Chapter one
Not many people realize this, but there’s actually an art form to taking a beating. It’s something you have to practice at. See, I had to start off small at first, like getting my butt handed to me by my older brother or by pissing off some punks in a bar. Then eventually I learned how to fight.
I squared off against my opponent in the cage. I’m a small guy. Not small in height, but scrawny. I never quite shook off my tall lanky stage from back when I got my first growth spurt. I wouldn’t say I’m the best looking guy. I have dark hair, and a distinct jawline. People tend to look up to me because I’m so tall, and I wouldn’t be surprised if my blue eyes attract a lot of attention. But, I’m nothing like my brother: big- shot military Lieutenant. So, it didn’t bother me too much when the crowd started laughing…
OK.
Maybe it did a little.
Truth is, before I saw the guy I was fighting, part of me thought I had a chance. I mean, no one pictures themselves losing a fight. But this guy was just unbelievable. He looked like; an alligator had a baby with a 7 foot giant. He had arms the size of trees and emerald green skin. He even had the same facial features of a reptile. His Jaw and mouth protruded in the same way crocodile’s does and his yellow eyes were hidden behind thin slits on his scaled face. I’m surprised his feet didn’t leave cracks in the ground every time he took a step. That being said, I did have one thing working for me: The cage.
The cage looked like some kind of twisted medieval jungle gym. It had barb wires that crisscrossed the mesh chain link fence that was horizontally wrapped around a metal skeleton. And the cherry on the top: the flat roof of the cage resembled monkey bars except with spikes on the outer edges. Despite the obvious danger I was sure the cage’s small corners would make it difficult for someone as big as him to move. At least, I hoped.
Gulp.
“You sure you’re ready for this?”
I looked at my little brother Mason and he looked at me. He was short, skinny and had a chubby round face with blue eyes that resembled mine. I always thought his dark crop of hair was perfect juxtaposed to mine in the way it always complimented his looks whether it was messy or not. Being the youngest brother he also seemed to be the most worrisome at heart. Unlike our older brother Alex and me Mason always took time to think before making a decision.
“Are you ready for this?” I jousted and attempted a confident smile.
“Come on Van,” Mason said “I’m starting to regret letting you do this.”
“Hey Manny,” I said using the nickname he had kept since childhood. “Don’t start planning my funeral yet. What’s his story?”
“He calls himself The Ripper. Bet you can’t guess why,” he said and pointed a finger towards the cage.
A young village woman with average looks wearing an apron walked into the cage caring a live chicken. She looked like a toddler compared to The Ripper’s enormous size. She presented the chicken to the crowd as if she were about to do a magic trick then with a bow held it out to The Ripper. Moving at a speed nearly faster than the human eye could track the huge reptile snapped the chicken up with his jaws and tossed it into the air. The chicken spun in midair for only a moment before with a blurring motion The Ripper reached up and snapped the chicken in half. Chicken Blood sprayed all over the young woman and The Ripper and she roared with triumph at the crowd. The spectators ate up the theatrics with childish glee.
“Oh boy,” I muttered.
“Listen, Van, You don’t have to do this.”
I hesitated for a moment but then smiled at my brother mischievously “Are you kidding? Bet double on me.”
