrestler ignored the pain and went for another palm strike. Lincoln dodged the strike and began to Bob and Weave each strike that followed.

Lincoln was hoping to wear down Cassidy and go for a well placed strike to end the match but sadly that didn't seem to be the case. He expected Cassidy to begin to tire out so far from the fight. After all Cassidy was a sumo wrestler and it was proven that a normal sumo wrestler's body dedicated for a quick and deceive match. This however wasn't a regular sumo match and Cassidy wasn't regular sumo wrestler.

Unlike most sumo wrestlers, Cassidy wasn't as fat like most sumo wrestlers. He was tall and pretty fit given he was a sumo wrestler. Another thing we that Cassidy probably had a whole different type of training regiment than a regular sumo wrestler. Most likely endurance and stamina training along with strength training given how much his strikes hurt. Him being tall helped him out a lot in the striking department, reach was very important in fighting especially if you were a striker.

It was safe to say Cassidy was an abnormality.

Which meant this fight was going to take a little bit longer and Lincoln didn't have a problem with that. This fight was getting interesting, however there was one thing that was bothering Lincoln. And that was the fact Cassidy wasn't really going all out, the same could be said to Lincoln but he only let loose depending on how strong his opponent is.

Cassidy could do a lot more, the only problem is that he was holding back on purpose.

"Tell me how long you're gonna keep yourself from going all out?"

"What was that?" Cassidy asked stopping his attack on Lincoln.

"Like I said a few days ago, you will never beat me the way you are now. You have so much potential do more but you keep yourself from reaching it. I can see what your plan is. You expect me to waste all my energy boxing with you, given your size and whatever training you've been doing. Safe to say that's how you usually deal with fighters like me. It's smart, only problem is that unlike you I know when to go all out."

Cassidy raised an eyebrow at Lincoln, what was he planning.

Soon Cassidy got his answer when he saw Lincoln rushing at him at speeds he could barely keep up with. Lincoln pulled back his left arm and got ready to throw a punch, Cassidy expected Lincoln to go for a heavy overhead punch or an uppercut. What he didn't expect was for Lincoln to throw a heavy left body hook that collided with his liver!

All Cassidy could feel was a surge of pain shoot through out his body and how he lost all strength in his legs, next thing he knew he was laying on the ground holding onto his sides.

Everything grew silent again, this time there were shocked faces on everyone. Including both fighters bosses. Clyde and Penelope were not expecting that to happen, neither was Tim Courtney who had completely lost that smug smirk. Lincoln on the other hand smirked as he looked down at his down opponent.

"What happened?" Penelope asked. "Cassidy was taking all of Lincoln's blows just fine until now. How could one punch send him toppling to the ground like that?"

"A liver punch."

"What?"

"A liver punch Penelope, the liver is the largest and heaviest internal organ in the human body." Clyde began to explain pushing up his glasses a little. "The liver is very flexible and if one side of the liver gets compressed by a hit, the other side will get stretched. Doesn't help that the liver has a lot of nerve fibers around it which is linked to the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary actions like breathing, heartbeats and other important things. The body can't handle getting hit in the liver so it effectively shuts down. No matter how big you are or how much willpower you have, a body shot will always bring anyone down. I wouldn't be surprise if Cassidy has a ruptured liver."

From what Penelope was seeing, she had to agree with her boss.

Cassidy was desperately trying to get up but his body would not listen. Never in his life had Cassidy been in so much pain than right now, it took everything in him just not to scream. He got careless, he should known that his opponent was going to go for something different. After all he did say he knew when to go all out. Only thing that was bothering Cassidy right now more than the pain was what Lincoln said.

Was he really holding himself back?

There was no question about, Cassidy knew that he was holding back. Why you may ask? For a lot of reasons, because he didn't want to accidently kill anyone like last time. Though that was just what he told himself to feel better. The truth was that he was afraid.

Deep down he was afraid of losing, in that fight with those punks Cassidy was afraid of losing. Afraid of losing and shaming everyone close to him. Not just his fans, fellow Rikishi but his friends and family. He wasn't afraid of killing but afraid of letting down those close to him. Those thoughts lingered with him until his final match as a Rikishi, those thoughts made him quit sumo and become a recluse.

Was it stupid, perhaps?

But nothing meant more to Cassidy than his friends and family, truth be told the only reason he got into sumo and wrestling was because both his fathers did it. His first father Lucas Sullivan was an All American wrestler, and Haranami Tsuyoishi who was a Professional Rikishi. Somehow Cassidy always felt like he owed it to them to keep that tradition going. He loved his family greatly, guess that's why he left because he was so afraid of letting them down.

What a coward he was, Cassidy knew that now.

Look where that fear got him. Wallowing on the ground in for some stupid fight he arrogantly thought would be easy, looking up he saw Lincoln staring down at him with pity. Cassidy should have got up and make him regret looking down at him like that, the one look a Rikishi never wants to see thrown their way. Sadly Cassidy knew that Lincoln was on a whole other level now, best to give up now and take the loss.

"Is this really all you have Cassidy?" Lincoln asked shaking his head at the man in disgust. "When are you going to stop holding yourself back and fight?!"

Silence was all Cassidy head, other than that he hung his head low in shame.

Lincoln could only sigh before something caught his attention on the sidelines.

"If you won't give it your all for yourself or this fight, the least you could do is do it for them."

Confused by what Lincoln was saying, Cassidy turned to where Lincoln was looking. What he saw caused him to lose his breath for a second.

There in the crowd was his brother and Byamba with a few of his senior students but what really got his attention was that they weren't the only ones there. He saw that his father and mother were with him, Haranami and Sakuhana Tsuyoishi. His father was an opposing man with a large size and presence, he had his shoulder length black greying hair down and he wore a traditional blue and white kimono. His mother was just as beautiful and radiant just like the last time he saw her, her long brown hair was tied into a ponytail which was over her left shoulder. She had gotten a few grey hair and wrinkles but she looked beautiful than ever, she was wearing traditional pink kimono with a flower petal design.

First thing going through Cassidy's mind was why? Why were they here of all places?

"I had talk with your brother 2 day ago, we had a lot to talk about but I convinced him to call your parents and told him to bring them here. Looks like he brought a few of your students too."

"Why! You had no right!" Cassidy yelled trying to get up but couldn't since she was still trying to recover from that liver punch. "Do you hope to embarrass me in front of my loved ones, Ace!"

"I want you to fight with everything you got!" Lincoln yelled back. "Be the fighter I know you are than a stubborn fool afraid of letting go! Show me what you're made of, Cassidy Tsuyoishi! Show me the man your loved ones know you to be!"

None of this going the way Cassidy wanted. He had no idea what to do, having his loved ones here wasn't helping.

"Get up Cassidy!"

That seemed to have brought Cassidy back to reality as he looked over and saw his little brother shouting out him.

"You are stronger than this guy, brother! You can beat him!"

Cassidy didn't know what to say as his students joined in.

"You can do it teacher!"

"Show this bozo what it means to mess with a Rikishi!"

"We all believe it you teacher!"

Looking at them cheer him on made Cassidy feel at ease for some reason. When he looked at his parents he saw that his mother holding onto his father with a worried expression. His father? The stoic expression he always had soften, his eyes were filled with a feeling quite different than the lost time he saw them. Long ago on that night they were filled with disappointment, that's when Cassidy told them he was retiring and leaving. Now those eyes were filled with something he always wanted to see his father look at him.

Filled with pride.

Whatever fear Cassidy still had was there but it was being suppressed by another emotion. One he hasn't felt in a long time, a burning desire to give it his all!

"You were right Ace… if I won't give you my all for myself, than I will do it for them!"

Completely fired up and filled with the desire to win, Cassidy shot up from the ground and went straight for Lincoln. Getting him to smirk in anticipation, Lincoln got ready to throw a heavy right hook but was caught off guard when Cassidy did the unexpected.

He performed a heavy right hook that caused Lincoln to fall to ground!

The cheers stopped as everyone couldn't believe what they saw. A sumo wrestler using a punch? Could such a thing be okay? Well, the thing is that Cassidy Tsuyoishi wasn't technically a sumo wrestler anymore. While it could be said he still believed in it and uses it's style, Cassidy was not restricted to sumo. No, after all this was a real street fight!

That uppercut caught Lincoln by surprise but he wasn't pissed off, not yet anyways. This is what he wanted. Even though he could taste a bit of blood in his mouth, he was smiling under his mask. He quickly got up and went straight for Cassidy with a heavy left hook. That missed when Cassidy parried it with a slap from his hand, he then rushed up to Lincoln and did a move he hasn't done in a long time.

A snatch single takedown, a wrestling move he learned quite a long time ago.

It involves the user pushing their hand right up against their opponent's head and trying to force them down and block their view as the user uses their other hand and arm to lift one of the opponent's legs off the ground and perform a takedown.

This is what happened to Lincoln, slamming hard onto the ground hurt like hell and almost knocked the wind out of him. Unfortunately for him, Cassidy didn't stop there because Cassidy went for a full nelson on him! Which was a wrestling hold in which both arms of the user is passed under the opponent's arms from behind and the hands are applied to the neck! Cassidy used this and pushed Lincoln face first to the ground!

Out of a lot of wrestling holds this was perhaps one the most dangerous because it is close to a neck crank, which is a spinal lock applied to the cervical spine which can cause hyperextension, hyperflexion or a lot of other bad stuff you don't want to happen. Neck cranks are usually banned from sports competitions but this was a legally sanctioned match.

Anything goes!

'Shit! This is not a good place to be!' Lincoln thought bitterly as he felt Cassidy tightened his grip! ' Damn it! He could suffocate me or break my neck if he wanted! I gotta break free somehow!'

On the sidelines, both fighters sides knew the flow of the match had change drastically. On Cassidy's side Tim Courtney knew that the match was no going in their favor. He knew that that Cassidy had Lincoln right where he wanted him. It was only matter of time now.

For Lincoln's side, Penelope was freaking out a little. Just minutes ago she saw Lincoln dominating this match until something changed in Cassidy. Now here was Lincoln on the verge of defeat. She looked over to Clyde with worry in her eyes, Clyde was just as worried if not more.

'C'mon buddy, you can get out of this.'

Back with the fighters, Cassidy was applying pressure to Lincoln's neck!

"Give up Ace, you've fought harder than anyone I've ever faced." Cassidy stated honestly. "No one will argue that. You've earned my respect and I thank you for helping show my true strength. Submit and I'll stop."

Lot of people would have listened to Cassidy, but not Lincoln. He's been in a lot of tougher spots like this and has come out of it somehow.

"Don't… count… me… out!"

In a sudden move that no one saw coming, Lincoln thrust his elbows down to his sides and broke Cassidy's grip! Next he used his elbows to pin Cassidy's arms in place then he used his right leg to shift all his weight towards his left side. Now he was on top of Cassidy, next Lincoln threw his head forward and threw it back hitting Cassidy square in the face!

Cassidy didn't expect this to happen, once he got Lincoln in a full nelson and brought him to the ground he expected Lincoln to give up. Since he was a boxer Lincoln should have known the danger he was in. Once a boxer is locked in a hold or grapple from a fighter trained in wresting and grappling, it's pretty much over. Unless that boxer isn't just trained in boxing.

The sudden head-butt made Cassidy let go of Lincoln who quickly got up and made some space between him and Cassidy, who slowly got with a bad nose bleed.

'I hit it hard enough to draw blood but it doesn't seem broken, shit.'

"Hey Ace, you aren't just a boxer are you?"

"Huh?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Cassidy stated firmly as he wiped the blood off his face with his arm. "For a regular boxer to break out of a hold like this unheard of. Not unless you were trained in wresting and grappling yourself. You have more that just boxing under your belt."

This fight sure was something because Lincoln wasn't expecting Cassidy to pick up on that.

After a moment of staring at Cassidy, Lincoln slowly chuckled.

"Well shit, nothing gets past you does it eh Cassidy?"

For a brief moment Lincoln looked down at his fists contemplating something.

"Yeah… I'm not just a boxer."

Soon as he finished saying that Lincoln rushed towards Cassidy with a right hook ready. Cassidy saw this and slapped Lincoln's right hook away like it was nothing and gave him a left hook that sent Lincoln rocking back bit. But that didn't Lincoln as he went for a straight jab that Cassidy slapped away just like the last punch, then Cassidy gave Lincoln a jab, another jab and finally a cross that hit Lincoln right in the face. That combo made Lincoln fall to one knee, Cassidy shot his left knee up hitting Lincoln in the face!

That last caused Lincoln to fall down to both knees as he held himself with his hands. Blood was dropping to the ground coming from his nose and nasty cut on his forehead. He could also feel blood forming in his mouth which tasted nasty.

'Shit… I remember this feeling. Having my ass handed to me… it was just like that very night I met him.'


Flashback, 12 Years Ago

Lincoln was in some trouble.

It had been a few months since Lincoln ran away from the facility he was staying at these past few years and his life had gotten a bit more shittier. Being homeless and having no money sucked but he was able to get by from taking jobs like a dishwasher or some shit. If he was desperate he would steal but only if he was out of options. As for shelter he had a sleeping bag and would stay at a hotel or something if he had the money which wasn't very often. Still he was scrapping by just fine.

Only problem he was having right now was these assholes not liking him sleeping on their turf. Which was some back shit alley in Long Island, New York. He tried leaving New York but with the authorities looking out for him he thought it would be best to lay low and get some cash before skipping town.

Anyways, here was Lincoln all bloody and on his last leg.

There were originally 16 of these thugs but 5 of them were knocked out or too hurt to do anything, Lincoln managed to take them down but the rest of them jumped him and now had him surrounded armed with pieces of 2×4 wood, pipes and baseball bats. That's why he was bleeding, with a few broken ribs and god knows what else.

'Don't tell me I'm gonna die here in some shitty alleyway.' Lincoln thought bitterly as he tried to get up but was too hurt to do anything. 'Makes a guy wonder if I am bad luck? Screw it, if I'm going down I'm going to take a few of these guys with me!'

Using the last of his strength, Lincoln got up slowly and spat out the blood in his mouth and got into a basic boxing stance. A few of the thugs laughed as they moved in closer towards Lincoln with their weapons raised. A thug closer to the opening of the alleyway which led to the streets suddenly had two large arms wrapped around his neck putting him in sleeper hold. The thug was out in a matter of seconds.

Whoever had the thug in the sleeper hold dropped him causing a bit of noise for all to hear. Lincoln and the thugs looked over to where the noise came from and saw a large burley man with long shaggy brown hair with a large beard. He was wearing red plaid flannel jackets and some grey loose sweat pants. He gave the thugs a cheeky smile, which showed his two missing top front teeth.

"I'm only going to say this once, you punks better leave the kid alone or I'm going to get old school on all of you."

The thugs looked among themselves for second before a they decided to rush both Lincoln and the burley man. Lincoln gave a heavy right hook to rushing at him and a 1-2-3 combo at the next guy. Both thugs were out after that, the rest of the thugs were rushing at the big man. Lincoln got ready to jump in and help but stopped when he saw what was happening.

The big guy ducked under a swipe from a thug's baseball bat and kicked him in the balls. The thug dropped to the ground holding onto his privates and dropped his bat which the big man picked up and quickly went to work against the rest of the thugs. One thug with a 2×4 smacked it hard across the big guy's back but shockingly it did nothing and broke into two. The big man was smacking that bat around anyone that got close to him. Finally after taking out the last of them, the big man dropped bat and slowly walked over towards Lincoln. However the big man missed one thug as he got up from behind him and charged towards the big man with a switchblade in his hands. Lincoln was about to call out to warn the big man but he quickly turned around and performed a hard clothesline that sent the thug hard to the concrete. The poor thug was knocked out when his head slammed against the concrete.

"Wow, either I've still got it or guys these days aren't as tough as they used to be."

Lincoln was still trying to comprehend what he just saw.

This random guy from the street just swooped in and saved him from a brutal beating or worse. Just some random guy who didn't have to. Why though? Well, Lincoln was about to get some answers as his savior walked over to help him up.

"Alright kid, lets get you some help."

The big guy helped Lincoln up by pulling his arm over his shoulder and started to help limp out of the alleyway.

"Why did you help?" Lincoln asked as he started to feel real tired now. "You didn't have to help me, you could have gotten killed old man."

Soon as he heard this the big man chuckled.

"Ah what can I say, it was just the right thing to do. Besides I saw you take down a few of those gutter punks. Pretty good moves for a kid, you also took a heck of a beating and you're still up. Not many would be up after that but here you are. Brought back some memories, anyways what's your name kid?"

"Uh… Lincoln Loud."

"Nice to meet you Lincoln, my name is Michael but a lot of folks just call me Mick Foley."

And that was the day Lincoln met the man who would be his second teacher and introduce him to a whole other combat style he would come to love. And that style was called Pro Wrestling.


End of Flashback

Everyone saw Lincoln there on the ground on his knees and hands, blood dripping down to the ground from his face. It was safe to assume Lincoln was done and that's what everyone else though including Clyde and Penelope. Both of whom were shocked and sicken by what they were seeing. It took every ounce of Clyde willpower not to rush out there and help out his best friend but he remained on the sidelines because of what Lincoln said.

'I'll always have your back… that's what you said Lincoln.' Clyde thought as he tightened his fists. 'I have complete faith in you buddy, now show these guys what you're made of!'

Cassidy looked down at Lincoln's weakened form and frowned sadly.

"Hell of a fight kid…"

After saying that Cassidy began to walk away assuming Lincoln was done.

"Fight… isn't over yet!"

Stopping in his tracks Cassidy slowly turned his head back to see Lincoln getting up slowly. His head still hung low as he stood up, the blood coming from his face was dripping down all over his chest. Then all of a sudden Lincoln began to chuckle which turned into full blown laughter.

"Hehe… haha…hahaha!"

What happened next not only shocked everyone but unnerved them. No longer giving a damn Lincoln ripped off his mask and spat out a huge glob of blood from his mouth, he then threw his mask away and whipped his head up to look directly at Cassidy. Lincoln's face was all bloody from the cut on his forehead, his nose and blood coming from his mouth. Bits of blood found itself on his white hair which gave it a dirty and unnerving appearance but what really freaked everyone out was the wicked slasher smile he was giving Cassidy showing the blood that covered his teeth.

"Time to show you I'm not a one trick pony, it's time to get hardcore!"

Not wasting any time Lincoln rushed at Cassidy who was still unnerved by what he just saw, thankfully he snapped out of it and got ready to meet Lincoln with a right hook that Lincoln countered with a shocking arm drag! A wresting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takedown that uses the opponent's momentum to the opponent's disadvantage, the user hooks the attacker's arm and flips him over the head of the user. This is what happened to Cassidy as he was slammed hard onto the ground with a massive thud!

THUD!

After landing Cassidy quickly found himself getting stuck in a cross armbar, a classic wresting submission hold that has roots to Kodokan Judo that is widely used in other grappling martial arts and sports. Anyways, to perform this move the user secures an arm at the wrist of the opponent. Trapping it by squeezing the knees together, to begin the submission one of the user's legs will be across the chest of the opponent and the second legs calf will cross face the opponent. The user can use this move to extend the opponent's arm and hyperextend the elbows too. Cassidy knew this move well since he also learned back in high school. The fallen sumo tried desperately to break free but Lincoln kept his grip and did something that shocked everyone again.

He kept his word when he said he was make things hardcore!

SNAP!

"AHHH!"

Everything grew silent as the only thing could be heard was Cassidy's screams. Lincoln let go of Cassidy and quickly got up to look down at Cassidy who was struggling to contain his screams as he held his left arm which was just in the armbar, the arm which was now broken!

'Goddamn it! I should have broken out sooner or at least saw that arm drag and armbar combo coming, stupid!'

Worried and horrified faces were plastered on all those who saw this but none more than Cassidy's loved ones. His brother, friend and students yelled out to him while his father held onto his mother who was screaming for her fallen child. Tim Courtney eyes were filled with pure panic.

This match was over.

At least that's what everyone else thought but not the fighters.

"I thought you said we're going all out old man!" Lincoln yelled out still smiling wickedly which was very unlike him. "We're far from done aren't we!"

Surprisingly Cassidy responded by getting up with great difficulty, once up he let his broken arm hang loose while he raised his fist from his right arm. No could believe it.

Cassidy was still in this despite being very injured.

"Yeah… we aren't done yet… not by a long shot!"

With those final words Cassidy launched himself at Lincoln with his fist raised and Lincoln did the same still smiling. Both fighters met and started to throw punches at each other, both of their hits and strikes landed as both men gave it their all. There was no technique behind these punches and strikes, just pure power and instinct. Cassidy was at a sheet disadvantage but was still keeping up by using his uninjured arm alone.

Both men kept there word and were not holding back!

The crowd didn't know how to react at first given Cassidy's injury but we're now quickly cheering as both men didn't stop their fight. Cassidy's family and friends were cheering him on with everything they had, even Tim Courtney was cheering. Clyde and Penelope couldn't believe what they were seeing as they were witnessing a whole different side to Lincoln which they both found unsettling and awe inspiring at the same time.

SMACK!

SMACK!

SMACK!

Both Lincoln and Cassidy were bloody and bruised, just by the strikes alone maybe both had internal damage. Lincoln gave Cassidy right hook and responded back with a straight jab, he then went for a swift elbow to the face which Lincoln took and gave a mighty overhead punch. This went on for a solid few minutes until both men stopped to take a good look at one another. Both were very injured and bloody, oddly enough both fighter chuckled at the sight.

"Shit… you are one tough son of a bitch, Cassidy Tsuyoishi." Lincoln stated honestly as his smile became a genuine one. "You really are."

"Heh… you aren't so bad yourself Ace." Cassidy smiled back as he spat out a little bit blood from his mouth. "Think I'm on my last leg here, how about we finish this."

"Yeah, let's do it." Lincoln nodded before giving Cassidy a look filled with respect, one that Cassidy equally shared. "By the way, my real name is Lincoln… from one competitor to another."

Hearing that got another smile from Cassidy as he pulled back his fist back and got ready to deliver his final attack. Lincoln didn't waste any time and went straight for Cassidy who charged straight back at Lincoln.

This was it, and both fighters knew it.

Going for the heaviest right hook he could do, Cassidy aimed right for Lincoln's face. Lincoln barely had enough time to move his head ever so slightly which resulted in the right hook to miss it's target only by a few inches, that's when Lincoln went for his final attack which was powerful cross that hit Cassidy directly in the face! The force from the hit sent Cassidy's head whipping back, everything slowed down for Cassidy at that moment as he started to fall forward.

'Well shit… guess that's it… hell of a punch… Lincoln.'

Funny thing, Cassidy was so scared of losing. About shaming and disappointing his family and friends, to show that all those years of blood, sweat and tears didn't matter. But now that it was happening… never had Cassidy been so much at peace. He gave it his all against a strong opponent that he's come to respect, his family, friends and students showed up to cheer him on. Even after all the terrible mistakes he's made from accidently killing that punk to leaving sumo and his family. Even after he pushed them away they were here for him.

Man, how lucky can a guy be?

As Cassidy kept falling forward his eyes caught his loved ones crying out to him. His parents, brother, friends and students yelling out to him. It was hard to make out there voices as Cassidy felt so tired, he couldn't help himself from closing his eyes. When he was closing them he saw something strange, he saw his both birth parents Lucas and Lillian Sullivan standing behind his adopted parents. What was more strange was that they were smiling at him and he could see that their eyes were filled with pride and love.

Suddenly Cassidy could only think of one thing.

'Did… I make you proud?'

That was the last thing Cassidy thought before he closed his eyes and welcomed the darkness. However instead of hitting the ground, Lincoln had caught him and kept him up which was difficult considering his size and how injured they both were. Still Lincoln would make sure that Cassidy wouldn't touch the ground, he deserved as much after a fight like that. Turns out he was right, Cassidy was one tough bastard.

"I got you…" Lincoln huffed out as he was all tuckered out.

Using whatever strength he had left, Lincoln lifted his fist in the air. Cheetah the referee yelled out as loud as he could.

"WINNER! ACE!"

The crowd broke into a loud cheer that rocked the junkyard, it was appropriate after such a match like that. Lot of people didn't expect the outcome to end up like that but they didn't care. Not after seeing two fighters gave it their all and laid it all on the line.

Clyde let out a loud cheer seeing that his best bud had not only won but was okay, Penelope sighed in relief as she was completely spent after seeing that fight. She was also glad Lincoln not only won but was okay, well okay as can be considering. Tim Courtney had a devastated. look on his face as he fell down the ground on his knees. As for Cassidy's loved ones they all rushed out to check in on Cassidy.

"Brother!"

Hinogoto was worried along with everyone else as Lincoln limped over to meet them while carrying a still unconscious Cassidy, once he reached them Lincoln handed Cassidy over to his family and friends. As he did so Cassidy slowly woke up, he grunted in pain as all the damage done to him finally caught up to him. Looking around he saw his brother and friend Byamba holding up, as everyone else looked at him with worry.

Didn't take long to realize he had lost.

"I'm… sorry I lost you guys." Cassidy managed to mutter out. "I gave it my all and I still came up short."

Cassidy didn't know what to expect after saying that, what he didn't expect was for his father to approach him and place a firm hand on his shoulder. Looking up at his father, Cassidy saw that he had proud smile on his face.

"It does not matter if you lost my son, what matters is that you did your best. After so long you finally stopped holding yourself back and did what I always knew you could do. Win or lose, I want you to know you made us proud and kept your honor not only as a Rikishi but also as a man of the Tsuyoishi household."

Nothing could describe what Cassidy was feeling right now, all this time he thought he would failed them. But all that turned about to be wrong. Even though he had lost, having all those close to him here and now looking at him with pride, love and bit of worry. Though that was mostly his mother who was still crying. It was odd but he didn't feel like he lost, though he could certainly feel all that damage Lincoln dealt to him.

"Thank you, all of you."

With that Cassidy let out the biggest smile he could. While his loved ones went on to ask if he was alright, Lincoln watched on with a smile as well. Soon as he was done he began to leave but was stopped by Cassidy.

"Hey, Lincoln!"

Turning around Lincoln saw Cassidy giving him a firm look which quickly turned into a smile.

"Thanks for helping get my head out off my ass, also for a good fight."

Lincoln was surprised at first by this unexpected response, he then smiled back.

"Yeah, no problem. Hope we get to fight again sometime." Lincoln said still smiling. "Something tells me you aren't going to let that broken arm go so easily."

"Ha! You got that right! Just wait until I'm all healed up and done some training, I promise the aftermath will be far different."

Both fighters shared a laugh as they looked at one another fill with respect.

"I'm counting on it." Lincoln then turned around and started to leave but not before giving Cassidy a few words. "See ya around Cass."

Cassidy didn't say a word as he watched Lincoln leave, though he had only one thing in mind now. And that was to meet Lincoln in battle once more and give it his all again. On this day though Cassidy had suffered his first official loss in the underground fighting scene, he had also gained not only a friend but a rival.

Lincoln made his way towards where Clyde and Penelope were. His thoughts were filled about that fight, been a long time since he had to resort to his grappling and wrestling skills. The guys he's been recently facing never brought out the need for it really but Cassidy was different. It was a shame that he didn't really go all out on Cassidy though he was thankful for the match he had with him. However there was only one thing bothering Lincoln and that was the sight of Cassidy with his family and friends.

It was nice to see how they were all there for Cassidy and how they fretted about him after the fight. Hearing his father say how proud he was of him, how his mother went on asking about if he was really okay and his brother, friends and students supporting him up and looking at him with admiration. Lincoln wouldn't be lying if he did feel a little bit jealous.

'Hmm, Cassidy is really a lucky guy.'

To have not only family and friends by your side but to be surround all that love and support, to have some worry about you after a tough match like that. Lincoln often wondered why he couldn't have that. Until he bitterly remembered why. Either way, it was a fun and crazy fight.

What more could a guy ask for right?

"Lincoln! Are you okay!"

Looking ahead Lincoln saw Clyde and Penelope running to check on him.

"Hey guys, I won." Lincoln chuckled before coughing up a little bit of blood. "So, you guys wanna get some grub or a drink or something celebrate?"

"Are you insane! You are going to a hospital, you are seriously hurt!" Penelope exclaimed as she examined Lincoln a little and had worry plastered all over her face. "How reckless can you get!"

"Wow Penelope, I didn't know you cared." Lincoln chuckled as he smiled. "See Clyde, I told you I'd win."

Clyde was close to crying as he gave his best friend a surprise hug causing Lincoln to yelp in pain.

"OWW! Clyde! Dude I love you too man but chill out, I'm hurt here."

"Shit! Sorry buddy!"

"It's fine… now can we go get some grub or something, wait. Maybe getting patched up would be a good idea. Don't wanna have blood dripping into my food."

"YOU THINK!" Penelope exclaimed.

Though Lincoln was hurt he somehow still smiled, while he didn't really have a family anymore he at least had friends. Two that were no doubt going to be by his side for the fights still to come. Yeah, somehow Lincoln had a feeling that this one fight was going to send shockwaves though out the underworld and business world. Which meant his fighting days were far from over.

In the now dispersing crowd of spectators, many of those who were in attendance were calling friends, colleagues, business partners and of course employers about the match they just saw. While it seemed that this match was just a simple off the books type of deal that was made between two large corporations that meant nothing more business between the two parties. Other companies had taken interest in this strange event, and many of them had sent observers to see how it went. It was safe to say many of these corporations were now interested in what had just happened. Who knows? Perhaps they too would take part in such illegal activities to settle such deals and business.

To think it was all thanks to one man who walked over to a still devastated Tim Courtney.

"Don't fret too much Mr. Courtney, one loss doesn't necessary mean it was total one at that. You and Nasbro may have lost but now you know how this works. My superiors overseas wondered what would happen if we introduce this effective concept to the west, and I must say the results are outstanding. My superiors will be most pleased, you and your company don't have to worry too much now. We'll cover whatever damages you and your company had suffered through this loss. We thank you and promise to be in touch."

The mysterious man began to leave but was stopped by Tim Courtney who was now thrown through a loop by what just happened.

"W-wait! Just who are you? Why did you set this all up in the first place!"

The man stopped and turned around to give the man a sly smile.

"Don't worry Tim Courtney, you and everyone else will soon find out. Myself and The Kengan Association will be in touch."

With all that said the man left along with the rest of those once in the crowd, one person lingered however. This person was a young woman in shady clothes and had a smartphone out which showed a video of the entire match between Lincoln and Cassidy, this woman then uploaded the video to YouTube and smiled. She then went to her contacts and selected one. Pulling her phone up to her ear she soon began to talk to her contact.

"It's done, everything is now in place Ms. Loud. We of the Kure Clan will stay in contact with you if you have further need of our services."

The woman now began to leave, her eyes were now in clear view under the lights of the junkyard. Her eyes seemed inhuman as the sclera were a near dark black with whitened irises and pupils. Like they belonged to a demon of some kind. Not only that but the aura around seemed like they belong to a demon as well.

It looks Lincoln was correct after all.

His fighting days were far from over, it wouldn't be long now until fighters and those in the underworld see Lincoln and Cassidy's match. Whether he liked it or not Lincoln's life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.


Hours Later, Lincoln's Hotel Room

It was just around midnight and Lincoln was all bandaged up laying on his bed trying to fall asleep but couldn't. Not that the pain was bothering him, a few broken ribs, cuts and bruises were nothing. Sure he could have accidently punctured one of his lungs with his broken ribs but he didn't, he had no idea Clyde and Penelope were so worried. Still thought the doctor they brought over patched him up, gave him some kick ass meds and told him to rest. Which he was really having trouble do.

Suddenly he could hear someone knocking as his door, which surprised him since Clyde and Penelope were no doubt asleep. So who was at his door this late in the night? Slowly getting up with a painful grunt he walked over to his door and looked through the peep hole, what he saw caused him to freeze in shock. Rubbing his eyes to make sure he was seeing things, next he slowly opened the door and saw someone he never thought he ever see again.

His baby sister Lily Loud.

"Uh… hi?"


To Be Continued

Important AN: Man I am just a stinker aren't I? What do you think? Hoped you liked the chapter and fight, if not tell me what you would change? I love reading your reviews. Lots of stuff happening and I couldn't shake off wanting to finish this chapter, I know I should focus on my other stories but I just feel like writing this more right now. Don't worry about my other stuff if you also read them too, I am going to update them soon. It's just been crazy lately which I know you can all understand. Also I hope you are all doing good and are safe along with your loved ones. If not I'm sorry to hear that and hope all will be well soon. Anyways, what's important about this author's note is that I have decided to get all of you involved in this story if you would like to. As you can see so far I am going to need Lincoln to have strong opponents to fight. Now I did plan to make some OCs like Cassidy and Ezekiel but I am not really feeling up making a bunch for what I have planned. I also plan to have some special guest characters come in and fight or even some real life fighters which I still plan to do along with having some more Loud House characters show up and fight too. Sadly I think that is a lot for one guy like me to do, so that's why I'm asking for your help. I love getting my readers involve and having fun. Before you start sending me your OCs and ideas there are going to be rules.

1. They can be whatever you want as long as they are 15 years old or older. Go crazy and be creative as possible. They can come from all walks of life.

2. They must be believable and have their own special strengths and weaknesses, for example Ezekiel was a powerful striker but was weak to dirty tactics and grappling among other things. Now that doesn't mean you don't have to be creative, I'm sure a lot of you have some fun and crazy ideas for fighters.

3. They can be trained in martial arts, combat sports or simply be a brawler or use just brute force. Hell they can just be good at killing too if you want. If they are trained please tell me the martial arts or sport and please detail it.

4. Give me some good backstory on them and why they fight, you can also tell me what kind of companies you want them to fight for too. Like I did for Cassidy and Nasbro which is very much Hasbro the toy company.

5. I will only accept OCs by PM on here or you can message me on Amino, I'm mostly around the Loud House one and go by ChubbySnorlax.

6. Don't worry if your OC isn't picked right off the bat because I have something very special planned down the line for everyone.

7. I will stop accepting OCs on a later date when I feel like things are getting out of hand.

Now you can start sending them whenever but take your time, I want you all to really think about these fighters. Now if OCs aren't your cup of tea then just leave me some ideas for fighters in a review or message ,e, they don't have to be OCs but can be characters from the Loud House or whatever. They can be guest characters like from games, cartoons, movies, TV, anime and real life if you want. As you can already see so far I have already placed a few of them on here, tell me who you guys have already spotted. Don't be afraid to tell me what you want to see for fighters. For right now that's all folks, I hope you all leave a review and tell me what's up. Also stay safe out there. Expect the next chapter soon if not later. See ya!