THE DRED KOMBAT

Detroit's gritty streets were waking up. Jamal "The Bull" Williams stepped out of his cramped apartment.....phone buzzing. A text from an unknown number: _"Kaden wants you in Dred Kombat. Fight or pay. Your past isn't safe."_ Jamal's gut tightened. What does Kaden want? He tried to recall his past fights, anything that could've led to this Jamal's eyes narrowed as he scanned the empty streets. He'd fought hard to leave the underground circuit, but Kaden's message brought it all back. Akeem appeared at the corner, nodding Jamal over. "What's going on, Bull?" Akeem asked, eyes darting. Jamal showed him the text. Akeem's face darkened. "Kaden's got no mercy. You gonna fight?"Akeem's face darkened. "Kaden's got no mercy. You gonna fight?" He lit a cigarette, taking a long drag. "I got a bad feeling about this, Jamal. Jamal's phone buzzed again. Kaden's message: _"Meet me at The Pit. Tonight. Don't bring Akeem. Jamal's jaw cliked. Why involve Akeem? He looked at his friend, struggling to hide his addiction's toll. "I'll handle it. You stay clear. The Pit's neon sign flickered in Jamal's mind. Kaden was pushing him back in. Jamal tucked his phone away, eyes locked on Akeem. "You got plans tonight?" Akeem shrugged. "Nothing solid. Why?" "Just keep low, okay?" Jamal said, trying to sound casual. Night fell fast. Jamal headed to The Pit alone, Detroit's streets thinning out. The club's bouncer, Vic, gave him a nod. "Kaden's waiting." Inside, Kaden leaned against the ring, smiling cold. "Jamal. Welcome back." "What do you want?" Jamal growled. Kaden chuckled. "Dred Kombat's back. You fight. You win big. Or...you don't." A shadow moved behind Kaden. A fighter, scarred and huge. Jamal's gut flipped. "Who's that?" Kaden's grin widened. "Your opponent. Viktor 'The Beast' Kuznetsov. Won't lose easy.