Perfect Illusion (Perfect 1)

One step forward, no steps back.

***

“Maddock is a wrestler,” I tell Kayden as I gesture for one of Breaking Point’s fighters, Declan, to get into the cage. He was one of the only few left in the gym and graciously agreed to do a sparring round. He’s also a decent fighter, and the perfect candidate for a situational sparring session because like Maddock, he’s a fan of wrestling takedowns. Declan and Kayden knock fists with each other before taking their places on either side of the cage, easing into their proper stances. “Which means, during the knockouts, once he gets you on the ground, you’re done for. So there’s only one thing to remember and that is to not let him clinch you. Stick and move, and don’t let him get close. Ready?” I yell, eyes darting back and forth between Declan and Kayden. They both nod.

“Go.”

Kayden bursts with energy and precision as he pounces on Declan.

“Be aware of your footwork.” In the cage, I hover over them like a referee would as they trade blows with each other. My hands are clasped behind me as I watch the fight, observing Kayden’s movements closely. He’s testing Declan to see if he can find an opening. Good. “Keep your defense impenetrable.”

Kayden backs off, arms up guarding his head as Declan lunges at him in a forward grapple. He almost gets caught but bounces away on the balls of his feet while throwing a variation of jabs, forcing Declan to dodge quickly.

“Here’s a rule for any fight: while you’re studying your opponent’s moves, he’s likely doing the same to you. You need to switch it up so he won’t be able to get the better of you. Keep him guessing all the time. It’s likely Maddock will fall into your trap since he’s always been somewhat of a meathead, and since I just said that advice aloud, I’m sure Declan is taking it right now and switching up his moves.

Yep, just as I predicted.”

Declan strikes, surprising Kayden with an unorthodox high kick to his forearm, shattering Kayden’s defense like a Roman phalanx. Kayden narrowly evades another attack heading straight for his nose.

“Give him an opening to take advantage of as he tests you,” I order as Declan aims for Kayden’s face again and Kayden jerks back. “Mislead him.”

Declan hammers Kayden with more high kicks, forcing Kayden to block each unrelenting one. Kick. Block. Kick.

Block.

“And when he finally takes the bait . . .”

Kayden’s movements are slow, the attacks taking their toll. He flinches to his left, moving to block another kick aimed straight for the side of his face.

“ . . . you go in for the kill.”

But with an unexpected burst of movement, Kayden ducks under Declan’s kick and pushes into an uppercut, which connects, stunning his opponent. Kayden doesn’t relent, moving into a flurry of combos that Declan tries his best to block, but he gets disoriented and Kayden’s surprise overhand catches him on the side of his head, throwing him to the floor.

“Get him on the ground,” I bark, pumping a fist. “Aim for his head—yes! That’s right—”

Kayden straddles Declan, raining down blows as Declan’s defense finally falters.

Declan meekly taps out.

“Good work, boys.” I give a slow clap as Kayden helps Declan off the ground. They knock their fists together as an acknowledgment of no hard feelings. “Let’s take five then we’ll go for another round.”

I hop out of the cage. Kayden follows after me, He picks his towel up off the ground and wipes the sweat pouring down his face, then walks over to me wearing a tired but triumphant smile. It’s nice to see him feeling proud of himself. He deserves it. I chuck a water bottle at him and he snatches it, squirting water into his mouth greedily.

“I can’t believe you were gonna back out of this deal,” I tell him. “Did you see yourself almost get crushed there?”

“Fair enough. You really are working me hard.” He grins and throws the bottle back to me. I catch it with a strong grip and kneel on the floor, rolling the bottle toward my gym bag, beside the benches.

“Speaking of working, I might not be able to make Friday’s training session,” I say quietly as I pull myself back up so our faces are level with each other. “I’m being summoned back home.”

A curious brow. “Oh?”

“Yeah. My dad wants to see me,” I say. “I think he wants me to clock in some good old family bonding time.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Pretty sure it’s gonna be dreadful,” I say, sifting hand through my hair. “I could stay,” I blurt, desperate for him to plead for me to train with him so I can get out of it. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, so . . .”

“Don’t worry. I think I can survive a day without you,”