Truyouth

Chapter 13: Tallen

Let me tell you something.

Ready?

It Sucks being knocked out.

It's not only the fact that it hurts, but also the fact that I was the weaker one, he got the satisfaction and I got stuck in a hospital wing, unable to have my revenge.

Oh yeah, and I lost my bet.

So I walk into my next training session of combat and whatnot when this guy who I later find out to be Caleb, bumps into me causing me to trip slightly.

I turn around to tell him to watch where he's going when I see him laughing with his group if buddies and pointing at me.

That pissed me off.

"What's so funny?!" I shout angrily.

"Wow don't get all worked up, you were in my way so I made sure I got through. Got a problem with that then deal with me during training loser."

I starting marching over there steam practically coming out of my ears, my face on fire when Click grabs my arm.

"He's right, if you have something against him take it out in practice. He's not worth getting another punishment."

I wrench my arm out of his grip and walk over to the other guy calmly.

He laughs and takes a few steps towards me.

"Tell you what, let's have a little challenge. You and I can face off in one of the head to head duels; whoever loses has to do the other guys' chores for a month." I lay it out on the table and wait for him to bite.

"How do I know you're going to hold to your word?" He asks suspiciously.

"I swear on my mother's grave I will keep my word." I bowed and smirked. "Do we have a deal?"

"You're on, but first, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Caleb."

"Tallen. See you in the square." He and his friends laughed and walked away.

Click stepped closer to me with a look on his face like I just pulled a lions tail and stuck my tongue out at it.

"What?" I asked annoyed.

"That was probably one of the stupidest things you could have done just then," he said shaking his head.

"Oh please, are you going to tell me he's the best fighter and I should have just taken that kind of attitude?! I don't care if he's a pro boxer! I'm a pretty good fighter too and I'm not gonna get stepped on by some a-hole."

"Fine Tallen, but if this goes further then a match I don't want to have to be the one that tells your sister you've ended up in the hospital wing because you lost your temper." He shook his head one last time and walked away.

I glared at him but couldn't help but worry a little at his words. Had I let my temper get the best of me?

Nah.
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It was finally our turn to face off.

I was filled with excitement and adrenaline. Boy was I ready to knock this guy off his high horse.

We enter the square both wearing mischievous smiles.

"Hey what's your favorite type of flower?" He asks.

"What? Why?" I ask confused. Was he trying to distract me?

"So I know what kind to get with your 'get well' card after you land in a hospital bed." He snickered and put his fists up.

He was so going to get it.

The whistle went off. I put my fists up as well; my face a glowing ember of rage.

I charged like a like a mad bull, but he was too fast. He jumped to the side and tripped me.

The crowd cheered and laughed. I was not off to a good start, not to mention I was already humiliated.

I got up and kicked him in the back of his knee causing him to stumble, giving me the perfect chance to punch him hard in the face.

He was good though and when my fist came the second time, he grabbed it and slammed me on the ground on my back.

He kicked me on the throat making me cough up blood. He kicked me again but in the head and the lights dimmed. My eyes started to close when I saw Click move towards the square cheering me on.

I got up and saw Caleb's back turned.

He must have thought it was over.

I grabbed his neck putting him in a head lock and shoved him against the wall. Eventually the whistle blew and I let go of Caleb coughing and sputtering.

I stood up panting. "I guess you'll be doing my chores for month Caleb." I laughed and starting walking towards the cafeteria behind Click.

"Hey Tallen, wait up!" Caleb called rubbing his neck menacingly.

"What is it Caleb? You can't back out of our deal you know, I won fair and square."

"Oh I know, my friends and I just wanted to congratulate you." He smiled.

"Uh yeah thanks but I think I'll be going. Good match."

His gang started running towards me. They didn't seem to be in a congratulatory mood either.

I started sprinting towards the snack bar, when Caleb and one of his friends came up and pushed me hard into the mop and water bucket.

I later came to realize I also got pushed into Enna but at the time I was too upset to notice and punched Caleb.

Caleb finished me off with a kick to the head.

So yeah that's what happened.
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