Never was he given a chance in life. No education, no family, no future, only her. Gambling was his woman of fire. She was his living, and he now had the perfect job, staking, which allowed him to get rich or die trying. All of his problems were trapped and caged inside his susceptible mind, with adolescence hiding the key. Experience of this unique thrill was first touched here, with the everlasting goal of achieving anything becoming a series of events. Money however, was always in sight.
You cannot lose this fight, one more hit and it’s all over. Everyone doubts you… except me.
The finishing blow proved fatal to his rival, the battle was over. Glancing down at the lifeless being, a sense of relief and trauma came over him. Such cruelty compensated by wealth was hot and cold. It served him riches yet narcissism still remained hidden. This victory surrounded by bloodshed, inside of a corrupt system was one which always pushed the user back to her. Gambling was the one Chihiro turned to for the answers of life’s problems.
Congratulations my darling. You have earned my love once again, we will forever be together. Now go win some more.
A grim smile transformed sunken features and haunted eyes, ones which have seen it all. He savoured the moment briefly, as another sensation rapidly devoured him. She wanted more from him. When she wanted more, his self-control was futile. He collapsed once staggering out through the exit. Waiting for him was Ekim, a loyal trainer without the intention of receiving any of Chihiro’s inheritance. But he was more than just a trainer, he was his only friend.
“Fine job out there, I witnessed the look on your face when it was nearly over. Such determination mate, where does it come from?”
“Ekim, when the light shines through your eyes and you know you have nothing left, what else is there to lose besides money?” Chihiro replied, still breathing heavily and spitting out flesh.
“And me!” Ekim darted back. “Look, respect to your attitude and the courage which you show but-“
“Hmm? Is there something else I could be doing, oh sorry I didn’t recall the career ahead of me working a normal life as everyone else? You’re forgetting who I am, what I’ve been through and the only options that I have left after fleeing my last country. This is the only chance I have to win everything back…” Chihiro’s voice trailed off as transparent thoughts filled his head.
Yes, you tell him that we must be together. The wealth, the respect, you want it don’t you? You cannot simply walk away from this building until you’re richer than ever.
“I don’t need it!”
“What are you on about?” Ekim wondered.
“Nothing, get me patched up and ready for another.” shot Chihiro.
“You have to stop, that last one was too close of a call and the shape you’re in-.”
Chihiro knew, but mind over matter wasn’t an option. “You cannot change my mind… I am ready.”
Gazing in wonder at his new found fortune, heavily guarded by his bulk brutes, he slid past them to inspect his worth. Too much to count on this large stainless steel table. Adding his last victim’s cash stack to his own made it surpass any of the other duellists from this tournament. But he didn’t want the money; he could not feel a need for it anymore. Blankly staring now in deep contemplation, brutal recollections flooded his vague memory. They highlighted the reason why he should have left, but the reason why he stayed. These men were as good as banks to Chihiro now; he had lost sight of humanity.
You’re unstoppable, you and I are unstoppable. Let’s see if we can soar to even greater heights!
Smirking, he turned to face his next opponent with a devilish, possessed expression. Granite blocks as arms, combined with lethal legs intimidated Chihiro, altering his poise. Doubt poured over his confidence, pressure plunged on his shoulders and tension built as he approached.
“So, how much?”
Chihiro hesitated before confirming.
“600, if you’re worth it...” Chihiro spewed in disdain.
“600 grand it is, good luck.” His opponent responded aggressively, turning to his squad to retrieve the amount.
Chihiro stressed but was then reassured by Ekim’s final encouragement. A towel thrown to him indicated readiness, which in turn launched large crowds of bettors into pandemonium. Inside his head he was gradually accepting the moment, until uncertainty briskly arose.
Go out there and take his life. For me.
First swipes were easily dodged, swiftly lead by unavoidable strikes. Chihiro already shaken, doubted his punches were impacting enough on the opponents impenetrable build. Thoughts were not processed until the last second, and preparation for attacks were not effective. Receiving damage became viciously intolerable, and his endurance was slipping. Drastic measures were needed. Adrenaline quickly pulsated through his trembling limbs, energising him enough to kill. Chihiro rapidly propelled his fists, connecting with each throw. All of his determination, concentration and anger behind his assaults provided the sensation of invincibility. Jab after jab, the opponents chest became battered and his face now unrecognisable.
Kill, Kill, Kill!
As Chihiro continued to deal damage, a surge of rage spiked from his foe.
“Raaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”
He was caught off guard by a deadly uppercut, instantly destroying his jaw. Dropping to his knees, experience of painful hits nearly finished off Chihiro. He was defenceless with the intense agony distracting him from blocking. He thought this was the end, that he had come this far for nothing. Nothing mattered. No matter which move he made now, it seemed impossible to come back.
You haven’t come this far, fought this hard or endured all that pain for nothing. Get up now, and finish him.
Intercepting a powerful leg drop onto Chihiro’s quivering body, he repeatedly rolled away from the opponent, leapt to his feet and discarded the persistent pain. Body swaying, arms spearing forward, revenge was delivered immediately. Cornering his opponent, Chihiro gave any vigour that he had left. Any last chance of winning was left up to this moment. Closely avoiding any remaining retaliation, he ensured conquest and ended the chaotic conflict.
He was the victor, rewarded with life and his treasure. But pure desire and weakness of mind controlled Chihiro. It was responsible for his victim’s death. It was responsible for the opponents who lost. The voice inside which spoke to him, his lady of fire, continuously demanded more and more. This addiction wrapped in risks and rewards was one relished temporarily, and would eventually result in disastrous decease.