The hooded fighter

Chapter 3

Thanks Shayabella for writing this chapter.

Tori POV-

Zipping through the streets, my heart pounds heavy with thought. Though no one would know it, but I actually love to fight. No, it's not about the fighting itself, it's about the calculations, the skill and the cunning. You probably think it's weird to hear someone say that but when your as good as I am, you have to find something in it worth doing.

Sure I'm doing it for Danny and our futures, but that drive only gets me to The Factory. I need more if I'm going to come out on top after each fight. And honestly, I always do.

I pull up to the factory, parking at the rear of the entrance where all combatants are about to park. I am such a regular here I have a spot reserved for my bike. As I step off my bike I am met with a hug from the bouncer Thomas. He's in his mid 40's, his hair is short and greying, done in a fauxhawk style with a handsome salt and pepper goatee. He reminds me of my father.

"Tory, back to steal all the winnings again I see!" He squeezes me as he lifts me off the ground, my bones feeling like they're about to crack.

"Jesus Thomas, can't breathe," I barely squeak out as I tap out of his hug.

"Sorry about that kiddo. Your the only fighter here whoever chats with me so I can get a little over-excited some times." He chuckles as he holds his arm out for me to take, I loop my arm through him as he guides me towards the back door.

As we get to the door he gives a light punch on my shoulder, with his normal grin he speaks, "Go get em, tiger!" I chuckle and shake my head at his goofiness. He's a good guy. Has that overly excited uncle vibe.

I enter the familiar red and blue hallway, with gold and silver rails that lead down into the large basement. The main area is a small reception for a fighter to sign in when they arrive. The front desk is helmed by a woman named Patricia. She's very pretty with curly, long brown hair with emerald green eyes. Her skin is lightly tanned and she has a set of librarian style glasses, rimming her face.

"Welcome Tori, glad you could make it out to rob some more overly confidant fighters of their barely earned cash," she smiled big, coming around to hug me.

"Thanks, Patty, looking good tonight," I give her a little wink. She just rolls her eyes, used to my playfulness but equally annoyed as well. "That smooth tongue will get you into trouble one of these days Tori. Try using it on someone who isn't 35 and engaged to a man?"

"Can't blame a girl for trying though can you?" I giggle as I walk into the viewing area that only fighters can use as Patty scoffs but I also hear her chuckle.

The room is fairly large, easily seating 50 or so people. The chairs are quite comfy, though small in size, fitting me perfectly. I can see the fighters in the ring, circling each other. I notice both are using two different fighting styles, both males, one using Karate and the other some kind of muay Thai.

It's clear the muay Thai is going to win. He seems more experienced as he eyes up to his opponent, he's much larger and faster than the smaller fighter. They keep circling each other, sizing each other up, ready to pounce at any moment.

The Karate user is fast, but he's also taking a lot of lower hits to the leg. Generally, in muay Thai, they use powerful, precision hits and target the same spot over and over. This causes the targets to be overconfident as they don't feel it much at first begin the feel the pain as the fight goes on.

The Karate user, going into round three has so much difficulty staying on his left leg. The muay Thai user has pummelled the leg over and over for two whole rounds.

The muay Thai user has taken a bit of a beating as well, but he seems use to this kind of pain. He might be a little tough for me. But halfway through the round, the Karate kid goes down hard and fast, the muay Thai sending a beating into his ribs, the ref calling the fight. Muay Thai is vicious, and my own unique fighting style may not do the trick. I need to watch the next match.

His next match goes quite the same, only this time he is fighting a regular boxer whom I recognize. His tame is Channy. I know for a fact he won't be able to keep up in speed but he has one of the strongest left hooks down here, even the muay Thai guy won't see it coming.

The match starts much like the last with them circling each other. The muay Thai fighter that I have come to learn is named Richard seems to be wary of Channey, he clearly knows that his punch is like a truck barrelling towards you.

Richards moves in for a few kicks to Channey's left knee, connecting, sending Channey back wincing. You see, muay Thai is all about the leg power, so to someone like Channey, he doesn't stand a chance. But as I watch Channey, I see him allowing Richard to come close for those big kicks, clearly, Richard is going to be caught off guard.

Richard moves in for a kick but Channey is already waiting with a left hook, which quickly connects with Richards's jaw. Richard flies back to the ground in a daze, most likely never receiving a hit like that before. But Richard pops up again, too fast for Channey, and begins his assault again. Halfway through the first round, Channey throws in the towel, refusing to allow his legs to be hit like that anymore.

I smile already knowing my strategy, as I walk passed Patricia with a quick "sign me up for the next opponent," and continue to my locker room.

I put on my typical clothes which consist of baggy joggers pants as they hide my legs well and allow for quick movement. I have on a sports bra but it's covered by my baggy hoody that also has a large hood. Is it a little intimidating? Yeah, probably but they can't find out who I am.

I walk out to the stage and climb in as the announcer calls me in, Richard sitting in the corner looking a little worse for wear but he agreed to continue on.

Richard looks over at me, eyeing my getup. We are allowed to dress as we want here, allowing us to make extravagant costumes or in some cases wear practically nothing. It's all up to us, we just can't complain about losing if it happens.

The victory for this fight is a whopping $5000, one of my biggest hauls yet. I need this victory.

The ref signals us to bump fists in the middle as we get ready for the match. "Aren't yeah a little over clothed their fella," Richard asks with a southern accent. "You think those clothes will protect you from my kicks kid?" I simply shrug him off as he gets into his stance which I quickly copy.

My fighting style consists of four very strong fighting styles; American Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So really three strong styles and the one I was taught for free.

His eyes widen as he notices that I have the same style. The only difference is my arms are set up to strike quickly instead of my legs, but the doesn't know that.

We begin to circle each other, I notice that one of his legs are a little shaky, probably from fighting three matches in a row. He dashes towards me, trying to kick my leg as I jump in the knick of time, laying a hard punch to his leg. Shocked as he stumbles back I unleash two powerful kicks to the same part of his leg, causing him to recoil back from the pain.

The bigger advantage is that he is easily a foot taller than me and much stalkier, so I am no doubt faster than him.

I quickly switch stances into Krav Maga, leaning forwards, confusing him again. He shakes it off as he stalks towards me ready for a strike. But I am one step ahead. I charge forward throwing my elbows into his chest winding him as I grab around his waist, using jiu-jitsu to twist him around, throwing him to the ground.

I pounce on his chest, sitting on him punching him in the face repeatedly as he's on the ground, the ref quickly calling the fight.

I step up off him, raising my arm up as the crows roars for me. I quickly exit the arena, grab my winnings, and dash to head home. I've been gone to long.