AN:

RCurrent's review: We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Dogspirit1's review: Don't worry my friend, all will be answered in time.

Guest N.O.1's review: Don't worry, this is inspired by many anime and action media, so you'll see the similarities.

Goofy the Great's review: Don't worry, those minor antagonists aren't meant to be remembered. Others will be though.

"Begin!"

Lincoln and Wom rushed forward towards each other.

The younger of the two threw a quick punch aiming for his face, but the elder dodged swiftly.

Wom twirled on his heel and slammed his leg into Lincoln's side, making the boy recoil with a surprised look.

Then, taking a low stance, he shouted, "Elephant's Pressure!" Energy surged within him, and Lincoln felt its intensity as he stood next to him.

"Steel Horse Buck!" He sent another flat kick to Lincoln's ribs, making the boy cough out some saliva.

He got sent flying out of the arena and into the stands. More specifically, he crashed into the stairs beside the seats.

The announcer looked at Lincoln and started counting down. "Twenty! Nineteen! Eighteen!"

"You alright?!" One of the people shouted at the boy's still body, others joining in.

"Is he okay?"

"Did he lose?"

The announcer didn't stop. "Seventeen! Sixteen! Fifteen!"

Lincoln raised a hand, signaling he was fine.

"A normal person's bones would have cracked from that blow." Wom said, looking at him sit up. "Your friend wasn't foolish to bring you here if your ribs hadn't by now."

"Fourteen! Thirteen! Twelve! Eleven!"

Lincoln slowly got up and walked towards the arena, stopping halfway to the border. "I get it now; Why I thought you looked a little weird. You only use your legs to fight, don't you?"

"Correct. I do not need my arms to defeat you." Wom said, his mind flashing back to a memory from the past.

"I'm sorry!" Wom cried, his face deep in the bedsheets of the room as he kneeled. His tears stained the sheets as he cried in despair. Yet, despite that, the small room felt quiet.

"Come on. There's no reason to be sorry." Said a calm man lying down in the hospital bed. He looked to the ceiling with his grey eyes.

"No!" On the opposite side of the bed, holding the arm of the one who was resting, stood Wom's brother. His name was Roka. He was equally as distraught as Wom currently was. "It shouldn't have been you! You did nothing to deserve this, Tomeo!"

"It's alright," Tomeo said. "I have no regrets."

"What do you mean?!" Wom yelled in anger. "You shouldn't be fine with this!"

"I'm just glad I could see you two with my own eyes." Tomeo explained. "Even if it stops now, I was able to look at my brothers' growth for years. I'm grateful for that. There's no need to be sad, and this illness has no cure. There was nothing you could do about it."

"Tomeo…"

The Ishii family was one of the most respected in Fable Country. Unfortunately, the three brothers tragically lost their parents at a young age. But by supporting each other, they managed to live through the tough times. And together, they grew into strong gentlemen.

The three of them learned the ancient martial arts of their ancestors. And after they became strong, they opened their dojo to teach others. Their goal was to one day spread their knowledge across the lands. They wanted to make their arts known worldwide.

One day, the eldest brother, Tomeo, discovered that he had a rare illness. No magic potion, ability, or medicine could help cure it. So he told no one, not even his brothers. He didn't want pity from any of them. He didn't wish for them to worry about him and possibly go down a dangerous path, all in an effort to help him.

Every day he started to notice his vision worsening. It wasn't until he finally lost all sight did his brothers finally found out.

"I… won't use my arms to fight anymore."

Tomeo put on a surprised look, turning his head towards the voice. "Brother…"

"I've decided I'm going to restrict myself too!" Wom yelled. "If you cannot use your eyes, I will not use my arms!"

"In that case, I will do the same."

"Roka…"

"I won't use my legs! That way, we can be even! We can all stand on the same grounds as brothers once more!" He shouted out, clutching Tomeo's hand with his.

It wasn't long until Wom left the country. He decided to travel to maybe find a cure for his older brother someday.

That led him to Fortune. The city could have access to anything that could help. Meeting with the Big Bosses could speed up the process. Perhaps they had something to help his brother. He hoped so.

"Six! Five! Four!"

Lincoln smirked. "Interesting. You only fight using your legs?" Then, right before the time ran out, he dashed inside the arena. "This should be fun!" He said with glee.

"And the match continues!" The announcer shouted.

"His weakness…" Lincoln dodged a couple of kicks, but Wom was unrelenting. The man kept swiping his legs, threatening him from getting close.

Lincoln kept waiting for more kicks. He blocked three swift ones towards his stomach and rolled under him.

Wom clicked his teeth and barely managed to hop away before Lincoln could grab him.

"Well done. But that's not enough!" He said, jumping into the air and spinning around. "Drill Woodpecker!" He launched his leg down, but unfortunately for him, Lincoln caught it.

Gripping tight on his leg, he pulled it over his head, bringing Wom. Then slammed his elbow into his stomach, making the man cough up some spit.

Wasting no time, Lincoln went forward and used his palms to push him with energy surging. Wom couldn't stop himself from the force, and he crashed into some blocks in the arena.

Lincoln wasn't used to dealing with kicks, this was something new to him, but he was getting the hang of it quickly. Against usual opponents, he could just overpower them with strength alone. But against a martial artist, it took much more than that. You must account for every strike, position, and vital point. Thankfully, he could see his movements with little trouble. His speed was more than enough to dodge and block the attacks.

They charged toward each other once again.

Lincoln immediately ducked under a leg. Then, he swiftly maneuvered around him and tried to attack from behind.

Wom didn't let him do so. He managed to block a punch with a raised knee. Afterward, he gave a quick straight point kick using his toes.

Once again, Lincoln dodged by moving to the side, using his hand to push the leg away, and dashing around him.

Wom gasped. "That's his plan!"

The same situation occurred once again. Wom went in for a couple of kicks, and Lincoln avoided them before circling him to attack from his sides. "Whenever I use one of my legs, it's difficult for me to turn around for an attack coming from behind. Even if I drop my leg in time, I barely have room to retaliate." Again, at the last second, Wom managed to deflect a punch from the boy.

But then, in a sudden surprise, right before the punch landed, the fist turned into an open palm. Instead of having his hit blocked, Lincoln made a grab. Now, he had a tight hold on his leg, much to Wom's shock.

"It was a fake-out?!"

He pulled Wom forward, and with his other fist, he gave a strong punch at his cheek.

Wom flew back deeper into the middle of the arena and managed to stop his flight by skidding to a halt. "I guess that makes us even." The man said, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand. There was even a hint of his Life he rubbed off.

"It's far from over yet." Lincoln said, getting into his stance again.

Wom chuckled. "I agree."

"I haven't fought someone who's mainly used their legs yet. I think I'm getting used to it, though."

Wom smiled. "Then show me your progress." He dashed toward Lincoln, who blocked a flurry of his kicks with his arms.

The two used their hands and feet, respectively, trading blows and blocking each other. However, neither of them seemed to be able to get a hit in.

The crowd cheered and watched closely as the two exchanged. It was immersive. A bunch of them couldn't contain their excitement. It wasn't often they got to see a fight like this.

Up in the higher stands, the Big Bosses watched on intently.

Shade was standing beside one of them, who sat in a wheelchair. Like the Bosses, she was also paying serious attention to the battle. "He's good, isn't he?" She asked the man beside her.

"Yeah, so far." The man said in a deep voice. "It seems your judgment wasn't wrong. It wasn't a waste of time to bring him here."

Lincoln decided to spice things up a bit. He dashed backward and jumped up onto a red cube. Wom followed suit, jumping up to a blue cylinder parallel to Lincoln. Then, charging their energy which shook the arena, they pounced forward.

Meeting in the sky, they traded one blow, canceling each other out. Not a moment got wasted, and they continued to strike each other as they fell to the ground.

Lincoln fell first and landed flat on his feet. He blocked a dropkick and threw a punch aiming for his hip but got blocked when Wom turned and used his other leg.

That was when Wom noticed something. "You're only using your arms. You'd have the upper hand if you used your legs to defend yourself."

Lincoln smiled as he blocked another kick with a palm, he tried to grab it, but Wom was quick with the retreat. "I just thought it'd be fun. It isn't mercy if that's what you think."

"Intriguing." Wom said as he raised his leg to block an arm thrust.

When Wom landed, the two ran side by side, but this seemed to be in Lincoln's favor. Wom had to hop every attack to keep his momentum, while Lincoln had excellent balance.

They ran between the obstacles on the field, using them to dodge and evade attacks quickly. Wom took advantage of his quick hiding spot behind a block and prepped some energy in his leg.

He jumped in the air and over a sphere. "Iron Rhino!" With his leg outstretched, he dove toward Lincoln.

The boy was fast enough to block the attack with his upper arm, but it still seemed to damage him. However, Wom was still in the air after the blow, and Lincoln acted quickly, reeling his uninjured arm back. Then, he jumped up and uppercut Wom in the chin. Finally, he clasped both hands above him and punted him towards the arena.

At the last second, Wom managed to flip himself upright. He softly landed on his feet successfully. Although, he still felt the repercussions of the blows he received.

Lincoln landed a reasonable distance away from him, readying himself.

Wom raised a leg. As he did, his hands hovered on both sides of his leg but not directly touching it. His hands raised slowly, and so did his legs as if they were connected by string. He only stopped until his leg was at a perfect ninety-degree angle. Then, an enormous amount of energy surged in that leg, and Lincoln felt it. "Flamingo stance."

"If you cannot use your eyes, I will not use my arms!"

Wom closed his eyes at the memory. "You are one of the few people who earned my respect, Lincoln. Whatever reason it may be."

Lincoln decided to reply, stretching out his hands and charging energy in his upper arms. Both of his upper arms glowed in his orange energy. His clothes and hair whipped around from the brunt of his power.

Wom snapped his eyes open and leaped towards Lincoln.

"HISSATSU TENGI: SALAMANDER GNAW!" Wom's leg went up in flames as he sent a fiery kick towards his opponent.

Lincoln brought his arms up in an X-shape shield. With the energy imbued in them, he was confident he could block the attack.

They collided, shaking the entire stadium and creating furious winds. The audience shielded their faces, and some screamed. Fortunately, the energy that pulsed from their combined force got blocked by a forcefield at the arena's borders. The staff set this up beforehand to protect the audience. While it didn't stop Lincoln from going through it, it would block energy.

Wom's kick pushed Lincoln, and he skidded with his feet backward, moving faster than a speeding car. He slid across the arena and even went through some obstacles until he stopped near the stadium's edge.

It took some moments for the energy and winds to settle down. When it finally did, Wom was seen in the center. While Lincoln calmly stood without issue, the older man was a little out of breath if one looked closely. It seemed Lincoln had the upper hand in stamina.

Before either of them could act, however, a buzzer rung.

"That concludes the first match, everyone! Ending in a Big Boss Force!" The announcer shouted, shocking both Lincoln and Wom.

The crowd jeered, and flashing lights littered the stands from the cameras.

Lincoln looked up and around the stands. He was surprised the match had ended so suddenly because not much time had passed. But he wasn't about to go and step out of line. Still, he could admit he was a bit disappointed. He was having loads of fun.

The announcer continued. "It seems they have seen enough of these talented men, but the night is still young, and there's more to come! So sit tight while we prepare for the next match!"

Lincoln sighed.

"Didn't get to express yourself fully?"

He turned towards Wom, who was not far smiling at him.

"You weren't going all out either, I'm guessing?" The boy asked.

"If you used a weapon or any ranged abilities on me, I would have been disadvantaged. As I don't possess anything to deal with those." Wom closed his eyes. "Thanks for showing me I still need to improve myself.

I'm looking forward to our next battle." He said, turning and making his way off the arena.

Lincoln stared at him for a couple of seconds before doing the same, heading back to the portal door.

Once through, he noticed Wom across the hall holding the door and waiting for him. With a smile, he jogged not to keep him standing there.

"Thanks." He said, walking inside.

The two of them met with the other contestants. One of them was eager to talk to the two of them.

"So who won?" Kenner asked with a toothy grin. "Hard to tell when you're both not damaged."

Lincoln raised a brow. "You weren't able to watch us?"

Kenner sighed. "Nah, they won't let us."

"Wait? So I won't get to watch the rest of you fight?" He asked.

"Nope." He said sadly. "Trust me. If I were in charge, it would be different.

"Aw, man, that's kinda boring." Lincoln said, sitting down on one of the benches with an upset expression. "Now, what will I do until I'm called?" He whispered to himself, almost whining.

"There's a reason for that."

Lincoln looked towards the new young voice. He noticed all of the others weren't paying any attention to him. Wom went over to Kenner to presumably let him know about their recent fight.

The person who spoke was the kid that looked his age. He was currently leaning against the wall. His hands were inside the sides of his pants, treating them like pockets.

The tone of his voice seemed innocent and child-like, akin to an adorable boy playing across the street. But his sentences were pronounced with intelligence and sounded as if they were coming out of an adult. It made him seem mature. "Every rule here serves the purpose of finding the right person. You aren't allowed to see the other fights because they want to see who can account for anything. You aren't allowed to bring weapons or tools, so they know you aren't helpless without them. They want to know who they're hiring, what you can and can't do. This isn't a normal fighting tournament. This is more of a job interview."

"I see, that makes sense." Lincoln said with an understanding look before smiling and asking, "Who are you?"

"I'm Mikey. I heard you call yourself 'Lincoln?'"

"Yup. That's me!" He got up. "Nice to meet you." Lincoln said, walking up to him and putting a hand out for a shake.

Mikey took himself off the wall and shook hands with him politely. "I could say the same." He said. He took his hand away and looked Lincoln over. "Say…" He began, spiking Lincoln's interest. "How old are you?"

"Oh, uh… I'm eleven." Lincoln answered.

"Oh, you're a little older than me. I'm turning eleven in a month." Mikey told him. He then suddenly turned to Kenner and Wom, who were in mid-conversation.

He walked a couple of steps towards them, putting his hands back into his pseudo pockets. "You two."

They paused their conversation and turned to him questionably.

"On a scale of one to ten, how strong are you?" Mikey asked them, stopping before them.

Kenner's curious look instantly brightened up at the question. "A ten, of course!" He said enthusiastically while punching the air.

Sidney in the coms suddenly spoke. "Can the next two contestants please make their way to the stage?"

The four of them and the others in the room looked toward the screen on the wall. The next bracket showed the blonde-haired guy and Kenner.

"Looks like I'm up." Kenner said, sitting up and cracking his knuckles. Then, without another word, he made his way out the door, the Blondie followed soon after.

"I believe I am a six." Wom said, sitting down on the floor with his legs crossed. "If you'll excuse me…" He closed his eyes, and it almost looked as if he was sleeping.

Lincoln stared at him for a few moments before realizing he was meditating. It seemed that was his way of preparing for the next round.

"And you?"

He turned to Mikey, who now stared at him.

"Me?"

"Yeah, the question I asked them? How would you scale yourself?"

Lincoln looked to the ceiling and thought. Then, humming to himself, he closed his eyes and tapped his foot on the ground. "I don't know. I would say I'm strong, but that's only because I've never met anyone that's ridiculously powerful. There's bound to be someone, right?" He answered.

Mikey stared at him for a moment before closing his eyes and saying. "Who knows… Anyway." Then he started to walk off. "I'll see you in the upcoming rounds." He took a seat far from where Lincoln was standing across the room.

Lincoln had no one to talk to with Mikey over there and Wom meditating. The others didn't look as inviting to start a conversation with, most notably the fat man and large woman. So now he didn't know what to do other than wait patiently. Hard to do when you don't have any way to entertain yourself, but he had no choice. He thought about getting his smart band and fiddling around with it. Maybe he could look at the map for fun or something, but he didn't want to be suspected of cheating.

So there he waited. It reminded him of the times staying at the grocery store or the hair salon, waiting for others to finish whatever they were doing. It was so boring here, and it was agonizing when he was just having a fantastic time a few minutes ago. He couldn't wait to have his turn come up again. Maybe when Kenner came back, they could have a chat? Anything to make time go a little faster.

He sat there and waited, doing nothing and feeling bored out of his mind. Eventually, Kenner and the other guy returned. Both of them had some mild injuries, but Kenner looked to be the one who came out on top.

Lincoln smiled when Kenner came toward him. The guy pointed towards Wom, who was still sitting on the floor, with his thumb while raising a brow.

"Meditating." Lincoln answered. "He's been like that since you left."

"Ah." Kenner said, sitting down next to the boy.

"So, how'd it go?" Lincoln asked.

"Guy was tough, but I think I impressed the Bosses more." He explained. "I can't wait to get out there again. Think you and I are going to go at it together?"

"I hope so." Lincoln replied. "You seem like a fun fight."

Sidney spoke on the speakers once again. This time, the two people shown on the screen were the large dark-skinned woman Lincoln was yet to meet and Mikey.

The two left the room not too long after, so they continued their conversation.

"The people here make me excited." Kenner said with a bright smile. "I'm so hyped!"

"Why did you sign up for this?" Lincoln asked. "Was it just to fight?"

"Of course!" Kenner said. "Though, in the contract, you're entitled to at least a month's worth of working for one of the Big Bosses. But that's worth it."

"Fighting is fun." Lincoln agreed. "Before I got into it, I never thought it'd be this fun." He remembered the time he was fighting for his life in the Death Mines. At first, it was the most frightening thing he had experienced in his life. But with no pain, he quickly found it to be extremely fun. It was like living in a video game.

"What about you? What are you doing here?" Kenner asked him.

"I'm just here for some atomosinc." Lincoln answered. "If anyone in Fortune has some, it'll be those Big Bosses."

"What if they don't have any?" Kenner asked.

Lincoln shrugged. "My friend told me they most likely should. She works for one. If they don't, then I'll just leave."

"If you don't work the full month you're entitled to, the Big Bosses won't be happy. They'll probably ban you from the city, imprison you, or worse. I heard one of them can control minds."

"Not the end of the world." Lincoln said. "I'll just-"

He got interrupted when something suddenly opened the doors leading to the arena.

"Well, that was quick." Lincoln thought as he stared towards the doorway, presuming it was the two fighters.

In walked Mikey, and behind him was the woman he was up against for the tournament.

Lincoln watched Mikey calmly go to a bench and take a seat. Then he turned to the woman and widened his eyes. She was holding her shoulder, looking defeated. He couldn't contain his shock.

Her right arm was cut off.