The Pit

After the street football match, Leo's heart still pounded in his chest. His shirt clung to his sweat-drenched skin and he could still feel the sting of sweat on his skin.

He walked with Jace after their match victory. The excitement of the game had distracted him, but now, as the adrenaline faded, reality hit him like a cold slap. His stomach growled in protest reminding him that he had left home without breakfast and without even seeing his mother.

Jace noticed Leo's silence and smirked. "Oi, you planning on walking home like a lost puppy? "He pulled out his phone. "Here. Give me your number."

Leo hesitated, then with a tired smirk, he took the phone, and keyed in his digits.

'Leo the Sniper.' Boom. Saved," Jace said, grinning. I'll hit you up soon. There's something big you might be interested in."

Leo only nodded, not thinking much of it. As they parted ways, Jace tossed him a salute. "Stay sharp, man. You've got talent."

Leo wandered through the streets, his body aching from the rough tackles, but his mind was heavier than his legs. The victory over Dante's crew had been unexpected, but what did it change? He was still just a kid with no football academy, no future in professional football, just a growing reputation that could either help him or make him a bigger target.

When he finally reached home, the small apartment was silent. His mother had already left for work, the only sign of her being a plate of food covered in plastic wrap on the table. A pang of guilt settled in his chest. She had left him breakfast, and he had stormed out like an idiot.

He warmed the food, ate in silence, and then collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. His phone buzzed. Messages, social media notifications. He didn't need to check to know what they said. The clips of his street match were spreading. Some comments were to praise him, but most were mocking him.

{The failed academy player who could only shine in street games.}

{Street baller who flopped at real football.}

{Nice moves. Shame he's wasting them in the dust.}

He sighed. 'What now?' his body still ached from Dante's brutal tackles, but his mind was restless.

As if on cue, his phone rang. It was Jace.The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Yo, Leo, that match was insane!" Jace's voice was buzzing with excitement. "Dante's boys are pissed, bro. "Be honest though, I carried you, yeah?"

Jace's laugh was lighthearted but teasing.

Leo smirked. "Keep dreaming. If I didn't score that last goal, you'd still be dodging Dante's punches."

"Fair point. But hey, that was some serious skill back there. Ever thought about making real money with your talent?"

Leo frowned. "What do you mean?"

" Listen, have you ever heard of The Pit?"

Leo sat up. "The Pit?" he repeated, rubbing his temple. "No."

Jace's voice lowered slightly, like he was revealing a well-kept secret. " it's an underground football, man, you need just pure skill and fight. People bet big on matches and the winners make real cash. It's where ex-academy rejects, street legends, and crazy ballers go to prove they're still worth something. You play well, you eat well, simple."

Leo hesitated. ' Playing football for money?' He had never considered it, to him football was about passion, about proving himself worthy of a professional career..

Leo paused." I don't play for cash, I play for passion."

"Yeah? And what else are you playing for? Some dream that's already crumbling? Look, I know you, man. You love football, but you also love your mom. She's working crazy hours, two shifts while you're out here getting called a failure online. What if you could help her? What if you could save up and get back into an academy on your own terms? You play for a dream, right? And dreams need cash."

Leo closed his eyes. Jace had hit a nerve. His mom had never complained about their struggles, but he had seen her work late, skipping meals just to keep their home running and the way she checked the bills with that tired look in her eyes. If he could earn something while figuring out his next move, wouldn't that be worth it?

"Where is this Pit?"

Jace though on the phone call, Leo could tell how happy he was, "I'll show you man."… " Are you in?" he asked.

Leo clenched his jaw. His mother's tired eyes flashed in his mind. He needed money. He needed a way back, this was insane. But what other choice did he have?

"I'm in." " When is the match?"

Jace answered quickly as if doubting that Leo was going to change his mind .

"Friday night. The real fun begins then. Don't chicken out."

…

That night, Leo stood outside their small apartment, hesitating. His mom had been quiet since he came back from work, clearly disappointed after his morning outburst. He finally walked in, finding her washing dishes.

"Mom," he said softly.

She didn't look up. "You ate?"

Leo scratched the back of his head. "Yeah. Uh… I wanted to say sorry about earlier. And… I'll make it up to you. I promise."

His mother finally turned, looking tired but relieved. "You're my son, Leo. I just want you to be okay."

Leo nodded. "I'll figure something out. And I'll get back into football. Somehow."

…

Two days later, on Friday at 20:00 PM Leo's phone buzzed. It was a call from Jace.

He picked it up quickly, this time.

"Yo, "Meet me in 20 minutes at the address I have just sent you.

He took his jacket quickly and told his mom he was heading out.

She looked at him with tired eyes, concern etched on her face. "You're not getting into trouble, are you?" she asked.

Leo forced a smile. "Nah, just… trying to figure things out. I promise I'll make it up to you, Mom."

Olivia sighed and shook her head. "Leo, we can't afford to be reckless right now. I know it hurts, what happened with the academy, but we need to think about what's next."

"I am thinking about it." He swallowed hard. "I'll fix things, Ma. I promise. I'll figure out a way to get back in."

She finally turned, her tired eyes softening. "Just don't lose yourself trying. Be careful, okay?"

With that, he left, his heart pounding as he made his way to the address Jace had sent him. The moment he arrived, he knew he was stepping into a different world.

…

Leo stood outside the old train yard, his heart pounding. The address Jace sent had brought him to a place that looked straight out of a gangster film… 'THE PIT"

The Pit was nothing like Leo had ever seen. It was hidden in an abandoned warehouse and at the entrance guarded by two muscle-packed bouncers who looked like they belonged in a mafia film.

One of the bouncers, raised a brow. "Never seen you before. Got any credentials?"

Leo exchanged a look with Jace. His mind racing 'Credentials? What does he mean?'

Jace leaned in. "He took down Dante in a street match on Tuesday."

The bouncer's expression shifted slightly. "Dante, huh? Lucky shot or real skill?"

Leo met his gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "Try me and find out."

The bouncer grinned. "I like that. Alright, you're in.

Inside, it was packed with energy. Fans were crowded around a caged field, shouting, placing bets, loud music blaring through cheap speakers. The air smelled of sweat, cigarette smoke, and cheap food. Neon lights flickered overhead and some players warmed up in steel cages.

Groups of rough-looking guys crowded aside, some shirtless with muscles covered in tattoos and others were wearing flashy jerseys like were professionals.

A man with a missing tooth leaned close and sniffed the air near Leo. "Smell that? Fresh meat. You smell too clean, kid. First time?"

Leo tensed. "Yeah."

Jace clapped his back. "Relax, newbie. Just don't get eaten alive."

Leo followed Jace through the crowd. "This place is insane."

"Told you," Jace grinned. "This is where real players are made. Look over there."

Leo's eyes locked onto Dante and his crew, dominating another match. Dante smirked as he nutmegged a defender before slotting the ball into the net.

The crowd erupted.

"They think they're kings here," Jace muttered. "Let's change that."

Leo barely had time to react before Jace dragged him toward the registration area.

At the registration desk, a bald man with a scar across his eyebrow eyed them. He sized Leo up. "Are you new?"

"Yeah."

"Got a death wish?"

Leo blinked. "No?" then smirked. "Got a dream."

"Then you're in the wrong place." The man smirked and slid a clipboard over. "Names?"

{Leo}…Leo scribbled his name down. As he did, a heavyset man leaned over to Jace. "That your boy? He has got the look of fresh meat."

Jace grinned. "He is going to surprise you."

Then he focused and wrote his name, Marco's and for the other two team mates near Leo's before returning bit to the man on the registration desk.

The man on wrote on a clipboard, You are in 5v5 match Winner takes all. Match in ten."

Then squinted at Leo. "Rules?"

Leo hesitated. "Uh… no touch challenge?"

The man laughed, his gold tooth glinting. "Nah, mate. No rules. You fight, you win. Or you lose and cry home."

Leo's stomach twisted. "Wait, what?"

"Trust me. Just play your game."

This wasn't just any match. Their opponents included Axel "The Hammer", and Dante ,known for playing dirty.