𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞

𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑰𝑰𝑰

𝑨𝑴𝑴𝑬𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑬

I CHECKED MYSELF TWICE, ONCE FOR MY WEAPONS, AND THE SECOND FOR ANY IDENTIFIABLE CLOTHING. I, however, checked three times if Jameson and Ashe were asleep before I left. I walked down the empty streets, my hood covering my face, making the humid air five times more suffocating.

I reached the alleyway that was blocked off, finding two men standing there, leaning on the loose brick. I flashed my member card at them, and they moved, letting me into what we call here 'The Arena'. I had a winning streak of forty-five wins here, and everyone knows I'm a mountain lion in the skin of a cat. The scent of urine, sweat and cheap booze hit me full on as I walked into the underground tunnel. I walked to the edge of the ring and leaned on the ropes and watched the ongoing match. Two men in the arena that were all bulk and no brain- the typical builds down here.

I watched as he was rammed into the floor and the man wearing red, beat his opponents face to pulp. I wince at the jab to the eye that caught Red off guard, making him fall back. His opponent gained on him, and gave a nice punch to the stomach.

Red's not coming back from that one.

I watched as the crowd went wild when Red got knocked out, and his opponent let him slump to the ground. Red's lackeys trudged into the ring, and carried him out - such a shameful thing.

But I just found my opponent. I zeroed in on Black Tank Top, Red's opponent. The only thing I noticed from their fight was the fact his right side was always open.

And the fact that his right eye was growing swollen, which gives me a chance to fight.

Blades are allowed; anything ranging from daggers to swords. But guns, however, were not. It's not like I need a gun to win anyway. What resembles a referee for the night moved after telling Black Tank Top his cash reward. The female backed away and grabbed the microphone. "If anyone wants to challenge the champion and get his money as well as the bets placed on you, step up." She shuffled the papers and I saw the amount he won.

My grin widened and I pushed off the ropes and jumped over and right into the ring. The crowd went silent as I made my way to the referee's stand.

I shifted and signed the papers she placed in front of me. "Remember, we are not held accountable for injuries and deaths in the ring," she said, chewing aggressively on the gum in her mouth.

"Understood." She took the papers and stapled them. She checked the signature and her eyes quickly flitted to mine. She grinned, the thing not short of anything but wickedness. "Go give 'em hell Wraith."

I tilted my head, the shadows of my hood revealing my grin, one containing no warmth. "Your wish is my command, darling."

I turned and watched the crowd before heading to the middle where Black Tank Top waited. The ref soon joined us. I listened to her drone on about rules and I lost interest after the third one.

"Alright. Whenever you both are ready."

My eyes flitted to Black Tank Top, who was already staring at me. "Whenever you're ready," he said, voice oozing with confidence.

"Likewise," I whisper, bringing my fists up to protect my face. I widen my stance, preparing to deal the first blow. He looked at me funny, as if he didn't expect me to know how to fight.

We began circling each other, it was as if Black Tank Top was taunting me. He gave me a mocking smile, but he didn't know that my patience tonight is on a shorter leash. I bounce on my heels and throw the first hook.