Promises

Camden

Camden threw a punch at his opponent, launching him across the arena. The noise around them was nothing but a blurred roar, as dull as the pounding of his head. The other fighter managed to skid in the sand, keeping him from falling down, but that was about it. Camden deftly blocked the man's sloppy kick, knocking him off balance, before striking him as hard as he could in the temple. The man grunted, catching himself on his hands and knees.

Camden numbly brought his heel down on the back of the man's neck. He collapsed there on the sand, his breathing heavy and irregular. Both the opponent's and Camden's. He didn't have a chance to catch his breath before the man was dragged out and the fourth opponent stepped into the ring.

He'd never participated in a tournament before. He and Gisa had agreed that they were too risky to compete in. They had also agreed that they were going to stick together and look out for each other. He circled his next opponent. But since he'd seemingly broken that agreement, what was another? His opponent struck first, a ridge hand coming towards his head. He blocked it just in time, but not the punch she used to counter strike. He tasted blood in his mouth. She was the first of all four of them to even land a hit so far. But if he hit her a few times she'd fall. She was far too thin not to have breakable bones.

Fight until K.O. His first tournament was one of the most beloved by spectators. When he'd announced to the ringmaster that night that he wanted to participate in one, he'd received a bonus on the spot. He knew what the tournaments were like. He'd watched a few while waiting for his regular fights in one of the other rings. Someone had made a record of twenty three opponents before being knocked out. Camden was expecting perhaps ten before he hit the ground.

He blocked the girl's strike with a kick, slamming her hand to the side as hard as he could before lunging forward and striking up. Her nose crunched, blood spraying the sand. Gleeful cheers went up from the sadistic crowd as the girl moaned, jumping back, holding her face with one hand. Camden got in close again, tripping her. She fell backwards, landing flat on her back, coughing as the blood from her nose flooded her throat. Camden couldn't find it in himself to be sorry as he knocked her out cold, spitting blood out onto the sand beside her head.

Everything was a blur of noise and light as the seventh opponent came, and Camden could feel himself slowing down. The crowd had steadily grown bigger, the wagers being passed back and forth betting how long Camden would stay fighting, and who it would be to take him down. Knowing the fights would be much longer, Camden had been sure to conserve his energy, but his breathing was heavier, almost ragged. He had a few cuts and bruises, the only major thing slowing him down was his left eye, partially closed after his last opponent had managed to sock him right below it, making it swell horribly.

The other man charged with a yell, and to make things even, Camden charged back, screaming his own fury towards the high ceilings, to the electric lights, to anyone who would listen and to anyone who could catch a glimpse of the pain deep beneath his battered exterior.

A yellowed light illuminating dust particles filtered into his vision. Camden stirred with a groan. His arms were as heavy as lead, his tongue like a heap of sand in his mouth. His stomach roiled, warning that he might become violently ill. He tried to open his eyes wider, but they wouldn't budge. He tried moving something, but his muscles screamed in protest as he did, making him grumble out a word he wasn't proud of.

"He's awake!" someone said. Some female. Her voice was warped and far off. He tried to say something but his tongue refused to do his bidding. He couldn't feel his legs. His head… the pounding was like a hammer on an anvil. He could practically hear the clanging as the pain increased tenfold the more he became aware.

Harry materialized in his vision. A red faced, furrowed brow… Harry. "Camden," Camden tried to smile at him, but his movement was completely involuntary. "What the hell were you thinking? If you weren't completely immobilized, I would have done that myself. In the name of everything good and holy… You are the stupidest man I have ever met."

Camden looked to the side, his vision the only thing he could control.

"Dude when you get off of whatever drug they put in you, we are having a serious heart to heart." Harry balled his hands into fists before relaxing them, "Camden, I know you're angry. I know you're grieving…" A long pause, "But there is still hope, okay?"

Camden didn't— couldn't say anything, but he could feel the tears springing to his eyes. Despite his best efforts. He knew. He knew that he was being reckless and stupid. But there was still that lingering thought. The predominant thought… Doctors went to school for years to learn how to heal people. If they told Emma that her sister would have only a few remaining days… days spent unconscious in a hospital.

"This isn't what Gisa would want to see you do. No matter if she was here, or there. If she is dead or alive."

Camden knew Harry didn't mean it to hurt, but Camden could feel a searing pain, as if someone had branded his heart. He shut his eyes, unwilling to hear more. Harry sighed, knowing their conversation was over. "Don't let him leave until one of us is notified." he heard Harry charging presumably a nurse.

Camden sighed through his nose. Stupid. He was so dumb. How could he have promised Gisa everything he did? He missed her. He missed all those moments together…

Gisa had smiled, sitting on his lap in the caves, her legs around his waist, her head on his shoulder. "I'm so glad I met you Camden." His heart thundered, holding her close. The scent of a cheap perfume she must have stolen from Emma filled the air around them. "And… and I'm going to miss you desperately."

She sat up, their eyes meeting. "Gisa… I promise you… no matter how far apart we are. No matter what ends of the earth we are dragged from. I will always care for you. I know you don't need anyone to save you. I know you don't need anyone to protect you. But should you need someone Gisa, I will be there. I promise."

She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his. His breath caught for a second before he felt her part her lips slightly, waiting for him. His hands ran up and down the curves of her body, her fingers brushing though his hair as he swept into her mouth. He pressed up against her, one hand leaving her hips to caress the side of her face.

She was so beautiful. So young, so strong. She shivered in his arms as he ran his tongue along her lower lip. She let out a little sound, a plea that took all of his self control to not act upon. He never wanted to leave her. He wished she'd let him protect her. Even if she was miles and miles away. He'd miss her cocky grin when she pinned him down as they wrestled. He'd miss their heart to hearts, when she'd let him hold her, let her cry in his arms. He'd miss the feel of her in his hands on these late summer nights.

He moved his hands down her back, her breath hitching as he slowly dipped lower. She spread her hands across his chest, her fingers pressing into his skin. Her tiny hands were so delicate looking, but they held so much strength. The lines she traced along his chest tingled with a fiery sensation he knew would be irreplaceable. They shared a breath as he swept into her mouth once more, her back arching. He smiled as their lips met again. Once he found out how to undo her, he'd never stop.

She finally pulled back, breathless, her lips smiled, but her eyes… He brushed the tears off of her cheeks tenderly with his thumb. "I meant what I said earlier, Gisa," he whispered in her ear, as she laid on his chest, "I will never stop trying to protect you, even though I know you are strong, because I truly love you Gisa."

I truly love you Gisa.

The words echoed in Camden's head as he lay in the infirmary alone. I will never stop trying to protect you. Should you need someone. I will be there. I will be there.

He hissed as he sat up, a blinding pain shooting from his head, his vision spotting. Every one of his muscles strained and pleaded with him. But Camden wasn't going to stop. Not until he fulfilled his promises to her.