DISCLAIMER: The Taimanin series belongs to Black Lilith.

Chapter 2: Du bist Weltmeister

-Part IV: Fighting Alchemist-

[In Wolfgang's viewpoint]

Before we move on to my biggest battles in the big leagues, I want to give the readers some heads up. My freestyle MMA rooted in Tang Soo Do isn't just my fighting style, I also added something to make my style a bit unorthodox - alchemy.

As you can see, aside from being a vampire-werewolf hybrid, I also practice alchemy back in the dark world.

"Hey mate, do we still have time left?", I asked the interviewer.

"Well we still only have 45 minutes left. We've already covered an hour regarding your early life to your time in the other world and your martial arts pursuits."

"I'll make this short and sweet, then."

Then, the interviewer began, "How were you able to learn alchemy while staying in the demon world?"

"I've studied with some of the most elite alchemists there. And like training martial arts, it's never an easy task. It took me 30 to 40 years to go through the trouble of mastering the ability to transmute something into gold. The 7 stages of alchemy even reflects of how one man can truly achieve perfection."

"For example?", the interviewer further asked.

First is calcination.

"Calcination, burning down something until it's reduced to a pile of ash. To cast off the impurities such as hubris and worldly pleasures, and let a new self be purified to achieve the maturity of the soul. Fame and glory matter less to me and I steer myself clear from the limelight. That's why I want to maintain that pure and clean being from within me."

Second is dissolution.

"Dissolution, mix everything up. Think outside of the box, and make a difference."

Then, separation...

"Separation, like what it says, the wash of emotions and experiences to settle shows a welcome opportunity to reflect. There may be two or more paths I'm willing to take, and one of them maybe a tough decision. Just because you're stuck in a rock and a hard place, don't be afraid to take a third option."

As for conjuction...

"Conjunction, separated components need a combined form to achieve their balance. All the good things, are clean as hell, ignited a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. And ready for what lies ahead."

Fermentation. Okay we're almost there.

"Fermentation, it shows you that nobody is perfect, your very being is still susceptible to all impurities; everything from ego to sex. But, you still have the power to mitigate that. How do I put this... from a biblical standpoint: man commits sin, God punishes man, and is forgiven until said man's final moments is basically how you put it that way."

For the second-to-last, distillation

"Distillation, it's like calcination, cleansing all impurities, and it ensures there's no trace of your darker impulses if you want to achieve enlightenment."

Finally, coagulation.

"Coagulation is the end result of achieving everything in the first six steps. Just because you've done it all means you're about to call it quits. No, no. You can start the cycle anew, rinse and repeat. The world endlessly expands with bigger discoveries to look forward to. That's how I live my life as both an alchemist and MMA fighter."

"Very remarkable, Mr. Wolfgang.", the interviewer smiled, astounded by how he responded to my ordeals as an alchemist.

Then, I proceed to show him the star "buttons" on the left sleeve that I often wear on my expensive suits.

"Lady Cromwell gave me a philosopher's stone, an heirloom of the Cromwell family when I began my journey. Ever since my first world title, the stone broke into single fragments shaped like stars. The stone continued to break into six other star-shaped fragments. Since then, I wore them on the sleeves of my suit like decorated buttons, as a symbol of my success, while tapping into their incredible power. Ever since mastering my alchemy powers, I've finally got the hang of transmuting random objects into something interesting. Hell, I used my alchemy skills to make carbon fiber products."

"Amazing...", the interviewer looked at the orange stone fragments in their star-shaped button form on my left sleeve. "Okay, now let's proceed with the last part."

-Part V: The Rivalry-

"Bring him in.", I nodded. That said, a 7 foot 7 guy that I'm very familiar with enters the door, joining with me and Ambrose in the interview.

"Wolfgang, my uce! Sorry I'm late for the party. Fucking flight delay really got in the way."

"Better late than never, mon amie.", Ambrose added, since he first arrived late anyway.

This is "Superman" T.J. Moskowitz. This is a 7 foot plus giant, Samoan blood flowing on his veins, which is saying something he looks like a certain Tribal Chief that you want to acknowledge. He's by far one of my greatest rivals in the MMA circuit, he gave me the fight of my life that I thought I could never survive, true to his reputation as the original undefeated champion. And that was before he got those Winter Soldier arms. How did he got those arms, you ask? That'll be in another story. And we're already short of time after I had to bring up my alchemic powers.

Now, let's hear T's side of the story.

"My first bout with Wolffy was a definition of a David and Goliath battle. Before we throw down, I was like saying this to his face, "You sure you're not chickening out of this fight, uce?" And he just simply flipped me off."

Ambrose and I laughed before T did, and I haven't forgotten that I just gave the big guy two middle fingers.

Like what T said, my first battle with him feels like a final boss fight. I've dominated the amateur class and made my way into the big leagues. While I kept a short of 13 losses in my record, and 7 draws. I already had a record of 76 wins at the time fighting T.

Moskowitz was dominating for the first three rounds, and that was only the fourth round I managed to make a come back. And came round 5. Okay, hit the flashback.

[Flashback: XMAF 77 - Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang vs. T.J. Moskowitz; Round 5 for the XMAF World Heavyweight Championship]

Wolfgang's battle with T.J. was an arduous one, the undefeated champion was dominant in the first three rounds. But, the Tyrant Wolf was stubborn and will never go down. And that he was to go all out against his titanic opponent, being able to wear him off after two minutes.

Then comes Round 5, just as Moskowitz is about to throw a roundhouse, Wolfgang manages to hoist him off the floor by grabbing him through the legs, slamming him into the mat. That was one of Wolfgang's signature moves called "Code Black", which is a nod to his vampiric biological father, Edwin Black. Code Black is a spinebuster, a grappling-body slam maneuver that sends the target spine-first into the mat. After that, Wolfgang goes to deliver more punches to his downed opponent until the referee pulls him out.

"Okay, okay! That's enough!"

Wolfgang does a squatting stance while waiting for T.J. to stand up, although the match is already over. He had no idea that he already won. Moskowitz is already dazed.

Ambrose, who was watching from ringside in Wolfgang's corner, is already jumping for joy now that his friend is about to become a world champion.

Moskowitz eventually sits up before standing up to his feet. Shakes his hand with Wolfgang, out of respect, a worthy opponent who manages to do the impossible possible.

The referee gathers the two fighters at the center, as the announcer is about to make the declaration...

"The referee has put a stop to this contest after five rounds. Your winner by way of knockout! And... NEW! XMAF Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World! Tyrant Wolf! Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang!"

The crowd cheered wildly upon Wolfgang is crowned the new world champion. Ambrose, the only one who has been in Wolfgang's corner runs to him and hugged his friend, while Wolfgang is overcame with emotion.

"Du bist Weltmeister! Congratulations, Wolffy! You've finally done it!"

Tears are running down Wolfgang's cheek, wanting to cry tears of joy for the first time.

"Thank you, mate. This is unbelievable... *sobs* I love you man. I need a moment."

"It's okay, mijn kampioen. You can cry. For this is now your time to shine! You've finally reached the top of the mountain!"

Wolfgang took time to let out his overwhelming emotions. The official gives Wolfgang the championship belt. After that, he once again shook hands with T.J., whom he had defeated for the gold.

"You deserve it, uce. You know how it feels to wear that belt. It's a proof that the world is yours. But remember, there's anyone out there other than myself who is coming after that belt."

"I'm ready for everything. Hell, I'm more than happy for a rematch."

Wolfgang raised the belt up high, as the crowd cheered wildly, everything fades to white afterwards.

[Flashback ends; returning to Wolfgang's viewpoint]

And that my friends, and to the readers, is the defining moment of my career. And I've come to fight many challengers, and most of my fights are with T.J.

Me and Moskowitz are considered as one of the most legendary rivalries in the MMA circuit. T and I won and lost the championship back and forth over the past six years, and we were neck and neck in terms the number of championships won.

Believe it or not, the battles we fought were literally a fight to the death on live TV. None of us were willing to give up until we knock each others' asses out.

Then T.J. backed up the facts, "Wolffy was a real killer, the type of guy who'll keep fighting until the better end. No matter how many times I knocked his ass out, he'll keep standing up! Yeah, I'm aware of his demonic lineage, and that what makes him so dangerous. I fought grizzly bears, poisonous snakes, alligators, and even bulls! This guy is literally the werewolf from Hell! And for that, he's not only my rival, but also my friend, and my uso!"

We all both laughed at his joke, the fact that he has run-ins with mother nature makes it more astounding.

"From a deeper context, T was praying for an opponent who he can consider his equal. And I answered that call. My rivalry with him forever became iconic in the history of the MMA circuit. And after winning my seventh world title, everything changed...", then I proceeded to cite in what would be the end of an era.

-Part VI: End of an Era-

Ever since I've been doing open challenges, a lot of rookies and veteran fighters were itching to take a shot against my championship. But, all of them fail miserably. And like Moskowitz, I've dominated XMAF since becoming champion. They were nothing like T.J. in terms of his strength and indomitable will. Outside of the ring, I knew I felt something was missing. But, I've fought religiously like a true champion for so many years now.

Until I learned from the boss that T.J. was quietly retiring, stating that T.J. wants to finally retire in peace to take care of his family.

I smiled bitterly. Not because T.J. wants to prioritize his family, the sad part is that he never got to say goodbye. The promotion didn't bother giving him a well-deserved send-off.

On the bright side, while I've been defending and retaining my title, there was one challenger who that I had my interest on: Momosuke Matsumoto. This guy is an Oni who managed to fight his way in the No. 1 Contenders' Tournament for the world heavyweight championship.

An Oni competing in the MMA circuit is a rare sight to behold, especially in the Taimanin universe.

[Flashback: XMAF Victory Road - Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang vs. Momosuke Matsumoto for the XMAF World Heavyweight Championship]

Matsumoto, being an Oni, rivals T.J. Moskowitz in terms of raw power and durability, giving Wolfgang his most difficult battle of a lifetime ever since his rivalry with Moskowitz. It only took two rounds for Wolfgang to survive, until a devastating roundhouse kick knocked him out on the third round, giving Matsumoto the win and the world championship.

A few seconds later, Wolfgang manages to stand up, and gives his opponent a high five, a gesture of respect and seeing a worthy successor to carry on the belt.

After Matsumoto is awared the world championship, Wolfgang also raised his opponent's hand as a show of good sportsmanship, a good way to pass the torch to the next generation.

While Matsumoto celebrates his win, Wolfgang asks for the announcer's microphone as he addresses the crowd and everyone watching from their television.

"I'm not the kind of guy who gives speeches. But, I think its time I pass the torch to the next generation. This is for the young bloods who want to dream to do the impossible. I came here into this business since day one being the bad guy, and after winning my first world title, I became the hero and the protagonist of my own story and earned the support and respect from the fans. I'm thankful for my one and only supportive partner-in-crime, Ambrose who has been my traveling companion and confidant during my lowest points of my life. I'm thankful to have fought one of my greatest rivals, "Superman" T.J. Moskowitz, who is apparently not here with us right now. T, if you're watching this, I hope to see you again on the outside world as close friends. But now, I think the time has come for good things coming to an end. Tonight is will be the last time you'll see the Tyrant Wolf in the ring. This is the last time you'll see Rood Kaiser van Wolfgang in the top of the MMA circuit. Things may or may not last forever, but let's take our time to enjoy them as long as they last.", Wolfgang then turns to Matsumoto, "You defend that title like your life depends on it! This is your moment, your fight. Fight like a true champion as my rival and myself did." Matsumoto nodded, moved by Wolfgang's speech before he finishes, "To everyone watching around the world, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the support all these years."

[Flashback ends; returning to Wolfgang's viewpoint]

"So when T.J. retired, you decided to do so as well?", the interviewer asked.

"Yeah. And I know that it feels not the same without the big guy. But, I wanted to make my final match with a more meaningful sendoff. And losing the title to Matsumoto was a good decision for my part.", I replied. "And that was until a year later, I finally ran into T.J., now with the Winter Soldier arms that I mentioned earlier."

Then T continued with his side of the story, "When Wolffy found me, I was really in completely fucked up shit. After retiring from MMA, my world turned upside down. My wife cheated me with another guy and took the kids with her. One day, I had a freak accident on the road and blacked out. I found myself waking up in a laboratory being experimented on, and found out that I lost all of my arms during the accident! But, someone barged in the lab and saved my ass."

That someone turned out to be yours truly. It seems that a rogue organization called Task Force G gave T.J. those Winter Soldier arms. Luckily, I saved his ass from being turned into a subservient cyborg by those clowns. And oh, after my MMA career, I've already turned to bounty hunting, killing and capturing high profile criminals, terrorists, and even rogue demons.

Also, T.J. had bouts with alcohol and substance abuse after retiring. I did everything I can to bring him back into shape, from paying his rehab and doing yoga to reignite his passion for fighting. And much like me, T is also a bounty hunter now. The only main difference is that he's doing jobs for the DSO. I'm a freelance hunter, and I've been doing jobs not just for the Dutch government, but with other countries who want to do society a favor to rid the world of assholes and corrupt scumbags.

With all the details of our careers finally covered, the interview is finally finished. The three of us shook hands with our interviewer as we left the room.

-Final Part: The Road Ahead-

Elsewhere in a large luxury boat floating along the river Seine in Paris, France. Ambrose and Wolfgang looked around the river as the latter had a look of uncertainty. Then, T.J. joins them.

"What's crackin', uce?", said T.J. while seemingly concerned with Wolfgang not saying anything. "C'mon man, say something!"

"We just recently finished the documentary. Relieving our careers feel like our stories just happened like yesterday."

"Me too, uce. It's nostalgia all over the place.", T.J. continued. "So, what's your next move?"

Wolfgang shows Ambrose and T.J. a small note that appears to be a letter sent to him.

"I'm going to Japan. Oma Uehara passed away.", Wolfgang brings a slight bad news to his colleagues.

"Wolffy, don't you mean...", Ambrose raised his eyebrow, as if the Uehara name is apparently familiar to him.

"Yeah. She's a former Taimanin, with a daughter who is apparently her successor.", Wolfgang continued. "I'm going to pay my last respects. If the people in Gosha are hospitable towards a werewolf like myself."

Wolfgang had a history with a Taimanin from the Uehara clan. The MMA legend takes his leave, continuing on his journey as a bounty hunter.

To be continued...

Footnotes:

- XMAF = eXtreme Martial Arts Federation. Basically the Taimanin universe equivalent of the UFC.

- "mijn kampioen" is "my champion" in Dutch.

- "Du bist Weltmeister!" is "You are world champion!" in German. This is spoken to Sebastian Vettel when he first won his world driver's championship at the end of the 2010 Abu Dhabi GP. Technically, Wolfgang also speaks German considering how he was raised in Germany during the 1920's until the Nazis rose to power.

- T.J. is based on wrestler Roman Reigns. The fact that he's got the Superman moniker is a reference to Reigns' Superman Punch. Additionally, he even addresses anyone with "uce" much like The Usos, Reigns' cousins.

- Wolfgang is associated with the number 7. He enumerated the 7 stages of alchemy, he had 77 wins after winning his first world championship, his Philosopher's Stone broke into 7 fragments and formed into the star-shaped buttons on the sleeve of his suit, and had 7 draw in his record.

- The color of Wolfgang's Philosopher's Stone is a fire opal orange, a symbol of his Dutch citizenship. Orange is the national color of the Netherlands thanks to its royal roots in the form of the House of Orange-Nassau.

- "oma" means Grandma in Dutch. Wolfgang is talking about Rin's mother.