Page 38 of Repairing the Wreckage

“You’ve got this, Stonewall!” Bear Trap knocks his fist against my shoulder.

Venom pats the top of my head. “I can’t wait to see you twist that pink-mohawked motherfucker like a pretzel.”

* * *

Three days. I’m given three days to train with my former housemates. That’s it.

Technically, I’ve been training since I got here.

I’m beyond ready.

The show delivers several pairs of purple-and-gold fitted compression shorts a few days before the final fight.

On fight day, though, Venom shows up in the gym where I’m trying to work on some breathing exercises with a purple satin robe.

I squint at it. “The fuck is that?”

“For you. Paul says you get to make a big entrance, with pyro and everything.”

“For fuck’s sake.” I roll my eyes and take the robe from his hands. “I’m gonna look like a freaky-ass cult leader wearing this.”

He presses his palms together and bows. “Ah, mighty Stonewall. We pray for you to kick Naptime into the next universe.”

“Shut up.” I whap him with the robe. “Where’s Bear Trap at?”

“You don’t want to know.”

Coach comes in and gives me a few last-minute pointers. Then the cameras arrive. Like a good little fighter, I put on a show of sparring with Venom.

“Still quick on your feet,” he praises. I swear, Venom’s been a better coach than the actual coach. “Your grappling is even better than when you kicked my ass.”

A shade of guilt falls over me, but he doesn’t say it with any animosity. He almost seems proud. “Thanks.”

“You’ve got this.”

“No, I mean it.” I motion him closer. “Thank you.”

He rests his hands on my shoulders and squeezes. “Clear your mind. Don’t be afraid to adapt or change your strategy, okay? Be fluid.”

“Like water,” I agree.

“That’s it.”

“Let’s roll.” Venom holds out the shiny purple robe to me.

Fuck it. I slip it on and pull it around myself.

Bear Trap meets us in the hallway. I stop and take in his purple sweatshirt embroidered with a big, gold crown on the front. Same shade of purple as my shiny robe.

He grins at me. “Wanted to make it clear who I was rooting for.”

“Thanks.” I reach out and hug him quickly. “Any advice?”

Everyone else seems to have wisdom to share.

“Well, he knows you’re a good grappler. He’ll probably try to land some punishing body shots as early as possible. So be nimble.”

“Nah, Stonewall’s a damn good striker too,” Venom says.

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