The sounds of squealing brakes coming to a gentle stop filled the air as the S-Bahn slid into the station. With a gentle sigh, the train’s doors opened to a platform bathed in winter sunlight. It was a cool and clear day in Zossen, Germany. Pine and birch trees dotted the horizon. Tidy buildings with red roofs and evergreen shutters lined the streets with pedestrians and cyclists travelling alongside the occasional bus and car. And from a nearby stanchion, the trainstation’s clock struck 2 in the dot as the passengers disembarked.
“It’s like a model train set-up, but real.” Niki stepped out onto the platform, her duffel bag bouncing off her hip. She hugged her WVBA satin jacket a little tighter, smiling through the winter chill.
The tall figure of Von Kaiser stepped through next, bags in hand, and took a long, deep breath. “Ja. Zossen, I am home,” he said fondly. “Come now, let’s not block the doors.”
“Whaddup, Lunatics!” Luna was in full streamer mode, stepping out of the train with her phone attached to a compact handle, the camera light blinking red. “Can you believe it? Your girl’s in Germany… and not just because my VPN says so.”
Von Kaiser pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering low. “She is always recording something.”
“Not always,” Niki whispered back with amusement. “She did sleep on the plane. And there was breakfast this morning.”
“Only after she recorded all of our plates und made comments on our food choices,” Von Kaiser quietly protested.
Niki chuckled, “To be fair, Coach, corn flakes and pickled eggs is… a choice.”
“Our quest to drop Baby Sands has brought us to Zossen,” Luna continued without missing a beat, twirling in place and working around people and obstacles with practiced ease. “It’s like Berlin’s really chill cousin. And I mean, check the aesthetic! It’s like someone dropped a German UI on a JRPG mid-town. Ten outta ten. No notes. Will montage later.”
“I do not understand half of what she is saying,” Von Kaiser said as he led the way to the bus stop for the final leg of their journey.
Niki nudged her coach with her elbow and smiled, “I’ll translate later.”
Putting her footwork to use, Luna darted ahead to catch Niki at a flattering angle. “And, of course, what’s a quest without your party? We’ve got the WVBA’s resident wizardress of wi-fi and right hooks, Niki Binary!”
“Wizardress?” Niki laughed. “That’s not a word.”
Luna looked back over her shoulder with a smirk, “Is to. Check Wiktionary.”
“Mein Gott im Himmel,” Von Kaiser said under his breath.
“And you know,” Luna segued as she repositioned her camera’s view, “every quest needs a wise guide to lead the way, and for us, that’s the legendary German Steel Machine himself, Viktor Von Kaiser. Say ‘hi’, Coach!”
“Ach,” Von Kaiser was startled by the sudden presence of a camera in his face, “um… ja… like und subscribe…”
Niki and Luna both laughed, Niki grabbing hold of her coach to keep from stumbling. Luna wrapped up, “Aight, Lunatics, we’ll pick up in the gym and see where we’re gonna get ready for poor Baby Sands. Stay tuned!”
Luna tapped her screen, stopping the recording, and Niki fell to her knees in laughter.
“Like und subscribe,” Niki said in her best German accent, laughing even more.
Von Kaiser’s lips twitched in the smallest hint of a smile as he reached his hand down to Niki, “Glad I could bring joy und happiness to your day, Wenig Stahl.”
“I thought it was awesome,” Luna said, putting away her rig and her on-screen persona. “We’ll make a streamer out of you yet, Coach.”
“Please, no. I am not,” Von Kaiser made air quotes with his fingers, “a tech guy.”
Luna feigned shock, “No! Say it ain’t so!”
“It’s true,” Niki said, her laughing fit having subsided. “Vicky told me he didn’t have an email address until she made him get one for their gym.”
“That tracks,” Luna nodded. “By the way, why the detour? I mean, this is Berlin adjacent. I thought we were going to, like, big city Berlin. As in, currywurst and graffiti Berlin.”
The trio took the exit stairs to ground level, passing a few vending machines and a half occupied bike rack on their way to a wooden bus shelter covered in a variety of event posters.
“Zossen is part of Metropolregion Berlin-Brandenburg, Greater Berlin,” Von Kaiser explained, visibly more relaxed without the camera running. “When I first joined ze WVBA, they needed a city to introduce me from. No one in America knows Zossen. They think you have sneezed and say ‘bless you’. So, I was from Berlin.”
“Marketing,” Luna’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Makes sense. It’s like when I tell people I’m from Vancouver instead of Chilliwack. I told someone in the cafeteria the other day I was from Chilliwack and wound up with a tray full of chilli mac. That was rough.”
The hiss of air brakes announced the arrival of their bus. On the side, there was a large advertisement. It showed a heart formed by two steel boxing gloves in the upper corners and writing across the bottom reading “DAS STAHLHERZ JUGEND-BOXCAMP”. Behind the words were pictures of boys and girls of various ages, all in boxing poses, smiling wide for the camera.
“That’s so cool!” Luna’s face lit up like a pinball bonus light. “That’s the Steel Heart logo, isn’t it?”
“Ja,” Von Kaiser answered, a warm smile on his face. “This is for our youth camp. Every winter, we welcome kinder from across Europe. Sometimes farther. Some have boxed before. Some have never put on gloves. We teach both. Discipline, respect, honor, sportsmanship. Most find friends and a hobby to share. Some find passion and purpose.”
Luna sniffled a little, touched, “That’s amazing. I would love to help when I have time during my training… if that’s okay. I could cut together a hype reel. Something just for the kids, a way to relive the memories a little.”
He paused to consider as people exited the bus. “That is Viktoria’s decision to make. I will abide by whatever she says.”
“Yay!” Luna clapped her hands with excitement.
“So, umm,” Niki nervously started. “Why am I here? I mean, I know you said Vicky’s got a new coach that she wants to start handling the day-to-day. And you said the change of scenery might do me good, which I appreciate. But, you didn’t say anything about a camp going on.”
Von Kaiser gave Niki a warm smile. “Very astute, Wenig Stahl. Ja, ze camp is part of why I brought you,” he said as he shot a quick glance at Luna, “both of you. I believe ze kinder will bring you a new energy and focus on ze fundamentals. But also, it will be good for ze kinder to meet two active fighters, especially ze first woman to enter a WVBA ring as a boxer.”
Niki chuckled nervously. “Coach, I don’t know how impressed they’ll be by me. I mean, yeah, I’m was in that ring for our first women’s match, but… I don’t know that I’m… it’s just…”
“O-M-G! Niki, you took an L. Big deal,” Luna said, cutting her off in exasperation. “Everybody loses. It doesn’t change what you and Cutie did together.”
The last of the disembarking passengers stepped off the bus and Luna led the way onboard.
“Yeah, but,” Niki started, still looking a little meek as she took a seat.
“Listen, mein kind,” Von Kaiser said softly, sitting across the aisle from her, “Ze kinder will see what I see. You stood your ground. You did not quit, even when it hurt. You listened and you learned.” He paused a second and tapped his chest over his heart. “Ze heart and hard work. That is what ze kinder need to see, that a loss doesn’t end the story.”
A few tears welled up in Niki’s eyes. “Yes, Coach. Thank you.”
“And besides,” Luna cut in, plopping down next to Niki, “you were awesome in the fight. I mean, you need to talk the stage hands ‘cause they did you dirty on the lighting, but in the ring? Girl, you were clean. Cutie’s no joke, but you adapted like a speedrunner with a new strat.”
Niki snorted, her anxiety subsiding. “Only you could make me catching a beatdown from my bestie sound like something out of a SummoningSalt video.”
“I’m telling you, girl, you’ll get that PB on any% KO soon enough.” Luna declared with a smile, then softened. “For real though, you got heart and it shows. Inspires a lotta people, me included. We stan the I.T. Girl in this house.”
“I appreciate that, you two.” Niki said with a soft smile. “I’ll make you proud, Coach.”
“Always have, Wenig Stahl,” Von Kaiser replied as the bus started moving.
Through the bus windows, Zossen unfurled before them. A bakery with steam coming through the cracks in its door. A playground dusted with snow. A cyclist riding by with his bright scarf fluttering behind.
Luna watched as she asked, “So, what’s this boxing camp like? Are we talking drills all morning and bratwurst for lunch? Or is this like Mortal Kombat for teenagers, but with gloves and headgear… and bratwurst for lunch?”
“Nein, no fights to ze death,” Von Kaiser shook his head warily. “Viktoria will have you helping when your own training permits. Ze kinder work on ze fundamentals first. Footwork, technique, balance. Then, drills, relays, and roadwork. At ze end of ze week is sparring. Ze most promising get to spar on a special camp finale card.”
“Sounds lit!” Luna said excitedly. “Maybe I can ref some at the finale? I accept bratwurst as payment.”
Niki looked at Luna, “What is it with the bratwurst?”
Luna turned back to Niki and Von Kaiser, “I’m hungry. And I love trying local street foods. You have no idea how hard it is for me to not get off this bus, walk to all seven bakeries we’ve passed, and buy everything that even looks like a pretzel.”
“Viktoria has a welcome dinner planned,” Von Kaiser chimed in. “Homemade. You will enjoy it. Be patient.”
A few minutes later, the bus came to its next stop. Behind the bus stop was an old brick building with the word “BOXEN” painted on the side, faded with age. Some of the plaster facade was cracked and had fallen loose. Old boxing posters lined the building in neat rows. They dated back decades. And near the doors was a well-maintained sign with two steel boxing gloves forming a heart. Stalherz Boxakademie, the Steel Heart Boxing Academy
Von Kaiser nodded with the most genuine smile Niki had ever seen on his face. She placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention. She met his smile and nodded.
“Eins, zwei, drei, vier… eins, zwei, drei, vier…”
The cadence met them as soon as the doors opened. A group of children jogged the perimeter of the large room, none of them older than ten by the looks of it, all shouting the count in unison. Soon, the sound faded into a cacophony along with the squeaks of boots across canvas, the rhythmic thumps of gloves hitting bags, and the snaps of jump ropes hitting the hardwood flooring.
Warmth spread from well spaced out radiators and the smell of disinfectant and old leather permeated the area. Three full size rings dominated the center of the gym, ropes frayed and faded, duct tape holding the canvases together in places.
It was like stepping into the past, the world boxing used to be.
“Whoa,” Niki breathed.
“This is so legit,” Luna whispered. She spun in place, taking in the whole space. “The posters, the equipment, the… the whole vibe. This place has seen things.”
“No tablets, no smart mirrors, no heart rate monitors,” Niki said with a slight tinge to her voice.
“And when did I need any of those things training you?” Von Kaiser asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“Never, Coach,” Niki smiled sheepishly in return. “Point taken.”
With a satisfied nod, Von Kaiser said, “Come. I will show you ze gym.”
Niki and Luna flanked the old coach as he led the duo further into the facility. “Ze rings are ze center. Reminds everyone of ze goal, to compete. Ze east wall is for shadowboxing and hand weights.”
“Hence all the mirrors,” Niki chimed in.
“Ja,” Von Kaiser continued. “Ze west wall is for bag work. Heavy bags, speed bags. Double-end bags are at ze back and jumping rope is here, up front.”
“So cool,” Luna said. “It’s like a cutscene in some noir boxing game.”
Von Kaiser looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s a good thing, Coach,” Luna smiled.
With a nod, he continued, “This way. I want to show you something special.”
Like the proud father he was, Von Kaiser led the girls to a wall display, spotlessly clean and dust-free. Six framed posters hung above simple wooden pedestals, each holding a display case, half of them covered in black cloth. The first poster was for the Brandenburg Cup, a prestigious amateur tournament. The display case below held numerous medals, including a Brandenburg gold medal.
“Ze first gold medal Viktoria ever won,” Von Kaiser smiled. “Ze Brandenburg Cup holds a special place for my family. And Viktoria performed so well there.”
Niki and Luna exchanged glances as they gazed at the collection of medals before moving to the next case. It held a championship belt. It read Deutscher Superleichtgewicht Boxmeister on its center plate and the poster above it showed Viktoria as the challenger for the title. English was printed small under the main text, “Challenger Vicky Von Kaiser versus Champion Freya Holtz - 8 Rounds for the German Super Lightweight Championship.”
Beside that was another poster with Viktoria pictured as challenger alongside another champion. It read, “10 Round Main Event - European Super Lightweight Title: Vicky Von Kaiser (German Champion) versus Axana Von Daele (European Champion).” The gleaming title belt rested in the case below.
“Wow,” Niki whispered. “I’ve seen pictures of Vicky with her belts, but I’ve never actually seen them.”
“It is good for ze kinder to see that hard work pays off,” Von Kaiser said.
“I couldn’t agree more,” a voice came from behind them, dry and affectionate.
Approaching the trio was a tall and fit woman in her late-20s, decked out in Steelheart branded sweats and a simple black sports bra. Her reddish-brown hair was pulled back in a slick ponytail and her gray eyes twinkled with unshed tears. The smile on her face was honest and joyful as she looked upon the trio.
“Hallo, papa,” she said, rushing into Von Kaiser’s open arms.
“Meine Mädchen,” he responded quietly, hugging the woman tightly.
After a moment, they released one another and he stood to her side, “Luna, allow me to introduce my daughter, Viktoria Von Kaiser.”
Luna stepped forward and extended her hand, “It’s an honor, ma’am. I’ve seen footage of all your fights. You were robbed against Manalo. The ref should’ve stopped that fight in the fifth.”
“Nice of you to say so,” Viktoria replied. “But, Tanya Manalo was World Champion for a reason. She was the better woman that night. Now…”
Viktoria turned her eyes toward Niki, “Little sister, your guard is still loose under pressure.”
Niki cocked her hip in frustration, “You eat a hook to the liver and right in the mouth and see if your guard is still solid.”
“It would have been,” Viktoria said flatly.
“Really?” Niki said as she stepped up to Viktoria, fists clenched, locking eyes with her. “Wanna find out?”
“Niki?!” Luna was shocked. “This is so-ooo not you.”
Suddenly, Viktoria and Niki burst out laughing and grabbed each other for a big sisterly hug.
“You did well against Hondo,” Viktoria said.
“I got knocked out,” Niki answered sheepishly as they separated.
“T.K.O.,” Viktoria chided. “There is a difference. You never quit. You watched, you learned, you adjusted. Next time, you will do better.”
Niki smiled, “You sound like your dad.”
Viktoria smiled back, “I learned well. And I’m glad you are here. The children have already been talking about meeting the first woman to fight in the WVBA ring.”
“Thank you, Vicky,” Niki blushed. “Happy to help. I just hope I can meet their expectations.”
With that, Viktoria walked over to the covered posters and pedestals, “Now, papa, a surprise.”
“I do not like surprises, mein kind,” Von Kaiser said, eyes narrowing.
“I know,” Viktoria replied. “This, however, is overdue.”
Pulling the cloths away revealed three new displays that matched Viktoria’s.
“Oh my God,” Niki’s hands went to her mouth.
“Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about,” Luna whispered, walking close to the displays.
The cases on the pedestals held one belt each. Three WVBA Minor Circuit Championships, each with a slightly different design, gold shining like honey from their age. Above each one, on the wall, was a poster from the title bout that saw them claimed.
“Tournament Finals, Viktor Von Kaiser versus ‘Texas’ John McCoy,” Niki read aloud. “I remember watching that fight on YouTube as a kid.”
“Texas Mac, we called him,” Von Kaiser reminisced. “Stubborn man. Never liked him, but you had to respect him. He hit like a horse, even if he acted like one’s…”
“Papa,” Viktoria chided. “Not in front of the children.” Von Kaiser glanced back at his daughter with a slightly mischievous smirk.
Luna stepped up to the other two, “And these are the two you won from Piston Hurricane, right? That’s so badass! I never imagined I’d be this close to a real WVBA belt, ever. It’s like getting a Lightbringer in FF VI.”
“Eff eff six?” Von Kaiser asked, confused.
“Final Fantasy VI,” Niki whispered to him. “It’s a game.”
“Ah,” he replied, then looked back at Luna, “To answer ze question, I defeated Hurricane for both of these, but only won one from him. Ze first was a tournament. Common when ze champion moved up a circuit. Ze second, Hurricane was champion going in. He defeated me in ze rematch, ze last of our three fights.”
“Hey, Niki, check this out,” Luna pointed into the first case. “Look at the detail, the etching. You never see this stuff on TV. Look, they were using the snake motif for the Minor Circuit back in the day, too.”
For a moment, Von Kaiser watched his protégé and her friend in silence as they spoke in hushed, reverent tones over his old trophies. Viktoria walked to stand by her father’s side and put an arm around his waist.
“They were in storage,” Von Kaiser said quietly. “You should have left them there. My glory was long ago. I am not arrogant and do not want to…”
“It’s not for you, papa,” Viktoria said with kindness in her voice. “Like you said, let the children see what comes with hard work.”
“And besides,” Niki chimed in, “it’s not a bad thing to get your flowers every once in a while.”
Luna spoke up, too, “And it braggin’ if you ain’t laggin’.”
Von Kaiser shot a look at Luna, brow furrowed.
“What I said was,” Luna sighed, “you’re not being arrogant by simply displaying your hard-earned accomplishments.”
“Why didn’t you just say so,” Von Kaiser muttered.
“She did,” Niki chuckled, “just not in English.”
“Well,” Viktoria smiled. “Let me show you to the locker room so you can change. I have regimens planned for both of you. Luna, I hope your regular coach won’t mind, but I’ve set up a strategy for your debut against Razor.”
Luna got silent for a moment, “I… uh… my coach dipped.”
“What?” Niki asked as Von Kaiser’s eyes went wide. “Why?”
“We talked last week.” Luna looked vulnerable and spoke quietly. “He thinks I made a mistake by joining the WVBA, that a streamer has no business in the ring with ‘real boxers’. I didn’t say anything ‘cause I didn’t want you guys to think I was tryin’ to bum a free ride or snipe your coach.”
Viktoria stepped over to Luna and rested a hand on her shoulder, “Are you willing to work? Hard?”
Luna’s eyes narrowed, “Girl, I’ve never been handed a thing I didn’t bust my ass for.”
“Good,” Viktoria replied. “I will work you hard this week. I see to it that you are ready for, what do you call her…”
“Baby Sands?” Luna smiled.
“Yes,” Viktoria smiled back, “Baby Sands. And I will handle your corner on the night. Agreed?”
All eyes went to Luna, who took a deep breath to consider. “Why, though? We never met before. You don’t know me. It ain’t like there’s an upside for you. So, why?”
“Because you are here,” Von Kaiser said with a gravitas as if that were an explanation.
“Thank you, mysterious quest giver,” Luna answered with more than a little sass.
Niki joined Viktoria by Luna’s side, “You asked to come because you know you need to improve. Because you wanted to work with Vicky.”
“And I trust my father’s judgement,” Viktoria added. “He would not have brought you here if he didn’t see dedication and potential.”
Luna took a moment. No one spoke. She looked around the gym. The aura. The atmosphere. There was a vibe that just felt…
“I’m in,” Luna said, extending her fist to Viktoria. “Long as I still get to help the kiddies and you show me the most bomb bratwurst in Zossen.”
Von Kaiser shook his head as his daughter laughed.
Viktoria bumped fists Luna, “Done. And I know this great place, Beck’s Corner. Best food in the town.”
“Nice,” Luna smiled brightly. “By the way, can I stream our workouts and record some stuff for my channel?”
“Mein Gott im Himmel,” Von Kaiser shook his head as the girls continued chatting on their way to the locker room. Then, he surveyed the room and all the sweat and hard work being put in. He couldn’t help but be proud.
“Home.”
Viktoria "Vicky" Von Kaiser is an OC belonging to @behind-the-mak and is used with permission.
One of my goals when I started drawing was to draw versions of my OC's that I was truly happy with. I finally feel like I've done that and I want to share the results. But first, I owe a few people my thanks.
@lukasdoodles, you've been an inspiration and mentor to me! I appreciate it and hope you don't mind my continued annoyances.
@sukipershipper and @cherryrollarts, working with you two, and with Lukas, on various commission orders has served to spark my creativity in a myriad of ways and I appreciate it a lot.
@ohshy, @maks-punchout-hyperfixtion, and @urlocaldemonthatlikeslemons, bouncing ideas around with you three is so much fun and I hope to continue doing that a lot more often.
And @cyrah-is-cool101, thank you for being my first big supporter, my "editor" helping me stay on track, and for allowing Star Mika to be a part of my fic. I genuinely can't think of my story without Mika being a part.
Alright, on to the art, after the break...
l-r: Niki Binary, Cutie Hondo, Skye Ivy, Reina Adora, Gemma Golden, Star Mika (thanks @cyrah-is-cool101), Luna Doll, and Razor Sharp.
I feel like this would be a photo taken in the gym before Mika and Gemma's fight in my fic. Gemma's definitely got this in her trailer when she's filming "The Birmingham Butterfly".
L-to-R: Cutie Hondo, Niki Binary, Gemma Golden, Skye Ivy, and Star Mika.
Thanks, as always, to @cyrah-is-cool101 for letting me use Star Mika in my fic.
The afternoon sun shone bright over the WVBA Campus, casting long shadows across the gravel paths on the Zen Garden. A peaceful tranquility was only disturbed by the occasional rustling of leaves and the delicate sounds of Japanese instrumentals drifting from an iPhone. Amidst the calm, serene atmosphere sat Niki Binary, reclining on a bench, reading a well-worn paperback of “Ready Player One” to relax now that her shift in I.T. was over.
For Niki, this was bliss. A little retreat from the endless buzz of offices, the hum of servers, and rhythmic thuds and clanks of the gym. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she adjusted her WVBA polo shirt and rested her book on her lap. She leaned back, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the moment of peace.
“Niiikkkkiii!”
So much for peace and quiet. From the entrance to the garden, obscured by the trees and decorations, came the loud, stage-whisper. It was a valiant, yet failed, attempt at subtlety. Truthfully, it had all the subtlety of a straight right hand.
“Yo, Niiikkkkkkiiiii!”
Niki recognized the voice, though, and responded at a normal volume, “Over here, Luna.”
As Luna stepped into view, a magenta hoodie now added to her workout attire from this morning, Niki smiled, “Luna, why are you whispering like that?”
“I didn’t wanna, y’know,” Luna looked a little sheepish, rubbing the back of her neck, “disturb anyone. Zen gardens are for meditating and stuff, right? Just thought I should keep it down.”
Niki chuckled slightly, “You’re good. You don’t need to whisper. They’ve got a sign to hang on the door for when people are meditating. Sort of a ‘Do Not Disturb’ thing.”
“Oh. Makes sense,” Luna’s cheeks flushed a little with a rare bit of embarrassment. “Been here a few weeks and I still don’t know my way around. This place is massive.”
“That’s too true,” Niki nodded. “Back when I started in I.T., I would get lost at least three times a week. Had to keep Bear on speed dial. But hey, if I can figure it out, you can, too.”
Luna grinned as the awkwardness passed, “Guess I just gotta find my groove, huh?” There was still a nervous energy about Luna as she looked around the garden, “I, uh… I didn’t interrupt anything, did I? Like, you reading up on some new techy wizardry?”
Niki laughed softly as she held up her book, “This? Nope, just re-reading a favorite of mine. So, what’s up? Don’t tell me your connection bottomed out again.”
“Hell naw,” Luna waved her hands, then grimaced at her sudden loudness. “The wi-fi’s off the chain! Seriously, no dropped frames, no lag. I’ve never had smoother streams. You’re, like, the heavyweight champ of I.T. techs!”
“Heavyweight?!” Niki chuckles, “If I’m looking like a heavyweight, I gotta stop eating lunch with Jason.”
Luna’s typical bravado came back for a moment as she cocked a hip, “Girl! You know what I mean.”
Niki sat up with a smile and makes room on the bench, “Sit down. What brings you here?”
Sitting down next to Niki, Luna’s confidence dissolved. Her carefully curated persona vanished. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. It took a minute, but Luna finally spoke up, “Look… this’ll sound… this is gonna sound weird, but…”
“Look, I know we don’t know each other that well,” Niki looked at Luna with reassurance, “but you can talk to me. It’s alright.”
Luna looked down, poking the rocks with her foot as she stuffs her hands in her hoodie pockets. She took a deep breath, held it, and exhaled. “This feels kinda stupid to say, but…”
Biting her lip, Luna’s eyes started darting around, as if looking for the words. Niki rested a hand on her shoulder, “Luna…”
“... Razor’s gonna whoop my ass,” Luna said with an oddly amused expression.
Niki’s eyes went wide for a second, “That’s an odd way to psych yourself up for a fight.”
They both laughed a little, but Luna looked up at the skylights, avoiding eye contact, “Look, I talk mad shit, especially when I’ve got an audience. This, though… this hits different.” She bit her lip for a moment as she paused. “She’s bigger, stronger, faster… way more experienced. Boxing is, like, her superpower. I mean, Mr. Sandman is her dad. Her dad! I’m a Twitch streamer that boxed on some charity shows. If I’m honest, I hope I don’t embarrass myself.”
“You feel like an imposter,” Niki says softly. “I know that vibe. I felt the same way when I fought Cutie.”
“Really?” Luna couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice. “But you went out there and showed out, girl!
Niki chuckled again, “Showed out and got knocked out!” There was a sense of pride and amusement in her voice, “But, I had the say thoughts screaming in my head. ‘She’s a legacy fighter,’ ‘She’s a prodigy in the ring,’ ‘She’s been training forever and I’m a geeky girl from Atlanta that took a boxing crash course.’”
“How… how’d you get over it?” Luna’s eyes were pleading for an answer.
“I didn’t,” Niki leaned back, smiling. “But, I remembered something Coach Kaiser told me.” Continuing with a faux German accent, “‘Zis girl is good. Talented. But remember zis, hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’”
Luna finally looks at Niki, eye-to-eye, “Yeah, but… is that enough? Razor’s on another level. She’s, like, scary good and I’m just a gamer that loves retro stuff.”
“You’re not ‘just’ anything.” Niki sounded like a big sister scolding her sibling for a moment. “I’ve read up on you, girl. You’ve busted your butt for everything you’ve got. You work hard, you’ve got heart for days, and, for ‘just a gamer’, you’ve got a helluva shovel hook.”
“Aww yeah,” Luna smiled. “That’s my Ban Hammer. I remember dropping Usagi87 with it at Creator Fight League 2 with that one… She deserved it. Girl stream sniped me on a Fortnite stream I was hosting for two hours straight the week before our match.”
Niki nodded, “See? You’ve got the want, too. The way you smiled as told that story? Yeah, Razor’s got the talent, but you’ve got drive. You don’t strike me as someone that backs off from what she wants just because it’s hard.”
“Yeah,” Luna’s smile grew nervous. “That’s, uh, kinda why I came to see you.”
“My curiosity’s piqued.” Niki tilted her head a little, “What do you mean?”
Luna shifted her position on the bench, turning to fully face Niki, “I… I was kinda hoping, if it’s okay, that maybe… I could maybe… tag along to Germany?”
“What?” Niki’s expression went from curious to stunned blank in an instant.
And now I panic. Words now tumbled uncontrollably from Luna’s mouth like a waterfall. “I’ll pay my own way book my own flights hotels everything I swear I’m not trying to crash your trip or anything and I’ll keep out of the way I just thought I could use the extra training and it’s a huge opportunity and I just wanna learn from the best y’know and…”
The particular shade of red Luna was turning began to concern Niki. With well practiced speed and precision, Niki shot her left hand at Luna like a stabbing jab. In an instant, Niki’s hand was covering Luna’s mouth, “Breath, girl.”
Luna complied, taking deep breaths as Niki held her hand in place. There was a vulnerability to Luna right now, one that was a complete 180 from the brash and confident persona she typically carried online or in the gym. She was rattled.
“You finally realized who you’re fighting,” Niki slowly removed her hand as Luna’s color returned, “didn’t you?”
Between deep breaths, Luna nodded. “Yeah.”
Niki looked around the garden for a minute, then smiled as her eyes landed on a particular spot where an empty painting easel sat. “We’ll talk to Coach.”
“Wait,” Luna’s eyes went wide with shock. “Are… are you serious right now?”
“Coach Kaiser’s got the final call,” Niki’s gaze returned to Luna, “and he’s pretty particular about who he works with. But, I’d love the company. Let’s talk to him at dinner. Bet we can talk him into it.”
There was a moment where Luna just stared at Niki and her knowing grin. It was as if Luna herself was slowing down like a retro game with too many sprites on screen. Then, just as suddenly, Luna threw her arms around Niki with a grateful hug. “Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”
“Breath,” Niki returned the hug, “and you’re welcome.”
“Seriously, Niki,” Luna released Niki and leaned back with a sudden relief washing over her, “you have no idea what this means to me. Now…” Luna jumped to her feet and clapped her hands together. “Time to pack!”
Niki’s eyebrow shot up as she watched Luna’s contagious energy returned to her, “Luna, we still have to talk to Coach. It’s not a lock yet.”
“No worries, Niki!” Luna was already halfway to the garden exit, “We got this! See you at dinner!”
And with that, Niki was left sitting on the bench, shaking her head in amusement. Returning to her reclined position, Niki opened her book back up, then looked in the direction of the exit.
The skylights let the mid-morning sun flood the WVBA Academy Gym. It was a typical Wednesday. Von Kaiser’s intermediate class was working in a couple of the rings under his stern and watchful gaze.
Glass Joe and Disco Kid were sparring in another ring, Joe helping Disco on his form while Disco worked with Joe on reading his opponents quicker.
And the loud thumps coming from heavy bags was King Hippo as he was getting ready for his title defense against Piston Hondo that was coming up.
But, no doubt the loudest and most attention drawing workout in the room was Luna Doll. She was in her element. Working the double-ended bag, she was dancing around, light on her feet, punching and dodging. Honing her skills, getting ready for her fight with Razor Sharp next week, wasn’t what attracted attention, though. No, that had more to do with her phone mounted on a nearby tripod.
“Now, Luna-tics, you know I ain’t sleepin’ on Baby Sands.” Luna was bobbing and weaving, the bluetooth mic clipped to her pink sports bra catching her every word. She was live streaming her workout, punching with precision, moving with grace, and talking with sass.
Her fans, her Luna-tics, were out in full force in the chat. Of course, she couldn’t see the chat while she was working the bag. But, she knew they were there, hanging on her every word, cheering her on as she trained for her biggest fight to date.
Luna snapped out a sharp jab, then slipped the bag when it sprang back at her, “Razor Sharp’s got that Sandman blood in her. Her old man’s a legend, Mister Sandman himself. That don’t mean she gets a pass, though.” A quick one-two shot the bag back and she danced to the right, popping off another jab, “Nah, fam! Just means she gets the whole #Hitmaker experience!”
They were brash words, but Luna couldn’t help herself. There was just something about talking trash during a stream and during a workout that got her amped, especially when she knew her fans were eating it up. Gliding back, Luna effortlessly slipped the bag as it rebounded, catching it with a clean right hook as she did.
“See that? See that?” Luna bobbed and weaved, then popped off a series of jabs as she danced around the bag, each one landing with a quick pop. “Lunatics, I’m stoked for this! No doubt, Baby Sands has got the size and the power and the experience, so we gonna lose some HP on this one.”
From the corner of her eye, Luna caught the gym doors opening. Niki Binary, decked out in a WVBA polo shirt and black slacks, lanyard around her neck, had walked in, scanning the gym with a purposeful gaze. Clearly, she was looking for someone.
Luna’s grin widened. “But, you know me, stay ready ain’t gotta get ready.” Popping off a few punches, slipping and dodging, Luna then caught the bag with her gloves and brought it to a stop before looking into the camera lens on her phone.
“No disrespect, Razor. I ain’t expecting to speedrun you or nothin’.” Luna pulled one of her gloves off, “But, you best not expect a ‘Flawless Victory’, either. I’m watchin’ your fights, workin’ hard, and come fight night, I’mma read like an old school strat guide. Straight GameFAQ’s, bay-bee!”
Niki was now standing behind the phone, trying not to laugh. Luna tossed her a wink as she finished up, “Alright, fam, I’ve got to go. Remember to like, share, subscribe, all that cool stuff. And, don’t forget the charity giveaway. Donate to Make-A-Wish using the link on the channel homepage and for every five dollars you donate, you get entered in a drawing to win my fight gloves from my debut against Razor Sharp a week from Saturday. Aight, Lunatics! We got Sonic 2 tonight. Until then, Luna, out!”
With a quick tap on her phone screen, Luna turned off the stream and turned her attention to Niki, her demeanor shifting from dynamic streamer to, somewhat, humble rookie boxer.
“Yo, Binary,” Luna smiled, then quickly corrected herself when Niki tapped her badge on her lanyard, “Sorry, sorry. Yo Nicole, what’s up? Forgot, Niki in the ring, Nicole on the clock. Sorry.”
“No worries,” Nicole smiled as Luna pulled off her other glove and started breaking down her streaming set-up. “Streaming your training, I see. Between the sneak preview you're giving away and the mad trash you’re dishing out, I think you might have a rough night with Razor.”
Luna looked up as she collapsed her tripod, “Oh, I’m counting on it. Look, Razor can get film on me as easy as I can on her. Plus, we both train here. Not worried about the preview.” Standing up, Luna stuffed the tripod in its bag, “Now, me puttin’ the mouth on her? Yeah, I thought about that. I figure she’s gonna try and knock my head off either way, so I might as well be entertaining.”
“Guess that’s one way to think about it,” Nicole just shook her head in disbelief. “Have you always streamed your training?”
“Oh yeah,” Luna's face lit up as she talked about her streams. “From when I was getting set for my first influencer fight. My first punch, my first spar, all of it. And every time I struggled, every time I broke down and cried, my viewers were there for me. They’ve had my six the whole time. They’re my ride or die. Keeps me motivated, and maybe I motivate them a little. I like to think I do anyways.”
Nicole smiled and nodded as a single word crossed her mind. Sessatakuma. She understood Luna’s feelings all too well.
Luna finished zipping her bag, “But, I know you didn’t come here just to watch me stream live and in person. What’s up? Here for me?”
“Yeah,” Nicole pulled out her work phone. “Just needed to follow-up on the work we did to your apartment wi-fi. How’s it looking now? No dropped frames?”
“Not. A. One!” Luna’s eyes shined with excitement. “No lags. No drops. Just pure, uninterrupted gaming. Tried it out last night on an old school Contra stream. Crushed it, b-t-dubs! You’re a lifesaver, Nicole.”
“Just doing my job,” Nicole tapped away at her phone, a look of professional pride on her face. “Let me just close this ticket out and…”
“Entschuldigung.” A deep voice spoke with gentle authority, interrupting the two boxers.
Slightly startled, both turned to see Coach Von Kaiser approaching, a light sweat built up from teaching his intermediate class. His German accent was unmistakable. “My apologies if I am interrupting, ladies.”
At that moment, it became apparent Luna was a little starstruck. “I, um, I don’t think we’ve been introduced properly.” Extending her hand, Luna bowed slightly, “Jia Park. I box under my screen name, Luna Doll. It’s an honor, sir.”
“Please, fräulein,” Von Kaiser returned the gesture as he shook her hand, “there is no need to be so formal. I’m simply a coach.”
Luna’s face shot up in disbelief, her voice louder than she intended. “Simply a coach?! You’re Viktor Von FREAKIN’ Kaiser! The German Steel Machine! Three-time Minor Circuit Champ! I’ve studied your title match trilogy with Piston Hurricane and, dude, epic is, like, too small a word.”
Nicole stood by, fighting back a laugh. She understood Luna’s fangirling entirely, but she also knew how uncomfortable it made her coach, especially with eyes from all over the gym, most of them agreeing with Luna, suddenly on him. Still, every once and a while, it was good for her mentor to get his flowers.
Before Von Kaiser could get any more embarrassed, Nicole finally saved him. “So, Coach, what can we help you with?”
“Ja… yes… um,” Von Kaiser quickly tried to gather his thoughts. “Wenig Stahl, I’ll be heading back to Munich for a few days, perhaps a week. I have business at the gym to address.”
“But,” Nicole looked confused for a moment, “I thought Vicky was holding things down while you were here.”
Luna, trying not to eavesdrop, finished packing her gear as Von Kaiser responded. “True, but Viktoria just turned 28 and she is eager to resume her in-ring career. She has a candidate to run the gym day-to-day and would like me to speak with him.”
“Seems fair,” Nicole nodded. “It’s exciting that Vicky’s looking to get back in the ring. She’s a beast! Can’t wait to see her pick up where she left off.”
“Actually,” Von Kaiser scratched his head for a moment, “I was hoping you would join me on the trip. I think a change of scenery and an opportunity to train with new people would be very good for you. And Viktoria would not forgive me if I didn’t ask.”
Nicole’s eyes went wide and her hands shot to her mouth to stifle a squeal. “You want me to go with you, to the Steel Heart Academy, to train. Seriously? Like, you’re serious right now?”
Coach Von Kaiser’s expression hardened slightly, “Ja. When have you known me to not be serious?”
“HA!”
Von Kaiser and Nicole both shot their gazes down at Luna.
“Sorry…” Luna’s gaze went down and she slowly zipped her bag.
“Okay, um,” Nicole’s mind was racing. “Yeah, of course! When do we leave?”
“Gut!” Von Kaiser clapped his hands together, “We leave tomorrow evening. I’ll meet you in the front lobby at 6 and we’ll head to the airport.”
Nicole nodded as she started tapping away on her phone, “Sounds good! I’ll get things straight with my boss in I.T. and see about using some of my vacation time.”
With a fatherly pat on the shoulder, Von Kaiser went back to his class. While Nicole swiped from one app to another, Luna shot back to a standing position, “Girl, you are getting to train at Steel Heart in Munich? With Viktoria Von Kaiser? As in the former Women’s European Super Lightweight Champ? I’m so jealous!”
“I know, right?” Nicole was almost trembling with excitement, “Vicky’s like a big sister to me. She helped me so much when I started taking boxing lessons from her dad. But, I’ve never been to their gym. This is… man! Look, I’ve gotta get to I.T. and make sure Eddie is good with me taking a week off.”
Nicole started out of the gym, turning and walking backwards, “Let me know if you have any more trouble with the wi-fi!”
“You got it, girl! Have fun! Be safe!” Luna shouted after her as Nicole made her way out of the gym. Luna tossed her bag over her shoulder, her own thoughts racing now. Man, it would be so rude. But, I might never…
With that, Luna took out her phone, tapping out a quick text. After all, she had to try.
Viktoria "Vicky" Von Kaiser is an OC belonging to @maks-punchout-hyperfixtion and is used with permission.
My first action commission from @cherryrollarts and I couldn't be happier! Cutie Hondo lands a match-ending uppercut to her best friend Niki Binary in the 3rd Round of the first women's match in the WVBA (from "Road to the Women's Circuit"). Working on this one with Cherry was amazing and I look forward to Cherry bringing more of my stories to life. If you want to commission Cherry, check the link below:
Since I've gotten all of my Women's Circuit OCs and @cyrah-is-cool101's OC Star Mika from the fantastic @cherryrollarts now, I thought I'd make some wallpapers inspired by the SPO pre-fight screens. Coming up with the quotes was loads of fun!
@cyrah-is-cool101, thanks as always for letting Star Mika appear in my stories.
@cherryrollarts, amazing work! Thanks and I look forward to working with you further!
