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"That is a very…interesting idea, Doctor Park" James states after Daniel gave him the whole spiel he gave Gun the previous day on opening the mess hall up to the employees. "And your reasons are valid and convincing but there comes the trouble with finding people who would willingly work to feed hundreds of individuals. You also forget that most are intimidating fighters and gangsters" James reasons.

"But they're still human and they need to eat. You could make it so that the food is a privilege, and have a policy that if you treat the chefs or workers horribly you could get banned from eating there. Everyone should be treated with respect" Daniel retorts and James nods.

"Alright, I'll consider it. If you have any recommendations on who to employ then let me know" James agrees and Daniel grins.

"I might have someone in mind" He replies and James smiles softly before he changes the topic.

"How is Olly Wang's condition? I know you and Gun have contacted and informed me of it but I never did have a chance to personally come and see what happened myself which I do apologise for" James states but the Doctor merely shakes his head.

"It's alright, Olly was discharged today. Justin and Chuck came and picked him up. His nosebleed has been cleared and everything is in order. The only downside is that I told him to stop taking his medicine for a while since it was the reason his blood wouldn't clot in the first place which brings me to my next question. In his file it was said that the CC was the one who authorised him to take the medicine, were you the one who let him take opioid antagonist naloxone?" Daniel asks, his tone turning serious as he stares at the redhead who is staring back at him nonchalantly.

"It was," James nods.

"Why the hell would you let him take that? He's not a drug addict and he doesn't have opioids in his system. Where did you even get the medicine from?" Daniel fires at the man who lets out a sigh.

"You're right, Olly Wang is not a drug addict but what he does have is his condition that makes him insensitive to pain. What we found was that the opioid antagonist naloxone whilst yes is meant to treat people who experience the side effects of drug use like opioids it has also allowed him to start experiencing some pain" That gets Daniel to gape at the man.

"There's no cure for people who have CIPA and the side effects from your medicine almost killed him" Daniel replies.

"It's not a cure but it is a relief. A way that can help Olly gain a sense of normalcy. We're not providing him the medicine as a way to kill or harm him, we simply want to help him" James reasons. "Come on Doc, Opioids aren't just a drug" he encourages,

It takes a moment for Daniel to think about what James meant before putting two and two together.

"Endogenous opioids. The reason the medicine he's been taking has been working specifically in his case is because he has Channelopathy-associated congenital anaesthesia. People with channelopathy-associated congenital anaesthesia can't feel physical pain partly because their body makes too many endogenous opioids, one of the body's natural painkillers. By giving him opioid antagonist naloxone it's been reducing the amount of endogenous opioids being made in his body leading him to feel pain" Daniel deduces and James nods, a pleased smile on his lips.

"Can you understand why he has to take the medicine then?" James tilts his head to the side, expecting Daniel to understand his perspective which he did but there will still be consequences.

"As his doctor, I'll allow the medicine to continue being prescribed but I'm lowering the dosage and increasing the intervals in which he takes them. For someone who can't feel pain, he's in an occupation that requires him to get hurt a lot. If he gets injured and bleeds out from a larger wound but his body can't clot it, it will lead to larger problems. Furthermore, I don't want him to become dependent on it" Daniel crosses his arms, his tone set in a finality and James nods.

"A reasonable request, it can be done" The Founder agrees. "If that is all, I should be getting back to my paperwork, I have to leave this afternoon unfortunately to oversee some other issues but I'll be back tomorrow" James states and Daniel nods.

There were still the questions surrounding how James and the CC had access to this sort of medication in the first place but the redhead was giving an air of finality. Sucking in a breath, Daniel speaks.

"Thank you, I'll keep you updated on the cafeteria news" Daniel replies before nodding at the man and leaving the room.

Returning to his empty medical bay without Olly present to chat with him was very lonely. Even the gym and hallways were absent of people that day for some reason. Deciding that he had nothing else better to do, Daniel decided to go and see the one individual who could help him out on the cafeteria aspect of the CC.

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.

.

"Seonhui! Your boy is here to see you!" The middle-aged lady calls as she leads Daniel through the restaurant. The building was rather large and refined, loads of customers were already present, eating or ordering food to go. As Daniel followed the lady he was greeted by a couple of other employees, from people around his mother's age to others around his age who were waiting tables.

"Oh my, Daniel what are you doing here?" A voice calls out, opening the staff doors that led to the kitchen, his mother appears.

Daniel couldn't stop a smile from appearing on his face as he caught sight of his mother. Just because she lived with Jinyoung now and was a successful cook in her fancy restaurant didn't mean that she dressed or looked any more lavish than before. She was still humble in her appearance but the tension and stress that used to be present on her face and shoulders were gone. She looked much happier.

"Hi Mum" Daniel grins as she reaches out to hug him.

"Oh my sweet boy, it feels like it's been forever since I last saw you even though we're supposedly living in the same house" She berates, leading him by the arm to sit at one of the high chairs.

"Wow, Seonhui! Your boy is so big now! And so handsome!" Another woman coos.

"How old are you now, Daniel?" Someone else calls.

"18" Daniel replies meekly as the ladies coo and pinch his cheeks.

"And he's a full-time doctor now, isn't he? Seonhui was boasting about how smart you are" His mum in turn flushes red.

"I wasn't boasting" She mumbles.

"Oh, no need to be so humble, Seonhui. I wish my son chose a more normal career path than the one he did" Another woman mentions, one that Daniel recognised as being his mother's closest friend. "Instead he's always outside making videos with his friends, I never get to see him anymore" She clicked her tongue but there was a fond smile on her face as she thought about her boy.

"Nonsense Jihyeon, your boy was able to pay off your hospital bills and surgery through his job. I'd say that you raised him to be a rather considerate, hardworking and loving boy that Hobin" Seonhui replies before turning back to Daniel who was still being poked and prodded by several other employees. "Alright, so why did you come visit me at work? As much as I'd love to assume that you're here to just spend time with me I know you're a busy boy so spill" She turns serious and the hands that were on Daniel leave.

Sensing that the two wanted to speak privately, everyone returned to work. Some were a little more reluctant than others, wanting to stay behind to listen to their conversation but luckily Jihyeon was able to herd everyone away.

"I came here to ask you something," Daniel replies. "Well, it's more like a request rather than just a question" He adds sheepishly, rubbing his neck in embarrassment.

"A request?" She tilts her head to the side in confusion.

As Daniel opens his mouth to explain he shuts it immediately when another thought enters his mind. If he asked his mother this then he would have to explain his job and how he technically wasn't working with his uncle at Seoul's National Medical Centre anymore. That he is the Doctor for a borderline dangerous place called the Crew Corporation, a fight club. All things that he had not told his mother yet…shit.

"Um…It has to do with my job" Daniel mumbles and Seonhui frowns at her son's demeanour.

"Daniel…I'm feeling unsettled by how you're going about explaining this, what's wrong? Did someone do something to you? Did you do something?" She jumps to conclusions and Daniel can only wince.

"Well…"

"Young man you better explain everything with complete and utter honesty right this instant" Crossing her arms, Daniel's mum lets out a heavy breath through her nose as she waits.

Giving up, Daniel confesses.

Seonhui was less than impressed when everything spilled out of her son's mouth. She could only sigh and rub her temples as she internally cursed her brother for allowing this to happen. She wishes that she was the type to avoid any sort of media and be oblivious as to what the CC was but due to its tremendous effects throughout Seoul she of course knew who and what they were. To find out that her son had been working in such a dangerous place for the last couple of months was both concerning but also frustrating. Was she and Daniel so separated by their own lives that she didn't know her son had undergone such a large change?

"Mum, I know you're probably angry with me for doing this but you shouldn't be worried-" "I'm not angry with you for your actions but I am frustrated that you withheld this information from me" Seonhui stresses out, hissing the words at her son. "You're practically surrounded by dangerous people 24/7, how could I not be worried for your safety? I don't care how old you are now and whether or not you have a full-time job. You are my son and I care for you" She conveys, reaching out to grasp his shirt.

Daniel's eyes grow wide before his brows pinch together as he registers the words.

"It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, I know what I'm doing, Mum. I can take care of myself fine, I swear it. The CC needs me and I needed to get out of that hospital" Daniel attempts to explain and Seonhui's exasperation falters.

The hospital. Jinyoung at the very least kept her up to date with how Daniel was when he was working in SNMC. She knows about all the troubles her boy went through with the surgeries and the unexplainable fear of being in an operating room. She also knows that her son has never been lonelier than he has been since he started university, graduated and went straight into the workforce even though it was the first time he started interacting with people outside of the house since he had been homeschooled.

"Oh, Daniel" Seonhui mumbles under her breath.

"I've done a lot of good there, mum. I've helped so many people and I've put my knowledge and education to good use there. If anything, despite its rough edges I do enjoy working at the CC" Daniel lists out and Seonhui listens, quietly watching the way her son's face lights up as he starts trying to explain himself. "You're right, they're ruffians and fighters but I've never seen so many physically talented people in my life. There's so much skill and potential in the fighters and there are even more unique qualities amongst them. Most of them aren't even that bad, they're honourable for the most part and kind to me. Like Jake who was thankful after I patched up most of his men, then there's Samuel who kind of annoys me but is funny in his own way, Vasco and Jace are super cool, Zack's a bit of a show-off but he's good and kind enough to explain the system…"

Daniel never used to talk about anyone, whether it was from university or work. Whenever Seonhui used to ask him about whether or not he made friends he'd either briefly answer the question or avoid it altogether. To finally hear an array of names was different but it wasn't so bad.

"Goo is weird, James I feel is a bit two-faced but he means well and as for Gun well he…" Her son pauses.

"He"s what?" Seonhui prompts. She's startled when he suddenly barks out a laugh.

"It's hard to explain Gun. He's a hardass and he's mean but" Something fond crosses over Daniel's face as his eyes grow soft, a small smile appearing on his lips. "He can be kind and soft, he takes care of people in his weird way too"

Seonhui couldn't stop her eyebrows from climbing higher and higher with each word her son seemed to speak. Whoever this Gun person was, Daniel was smitten.

"So…no matter what you say…I won't stop working at the CC. I'm sorry" Daniel finalises and Seonhui nods.

"I don't think I will be able to stop you anyways" She mutters before reaching up to pat her son's head. He had to lean down slightly for her to be able to reach and a sense of melancholy hit her at the movement. It felt like yesterday when she was able to reach his head without having to stretch so much. Now he's all grown. "Alright, I know you didn't just come here to confess that you were working at the cc. So what is it?" She urges and Daniel's face lights up again, this time a grin emerges onto his lips.

"Since you were made the owner and the restaurant has gotten big and all…what do you think about opening a franchise?"

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.

Falling back into routine at the CC was easy enough. Thursday meant going through the fight list for the weekend and doing mandatory health checks on new fighters although that part was rare. New fighters didn't come by often, it was something Daniel had noticed during his time at the CC seeing as he only had to do the health checks for a small number of new people. Then again the criteria of how to become a fighter seemed more intensive and intimidating than Daniel had originally thought it would be.

Gun had mentioned it off-handedly once during their nightly training conversation.

'New fighters have to be signed off by one of the founders, most of them are small fry thugs so they never make it past that stage' Gun grunts as he avoids getting hit by Daniel. 'They provide something very similar to a resume to one of us and if it's interesting enough then they make it to an interview with us and eventually once they've been questioned enough they make it to the medical check-up which is where you come in Doc'

That conversation got Daniel's brain thinking back to the time when Zack became a fighter. He couldn't help but snort at the thought of the boxer sitting in an interview with James, nervous as he waited for the Founder to approve of him before sending him to Daniel.

"So this is the medical bay, it's not as flashy as I thought it was going to be" A voice calls as the door slides open. Daniel turns around to see three individuals walk into the room, all wearing different yet somewhat matching clothes as they openly look around.

"Hello, anything I can do to help you boys?" Daniel calls, standing up and adjusting his shirt and coat to greet the three. They were only slightly intimidating but Daniel had seen much scarier people and these three didn't seem threatening. The man in the middle with dark blonde hair and a sharp gaze turns to address Daniel.

"We were sent here for a medical examination" He states before lifting his hand to Daniel, the doctor catches sight of the brown folder in his grasp and quickly takes it. The other two were also quick to hand their own and Daniel accepted them before opening the first to examine the content.

"New fighters to the CC?" Daniel hums, his eyes flickering up to the three before turning back to the information to match the appearance of what he was reading.

"You could say that" The leader states, arms crossed lazily over his chest.

"Hudson Anh, it says here that you're from Ansan, a bit far from home aren't we?" Daniel smiles, attempting to make small conversation to lessen the awkward atmosphere building up.

"It's not too bad, Channing, Jacky and I moved here recently to start a new business but since we're a part of Ansan Public, a well-known group back where we lived, it was recommended that we sign up for the CC in case any troubles arise that we need to settle in the ring" Hudson explains and Daniel raises a brow at the words.

Signing up to a fight club just to be able to start a business in Seoul because of your association with a gang was a unique prospect that Daniel didn't realise was a part of the CC.

"So you three aren't scheduled to fight this weekend?" Daniel questions, cocking his head to the side as his gaze flickers between the three.

"Well seeing as we just got here we haven't had the chance to meet anyone just yet" The shorter male, Jacky announces.

"No one's caught our eye" Channing adds as he takes out a packet of cigarettes but Daniel is quick to shoot him a look.

"No smoking in here" The man in turn glares right back but the reprimanding look Hudson sends him makes him concede and put the packet away.

"Alright, apart from what's in your files, are there any other medical conditions or history that I should know?" He asks the three and they shake. Apart from the apparent steel that was placed into Hudson's fists which he outlined in his files, Jacky and Channing didn't have anything worth noting down. "Okay, I'll proceed with the physical examination. Does anyone want to volunteer to go first?"

Jacky was quick to smile and offer, throwing his jacket off and into Channing's face much to the taller man's annoyance. Daniel undergoes the whole process of explaining what he is going to do and ensuring that Jacky is as comfortable as he can be throughout it all. It goes by quickly and Channing is next, getting his revenge against Jacky by in turn throwing his own jacket into the shorter boy's face. Yet instead of landing its mark the boy swiftly dodges and catches it with his hands with a satisfied huff. After rolling his eyes, Channing conceded to the examination with a bored expression.

Once done only Hudson was left, the man had been watching them silently and once it was his turn he dutifully stepped up, shaking off his outer layer to showcase his body. The red turtleneck he was wearing did nothing to hide the muscles of his body and Daniel couldn't help but stare at the large chest that was basically at his eye level.

"Doctor?" Hudson calls, breaking Daniel out of his trance.

Swallowing hard, Daniel smiles.

"Sorry about that, let's get this started" He hums, attempting to push his reaction to the back of his mind as he proceeds with the examination. Daniel has seen his fair share of impressive bodies since he started working at the CC but Hudson, who was already very attractive with his nice body was enough to make the doctor stutter. His chest wasn't even the most impressive, Daniel gave that award to Samuel, Jake or even Vasco, he'd never tell them that, but in his mind, they were individuals who had very nice bodies to stare at.

At the end of the day, Daniel was just a man, a man like any other. He liked men and he liked men with fit bodies and attractive faces so of course he was going to look when said men passed by him or in this case standing right in front of him.

"Something on your mind, Doctor?" Hudson asks inquisitively as he notices the dazed look on Daniel's face.

"Just thinking about how people can get their chests to look so big" Daniel huffs with a pout, the words and reactions slipping out before he can prevent it. His pout and jealous look were immediately retracted once he realised what he had said. "I mean that as a compliment" He was quick to state, scared that Hudson would take offence to it.

Looking up, Daniel was met with Hudson's amused face, the blonde letting out a huff of laughter before taking in the Doctor's flushed appearance.

"I don't know, Doc. From my point of view, I don't think there's anything to be jealous about. You look rather good too" He replies which has Daniel's brain short-circuiting.

"Huh?" Daniel couldn't help but say when a hand reached out to grab his waist.

"How do you keep your waist so nice and slim?" Hudson questions, his voice low as he smiles down at Daniel.

Daniel couldn't stop himself from opening and closing his mouth, spluttering in confusion as to what was going on and why Hudson was grabbing him like he was. Coughing and clearing his throat into his fist, Daniel steps backwards and out of the older man's reach.

"To answer your question, I have no idea" He replies as he attempts to continue the examination, avoiding the heated look Hudson was giving him.

"You know, Doc. We saw your fight with that Japanese fighter, Nomen. You were pretty good" Hudson admits, smiling coyly down at Daniel. "Do you take requests for fights? If so, I'd like to go at it with you in the ring" He confesses but Daniel shakes his head.

"Unfortunately no I don't take fight requests, that scuffle with Nomen was a once-off occurrence" He replies.

"Well, that seems unfair" Channing grunts from the sidelines.

"If you ever decide to change your mind then I'd be willing to go up against you" Hudson hums out when the door to the room opens again.

"Doccccc, Johan hurt himself!" A familiar voice rings throughout the room.

"Zack please don't barge into my office like that" Daniel was quick to retort, turning to see three figures walk into the room.

Zack was at the front, dragging an uncomfortable Johan into the room by the sleeve of his shirt. The brunette was shooting Zack irritated glances but wasn't saying anything. Next to the duo was none other than Jace who looked amused by the two.

"Sorry Doc, but Johan's hurt and he wouldn't come unless I dragged him here" Zack blurts out before noticing that there were more people than just Daniel present in the room. "Oh, sorry. Were you busy?" He asks and Daniel sighs.

"Take a seat, let me finish up with Mr Ahn's examination and I'll get to you boys" Daniel tells them before turning back to Hudson who had been watching the exchange silently.

"Sorry but are you Hudson Ahn? From Public?" Jace voices with wide eyes.

"I am" Hudson answers, his eyes flickering to Jace's ears before speaking again. "You must be Jace Park, second in command of the Burn Knuckles"

Jace's eyes widen in surprise at being recognised but soon that surprise is replaced with a grin.

"Sure am, I'm surprised you've heard of me since I'm only the second in command. Usually, Vasco is the face of our crew" He rubs his ears sheepishly.

"As avid watchers of the CC, it would only be right for us to recognise some of the fighters. Furthermore, it would be stupid to register and not know who potential opponents could be. If anything I'm surprised you recognise me" Hudson replies easily as Daniel is trying to finish the examination.

"I do my research, it's hard not to have heard of you especially since you lead Public and your title is the 'Sun of Ansan' which by the way, is a cool name" Jace compliments.

"Thanks" Hudson nods when Channing moves forward to cut off his leader's view from the Burn Knuckles member.

"Hey, you seem interesting enough. How about we schedule a match-up?" He asks and at Jace's bewildered look, he chuckles. "Do you always act so surprised when people challenge you? You said it yourself, you're the second in command of your crew and technically I'm in a similar position within Public. So why don't we fight? Unless…you're too chicken to fight" Channing states, egging Jace.

The vice's excitement turns sour as Channing insults him.

"I am not" He denies.

"I don't know, from what we've heard and seen, Burn Knuckles is probably one of the weakest crews in Seoul. Small fry like you guys seem easy to beat" Channing states cruelly.

"Channing-" Hudson was cut off as Channing turned to him. "Oh come on Hudson, you know it's true. Especially compared to the big fish group like Big Deal" He informs and although Hudson frowns disapprovingly he doesn't say anything else.

"Burn Knuckles may be different to those crews, but it doesn't mean we're weak. You better watch what you say about us" Jace moves to get into Channing's face but Zack is quick to shoot up and hold his friend back. Channing also sees the advancement goes to move forward as well but Jacky also grabs him by the arm.

"All I'm hearing are words, why don't you make me shut up? In the ring, this weekend" Channing announces.

"Fine! You're on!" Jace calls back.

"You sure you can take me, small fry?" Channing taunts.

"I can take anything and everything you'll throw at me, fists, kicks or anything else!" Jace bravely shouts and at this Channing grins.

"Oh, is that so?" the Public second in command grins. "Alright, this weekend then we'll fight"

"No can do" Daniel cuts them off, crossing his arms as he stares at them disapprovingly for trying to start a fight right in the middle of his room. "The list of fighters has already been made and it's a full roster this week. You'll have to arrange for a fight for the following week" He informs them and they all pause before nodding with huffs.

"Next week then" Channing grins. Daniel didn't approve of his attitude, the way he insulted Jace and Burn Knuckles but even he could see that it was just a ploy to get Jace to fight him.

"No fair, Channing already gets to fight?" Jacky pouts before pointing at Zack. "How about you? I saw your one pathetic match up, I know I can be a more formidable opponent so how about it?" He challenges and Zack looks shocked to be called out before shrugging.

"I mean, sure I guess," He replies.

"Zack!" Jace hisses but Zack shakes him off.

"I don't mind, let's give it our all" The boxer smiles, delighted to be challenged despite Jace wanting to warn him about who he was talking to. Even Johan who had been silently watching the ordeal was passing Zack worried glances.

"You're Johan Seong, leader of God Dogs, right?" Hudson asks, addressing the brunette.

"I am," Johan nods.

"I'm opening a bar in Gangbuk and I had been meaning to talk to you about it due to the store being on your turf. Do I need to fight you for its location?" Hudson questions and Johan raises an amused brow.

"Are you going to cause trouble through your club?" Johan inquires.

"No, it's just a business" Hudson replies and Johan nods.

"Then there's nothing to fight over. Although if it becomes a problem you'll have to face me" The God Dogs leader announces and although his voice was calm there was a clear threat in his tone. Hudson nods before turning back to Daniel.

"Are we done here, Doctor?" He asks.

"Yep, you boys are healthy. You're free to go, make sure to register your fights soon" He states as Jacky and Channing gather their belongings, handing Hudson back his coat before moving towards the door.

"Will do, thank you for taking care of us Doctor" Hudson searches for something in his pocket, pulling out a small card before handing it to Daniel. "Our bar opens in a week, come visit me" He smiles charmingly as if he hadn't just watched his friends threaten and challenge other people to flights.

Accepting the card, he peers down to see a name, number and address.

"I'm not much of a drinker" Daniel replies.

"We have non-alcoholic stuff" Hudson responds before reaching up to brush something off Daniel's cheek. "Come by and I might let you on in my secret on how I got my chest so big" He teases and Daniel's face flushes bright red.

Hudson follows his friends out the door, both men giving him bemused looks before they are eventually long gone.

"Really?" Zack grunts and Daniel turns to the three remaining men in the room who were watching him. "Is that the type of person you're into?" The boxer questions and Daniel rolls his eyes.

"Johan, how are you hurt?" He ignores the question posed to him, instead focusing on the next patient and the brunette raises his hand to show several cuts on his knuckles.

Ushering him forward, Daniel starts tending to the wounds before addressing Jace offhandedly.

"And Jace, what brings you here?" He asks.

"Oh, Vasco needs a bandaid and I came by to grab one" Jace answers easily and Daniel blindly grabs a bandaid and passes it to the vice.

"Make sure to clean up the area before applying" Daniel orders and Jace nods, turning to leave the room. "Oh and Jace, be careful next week" He calls and the big-eared man huffs out a laugh.

"Will do, Doc"

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"Is Public Ansan strong?" Daniel asks curiously as he flops onto the floor in exhaustion, staring up at Gun who was watching him intently.

"They're formidable" Gun replies before shrugging. "But I'm stronger of course" He adds smugly.

"Of course you are" Daniel snorts, sitting up to talk easier. "But I mean in comparison to other crews, are they strong?" He asks again and Gun frowns.

"What's gotten you so interested in them? I know that Goo signed them into the CC and they went to you for their physical but surely they're just like any other fighter you've met" Gun grunts, irritated by all the questions.

"Channing challenged Jace and Jacky challenged Zack" Daniel states and understanding crosses onto the man's face.

"Ah, you're worried for your friends" He muses and Daniel nods. Gun takes a moment to think about the matchups before giving Daniel a firm look. "Well, I won't say it's looking good for both the new boxer and the Vice of the Burn Knuckles. Both Channing and Jacky are wildcards in their own right" He answers honestly.

Daniel winces.

"I see"

"There isn't anything you can do, don't try to talk the fighters out of the match," Gun tells Daniel as he reaches for his drink bottle. "If they want to fight then let them fight, if it gets out of hand then either Goo, James or I will call the match off" He reassures and Daniel nods.

"Don't let it go too far, Jacky I'm not too worried about but it's Channing's attitude that's got me concerned" Daniel admits.

Gun finishes drinking his water before eventually moving to sit next to Daniel.

"The fighters signed up for this lifestyle, they know the dangers of it. Besides, they're always going to go up against stronger people, to become a good fighter means having to face those that are stronger than you. It's the only way to grow" He reasons.

"As someone who doesn't fight for a living but instead has to face the repercussions of those fights, I can't help but worry" Daniel sighs.

"You'll die young if you keep worrying and stressing about every single fight" Gun reasons before letting his mouth split into a grin. "Would you worry about me if I got put into a fight with someone stronger than me? Not that there is anyone stronger, but hypothetically speaking" he asks.

"Of course, in this hypothetical scenario where you face a monstrous opponent that is stronger than you…I don't think I'd worry at first. Not because I don't care about you but because I don't think you could lose to someone weaker or stronger than you. I wouldn't think it was possible" Daniel confesses much to Gun's bafflement. "But if it got to a point in the fight where something drastically changes and you've got the short end of the stick then of course I'd be worried, stupid. Why wouldn't I be?" The Doctor huffs, nudging Gun's shoulder.

"Oh, I thought you didn't like me," Gun snorted.

"Of course I like you, if I didn't then I wouldn't have willingly spent so much time with you" Daniel replies, rolling his eyes as he pats the elder on the shoulder. "There's so much you wouldn't be able to do or say to me without repercussions if I hated your guts" He adds bashfully and Gun grins.

"Yeah? What stuff exactly is that?" He teases, inching closer into the Doctor's space. Shaking his head and rolling his eyes again, Daniel steers the conversation back to what he wanted to originally ask about.

"So about Public-" "I thought we were finished with our conversation about them" Daniel shoots the elder a warning glare and Gun sighs. "Go on, ask your questions" He relents.

"Have you or the other Founders gone up against them before? Ansan is further away from the middle of Seoul but surely back in the day when you were…disciplining the groups you came face to face with them" Daniel remarks and Gun grunts.

"For the most part we did that sort of work solo" Gun replies. "I didn't go to Ansan, that was James' job" He crosses his arms.

"James?" Daniel replies.

"Yeah, he fixated on going to Ansan to handle Public since one of the first-generation kings was there" At Daniel's lost face, Gun pinches the bridge of his nose. "You don't know about the generation of fighters…do you?" He asks and at Daniel's sheepish look, he curses under his breath.

"Alright, you don't need to get angry just because I don't know about the history of delinquents" Daniel huffs.

"I'm not angry, I'm just in disbelief at how sheltered your life must have been, hell even the Princess I work for knows more than you do" Giving Daniel his undivided attention, Gun speaks again. "I'm going to tell you this once and only once so listen carefully" He orders and Daniel nods.

South Korea and specifically Seoul's increase in delinquency and gangs didn't occur overnight. They'd always been around but it was due to the beginning of the 0 generation fighters that sparked the infamy surrounding the title of 'gangster' and it was Gapryong Kim that led this charge. Boss of Gapryong Fist's, Jake's father, one of if not THE most influential individuals during the pre-generation times. He was more than just a delinquent or gangster, how he ran his crew and led his people was much more business-like which was why he was so successful. Yet when he gave up his mobster lifestyle and turned to politics the people that followed him broke off and started their endeavours and crews.

Before breaking off, all the mobsters, bosses and groups were companions and comrades of Gapryong. He had his enemies but for the most part, since they banded together under a common goal and therefore they didn't cause all that much trouble. Yet the moment he left things started getting more complicated. Fighting each other due to the hunger for power and territories, this was the start of Korea's gang problem.

These groups that had split from Gapryong were called 'Fists' and because they were trying to defeat each other they needed more people which was how they ended up recruiting high schoolers into the mix, they were called 'circles' otherwise known as the first generation gangsters. Getting high schoolers involved in this gangster war is also what kickstarted the ageless behaviour of creating crews and gangs. Something else that emerged from the 'circles' were individuals who rose on top of them and became 'Kings' due to their strength. Aka, first-generation kings.

During this moment when gangs ran amuck, where everyone was fighting for money and power, creating a name for themselves it was at the peak of Seoul's gangster problem. There was a war on crime, where the epidemic of crime circulating the streets started hindering the nation's economy and growth. This was where James Lee started his journey.

Amid the chaos, he was the first individual who was recruited by Charles Choi to start cleaning up the streets. This was still before the HNH company president asked the prime minister for permission to create the CC so everything James did was outside of any jurisdiction allowed. He single-handedly defeated the circles and their kings, mutilating most of them and sending them either away from Seoul or into a position where they couldn't cause war anymore. He single-handedly ended the war of the fists but of course, even he alone couldn't end the era of gangsters.

Despite James' work, the continued cycle of high schoolers becoming gangsters had already been set. He alone couldn't continue beating up any and every new force that showed up so Charles devised a plan. Somehow having met both Goo and Gun, recruiting their assistance he made the CC proposal and the duo alongside James exterminated and enforced fear across all the gangsters of Seoul. Making a name for themselves as the strongest fighters to exist, having yet to be beaten but in turn, breaking the spirits of others. The rate of violent crimes has since been on a downward slope.

"Wow," Daniel gapes, having listened to the history in awe. "So you three are a part of history…" He hums out.

Having listened to Gun's justification versus listening to the perspectives of the crew members who were on the opposite side showcases just how differently people can experience various circumstances. People like Jake and Big Deal or even Eli and Hostel, despise what the CC stood for. They were 'coerced' into either fighting in the CC or threatened to have their actions outside the facility permanently prevented. But for Gun, he was preventing people from committing crimes.

"I guess we are," Gun shrugs.

"You don't sound so happy" Daniel mentions. "Don't you want to live this lavish life? On top of the world with money and fancy titles as the strongest men in Seoul?" He inquires and Gun sighs.

"In all honesty, it is a great lifestyle but it does get tiring, I'm just waiting for the right fighter to come along and defeat me so they can claim my throne and I can go off and retire" Gun answers which startles Daniel more than it should have.

"Wait, so at the end of the tournament the CC holds where the winner can challenge a founder…the prize isn't just the prize money and the title as a person who has beaten a Founder…they can become one themselves? They'll inherit your position?" He asks for clarification and Gun nods wordlessly. That new piece of information didn't change much but it would answer why the three individuals made the fight against them seem so important. As if it would be the be-all and end-all for them.

"Do any of the fighters know this?" Daniel asks and Gun shakes his head. "So then why did you tell me this? Seems like it's important information, what if I leak it to the public?" He teases and Gun stifles a chuckle.

"You can do whatever you want, Doc. It still doesn't change the fact that I am the strongest and it'll take more than just any random fighter to beat me. I predict that it'll take at least several more years" Gun states as he stands. "Alright get up, we're not done here yet. I think it's about time I got more specific in my training" He grins.

.

.

.

The time frame between when Public challenged Zack and Jace to the day of their fight was neither quick nor long. The two, along with other members from the Burnt Knuckles crew came by the gym often to train and whilst they didn't seem too worried they didn't seem at ease either. The day of the fight comes by and Daniel watches Mira initiate the same ritual she performed the first time Zack fought. Hands clasped together, brows creased before squashing the worry down to focus on her job at hand.

Daniel was just as tense as she was. He knew that he wasn't supposed to have favourites and that he should be unbiased since he was the CC Doctor but he has grown close to Zack and Jace. He's gone out, spent time with and taken care of them. It would be hard not to have grown close.

Jace vs Channing went first.

"Now coming all the way from Ansan! The second in command from Ansan Public! We have a new competitor, a kickboxer who goes by the name of Channing Cho!" Goo introduces as people begin to whisper about the introduction of a new crew. The tattooed man walks out, a satisfied grin on his face as he looks up into the crowd and blinding spotlights. The only person who sat in the stands that knew of him personally was Hudson who was staring down passively.

"And going against him is our loyal, big-eared, second in command of the Burn Knuckles, strategist street fighter Jace Park!" Goo also introduces and the man walks out. The Burn Knuckles members cheered excitedly for their second and those that were fans of him were quick to join in. The only one who didn't seem to be cheering was surprisingly Vasco who stood rather than sat, his arms were crossed and he was watching the arena with laser focus.

Kickboxing vs street fighting. A strong match-up in terms of fighting styles but in terms of who was better…well they were going to find out. As James calls out for the match to start, Jace doesn't hesitate to throw the first punch. Channing blocks it easily but grunts when the strategist uses his free arm to land a hit to his side.

Channing recovers quickly enough, attempting to sidekick Jace who merely jumps away and dodges the attack. Channing lunges forward, moving to jab before attempting a hook kick. Jace blocks the jab but grits his teeth when the kick lands.

"Your hits have a bit of a kick to them, don't they?" Jace grunts.

"I wish I could say the same for you" Channing snorts as he moves to kick Jace's torso but the other is ready for it.

"You really are a kickboxer through and through" Jace huffs, frowning at Channing's extra-long legs. Public's second in command was tall, several inches taller than Jace and therefore both his arm and leg spans were far longer than his, giving him that edge that the Burn Knuckles member lacked. But so long as he was able to take away that edge and neutralise his kickboxing then he could potentially win.

People watch with bated breaths as Jace expertly dodges Channing's kicks, the Public member was also getting irritated by Jace's swift movements.

"Stop dodging and face me like a man!" Channing shouts.

"Tch, since you asked so politely!" Jace calls back before taking his opponent off guard and lunging forward to tackle his feet. Wrapping his arms around the older man's torso with the intention of throwing him off his feet, Daniel couldn't help but grin as he watched.

"Since Channing's a kickboxer then of course he'd rely on his legs and the distance between them so he can throw his kicks. With the lack of space it'll be more advantageous to Jace" Daniel hisses to Jay who stood beside him, his body tense as his lips were pursed. He shakes his head forebodingly.

Confused by the nurse's reaction, a shocked cry startles Daniel to turn back to the fight. He gapes.

"W-What the hell?!" Daniel shouted and his voice wasn't the only one that had called out in outrage and confusion.

Blood mixed with ink was spilling down Jace's back as he stared up in shock, still holding onto Channing loosely.

"A…A tattoo gun?" Jace grits out and just as Channing is about to bring the gun back down against Jace the Burn Knuckles member lets go and rushes out of the way. "W-What the hell?!" Jace screeches as the sound of the gun's buzzing hums through the air.

'Is he allowed that?!'

'A tattoo gun? This is a first!'

'Who the hell uses a tattoo gun in a fight? This is absurd!'

'That's one way to contract some harmful disease. Ew'

Some of the crowd's voices were ringing through the air and Daniel agreed with every one of them.

"Is he allowed to bring that sort of thing to a fight?" Daniel hisses out, his question for no one in particular but it's Mira who answers.

"As long as both fight members agreed weapons could be used during the match and it isn't a firearm…anything goes" The brunette replies, her voice shaky as she eyes the blood in fear.

"But Jace looks just as confused as everyone else, you'd think if he said yes to weapons he'd have known about it" Daniel refutes but Mira shakes her head.

"The opponent doesn't need to disclose their weapon of choice until the fight"

With that statement, Daniel turns back to Jace who was staring desperately at the weapon, blatant fear in his eyes.

"What's wrong Dumbo? You're not scared of a couple of needles are you?" Channing jeers as he unbuttons and throws off his shirt, showing off his body that was filled with several intricate black and white tattoos. "Didn't I tell you? I scribble as a hobby" He states as if that explained everything.

"Is…Is this permanent?" Jace shouts back, wincing as he stands upright to try and get a look at the line of blue that was running down his back.

"What do you think?" Channing replies, unamused by the reaction. "But don't worry, I'll draw up some real nice designs for you, free of charge" He grins menacingly.

"You're just like those bullies from my middle school" Jace spat back, pushing his fear aside he tried to hook Channing across the face with his fist but the Public member dodged the hit and brought his tattoo gun up, people couldn't help but cringe as the tip pierces his fist and is dragged across his arm, leaving another long line of blue and blood in its wake.

This was going too far. This wasn't a fight anymore.

Despite the excruciating pain that Jace is in, he clenches his teeth and swallows his cry as he swings his other arm and lands a hit across Channing's face. He must have bitten his tongue as blood poured out of his mouth.

"Motherfucker!" Channing sneers as he grabs Jace's wrist and pulls him forward before landing his knee against his face. This time Jace does let out a pained shout as blood pours down his face. "Don't forget I still know how to kickbox!" He screams before spinning and landing a roundhouse kick. In an instant Jace is knocked to the floor and clutching his jaw.

Channing stood above him, a bloodied grin on his lips as he slowly approached the surprisingly still-conscious Jace who was staring up in delirium. Walking forward and straddling Jace in place, the Burn Knuckles member struggled but it was no use.

"Say you lose, give it up. Insignificant people like you don't even deserve to be called fighters. How could someone like you be the second in command of your crew? Pathetic" Channing spat down as he gripped Jace's jaw and held it firmly in place so that the man under him had to stare back.

"Fuck you" Jace sneers before spitting. It hit Channing across the face and the Ansan man was not amused.

"Alright then, I'll leave a nice gift for you just for that" Channing smiles as he turns his tattoo gun on again and starts drawing something across Jace's chest.

It was cruel and it should violate several rules. Several people were shouting and screaming for Channing to stop, most were outraged but there were a few who were sick enough to cheer him on amused by the vile display. Daniel's eyes flicker from the fighters to the Founder's booth.

Vivi and Neko didn't find the act amusing, Eugene was frowning but not saying anything, Goo was furiously whispering something to James before the redhead stood up and quickly grabbed the mic.

"Channing Cho, cease your actions now. You have won the match" James calls.

Yet despite the Founder's words, Channing continues without a care in the world.

"Channing Cho! Stop this now!" James tries again but is irritated when Channing doesn't listen. "Security!" James calls and a couple of the members rush forward to stop him but they aren't quick enough for Daniel's taste.

He had been helplessly watching the fight from the sidelines, watching the sick display in disgust. The act of using the tattoo gun in such a way made Daniel's stomach cringe and he was running into the arena before anyone could stop him.

Channing was paying too much attention to torturing Jace to notice Daniel's footsteps. The Doctor reaches out, hands tugging harshly on Channing's hair he pulls and throws the male off Jace. He lets out a grunt and an 'oof' before sitting upright.

"Who the fuck-" His voice was cut off as he comes face to face with a pissed-off Daniel Park.

"Your fight is done, enough" Daniel grits out, beyond provoked by Channing's attitude and actions. He had half the nerve to let him walk out of the arena untreated but even if he was pissed he was first and foremost a Doctor.

"Tch, you also want a piece of me, Doctor?" Channing challenges with a growl and Daniel clamps his mouth shut to stop himself from returning the growl. He could feel his neck veins bulging and straining, his fists were clenched at his sides, nails piercing into his skin.

"Walk it off Channing, go before you make a decision you will regret" His tone was final as he waved and pointed Channing in the direction of the medical set-up. Channing must at least have a working brain as in that moment he falters, something akin to fear rising in him as he reluctantly obeys.

"Tch, whatever" He mutters as he grabs his tattoo gun and shrugs off the hands of the security people that finally reached him, walking towards Jay who had followed Daniel onto the arena and looked lost as to what to do. He turns from Channing to Daniel.

"Treat him" Daniel grits out as much as he doesn't want to. The blonde nods and follows Channing.

Turning back around, Daniel comes face to face with Jace's state. The words 'Public' laid bare on his chest, bloodied and colourful from the ink that was used. Several other medical volunteers rush in with a stretcher and with Daniel's help, they load Jace on and carry him back.

"Jace, can you hear me? Do you know where you are?" Daniel asks soothingly, keeping his voice tame as he speaks.

"Y-Yeah, I can hear you and I know I'm in the arena…fuck it hurts" Jace swears, his eyes watery as he tilts his head down to stare at his chest. "Oh God!" He hisses, his voice wavering.

"It's going to be alright, Jace. We're going to get you cleaned up and fixed right up" Daniel reassures and just before they are back under the cover of the bay he turns to look up at the Founder booth. James and Goo were watching in concern but it wasn't them that Daniel wanted to see. Gun had a tight look on his face and Daniel's glare only intensified it.

"Mira, get me some disinfectant, I also need bandages" Daniel orders and the female nods as she rushes to organise it. "Jace, can you sit up? I need to see all the wounds and from what I saw there was also one on your back" He asks and the vice in command nods and sits up.

Soon enough Daniel was busy cleaning the wounds and checking the cuts. There were a couple of ruptured veins due to the tattoo gun and the skin was pink and tender but other than that the wounds thankfully didn't need any stitches. Jace's jaw would also be bruised for a while but the swelling and colour will go away in time.

"Good news Jace, I know it hurts like a bitch right now but the swelling and pain should go away within 10-12 days" Daniel informs.

"What about the ink?" Jace asks and Daniel falters at this. Staring into Jace's disheartened gaze, flickering down to the links on his skin, there was only one answer.

"You have other tattoos, Jace…unfortunately it will remain permanent unless you either choose to laser it off or cover it up" He replies. There was nothing that he could do to remove the tattoos.

"Ah," Jace utters when pounding footsteps reach their ears.

"JACE?! JACE?!" A voice calls and people part ways for Vasco to rush up to his vice. Vasco who was usually so composed or carefree was now filled with worry.

"Vasco…" Jace murmured but it was loud enough for said leader to hear. He reaches Jace and is quick to kneel by his side, clasping his hand tightly as he stares his vice up and down.

"JACE! How are you feeling? Are you okay?" Vasco fires out, his brows pinched together in panic as he reaches out with his free hand, carding his fingers through Jace's hair, moving it away from his forehead. "Oh God, oh God" He mutters as he stares at the wounds across his arms and chest.

"It hurts" Was all Jace could manage to say before he started choking up, he clenched his eyes shut as tears started to well up in his eyes. "I'm sorry Vasco, I lost" He hisses as the tears fall freely.

"Oh baby, no no, don't apologise. Don't cry" Vasco immediately hisses as he reaches up to pull Jace into a hug, the movement was gentle as he was mindful of the wounds. He peppered Jace with kisses across his cheek and into the crown of his head as he also shut his eyes and crooned in both pain and sadness.

Daniel stares with wide eyes at the display. So their relationship was like that.

"I see, so that's why he's the vice" A voice snorts and Daniel turns to glare at Channing who is standing a little further away, sporting a couple of bruises but not enough for Daniel's taste. Numerous people were glaring at him but he seemed to take that with pride.

Jace and Vasco freeze. The first did so out of fear whereas the second did so out of anger.

"You" Vasco seethes as he lets go of Jace, attempting to charge at Channing who merely stares in amusement. Jace holds onto Vasco tightly and Daniel reaches out to prevent the leader from moving any closer.

"Vasco, don't" Daniel hisses. He knows that Vasco is pissed, and so is he and many other people but he can't let a fight start now. It would hurt Vasco's place at the CC more than Channing.

"You bastard!" Vasco calls out. "I'll kill you!" He roars and Channing smirks.

"Is that a challenge? Are you challenging me to a fight? If so, I hope you're stronger than your itty bitty boyfriend. He was so weak I had to hold myself back" Channing snickers and Vasco attempts to lunge over Daniel but Jay joins in by helping hold Vasco back.

"Vasco you can't hurt him right now" Daniel reasons.

"Vasco, please stop" Jace calls out, his voice soft amid Vasco's growling.

"Why don't you go back to caring for your pathetic boyfriend instead of barking at me" Channing calls as he starts walking away and out of the area. The three men holding Vasco back struggle even more as the Burn Knuckles leader's strength doubles at Channing's words. Soon enough the Public member was gone and all that was left was the anger and tension in the air.

"I'll kill him" Vasco promises Jace as he walks back to his vice, cradling him in his arms again. "You didn't deserve this" He mumbles, pressing his lips into Jace's skin as he holds him tightly as if he were the most precious item in the world. Jace tucks his face into Vasco's embrace, hot tears spilling out.

Daniel turns around, letting the two have their privacy and ordering others around the room to do the same.

"We still have one more fight" Daniel reminds everyone as the announcement for Zack vs Jacky comes through the speakers.

Jacky steps out onto the stage, waving at the people who are booing him due to his association with Channing. Zack on the other hand looked furious.

"Oh God" Mira gasps before clasping her hands together.

Daniel prayed alongside Mira, hoping that their fight wouldn't be as horrible as Jace's fight.