#22: Underhand Underling.

Unable to detect his opponent, Drake swung out in all directions, keeping the Marauder at bay. Jake tried shouting out advice, but he was drowned out by the catcalls and howls of the bloodthirsty spectators. Drake felt a sudden impact as Johnny charged him from behind, knocking him off-balance.  He flung up his arms to protect his face from the barrage of blows that was certain to follow, but there was nothing.

He blinked furiously, trying to dislodge the grit from his eyes as his sight returned. Johnny was a few metres away, retrieving his switchblade. Determined to finish the fight, Drake got to his feet and rushed Johnny, ready to knock him down.

He had, however, left his torso exposed, allowing his opponent to plunge the knife into his side. The arena fell silent at the fight’s abrupt conclusion.

 But instead of collapsing in pain, Drake merely smiled. He grabbed Johnny’s knife-hand, twisted and brought his other elbow down hard. There was a loud crunch, and Johnny yelled in pain. Drake followed with three successive blows to his mid-section and an uppercut, downing the greaser.

 He pulled the switchblade out from the body armour it had become lodged in. He threw the weapon down in front of the leader, who like the other Marauders was watching in stunned silence.

After a few tense seconds, the leader recovered and ordered the snipers to open fire…