Jody is a 37-year-old woman who had to leave her home in Chicago due to an overzealous husband whose restraining orders failed. She has now moved to Phoenix to start over. Having no friends, she starts to search for a place to go to find something or someone.
Jody hears about the The Blind Tiger bar and decides to check it out this afternoon.
The door handle enters as she pushes the door with a tiger head. As her eyes adjust, she sees a tall blonde lady behind the bar drying glasses. She approached the bar and sat down
"What's your poison?" The voice was smooth and inviting, with a hint of a drawl that didn't quite match the bustling urban sprawl of Phoenix. Jody looked up from her contemplative stare at the sticky floor, her eyes meeting the warm gaze of the tall blonde woman behind the bar. The Blind Tiger's dim lighting cast a gentle glow over the woman's face, revealing a few fine lines around her eyes that spoke of laughter and maybe a few late nights.
"Just a gin and tonic, please." Jody's voice was a little shakier than she had intended. The weight of her recent past still clung to her like a heavy cloak she hadn't quite learned to shed. The bartender nodded, her movements economical as she mixed the drink and slid it over the counter.
The glass was cold in her hand, condensation already beading on the outside. She took a tentative sip, the coolness of the gin sliding down her throat, bringing with it a momentary reprieve from the heat outside. The Blind Tiger was a welcome escape from the glaring sun, a sanctuary of shadows and whispers where she could hide for a while.
Jody's eyes wandered around the room, taking in the eclectic mix of patrons. A group of college students was in the corner, their laughter piercing through the low murmur of conversations. A couple of business people in suits, looking as out of place as fish on a bicycle, were nursing their beers, scrolling through their phones. In the opposite corner, a grizzled older man sat alone, a bottle of whiskey in front of him, staring into the amber abyss like it held the answers to life's mysteries.
The blonde leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on the bar, her eyes searching Jody's. "You okay, sweetheart?"
Jody took a deep breath, the question resonating more than expected. The kindness was surprising, starkly contrasting the suspicious glances she'd grown accustomed to. "Just trying to find my place here in Phoenix, that's all." She offered a small smile, hoping it didn't look as forced as it felt.
The bartender's eyes softened, and she leaned in a bit closer. "Well, you're in the right place for that. The Blind Tiger's got a knack for drawing in lost souls." She paused, wiping the bar with a cloth that smelled faintly of lemon. "I'm Luna, by the way."
Jody felt a twinge of comfort at the sound of her name. It had been long since someone had addressed her without fear or accusation. "I'm Jody," she said, her voice more robust now. "I just moved here from Chicago. I had to leave some... baggage behind." She sipped her drink, the bubbles fizzling against her tongue.
Luna nodded knowingly, her eyes never leaving Jody's. "We all have stories, honey. Some are heavier than others. But you're not alone here." She leaned back and picked up a bottle of whiskey, filling a glass for the older man in the corner without looking. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance. "What brought you to our sun-soaked city?"
Jody took another sip of her gin and tonic, the coolness giving her the courage to speak her truth. "An overzealous husband. Restraining orders didn't do the trick, so I had to leave everything behind." She swirled the ice in her glass, watching the liquid twirl. "I've got no job, no friends. Just a tiny apartment and a hope to start over."
Luna's gaze grew more intense as she listened, the whiskey bottle hovering over the older man's glass. "Sounds like you've had a rough go of it," she said, her voice low and empathetic. "But like I said, you're not the first to find refuge here." With a quick nod, she called out, "Hey Larry, get your lazy ass out here! Got someone you might want to meet."
Jody's heart skipped a beat, unsure of what to expect. The older man in the corner looked up from his whiskey, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her new arrival. From the shadows emerged Larry, a man with a broad chest and a thick mustache that looked like it had seen better days. He wiped his hands on an apron that had seen its fair share of grease and grime and strolled over to the bar with a swagger that spoke of a lifetime of stories untold.
"What's the deal, Luna?" Larry's voice was gravelly, a testament to decades of smoking and shouting over rowdy bar crowds. He looked Jody up and down, his expression unreadable.
Luna smirks at Jody, her eyes glinting with mischief. "This little lady just drifted in, looking for some action. What do you think, Larry? Can we show her a good time?"
Larry's expression changes, curiosity piquing his interest. He leans over the bar, his mustache brushing the edge of his whiskey glass. "Jody. Well, have you ever heard of The Gauntlet?"
Jody's brows furrow in confusion. "The Gauntlet?" She echoes the words, her mind racing. She hadn't heard of it, but the way Larry said it, it sounded like it could be the answer to her prayers. Or the start of a new nightmare.
"Yeah, you know," Larry says, his voice gruff but his eyes lighting up with the memory of past battles. "It's like a rite of passage around here. You fight, you win, you earn your place in the community. It's been going on for years, underground stuff." He takes a drag of his cigarette, the smoke curling around his face like a veil. "You look like you could handle yourself."
Jody's pulse quickens at the mention of fighting. It's been a while since she felt that adrenaline rush, but she's not about to admit it. Instead, she raises an eyebrow. "What's the catch?" She's heard enough about the world to know there's always a catch.
Larry leans in, his whiskey breath warm against her ear. "No catch, just the fight of your life. The challenges are different every time, and only the toughest make it to the end." His gaze drifts over her, assessing. "But I reckon you've got some fight in you, don't you?"
Jody's mind jolts back to the past, eight years ago, when she'd first laced up her boots and signed her life away to the Marines. Back when she'd been the top fighter in her squad, the one drill sergeant would pit against others in the barracks to prove a point. The sweat, bruises, and cheers from her comrades had all felt so real, so alive.
Her eyes narrowed, recalling the sting of the drill sergeant's words urging her to push harder, to never give up. The smell of sweat and metal still lingered in her nostrils, a scent that had once been repulsive but was now strangely comforting. She'd fought for pride, for respect, and to survive. The thought of stepping back into that arena, even if it was just a makeshift one in the back of a dive bar, stirred her deeply.
"Alright," Jody said, her voice firm and resolved. "Sign me up."
Larry's eyes widened, a hint of surprise flickering across his face before a knowing smirk replaced it. He nodded towards a hallway at the back of the bar. "The Gauntlet's next round starts tonight. You'll find what you need back there." He slapped the bar with a meaty hand and strode back to his corner, leaving Jody to ponder her decision.
Her heart thudded in her chest as she finished her drink, the room spinning slightly with excitement and nerves. The college kids' laughter seemed to dim, the business people’s conversations fading into the background. All she could think about was the challenge ahead.
Jody stood up, the barstool scraping against the floor, and went to the hallway. It could have been better lit, with doors leading to unknown destinies. She took a deep breath and pushed the last one open, revealing a space that looked like it had been carved from the very soul of the building. It was a small, square room with a single bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the concrete walls. In the center was a makeshift ring, surrounded by a crowd of eager faces, all waiting for the next challenger.
The air was thick with anticipation and the faint scent of sweat. The crowd fell silent as she stepped in, their eyes assessing her, looking for signs of fear or doubt. But Jody had faced worse than strangers in a dingy bar. She walked to the ring, her steps deliberate and robust, and climbed over the ropes. The floor was sticky with what she hoped was just spilled drinks, not something more sinister.
Luna and Larry watched from the sidelines, their eyes gleaming with the same thought. If this newcomer could bring in the kind of money they hoped, The Blind Tiger might have a fighting chance against the looming debts and the ever-present threat of closure. They'd heard tales of her past, whispers of a fiery spirit that could light up the darkest of nights. Now was the time to see if those whispers held any truth.
They'd picked Jake for a reason. He was the kind of man who didn't just talk a good fight; he lived it. With a record of wins that spoke for themselves and a mouth that could charm a snake, he was the perfect test for Jody. They’d know she was the real deal if she could handle him. They whispered into his ear, promising a hefty cut of the take if he could take her down a notch or two while keeping it clean enough not to scare her off.
Jake sauntered into the ring, a cocky grin plastered on his face. His emerald eyes locked onto Jody, and she saw the challenge reflected in them for a brief moment. He liked to play with his food before devouring it, and she was the meal he hadn't expected to be served. The crowd roared, the excitement palpable.
Jody felt a strange calmness wash over her as she took her place opposite Jake. It was the same feeling she'd had before every fight in the Marines when she knew she had to give it her all or face defeat. She rolled her shoulders and cracked her knuckles, echoing in the small room.
Jake's lean frame was a canvas of ink, a tapestry of colors and shapes that danced across his chest and arms. His baggy gym shorts and bare feet were an odd contrast to the taut muscles that rippled beneath his skin. He looked more like a street performer than a fighter, but she knew better than to underestimate him. However, his eyes were sharp, and she could see their hunger. He was used to winning and breaking people, and she was about to be his next trophy.
On the other hand, Jody was built more like a Greek statue – strong, defined, and ready for battle. She had the kind of muscles that spoke of hours in the gym and a diet of discipline. She stepped out of her jean shorts, revealing a sports bra and bikini thong that left little to the imagination. The crowd's murmur grew louder, a mix of appreciation and surprise. Her attire was functional, chosen to allow unimpeded movement and intimidate her opponent. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and anticipation.
The crowd grew silent as Larry took the center of the ring, his voice a gravelly growl. "Welcome, fight fans, to The Gauntlet! Tonight, we've got a fresh face looking to make her mark." He gestured to Jody with a flourish. "And she's going up against our very own Jake the Snake!" The room erupted into cheers, and Jake smirked, flexing his muscles for the crowd.
Larry explained the rules: Hit or kick until only one was left standing. There was no biting, no eye gouging, and no weapons—just raw, unbridled skill and the will to survive. The crowd nodded eagerly, their anticipation palpable as bets were placed at a feverish pace. Jody felt the weight of their gazes, their whispers a cacophony of doubt and excitement. But she had faced and survived worse, and she was not about to let this be the end of her story.
Luna stepped up, her hand resting gently on Jody's shoulder, her smile reassuring. "Remember, honey, it's all about the element of surprise," she murmured, her breath warm against Jody's ear. "Show 'em what you're made of." Jody nodded, feeling a strange kinship with the woman she had just met. It was a bond forged in the fire of shared experience, of knowing what it was to be underestimated and overlooked.
The bell rang, and a shrill, metallic sound pierced through the electric silence. Jake lunged forward, his grin widening as he threw a wild punch. Jody stepped aside, her military training returning to her in a rush of instinct. She ducked and weaved, her eyes never leaving his, watching for the next move. The crowd jeered, expecting an easy victory, but Jody had other plans.
Her first strike came as a surprise, a swift kick to Jake's ribs that sent him stumbling back. The room erupted with noise – gasps, cheers, and a smattering of boos. The look on Jake's face was priceless, a mix of shock and anger that only fueled her determination. She pressed forward, her fists flying in a blur of precision and power. The crowd's jeers turned to murmurs of awe as they realized she wasn't just a pretty face looking for a thrill.
Jake regained his footing and retaliated, his punches solid and unpredictable. Jody took a hit to the jaw, stars dancing across her vision, but she didn't falter. She'd felt pain before, much worse than this. She threw an uppercut, catching him off-guard, and watched his head snap back. The crowd grew louder, the energy in the air charged with excitement.
Their bodies collided, a dance of power and strategy. Each blow landed with a thud, echoing off the concrete walls. Jake's cockiness began to wane as he realized he was in for a real fight. He threw a roundhouse kick, but Jody was ready for it. She blocked with her forearm and countered with a kick to his thigh, causing him to stumble. The crowd was now firmly in her corner, chanting her name.
But then, Jake made a move that was as cheap as it was unexpected. He reached out and grabbed Jody's breasts, a lascivious smile on his face. The crowd gasped, and a few cheers erupted, thinking it was part of the show. But Jody knew better. The heat of rage bloomed in her chest, and she heard her drill sergeant’s voice echo, "Protect yourself at all costs, no matter what."
"Hey buddy, hands off!" she snarled, pushing his hands away. "I didn't say you could grab 'em!" The room went quiet, and the only sound was the dull thud of Jake's boots as he staggered backward, his smug smile wiped clean. At that moment, she remembered the countless hours of training and the brutal lessons the unforgiving Sergeant Martian had drilled into her.
Her instincts took over, and she struck like a cobra. A swift left hook to his Adam's apple, followed by a crushing right cross to the jaw. Jake's eyes went wide with shock as the air left his lungs in a choking gasp. He stumbled backward, trying to regain footing, but it was too late. With a thunderous crack, he hit the floor, his body falling like an ancient oak tree in a storm. The crowd's reaction was a mix of horror and excitement, their cheers turning to gasps as they realized what had just happened.
Luna's eyes went wide, and she rushed into the ring, her hand on Jody's arm, pulling her back. "Easy, girl," she whispered, her voice tight. "You don't want to go down that road. Remember, we keep it clean here." Jody's chest heaved, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She looked down at Jake, his eyes fluttering closed, and felt regretful. It wasn't what she had wanted, but the memory of her husband's hands on her, the fear and powerlessness she'd felt, had taken over.
The crowd was on their feet now, some shouting for her to finish him off, others calling for the fight to be stopped. Larry stepped in, his face a mask of concern and calculation. "Alright, folks, looks like we've got a winner!" He helped Jake to his feet, who was still trying to catch his breath. "Jake, you okay, buddy?" He slapped him on the back a little too hard.
Jake nodded, his smile gone, his eyes narrowed at Jody. "I'll be back," he coughed out, his voice a hoarse whisper.
Jody stepped out of the ring, her body still buzzing from the fight. The crowd parted for her, some looking at her with admiration, others with suspicion. She had proven herself, but at what cost? The taste of victory was bittersweet as she saw the disgust in a few faces, the knowing glances shared by the men who had placed bets on her. She had crossed a line but found a piece of herself buried under the rubble of her past.
Luna met her outside the ring, a proud smile on her face. "You did good, Jody," she said, her voice a mix of relief and excitement. "Real good." She handed her a towel and a bottle of water, which Jody accepted gratefully. The cool liquid washed down her throat, soothing the raw ache from her screams.
The crowd slowly dispersed, the murmurs of their conversations floating around like dust in the stale air. Some offered congratulations, others whispered about the new girl and the fight she'd just won. Jody felt pride and unease, unsure of what she'd just gotten herself into.
Over the next few weeks, she became a regular fixture at The Blind Tiger, her reputation growing with each victory. Whether her opponents were brawny men or nimble women, Jody's strategic precision and unyielding determination saw her emerge from the ring unscathed time and time again. Larry's pockets grew fatter with every fight night, and the bar's once dwindling funds began to swell. But with each win, the tension grew.
Jody's victories were no longer whispers in the shadows. The roars echoed through the streets of Phoenix, drawing in more spectators, bets, and danger. The crowd's hunger for her triumph was insatiable, and she found a grim satisfaction in the power she wielded. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Larry had started to treat her differently, his congratulations feeling forced, his eyes shifty. After each fight, he’d hand her a few bills, a pitiful fraction of what she knew she was worth. "You’re cut, kiddo," he'd say, slapping her on the back a little too hard. But she could see the greed lurking beneath his jovial facade. The Blind Tiger was thriving; she was the golden goose, her eggs of sweat and blood feeding the bar's revival.
Jody's friendship with Luna grew stronger as they trained at the gym, pushing each other through punishing workouts that left their muscles screaming for mercy. They'd laugh over protein shakes, sharing stories of their pasts, and Luna's gentle guidance helped to ease the loneliness that had clung to Jody like a second skin since her arrival in Phoenix. They'd head back to the bar together, Jody's bruises and scrapes hidden beneath a fresh concealer, ready to face the night.
Before the Blind Tiger opened its doors to the public, they'd share a quiet dinner at a small, greasy spoon diner down the street. It was their sanctuary, where they could be themselves without the weight of their roles in the bar's twisted world. Luna talked about her dreams of opening her place one day, something classier, where she could serve craft cocktails and tell stories of her own life without the constant fear of the next fight. Jody listened, her eyes gleaming with the hope she hadn't felt in a long time.
"You know, I think I've got what it takes," Luna said, her voice filled with doubt and determination. "I've saved enough, and if I play my cards right, I could buy a place and start fresh."
Jody nodded, the weight of her future pressing down on her shoulders. "You'd make a great boss, Luna. You've got the heart for it." But she couldn't ignore the niggling suspicion that their friendship was built on the foundation of the very thing they both seemed to despise: fighting.
One evening, as they were leaving the gym, a shadowy figure stepped out of the alley, blocking their path. It was a man from one of her earlier fights who had lost more than just his pride. His face was a patchwork of anger and desperation, his knuckles white as he clenched his fists. "You think you're so tough, don't you?" he spat.
Jody sized him up, her hand instinctively reaching for the pepper spray she'd started carrying. Luna stepped in front of her, her eyes hard. "Not here, not now," she warned him. "You want another shot; you do it in the ring."
The man sneered, his eyes flickering between them. "You're just a couple of whores fighting for their keep," he slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol. "But I know your kind. You're all the same."
Luna's eyes went cold, and she stepped forward, her voice low and dangerous. "You're lucky you're not in the ring right now, pal. You wouldn't know what hit you."
The man's smirk grew wider, his words slurred by his drunken state. "Oh, I know what hit me, sweetheart. It was the bottom of the barrel, and now it's time for you to pay."
With a snarl, he lunged at Luna, but she was quicker, her years of bartending and secret training sessions with Jody allowing her to dodge and land a swift punch to his gut. He doubled over, wheezing, but it only fueled his anger. Jody stepped in, blocking his next move, and the two of them began to wrestle, a dance of rage and desperation that spilled onto the sidewalk. The man's fists flew, driven by bitterness and the need for retribution. Jody felt a fist connect with her cheek, the impact sending a shockwave through her body, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she returned the favor with a knee to his ribs, sending him sprawling backward.
A car screeching to a halt echoed through the night, and suddenly, the alley was flooded with light. Two burly figures emerged from the shadows, their faces a mix of surprise and amusement. "Looks like you two could use some backup," one of them chuckled, his bald head gleaming in the harsh streetlights.
Jody's heart hammered in her chest as she recognized them as Larry's goons, who'd been at every fight, ensuring no one stepped out of line. The man on the ground groaned, his eyes rolling back into his head as the goons stepped forward to drag him away.
"Looks like you've got quite the fan club," the bald one said with a leer.
Jody's cheek throbbed, but she kept her voice steady. "What do you want?"
The goon's smile grew. "Larry sent us. He's got a little... proposition for you. Something big. Something that could set you up real nice."
Jody's eyes narrowed, the sting of the man's words mixing with the pain in her cheek. "What kind of proposition?"
The bald goon leaned in, his breath hot on her face. "Let's just say it's an opportunity to prove yourself. To show everyone in Phoenix what you're made of."
Jody's gut tightened. "What kind of opportunity?"
The goon winked, his gold tooth glinting. "Oh, you know. A bigger stage, bigger fights, bigger paydays. But it's all hush-hush. You've got to come see Larry tomorrow night after hours."
Luna shot Jody a worried glance, but she nodded, her curiosity piqued. "We'll be there," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hand.
The goons chuckled as they hauled the unconscious man into the car. "See you then, champ," the bald one called out, his voice taunting.
Jody and Luna walked back to the apartment in silence, the echo of the man's words haunting them like a ghost. Once inside, Luna flipped on the lights, the warm glow casting a comforting embrace over the small space. The kitchen was a mess from their earlier dinner prep, but it was the only thing that felt familiar after their encounter.
With a sigh, Jody sank into the worn-out couch, her bruised body aching. She looked at Luna, who cleaned the blood off her knuckles with a wet cloth. "You know, Larry's been shorting me on my winnings," she said, her voice devoid of its usual bravado. "Every night, it's a little less than it should be."
Luna's eyes snapped up, her expression mixed with anger and concern. "What? How do you know?"
Jody rubbed her cheek gingerly. "It's just a feeling I get. You know how much I won each night, right?"
Luna nodded, her eyes flicking from the crimson stain spreading across the cloth. "Yeah, I keep tabs. It's part of the deal."
Jody's gaze hardened. "Well, it's not just me. I've heard rumors from some of the other fighters. Larry's been playing fast and loose with the cash."
Luna's jaw clenched as she listened, her eyes flitting around the room, looking for something to do with her trembling hands. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?" she asked, her voice tight.
Jody shrugged, wincing at the pain the movement caused. "I didn't want to rock the boat. The Blind Tiger's been good to me, and I figured a little less here, and there was just the cost of doing business. But now, with how things are going, it's starting to feel like more than just a few bucks missing."
Luna threw the cloth into the sink and turned to face her. "What are we going to do?"
Jody took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. "What if I confront Larry tonight and demand my full share of the winnings?" she suggested, her eyes searching Luna's for any sign of doubt. “What if I use that money to help you buy your place? Your dream, remember?"
Luna's eyes widened, their hope growing with each passing moment. "Jody, are you sure? That's a big risk. Larry's not the type to take kindly to that kind of thing."
Jody's gaze was unwavering. "I'm tired of being used, Luna. And if we stand together, we've got a chance." She took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline from the fight still coursing through her. "But I'm not just going to ask for my share. I want to know where all the money's been going. This place is packed every night; we're fighting our hearts out. We deserve more than a handful of crumpled bills."
Luna bit her lip, her eyes reflecting the doubt and hope that battled within her. "Alright," she said, her voice firm. "But we need a plan. We can't just waltz in there and demand what's ours."
They huddled around the small kitchen table, the light from the single bulb above casting a stark glow on the worn pages of Luna's ledger. Jody's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Luna's fingers trace the lines of numbers. Each page told a story of blood, sweat, and lies, of a system rigged against them from the start.
"Look at this," Luna murmured, pointing at a discrepancy. "You won five hundred last week, but he gave you three."
Jody's eyes narrowed as she studied the ledger. The numbers were precise, but the implications were murky. "What does your book say the Blind Tiger has taken in?" she asked, her voice steely. "We use that to give Larry his ultimatum."
Luna's fingers trembled as she flipped through the pages, each entry a testament to their hard-fought battles and the bar's soaring popularity. "Over the past few weeks, it's been close to ten grand in bets alone," she murmured, her voice tight with anger. "And that's just what we know about."
Jody's eyes widened at the sum. "We're not just talking about a few bucks here, Luna. We're talking about enough to change our lives. We can't let him get away with this."
They spent the rest of the night devising a plan, their whispers a stark contrast to the quiet hum of the fridge in the background. It was simple, but it had to be effective. They'd wait until the bar was empty after the last fight of the night. They'd catch Larry in his office when he counted the cash and lay their cards on the table.
The next day, as the sun set over the sprawling cityscape of Phoenix, Luna received a message from Larry, a sly smile playing on her lips as she read the words. "Meet me in my office before we open, Luna. I've got something important to discuss with you. and don't tell Jody.” The message was unexpected but not entirely unwelcome.
Her heart racing, she slipped into the dimly lit office, the scent of Larry's cheap cologne permeating the air. He sat behind the desk, his bulk seemingly taking up the entire space, a smug grin spreading as he saw her. "Take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
Luna felt the weight of the situation as she sat down, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Larry leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a greed she had never seen before. "I know what you and Jody are planning," he said, his voice low and menacing. "And I've got a better deal for you."
He slid a thick envelope across the desk. "This is your share of the winnings, everything you've earned, plus a little extra. Enough to start that fancy little cocktail bar of yours."
Luna's eyes widened as she stared at the envelope, her heart racing. The smell of leather and stale cigars was suffocating. She felt a bead of sweat trickle down her spine as she met Larry's gaze. "What do you want in return?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Larry leaned back in his chair, his grin growing wider. "After the first fight tonight, I want you to challenge Jody. Make it look good. Give the crowd a show. But when it comes down to it, make sure she knows who's boss."
Luna felt a knot form in her stomach, but she knew better than to argue with Larry. She'd seen what happened to those who did. She nodded, her hand cold as she reached out to shake his, sealing the deal. His clammy grip felt like a vice, the weight of his expectations crushing her spirit.
As she left the office, her mind raced with thoughts of betrayal and fear. She couldn't do it. She couldn't throw a fight against her best friend, her sister in arms. But the promise of her dream, a place where she could be free from the grime and violence of The Blind Tiger, was too tempting to ignore.
The bar was a buzz of activity as they approached opening time, the air thick with the scent of sweat and desperation. Luna avoided Jody's gaze, not wanting to relinquish what she had agreed to. She hoped she could find a way out of this mess without going through with it.
But when the first fight ended, and the crowd grew restless for the main event, she knew she had no choice. The weight of Larry's words hung around her neck like a noose. She stepped into the ring, her heart pounding like a caged animal. Jody looked at her, puzzled but ready, her eyes filled with the same fiery determination that had won her many battles before.
The bell rang, and the crowd roared to life, their anticipation palpable as the two friends squared off. Jody's movements were sharp and precise, her eyes never leaving Luna's. Luna's heart felt heavy with the burden of her secret as she mirrored Jody's stance, her skills honed by the same desperation that had driven her to The Gauntlet in the first place.
The first few exchanges were tentative, each woman testing the other, trying to gauge their opponent's intentions. But as the minutes ticked by, the tension grew. Jody's punches held the power of a woman fighting for more than just money; she was fighting for her newfound independence, dignity, and the respect she'd earned in this place. Luna's strikes, while calculated, lacked the ferocity of previous battles, her conscience a constant whisper in her ear.
Luna could feel the confusion in Jody's eyes, a silent question asking why she would betray their friendship. With each blow exchanged, the reality of her decision grew heavier on her shoulders. Jody's eyes searched hers, looking for a clue, and when they darted to the side, she saw Larry's grinning face in the crowd. The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, and the anger that had fueled her earlier was now directed at her former mentor.
The crowd's cheers grew muted as the gravity of the situation hit Jody like a sledgehammer. Larry had always had a twisted sense of loyalty, but she had never thought he would pit her against Luna. She stepped back, her fists lowering slightly. "What's going on?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the air.
Luna's eyes met hers, filled with regret and defiance. "I had to take it," she yelled back, her voice strained. "It's for my dream, Jody! He said it was all or nothing!"
Jody's gaze flickered between Luna and Larry, understanding dawning on her. Larry had played them both, using Luna's aspirations to keep her on a leash and forcing her hand to maintain his grip on the bar. The crowd grew restless, unsure of the sudden shift in the fight's dynamics. Jody felt anger for herself and Luna, who had been manipulated into this corner.
With a sneer, she stepped back and unclasped her bra strap, letting the sports bra fall to the floor. The crowd gasped, but she didn't care. This wasn't about Larry's sick games anymore; it was about Luna's freedom and her own. She knew the sight of her bare, scarred back would be enough to silence the room, to remind everyone what they were fighting for.
The air grew thick with anticipation as Luna's eyes widened, the color draining from her face. "Jody, no," she pleaded, her voice barely audible over the murmurs of the stunned onlookers.
But Jody was already in motion, her eyes locked on Larry's sneering grin. She stepped back, her muscles coiled like a spring, and with a roar that echoed through the bar, she launched herself at him. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, their shocked gasps following her as she leapfrogged over the ring's ropes and sprinted toward the bar's backroom.
Larry's face transformed from smugness to terror in the blink of an eye. He fumbled for something under the counter, but Jody was on him before he could bring it out. Her fists pounded into his stomach, her elbows cracking into his face. His goons rushed in, but she was a whirlwind of rage, her military training making mincemeat of their clumsy attempts to restrain her.
Luna stood in the ring, the discarded sports bra at her feet, her mind racing. She had never seen Jody like this before, and a cold realization washed over her. This wasn't just about the money; it was about their dignity, friendship, and the lives they built in the shadow of Larry's greed. The crowd watched, their cheers turning to gasps and then to a stunned silence, as Jody fought not just Larry but the system that had brought her to this point.
The goons retreated, their confidence shattered by Jody's unbridled fury. Larry crumpled to the floor, his nose a bloody mess, his smugness replaced by the stark reality of his vulnerability. Luna stepped out of the ring, her eyes never leaving Jody, who was now straddling Larry, her fists raised, ready to deliver the final blow.
"Stop," Luna's solid and transparent voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a knife.
Jody's fists hovered over Larry's cowering form, the rage in her eyes slowly dissipating as she met her friend's gaze. The bar was silent, all eyes on the trio.
With a heavy sigh, she stepped back, allowing Larry to slump to the floor. "It's over," she said, her voice laced with weariness. "We're not going to be a part of this anymore."
Jody turned to the stunned crowd, her chest heaving with the effort to contain her emotions. "This is it," she announced, echoing through the bar. "We're not fighting for Larry or his games anymore. We're fighting for ourselves, for a life that's ours."
The silence was deafening; the only sound was the dull throb of music from the speakers. Then, from the back of the room, a lone clap began, growing into a thunderous applause that seemed to shake the very foundations of The Blind Tiger. The crowd was on their feet, a sea of faces showing respect and admiration and a flicker of something else - hope.
Jody offered Luna a hand, and she took it, pulling her into an embrace that spoke volumes about their bond. "We're going to do this," she whispered into her friend's ear. "Together."
