Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

42

"You make her come to you, understand? Bait her in. Make her use her energy up. Then you go in for the kill." Murphy spoke steadily and low as he finished helping me with my gloves. "Don't let her sit back. Make her work early." I nodded hitting my gloves together as I bounced slightly.

"Here." I slid my arms into the sleeves of my extra large zip-up hoodie. Then Roy slipped my headphones back over my ears. The music helping me focus in. The waiting room was spacious. It could fit a larger team, but everyone knew it was easier with less people. This space was my space and I didn't want it crowded before a fight. Murphy and Roy knew that. So did my manager.

Speaking of- I watched Randale walk in and say a few words to Murphy and Roy before giving me a thumbs up. I gave a nod before I was moving around the room. My body still sweaty from my warm-up earlier but I had to stay warm and loose.

When the referee came in and checked my gloves as well as ran through the rules I simply nodded. Not wanting to speak as I trained my energy to a central focus. Winning.

I visualized it. Ducking, swinging, everything from taking the pain of a punch to dealing out a blow. I saw it all until I was standing with my fist high.

My music thrummed through my body. The words and notes electrifying my soul as I worked the nerves away. I knew my adrenaline would kick in as soon as I stepped out into the tunnel a few doors down, but I couldn't help but wish it came faster.

My last song came to a close as Murphy tapped my shoulder. My gloves hands pulling my headphones off.

"It's time?" My voice was shaky as he nodded. "Let's get this over with."

"You know what to do. Trust your instincts." Roy piped up quietly from my side as we walked to the tunnel.

"Just another day." I murmured, rolling my shoulders back. My chest up as I held my head high.

"You remember what you told me about fighting. It makes you come alive. So let's fucking be alive today." Murphy added as we stopped at the entrance to the tunnel.

Music played in front of us, roaring came echoing towards us from the crowd. But I didn't hear any of it. All I heard was the rushing of my blood in my ears. All I felt was my heart rate increase and a smirk make its way into my face.

At the first notes of my intro song, I took a step forward- finally crossing the threshold into the tunnel.

"Time to come alive." My eyes glowed. The green flickering as I set my face with determination. The smug smirk still there as I walked through the dark tunnel. The arena growing louder as I was introduced.

"It's Xena Tal-len!" The announcer broke my last name up to make it longer. His deeper voice trailing into mix with the song as I finally broke the tunnel. Cameras and spotlights on me as I remained unfazed. My eyes immediately locking into my opponent who didn't bother to look my way.

My name was shouted amongst the crowd. Hands thrown in my face but I didn't stop, my fans knew better. They knew I wouldn't break during my walk up. But they couldn't help but try.

I passed the VIP section, familiar voices calling out to me as Roy and Murphy acknowledged them for me. Something I had asked them to do since I forgot to tell them previously how locked in I get.

And I've been fighting for my soul
For my family, for my friends

I finally reached the mat and hopped up, Roy and Murphy right beside me as they held the ropes open for me to get through.

The crowd roared even more now that they saw the two of us in the same ring. I sent her a wink once she finally made eye contact. And that was when I knew I had her. Her face screwed into a furious look, her neck burning red as her eyebrows furrowed.

I held my laugh before turning around to see an amused Murphy and a waiting Roy. I let Roy help me get my mouth guard in as he rolled his eyes.

"You always wink and it always pisses them off. You'd think that at some point words gonna get out about you getting in their heads, but no." Roy grumbled as he made sure he had his medical stuff laid out appropriately.

"Look, you're in her head. And from the looks of things, you've been in there. Draw her in. Keep her coming. You know what you need to do. Listen to your instinct, Xena. It's between you, your mind, and her now." I gave a nod before turning back to see the referee waving us both to the center.

"You both were briefed in your locker rooms. You both know the drill. You listen to me when I say something. When the bell rings you separate immediately. When I-" I zoned out at his speech, my eyes glowing as I bared my mouth guard at the girl in front of me. My lips pulled into a smirk that was for the purpose of being obnoxious.

"Touch gloves." I held my fists out to her immediately. I wasn't one for shows of disrespect. She seemed surprised before she tapped my gloves roughly. "You start on me."

I stepped back as I cleared some room, I needed her to move as much as possible. I barely even heard the start of the round as she struck. She was fast, but it was how she burns herself out.

I ducked her first hit, side stepping and sending a quick hook to her unprotected right side before quickly gliding backwards. Her feet heavy as she chased me.

Game on.