Rebels (John Bates) Read Online Free Page B

meaning there was going to be a fight. I watched this massive man of six-foot-four rush my dad. My dad braced himself with his legs spread out to allow him to keep his balance without allowing this crazed lunatic to pick him up.
     
    My dad had no chance of winning; the man was huge. Bear grabbed Dad’s shoulders and pushed him backwards. In return, my dad grabbed him back. My father tied up Bear’s arms and let Bear push him back while he controlled what was really transpiring. Dad kneed Bear in his gut and then into his leg, causing Bear to double over in pain. Now distracted by the pain my father had inflicted, Bear did not see Dad’s right elbow coming until it connected squarely across his jaw. He stumbled backward. I could hear Bear gasping for air.
     
    But Dad was not finished. He rushed in throwing two devastating body shots and a solid right that sent Bear toppling into a pile of boxes, where he lay and finally blurted out, “I’m done, you win!”
     
    One thing I always admired about my dad was the fact that he was an honorable man. He went over to Bear to help him up and took him to his office to discuss what his problem really was. I never knew what was said, but after that day, Bear always was a perfect employee and a loyal friend to my father. That day, I also learned no matter what obstacle I am confronted with, the only thing stopping me from winning is me.
     
    They circle me forever. Finally, David lunges at me, trying to grab me while another comes from behind. I tuck my chin down, so he is unable to put me in a choke hold while I raise my right leg and thrust it forward, as if to kick a door in, and plant it right into David’s gut. He is blown back, right onto the ground. Knowing there is a third assailant, I quickly grab the arm around my throat and jerk down like my father had taught me and slip my head to my right, through an opening I had created, and pull him toward me. I proceed to knee him multiple times while using him as a shield between me and my other opponent.
     
    Even with the gear stuff, I know I have caused enough damage to incapacitate this young soldier, and I prepare to engage his companion. I have angered them, which is good. My dad always said if I can get someone to become emotional I have already won because they are not thinking with a clear mind. The third opponent rushes me with no technique. I grab the back of his head, controlling his movement, and put him into a front choke hold. He immediately taps out, knowing it will only be seconds before blackness overwhelms him.
     
    Now it’s only David and me, and he is still very furious remembering how I’d humiliated him and more importantly, he believes I have taken his rightful place, being the number one cadet. But David is skilled and has not forgotten our past encounters and does not look to rush me so quickly like the others. To my surprise, David steps to the side of the ring and picks up an aged metal bar off the ground. I quickly look to our leader, and his face gives no indication what David is doing is against the rules. Obviously, this new program from the State literally means no rules and even with this gear, the metal bar could do some considerable damage.
     
    With his new-found weapon in hand and a smirk on his face, David approaches, preparing to strike me at will. Seeing he is overconfident and knowing I have limited options and time, I use a technique my father had taught me to buy the precious time I need to win this fight. That is to simply distract your opponent by mentioning something that has nothing to do with what is happening at that very moment.
     
    “David, where are we going to eat after we are done with this exercise?” I state, as if we are having a normal conversation.
     
    David stops and has a perplexed look on his face, during which I use a front kick to the groin. At that, his expression changes drastically. I rush to pin his arm with the bar while he is in a state of shock or pain,