meadowlarklogs | YOU'LL HAVE TO TAKE THE LONG WAY DOWN

[ In his roughened-up blacks (short-sleeve, unlike everything else he owns in this unbearable heat) and scuffed (blessedly breathable) jacket, paired with reinforced work boots, Fitz cuts a different figure from the scruffy corporate type Illya met at the safehouse. Still, as promised, Fitz meets Illya about fifteen minutes from the venue of the latest fighting ring event. Along the way, he provides details about the gangs as he knows them: Fitz is one of the Hi-Jacks (neutral allegiance, technologically inclined), similar to the 66, while the groups they'll encounter tonight are more likely to be members of the Kings and the Warlocks. Most of the gangs trickle upward into rival crime families, the Petrov Family and the Riverside Mob. Unfortunately, he lacks further intel on that front.

Hence needing contacts in the underground. Now, Fitz knows how to fight, but he's not a fighter. Illya, on the other hand, is what he termed a human tank, far more likely to impress the gangs in the ring and gain notoriety through a route unlike Fitz's own. And if they're going to crack this sprawling puzzle, the team (SHIELD, the human trafficking victims, Morningstar) needs agents in every avenue.

Not to mention, if Illya kicks some arse, both of them will get paid. Disposable income means better supplies, tools, weapons. Win, win, win.

Their walk takes them above ground, a venue conferring the sophistication and wealth associated with the sport, despite its illegal status. A bouncer only nods as they pass, either recognising Fitz or not caring who enters. All fighters bleed the same, to him. Once inside, the event buzzes, room filled to the brim with spectators and competitors alike, mingling throughout a low-lit bar space surrounding the stark rings. Many of the patrons glint in the light, cybernetic enhancements visible in as many variations as there are individuals. Some fights, it seems, simply won't be fair. A level above them marks the cordoned-off VIP area, with better views and higher-ranking criminals. Not open to them, yet.

Fitz claps a hand on Illya's shoulder, touch slight and friendly. ]

Drink while you size up the competition? [ canting his head. ] I'm buying.

Water.

[ he knows very well that he could drink, he could have something harder than water and still step into the ring, clear headed and focused, but it is not a chance he wants to take. he doesn't want it in his system tonight. not right now. perhaps, when he wins (because he will win), he'll partake. ]

I don't like to drink before a fight. [ and looking out at the crowd, illya guesses it will be a fight. there are people of all shapes and sizes here, big men and small men, muscled women and women who looked fast and agile. they will be challenges and that is what he'd wanted when he'd agreed to help. ]

Are there any rules that I should know before I fight? [ better to know those now than to go in without the knowledge and get himself disqualified. that would be an embarrassing disaster. ]

Done.

[ a nod of appreciation as they elbow their way to the bar. it's a wise choice — evidence, too, that illya isn't nervous enough to worry fitz. means he was the right man for this job. a safe bet, so to speak. ]

If you don't concede, the fight doesn't end. [ and the pain, if illya somehow begins to lose, will continue until he falls limp on the ground. ] Not a rule, but a note: Never assume what people are packing — there's all sorts of hardware and wetware to be had, under the skin. [ he leans up and lowers his voice. then, evenly — ] Eight 'o clock. Metal hand. Wire concealed in a palm compartment. Nearly asphyxiated a bloke twice her size two weeks ago.

[ a particularly illustrative example; that's all. once said, he pulls away from illya and leans forward, bracing himself against the bar to order their drinks. fitz can hold his liquor, and most regulars will be drinking socially, besides. ]

Edited 2018-12-08 23:51 (UTC)

[ the revelation that there were possible weapons involved gives him pause. it is not enough for him to turn down the fight but he does make a note to be prepared, to adjust and to be more observant of sudden weapons making an appearance.

he has taken down men and women with just his hands before, he will do it again. but, he is glad for the warning anyway. there is no such thing as overprepation for a fight. ]

Perhaps I should have picked up that piece of pipe I'd seen in the street earlier.

[ that was illya's best attempt at a joke and it would be the only joke he'd make for six months so he hopes fitz enjoys it. he keeps eyeing the woman with the metal hand for a moment longer before he swings his attention back to fitz and the bar. ]

You are saying anything is legal, correct?

[ his mouth quirks, pleased by illya's humour to the point where he huffs a laugh. a flashed gesture earns him his usual, whiskey, and water for illya. fitz slides the latter over without comment. ]

They don't want casualties, y'know.

[ tapping his temple with a finger. He means they don't want casualties 'cause there's no such thing as a clean murder, when they have IDs embedded in their skulls. ]

But otherwise, yeah, anything is legal. [ sipping his drink. ] Planning on being adventurous out there?

[ illya eyes the ring and those people that surround it. there is no telling what they could do, how well they could do it, and if their skills were superior to his.

but, he doubts that they have the motivation that has driven him since he joined the kgb. besides, if he were to find himself in trouble, he'll just picture solo's face and allow that to put him over the top. ]

No.

[ he only has need of his hands. ]

Does that worry you?

[ fitz buzzes with anticipation (a hint of nervous energy, too, over nudging someone towards a dangerous path). 'course he knows it's the right call — stepping forward, taking a shot, betting on illya in every sense of the phrase — even if people get hurt. they need agents wedged in every corner of this universe. ]

No. [ a proper smile then, wider than the last. ] I'm worried for the other guy.

[ he pushes off the bar, edging closer to the ring. ]

My money's on you, mate.

A wise choice.

[ his ego was allowed to be healthy in this matter. physical violence was something he was good at and would gladly demonstrate for any and all. ]

I plan on winning. [ he couldn't have his very first fight be one that he loses now could he? that wouldn't do at all. ]

How many times does one fight in a night? Their choice?

Your choice, Illya.

[ This evening is Fitz's idea, but it's important that everything from here on out occurs on Illya's terms. ]

Go for the one round today, if you like. [ shrugging. ] I'm here for as long as we want to stay.

[ sneaking that we in there. ]

[ if illya notices the word, he doesn't say anything. it's probably safe to say that he does not notice it, preoccupied as he is with learning the ins and outs of this place and with carefully measuring each person in the room. ]

I'm ready.

[ he looks over at fitz and nods. ]

I probably will not be long.

[ Fitz offers a hand to high-five, same as before, and allows his mouth to split wider, nearly a grin. ]

Cracking. [ good luck, buddy. ] I'll place a bet.

[ and watch from the side. He's been eager to see how Illya fights since they met at the safehouse. ]

[ if illya had any reservations about fighting after going a bit of time without, it doesn't show. his opponent is large and hulking but they do not have his skills and they do not have his anger either.

it's a quick fight. illya knows exactly where the sensitive, softest parts of a person are and where the easiest bones to break lie and he does exactly that, going for the nose, the knee and the kidneys. he pummels the other person until their face is barely recognizable and they hit the floor with a thud.

all in all, it had been about two minutes. he could have done better but he supposes this is pretty good. ]

[ it's a brutal method, all force, but well-aimed. targeted. despite any assumptions individuals may make because of his physical inclinations, illya has cleverness to go alongside his strength. good. that's what they need, in the bigger fight.

and in this microcosm, well, it's thrilling to watch. where the old fitz might wince, this one trains his laser-focus on the proceedings. two-minute knockout. illya's status as a newcomer means he wasn't the favourite, so fitz wins big initially, a rush of credits to his account. however, he can see the odds adjusting like numbers on rapidly twisting combination lock, whirling on his implant display, projected over the ring in real-time. across the way, he can see a few patrons jostling each other and others gathering, hushed discussions regarding how to alter their bets.

fitz waits for him just outside the exit, water in one hand and his own glass in the other. he'll pass it off whenever illya exits the ring, whether this round or the next. despite his efforts, his mouth curves upward, a smirk. dead pleased with how well this went, right at the start. ]

[ illya isn't the type to come out of the ring, smiling and pumping his fist but there is no doubt that he's pleased, that he's proud of himself. he finds fitz on his way out and he takes the water with a quick nod before stepping away from the ring for a bit. with the adrenaline now pumping, he finds himself wanting to fight again, to find someone else and beat them until they were looking up at the lights.

but, he holds himself back for just a moment and glances at fitz. ] How was that?

Brilliant.

[ because for all his control (and newfound coldness, just beneath the surface), fitz is the type to encourage someone, especially when his words ring true. illya's skill in the ring is indisputable. and beneficial to him, too.

a quick glance around. some eyes watch them, but none are close enough to overhear. ]

There are definitely people already switching their bets. [ by way of explanation, ] New odds, after that knockout.

[ while it might not show on his face, hearing that people have had their eyes opened and are betting on him pleases him. it's a compliment to his skills and shows that too many people underestimated him. the would not do that again. ]

They should have bet on me in the first place.

[ so, good job, fitz, you were one of the few smart ones here. ]

I do not mind them losing their money.

Their loss is our gain.

[ a half-hearted shrug. fitz wins credits (and credibility) for making the right bet, while illya gets his winnings. ]

Reckon they have more than money to offer, though.

[ connections, intel, all just out of reach. ]

[ his interest piques and he glances over at fitz, curious. ]

More than money? What do you mean?

[ and how does he get them to bet something more than money on his fights? ]

The people here. Watching, betting, participating. [ rattled off with a rolling gesture. ]

Some of them are associated with distinct groups. [ well. no need to play coy with illya. ] Gangs. [ lifting his brows. ] Might be that they have connections that could help you — or the lot of us, going forward.

Mmm.

[ information, he thinks, is almost as valuable as money especially in a place like this. he can live without currency but information would go a long way in getting them out of here. or at least getting them closer. ]

And how does one make them bet something other than money? Or is it just their whims?

If you keep winning, they might take notice and ask you to fight for them — or listen, when you ask them something of them down the line.

[ it's about building relationships, spiderwebbing connections, like everything else here. it seems as though his suggestion hasn't affronted illya, at any rate, so he takes it a step further. ]

There are two that focus on the fighting rings, the Warlocks and the Kings. They each have ties back to the major crime families, the Riverside Mob [ a beat. ] and the Petrovs.

[ he wonders if the origins of the latter name will interest illya. ]

Petrovs.

[ his attention sharpens. he does not know these petrovs but he recognizes a surname like that. perhaps that could be the angle to work since he imagines someone like himself would be somewhat familiar as well. ]

Do you know much about them?

[ there it is. he shakes his head, his expression flattening into something more neutral, though the spark of interest remains. ]

Only that the Warlocks or the Kings could lead up to them, and they're the two gangs running these rings. [ so illya appearing and winning already puts him closer to them, even without considering any background affiliations. ] I'm not a fighter — and I've joined the Hi-Jacks, who take no part in the families' scuffles — so it's not an avenue I can pursue.

[ the unspoken suggestion being but you can. ]

But I can.

[ and now he would. he rubs one thumb over his knuckles, feeling purpose fill his veins for the first time since he'd arrived. ]

And I will.

[ his mind was made up. ]

I need to win again.

[ that marks one more man on the inside. ]

You will.

[ cue montage of illya TEARING IT UP in the ring. ]

Edited 2019-01-12 18:32 (UTC)

YOU'LL HAVE TO TAKE THE LONG WAY DOWN —

— ILLYA, 16 AUGUST 2511, JUST BEFORE THE DAYS FLIP.

Re: — ILLYA, 16 AUGUST 2511, JUST BEFORE THE DAYS FLIP.

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good to wrap up or end here!