Chapter 6

"Old Friends, New Beginnings"

The six-foot fighter strolled down the busy streets of Uptown, Metro City. His long-time friend Lucia gave him an early morning wake up call, stating that she scheduled an appointment to meet Mayor Haggar at eleven o'clock. Unfortunately, the wake up call came roughly an hour before his private session, leaving Cody quite literally running out the door to catch a train. Dion was still sleeping when he left the apartment. It seemed that his partner had trouble sleeping and he decided to let him catch up on a few more hours of sleep.

Cars honked violently on the busy street, with cab drivers shouting and giving the finger at pedestrians crossing the street. Cody flashbacked to days where Haggar, Guy and he were pounding their way through this very street making way to the Renaissance Hotel where Jessica was being held captive. Now, he was solo. The boxer gazed up from his position on the sidewalk, looking up toward the window of the mayor's office. It was the largest window right smack in the middle of City Hall.

As Cody stood in front of the large stone edifice, the words "City Hall" engraved in a bronze plaque near the constant turning the revolving door that let in and out the many citizen and workers. The former hero slowly walked in; his stomach began to go queasy. The boxer would be lying if he said he wasn't just a tad bit nervous. There was no doubt that he attracted the attention of people's stares as soon as he stepped in. His ripped body and large biceps definitely gave him a tough-guy appearance, not to mention his all-black clothing.

The boxer was extremely paranoid that someone would remember him – remember and throw him right back into the slammer. He wasn't here to be thrown back there again, but instead wanted to prove that he didn't kidnap Jessica and to make some sort of amends with Haggar. Cody walked through the marbled halls of the building, looking around and trying to appear calm. He was, after all, a wanted man.

The ex-hero took an elevator to the fourteenth floor: the mayor's office. With a soft ding, the steel doors slid open, allowing a receptionist to catch view of him as he stepped onto the densely carpeted foyer. She glanced at the strange individual that was Cody through her glasses.

"May I help you sir?" she asked. Cody cautiously approached the desk.

"Hi, I'm Rick Forster. I have an appointment with Mayor Haggar for eleven o'clock," he stated politely.

"Let me check the mayor's appointment list. Just one moment," replied the clerk. She picked up the phone and punched in a sequence of numbers. "Hello, Mr. Mayor. Yes, Mr. Forster is here for an eleven o'clock appointment. May I send him in? Alright, thank you." She placed the phone back on the receiver and looked at Cody with a big smile.

"Please follow me, Mr. Forster. I'll take you to the mayor's office," the reception stated. She got up from behind the counter and walked over to her right. A short distance away, Cody could see the door to Haggar's office.

"This was it," Cody thought. "It was now or never."

"Step right in Mr. Forster." The clerk opened the door and allowed him to enter. Cody's face was emotionless as he walked in. He was greeted with a large desk stained in a deep cherry tone along with two leather chairs for the mayor's visitors. Pictures, pens, paperweights and paperwork were scattered everywhere on the desk. Behind it was none other than the mayor himself, Mike Haggar, sitting in his chair. His large back was facing toward the visitor as he continued typing something on his laptop. The door closed behind him, alerting the mayor of someone's presence.

"I'll be with you in just a moment, Mr. Forster," said the mayor, as he finished up typing the last few words. He quickly saved it and turned around, but was not prepared to see the true identity of Mr. Forster.

Cody flicked his nose and glared back at him. His cold, blue eyes connect straight into Haggar's like daggers. How long has it been since he saw him? It definitely was an odd predicament. The boxer wanted so much to rip into Haggar, maybe even kill him, but he wouldn't nor couldn't. He didn't want to risk being put back behind bars again. Haggar stood up, standing much taller than Cody. None of them said a word to each other, their stares did the talking for them.

"What are you doing here Cody?" Haggar finally blurted out. "Or have you forgotten that you're wanted?"

"Cut the crap Haggar. The only reason I'm here is to prove my innocence," he stated, standing in front of his desk.

"Forget it. You broke the law when you busted out of prison, or have you forgotten that as well?" they mayor asked in a sarcastic tone.

"Law? What do you know about law? You were playing vigilante along with me and Guy trying to save your daughter…my girlfriend, from the Mad Gears. Every minute I was behind those bars I wanted to beat your face in through the back of your head!" the boxer shouted.

"Dammit Cody, I had no choice. I couldn't just let you walk. What would people think if I just decided to let you go free after you were convicted guilty by a jury? If you would've stayed in prison, I would've been able to get you out in another three months, but you decided to take it upon yourself to get out," he stated, looking out his large window overlooking the city.

"Three more months and I would've gone insane," Cody defended. "I had to virtually stay up twenty-four-seven because half the people in that joint had a grudge against me, just itching for the chance to take me out." The mayor let out an frustrated breath.

"Have a seat Cody," he replied, turning around and taking a seat himself. "What am I supposed to do with you know?" Haggar asked, resting his forehead on his hand. The boxer threw a black file folder on top of the mayor's desk.

"Decide what you want to do with me after you look at this," the boxer simply stated. The mayor looked at him with thinned eyes. He took the folder and opened it. Cody tried to study Haggar's face as he viewed its contents. It grew angry as he read the letter, until the mayor read the part where it mentioned the pictures. The mayor immediately opened the envelope as if he was a nine year old opening a birthday card, looking at pictures of his own daughter nearly beaten to death. Haggar tried his best holding back his emotions, but a solitary tear came out, falling onto his desk.

"This information proves my innocence and the real reason why I'm here: to get Jessica back and get rid of the Mad Gears once and for all." His arm muscles were all tense, showing off his large biceps. "Are you with me or not?"

"As much as I would enjoy beating the crap out of the Mad Gears and finding my daughter, my job stops me," Haggar said softly with a saddened face. "So many people are depending on me to change this city around; so many lives that can be made better and that's worth more than just one life…even if it is Jessica's." Haggar looked away; he knew the Mad Gears were on a revival streak.

"That doesn't mean you can't," he said to Cody turning around. The ex-hero looked at him oddly.

"This piece of evidence proves your innocence," pointing to the file folder with an open palm, "therefore, clearing you of the murder charge." The mayor paused for a moment. "However, it does not clear your conviction of breaking out of jail." The boxer just slapped his forehead.

"You've got to be kidding me Mike," he said in an annoyed tone.

"Luckily for you, breaking out of prison, surprisingly, is not a serious crime and knowing the law, there are other ways for you to serve this sentence without spending it in prison."

"What are you talking about Haggar?"

"It's quite simple really. You can serve your time for breaking out of prison in prison, or you can do a little "community service," as in serving in the Metro City Special Crimes Unit. You will work on undercover operations concerning Mad Gear with that team. The choice is yours."

"Do I really have to give you an answer?" the boxer grimaced.

"I'm just making sure you understand. Do we have a deal? One year of service in the Special Crimes Division and you're a free man." Haggar extended his right hand for handshake. The boxer slowly reached in and shook it.

"Good," the mayor replied. "And I already have your first assignment," he continued with a hint of a smile on his face.

"I knew it was too good to be true." The boxer turned his head slightly away, with a faint laugh. "What is it?" replied Cody.

"I'm sending you to Japan," the mayor said with a grin.

"The hell…Japan? What the fuck for?" he asked furiously, pounding the mayor's desk with his fist.

"Temper there Cody. Remember, we have a deal." Haggar had a stern look on his face. "The reason why I'm sending you to Japan is to help us back here. The special crimes team recently uncovered an organization that is backing the Mad Gears with weaponry and narcotics.

"So then why don't you let officials in Japan handle it? Why send me over?" he complained, crossing his arms over his chest.

"The situation is complicated for the Japanese officials. I've been in contact with one of their inspectors," folding his fingers over each other. "Trust me, if they could have done anything about it, they would have done so a long, long time ago. Plus, you're the only person with enough guts and skill on the team to actually complete this assignment."

The boxer sighed from his seat.

"So what am I supposed to do?" asked Cody impatiently.

"This mission is dangerous. You can go solo if you choose, but I suggest you find a partner or two to help you out." Haggar walked over to a small bar, pouring himself a small mixture of gin and tonic. "You'll be flown over to Tokyo, where an old friend who works undercover at the Tokyo Police Department will contact you. She's a weapon analysis technician and will provide you with whatever you and your team needs to put this organization out of commission. She also has extensive knowledge about this organization."

The mayor walked back to his desk taking a seat.

"The overall mission is quite simple: take out the organization by destroying their base. That's should cut off a good portion of shipments the Mad Gears are receiving."

"So when do I depart for this lovely mission?" Cody finally asked.

"Tonight," Haggar replied quickly. Cody's eyes just widened.

"Tonight, so quick? What about…"

"Listen, the faster we take out their suppliers, the faster we can take out Mad Gear," Haggar reasoned, taking a sip of his drink. "Plus you'll need to spend time in Tokyo with the inspector on planning out your methods of attack. These detectives are taking a big risk by using someone from the States, so I shouldn't have to say that this is a private operation. If things go wrong, you won't be getting help from anyone."

"Fine," Cody retorted. "As long as it gets to finding Jessica quicker, but…I have a deal to work out with you as well," the boxer added. Haggar looked at him blankly.

"You're really in no position to be making demands, but I'll hear you out anyway. What is it?" taking another sip of his gin and tonic.

"I have a young friend who is good at getting information that your inspectors and agents couldn't get in a lifetime. He knows people in the city and actually had proof that the knife that was put in as evidence during my trial was a fraud. I want him on the Special Crimes Unit with me."

"If that's the case, then why didn't he testify in court," the mayor asked suspiciously.

"Because he was only sixteen then, the cops at the station didn't believe him. They thought he was just some punk making stuff up. He's only eighteen now, but the point is that if you want to find Jessica quickly, this is the guy who's going to make it happen."

"That's fine with me. He's legal age to join the academy," the mayor replied.

"There's a catch," the boxer replied with a smile. Haggar let out a small, but exasperated breath.

"I suppose I had it coming for me," the mayor sighed. "What is it?"

"In order for him to work with us, he wants his family out of Metro City. I know that you have a program for your operatives in regards to moving them out of the city within an eighty mile radius, but he and his family can't afford to move into a new home. I have a cabin in Canada where they can stay for free. I was hiding out there until just recently. All you have to do is provide a method of transportation for his grandmother and son out of country. Then he'll join your undercover ops."

Haggar paused for moment, pondering on the situation.

"It seems like you've been talking to one of my investigators. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was Lucia Morgan…very well, that can be arranged. Now get out of here. I have a lot of reports to fill out now that you're no longer wanted. I'll see you back here tonight, nine o'clock. Try to stay out of trouble," Haggar said wryly.

Cody stood up from his chair and made his way toward the door.

"Oh and Cody…" Haggar called, crossing his arms. "Thank you for trying to help find my daughter." The boxer simply walked out, making his way toward the elevator. The receptionist smiled as he stepped into the elevator, but Cody didn't return one. Needless to say, he wasn't in the best of moods – specifically on the fact that Haggar sent him on a mission to Japan. It would draw his attention away from finding Jessica, but at least it would slow the Mad Gears down a notch or two.

The doors opened once again to the marbled hallway, filled with lawyers, police officers and other people with business here. Again, they eyed him suspiciously.

"Why do they have to stare?" he wondered. "Don't they have enough work to do?" Cody wasn't amused. He wanted to get the hell out of this place, but as in most cases, there's a catch. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

"Mr. Forster!" a girl's voice yelled out. She ran through the crowd of people making her way toward the now "freed" convict. "What happened? How did your meeting with the mayor go?" Lucia once again wearing khaki shorts and a tight T-shirt, came into view. Only this time, she wore a purple trench coat over herself. The boxer walked to a quiet corner of the building, gesturing for the inspector to do the same.

"It looks like I'm the newest member of your team," he replied, leaning against the wall with his hands stuck in his pockets. His voice was somewhat quiet to keep other people from eavesdropping.

"What are you talking about?" the investigator asked, giving a confused look.

"The mayor pardoned me on the condition that I join the Special Crimes Unit," he said unenthusiastically, closing his eyes for a moment.

"That's great, then that's it then, you're free…right?" she asked in a half cheerful, half worried tone.

"Eh, not quite…it's rather complicated; all I know is that Haggar already signed me up on a mission to Tokyo. I'm leaving tonight by private jet."

"Tokyo…wait. Is he making you do that undercover mission?" she whispered.

"I guess you've heard of it," the boxer replied in an irritated manner. "Haggar says I can risk an international crisis if I'm caught. What the fuck is he thinking?" He forced himself off the wall. "Well, if you'll pardon my rudeness, I'd better get packing."

"Wait Cody. Don't you want hear the news I got for you?" she asked teasingly, with her hands behind her back.

"What news – and I'm not in the mood for the bad kind either," he said halfheartedly.

"That map with the listing of cities indeed had Mad Gear related activities. However, only three of those cities had recent Mad Gear related incidents: Metro City, London and…Tokyo."

"Tokyo?" the boxer mentioned aloud, pondering a bit.

"Uh huh. You're trip there might be worthwhile after all. You can probably do a little investigating after you're done with your mission," she pointed out, as she now leaned against the stone wall.

"Hmm, very interesting. Thanks Lucia. Keep at it. You're the best." Cody leaned down and gave a quick kiss on her cheek. "I'll give you a call when I'm back from Japan." With that, Cody left for Myrna's apartment to start packing.


Cody fiddled for the key to Myrna's apartment. Dion had given him the spare just incase he wasn't around for any reason. A grumbling sound came from the boxer's stomach; it was early afternoon and he hadn't had anything to eat.

Cody stepped into the dining area, only to be greeted by a sharp blade being held directly at his neck. Dion was awake, proven by the fact that the young martial artist stood holding the opposite end of the blade, ready to strike.

"Cody!" He immediately pulled the sword back. "I'm sorry, I didn't know who it might be," he said in a surprised manner. It was pretty obvious that the young Filipino had just gotten up. His hair was all disheveled and he was still wearing the yellow shorts from last night. Despite being somewhat skinny, Dion had a good physique with well-toned muscles. However, there was a small but noticeable scar on the left side of his abdomen. Cody wondered how he got it, but thought it would be best not to ask.

"Practicing on my katana, huh?" he questioned. The young Filipino sported a guilty look while the ex-hero put a grin, knowing that Dion took him way too seriously. "It's cool, don't worry about it." Dion took a couple more swipes in the air before sheathing the sword back in its case.

"So, I take it since you're back here in one piece that your meeting with the mayor turned out well?" Dion asked, taking a seat on the sofa. He leaned the sword against the end table so it wouldn't fall.

"Well, I'm pardoned for now…it's a little complicated. All you really need to know is that I, rather, we have a special mission," he mentioned.

"A mission?" Dion asked, as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "From the mayor?"

"Yep, right up your alley too. We're flying to Tokyo…tonight," the ex-hero stated flatly.

"Tokyo! Are you kidding?" Dion shouted excitedly. His partner could tell that Dion was happy with the news, especially from the big, cheesy smile that grew upon his lips.

"Nope," the boxer replied, taking a seat on one of the dining room chairs. "We leave for Tokyo by private jet at nine o'clock sharp," the boxer informed. "We're to infiltrate the headquarters of some Japanese organization."

Dion looked at him with some concern. Something didn't sit right with him upon hearing that last statement.

"Organization…what kind of organization?" he questioned suspiciously with his thinned eyes.

"I don't know the full details. All I know is that they're supplying arms and narcotics to the Mad Gears here in Metro City. Our job is to shut them down," resting his left forearm on the glass table.

"Hmm, I'm not too sure about this organization, but I think this is going to be awesome. I live an hour away from Tokyo, so we can crash at my place. I got all the connections in Tokyo, from the best restaurants to the hottest strip joints in the city. I can take you nearly anywhere for practically nothing," his partner informed enthusiastically.

"Hmm…this might not be a bad trip after all," said Cody. "Nearly anywhere, right?" the boxer asked with squinted eyes.

"Yeah," Dion said confidently. "Wait a minute; you don't really want to go to those strip joints, do you? What would Jessica think?" the young martial artist teased. Cody let out a quick breath through his nose as he threw a Chinese relaxation ball that was resting in a case atop the table. The ball cut through the air like butter, but Dion quickly caught the ball. The Filipino peered at the boxer with a widened expression, shaking his hand due to the slight sting the impact created.

"Eh, sorry," Dion said, rolling the ball within his palm. Soft bell tones floated their way from the sphere.

"The reason I asked is because Tokyo has recently been experiencing criminal activity – courtesy of the Mad Gears. I think we should do a little investigating while we're overseas," he explained.

"That shouldn't be a problem. I know quite a few connections that'll be able to help us out. Plus I have a car, so we won't have to rely on public transportation, like here. It'll be cool to be home. I haven't seen all my friends for awhile now," he said with a melancholy look.

"If we're gonna go anywhere, we need to get packing, but first off…I'm hungry," the boxer said.


"The two enjoyed a quick lunch at a local diner in the neighborhood. Good food at a reasonably good price. You couldn't ask for a better deal, unless the food was free. Cody and Dion were happy nonetheless.

"I haven't had a good cheeseburger in awhile," Cody happily said, walking out of the diner. He brushed back his brown hair, looking at the cars that passed in front of him.

"Well you better savor it. The burgers in Japan suck," Dion replied, stopping outside. He quickly turned around to head back to the apartment, but suddenly bumped into a strangely animated guy wearing a yellow jacket and a blue visor.

"Hey, watch it kid," the guy shouted. He stared directly into Dion's eyes, ready to beat the crap out of the young martial artist.

"J!" shouted Cody, recognizing him. The outfit totally gave him away. "What are you doing here?"

"Cody!? What the…I'm outta here!" the guy screamed. He shoved Dion toward Cody. The young Filipino fell down, but Cody was able to regain his balance. J had run off, trying to get away as fast as possible.

"Damn, after him!" the ex-hero yelled. He leaped over Dion and started chasing after his suspect, leaving his partner behind. Dion got off the ground and went into chasing after J.

"He has to have information," the boxer thought to himself, as he remembered beating J to pulp in the slums when the Mad Gears had first kidnapped Jessica. He was even wearing the same outfit, how ghetto was that? Pedestrians quickly moved out of the way of the speeding bodies, looking back as if they had never seen anybody run before.

"For heaven's sake watch out!" J collided with a nun, walking slowly on the sidewalk. She fell over, but the punk continued running as if nothing happened. Cody darted around her, not even bothering to help her up. His mind was set on catching a Mad Gear member. Dion was disappointed at their acts and decided to play the part of the Good Samaritan.

"I'm sorry Sister. Please forgive both of them," he pleaded, helping her up. The nun was more in shock than hurt.

"Thank you," the nun said as Dion ran off.

In an effort to escape his pursuers, J quickly cornered into an alley. Unfortunately, it didn't work the way he had planned it, as the ex-hero was still hot on his trail. The alley was a long straightaway, lined with graffiti-marked garages and metal trash cans. The speed humps didn't necessarily make for a smooth run. J was still a good distance ahead of Cody, but the boxer was closing in. Dion was still trailing behind, but was also quickly catching up.

Without warning, a car began pulling out from a garage. J was already ahead enough to narrowly escape being crushed by the teal Chrysler Sebring. He was confident that he would lose them now. In shock, Cody slowed down and rolled over the back hood of the car. However, in doing so, it put more distance between him and J. Dion was further away when the car came out and simply somersaulted over the car and landed cleanly on the other side, catching up with Cody. The driver of the car stepped out, looking at them with a "what-the-fuck?" expression.

"I thought you were ranked number one in your province for track and field?" boasted Cody is spurts of breath, now running alongside his partner.

"I was!" shouted Dion. "Watch this!" Before Cody had realized, Dion bolted with a burst of speed. In a few seconds, the young Filipino was already fifteen feet ahead of Cody.

The boxer slowed down to an eventual stop, with his mouth agape. He literally could not believe how fast he was running down the alley. Dion's arms and legs were nearly a blur. His chest stood up high and he was quickly closing in on J, who was nearing the end of the alley into a T-intersection.

J attempted running faster, putting everything he got into his legs, but he wasn't much of a runner, especially with his smoking habit. Dion was about five feet away from him and at just the right moment, leaped into the air, tackling the suspect from the back.

The impact sent them both straight into the brick wall where the alley had ended into an intersection. J hit the wall first, softening Dion's impact a little. The gangbanger slumped down to the ground, knocked unconscious, and Dion bumped off, falling hard onto the concrete alleyway. A few seconds later, Cody had reached the intersection and helped his partner up.

"Wow," Cody said in amazement. "I've never seen anybody run that fast. Are you okay?" patting his counterpart's back with a smile.

"I'll be fine," he said in a breathy voice, taking in large amounts of air. He rubbed his shoulder, as it stung from the impact of the brick wall.

"You stay here, I'll call Lucia to take him in for questioning." Cody jogged his way toward a payphone at the other end of the alley, while Dion sat down next to the unconscious J, leaning his back against the brick wall.

"Serves you right for trampling nuns, punk," he said out loud.


"So like, why are we here instead of interrogating that punk I just took out?" asked Dion, as he and Cody walked alongside are large, red brick building. It had an appearance of a cargo hold of some type. The foreigner observed the edifice with a discerning eye.

"I don't like the look of this place," Dion continued, as they continued to walk down a secluded alleyway. Old, deserted garbage cans lined the narrow corridor between to the buildings. The young Dion could see that many a window have been shattered with its shards of glass and other debris lying about the broken asphalt pavement. It was unusually quiet for Metro City.

"Relax, you're actually in a relatively safe part of the city," Cody answered with an emotionless expression.

"Well, that's nice to know," his partner replied, still looking over his shoulder.

"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover. We're here to talk to Vet," the boxer continued, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead.

"This doesn't look like Norwood Park," recalled Dion. "How do you know Vet's here?" kicking an empty soda can across the alleyway.

"Vet had a routine going every Saturday before being put to jail. If I know him, he'll be in there."

"In where, this crumpled down old building?" pointing to the large brick building next to them with this thumb. "Why in the world would he be in there?"

"You'll see in a moment." Cody opened a large, rusty metal door into the dilapidated-looking cargo bay. A blast of hot, stuffy air immediately greeted them as the boxer stepped in.

"Ah, that would be a good reason," Dion stated, walking in behind Cody. The opaque glass tiles let plenty of natural sunlight in. There were several young men in the building, most wearing shorts and tank-tops. A few were shuffling around in a couple of the rings, while others were punching away at the multiple speed and heavy bags positioned around the perimeter. Dion could see Cody's expression slightly change. He seemed a little less tense then usual.

"Welcome to the Mannsdale Gym," the boxer suddenly spoke. "This here gym is where I got my first boxing lesson," he stated with pride.

"I would've never guessed that had I not actually walked inside," his partner said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"The owner tries to keep the gym on the low. Back in the day when things were much worse here in MC, he didn't want to have to deal with the common riff-raffs of Mad Gear. He wanted capable and devoted youths whose lives he could actually turn around for the better. That's why there are no advertisements or any sort of signage outside the building. This place is a safe haven for those people who needed it from the pressures of the city."

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," a raspy voice shot out. The duo turned about to see a middle-aged man with thinning, white hair. He was dressed in blue jeans and a black sweater as he slowly walked to greet the two. "Cody Travers. My, it's been awhile. I heard about your escape a couple of years ago. That whole court ordeal was nonsense. I never believed in any of that garbage that was being put on the news about you."

"It's good to see you again Coach," replied Cody with a handshake and a smile. "Coach, this is Dion Paracelano, a friend of mine from Japan. Dion, this is Jack Temple, but everyone calls him Coach. He's the guy who taught me what I know."

"It's an honor to meet you sir," Dion replied, bowing. "Cody is an extraordinary fighter. You've trained him well."

"Ha-ha, well, Cody was always eager to learn if not a little stubborn." A slight grin appeared on Cody's lips. "Just like his protégé over there," the coach finished, pointing his thumb behind his shoulder. The duo's eyes traveled to the back of a shirtless young man punching away at a heavy bag in the corner of the gym, unaware of their presence.

"He's got a lot of potential. Got some of the quickest hands I've seen. Hardworking, energetic and pretty solid he is. The kid told me this morning that you visited him yesterday. Was excited to see you and that added more determination to be the best," Coach explained.

"To be the best, something I would have said when I was his age," Cody said quietly.

"Aye, his mindset is just like yours. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was you when you were eighteen."

"Geez Coach, what're you trying to say? That I'm old?" the boxer looked him complainingly. Dion lifted his finger, and began to open his mouth. "And that was a rhetorical question," butted in Cody, not even looking at his partner. Dion simply snapped his fingers.

"Ha-ha, well you know what they say: You're only as old as you feel," Coach soothed. "Anyways, the kid looks up to you. I'm sure he wouldn't mind getting some more pointers from you like in the old days, if you know what I mean," he hinted.

"It'll be interesting to see how much he improved since then," said Cody. "Why don't you give my partner here a little tour," patting Dion on the shoulder.

"No problemo," Coach said enthusiastically. He in turn, placed a hand on Dion's shoulder and began showing the foreigner around the large gym.

Vet continued to pound away at the heavy bag unaware on anyone observing him. His speedy combos bounced back a rhythmic pulse that kept a solid groove. Cody kept close watch as he approached ever so calmly. Years of training allowed him to see things nearly in slow motion. He could see each one of Vet's punches impact the bag with great force. The boxer was amazed at how quick he was for his age.

"Careful with that last set there Vet," he suddenly informed out loud. The Mexican teenager stopped in mid set and stood straight up, his muscular back facing Cody. Although the ex-convict couldn't tell, there was a slightly annoyed expression on his face.

"Yo punk, did I ask what ya thought about yo'…" His eyes widened and jaw opened as he saw who was standing behind him. "Cody, oh shit, my bad. I thought you were just some…"

"Forget it," the boxer cut him off. "I would have done the exact same thing when I was your age." A slight smile crept onto Vet's lips.

"So, uh, what were you sayin' about that last set?" the Latino boxer questioned.

"That last combo can leave you open if you're not careful," Cody replied, placing his hands inside the pocket of his black jeans.

"Whadaya mean?" asked Vet, crossing his arms.

"Here, show me that last combination again on the bag," the boxer instructed. Slightly hesitant, Vet got into an offensive stance, trying to remember what he did. The youth shot out two quick jabs with his left while quickly leaning in with a cross with his right. His left arm smoothly glided in for a devastating hook, ending short sequence of punches.

"Normally that's a great combo to throw onto someone who is around the same size as you or smaller," Cody started. "But if you're facing off against a larger opponent, that last hook might not connect."

"I don't get you," Vet responded. The short-haired youth again crossed his arms, his hands and wrists heavily taped.

"One thing you should always be thinking about is the way your opponent is going to react to what you throw at them," Cody explained. "You have some great things going for you. Your punches have a lot of speed and judging from the sounds being created on impact by your fists, I'd say you have pretty solid power behind them too."

Vet simply smiled.

"Crosses are designed to open your opponent upstairs, but an opponent that's larger than you is going to be able to take a lot more punishment than you can. If you throw that cross at a larger opponent, it might not even faze him. He'll simply see and parry your incoming hook and come in with an attack since the entire left side of you midsection is wide open." Cody could see that Vet was thinking hard about the information presented to him.

"So what should I do then," asked Vet. He stood with his feet shoulder's width apart and hands behind his back, like a soldier.

"Well most fighters develop different strategies when fighting larger opponents, but as I mentioned before, one thing that is looking good for you is your speed. You'll probably run circles around much larger opponents, so in your case you're better off trying to wear your opponent out before going into any deep combos. Always be prepared to adapt should an opponent break your set." Cody instructed.

"Damn dawg, I never thought about that, ya know?" Vet admitted.

"Well, now you know," Vet's mentor simply replied. "I have to say, I'm proud at the progress you made, and I really do mean when I say that you got some quick hands. I'd be willing to bet they were faster than mine when I was your age," Cody complemented, as he leaned against the brick wall behind him.

"Man Cody, I don't know what to say," Vet said solemnly. He pulled up a short, metal stool that was set next to the punching bag and sat on it. "I mean, back when you beat those putos and saved my ass I was amazed. You were like my action super hero and I kept thinkin': damn, deseo ser como él.' That's why I kept practicing all the stuff ya showed me and I wanted to be like you. That and 'cause I didn't want to bust my ass running every time I got into trouble."

Cody let out a faint laugh.

"I still remembered what youz said when you took me back home that day I met ya. 'Running's only gonna get ya so far. Sooner or later, there be a time where ya can't run no more.' That really made me think, ya know? I found me in some tough shit in jail and this fool was lucky to learn how to fight."

Vet slowly pushed the heavy bag from his seated position.

"Ever since I got out, I wanted to train with ya. I wanted ya to see how much I got betterz at what you taught me. And then to talk about boxing in general, growing up here in the hood and well, how you made it through day by day. Yeah, I know a lot of peeps that I could a talked to, but those aren't ones that are gonna stick with ya through the hard times." Vet turned his head around, looking at the black, heavy bag.

"Then all a sudden you came back, poundin' my front door. I was excited to see ya, but worried too, because I'm not connected no more. I couldn't warn ya if someone's on yer trail."

"Well, you better start beefing up your interrogating skills, as well as your body," Cody added. "Better start getting connected with all of your hook-ups." Vet looked at his mentor with a sigh of grief.

"Cody dawg, I told you yesterday. I can't. Por favor, don't make…"

"Listen," the boxer interrupted. "I pulled some strings this morning with Mayor Haggar. I'm a free man, technically speaking. So you don't have to worry about people trying to tip a word about me to the authorities."

"Youz serious? How'd you pull that one?" asked an astonished Vet, sitting at the edge of his seat.

"That's not important. What is important is that I was able to convince the mayor on getting your family out of Metro City…for free," he reported with a smile.

"Yeah right," Vet laughed, standing up. He took a few steps in front of the bag to start another set. "I may not be connected no more, but I wasn't born ayer.

"No, for realz dawg," Cody exaggerated, trying to mimic Vet's voice. The Latino boxer's eyes simply glanced back at his mentor with a thinned expression. Cody pulled out a folded sheet of paper from his back pocket and handed it to the shirtless boxer.

Skeptical but also curious, Vet yanked the paper out of his hands and unfolded it. Cody could see his eyes darting from one side to the other as he read the print. Slowly, Vet's expression began to change from doubt to shock, taking quick glances at Cody from time to time.

"This…this shit's fo' real," he managed to speak. "How…why…" he began shaking his head slightly.

"Like I said, I managed to put in the good word for you," Cody stated softly. "You need to contact the person on that paper tomorrow. She's the one in charge and is an old high school friend of mine. She'll take care of all your needs. Basically all you have to do is work for the Metro City Special Crimes Unit and your family is out of this place. You told me yesterday that if I could find a way to get your family out of Metro City, you'd fight side by side with me. I kept my end of the bargain; are you going to keep yours?"

Cody could see that Vet was getting very emotional. Cody hadn't seen him teary-eyed since the day he first laid eyes on him. The Latino boxer couldn't believe it. No one had ever done favors like this for him. He couldn't control his actions anymore. All of a sudden, he pinned Cody around his arms, not allowing him to move them.

"Gracias, gracias, gracias," Vet said quietly, a solitary tear falling from his eye. Cody hesitantly hugged back. "You don't know how much this means. My boy don't have to live here no more. He can have a real life."

Vet let go, wiping his watery eyes.

"You never answered my question," chuckled Cody.

"Dawg, you don't even got to worry about that. As soon as mi familia is out I'll be on the streets doin' my thang," replied Vet enthusiastically, with a slightly thuggish pose. "Oh man, I feelz like I can take anyone on. You don't know good this makes me feel."

"I can help you with that. Why don't you take me on?" Cody challenged. "I want to see what you're made of now that you're in your prime." The boxer began stretching his arms.

"Man, I can't fight you Cody. That's…that's like fighting mi mamá. Youz a part of my family now," he admitted. Cody simply smiled.

"So how are my two whippersnappers doing?" that familiar, raspy voice called out again. Both boxers turned to see Coach walking toward them with Dion a few steps behind, completing the tour of the boxing gym.

"Well, if not me, how about him?" Cody suggested, placing a hand on Dion's shoulder.

"Huh?" Dion blurted out, looking at his partner strangely. The Latino boxer glanced at him, from head to toe.

"Yeah, I wanted to see what he woulda' done the other day," Vet responded, cracking his knuckles.

"Wha?" Dion again blurted out with a confused expression.

"Coach, can you get him strapped up and ready for a go?" Cody asked, pushing Dion toward his mentor.

"No problemo," Coach stated, placing an arm over Dion's shoulder while leading him to the locker room.

"What's going on?" Dion demanded, pointing a finger at Cody as he was being escorted away. Both boxers simply laughed.

"C'mon, let's get your gloves on," Cody suggested. The duo walked to an empty squared circle toward the north side of the gym. Rays of sunlight lit the bluish-gray canvas from the large pane window above. Cody picked up a pair of black boxing gloves hanging from the corner of the ring. They were always there for the patrons who wanted to duke it out in the ring. Vet climbed up the ropes and took a seat on the stool next to the blue corner.

"So tell me, how many fights were you involved in back in jail?" Cody asked his pupil. Vet eyed him oddly at the question.

"Not many," he responded, putting his right hand into one of the boxing gloves. "Tried gettin' along with most of the peeps, though there be a few punks who tried to pull a fast one. I barely made it out of a couple but most were cake."

"Did you spar with anyone or meet any other fighters?" Cody continued to inquire, tying the laces of the glove.

"Hmm, there's this guard everybody called Lou. Dun know his real name. Gave boxing classes to the chumps who wanted to learn," sliding his left hand into the glove that Cody was holding for him. "Saw me workin' the speed bag one day and asked who I train with. Didn't say jack to him, but the wedo didn't really care. Helped me out anywayz when he wasn't teaching. I helped him out with some of his classes as payment."

"Then let me ask you this," he started, tightening the last string of the left glove. "Have you ever fought against someone who wasn't a boxer?" Cody grabbed the head gear that hung from the corner pole and slid it down Vet's head. "Like a martial artist?"

"Wha? You mean those skinny people doin' all those flips and shit. Always thought that crap was fake," he replied. Cody tightened the last strap behind the back of Vet's head and slid down the ring, standing next to his corner.

"All I'm going to say is this: Never underestimate an opponent's fighting style." Vet looked at him peculiarly between the ropes as his opponent stepped into the other corner. Dion walked into the middle of the ring sporting red boxing gloves and a protective head piece. Unlike Vet who was wearing a pair of black shorts and gym shoes, Dion was clad in his stonewash jeans and white gym shoes; his upper body bare.

"Cody, you know I can't box," the Filipino complained. "This isn't exactly fair."

"There is a reason why I want both of you to go at one another. Each of you has something the other can learn," explained Cody. The foreigner let out a frustrated breath.

"I suppose," the young Filipino remarked, taking a few steps back. Coach walked a few steps behind Cody to simply observe.

"Alright, you guys ready? Let's keep this clean, nothing below the belt." Vet stood up from his stool and took a few steps into the middle of the ring. He looked at Dion with calculating eyes. Both stood at the same height, although Dion was slightly slimmer and Vet had slightly more muscle mass. They both, however, had very defined, muscular bodies which could easily have been published in any fitness magazine.

"What the hell is that?" Vet thought to himself, looking at Dion's martial arts stance. A metal clang resounded into their ears upon the boxer's last statement. "Ya sure you got the stuffin' for this chink," Vet stated jokingly with a smile."

"You asked for it spic," Dion responded back.

Having little experience in boxing, Dion sent out a quick jab with left. The red glove sped by the corner of Vet's face as he weaved out of its way. He smoothly let loose a hard left cross to Dion's midsection causing him to stumble back a few steps.

"Dion, I didn't say we were having a boxing match. You just can't use your feet," yelled Cody. A light bulb turned on over Dion's head. Vet quickly moved in with quick set of punches. Dion dodged the jabs easily, while sidestepping the uppercut and parrying the incoming hook. The opening provided just enough room for a palm thrust to Vet's chest.

The Latino boxer was merely pushed back a step or two. For Dion, it was quite different fighting with gloves. The foreigner moved into another offensive, although this time with an elbow swipe. Dion smoothly transitioned into a straight punch that Vet cleanly blocked. The Latino boxer moved in with a high uppercut that Dion easily parried with his left forearm, causing beads of sweat to splatter onto the canvas.

The Filipino martial artists moved in with a backhand, but Vet anticipated this move, ducked and unleashed another vicious cross to Dion's stomach, near the slightly noticeable scar.

Dion cringed quite a bit, unable to dodge or parry the incoming flurry of jabs, straights and crosses aimed for various parts of the Filipino's upper body. Vet's big uppercut impacted against Dion's jaw, ending the combo and sending the fighter tumbling to the mat.

"Agh," he moaned, clutching his stomach and grabbing in huge amounts of air.

"Man, I can only imagine if we didn't have gloves. C'mon little man, thought you had more than that?" Vet teased as he sat back down in his corner, taking a quick breather. The Filipino warrior was far from calling it quits, but he realized how dependent he truly was using his feet for offensive maneuvers. Dion glanced at Cody who had quickly jogged to where he was floored.

"There's going to be times where you can't use your legs and acrobatics due to space limitations. You need to work on your developing your punching arsenal," Cody instructed.

"Yeah, I know," replied Dion, picking himself off the canvas.

"Take your shoes off," ordered Cody.

"What? Why?" Dion asked.

"I want you to show Vet what you can do with your feet. Don't let me down," he stated. A big smile when formed across Dion's lips. He spun around, hopping up and down a couple of times in place.

"Ready for another go?" Dion teased.

"Are you sure you want some more, cause I got plenty of it left," Vet said confidently.

"Hey Vet, remember what I said to you. Don't underestimate your opponent's fighting style," Cody warned. On cue, Dion placed one foot behind the other, slipping his foot from his shoe.

"What, youz gonna try and knock me out with the smell of yo' feet?" laughed Vet, as he saw Dion do the same with his other foot.

"You'd be wishing it was that in a few seconds," he simply replied. Again, the metallic sound signified the start of another round.

Confident, Vet stepped in a jab-cross combo, but instead found himself on the receiving end of an elbow thrust to his midsection followed by a roundhouse to his face.

Vet's face whipped to the side, a throbbing pain emanating on the left side of his head that left him stunned despite the protective head gear. He was shocked both by the force of the kick and by speed at which it came. The foreigner stepped with various punches and kicks, also aimed at various parts of Vet's upper body. The Latino teenager was quickly able to shake off the stars, but was barely able to deflect all of the incoming attacks. The boxer tried to get a sense of his opponent's rhythm, but the deceptive angle at which the assaults came rendered him unable to set up any counterstrike.

Dion noticed he was pushing his opponent closer and closer to the ring ropes. In order to really impress his opponent at what he could do, the Filipino foreigner somersaulted over the Latino boxer and landed on the top rope before vaulting into a 540 degree kick that connected cleanly again upon Vet's head. The boxer soon found himself on the mat, again stunned at what just happened. He quickly picked himself up to a knee and pounded the canvas in angst. Vet knew he was out maneuvered.

"Alright, let's stop," Cody ordered. Dion took a few steps away from Vet, who disappointedly stood up all the way. "So Vet, do you still feel the same way about martial artists?"

"Damn, Cody, ya don't have ta rub it in," a dissatisfied Vet murmured.

"I'm not trying to, but I want both of you to realize that everyone has a weak point and you have to learn how to fix it before your opponent can exploit it." Cody sat on a metal chair next to the ring. The two youthful fighters stood there quietly, looking away from each other with slight tension. "Quite simply, Dion you need to work on your punching arsenal and Vet you need to practice on intercepting awkward attacks from various angles," he continued with a stern demeanor.

"How can I work on somethin' like that?" asked Vet.

"I suggest the two of you start getting along real quick," Cody replied. "Dion, you want to build up your punches, right?" he asked his partner.

"Of course," the foreigner responded.

"And Vet, you want practice against fighting unorthodox styles, correct."

"Hell ya, I don't want my ass whooped again like that," he answered.

"Then the two of you need to help each other out," the boxer simply put. "Vet, Dion can teach you how to see past some of the illusions displayed in his fighting style," Cody informed. "He can also teach how to incorporate your feet to round out your offensive arsenal. Dion, Vet can work with you on pumping up your punches. You two are a good compliment for each other, so use it to your advantage."

Both of the young fighters stood there looking at each other, realizing that Cody had a point.

"That's cool with me," answered Dion.

"It be something different, but I always like a challenge," stated Vet.

"Alright Dion, why don't you go back to locker rooms and get yourself ready, we need to jet soon," the boxer instructed.

"Back in a jiffy," replied Dion as he flipped from the ring to the ground. Vet sat back down at the stool in the corner, as Cody stood up from the metal chair, advancing toward the ring.

"I'm surprised you stayed quiet this whole time Coach," stated Cody, as he looked at his mentor from the other side of the ring, making his way toward the two boxers.

"Dion isn't my student and Vet over here is no longer my pupil."

"What are you talking about Coach?" Vet questioned hesitantly, a worried look on his face.

"Cody's your teacher now," he said enthusiastically, stopping next to Cody and putting his hand on his older student's shoulder.

"Huh?" both boxers murmured.

"Vet, you need a mentor with fresh ideas. Someone who's been on the streets and knows them like the back of his hands, someone who…well, is a lot younger than I am and can keep up.

"But," started Cody.

"I'm getting old," Coach interrupted, taking a seat in the metal chair Cody was sitting on not too long ago. "I'm not able to instruct my student like I did 10 years ago. I don't have enough strength in my arms even hold up punching pads for sparring sessions."

"What about the gym, and all the young talent that train here?" asked Cody.

"I never said that I was going to close my gym," he responded. "I'm just too old to train anyone like I used to. I figured that since the two you have helped each other in many ways that this would be for the best."

"No offence Coach, but I always wanted to train under Cody," Vet replied humbly.

"Don't think just because I've known you since you were a little kid that I'm going to go easy on you," Cody warned Vet.

"Wouldn't have it no other way," Vet replied, sliding out of the ring.

"Alright, well I'll leave you two to catch up. This ol' coot has work to do." Coach turned around and slowly walked away.

"I promise dawg. This boy is gonna work it until he drops," the Latino boxer declared, leaning against the ring.

"Always a good attitude to have, listen, the mayor has sent me on mission to Japan. I don't know when I'll be back, but as soon as your son and grandmother are out. I need you to start investigating."

"To Japan, but…"

"It's a long story, and I really don't have a choice. I just have this gut feeling that things are going to be starting up soon and not the good things if you know what I mean."

Vet simply nodded.

"Take care of this place while I'm gone. This was my home away from home and I sure it's yours too," the ex-convict assumed.

"Yeah," Vet answered. "Watch yo' back in Japan. I always heard it ain't no summertime vacation over there," he warned.

"Thanks," Cody replied as he walked away to meet up with Dion.