Chapter 5 - Mason

In small ways, Adder made me think of my kid sister Gabrielle. Well, except Gabby would never come to such an event, nor would she be dressed even close to how Adder is. She had grown quiet as the match began. I watched as Ashton and this champ circled each other, assessing each other.

From my vantage, I saw none. But Ashton must have seen something as he grinned at the champ. "What he grinning for?" Adder asked. "He must have spotted a weak point." I explained. I still couldn’t be sure what the weak point was. But that was quickly answered as the champ moved to throw a punch at Ashton.

Ashton dropped down low and went directly for the man's legs getting him to the ground, and started to twist at the left ankle. The man grunted, hitting the ground, and tried to kick Ashton off with his other foot and, with a few attempts, was able to knock Ashton away though the damage was done. He got to his feet, having to favor his left foot more than before. So that was the weakness. Knowing Ash, he was going to focus on that foot.

Ashton took a few hits throwing a few solid punches of his own, striking the man. Every impact and movement Ashton made was to force his opponent to put weight on the left foot. Ashton drew it out before tackling the man down and putting him into a solid ankle kick submission applying excessive pressure and twisting at the injured ankle. A cracking sound could be heard softly under all the shouting of the crowd.

"Ashton is...." Adder tried to find the words. "An unyielding and violent man?" I offered. Adder nodded. "Yup. He's not known for being gentle." I commented. "Glad it was you who decided to confront me bout following ya." she started, now understanding what we meant when we said it was best for her it had been me and not Ashton that chose to stop her. 

The champ finally tapped, unable to get Ashton to break the hold or take more of the pain. Ashton finally released his hold when he was named the winner to the astonishment of all but him and I.

"Well, I hope your other bets were more fruitful." I commented. Adder shrugged. "Made a couple of quid." she answered. Ashton collected his winnings and pushed through the crowd and over to us. "Well, that was good sport. Why is your pet on your back?" Ashton asked, pocketing his winnings. 

Laughing, I rolled my eyes at him. “He just wanted to pick me up, I suppose.” Adder answered. “She wanted to see if you were all talk, so I let her up on my back so she could see through the crowd. Apparently, the guy whose ankle you just snapped was top dog around this fighting ring.” I explained.

“Meh, he wasn’t so tough. So, you learn your lesson about judging books by their covers?” Ashton questioned, taking his watch back from me putting it on his wrist. “Yea, I ain’t gonna bet against you two in the future.” Adder said. “Release your pet back into the wild, and let’s get back to the dorm. We have to still sneak past the RA.” Ashton said, checking the time.

I shrugged, bending down for her to get off my back. “Alright, down you go, pet. We need to sneak into our dorms back at Oxford University.”I instructed. Adder nodded, getting down. “Guess I’ll be seeing you blokes around. Be mindful of your pockets.” Adder teased, walking away with a smirk and wave. I don’t know why but I find myself watching her leave, worried for her.

“Come on, Mason, let’s go.”Ashton insisted, nudging me. “Your pet will be fine. Stop being well, you… worrying about everyone.” he sighed. I nodded because what else could I do. “I know. I mean, she’s survived however long without help. Let’s head back.” I agreed as we walked out. The walk back was, at least, uneventful. No signs of Adder, even though I was looking for her.

After sneaking past our RA’s room, we arrived back at our dorm. “I’m going to take a shower. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep. I’m way too amped after that fight.” Ash grinned, tossing his hat on his messy bed before going into the water closet. Sighing, I started to undress. Unlike Ashton, I don’t just throw my things about. I like to keep my half of the room neat and organized.

Neither Ashton nor I was able to get out to the fights over the next few weeks. University life had taken hold of us. We both have a heavy class load as freshmen, and then we each have added a sport. Ashton joined the swim team while I joined the rugby team. It was grueling but in a good way. 

I was returning to the dorm each night mentally and physically exhausted. I loved it. I’ve had to help Ashton here and there with assignments. We both know our fathers expect the best from us. Our fathers told us if we both got B+ at minimum, we’d be given an allowance to rent an apartment and escape dorm life.

I couldn't get Adder out of my head. I found myself thinking about her at random times, during a lecture and even while in rugby practice. Tonight, I dragged myself into my dorm, and I found her on my mind again. Is she okay? Is she safe? Has she eaten? I glanced at Ashton's bed and saw he’s already out cold. So, no sense asking him if he’ll look for her with me. So instead, I put my bag down and headed back out.

Cautiously I duck past my RA’s room. Peeking in, I saw him studying at his desk diligently. Good. Let’s hope he continues not to pay attention. The next obstacle I had was campus security. 

Luckily, they are about as observant as my RA. I let out a breath of relief as I got beyond the university's walls and into the city. Now, where might I find Adder?

I checked a few different alleys where I’d heard homeless congregate, but she wasn’t among them. I’d asked a few people, but no one had seen a girl fitting her description. “Thank you anyways.” I sighed after the fifth person said they’d never seen her. What was this girl a ghost? Did we imagine her? “Here, thank you for what help you could offer. If you see her, please tell her Mason was looking for her.” I said, offering the woman a tenner for her trouble.

Walking away, hands in my pockets, I started to wander. I found myself going in the direction of the fights or where they’d been last. I wasn’t sure if she’d be there. Hell, I didn’t know if the fights were there again. I was ready just to turn around and try another night again when I thought I caught a glimpse of her. 

“Adder?” I blinked, following. I saw her run down an alley followed by three rather angry-looking men chasing her. Oh, this didn’t look good. And I was certainly not going to ignore it. I’d been hunting her down for the last two hours. 

Now I find her, and she’s in trouble. I don’t even care why they are after her. I won’t let three men hurt a girl. So, with no direct plan in place, I used my wind to propel myself up to the roof to have the best advantage.