Lamia's Fists: Rise From The Ashes

By D. Omars

After recovering from a brutal match and saving her friend's house, Lea is more than ready to return to the ring. Unfortunately, her previous actions got unwanted attention and they won't stop until they find her. Also, there are no more tournaments, which were Lea's greatest source of money. That leaves her with only one course of action: Keep going forward and keep fighting.

This is the second volume of the series "Lamia's Fists".

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Omars
• Release date: Apr 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311215307

D. Omars

There's not a lot of interesting things about D. Omars, he's a simple man who likes to surf through the internet, play video games, and when the mood is right, continue with his story "Lamia's Fists" in hopes of becoming someone well known with his stories.

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Lamia's Fists: Rise from the Ashes

By D. Omars

Copyright © 2015 D. Omars

All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Prologue: Where Things Stand

Chapter 1: Back to Work

Chapter 2: Going Out

Chapter 3: I’ll See You Again

Chapter 4: Play Time Is Over

Chapter 5: Relentless

Chapter 6: One Step Closer

Chapter 7: The Basis of a Fighter

Chapter 8: Unbreakable

Chapter 9: Are You The One?

Chapter 10: Thunder vs. Lightning

Chapter 11: Did you like the Show?

Chapter 12: Getting close, right?

Chapter 13: So, You Think You’re Tough?

Chapter 14: Everyone Has A Limit.

Chapter 15: Just You And Me.

Chapter 16: Unexpected.

Chapter 17: Dead Zone

Chapter 18: I Don’t Know What To Think Anymore.

Chapter 19: For The Family’s Name

Chapter 20: Just One Punch.

Chapter 21: Set Me Free.

Chapter 22: Finally.

Chapter 23: In The Lord's Name.

Chapter 24: Exorcising the Death Knight.

Chapter 25: Is This God's Will?

Epilogue

Prologue

Where Things Stand

It had been a week since Lea went to the party at Julie's house. During that week, Lea had been resting to recover from all the damage that she received in her match against Payton. At that moment, Lea was feeling more than ready to go back to work and to her training. Lea knew that the money she donated to Julie’s house was not enough to pay the debt, so she had to get back to business. It was a new day at the gym, and Lea had to get up early to open the gym because it was her workday. Ever since Lea won the tournament, things have been a little different around the gym. First of all, the members have started to look at Lea in a new light, as if they have more respect for her. Second, the equipment in the gym looked brand new because of the money that Lea and her group of friends got in their matches. While Lea was working, she was told that Alonso wanted to talk to her in the office. Lea stopped what she was doing and headed to the office. When Lea went inside, she found Alonso Rodriguez, owner and one of the coaches of the gym, already waiting inside behind his desk.

Hello, coach, is there something you need? asked Lea.

Yes, take a seat, please, answered Alonso. Lea went to one of the couches and sat down. Before we begin our discussion, how are you feeling today? Alonso was still concerned for Lea’s well-being, but neither his tone of voice, nor his face showed it.

I’m feeling well, I don’t feel any pain in my body, answered Lea while stretching to prove her point.

Good. Now, let’s get down to business. Alonso started to use a business-like tone in his voice, which got Lea’s full attention. First, let me congratulate you on your victory in the last tournament, you did a good job. Lea started to feel proud after hearing that from Alonso. Still, there’s much more to learn, so be ready for anything. Second, as far as I remember, you’re fighting to help someone financially, correct?

Yes.

That makes it a little hard to say.

Say what?

Well, right now, you can officially fight on 6-round matches, meaning that you will earn more money. As far as I can guess, it won’t be that much to you, considering that you will get $750 dollars for each match.

Well, at the very least, is a rise on my paycheck.

Yes, it is a good rise, but it would be a better rise, when you enter into 8-round matches. When you reach that level, you will get $1,000 dollars per match.

Whoa, I can just imagine the kind of prizes that I could get from tournaments in that level.

That’s…what I wanted to talk about. There’s a problem about you getting in tournaments right now.

W-what’s the problem? Did I do something wrong? Did I get suspended?

Calm down, it doesn’t have anything to do with you. The thing is…that there’s no tournament right now. Not even plans for any type of tournament at the moment.

No tournament! That was my greatest source of income. Let’s see… Lea started to make calculations in her head, and she didn’t like the results. If Lea fought and got hurt, she would have to rest before she could get into another match. Even if she saved up all of her money from her part-time job, it wouldn’t be enough. At the worst, she might do less than last year.

Believe me, I wish that there was some tournament, it could get us a lot of money and fame for our gym. Unfortunately, there is none, and that brings me to my solution, which might be asking a lot from you. Alonso was feeling uncomfortable about it.

I don’t mind, if it can help me get the money, I’ll do pretty much anything.

First, hear what I have in mind, then you can decide if you want to go with it or not, okay? After Alonso said that, Lea went silent and started to listen. Now, if you want to make a lot of money, you’re going to need a national title match. Unfortunately, your rank is not high enough to challenge the national champion. So, the only idea that I come up with, is that you have two matches in one month. Alonso could see that Lea was somewhat surprised by what she just heard.

Two matches in one month? That’s a lot, there’s barely any time to rest, if any. Is that even possible? I haven’t heard of anyone fighting two matches in one month.

It is pretty much unheard of, but let me tell you this. It has happened, and those that managed a feat like that, where boxers of legend, boxers who were destined for greatness, boxers who left their mark in the history of the sport. Those, where great boxers, but it doesn’t mean that there’s no risk. Doing something like that was insanely dangerous, and I don’t want you to end up dead because you have a future ahead of you, just like every single boxer in this gym. Now, with all that said, I want you to think carefully about this. I don’t want to see any type of hesitation in you when you give me your answer. Alonso went silent, giving Lea some time to think it over, but it would seem that he won’t have to wait for long.

There’s no need to think about it and I won’t hesitate. If it means getting closer to the national title, then I’ll do it. I’m ready to start when you are. Lea didn’t see any reason to wait. She knew that she had no time to wait, and even less for hesitation. Alonso could see that the question might have been pointless because Lea was determined and was ready for any challenge.

All right. With that decided, it would mean that you will have to focus more on your training, and less on work. Of course, you will work, but I’ll have to reduce your hours, okay?

No problem. After Lea said that, Alonso got up from his seat and went to the door.

Then let’s no waste any more time, let’s get you ready for your next fight. Lea got up from her seat and answered.

Yes, coach! Both boxer and coach got out of the office, knowing that it might be even more difficult than before, and they were more than ready for it.

The bank was working as usual, with people opening bank accounts and investing, but there was one person that was standing out among the crowd. To be more precise, a male Cyclops, who was walking towards a female worker.

Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Cox, said the Cyclops to the worker.

Name please, answered the worker.

Pierce Griffin.

One moment please. Then, the worker made a phone call to her boss. The call was short, she said who it was, confirmed something, and hang up. Mr. Cox is ready to see you, go to the hallway and is the last door straight ahead.

Thank you. Pierce left the worker and headed straight to the office. When he reached the door, he knocked on it.

Come in. A voice answered from the other side, and Pierce entered. Inside, he found an ogre, who could be around 7 to 8 feet tall, with dark gray hair, hazel eyes, and red skin. Pierce could see that the ogre could crush someone with his bare hands, even in his old age. Good day Mr. Griffin, I thank you for coming today, said Cox from the other side of his desk. Please, take a seat.

Thanks, said Pierce and took a seat in front of Cox. Now, you wanted to hire my services, what do you need me to do?

Straight to the point, I like it that way. I need you to find someone.

Is it a relative, a spouse?

None of those, this might be something different for you. I need you to find a donor.

Okay, do you have anything that can help me on my search? Do you know the looks of the person, the last time that the person was seen? Anything?

Unfortunately, nothing, the only thing that we know is that the person donated $18,000 in cash to a home group in the state.

I can imagine that the person doesn’t have an account in this bank.

No, or we wouldn’t have need of your services, detective.

I was hoping for a yes, and if the person didn’t use a check, it will make this job even more difficult.

Do what you have to do, and if you need something, let me know. I can call in some favors to help you.

Thanks, is there anything else you need me to do?

No, that would be all. Nice doing business with you.

The same goes to you, Mr. Cox. Pierce knew when a conversation was over and got up from his seat. Then, he left Cox's office, already thinking on how to find the mysterious donor.

Chapter 1

Back to Work

It was a new day, new month, and new year for Lea, but just like any other day, she had to work early. While Lea was working on cleaning the gym, Alonso approached her.

Chica, your shift is over, go do some warm ups. We have to get you ready for your upcoming match, said Alonso.

I have a match? That’s was kind of quick, said Lea. She usually waited for a month to get a match.

Hey, you wanted a match, right? Well, you have it. Besides, someone on your position needs matches to rise up, just like your opponent. Alonso started leaving after saying that.

Okay, I’ll put this away and I’ll get started. Lea put her equipment away and got ready to do warm ups. Lea started stretching, trying to get the muscles ready for the work out. After a while, Alonso called her from the ring.

That’s enough, go get your gloves and get in the ring.

Yes, coach. Lea immediately left to get her gloves. It didn’t take her long to put them on because she learned how to put them faster. After Lea finished putting the gloves on, she headed to the ring, and got in. Alonso wasted no time and they start to work on some combinations. Lea executed the combinations without trouble, but Alonso could notice that Lea was still slower because of her time off. Fortunately, it wasn't something that a good amount of training won’t fix. While Lea was training, one of Lea’s friends entered the gym. Hilda O’Brien, the current MSNABF (Multi-Species North American Boxing Federation) Heavyweight Champion, noticed Lea training.

Well, would you look at that, the lass is already up and going, said Hilda with the same Irish accent that she always had. Now then, I better get ready. Training isn’t going to do itself. Hilda started to head to the locker room to get ready. After Hilda disappeared into the locker room, another friend of Lea entered the gym. The new MSNABF Welterweight Champion, Salena Smith, also noticed Lea training.

Hey, Lea! Salena immediately started to call Lea and waved at her. Lea heard Salena, turned to her direction, and waved back, but Alonso notice that and hit Lea on the side of her face. Salena could see that Alonso was saying something, and could just imagine what it was. Okay, better go and get ready to train. Salena quickly went to the locker room. Soon after that, the last of Lea’s friends entered the gym. The smallest of the group, and still working on getting a national championship, Alinda Lopez, noticed Lea working with Alonso.

It’s always a good motivation to see Lea working hard. I better get ready without delay. While heading to the locker room, Alinda greeted Lea, and Lea tried to wave back, but quickly realized what she was doing and ducked just in time to avoid a hit from a mitt. After that, Alinda continued on her way to the locker room and Hilda came out of the lockers before Alinda reached the door.

Morning, lass. Hilda greeted Alinda.

Morning. Alinda greeted back, but before she opened the door to the locker room, Hilda stopped Alinda.

Be careful, Salena is in there. Hilda informed with a serious face.

Um…okay?

Seriously, be careful. Salena is in there…changing.

…I don’t see what the problem— Alinda suddenly realized what Hilda was doing. Alinda simply groaned in annoyance and got into the locker room, but Hilda got a glimpse of a blush starting to appear on Alinda's face. After that, Hilda started to snicker.

I’ll never get tired of it. Hilda wiped a tear from her eye and went on her way to start her training.

Everyone spent hours training in the gym, not only to maintain their physique, but to be prepared for any upcoming match. Lea was sitting on a bench, taking a break from her training, and that was when her friends took the opportunity to ask some questions.

So, Lea…How are thing going with Julie? asked Alinda.

Good, answered Lea with simple honesty. Lea's friends were waiting to hear more, but quickly realized that it was the whole answer.

That’s it? Just going 'good'? asked Hilda. She didn’t believe it to be the whole answer, and her disbelief could be seen on her face.

Well…What else do you want me to say? We’re still friends, she hasn’t found out about me being a boxer. So, everything is good between us.

You know, believe it or not, I was confident that nothing would happen. So, pay up, Hilda, said Salena and put a hand in front of Hilda, who reluctantly put 5 dollars on Salena's hand.

I’ll win next time, said Hilda before Salena put the money in her pocket.

Wait, you made a bet on me and Julie? asked Lea.

Yeah, we bet about you getting together with Julie. As you can see, I bet that something would happen, but it didn’t, so I lost 5 bucks, answered Hilda as if it was nothing.

I can’t believe you would make a bet like that. We’re just friends and that’s all we’re going to be.

Are you serious about that? I mean, look: She’s nice, smart, and she’s sexy. I cannot believe that you don’t feel anything but friendship towards her.

I don’t see why that is hard to believe. Besides, she’s busy and I’m busy, we don’t really have that much time to see each other.

Busy? Do you have a match coming up? asked Salena.

Yeah, at the end of the month, so I have to work on my condition, answered Lea.

Isn’t that kind of fast? You just recovered from a match, said Alinda in worry.

Wait, what about your job here? How are you going to pay for food if you’re going to be focused on training? asked Salena.

Well, I’ll keep working here, but less than before, so that I can focus on my training, answered Lea.

Oh, you know what? I just started to realize something, said Hilda, who started to enter in deep thought.

What’s that?

If you’re going to be focused on your training, and you’re going to be working less, wouldn’t that mean…? Hilda was still processing the information, but Alinda was quicker than Hilda.

Wouldn’t that mean that you’re going to have more days off in the month? asked Alinda.

That would mean that you can go and see Julie more often than before, said Salena, who was following along, but barely.

How many days did the coach gave you?

Two, answered Lea with a straight face, but her friends knew that she was hiding something.

Two days of the month? asked Alinda.

Not really. Lea was starting to look around.

So he gave you more than just two days.

Kind of.

Let’s see, he gave you two days, but not just two days in the month, so he gave you more than two days in a month, right? asked Salena.

I got it! Said Hilda. He gave you the weekends off, right?

Fine, yes he gave me the weekends off, happy? Said Lea.

Of course, you can spend more time with Julie, answered Alinda. She could imagine the kind of things that Lea and Julie could do together.

Yeah, but she might be too busy to spend time with me.

Oh. come on, we all know that she would find the time to spend it with you, said Hilda. As far as she could remember, Julie always spent time with Lea after calling on the phone.

How do you know it would be different this time around? asked Lea.

I don’t, but we can always find out. Hilda started to head to the office after saying that, and Lea quickly realized what Hilda was going to do.

Whoa, wait a minute. I’m not ready for it. Lea quickly grabbed Hilda’s waist from behind and tried to pull.

What are you, 15? I don’t see what you need to be ready for, just call her and talk through the phone, simple. Hilda stopped heading to the office, but didn’t turn around, and Lea kept grabbing her.

Well, I don’t know what to say to her.

How about, ‘Hi Julie, how are you? I’m doing just fine, want to go out somewhere?’ It’s easy and straight to the point, said Alinda.

I think Julie would like to simply talk with you, even if you don’t have a real theme of conversation, said Salena.

Listen, just call her, I’m sure you’ll come up with something when the time comes, said Hilda. Lea let go of Hilda and she turned around.

Okay, I’ll call, but later. I think my break is over. Lea starts to leave the group.

Oh yeah, I forgot that I was resting for a moment. Talk to you guys later. Salena and the rest of the group left to do their own training. Lea returned to her training, but she was still thinking about calling Julie.

"They’re right, why should I be scared of calling Julie? She’s just a friend, and friends call each other every once in a while. Besides, is not like I have much to do on my own, so it might be a good idea to see if I can spend my weekend doing something fun with her. She always tends to have something in mind." After Lea thought that, she decided to give a call after she was done with her training for the day.

Lea was done training for the day and took the opportunity to give Julie a call. Lea was using the phone from the office because she didn’t have a phone of her own. Lea dialed the number and waited for Julie to answer, which didn’t take very long.

Hey, Lea, how are you? Greeted Julie with the same cheerfulness that Lea knew all too well.

Hello, Julie, I was just done working here. What about you?

I’m actually in my room, watching a new movie I just got.

That sounds nice. So, I was just wondering…if you were free this weekend.

I was planning on doing something, but I can leave it for later. Julie’s answer got Lea’s attention.

"Leave it for later? Just as Hilda was talking about! You know, you don’t have to postpone it if it’s really important for you."

Don’t worry about it. I can do it some other time. Did you have something in mind? After Julie asked that, Lea went silent, and it got Julie worried. Hey, Lea, are you there?

Huh, yeah, I’m here. I just…wasn’t expecting that question. I was mostly just calling to find out if you were free on the weekend. Lea heard giggling from the other side of the phone. What? The question barely made the giggling stop.

I’m sorry. It was kind of funny to me. Well, I was going to the movie theater this weekend. There’s this new movie that I have been waiting to be released. Do you want to come with me?

Uh, sure, what type of movie is it? From there, Julie started to explain the type of movie, which was an action comedy movie, and what it was about. Lea was starting to like the movie and agreed on a time to go. After everything was set, they say their goodbyes and hang up the phone. "Well, that went well. They were right after all. It shouldn’t be difficult to talk with Julie, especially since we’re friends." After that, Lea simply spent the day on her apartment. Then, she helped close the gym and went back to her apartment to call it a night.

The next day was pretty much the same. Lea helped open the gym, worked in the morning, and started training after working 4 hours. Lea’s friends arrived at the gym, and after getting ready to start on their training, they head straight to Lea, who was working on some weights.

Hey, lass, how are you doing? I see you’re working on the weights, said Hilda with a smile, which was suspicious to Lea.

Yes, I talked to Julie yesterday and she was free on the weekend, said Lea while still working on the weights.

That’s great, what are you guys doing on the weekend? asked Salena.

We’re going to the movie theater, answered Lea.

That’s it? I was expecting something better than that.

What if it’s a romantic movie? Then, they can go and have lunch together, or maybe a romantic dinner, said Alinda. She was already going to her dream world, and everyone could see her put her dreamy eyes.

Actually, it’s an action comedy movie. I don’t think there’s much, if any, kind of romance in it. Lea can see that Alinda got disappointed by those news.

Oh, well, you can still have a romantic lunch, even if there’s no…romantic movie.

I don’t know about romantic, I don’t even know if we’re going somewhere to eat after the movie.

Whoa, you’re making your date sound kind of…boring, said Hilda.

Well, I’m…sorry that is…boring.

You better be. A lady should have a more pleasant date than that, said Alinda. She felt responsible that her friend didn’t think of something better.

It's not a date, we’re just hanging out. Lea can’t believe that she was been scolded about something like that, but she knew that her friends were a little insane in their own way.

We’ve heard this before. Look, just…have fun. I really mean it, we all do, have fun, said Hilda with sincerity, and the rest agree with her. They might have wanted to hear something better than that, but they still want Lea to be happy.

Uh…thanks…you guys. Hilda's words touched Lea and they brought a smile to her face.

Now then, remember to end the date with a kiss, but don’t make it look too desperate. Hilda ruined the touching moment and wiped off Lea’s smile.

Why, Hilda? Just answer this question, why did you have to ruin the moment?

It must be a gift of mine.

I’m pretty sure is more of a curse than a gift to those around you.

I agree with Lea on this one, said Alinda, who had experienced that from Hilda. Suddenly, Alonso ordered Lea to get in the ring.

Well, talk to you guys later, said Lea. She dropped the weights and headed to the ring, leaving her group of friends behind.

Do you think something will happen? By the sounds of it, it’s just going to be…uneventful.

Well… Said Hilda and she looked at Alinda and Salena, which got their attention.

What? Come on, just say it.

Oh nothing, I’m confident that something will happen, if we give it time. With that said, Hilda left to do some of her own training, leaving Alinda a little dumbfounded. She was expecting some type of joke from Hilda, but said something that almost sound smart to Alinda.

"Was that directed to me?" Alinda looked at Salena.

You know, Hilda might be right. Things might work out if we give it time. Oh well, I better go back to training, later. Salena was the next one to leave and Alinda was left alone with her thoughts.

"Now that I remember, Salena’s family was encouraging me to keep trying. Eventually, something will work with Salena. Well, I better leave it for later, I have to get back to work." With that thought, Alinda went back to work and the day went like normal.

The next day at the gym, Lea was back to training, but she was called to the office. Lea entered the office and saw all of her friends, who were already on their seats. Alonso was also in the office and on his seat behind the desk. Lea greeted everyone, they returned the greeting, and she took a seat.

I think you already know why we called you here, but let me just say it anyways. We got a video of your next opponent, and to be honest, it might be a little tough, but nothing to be worried about, said Alonso.

Wait, really? No abnormal style, no super ability, nothing? asked Lea.

Well, is not something ordinary, but is not something that you haven’t dealt with before. I think it would be best if you just watched the video. Alonso put the DVD on and played it. In the screen, it showed on one corner a Lamia with blond hair, with signs of black highlights, gray eyes, and an almost pale skin complexion. The bell ringed and both boxers came out of their corners, but it was a different case for the blond boxer. She literally rushed out of her corner and was heading straight to her opponent. The blond boxer started to throw a right straight at her opponent, and her opponent tried to block the attack, but she was going to get the surprise of a lifetime, just like the entire audience. Despite blocking, the opponent was unable to block the attack and her head was sent flying back, along with her upper body. The opponent was sent back to her corner and the blond boxer rushed at her opponent again, in the same manner, and launched another right at her. The opponent wasn’t fast enough and took the punch straight to her face. Unable to take anymore, the opponent fell to the mat, and the referee got between them. The referee didn’t even count. He simply raised his arms and announced the end of the match. It wasn’t even a minute since the match started and it was already over.

Everyone was quiet in the office, until Salena broke the silence.

You know, you got to admit it, that was kind of awesome.

I don’t know about awesome, more like destructive, said Alinda.

Say, did anyone notice something strange about it? asked Hilda with a thoughtful look on her face.

Like what? asked Salena.

Now that you mention it, it looks like Lea’s technique, answered Alinda.

My technique? It can’t be the same, right? asked Lea.

Well…I wouldn’t say the very same because she wasn’t launching herself like Lea. If we put it in a human perspective, it would look like running. After Hilda’s explanation, everyone started to think about it and reached the same conclusion.

Just as Hilda said, this boxer simply keeps sliding forward at top speed and launches the punch with the momentum. All of her victories were won with that strategy, said Alonso. He considered it a very simple strategy, but had to admit that it seemed to be effective.

She must have been punched at least once. I don’t think it would be that difficult to dodge, said Alinda.

It seems that some of them get scared after the first hit, and none of them seems to be brave enough to trade punches with her. It almost made Alonso laugh just thinking about it.

Lucky for Lea, she has already dealt with hard punchers, so I’m sure she can take it without trouble, said Salena.

I don’t know about taking them, they actually hurt more than you think, but I won’t back away from her, said Lea.

Exactly, you can’t back away from this new opponent because if you do, then she will charge at you with that attack. We will focus on building speed and endurance. You will need it if you want to keep standing in the round. There’s no need to build up your punching power, you already have it at a high level, especially since you have your technique up your sleeves, said Alonso, who got up from his chair and headed to the door. Let’s get you started, chica. Lea got up from her seat and responded.

Yes, coach. That concluded the meeting and everyone started to leave the room, but before Salena could leave the room, she was called by Alinda.

Hey, Salena, can I talk to you for a moment?

Lea was outside of the office, but managed to hear Alinda asking Salena for something.

"I wonder what Alinda is going to ask from Salena," thought Lea.

Let me guess, what are they talking about, right? Said Hilda.

You noticed it too?

Yup, Alinda has been trying more often to start something with Salena. The thing is, Salena doesn’t seem to notice. In her eyes, Alinda is just being friendly, which is funny and sad at the same time for me.

I’m sure that it will work out for her if she keeps trying.

Speaking of them, Salena is coming out right now. They both stop sliding away and they could see that Salena had her usual cheerful mood. She was soon followed by Alinda, who was a different case. Lea and Hilda didn’t know how, but they could tell that there was something different with Alinda. She looked more…happy, they could even hear some giggling coming from her, which sounded almost maniacal. None of them knew if it was a good idea to approach her or not, so Hilda took it upon herself to find out what was going on with their friend. With that decided, Hilda slid up to Alinda, standing right behind her, and asked.

Hey, lass, is everything okay? Alinda turned around with a smile, which was a little too big in Hilda’s opinion.

Why of course, Hilda, why wouldn’t be? asked Alinda.

Okay, I think I need to hear this. Hilda and Alinda start a conversation, but it was too far away for Lea to listen, and was about to approach them, but she was stopped by Alonso.

Oye chica, what are you waiting for? Go get ready to start your training.

Okay, sorry about that. Lea quickly started her warm-ups, but she was curious to know what was going on with Alinda. "Maybe I’ll ask either one of them when I get the chance." Putting it behind her mind, Lea started her training, which was easy to see that it was going to be a tough one.

After some hours of training, Lea was finally given some time to rest, and Lea was going to take the opportunity to ask either Alinda or Hilda about earlier. Unfortunately for Lea, they seem to have left earlier than usual, and the only source of hope, was Salena herself.

"Might as well, but I wonder if she will be willing to talk about it, thought Lea and slid towards Salena, who was sitting on a bench. Hey, Salena." That got Salena’s attention.

Hey, Lea, what’s up? asked Salena. She was always willing to talk to a friend, especially in her break because she has nothing better to do.

Remember when we watched that video? About my next opponent?

Oh yeah, she looks tough.

Yeah, but after that, Alinda wanted to talk with you, what was it about?

She just wanted to know if I was free to go somewhere, and I told her that I was planning on hanging out with my little sister.

Oh, that must have been disappointing for her.

Not really, I told her that my sister wanted me to invite her, and she was more than happy to go with us.

"Really? Why would Alinda like to be in a group?"

Yeah, Alinda had dinner with me and my family once, and my family seems to like her a lot. They actually keep asking about her, which I don’t know why, but they ask more about her than about you and Hilda. Sorry by the way.

"Don’t worry about it, I don’t feel offended by it. That might explain why Alinda looked so happy early. Good to know, I thought something made her go insane." After that, Salena got up.

Well, my break is over, I have to go back to training. Talk to you later. Salena started to slide away.

Okay. With nothing else to do, Lea also went back to her training.

It was a new day at the gym, but that one might be the most annoying for Lea. She could see that Alinda was already approaching, and Lea could guess what it was going to be about.

Hey, Lea, you know what’s happening tomorrow? asked Alinda, who had a smile on her face.

I do, but I’m afraid to say it to you, and the other two that are about to approach, answered Lea while resting on a bench and wiping off some of the sweat from her face. Just as Lea said, Hilda and Salena were already approaching.

I’m pleased to know that you know us so well. It just shows how close we are.

Believe me, sometimes it feels like a curse, but it makes me prepared for what is about to come. So, at least I’m grateful for that.

Really? Can you guess what I’m about to talk about? Lea started to think about it. Then, she looked directly at Alinda, thinking hard about what Lea's romance-loving friend was going to talk about. Hilda and Salena reached the two of them just in time to see the look on Lea’s face.

What’s going on here? asked Hilda.

Shh, Lea is trying to guess something. After Alinda said that, Lea gave an answer.

You were going to talk about the place we should go and eat. When Lea gave her answer, Alinda made the sound of buzzers from game shows in television.

Wrong answer, but it is a good subject to talk about. So, thank you for mentioning it. Lea made a pained expression after hearing that.

"Man, it feels like I just burned myself."

What I want to talk about, is the proper clothes you should wear on your date.

It's not a date.

Of course it isn’t.

Anyways, what’s wrong with my normal clothes? We’re just going to watch a movie.

You mean the clothes that make you look like a thief?

I don’t see any problem with those clothes, said Salena, who preferred shorts, in Lamia’s standards.

There’s no way that I will let one of my friends go out with someone special and not wear something presentable, said Alinda.

You know, Julie might wear something normal, said Lea.

It doesn’t matter, there’s always proper clothing for everything. Good thing I don’t have to work at the store today. So, after training, we are going to the mall, and get you proper clothing.

I’m not really into clothes that much, but this is starting to sound interesting, said Hilda. She didn’t want to miss something that could be funny.

Oh, good thing you mentioned that, I need to get some new t-shirts. Can I tag along? asked Salena.

Of course, answered Alinda.

Hey, how come you don’t say anything about her clothes but you complain about mine? asked Lea.

She already has some proper clothing in her closet. Besides, she might be useful on preventing you from running away.

What makes you think I will run away? It’s not like I have a car.

You know buses, so you might try to get into one.

I’m not going to run away, I promise.

That’s good to hear.

But I do reserve the right to whine about it.

Fine, I’ll just try to ignore you. After Alinda said that, Hilda snickers.

Oh boy, this is going to be fun, said Hilda.

Wait a minute. Don’t you have someone you can go out with? asked Lea.

She’s going to be a little busy, so I have time to spend with you guys.

More like, you have nothing better to do. Hilda looked like she was about to argue, but quickly dropped it.

Yeah, you’re right.

Then, it’s decided. After training, we’re going to the mall. Announced Alinda.

I can already tell that it’s going to be a long trip to the mall, said Lea.

Oh come on, is not going to be as horrible as you think.

That’s because you’re not going to become a dress up doll.

If you give it a chance, you might found something that you’re going to like.

I hope you’re right about that and it doesn’t become a waste of time.

I wouldn’t call it a waste of time if it’s going to please Julie, said Hilda.

I think she would be pleased just by going with her, said Salena.

It would make it more pleasant if Lea went with her in more proper clothing, argued Alinda.

Really? Is that how it works?

Yes. Alinda and the rest were going to continue, but they were interrupted by Alonso.

Okay, enough chitchat over there, back to work! Yelled Alonso. After that, everyone went to their training.

"Aw man, how did I get myself into this? Oh wait, I didn’t get myself into this, I was dragged into this. Whatever, I’m sure they don’t mean any harm, I’ll just get it over with and call it a day." With that in mind, Lea simply went back to her training.

It was closing time for a bank, and all of the workers have left, except for one in particular. She was a bank manager who was waiting for someone in particular, and didn’t have to wait for long.

Good afternoon. A male voice said from her right.

Mr. Griffin? asked the manager.

Yes, can we go in now?

Yeah, everyone have already left. The manager opened the door, got the security turned off, and they both head to the manager’s office. They enter the office, the manager went to her computer, and turned it on. Okay, what do you need me to get for you?

Look for any withdrawals of $18,000 dollars that was done last month. After hearing that, the manager started to look through the files, and quickly found nothing useful. With that done, the manager turned off the computer, closed the office, the building, and they both leave, but not before Pierce gave his thanks to the manager.

"That’s another bank down and many more to go. Thankfully, my client seems to have some connections to help me out, but this might take a while to give me any progress. If I can find the right bank and look at the video cameras, I might be able to find this mysterious donor. Unfortunately, there are so many banks in the state, and I don’t think my client has the patience to wait for results. Well, who am I to complain? This is my job and I have to see it through." Pierce was more than ready to go through any lengths to find the person. After all, there was a big payment if he found what he was looking for.

Chapter 2

Going Out

It was a late afternoon, and Lea was done training. Just as Alinda said, Lea and her group of friends left the gym, got into Hilda’s car, and went straight to the mall.

Wait, now that I think about it, I don’t remember seeing Alinda drive a single time, said Lea.

I do drive, but we only have one car, so I leave it to my parents. I ride the bus to get here, said Alinda.

What about you, Salena?

I drive too. Sometimes I drive my sister to school, but when my mother goes to work, answered Salena.

You…actually drive? asked Lea.

Yeah, why do you ask like it's something unbelievable? Lea could see that Salena was feeling offended by it.

Uh, no reason, it’s just that I have never seen you drive before.

Well, like Alinda right here, we only have one car, and my mother is the only one with an actual job. So she needs it more than me..

Which makes me the only one who has a car of her own. Just to let you guys know, gas isn’t cheap in these days, said Hilda. She wasn’t bothered by it, so they knew that she was just playing around.

It didn’t take long for the group to arrive at a mall that was close by. Hilda parked the car, they get out of the car, and went inside the mentioned mall.

It’s been a while since I came to a shopping mall. How I have missed this, said Alinda with a smile.

I know what you mean, I haven’t checked if they have any new video games at my favorite store, said Salena, who was eager to go and check the store.

Salena, I can’t believe you’re still into video games at your age.

Hey, my sister likes video games too.

She’s 15 years old, of course she would like them, but you’re the big sister. You should be her image of a responsible woman, a symbol of wisdom and maturity. After Alinda said that,