chapter 5

The cheer of the crowd was just turned to shocked silence as Tim stumbled back, his eyes going wide at the gore that lay before his eyes. The metallic tang of blood and the sight of Sakaar's lifeless form sent a spine-shivering sensation down his body.

The voice of the announcer cut clear through all the confusion and named Tim the new champion. But jubilation wasn't his—only a heavy sense of premonition and disbelief.

Tim watched in silence as Sakaar's body was carried away, feeling incipient unease in the pit of his stomach. The sight of the lifeless form reminded him of the brutal reality of the fight he had just gone through. As soon as the security team had completely disappeared from view, a nagging feeling persisted that something wasn't quite right about all this.

Before he could ponder further, one of the security guards came up to him, saying that Mr. Will wanted to see him upstairs. Tim followed closely behind the guard, his heart racing with anticipation and nervousness.

The higher they climbed the stairs, the louder the music became, and Tim began to suspect he was being led into some sort of party. Entering the room, Tim was greeted by a sight that left him gasping in shock. Girls were dancing, and the balcony overlooked the fight ring below.

Standing there, smiling, was a man in a white suit that gleamed, probably not less than his teeth. He oozed an air of confidence, not underwhelmed in the least, sparkling champagne glasses in each hand. He walked up to Tim and handed him one of the glasses.

"That was a great show tonight," he said in a strong, clear, smooth voice. "You do have some talent."

He took the glass of champagne, his mind whirring with confusion as to who this man was and what he wanted from him.

He introduced himself as Mr. Will, complimenting him on the great show he had put up in the ring fighting. He talked of fame, money, and power, putting such a vivid picture of what lay ahead.

But Tim kept wary. He knew something was fishy. Deep inside, he knew underground fighting was illegal, and he wouldn't like to be embroiled in some shady business.

"I'm not going to fight anymore," said Tim firmly. "I just want my reward."

Mr. Will's laughter came out deep with a tint of amusement upon his face. "I understand," he said, lisping through twisted lips. "But you see, there is a catch. So, if you are to gain the award, well… you'll need to take in a slight offer from me."

He handed Tim a flier, and as Tim read the fine print, his heart sank. It said that the winner had to agree to become Mr. Will's fighter, which meant he would, in effect, sign away his freedom to the man.

He felt his stomach twist at the vortex of anger and frustration. He fought hard for this prize, and it ain't right that he's being held hostage for it now by this man and his dirty deeds.

But Mr. Will wasn't done. He pushed a wad of money and a Vanguard College application into Tim's hand with his business card in between.

Many Pages Nearby

"Just in case you have second thoughts," Mr. Will smiled. "You don't have much time"

Tim gritted his teeth and his fists shook with anger, although he knew he could not trust this man. At the same time, he knew he needed money for his mother's treatment.

Tim felt giddy all of a sudden. Mr Will's smile remained fixed as he spoke.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Mr. Will said matter-of-factly. "We poured a sedative into your drink. Don't worry, you'll just fall asleep and wake up tomorrow."

Tim's vision blurred, and he stumbled. "You. What?" he managed to say before everything went black.

The next morning, Tim woke up on the cold sidewalk. He groaned, sitting up slowly. He was in the rich part of the city but in a grimy alleyway. He had people walk by him and look at him with disdain.

Tim rose from the place he sat and dusted the back of his pants. Realization suddenly dawned on him—he had to get to the hospital. He took to his heels, running just any road amidst the buzzing crowd, as his heart pounded and struggled to come out of his chest.

He finally reached General Hospital and burst through the doors—he was gasping for breath. He noticed Dr. James speeding his way and rushed to meet him. "Doctor, I'm so sorry am late, how is my mother?"

Dr. James sighed wearily. "Don't apologize, Tim. Your mother's being discharged."

His heart sank. "What do you mean? You can't just discharge her. She's too sick!"

The doctor comforted him with a hand. "She's not being discharged. She's being moved to a private hospital for better treatment."

Tim's eyes blinked confusedly. "Private hospital? But that is too expensive for me. How can that be possible?"

Dr. James smiled slightly. "Don't you worry, someone by the name of Mr. Will has paid for everything? Your mother will be transferred to Starbright Hospital."

Tim's eyes went wide. "Starbright? That is the costliest hospital in this city."

"Yes," Dr. James confirmed, "your mother will get the best possible treatment there.'"

Tim's hands clenched into fists as he stood in the hospital corridor, his mind racing with worry about his mum.

Suddenly, he felt the vibration in his pocket and pulled out his phone; on the screen was an unknown number. His stomach tightened as he answered. "Hello?" Tim said with a shaky voice.

"How are you feeling, Tim?" Mr. Will's smooth, confident voice came back over the phone.

The muscles in Tim's hand tightened on his hold of the phone. "Not great, considering I woke up in a damn alleyway."

There was laughter in Mr. Will's voice, the kind that used to run prickles down Tim's spine. "Ah, the alleyway. A humble beginning for so many. Imagine it to be but a small setback on your journey to greatness."

Tim worked his jaw muscles. "What of my mother?"

"She's perfectly fine, Tim," Mr. Will said, his tone nearly soothingly. "She's getting the best care money can buy. Starbright Hospital, remember?"

Tim stood mystified, the wheels of his mind turning in confusion and anger. "Why should I believe you?"

"Look outside," Mr. Will said. "A Porsche is waiting for you. Don't be late. You have a future at Vanguard Academy, and they're expecting you."

The call dropped. Tim sat there, staring at his phone, as anger and incredulity rushed to his heart. A notification popped in on his screen—an email from Vanguard Academy. His eyes nearly popped out as he scrolled down the admission letter, full scholarship attached.

"How is this even possible?" he muttered. He rushed outside the hospital, and sure enough, a sleek Porsche was parked at the entrance.

The stern-looking driver, all suited up, nodded at him. "Mr. Tim, please get in. We need to be on our way." Tim looked back toward the hospital, then turned toward his car.

He took a deep breath; his heart was racing. Provided Mr. Will spoke the truth, this was the chance to change everything—for his mother and himself. He got into the car; the leather seats were cool against his skin.

They drove off, and Tim's mind began to wander. He couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead and what Mr will might become greedy