New York City General Hospital, the center fold of keeping most of New York City’s citizens in good health. But today an older man began a client at the hospital under unexpected circumstances. The waiting room was peacefully quiet until the front door opened and in marched a short pale Asian girl with long raven black hair in a blue tank top and black jeans with tennis shoes on her feet. “Roger Grayson’s room.” She said in a straight faced manner to the little receptionist.

The more the receptionist tried to keep eye contact with the raven haired girl, the more uncomfortable she felt. The deep brown eyes of the young girl seemed to be staring directly into her soul and the young blonde pushed up her glasses and kept her gaze on the computer. “Name?” She spoke quickly wanting to keep everything as short as possible.

“Holly Roberts.” She declared with irritation in her voice. After moments of waiting, a tapping sound began as Holly’s foot began to hit against the marble floor. What was taking this annoying blonde so long to find her boss.

“Ah okay,” The blonde said from behind the counter, as if finding a long awaited answer. “I have you listed here as family. He’s in room 38B; his surgeries scheduled in one hour so try not to get his blood pressure high and…” The sound of swinging doors cut the blonde from her speech and she looked up only to see the doors leading deeper into the building swinging shut.

It was probably rude to run in a hospital, dodging moving nurses and doctors who looked annoyed but Holly didn’t care. The raven haired girl went as fast as her legs could carry her, sprinting down the hallway and rounding corners with tight accuracy. Finally arriving at the proper room, she screeched to a halt and slowly opened the door. “Boss?” She spoke softly.

“Holly….?” A weak voice called out in confusion. Holly silently entered the room and shut the door with a soft ‘clink’ before going to the bedside and kneeling down next to the bed. “Holly, what are you doing here?”

“Boss what happened?” Her voice was soft, weak and miserable sounding; something unlike any way she had expressed before. Her hand wrapped softly around the man’s which was filled with IVs.

“Seems as though life is trying to get the best of me; however four surgeries and I’ll be as fit as you again.” Roger said trying to sound as positive as possible.

“Something’s wrong…” Holly said staring the man in the face. “Ten years and I can read you like a book, what’s wrong…”

“Nothing for you to worry about.” Roger said sternly before coughing hard, his free hand covering his mouth before he let out an annoyed sigh after struggling to subdue his cough.

Holly’s gaze scanned his face, chocolate brown eyes skipping along his facial features as if to read everything he wasn’t saying to her, “Boss,” She spoke softly, almost in a whisper, “Can you afford all the surgeries?”

“I said not to worry.” Roger said, his voice not as stern as before as he watched the worried look on Holly’s face. Oh this wasn’t not good, “You need to focus on your training.” He said with a squeeze to her hand. “You will be the best of the best in the female division, you deserve the title more than anyone.”

Something had happened, that much he knew when one of his friends had called him saying something had happened to his coach. Combat boots slapped against the pavement as he dodged people that got in his way not really slowing down. The doors swung open easily under his weight as he stopped at the counter.

The red shirt he was wearing covered in sweat blonde hair plastered to his head with sweat. "Roger Grayson?" The blonde lady looked back up, the muscled man in front of her panting slightly. While Green eyes pierced hers in irritation of not getting an answer yet.

"Your name sir?" She shifted not comfortable under that glare of his. "Cole Cortez." His arms crossed over his chest as he waited for the answer, he never liked waiting even more so if it had something to do with his coach. "Registered under family, He's in room 38B, but-" Cole was already gone doors swinging shut behind him. He took it slow, trying to get his racing heart under control.

The man had treated him like a son, and something was wrong he could tell just by how shaky his friends voice was over the phone. Taking a deep breath and running a hand through his hair he needed to calm down. Panicking would get him no where, he needed his thoughts clear focus on what was here and now not the what could happen.

Though he stopped slightly when he found a woman by his coaches side. Frowning for a moment before his knuckles hit the open door as he walked in. "Coach? What the hell is going on? Why are you here?" He was confused the man had been good and kicking, now he was here in a hospital bed of all places.

He kept moving forward taking a spot on the otherside of the bed. The woman he didn't know, but something was up if both of them were here that much Cole could put together at least.

Holly’s head jerked up as the door opened, expecting a doctor only to find a muscular man who looked more like a fighter. What? Was this another one of his students.

Roger’s eyes followed Holly’s head turning before he rolled his eyes and groaned. “Oh not you too…” He said softly before looking away from Cole. “Cole…” He muttered before the young man came into his line of sight. The tired looking man turned his friendly gaze up to the young man and reached out a hand. Holly who was holding his other hand tightened her grip but he ignored it.

Despite her appearance and attitude, Holly adored the affection she received from the man she considered a father and upon seeing him reach for someone else, it obviously bothered her. Her dark gaze flicked up to the man as her eyes narrowed in distrust. It wasn’t until she felt a squeeze in return that she broke her gaze and turned to her boss. This time, he was glaring at her. “Holly.” He said sternly, causing her to hang her head. “Don’t look at him like that. He’s a friend not an enemy. As a matter of fact, he’s going to be your coach until I’m better.”

“What?!” She exclaimed a bit louder than she had intended.

“And you,” He turned his attention to Cole. “You will train with Holly; she may not look it.” To that Holly snarled but he continued, ignoring her noise of disapproval. “But she’s the best female fighter out there. You can learn a lot before you fight from her and she can learn a lot from you. Train together until I get better.”

Before there could be any arguments, two doctors and a couple nurses arrived; the nurses delicately placed Roger into a wheel chair and took him out of the room followed by one doctor, the other stayed behind looking at the two. “Mister Greyson has an intense tumor growing in his brain. It will require multiple surgeries to get it out but it is removable. We’re just lucky he started showing signs early, it has helped us catch it sooner. It’s to my understanding that he has a bank account linked with the hospital so we can proceed with the first surgery today; one every week should be enough recovery time. However after the last one we will be bedridden for a couple of weeks; preferably in the hospital but if he has you two to look after him then he could go home. We’ll be in touch.” He said softly before leaving the two in the room alone.

Holly’s attention turned to the floor. Her small hands balled into fighting fists, her knuckles well defined as a visual representation of just how much she had been through in her life. Healed scars and calicoes showed a lifetime of hard work and intense fights but she was stronger because of it. Except for now, now she felt too weak for words. “He can’t afford the last surgery.” She said softly glaring down at the floor as a tear rolled down her cheek. “He won’t admit it but he can’t…”

The young man looked down at his coach, seeing he hand reaching out for him. One hand balled up into a fist at his side while his other took the mans hand. Roger had become his best friend a brother in fighting. Though he watched as he turned to the woman glaring before the next piece of news shocked him.

Eyes widening, "but-" he was cut off as his coach continued to speak. Taking a deep breath he resigned to to what Roger was telling him. "I'll do what I can no promises." Though he nodded when told to learn from another while he was getting better.

He listened as the doctor started speaking brows furrowing. Yes his coach was lucky they had caught it when they did, but the surgeries were gonna take a lot of money from the man. Cole didn't think the guy had the money for the last one, his jaw clenched at the thought blinking back the tears that wanted out. Smal cuts marred his hands calloused with all the fights he had started or not. Though he frowned when Holly that's what his coach had said began to speak.

The frown deepened upon his features, the only place to get money and still was getting money was from the underground fighting. Putting a hand on her shoulder, "that is unless we get enough money before the last surgery comes up. It seems far to pay him back for all the stuff he's done for us."

He wasn't about to let his coach go down, because of a stupid money issue that could be fixed. It was just now they were racing against the clock, to get money for their coach in order for him to afford the last surgery. Cole was gonna try his hardest to get it, fighting was his thing and the money that came with it was a bonus at least to him.

The moment his hand touched her shoulder was when she realized she was actually crying. More than one tear had made its way down her face and, in a panic; she moved them with her hands in a quick action before speaking. “Yes, it seems incredibly fair.” She said softly, a firm nod rising and falling her head before she looked up at him. At that moment, she realized that he was actually touching her and her dislike for contact from man came into play.

She shook of his hand and stepped away from him, “Well, we can’t make any progress standing around.” She said sternly, doing her best to cap her emotions despite her desperate want to curl up in a ball and cry. “Let’s go to the gym and start. The sooner we start the sooner you can improve.” With that she turned on her heel and started out of the hospital. Yeah… Holly does lack manners but it’s not intentional.

Growing up alone was hard, and with her being female, she was the target for a lot of perverts in New York City. Until she stumbled upon the man she now calls her ‘Boss’. Since then she has been able to afford a small one bedroom apartment, build a small amount of credit and keep the men who think she’s corner candy at bay. It’s still not her favorite situation and she isn’t afraid to punch someone in the face for attempted to solicit a booty call from her. “But first, I need a drink.” She said mostly to herself as she arrived outside, whether or not Cole was keeping up with her was beyond her knowledge until she stepped off the curb and to a sleek jet black motorcycle. She detached the silver helmet from the back of the bike and began to tie up her raven hair before looking at Cole. “I’m going to hit the Fuzzy Bunny for a drink and a burger before the gym.”

Cole watched as Holly wiped away the tears on her face. Just before she shrugged off his hand from her shoulder. Honestly he didn't mind not much for one with physical touch, the only touch he got were fists and that was when he was in the ring. Though he was torn out of his thoughts as she spoke. Nodding at her words before he followed.

Following her to the bike before she spoke once more. He nodded as she said she would stop for a drink before going to the gym. "Right will be at the gym when you get there." With that he turned and started walking toward the gym. He wasn't much for talk with how much he didn't see his father. Once out of sight he started running to the gym.

Which was more or less an old mechanic shop that Roger had bought. Turned into a gym. The boxing ring in the middle with weight benches on the side. This is where he had spent most of his time when he was smaller. Had gotten his ass beat by Roger for a few years before he started picking up on things and the frequent fights he had gotten in school helped. His father had helped when he could, though he never saw much of the man since he had worked two jobs. Taking a deep breath he went in looking around and grabbing the gloves that were hanging on the wall down. Flipping them in his grip as he frowned for a moment, shaking his head he put them back on the wall. He might as well do some shadow boxing.

It helped some even though he didn't go up against someone. Though imagining the stuff and situations which also helped. Untying his boots, and settling them aside he rather have his full balance able to get out of tough areas on the balls of his feet. Getting into the ring he got started only starting with the easiest situation then making his way through. Just simple combos at first before they got more complicated.

It had been a long time since Holly had driven so fast on her motorcycle. It was as if she was running away from something… or chasing something, depending on how you looked at it. Screeching to a halt, she secured her bike and went into the bar. Sitting in the corner she kept to herself staring down at her hands before her food and drink arrived. If that’s what it took, she would fight and she would win.

A new fire built inside of her. It wasn’t the fire of survival or the fire for endless amounts of money; it was the fire of protection. If winning her upcoming fights and the championship meant that she could save the life of someone who had done so much for her. Eating away on her burger and fries, she never felt so fired up in her life and it wasn’t for herself this time, she was fighting for someone who took care of her, someone she considered her family; this time, she had a reason!

Finishing up she paid her bill and threw her jacket over her shoulder and let the bar with a new found fire. A quick trip on her bike brought her to the garage and she kicked down the stand and locked up the bike. Walking inside she pulled off her helmet and shook her long black hair down to her back and shoulders. Her dark gaze scanned the room before landing on the figure in the ring. Hm… She placed down her helmet on a nearby bench and walked over to the ropes. Her small hand wrapped around the middle rope of the ring as she watched him shadow box for a moment observing his movements. “Your stance is good but you leave yourself open a lot around your gut. Are you quick enough to dodge a gut shot?” She asked as she placed her other hand on the rope and pulled herself into the ring with a practiced grace despite her small size.

For this round of matches before the championship, Cole still had a few more people to beat the total shit out of before he got the spot to face the champion. By any means he would get that spot to pay for the last surgery for the man that he thought of as a brother. This time it was to fight for someone not just himself.

Taking a quick break to get water, it would do no good dehydrated on his feet, though despite Holly's size he had no doubt she could knock his teeth in. Roger had trained her as he did him, which meant she had skill. Bringing the water bottle to his lips and drinking before placing it back down on the counter. Getting back in the ring, he remembered his last match the man had gone for his head no other place.

That he didn't get, but he must've gone against someone who went for the torso and had forgotten to protect their head. That's when he heard the voice, he didn't jump but goosebumps managed to rise on his skin. "Huh must've been in my head with my last match, i'll work on keeping my gut protected." He turned slightly the shadow boxing forgotten for now facing the small woman. "All right since were going to learn from each other it's fair to know what each of our advantages and disadvantes are in the ring and see if we can correct those. Plus have a proper introduction."

He held out his hand for her to take in a hand shake. "Cole Cortez," he didn't know if she would take his hand or not. Though he really didn't mind if she didn't.

Once in the ring she moved her neck to one side, her spine cracking in a rhythmic pattern before she cracked her knuckles as if prepping for a fight. The way he spoke was a bit surprising; it reminded her of boss and how he spoke. He practically raised her and showed her the most love and support she never thought she’d receive after her parents died. Staring down the man for a moment she observed him. He was larger than her by height and width but he seemed to have a good amount of balance despite his size. That’s a good thing to know.

Reaching out she took his hand but didn’t lift it in a shake. Instead she went under it, twisted his arm and kicked his legs out from under him. As soon as he hit the mat, she climbed on top of his back keeping his arm tightly behind his back. “Holly, Holly Roberts. My skills are pinning technics and submissions. I’d have to say my weaknesses are my swings and kicks, I could probably use some tips and practice on that but I’m a squirmy individual and I can get out of things fast. What about you?”

He watched as she stared for a moment wondering what was going through that head of hers. When she took his hand he figured it out too late. His arm twisting behind him before the mat rushed up to meet him. Grunting as he hit it, before he just laid there for a moment soaking up the information. Quickly he rolled over forcing her weight to one side twisting his arm in her grip, using the surprise to get his arm free just before he was over her. Fist cocked back and ready to bring down.

"Main things are speed and balance. Jabbing is my best option wear my oppnent down before going in for the final strikes. Weakness some submission moves coach was still working with me to get out of those. Other weakness is strength not a power house a few good punches in and I'm down struggling to get back to my feet i can take jabs all day just not full swings yet." Cole needed to build up his endurance for those and he knew he would need to, if he was to go after the championship. If he remebered correctly the cahmpion right now relied more on his strength and balance than anything else.

The look on Holly’s face was a priceless one. When it comes to fighting, she was used to being in the ring with a woman who traditionally couldn’t outmatch her in strength. However, Cole wasn’t a woman and his quick movement on her was surprising. She found herself under him staring up and as he brought his fist back, she brought her foot up placing it against his ribs but not pushing. “Well,” She began, staring up at him in surprise. “This should be quiet interesting to say the least. Boss seemed to like you to some degree so you can’t be too bad.”

“So you’re quick, you have good balance but you can’t take too many hits.” She repeated in a blunt fashion before a smirk moved across her face. “How’s your dodging? Because if you can avoid getting hit that should be the route we take; I can’t throw punches enough to make you stronger and I really don’t feel like taking you to a school yard and have the kids beat you up but I can help you master your speed and balance.” Tilting her head, her dark brown eyes stared up at him. “Sound like a plan?”

A smirk came across his face at her expression. Though he blinked for a moment his eyes looking at the foot pressed against his ribs before going back up to her face. A laugh escaped his lips, "coach always thought i was a pain in the ass to some degree. Can't really blame him though anyway off topic, if the coach took you under his wing then I can say the same." Though he nodded as she summed up what he told her. "Pretty much."

Cole frowned for a moment, "dodging could use some work not much but some at the very least." He shrugged his dodging game could use some work not as much work, but still some. A small chuckle escaped him when she said she couldn't take him to a school yard to get beat up. "Sounds like a plan." He frowned for a moment, "I can give you tips on the your punching and kicking no problem. Don't always have to have strength to come up with a good hit. Though i think jabbing would help you in your case. Your not putting as much strenth into the hits and your wearing down your oppnent." It would help her in the ring some if she came across another submission and pinning person in the ring able to switch it up real quick. "That sound good to you?"

While he talked she listened closely. If he was going to replace her boss for the time being she needed to give him her full attention much like she did boss. Her deep brown eyes stared up at him taking in every word he said and understanding their meaning. He had a point; you can’t teach someone to hit harder but you can teach someone to hit faster. She nodded ever-so-slightly under him before raising her eyebrows upward.

“Sounds good to me. But we need to work on your first problem. It’s not healthy but I think we need to bring it to your attention…” She leaned up, looking him dead in the eyes - - bringing her face only inches away from his. “Your obsession with pinning women down; it has to stop. Get off me.”

Cole blinked as her face came closer to his, just before she said her sentence. Rolling off of her into a crouch before he got to his feet, looking sheepish and rubbing the back of his neck. "Yah sorry," being pinned usually meant he had to reverse it and use the pin against his oppnent. Now they had to figure out where to begin on this whole thing. If one of them didn't make it to the campionship match that wasn't a problem then the main problem would be if that person lost said match.

"So where do you want to start? You or me?" It seemed like a good question which person would teach the other person on what they needed to do. Roger was like a second dad and he sure as hell wouldn't let him die because of some stupid tumor it just wasn't the way he imagined his coach going out of the world. Cole had thought the man would grow old before leaving this life. Shaking his head dwelling on those thoughts wouldn't help it was to get that money for the surgery.