"I can no longer deny my love for you, Raven," Garfield's smooth voice beckoned in the limelight, easily grabbing her attention.

The empath wheeled around, nearly scared to death by his voice as he uttered those words, yet they were so inviting.

"Garfield? Is it really you?" She replied in sheer amazement, unable to believe after all she has been though, he was in front of her at that very moment.

"Why would you think that? I've always been here for you, and nothing will ever change that." He boldly informed, Raven basically sprinting, leaping into his arms.

She took the initiative by engaging the changeling in the most passionate kiss they had ever shared, and instead of it seeming to end, it continued, as both of them gently moaned under the circumstances of the current situation. He slowly leaned backwards, sitting down, still holding Raven, and then finally laying on his back. After what seemed like an eternity, the lovers finally released one another's lips, still within close proximity of each other's face.

"Oh, Garfield," she cooed, feeling his hands travel up and down her back, caressing it.

Seeing that it was fair game, she made her move as well on what she thought to be her own personal Adonis, the god, not the loser. While they engaged in a lip-locked bonding, she ran her hands up his shirt, feeling his well-toned body, and enjoying the warmth from it as well. Within a matter of erotic and enjoyable moments between the duo, she found herself in nothing more than her unmentionables, while he was one article of clothing away from being in the buff, and that is how Raven wanted it. She was so turned on by him at the moment, Raven focused on nothing more. Her own impulses were outweighing her judgment, but she knew that he would be gentle and take care of her no matter what. She took the initiative as she latched onto the elastic band of his boxers, ready to pull them down, but he backed his face away from hers, putting a finger to her lips.

"I don't wish to do anything you aren't ready for," he informed, only to have the same to be done to him.

"I'm more ready than ever, you are only denying me what I want," Raven pressed, deviously grinning.

"Before we continue though," he beckoned, taking hold of her hands, "there's something you have to do."

"Anything for you, whatever it is, it isn't anything I can't grant," Raven succumbed, unable to escape his charm, as well as her own lust.

He brought his hand back far, and came forward with all his might, backhanding her across the face.

"WAKE UP!" He yelled.

Raven's eyes shot open in surprise, her focus blurred for the moment as she attempted to adjust to her surroundings. She felt an immense stinging sensation on her cheek, then finally focusing on the culprit. Alexa stood over her, looking down on her.

"What the hell was that for!" Raven demanded, still groggy as she rubbed her face.

"You tell me," Alexa laughed, "I don't need you making a mess on my couch, people sit there you know."

She slowly sat up; her hair messed up from laying on it.

"What are you talking about?" Raven groggily replied one more, still confused as what brought about her slapping her.

"By the way you were moving and moaning in your sleep, not to mention the fact you were crying out "Oh, Garfield", I'd say you weren't too far from, well, climaxing." Alexa sheepishly explained, considering Raven a friends, but still unable to confront her about certain things.

Raven looked down, her face deeply reddened as she became embarrassed.

"Look, I understand you have the hots for that guy and everything, "Alexa reasoned, sitting next to her, "and that you and I as females, do possess certain…needs, which are undeniable. If you need to take care of something like that go ahead, just not on my couch, ok?"

"I'm sorry, I'm usually not like this," Raven apologized, red in the face, "I know what you mean, but even I can mask it, I don't know what has gotten into me. Garfield is all I have dreamt about lately, kinda torturing me really."

"From what you've told me about him, "she reasoned, "he sounds like a stud, and you would have to be crazy not to. I think it's a sign, maybe even a look into the future, who knows? Just never give up on him, ok? I think he's what's keeping you going, ain't he?"

Raven nodded her head sheepishly, finally coming to from her recently-awakened state.

"Just for kicks," Alexa began, smiling, "how far were you with him before I slapped you? Second base?"

"I was getting ready to drop his boxers, so yeah, well, rounding Second and heading for Third," Raven managed with a laugh, looking up at her.

"Whew, I got here just in time then," Alexa joked. "Seriously though, don't worry about it, I'm just messin' with you. I just found it…odd that you were doing that in your sleep as I passed by."

"I know, I just feel bad about it," Raven reasoned, "I'll remember that next time." She added, chuckling as she stood up, nearly every bone in her body popping from the much-needed rest she needed. "Where's your bathroom?" Raven added, still stretching her arms.

"In the kitchen, turn left, first door on your right," Alexa casually informed, pointing in the general direction.

Raven nodded as she went to take care of nature's calling, not to mention fix her hair as it seemed to be standing nearly on end in parts.

"So," Alexa called to Raven from her living room, flipping through one of the magazines she possessed on the end table, "do you have any big plans today?"

"Besides tonight?" Raven answered back through the closed door, "nothing, but can this wait?"

"Alright, alright," Alexa reasoned, finding out that she was rather uncomfortable talking to someone while she was using the bathroom.

Raven appeared moments later, her hair laying down a little better, still sluggishly shuffling her socked feet across the hardwood floor.

"What time is it anyway?" Raven questioned, looking around for a clock.

"About a quarter after 1, in the afternoon I might add," Alexa answered, looking at her watch, "I haven't been up much longer than you have, so don't worry. Back to what I was saying though. Since you aren't even contemplating on doing anything today, I was wondering after we get a bite to eat if you'd want to hit the gym with me."

"Why the gym?" Raven questioned, looking at her physique.

"How else do you think I keep in shape?" Alexa replied, "so you in or what?"

Raven shrugged her shoulders, cocking her head at an angle as well.

"Why not?" she answered, "Let me look decent first."

Alexa nodded, watching Raven grab an outfit from her backpack, while she made her way to the kitchen, picking up an apple out of a fruit bowl on the table. Alexa took a large bite out of it after she huffed on it, then wiping it clean, waiting for Raven to show herself so they could go. It took what seemed like an eternity to Alexa for Raven to emerge from the bathroom again, showing she had completely changed into a dark indigo, nearly black outfit, boots to match, as well as her hair neatly put in place again.

"I swear, your such a girl," laughed Alexa, tossing her an apple as well, "here, you'll need this, maybe this too," she added, throwing a banana as well, Raven catching both with ease.

"Lead the way," Raven motioned, beginning to peel the banana. "And for the record, I don't have male genitalia, so I do think I am a girl."

Alexa merely shook her head as she laughed to herself, picking up what appeared to be a rather large duffle bag as she exited the penthouse apartment, Raven in tow. They departed the same as they arrived earlier that morning, making their way to the surface streets once more. To Raven's surprise though; Alexa had starting walking up the street, so she followed.

"How far's this place?" Raven requested, finishing her piece of fruit, and beginning on the next.

"Not far. Two blocks maybe," She honestly replied, still carting the duffle bag as well.

"What's in that thing?" Raven asked again after several silent moments, trying not to aggravate Alexa, but she too knew how constant questioning from Starfire annoyed her, so she must have been doing the same to her new acquaintance.

"You'll find out," Alexa informed, approaching what appeared to be a set of dual doors, both heavy and wooden in nature. A large, old sign above it read "City Gym". Alexa pressed the door open for Raven to enter, and no sooner than she did, the stagnant odor of sweat, not to mention unbearable head hit her in the face. The door closed behind Alexa as Raven still stood there, seeing what the "gym" actually was. She saw all kinds of equipment spread throughout the place along the walls, anything from leg presses to free weights. There was a second level, apparently a track for running, seeing how it was in use at the moment. Raven also took notice to a row of speed bags, as well as three or four heavy punching bags suspended from the ceiling by chains. To top it all off, there were two regulation size rings in the center, one in use by two combatants who were sparring, equipment and all. Near the front or the door, there was a desk with an aged man behind it, he almost looked as clichéd as the place he ran did.

"Alexa," he beckoned, knowing English, but his accent was rather lacking when he spoke it, "long time, no see. Here for your normal routine?"

"Actually, Hans," Alexa replied with a smile, "I brought a friend, figured I'd show her the ropes, literally."

"Ah, a very attractive friend indeed," Hans commented at Raven's beauty.

"Please," Raven replied, not becoming mad, seeing he meant it in good spirits, "she's more attractive than I am."

"Both of you are beautiful, but I see Alexa all the time, you are a new face though. Name is Hans, I run this place. Alexa's one of my few regulars, she's been coming since I've opened up basically."

"So this is where you learned to fight, I presume?" Raven questioned, watching the two men still spar, one apparently winning over the other at the moment.

"Kinda. Hans saw potential in me, I guess, and merely…perfected my technique. It's safe to call him my personal trainer at times, though. I really wish I could go somewhere with it, but I just haven't got my shot yet." Alexa began. "Ever since I've been coming here, I've became kinda like a neighborhood hero or something, everyone knows me. The way you fight, especially last night, they will know you soon, too."

"You are the very talented female from last night?" Hans questioned, "most impressive indeed. You are more centered around martial arts, no? Well, Alexa can show you a thing or two then, you might even be able to show her, who knows?"

A few of the other patrons who knew Alexa waved, but also stopped, seeing Raven, and remembering her from the night before.

"Come on, Raven," she beckoned, motioning for her to follow, "we're wasting time, gotta get my time in before tonight."

"Whatever you say." Raven replied following, watching her go into the female's dressing room, but stopping outside, as if she would wait on her.

"Get your ass in here, girl," Alexa joked, motioning for her to come.

"I don't have anything to train in," Raven informed, reluctantly going into the dressing room with her.

"I have an extra set; besides, you and me are about the same size, well, you being a few inches taller that is." Alexa reasoned, "I've got everything you need right here." She added, patting the large duffle bag.

Needless to say, about fifteen minutes later, Alexa emerged from the dressing room, wearing a black pair of spandex shorts as well as matching sports bra. She also wore a pair of black mid-top boots. She waited for Raven, adjusting her handwrapping a little.

"Come on, Rae," she beckoned, "I know it doesn't take that long to get ready, just stop being shy and get out here."

She succumbed, seeing it was indeed all in good fun, and nothing but beneficial help could come from it. Raven walked out as well, still feeling different about her dressing. It was the same as Alexa's but in a dark blue, and the boots were laced all the way up to her knees almost, and really shiny.

"Well," Alexa questioned, "how do you feel?"

"Different," Raven commented, not used to wearing clothing like she was, "but it is a good different, very comfortable, supportive, as well as a huge range of motion."

"That's the point," she commented, pulling her long black hair back into a ponytail. "Well, for starters, do you know what boxing is?"

"Yes, I do," Raven truthfully replied, "it's a contest of strength, skill, stamina, and courage to best your opponent in the ring, and hopefully dropping them before they drop you."

"Pretty much," Alexa answered, "but there's more to it. You see, there's nearly an entire science behind boxing, I mean, that's why it's referred to as the "Sweet Science". I understand that you are a very skilled fighter and martial artist, but boxing's different. No open-handed crap or feet, just fists, and heart. I do this almost everyday, seeing how I use my teachings in the pit. In any case, have you ever actually boxed before?"

"Well, no," She stated, "I have fought before, but not boxed."

"So you probably have no idea on a stance or how to punch?" Deduced Alexa, still watching Raven looked around her person, still trying to become used to what she was wearing.

She shook her head, signaling a "no".

"Let's start there then," Alexa began, looking over at Hans, "Hans, gloves please."

"No problem, Alexa, anything for you, my dear, you know I love you," he replied, bringing two pairs of dark blue gloves by the laces with him.

"I know, Hans," she replied with a laugh, "help her get hers on, ok?"

He nodded with a smile, seeing that several of his teeth were missing.

"I assume you were a fighter back in the day?" Raven queried as he laced up one of her gloves, tying it tight, and beginning to work on the other at remarkable speed.

"Sure was, my dear," he replied, "win some, lose some. I've got some reminders as you can tell."

"Charming," Raven drolly replied, not that she didn't like him, but that she was willing engaging in something that had the potential to cause that to her.

"Hans, be sure to get the headgear too, I have some mouth pieces," Alexa interrupted, motioning for him to go fetch them.

"Yes, ma'am," he obeyed in a joking manner, even saluting her.

"Well, I'm no teacher, but I'll show you the basics and go from there," Alexa stated, getting Raven's attention as she fiddled with her gloved hands, pushing them together as she got a feel for them.

"Ok," She sheepishly replied, still messing with the gloves, "these feel rather weird…confining."

"You'll get used to it," Alexa promised, "now are you left or right handed?"

"Right," Raven informed, holding it up.

"Ok, this is what you need to do to set up the basic orthodox or right-handed stance," Alexa began, bringing her fists up, shuffling her feet out to shoulder width. "Keep your right hand by your face to protect it, and your left, which is your off hand, in front of you so you can use it to lead off and set up for a more devastating blow. Make sure your feet are about shoulder length apart, and depending on how you want to fight depends on how you position them."

Raven followed suit, but didn't understand what she meant about the feet.

"What do you mean by positioning my feet? I know it has something to do with your style, as it does in martial arts, but how does it apply here?" She questioned, still remaining in stance.

"If you want to be a speed boxer," Alexa explained, motioning with her hands, "stay on the balls of your feet, heels off the ground, you'll be ready to dance around your opponent like nothing, and be able to stick them all day fast as lightning. I happen to fight like that, but if you want to have just unimaginable, devastating hitting power, keep em' planted, and set up for haymakers all fight long. Both styles have strengths and weakness, even using a combination of both by alternating helps a lot, depending on the situation. Speed fighters don't possess as much power behind their hits, and power fighters lack speed, not to mention both will run out of steam if they overuse their abilities. There are easy ways around these though. Speed fighters can't go fast if you take their wheels out from underneath of em', attack the body and slow them down. As for the power fighters, which would probably represent a majority of the remaining fighters in the tournament at the pit, just dance around them, like you did with Evanna, let them wear themselves out, and finish them off with ease."

"Very helpful so far," Raven commented, nodding at each thing that Alexa counted off.

"Enough talk," Alexa replied, "time to move on to your basic punches. Follow me to the heavy bag."

Raven obeyed, finding her a rather good teacher indeed, but was still prone to using martial arts that just her fists.

"I'm going to say its safe to assume that you know what a heavy bag is and what its for, not to mention what it represents, right?" Alexa presumed, tapping it with her glove, getting a deep thud each time she did so.

"Yes, Alexa, I'm new to this, I'm not stupid," Raven replied with a smile.

"Ok, ok, but some guys come in here and I have to teach them everything, I mean everything, so consider yourself lucky," she continued, "for starters, you need to make friends with the jab. The jab is usually just a simple straight punch from your off-hand, your left in this instance. Though not as damaging as other blows, this sets up the harder stuff for up top or down below. It can also play hell with someone's rhythm, if you're good with it, you set the pace, not them. Don't over exert yourself, just snap it out there quick."

She motioned to the bag, then with lightning-fast reflexes, she struck it with her jab, the bag barely moving as it made the soft thud as it did before.

"With the jab, you can add a straight from your good hand, and use the ole' 1-2."

Alexa did the same punch on the bag again, except another was right behind it, hitting even harder in the same place.

"Be careful not to script yourself and use the same stuff over and over again, that will turn bad for you quick and in a hurry. Mix it up, keep your opponent guessing. The next types of punches, which can turn a bout in a heartbeat if you land a few good ones are the crosses and hooks. They are basically the same thing, but the hook takes an even wider arc of motion, adding more power, but slowing the punch down considerably. These can be a savior as I said, or a burden. Since they are a lot slower, and usually easier to block when compared to a jab or straight, your opponent will either block em' or make you keep missing so you wear yourself out. Only throw stuff like that when you know it will land clean."

Alexa squared up with the bag again, then demonstrated the punches she just described all in the same combination, but slowing it down for Raven to see how they were thrown and how they connected good. Raven also noticed how much more the bag flexed from the destructive blows than from the jab or straight.

"And last but not least," Alexa began again; turning back to face Raven from the bag as it swung freely, "is my favorite, the uppercut. If you are looking to lay your opponent out, break up a rhythm, or just trying to get past a good defense, this punch is extremely effective. The name basically describes it, merely turn you the back of your fist away from you, and bring it up in a single motion. A good one would make your knuckles just connect with the chin. This has a big drawback though; it leaves you wide open for a devastating counter, so if you use it, make sure it's good, because if it's dodged or blocked, you better either cover up quick or prepare for a rattling blow."

Once more, the mentor of the moment sized up with the training device, taking aim on the same spot. Her slower blow connected, even causing the chain to slack as the bag itself was lifted up with the energy of the punch, its own weight snapping the chain taught again.

"That's about it, all the basic punches. The trick is learning how to string these together into combinations, as well as choosing your targets wisely. Work both the head and body, chip away at em'. Be sure to use both hands too, nothing I hate worse than watching a fighter keep using the same hand." Alexa explained, stepping away from the bag, stretching a little like both of them had done right before. "Listen, as I said, you are a martial artist, and that is awesome, you can do some stuff I've never seen before, and you possess superb agility and speed, but even for you, not to be offensive or anything, but you are lacking in the strength department when you compare the two. There's a difference between hitting and hitting hard. Some opponents can take a beating, but if you have that extra power behind all your shots, you'll put them down for good. Boxing, in my opinion, will only benefit you, not only will you gain that extra body strength, but you'll also learn how to straight brawl if you have to, especially when there's nothing else left for you to do. If anything, you could look back on it as a fallback choice in a fight, seeing how your abilities are, well, amazing."

"I understand what you are saying, and it's true," Raven replied, stretching as well, "I could use the extra…oomph behind some of my strikes without throwing something out. Not to mention taking my mind off other things. Why are you helping me like this?"

She shrugged her shoulders slightly.

"I don't know really, bonding maybe?" Alexa answered. "If you don't want to do this, that's fine, I just thought we could do something to…hang out or something."

"I want to, don't get me wrong, it's nothing but beneficial, and I do see what you're getting at, spending some time together to get to know one another, even sharing in each other's activities."

"That's what friends do last time I checked," joked Alexa, standing up from her position she just finished stretching in. "Before I can get you working on other things, I need to see if you've got what I've taught you down, ok?"

Raven nodded.

"Well," she ushered, motioning to the bag she had pummeled earlier, "step up to the bag and show me what you got."

"Oh," Raven replied, feeling slightly embarrassed, approaching the leather bag that swayed in front of her.

"I'm not going to tell you what to throw, you know, give you some leeway, so just show me what you learned, show me what you want to throw, and we might be able to develop a style pretty quickly." Alexa instructed, motioning for Raven to put up her fists and prepare.

Raven obeyed as she nodded, locking her sights in on the training device. As she had watched, she lashed out with a jab, snapping it just as fast as Alexa did, and retracting all the same. She did it again, the followed up with a right straight. Next, she struck with the same thing, but added yet another blow to the end, stringing together a beautiful three-shot combo that ended with a crushing left hook. Alexa watched contently, letting Raven find her zone as she concentrated, nodding at the completion of each combination. Feeling it come to her as if it was almost natural, Raven struck again with what she used before, but going the extra mile, adding a devastating body blow from her right hand, then finishing strong with a final uppercut from her left hand that would have easily taken an opponent off their feet, the bag flexing violently under the stress.

"Easy, killer," Alexa commented with a laugh, "that was good, damn good I might add. You're a natural. I guess any kind of fighter is just that, a fighter. For a first timer, you worked that bag pretty good, so how you feelin'?"

"Actually," Raven replied, turning back to face her, "I feel…centered, kinda relaxed, like after I meditate or something, it's odd, but the feeling is there. I'm focused, nothing outside of what I'm concentrating on is bothering me."

"Perfect," Alexa added, "that is what I call "The Zone". When your in The Zone, nothing will get in your way, you are an unstoppable force, and with extreme focus and precision, you will defeat…no, destroy your opposition. If meditation really feels like The Zone, Rae, I'm gonna have to try it myself."

"I'd be more than happy to show you," Raven replied, "so what else is there to do?"

"Now that you got the basics pretty much down," she began, circling her, "it's time to see how you use it in a real situation."

"Excuse me?" Raven managed, feeling as if she knew what she was getting at.

"You know what I'm talking about, don't play dumb." Alexa corrected, smiling, "After seeing the show you just gave me, you are more than ready to spar."

"Spar? As in practice? With you?" Raven continued drawing out the conversation.

"Let me see, ah, yes, yes, oh, and yes," she played, turning to the old man that was sitting at the desk once more. "Hans, get over here."

He did so, waddling over in his aged state.

"Me and Raven are going to spar for a few rounds, I need you to…officiate," she informed, getting a nod of compliance.

Hans turned to Raven, handing her an awkward looking device.

"You may need this, my dear," he gestured, holding it out.

"What is it?" Raven questioned, eyeballing it.

"It's called headgear," Alexa informed, sliding the dark blue padded device over her head while Hans had turned and tightened the chin strap, "it protects your face to a considerable degree, especially when you're just practicing. Now, stop being a baby and let Hans put it on you."

Raven shrugged, just wanting to know what the device was, and did so, leaning down so the old man wouldn't have to over exert himself as he strapped it to Raven's head, being sure that he was gentle about it. She immediately noticed that the headgear restricted her vision greatly, but only left what she needed to see in view, so it was more of a help by blocking out distraction than hindering her vision. Alexa motioned for her to follow as they made their rather short trip to the open ring, the sparring between the two males that Raven noticed before had stopped upon Alexa entering through the ropes, shuffling around as if she was warming up. She saw that Raven was climbing up, but was rather reluctant.

"I promise I'll take it easy," she informed with a smile, "make sure Hans gives you your mouthpiece, might come in handy."

"I'm still having second thoughts about this, Alexa," Raven honestly replied, "I mean, this is your thing, I know nothing about it."

She rested against her corner as she watched Raven enter the same way.

"Look," she honestly began, "I wouldn't even dream of asking you to spar with me if I didn't think you were capable, ok? I see a lot of potential, and I want to get it out of you. I'll be sure to pull most of my punches so I don't hurt you, which I doubt I could do anyway, but trust me. Also, don't be afraid to hit me, Rae, I'm a big girl, I can take it."

Raven merely smiled as she was across the ring for Alexa, standing in what was to be her corner, Hans standing outside the ropes. He tapped her on the shoulder, getting her attention.

"Here, put this in your mouth," he informed, holding out what looked like white piece of molded plastic with soft rubber where the teeth were to be.

Raven, even with her gloved hands, took the mouthpiece from him, and stuck in her mouth, basically shoving it in, finding it to be a rather tight fit, and assumed that was how it was supposed to be. As she did so, Alexa did the same, having a lot more ease seeing how she had much more experience than Raven possessed.

"Alright, ladies," Hans informed, hopping down from Raven's corner, "I want a good, clean fig-"

"Knock it off, Hans," Alexa managed with her mouthpiece in, "5 rounds, regulation, okay?"

He merely smiled as he sat down at a table, taking hold of a cord, and yanking thrice, a bell crisply ringing each time. Upon the sounding of the bell, Alexa brought her hands up as she maneuvered out of her corner, remembering to go easy on Raven, while she did the same. The duo circled one another in the center of the ring, Raven taking steps forward while Alexa backpedaled in their circle. Neither of them knew of the crowd of the other boxers that were using the gym had been drawn one by one to the ring, knowing that if Alexa was sparring with someone, it was going to be good.

"Come on, Rae," Alexa motioned, the guard in her mouth making it nearly illegible "don't be afraid to hit me."

Raven said nothing, attempting to focus, knowing that by the display of ability she demonstrated against Evanna in her protection, she knew that if she made a mistake, it was going to cost her. After finally making the decision, Raven mustered up enough courage in an attempt to go inside. Alexa stepped back as any smart fighter would, and snapped out a quick jab, catching Raven off-guard, and connecting crisply with her head.

"Wow," Raven thought, still watching Alexa, "that actually…didn't hurt, I thought it would, even with this headgear crap or whatever it is, but I think I can do this."

Upon her new realization and loss of fear, Raven went in again, and Alexa attempted the same punch, but Raven dodged it, and countered with a right cross of her own. Alexa backed away from Raven for the moment while they still circled.

"Not bad, not bad," Alexa complimented, "see, you're catching on, I may have to start trying soon."

Raven hoped not, but she continued anyway, nodding at her statement before she went on the offensive again. Much to her surprise though, Alexa prepared, and caught her over-aggressive opponent with another jab, but it was followed by a straight right, and then digging left hook to the body. Raven attempted to cover herself up, and finding out her prediction was true; don't get lazy, or she will hurt you. Before taking another destructive blow, Raven got away, and was prepared for Alexa to go on the offensive. Sure enough, she did, popping the jab out, but it was easily blocked, Raven seizing the newly-made opportunity by connecting cleanly with a right and left hook, Alexa visibly affected by the brutal shots. Before Raven could even come up with another strategy, Alexa came in again, and got her revenge in a sense, setting up for a wicked four-punch combo that ended in a right uppercut that caused Raven to stagger backwards, dazed. She regained control just as Alexa appeared to be coming in to finish her off, but surprised her greatly, planting her feet as she countered with a right hook to the body, almost as she walked into it, causing that much more damage. Raven knew it connected well when she felt her glove touch it, and the expression in Alexa's eyes as well. In her opportune moment, she continued to go on the offensive, adding a left cross to the head, followed by a right straight, and ended in a vicious left uppercut to the body, Alexa's breath being audibly forced from her lungs. Seeing she was doing good, Raven continued, but her over-eagerness costed her greatly as Alexa was ready for it, blocking Raven's first shot, and firing back with one of her own, connecting hard, Raven's entire body feeling the shock from the blow. Stunned, Alexa continued her onslaught, punch after punch in quick succession, some landing, some being blocked, but Raven was unable to counter with anything. Just as she felt herself being overwhelmed, through all the chaos, Raven heard the bell ring again, and Alexa just stopped, smiling, holding out her gloves for Raven to tap.

"Awesome," she commented, "keep it up; you're actually making me try."

Raven smiled, showing her mouthpiece, walking back to her corner, sitting in the stool that one of the local trainers placed for her to sit on. Hans made his short walk over to her corner, before she could say anything; another one of the trainers threw ice cold water from a sponge on Raven's body, which was becoming saturated with sweat, so it caused a rather unpleasant feeling.

"What the hell are you doing?" She ordered, slightly miffed.

"His job," Hans replied, "they are getting you ready for the next round.

Before she could say anything, the one that sat the stool down put his hand in her mouth and pulled out her mouthpiece.

"I hope you washed your hands," Raven commented, the other holding up water for her to swish around.

"They know what they are doing, my dear," Hans laughed, "on a serious note though, you are doing rather well, Alexa is actually trying now, so be careful, she feels as if you are capable of fighting with her at her peak. Word of advice: Let her punch first, make her miss, just keep bobbing and weaving, and counter with something. Alexa sometimes forgets to cover up after she throws, take advantage of it, ok?"

She nodded, spitting the water out, and was surprised to see that it wasn't clear, but it had a pink tint to it, as if she had brushed her teeth too hard or something. Raven didn't don on it too long, as the mouth piece was forced back in her mouth, and the stool taken out from underneath of her as she stood up, and moments later, the bell sounded, signaling the beginning of the 2nd round. Just as they did before, they exited their corners, meeting one another near the center of the ring once more, Raven more willing to take Alexa head on. She remembered Hans' advice, and waited for Alexa to throw first, which she did. Using her superb speed, she dodged with ease, and countered with a 1-2 combo of her own. Alexa went on the attack again; ferocity in her eyes once more, seeing Raven was showing she was a worthy adversary, and knew she could take it. Yet, once more, Raven used her brain, and let her fists do her talking, catching Alexa off guard yet again, delivering a right cross to the head, but her follow-up uppercut was blocked, and Alexa struck back with her own powerful shot, throwing Raven out of her rhythm, and finding out she had a problem; she was against the ropes, unable to get away. Raven covered up as good as she possibly could, but the flurry of blows that came in from the opportunity she gave Alexa began to overtake her, powerful headshots followed by body blows that disoriented her to a severe degree.

"Get off the ropes!" Hans yelled, watching Raven take punch after punch. "Tie her up, do something!"

Raven heard him, but was still at a loss of what to do. Her reaction took initiative, and she wrapped her arms around Alexa, tying up hers so she couldn't continue her onslaught.

"Nice clinch," commented Alexa, unable to break free of it, but feeling how hard she was squeezing, "are you ok?"

Raven nodded her head, breathing as hard as she was before.

"Alright, if you want me to take it easy, just let me know, ok?" Alexa continued, concerned for Raven, but she only shook her head. "If you say so. I'm going to back up to the center of the ring, ok?"

Raven released her slowly, and Alexa held up her hands just to show she was true to her word.

"You ready?" Alexa questioned, lowering her hands into her stance again as Raven nodded.

Making sure that she was, Raven maneuvered her way away from the ropes, hoping to not relive the nightmare of the recent pummeling she just received. Alexa began to go on the offensive again, attempting to catch Raven on the move, but in reality, Raven had set up a trap, and Alexa walked right into it. Just as she threw what would have been a devastating hook, Raven dodged, planted her feet flat on the canvas, and fired back with a haymaker of a punch, connecting cleanly with a right hook of her own to her head, causing Alexa's head to travel with the force, dazing her. In that moment, Raven stepped forward and turned the tide of the round, following up with another clean hook to the body, and ended with a solid uppercut to the head, Alexa clearly in trouble at the moment. Just as Raven was about to throw another solid combo, the bell rang. No sooner than it did, Raven's arms fell to her sides, tired, and the pain from the blows she received beginning to set in. She sat down in her corner as she did before, closing her eyes as she leaned back against the corner, feeling the icy water hit her hot skin, something to take her mind off of the pain. Raven spat the mouthpiece out to breath deep, the corner guy there to catch it.

"You got a little sloppy in there," Hans commented on Raven's performance, "Alexa's mean as a snake, she'll hurt ya if you don't watch out. Still, you're doing a damn fine job. I'll tell you this though, that last combo you put on her hurt her bad, she was saved by the bell and she knew it. Keep on her, don't give her a chance to throw anything, but remember to protect yourself as well."

Since it was just sparring, Hans decided to give both of these excellent combatants a little extra time, and he wished to see how Alexa was doing. She was receiving the same treatment as Raven was in her corner, and felt the same.

"So," Hans began, "what do you think?"

"She…can fight," she managed, heaving for breath, "she nearly put me on my ass with that last punch, I felt it throughout my whole body."

"I hate to admit it, but you are getting awfully ballsy in there, you underestimated her," Hans cautioned, "this friend of yours is no pushover, so cover up better, both of you are putting on a show, everyone's watching, so finish strong, alright?"

She nodded, opening her mouth to receive her mouthpiece once more. Alexa stood up, tapping her gloves together, ready to go, waiting for Hans to ring the bell and start the 3rd round. Raven was already up, but before Hans rang the bell again, the numerous spectators around the ring, who were already astonished by what they were witnessing, began chanting:

"Rabe, Rabe, Rabe…"

"They are chanting my name," Raven quickly noticed, translating it. "They…like me, they want me to win. If they are in my corner, I might as well show for it."

As if they were just beginning, Raven had managed to find a reservoir of energy, entering her speed styled stance. As it had done before, the bell sounded, and both fighters quickly burst from their corners, meeting each other in the center. Raven was the first to throw, landing a solid shot, Alexa sending one of her own. It was only a mere matter of moments that the third round of their sparring session turned into a slugfest, any time Raven would land a punch, Alexa would come back with something just as hard, the spectators seeming to cringe at every blow dealt, no matter who received it. Even though Raven was taking severe punishment, she knew that Alexa was in the same situation, and wasn't going to stop until she couldn't take any more, or Alexa felt the same. Needless to say, Raven finally stopped the madness that took place, shifting her feet, and digging the most vicious blow she had thrown yet into Alexa's body, causing her to be lifted off of the canvas with it, even spitting her mouthpiece out from the wind forced from her body. She crashed down hard, landing on her behind, but remained sitting. Hans stood up out of sheer amazement, while the spectators were clamoring with excitement. Raven backed off, visibly hurt and tired, exhausted beyond no other.

"1…2…3…4," Hans began to count off, Alexa still sitting there, breathing deeply, finding her mouthpiece, "5…6…7…8..."

She staggered to her feet, standing upright, putting her mouthpiece back in, shaking her head. She raised her fists, ready to continue again, but the bell sounded, and she reluctantly returned to her corner. Raven could barely contain herself, very proud of that round, it even showed in her eyes.

"D-did what I think just happen, happened?" She questioned after her mouthpiece came out, the white of it clearly tainted with a thin layer of blood from her recent round. Hans had already managed to make to her corner.

"Wow, just, wow," he managed, "how the…how did you do that? I mean, there's no way to describe it. Even after taking all those shots, you came back and…destroyed her."

"Oh, wait a second," Raven wearily replied, then grimacing, "yup, there it is, here comes the pain."

"I should have figured an adrenaline rush," Hans commented, "listen, just keep it up, you're doing awesome. You're almost done."

Raven acknowledged, still heaving for breath as hard as she had done yet, sweat literally pouring off of her body.

Hans repeated his act he had done before, approaching Alexa's corner, seeing her cringing in pain.

"Let me see," he stated, getting up to look where she took the blow that dropped her. "It's already bruising. I think she cracked one of your ribs with that one."

"That…shit hurts," she managed, visibly in pain. "Unless I can pull something…out of my ass, she's got it won."

"You better stand up and start looking then," Hans replied, attempting to take her mind off the pain.

It worked to a degree, seeing a smile attempting to break free of the grimace on her face.

"Protect that side of yours, if not, she'll keep working it. She's got a hell of a rhythm going for her, you need to break it, do anything, just get her out of that rhythm and see if you can't do something."

She nodded in understanding, spitting a mouthful of crimson-colored water into a pail before accepting her mouthpiece again.

Hans exited the ring, shaking his head slightly.

"Sad thing is," he said to himself, "Alexa's giving it all she has and her friend's holding back like she told her to. I'd hate to see what she'd do in a sanctioned fight."

He took his seat once more, and doing his job as the "official" in a sense, starting the next round. They left their corners again, but fatigue was clearly showing. Raven knew that Alexa was giving all that she had, and wanted it that way, not to make any exceptions for her. Yet, she obeyed, seeing that it wasn't a match that would be counted for anything, she was still holding back, and even in doing so, Raven was still delivering the most damaging blows without over exerting herself. She knew she couldn't take another round like that last one, and Alexa clearly couldn't, so it was time to start fighting smarter. Even though both of them were tired, they still continued. The duo circled once more in the ring as they did quite often, trying to find openings.

"I…don't care how this ends," Alexa commented, breathing hard, "either way…you're a hell of a fighter, and you took my advice, I told you I was a big girl, I can handle it."

Raven let out a huff in an attempt of a laugh at Alexa's statement. Even after all the punishment they had dealt one another, Alexa extended her gloves as she got close enough, Raven tapping them out of pure respect for her, as well as Alexa doing the same. They backed away from one another, brought up their stances, and went at it again. Raven knew that punch that leveled her was no fluke; she felt it as it connected, so she knew that area was already damaged enough to only amplify any other hits that would connect cleanly, increasing her chances of a win in the sparring bout. She brought up the jab, causing Alexa to cover up, and followed through with what would have been another blow to the body, but Alexa smartened up at Raven's intentions, covering it up, and doing what she wanted…leaving Raven open for a massive counter. Alexa finally planted her feet for the first time in the bout, and even drew back farther than she usually did. She followed through in the same timeframe with an absolutely bone-jarring right hook that connected cleanly with Raven's head, in her temple region, but the headgear was there to protect it. The pure power of the haymaker sent Raven stumbling backwards, disoriented, but she remained on her feet. She gave her head a few shakes to see straight again, and prepared to go after Alexa, but she was surprised. Alexa had dropped her guard, and spat her mouthpiece out.

"Damn, are you ok?" She questioned out of concern, tucking her gloves under her arms in order to pull them off.

Confused, Raven stopped, standing erect, hands at her side. She lifted her hand to spit out her own mouthpiece in it.

"I feel fine, why?" Raven replied, not knowing what Alexa was so concerned about.

"Hans," Alexa beckoned, "that's it, get up here, take a look at this."

"Take a look at wha-"Raven managed, then feeling something trickled profusely down the left side of her face. Before she could even think about looking at it, it began to drip onto her body, staining her top. Raven noticed that it was dark red in color. "Oh, I don't think that's good." She added upon the sight of the blood.

Hans led her over to her corner, allowing her to sit down while he crouched down to eye level. He removed her head gear, inspecting whatever it was that was so serious.

"I feel fine, why did we stop?" Raven questioned, looking up in the direction where Hans' hands were on her face.

Alexa was handed a small mirror from one of the spectators, and she held in front of Raven's face.

"Oh, wow," she commented, seeing a gash above her left eye, easily an inch and a half long, blood still flowing from it. "That didn't even hurt, I mean, the punch did, I was all out of it, but I didn't feel that."

"Alexa," Hans began as he began to work on the cut, Raven cringing in pain, "how did you manage to do this? The headgear supposed to prevent stuff like this, yet you managed to still do it."

"I don't know," she replied, "she's gonna be alright, ain't she?"

"You know me," Hans stated, "I know what I'm doing."

"It looks like it needs stitches," Raven commented, still in pain from all the blows dealt during their sparring.

"Nah," Hans gestured, "I've seen worse, besides, with me, I'll have it patched up and it will be fine in a few days, don't worry about it."

"Look, Raven," Alexa began, "I'm really sorry about that."

"Why? I willingly stepped in here knowing what was going to happen, and even after this, I still feel pretty good, and I had a lot of fun. I didn't expect this to happen, but it does, don't worry about it." Raven replied, managing a smile. "You wouldn't happen to have any of that coffee here with you, would you?"

Alexa only smirked as she undid her own headgear, sliding it of her head.

"Alright," Hans commented, placing a series of white strips over the cut, keeping it shut, "it looks like it's sealed up know. I know that both of you do that thing tonight, I suggest you find someway of getting out of it. Both of ya have no reason to fight tonight, you're hurt, and it will only aggravate your injuries that much more into something serious. In any case, that was probably the most intense sparring session I've seen in awhile, both of you were good, damn good I might add."

"Thanks, Hans," Alexa accepted the compliment, "but what about Raven, I mean, this was her first time…ever."

"Then, Raven is it? Then Raven is a very dangerous person, she keeps up with this if she wants, she could do something amazing with it." Hans informed. "Well, come on you two; time to let someone else use the ring."

They obeyed, following him through the ropes. Hans had taken off Raven's equipment for her, so she was no longer restricted. Alexa put her arm around Raven's shoulders, getting her attention. She looked down to find an extended hand.

"I don't care what anyone says, Rae," she informed, "but that was probably the hardest I ever fought anyone, and if I didn't get lucky the way I did, you would have put me down for good, I promise you that."

She accepted it, shaking gently.

"Well, thanks, but you truly were the better fighter, I mean, experience always beats beginner's luck," Raven pointed out, "and I only did because I was incorporating my martial arts skills I've learned with what you taught me."

They stopped near a bench that was used to watch matches like the one that just took place.

"Hey, could you wait here a sec?" Alexa questioned, getting a nod of agreement from Raven, "I gotta ask Hans something and I'll be right back, ok?"

"Yeah, sure," Raven replied, wearily leaning back against the bench as she sat down.

No sooner than she did, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, she looked up, finding a male, but he wasn't a man, but a mere boy, 13 at the most for that matter. He meekly smiled, handing Raven a towel.

"That was very good," he stated in his fluent language, "no one around here can stand toe-to-toe with Alexa like that, or knock her down for that matter."

"Uhh…thanks," Raven replied in her second language, accepting the towel as she wiped her face, making sure to not open her cut back up.

"I think you would have won if that didn't happen," he pointed out, "how long have you been boxing?"

"Me? Today's the first day," Raven truthfully answered, getting dropped jaw of surprise from the little boy.

He walked away out of astonishment, while Alexa returned.

"Come on," she motioned, "time to hit the showers and call it a day."

"A shower sounds rather nice right now," Raven replied, feeling beaten, fatigued, and worst of all, sweaty.

She more than happily followed Alexa back into the dressing room. Raven was surprised just as Alexa had begun undressing no sooner than they entered, yet Raven was more self-conscious about it. Luckily, seeing how she was still shy around her newly-made friend, the showers were separated into individual stalls. Alexa was already drenching herself with water from the showerhead well before Raven had even entered her stall.

"Word of advice," Alexa stated, getting her attention, "turn it on has hot as you can stand, relaxes the muscles, you won't be as sore afterwards."

"I'll keep that in mind," Raven laughed, taking heed to her advice seeing that she had been right about everything up until that point, so she saw no reason to not believe her now. She slowly turned the water on, allowing it to hit her exhausted body, and the heat did seem to take away some of the pain.

"I noticed something about you," Alexa commented out of nowhere, "you are...different, but I mean it in a good way. I'd never expect someone like you to do the things you do, you know what I mean?"

"That's what I like about...well, me," Raven replied, looking over at Alexa, "I'm unique, I'm not another statistic. I hate it when someone tries to profile me."

"You mean someone calling you a Goth and stuff like that?" Alexa pondered.

"Exactly, I'm far from Goth, I'm dark, mysterious, but not Goth." Raven informed, "but stupidity is high amongst the masses, especially those who don't understand me, so it happens. You know what though? They can go to hell for all I care."

"I couldn't agree with you more," Alexa replied with a chuckle, turning off the water, reaching for her towel.

"I should say the same thing about you though," Raven commented as she followed suit as Alexa had done, drying off. "You look like just any normal girl, but your tough, out-spoken, and know more than one way to beat someone's ass, and I mean that."

She looked up after pulling up her blue jeans, a smirk on her face.

"That's because I'm just like you, I don't want to be just another number. Most of it just kinda came naturally though." Alexa admitted, reaching for the T-shirt she wore in.

Raven merely cracked a smile, even though it hurt to do so, as with the rest of her body, she was sore beyond no other. After finishing getting dressed, they exited the dressing room, seeing Hans was back at his desk again, and reading the magazine he was looking at. He looked up, noticing the duo.

"Ah, Raven," he beckoned, "could I have a word with you?"

She looked at Alexa, only getting a gesture of shrugged shoulders. Raven did the same, approaching him.

"I'd like to speak with you in private in my office. Is that okay with you?" Hans informed, motioning for her to follow him up a flight of stairs.

"Uh...sure," Raven replied, seeing she was in no immediate danger, and if anything did come up, she was more than capable of handling it.

The stairs led to a lone door, apparently his office, seeing that the stairs didn't go anywhere else. Needless to say, he walked through it, waiting for Raven to enter before he gently closed it.

"Take a seat," he beckoned as he made his way to his chair behind the desk.

Raven obeyed, taking in the many pictures on the walls, including a small trophy case of sorts behind the desk, containing tournament won awards, as well as what she presumed to be a replica belt of some type from his past career. Hans took his seat, leaning backwards.

"Now," he began, putting his hands together, "after seeing your performance today, I was very impressed. I've never seen anyone move about the ring with such grace, as well as possessing destructive power before, and especially one with your experience, seeing how you started today."

"Thanks?" Raven replied, unable to translate his true intentions of the moment. "What are you trying to get at?"

"Out of all seriousness," he answered, "I want to get you and Alexa out of that pit, it's doing nothing but hurting you, as well as a waste of raw talent. Alexa told me how you didn't even want to be involved in it, but she did it because she was going through a rough time when she first moved here, and she needed the money bad. Now she has been sucked into something she can't escape, but with your help, both of you can get out, I can feel it."

"I know, but I don't think that's all of what you wanted to tell me, was it?" Raven deduced, leaning back in her chair.

"You are intelligent," Hans chuckled, "you see, I wasn't going to tell you about this, but Alexa wanted me to, she feels as if you are capable of doing it."

"Doing what?" Raven asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"A promoter contacted me awhile back, wishing to hold a city-wide tournament here. Amateurs only, sanctioned event, all that jazz, gender separated as well." Explained Hans, placing glasses on his face as he picked up the flyer to read it.

"I don't know if she told you or not," Raven replied, "but I don't like using my abilities for personal gain."

"She did, but she also informed me about your current financial situation, as well as your wish to return home." He added, "Listen, not that's any of my business, but you really shouldn't be so closed-minded to things that help you, no matter what."

"It just feels wrong to me, that's all," Raven explained, "I know you want to help and all, but I don't know if I want to do it."

"How does the sound of 10,000 Euros strike you?" Hans informed, pointing to one of the many lines on the flyer.

Raven's eyes widened with extreme surprise.

"H-how much was that again?" She requested, slightly shocked, "That's first place prize, correct?"

"10 large, and yes, you win it all and it's yours," Hans answered, seeing he had managed to snag her interest. "As I said, you aren't ready, nowhere near it in my opinion, but Alexa has managed to convince me otherwise. If you want me to, I'll sign you up."

"When is this thing?" Raven questioned, visibly showing her interest in the matter.

"Not for six months, so you got plenty of time to get ready for it." Hans replied, "which, brings me to my next question, that is if you want to do this."

"Well," Raven began, "it will put an end to my situation in a sense, and I will be able to get home, so yeah, I'll do it."

"Good," Hans smiled, "another great contribution to the sport you have made. Since both you and Alexa are going to need some guidance, you especially, I was wondering if you wished to take me on as your trainer."

"I don't see why not," Raven deduced, "you know what you're doing, and you know just about everything about everything that has to do with boxing, so yeah, I want you to be my trainer."

"You just made an old man happy, my dear," Hans laughed getting up from his chair. "I know you're sick of hearing it, but you've got awesome potential that is just waiting to explode out and unleash itself, and I'm going to coax it along, Alexa will be there to help out as well. Both of you gotta promise me one thing though."

"What's that?" Raven pondered, following him out of his office as they had come in.

"You gotta get the hell out of that pit, and stay out of it for good." He warned, "I don't want either of you wasting any more of your time down there again, ok?"

"I'm more that willing to get out of it, it's Alexa that's going to have the problem, but as you said, I'll help her out if she needs it." Raven reasoned.

"That's my girl," he smirked, the steps ending on the bottom floor once more, Alexa had sat the duffle bag down and was speaking with another person, apparently one of the many spectators that had witnessed the awesome display between her and Raven. She noticed Hans out of the corner of her eye, ending her conversation, and turning to face them.

"Well, Hans," Alexa began, giving him a slight nod, as if it were a little "thank-you" of sorts, "we're gonna get out of here, you know, leave you alone for the rest of the day."

"Alright," he laughed, "be careful and take care of yourselves. Young ladies like you shouldn't be wandering around all by yourselves now."

"I think we're more than capable of handling ourselves, Hans," Alexa assured, smiling.

"I know, I'm just kidding," Hans replied with his usual smile, "I will see both of you later."

Alexa nodded, turning to begin walking out the door, Raven in tow. No sooner than the duo exited the gym, Alexa turned to face Raven as they walked.

"So," she began, "what did he have to say that was so important for you to be in private?"

"I know you know, because it was your idea," Raven reasoned with a smile.

"Who...me?" Alexa joked, as if she were devastated by the accusation. "Seriously though, I want to know what you said."

"I told him that I am going to get out of the pit, and he suggested you do the same." Raven began. "He also asked me if I wanted to enter in that amateur tournament, because of your referral, and he wants to be my trainer."

"Wow, that went better than I thought it would," Alexa commented, visibly surprised, "I only asked him if he would talk to you about the tournament, I didn't know he was going to personally train you. That's an honor right there. I was lucky enough to receive his help, so he must see something special in you."

"You really think so?" Raven questioned, finding it hard to believe. "I guess I did...decent today, but you can't judge someone's talent just by a single day's showing."

"Raven," Alexa replied, not believing her ears, "not only did you stand toe-to-toe with me, which is something that hardly anyone in that place will do, but you knocked me on my ass, and that was a first in that place. I'm telling you, you train hard enough for that tournament; you will win it hands-down. Not many fighters posses the speed you have, and you have the power too. With Hans behind you, I'm going to feel sorry for whoever you get matched up against."

"Does that include you?" Raven joked, gently punching her in the arm.

"Seriously? A little, I'm not going to lie. I have to be smart when I'm in the ring with you, I can't say that for just about anyone else I spar with." She replied with a laugh. "Still, I'm sorry about what happened, I got a little carried away, and I saw the opportunity to get my rhythm back in step."

"Why do you keep going on about it?" Raven questioned out of annoyance of sorts. "I told you, shit happens, it's done, it's over with, no big deal. You did what I would have probably done in that situation, and I would probably feel the same way you do right now." She added with a laugh, getting a smirk out of Alexa.

"Alright, alright," Alexa reasoned, "I guess your right, but you know what that means now don't you?"

"What's that?" Raven stated amused.

"You owe me one," she seriously answered, "I'll just have to be on the lookout for it."

"Oh, stop it," Raven replied with a wave of her hand. "Besides, I'll find a way to get you back, maybe not in the ring or anything, but I'll find it."

"Now you're scaring me," Alexa laughed, "come one, let's go."

"Not yet, we have to settle some unfinished business first," Raven informed, pointing farther down the street, in the direction of the pit.

"Unfinished business?" She replied, confused beyond no other.

"You see," Raven explained as they continued to the alley, "there's a part two to my agreement to entering in that tournament, which I've decided is the best for me right now, but in order for me to do it, I need to devote my time to training, you do too, so I promised Hans that we would stop fighting in the pit from now on and forever."

"I know you don't want to, Raven," Alexa confirmed, "but I need to, and it's how I pay for everything. I can't live anywhere if I don't. I tried getting a normal job and it didn't work out, it's the only thing I'm good at."

"Listen to me," Raven added, looking her friend in the eye, "all you're doing is destroying yourself down there, as Hans put it, and it makes sense. You're losing touch with yourself, becoming emotionless. Trust me, after living most of my life like that, you don't want to be that way. I can help, just let me. We can do it, together."

As they neared the door that led to the place, Alexa thought, seeing that Raven was right, and she might be the one that would release the binds that tied her to that cesspool of a place. Raven knocked rather robustly upon the old iron door, the hatch sliding open again.

"We need to talk to your boss," Raven ordered in fluent German, "now."

He opened the door, knowing that it was the new girl, and not to mention Alexa, so he dared not to disagree with them.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Alexa questioned, starting to have second thoughts as they climbed the stairs to his office.

Raven turned to face Alexa as they stopped outside the door.

"Honestly? I don't know," Raven truthfully answered, "but it's worth a shot."

Alexa silently agreed as Raven pushed the button intercom.

"I'm very busy right now, this better be important," the man ordered.

"Trust me," Raven replied, "it is. We have matters to discuss with you and they cannot wait."

"Oh, its you, ah, well, enter," he answered to Raven's forced request.

The door opened slowly, as always, his face was hidden from view by the darkness.

"What brings my most skilled fighters of all this early, I know you're dedicated, bu-"he began, only to be interrupted.

"Something's came up," Alexa began, "and we can't fight."

"Excuse me?" He replied, confused, "On what grounds do you have that you can't compete?"

"Due to an unfortunate accident," Alexa informed, "both Raven and I cannot continue in the tournament. I possibly have a cracked rib and no one in their sane mind would go out there willingly to continue. Raven's got a gash above her eye that will need stitches if she continues. Look, we aren't perfect, we will get hit, and we don't need to intensify out injuries."

He leaned back, letting out an exasperated sigh.

"I see," he reasoned, "how did this come about happening?"

"That doesn't matter," Raven chimed in, "what part of "we want out" do you not understand?"

"The part that it will be a loss of profits to me," the man boldly replied.

"Money? That's what you're worried about?" Raven snapped back, reaching into her pocket, "here, take it, it's all yours."

She slammed the small stack of money she received from him the night before back on the desk, pushing it across the desk to him.

"This is nothing compared to what I could make off of you if you continue fighting," contradicted the man.

"Take it or leave it, but I'm done," Raven ordered, "Disqualify me, do whatever you need to do, but I won't take part in this anymore."

"Suit yourself," the man succumbed, seeing she was becoming visibly angry, "as for you Alexa, why do you wish to drop out of the tournament as well, I mean; you have been around for quite some time, why now?"

"It's just time for me to move on as well," she admitted, "and you can have this too," As Raven did, she placed her earnings on the table as well. "Consider it a termination fee."

"Very well then," the man stated, "since you are adults and make your own choices, then who am I to stop you?"

"Smart choice," Raven quickly commented as she stood up, turning to Alexa, "we're done here."

Alexa followed suit, making her way to the door.

"I'm sorry that you feel this way, Alexa," he pleaded, "I really wish that you wouldn't do this, you're making a big mistake."

She stopped, turning to face him, both her and Raven in the doorway.

"Yeah, I am making a bit mistake," she began, "the mistake being that I didn't do this sooner. Good luck with your "business"."

Alexa quickly turned back and followed Raven, slamming the door behind her.

"That went a lot better than I thought it would," Raven commented, "last time I tried to leave, his goons pulled guns on me."

"I think he knew it was coming," Alexa answered, "but I still have to find a steady source of income, otherwise I'll be out on the street, and I don't want to do that again."

"You seem pretty resourceful," she replied, "don't worry, we can handle it."

"Rae, don't burden yourself with my problems," Alexa attempted, "it's my life, I can handle it."

"No," Raven protested, "that may be, but I'm not going to leave you out to dry on this one, Alexa. Friends don't leave friends hanging, so I'm going to help out as much as I can as well, besides, I still have a little bit left over when I started my journey home, that will make ends meet for a while."

"Why are you troubling yourself with other people's issues?" Alexa truthfully questioned. "If you wanted, you could up and leave, go wherever you wanted, and forget about me, why are you doing this?"

"I think I've already covered that," smiled Raven, "besides, I'm a superhero remember, I gotta protect the public, especially those in need."

Alexa huffed a laugh of sorts, lightening the mood slightly.

"I'm the one in need right now, aren't I?" Alexa joked, exiting the underground place the same way the came in.

"Exactly, but you can't help those who can't help themselves," Raven quoted, "but you are more than willing to help yourself, so it all works out."

"You know something, Rae?" Alexa replied, "Shut up, you talk too much."

Raven merely smiled, seeing she meant it in good spirits, and knowing that Alexa knew what she was getting at, so she was just dragging it on.

"So," Raven finally spoke up after several minutes of silence between the two of them, the elevator arriving at the top of the shaft, "you still wanting me to show you the art of meditation?"

She opened the door to her apartment, looking back at Raven.

"Sure," Alexa smiled, "nothing but help can come from it, right?"

"That," Raven laughed, "and we won't have to worry about hurting each other again."

"For some reason," Alexa managed through her fit of hilarity, "I figured you were going to say something like that."