Gone

Chapter 5

Sage's POV

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The air stank with the smell of sweat and blood. I felt a smile stretch across my lips as sweaty bodies surrounded me.

"Dark Sun! Dark Sun! Dark Sun!" the chant continued until I stood on the platform.

I eyed my opponent as he stood across from me. He was a burly man, with solid shoulders and a good six feet. He towered over me by nearly half a foot. I would not be shaken. He may be taller, bigger, and stronger than me, but he wasn't as tough as me. I would not sway.

The guy eyed my small form and scoffed. "You think you can beat me? People really make you out to be much more than what you really are," he spits right next to my foot.

I slowly tilted my head up so he could see my eyes. Most would find them intimidating. They were black, swirly pools with gold flecks spotting them. A cruel smile formed on my face. "Scared? Figured as much. Listen here, you may be big, but you ain't tough, now fight me."

He growls and nods to the referee.  I crack my knuckles painstakingly loud, then I continue to crack my neck. The cheering of the crowd seemed to grow, but I blocked them out as I stared at the guy in front of me.

The bell rings loudly, signaling the start of the fight. My opponent charges quickly towards me, sending a quick, powerful jab at my stomach. I swiftly dodged to the right, ducking and turning. My turn gave me momentum to bring my foot out to send a kick to the guy's torso. His punch had already set him slightly off balance, and my kick had sent him spiraling towards the back of the ring. He was clutching stomach as he looked at me. I smirked as I moved.

I ran towards my opponent with my fist raised as if I were going in for a punch. At the last second, I leaned and brought my leg up to meet his jaw. I quickly brought the foot down and sent three quick jabs to his stomach. His meaty hand shot out and gripped my wrist. He smirked with an evil glint in his eye.

Suddenly my back came into contact with the hard floor. My opponent quickly straddled me and delivered painful punches to my jaw. I quickly flipped myself over from under him, knowing I was not strong enough to lift him up. I did a quick maneuver, pushing up and forward while kicking my feet to meet his back. My heels came into contact with the burly man's back, startling him enough for me to stand fully up. I kept repeating my mantra, ready, aim, fire.

I worked my jaw, feeling the sting of the blows shoot up my head. We circled each other like predators. I had to end this now. Before he could move, I punched him in the face, and as his head snapped to the side, I jabbed his neck and shoulder repeatedly in that split second of time. His next punches failed to hit me as I moved swiftly around to avoid them. I sent his head to the floor as I jumped and kicked. I straddled him, much like what he did before, and quickly punched him. There was blood running down his face before he finally tapped out.

"And there's another win for DARK SUN!!!!!!" I smiled under my hood as I slowly descended the stairs. I quickly stashed the cash I received, two grand, as I gathered my things and walked straight out door. I walked to my house.

Connor was inside sipping water as he read his book. I looked over his shoulder to find it was for college. I made a face and set my bag on the floor. Connor then glanced up. He winced as he took in my battered form.

"I really wish you would stop. It's damaging your body," Connor said with a shake of his head.

"I need to, how else will we pay for everything? Even with you with a scholarship for school, there's still bills and food to pay for. Other jobs would give not enough money, not quick enough."

"I know, I just wish you didn't have to damage your body so much when you're earning money," Connor sighed as he eyed me over and turned back to his book. He knew I didn't want to argue further.

"Me neither."

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Hey guys! Quick update. I wanted to make up for the long wait for last time. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'm trying to develop the plot as quick as possible, trust me.

Song is Ready, Aim, Fire by Imagine Dragons. Kinda my inspiration for this chapter. Thanks for reading!!

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