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The crowd goes wild I glance at Oz while I wait Oz looks as fucked-up as I a in my corner He really needs to back off the booze

"Hey At least pretend you give a shit" I nudge hi"

He lifts his head and does as I tell hi and his eyes widen

"WHAT THE LIVING FUCK?! HowTate’s size from up close He’s an inch taller, two or three wider And he looks fresh as spring co as hio to center Touch gloves The bell rings

The screams take over the arena "REMYREMYREMY"

I take a hit: a blow straight to my ribs

I ease back, shake my head

He coround

The counting begins "Stay down," Oz says

But I can’t stay down, I’ this guy

Dizzy

I should’ve stayed down

I take another hit, then three This guy comes at me like a bulldozer, fro in et a break

I takecreamed out there," Oz says

"Really? That you’re awake for? Got so for my jaw?"

"Think not Maybe" He checks hison "There"

This time, I block better I’ing I open up my side when I hook, and he takes it

I fall splat on the floor, winded

The girls out in the arena screa downwith blood and a whole shit-ton of frustration

Tate leans to me "Your hook’s off" Then he jabs and hooks and knocks h the speakers as the ringainRiptide! Riiiiiptiiiiiide! UNDEFEATED FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS Thehas ever seen RIPTIDE!"

The crowd’s sudden, wild roar pulses in round and corin fading

Neither of us looks away fro