The Black Hood

Chapter 1: The Begining

This all started during the boxing tournament when I made it to the championships. The Latino Blood have been keeping an eye on me because they liked what they saw. This wasn't the first time I've won a championship, I loved boxing it was my life, it was something that came naturally to me. They also saw that, and even more when I beat they're champion. This is how it all started.

As I was leaving the gym from today's training session I felt as if someone was watching me, following me, which wasn't unusual since people have done this before wanting to congratulate me or something, but this time it felt different. "Hey!" I heard someone say, as I turnaround and see two shadowy figures approach me " You're in the wrong neighborhood" one of them says, "Listen I don't want any trouble" I say as I turn around to leave. As I turn around two more approach me "That's not your decision" another one says as they begin to get closer. I can't take them all on but I won't go down without a fight. They advance toward me as I punch one of them in the nose, he falls as I get kicked in the ribs, I grab my side in pain elbowing another right in the gut, I get kicked in the face and I fall, they all stand around kicking and punching me as I'm on the ground. One of them takes out a knife, the others back off a little waiting for him to finish me off. "Any last words?" He asks. I spit in his face, he gets angry and stabs my arm as I scream in pain. Then everything gets blurry for me, I see two guys grab them one by one, punching them and having them run away. They pick me up and wrap my arm in a bandage. "That was a good fight you put up there" one of them says. "Who are you guys?" I say. "My names Antonio and that guy is Pablo, were with The LB." Antonio said. Not again, dammit they're gonna try to recruit me again, this how they do things, they send in a group to beat someone up and then they send in two guys to "fight" them off making sure you see how powerful they are in their gang, "Tell your boss that for the last time I'm not joining you guys." I said. "That's a shame" Pablo says "If you were to accept our offer this time, we wouldn't have to do this." He takes out his pocket knife advancing towards me until Antonio stops him. "Don't bro, the boss has something bigger in store for him." He says with a smirk. "What is he planning!" I yell. "You'll see." Pablo says as they both walk away.

That night I couldn't sleep, I just couldn't stop thinking of what the LB had in store for me. Could they be planning on abducting me? Maybe even killing me? No, I have to stop thinking so much about it, I should just get some sleep, tomorrow is a special day, I have to go see Talia in the hospital. She's been feeling better and thank god for that but that's just what she's been telling me, the doctors won't tell me anything, what if she's lying to me? Nah she would never do that, I just have to hope for the best that everything turns out all right for her.

The next day I walk to the hospital with a bouquet of roses, I go to the front desk and greet nurse Jackie. "Hello beautiful" I say jokingly to her, "Shut your ass up" she says with a smirk, "Sour as usual, why not stop and smell the roses for once?" I say as I hand her a rose from the bouquet, she hands me my visitor pass and takes the rose "I'll enjoy it on my funeral day, now go see your girlfriend it's a special day today" she says with a little smile." I will, I love you" I say with a chuckle, "Whatever jackass" she says. I laugh and go into the elevator and arrive at 4th floor. I arrive to her room where I see her reading a book And her room filled with "Get Well" balloons, I've always hated hospitals they are just so depressing and just too quiet, I knock on the opened door as I begin to walk in "Hey beautiful" I say as I walk to her bed and kiss her. "Hey handsome" she says as she kisses me back "What brings you here?" She asks with a smile, "Don't tell me you forgot" I say acting surprised, "Of course I didn't, How could I?" She says with a little laugh and kisses me, I smile and give her the roses "Happy anniversary" I say as she takes them from me and smells them "They're beautiful" she says, "Sorry that it's not much, not many tournaments this year" I say looking down. She picks my head up and kisses me "I don't care What you got me, all I care about is you being here with me" she says to me as she hugs me, "I love you" I say hugging her more. "I love you too, now it's time for my gift to you" she says taking out a small box and opens it revealing a gold chain necklace with a tiger tooth on it, "That is so cool" I say as she puts it around my neck. She then notices something on my arm, "What's that?" She asks as I try to pull my sleeve away but she pulls it up just before I can, she looks at the bandage and the dry blood on it, "Oh God not again" She says as she puts her hands on her face, I get close to her and hug her "It's not that bad, I'm alright please don't worry" I say trying to comfort her. "How can I not worry? The most powerful gang is out to get you, this is the fourth time this has happened and you expect me not to worry!" She says trying to hold back tears. "I know but I can't do anything about it, unless I join them that will be when they leave me alone but it would put you and my family" I say calmly wiping away her tears. She puts her face in my chest and silently cries, I hug her tight "I'll be okay, I swear to you it will get better." She looks up at me "Promise?" She asks through teary eyes. I couldn't lie to her face, I don't even know if it'll get better. "I love you" I say as one of the nurses come in and wheel her out, we kiss goodbye and I begin to head home not knowing what tomorrow will bring. That tomorrow will change my life entirely.