Wild Boys 1.0

Chapter Twelve - Remember

Iris stood in the center of the dorm's gym, wherein it had been built in a way that at the very center stood a big, red circle mat where duels can officially happen. In a way, this was much better than having to fight at random places in the school. Dom would be standing as referee, which was also better than having none.

Two rules: One, if you're sent out of the mat, it's over. Two, it's either a K.O. or a shout of 'I yield'.

She hadn't had the chance to change out of her volleyball practice attire because the moment she stepped in the dorm a little while ago, almost everyone living in the building instantly pushed her to go straight to gym. When she had entered, Pierre was already waiting for her along with his butler. He had been sipping his tea.

Iris glanced around to see all 18 male fighters standing side by side around the circle mat, forming a human wall. All had unusually serious expressions, even Locke. It was an eerie sight, especially with how the light played on their faces. It made them seem like hard, unfeeling men.

That's when she realized two things: One, how they all seriously take Visco's world. And two, how deep inside, they're still in denial that she's gotten in the ranks. Aside from Rolan, the Hippo, nobody had truly seen the fight up close and they didn't want to rely on some random students' own account for what happened either. They wanted to--no, needed to see it with their own eyes. That was their difference between the student body; the latter only had curiousity and was quickly sated by each student passing the news to each other, while the former needed to fully assess Iris as the fighter she was. They needed to make sure that she deserved to be in the ranks with them. It was hard work, after all, and someone who got in so easily at that would just taint what it means to be in Visco's world.

Gone were the loud insults and obnoxious laughter--this time, it was business. And she was fine with that. Ever since, she always meant business.

Carlos stood in front of her wearing nothing but boxer shorts. He had gauze wrapped all over his knuckles and his stance was that of boxing.

Iris shifted her body. Feet apart, shoulders relaxed, fists up. She already had a good inkling on her opponent, the fruit of her father's teachings.

Once you get to know your opponent, you're a winner.

"Start!"

Iris rushed in and instantly went for the offense. Her sudden burst of speed surprised her opponent and soon he had no choice but to go on defense. But she was too fast; her knuckles had already grazed his cheekbones before he could lift his arms up to defend. That left his side vulnerable and Iris delivered a hard kick, sending him stumbling to the sides. She didn't give him time to recover and went for another attack.

But it goes both ways. If the opponent gets to know you, it's bad news.

Iris dodged a punch aimed for her temple by bending her knees low and spinning rapidly to deliver a counterattack. Her spin gave momentum to her foot that she sent to the opponent's own head.

That's why, Iris, never, ever let them know you.

She feigned a punch, which the boy seriously took, and hit him with the real deal that connected right on his face. Iris felt his nose break. Her hand was gone before blood could even splatter on it, and she was back to delivering another punch to the middle.

Never them anyone inside your mind and heart.

Her opponent was getting dizzier, she could see it. That was her opening; she moved in for the kill.