Trouble on the way

Days like these were important. They gave him a way out, even when only for a few hours. No people bothering him, no father responsibilities, no stress. If anything this was a stress reliever.

Sweat was dripping from his face by the time Zhènyǔ decided a break was necessary. With his gloved hands he held the bag, keeping it from moving all around. He was breathing heavily through his mouth.

As he stepped back, he removed his gloves, throwing them near his other stuff. Immediately he reached for his water bottle, trying not to down the thing in one go. Next he went for a towel and held it against his forehead. He felt a lot calmer than when he first came in here that day.

For a moment he looked around the place, at the other people present. No one managed to catch his eye. No one but one. Zhènyǔ’s eyes widened in surprise as all he could do was stare at the darked haired figure. It couldn’t be. Yet he recognized him immediately. How could he not? It had been his first time interrogating someone, although all he had to do was ask questions. Others took care of the rest.

Zhènyǔ did not notice that he was staring. His knuckles turned white as his grip on the towel tightened. This was bad. Really bad.

A shot. A scream. Laughter. His shaking hand.

All of it came back the moment Zhènyǔ laid eyes on him. While  he would not describe it as a traumatizing experience, it had been one that stayed with him ever since. The first guy he shot and killed. They had left him for dead with a wound that should’ve killed him. But here he was.

It was like seeing a ghost, except this one was very much alive. Zhènyǔ continued watching, frozen in the spot. In another life he would not have cared. A few years ago, he would not have cared. Things happened and now he could not have someone like that running around. He was dangerous, that he knew very well.

Zhènyǔ could’ve left there and then as it did not look like the mercenary had seen him. Yet he stayed until he did. Their eyes met and neither of them looked away. The shock was gone from his eyes, making way for something more cold. Almost a silent warning already. In an instant it was gone as the Mercenary turned back to the trainer, continuing his training session, but there was a challenge there.

After grabbing his gloves he made for the ring. “Let me give it a go,” Zhènyǔ announced. The trainer immediately went out of the ring as Zhènyǔ hopped in. He rolled his eyes as his eyes once more locked onto the Mercenary. “Long time no see.” One corner of his mouth curled into a menacing grin. Things had changed since their last conversation. No longer was he the rookie from back then. “You up for a challenge?” He raised a sharp brow as he stood on the opposite side of the man.

How had he not known before? They should’ve told him about this man the moment they laid eyes on him. Yet no one had done so. In a way it made sense. It had been many years ago, in a whole different region. People thought him all dead but here he was. After he had dealt with thin Zhènyǔ would talk to his men and the trainer he just sent away, a man he knew well enough by now.

Questions were burning on his tongue, but Zhènyǔ swallowed each one of them. It did not matter how the man survived, if he posed a problem he would simply have to kill him a second time. Perhaps beheading would do the trick.

“Taking the words right from my mouth, fàn tǒng.” Both his forehead and back were sweating from his training, which was fine. It served as a good warming up. No matter how close this man came, Zhènyǔ never even leaned backwards. He stood his ground, keeping his back straight and his eyes unyielding. A dangerous grin danced on his lips. “No need. You might never want to set foot in another boxing ring after today.”

Showing he did not fear this man, Zhènyǔ turned his back towards him and walked to the opposite side of the ring. They could hardly start a fight when they were in kissing range. He rolled his shoulders, ready to turn around and prepare his stance for when they would begin.

No way he was leaving here as the loser.