A Puncher's Chance

by RDF

Zuko understands what true fighting spirit is all about.

2. Chapter 2

(Reick was at his small apartment close to the crime boss' house. Reick lived very quaintly since most of his time was spent outside in the city. Right now though, Reick was soul searching; attempting to figure out how his life had turned upside down. Reick sat on his bed folding his hands in his face, trying to solve the issues that were plaguing him.)
Reick's thought's-"Who are you Reick? What have you become? You worked so hard to get the title and won it, yet you don't have any respect anymore. You've got all the money a person could want, yet you're still not happy. Why the hell are you working for a criminal anyway? What the hell have you done to yourself?"
(Just then, there was a knock on the door. Reick got up and opened the door to find his boss, flanked by his two bodyguards.)
C. B.-"Good evening Reick, may we come in?"
(He wasn't asking Reick but telling him to let him in, and Reick knew it.)
Reick-"Be my guest. Make yourself at home."
(The three walked inside and the crime boss made himself comfortable on a small couch. Reick stood a little bit away from his crime boss while the crime lord's bodyguards flanked Reick on both sides.)
C. B.-"I'm going to get straight to the point. Like I said yesterday, the fight would be in two weeks and I've kept my promise. The fight date has been officially set and everything has been taken care of. All that's left is to announce this in front of the press tomorrow."
(Reick was still dubious.)
Reick-"No disrespect boss, but how in the world will the Boxing Commission ever sanction this fight? Also, how is this kid going to get a professional boxing license to fight me?"
C. B-"Did you not hear me correctly? Everything has been taken care of."
(It took Reick a second but he got it.)
Reick-"You bribed the Boxing Commission to sanction the bout and to give the kid a license."
C. B.-"I prefer to call it persuasion rather than bribery. I find that bribery is such a harsh word. To answer your question full though yes, I "persuaded" the Boxing Commission for both accounts. I also just happened to search into the background of this kid and found a few things that might interest you. He's a refugee that arrived in the city a few days ago."
Reick-"What's so interesting about that? Refugees pour into the city everyday."
C. B.-"Oh but he's no ordinary refugee, and neither is the man he's living with. Have you ever heard of the banished Fire Nation Prince Zuko and the famous ex-General Iroh?"
Reick-"Yes, they're both wanted by their own country what of it? What does that have to do with,"
(It then came to Reick like a lighting bolt. It turned his face into surprise and shock.)
Reick-"That kid is Prince Zuko, and his uncle is the Dragon of the West."
C. B.-"Exactly."
Reick-"Are you sure that's their real identity's?"
C. B.-"I checked their appearances with those of these fire nation wanted posters and they're almost complete matches."
(The crime boss pulled out two folded posters and handed them to Reick.)
C. B.-"See them yourself."
(Reick opened one and saw Zuko's face. He immediately knew who it was.)
Reick's thought's-"The hairs styles are different but those eyes and that scar are exactly the same. That's him alright."
(Reick opened the second poster and once again could see it was the same image of the man he met in the teashop.)
Reick-"Who else knows this?"
C. B.-"The four of us in this room and my spies who got me this information."
Reick-"It all makes sense now. The form, the power, the lightning; he's a fire nation prince."
C. B.-"Yes, even I was surprised when I got this information."
(Reick dropped the posters and looked back at his boss.)
Reick-"What will you do with this information?"
C. B.-"Nothing, yet. For the moment, keep this between us."
(The crime boss got up to leave.)
C. B.-"I just wanted to tell you what you're up against. No need to worry though of course. Just make sure you win this time. I can't afford and will not tolerate my reputation to be hurt more than it already is. Is that understood?"
Reick-"I understand sir."
C. B.-"Excellent."
(He walks up beside Reick.)
C. B.-"Oh, by the way, did that woman in the street market convince the people around you that the kid knocked you out?"
Reick-"You hired her?"
C. B.-"I hired a lot of people to spread the news. How else do you think it spread so quickly?"
Reick-"You did think of everything."
C.B.-"How do you think I got where I am now?"
(The crime boss and his bodyguards walked to the door. Before he left he turned to Reick.)
C. B.-"Have a good night Reick. Don't disappoint me."
(The three walked out with the crime boss leading and his two bodyguards flanking him on both sides.)
Bodygaurd1-"Do you think he stands a chance against Reick?"
C. B.-"The child? Reick will utterly destroy him; I'm confident about that."
Bodygaurd2-"Suppose he wins though?"
(The crime boss stopped walking and turned his gaze to bodyguard2.)
C. B.-"The possibility doesn't even exist."
Bodygaurd2-"Say he does win however. What then?"
C. B.-"Then I'll release the information I just told Reick. No one makes me look like a fool and gets to revel in that victory for long. As for Reick…"
(He turned his face in front and they continued walking.)
C. B.-"Well let's just say I won't have any more use for him."

(Zuko and Jin arrived at the teashop but didn't step in yet.)
Zuko-"What do you think I should say to my uncle?"
Jin-"Don't worry Lee. I'm positive he'll understand."
(Zuko thought maybe. However, as soon as he opened the door and saw Uncle's face, Zuko knew he was in for it.)
Iroh-"Tycho, please take care of things while I'm gone for a minute will you?"
Tycho-"Sure thing Mr. Mushi."
Iroh-"Nephew, please come to back please."
(Zuko whispered to Jin under his breath.)
Zuko-"Understand huh."
(Jin's face turned into embarrassment with her huge smile and her hand nervously rubbing the back of her head.)
Jin-"Sorry Lee."
(Zuko walked into the storage room with uncle who locked the door and made sure no one was around.)
Iroh-"Zuko I must tell you I'm,"
Zuko-"Look Uncle I'm sorry. I know accepting the title fight was a foolish idea but I didn't want to look like a coward in front of that whole crowd. Second I'm,"
Iroh-"Zuko listen to me before you interrupt. First, I want to tell you how proud I am that you were able to out fight one of the best fighters in this city. For that you deserve a job well done."
Zuko-"Thanks Uncle; I really appreciate that."
Iroh-"I'm not done yet. I also wanted to tell you how happy I am that you finally got a girlfriend."
Zuko-"She's not my girlfriend Uncle."
(Iroh had to smile.)
Iroh-"Sure she isn't. Now thirdly, are you serious about going into this fight with this guy?"
(Zuko thought about it a minute.)
Zuko' thoughts-"I can do it. I can win."
Zuko-"Yes, I'm serious."
Iroh-"Well your going to need a trainer than and a place to train."
Zuko-"Already took care of that."
Iroh-"Well, next you're going to need a professional boxing license in order to go on with this."
(Zuko didn't know how he was going to get that, especially on such short notice.)
Zuko-"I didn't think of that. I'll have to ask my trainer Klay on how I can get one of those."
Iroh-"Wait a minute. Did you say the name Klay?"
Zuko-"Yes."
Iroh-"Did you get his last name?"
Zuko-"No, why is there something wrong?"
(Iroh didn't answer for a minute.)
Iroh's thoughts-"Could it be the same Klay? Could it be him?"
Zuko-"Uncle?"
Iroh-"No, nothing is wrong. You have to know though how surprised I was that the same person I'd had an excellent conversation with was the same man who Jin told me tried to rob you both and that he was the city's boxing champion. I must say nephew, your skills are exceptional."
Zuko-"Thank you Uncle. Listen, I'm going to have to quit working here for a while."
Iroh-"I understand. You're going to need all the time you can get in training to fight this man. I can tell you that the man will be training all the harder to beat you, especially in front of a crowd."
(Zuko really didn't want to hear what he already knew. It didn't make him feel good to hear this more than he needed to.)
Zuko-"Don't remind me."
Iroh-"Nephew, know this, you can do it. I won't be there to help you in your training, but I know you won't let me or your girlfriend,"
Zuko-"She's not my girlfriend Uncle."
(Iroh smiled again.)
Iroh-"Okay, I know you won't let me or your "friend" down. You're in excellent shape for someone your age, and with some good training you'll be boxing machine."
Zuko-"I don't even know how to box though. I've never boxed in my life before. In fact, I've never even heard of boxing until yesterday."
Iroh-"I'm positive you'll learn how and will apply it very well."
(Zuko smiled. Something he rarely ever does.)
Zuko-"Thanks Uncle; I appreciate that."
(There was a knock at the door. Iroh unlocked the door and Jin stepped in.)
Lee-"I hate to interrupt you guys but Lee; it's going to be sundown soon."
Zuko-"Uncle, I have to go see my trainer tonight. What for I don't know but he told me to come."
(Zuko nodded his head.)
Iroh-"I understand. I'll tell the boss you're quitting. If I tell him, he'll understand. I'm making his business so much money there's no way he'll question me."
Zuko-"Thanks so much Uncle. We've got to go now so I'll meet you at home."
Iroh-"Be safe you two."
Zuko-"Will do Uncle."
(Zuko and Jin started off towards the warehouse Klay told them to be.)
Jin-"Bye Tycho."
Tycho-"See you later Jin."
(As they walked outside, they talked to each other.)
Zuko-"So did Tycho agree to take my place."
Jin-"Well no but I have got a replacement for you. You see, Tycho is going the Spa University to be masseur so he can't stay here all day, but he did say he would get his out of work friend to take your place."
Zuko-"Thanks once again Jin. I owe you a lot."
(She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and they continued walking on to their destination.)

(Jin and Zuko both headed toward the door to Klay's gym.)

Jin-"I wonder why he wanted us both here tonight."

Zuko-"Well we're about to find out why."

(Zuko opened the door, stepped in with Jin and saw a people worshiping and singing. Jin knew exactly what they were doing.)

Jin-"Wow! I didn't know there was a church here."

Zuko-"What's a church? Is that a temple (Temple's definition by Webster's definitions is a place of worship) to your God?"

Jin-"Pretty much, but we call it church though."

(Zuko looked around and saw a crowd of about thirty people worshiping but saw they were not directing it toward any idols or statues. They simply raised their hands and worshiped in unison. Nothing like what he had seen at other temples where the people worshiped the idols to the spirits.)

Zuko-"Where are the idols to your God?"

Jin-"We don't worship idols made of the Earth God created. God is everywhere and nothing can contain who he is. Idols are simple carvings of wood and stone; God does not want us worshiping an idol but worshiping him. Otherwise people would look to the idol and not to him."

(Zuko was surprised at how these Christians viewed worship. It wasn't to the idol like the priest in other temples had considered it, but it all was too their God. It was all to God.)

Zuko's thoughts-"God. This creator who loved the world, giving his most precious son to take the price of sin from mankind. He gave it all for me, an honor less prince. He gave it to everyone."

(Zuko didn't realize it but he had been thinking for some time while Jin had been trying to get his attention.)

Jin-"Lee? Lee?"

Zuko-"Oh, sorry Jin. I was just thinking. Ah, what was it you wanted?"

Jin-"You want to sit down now?"

Zuko-"Yeah sure."

(Jin and Zuko took two seats in the back. As they took their seats in the back they noticed Klay was in the front of the twelve rows of chairs at the edge.)

Zuko-"Hey look there's Klay."

Jin-"Yeah I see him too."

(The last song had ended and when it ended Zuko sat down, but Jin remained standing.)

Singer-"God is good amen."

Congregation-"Amen!"

Singer-"How many of you are thankful that Jesus sacrificed his life for you?"

Congregation-"Yeah!"

Singer-"I can't hear you. Come on, who's happy that they've been saved!?"

Congregation-"Yeah!"

(The singer then opened up with Amazing Grace, one of my personal favorite songs.)

Singer and Congregation (This doesn't include Zuko and few others in the crowd.)-"Oh Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That sav' a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace thought taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis'd good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will sheild and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be forever mine."

(As the song finished, Zuko knew the song had touched him to the core.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Saved a wretch like? Through all the dangers he'll still lead me home. He promised good to me, and when it all is said and done I'll still have God. Not only that but peace and joy. What am I saying? I don't believe in God, but yet all the arrows are pointing to him. What's going on? Could it be just luck, or is it something higher?"

(With the song's end everyone sat down. Zuko and Jin were surprised to see that Klay was the one who was going to the pulpit.)

Klay-"Good evening everyone. Tonight, I want to speak about something more important in this world than anything else. Something that everyone must have. Love. Love by definition is affectionate concern for the well being of others. Well I need to say right now, Jesus showed the greatest act of love ever. Let me tell you, for those of you who don't know who Jesus was. It all started with..."

(After going through the birth and early life of Jesus, including his baptism by John the Baptist, Klay got into all the times Jesus showed his love for his people.)

Klay-"In John 8, the priests brought Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery. They asked Jesus if she should be stoned. In those days if a woman committed adultery she would be killed, right on the spot. Jesus did two unthinkable things in the priests' eyes. First, he defended a woman. To them a woman was property, not human, so it was unthinkable for a man to speak out for a woman. Jesus called all people equal before, no matter the race or gender. Second, he spoke out against the priests for an adulterer. He told them they could stone her, but let the ones who had never sinned before to throw the first stones. As they all left, knowing they had sinned, he asked the woman and said if even one of her accusers had condemned her. When she said yes, Jesus told her neither did he. See, Jesus didn't come to save people who already thought they were perfect, he came to give sight to the blind; just like that song "Amazing Grace" says. Understand what I'm saying, Jesus loved this woman, despite what she did. No matter what we have done in this life, Jesus will always accept us if we ask for his forgiveness."

(Zuko thought of all the things in his life he'd done wrong. All the wrong choices he'd made, all the things he'd done. Yet God would still forgive him. People could call God a pushover, but if God did exist, he sure was the most loving and forgiving being that ever existed.)

Klay-"I'm going to call some of you out right now. Some of you here feel like the world has been beating down on you. You feel as if nothing in your life has ever gone right. One of you here has had a hard life; worse than most people would think. For a long time you've had to deal with the pain of rejection and failure. Well right now I want to tell you, no matter what you've done and no matter what you have gone through, Jesus says he's been with you through it all. I want to also say that no matter what you've done in the past, Jesus wants you to come to him and open your hearts out."

(Zuko didn't believe it.)

Zuko's thoughts-"He's speaking to me. What's going on? How can he possibly know what someone is going through when he hasn't even known him for more than a day?"

Klay-"Before I close tonight, if you want Jesus to come into you and change your life please come up. If you're also the one who fit the description of what I said earlier, would you please come up too? Jesus wants to remove all that pain you've gone through and replace it his love, would you come up here tonight? I'm not saying life is going to get easier; it just might get even harder. However, I can promise you this; you'll never be alone anymore. If you want to accept Jesus into your life please come up. Don't be embarrassed; just come up."

(As he finished a few people came up, some in tears and some with sad faces, and Klay began praying with them one by one for God's salvation. Jin got emotional and began to get teary eyed, but when she turned to see Lee, Zuko, he was gone. She turned her head to look around but couldn't find him. She got up and was able to see just in time the door to the building close. She went outside and saw Zuko walking away. She quickly ran to him and tried to get his attention.)

Jin-"Lee! Lee! Where are you going?"

Zuko-"Home. Where does it look like?"

(Jin got in front of Zuko and stopped him in his tracks.)

Jin-"Lee, why did you storm out there what's wrong?"

Zuko-"I don't want to talk about it."

Jin-"Lee please tell me."

(Zuko turned his face away and spoke.)

Zuko-"He was speaking to me. Those words were for me. He knew what was wrong with me when he'd barely even known me! I don't'...this is just too much to take in. I want to go home and straighten things out."

Jin-"Lee please, let's go back. Klay wanted us to be here tonight remember?"

Zuko-"Yes, so I could get a lecture."

Jin-"That was not a lecture Lee. It was a message of love, something people like you need in this day and age."

(Zuko looked back at Jin.)

Zuko-"Love, that's something I haven't really experienced in my life."

(Jin bought her hands to Zuko's and held them.)

Jin-"Lee, I love you. Don't you remember what I told you earlier? Don't you understand that all Jesus wants you to do is accept him in so you can get rid of all that pain you've had in your life? Don't you see he just wants to take all that pain from you and say it's no more?"

(Zuko didn't reply. He was speechless. Jin hugged Zuko and they both stayed in that embrace for a bit. Zuko eased up and let go finally and answered Jin.)

Zuko-"I...just need time to think about this."

Jin-"Lee, now would be the best time to ask. Why not right now?"

(Zuko thought about it for a moment, but doubt still pervaded his mind.)

Zuko-"I want to take time Jin. I want to think about this."

(Jin sighed. She'd hoped he'd accept Jesus, but Zuko still had his doubts. She loved him though, and she would be patient with him.)

Jin-"Alright."

(They hugged again and held each other in a loving embrace.)

Jin-"So, now should we head back to Klay?"

Zuko-"Yeah, I think there was more he wanted me for than just coming to a temple."

Jin-"It's called service."

(Zuko gave a small and quick smile.)

Zuko-"Whatever."

(Jin leaned in and they gave each other a passionate kiss. After the kiss they headed back to Klay's gym. Still wondering what the whole reason on why Klay wanted them there that night.)

(Jin and Zuko walked back into Klay's gym as people were filing out.)

Klay-"It was good to have you here tonight."

Singer-"My pleasure, see you later."

(As Klay said goodbye to his friend, Jin and Zuko both stepped forward.)

Klay-"You both came tonight. Come to my office."

(Klay led them to an office filled with fight date posters. There was nothing else in the room besides the posters and the three of them.)

Zuko-"Why did you bring us here?"

Klay-"Look at those posters. Look and study them. Tell me what you see."

(Zuko and Jin began looking at the posters but couldn't understand what they were supposed to see.)

Jin-"All I see are fighting dates that include you in them."

Klay-"Exactly."

Zuko-"Is that what we were supposed to find?"

Klay-"Yes, so I could tell you the reason I keep these posters in this room alone. In all these fights I fought people who were better, stronger, faster, quicker, and more powerful than me. Yet I was able to win or go the distance. I keep these posters up as a reminder to any doubters that an underdog can always beat the odds, no matter how the odds are stacked against them."

(Klay walked out of the room and walked toward the fighting platform with Jin and Zuko following behind.)

Klay-"I wanted you to see those posters because they symbolize what your about to do kid. You're about to face the professional boxing champion of this city."

(Klay moved inside the fighting platform with Jin and Zuko.)

Klay-"Kid, you're going to go through hell. Worse than anything you could dream of. If you do this right though, and give it all you've got, I know you'll still be standing at the end. Now kid, you've got strength, power, and reflexes. If you didn't than you wouldn't have even been able to beat the guy in the first place. However, this guy is more than ten years your senior, has a height advantage, and has longer arms than you do."

Zuko-"Well that's good news."

Klay-"I'm not done yet. You have a lot of odds against you kid; I know you can however that you can still triumph. And even if you don't win you can always go the distance and say, "I made the effort and gave it my all." Now what you need is strength, speed, and endurance. Starting tomorrow, right after the press conference, we're going to go and get you a professional boxing license. After submitting your case to the Boxing Commission we'll immediately begin your training. It will be tough. Your training will work you more than anything. Are you willing to do it?

Zuko-"I'm willing to do everything necessary to win."

(Klay gave a smile.)

Klay's thought's-"The kid has guts."

Klay-"Alright. I'll train you,"

Jin-"Can you train me too?"

(Klay and Zuko both looked at Jin with surprise.)

Jin-"What? I'd like to get a fit if that's okay with you two."

Klay-"Sure. I'll start you out lower though since you're not as fit as Lee. That's your name right?"

Zuko's thoughts-"No."

Zuko-"Yes."

Klay-"Okay. Understand though, that my focus will be on Lee though because he's going to be fighting."

Jin-"I understand."

Klay-"Ever boxed before Lee?"

Zuko-"...No."

(Klay let out a sigh.)

Klay's thoughts-"Well this is going take away precious time. Oh I have so much work to do. God, why do you work in ways like this?"

Klay-"Look, go back home and get some rest and meat me here early. From here I'll take you to the town hall where the bout will be announced. You two understand?"

Zuko and Jin-"Understood."

Klay-"I'll see you both tomorrow then."

(The next day, Jin, Zuko, and Klay were sitting down at the front on the right side of a long table divided by a podium. On the other side were Reick and his boss who were sitting down while Reick's 4 friends were standing with the two bodyguards.)

Crime Boss-"My fighter, Reick "the unbeatable", has challenged,"

Reporter-"Excuse us but, why is this event even occurring? Don't you think the sport of boxing is already in trouble enough without these kinds of shows?"

Reporter-"Exactly! The so called champ has already been in trouble with the law more than once for robbery and assault. Besides, has the Boxing Commission even sanctioned this bout?"

Reporter-"Besides, no one is allowed to fight a professional bought without a professional boxing license."

Crime Boss-"This event will (with emphasis) occur because I and my fighter Reick intend to prove to you and the rest of this city that Reick is pound for pound the greatest boxer in this city. The so called cases of assault and robbery are nothing but lies stirred up to bring more bad credit to my fighter. Also, the Boxing Commission has sanctioned this bout. (When he said this a bunch of "what" and "huh" went up in the crowd of reporters.) Lastly, I wish to present to the child a professional boxing license."

(He passed the license to Klay who in turn gave it to Zuko. All three of them were surprised.)

C. B.-"Now, next question please."

Reporter-"Okay champ, say you win. Okay you beat a kid, well let's say you lose and become the joke of the century. What then?"

Reick-"I won't lose. I promise you that."

Reporter-"You won't lose? You already lost once that kid in the street!"

Reick-"Yes, but I intend to,"

Reporter-"To win? Having lost to a kid makes me wonder who were fighting for your championship defense fights."

(Reick was fed up with this. He had had enough of this. He got up to the podium dividing the tables and spoke.)

Reick-"I am 40 wins with over 30 knockouts. I'm the champion of this city, and I'm having this match for you. Now here you are making a mockery out of me. I intend to show you all that punch for punch I am the champ. You used to once respect me, and now you all could care less what happens to me. Well I'm sick of it!"

Reporter-"You may have been a good fighter but now you're nothing but a fraud to this sport."

(Reick was angrier than ever.)

Reick-"I'm the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion, and I fought all those fights to get here! I'm a true fighter! And I promise to show you all and the rest of this city what I'm made of!"

(Reick sat back down but his temper was still up.)

C. B.-"Any other questions?"

Reporter-"Hey kid, you think you stand a chance against the champion?"

(Everyone now directed their attention to Zuko.)

Zuko-"I'm not sure. He seems pretty angry."

(The reporters, Klay, and Jin went out in laughter. Reick's company however wasn't laughing.)

Zuko-"I'm going to do the best that I can do and I trust in Klay to prepare me fully for this fight."

Reporter-"How does it feel kid to be trained under the great World Wide Amateur Champion?"

Zuko-"It's an honor."

Reporter-"Kid, are you serious about going through with this fight?"

Zuko-"I'm completely serious about this."

Reporter-"Mr. Klay, do you think you're trainee can do it?"

(Zuko and Jin both looked at Klay intently.)

Klay-"Everyone has a puncher's chance. This fight will be a great one. I'm positive that my student Lee can and will win."

Reporter-"Don't you think this is an impossible dream? A kid beat the Professional Boxing Champion of Ba Sing Se?"

Klay-"Everyone can beat the odds. I'm a living example of that. With the grace of God, hard work, and going in with heart you can do anything. Lee will prove this to the entire city come fight night."

C. Boss' thoughts-"I can't believe I'm hearing this."

C. B.-Excuse me, but you're not very realistic are you Mr. Klay?"

Klay-"What are you talking about?"

C. B.-"He can fight, yes, that much is true. But he is far too young to think he can beat my fighter in a boxing match."

Zuko-"Is that a fact!"

C. B.-"Yes! And it will a very painful one in your case."

Jin-"Now you get Lee and Reick in the ring and I promise you that Lee will show you he is made of a lot more stuff than you think!"

C. B.-"Please, don't give this optimistic crap. The fact is (He directs his attention to the reporters.) that this child does not have a chance. This is a simple matter of science. When two powerful forces are thrown together the stronger will prevail. This child doesn't have Reick's height, size, strength, speed, or even the age that Reick does. It is simply impossible for this teenager to win."

Klay-"Lee and I will disapprove that theory. We promise you that!"

(While they continued to argue, Reick noticed his old trainer Mical was in the crowd. Once Mical realized he saw him he got up and left. Reick immediately got up to follow him, and his friends followed Reick. Everyone was into the argument that they failed to notice him leave.)

C. B.-"I'm not going to continue on with this foolish argument from a bunch of foolish optimists. Come fight night know this, you will lose child. You will lose!"

(The crime boss immediately got up.)

C. B.-"This conference is over."

(The crime boss and his two bodyguards immediately left while the reporters kept badgering both groups for an answer to their questions. Klay, Jin, and Zuko both walked out another door away from the press. After getting in the streets, Klay spoke his mind.)

Klay-"I really don't like that man."

Jin-"Same here."

Zuko-"Klay, were you serious about me back there?"

Klay-"I have ever bit of confidence in you Lee."

Zuko-"Thanks Klay."

Klay-"No problem. Now that we got you a license, we can immediately begin both of your trainings, but more importantly yours Lee."

Jin-"Lee, your going to kill him in the ring."

Klay-"I concur. Now come on."

(Klay immediately got off running toward the gym that was a while away.)

Klay-"Your training starts now."

(Zuko and Jin immediately took after him. It was going to be one long week.)

(Reick walked away from the conference and followed Mical out along with his friends. As they exited the building he saw Mical was already half way across the street.)

Reick-"Mical!"

(Mical stopped and turned around.)

Mical-"What the hell do you want?"

Reick-"Please Mical; train me. I swear I'll do whatever you want."

Mical-"Get away from me. You're not fit to be a fighter. That kid has more passion than you do."

(Mical turned and started walking away, but Reick wasn't about to give up.

Reick-"Mical listen to me please."

(Mical stopped but didn't face Reick.)

Reick-"Look, I've realized I've made mistakes."

Mical-"That may be so but you haven't fixed them yet."

Reick-"Mical listen to me. I'm asking you as a friend to please train me. Like old times man. I'll do whatever you want me to do."

Mical-"Find your mistakes, and then come and talk to me."

Reick-"Well what the hell am I s,"

(Mical stopped Reick's word by simply looking at him.)

Mical-"That you have to find out yourself."

(Mical then turned and continued walking off. This time Reick wasn't following.)

Cain-"Reick, why aren't you still pressing him anymore?"

(Reick was silent.)

Thief3-"Reick?"

Thief2-"You okay man?"

Reick-"I'm fine."

Thief4-"Well what are you going to do now?"

Thief3-"Yeah man. It doesn't look he's going to train you."

(Reick knew his old teacher, and he was a stubborn man but wasn't cruel. Or at least didn't think he was.)

Reick's thoughts-"No, he wants me to see what I've done before he can help me. I first need to take the first step and help myself before he can help me."

Cain-"Reick, what now?"

Thief2-"Yeah man what next?"

Reick-"I'm going home. I'll see you guys later."

(Reick walked away toward his apartment.)

Cain-"Reick you can't go home. We need to go to the gym and prepare you for this fight. Your fight is coming up in two weeks. You need to be prepared."

Thief2-"Exactly!"

Reick-"I'm not training for one more minute unless it's Mical who's training me. I'm going to find what he wants me look for."

(Reick continued walking on leaving his friends. Not just by themselves but with questions.)

Thief4-"What's up with him?"

Thief3-"I guess he really wants that guy to train him."

Thief2-"Yeah but why him? Reick has money; he could get whoever he wants to train him."

Cain-"Trust me guys I know Reick. If Reick can get trained by his old mentor he'll do anything to do it. Anything."

(Klay was waiting at the entrance with some sweat coming down his head. Instead of directly taking the two to the gym he'd instead gone a different path that was much longer. He saw Zuko coming up down the street. He wasn't alone though. He was carrying Jin and going at a steady pace.)

Klay's thoughts-"The kid is fast."

(Zuko finally got up to the entrance panting and sweating away.)

Klay-"You're late."

Zuko-"Sorry but Jin couldn't handle the whole run. You pushed her too hard; it's only her first day."

Klay-"Actually I knew she couldn't run 5 miles on her first day straight. I knew that you'd help her."

Jin-"Yeah so? I couldn't breathe for crying out loud!"

Klay-"I didn't mean to hurt you Jin but the purpose was to help Lee. You see, Lee would have to carry you back if he wanted you to get here. So your weight on his back was an incline that was keeping him from going faster. So therefore he gets faster and stronger since he's carrying extra weight."

(Jin was about to speak out but was interrupted.)

Klay-"Now you two step inside. Its time you two learn how to box."

(Reick sat in his apartment bed and was still thinking. He knew where he had come from. A life of abuse had been his early life; something he wishes he could just forget about. He knew those memories well.)

Reick's dad-"Where the hell is the wine!?"

Reick's mom-"I don't know honey."

Reick's dad-"Where is the dang wine?"

Reick's mom-"I told you I don't know."

(Reick's dad slapped his mother down.)

Reick's dad-"I said where is the wine!?"

(Reick, 17 years old, had been standing in corner seeing the whole thing. His dad slapped his mother as she tried to get up. Reick would no longer let his mother be treated like this.)

Reick-"Leave her alone!"

(His dad turned around and faced him.)

Reick's dad-"What did you say to me?"

(Reick's dad walked back to him and stared into his face. Reick wasn't backing down.)

Reick-"You leave my mother alone."

(Reick's dad smacked his son down with a fist. His mother got up and grabbed her abusive husband.)

Reick's mom-"Leave him alone!"

(Reick's dad turned around and slammed her down with a slap to the face again. Reick charged his dad. He grabbed him and threw him to the ground. Reick immediately started pounding away at his dad's face. Fist! Fist! Fist! Fist! Fists thrown into the face without mercy. The dad's hand fumbled for something to hit him with, found a bottle, and hit it against Reick's face causing him to fall away and bleed. Reick stood up and so did his dad. Reick's dad threw a left hook, a right hook, and then another. Reick fell down.)

Reick's dad-"Do yourself a favor and stay down!"

(Reick's dad turned around to beat the mom more. Reick wasn't down though. He got up, turned his dad around and threw a right hook into his cheek. He threw another hook, another, and another! The dad came back with a kick to his crotch. Reick staggered back in pain. The dad immediately came back with a fist to Reick's face. He grabbed Reick, pulled him close, and pounded away at his midsection. Reick came back though and threw an uppercut to the jaw. Then came a jab, jab, and jab! The dad threw a jab but Reick slipped it and threw a hook into his dad's nose. He hit it so hard that he broke it and blood started pouring out. Reick grabbed his dad's head and threw punch after punch after punch after punch! He was in a complete rage and just continued to pound away. Eventually his mother grabbed her son who was pounding away at his kneeling dad.)

Reick's mom-"Reick stop! Please stop!"

(Reick still held his dad's face and still had his fist in the air. He looked a long while into the face of his dad. He then threw his head back and got up. The dad then fell down completely unconscious.)

Reick's mom-"Are you alright?"

(She began to cry heavily as she held her son.)

Reick-"I'm okay mom. I'm okay."

(Reick remembered that day he'd knocked out his dad. He'd been his first knockout ever. After his dad's arrest for abuse and his parent's divorce he started taking up fighting. He'd remembered how close he and Mical had been then. He'd been like a father to him. He'd remembered how Mical had said he could do anything as long as put his heart to it. He looked outside and saw the beautiful sky above.)

Reick's thoughts-" All those years of my life with Mical and my free mother were so great. All those two years of fighting professionally with Mical had been the best years of my life. Where is the respect I once had? Why did I lose my passion for fighting? Why did I do this?"

(Reick had come so high and now he'd fallen so far. He knew he was to blame. Ever since he'd been employed to his crime boss he knew he'd been nothing but a criminal. Reick knew what he had to do.)

Reick's thoughts-"I got to talk to Mical. I got ask him to forgive me. I just pray he will."

(Reick walked up to gym of his old mentor and trainer. He went inside and saw it was completely empty of people. He walked around a bit looking for Mical, but as he did memories came back to him. Staring into the speed bag, he saw an old memory. He was hitting the bag precisely and quickly with Mical watching him.)

Mical-"Well done Reick time."

(Reick stopped hitting the bag and took a minute to catch his breath.)

Mical-"Reick listen to me okay. I know you've got good speed when it come to hitting the punching bag with one hand but you've got to learn to keep your aim exactly right. However, you're doing excellent and I'm going to admit that the champ you'll be fighting soon, boy do I feel sorry for him. You're going to pulverize him kid."

Reick-"Hey thanks Mical."

Mical-"Listen kid. This guy is an in-fighter (This type of boxer stays close to an opponent, throwing intense flurries and combinations of hooks and uppercuts.) so you've got to be careful okay. You've got an advantage though since you're a boxer-fighter (A boxer who uses powerful jabs to wear down an opponent for the knockout.). Since he has to try and get close to you to hit you can hit him with your jabs and cut him down for the knockout."

Reick-"Think I can knock him out?"

Mical-"I think you can send him to the moon. Look you know I don't like getting too much into emotional stuff, but I want to tell you kid that I'm proud of you. You've gotten so far and I know you won't let me down."

Reick-"Thanks Mical. I won't let you down."

(Reick got back to the present. He'd broken that promise and he'd realized it.)

Mical-"You're here."

(Reick looked back and saw Mical standing behind him.)

Reick-"Hey Mical."

Mical-"Hello Reick. How's the Professional Champion of Ba Sing Se doing?"

Reick-"Miserable lately. That's why I came to you."

Mical-"I thought if you were you miserable you pray to God?"

Reick-"Yes, but he also wanted us to go to our friends when we need help to right?"

Mical-"Yeah. You have been to church lately?"

Reick-"I guess I've slacked from some of things I used to do."

Mical-"You should go back you know."

Reick-"Yeah. I pray to God you know. I prayed you'd consider talking with me. You got a minute longer?"

(Mical looked at him for a minute.)

Mical-"Yeah sure. Come upstairs."

(They both walked upstairs to the fighting platform and sat next to each other on the edge. For a minute they didn't speak. Mical decide he'd speak his mind.)

Mical-"You've got the title and all the money a man could want. That isn't bad but what's bad is if you let that change who you are. You let that change you. You see what neither of these can get is pride and self-respect. Nothing or nobody but you can give yourself this. Now I don't mean the arrogant pride, but the pride in you. Pride in who you are and you don't need the respect of the world so long as you have your respect of yourself and God. You see kid; you let the world shape your view of self-respect. You thought it was making yourself the best and proving to everyone that there was no one better than you. The only respect kid in this world that matters kid is your respect to yourself. The world may respect you, but do you respect yourself?"

(Reick found it hard to speak.)

Reick-"...No, I guess I don't have respect for myself. Ever since I won that title I thought I had found respect but I didn't. Instead, I found nothing but pity for myself. I barely know who I am now."

Mical-"I know who you are Reick, and I know that the world doesn't respect people. Hell, at times they don't even respect people who are doing right things in this world. The world's respect doesn't matter though. Respecting yourself and who you are though is everything."

(Reick looked down.)

Reick-"You always knew what to say when I needed to hear it."

Mical-"What, you think because I'm in my sixties I can't still throw some wisdom around?"

(They both laughed a bit.)

Mical-"I still know how to throw punches around too you know."

Reick-"Think I could beat you?"

Mical-"You want to see if you can?"

Reick-"No way man! Against the Ex-World Wide Champion of boxing? It wouldn't even be a fight."

Mical-"Don't you forget it too."

(They both smiled and chuckled.)

Reick-"You know you could have gone anywhere you know? You have enough money to buy your own town."

Mical-"Yeah, where I could get fat and tell people about all my great fights. I kept myself in excellent shape. You'd think I'd still be around here if I didn't want to help people and work out? I used to be the World Wide Champion of boxing so I could live wherever I want, but I chose to stay here. Helping people is a lot better than getting fat and telling old stories you've told people a thousand times already."

(Reick smiled and looked back at Mical.)

Reick-"I'm glad you stayed here."

Mical-"Yeah, to think that I could be getting a massage in a ritzy home on the beach instead of living in a gym teaching people how to fight."

(They laughed a bit more. Mical wasn't serious about going away. His heart was with the sport, now with fame that came with it.)

Reick-"Hey thanks Mical. I really needed that advice."

Mical-"You're welcome.

(Mical got up and so did Reick. Reick put out his hand but Mical didn't take it. Instead he started walking into his office.

Mical-"So let's go."

(Mical was confused.)

Reick-"Go where?"

Mical-"I'm going to train you. So get ready."

(For a minute Reick thought he was hearing things.)

Reick-"Wait, what did you say?"

(Mical stopped and turned around.)

Mical-"Didn't I just say it? Come on; get your stuff!"

(Reick ran up to Mical and hugged him.)

Reick-"Thank you Mical!"

(Mical hugged him back.)

Mical's thoughts-"Thank you God. Thanks for bringing him back."

Mical-"Now come on kid. You've got a fight in two weeks. Let's do it!"

(Zuko and Jin continue to push ups and are continually pressed to do more.)

Klay-"Come on; is that it! Keep going! Don't stop!"

(Meanwhile, Reick curls his weights with his friends and trainer pressing him.)

Mical-"That's it Reick. Keep pulling them up."

Risin up, back on the street.

Did my time, took my chances.

(Zuko and Jin continue to push the leg press despite the pain they're both feeling.)

Klay-"Keep pushing. Come on."

Went the distance now I'm back on my feet.

Just a man, and his will to survive.

(Reick continues to push the heavy weight in a barbell flat bench press.)

Mical-"That's it baby. Keep pushing."

So many times, it happens to fast.

You change your passion for glory.

(Zuko and Jin try hitting the speed bag but are having trouble with it.)

Klay-"Guys look. (He steps up to one of the speed bags and begins to hit it.) It's all about aiming and reflexes. You don't need to kill it; just continually hit it."

Don't lose your grip, on the dreams of the past.

You must fight just to keep them alive.

(Reick continues to pound the heavy bag.)

Mical-"That's it right Reick 1-4! 1-4! 1-4-3! Beautiful!"

It's the, eye of the tiger.

It's the thrill of the fight.

Risin up, to the challenge of our rivals!

(Jin and Zuko practice throwing their uppercuts into the air with weights in their hands.)

Klay-"Faster! Faster!"

I'm the last known survivor of boxers preying the night,

and he's watchin us all with the eye of the tiger.

(Zuko and Jin continue to do crunches despite how much it hurts.)

Klay-"What are you both, sissies? Keep going; come on!"

Face to face, out in the heat.

Hangin tough; stayin hungry.

(Reick continues to press on with his dumbbell front raises.)

Mical-"That's it baby. Don't give up; come on."

Let's stack the odds, till we take to the streets.

For the kill, with the skill to survive.

(Klay speeds ahead of Jin and Zuko as they try to keep up with him.)

Klay-"Come on you two catch me! Come on!"

It's the eye of the tiger; it's the thrill of the fight.

Risin up, to the challenge of our rival.

(Zuko pounds away at the focus mitts on Klay's hands with hooks. Then Mical throws a left and right hook which Zuko dodges and pounds again.)

Mical-"Good counter Lee, but you still need to move side-to-side better so you don't eat that jab. Alright Jin your next."

I'm the last known survivor of boxer preying the night,

and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger.

(Reick continues to hit the speed bag and switches it up between each hand.)

Mical-"Beautiful! That's it!"

(Zuko and Jin continue to jump rope as fast as they can, but Zuko is obviously in better shape than Jin and goes faster than she does.)

Klay-"Speed! Speed! Keep it up. Come one; keep the pace up!"

Risin up, straight to the top.

Have the guts, got the glory.

(Reick still continues to jab as quickly as he can at the heavy bag.)

Mical-"Don't stop Reick. Take the pain! Come on!"

Went the distance now I'm not gonna stop.

Just a man and his will to survive.

(Zuko and Jin continue to run along with Klay along the streets of the city.)

It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight.

Rising up, to the challenge of our rival.

I'm the last known survivor of boxers preying the night.

(Klay immediately takes off speeding as they turn a corner though.)

Jin-"Hey! No fair!" (She shouts as she and Zuko speed up to catch Klay.)

And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger.

(Reick desperately tries to lift the weight he's been pushing for what seemed like forever.)

Cain-"Come on man, you can hit 55."

Mical-"Push it Reick; come on!"

(Reick musters his strength and lifts the weight for the 55th time. He sets the weight down and the guys congratulate him.)

The eye of the tiger.

(Zuko races after Klay and Klay realizes Zuko is at his heels. As they near the gym Zuko gives all he's got and gets ahead of Klay by a yard; beating him to the gym after a long week and six days.)

Mical-"Well done Lee. You did it."

Zuko-"(Panting.) Couldn't have done it without you Klay."

The eye of the tiger.

(Jin then reaches the entrance and congratulates Zuko.)

Jin-"Awesome job Lee. You did great!"

(She gives him a hug and after a short embrace they give each other a kiss.)

Zuko-"Thanks Jin."

The eye of the tiger.

(Zuko walked around the arena he would fight Reick in. It was huge. Zuko hadn't expected the arena to be so big. There were seats all around and they were all at view to where the audience sitting anywhere could see the ring. Zuko walked inside the ring. He imagined seeing himself inside the ring, him and Reick. Both of them standing toe-to-toe, neither man ready to back down. Zuko had thought about this moment through his entire training. Tomorrow, it was do or die. Zuko knew tomorrow would be one of the greatest moments of his life. He leaned against the ropes and Jin stepped beside him.)

Jin-"What are you thinking about?"

Zuko-"Tomorrow it's going to happen Jin. I'm still not sure of myself though."

Jin-"Lee, you've worked so hard and you've gotten stronger than ever before. Just feel your iron abs for crying out loud."

Zuko-"Jin, I'm still not sure if I can do it."

(Jin wrapped her arms around Zuko.)

Jin-"Lee, I know for a fact you can win. Believe me when I say this."

(She let go of him, got out of the ring, and started heading to the exit.)

Jin-"I'll meet you outside, okay?"

Zuko-"I'll be there soon."

(As Jin walked off Zuko turned around and walked into the middle of the ring. For the first time in his life, he prayed.)

Zuko-"God, I don't know whether I can win or not. I've gone through so much failure and loss that I can't even remember a time when I truly made the people around me proud. God, I don't need to win tomorrow. I just want to prove to myself that I can go the distance. It doesn't matter to me God if he busts my head open; just let me go the 15 rounds. Just let me go the distance and do the impossible. Just let me show the crowd I'm not a loser, but a winner. Let me prove to myself who I am. Let me come in here tomorrow with the heart of a true champion."

(There was a long silence. He then lifted his head, said amen, and walked out of the ring.)

God-"I'm with you Zuko. I'm with you."

(The crowd filled the stadium. They were awaiting a fight. Surprisingly it was a full house. The people hated the champ. They didn't come to see him win but to lose. He'd lost once so there was another chance he'd lose. In the left side of the arena there was an area for the extremely wealthy. It was a raised area filled with tables and with different levels designed so everyone sitting facing the arena could see. Here the C. B. and his two bodyguards escorted some of the other crime lords to their tables.)

C. B.-"I can assure that Reick is in the best shape of his career. I've placed heavy bets that the child won't last even four rounds."

C. Lord1-"Four rounds? You're not scared it will go past that are you?"

C. B.5-"I'd rather be safe than sorry. I assure you all though that Reick will demolish the child in no time flat."

C. Lord3-"No need to assure us. We already know the kid has no chance."

(The crime bosses took their seats at a straight, long table that was just ten yard away from the ring.)

C. Lord2-"Very nice seats."

C. B.-"Only the best for my allies. Gentleman a toast!"

(The 5 leaders raised their silver glasses.)

C. B.-"After this simple show of power, we'll be another step closer to owning this city. To villainy and corruption."

(They all toasted.)

(Klay, Jin, Tycho, and Iroh were all waiting in the dressing room for Zuko. It was 30 minutes to the fight and he still wasn't there. Jin and Tycho played cards while Iroh paced and Klay stood over Zuko's gear.)

Jin-"Thanks for coming on such short notice Tycho."

Klay-"Yes, thank you. I was wondering who was going to massage Lee during the breaks between rounds to relax his muscles. You got to understand how happy I was to find that Jin knew someone who was a masseur to massage Lee's shoulders between rounds."

Tycho-"It's my pleasure. Besides, after people hear I was doing this job I'm bound to get a part-time job to be a masseur. Of course while attending the Spa University."

(Iroh stopped pacing.)

Iroh-"Where is my nephew?"

Jin-"Yeah, shouldn't he be here by now?"

Klay-"Where is that kid?"

(Back at the Klay's gym, Zuko was sitting on a chair, staring into the cross that hung on the wall right by Klay's family portrait. Zuko thought about the sacrifice, pain, and love Jesus had. All the forgiveness, love, and mercy he had shown to everyone. Then he thought of the pain he suffered for him. Zuko looked down to the ground, and he gave a prayer.)

Zuko-"God, tonight it's time. Tonight I'm going up against someone who I don't know if I can beat. God, let me be as strong as you were. No matter what pain I feel, let me press forward. No matter how tired I get, let me keep going. Please be with me. Jesus, please save me. I'm asking you to help me. Please, if nothing else goes right in my life besides this please do it."

(Zuko raised his head to the cross.)

Zuko-"God..."

(Suddenly he realized that his fight was coming up in 30 minutes.)

Zuko-"Aw hell no!"

(Zuko immediately ran out of the gym; nearly knocking into a small group of people.)

Crowd-"Hey! Watch it!"

(Zuko ignored them and continued speeding to the arena. Luckily down the street he found a guy with ostrich horse.)

Zuko-"Sorry about this."

(Zuko pushed him off and got on the animal.)

Zuko-"You'll find your animal at the arena. Ya!"

(He directed it toward the arena at full speed.)

(In Reick's dressing room, Mical rapped the tape around his hands.)

Mical-"How does it feel?"

Reick-"Feels real good."

(Cain and the other thieves stood by waiting for them to finish.)

Cain-"How much longer before the fight?"

Theif4-"About 20 more minutes."

Theif3-"He's in the best shape I've ever seen him in."

Theif2-"You're right about that man. He looks stronger than ever."

(Mical stopped. He was finished.)

Mical-"Listen to me Reick. You've gone through hell to get here. I know you're ready. Just get out there and do it. Do it."

(They gave each other a brotherly hug.)

Reick-"Thanks Mical. Thanks for everything."

(Klay and the group waited outside the door to the dressing room. Klay paced back in forth.)

Klay's thoughts-"Where the heck is that kid?"

(Just then, Zuko popped out down the hallway running.)

Zuko-"Hey guys. Uncle; your here."

Iroh-"You think I'd miss something like this nephew?"

(They hugged each other.)

Zuko-"Thanks for coming Uncle."

Klay-"Excuse me Mr. Mushi but I need to interrupt. What the hell are doing here late Lee! Come on get in there and get your gear on! You've got a championship bout to fight for crying out loud!"

Zuko-"Okay, I'm sorry I'm late."

(They all stepped into the dressing room.)

Klay-"Don't be sorry; just get your dang gear on."

(After a 15 minutes of rushing to get all Zuko's gear on, the group steps out of the dressing room and headed to the doors leading to the inside of the arena. Zuko is dressed in a bright red and silver robe.)

Jin-"I like the robe. It looks great on you."

Tycho-"The colors go great on you too."

Zuko-"Thanks guys. It even fits too."

Iroh-"I had it made to fit your size."

Zuko-"You did this?"

Iroh-"I had this made for you with some of the money I earned. If you're going to go get hurt, might as well go well dressed."

Zuko-"Thanks Uncle."

Klay-"Wait. What's with this?"

(On the back of the robe was the name of the teashop Iroh worked at; sown in big, bold green.)

Jin-"Isn't that the name of the teashop you work at Mr. Mushi?"

Iroh-"Yes. You see, I had that sowed on there for the business. Huge amounts of people will be watching this, so why not make some extra money by putting the name of the business you work at name on a fighter's robe?"

Tycho-"What does Lee get out of that?"

Iroh-"I get a raise; he gets the robe."

Tycho-"Shrewd."

(The group stops before they pass through the doors.)

Iroh-"Nephew, you won't have me up there, but I'll be cheering for you. I believe in you."

Zuko-"I appreciate that uncle."

(There was a pause, but Uncle broke it.)

Iroh-"Now go blast the man's brains in!"

Zuko-"I'll try."

(Iroh patted him on the shoulder and walked off, leaving the others at the door.)

Klay-"Alright listen to me Lee. Remember, you're ready and you're going to show the whole city what you're made of. You're ready for this. I know you can do it. You ready!?"

Zuko-"I'm ready."

Klay-"Alright! Tycho. Jin. Open the doors."

(They opened the doors and as they walked into the arena saw that the stadium was much bigger with a full house. Jin and Tycho led the way while Klay walked behind Zuko. Cheers were coming from all over and people extended their arms trying to touch Zuko. Zuko just kept his focus on the ring. As they headed to their destination, Reick's crime boss and his allies looked at Zuko.)

C. Lord4-"Is that it? That's what knocked out your champion?"

C. Lord3-"You fighter better be as good as you say he is."

C. Lord2-"The street rat just got lucky. Everyone gets a lucky shot you two."

C. Lord5-"I agree. It will be a much different story tonight."

C. B. thought's-"Yes. Tonight you lose child. Tonight you fall."

They reached the ring and Tycho opened the ropes to let Zuko and the others pass through. Klay took off Zuko's robe and held it. Zuko was ripped. His body was in amazing shape. In fact, Zuko couldn't figure out a time when he had been this strong. Two girls in the crowd whistled to him. Zuko looked to Jin.)

Zuko-"You know Jin; those girls are pretty."

(Jin stared at him in disbelief.)

Zuko-"But they don't look half as beautiful as you."

(Zuko gave her a kiss on the cheek.)

Jin-"You don't look so bad yourself."

(Klay broke up the two.)

Klay-"Stay focused Lee. Remember your training."

Zuko-"Okay. I wonder where the champ is."

(As he finished saying this boos came from the crowd toward the same doors Zuko had stepped out of earlier. Reick, Mical, and the rest of his group stepped out of the doors. Reick walked towards the ring; Mical and Cain in front with his other pals behind. People threw trash at him, but he ignored it.)

Reick's thoughts-"My self-respect comes from what I am and not what you think about me."

Theif4-"Forget them man. Ignore what them."

Theif2-"Yeah. They don't know what they're talking about."

Theif3-"That's right man. Your the champ."

Reick-"I know guys. I know."

(Reick, Klay, and his group stepped inside the arena. Cain and Klay took off his robe while the other guys held the bucket, water, and sponge. Reick looked great. His body was in better shape than it had ever been.)

C. B.-"I told you my fighter was in amazing shape. Now he will prove to the you and the crowd what he's made of."

(The announcer came center stage with his info card. He announced the beginning in a very loud voice.)

Fight Announcer-"Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight's main event begins now! Tonight we present to you a fifteen round bout for the Boxing Championship of Ba Sing Se! To my left; the challenger! The only person ever to unofficially knockout the present City Champion. Trained by the World Wide Amateur Champion himself. I present to you, Leer "The Warrior"!"

(Zuko raised a hand and cheers came from all over. It's not that they had faith in him winning, but were hoping he could pull off another miracle. Jin loved this.)

Jin-"This is amazing!"

Tycho-"I've never seen so many people in one place before."

Zuko-"Who came up with my name though?"

Jin-"Me."

(The gong sounded to silence the cheers and the fight announcer continued.)

Fight Announcer-"To my right; the present Boxing Champion of Ba Sing Se with a professional record of 40 wins, 30 by knockout, and no professional losses. The undisputed Boxing Champion of Ba Sing Se; Rick "The Destroyer". Referee Zin Ki."

(Reick with Mical, and Zuko with Klay and Jin, both stepped to the center of the ring. The referee stood beside each of them and spoke.)

Ref-"Alright you two, you both know the rules but I'm going to go over few of them."

(Reick and Zuko looked into each others eyes. As the ref spoke and Zuko looked into Reick's eyes, he saw there was no hate.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Strange. He's staring at me but his eyes don't show hate or anger. I thought he'd want nothing more than to kill me."

Ref-"Watch your low blows, kidney punches, and rabbit punches. In case of a knockdown you go to the corner I tell you to, and you stay there till I tell you to come out. I'm fair, but I'm firm. Any questions? Alright go back to corners and come out fighting at the bell. Touch up."

(Zuko and Reick touched their gloves together. As Zuko headed back Reick called to him.)

Reick-"Kid."

(Zuko turned around.)

Reick-"I'm sorry for what I've done. I've changed; know that."

(Reick turned around and got back in his corner. Zuko headed back into his own corner but still had his eyes on Reick. Zuko's crew stepped out of the ring and so did Reick's crew.)

Tycho-"Good luck to you."

Zuko-"Thanks friend."

Jin-"Lee."

(Zuko looked into Jin's eyes.)

Jin-"I love you Lee."

Zuko-"I love you too Jin."

Jin-"Do what you've got to do."

Klay-"Alright kid listen. You got set a pace. Every time you dig in you have to make a dent in him okay? Here."

(Klay put Zuko's mouthgaurd Zuko's mouth.)

Klay-"No pain Lee."

Zuko-"No pain."

Klay-"No pain."

Zuko-"No pain"

Klay-"Okay you go take it to him."

(In the other corner.)

Cain-"You can do it Reick."

Mical-"Stick to your jab Reick. Cut him down to size. Go with God."

(Mical put in Reick's mouthpiece. They both got in their stances and waited for the gong to start the fight. Then it came. The war was on. They both came at each other. Reick threw a successful jab. Then another, another, and another. He threw another but Zuko evaded it, and he evaded the next one. Zuko tried to get close but Reick would just throw a jab.)

Klay-"Break that dang jab! Move your head!"

(Reick threw another jab but Zuko dodged it. He moved his head side-to-side like he was taught and it was keeping the jab from hitting his face. Reick unexpectedly moved in though and threw a right hook, followed by a left hook. Both hit their mark and Reick pushed him into the corner.)

Klay-"Bob and weave Lee!"

(Reick threw multiple jabs but Zuko, by bobbing and weaving, evaded his shots.)

Mical-"Go to the body!"

(Reick went to the midsection with a left, right, and left. He tried to throw a hook to the face but Zuko went under and around the shot and threw his own jabs into the face of Reick. Reick tried to throw a right hook but Zuko dodged that and threw a monstrous left hook into the nose of the champ. Reick backed up from the pain and realized the crunching sound had been his nose being broken.)

Klay-"Get at him! Go!"

(Zuko quickly moved in and threw a left hook into the nose! A right hook, a left hook, a right hook, and then a left hook! Reick got off the ropes and threw two jabs into Zuko's face. He tried to throw another but Zuko countered with an uppercut to the nose sending Reick in even more pain. He pushed Reick, using this moment of instability, and trapped him in the corner. He threw punch after punch after punch into the nose! The crime boss got up in shock of what was happening. Zuko attacked Reick and pounded away at his nose.)

Jin-"Go!"

Klay-"(As Zuko threw his hooks into the face of the stunned champion.) Let it loose! Let it loose!"

(Reick was defenseless. He just couldn't fight back. The gong rang and Zuko let Reick be. Zuko walked back into his corner while Reick went back to his in shock and pain. Zuko sat down in his chair while Jin wiped a wet sponge across his face and Tycho massaged his shoulders. Klay stepped in front of Zuko and while taking out his mouthgaurd and giving him water spoke to him.)

Klay-"That was beautiful kid! You broke his nose kid; you hurt him. See? He's not a machine but a man, and a man can be beaten. Now what you got to do is slip past that jab and goes to the nose. Fill his face with blood kid."

(In the other corner.)

Reick-"The kid has bricks in his hands. He broke my nose too."

Mical-"I can see that."

Reick-"How does it look?"

(Mical took a short look at it.)

Mical-"I'd say it's an improvement. Now listen to me Reick. You have got to not let him get you at the nose. If that nose starts pouring the ref will stop the fight. You have got to stick and move. Hit him hard and get away."

(In the other corner as the group gets out and Klay feed Zuko back his mouthgaurd.)

Klay-"You get at him okay? No pain!"

Zuko-"No pain."

Klay-"Cut him down."

(The gong rang again and Reick came at Zuko with a left jab, left jab, and right hook! Then quickly got away. He continued to throw jabs into Zuko.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Aw! Those hurt."

Klay-"Break that jab dang it!"

(Zuko really tried but Reick clearly had more speed than he did. Finally Zuko dodged one.)

Klay-"Go for it!"

(Zuko tried to hook Reick while jumping at him, but Reick quickly moved out of the way. He quickly pushed Zuko into the corner and threw 3 powerful jabs into Zuko's face. Zuko dodged the next and was able to land a successful right hook into the nose of the champ. Reick winced back in pain giving Zuko the opportunity to get close and unleash his attack. He threw strong uppercuts to the midsection as he worked Reick's body.)

Mical-"Get off the ropes Reick! Move out of there!"

(Reick slipped a hook to the face and threw two more stiff jabs into the chin of Zuko. Then came a monstrous right jab that stunned Zuko, sending him to the ground. Reick backed into his corner and the ref stood above Zuko.)

Ref-"One...two...three,"

Klay-"Get up Lee! Get up!"

(Zuko got up at five.)

Ref-"You okay?"

Zuko-"Yeah I'm fine."

(The ref motioned for them to get back at it. Zuko moved forward, slipped a jab, and threw an uppercut to the nose. Reick winced in pain but continued to pound at Zuko. They each traded punches with each other. One to the face! Another to the body! The body again! Then the face! It was an all out war!)

Mical-"Chop him down!"

Klay-"Get his nose! Bomb it!"

(Reick threw a right hook, a left hook, and tried to hit Zuko with another. Zuko dodged it and threw a tremendous overhand punch into Klay's nose. It sent Reick reeling back and Zuko continued his attack. A left to the body! Then a hard right to the head! Reick got off and threw a successful jab just as the gong rang again.)

Klay-"You're doing great Lee."

Zuko-"Aw man his jabs hurt. "

Klay-"Like I told you; break his jab. Don't let him hurt you."

(In the other corner.)

Reick-"My nose hurts incredibly."

Mical-"It's alright. The kid came to battle, but so did you. Protect your nose and stick him. This will be a much easier fight if you just stick him with your killer jabs. You're doing fine out there. Just stick and move okay?"

(In the other corner.)

Klay-"Just hit him Lee. I'm telling you; the more you hit this guy in his nose the more opportunities you'll have to get at him."

(Klay put his mouthgaurd back in Zuko's mouth.)

Klay-"Remember Lee; no pain! You take it to him."

(The gong sounded again and Zuko immediately charged Reick. Reick got away and pushed Zuko up against the ropes. He threw a left jab. Zuko tried to counter with a left hook but missed and Reick threw a monstrous left hook into Zuko. A right to the face! Then another! He worked at Zuko with amazing hooks!)

Klay-"Get out of there Lee! Get out of there!"

(Reick threw a powerful jab and stunned Zuko. Zuko reeled back and fell to the ground. He tried to grab a rope but for some reason couldn't hold on to it [Sometimes when you get hit so hard that you feel some pain but it's more of a stunning affect. You try to get up but just can't. He tried to grab it again as the ref said three but couldn't grasp it.)

Iroh-"Get up Zu...Get up Lee! Get up!"

(Zuko finally was able to grab the ropes and tried as best as he could to pull himself up. He barely made it up in time for nine.)

Ref-"You okay? You going to fight?"

Zuko-"Yeah I'm fine."

(The ref waved his hands and Reick came back and threw a jab! Jab! Jab! Zuko moved his head side to side and was able to slip a few. Reick threw a left and right hook! But Zuko incredibly came back and threw a tremendous uppercut. Reick stumbled back and Zuko threw two jabs of his own. Reick threw right to the head and left to the midsection! Zuko threw a hook! Reick threw his own! Zuko threw a hook to the chin, but Reick countered with two hooks from each hand. He motioned for Zuko to come at him. Zuko went forward but Reick sent him down with a powerful jab from the right and left. Zuko bounced back up but Reick sent two more of the same combo. Then came a stiff jab. Then another! Another! Zuko tried to throw a jab but Reick simply kept his distance. Reick tried to hit Zuko with another jab, but Zuko was bobbing and weaving. Reick tried to hit him with three more but Zuko's training was coming into play. Reick tried to throw a hook and got close, but Zuko dodged that and threw another hook to the nose of the champ. Reick took the pain and didn't back down. Zuko and Reick began trading shots with each other. One to the head, then the body! The body and then the head! They pounded at each other with hard fists! Then came the gong. They backed off to their corners.)

Klay-"How you feeling?"

Zuko-"My head hurts."

Klay-"Well that's obvious. You can still fight can't you?"

Zuko-"Yes."

Klay-"Exactly. No pain! Remember; no pain!"

(At the table of crime bosses their was a sense of anxiety now.)

C. Lord3-"The peasant has lasted this long?"

C. Lord4-"I thought you said he would finish him quickly?"

C. Lord2-"Calm down you too."

C. Lord5-"Exactly. The fourth round is next."

C. B.-"As I told you all. Better be safe than sorry. Reick will finish him in this round."

(He motioned bodyguard1 to him.)

C. B.-"Tell Reick to finish the kid next round. I don't intend to lose any money or make a fool of myself."

(The bodyguard nodded in agreement and went over to behind Reick, pushing his friends out of the way.)

Bodyguard1-"Finish him here. The boss isn't going to be made like a joke."

(With that he walked off. Mical looked at Reick. Reick looked into his eyes. They knew what to do.)

Reick-"I'm going to let him get past this round."

Mical-"Good. Men like your boss don't deserve to win, and neither will they win in the end."

Reick-"It'll be good to finally be rid of him after I quit."

Mical-"Good. Alright focus now. Stick to your jab."

(He put in his mouthgaurd and got out of the ring. The gong sounded and Reick got right back to his jab. Jab. Jab. Jab. Jab. A failed jab and then anther failed jab. Zuko got his own jab into the face of the champ and tried to move in, but was met with a nasty uppercut. Reick quickly followed up with left hook and sent Zuko into the corner. He threw a jab and then his left went to the midsection. But as Zuko bobbed and weaved Reick accidentally hit Zuko's hip. Reick yelled back in pain and realized he'd just broken his hand.)

Klay-"Go after him!"

(Zuko immediately went on the attack and began attacking Reick with lefts and rights all around. The C. B. stood up in shock at what was actually happening.)

C. Bosses' thoughts-"How the hell is this happening? This is impossible!"

(Zuko began to pound away at Reick with tremendous punches to the face and the nose. The crowd started to cheer his fake name Lee as he attacked with furry. Zuko threw a right! A left! A left and Reick went down. Zuko backed to his corner and the ref started the count.)

Klay-"Yes!"

Jin-"Alright!"

Tycho-"That's it!"

(Reick couldn't believe the pounding he was getting. He'd never been hurt like this before.)

Ref-"Four, five,"

(Reick got up at five.)

Ref-"You okay?"

Reick-"Yeah I'm fine."

(The ref waved them forward and Zuko charged. Reick threw a jab into Zuko's face. He tried to throw another but Zuko went inside and began to pound at Reick's face and nose. Reick took the pain and fought back with is right, since his left was broken. Zuko and Reick just went at it. Zuko threw a left hook! Reick threw a stiff jab! Zuko threw a right hook! Reick threw a right hook! Then came the gong. They backed off to their corners and cheers for Lee were coming from the crowd. At the table, anxiety was setting back in.)

C. Lord3-"Your fighter broke his hand."

C. Lord4-"The crowd is also cheering for him."

C. Lord1-"Not only that but he went past the fourth round."

C. B.-"I assure you that Reick will still destroy this pathetic piece of trash."

C. Bosses' thoughts-"You'd better win Reick. You had better win. For your sake."

(In Reick's corner.)

Theif4-"You can do it Reick!"

Theif3-"Yeah. You got him."

Theif2-"You can beat him man."

Cain-"They're right Reick; don't back down."

Mical-"Show this crowd who you are Reick. Tonight is your trial by fire. You've got a broken nose and broken left hand; who cares! You can still do it. Go out there with heart."

(In the other corner.)

Klay-"You're doing great out there Lee! His bad aim cost him his left hand; take advantage of this! It'll take three or four rounds for his hand to numb up so get out there and attack. This is your night! No pain!"

Zuko-"No pain!"

Klay-"No pain!"

Zuko-"No pain!"

Klay-"Alright you take it to him! Show him what you're made of!"

(Klay fed Zuko his mouthgaurd and each of the fighter's teams stepped out of the ring. The gong rang again for round 5. The war was on again.)

Zuko's thoughts during Round 5:

He' strong.

He's tough.

He's fast.

But so am I.

He's hurt bad. He's lost an arm and has a broken nose. I have two advantages now on my side.

He came in close and I took out his nose with a hook I threw so much power into. Then as I bobbed and weaved he hit my hip instead of my body. He's still fighting so hard though. He fights with heart. He fights with it all. Even with the beating I'm giving him he still stands tall.

Reick's thoughts during round 5:

I don't believe it.

I'm fast.

I'm powerful.

I'm strong.

But yet this is happening.

First that hook that took out my nose. Then I broke my left my hand on his hip. I've got to be more careful when I'm throwing punches to the body when someone is bobbing and weaving. It's so much harder now to fight. Mical told me once though, that no matter how the odds are stacked against you keep fighting. No matter what, just keep punching away.

It hurts. He attacks me with fury. His hooks continue to go to my nose. The blood drops from my face as I fight. I still won't give in though. We both came to battle. Fighters fight, and I won't give up.

Zuko's thoughts during round 6:

He's not the same.

Neither am I.

How is this changing me? I've learned something important over this time. I've learned to understand that I can overcome my past failures. I've learned that there are those who love me so much that they would give it all for me. I've learned that there are people out there who could actually love me. I've learned that there are people who are willing to help those in need. Klay. Jin. God. They've taught me something. Life isn't always beautiful, but it sure is one beautiful ride.

Reick's thoughts during round 7:

My hand may be broken.

My nose may be broken.

But my spirit isn't broken at all.

Like Mical told me, so what if I've got a broken nose and hand. God was good enough to give me a spare hand. As long as I can breath I can fight. I won't give up. This kid may attack me with even more punching power than he already is, but I still won't go down.

The kid, banished prince of the Fire Nation. He may not have the respect of his people, but he sure as hell has mine. He kind of reminds me of me. Just like I took that stand against my abusive father, he took a stand against my criminal ways. God was on his side that night. It's a good thing I lost that night. If I hadn't, this may have never happened. Some people just think God just sends only good times, but God sometimes sends us into times like this. In my case, he did it to open my eyes. My eyes have been opened.

Zuko's thoughts in round 9:

He's coming back now. It's been four rounds. He could have fought me earlier with his left, but I guess he decided to give his hand one more round to numb up better. He rocks me with a terrible jab to the face. It sends my face sideways with blood coming out of my mouth. I still get and continue to punch away. It's going to take more than that to keep me down Reick.

Reick. I've got more respect for him now. At first I thought he was just a criminal, but now. Now he's changed. He said he changed, and this fight has showed me this. His eyes. His eyes show determination, courage, and guts. Not hate. He came into this fight different. I can feel it.

Reick's thoughts in round 10:

I continue to pound him with my powerful jabs. He continues to try and hook my nose. Neither of us is backing down. Surprising. This has never happened before. Those fighters I'd fought before, they were nothing like this kid. They were good fighters, but this kid was not only a great fighter but had something greater than the other fighters did. He has heart. After all the pounding he still continues to fight. That's what makes and breaks people. It's not about how hard you hit life, but how hard life hits you. Whether or not you're willing to keep going. It's what separates the success from the failure. Even if you don't make the mark, you can still say that I went the distance. That is what makes someone. That is what decides a person.

Zuko's thoughts in round 11:

I don't believe it. I've gone where no one else has gone against this person. I've gone past the tenth round. I'm not just making it past the tenth round; I'm also holding my own against this guy. I give him a tremendous shot to the nose and continue to work his body in the corner. God has taken me farther than I could've imagined. Like that verse I read said, God is able to accomplish infinitely more than we could possibly imagine.

Klay's thoughts in round 12:

This amazing. At the pace I set Lee he should have just lasted seven rounds, eight at the most. But...instead he's gone far beyond that. He's gone behind what anyone thought. He's standing toe-to-toe with the Reick, the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion. This is incredible.

He's proving it right now. The champ's promoter has that look in his eyes. He may not show it with his body but his eyes give it away. He thought it was impossible, but now he's being proved wrong. Pessimists, I've never understood them.

Jin's thoughts in round 13:

I look at him and see the beating he's getting now. Klay yells for him to get out the corner. Zuko is rocked by a tremendous right hook. Zuko just comes back at him though. I've never seen this kind of determination. He just keeps trying to move and can punches away when he can, despite the hits he's getting.

When I look at him, I see pain. I see struggle. I see loss. But I also see in him strength. I see endurance. I see heart. His whole life has been filled with pain, struggle, and loss; I can see it in him. However, it didn't destroy him, but made him strong. He's not falling down tonight, but moving forward. Tonight is his night to shine. I love him. I love you Lee.

Mical's thoughts in round 14:

I knew he could do it. Tonight is Reick's night. The people cheer him now. Before they wouldn't have given him a second thought, but now he's got there respect. They cheer Reick on. They finally see the fighter he is. Despite the broken and bleeding nose, despite the beating, despite the broken left hand, he still keeps moving forward. He's a true champion.

When I first met him, he begged me train him. I remember it now.

Mical-"Look kid, I can see you want to fight kid but fighting is not what you think it is. Look, go home and talk it over with your family and figure out something else."

Reick-"Look sir, this is what I want to do. I want to fight."

Mical-"Kid, fighting isn't all rainbows and sunshine like you probably think it is."

Reick-"Sir I know what fighting is. My whole life has been a fight. I had an abusive dad, I've had to struggle to even get a good meal a day; I know what life is. It's a fight, and I've had to fight just keep my sanity at times. I understand it's a continuous struggle and fight to stand to the end against what's wrong and do what's right. Ever since the night I stopped my dad from hurting my family any more, I saw that fighting was what I wanted to do. I want not only to fight, but fight against what's wrong in this world. I want to do the impossible. I know that if anyone can help me it's you. Please, just give me a chance. I'm hungry, just like you were. So please, just give me a chance."

As I looked into his young eyes and face, I saw that all in him. I saw struggle. I saw pain. But I also saw strength. God was telling me to help him and I did. Life didn't go as I expected though. He fought with heart and passion until he employed himself to that man. Now he'd seen the truth though. His mother would be proud. Without that fateful meeting, his mother and I would have never met. My darling wife, you would be proud of your son right now. You're looking down from heaven right now, and I know you're proud of him.

(Reick and Zuko were battering shots to each other; Zuko going to the face while Reick went to the chin. The crowd cheered both fighters on as they battled away. Despite the punches and pain they both were receiving neither man was backing down. They were here to battle. Reick then threw a powerful hook to Zuko's right cheek sending it sideways, but as Reick tried to follow that punch up he was met with a powerful left to his face. Reick threw three stiff jabs. Then came the gong, ending the fighting for the time but not the cheers that echoed across the stadium. Most of the cheers were for Reick, but that didn't mean they didn't have any respect for Zuko. Everyone was cheering for both of these two amazing fighters. That is, everyone except the crime lord and his entourage. Never in a million years had they expected this to occur. The Crime Boss was filled with rage; he wasn't hiding his anger. His face had anger written all over it.)

C. Bosses' thoughts-"That's it! I've had enough of this!"

(He immediately stormed out of his seat and headed toward Reick. He made his way to Reick; pushing the friends of Reick aside and then grabbing Reick's face to face his.)

Crime Boss-"Listen to me you! What the hell are you doing out?! This was never supposed to be a fight; this was a show! You've humiliated me in front of the most powerful crime lords in the city! A child (with emphasis) has gone 14 rounds with my fighter! The Ba Sing Se Champion himself, my city champion, is being beaten by a child you pathetic piece of trash!"

(Reick turned his face away but the crime boss just grabbed him and pulled him facing him.)

C. B.-"You win this bout or else!"

(Immediately Reick grabbed the man with his right hand; lifting him into the air and choking him.)

Mical-"Reick put him down."

(Reick looked at Mical.)

Mical-"Let him go Reick. It's not worth it."

(Reick looked back at the crime boss. The man was gasping for air and uselessly trying to get Reick's hands to loosen their grip. Reick tossed the man back into the second aisle of seats.)

Reick-"I quit! I don't fight for you anymore or your crime but for me! I fight to win for me!"

(In the other corner Zuko got up preparing for the next and final round.)

Zuko-"You stop this fight I'll kill you."

Klay-"If you want to go the final round I'll let you go the final round."

Jin-"Knock him out Lee."

(As Klay and Jin stepped out Tycho grabbed Zuko's arm to speak to him before he moved to the center of the ring.)

Tycho-"You're doing great Lee! Now you've got to give it all! Give it all! People thought this fight was a joke; no one's laughing now!"

Klay-"Just get at him Lee. You can do it!"

Jin-"No pain Lee."

Zuko-"No pain."

(The referee called both fighters to the center of the ring for the final round.)

Reick (As they touched gloves.)-"To the finish."

(They got their hands back up and prepared to fight. Reick stuck out a jab! Then another! Zuko charged and was met with a jab in the nose, but he still pushed forward. Zuko landed a tremendous right hook into Reick's chin causing his left hand not only to miss Zuko's side like intended, but hit Zuko's hip. Now both Reick's hands were broken. He didn't yell in pain, so the ref wouldn't realize he'd broken a second hand, but still could feel the tremendous pain of that missed shot. Zuko continued to unload on Reick with powerful combinations to the face.)

Klay-"Don't stop Lee! Keep punching!"

(Zuko continued to barrage at Reick with powerful punches. Zuko was completely tired and exhausted, but now it was heart and guts. Reick continued to take hits to the face. Reick took hits to the chin, cheek, body, cheek, body, body, chin! Zuko pounded away again and again and again! Reick still kept standing, despite the blood coming down his nose and mouth. He continued to take the punches, and continued to stay standing.)

Reick's thoughts-"This is amazing! The crowd cheers me. After all this I'm still standing. A broken nose, two broken hands; this is my baptism under fire. (Another punch made contact into the face of Reick)!"

(The cheers from the crowd kept the stadium feel like it was an earthquake. They saw the punishment Reick was taking and the amazing punches Lee was throwing. The entire crowd stayed on their feet and cheered both fighters on.)

Crowd-"Reick! Lee! Reick! Lee! Reick! Lee! Reick!"

(As Zuko threw a hook into Reick's face Reick was sent to the ground. He went down kneeling and the ref began the count.)

Mical-"Reick!"

Referee-"One...Two...Three..."

Cain-"Get up man!"

Reick's thoughts-"I don't want to take anymore. It hurts so badly."

(Just when he wanted to give up, time seemed to slow to standstill. He saw his mother.)

Reick-"Mom?"

Reick's mother-"Get up! No one rang the gong. Come on son. You've never let me down; don't let yourself down! Get up fight. I love you son. Get up."

(Reick looked at Zuko and started up as the ref went to eight.)

Referrer-"Eight..."

(Reick continued to get up.)

Referrer-"Nine..."

(Reick was up and the crowd burst out in cheers.)

Referrer-"You going to fight?"

Reick-"Yeah!"

(The ref waved his hands for them to continue.)

Reick-"Come on!"

(Zuko went in and began to attack Reick's body. Reick pushed him back and motioned for him to give him more. Zuko threw a right to the body and a left to head! Reick stood his ground as Zuko continued to pound away with everything he had!)

Klay-"Go for it Lee, go for it!"

(Reick took another massive hit to head.)

Mical-"Don't go down Reick! Don't go down!"

(Zuko landed another shot to the stomach.)

Jin-"Win it Lee!"

Tycho-"Come on Lee!"

(A right to the head! A left to head! A right, and then another left! Zuko clenched Reick and the gong rang. It was over. For fifteen rounds each fighter had unleashed hell on each other, and both were still standing.)

Zuko-"You're a great champion Reick!"

Reick-"You're a champion too kid! You're amazing!"

(As the crews and reporters filled the podium both fighters let go of their friendly embrace and joined their crew's.)

Klay-"That was amazing Lee. You're extraordinary."

Tycho-"Well done Lee!"

(Jin hugged Zuko in a loving embrace, gave him a quick kiss, and congratulated him.)

Jin-"That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! You're amazing Lee!"

Zuko-"Thank you Jin. I love you."

(Their lips once again touched, and the pain Zuko had been feeling was no longer there.)

Cain-"You did it Reick!"

Thief2-"Amazing job man!"

Theif3-"You did extraordinary!"

Theif4-"Great job Reick!"

Mical-"You were amazing Reick! That's what heart is all about!"

(For a minute Reick wasn't paying attention for a minute. His face looked around for a face, the face of his mother.)

Mical-"Reick, is something wrong?"

Reick-"No, nothing's wrong. Mical, I can't thank you enough for being there for me, you guys too. Thanks, for everything."

(Mical embraced his son-in-law, but to him, he was his son. Maybe not of his blood, but of his heart. The fight announcer came center stage.)

Fight Announcer-"Ladies and gentleman, let's give a round of applause for these two boxing warriors!"

(Applause louder than any Reick or Zuko had ever heard came from the crowd. It was truly amazing.)

Fight Announcer-"Ladies and gentleman, after 15 rounds of fighting we go to the judges scorecards to decide this fight and the decision has been made. Our first judge scores this fight 95-94, Lee "The Warrior!"

(Zuko and his group went up in smiles and approval with cheers to the decision.)

Fight Announcer-"Our second judge scores this fight 95-94, Reick "The Destroyer"!

(Reick's group went in approval and the crowd shouted their approval.)

Fight Announcer-"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a draw!"

(The crowd rang out in disapproval at the decision. Some wanted Reick to be the winner while others wanted Lee to be the winner, but the decision had been made. Both fighters were disappointed a bit, but it had been an amazing fight, and they just let it slide.)

Zuko-"It's alright. I asked to go the distance, and I got do that. I even got to come out with a draw."

Jin-"Who did you ask?"

Zuko-"God."

(The reporter immediately began swarming each fighter trying to get a statement.)

Reporter-"Kid, was that the worst beating you've ever had?"

(Klay pushed the man aside.)

Klay-"I'm going to give you a worse beating if you don't ask a sensible question."

Reporter-"How does it feel kid to be the only person to go a full fight with the present champion?"

Zuko-"It feels great. I don't think there are many moments in my life that come close to this."

Reporter-"Will you continue to fight?"

Zuko-"That has yet to be decided. Look, I just want to say this. Reick is an amazing fighter with so much heart and skill. I tip my hat off to him and just say this has been a wonderful experience. That's enough, thanks."

(Zuko and his group walked off the podium and headed out.)

Reporter-"Reick, this bout was truly a very hard fight, especially when you had your nose broken in the first and lost the use of your right in the fifth."

Reick-"Look, I'm not going to make any excuses on what happened. The kid came to battle and so did I, and those losses I suffered don't mean Lee was lucky. He truly is fighter and has the heart a lot of people need."

Reporter-"The crowd really seems to be taking a liking to you now. Until recently they give you only their insults."

Reick-"Yes, I'm really happy now that these people see the champion I am. I'm really appreciative of their support."

Reporter-"Have you have anything to say to your fans out there?"

(Before Zuko entered the doors he had stepped through, Jin and Klay grabbed his hands and lifted them up in triumph to a cheering crowd.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Thank you God. Thank you so much."

Reick-Yes. Everyone has a puncher's chance. Just keep swinging away. You might just hit your dream on the chin."

(Back at the gym where Zuko had received his training, Zuko, Jin, and Klay were going over the events of that night.)

Klay-"It's alright Lee. A draw is better than a loss any day."

Zuko-"It's alright Klay. I went the distance. God did something that I didn't think could have happened."

Klay-"He's able to more than you could possibly imagine."

(Zuko looked down and smiled. Jin came to him.)

Jin-"You did great Lee. You were amazing."

(She kissed him on the cheek. Zuko lifted his head.)

Zuko-"Hey Jin. Klay. I need to ask you guys something. I want to accept God into my life, I just don't know how."

Klay-"Let me help you with that."

(He held Zuko's hands.)

Klay-"Just let it come from your heart."

(Zuko bowed his head and started a prayer.)

Zuko-"God, thanks. Thanks for everything. God, I...I've gone through so much God. I feel like...like there's an ice sheet on my heart. It's there because of all the pain and loss. For years God I've had loss and pain fills my life. God...just melt that ice and make a fire. Your fire God. I'm asking you God...I'm begging...please change who I am. Come into me Jesus and be my savior. Please forgive me for what I've done, and just be with me always."

(Zuko was shedding tears.)

Zuko-"Amen."

(Jin and Klay embraced Zuko and they all shared a wonderful moment of friendship and love.)

Jesus-"I'm with you Zuko, and will always be. You're my child, and my love will always be there for you."

(The crime boss couldn't believe this had happened. Never in a million years had this in his wildest dreams could this have happened. Reick hadn't lost, but a to have a draw against a child was unacceptable. The crime boss was being looked at by all the other criminals sitting in table beside him.)

Crime Lord1-"A child just went 15 rounds with your best fighter."

Crime Lord3-"Not just your best fighter, but the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion."

Crime Lord4-"This is what you have to offer us? I thought you said the child would go down in less than 4 rounds?"

Crime Lord5-"The child shouldn't have lasted even one round. Had he fought one of my men he would have gone done in thirty seconds."

C. B.-"Setbacks and occurrences like this are to be expected."

Crime Lord2-"You call this a setback? This was a humiliation."

(Crime Lord2 and his associates all got up to leave.)

Crime Lord2-"Consider this the end of our dealings with you."

(They all walked off with their bodyguards. The crime boss wasn't happy. He grabbed his wine glass, finished drinking it, and threw it to the ground. His bodyguards approached him.)

Bodygaurd1-"Should we kill Reick?"

Crime Boss-"As much as I'd like no."

Bodygaurd2-"Why not? I thought you said that Reick would no longer have any use for you if he didn't win?"

Crime Boss-"Yes, he doesn't. However, consider this you two. Say I have Reick murdered. What happens after that? His friends will know that I staged any accidental death and will immediately get to the authorities. Now in a normal case it wouldn't matter because I'd simply have the judge bribed, but Reick isn't just a normal person. He's a respected celebrity now, and if anyone were to bring up evidence that he had been murdered their would be an outburst for justice. Since those men would come up to claim I had staged his death, the clamor for justice would be too much the judge would give in. Even if he didn't the people would be in such an outrage they wouldn't stop until I was sent to prison, and I don't intend to have an entire city fighting against me."

Bodygaurd2-"So why not have them all murdered?"

Crime Boss-"Say one of them survived? What happens then after the one that survives goes and tells the entire city that I'm responsible for all those murders? Besides, even if they all were eliminated the man say Reick's trainer knew anything about my history? He would know I was responsible. Even if I ordered ever single one of them murdered, one would most likely survive, and that's plenty of people needed to get me arrested for murder once they testify. I'm not going to risk such a thing."

(The crime boss stood up and looked at the child Lee. His hands raised in the air as if he were a victorious hero. He'd made him look like a fool in front of some of the most influential men in the city. He knew what to do.)

Crime Boss-"No. That child is responsible for all this. Had he never stepped in the scene none of this would ever have happened. The child is the one who's going to pay."

Bodygaurd1-"You want us to kill him?"

C. B.-"No. Not yet. I want him to suffer, and then be humiliated first. The only thing is too find a way to make him suffer."

Bodygaurd1-"Boss, I think this might interest you. That girl who travels with the kid, know her."

C. B.-"What about the girl?"

Bodygaurd1-"Well it seems the little girl wanted to be fighter. She sent in an application to get a professional boxing license to the city's boxing commission just a few days ago."

C. B.-"How do you know about this?"

Bodygaurd1-"Your puppet on the Boxing Commission told me I should tell you. I figured you wouldn't need a useless piece of information, but now..."

(The crime boss thought for a minute. He had the perfect idea.)

C. B.-"First we'll break the girl. Let him see one he loves beaten to pulp. Go to the commission and get them to give her a professional license, and prices aren't a problem. Also, I want information spread that the boy is of the fire nation but don't let them know he's Prince Zuko. I don't want him executed; that would steal my chance to make him pay for this. Like I said before, no one humiliates me and gets to revel in that victory for long."

(Bodygaurd1 walked off to accomplish his mission and bodygaurd2 stepped to the crime bosses' side.)

C. B.-"If you want to break someone, hurt the ones they love. When you hurt the ones they care about, it can even break anyone. Someone might be willing to die themselves, but it's a totally different story when you're hurting their loved ones. I'll set that girl up to fight someone she can't possibly beat and let her get beaten to a pulp. The boy will be so enraged that he'll challenge the person to a fight, and then he will finally fall. After that, we than can kill him. No one will care about the death of a fire nation boy."

Bodygaurd2-"Who should the girl fight?"

(The crime boss thought about that, but it quickly came to him.)

Crime Boss-"Isn't that ex-bounty hunter woman June here in the city?"

Bodygaurd2-"Yeah, she arrived in the city yesterday. She's the Omashu Boxing City Champion and the world's #1 contender for the Boxing World Championship. I tell you, that girl is tougher than most men."

Crime Boss-"Perfect."

(They began to head out.)

Crime Boss-"Set her up to fight the girl. Tell her I'll pay whatever the price is if she steps in the ring with this girl. We'll let things go from there after the girl loses. Once she loses to the girl, the boy will then lose to June, and then we can get rid of him."

(He chuckled as they began to leave.)

Crime Bosses' thoughts-"Revenge, such a sweet thing it will finally be when I have it."