The Match

I didn't sleep after that. The news of what I was and where my powers came to be bounced around in my skull. I tossed and turned so much in my bed, Silk growled, and ended up sleeping on the floor.

When my clock went off at six a.m., I dragged myself from the bed. Silk growled at being disturbed again, hopping back on the bed. I gave her an apologetic smile to which she ignored as she went back to sleep.

I'd make it up to her.

The shower was ice cold, as I tried to wake myself up, to which it worked. I scrubbed the flower scented shampoo in my hair, lathering in the conditioner next. My actions were on autopilot; my thoughts stayed on what Casmir had declared. And the way he had grabbed me...

It made my skin crawl, and I scrubbed my cheek, annoyance in the action.

Thankfully, the mark, whatever it was, had been able to stop him from doing whatever it is he wanted.

Once done, I wrung out the excess water from my hair, drying myself off. The icy shower had helped; I felt refreshed and awake, getting ready for the day.

I decided to wear my track uniform, placing on the under armor shirt with the long sleeves on. I did a couple stretches, until I was able to properly breath. Placing on my shorts, I debated on my knee guards. Shrugging, I placed them on, loosening my muscles, and shaking out my nerves.

If push came to shove, I wouldn't hesitate to use PTSD or Depression.

I pulled on some shorts, socks on, and tying the laces of my running shoes. I practiced some punches, remembering how Leo had taught me how to throw a proper fist.

As seven 'o clock drew near, I tied my hair in a small bun, taking a deep breath in.

I petted Silk for luck, and headed out.

The hallways were packed with agents, as they walked to and from each room, talking into heir headpieces. Now and then, I'd catch a sentence here and there; the rebels had been spotted in Arizona.

That seemed pretty far, and in such short time to travel there, but not knowing the full extent of her powers, it was a possibility that Jabez had been able to take her whole team over there.

I began to make my way to the gym, where I knew Alina, Harrison, Leo, and Cole were at. I had no idea if Rosie was going to be there to watch, but to be honest, I didn't really care.

Stepping back in the gym, I watched Leo run on the treadmill on the highest speed it could go, smoke coming from the machine. He kept running, though, not slowing down until the treadmill short circuited, and abruptly stopped. Leo skidded off from the treadmill, landing on his behind on the mats.

"Dammitt, Leo, that's the second one today. Why don't you work on your upper body strength instead?" Harrison asked, as he curled some dumb bells. Kara laughed, swinging on the high beam, balancing on her toes. Leo crossed his arms, bottom lip sticking out, before he jumped on his feet and dashed off to do pull-ups.

"Well, well, well, look who finally made an appearance. It's our leader." Alina said, as she let go of the bar she was using to do pull ups. She landed on the mat with ease, staring up at me with a smirk on her face. Cole was busy lifting weights, headphones in.

Harrison peeked in our direction, mild interest as he continued on. Leo stopped, pulling himself up on the bar, than flipping over so he could sit down on it. He was a good six feet of the ground, swinging his legs as he watched us.

I stared at Alina, cracking my knuckles. Alina glimpsed at her brother, smirk growing. "Looks like the kitty has claws." she taunted.

Kara was already catcalling the fight, swinging off the high beam, landing on her tiptoes. "This is amazing, this is going to be so much fun to watch! Leo, wanna place bets on who's going to win?" She cupped her mouth, leaning to him, loudly whispering, "My money's on Alina, but ya never know! Anything can happen."

Leo merely rolled his eyes as he went back to watching, Harrison chuckling. Kara pouted, crossing her arms, finally going silent.

"You know, Alina, you talk a lot. Why don't you show me what you got?" I replied, raising my fists.

Alina grinned. "Me first Harrison. I'll try not to rough her up too much. I know you want to have fun too."

"Cole! If you get in on this, you might win fifteen bucks!" Kara called out to him. He stared at her for about five seconds, before going back to what he was doing. "Man, everyone's just ignoring me." She said, staring at her fingernails. I watched as they suddenly sharpened, her cat-like pupils pulsing.

"Ignore her, she's fine." Leo waved off, legs still swinging. Kara glowered at him.

Alina sighed loudly, stepping up on the mats. She sized me up, raising her fists as well. Harrison dropped his weights, stepping between us as referee.

"Ready?" he asked Alina, who nodded her head.

He glanced at me, eyes shining for a moment. "You ready Laney?"

I nodded finding my balance.

"Fight!"

My fist is already raised to her jaw, my body leaning into it the way Leo showed me. Alina side-steps it, her hand latching on my wrist, twisting my whole arm behind my back. I let out a surprised grunt, struggling to free myself.

"Is that all you got? I'm quite disappointed, leader." she whispers in my ear.

It's her mistake; I slam my head to her side, hearing her let out a small yelp of pain as she releases me. I charge at her, our bodies colliding as I knock her backwards onto the mat. I raise my fist again, wanting to slam it down, when she shifts her weight, and grabs my wrist again, locking her legs around it, as she slams it down in place.

My arm burns as I struggle to break her hold, my nails digging in. She lets out a noise of pain, loosening it a bit. I take the moment, breaking the hold, and tackle her down once more. I aim for her sides and chest, each blow meeting on impact.

Alina let's out an angry sigh, handing grabbing my bun, and jerking my head back. Her knee collided with my chin, and I see a bit of stars, collapsing back.

She stood over me, grinning and breathing a bit hard. My hand lashed out, and grabbed her ankle, pulling at it until she lost her balance and landed next to me. The wind was knocked out of her, her face going red.

As she attempted to recover, I dragged myself up from the pat, pinning her down. Harrison was already down on the mat, counting to three.

I shoved myself off of her, wiping off the sweat from my brow. I had somehow managed to win without using my power.

Alina glared at me, struggling to her feet as she walked off from the mat.

Then Harrison stood on the mat, grinning at me.

"My turn." He replied, getting into a stance.

I held my side, the ache increasing, and I sighed getting back into my fighting stance.

"Okay, Kara, this time, I'll place bets." Leo called out. Kara grinned, before clamoring up next to him, pulling out a wad of cash.

Harrison settled into his stance, waiting and I realized that we needed a ref to approve the match. Leo, and Kara were out of the question, and Alina was passed out on the placemats next to us.

That's when Cole stepped in; a sheen of sweat was on his arms, and dripping down his forehead. He stared both of us down, standing between us.

"I'll call winner." he proclaimed. I nodded in agreement, and Harrison shrugged, unbothered.

Raising his arm, he nodded in my direction. I nodded back to let him know I was ready. He turned to Harrison, who just barely dipped in agreement.

"Okay, fighters; fight!"

We didn't start right away, circling each other. I tried not to lean on my left leg too much, as there was a running pain that run up to the left side of my ribs.

I must've winced, because Harrison locked eyes with me, before lunging towards me.

His aim was for my right side, which I covered. Faking it, his elbow slammed into my left side, and I felt the wind leave me. I sucked in air as I fell back. Harrison circled me once more, moving fast so I couldn't reach for him the way I did with Alina.

In the distance, I could hear Leo and Kara arguing over money.

"You spent most of your energy with Alina. Which makes sense, but is also disappointing." Harrison said, landing a kick on my thigh.

I flinched, rolling to my side, and back on my feet. Wobbling a bit, my fists were raised back up.

"Alina hits harder than you." I taunted, spitting out a piece of hair that stuck to my mouth.

It was the wrong thing to say; Harrison lifted his fist to connect with my jaw. I wasn't able to dodge it in time, my head snapping to the side as a faint pop was heard. I remember losing my footing and falling back, a dull pain starting all over my body.

And then it got dark.