Chapter 8: On My Own

Bring me out. Come and find me in the dark now.

Everyday by myself I'm breaking down.

I don't want to fight alone anymore.

Bring me out, from the prison of my own pride.

My God I need a hope I can't deny.

In the end I'm realizing

I was never meant to fight on my own.

-On My Own - Ashes Remain

Ayane makes her way out of the ring as Hayate and Kasumi head in. "Good job out there," Hayate says to her. "I thought you were a goner."

"Congratulations," Kasumi says to her softly as he passes. "I am happy for you."

Ayane doesn't say a word. I knew I could do it, she thinks as she heads out through the entrance.

Hayate makes his way into the ring to wait for Ryu, who makes his entrance shortly after Ayane exits. "Good luck," he says to Hayate. "This should be fun"

-XX-

Hayte starts off with a quick dash at Ryu. I am faster , he thinks. I will beat him with my speed and agility. He moves in with a series of quick strikes and is able to get Ryu on the defensive. He keeps a close distance and lets out a fury of strikes on Ryu, who is unable to keep up his defense. Hayate is able to land a few good strikes and when he goes for a heavy chop, Ryu is finally able to counter by rolling back and landing a high kick to the stomach sending Hayate high into the air. When he comes down Ryu throws a powerful kick sending Hayate flying to the side and rolling into the corner.

Ryu bears down on him with a fury of punches to the gut. Hayate grunts with each blow, gritting his teeth as the pain shoots through his body. I can't get trapped here, the shinobi thinks to himself. I need to find a way out.

-XX-

Mila has made her way down to the infirmary to check on her friend Tina and gives a knock on the door.

After Tina responds, she enters.

"How are you feeling?" she asks her friend as she walks in.

"Lousy," the wrestler responds. "I really thought I had her there when she was in that choke."

Mila takes a seat at the foot of Tina's bed. She sits there for a moment staring at Tina's boots trying to gather her thoughts.

The silence is broken when Tina starts to speak. "I saw you talking to Momiji," she began. "You looked kind of nervous."

You have no idea, the redhead thinks as Tina continues.

"You are my friend and I want to make sure you are alright," she says with a smile. "Your second round opponent will be Kasumi and she looks just as determined as you do." She paused and then continued with a blush placing her hand on top of her friend's. "I am always here if you need someone to talk to."

Mila couldn't help but notice the emphasis on "always" as she spoke. I gave her some hope in her heart.

-XX-

Back in the ring Ryu and Hayate are trading blows with Ryu gaining the upper hand. I can't beat this guy straight up, Hayate thinks while trying to form a strategy. I need to find an edge, maybee with my speed. He begins to dash around and take chip shots at his opponent. If I can keep him on the defensive, I might be able to get in some good strikes. He catches Ryu with a high kick sending him into the air and laying down a furry of quick punches sending Ryu backward rolling across the ground.

-XX-

Momiji is in the waiting area before the last of the first round fights. She is dressed in her balck armored bodysuit with sleeves and boots. She is looking on to her monitor with confidence. You trained me and I know you have the ability to take them. She begins her pre fight routine in preparation for the end of this fight.

-XX-

Both fighters are feeling the effects of the competition and are wearing out. They are both formulating a plan to end the fight quickly. I need to watch my back, Hayate thinks. He will probably try to get behind me and finish me off.

On cue Ryu comes in behind Hayate, but he is prepared and unleashes a powerful strike to Ryu's chest sending him backward and ending up on the ground in a pile.

"Somehow Hayate is able to defeat Ryu and move on to the next round," the announcer says to the crowd with a mix of cheers and stunned silence.

He actually did it, Kasumi thinks to herself. He was able to beat Ryu.

-XX-

Back down in the infirmary, Mila feels her heart start to pound in her chest as she sits talking to Tina. From her confident blue eyes to her large bust. I have my chance, she thinks and opens her mouth to speak before TIna interoups her.

"Would you mind getting me some water?" she asks.

"Oh sure," the redhead responds as she gets up to fill a glass. This could be my chance, she thinks as she pours the ice cold liquid. She hands the glass to Tina who takes a sip and places it on the table next to the bed. Mila sits down next to her again placing a hand on her friend's. "You know," she says. "You looked really good out there."

Tina puts the pieces together and looks at Mila with a sly grin. "Do you mean really good?" she asks. "Or do you mean Really Good?"

Mila swallows. "I could just show you what I mean."

"Oh yeah?"

Mila begins to lean in taking a long look into the blond's eyes. She sees them start to close and she has her answer. She continues to come in closer..

Closer…

Closer…

"Guess who is back with some snacks?" Bass booms as he enters the room, and Mila pulls away.

"Oh sorry," he says. I am not interrupting anything am I?"

"Dad!"