Ran Into... Some Fans

Spaced across the narrow street like a pack of hyenas, Levi came face to face with a gang of fighters. One of them he knew already from the underground arena. "Bruce." Levi paused.

The biggest of them all stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. A long scar ran just across his left eye down to his chin, he cracked his neck as he formed a weird smile.

"Ah! Morning jog." The man said. "We've been watching."

Levi said nothing. He shifted slightly as he adjusted his balance. Weighing his options as he calculated the distance between him and the thugs. 'Twelve feet, maybe more,' he thought. The exit behind him was free, but it would not be possible for him to outrun four men.

"I don't want your trouble," Levi said.

"Good to know." A second man said. "Buh, you see, you've already got it."

Gordon stepped forward, "You know a name, Levi Lupin!"

Levi's stomach twisted into a knot as the thugs chuckled. He dropped his bag calmly. Prepared himself, his breath steady. His ribs throbbed; it seemed the punching bag had drained him more than he bargained for. Levi took the first step forward.

Gordon launched a fist at Levi, reckless and cocky. Levi just sidestepped, dodging the incoming strike as he sent a heavy blow at the man's ribs.

Crack!!!

The crack was audible. Gordon's knuckles fell as Levi followed up with a quick, short,, brutal elbow strike to his jaw. His body came crashing with a thud. 'Two more to go.' Levi calculated.

The second attacker came, skinny but fast-paced with a switch blade. Levi saw the glint just in time as he made a quick turn, initiating a narrow escape, with the blade grazing his shoulder. His pain rose. He grabbed onto the man's wrist as he twisted it. The switchblade dropped to the floor. Levi drove his knee into the man's gut.

Then came Bruce, huge, well-trained. His first punch at Levi was barely dodged. The second punch hit him squarely as he moved back a bit. The second blow came swiftly, hitting Levi squarely on the rib.

Levi coughed, tasting blood. Levi retaliated immediately as he landed a clean kick on Bruce. "Huh," Bruce grunted but remained standing.

The fourth attacker, who had been standing in silence, suddenly attacked with a chain. Levi, noticing late, had the chain wrapped around his hand already. With the chain wrapped around his forearm, Levi was pulled.

Levi crashed to the ground as his body began to feel excruciating pain all over. Gravel from the concrete pavement tore his skin, his ears ringing from the sound. Then came the boots, again and again. He curled up, protecting his head as he took the hit, waiting.

Timing, timing was all he needed.

Levi grabbed the chain, mid-swing as he pulled himself up to meet with his attacker. Levi landed a nod as he slammed his forehead into the man's nose. Blood sprayed. Pain was the only thing Levi felt at this point.

Gorgon charged in again at Levi, who ducked as he drove a fist into his throat. "Croak." The man choked as he dropped to the ground.

Bruce was next as he attacked again with a wild punch. Levi leaned back, following up with a cross that connected with Bruce's face. He stumbled back.

Levi advanced forward, throwing punches after punches, driving Bruce back against a wall. Levi only stopped when Bruce dropped to the ground unconscious. 'Just one man left, the one with the switch blade.'

The man just stood there panting, his eyes wide as he watched Levi beat up his partners. He didn't wait for an attack as he bolted away from the scene. Levi was too weak to follow.

It took Levi everything to get home. The journey was a blur of how he had left in the morning. He pushed through the door of the apartment, collapsing on the couch.

Lilith screamed, "Levi... What happened?"

"Ran into... Some fans." He muttered, smiling.

"Your body is bloody..." She said, rushing to him with a first aid kit as she started to clean him up. Levi hissed as the alcohol made contact with his injuries.

"I've told you, you can't keep doing this."

"I didn't have a choice."

"You always say that." She snapped. "One day you might just not come back."

Levi looked at her. Pale and tired. Her hands shook as she patched him up.

"I need more meds." She said softly. "I'm out of vials."

Levi's stomach twisted. "What?"

"I used the last vial this morning."

He sat back, heaving. "I'll get more, I promise."

"With what money?" She asked.

The room fell into silence. Levi looked at her, then turned away. His body was breaking, his debt wasn't shrinking. And now he was back at a corner.