Seduction of the Strike

21:06 Amalia_Torres:

21:08 Amalia_Torres:

21:09 Xppilot1:

21:10 Amalia_Torres: A single light dangles above, humming just enough to notice, spilling a weak yellow wash over the empty room. Boards cover each window, yet strands of moon slip between splits. Air thick with dust sits still, almost solid. Cold planks press against my soles, splintered, littered with bent nails, stained where something once soaked into the wood. Every sound finds me. Far-off cars mutter under the night. A faucet leaks, drop after drop, into unseen space. My breath moves steady, long, even. Yet beneath it, my pulse begins its climb. That old rhythm creeping in, the one that always shows up just before things crack Back rolls loose, shoulders dropping as knots unwind in my upper arms. Fingers stretch wide after being bound tight by tape that splits near the joints used up, weathered, just how it should be. A slow tilt of the head cracks bone on one side, then the other follows through. That snap cuts clean across empty air where silence sits thick. After that, a quiet stillness takes hold. One leg moves ahead, the other stays behind, grounded. Bending slightly at the knees, ready but loose. Balance spreads evenly through the frame. Your shape appears in the distance, caught by sight. Focus narrows until everything fades except what stands there. Presence fills the space between us. This moment holds only us. Here it is "...So. You're Mike." "My voice comes out low. My jaw is set tight. A thin sheen of sweat already glistens on my forehead, my collarbones, the hollow of my throat, not from fear, never from fear. From anticipation. From the electricity crawling under my skin. I exhale slowly through my nose. A single bead of sweat rolls down my temple. I take one small step closer.

21:10 Amalia_Torres: The floor groans beneath me like something waking up. I can feel the vibration through my arches, my calves, all the way up to my thighs. Every muscle is awake. Every nerve is live. I bounce once light, quick, testing the ground. Then I plant my feet firm. My fists come up. Left hand high, guarding my jaw. Right hand tight against my ribs, coiled like a spring. My chin tucks down. My elbows lock in. My gaze never leaves your eyes. Not for a second. "I'm right here, Mike. Show me what you've got."

21:23 Xppilot1: I follow the directions I was given in an email. It’s not a terrible part of town but I’ve never been here before. The building appears to be somewhat run-down, but I think that’s intentional. I park my truck in the indicated garage and the door closes smoothly behind me. I go through the open door and up a set of stairs. Treads creek as my feet hit them. Anyone close by would know I’m coming. At the top of the stairs is a large, apartment? Not sure what else to call it. I cross a great room, the wooden floor makes noise as I walk. I find the room indicated in the directions. I take off my street clothes and change into my trusty pair of black shorts. I I take a deep breath, ready to meet my opponent. I’ve seen pictures of her and we have spoken, but I have not seen her in person. The room is dimly lit, but the blue, yoga pants? Stand out. I watch my step as I walk across the door to face off with you. No question she’s fit I think to myself. Probably fast. Legs look strong. I get close. I smile as you introduce yourself and taunt me. “I’m Mike.” I shuffle my feet, my guard loose. “That would make you Audrey Beyoncé. Unique name.” I move my hands, just to watch your eyes track me. “You asked for it.” I jab quickly with my left at your face. Twisting my torso I hook at your flat belly with my right and take a half step back to reset.

21:37 Audrey_Beyoncé: A single light trembles overhead. This place carries the scent of metal gone dull, mixed with timber left too long in damp air. Cold seeps up through the soles of my feet where they meet the ground. Across the room you move. Each step pulls a sound from the wood below. Size shows in how you take up space. Broadness sits in your shoulders. There's weight behind the way you stand. Then you smile. My jaw tightens. Out of nowhere, you mention your name. Then comes a comment on Beyoncé. Out of my mouth slips a sound that is quiet, without shape. It lands dull, like stone on wood. "Just Audrey." Then you move. A sudden flick of your left hand cuts through the air. My neck twists away just in time. Close. So close. An inch separates strike from skin. After that, your right hook buries itself in my gut. A chill runs through me. Out spills a quick gasp. Across the ground, my bare feet drag when I shift backward slightly. You start again. Your eyes stay on me, steady. Not a word. Just looking. Up I rise, bit by bit. Fingers drift to my belly, the spot you struck. Warmth lingers - your fist remembered in skin. Up I look. Your gaze meets mine. Breathing picks up speed, my chest moving quick. Up go my hands again. Down they ease, a little looser now. Back slides my balance, slow and quiet. Breathing fills the space, nothing else. A foot moves ahead, just a little. A soft left jab heads toward your chest. Not quick. Not flashy. Just watching how you react.

21:48 Xppilot1: You are fast, I will give you that. You dodge my left without too much effort. You are light on your feet, but my right hook slips in and my knuckles make contact. The thud from the hit echoes in the eerie room. My arm flexes as your body recoils. I smile as you gasp, I must have scored a bit. At the same time you take the hit well. A slight movement of your feet and body, but your eyes stay on me. I keep your gaze as we both move. I see your hands come up and I step forward a half step, risking staying in close instead of keeping back to use my reach advantage. I can’t help but watch your chest move as your breathing changes. You step forward as well, we come close together. Your jab hits the center of my chest with a hollow thud. My skin reddens under your taped knuckles. I let out a grunt, though I’m not hurt, you obviously can punch. I dip my left shoulder and hook under your arm, aiming at your exposed ribs. I keep my right hand high. “Just Audrey it is.”

21:55 Audrey_Beyoncé: A light shakes above, thin and weak. On my feet again, somehow. My gut burns from your punch earlier. Yet here I remain. Close you move when others would retreat. Courage? Maybe foolishness. That remains to be seen. A fist hits your chest - hard. The impact blooms red across your skin. A grunt escapes you. That’s right. Down goes the shoulder, just a little tilt to one side. You’re tugging at my sleeve now. Going for the ribs, I see. Down goes my elbow, aiming to stop it. A block forms, though late. Speed fails me each time. A thud lands just off-center, low in my left ribs. Wrong spot entirely. Unexpected, too. Pain blooms outward like spilled ink. Air catches in my throat. Weight wobbles between both heels, searching for solid ground once more. Tightness grips my face. Teeth pressed hard, again. I stand my ground. Right here is where I remain. Near enough to catch the scent of your sweat. The warmth rising from your skin reaches me. Closer than words make clear. Staring into your eyes keeps me grounded. Even when pain strikes, my gaze never wavers. That satisfaction stays hidden. Fingers rise a second time - this motion more careful than before. Each breath pulls at my sides like old wire. The air moves in, sharp and low. My left hand reaches for your shoulder. A light brush, really - just enough to know you’re there. Now the right leg lifts, aiming near your thigh. Not forceful. More like a quiet check to see if you notice. A pause follows. The kind that waits for nothing but breath. Even small moves carry weight when silence listens.

22:05 Xppilot1: My chest rises and falls a bit faster now. Neither of us retreats, we stubbornly stay close. Both of us watch the other. On occasion I notice other noises in the room, but my focus is on you. I can see the determination in your face and I realize this may go longer than I thought. Neither of us has found a real advantage yet. Your elbow moves to block my hook, but I manage to tag your ribs. I see your instability as your feet move, but like a cat you stay on your feet and keep close. Your hand is warm on my skin as you touch my right shoulder. I move to clinch with you, but realize too late that isn’t really your intent. I turn my hips as looking down I see your foot come up. My leg wobbles as your knee impacts my thigh. You leave another red mark on my skin. I reach out with both hands for your shoulders and rolling my hips back I piston up my own right knee in response aiming at your belly, just above the blue V of your yoga pants.

22:11 Audrey_Beyoncé: A single light trembles overhead. Still near enough that it matters. Way too near, actually. Warmth rises from you, reaching me before anything else. Your breath grows louder, uneven, filling the quiet. Down goes my knee, pressing into your thigh. Your leg shakes a little. I notice right away. That tiny win sits there. After that, your fingers close around my shoulders. I sense your hips shift backward. Up comes your knee, pressing just under my ribs. Above the waistband of those loose-fitting pants. Where the body gives way a little. That quiet spot where warmth gathers. Out rushes every bit of breath. Nothing stays inside. From my lips slips something damp. Not speech. Only... empty wind. Away go my hands from your shoulders. Forward bends my body, sudden, uninvited. Near enough - my forehead nearly meets your chest. I stop it in time. Feet, bare and quick, fumble for hold on the grit below. Something moves in my chest. Maybe breath, maybe not. The air won’t stay inside. Inside me, everything tightens into a knot. I stay upright. Yet I dream of dropping. Fingers touch skin along the length of you. Not for comfort more like balance. Without it, I might fall. Head comes up, gradual. Your gaze meets mine next. Moist there. No tears falling. Only… reaction to the blow. Some days I force a grin. Still, it fails every time. Out of my throat goes a sound too wea, I shove away from your arms. Backing up. First one step. Then another. My palm finds my stomach. Same place you struck earlier. This time the pain runs deeper. Up I rise. Gradually. With caution. Again, my hands rise. Yet not so high. Heavy with weariness. Again I reach for your shoulder. Not because I need to, but to know you’re there. Weight drags through my arm like wet sand.

22:24 Xppilot1: My knee digs in, your body finally stopping the forward momentum. I can’t help but smile as I think I got a little bit lucky with that one. I lose my grip on your shoulders as my foot comes back down on the cold, hard uneven floor. What is this place I wonder. I’m sure this is not the first fight within these walls. Your hands drop away as your body moves forward, but come back as you recover. I move to get a grip on your hair with both hands but you keep moving. I hear your breathing and gasps as you recoil from the hit. I put my left foot back to stop my movement as you push me away. You straighten up and I look into your eyes again as you come upright. Your hand comes back to my shoulder, I try to ignore it as it opens you somewhat. I try to move quick to keep the pressure on you. My right fist digs at your belly again, the deep blue V making a nice target. My shoulders turn and I jab my left fist at the center of your face.

22:33 Audrey_Beyoncé: A single bulb stutters above. That final drag lingers on my tongue. Pain knots deep in my gut. Each rib pulses with its own dull beat. A punch lands where it hurt before. That familiar ache spreads through me. Bent at the waist now. Fingers unclench without meaning to. Defense fades like breath after impact. Your left fist suddenly darts at my face. Out of the corner of my eye, motion appears. Every instinct says shift position now. Yet muscles drag like wet sand. Weight pins me down. Bone meets bone as your fist lands square on my nose. A jolt hits. Light explodes inside my skull. Blood trickles, slow from the nostrils. Over the mouth. Falls, one drop at a time, from the jaw. Back I stumble, off balance. Dust coats the soles of my feet as they drag across the ground. The wall stops me - my hand hits it fast. Cold seeps through skin where palm meets timber. Leaning now. Air pushes out of my chest in short bursts. Eyes flicker open and shut. Everything fades. A moment later, sharp again. Fingers brush my face - stain bright against skin. The tip tingles, marked by what sticks. Across the room, my eyes find you. There you stay, rooted in the spot where it happened. Not moving. Just there, holding your ground. I see how you watch. Off the wall I shove. Not fast. Legs wobble like they don’t remember how to hold. A drum thumps inside my skull. My sleeve catches the drip before it falls. A red streak marks where I touched my face. Up go my hands once more. Yet loose they stay. Not set. Not prepared. A single step moves me closer. Not more. Out of nowhere, my hand moves toward your shoulder. Not for any reason - just wanting to feel you there. Weight pulls at my arm like it's filled with stones. Each step drags, the floor holding me back. Here I remain. Yet doubt lingers on duration.

22:46 Xppilot1: I’m breathing heavier now, the slight sheen of sweat reflects what little light there is in this room. I should follow you, but I watch to see if you go down as my left finds its target. I can tell you are hurt, there is a slight stagger as you go back against the wall. I start to move to take advantage, but you don’t stop. I see your eyes, thinking they are closing, but they open quickly. You push off the wall and the cheap sheet rock groans as you use it for leverage. I see the blood on your face and hands, your nose is not obviously broken, but it is bleeding. Despite whatever damage I have done you push back and step toward me. Your hand touches me once again. It’s not a firm grip to keep you upright, but it is becoming familiar. I am guessing it’s how you gauge distance. I thinking through my strategy. I feel slightly guilty that I’ve hurt you, but then I remember your words in the challenge you issued. “Until one of us can no longer stand.” We are within your arms length, mine is longer so you are close. I try to distract you. I move my hands in front of you upward. At the same time I dip my shoulders. My hands work together. Right hook at your tormented belly, then my left comes up in an upper cut at your chin.

22:55 Audrey_Beyoncé: A single light trembles overhead. Around me, walls tilt slightly. Not much. But it's there. Something shifts when your hands pass through the air near me. It pulls at my attention. Not that I want it to. Still, I watch anyway. They drift across my line of sight like smoke. Again, your right hook buries itself in my stomach. Here again. Hurting just like before. Folding at the waist, I can’t help it. Breath rushes out, sharp. Hands find my belly without thinking. Then your left fist comes up. There it is. Just before impact. That rising punch aimed at my jaw. Back I go, a step maybe. Feet shuffle, wanting out. Yet the body drags, heavy. Not working right. Pain stuck deep. Your fist connects. Something jerks my head upward "UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF BHHggggg!!!!!!" . Behind me, everything flashes bright. A second later it's gone. Empty. Not even shadow remains. Down I go, knees giving way. Standing slips from me like a forgotten tune. The ground comes fast now. Shoulder strikes before anything else does. After that, my head follows. Cold boards press into one side of my face. A dim light shakes overhead. Not clear. Getting weaker. Each breath echoes inside me. Not deep. Just a steady rhythm pulling through. Quiet steps in the dark mind. Pausing between beats like time forgets itself. Fingers won’t budge when I ask them to. My mind tells them, yet they stay still. My lips part. Silence follows. My eyes close. Darkness comes when you block the light. That shape above - is yours. Then darkness.

23:06 Xppilot1: This whole fight has been up close and personal. I’m sure you thought this old man would be an easy target. To be honest, I was not sure how this would go, but I have a lot of pride and experience behind me. I cans see your reflexes have slowed by the way you move. You are distracted as I move my hands. My hook to your belly folds you forward once again. I smile as I found my target once again, but I also wince as I feel the guilt of causing you pain. My second punch closes the deal as they say. I wince as my knuckles make contact with your jaw. I stand upright as I watch you slowly crumble. I can tell your system wants to fight, but it’s overwhelmed. You go down on the hard dirty floor. I wait, I’m not sure how long, just to see if you are truely out. Looking around I see some water bottles and a less than clean rag on a nearby table. Grabbing both I move to sit next to you on the floor. I can barely see what little audience there is watching us. I pull you into my lap. Wetting the rag with the water I start to wipe the blood off your face. I know you will hate me when you come to, but somehow this seems right. I take a deep drag of the water and lay the wet rag on your forehead.

23:07 Audrey_Beyoncé: end?

23:07 Xppilot1: End