A GIBBOUS MOON

Chapter 1

I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen. I baked some eggs for breakfast and ate them quickly. Finally, I grabbed my sports bag and keys and left the apartment. I didn't want to be late. Once I arrived at the gym, I made my way to the front desk again.

"Hey, I am here for MMA training."

"Hm, it's you again. Got to admire your persistence. Take the door on the left, that will lead you to the locker room."

Following his instructions, I took the door on the left. I put my bag down on the bench and started changing into my sports clothes. I looked around the room and assumed that the other door must lead to the gym area. I go through and walk over to the guy standing in front of a group.

"Hey, do I need to be with you for MMA training?"

"Yes, you're right on time, go join the rest over there."

I stand in line besides the others and the guy starts giving his introductory speech. Once the speech is over it is time to spar with each other. Giving the coach's words: 'You best learn from experience.'. This menacing guy comes over to me and asks me to spar with him. I agree and we prepare ourselves for the fight. Without hesitation the guy comes at me. My quick response saves me, and I avoid his punch. I counter it by throwing in a quick left hook. He dodges, but I follow up with a right uppercut. The guy doesn't respond quick enough and my blow hits him square on the jaw. He falls knocked out to the ground and I watch him. I have to admit that this guy was quick, but on the streets, you got to be quicker than that. The coach comes over to me and watches in shock to the unconscious guy on the ground.

"What is your name, kid?"

"Xavier, sir."

"Xavier, you got some talent, man. You just knocked out one of my best fighters."

"He is your best?"

I just knocked out his best fighter? Me with no previous MMA experience knocked out his best fighter. I don't know whether to be proud of myself or disappointed in the level of skill of these guys.

"You know what, I will put in some good words for you with Piére. We can use a good fighter like you."

"Thank you, I would really appreciate that. When could I start doing MMA fights?"

"Slow down, pal. This is your first training, we first got to teach you the basics of MMA. Rules and conduct, you know. Your level of skill might be ready for a fight, but your knowledge of MMA isn't. If it's money you are worried about, worry no more. We pay you to train as well. A gravely injured fighter is useless to us, so let's prepare you."

"Alright, sir."

The training session continued, and I was pulled aside by the coach whilst the rest was sparring. He explained to me the rules of MMA, what moves were allowed or not, what counted as a foul and so much more. There goes more into MMA than I thought, it isn't just kicking and punching. After the training is over, I go back to the locker room. I changed back into normal clothing and went to the front desk to complete my membership registration. The bald man, Piére I think his name is, looks at me dirty, but complies and gives me the forms to fill out. Eagerly I enter all my personal info, glad to have some security in this gym now. I walk home with still a smile on my face.

A week passes in which I train every day. Coach assured me that I am now ready for my first fight. I'm excited, but also anxious. I don't know what to expect of my competition. Are they better than the guys at the gym? Or are they the same level? The match is in a week's time, so I better use the time I have left wisely. Coach has become my personal coach and representative for the matches. Sometimes I train with him alone and he teaches me some new moves, other times I spar with these guys and practise the new moves. I haven't been beaten by any of them yet and it gives me hope. My coach thinks I will do just fine in MMA matches as well. The week goes by smoothly as I train every day. I am at the gym training and tonight is going to be the night. My first MMA match. Coach sends me home to rest before it is time for the match. We exchanged phone numbers and he would text me where to meet him. I lay restless on my mattress at home. I just want to get it over with. The waiting is killing me. I make some dinner, or really, it's just instant noodles again. I could really use the money right now. I also have to get on a proper diet if I want to become a pro in MMA. I finish the food and watch some television in the meantime. Then finally I got a text from my coach telling me to meet him in front of a club. I quickly grab my bag and go out to meet him.