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Day Two - "Las Vegas, the moment has arrived to meet the world's top bull riders. Let's show these men just how much we adore them." A deafening cheer resonated through the stadium as beams of light spun around the arena. The entire scene resembled an ornate concert.
Pyrotechnics ignited and roared as the first rider entered. Names were announced, starting from the bottom of the rankings up to the top, revealing each rider's position for the week.
With "Back in Black" blaring in the background, each man advanced through a curtain as sparks erupted around them. They walked toward the center, cautiously threading through the flames of the burning PBR emblem on the dirt. It was a breathtaking sight, smoke swirling in the air as they emerged from shadow into blinding light.
Thirty-six names were announced before Wren emerged smiling broadly, his teeth gleaming and arm raised enthusiastically.
"The most cheerful cowboy you'll ever meet, from Georgia—Wren Coulter."
Bella Rose, with the Hayes's and Wrights, leapt to her feet, cheering with enough fervor to rival the twenty-thousand-strong crowd.
"Your reigning world champion, from Brazil—Guilherme Marchi!"
Guilherme strode through flames, waving to the cheering crowd; clearly one of this week's favorites.
Isobel spotted Ryder stepping forward. Even shrouded in smoke, his focus and determination were evident.
"Two-time world champion in 2003 and 2005—Ryder Hayes!"
Isobel and her family stood up, clapping and cheering vigorously in support of Ryder.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Gentlemen, kindly remove your headgear for our National Anthem."
A tall, slender man entered with a microphone and began to sing.
As soon as he finished, he left the arena while the announcer quieted the exuberant audience.
"Please stay standing for a prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we approach You with humble hearts seeking safety for our cowboys, livestock, and crew. We thank You for this time together to praise You during our favorite sport. We're grateful for everyone's safe arrival and all who made tonight possible; thank You for our freedom to gather here. Watch over our troops at home and abroad; bless us with courage from those serving now so that we may enjoy events like this freely. Most wonderful God who forgives us always—in Your Son's name we pray. Amen."
After drawing numbers for the bulls, competitors exited toward their stations behind chutes filled with expectant bulls.
Ryder and Wren stood on a raised platform watching preparations unfold for their second ride out.
The first bull erupted from the chute, tossing his rider within two seconds. Spinning around, the bull trampled over him, its hind foot landing squarely on the rider's chest. Bull fighters quickly intervened, steering the bull away and out of the arena.
Everyone watched in horror as eight men surrounded the fallen rider, carefully maneuvering him onto a backboard. One gripped his legs while another stabilized his head once he was securely on the board.
"Help me," he cried out.
"Caleb, we're here to help you. Just try to relax," the medical director assured him calmly.
"Come on, man. I can't breathe." He struggled against those trying to assist him as they continued to restrain his legs.
"Everything's going to be okay. Just stay still." The medical director unzipped Caleb's vest, opening it to allow his chest to expand and catch a breath.
Caleb groaned in pain, his slurred words unintelligible.
"Caleb, can you open your eyes for me?"
Caleb managed to open his eyes but couldn't focus on the man addressing him.
"No, no, look up here, Caleb."
Caleb tried to sit up, pushing against the man holding his legs.
"No, look at me, Caleb." The medical director taped Caleb’s head to the board with large rolls of cotton on either side. "Everyone, grab a corner." Each man took hold of a section of the board. "1, 2, 3, lift. Hold steady, Caleb." He held Caleb's head as the others carefully eased him out of the arena. "Caleb, focus on me. Up here. Easy through the gate," he directed those carrying the board. "Stay still, Caleb. Avoid moving."
Picking up his microphone, the announcer began to speak, "Let’s show this cowboy our support. He can hear you." His voice cracked as he lowered his microphone and looked down, shaking his head.
The crowd rose to their feet as they exited through the gate, clapping and cheering for the injured rider.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Lifting his microphone again, he attempted to resume the event. "That's a tough way to start our evening. Our prayers go out to Caleb and his family. We'll keep you updated with any news we receive."
Ryder gripped tightly onto the top rail, staring at his white knuckles. Wren placed a reassuring hand on Ryder’s shoulder and squeezed it, "He's going to be alright."
Ryder nodded resolutely, "Yep." He straightened up and turned to Wren. "Let's go pray."
Ryder hopped off the platform with Wren trailing just behind him. Kneeling in the dirt behind a line of anxious cowboys, Ryder and Wren prayed for Caleb’s recovery, for all riders’ safety that night—including their own. Four other riders who saw them joined them in prayer.
Returning to the platform just in time to catch the fourth rider exiting the chute, Ryder and Wren watched intently, their eyes fixed on the bull. Matching his predecessor, the rider endured the eight seconds and earned a score of 78.
As the bulls cycled through the chutes once more, Ryder noticed Hannibal's Wrath being funneled into chute 2. Riveted by the sight of the bull, Ryder entirely missed the next rider who was down in five seconds.
"Hey, Ryder," Wren called out, giving Ryder a shove with his shoulder.
"What?" Ryder responded, turning to face Wren.
"Did you see Beau's ride?"
"Huh?" Ryder glanced around and spotted Beau limping out of the arena. "Oh, no. I missed it."
"What were you looking at?" Wren followed Ryder's gaze to spot the bull. "Ah."
As Aaron settled himself onto the bull, Hannibal's Wrath sprang up in the chute, pinning Aaron's leg between the bull and the metal rails of the gate. The men above reached down frantically, grabbing Aaron's vest in a desperate bid to pull him free. One man, using a bar wedged between the bull and the gate, leaned back with all his might, pushing the bull off to liberate Aaron's leg. Another joined him, and together they managed to shift the bull enough for the others to extract Aaron.
Safely out, Aaron checked his injuries; deeming them minor, he bravely mounted the bull again. With the bull rope swiftly in place and his hand secured, he nodded for the gate to open.
Hannibal's Wrath shot from the chute, twisting fiercely to the right, nearly bending in half. Aaron lost his balance and tumbled sideways, slamming down on his shoulder. Bullfighters immediately surrounded him, diverting the bull’s focus.
Once Hannibal's Wrath was confined behind the gate, Aaron limped out of the arena clutching his shoulder and was met by medical personnel for evaluation.
"He's just like Fury," Ryder remarked as they watched Aaron receive medical care.
Voodoo Child, a black-and-white whirlwind of two thousand pounds of raw muscle, hurled his rider skyward just five seconds into the ride. The rider crashed down headfirst, rendered unconscious on impact.
Isobel, Rose, and their entire family watched in dread as bull after bull vanquished their riders within the first twenty minutes. Many riders were sent back for medical assistance.
"What is happening tonight?" Terry wondered aloud, though no one had an answer.
Isobel and Bella Rose clung to each other’s hands, silently beseeching God to protect their loved ones.
Next up was Wren, who cast a determined glance at Ryder as he assisted with his rigging.
"You've got this, Brother," Ryder reassured him with all the conviction he could muster.
Wren exhaled deeply through clenched teeth around his mouth guard and gave a determined nod.
Bella Rose tightened her grip on Isobel’s hand as she watched Wren’s bull explode from the chute. She whispered silent prayers while her heart pounded and palms sweated, eyes glued to the monstrous creature twisting and turning beneath Wren. Each time Wren seemed on the verge of falling off, Rose squeezed Isobel’s hand tighter.
When the buzzer blared, Wren released his rope and landed solidly on his feet in the dirt. Seeing him safe from harm’s way at last, Bella Rose let go of Isobel’s hand and exhaled deeply with relief flooding her lungs.
Wren moved slowly toward the gates, anticipating his score announcement.
“With only three riders scoring so far tonight,” came over the speaker system, “Wren currently takes first place with a score of 80.5.”
Wren tossed his helmet into the air and pointed toward Rose, his face beaming with his usual radiant smile.
As Wren walked through the gate, Ryder, Shane, Dustin, and Kacey greeted him, each one offering congratulations for his ride.
A few more riders finally reached the buzzer, two outscoring Wren. Some riders had sustained injuries and were sent to medical.
Ryder's turn was fast approaching; he paced nervously behind the platform. Wren approached him, gently gripping his arm.
"Hey, Ryder, your time to shine is now."
Ryder turned and nodded at Wren. "Alright."
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Yep," Ryder rolled his head back and forth, stretching his neck, "I'm ready."
Staring down the massive black bull known as Chicken on a Chain, Ryder zipped up his safety vest and pulled on his riding glove. He dropped one end of his bull rope down, watching as a man behind the gate hooked it and passed it back to him to feed through the other end. Ryder glanced up at Isobel one last time before stepping into the chute.
The moment he settled onto the bull's back, all other thoughts vanished; only his tasks to prep and ride remained.
Wren assisted with his rigging while Kody held onto Ryder's vest, prepared to yank him to safety if the bull got riled up.
Helmet on, mouthpiece in place, hand strapped down—Ryder nodded, and the gate flew open.
Chicken stood still as stone initially, freezing Ryder's heart with anticipation of that first explosive jump. As the flank strap handler tightened the rope even more, the bull exploded out of the gate, nearly leaving Ryder behind.
Quickly matching the bull's momentum, Ryder spurred and moved with perfect sync. The bull kicked skyward and performed its signature tricks, but Ryder held on tight.
Eight seconds passed finally; Ryder released his grip and was launched into the air. He hit the ground hard on his right hip but rolled smoothly to his feet.
The crowd erupted louder than ever all night—they knew they had just witnessed a top-tier ride. Isobel stood cheering for Ryder alongside her family.
Ryder unsnapped his helmet and winced as he took his first step back toward the gate. Limping while holding his hip, he pulled off his helmet.
"Ladies and gentlemen," boomed an announcer's voice, "now in first place with a score of 89.5 — Ryder Hayes!"
The crowd went wild again, ecstatic for their favorite sport.
After two riders failed to reach the buzzer, Guilherme Marchi mounted the bull he had drawn. With the gate swinging open, he executed a flawless ride. Upon dismounting, he flung his cowboy hat into the air and waved triumphantly at the electrified crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our new first-place rider, Guilherme, has just scored an astonishing 92!"
The stadium erupted in excitement, shaking with the collective roar of enthusiastic fans.
Ryder, Wren, and several other competitors swarmed Guilherme at the gate, showering him with handshakes and congratulations.
The remaining few riders took their chances, with four managing to score but falling short.
As the evening came to a close, the leaderboard stood with Guilherme in first place, followed by Ryder, Kody, Shane, and Wren.