Landon charged towards Barry, his fury unleashed like a beast breaking free from its chains. With a swift motion, Landon threw a powerful right hook, but Barry raised his forearm, blocking the blow with ease. Seizing the opening, Barry countered with a swift knee strike to Landon's gut.
The impact sent Landon reeling, his body crumpling under the force of the blow. As he struggled to regain his footing, Barry swiftly grasped Landon's wrist and slammed him into the nearby pillar. Landon crashed to the ground, dazed and disoriented.
"You think you're the only one who knows how to fight?" Barry sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're just a kid who's stepped into a world beyond your understanding."
As Landon attempted to rise, Barry delivered a merciless kick to his ribs. The force of the blow sent Landon's body wracking with pain, his coughing fit echoing through the air. He collapsed, unable to get up.
"Where is the girl, kid?" Barry demanded, his frustrated voice dripping with malice. Barry tried to pin Landon to the floor, straddling his chest. Their eyes locked in a fierce stare.
"Time to finish this," Barry growled, throwing a solid punch at Landon's face. Landon swiftly blocked the blow by grabbing Barry's wrist and pulling him away from his body.
With a fluid motion, Landon sprang to his feet, assuming a fighting stance. Barry unleashed a flurry of punches, his face twisted in frustration. Landon expertly evaded and blocked each blow, his movements swift and precise.
Seizing the opportunity, Landon grasped Barry's wrist, twisting his hand in a painful joint lock. Barry grunted, his eyes widening in surprise. Landon's grip tightened, his middle and index fingers projecting from the folded wrist like a blade.
With lightning speed, he struck Barry's chest, catching him off guard. The force of the blow sent Barry stumbling backward, his body momentarily numb.
As Barry struggled to regain control, Landon swiftly jumped into the air, unleashing a powerful kick that sent Barry crashing to the ground. Blood oozed from Landon's mouth as he wiped it away, his frustration boiling over into a scream.
Barry, realizing he was outmatched, pulled a black 4-inch knife from his pocket. "Forgive me, kid," he growled, "but it's come to this."
Barry charged, swinging the knife wildly. Landon evaded each attack with razor-sharp focus, his eyes locked on Barry. Cornered, Landon blocked Barry's blow, the knife inches from his neck.
Barry pinned Landon against the pillar, his hand pressing down. Both men grunted, their faces inches apart. Landon seized the opportunity, striking Barry's hand with precision.
Barry's grip faltered, and Landon took control. With a swift motion, Landon turned Barry's hand against him, forcing the knife into his own side, just below the chest.
As the knife stabbed Barry, he stumbled backward, hitting his back against the pillar. His legs gave out, and he slid to the ground, his back scraping against the pillar.
Landon's breathing was heavy, his chest heaving. Barry sat in stunned silence, blood trickling from his mouth. His eyes glazed over, his body weakened by the wound.
Landon shattered the silence. "How do you know my dad?" he demanded.
Barry's laughter echoed through the air, punctuated by coughs that brought up blood. The sound of his phone ringing broke the tension.
With a struggle, Barry stretched out his hand, offering the phone to Landon. "Two choices, kid," Barry gasped, fighting for breath.
"Answer this call, and you'll find answers. But once you do, there's no going back. You'll be walking into a world you don't understand."
Barry's eyes locked onto Landon's. "Or, walk away. Leave Ashwood. Start anew. Trust me, nothing good comes from the first choice."
"I'll take my chances." Landon took Barry's phone, his eyes locked on Barry's fading gaze.
"Welcome to hell," Barry whispered, his body turning cold as he spoke his final words.
Landon started walking forward, answering the phone. "Is it done?" Jacob's voice echoed through the line, cold and calculating.