Chapter 36
I listened tentatively like a student being lectured by her teacher.
"...use of sharp objects." He finished off, turning back to meet my eyes and he groaned when he saw my most probably dazed off expression and detached look.
"Did you even listen to a single word I said, Pix?" He whined and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Pix, this is serious! You need to know the dos and don'ts in that ring! You have got to pay attention."
I sighed and gave him a sheepish look before asking him to go over it one more time, this time actually paying attention to his rambling.
"Okay, basically, all you have to do is pin the guy down for 8 seconds or knock him out. Either will do."
I nodded, my whole demeanor turning serious in the blink of an eye.
"Neither of you will be able to bring any sharp objects in that arena so you'll be okay as long as you focus. Remember, Pix, focus." He repeated and I offered him a sincere smile.
"Hey, I'll be fine. You know I won't let them lay a single punch on me. Don't worry too much, you'll get wrinkles and soon enough, you'll have back pains." I smiled cheekily and he cracked a smile.
"It'll take more than a mere back pains to bring this guy down," He boasted, puffing out his chest ridiculously and flexing his arms.
I rolled my eyes, "Alright, Lev. When will you be fighting?" I turned my back towards him when I saw him about to strip off his shirt and busied myself by taking my water bottle out and taking a small sip. I licked my lips, moistening them a bit before taking another gulp and screwing the cap back on.
It's not that I think he has a hideous physique, it's kind of impossible when you're a street fighter, it's just that I've never been comfortable with looking at a guy's naked torso if not necessary.
I know I see guys flanking their torsos all the time while fighting them and beating them to pulp but that was because I don't have any other choice. It's not like I can chuck them a shirt and demand them to cover themselves, who the hell am I to order them around.
I'll probably be a laughing stock so all I can do is suck it up and put my big girl shorts on but right now, I am not going to start ogling Lev. That's just wrong, in every sense of the word.
"Right after you're done, do you think you're going to be able to watch?" Hope tinged his voice and I must've been heartless if I told him that I won't be watching so I just nodded my head, agreeing to be there to give some moral support.
I could hear his grin even without looking back and a smile tugged at the ends of my lips whilst trying to suppress it.
I turned back around after stuffing my bottle back into my bag. A knock on the door brought both of our attention towards it and a bored looking woman with a lip piercing poked her head in.
"You're up in 5 minutes. Follow me," she informed in a monotone and beckoned for us to get out. I brought my bag with me and followed suit, trailing behind her like a lost puppy.
Because there was no way I could've brought anyone else as a plus one, I brought Levy with and he'll be waiting at the edge of the ring, gaining a VIP view.
The lady left us at the bottom of a set of stairs that would lead up to the ring which, judging from the previous fights I've watched, I'll have to climb over. There was a guy beside the set of stairs, standing in a similar position as the man who let us in through the back door of the building.
Only this time, he had hair on top of his head, styled upwards like a porcupine's back. Sorry, I just had to.
I shoved my duffel bag onto Levy's chest and started warming up by cracking my knuckles, raising my thighs and rotating my neck. Above me, I can hear the shouts and the cheers of the crowd. The guy, after a moment of silence, finally acknowledged my presence by nodding at me and motioned for me to climb up the stairs after right the speakers blared, a voice introducing me.
I nodded back at him curtly before jogging up the stairs, immediately engulfed in the uproar of the crowd and a familiar rush of adrenaline entered my system instantly, forcing my senses to focus on everything I see and feel.
Though the shouts and yells threatened to deafen me, I felt grateful for the loud noise that gave me a sense of familiarity. At least I can pretend that it was just another fight in the Underground Place. I stopped short when I finally saw the ropes that outlined the ring. Shaking all thoughts out of my head, I forced myself to think clearly and my body switched to Pixie mode.
With my face clear of any expressions and a guarded look covering my features, I slipped through the ropes and entered the arena. A spotlight greeted me blinding me for a second.
The butterflies threatening to erupt in my stomach was stomped on once I reminded my conscience once again that I was Pixie; a fearless street fighter.
You're going to be fine. I thought to myself, taking a couple of deep breaths, preparing myself. I looked back, catching Levy's eyes and he grinned at me, his eyes urging me to keep my head held high.
I nodded at him, turning back as my opponent got called up, I mentally prepared myself. I'm ready.
Let's get this over with, shall we?
