Limitless

11|

Chapter 11 - Hope

I'm among the crowd of the Griz Fight, just eager to see what's going on. And I want to bet on the girl. She is strong and big, while the other one is young, puny and scared.

I'm about to place my bet on the one I learned is Justice when I hear a voice call out. 'Doesn't seem like a fair fight.' Someone shouts. I weave through the crowd to get a better view. Soon enough, the small girl is out and the other one has replaced her, whether she meant to or not.

She looks around my age but she still can't stand a chance against Justice. Justice is a hero in the Griz Fights.

For a second it seems like the crowd's attention has made her uncomfortable and I prepare to dismiss her as a real contender until I study her again. No, this girl is nothing like the last one. She's hesitating not because she's scared, but because she's thinking. Calculating. She has dirty brown hair tied back in a messy bun and a lean, athletic build. She looks familiar, as if I've seen her somewhere before this. She stands intentionally with her hand resting on her hip, as if nothing can catch her off guard. I find myself pausing and admiring her face.

The girl shakes her head at Justice. This surprises me too. No one has ever denied a fight, and everyone knows the rules. If you're chosen, you have to fight. This girl doesn't seem to fear the crowd's wrath. Justice says something I can't quite make out.

This time the girl nods. The crowd lets out another cheer. Justice smiles. I lean a bit forward. Something about this girl... Her eyes seem to glow in the night, and although it's hot and might be my imagination, I think I see a slight smile on her face.

But when money is involved I don't take risks. I play safe and place the bet on Justice.

But the instant the girl steps into the circle and I see her stance... I know I've made a big mistake. Justice strikes like a bull, a ravenous ox.

This girl strikes like a viper.