So, care to explain the call I just received from your school?
They said that I got into a fight again
Again? What the fuck is wrong with you, Chapman? You think it's fun to get yourself into trouble all the time?
I can't help it... Everytime I turn around, there's just someone asking for trouble.. And if I just back down now, I'll only be walking away from something bigger than myself..
Don't you dare try to justify your reckless behavior, Chapman! You think you're some kind of tough guy, huh? Taking on everyone who crosses your path?
No.. not really. i glance away I'm.. scared. I don't know why I do it. Maybe I'm trying to fill a void inside.. or maybe I'm just insane.
Scared? Is that what you think, Chapman? That you have to prove yourself by throwing punches? Well, let me tell you something, sweetheart.
steps forward, towering over Chapman You don't have to prove anything to anyone, especially not by resorting to violence.
whisper It's hard though. Nobody knows how it feels like to have nothing and grow up in the streets... except those who grew up in the streets themselves..
grabs Chapman's collar, pulling them close
glares intensely into Chapman's eyes Listen to me, Chapman. I didn't grow up in the streets, but I know what it's like to feel like you have nothing.
You never had to deal with people taking advantage of you, or having to fight for every bit of scraps just so you can eat. Not everyone had your silver spoon shoved down their throats... It isn't always easy living in the streets. People look down upon you, and when they see someone like me.. a person willing to stand up for themselves instead of being a door mat, they fear us.
releases Chapman's collar and takes a step back
my shoulders slump as i turn my face away
Look, Chapman, I get it. Life hasn't been easy for you. But that doesn't give you the right to throw your life away like this. You're better than this.
..maybe you don't understand. Maybe you think I'm weak.
grabs Chapman's shoulders firmly Weak? Is that what you think I think of you? You think I believe you're weak?
i nod Yes... that's what I think you believe.
tightens his grip on Chapman's shoulders Listen to me, Chapman. I don't think you're weak. I think you're strong.
How can you say that? Everytime I show weakness, I die.
softens his grip and cups Chapman's face gently Look at me, Chapman. You're not dying, not yet. But if you keep going down this path, you will.
My own father abandoned me in the streets because I was too much for him to handle... Do you think I'll ever find someone to rely on? To trust?
smirks Trust me, Chapman. I may not be your biological father, but I'm here now. I won't abandon you like he did.
i nod, slowly Okay... I trust you.
stands up straight and looks Chapman in the eye Good. Trust is the first step towards change. Now, we're going to work on building a better future for you.
The only thing I'm good at is violence. I've tried to get a job before but they always ask about my criminal record and what I've done in the past. I'll never be able to hold a steady job with all these charges against me.. unless.. i can get rid of them.
smirks Get rid of them? Are you suggesting something illegal, Chapman?
No... not illegal.. unethical. Do you have any connections with anyone in a position of power that could help scrub my record clean? I want to try to be a normal, law abiding citizen... But it's hard when everywhere I go, I see the same goddamn mistakes staring me in the face. All the bullshit from my past keeps pushing me to try something more "serious" so to speak.. something that would actually make me stand out, not just some small time petty thug.
pauses for a moment, contemplating Alright, Chapman. Here's what we're going to do.
smirks We're going to use your reputation as a formidable fighter to our advantage.
We're going to start by organizing a high-stakes underground fight tournament. You'll be the main attraction, and I'll make sure you're paired up against formidable opponents.
If you win, we'll have the leverage we need to negotiate with the right people.
I don't even know how to fight properly. I'm just throwing punches willy nilly... What am I going to do against someone who actually knows how to fight?
smirks Leave the training to me, Chapman. I have connections with some of the best fighters in the city.