Victor Creed VS. Shaun Gallagher: The Night Begins

[shaungallagher]

Shaun was happy, no scratch that, he was down right giddy. He was so happy in fact that he was nearly skipping from place to place (which was disturbing in its own right).

He had been invited to the Grand Opening of Purgatory, where the damned fought for the riches of heaven, or they died trying. The place was an underground fight club, in his hometown of Boston, run by none other then his old gang The Black Death.

Rumor had it that Shaun had been specifically invited so that the gang might take care of some unfinished business. Shaun knew this of course, and the prospect of killing his old gang members (what was left of them) or their hitman thrilled him all the more.

Shaun was a kid in a candy store, and he just didn't know what to try first. In his belated mood he even decided to let Em come along as a special treat, his double would buy them some peanuts and popcorn and they would have a Jolly old time watching Shaun take on the competition.

The actual location was under an adult bookstore in the shadiest part of the city. All you had to do was walk inside and ask for the 'Extra Special Goods' and the sleazy old man at the counter, after checking each mutant with a detector would take them back to where the 'real show was'.

After descending a few flights of rickety old steps they would find themselves in a large unfinished basement with cement floors and visible wooden support beams lining the walls. The basement itself was surprisingly large measuring out to be the size of a small warehouse in length. Inside there were already a variety of mutants milling about, none of them seemed all too friendly. They numbered somewhere around a couple hundred and were generally a loud and rambunctious bunch.

It was a requirement of the club that anyone who enter, be registered in a fight, unless they were clearly unfit to do so. Luckily Em fell into this category as often the two Shauns had to walk abreast of her just to keep her from falling over from light headiness. It didn't take much to convince the man at registration that she was clearly unfit.

In the back of the room there was a large row of windows where mutants lined up to place their bets on each upcoming fight. Because it was opening night there were no real odds to speak of, and so people were free to bet on whomever they wanted to win. Club intel had already matched up all possible opponents ahead of time to try and ensure some entertaining fights.

Shaun walked back to the betting windows and bet ten thousand dollars on himself to win, While the other Shaun did the same making the total 20,000 dollars.

Shaun thought it was a nice gift to himself, after all he never bet unless it was a sure thing.

[emmy]

Shaun was rarely giddy, but today was one of those occasions, and, to be honest, it freaked Emily out just a little. It wasn’t something she was used to, after all. Thankfully though, when he was this perky, he let her do just about everything she asked him. Even come to this…. Well, whatever it was. As long as she promised to take antibiotics when they went home. She wouldn’t get as sick afterwards if she did.

Being home though… She was just as happy as Shaun. Boston would always be her home, she’d grown up here after all. Unlike her older brother though, she wasn’t as…. Expressive about it.

Emily had been worried at first that they might make her fight when she heard everyone was required to register for at least one match. Thankfully, things were in her favor, and they let her out of it. And, while her brother and his double placed bets on Prime, she went to find a spot for them. Had to be close enough that the half that stayed with her could see, but she wasn’t forced to. She wasn’t like Shaun. She hated fighting (not like she could though), and watching it. What she did like, was leaving the safety of her clean room every once in a while. And if that meant coming to a fight club with Shaun… Well, she jumped at the chance.

Sitting by herself (though she made sure Shaun knew where she was), she let her gaze wander. It was strange, how all of these people were mutants, most didn’t even look it. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. What if one of them found out about her power? What if things got out of control? What if Shaun got hurt… She shook her head, banishing the thoughts from her mind as she waited for her brother and his double to return from placing their bets.

[/justify]

[Alucard Nightshade]

Alucard was looking around the place that was obviously a fight club for mutants. Thanks to Luke, he had found the place. He was a little annoyed how much that Luke wanted to talk on the trip over here as Alucard was trying to read. The people up front decided to make them fight each other as their entrance fee, but it wasn't going to be for a time. He knew the chances were slim of him finding who he was looking for in this place, but he still wanted to try. As he looked around he spotted someone he knew. It wasn't the exact person he was looking for, but he was slightly happier to see her here. He wasn't pleased that her brother wasn't around though, which could have ended up complicating things on him if this didn't go well. He went over and sat down next to Emmy and just pulled out a book from his new satchel and set it in her lap before she had noticed him.

" You look bored, so you might like to have this." Alucard said to her. " By the way, where is your brother at? I have some business I wish to discuss with him."

[emmy]

The two Shauns were still gone. There must be a line or something, otherwise they'd be done with their betting by now. Waiting, she continued with her people watching. It was odd, how different people could be. Some of the mutants were showing off their powers, bragging about their future matches. Others lurked in the dark, eerily watching the competition... Those were the ones that sent chills up Emily's spine. There were even a few other teenagers, though they were few and scattered. The club must be more focused towards adults.

Having something randomly placed in your lap wasn't exactly the best way to start conversation, especially when the girl was already skittish to begin with. Jerking slightly, she looked, expecting it to be her brother sneaking up on her. Seeing who it was... Emmy paled. And not her usual 'I'm sick!' pale. "W-what are you doing h-here..?" Great, he's scared her stammer back.

"Y-you shouldn't.... I-if Shaun sees you..." Her gaze turned, trying to find either part of her brother in the crowd. She dare not flee, only because Shaun knew where she was, and if she moved, he wouldn't be able to find her... Which would make him very mad.

[/justify]

[Victor Creed]

"Hey big guy! Want some fun?" A dark haired man had approached Victor while he was eating at a diner then slide a piece of paper to him. "Promise you'll a good time." The man tapped his temple before he smirked and left.

Victor arched a brow at the strange encounter then picked up the paper out of curiousity. A fight club? A mutant one at that? But how did that guy know he was a mutant? Then he remembered how he tapped his head. Damned telepaths. Well the idea of getting some of his aggression out...certainly had its appeal. He stared at the instructions for a long while, trying to decide if he should put forth the effort or not.

* * *

He found the initial contact with the 'doormen' annoying. They all stared at him for a good ten minutes trying to figure out who to match him up with. After a while he just pushed past them, assuming they would call his name when it was time for his fight.

He wandered through the crowd, rather surprised that there were so many people. Though it was getting a little overwhelming for his senses. Luckily he was used to tuning them out when he needed to. It would just be harder to single any one thing out. Which was the reason he nearly elbowed the person, that touched his shoulder suddenly, in the face.

"Uhm..we have you up first." The organizer quickly left Creed alone for fear that he might get hurt anyway.

First? That was annoying. He hated not knowing who he was going to fight. No matter... Victor made his way through the crowd towards the ring. Once the fight would start he'd be there to step in.

[Alucard Nightshade]

Alucard sat and glanced around at the mutants in the room. Many of them were very sure of their powers and others not so much. He bet that most of them didn't have the level of control or experience he was use to seeing. He was disappointed in a way, but he was also glad since that meant he didn't need to use his powers much. He had heard what she said to him, and noticed she seemed to be worried about the fact he was here. He couldn't tell if she was worried about him or how her brother would react. He knew it was a risky move, but this was his best chance. He figured this was his scene anyways and she had just come along with him.

" Don't worry little bird, I'm aware of the danger of sitting here next to you." Alucard said to her in a calm voice. " I will only be here as long as he isn't and when I have finished my business with him, so just calm down and why not read? You seem like you could use the distraction any ways. I told you little bird that I would protect you, and I plan on doing it."

Alucard looked around partly to see if he could spot the girl's brother and to get an idea of the people that had shown up. He spotted someone he didn't want to as he did look around, Victor Creed. He had never meet the man before, but he had heard about him and nothing was ever good when he was involved. He wondered who his opponent would be.

[emmy]

Emily shrank back, leaning away from him. Or…. As far as she could without moving the chair (or moving from). If she didn’t have to stay here, she’d be long gone, going in search of her brother and latching onto him like she usually did when she get nervous or startled. Seeing as it wasn’t an option… This would have to do.

She wasn’t worried about his safety. No, she was worried about her own and Shaun’s. This person…. Alucard (that was the name from that letter he’d snuck into the bag he’d given her. By sheer luck, Shaun hadn’t found it. If he had… Well, first, she never would have even gotten the chance to read it, Emmy sure her brother would tear it up before letting her. Not only that, Shaun would not have liked what this guy had written. At all. Anyway, back on topic, she was sure Shaun wouldn’t be happy to see this guy, and just might start a fight… And she didn’t want her brother to get hurt.

The girl flinched when he called her a bird once again, but she didn’t say anything to it. He didn’t even know her name after all, so what was he supposed to call her? Like hell she’d tell him her name. She’d rather be called a bird then let him know who she was. Who knew what would happen though. Maybe Shaun would give it away when he came to scold her for even talking with this guy.

”P-protect me…. F-from what?” She fell silent for a moment. ”I d-don’t need your… your p-protection…” None the less, she glanced down at the book he’d slipped into her lap. The title wasn’t familiar.

She flinched when she heard someone yelling, but didn’t turn to look.

[/justify]

[shaungallagher]

Apparently the cashier wasn't use to dealing with such large amounts of money, at least down here on the floor. He looked at both Shauns with wide eyes when they handed him each a wad of bills, and he fumbled around with getting the recite and even called in to his manager before he finally got around to them.

Shaun made a reminder to himself to send one of them to one of the remote viewing terminals next time, so that they could be handled by more experienced staff. The real high-rollers and the real money behind this club were all rich white men watching this from the comfort of their own posh areas far away from the action. Instead of dealing in straight cash, they dealt only in credit. That way the workers wouldn't feel so over encumbered.

right as the Shauns were about to get out of there a worker came up to one and put his hand on his shoulder.

"You're up first."

He didn't have to say another word, as Shaun was practically off running to his fight with a wide boyish grin on his face. Of course they would pick him first, they wanted a good fight after all, and who else was better at popping that virgin ring's cherry then old Shaun here. Oh...he would leave stains in the concrete...and memories the crowd, and the more distinguished members...wouldn't soon forget.

The other Shaun, now decidedly designated nonprime shrugged, and walked back towards Em with a grin on his face, but generally much less enthusiasm, afterall he wasn't the one the man had put his hand on...So he got to watch his dirty work first hand...just not from the angle he wanted.

As he got closer to Em he noticed that she was visibly frightened. Taking a quickscan of the area he noticed him....It was THAT kid again! how the Fuck did he keep surviving....Shaun should have killed him twice by now.

This knowledge alone was enough to stop Prime in his tracks. he stopped running toward the ring and stopped dead cold a snarl now creasing his lips. He looked back towards where he came for a second before continuing to the ring. his walk now slow and deliberate...at least now he had some steam to blow off.

When Shaun reached Em and the boy his look was cold as stone. Attacking the kid right here right now could cause a riot...and he couldn't have that...at least until his fight was over. After that though...now that was a different story...He walked between Em and the boy, trying to decide whether it would be alright to disintegrate him then and there...Em was the first priority however.

[zaintison]

Luke looked over at Alucard and Emily. Luke was sitting a few rows behind them next to his old friend from gym class, Bob, he had seen him while walking down the stairs. He was a white hipster with the black death symbol on his bandana. Speaking in that accent Wigger's speak in. His distinctly sweaty smell, and strange over-sized earrings are what made him easy to recognize.

Luke:Hey Bob I haven't seen you in a long time, remember me? I was in your gym class, you know, I was the one who accidentally got hit by a dodge-ball while climbing up the rope? Bob:ohhhh.... yeah I remember now, Luke buddy! He said in an excited fashion shaking Luke's hand. So when did you move to New York? Luke:Recently I go to Xaviers now. What's your power? Bob: Oh me I'm a really efficient mind reader. Luke: A mind reader well that's great! See that pale looking kid in front of us can you tell me what's troubling him? Bob: NOOO that would stupid and a terrible invasion of privacy, especially since it's you Luke, who knows what you would do with that information.

Luke: Fine.... Bob:O.k. Bob: But I can tell you about that guy in the ring, his name is Shaun, real infamous around these parts, killed most of our gang. So we decided to pit him against the strongest guy we can find. In an attempt to get our revenge, there's something wrong with that guy's head. He's insane man, no-one in our gang could take him down, so hopefully this will be our chance. Stay away from him! Because personally I don't think he's gonna go down so easy. Luke: Well thanks for the info Bob. Bob: No problem man.

Luke went and sat behind Alucard.

[Alucard Nightshade]

Alucard was just glancing around still to see if he noticed anyone else he wouldn't like to see here. He was about to stop and see who was fighting first when he noticed just the man he was looking for show up. He seemed to think Alucard was up to something, which was true but not in the way that this man thought. Alucard looked up at him as he stood between him and the girl.

" Ah good, just the person I wanted to talk to." Alucard said to Shaun. " We got off on the wrong foot at first, but at think I might of some help to you at helping with your sister's constitution."

Alucard didn't have time after he finished talking to notice who was going in the first match, it was an exact match of the man standing next to him. He also noticed who his opponent was. This wasn't good at all.

" But before we get into that, you have a power I didn't see before. I'm hoping that you can relay this information onto the you in the ring right now, but his opponent is NOT someone you should be taking lightly. You are going to have trouble with him if you don't keep calm and collected. I'm not sure what his powers are, but I have heard a lot of about this guy and none of it is pleasant." Alucard said to him with a serious look on his face. " I'd suggest relaying that information before this fight starts."

[shaungallagher]

"...Really" Shaun and his double both donned an interesting demonic smile not unlike one that Alucard had seen before when they had their first encounter. His sister stood behind him pressed against his back to stay away from the intruder...he knew without looking that her gaze would now shift toward the large man in the ring he was about to face...and any moment now...yes, there it was...the characteristic shiver that she always gave when she was afraid for him. He knew her like the back of his hand...but she wasn't the problem...the problem was this boy.

There was something off about him...I mean besides the fact that he was worthless prey...there was something...he couldn't quite put his finger on it...not that it mattered though.

"Oh really I take it he's got a reputation then? Known to be a ringer is he? Honestly I couldn't hope for better. Thanks for tellin' me, and here I thought those snide little cowards had given up..."

He said with a small distinctly Irish chuckle "I knew I could count on them to give me a good time, tis my homecomin' after all."

[Victor Creed]

Victor waited quietly. He felt eyes on him from every direction. It made him tense. But he supposed with all of these people here he was bound to know someone, or someone to know him. Or at least know of him.

He sneered as he grabbed someone that was looming next to him, "What do you want?"

"Uh...I came to see if you wanted to place..a bet sir." The mutant squirmed in Victor's grasp.

"A bet? How much is on my opponent?" He asked mainly out of curiousity.

"t..twenty thousand..."

Creed arched a brow at the man. Twenty thousand? Who gets that kind of money? Creed pulled out twenty dollars and handed it to the man before he let his shirt go. "I bet that, on myself." The man may have thought it was strange but that was the point. The less put on him, the better the pay out when he won. Not to mention that was the only money he had on him at the moment. Granted he had no idea how much money was bet on him already. After all, his reputation probably proceeded him.

When they announced that it was finally his turn he stepped out onto the ring without any ceremony at all. He waited for his foe to show while he took off his overcoat then handed it to a girl that was at the sidelines. "Take care of this for me Darlin'." He winked at her then went ahead and pulled his shirt up and over his head, handing that to her as well.

This wouldn't be the first 'fight club' Victor had been to. Far from it, but perhaps it would be interesting. He tilted his head to each side, letting the vertebra crack and settle while he rolled his shoulders so that he could stretch his muscles a bit before the fight started.

[shaungallagher]

Shaun strode into the ring, there was still a fair amount of edge around his attitude, people who refused to die tended to do that to him, but in general Shaun was in a good mood. It wasn't very often that he got to have a good and interesting fight, and he was determined to make the best of it while he could. On top of that, the man had an audience to pander to, which made the situation that much more gratifying.

Shaun walked into the center of the ring, and began to address the audience:

"I just thought it be appropriate of me to give you guys a bit of a warning before this blood bath commences. Those with weak constitutions may want to avoid this fight." he said raising his finger into the air and waving it slightly to illustrate his point as he yelled at the crowd around him.

"You guys who brought your girlfriends and the like, should take notice that this fight is gonna be BRUTAL....Yeah you know what I'm talkin bout...I'm talkin to you ya damn lovebirds." he chided as he pointed at a dark couple of sullen teenagers making out in the corner. "This aint gonna so much be your thing...unless it is your thing in, which case I'm happy to oblige." they smiled shyly in response before returning to their makeout session. "Hey whatever floats your boat ya know...Well anyway In case you guys are curious I am Shaun Gallagher...The man who single handily wiped out our dear hosts here." he continued nodding his head towards one of the higher officials on the floor. Oh I'd say it twas about ten years ago...and they've done a might fine job rebuilding themselves haven't they? Come on now give em a round of applause don't be shy..." The crowd applauded and cheered as Shaun had asked. They were clearly starting to get excited for the ensuing brawl.

"Yeah...yeah, that's it...they're like cockroaches the little buggers..." "And my friend here is the legendary...the infamous...a man who needs no introduction! VICTOR CREED!!" the crowd erupted in applause and cheers at the mention of his name...his exploits were known far and wide in communities like this. "Let me just say...that it is an honor to have the opportunity to beat this man's bloody face in...And however this fight goes, whoever wins...let's all just hope that at the end of it one of us will be dead!" The crowd erupted into applause as Shaun quietly took his place at the opposite side of the ring...all they had to wait for now was the official start of the match.

[Rose North]

How had Rose gotten herself involved in this?

She'd been recruited off the street, by the same man who'd found Victor Creed. He'd obviously been trying to find a mutant of her skills, because he wouldn't take no for an answer. He'd offered her a thousand per fight. How could she turn down that much cash? All she had to do was keep the two in the ring, and make sure they didn't actually kill each other. Intentionally. Accidents did happen sometimes, and if the fight got to heavily one sided, then she was tasked to separate them. Easy enough.

She leaned up against the ring, arms folded, as her gaze wandered. There were a few mutants that she recognized, not all being friends of hers. It was a good thing they didn't recognize her. She even spotted her young cousin in the crowd. What was Alucard doing here? Brat, who would let a 16 year old into a fight club with out an adult with them? Sadly, there were plenty of teenagers around, so Alucard wasn't the only one. She didn't approach him though, he wasn't exactly fond of her right now.

Sitting there for probably ten more minutes, the first match was finally ready to start. She only recognized one of the fighters, but that was only because of his reputation. Everyone knew Victor Creed. Stepping away, she happened to be the one Sabretooth tossed his coat and shirt to. Great. Rose just rolled her eyes and dropped them at her feet.

The woman ignored the crazy introductions, instead, she stepped up towards the ring, but didn't step onto it. "The fight begins... Now." She reached out, a clear barrier spreading from her finger tips, encasing both combatants in an impenetrable dome. It took a bit of concentration to keep the barrier transparent, but it was a necessity so observers could watch...

[/justify]

[shaungallagher]

She needn't say anymore. As the speakers throughout the room mimicked the sound of a bell the crowd went wild. The sound was near deafening. Most had been there for over an hour by this point and the general tension in the crowd had continued to grow with every person that showed up. They were ready for blood.

Shaun was just as ready. He cracked his knuckles at the sound of the bell and began to hop up and down on his feet as he stared at his opponent in front of him. Victor for his part seemed just as enthused as he was, which only served to fuel the fire as victor egged him on from afar.

Shaun knew Victor's powers, hell nearly everyone here did. It was occasionally hard to separate fact from myth, but Victor was said to be an unstoppable brute of a man, with animal like instincts and claws that could cut through anything. That much was certain. Though Shaun didn't see any claws he assumed they were there...somewhere. Too much had been said about them for them to be false.

He had to approach this match carefully if he honestly wanted to win. But there was the problem...did he really want to win? Of course he didn't want to lose, but mostly he just wanted to have fun, to spill some blood, whose blood it was didn't matter, what was important was that he let loose and enjoy himself, forget about his stupid plan and his piety problems and just let himself go.

If Shaun took this too seriously from the start, he would win, and honestly there was no real fun in that. The crowd needed drama, the crowd needed ups and downs, the crowd needed a show, and that was what Shaun was here to provide for them.

Shaun came up to Victor quick and nimble, placing some good jabs and hooks, all of which seemed entirely ineffective on Victor. It was only over time that the crowd began to realize that with each punch and with each strike Shaun seemed to grow in mass. Eventually the two titans stood side by side, each the same size as the other, and that is when the real fist fight began.