CHAPTER 4: PAY ME
337 Words
Viktor's fist smashed Jamal's cheek, sending him crashing to canvas. The crowd roared.
Jamal scrambled up, dodging a kick. He countered—Viktor's nose exploded red.
Kaden leaned in. _"Harder!"_
Viktor trapped Jamal, elbows raining down. Jamal's vision blurred.
Maya's shout cut through: _"Stop this!"_
The Beast's grip tightened. Jamal's world went dark...
Jamal's knee connected, Viktor howling. He broke free, fists flying. The Beast stumbled.
Kaden's voice: _"Finish him!"_
Viktor lunged. Jamal sidestepped—Viktor hit canvas hard.
The crowd frenzied. Jamal stood tall, bloodied.
Viktor rose slow, rage blinding. Final charge...
Jamal's hook landed. Viktor crashed, unmoving.
Dred Kombat's law: win or burn. Jamal won.
The ref raised Jamal's arm, crowd screaming. Kaden's smile twisted.
Jamal ripped off gloves. "Pay me."
Kaden handed cash. "You fought like a beast."
Jamal's eyes narrowed. "Done with Dred?"
Kaden laughed. "Dred owns you, Bull."
Maya burst in, camera snapping. "Jamal, out now!"
He grabbed cash, escaping The Pit's grip. Freedom? Or next fight?
They hit night air, Maya driving fast. "You okay?"
Jamal winced, bruises forming. "Yeah."
She glanced over. "Dred Kombat exposed. My article's going viral."
Kaden's call broke in. "Smart move, Bull. But Akeem...owes me."
Jamal's gut twisted. "What'd you do?"
Kaden's laugh cut off. _"Check your door."_
Maya pulled up. Akeem lay slumped, beaten—on Jamal's doorstep.
Jamal bolted out, Maya following. Akeem groaned, eyes swelling shut.
"He's barely breathing," Maya said, calling EMS.
Jamal's fists clenched. "Kaden did this."
Akeem whispered, "Run...Jamal..."
Sirens closed in. Maya gripped Jamal's arm. "We need to move. Now."
Kaden's text landed: _"Akeem's just start. You next."_
Jamal's rage flared. Game on.
- Writer
