“Next time, I’m driving.”
“There will be no next time,” I growled out in annoyance. It wasn’t my fault Jake was pushing my buttons. He did, after all pop out of nowhere. Not to mention that he stupidly decided to bring Monic along.
“Come on, Case. You can’t be mad at him, I bribed him to come with me and you can’t blame me for being worried. The last time we saw each other was during Carla’s funeral. Then there was that incident and you completely pushed everyone away. Is it wrong for me to want to spend some quality time with my cousin?” Monic ranted and I sighed, resting my hands limply on the wheel.
“That’s not the problem, Mo. This could barely passes as quality time we are in a street-fighting competition, an illegal one, might I add.” She and I both knew that this is far from being a normal quality time between cousins.
God knows how freaked out I was when I found them waiting in my living room and claiming that they were going to be my loyal companions for the night.
I could hear Monic sighing at my theoretical statements, getting tired of the pointless argument since we’ve arrived anyways. There was no backing out now unless I call them a cab and force them into the vehicle.
Monic’s door was the first to open while Jake’s was the last. I hurried after Monic, trying to cover her from strangers’ eyes that turned to look. I would be lying if I didn’t get any stares due to my reputation in the Underground Place but you can’t expect me to let them memorize Monic’s features and have them stalk her into her bedroom and stare at her while she sleeps.
I am not paranoid or a negative thinker, I am just being cautious and worried about my baby cousin. Come on, you’re an illegal street fighter with gangs that are hunting you down. Look at me straight in the eye and tell me that you wouldn’t do the same for anyone you love.
I thought so.
The place was crowded as usual and since I couldn’t leave Monic and Jake until I knew they were in a safe corner, I guided them past the sweaty bodies of people who were cheering and hollering for the fighter that they had betted their money on.
I got them settled in a dark and almost deserted corner where they’ll be hidden from sight and still be able to watch what’s going on up in the ring.
Before I left, I made it sure that Jake gets how dangerous this place is and just how cautious he needs to be to guard Monic from any perverted old dudes.
I gave Monic’s hand a slight squeeze before setting off to hunt for Levy, my burner in one hand, dialing his number, while my eyes roamed around the mob of people. When I had started to give up and decided to go to the backdoor on my own, he jumped me from behind me.
I jolted and instantly braced myself to inflict serious pain to my ambusher before figuring out it was just dear old Lev.
“Sup, shorty?” I growled under my breath at his light tone after giving me a fright and kept on walking, letting him follow suit.
“Just because you’re ridiculously tall, Lev, doesn’t mean I’m short. I’m pretty tall for someone my age, you old man.” I countered, earning a loud snort from him.
“A 5 year age gap does not make me an old man, shorty.” He smiled crookedly.
We finally reached the backdoor where, as per usual, a bulky guy was guarding the door with a stone face. We showed our passes and he opened the heavy looking door for us. We slipped in and went to the changing room, beginning our warm up routine begins.
“So you’re going to fight tonight?” Levy nodded at my question while stretching his legs.
“Right after you win,” I smiled at his words; so positive. Comfortable silence engulfed us as we continued stretching until Lev decided that I needed one last reminder on my fight tonight.
“Pix, remember that tonight’s fight will be more brutal and relentless than your previous fights so you really need to give it your all out there.” I nodded at his words. How could I forget, the last fight I had during this competition forced me into messing up a man’s healing leg which resulted in an angered big brother bear.
I shuddered at the memory, at the vague feeling of the panic I felt that night when my opponent could’ve beaten me to pulp if I hadn’t swiped at his leg. That was a close call and to think that it was just a warm up spiked anxiety in me.
It didn’t help that Levy, of all people, looked genuinely nervous for me. Levy the Great simply does not do ‘nervous’. He either gets cocky or worried; nothing more and nothing less. So to see him actually get nervous for me was setting a loud alarm in my head.
It wasn’t every day you see the big great Lev being almost scared for someone else. He doesn’t even get scared when it concerns himself. I don’t know whether to fear for my life or feel honored.
I zoned back in to see him staring at me in annoyance.
“Can you please stop spacing out on me? This is bloody serious. I do not have any sick desire of slipping in your funeral into my already-tightly-packed schedule, Pix.”
I sighed, managing to simply nod my head at his words. He thinks that I didn’t listen to him because I was taking the matter too lightly when it’s the complete opposite of what’s really happening in my head.
One single close look will tell you that I was not okay in re- entering this competition. My only motivation was gone and lack of motivation and decreasing adrenaline can only bring you death in that arena.
I breathed out shakily, trying to not let my lack of courage shine through the stone mask I made for myself.
By the time that I managed to kick my wariness down a notch, a knock on the door brought it back ten times as fast. I groaned loudly and I guess whoever was on the other side took it as a signal to open the door.
“You’re next, let’s go.” The woman said. Her earpiece was lodged into her ear as usual and I sighed, slapping my thighs before standing on both of my feet, pushing aside my worries.
Admitting the feelings to yourself would make it realer than denying them so that was what I did.
I chanted a small mantra in my head and it took me some time to actually listen to it and cave into the words.
“You’re strong, you can do this. You can do this. You’re strong enough.”
I nodded to myself. You can do this, Casey.
I pictured Bryant smiling at me, fist pumping the air and cheering me on and that was all it took for me to regain all the confidence I lost.
Plastering a smirk onto my face, I tilted my chin further upwards and walked with more determination in my steps. Levy seemed to notice the difference in me as he grinned at me and patted my back; hard.
Laughter forced its way out of me that surprised us both. I’ve been so gloomy lately that I couldn’t remember the last time I let a genuine laugh out of my system.
“Let’s go, the bitch is back in the house,” I announced aloud, winking at Lev who grinned at my antics. With our five year age gap, Lev was like a brother more than anything else.
We walked out of the room and to the stairs where everything gave me a slight sense of déjà vu.
“Good luck, Pix. Watch yourself out there.” I nodded at Levy’s words and decided not to pay too much attention to the uncertainty in his voice.
The more that I think about it, the more focus that I’ll lose.
I climbed up the stairs when the man gave me the go and immediately switched to Pixie mode, embracing the erupting cheers and shouts.
I put on a stone mask façade as my opponent appeared before me. He was huge.
I could feel Levy’s scared voice try to wriggle itself into my head but I immediately shook it off.
No, focus Case. You got this. I got this.
I readied myself. When the man started charging, my instincts kicked in and I rolled over, dodging him by mere millimeters.
He was fast for his built and I certainly didn’t expect his moves to be so calculated. Most of the fighters I’ve faced were sloppy and driven by ego or hunger for blood and money.
I now understood why Levy was so concern. This guy was not someone who should be underestimated.
I turned just in time to dodge his punch. I ducked my head and barreled towards him, using my body to send him sprawling. I wasn’t going to lose this fight. I have my family to think about.
Unfortunately, the man’s built did him good and he was up before I could even compose myself.
That’s not good.
His foot rose and he threw a swift but hard kick to my side, causing me to release a sharp cry and be thrown to the side.
No, get up.
I forced myself up but before I could even stand, his shin connected with my side once more.
His foot came down on me again but this time, my hand flew and caught his ankle before it could cause any more damage to my body.
I tugged hard at it and twisted it. With a cry of shock, his body landed with a hard thud. I gritted my teeth silently, bearing the pain while I tried to get on my feet.
The man rose from the ground and faced me with a narrowed look. One glance at it and I knew I was in for some deep shit.
His arm shot out and I tried to block it only to have his other fist hit my face.
I staggered backwards but when I saw his leg rise for the second time, I threw myself towards him and pressed my side to his body to avoid his swinging shin I grabbed his lifted leg and tackled his other leg that was supporting his body. He went down once more and this time, I wasn’t keen in letting him get off the ground so soon.
He’s done enough damage to leave me breathless, and although I was made aware of the faint throb that was starting to bloom on my side, I knew my adrenaline will keep me going.
I kicked him on the temple, sending a silent apology towards my opponent and trying not to wince. I was known to be brutal but a kick to that area hurts like a bitch.
After making sure he wasn’t at his best state, I kneeled to his height and wrung his neck with my arms, cutting off his air circulation.
I kept a tight grip and numbed myself when I felt his hand started punching, slapping and clawing at my arms to release his neck.
The bell immediately rung after what seemed like forever and I released my opponent, deciding to just hurry out of there before the guilt I was feeling crack through my façade.
I rushed down the set of steps, met Levy on the way of grabbing my prize and got out of there, gasping desperately for fresh air. The second the cool night air infiltrated my lungs, I halted my steps and leaned on a nearby tree.
Levy helped me on my feet when I started groaning in pain.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay to ride all the way home? I don’t mind driving you. We’ll pick your motorcycle up first thing tomorrow.”
I shook my head, there’s no way I’m going to let him drive me. He doesn’t belong in my other life. I won’t let my two lives mix, including the people in them.
God knows what happered the last time I did that.
Levy just sighs in defeat and helped me walk away from the backdoor.
The previous adrenaline has already washed off my system and as predicted, the pain escalated. With nothing to suppress the throb, the pain was kicked up a notch but all I could do was clench my jaw to keep the cries in. I’ll live.
I’m sure it was just a minor bruise. I’ve gotten worse hits.
Monic and Jake appeared, and Monic noticed my limp and hunched posture, immediately freaking out.
“Oh my God, Ca-” I sent her a sharp look, motioning subtly to the guy beside me, who was supporting half of my weight and she immediately faltered.
“-can you even walk?” I wanted to facepalm myself so hard at the stupid question but shook my head, knowing she’s trying to cover her slip up.
“Well, we’ll take it from here. Thanks for taking care of her.” Jake interrupted and I almost hugged him right then and there.
I gave Lev a small wave before the two of them helped me, propping me up from each side. I sighed tiredly once they tucked me in the backseat of the car.
Jake slid in the driver’s seat and Monic took shotgun.
“Let’s just go home,” I mumbled tiredly but halfway of pulling out from our parking area, Jake hit the brakes. The movement caused me to stretch my arm out to prevent my body from rolling over but ended up with me groaning in pain as the throb increased.
I heard Monic’s gasp and Jake’s sharp intake of breath.
“What the hell’s up this time?” I muttered in annoyance, forcing my body to sit up.
The sight before me made my breath hitch and all pain on my side was instantly forgotten, I straightened up, eyes wide and jaw slack with astonishment.
The silhouette of the man was faint but the dim light of the street lamp was enough to give away his identity; his brown mob of hair that was highlighted by the light and his shadowed sharp features.
Adam.