Fighting Spirit Hero

(MC Pov)

As I walk to the Arena, I start to wonder what he chose for his second gift. (For now, forget it I'll focus on the fight nothing else matters.) As Midnight announced our names and the start of the match I rush forward and deliver a left hook, but he ducks it and punches me in the face breaking my nose. I push through swinging rapidly with a lot of force.

Hiroshi: You'll need to try harder than that.

I unleash a barrage of strikes but each time he dodges at the last moment. (Why can't I hit him dammit) after each attempt to hit him he counters with a strong blow. "You're going down asshole!" As I rush him, I throw another punch but this time I stop my punch to grab him "I got you now." I smirk but soon I feel my strength leave my body.

Hiroshi: Are you sure about that buddy because I beg to differ.

He kicks me in the face, and I'm sent tumbling back all the way to the way to the other side of the arena. He turns around thinking it's over as Midnight was about to call the match. "Who said I was finished. I let you play me fool you taunted me, and I let my temper control me." I charge him a third time and swing for a left hook he goes to dodge but to his surprise he falls to his knees and the left hook connects to his face.

Rising to his feet, he unleashes a powerful kick to my midsection, propelling me backwards across the distance. (My healing is nearing its limit; I can no longer rely on it for my durability to think that just two hits, with the strength he has absorbed, would be all it would take.)

Hiroshi: (He caught me off guard; I dodged the punch, but then came a kick—a wild, untrained one—yet it packed enough force to bring me down to my knees. I can't withstand many more hits like that.)

After a few moments of us exchanging blows and dodging he grabs my wrists and drains more power from me "Bastard!" I scowl at him. "No hard feelings pal but I'm gonna end this it was fun while it lasted."

He pulled me forward by my wrist and delivered a devastating punch to my face. Looking down at me before walking away. He stops when he hears me moving and looks back as I stand. "I won't give up; the fight continues. Stopping isn't an option for me." 

Hiroshi: Why? Is this fight so important that you'd risk your life for it.

(Memories of my cowardly self flood back to my mind as I breathe heavily. The one time I needed to be brave.)

I glared at him my eyes barely focused. "I have to, I backed down once, before I ever had powers, and a classmate killed himself because of the things his bullies did to him. I made a promise that day that no matter what I'd get up I'd stand for those who can't stand for themselves no matter how much I destroyed my body. I never want to be a coward again."

Many people listened to his words, and several were moved to tears and applause, even Hiroshi, who was taken aback as he recalled those who had disregarded his pleas for help during his experiences with bullying.

Hiroshi approaches me and delivers a swift punch to my head knocking me out then crouches beside me. "Travis, your performance was outstanding! I'm looking forward to our next sparring session and am truly grateful for the opportunity to meet someone like you—a genuine hero." he walks away as I'm carted off to the infirmary.