Thread: Ghost of Demon Past (Soul &+&+ Alvis)

Things were moving fast. Carl hadn't been really completely ready for Jaime. But there was a lot to her that resonated with him. Strength and vulnerability, the two chasing one another within her in a way that made him stay not only interested, but attached. Staying at her place had seemed like a good idea really. The more time around her he spent, the more it just seemed like a good idea really. Mel had given them both a few knowing smirks, and Carl had just grinned at her. He sincerely didn't care what anyone really thought of him, and Jaime seemed to be a bit more...steady with someone around to latch onto. And Carl was a good deal more at peace with himself. Having someone that he cared about around gave him a far more motivated outlook to his life. Jaime was a piece of his life that he was only now finding out had been missing. Looking down at the training area of the club, Carl was looking at the fighters at practice. There was an odd tilt to his head, a look in his eyes. Each punch, kick, sweep, it was all familiar and yet alien to him. The whoel display was like old music, half remembered, but never really forgotten. He looked out over the ring. There was some light sparring going on, the padding keeping each person safe. Mostly. After all, a kick in the head had an effect no matter what happened. He smiled as he watched them go. It had been so long. Years even. He hadn't been in an honest to Gods fight in so long he wasn't even sure if he still remembered how any more. Besides, it had been long enough he wasn't sure he still had the edge that he needed. He shook his head, and turned to go when he heard a voice. Hey Carl! Hey! The voice came from one of the newer fighters in the club. Alex was his name, Karl was pretty sure. Yeah? What? He called back. Come on down! Step in the ring! Didn't you used to be hot shit in one of these places? Carl closed his eyes, smiling thinly. Not a place like this kid. Carl announced, coming a little closer. We didn't have much of a ring. Or padding. Or gloves. The club was going a little quiet, eyes turning to this little show. Carl's reputation was not a secret really. And anyone who'd been fighting with any seriousness for any length of time could see that Carl had the build of a fighting man. The wear on his knuckles showed a lifetime of scraps and brawls. So how about it then Carl? Think you can still throw a punch? Alex challenged. Carl shook his head. Probably not kid. It's been too long. And I'm legally banned from this kind of thing. Carl explained. Come on. It's a sparring match. And no here gives a shit. Right? Alex wqaved his hands at the fighters and staff. There was some encouraging applause for Carl. he sighed, but after a moment, nodded. Alright. Alright! He raised his hands in mock surrender. But ditch that sissy faggot ass padding. We'll do this like men. There was a lot of laughing at that, and Alex gleefully stripped the padding off, and tossed the gloves. Carl climbed into the ring with a slow deliberation. As he drew himself up to his full, impressive height, he looked at his opponent, and at the ring. The place was immaculately kept up, with ropes surrounding the ring, and a good solid surface to stand on. He stepped forward, his hands clenching into fists. He brought them up into a classic boxer's stance, his weight shifting. Alex wasn't a slouch, he knew what he was doing. He shifted, his stance moving to a move aggressive muay tai stance. You ready old man? Alex asked with a smile. Let's see if I still know how to do this then. Carl said calmly. Alex moved. The kick was fast, hard and accurate, heading right for Carl's head. And it would have worked great if Carl hadn't read Alex's move well before the movement had started. An elbow hammered into the advancing leg, batting it away. Alex staggered, the move interrupted, and pain flaring from the hard block. He dodged a pair of jabs from Carl. Each punch was fast and quick, and after blocking one directly, he knew that Carl was stronger than he looked. This was getting interesting.