training hard already sucked. but your sensei’s being extra harsh on you due to the upcoming Sekai Taikai tournament sucked even more. you had worked your ass off trying to gain a spot to fight alongside your dojo. and eventually, your hard worked paid off.

you were up on the mat with Samantha LaRusso, fighting for your position as captain. punch after punch was thrown, and not long after it was 2-2. after attempting to land a punch to Sam’s shoulder and failing, you felt the pain in your ring finger. it hurt like a bitch to say the least. you brushed it off as just a small cramp that would eventually pass.

but, of course, it didn’t. it only went more down hill. your mind was slightly hazy from the pain and your face was flushed from the heat. blocking one of Sam’s chop’s, your ring finger got in the way. “shit!” you shouted out, clutching your hand to your chest. “time!” Daniel shouted, causing Sam to freeze. Daniel and Johnny were quickly by your side, they’d both seen your clutched hand and were asking you to make a fist. you couldn’t tho. no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t. “alright everyone, fight’s over! Anthony, go take them inside. and, uh, call the hospital? get some ice on that, too!” Daniel murmured, glancing at Johnny who simply shrugged. you couldn’t even register what Daniel and Johnny were saying when Anthony grabbed your shoulders and escorted you inside.

it had been a few minutes of Anthony’s back and forth reassurances and him telling you to drink your water. “how bad is it?” you whispered, just loud enough for him to hear as he leaned in close to get a better look at your finger. “I’m no doctor, but that look’s like a fractured finger to me,” he said, rising back up to stand infront of you. “wait — so I can’t fight?” “well, no,” “I earned my spot, Anthony! I have to fight!” “look, I don’t make the rules. but, I do know, you have to let your finger heal. if you dive into a fight instantly, you’ll do even more damage,” he spoke gently, placing his hands on your shoulders.