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Chapter 2

***** Drake *****

Who the hell did he think he was? That bastard looked me straight in the eye, so much hate, and so much pain behind those yellow pupils. The emotions behind them were so strong they literally implemented themselves onto me. What was his deal? Like this lowlife had anything to be angry about. If anyone had a reason to be angry it would be me!

My jaw was clamped down tight, teeth grinding, fist clenched as I walked passed a mirror image of myself. His eyes shot daggers, and I responded by throwing out my own. Before I knew it, a full-blown war was going on, and it was fought with just our gaze.

How dare that mutt look down on me like I was trash? After everything we had been through, our entire lives spent together, Caleb insisted on treating me like a second class citizen. All for what? Because I fell in love with someone? Because that someone just happened to be a guy?

I could remember life before all of this. Caleb and I spent every waking moment together. We went to the movies every weekend, completely stoned each time, and laughing our asses off - even if the movie wasn't funny. Everyone could catch us at local parties, or gatherings around Madison. We lived life to the fullest, but most importantly, we lived life together.

Now, we could barely be in the same room together. The Hybrid twins had split up. Shocking, huh? At one point in time Caleb and I were inseparable, and we always had each other back. All of that went out the window. The unconditional love everyone thought we had for each other had met its match. The love and closeness was quickly replaced by the exact opposite.

"FUCK!"

Seeing Caleb's face stirred up a few emotions. Memories ran rapid as I tried to process life, and before I knew it I let anger overwhelm me. With a clenched fist, I swung wildly at the wall, expecting to hit it with full force. Luckily, my paw landed into another. I looked up at the person holding my fist and snarled.

"What the HELL are you DOING?!" Necros looked back at me, his eyes full of rage. His voice was made the fur on the back of my neck stand straight up. "Trying to break your fuckin' hand before the tournament or somethin'? Coach will have a fit if you hurt ya hand!!"

I retracted my paw, placing it in my other one. "Who cares?"

True enough, I didn't mean it. After weeks of not seeing Caleb, the sight of my cousin caused me to lose all train of rational thought. I needed to settle down. Not telling what I'd end up doing if I didn't.

Necros gave me a huge shove, knocking me back into a set of lockers behind me. When my back hit them a loud 'THUD' was sent down the halls, causing a few students to turn around and glance in our direction. A certain fire in their eyes was present, as all of them waited anxiously to see any form of confrontation.

"You remember what coach said. We aren't allowed to fight outside the gym," Necros stated. "If you fuck this up for us, I'll break you myself, got it?"

The color of Necros eyes had changed, now burning a bright red. I knew what that mean. His eyes only changed colors depending on his mood, and right now, he was angry enough to fight. I retaliated and shoved him, only causing him to take one step back.

"Fine!" I said, staring at the ground.

Necros was right. The two of us were not allowed to get into any bouts with anyone outside the gym. Coach had made that clear to me in particular before school started. Since Caleb had abandoned me, and a certain fur moved away, over the summer I decided to work on myself, taking an even more advanced Boxing course as well as Karate, Muy Thai, and Kickboxing. With my two important people out of my life, I threw myself into the training, and in no time I grasped the concept, and mastered different Martial Arts styles. The Coach who taught me saw my potential, and suggested I fight professionally. How could I decline that option? Beating people up for money, sounds like my ideal job, and a great way to release stress.

"Ok... fine." The enormous Dragon said before turning around. "Now let's head to the Gym... I wanna see that cage you've been talking about."

.......

Left! Left! Right! Uppercut! Jab! Hook! Step back!

I stared at Necros who was only a few feet away. Sweat ran down his forehead, dropping to the ground, below. He also stared at me as we stood directly in front of one another, his eyes were pitch black now. They usually went to this color when he fought. It was the perfect strategy for not letting an opponent read you.

Necros and I had been in the cage for a little over half an hour now, battling for dominance. No words were exchanged. We would meet in the center, exchange blows, then back-up to recover. If it wasn't for the protective gear, we'd probably be a bloody mess by now.

We both dropped our guard and charged to the center of the cage. Necro was the type of fighter that wanted complete dominance, but wasn't willing to sacrifice form to get it, so instead of attacking, all I could do is defend.

Left, dodge.

No openings were available, so I had to keep patient.

Left, dodge. Right, side-step. Hook, low duck.

The dragon threw each punch with force, never giving any a second thought. I dodged each one, but not with ease. Despite his size, Necro was very fast with his paws, and the length of his arms didn't help my situation. When one combination ended, another one was quick to follow, but lucky for me, I could keep up with these blur-like strikes.

I dodged and weaved, left and right, making sure my feet were in a position to push my body in the direction needed. If I kept at this pace, one or two things could happen: I could open him up for an attack, or my body wouldn't move fast enough and a combination would land. You could guess which I chose.

Necro threw a combination, starting with his left paw, then another left flew pass me. The wind being cut left an audible sound, like a hurricane swopping pass my ear. The two punches came back to back, leaving little time between them. His speed dazzled me, and all I could do was smile...

But that wasn't the only reason to smile.

I knew exactly what combination he would be throwing next. It was the same combination I use to finish off my opponents. I was surprised he would use it on me, especially knowing how familiar I am with it. There wasn't a doubt in my mind. The next punch he would throw is a right jab, followed by a left body shot, ending with a devastating right hook. It was a special combination I used, putting every punch into one combination. I called it "Judgment Day".

As the second, left, jab retracted, I readied myself, planting my back foot firmly on the ground. With all of my leg strength, I pushed off my back leg, and in an instant, was on the side of Necro, his defenses completely down.

This was perfect. The only way to beat my combination, and I was doing it with ease. Gathering every ounce of strength I had left in me, my body twisted, bringing with it a right hook. The punch definitely held some bad intentions behind it.

As it neared Necros muzzle, the dragon pushed his shoulder up to take the impact. I positioned myself behind him and put some distance between the two of us. The way he blocked it left me in awe. I was almost certain that attack would land. All of my hopes rode on one punch.

Necros turned around, his face still dripping sweat, and gave a toothy grin before removing his headgear.

"Man, that punch wanted to do some damage, huh?"

I copied his action, removing gear.

"Of course, I was aiming for the knockout punch."

"In a sparring match?" He squinted his eyes at me. They changed again, from black, glistening orbs, to a cool blue.

I shrugged and responded, "I tried to imagine you being Caleb, and I kinda lost it, dude... Plus it kinda ticked me off when MY combination was attempted on me."

He gave a chest rumbling chuckle.

"Good, that what it was suppose to do, and I only used your technique so you can find the flaw in it." Necro began removing the remaining gear. "You got your second match coming up, right? Need you prepared. The gym could use the money."

Our gym, 'Diablo Apostle" use to be the best gym in town. Everyone wanted in, especially kids who spent way to much time watching fighting movies. Everything was going good, until the gym was discovered to have fighters in illegal tournaments. After that, Diablo Apostle was looked down on by Madison. The only reason the gym stayed open was because of the fighters and their Underground fights.

Luckily for DA, I was a great fighter, and since I was so young, no one would bet on me. When coach saw my skills, he had to jump at the opportunity to get me on board. With each fight bringing in five to ten thousand dollars, Coach had no choice but to enter me in it.

Don't get me wrong, of course I know it is illegal, and the consequences, but I had nothing to lose. Everything around me started to fall to shit, and fighting was the only way I could stay sane in this world. No one understood me, and the people who did were all gone. I felt shut out, and the only place to go was Diablo Apostle. It was the only way to keep Tyran off my mind...

I turned around and threw my gear on the ground next to me, fist clenched, with one person in mind.

"Don't worry... I'll never lose... Again."

****** Colby ******

Starting over. That is basically what a new school year represented, as people poured into the halls, connecting with their friends, making new friends. Everywhere you looked you seen a smiling face, but just how long would it last? The laughs and giggles? Joyful meetings? How long can people stay happy?

Wait? I know.

The answer to that question is simple. No one can be happy forever; it just wasn't possible. One day you can have a great set of friends, people who you think love you and would give their life for you; and the next, those friends are dating and gone. Nothing lasts forever, not even happiness. I was a witness to the fact.

Today was the start of my Sophomore Year. It felt just as horrible as my first day of Freshmen Year, as I walked down the halls of Madison High, alone. How quick life is to change? Last year I had friends to walk down the hall with, giving me something to look forward to, and now, I dreaded coming here. To walk down these halls, alone and misplaced. I felt angry and sad. Lost and confused. Alive, but dead inside.

My body drift down the hall, back-pack clenched tight within my grasp. I examined all of the students around me, pushing myself through the crowd. It was hard getting through everyone, with me being so tiny. My eyes darted from place to place, trying to find a familiar face -any familiar face would do. It was my first day of a new school year, and I did not want to spend it alone.

Like a genie in a lamp, my wish came true, but at the same time, as the old saying goes, I should have been more careful for what I wished for. Down the hall, next to a set of lockers were two faces I knew pretty well. Once I laid eyes on them, a low growl escaped. Right there, in plain view were my old friends, Dozer and Taylor.

The Wolf and Skunk laughed together, the wolf's arm wrapped around his companions neck as he looked down with a loving smile. The show of affection was disgusting. How dare those two flaunt their happiness in front of others! Dammit, that should be me!

I took a deep breath, trying to contain the anger inside.

Why was I angry?

I'll tell you why. Because that wolf who is hovering around the skunk was suppose to be mine. Half my Freshmen Year was spent daydreaming about how life would be if I lucked out and started a relationship with Taylor. It was like watching my life being played out on the big screen, and I could not participate. The pain went deep, and with the pain came anger, hate, and envy.

It wasn't the fact that he found someone else; someone like myself could handle a little heart break. But there was one, special little detail about this relationship, and it was a game changer! Not only was Taylor my best friend and high school crush, but Dozer was also my best friend -a friend who I believed can trust. Unfortunately, my naivety sent me down a spirally path to a vengeful future.

The laughter and sight of my two ex-friends only brought out the anger I kept inside my tiny body for three months. I couldn't keep it in any more. There were a few things I needed to get off my chest, and it was time I manned up! In the past, I have been picked on, abused, and kicked to the curb by loved ones. But when my heart is toyed with, things get personal. For the longest time, I have kept up a happy front, trying so desperately to find the good in everyone. Life was different now.

With my backpack clenched tight in a paw, I walked over to where Taylor and Dozer stood as I pushed my way through the pillars they call students. Once I got was in range, I dropped my the backpack and launched at Dozer. Out of nowhere, a giant body blocked my path, leaving me to run straight into a wall of fur. Taylor grabbed my arms, looking down at me with his cool, yellow orbs.

"WOAH! What the hell, Colby!"

Dozer could be spotted behind Taylor. He stood behind the wall of fur with the most evil grin on his muzzle. The sight of that skunk only made me angrier as I tried to break free of Taylor's hold, squirming, legs flailing.

"Calm down buddy," Taylor whispered. "What's the matter with you."

That question caused my head to shoot up and meet the bright pupils. In a quarter of a second, all of the anger I kept in erupted inside of me at once.

"WHAT'S WRONG?' I barked, staring him straight in the eye. "I'll tell you what's wrong! YOU DESTROYED OUR FRIENDSHIP!"

Taylors head cocked to the side and his grip around my arms lightened up a bit. I shook him off and stepped back, never breaking eye contact.

"I-I destroyed our friend-ship..."

"Yes!" I stepped up once more. "You knew Samantha had a crush on you, and don't say you didn't! The way she looked up to you for guidance about everything. Her life, the GSA... EVERYTHING!

"You knew about how much Dozer adored you! Always touching and sneaking in those playful tail grabs. His body was always against you, and you liked it. The thrill of being with Dozer, you liked it, huh? He made you feel wanted, huh?"

Before I knew it, tears started to flow down my cheeks, blurring my vision as I continued to stare into Taylors eyes.

"And what about me..." I finally broke eye contact, looking at the ground now. "After that night at the dance, I thought we really had a connection," -sniffle- "The way you made me feel when you held me in your arms. It felt like you wanted to protect me from everything... From the life I'm forced to live," -sniffle- "Just being next to you made me happy, and in that instant I could do anything! Hell, I could fly if I had you!"

As words poured from my lips, each one made me nervous and embarrassed. There I was, in the halls of Madison High, on the first day, opening up the floodgates, and confessing the love I had for my best friend. At first, it was unclear; my body and mind wasn't processing everything completely. It felt like I was in shock, but adrenaline was pumping and I couldn't stop now.

"You're an ASSHOLE!" My words boomed down the halls, causing even more heads to turn our way. "I-I-I-....."

Suddenly, a large pair of arms wrapped around my small frame, engulfing me in a warm, strong embrace. At that moment I knew to shut up. No word could be found. It felt like everything I wanted to say didn't matter anymore. Like a clot was blocking all sentences from passing through.

The arms tightened up a bit.

"Colby," Taylor whispered in my ears. "I love you too... I'm sorry."

Time stopped. I couldn't feel my heart beating. Everything around me faded away, while those six words sunk into my subconscious. I drifted in the nothingness, being carried away by those words. "I love you too... I'm sorry." They played over and over in my head -until.

"Hey! Colby, I asked what's the matter with ya man!?"

My eyes snapped open and I could see Taylor, his paws on both my shoulders, shaking me lightly. I looked around and saw students going about their business, not even paying attention to us.

Did I black out? Was everything that happened real?

"Are you nuts, trying to attack Dozer???"

His words confirmed it. The entire thing was a daydream, or a hallucination. Maybe it was me playing it out in my head, or just wistful thinking? Whatever it may have been did not matter. I leaned down and grabbed my backpack, turned around, paused, cocking my head to the side, and walked away. Taylor's voice could be heard as I walked down the hall.

"COLBY! We need to talk man, come back!"

I didn't look back. If I did then he would see... He would see the tears in my eyes. How could I explain those tears, because they weren't tears of anger, or frustration. No. They held a much deeper meaning to them. Those were tears of hope.

I wiped the tears away as I cut my way through the crowded halls of Madison High, wishing deep down I had the courage to go back. To have the courage Dozer had, and go back to take what I wanted....

Taylor.