A master with a black belt fears an amateur with a white belt. It is said that a rookie with no training can defeat a champion, because while one is concerned with technique, the other lashes out blindly.
No one in the room was a seasoned professional, and all were serious fighters. Every man wanted to win, whether for riches, glory, or his own esteem. In such a setting, everyone in attendance could sense the bloodlust from each individual.
Though Raymond had lost, others had seen him fight. They thought, Wow, he's batshit crazy.
Even after the match was called, he refused to admit defeat. He had pulled himself up again, and rattled out, "Not yet."
Then he crashed back to earth.
He teetered to the side of the ring. No one was there to catch him, but he saw Vincent in the crowd.
Raymond went to him.
Vincent was exchanging money with the doorman. When he saw Raymond approaching, he put on a strained smile.
"Nice job, even though you lost," he said.
"I'll win next time."
"There won't be a next time."
There had to be, but Vincent was talking again.
"You get the idea, right? If that was enough for you, don't come back."
Raymond said, "Why?" Then, because he didn't care about Vincent's answer, "But you bet on me."
"I bet on you," Vincent said coolly, "so they'd let you into the ring and beat you up. Now run away and live a long and happy life."
It was hard to believe. Frustration prickled at Raymond's skin. "Then why show me here in the first place?"
"I wish I knew." Vincent turned away. "Why did you come back?"
"I wanted to... thank you."
An uncertain look was spreading on Vincent's face. He took a step back and put his hands in his pockets. "For what? Because I know you didn't want to be saved," he said.
"You know what," Raymond mumbled.
Vincent maintained his cool demeanor. "I don't think I should've been there that night. Maybe in the future, you'll blame me for not letting you go through with it. Since it turned out like this, I had to show you what you're in for." Vincent laughed.
"I won't."
"What?"
"I won't blame you, even if I do it again."
Vincent shook his head. "I can't figure out what you're trying to say. Go home." He wouldn't speak with Raymond further.
As Raymond looked back, he saw Vincent pulling a face.
"Two hundred dollars..."