The four of them, including Saanvi, were all gathered in the safety of the teacher's lounge where they were hiding from the mass rioting outside. Fans of either side of the chaos were trying to injure the other fighter, gain some sort of advantage for their favorite. 

"Then why is Thrasher fighting me? What does he gain from this?"

"Permanent switches gain a lot more intrest. They can even rival Ghost's audience, and they don't come very often since they are so risky. And if he wins then he has a direct chance of challenging Ghost."

Challenging Ghost.

The memory of what he did to me ran through my head multiple times, making me sick to my stomach. God, I hated that man.

But at the same time it was like a wave of relief. I wasn't wallowing in self pity like before. It meant I was growing stronger. Most likely. I would use my anger and pummel Ghost in the cafeteria.

As long as it remained anger. 

"I want to fight Ghost," I challenged out loud.

The three of them stared at me. Then at my injuries. I knew what they were thinking.

"Alright... you recognize that you've never seen Ghost fight before, right?" asked Rio.

"There's a reason he's as powerful as he is. Not only does he have connections but he's strong. Your best bet is to try and win this fight and train up," replied Saanvi.

That's when I started thinking. If I wasn't able to fight Ghost just yet, then how could I? So far none of my opponents had really been on my level. They were actors, meant to rile up the show. Like me. I needed to break out of my cycle and get noticed for my ability rather than how well I stir up the crowd.

"Hey, remember when I fought Tarzan?" I asked, "He said something about this information guy... Lauren?"

They shrugged. 

"Cause I need someone strong to fight, but like... someone on my ability level. He's an information guy, right? So he should know who would be best for my next victory."

"Hold on okay? I need you to remember your next battle. It's happening soon, okay? Let's just finish watching these videos on previous fights with Thrasher. Try to learn from him."

There was a much smaller crowd for his fights, but Thrasher had talent.

"AAAAAND WELCOME BACK TO THE CAFETERIA WHERE WE HAVE THRASHER VERSUS LIONEL! TWO PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED WRESTLERS WITH GRIPS OF STEEEEEEEEEL! LET'S BEGIN IN FIVE..FOUR..THREE..TWO..ONEEEEEEEE! FIIIIIGHT!"

They both circled each other before Lionel dived in. They locked arms and pushed against each other. Each side barely allowed themselves to move an inch causing it to seem as though they were trapped in a testosterone induced hug. A hug of death.

Finally Lionel got the advantage by lowering his torso and using his legs to flip Thrasher around and release himself. In response, Thrasher grabbed his shoulders and dug his fingers next to the collarbone and headbutted him right across the forehead. 

"OOOH! WHAT A SICKENING CRACK! DID YOU HEAR THAT? CAUSE I HEARD THAT! LET'S SEE HOW LIONEL SURVIVES THIS ONE!"

While Thrasher shook the lingering pain out, Lionel ducked down and released himself from the hold. He charged forward, grabbing Thrasher by the waist, and run him into the surrounding tables. The paint from both their bodies had mixed together and made an ugly shade of brown.

"OH OH OOHHHHHHH! LOOK AT THAT SMACKDOWN! CAN THRASHER EVEN RECOVER FROM A HIT THAT HARD?"

Groaning, Thrasher got back up before falling down again. Lionel delivered simultaneous punch after punch to his face. They were both on the ground, Thrasher's head repeatedly getting slammed into the table behind them. It was hard to notice, but despite the pain he brought his knee up between Lionel's legs and bucked him off into the crowd behind them.

"OH MY! IS THIS THRASHER TRYING TO WIN BACK A LEAD? CAN HE DO THAT WITH THOSE INJURIES?"

Indeed he could. Lionel was quick to recover and jump back into the ring, and with that their arms once again connected. It was a battle of boy mass, both pushing against each other.

Lionel tried to twist his arm again, but this time Thrasher grabbed the arm and bent down. He slid right under his shoulder and hoisted the giant man onto his back. It was a fast move. He stood up and fell back as hard as he could, rolling off safely to avoid too much damage. 

The two fighters stepped away to acess the others damage. They circled each other, trying to do a fake out but remaining unsuccessful.

Finally they charged at each other and locked arms again. Both tried to reach lower and lower, get the best grip. Lionel grabbed Thrasher's leg and pulled him up, but his opponent had a good grip on him as well. They fell to the ground and rolled on the floor, both trying to remain on top.

It was like a ball of limbs rolling on the floor in circles.

"WHOOOOOO! LOOK AT THEM GO! SPINNING AROUND LIKE THAT MAKES ME DIZZY! NOW WHO'S GONNA WIN? LIONEL OR THRASHER?"

And then it happened. Lionel simply let go and lay limp. There was no extreme injury to cause him to forfeit immediately, but he did.

Lionel seemingly gave up and Thrasher won. 

That's when I realized. Thrasher couldn't have finished that fight. Somehow, Lionel was sabotaged...

Or bought out?

"Did you-"

"Yeah." Ryland interrupted, " Thrasher is one of Ghost's henchmen meaning he must get a lot of extra aid from him."

At that moment a heavy thunk sounded at the door followed by another, louder one.

Rio paled.

"Shit," he whispered, "Doesn't Ghost have control over security cameras?"

The four of us turned and looked at the small camera in the corner of the room. A giant crashing sound was heard as the door broke down.

"Well, well, well..." said the intruder, "Look what we have here."

It was a group of seven, but the most recognizable was the one in front.

Thrasher.