Bronwen dodges a ruthless punch to the stomach and throws one of her own. Her opponent gasps for air, desperate to stay on his feet. Amiran dukes it out against his enemy with a set of batons. Having received pointers from Nate (with Leon’s persuasion on behalf of both parties), he’s improved significantly since his last arena endeavor with them. When it comes to combat with a staff, Leon’s done the same. Three hours straight of Reese kicking his ass and a lot of snide comments later, he finally feels like his father wouldn’t criticize him for choosing a staff in a fight. Something in him hopes that he’s watching from home.

The raised platform that the six competitors stand on brings the audience closer to the action. This is a fight they’ve been waiting months for. “Our underdog team in the ring isn’t exactly made of underdogs,” the commentator says. “Amiran Marcello, Bronwen Oster-Velez, and Leon Anastasio have all made names for themselves as long-time solo combatants. Amiran actually beat Leon out of the solo championship last season, and here they stand, arm in arm. If I had a bionic arm and I lost to a guy with titanium in his spine, I’d be pretty stubborn about forgiveness. Maybe that’s just me.”

“When Bronwen’s retirement from X Division fighting caught wind, it was a shock,” the other commentator continues after sharing a laugh with her constituent. “But she’s proven that woman, not metal, is what makes a fight worth the watch. We’ll miss seeing her speed around the arena in her skates, however. Whatever the reason that these three lone wolves have formed a pack of their own, we’re glad to see them in the fray.”

Tournament fighting championships warrant extra security, and in LA, there’s no better option than Goddard agents. Usually, Nate and his team turn down the job; it’s nothing but standing around and asking to see wristbands. But this year, it’s an opportunity he wouldn’t miss for the world. He watches Leon swipe past his opponents with ease and grace, taking his situation from a fight to a dance in mere moments. Even someone like Reese, who has a bone to pick with tournament combat, finds herself captivated by the fight. She sees a lot of herself in Bronwen and cheers her on every moment she gets.

Amiran manages to shove his opponent off the edge of the platform, inciting an uproar from the audience. He bows almost obnoxiously. A bit of Leon has rubbed off on his teammates; while he’s been trying to keep his ego in check, they’ve been more keen on keeping the audience engaged and giving them a show.

Meanwhile, Leon and Bronwen have swapped opponents. Careful to keep him centered on the platform, she pins him to the ground. “They’re just letting anyone make it to the finals, huh?” she says. She flashes a lighthearted smile. “Nah, I’m just kidding, that was mean. I’m Bronwen.”

“I know. Are all of you bastards this talkative in the ring?” he mutters as he wriggles out of her grasp.

“Only when the fights start to drag on too long. Luckily, I’m about to fix that.”

The combatant tries to throw Bronwen off the edge, and succeeds-- but she brings him down with her. Amiran jumps off the platform as well, leaving their final opponent solely up to Leon. The act of a competitor disqualifying themself shocks the crowd, but he’s confident in his decision; a mano a mano fight to finish off the championship will surely bring them up out of their seats.

The final enemy puts up a hefty effort. Leon finds himself leaning over the edge a few too many times, but he always manages to find his balance. Even though it’s a day he doesn’t like to remember, Leon harkens back to his second fight with Amiran. He spins backward and catches his leg on his opponent’s shoulder, wraps himself around his torso, and brings him to his knees. Among the disorientation, the combatant stumbles off the platform and onto the soft ground beneath. The buzzer rings in Leon’s ears, as do the cheers of the audience. He practically throws himself off the lowering platform to embrace Amiran and Bronwen.

Nate throws his arms in the air. “Yes!” he screams from the stands. “That’s what I’m fucking talking about!” As much as he’s supposed to stay dignified on the clock, he can’t help himself. Just seeing Leon succeed is a victory in itself. Nate spares his brother the tears, wiping away the few he’s shed before he throws him into an embarassing, brotherly embrace. The agents exchange their congratulations with the combatants.

“Hey, Nate, when am I gonna get that fight you owe me?” Bronwen asks, only half-joking. Nate ponders the question. “Wait, oh my God. Did I never tell you about that promise I made?”

“No, I remember! I was just trying to come up with a witty answer,” Nate says.

Leon pats his brother’s shoulder. “He’s covering his ass. You know how it goes when people get old and they’re forgetful.”

“I’m twenty-eight! I’m not old!”

Reese shrugs. “I don’t know, man. If anyone’s the dinosaur, it’s you,” she mutters.

“You know what? Bronwen, our fight can wait. Agent Franklin, I’m about to have some choice words for you after this.” he makes a playful punching motion in Reese’s direction. The group shares a bout of laughter that echoes through the hallways.

Photos are taken, posters are signed, and brief interviews are held with the champions, but no amount of press can match this feeling of belonging. Twenty-two years, and Leon is no longer just his father’s son. He is no longer a puppet on the strings of someone too cowardly to put love over legacy. The family he has now transcends the past and transcends blood.

Nate and Leon have been at war for most of their lives-- with themselves, with the world, with hate-- but for once, they are both living in a time of peace. A time where forgiveness is issued and held in high regard, becoming a necessity for living a full life. A time where love is no longer a facade for pain and suffering. A time where the watchful eyes of family gaze in protection, and not in distrust.

Despite all they have lost, all that they have disagreed over, Leon and Nate will always have one thing in common: they are fighters. There will always be smaller battles to fight, but the war is over. They have won. With dignity, with love, with forgiveness-- they have won.