Along the Way

Chapter 12

Have you ever been to a place where chaos seemed to be around every corner? Imagine that, but by 100.

That’s what the Undergrounds was like. Drunken folks screaming their heads off, throwing beer bottles, sober people arguing about who will win, more sober and drunken people cheering on the fighting, encouraging the blood and cries of pain.

That’s when I realized, doing this is going against everything I was taught. I was taught to only use my skills when necessary, and when someone else throws the first punch. Maybe the trick is to wait until they strike first? Or maybe this was all ok because we were doing this for money, sort of like a job.

Lenny led us up to the front, by the crappy looking ring. It only had one rope all the way around, and blood spatters all over the ropes and floor.

Taking a look around, the entire place was pretty crappy. Broken beer bottles littered the floor, the entire place reeked of alcohol and cigarettes, and the bar was a total wreck.

I turn my eyes back to the fight. Blood drenched both of the men's faces, teeth were scattered on the floor. One man had mounted the other and was bashing his opponent's face. Nearby stood a referee, who seemed to be zoning off and not really doing his
job.

Many people cheered impossibly louder as the guy on the ground went limp, seemingly unconscious. The ears on the referee perked up as the crowd grew louder. He rushed over to the fighters, prying the first guy off of the limp body. Though he was most likely not going to get up, the referee started counting.

“1…” He started, with each number, he forcefully pointed at the limp body drenched in blood.

“2… 3…” He continued. The body showed no signs of movement.
As he called the next number, the body’s eyes start opening, squinting as he tried to remember what was happening.

“5…” The referee practically yelled. The crowd joined in on the counting.

“6…” Everyone said. The fighter, who seemed to realize where he was now, tried getting up, using all his energy.

“7… 8…” The crowed cheered as the fighter slowly rose to his feet, knees still shaking. He used the rope to help sturdy himself, even though the rope was almost no help.

“9…” Everyone cheered louder, waiting for the final number to call off the match.

The fighter was now back on his feet, in his fighting stance.

The referee walked over to him, the words were inaudible, but it sounded like he asked something along the lines of, ‘are you good?’. The fighter nodded, reassuring the ref it was ok.
The ref then pointed to each one, asking if they were ready, before shouting fight.

The guy that was previously unconscious, immediately went in for a take down, making his opponent flop onto his back.

He then flipped them over, and they were now back where they started. The guy threw another punch to the previously unconscious man’s face, sending his neck snapping backwards forcefully. He went limp again and the referee began counting.

“1… 2… 3…” He began. The man remained on the ground as the other one stood by, being given small sips of water from the side of the ring.

“4… 5…” The ref continued. The man was now conscious again, but making no effort to get up. He stared blankly at the ceiling as the ref continued.

“6… 7… 8…” By this point, the crowed had joined in again.

Alex grabbed my arm, holding it tightly. I turned to look at her, she was terrified. He eyes were wide in horror as the ref almost met the few ending numbers.

“9…” Everyone cheered loudly, the fighter still making no effort to move.
Alex’s grip got tighter.

“10!” Everyone cheered, a loud bell sounding, signifying that the match was over.

All around people were forking over money for the little bets they’d placed. Some people cheered, smashing bottles in excitement, and other smashed them in anger.

We walked out of the exit, being careful not to be caught by people out on the streets.

Alex was still clinging to my arm, shaking violently.

“We’ll watch another fight in Albuquerque in  few days, this time a women’s fight. We’ll train here tomorrow at 10 in the morning and then I’ll drive you guys there,” Lenny spoke.

I nodded, looking over at Alex, who was still traumatized. She half hid behind me while squeezing my arm tightly.

Lenny walked to his car shortly after, probably headed to get food or a hotel. Alex and I stood there for awhile, she made no signs of wanting to move. FInally, after a long moment of silence, he grip started to loosen.

“It’s g-getting late,” She squeaked, completely removing her hands from my arm and placing them to her sides.

I nodded slowly. I knew Alex hated the idea of me doing this even more now, but I’ve made a commitment. I sigh as my head sinks down, looking at the ground, then back up towards Alex.

“Let’s go,” I whisper, motioning in front of us.

Without response, she obeys, and I follow beside her. If ‘m being honest, I have no idea where we were going to stay for the night, but we better find somewhere soon before we can no longer see.

We practically drag our bags alongside us as we make our way to the main road. As we walk, I notice something we haven't seen before on this journey. Sure, we probably passed by a few, but this is the first I noticed. I nudge Alex and point to what I see. She nods and walks towards it as I follow. We towards the entranceway. We pass a small sign that had been set up in the entrance saying, Train Station.

The doors were locked, which wasn’t surprising, so we made our way around back and laid on the ground.
Alex and I both stare at the stars for awhile. They all gleamed and sparkled in their own different way.

Some brighter than others, some even making shapes.

A shooting star shown across the sky, disappearing within a second. I turned my head towards Alex, “Make a wish.”