30 Minutes Later
May 19, 2069
1440 CDT
Inside Flex-a-Lot, Central Olympia
Drew Howard's Point of View
“Heh. Looks like we made it just in time, Drew,” Teresa says.
So many familiar and unfamiliar faces. Julie, Alessa, Sean, Jayce, and zero adults, most likely because of Jayce convincing his dad to empty the gym. Everyone is gathered near the center of the gym, focused on the two girls on top of the large blue mat.
“This is very interesting,” Kiko says with a chuckle.
We just gotta squeeze through the crowd.
“Introducing the hometown hero!” Jayce announces, full of energy.
Ruby’s stepping forward. She has her hair tied up in a ponytail and is wearing her black band shirt and black basketball shorts. She has her headphones in, so she’s most likely listening to rock music from her MP3 player.
“We’re about to be on the scene of a tremendous ass-whooping here, Drew!” Jaliyah blurts out in excitement.
Sigh. She’s only ten, so she doesn’t know any better. She shouldn’t be watching this, but seeing two strong girls spar will prepare for life outside the kingdom.
“No swearing, Jaliyah,” I say.
“Oh, shi- I mean shoot. We’re about to see a tremendous butt whooping Drew,” she says with a sheepish smile.
“Rip her fucking head off!!!” A voice yells in the background.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” Jayce introduces in excitement. “The infamous rascal of Olympia, everyone’s favorite redhead, the lead singer/guitarist of the rock band Evil on Tour, she skips class to kick ass, and has an explosive personality like no other! Make some noise for the unpredictable and amazing Ruby Redheart!”
Sigh. I can’t tell if she’s more focused on the fight or the crowd with the way she’s soaking in the cheers. Just be careful, Ruby.
“Hey, Drew, what do you think Ruby said to get the new girl to fight her?” Teresa asks as she observes Ruby blowing kisses to the crowd.
“Something extremely insulting,” I say.
“She probably said something cheesy like Black Scorpions? I hear they’re tough, but as you all know, nobody is tougher than Ruby Redheart!” Teresa predicts as she mimics Ruby’s voice.
“Ok, listen up everyone. Black Scorpions? Scoff! Yeah, I hear they’re tough, but as you all know, nobody is tougher than Ruby Redheart!” Ruby says with confidence as she takes off and pockets her earphones.
Teresa is spot on.
“Heh. Now she’ll probably say something like You’re about to witness the butt-kicking of a lifetime, so I hope someone brought a pillow because I’m about to put a “b” to sleep,” Teresa prophesies in Ruby’s voice again.
“You all are about to bear witness to the ass-kicking of a lifetime! And I hope someone brought a pillow because I’m bout to knock a bitch out!” Ruby loudly boasts to the crowd.
“Holy shit, Teresa,” I say.
“Ooh. What happened to no swearing big brother?” Jaliyah asks with a smirk.
“Ruby likes to hear herself talk and is a very expressive individual. Her weakness is already showing, which means this will be a quick fight. I hope she doesn’t get hurt though,” Teresa reveals in a somber tone.
Her weakness… Could it be?
“Oh, hey Jaliyah,” Ruby greets with a bright smile as she approaches. “Ugh! Teresa, Kiko,” she says with absolute revulsion as she rolls her eyes.
“Kiko, watch this,” Teresa says with an evil chuckle.
They’re so close to my face!
“Um, Hiiiiiii, Drew,” Ruby and Teresa say in unison with hi-pitched voices.
“You guys are about to witness greatness,” Ruby says with full confidence, now respecting my personal space.
“I thought we were about to witness the ass-kicking of a lifetime,” Teresa corrects with a grin.
“The greatest ass-kicking of a lifetime,” Ruby replies with a smirk.
“Ruby!” An unknown voice calls from behind.
“Drew, Jaliyah, meet my new friends from Brackettville, Texas. Rachel, and Billy Cooper,” Ruby proudly introduces.
“Salutations. Nice to meet you,” Rachel and Billy greet in unison.
“They’re also my first new bandmates since, you know, uh, someone didn’t want to join my band,” she reveals in a sharp tone.
Don’t look at me like that!
“What? You wanted me to join your band as that one friend who gets to hang out backstage,” I say.
“How could you decline such an offer?!” She responds as she grabs my shirt and invades my personal space again. “God you smell so nice,” she resumes with a big smile. “Um, I mean, brush your teeth, Drew!” She spews in anger, finally letting me go.
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What? And Teresa said she’s predictable. I just don’t understand girls.
“Rachel!” Ruby calls out.
“Yes, Ruby?” Rachel asks in glee.
Uh, what the heck? Ruby handed her some kind of strange silver device.
“Take care of my baby,” Ruby calmly commands with a stern look in her eyes.
“I will protect him with my life,” Rachel responds in seriousness.
“What is that?” Jaliyah asks in curiosity.
“Um, it’s makeup,” Rachel says with a sheepish look on her face.
“Why is it glowing ominously?” Jaliyah asks with a curious look on her face.
“Um, it’s, it’s treasure,” Rachel answers nervously.
“I see,” Jaliyah acknowledges with a head nod.
“Let’s give a big welcome to Ruby’s opponent! From the vicious Scorpion Kingdom, she’s a perplexing adversary with a deadly background,” Jayce proclaims as this new girl steps forward. “Give it up for a member of the ferocious Black Scorpions, Sonyaaaaaaaaaa Greeeeeeey!”
Sonya Grey, her bright brown eyes contrast the cold stare she’s giving Ruby. Numerous amounts of tattoos and battle scars are spread across her arms and legs. This chick is hardcore! Ruby is in over her head, more than usual.
“STUPID!!! OUTSIDER! NONSENSICAL! YELLOW BELLY! ARACHNID!” The crowd brutally jeers.
“I-I don’t think she’s a crowd favorite,” Rachel states in a nervous tone.
“Yeah, it’s almost like Olympians and Black Scorpions hate each other,” I say.
“I wonder what she’s doing here,” Teresa replies with a curious look.
“She’s not a fan favorite now, but just wait until you see her in action,” a boy’s voice I don’t recognize says as he approaches us. “My name is Luke Miller. Sonya and I are new here.”
“Howdy, my name is Luke Miller. I’m Teresa, and I would love to hear all about you, but can you tell me more about Sonya first?” Teresa asks in interest.
“It’s just Luke, and I wish I could say, but I just met her. She’s been with us for a few weeks, and seems cool so far,” Luke quickly answers.
“Us?” I ask.
“Oh, we came here with a founding member of the kingdom. My guardian, Veronica Shinka.”
No way! If they are friends of the she-devil, then Ruby --!
“Ok, girls, here’s the rules. A hit to the face is a point, a knockdown is a point, and going out of bounds is a point to the opponent. Whoever gets three points first will be the victor. Are. There. Any. Questions?!” Jayce explains as he gets in between the girls.
“No! Now move your ass!” Ruby shouts in rage.
That’s a fierce look from Ruby! Maybe… just maybe. Jayce is out of the ring.
“Ok! Round One, Figh-” Jayce announce-
“OH SHIT!” The crowd roars in excitement.
Ruby was about to send Sonya’s head flying with a sucker punch, but Sonya managed to block it with her left arm in time.
“A boxing jab? Not bad,” Sonya compliments with a smirk.
“Shut up!” Ruby yells out.
Ruby’s going for the ribs!
Sonya dodged the right cross. Ruby’s left side is open!
Shit! Sonya’s got her in a standing chokehold from behind!
“Let go of me!” Ruby pleads as she struggles.
“You promised them the “ass-kicking” of a lifetime, correct? You shouldn’t disappoint the crowd,” Sonya threatens in a malicious tone.
No!
“NO WAY” The crowd howls in hysteria!
“Ruby Redheart is! Out! Of! Bounds! Sonya Grey wins the first round!” Jayce announces.
Sonya literally, kicked her ass.
“God damn it, motherfucker!” Ruby screams, quickly recovering.
“So, Luke Miller. Do you know anything about this girl? How did you guys meet?” Teresa asks in wonder.
“She almost sliced my head off,” Luke chuckles as Jayce begins the second round.
Sonya is dodging each punch with seemingly little effort now.
“Wow! She sounds like a bad-ass motherfucker!” Jaliyah blurts out in excitement.
“Jaliyah,” I say.
“Oops. Sorry,” Jaliyah quickly apologizes.
“Punch back, damn it!” Ruby cries out as she continues to struggle.
“Ruby’s punches have slowed down. Sonya is pretty smart,” Teresa explains.
She’s right, Ruby is getting tired. Even someone as hyperactive as her has limits.
“You’re too hasty!” Sonya fires back as she ducks Ruby’s exhausted jab.
She’s going low, this Sonya girl is a monster! It’s like she has the agility and nimbleness of a cat, but the strength and speed of a tiger.
“Humbleness will take you a long way,” Sonya announces as she takes a slight step forward.
A devastating low spinning sweep kick aimed at Ruby’s left ankle is enough to knock her flat on her butt.
“Another point for the seemingly invincible, Sonya Grey!!!” Jayce declares.
Silence…
“Yeah! Beat her ass!” Two familiar voices yell out, breaking the silence.
“YOU’RE A BOSS, SONYA!” The crowd explodes in cheers.
Those voices - they sounded like those jerks Rico and Nia.
“Alright! Time to begin round three.” Jayce sa-
“Wait!!!” Ruby orders, as she stands up and rubs her butt.
What? Is she finally giving up? No way! She’s just giving the sign for a.
“Time. Out,” she declares with a “T” hand signal.
“Time for a timeout!” Jayce declares.
“YOU SUCK, RUBY!” The crowd jeers.
“Teresa,” Ruby says in a calm tone as she approaches Teresa.
“Ruby,” Teresa responds in her own calm tone.
“Where did I go wrong?” Ruby cries in confusion.
“It all began with your lack of self-control,” Teresa answers as she opens her twelfth candy bar.
“That has no correlation whatsoever. Now tell me how to beat her,” Ruby demands.
“Have you thought about begging for forgiveness?” Teresa asks as she chews on her candy bar.
“Ahem. What Teresa means to say is, maybe you should just apologize?” Kiko suggests.
“Apologizing could work,” I say.
“We think you should apologize,” the twins agree as well as they snack on candy.
“Never. Ruby Redheart is no scaredy-cat. Besides, I kinda insulted her, so I doubt she’ll accept something as stupid as my apology.”
“What exactly did you say?” I ask.
“Scoff! Nothing, Drew! I only insulted her momma,” Ruby crudely shares.
“Heh. There’s this thing called karma, Ruby. I honestly don’t see a way you can beat her. Simply put, she’s just a better fighter than you. Your best option is to surrender, apologize, and ask for advice,” Teresa kindly explains.
“Um, no, no, and no. I can’t disappoint all of my adoring fans. You know what? Nevermind. I don’t need help. I got this,” Ruby claims in false confidence.
“I think she’s got this!” Rachel says in glee as Ruby storms off.
“You’re delusional. She’s going to get herself killed!” I say.
“Drew, you’re wrong, my guy,” Teresa responds in assurance. “Sonya had numerous opportunities to kill her, but she didn’t for distinct reasons you can’t see because of your feelings. Sonya is clearly not stupid and seems to have figured out that outsiders aren’t very welcome in Olympia, especially a Black Scorpion. At the same time, she refuses to let people trample over her. This is her way of saying, don’t “f” with me., and she’s trying to impress potential friends in the process. Someone as strong and athletic as her will need sparring partners to stay in shape,” she proudly explains.
“I like you, Teresa. You’re pretty smart,” Luke says with an impressed look on his face. “She’s pretty cool despite what’s said about Black Scorpions, but you forgot one important thing. She’s not a Black Scorpion anymore. She’s an Olympian, one of us.”
“You seem to be pretty smart too, Luke. I have a feeling we’ll be great friends,” Teresa happily says as Jayce begins round three. “I think Ruby and Sonya will be good friends. However, it might take a while, especially if what I think will happen happens.”
“Elaborate,” I say.
“Heh. It’s oh, so obvious. Ruby refuses to win three rounds straight even if she could, now that she’s been embarrassed. There’s only one way she can make this comeback now, and I think you know what it is, Drew. I’ll give you a hint,” Teresa explains.
She’s pointing at her chin? What?! There’s no way it’ll work. Ruby can’t be that dense, could she?!
“Woah!” Jayce exclaims in wonder.
Sonya saw the uppercut coming and dodged! Ruby’s defenseless!
“It’s a wrap for her,” Teresa says somberly as she finishes her candy bar.
One punch to the gut by Sonya.
“Not good,” Ruby mutters as she doubles over.
“Wow!” A girl named Alessa yells out as Ruby quickly exits the ring.
“She kicked her ass!” A boy named Sean shouts next.
Poor Ruby.
“Now wait just a minute, Ms. Sonya Grey,” Jayce demands as he enters the ring. “My dad was a kickboxing world champion in the old world, and I’m his protégé, of course. I’m impressed by your moves, but I don’t think you can take me,” Jayce boasts as he enters a fighting stance.
“Ooooh! Oh! Oh, shit!” The crowd reemerges with cheers.
“Oh, really?” Sonya questions in interest with a smirk on her face.