𝔅𝔬𝔫𝔡: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔚𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔰

Chapter Fourteen: Placements

It was the day before the annual placement matches. My coach, believe it or not, actually showed up on time for the past few days up to this. I mentioned that to him and it went as well as you expect. As punishment I got an extra twenty seconds tacked onto my set times. Although I didn’t mind, it did weird me out when he started saying words of encouragement towards me.

Instead of his normal grouchy demeanor it was replaced with a kind one. I just got up from another completed set. "Great, take a few minutes to cool off." He stated and left for the entrance. The sudden change in behaviour really weirded me out. I took a sip of water and sat down near the ring, other rookies were sparring with their coaches. This really will be a rough competition for me. Taking another sip of water I got up to go to the restrooms. Inside I ran into another fighter, she nodded and pushed past me.

I grabbed my phone and strolled through my phone. A text from Markus asking when the match was going to start. Texting him the time he thanked me and went offline. 

When I got back he was back with a plus one. From that familiar shiny hair a smile grew on my face. "Came to whoop my ass again?" She chuckled, folding her arms, "any day, I just wanted to see how far you've improved rookie." I rolled my eyes and gestured to another ring that wasn't occupied. We grabbed some gloves and got ready for a short and sweet match. “Big day tomorrow night, huh?” she started small talk. “Just placements, you know.”

She threw a fast jab in my direction, but I guarded the punch. Her footwork was confusing. I managed to avoid all sudden strikes and her attempts to tackle me. From outside the ropes I felt his eyes on me. Not with his usual disapproving look, but an approving one.

I grabbed her arm, pulling her over my shoulder. She landed flat on her back with a surprised look and I got on top of her with my fist inches away from her cheek bone. I tilted my head as I watched and got up. “How’s the weather down there?” She rolled her eyes with a smile rising. I helped her up and we went at it again. This time I tackled her into a headlock. She tapped out and I released my grip. “Damn, I kinda feel bad for your opponents now,” she murmured rubbing her neck. “She’ll give gamblers a run for their money,” coach commented. “We have an hour left to get in a few more drills. Let's get that over with.” I nodded and got out of the ring taking another sip of water before getting back to training.

Ze’ev

I let the kid go home after our session was over. I know I’ve been a hardass when we first met, but I’m always like that. There’s no changing my way to drive the nail right. However, she’s different. More different like any other fighters I’ve met. Different but somehow similar to an old friend. I walked out the side door to get a quick smoke, clear my clouds a little.

Staring at the moss covered walls across from me didn’t make much of a difference. I released a cloud of smoke dropping the finished bud. I pulled another and started the whole process again, where I was left to have the stick. At the moment the thought of it came to mine. Dragging my phone from my pocket I dialed a very busy number. One, two, three rings then repeat. The cycle repeated again until I got an answer. 

“What is it Ze'ev,” she barked.

“I need to talk to you about the girl,” I mumbled. She sighed telling me that she was already busy. “You always are, but I think you'll need to make time for this conversation,” I told her. “What's wrong with her? Amber's a sweetheart.” It wasn't like that, I know she is. And she’s also a hardass like me.

“I'm aware of that, but it isn't her attitude that's an issue. I want to transfer to another fighter.” The other end went silent for a moment then a chuckle. “Wow, what a U-turn Mr. Corveri'. It's a shame, but I'm afraid that I'll be upholding that contrat until the end of its term. It'd be hypocritical of me,” her condescending tone told me all I needed to know. “Is there anything else?” She asked to which I replied no. She hung up and I pulled the phone from my ear.