Champions Of Canterlot

Boxing, a fine sport people love to watch. A sport involving two individuals fighting to climb to the top of the boxing world, duking it out with their fists in order to become… the strongest. The champions of the world. Many brave boxers have fought hard and achieved their goals, others have not. Some have even died before they could reach their goal. Though the life and career of a boxer is short, they make the most out of the sport that makes them feel alive.

Some boxers who held onto their titles retired as champions, others lost their titles and retired without them. Regardless of how or why, at least they now have stories to tell their friends and family and have more time to enjoy life outside the ring.

However… that's not the case for a certain ex-champion who lost everything in one match because of one big mistake. And that ex-champion is none other… than Inferno Blaze, former Light Heavyweight Champion of the world. He was a boxing prodigy, some would say. He was the first youngest rookie boxer to go for a 28-0 record and win the Light-Heavyweight championship, at an age of 19.

He was a determined and spirited fighter, with a drive that no boxer had ever seen. He came into the boxing league, with a goal to prove to all that a new and little guy like him could take on the seasoned and meanest veteran fighters the world could throw at him.

And wouldn't ya know, he did just that. And through his efforts, he earned the title belt by K.O. in his 25th match. He had the fame and glory and the support of all his friends after becoming the world champ. However… on his 3rd title defense, he slowly began to change.

The fame, the glory, the money, it was all slowly getting to his head. He became arrogant and skipped his own training, and blew his money on, well, you could try and name three things he blew his money on. Fancy clothes, a sports car and even an expensive watch.

And because of this, he was utterly humiliated in his 4th title defense. He got torn to pieces and lost within 45 seconds of the 1st round by K.O.

The saying goes; The higher you climb to the top, the harder the impact would be when you fall. Losing the title was a severe blow to Inferno. He had it all and just like that… it was gone. After his loss, he fell into a deep depression and stopped coming to the gym, even got out of shape and gained 5 extra pounds.

To this day, he remains down in the dumps, even stopping answering calls from his friends and family… including his girlfriend. And one day he left his hometown of Canterlot in shame, almost like his personal exile.

For about 2 years, no one has seen Inferno. Eventually, he was never spoken about in town. And no one would expect him to return anytime soon.

Until fate decided to lead him home.

2 years later, on the outskirts of the City of Canterlot.

Walking along the main highway, a lone, ragged stranger strolled along the walkway of the long road, as cars drove by him. He didn’t bother to hitch a ride, he didn’t even stop to wave for a car to halt.

The cars just kept on passing by the poor guy, not even bothering to stop and check on his condition, probably just trying to ignore him entirely.

The wanderer wore a brown worn-out jacket, a faded brown cap, black scarf around his neck, brown pants and black shoes with matching black gloves.

The wandering stranger kept walking down the highway, minding his own business, until all of a sudden, his legs quivered and buckled from not getting enough rest. As he collapses, his head leans towards the road, which causes one of the cars to put the brakes on quickly. And just in time before his head was cracked open by the tires.

He can hear the door opening up, but he doesn't do anything. "Hey! What the fuck is wrong with you, ya bum?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" a man's voice yelled out.

The wanderer tirelessly turned his head to look up at the car driver, his cap fell off his head, which allowed the driver to see the stranger’s face.

"Wha… are my eyes deceiving me? It… It can't be!" the man said in shock. Before he knew it, the stranger is then picked up by the man and surprisingly escorted into the car and the man climbs back into the car and drives off to Canterlot.

Meanwhile, back in the town, a beautiful young woman, 21 years of age, was sitting on a bench at the park. She was playing her guitar, humming a soft melody. She had red and yellow, bacon-colored hair, smooth, light yellow skin, turquoise eyes, wore a purple tank top with a shimmering sun sticker on the front and blue jeans. She also wore black high-heel boots.

Her name… is Sunset Shimmer.

If people ask what an angel looks like, well the answer they would receive would be Sunset herself. For she is an angel in real life and possibly in everyone’s fantasy. On top of that, she also happens to be… taken.

Yes, Sunset Shimmer has a lover. Though it was a subject she doesn’t talk about much. Whenever a boy could approach her, she would respond with “I have a boyfriend”, and when other girls would ask who her boyfriend was, she would drop the conversation on the spot.

This one of a kind dame never really told anyone who her boyfriend was. The only ones who knew about her lover… was her boyfriend himself… and her old high school friends. But in the last two years, they've all gone their separate ways, following their dreams, yet they still manage to keep in touch.

The poor girl hasn't seen her boyfriend in 2 years. Despite the long time gap, she never once lost sight of his true self, staying devoted to him. Bless her heart. In a way, her playing the guitar and humming tunes was her way of coping with the fact that he hasn't come home yet.

“Sunset?” A familiar voice called to her, one she hadn’t heard from in a year.

Sunset turned to her left, and standing before her was one of her old highschool friends, Twilight Sparkle; or Sci-Twi, as they all nicknamed her. A soft smile drew on the bacon-haired girl’s face upon seeing one of her best friends again.

“Hey, Twilight,” She said, softly. “Been a while, hasn’t it?”

"Yeah, sure has. So, what brings you out here all by yourself?" Twilight asked, as she sat down on the bench beside her best friend.

“Oh, nothing. Just… Just hoping to clear my head. Had a very busy day today and… stuff.” Sunset responded.

"I see. Are… you sure it's not because of… him?" Twilight asked.

Sunset didn’t reply to that question, she just sat and kept her eyes down to the ground, not saying a single word. But Twilight already got her answer from her silence.

"I'm sorry, Sunset. I didn't mean any harm by that. I know how much you love him and… I know he's in a bad spot right now. So… just know that if you ever wanna talk some more, you know how to get a hold of me. And… don't worry. He'll be back." Twilight said, patting her old friend on the shoulder.

"Thanks, Twi. I needed to hear that." Sunset said. Soon a single tear ran down her cheek as her eyes watered a bit. “I just… miss him.” She spoke with sadness in her voice.

Twilight looked at her friend with a sympathetic expression as she pulled Sunset into her arms and held her in a comforting embrace.

“I know. We all do.” Twilight spoke softly to her. “I… I’m sure one day, he’ll come back. I'm sure he will.” She said to Sunset as a means to assure her.

As Twilight hugged Sunset, the two girls were not aware of a certain car that had passed by the park, carrying a mysterious passenger.

"I gotta go now, I've got to get home to do some homework on my advanced calculus. See you next time." Twilight said before leaving.

“Yeah, sure.” Sunset replied, before Twilight could leave, Sunset stopped her. “W-Wait. Wanna meet up at the cafe tomorrow? For old time’s sake?” she asked.

"Sure. I can make time tomorrow. I'll see you then," Twilight agreed.

“See you too!” Sunset responded, more happy than before. She could really use the company with friends. 2 years of loneliness were unbearable to endure.

So the two friends waved each other goodbye as Twilight walked out of the park, leaving Sunset to her afternoon activity.

Meanwhile, back with the strange man with the hobo in his car, he drove through the streets and eventually made it towards a large mansion with a big gate blocking the way. The driver then parks next to a small stone column with the gate’s keypad installed on, the man enters the code and soon the gates open up.

Once they were open, the driver drove up to the front of the mansion and parked in front of the steps that lead to the front door. Once he turns off his car engines, the man gets out of his car and then opens the door to the passenger seat and helps the hobo out of his vehicle and up the steps to the front door.

The man takes out his keys and unlocks the door before stepping inside. "I'm home! Honey, are you here?" the man called out.

“Wait a moment, darling! I just got out of the shower!” A woman’s elegant voice responded to her husband from upstairs.

"Alright. But, when you're done getting dressed, I'll need your help in preparing a room." the man called out.

Soon footsteps were heard walking through the hallway and making their way towards the stairs. And soon the wife of the husband was walking down the stairs, wearing a gold and white silk bathrobe; and it is revealed to be none other than Canterlot’s famous supermodel, Fleur De Lis.

“What are you saying, Magnus? I didn’t know you brought a guest to our home.” She said, looking down at her husband from the stairs.

"It's no ordinary guest, dear. In fact… I'm sure you'll recognize him up close." Magnus replied as he began heading up the stairs with the hobo.

Fleur then takes one good look at the stranger, her eyes widened with shock and she gasped loudly. Soon tears fell from her eyes as she recognized the person in front of her.

After all, a mother must always remember the face of their own child.

“I-Inferno?!” She said with great sadness and relief.

Yes, the wandering drifter that her husband had picked up alongside the highway, was none other than Inferno Blaze. Their son had finally returned home after two years.

"Wherever did you find him, honey?" Fleur asked.

"He was just walking down the main highway and he collapsed from exhaustion. He's very, very lucky that I didn't run over him. He caught me off-guard when his head leaned into the road of the highway. I had to put on the brakes so swiftly, I thought I was gonna hit him. But… luckily for him, he's unharmed." Magnus replied.

“Is he really alright? He looks awful!” Fleur said in despair seeing the state her son is in.

“Don’t worry, he’s just exhausted.” Magnus assures his wife to keep her calm.

As the two were discussing, A 67-year old man, wearing a black tux, was walking towards the stairs after having left the kitchen. As soon as he reached the stairs, the old man saw Fleur and Magnus on the stairs.

“Ah, Master Magnus, I wasn’t aware you were home. Well, you’re just in time for afternoon supper and I prepared a-” The old man, clearly a butler of the mansion, was about to inform the man of the house of the food he had prepared, until Magnus had interrupted him in mid-sentence.

"Bristle… would you be kind enough to prepare… a 3rd plate?" Magnus asked, turning towards his faithful butler with a warm smile.

"Well… of course, but might I ask why, Master Magnus?" Bristle asked.

Magnus approached Bristle and put a hand on his shoulder, shedding a single tear of joy as he broke the news. ". . .My son. . . has come home."

Bristle’s eyes widen and gasps upon hearing this revelation.

“Are… Are you certain, sir?” Bristle asked for confirmation.

"Positive. And make sure to get him a really big portion and plenty of water." Magnus said.

Bristle nodded his head in response. “Y-Yes, right away, sir!” He said with such optimism as he leaves the two and immediately heads towards the kitchen.

After having given Bristle instructions, Magnus then heads back up the steps and he picks up his exhausted son and carries him up the stairs and towards his son’s old bedroom. Fleur follows behind the two.

Magnus then helps remove most of his son's raggy clothing, but keeps some of his clothes on. The man tossed his dirty clothes into the dirty basket and then set his son on his bed and covered him in the blankets.

Fleur walked up to her sleeping boy and gave him a peck on the cheek while stroking his messy red hair.

“Ok, now that he’s settled, I’m going to head downstairs and check up on the food with Bristle.” Magnus tells his wife as he heads toward the bedroom door. Before he exits, he stops and looks back at his wife. “You wanna come with?”

“No, I’m… I’m just gonna stay with our son a little longer.” Fleur replied. Magnus nods in response, understanding his wife’s reasons. So he leaves the bedroom, leaving his wife to watch over their son.

She sat by her son's bedside, not even bothering to fight back the tears. She'd missed her son for so long ever since he ran from home 2 years ago. Every day, she prayed, begged and pleaded for him to be okay and make his way back home. And now, her prayers have been answered and now he is right back where he belongs.

Fleur can recall the days when Inferno was just a little boy and all the times she enjoyed having fun with him. But… the most memorable thing… was that one lullaby she sang to him every night to help him go to sleep.

In fact… regarding the circumstances, she only thought it'd be appropriate to sing it to him. So, she kept rubbing his messy hair as she began to sing.

Little did she know, her voice rang inside Inferno's ears like a soothing melody. So much so that he would cry in his sleep. He never thought he would hear his mother’s beautiful singing ever again. And just hearing her voice again, brought back so many good memories.

Memories that he knew he didn’t deserve to remember. But hearing his mother’s voice gave him a sense of peace and serenity, and washed away all the negative feelings and emotions.

Fleur could see the emotional conflict on her son’s face. She knew that he had a huge fallout years ago, but she never knew that it affected him this badly.

By the time his mother finished her song, Inferno's eyes squinted a little before opening them up slowly, groaning in exhaustion.

He takes one glimpse of his mother for a moment before he closes his eyes back up. But before he did, he let out a couple words from his mouth.

“H-Hey mom.” he said before he passed out on his bed. His voice sounded ragged and raspy, almost like his throat was dehydrated.

"Hello… my precious boy. Your father and I missed you so much. Even Bristle Wing, too." Fleur said, hugging him softly in her arms.

"I. . . don't deserve. . . your kindness," he replied, still ragged and raspy.

“Oh none of that nonsense!” She replied softly, but strictly. “You are our son. We will never stop giving you our love and kindness.”

"I'm. . . not. . . worthy," Inferno kept raspily saying.

“Shhhh,” Fleur places a finger on her son’s lips to silence him. “Get some rest honey. We’ll have time to discuss this later.” She said to him, before she got up from the bed and then gave a kiss on her son’s forehead. “Love you, son.” she said before she leaves his bedroom to let him sleep.

Meanwhile, down in the dining area, as Bristle was preparing Inferno's plate and a large cup of water, Magnus was sitting by the table. His son was back, but… he can tell Inferno's not in the right mindset.

"I'll have to hold off on phoning his boxing coach until he's gotten his act together. 2 years is an awful long time. And my boy now looks almost like a living skeleton; well in my opinion.” Magnus said.

“Shall I prepare a second dish for Master Inferno, sir?” Bristle asked.

“Better make it 3 dishes, Bristle.” Magnus replied.

"Of course. Anything to help the boy eat his fill," Bristle nodded. The butler worked double time on Inferno's portion.

But he stops for a moment to look back at Magnus and says, “Sir? You are aware that word would get out of Master Inferno’s return to Canterlot… Right?” he asked.

Magnus sat quietly after hearing that question, a question that has lingered on his mind as of recently. "I'm most aware of this, Bristle Wing. But when that time arrives, we'll be prepared. You'll be in charge of keeping Inferno away from the public's eyes while my wife and I deal with the press if they decide to come knocking at our gate." he replied.

Bristle nodded his head in response. “I shall make it my #1 priority, sir.” He said.

"I'm glad I can count on you. Now then, are Inferno's portions ready?" Magnus asked.

"Yes sir, I shall have it brought up to his room immediately.” Bristle informs him.

“Well you might want to wait a little while longer, Bristle.” Fleur’s voice spoke out to the two. They turn their heads and they see the woman walk into the kitchen. “He’s already fast asleep.” She tells them.

"Very well. I'll be sure to keep his portion warm and fresh until then. Anything else you would like me to do?" Bristle asked.

“No, Bristle, that’ll be all for today.” Fleur replied as she stood next to her husband. “You're excused for a whole hour.”

"As you wish, Mistress Fleur. Carry on," Bristle said before going on his 1 hour break, heading over to his own room.

Fleur and Magnus are left to themselves in the kitchen, with Fleur held onto her husband’s shoulders as she bore a worried look on her face.

“What should we do now, honey?” Fleur asked.

Magnus sighs heavily as he fidgets his fingers. “I-I don’t know. Right now, our main focus is our son’s health.”

"Yes, I suppose you're right. May I suggest we… make an appointment for him after he's had his nourishment?” Fleur asked.

“I guess so. Who knows what state that boy is in for a whole 2 years.” Magnus agreed with his wife.

The two went silent for a moment before Fleur made another big question.

“Do you think it would also be wise if… if we inform her about Inferno?” She asked.

"Yes, she deserves to know, but… not right now. If she sees him now, it'll just break her heart even more. Let's wait until some time tomorrow until he's properly taken care of, then we'll give her a call." Magnus suggested

“Agreed.” Fleur replied as she laid her head on top of her husband’s as she held his hand for a while.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Canterlot Wonder Dome, two fighters were in a waiting room with their trainers and managers.

One of them had shoulder-length long red hair, snow white skin and sapphire blue eyes with scar-like birthmarks under his eyes. He had on a black and scarlet jumpsuit. This was Eternal Flames, age 21, professional boxer. He has a solid record of 15 matches, all wins by K.O. He has an upcoming match tomorrow and is about to weigh himself.

He steps on the scale and the doctor measures his weight and announces his results. "173 pounds. Eternal Flames, you pass the weigh-in for the Light Heavyweight class." the man said. Eternal stepped off and went to dress himself up in his normal clothes. Next, his opponent weighed himself.

His opponent had a faded red skin color with a brown buzz cut hairstyle. He has vermillion colored eyes and a cocky grin on his face.

"173.5 pounds. Adrenaline Rush, you also clear the weigh-in for the Light Heavyweight class." the man said.

"Naturally," the guy said, confidently, before stepping off.

"He sure is full of himself," said an elderly man next to Eternal. This man had short, faded black hair with a few grey stripes. He had brown eyes and light grey skin. He wore a brown suit with a red necktie and a brown fedora. The man's name was Thunder Drum, age 69. Former professional boxer with a record of 30 matches, 27 wins by K.O, 2 losses and 1 draw.

He was Eternal Flames’s trainer and the owner of the Thunder Drum Boxing Gym.

Before they could leave, Adrenaline, Eternal's opponent, confronted him. "Let's hope you can match up to my speed, ya big palooka." he taunted with that annoying, ugly grin.

"A word of advice… don't show up to a weigh in with that foul onion and garlic breath." Eternal said, unfazed by the taunt before leaving with his coach and boxing manager while his foe is left pissed off and humiliated.

"You sure have a way of getting under your opponent's skin, kid. But now he's more likely to try and cream ya. Be on your guard tomorrow. Anyways, go home and get some rest

"Got it, sir!" Eternal nodded and heads down the route towards his home.

As he was jogging, he heard the sound of a car horn beeping. He looks behind him while still maintaining his pace. It was a purple 2021 Camaro. The car pulled up and slowed enough to match his pace. The window rolls down to reveal a young man inside. He had orange hair, purple eyes and yellow skin. He wasn't bulky, more on the skinny side. He had on a purple shirt and blue jeans.

This was Heat Blitz, age 20, Eternal's younger brother. He's currently studying to become a family therapist while also supporting his older brother as he takes on the boxing world.

Seeing his little bro on his way home, brought a smile and a light chuckle from Eternal.

"What brings you out here, bro?" Eternal chuckles.

"Just letting you know that mom's got something for you when you come home. By the way, who are you mopping the floor with this time?" Heat asked.

"I'm going up against some outboxer. His record's not that impressive. 22 matches, 14 wins, 7 by K.O, 6 losses and 2 draws." Eternal replied.

“Mmmmm, sounds like you’re gonna whoop butt tomorrow.” Heat comments.

"Either I knock him out, or he'll knock me out… with his bad breath, P.U!" Eternal said, waving his hand from the stench. His younger brother laughs at that joke.

"When you're right, you're right! Hey, how about I drive you home? You look exhausted from all that exercise," Heat offered.'

"Eh, why not?" Eternal shrugged. Heat then stopped his car and Eternal hopped in. He buckled up before Heat took off.

"Oh, and… speaking of bad smells, you might wanna shower when you get home. You're practically a walking skunk ass." Heat remarked.

"Tch, yeah yeah, whatever," Eternal scoffed.

“Mom’s gonna give you a hard time about the smell.” Heat continues to tease his brother.

"Ugh… I'm 21 years old and she's still nagging me about my hygiene." Eternal said, rolling his eyes at all the times his mother nagged him to death.

"By the way, have you told our old goofball about your fight?" Heat asked.

"Uh… Heat… maybe you forgot, but… he hasn't shown his goofy side in a long time. Not since his… well… his best friend ran away." Eternal replied.

"O…Oh, right. But, what about his girlfriend? Isn't she making him happy?" Heat asked.

"She keeps him calm… in more ways than one, but… unless we can find his best friend, we don't have our goofball." Eternal said.

“What has it been? 2 years now?” Heat asked.

"Yup. You'd think this whole city lost its spark," Eternal said.

“I mean, he helped make the town be put on the map. But… it's crazy how one man’s life could affect so many others.” Heat commented

"I know. But if he hadn't acted like that, excuse me for saying this, a glorified dick before his last fight, he might've won against that challenger." Eternal said.

“Look I know he was bad, but we all know how he took that heavy loss before he left us.” Heat responded.

"Hopefully, if he ever gets back, we can talk some sense into him. He has to understand that taking the boxing world for granted has serious consequences." Eternal said.

"I'm no expert on the subject, but I can definitely agree on "never take boxing for granted." Anyways, we're almost home. Be sure to shower nicely or mom's never gonna let you hear the end of it." Heat reminded him.

"Yeah, whatever… pops." Eternal rolled his eyes.

Heat rolled his eyes at his brother's carefree sarcasm and kept driving the rest of the way. Eventually, they pulled up into the driveway of their mom and dad's house. As they parked in the driveway, the two brothers got out of the car and they walked up to the front door of the house.

Eternal took out his house key from his pocket and unlocked the door before entering. "Well, this is it. Home sweet home." Eternal said.

"Mom, dad, we're back!" Heat called out.

"Boys, welcome back!" a female voice called out. The boys notice a tall, curvy woman standing by the doorway into the kitchen. She had on a short-sleeved lavender shirt and tight skinny jeans that hugged her wide, birthing hips. She had long, multi-colored hair with lavender eyes similar to Heat's eyes and had faded pink-ish white skin.

This was Celestia, age 43, Principal of Canterlot High and proud mother of Eternal and Heat.

Immediately, the tall woman approached the two boys and gave them both a big hug. She held them in a tight embrace that the boys couldn’t escape; of course, they didn’t plan on escaping. They enjoyed their mother’s hugs.

"How are my two favorite boys doing this afternoon?" an older male voice called out from the kitchen, getting the boys' attention. This man had red hair just like Eternal's, neatly combed and done into a ponytail. He had orange skin similar to Heat's hair color and had sapphire eyes just like Eternal. He also had a thick beard, but a faded mustache. He wore a simple blue, button-up shirt with two chest pockets and black jeans.

This man was Blaze Burn, age 45, CEO of one of the biggest banks in Canterlot and proud father of Eternal and Heat and Celestia's devoted husband.

"Hey, dad. We're going alright." Heat said.

"Just finished the weigh-in and about to wash up before I get something to eat and rest up for tomorrow's fight." Eternal said.

"Nice to hear." Blaze said. He goes over and hugs his wife and two sons.

“You boys are back just in time, We have dinner set up before you arrive.” Celestia informs the two boys.

"Great. But, uh… if you don't mind, I need to jump in the shower." Eternal said.

"Of course. Just remember to wash your butt thoroughly, got it?" Celestia asked.

"Dear god, yes, I know." Eternal chuckled. 'I knew it, I freaking called it.' he thought.

Then Eternal Flames rushes up the stairs to wash up and freshen up for dinner.

Meanwhile… in another part of the city, in a closed off neighborhood, a young man was undergoing some R&R after finishing his match the previous day. He was up in his room, sitting on his bed and watching a recording of his recent match.

He had shoulder-length, silver hair and bright yellow skin. His eyes were hazel green and on parts of his face, he had bandages and bruises and whatnot. He wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and black sweats.

This was Israel Yabuki, age 20. Professional Boxer with a strong record of 16 matches, all wins by K.O. And former amateur Boxing Champion with a solid record of 75 matches 69 wins, 65 by K.O, 5 losses and 1 draw.

He got into boxing at an early age because he was constantly bullied in elementary school due to his autistic nature. He trained day in and day out and finally made his bullies back off. He debuted as an amateur boxer at the age of 12 and then went pro at the age of 18.

He was always a fun-loving goofball to his friends and family, including his girlfriend. But… It wasn't until 2 years ago, his best friend disappeared and ran away without telling him. Since then, he's lost his goofy nature and doesn't see the world as beautiful and peaceful.

He met his best friend back in high school, both were passionate about boxing, even though it wasn’t the sole reason for how they became best pals. But the two would spar together and even hang out at the Sugar Cafe. His pal was even the reason how he met his girlfriend; when he locked them in a room together. Israel gave him a scolding after that, before he would later thank him.

Those were some good times. Which made Israel question… What the hell happened? All he got from everyone was that his pal had a rough event happen to him and he just up and left soon after that. It's also because of this that Israel now only does small talk instead of full-blown, fun-filled conversations. But the only time he's ever truly talkative now is if he's giving a full-blown lecture to anyone who got slapped with reality and resents it for doing so. Sadly, he never got the chance to lecture his friend before he left.

For 2 years, the former goofball had kept little contact with everyone, and everyone thought it would be best to give him some space. However, her girlfriend kept him company at all times. Despite being shy and cute, she was secretly stubborn as hell; must’ve gotten it from one of her friends.

Israel just couldn’t shake her off, so he didn’t protest her on her commitment. And if he was being honest, it helped him a little. At least with her around, she still manages to bring a few smiles back on him. He loves his girlfriend so much. There are even some occasions when she would come over and the two would snuggle in bed just so she can keep him company.

So yeah, that’s what has been like for him for 2 years.

At the moment, while he's watching his recent fight on his TV, he hears his bedroom door being knocked on.

"Come in," he said in a calm, low tone. The door opens and reveals two people on the other side.

One of them was a woman who looked similar to Israel, except her eyes were brown. She wore a burgundy T-shirt and grey sweats. This was Christina Yabuki, age 48, his devoted mother.

Next to her, was a young adult with crazy long, black hair, massively bulked up and has bright yellow skin like Israel and his mother, red eyes, wore a white tank top and blue jean shorts. This was Dark Renegade, age 27 and Israel's older brother. He wasn't a boxer, but rather a skilled tow truck driver.

Christina Yabuki spent most of her time trying to raise her two boys on her own. The day she had her 2nd son, their father completely walked out on them, refusing to acknowledge Israel as his own son. But she didn't care, since she had plenty of family to help raise him with her.

As soon as Dark was of age, he started to pull his weight around more, to lift half of the burden off his mother’s shoulders, and he got a job as a tow truck driver. Sure it’s dull and boring as some people say, but the pay is good. But of course, it sapped some time out of his schedule to spend time with his little brother.

It was fortunate Israel had their mother home with him, and he also had company from his girlfriend whenever she’s over.

"Mijo, are you doing alright? Do you need anything?" his mother asked.

"I'm doing alright, mom. Though… if you can, could you get me some water? I'm… kinda thirsty right now." he asked.

"I'll go and get it for you, bud." Dark said, heading back down the stairs. His mom then entered the room and sat by him, putting her arm around him.

"Mijo, if something's bothering you, you know you can always come to me for anything." his mother assured.

"I know… thanks." Israel replied before hugging his mom back. His mother then stares at the video of her son in his fight. The video shows him covered in bruises and blood, along with his opponent, who was taller than him.

He dives in, then ducks his foe's right straight. He then comes at him with a sharp uppercut, then finishes him off with a hard right to the face. The opponent's entire body flings backwards against the ropes before he falls face first into the mat.

The ref comes in as Israel retreats back to his corner, the ref stands over Israel’s opponent and soon begins the countdown. But as he does, his opponent gets on his hands and knees and crawls towards Israel like he's some kind of zombie, desperate for flesh. Israel glares down at his foe before he completely sinks into the mat once more and wins by K.O.

"You know, you should really be careful with how many punches you take, mijo. I get that you're not afraid and I'm proud, but you shouldn't use your face as a punching bag just to get ahead." his mother pointed out.

“Yeah, Israel. Keep that up and eventually mom and I would have to raise money for you to get plastic surgery.” Dark commented, as a slight humor joke, but out of concern; as he enters back into Israel’s room.

"I'm sorry." he calmly responded.

"And another thing, I don't think you should be watching these fights after you just won your last match, since you need your rest." his mom mentioned. "Try watching some of your old movies or some funny cartoons. You always loved a little humor."

"I… I will… try," he said in a soft tone.

“That’s all I ask.” His mother replied before giving him a kiss on his forehead. After that she turns around and faces towards her eldest son, who puts on his work cap, signaling that he’ll be leaving for work. “Are you off to work again, honey?” She asked.

“Afraid so, mom. I’ll be back home soon as I can.” Dark said as he and his mother shared a hug before he turned towards his brother. “Hey, if you need me, little brother, give me a call, ok?” He lets his brother know.

Israel responds with a thumbs up and changes the channel on his TV and switches to the Netflix App and starts watching ‘The Bad Guys’.

Giving a thumbs up back, Dark leaves the room and out of the house to get to work. Then, suddenly, Dark rushed back inside at the last minute to Israel's canteen, filled to the brim with ice cold water and then rushed out to start his shift at his towing job.

“Keep yourself hydrated, little brother!” Dark said before he left through the door.

"Okay." Israel replied. He accepted the canteen and started gulping some of the water.

After another 30 minutes of watching the movie, Christina decided to let her son be and headed downstairs to do her usual workouts on her elliptical while listening to some music on YouTube.

Even though she's no pro boxer, she likes to keep in shape with the steady diet regimen she follows every day. She only eats between 12 noon to 6PM. She uses her elliptical for a whole hour and then rests up for the rest of the day. This was her daily workout regiment whenever she came home from work at the courts.

As if it wasn't blatantly clear, the disappearance of Inferno Blaze, former Light-Heavyweight champion of the boxing world, had affected so many people he was close to. And the only people who know of his return are his own parents and butler.

The road to recovery is going to take a while before this former champ can get back in the ring and reclaim what he lost.

As the road to redemption… is about to begin.