The minibus pulled into the parking lot, and the excitement was palpable.
This wasn't the TSF bus, but a private ride for Damon's closest supporters.
As the vehicle came to a stop, the door slid open and Ash sprang out, stretching his arms above his head.
"Ahh, that was a ride," he exclaimed, shaking out his limbs.
Behind him came his twin sister Ashley, followed by Tyr, who squeezed his large frame through the door, and Joey, who hopped out after him.
Svetlana was the last to step out, her gaze absorbing the arena's busy ambiance.
With Ashley being a UFA fighter and Victor having a storied past as a former fighter, securing front-row seats was effortless.
They were in the Madison Square Garden parking lot, where there was a lot of noise and excitement in the wind.
"So, the adults didn't come?" Ash remarked, glancing around.
Ashley laughed. "Well, Lana's parents decided to go on a date tonight, and Damon's mom didn't want to watch her son fighting. Can't really blame her for that."
Ash backed away and held up his hands in a false defense. "Hey, I'm not complaining, just making an observation. But, for the record, after the show, I'm not heading back to the hotel."
The others rolled their eyes, while Tyr grinned, appearing to share Ash's enthusiasm for the night ahead.
As they walked toward the arena, Ash glanced at Svetlana with a playful smirk. "Lana, no need to be nervous. I'm sure your boyfriend is going to win this one, he–"
Before he could finish his sentence, Svetlana's hand smacked the back of his head. "He's not my boyfriend, Ash!" she snapped, though there was a hint of a blush on her cheeks.
Ash grinned and rubbed the back of his head where Svetlana had smacked him. "Hey, hey, I'm just joking! Jeez, Tyr, you better watch out for this one. Damon might have to worry about violence if he loses tonight."
Ashley grabbed Ash by the ear and started pulling him along. "Enough messing around. We need to get inside. Victor paid a lot for those front-row tickets, so let's not waste them."
As they made their way towards the entrance, Joey was practically bouncing on his toes. "I can't believe I'm actually here... Madison Square Garden, baby! Ash, you know any good clubs around here?"
Ash's eyes lit up instantly, like he had just found a kindred spirit. "Oh, I know a few spots. Don't worry, Joey, I'll show you the best places after Damon gets that win."
Svetlana rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling as the group moved forward, the iconic arena standing ahead of them.
They could all sense both anxiety and anticipation in the atmosphere; this was going to be a memorable evening.
On the other side of the parking lot, a car came to a halt, and the doors opened.
A man stepped out first, followed quickly by a boy about 14 years old who dashed out excitedly. "Come on, Mom, Dad! We're gonna miss the show!"
"Hold on, Matthew!" a motherly voice called out, stern yet gentle.
The boy froze in his tracks, glancing back with a sheepish smile.
The man chuckled, patting Matthew on the shoulder. "Easy there, champ. We've got plenty of time. You don't want to get separated in this crowd, do you?"
Matthew took a deep breath and slowed down, falling in line with his parents as they made their way toward the entrance, his excitement barely contained as he eagerly anticipated the event ahead.
The room was spacious, furnished with comfortable sofas where people sat quietly, some on their phones, others just staring off in thought.
A mixture of calm before the storm and a faint buzz of anticipation dominated the air.
On the far end, a large screen hung on the wall, ready to broadcast the matches once they began.
Damon sat by himself, hands clasped together, his foot tapping nervously against the floor.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
Madison Square Garden.
The result of all the hard work he had put into The Supreme Fighter.
Despite all his preparation, a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach.
It wasn't fear of Brian, it was the occasion.
So many eyes would be watching, and for the first time, he felt the magnitude of the stage.
This wasn't just a gym or a training facility; it was one of the most famous arenas in the world, filled with thousands of fans.
Damon shook his head, refocusing his mind. He wasn't here by accident.
He'd earned his spot, and now it was time to prove he belonged.
From a rough start in Limerick, through the hardships of abuse, to the streets of Stockton, and now here, in one of the greatest arenas in the world.
It was a journey that could have broken anyone, but he'd pushed through every challenge.
Damon took a deep breath, letting the weight of it all settle in.
Feelings of pride rushed through him and made his chest tighten.
There had been moments when he thought he'd never get out of that dark place, but here he was, steps away from the biggest fight of his life.
He felt the urge to get emotional, but he kept it together.
There would be plenty of time to look back and feel it all later.
Right now, he needed to stay focused.
He had a fight to win.
The door creaked open, breaking his train of thoughts.
Damon looked up as Whittier walked in, a calm smile on his face.
The familiar voice broke through the swirl of thoughts in his head, grounding him back in the moment.
"Alright, kid," Whittier sat down on the couch as he spoke. "Let's watch the show, shall we? Our matches are still a bit down the line."