RSVP

A slew of different styles of chairs, stools, and benches, no two the same, are being moved about and situated in a rusted-out warehouse, centered amongst them all, a crude boxing ring. Ratty turnbuckles, torn canvas, a broken middle rope. Nothing pristine in this building. Nothing even remotely clean. The antithesis of what you might expect from something brand new, but everyone knows what they are getting themselves into. This has never been advertised as anything remotely glamorous.

A large balding man in dark blue overalls, one strap loose due to a missing button, is dragging each chair to wherever he sees fit. The scrape of the chair legs reverberating off the steel siding of the warehouse. Kicking open rusted shut steel chairs and counting the rows in which he’s set them in, losing track along the way.

Suddenly, the creak of the warehouse door opening and slamming shut.

Marcus SheppardDan.

The large man turns at the sound of his name.

Big Dog DanOh, hey Marcus. Almost done here.

Marcus SheppardLooks great man, but I wouldn’t put too much effort here. Probably more of a standing room only type situation.

Dan, holding the final chair of the 40 or so he’s meticulously laid out, drops his shoulders in exasperation.

Big Dog DanWell damn, it would’ve been nice to know that.

Marcus chuckles a bit and attempts to ease the blow.

Marcus SheppardAh man, it’s perfect. I’m sure people will appreciate it. A good first impression never hurts. How’s the ring?

Big Dog DanWell, it’s upright.

Marcus SheppardThat it is. Anybody show up yet?

Big Dog DanYeah, had four guys show up about 30 minutes ago.

Marcus SheppardThirty minutes ago? The event said the Calling starts at 11pm. It’s 10:15.

Big Dog DanSame thing I told them brother. Just excited I guess.

Marcus SheppardI can see that. We got any empty rooms anywhere without shit all over the place? God damn it’s a wreck in here.

Marcus notices as he walks around.

Marcus SheppardI can tell you swept some sort of walking path to the ring at least. Appreciate that.

Big Dog DanYeah, through those double doors are a few rooms. Bathroom back there too. Brought a bucket of water in case someone has to take a dump. Rigged up a couple of lights. Generator is holding up well. Should be good for the entire night.

Marcus SheppardYou’ve really got it taken care of. Thanks Big Dog.

Marcus slaps an envelope on Dan’s chest with appreciation as he walks by him. Dan’s grasp tightens around it and can feel the bills inside.

Marcus SheppardWhen DK gets in, have him get with me. He shouldn’t be too far behind. Let him know I’m in the back. People will probably start showing up soon. I saw Derrick and Rat pull up behind me.

Big Dog DanOf course, boss.

Marcus SheppardI’m not your boss, Dan.

Big Dog DanYou put the money in my hand, you’re the boss.

Marcus SheppardDorian’s money.

Big Dog DanJust showing respect.

Marcus walks through the double doors. Dan begins dragging debris and trash towards the wall with his push broom to clear out more space.

“HOLD ON, HOLD ON Y’ALL GAH DAMN.”

A deep booming voice rumbles off the siding again.

A much…less intimidating voice follows it.

“GET YA MONEY READY!”

Polar opposite human beings walk through the front door, ushering back a group of people arriving for the night. Derrick Sterling, a 6 foot 7, 300 pound behemoth of a man and the scrawniest, skeeviest little white man with blonde dreads arrive in tandem. Name’s Raymond A. Thompson. Everyone who knows him affectionately calls him Rat.

Derrick SterlingY’all hang tight right here and let me get things squared away before we let everyone in.

The group clamoring to enter groans, but agrees.

Derrick SterlingDid you expect this for the first night? There’s already like 15 cars out here and I don’t think anyone has come alone yet.

Raymond A. Thompson (furthermore known as Rat)All I can see is money to be made big fella. MONEY. TO. BE. MADE!

Derrick SterlingHow do you even know people are gonna want to bet on this shit?

Rat stares at him in disbelief.

RatI’ve seen you arrest people for betting on the dumbest shit. Dice games, fucking cockfights...You think motherfuckers ain’t gonna bet on who’s gonna knock who out? We’ve all been doing that since middle school.

Derrick SterlingFair enough. Just don’t get into any shit I’ve gotta get you out of like usual.

*Spits*

AAAAACCCCCK!  

*spits*

He wasn’t this nervous on his wedding day. Probably because his wedding wasn’t a room full of inevitable violence and cashflow. He knows what he’s gotten himself into. Marcus and he have talked about this every day since the idea entered Dorian’s brain.  

Dorian KnoxGod damnit, where’s my water?

He turns back inside of his shitty little Ford Escape to find something to wrestle with a piece of vomit stuck in his throat. He finds it, and turns back outside just in case he wretches again. He looks down.

Dorian Knox I don’t remember having spaghetti…

He knows this is a gamble. A BIG gamble. Whitni still thinks he’s driving a forklift on the night shift, and he normally is, just not tonight. He had given up that shift to be here. To really see if this thing’s got some legs to it. An abundance of what-ifs start piling up in his mind.

What if nobody shows up? What if a fucking weirdo shows up? What if ONLY weirdos show up? What if the money we bring in doesn’t cover the amount I promised to the fighters that participate?

A lot of work went into this. They tried finding people they felt could use this, but also be a source of entertainment. The crowd is almost as important, shit, it might be more important than the fighters themselves. At least those who are doing it for the money.

Dorian KnoxPlease, please PLEASE show up.

He starts to plead to the back of the parking lot. He gave them all plenty of notice. Three weeks. He knows this isn’t some established thing, so it worries him that people aren’t going to take this seriously and remember what they’ve agreed to do. But worrying isn’t going to change anything.  

He turns the car off, grabs the key, and hops out of the car, narrowly missing the enormous pile of puke he supplied to the earth just minutes ago. He closes the door and takes a big deep breath. 

Dorian KnoxYou’ve fucking got this.

He hypes himself, leans over to the window’s side mirror, checks his teeth, corrects some stray hairs on his head and straightens his watch and chain. He begins walking up to the building for the first time.  

Dorian Knox It’s showtime.

Dorian Knox wades his way past the line at the door, bypassing anxious entrants.

Random Man HEY HE’S CUTTING!

Derrick Sterling Chill.  

Random Man I’ve been out here for an hour!

Derrick Sterling And you’ll stay out here all night if you don’t calm down. What’s good, Dorian? You ready?

Dorian Knox Whaddup Derrick? Yeah, I’m ready.

Dorian turns to the disgruntled man.

Dorian Knox No disrespect intended. I run this whole sha-bang. WE run this whole sha-bang. Looking forward to seeing you on the inside.

The man looks a little sheepish and embarrassed. His friends are relentlessly laughing at him.

Dorian enters the warehouse and he’s stunned. The place isn’t packed to the brim, but all 40 of the chairs Dan put out are in use and at least another 20 people are standing around. Maybe about another 10-15 outside getting patted down by Derrick and paying their way in with Rat.

As Dorian slowly walks around taking it all in, noticing the faces of some of the people he personally reached out to invite, and even more faces of those who have tagged along or found out through word of mouth, he spots Marcus standing in the doorway near the back of the room. They make eye contact and immediately grin at each other.  

Dorian jogs over and daps him up.

Dorian Knox Bro.

Marcus Sheppard BRO.

Together No fuckin’ way!

The giddiness isn’t going unnoticed by others in the room. The excitement is palpable. The intrigue is high. The mystery is in the air. Nobody knows for sure exactly what’s about to go down, but they are all prepared for whatever it may be.

Marcus Sheppard Dan’s got everything situated out here, the back is set up for us if we need some privacy, Derrick is keeping things safe and Rat’s bringing in the money.

Dorian Knox An argument at a bar and a moment of careless curiosity out of your mouth. That’s all it took to get the gears in my head moving. And here we are. What the fuck man? This is incredible.

Marcus looks past Dorian to see the final person outside being let in by Derrick. A slight head nod from the head of security in their direction means it’s go time.

Dorian makes his way to the ring, nodding at some attendees and shaking a few hands en route. He steps through the side with the broken rope, as it just seems simpler. He stands in the center.

Dorian Knox Good evening everyone.

Nobody moves, nobody takes notice. Dorian is confused, but then realizes he can’t project his voice loud enough over the 70+ people in attendance in this crowded room with awful acoustics.

Dorian Knox Oh, right.

He walks over to Dan sitting ringside.

Dorian Knox Hey bud, you brought that megaphone, yeah?

Big Dog Dan Right here, boss.

Dan tosses the megaphone into the ring and Dorian catches it smoothly.

*click*

*Feedback*



Dorian KnoxCan I please have everyone’s attention?

The volume was excruciatingly loud. Must’ve been maxed out. The entire crowd is startled into attention.

Dorian KnoxWhoa geez, holy shit. That’s my fault. …Job done I guess?

Someone near the front laughs and then stops after the realization that nobody else has. But immediately after, a couple more join in and relief appears on his face.

Dorian KnoxThanks for coming out everyone. This place is a dump isn’t it? You should’ve seen the other three options. BUT, we’re going to make do with it tonight, because it’s not about the location, it’s about what we came to this location to do. So why are we here?

A man slowly raises his hand in the back as if it was a classroom. This gets a chuckle from Knox.

Dorian KnoxRhetorical my man, but thank you. Anyways, we’re here for whatever YOUR reason is. We’re not here for fame. We’ve got no cameras in this place. We’ve got no promoters hyping this event. But also, we’ve got no promoters here telling you that you can’t do this either. No promoters, no sanctioning body, nobody grading your performance, nobody doing anything but letting you have your “WHY” and for us to give you your “HOW”.

Crossed arms in the crowd begin to drop. The crowd has begun to inch closer to the ring.

Dorian Knox Every one of you fighting tonight was chosen. These weren’t random invites to anyone. We saw you or we spoke to you and that was enough. We don’t care about your name. Your history. Nobody is checking for that. We’ve all got our shit, but we’re either leaving that shit at the door or ridding ourselves of the shit in the ring. I can imagine a lot of you are like me. Sacrificing something. Or hiding something. Hell, the wife thinks I’m at work now because there's just no way I can tell her I’m rounding up a bunch of people to introduce a new meaning for “physical therapy”.  

Ah, a real laugh. The humor rings against the siding of the building. A couple groups of people who didn’t come together all look at one another and share a chortle.

Dorian KnoxNow, it’s gonna be five hundred to step in that ring. You were told. You agreed. If you made your way here just to argue that or demand more. You know where the exit is. Winner takes three quarters, loser takes the rest. That's the part you agreed to. Here's the part you didn't. That door out there? Whatever it took tonight, the first thing it does is go on top of the pot. Before the lights, before the generator, before any of it. The pot gets fed first and I eat whatever's left over. And if there's nothing left over, that's my problem, not yours.

Rat mumbles under his breath to Derrick.

Rat Pfft, we’ll see about that. Over half these people are going to want some action on the books.

Derrick just shakes his head and lets out a half laugh.

Someone in the middle of the crowd whistles in agreement with Knox. Another man nudges the woman beside him and mouths something. The room feels different than it did even just seconds ago. A real shift in energy.

Dorian KnoxThis isn’t mine. ICON is OURS. After you fight, Marcus will find each of you and get you taken care of.

Dorian gestures towards Marcus leaning on the wall. He raises a hand in acknowledgment. Just as Rat walks up to Marcus and hands him the gate to disburse.

Dorian KnoxOf course, if this isn’t for you, we understand. 

Dorian pauses for a brief moment.

Dorian KnoxInvitation. Combat. Obligation? None. The door is there, it’s open. No refunds, though.

Rat HA!

Dorian KnoxBut none of us came here to hear me speak, and frankly I hate the sound of my voice. So…are we ready?

No reaction. Just long enough that Dorian's grin starts to slip. Long enough that Marcus shifts against the wall.

Then the big fella from the back, the one who raised his hand, lets out a single clap and hollers. 

Big Fella WHO’S FUCKIN READY BOYS?!

Somebody on the other side of the room answers him. 

Another manLET’S FUCKIN DO THIS!

The energy begins to spread in patches, until all seventy-odd of them are shouting at once.

It’s 11:23pm. The wait is over. It’s time to fight.

…but first…

A din of murmurs fills the back corner of the warehouse.

Like a pair of Tsavo man-eaters emerging from the tall grass, two men in black hoodies cut a line through the crowd and approach the square.

They are clearly no ordinary spectators. They say nothing and look at nobody. They march in a strange, almost synchronized air of unity, with body language that carries an unspoken but clear purpose.

The eyes that peek out from beneath their hoods burn with a hunger usually reserved for natural predators.

Without pomp or circumstance, they approach Sheppard, and stand before him expectedly.

Marcus SheppardEvening, gentlemen. I assuming you're the two wrestlers we invited?

On cue, the tandem simultaneously draw back their hoods and reveal their faces. Soon after, they procure individual driver's license cards, both issued in the state of Washington, and hold them up for Sheppard to see.

The one taking point was Leo Burnett.

The one at his back was Zack Daymon.

Marcus nods in approval.

Marcus SheppardGuess that answers my question. Welcome to ICON, Mr. Burnett... Mr. Daymon. Did you remember the buy-in?

Burnett turns ninety-degrees to look at Derrick nearby.

Derrick SterlingYep, they good.

Sheppard nods.

Marcus Sheppard...okay, looks like we're square. Just be forewarned, though... what you're getting into isn't the garden variety wrestling you guys do. We've got some ropes tonight, but that's never a guarantee. There's no ref. No pinfalls, or anything like that. Anything goes, until knock out or tap out. Either one of you have any issues with that?

Burnett says nothing.

His stern stare says all that needs to be said: When do we begin?

Catching the vibe, Marcus chuckles.

Marcus SheppardNot very talkative, huh? Well, that suits us just fine. Just remember stay mum on the outside as well, and we'll get along just fine.

He thumbs over his shoulder to the fighter's circle.

Marcus SheppardGo show us what you got...

Breezing by Marcus to the circle, Burnett immediately unzips his hoodie to reveal an impeccably toned physique stretching out a black tank bearing a green, white, and blue mitsutomoe symbol beneath words that reads "DOJO CASCADIA". Both the sweater and A-shirt quickly come off and are handed over to his pact partner as Leo claims a corner of the clearing to loosen up by cranking his neck and gyrating his arms.

Without a single word spoken, the two have seemingly captivated the attention of everyone in the room.

But Leo Burnett's attention is fixed squarely on the man standing a mere 30 feet from him in the ring.

Rat pulls a chair along the floor against the back wall of the warehouse, grinding the legs against the ground. He takes a seat and kicks his left ankle over his right knee and begins to thumb through his notebook. He rapidly clicks his pen in that annoying way someone behind you in grade school might do. He raises his eyes to the room looking like a man who’s about to make some cash.

RatALRIGHT! Who’s got some? Who wants some action?!

Literally nobody moves an inch. Somebody near the ring takes a glance at his friend.

RatAw come on y’all, don’t be doin’ that. Don’t look at each other. I know y’all been talkin’ ‘bout this all week. I know ya have! I got a cousin that told me ya have!

Derrick SterlingNobody knows who none of these fighters are, Ray. 

RatThey don’t need to know who they are big fella, they just need to know what they look like!

He gets off his behind and hops on top of the chair. Dan catches him from halfway across the room and thinks better about asking him to get down. Probably not worth the hassle.

RatY’all see that southpaw in the corner over there? Now THAT’S a man who’s done been here before in this life or a past life. LOOK AT THE FEET! Feet don’t lie. Them things are truthtellers. And that fella over there in the hoodie? He shook me and Derrick’s hand at the gate. Didn’t say a word but still respectful as hell. Struck me as somebody either really comfortable in this scenario or somebody about to get hurt real, real bad and I ain’t decided which.

The man up near the second row holds up a crisp $20 bill.

RatNow that’s a man who’s about his business! THANK you. Twenty on which?

ManThe hoodie guy.

RatThat’s $20 on Leo Burnett.

Rat writes it down and somebody else is already reaching for their wallet.

ManWhat’s it pay?

Rat stops writing and has a blank stare into his notebook. How has he not expected this question?

RatPay?

ManYeah. What’re the odds?

RatAin’t none.

Man…what?

RatAIN’T NO ODDS! How’s there gonna be any odds, fellas? Most folks in this building ain’t ever fought for us. The only two of ‘em that has was at that Gatherin’ a cuppla’ weeks ago and only been seen by them two running this thing, but I ain’t got nothing I can go off of. I got a cousin who seen one uh them beatin’ around a heavy bag at a gym in Plano. That’s the extent of the record I got. You want odds? Hit the casino up I-35. If you ain’t hit pure boredom, you ain’t in Oklahoma yet. Keep goin’.

Rat hops down from the chair.

RatSo here’s what I got everyone. You put up $20, somebody else puts up $20 on the other one and whoever wins walks off with $35.

ManWhere’s the other five go?

RatCome on now son, I really don’t wanna have to keep explaining the obvious. My pocket brother. All wagers in the building come through us. Anything we catch going on without us will earn you a trip out the same way you came in. It’s a safety thing you know? You start wagering with folks you ain’t familiar with and no middle man? Who’s to say y’all gonna be honorable? NOBODY. Me and Derrick back here got you taken care of.

Somewhere behind Rat, Derrick makes a noise that’s not quite a laugh.

The man is considering the situation and taking much longer than Rat would prefer. He proceeds to hand over the $20 anyway because he already said it out loud in front of his friends. He feels committed.

RatNow there’s a smart man looking to put a little bit of extra change in his pocket. Thank ya fella.

The room moves after the seal has been broken. A woman near the adjacent wall to the left puts up $40 on Tomas without being prompted. A couple of guys who came in together take opposite sides. Somebody tries to make a bet on how long the fight will last. Rat waves him off, then reconsiders and writes it down.

RatUnder four minutes? Works for me but I’m telling you right now I don’t know what that pays either.

Rat just moves along and leaves no room for discussion before moving to the next. By the time he’s got six going, he just begins working the room. No more sitting and waiting for them. He’s going to the money like he and his family have done all their lives.

Derrick SterlingYou keeping track of all that?

RatI know what I got!

Derrick SterlingThat’s not what I asked. You potentially got a world of trouble coming to you if you don’t handle this right.

Rat, not even making eye contact with Derrick, continues working the room and takes another bet. Rat turns a page. There’s a phone number on this one near the top with a woman’s name. Derrick sees it. There’s also a list below.

Derrick SterlingAh shit that’s that fine ass broad from a couple of weeks ago? What’s that? Eggs, dish soap, kitty litter, Chewy Chips Ahoy?

RatGet out my business Derrick! You got nothin’ to worry about. Everybody gets paid. They always get paid.

Rat says that last part loud enough so the entire room can hear it, which was the entire point.

The crowd is abuzz with the bout they just saw.  Dorian Knox works through each of them, dapping some up and taking compliments; mostly counting attendance as best he can in the process.

A young man in a Dallas Cowboys jersey steps in front of his stride with his hands slightly up as if he’s slowly approaching a skittish creature. Just a step or two behind him is a familiar face. A skinny kid, dressed in a black hoodie with Ray Ban Meta glasses. That kid. The kid, who still unknowingly to Dorian and Marcus, posted a portion of the previous Gathering to Dead Air, a dark-web, Tiktok-esque social media platform. A large reason this inaugural event is as successful as it is. But again, this isn’t anything Knox and company are privy to.

TylerDorian? Dorian Knox?

Dorian KnoxYeah kid?

TylerApologies for interrupting you, but I’m a huge fan of this. Of tonight. The first fight was incredible to watch. I'm stoked for the rest of the night! Would you mind a picture?  

Dorian doesn’t quite understand what would be a perfectly normal question in typical circumstances. He glances at the door.

Dorian KnoxAh man, you know the deal. Or at least you should. All phones belong at the door, locked away. Derrick is taking them up. Don’t want to risk anything visual leaking out.

TylerNo, yeah dude, I totally get it. We’ve got a workaround!

He turns to Barrett.

Dorian KnoxBarrett! Hey man! Nice of you to bring your grandma out again.

TylerGrandma?

Barrett quickly responds on the tail end of Tyler’s question.

BarrettYeah, yeah, she’s having a blast over there. Such a sweetheart. 

Dorian KnoxSo what’s this “workaround”?

Barrett doesn’t say a word. He slowly makes a rectangle with his thumbs and index fingers and holds it up to his eye like a viewfinder for a camera and squints. The middle knuckle of his right index finger resting on the edge of the frame of his glasses.

Dorian bursts out laughing.

Dorian KnoxOOOOOOOOOOOH, we’re doing this? Haha! Okay, okay.

Dorian tosses his right arm over Tyler’s shoulder and pulls him in tight and points at him.

Dorian KnoxWait, wait, hold up. Let’s get my good side.

Dorian switches positions and mirrors his last pose.

He cheeses big. Behind the imaginary “lens”, Barrett steadies his hands.

BarrettNow on the count of three, say cheese! 1… 2… 3!

Dorian and TylerCheese!

Barrett pretends to click down with his right index finger and discreetly makes contact with the side of his frames. No sound, no flash, but the moment was indeed captured unbeknownst to Knox.

Dorian KnoxSo, how’d I look?

Tyler and Barrett give him a thumbs up and a laugh. Dorian jokingly slaps Tyler on the back, tosses a peace sign to Barrett and gets on his way.

He's stopped in his tracks by a young man itching to get his start in ICON.

The rain has let up a bit as Kaz Troy, his sister Ami, and cousin Cecilia Ryan enter the venue. Kaz is shaking the water off his jacket like he’s trying to get information out of it. Cecilia’s scanning the room already, taking mental notes while trying to get a glimpse of her opponent. Ami’s like a kid in a candy store.

Kaz TroySo. This is it, huh?

Cecilia RyanYep. This iiiis it.

Kaz Troy(frowning) It’s got a real impending staph infection kinda vibe.

Ami Troy(wistfully) It’s perfect.

She means those two words with all of her heart. She moves through the crowd ahead of the others with her eyes set on the ring. About fifteen feet away, they can hear him loudly clamoring.

Ronan ValeI came all the way from Philly for this. All I want is for you to put me on the next card. That’s it. That’s all I’m asking for.

Dorian, trying to bring the energy down, has his hands up slightly and “pushes” down.

Dorian KnoxI heard you the first two times, man.

Ronan ValeThen why can’t you just agree to what I’m asking?

Dorian KnoxLogistics play into this Ronan. I can’t commit just like that.

Dorian snaps his fingers.

Dorian KnoxI’m not saying no. In fact, I’m saying I’ll do my best.

Ronan ValeWhen someone says they’ll “do their best,” they mean no but would prefer not to say it to my face.

Dorian KnoxNo??? It’s what I say when I need some time to think and take stock of my roster. Just give me that.

Ronan doesn’t look at all satisfied, but he feels like he can’t push anymore. He just stands there with his arms crossed and sucking his teeth in annoyance.

Cecilia leans in towards Kaz.

Cecilia RyanI like him already.

Kaz TroyOf course you do.

That’s the moment Ami steps forward. Hops forward would actually be more accurate. Nobody invited her to this conversation, but she has never needed an invitation for anything. She puts her hand in the air and waves it around like she’s waiting to be called on in class.

Ami TroyI’ll fight him!

At this point it becomes clear that this trio, Knox, and Vale weren’t the only ones paying attention to this conversation because an apparent hush takes over about a 20 foot radius.

Ronan turns and scans her up and down as if he’s figuring out a math equation.

Ronan ValeYou’re joking.

Ami TroyDoes it look like we’re in a comedy club?

Ronan ValeDid you parents here sign your permission slip to get you in? You look like you could fit inside my gym bag.

Ami TroyAnd you look like you’ve called in sick for leg day the last 10 years.

Cecilia snorts while Kaz tries to hide a smirk but fails miserably. Ami’s quip lands harder than Vale wants to let on. He pulls up his pant leg to show a moderately athletic looking calf muscle. 

Ami TroyMy point stands.

At this point, Dorian has gone very quiet, his vision affixed to Ami like he’s staring at a problem he’s fairly sure is going to be an issue to rid himself of.

Dorian KnoxAlright, so wait, let’s just back up a moment.

Ami TroyOhmygod why? The man wants to fight, I’m ready to fight him. It’s not rocket science, man.

Dorian KnoxWell, because… you’re a… I don’t even know your name yet! And you’re already accepting fights like they are open invitations.

Ami Troy(pffts) Someone doesn’t watch television. I’m Ami. Ami Troy, and yes, yes I am. You can thank your boy Rat for all of us being here.

She thumbs over her shoulder to her brother and cousin.

Kaz TroyKaz Troy.

Cecilia RyanCecilia Ryan.

Kaz, still holding onto a shred of propriety, extends his hand for Dorian to shake.

Dorian KnoxGreat to meet you all. And yes! Cecilia Ryan. Good timing, we’ve got you up shortly if you want to stretch out and get ready.

Clearly trying to end the conversation early, he puts his arm around Ryan as if to guide her towards an area to limber up. Cecilia immediately shrugs him off.

Cecilia RyanDon’t touch me if you’d like to keep that arm.

Ronan ValeHey! Hold on, we’re not finished.

Ami TroyYeah, booker man, are we on the next card or what?

Dorian sighs and turns back towards the two. No getting out of this it would seem.

Dorian KnoxAmi, look. I don’t think you completely understand what you’re asking for.

Ami TroyJesus Hopscotching Christ, bro, we went over this already. If anyone’s not understanding the assignment, it’s you. 

Kaz mutters something under his breath.

Kaz TroyAnd heeeeere we go.

Cecilia on the other hand looks absolutely stoked about this.

Knox anxiously rubs the back of his neck. He always knew this could be a conversation he has to have at some point. But night one? One fight in? Clearly he’s building this plane while flying it.

Dorian KnoxNobody’s done that here. I mean, we haven’t really discussed Man versus Woman. The topic’s never really been brought up.

Ronan ValeSo here it is. Let’s figure it out.

Dorian KnoxIt’s not that simple, Ronan. Why are you even wanting this?

Ami TroyWhy shouldn’t he? Why are you being precious about this? Rat already said it’s not gonna be a problem. So why are you making it one?

Ronan ValeYeah, and you just gave us a speech 15 minutes ago. No promoters, no anybody that could tell us what to do. It’s in our hands.

Dorian doesn’t have an answer in mind for his own words being thrown back at him. He glances at Ronan, then back at Ami. The tiny fireball looks like she hasn’t blinked.

Dorian KnoxYou’re entirely sure about this?

Ami TroyI’ve been sure since I walked in. Now find your balls and book it.

Behind Knox, Rat’s already pulled up a chair, ready to talk business. He waves at Ami, who waves back.

Dorian KnoxAlright, fine. Let me see what I can put together.

Ronan ValeTHANK YOU.

Ami is grinning from ear to ear. Small, satisfied, and spritely. She turns to her cousins. Cecilia’s grinning from ear to ear. Kaz keeps his eyes locked on Ronan.

Ami TroyTold you Dallas would be fun!

Only a few minutes have passed since Dorian’s ego-check at the hands of a small, but mighty woman, he finds himself in the back “office” area to re-evaluate some things. The problem is, he’s not alone. Bull, a good friend, has arrived and followed him into the room. He’s been talking for what feels like twenty minutes longer than the three it’s actually been. Bull could narrate Rat’s grocery list and make it worth hearing.

BullSo I says to the guy, I says, look man. That forklift ain’t no toy and he goes “Well brother, neither is my knee!” and Dorry, buddy, I swear to any God that’ll let me, I have NEVER laughed so fuckin’ hard in a Home Depot parking lot in my whole entire life.

Dorian KnoxYou really gotta stop calling me that, Bull.

BullAhhhhh, come on now Dorry.

Dorian KnoxYou know that nobody else calls me that.

BullBut that’s what makes it so special, buddy! And don’t you love Finding Nemo? I love Finding Nemo.

He clamps his hand down on Dorian’s shoulder that could’ve knocked it clean out of its socket. Dorian’s used to it by now.

BullWell, anyways, how you and Marcus holding up? It’s a biiiig night! The first one! He didn’t look too worse for wear but you look like you ain’t had a wink of sleep in days.

Dorian KnoxI haven’t.

BullI figured as much. You got that whole thousand yard stare thing going on right now.

Bull has a big, wide grin. The type of grin that makes you forget he could rip three phone books in half at the same time. He’s wearing a sleeveless black tee with a bull and pink flames surrounding it on the front. He turns to grab a water bottle off Dan’s cart and there it is. “CAN I BORROW $30?” written across the back.

Dorian KnoxBull… You make that shirt to remind folks that you’re broke or to remind yourself?

BullLittle bit of column A, little bit of column B. Keeps me honest.

At that moment, the door creaks open and a man, mid to late 40’s it would seem, comes strolling in wearing a paper birthday hat. You know… one of those cones with the strap underneath. It’s a little crooked. He’s holding a gift bag with some pink tissue paper peeking over the top of it and he’s absolutely beaming at nobody in particular.

Dorian’s posture straightens. He’s entirely aware of who this is given the random birthday card he was sent weeks back.

Dorian KnoxOh, hey Gene.

Bull follows Dorian’s eyeline and turns around to see Gene. His eyes light up.

BullOH HELL YEAH! Somebody’s got a birthdaaaaaaaaaay!

Dorian KnoxBull, wait. BULL.

Nope. Too late. Bull’s already across the room, arms wide open with no idea who he’s bear hugging with love and shaking side to side. But somehow…it works.

BullHappy birthday, my man! Would you look at yourself! You look FAN-TASTIC!

Gene at first doesn’t have much of a reaction. Almost like he’s looking for the joke. Then he breaks into something almost childlike.

Gene TuttleYou remembered!

Bull‘course I remembered! How could I forget a birthday??

Gene TuttleWow. Nobody ever remembers it's my birthday!

BullWell I ain’t a nobody. Neither of us are!

Gene can’t find the words… he just wraps both of his arms around Bull’s midsection and squeezes like he really means it. Bull pats him on the back with his huge mitt of a hand.

BullThere he is. It’s a big, big day!

Dorian is watching this all unfold with a real stillness. He’s witnessing a man standing very close to a lit fuse he doesn’t fully understand. He forces a smile upon his face and lightens his tone.  

Dorian KnoxGene! Big Gene! Man! Good to see you. Happy birthday! Thanks for the card!

Gene Tuttle(beaming with glee) Thank you, Dorian! And you’re welcome!

Dorian KnoxYou prepared for tonight?

BullYou fightin’ tonight, birthday boy? On your BIRTHDAY?

Gene TuttleThe best way I could think to celebrate!

Bull lets out a hearty chuckle.

BullNow that’s dedication right there!

Gene finally releases Bull. Yes, he’s been latched onto him this entire time. He adjusts his hat as if he was straightening a tie before a big business meeting and looks back and forth between the two of them. Just simply glowing with delight at this introduction to ICON.

Gene TuttleWell, I better go get warmed up! Don’t want to keep everyone waiting on the party to start!

BullYou go get ‘em, man!

Gene lets out a genuinely delighted laugh and turns around, gift bag swinging back and forth, humming “Happy Birthday” to himself.

The moment he’s completely out of earshot, Dorian exhales and gestures to have Bull close the door. He obliges.

Dorian KnoxListen to me and listen to me close, Bull. Never, ever ask him when his birthday actually is.

Bull…that’s silly. Why would I do that?

Dorian KnoxJust…just don’t. Every time you see him, you do what you just did.

BullDorry…

Dorian KnoxDorian.

BullDorry, if I see a man’s celebratin’ his birthday, I’m not gonna give him the third degree about it. Hell. Maybe there will be cake!

Dorian KnoxGood, that’s perfect. Never get rid of that instinct.

Bull looks at him and files that away. Not sure he fully understands, but also doesn’t particularly care to. That’s Bull.

BullSo anyway, this fella at Home Depot…

Dorian Knox(already leaving) I’ve got to go do literally anything else, bud.

BullDORRY.

With only a few minutes before the next fight is to begin, Dorian is petrified at what he just witnessed, as is the rest of the gang. It feels imperative that they get out in front of what definitely feels like a real issue for the future of ICON, and it’s arisen just two fights into the night.

Dorian KnoxGuys, guys, GUYS! All of you get over here, please.

Rat reluctantly closes his book.

RatLet’s make whatever this is quick, I got money moving!

Dorian KnoxIt will be, come on.

Dan, Derrick, Marcus, Rat, and Dorian all group up.

Dorian KnoxLook, what just happened… That can’t… that can’t keep happening. Isaiah’s back there in bad shape. He’ll be fine, but he’s not gonna look the same for a bit. The problem is we don’t know if he’s going to have any complications and what’s even worse is we don't have anybody who can even tell us.That last fight went on about 45 seconds too long because nobody felt they had the authority to stop it.

Marcus SheppardI gotta agree, Dorian. Maybe get somebody in that can assess these guys before and after and make the tough calls we don’t have the expertise to make.

Dorian KnoxAND we need a real timekeeper. Not Dan's wrench, but no offense, Dan, you’ve been crushing it.

Big Dog DanNone taken, boss. (twirls wrench) She’s served me well.

Dorian KnoxAnd while I didn’t want to have to do this…we gotta get a ref. Marcus and I thought that it’d be obvious when a fight’s done, but we can’t trust everyone to be like Leo and cut it off when it’s obvious.

Rat’s already shaking his head in disapproval.

RatSo what, you're telling me we're gonna bring in another…what’s that…two, THREE more mouths to feed?! I don’t need to look at that math to know that’s gonna hurt the bottom line. The more we’re handing out the less is going on the pot and in our pockets.

Dorian KnoxYeah, but—

RatJust sayin it as plain as I can DK. Gettin’ a doc’s a cut, a ref's a cut, a timekeeper's a cut. That's three more hands in the cookie jar before the winner even sees a lil extra sprinkled on top.

Derrick SterlingRay.

RatWhat, Derrick?

Derrick SterlingYou don't even take a cut off the pot. Your agreement is the only money you make walks in through that door and comes out your own book. This don't even touch you.

Rat opens his mouth, then actually thinks about it for a second. Possibly a first for him.

Derrick SterlingSo maybe sit this one out.

RatI can HAVE an opinion.

Derrick SterlingYeah you can, but know what you’re arguing for before you do it.

That one sticks a bit. Rat doesn't say anything else, just crosses his arms and stews on it

Dorian KnoxLook, fellas, I'm not saying we figure it out tonight. We can’t figure this out tonight. I'm just saying we need to put feelers out. This ain’t sustainable. And yeah, I'd rather it be one guy than three, if we can find him.

Derrick SterlingThat's not realistic.

Dorian KnoxI know it might not be, but it’s not realistic that I’m leading an underground fighting promotion either, but here I am with you guys. I just need someone that can wear a few different hats.  

Derrick considers this for a few seconds, stroking his beard.

Derrick SterlingActually…I might know somebody. No promises. I gotta ask around first.

Dorian KnoxPerfect, just do what you can.

Marcus checks his watch, then glances toward the ring. Diane Wexler’s already inside.

Marcus SheppardWe gotta get to it.

Dorian KnoxAlright.

Everyone scatters.

Emily chases her friend Rachel Retters through a crowd of people in the warehouse still reeling from what they had just seen. They are bumping and squeezing through a mass of damp t-shirts drenched in sweat as it seems like whatever power is left running to the building isn't running the A/C unit, just powering lights. Poorly at that. Entirely unaware of all of Dan’s hard work to get this place functional.

Rachel RettersAre you sure this is the right place? Looks like a place you'd go down to in Mexico for illegal cock fighting, not a professional fighting league.

EmilyYes, this was the address on the card.

Rachel RettersYou mean the address scribbled on a blank business card that you found on the bathroom sink of the bar I used to work at?

EmilyI don't hear any other ideas from you. You love kick boxing; I figured this would be a great outlet for you.

Rachel waves her arms dismissively around at the crowd around her. 

Rachel RettersYou expect me to get my big break here? Fighting for these losers? They can't even afford deodorant. How can I expect to see any money from fighting for these bums? The only thing I think I'll be getting is tetanus. I definitely don't think this is sanctioned by any state commission. I don't think there are any EMTs around. This is just pure fucking bloodsport.

EmilyMaybe it's a better set up than what it looks like. Let's just watch one fight and get a feel for what this promotion is really like. If it sucks, we bail, okay?

Rachel RettersFine, one bout and if it blows, we're out.

Woman Behind ThemHeh, typical.

Rachel turns around with a lifted eyebrow.

Rachel RettersExcuse me? You weren't talking to me were you?

WomanI’m looking right at you and I definitely didn’t say it low volume like I was trying to hide something, did I?

Rachel RettersAnd who the fuck are you?

WomanKadence Kreed. First Sergeant Kadence Kreed. That’s who the fuck I am.  

Rachel and Emily don’t say a word and just size her up.

Kadence KreedI see it took all of 20 minutes to see a snobby little girl show up pretending she’s “too good” for all of this. This isn’t for fortune and fame, princess. That should’ve been obvious the second you learned about this place.

Rachel RettersI am too good for this place. Maybe you’re used to being around a bunch of sweaty men in dire circumstances, but I have some standards. What’d you do, spin a gun in the color guard in the Army and sleep your way to whatever rank you were?

Kadence KreedFirst Sergeant. Yeah, I’ve spun guns. And after I’ve spun them I’ve pointed them in the direction of people and put them down for a long nap.

EmilyWell unless you’ve got a gun right no—--

Kadence puts her palm up over Emily’s face and lowers it.

Kadence KreedSpeak when spoken to. I don’t give a fuck about you. What’d you say your name was?

EmilyIt’s Em—

Kadence KreedLiterally not fucking talking to you. You, Avril. Your name?

Rachel RettersI’m Rachel Retters, and you’ve got about 5 seconds to apologize to Emily, get out of our face, or get dealt with.

Derrick Sterling’s been overhearing this brewing and has made his way over.  

Derrick SterlingLadies, ladies, holl’on now. Neither of y’all look to be in fighting gear and I’m pretty sure Dorian ain’t booked y’all in nothin’ tonight so I need y’all to calm down.

Rachel scoffs at Derrick.

Rachel RettersWe were minding our own business and this wanna be Ms. Major Payne starts yapping behind us just because I think this place is a shithole.

Derrick SterlingShithole or not, hold on.

Derrick whistles and grabs the attention of Marcus from across the room and motions to have him come over.

Marcus SheppardWhat’s up Derrick? Problem?

Derrick SterlingThese three ladies seem to be having some disagreements and before things get a little too out of hand, I wanted to bring it to your attention.

Marcus SheppardI appreciate that Derrick, thank you. Ladies, what’s going on?

Kadence KreedI don’t need to re-hash this shit over again. I’ll put it to you plainly. This wannabe Avril Lavigne thinks she’s hot shit. I’d like to put her in her place tonight.

Rachel Retters and Emily in UnisonGLADLY.

Marcus SheppardWhoa whoa whoa. I’m sorry, ladies. We simply just don’t have the time tonight, but I’d be ecstatic if you two would come back for our next Calling.  

Rachel RettersWhen’s that going to be? This bitch isn’t worth another minute of my time. I’ve got little interest in waiting around just to beat the brakes off of her.

Kadence KreedThat’s the response I expected. You’re not here why I’m here. You’re not here why most are here. Pride be damned, glitz and glam is all you want. We accepted these invitations to prove something to ourselves. Maybe some need the money or need to battle through demons.  

Rachel RettersI have nothing to prove to you and I have no demons.

Kadence rears back and clocks her in the mouth and puts Rachel on the floor. Derrick immediately holds Emily back with one arm and steps in between Kadence and the floored Retters.

Rachel RettersYOU FUCKING BITCH.

Kadence KreedNo demons huh? I will fucking haunt you.

Rachel RettersMARCUS, WHEN THE FUCK IS THE NEXT CALLING?

Rachel gathers herself and wipes her lip with the backside of her hand to check for blood.

Marcus SheppardThree, maybe four weeks max from tonight. I'll have to check with Dorian! We aren’t doing this right now!

The crowd is in an absolute hush. Everyone realizes the eyes are on the five of them. Rat approaches slowly…

RatNow look ladies, I’d love to get you two on the books…

Marcus interrupts.

Marcus SheppardJesus, chill you money hungry motherfucker. Christ. Anyways. Y’all got two options. You can both leave and beat the shit out of each other out there, or you can hold off a few weeks and get paid to do it. It’s up to you.

Rachel, still reeling from the sucker punch, balls her fists.

Rachel RettersTell me the fucking time and the fucking place.

Kadence KreedNow there’s a good girl.

Derrick SterlingAh hell nah, you got to go for tonight!

Derrick, with one arm holding back Emily, puts the other hand on Kreed's shoulder, steering her towards the exit. She doesn't fight it, but she gets one last thing in before she walks out.

Kadence KreedThat was just way too easy. Marcus, we’ll be in touch. Send Dorian my regards.

She turns around and walks out of the warehouse.

Marcus SheppardYou’ll have your shot at her. Y’all just relax and try and enjoy the evening. In fact we've got a couple of women that are absolutely stone-cold killers up next. Stick around.

Derrick SterlingIf I let you go, will you relax?

Emily struggles to get out of his grasp.

EmilyYes! Jesus just let go of me!

Derrick SterlingAight then.  

Derrick releases Emily, gives a nod to Marcus, as they go about their separate ways.

This wasn't exactly what Calvin Wesker expected.

He got the invitation.

He accepted.

Now he's here.

Wesker walks down the concrete hallway with his hands buried into the front pocket of his hoodie. His hood covers his head as he keeps it low.

Somewhere beyond the walls, you can slightly hear the crowd.

Wesker takes a look back over his shoulder quickly.

THUD

He walks straight into somebody.

Calvin WeskerShit man...Sorry...

The other guy takes a step back.

Cody Renner.

Both startled, but Cody immediately fires off a greeting.

Cody RennerOh hey! No problem dude! Wicked hoodie bro. I'm Cody! Cody Renner!

Cody extends his hand.

Calvin WeskerUghh... right, yeah....Wesker. Calvin Wesker.

Both men shake hands. Calvin is shocked at how incredibly upbeat and friendly Cody is.

Cody RennerI think I know what you're looking for. Blue door down the hall on the right. Can't miss it.

Wesker looks back down the hallway he just came from.

Cody RennerYou'll figure it out. And hey....welcome to ICON! Hang out man, I'm up next!

Cody struggles to zip up his all black Adidas tearaway windbreaker set. He's already put his gloves on. He kind of looks at Calvin for assistance. A little embarrassed.

Calvin WeskerJesus kid.

Calvin walks up to him and zips up the hoodie.

Cody RennerThanks, dude! NOW LET'S GO KICK SOME ASS! WOO!

Cody pounds his headgear on top of his head with force to get it over his enormous amount of long, curly blonde hair. He knocks out ten jumping jacks, then lightly and playfully jabs Calvin in the abs and runs off towards the ring area.

Calvin WeskerNot...quite what I expected to encounter first...

Cody’s unhinged positive energy was overflowing as he made his way ringside. His recent victory at Gathering I over Ray Boland has his spirits high, believing the sky is the limit for him at ICON. He rushes over near Dorian and Marcus.

Cody RennerIf I could juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust…

Cody reaches behind Dorian.

Cody RennerMaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet…

Marcus and Dorian look at each other in confusion.

Cody RennerGOT IT!

Cody has grabbed the megaphone. Oh no.

Cody RennerWHO HERE IS READY TO PAAAAAARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Cody yells into the megaphone to hype up the crowd as he enters the ring.

Cody RennerI SAID WHO HERE IS READY TO PARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Gertrude EvansWoo!

Cody RennerThank you ma’am! But to the rest of y’all! WHO HERE IS READY TO PARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

The crowd can’t help but laugh. They begin matching his energy.

Cody RennerCO-DY!

He points the megaphone at the crowd.  

CrowdCO-DY!

Cody RennerREN-NER!

CrowdREN-NER!

His new acquaintance Calvin Wesker can’t believe what he’s watching from ringside.  

Cody RennerWHEN I SAY CODY, YOU SAY RENNER! CODY!

CrowdRENNER!

Cody RennerCODY!

CrowdRENNER!

Cody RennerThank yo–

The megaphone was torn from his grip and tossed to the ground. Steve Wolf stood next to him and apparently wasn’t in the mood to party. Shame, really.

Cody RennerHey Steve! I’m Cody!

Steve WolfNo shit. Are you done? I came here to fight, not to attend the world’s worst hypeman event.

Cody RennerThe party don’t stop until I drop!

Steve WolfHeh, in that case.

The crowd congregates outside of the ring at the turnbuckle Cody is propped up against.

Calvin WeskerCody. Cody. Can you hear me?

Cody’s eyes open, completely glazed over and gives a slight nod.

Cody RennerYeah, yeah, I can hear you. Goddddd, my head, bro.

Calvin WeskerFollow my finger with your eyes.

Calvin pans his right index to the left and right of Cody’s face. His eyes seem to be following it fine.  

Calvin WeskerWhat’s your vision like? Is it blurry?

Cody RennerI think I’m good.

Cody tries to stand up.

Calvin WeskerWhoa, whoa, take it slowly kid.

Cody gets to his feet and shakes the cobwebs out. He glances at Steve in the center of the ring. Emotionless isn’t the word, but he could stand to show a smidge of care.

Cody RennerI’m good. I’m good Calvin. I’m good, I’m good, I’m good.

He’s not fooling anyone.

Calvin WeskerNo, you’re absolutely not. You’ve got to sit back down

Cody disregards the instruction and takes a step towards the center of the ring and begins to wobble. Calvin instinctually catches him before he falls again.

Calvin WeskerCody. SIT. DOWN. You’re not going anywhere near him.

Calvin’s voice shifts are this point. He wasn’t just talking to Cody anymore. His eyes have moved on to the man standing in the center of the ring. Steve Wolf. He’s rolling his neck out like he just completed a light sparring session.  

Calvin hands Cody off to a random spectator nearby. It didn’t matter who. He just needed him out of harm's way.

Calvin WeskerHey Steve.

Entirely unbothered, Steve looks over like he’s been expecting this encounter. Kind of surprised it took as long as it did.

Steve WolfSpeak your mind, whoever you are.

Calvin WeskerYeah. I’m Calvin Wesker. You kept going.

Steve WolfYeah, it’s a fight.

Calvin WeskerHe was out cold and you knew that he was. What’s your malfunction?

Steve WolfHe was standing.

Calvin WeskerYou were holding his limp body up by his hair.

Steve shoots off a non-chalant shrug. Perfectly reasonable in his eyes.

Steve WolfAnybody hear a bell? Anybody pull me off? Nah. That’s on them, not me.

Calvin WeskerYou see a bell anywhere? A ref, even? We all know that’s not the case.

Steve WolfThen what am I to do? Just guess? Hope he isn’t playing possum just to catch me slipping? I’m not being paid to play a guessing game. I’m being paid to end the fight one way or another. It’s somebody else’s job to tell me. It’s not my fault that role ain’t filled.

Steve’s tone is flat. Not defensive, just flat.  

Calvin WeskerSo that’s it then? You just keep swinging until somebody physically stops you, huh?

Steve WolfI’m a trained fighter. That’s how I was trained since I first threw a punch at a living human being. I don’t care if he looks tired or finished. You only stop because authority makes the call. That’s been beaten into me figuratively and literally. Habits don’t die because I’m in a different room.

The crowd is in a hush around them. Neither man has to raise their voice to be heard. This is cinema.

Calvin WeskerWell the room IS different. So maybe next time you figure that out before you come back.

This elicits and actual reaction in Wolf. Not anger, but a genuine sting in the chest.

Steve WolfI’m aware. I’m fully aware the room is different. Doesn’t change what these hands and feet do once the fight starts.

He cranes his neck to look around Calvin at Cody being assisted to the back by Dan. For some reason, Cody is smiling like an idiot.

Steve WolfHe gonna be good?

Calvin WeskerHow am I supposed to know? There’s no doctor in here either. Another detail you’ve chosen to overlook.

That remark stings even more. Wolf’s jaw clenches.

Steve WolfI wasn’t trying to hurt him bad. I only wanted to win. That’s different.

Calvin WeskerFrom where everyone else was standing, it didn’t seem too different.

Wolf doesn’t have a retort for that.

Calvin WeskerIf you want to know what restraint really looks like, I’ll gladly show you. You gonna be around for the next Calling? Me and you.

That snags Steve’s attention instantly. He inspects Calvin properly at this point.

Steve WolfYou sure you want to write that check?

Calvin WeskerI’m real sure.

Steve WolfI could use the money. Alright then.

Steve extends his hand. He’s not taunting. He’s not challenging. Simply a straight up acceptance of the offer. The same way he’s probably shaken hands after fights his entire career.

Calvin takes a beat longer and proceeds to shake it. Firm. With intent.

Steve WolfDon’t expect me to hold back.

Calvin WeskerI won’t give you the option.

Steve nods as if to say it’s settled. He heads over to Marcus to collect his winnings. Calvin watches it then goes to check on Cody once more.

At long last, the night has ended. The final few attendees filter out of the building with their jackets, phones, and any winnings they may have taken home from Rat. Most of them are still chattering about the events that unfolded this evening. Dan, as always, was still hard at work, dragging the busted and rusted folding chairs into a pile as he preps to load everything back into the trailer he hauled it all there with.

Somewhere behind Dorian and Marcus, Rat is counting bills outloud to himself, two, three times to make sure he's got it right.

RatNOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT BABY!

Rat slaps a wad of cash in his hands, slides it into a money clip, and stuffs it into his jeans pocket.

Dorian unfolds one of the chairs Dan's already folded up and placed in his pile and sits down. Marcus does the same. They both let out a large exhale like they've been holding those breaths in all night.

Marcus SheppardWell.

Dorian laughs mildly.

Dorian KnoxWell...

Marcus SheppardNow that was fucking something.

Dorian KnoxJesus Christ, wasn't it? My god...

Marcus laughs. The kind of laugh that mainly sounds like relief. Dorian stares up at the rafters and just takes another deep breath.

Dorian KnoxMarcus. Did you see the numbers from the door?

Marcus SheppardDorian I had to count it five times to be sure I wasn't crazy.

Dorian KnoxAnd that Renner and Wolf bout?

Marcus SheppardI'm not sure if Cody is going to remember his name tomorrow.

Dorian KnoxHis mom might've written it on the inside of his headgear. He'll be fine. That kid's built like a cockroach. He'll survive anything.

Marcus SheppardHaha! And what about that Wexler and Ryan one?!

They both just sit there in a moment of happy silence. Grinning at nothing in particular. Dorian pats his pocket to find his phone. Missed call from his mom, a text from Whitni asking him to pick up some bread from the corner store on the way home since the grocery store will be closed already...and then he stops. Abruptly.

Dorian KnoxHuh.

Marcus SheppardWhat's up?

Dorian KnoxGot tagged in something, I think.

Dorian opens up his Instagram, and Marcus leans over without invitation to see.

There he is. Him and Tyler, arms around one another and smiling like goofballs. Behind them is Derrick, just inside the frame.

Marcus SheppardDorian...how is there a picture of you?

Dorian KnoxWhat the fuck? There can't be? I never...he didn't... nobody had a phone!

Marcus SheppardYou're clearly looking right at one!

Dorian KnoxNo, you don't understand! Marcus, I checked! The kid literally did the...the stupid little finger thing. The thing where you make it look like you're taking a picture with your fingers!

Dorian mimes the action, feeling stupid the whole way.

Dorian KnoxLike he was pretending to take a photo! It was supposed to be a joke. Like a silly bit.

Marcus SheppardThen who's the kid?

Dorian KnoxHe said his name was Tyler. He was with that kid Barrett.

Marcus SheppardBarrett from the other week?

Dorian KnoxYeah! They wanted a picture, I said no phones, but they did the little hand thing and had a laugh! That was it man, I swear to God that was it!

Marcus grabs the phone from Dorian's shaking hand. He reads the caption beneath the photo.

Marcus Sheppard"Met the guy who runs the fights tonight. Wild night in Dallas."

Dorian KnoxThere's just no way. There's no fucking way he could've taken a picture. He's not David fucking Blaine. HE WASN'T HOLDING A PHONE! He was just looking at us through his hand! He kept bumping on his glasses!

Marcus SheppardOh my god.

Dorian KnoxWhat? WHAT Marcus?

Marcus SheppardYou're SURE he had nothing in his hands right?

Dorian KnoxOne thousand percent, man.

Marcus lets a sigh of exasperation.

Marcus Sheppard...he's not wearing normal glasses, Dorian.

Dorian KnoxWhat do you mean? Like the lenses aren't prescription?

Marcus SheppardDo you really think I'm pretending to be the fashion police or an optometrist right now? NO. They're fucking cameras, Dorian. My nephew has a pair of those creepy fucking things. They're real glasses, but there's a capture function on them. You can grab photo or video right from the frame itself.

Dorian just blankly stares at him. He looks back down at the photo as if it might explain itself if he looks at it with enough disbelief.

Dorian KnoxSo...the whole time he just had a camera on his face? The entire fucking time? And I fucking POSED FOR IT?!

Marcus SheppardI mean, it sure fucking looks that way.

Marcus scrolls further and into the comments. His thumb stops the motion.

Marcus SheppardDorian.

Dorian KnoxOh no. What now?

Marcus Sheppard"Bro this must be that shit from that vid on Dead Air lol. That's actually crazy it's real." Somebody replied. "No way, is this the fight thing? Been trying to figure out when the next one is."

The two of them go completely mute. Off in a far corner, Dan drags another chair. It scrapes across the concrete then clatters into the pile that Dan tosses it onto.

Dorian KnoxWhat the hell is Dead Air? People saw something from the Gathering?

Marcus SheppardI've never heard of it. Some website I would guess. This has to be Barrett too, right? He was here tonight, he was there that night...

Dorian drops his ass to the concrete floor.

Dorian KnoxHoly shit. That's the entire reason for this turn out. The reason we've got seventy-something odd people in here for an event that should've only had minimal word of mouth.

Marcus doesn't respond quickly. He's calculating something. Dorian can see the gears working.

Marcus SheppardThe other night, Barrett left the Gathering in a different car than the woman he came with.

Dorian KnoxGertrude?

Marcus SheppardI guess...

Dorian KnoxI thought they came together again tonight?

Marcus SheppardI don't know, but I doubt it. I remember it was raining and I clocked it. I thought maybe he was dropped off by her and then he hitched a ride with a friend or something elsewhere. Didn't really think much of it.

Dorian KnoxYou never said anything.

Marcus SheppardIt didn't really seem like it mattered at the time dude. It was fucking pouring and you were shouting for me to help with the gate money so I just didn't give it a second thought.

A shadow crosses behind them. Derrick sees the photo in Marcus' hand.

Derrick SterlingWhat. The. Fuck.

Marcus SheppardDerrick.

Derrick SterlingAYO WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT BRO? How the fuck y'all got me in a photo tonight?

Marcus SheppardWe're just now working it all out too, man. Looks like this kid took a picture with his glasses.

Derrick SterlingHis fuckin' glasses dog? I can't be in that god damn photo, Dorian...

Dorian KnoxI know, man.

Derrick SterlingNo, I don't think that you do. I'm not you. I don't get to be a guy who just happened to be here. I got a badge and a real motherfuckin' job and a real motherfuckin' pension, and now there's a picture of me looking like I'm doing security at the door of an illegal fight ring!

Dorian KnoxYou are working security for it.

Derrick SterlingYou're not fuckin' hearin' me, man.

Dorian is speechless. Derrick clenches his fists.

Derrick SterlingY'all better fix this shit, and fast.

Marcus SheppardYou gotta get him to take it down, Dorian. The Tyler kid.

Dorian KnoxWhat am I supposed to say? "Hey dude, nice meeting you! Uh, cool joke, haha! Mind removing that so you don't get us fucking arrested?"

Marcus SheppardFuck man, maybe? Just do something. Say something. Anything. Just get it down before too many people...or the wrong people see it.

Dorian stares back at his phone. It feels heavier now. Behind him, Dan has finished stacking his chairs and has begun to take down the ring.

Marcus SheppardLet's help him finish up here and get out.

Dorian KnoxYeah, I've got some bread to pick up.