Knockout // Windy

[Sunrise Rainier D2 // [Thundy]]

______________________

Cut from the cloth of a flag that
Bears the name of "Battle Born"

"You're weak," our mother tells us, sitting perched on the couch like she's afraid to lean back in fear of slouching, in fear of looking small, in fear of imperfection. No, no, the Moreno parents sit on the couch in a manner that suggests they're prepared to pounce at any moment.

She continues on.

"You won't leave this house - won't eat, won't sleep - " (as it's nearing midnight, and not a soul in this room truly wants to be awake) "until you've fought."

I know I'll be one of the first to fight; not for any particular reason, of course, but I'm big and tall and if they're going to choose a pair of us randomly, they're going to go by the ones who are most visible.

(And how about me? If I'm first - win or lose - at least I'll be able to go the fuck to sleep.)

".. Kyros."

".. Marshall."

And just like that, I step into the room and put my fists up, throwing myself forward the moment I get a chance, because the sooner this is over, the sooner I can get the hell out of here.

fbTDwScvunarmed

unarmed

[wimdy]

marshall moreno
---
life's been hell to pay
can't disobey
gotta live in my world

Mama never fails to make a game out of life, especially not when it comes to inciting violence as the only way to survive. She's nothing if not hard, pushing us to be tougher, stronger, greater.

I don't want greatness. I want sleep.


That's not an option, however, not when we're lined up like little tin soldiers ready for the war, all hollowed out and cut deep by the drifting hours. There's a steady silence when mother stops speaking as she assesses us, her eyes skirting over the smaller kids for now to focus on those that are a little older, a little bit rougher around the edges, more able to put on a show. I shift back when her eyes settle on me, head lowered and hands clasped behind my back.


"...Kyros. ...Marshall."


I try to keep the discomfort from my face as I step up. He's at least five inches taller than I am. I've barely settled into position when I'm thrown to the ground.


Alright. So we're playing rough.

8sN14G1Runarmed
[5132 -- Broken Left Wrist -- 6.5 damage]

unarmed