That was quite the scene today. I didn’t know the old place had gotten so misbegotten since I’d been away. I’ve been subjected to all the finer things and then the lesser things on our travels. The more remote we went the less our lives back then seemed so bad. We had things these people did not and had gotten along with them accustomed to them. So a different way of being. A different culture. I imagine that’s how it happens.  Distance plus time equals change. 

A rudimentary formula to keep in my head those four years we were gone. I’d say five years but I don’t really keep track of the calendar as thoroughly as Tye or Locke or money or Joe Joe for that matter.  I’m more here to see things through. I want to walk on avenues new to me and never before seen to the modern man. It tickles my curiosity. Fancy that.

So to my surprise I find Gwen in the basement of our families pub with friends who feel like frenemies. Good thing I had the boys with me cuz I couldn’t have taken them by myself. Forbes was there, Forbes and Tye were talking the most. If I must farbost I would say I cooled things down just so perfectly to execute the best retreat. It’s in my nature to be light of foot. To get out of binds and things misunderstood. If I could keep them talking then we could keep from fighting. 

Thankfully Tye seemed inspired by the situation. I don’t think his crush on Gwen has abated and honestly I think Locke might have died hearing those words on his insides. Poor guy. I couldn’t see him on the stairs but I could hear his body drop regardless…

Thank god for Brent. He was crouching before he entered the pub. He was squatting to get down those stairs. There would be no escape for these people if things were to happen. It’s a good thing and a bad thing. You’re dealt the hand you're dealt. I think I had a plan as soon as I heard the commotion but that sounds a bit self indulgent. Either way, there we were and Tye defused the situation.  It was a miracle. Tye Lancaster defusing a situation? That doesn’t make any sense. 

But I wasn’t gonna let it not happen. I kept my mouth shut and observed. Kept Gwen behind me as they all filtered out. How incredible a moment. I think I’ll tell stories about it when Forbes is a prize fighter. Cuz he’s really the best. I know Locke is dying to fight him. Tye too. I don’t know if they can beat him.  I’d say Forbes by default but I’ve faith in my friends so you gotta play the game ya know?

I can’t believe we’ve got the old crew coming to the new house for a party. I mean, it’s not under the best of circumstances but I’m really happy because I missed all of them. I didn’t mean to phase out of existence, it just kinda happened. I still love them all. They’re still my people. I’m happy I didn’t have to get beat up by Forbes. 

Corin chuckles to himself as he drives the truck back towards the new home. Now fully loaded with kegs and liquor for the party tonight. Tye sits beside him and Locke next to Tye. Tye is not pleased with Corin’s expression... 

“What the hell are you laughing about?” Tye demands. “Gwen was about to get jumped at her place of work by our old gang.”

“Yeah, well, I’m happy I didn’t have to eat a punch from Forbes.” I reply.

“Yeah, well, that guy. I can take him. No problem.” Tye affirms. 

Yeah right, he’s the only guy Tye ever stops before and thinks again. Like the only person. I can’t help but chuckle. 

And Locke too. He knows.

“Whats so freakin funny you guys?” Tye complains. 

“I don’t know. I’m sorry I was just thinking about how you backed down from a fight. With your tail between your legs the moment you realized it was Forbes.” Locke states. Cutting straight to it. No gloves he just thrusts the knife into Tye. Oh boy here we go…

“What the hell?! Did you see where we were at?! That’s family grounds. You’re not allowed to fight on family grounds. It’s a sacred thing. You gotta uphold it otherwise it isn’t real.” Tye complains.

“I didn’t…chuckle… realize… chuckle.. you were such a principled… chuckle.. person.” Locke chokes out. 

Oh my gosh did that set off Tye. I’m trying to drive this car right now, mannnn. I don’t need this grown man child flailing like this. I might get us into an accident. Please…

“I’m not afraid of that guy!” Tye insists.

“Yeah, oh I know.” Locke chortles. “How many times have you beaten him again?”

“I’ve beaten him!” He declares.

We both start laughing. Never has Tye beaten Forbes in a fight. They’ve been close at times, both official and on the playground, but never has Tye beaten Forbes in a fight. Not one that I know of. Maybe when they were alone once but I’m no witness.

“You weren’t there.” He complains.

“I sure wasn’t.” Locke is laughing at him. I think Tye might start fighting Locke right now if things keep going down this avenue. I should intercede.

“Hey, hey hey… he could have won one of those matches. The judges are human, you know. They make mistakes sometimes.” I laugh out loud. 

“Forget the both of you. I beat him. I know I did. You can’t tell me otherwise. I would win. I won.  They can say I didn’t but I did.” Tye is screaming. “You weren’t there, you didn’t see it. You don’t know what happened.”

“So tell us again. My old friend. What happened on that day?” I ask as I make a turn onto the off ramp. So close. We might actually make it home without causing an accident. Blessings.

“I was standing in the ring and we were facing each other when I saw Gwen talking to someone. I don’t know who but it caught my eye.” Tye began. “And then poof it was over. I’m telling you it wasn’t a proper fight. I was distracted. I would of beatin’ him.”

“Well, the score cards say you were getting your ass kicked into the third round.” I interject with a joy I cannot describe.

“Rope a dope. I was loosening him up. He was gonna get tired. I know he was.” Tye replies. 

“You know if you read my book, the first step begins without getting yourself hit. It’s important to protect oneself from damage.” Locke replies. 

“Forget you and you’re stupid book. I was gonna outlast him and I knew it. He can’t beat me in a 12 round fight. I was gonna exhaust him and claim my right as champion. Not all things are won with punching in boxing bro.” Tye laments. 

“It sure helps tho..” I snicker. I gave him a look as I put the car into park. A long look toward his left eye. “I’m not sure is… your eye supposed to be right there or was it supposed to be a bit further up?” 

“Screw all this. Ya know what? Ima fight him tonight Ima make a challenge tonight in the basement.” Tye declares as he exits the truck behind Locke and begins to unload the haul into the apartment. Brent was sitting in the back on the bed with the kegs. He maneuvers off the vehicle and helps grabbing a keg with each arm and billows forward into the house. The back window to the truck had been slid open so I know he heard everything too. I can see the smile on his face of bemusement as he worked towards the door.

“Oh like, we should set up a ring you think?” Locke sounds excited by the idea. “In the basement.”

“Duh, what the heck else are basements used for?” Tye replies. 

“I don’t know, storage, laundry I guess.” I reply. 

“Yeah, civilian answers. No, this basement is gonna be a ring and we’re gonna hold some matches. I’ve got the best idea on how to pass the time this school year. You all just gotta be able to keep your lips tight. Invite the right people.” Tye confides in us. His plan is to host a make shift fight club in the basement. All challengers welcome. He’s going to prove once and for all he’s better than Locke and Forbes. Pound for pound the best fighter in the world. Or atleast on campus and this city. 

“But it has to be those in the know only. Cuz I’m pretty sure we’re doing some shady shit. It’s probs not gonna be looked upon highly.” Tye finishes.

“You mean, we’re gonna start a gambling house or something?” I laugh. 

“No. No. No.” Locke interjects. He pushes his glasses back onto his nose and begins “we are going to establish a legitimate North American dojo. I have gone to all the others and won. I am undefeated in combat and I will establish this dojo here in my name to defend that honor. As those who did before me.”

“Woh. You're serious about all this.” I ask him.

“Deadly. Serious.” Locke confirms.

“Like anyone. No holds bars? Any form whatsoever?” Tye interjects. 

“Anyone. I am going to hold my title as master of the arts. After all.” Locke confirms.

“Well shouldn’t I be the head? I mean I did beat you last time. I’m the head right now aren’t I? Honor bound.” Tye replies. 

“No you’re too obnoxious to be trusted with something like this. Besides, you won because I was distracted.” Locke replies. “So it doesn’t count”. 

“Bullshit!” Tye complains. “You know what, let's set up that ring and figure it out right now?” 

“Yeah, maybe that’s a good idea. You’ve been sitting a bit high on that horse of yours lately for no good reason.” Locke replies sharply.

“Ohhhh, ima kick your ass you better believe it. Okay, let’s get this show on the road. We need to set up a beer pong table first though, for the party. So let’s get something for that and then we’ll draw up the arena downstairs.” Tye states. 

“Beer pong table where are we gonna get a regulation beer pong table from?” I inquire without much thought.

“Regulation? Corin, my man, are you not on the level? We don’t need no stinking badges here…” he replies as he wraps his free arm around me and forcefully pulls me into the house with him. The door closes and the preparations for the night begin. 

Obstacle 35. Blackout