Virginia Dare
It's been a while since I've been in Japan. Long flight, no time to rest. I'm not in my best shape. I'm taped up where it doesn't show, waiting in my gear at gorilla. Then, my music floods over the loudspeakers: Overseer's "Supermoves." Red, white and blue lights shine over the audience. He gives me the signal and I rush out, throwing my hand above my head, shouting, "Let's do it!" at the audience. They say being away for a while gets you the biggest pops and "they" don't lie about that.
Virginia Dare
I'm dressed in my classic Evel Knievel outfit: the jump suit, the cape. The only thing I'm missing is the helmet. My blonde hair flows over my shoulders and I give the audience my best corn-fed, all-American smile. It's a long, long walk down to the ring, so I run it. Straight ahead, full steam. When I get to the apron, I spin around and raise my arm up again, calling for another pop. The crowd obliges me. Then, I put my right hand under my chin and start to unzip the Knievel jump suit. I do it nice and slow so the camera can get a good, long look. Lance Storm told me, "There's the show and then there's business. And part of the business is giving them a show." I run the mouth of the zipper all the way down to just below my navel...
Then I throw it off my shoulders. The legs rip off with velcro. Under the jump suit, I'm wearing tight shorts and a modest top. Don't want to make too much of a show. Girls who wear those bikini tops can't move. And I like to move. I've also got on my silver '60's go-go boots that go all the way up to the knee where they meet my silver knee pads. I crawl over the second rope into the ring, climb up on the corner and give the audience another pop. I make sure to stretch out all the way, showing off every inch of me. Big, happy, friendly smile. Japanese love a blonde. But then, my music stops. I jump down to the apron and turn to the entrance, waiting.
Red Enforcer
Japan. Going back here makes me cranky to begin with, but at least the food is good. I like sneaking into Ribera's without my mask and having a decent steak. I don't know much about this Daredevil woman they have me lined up to face, but apparently she's a major deal in another fed. I hope she likes her chops rare because by picking me against her, they ensured she was going to get initiated old school style. Training with Kabuki and Magic Dragon only taught me to earn respect from new opponents, with their blood if needed. And as sour as I feel having to make this trip, this Jenny Dare is going to learn to respect me.
I watch her entrance. Not bad. I am glad she didn't disrespect the ring by going out there like some diva. That would get her the rude awakening from the start. She knows how to work the crowd for sure, so I need to be wary. She has some experience so I need to look for traps. I line up at gorilla and am set to go. I wait as the opening strains of Simon Says by Pharoahe Monch begin, complete with Godzilla riff and step out of the curtain
The reaction is mixed as I step out in full gaijin gear. I know I'm facing another American, but I can't resist the old heat magnets. I'm wearing a big black 10 gallon hat and full length black leather duster like I'm ready to fight Wyatt Earp. My mask is mostly black with red around my eyes and mouth, and briliantly white teeth with Oni style fangs around the mouth. I move slowly, deliberately. No rush, but eyeing my opponent the whole time. I get to the apron and climb up, making a big show of wiping my boots before climbing in. I open up the duster and put my hands to my sides like a gunslinger. I draw and fire two finger gun shots at you and then remove my duster revealing my all black ensemble. Black trunks with Enforcer in red script. Black boots and black kneepads. I move over to you and with a flourish, place my hat on your head and pinch your cheek, whispering "Quit now darlin'. I'd hate to batter such a lovely woman like you into oblivion."
Virginia Dare
I look at you from across th ring. I've heard about you. Saw your matches with Rowan. I know what you're capable of. The kind of pain you can dish out. The ref calls us up for instructions. I step to the center of the ring and watch you do the same. He speaks in broken English, but we've both got this talk memorized. He asks both of us if we understand and we both nod. Then, just as he tells us to go back to our corners, I say, "Good luck." And I extend my hand.
Red Enforcer
Seriously? Is this girl that naive? She is wishing me luck and extending her hand? Even after I warned her? Or is this a trap of her own? I can overthink this or go with.....screw it. I'm striking first. I grab the tall drink of water's hand for a shake and bow slightly "you'll need it" and then I pull her towards me while loading up my left arm and preparing to drive my forearm right into her sternum when she gets close enough to me. Laser focusing on my target.
Virginia Dare
I was ready for that. I gave you a chance. But you want to play that way. I know exactly how much I can trust you now. I duck the forearm and come up behind you. But I don't hit you from behind. That's a move for someone else. Not me. When you turn back around, you see me there, ready. The ref calls for the bell. I go in for the collar and elbow tie up.
Red Enforcer
Damn they are making these fighters quicker these days. I whiff and I know I lost an opportunity. Now you're gonna know what to expect outta me. That's fine. I don't hide what I am in the ring. I hear the bell and come in for a collar and elbow tie up. I meet you and I lean into you. In the past, it doesn't take much for me to shove my opponent back. But you. Damn you are a rock. We stand in the middle for a few seconds, shoving against each other. The crowd starts to stir seeing us both fighting very hard to try and get any sort of advantage. I try and lean in some more but...I feel my boots slide back a step.
Virginia Dare
I feel you slip just a little and I kick in my heels to push this heel back. Got to be careful. The lower I get, the more leverage I get, but if I get too low, I'll lose my balance. I push... you take another step back. Then another. Then, I feel your muscles tense, your fingers tighten on my skin. I feel your strength against mine and suddenly... I'm the one taking a step back. Then another. Damn... you're... strong.
Red Enforcer
I am expending entirely too much energy to fight you. We are about the same size, but dammit I should be stronger. Finally I feel you give way after I reset my grip and put my head hard on yours. I am driving you back finally and I press back on you till I feel you stop because of the ropes. Finally.
Virginia Dare
The ref tries to get between us, to separate us. This isn't going to turn out well for me. The best I can do is try defending myself. I can go high or low: protect my head or my gut. As the ref begins to pull us apart, I watch you closely, trying to figure out what it will be. But that mask gets in the way. I take a guess. I'll protect high.
Red Enforcer
As the ref steps in, I watch knowing I'll have a shot at you for the briefest of moments. Not fair play, but winning isn't about being fair and only winners get the big paydays. I try and keep your hands tied up with mine as long as possible and when we get separated, I see you guarding high. For the briefest moment I think about a clean break, but I squash that idea with my dark heart and a quick knee moving up towards your midsection, aiming for the open spot between your outfit.
Virginia Dare
Your knee hits my midsection and for a second, I'm stunned. I knew that was coming. I braced myself for it. Clenched up my abdomonals and readied myself for the hit. That helped, but just barely. Kept me from falling to my knees. You don't buckle me over, but you do get a slight bow. And just when you think I'm ready for another one, my right arm slams against your bare chest. Hand cupped, full impact on the inside forearm.
Red Enforcer
That is what I get for thinking you are just like every other woman I've fought. Usually one knee is followed by another. You know, the natural order of things. But you barely flinch, which is my first red flag and then the second echoes throughout the arena. The crowd ooos and ahhs as I stagfer back with a grunt as your forearm hits muscle solidly, without me expecting it and sends me back a couple of steps. By reflex, I wind up my right arm and drive forward, looking to drive a short, quick clothesline into the side of your neck.
Virginia Dare
I knew a counter attack was coming, so I brace for it. With my back still against the ropes, I put one foot back and plant it. When the clothesline comes, it hits square against my neck, sending me a step back against the ropes. The pain is immense—you're a lot stronger than you look—but I can't be bothered by that now. I bounce against the ropes, let their momentum add to my own, take a step forward. My neck muscles twinge as I pull my right arm back and swing it forward, sending it toward the exact same spot you just hit me.
Red Enforcer
Gawd damn, I am grinning through my mask even as I feel your arm slamming into my neck in a near mirror image of my blow. Yes! Someone who'll go toe to toe with me and not shrink back. F'n strong style baby! Your blow drives me back and my neck jars from the impact as you bounding off the ropes adds to the blow. I let out a quick growl/cry and dash towards you again, having loaded up my right arm once more and looking to blast it into the same spot I targeted earlier.
Virginia Dare
I see you stagger back and I see that smile under your mask. This is going to be harder than I thought. I scream like a monster out of a science fiction or fantasy film and charge forward, aiming a clothesline straight at your neck.
Red Enforcer
Instead of seeing you shrink back or try to brace yourself or try to dodge, you woman up and come right at me. Yes, this is the fight I traveled miles to have. We collide with a great SMACK of flesh and for a moment we both stand there, slightly apart having rebounded back a bit. But only a moment. My left knee buckles and I drop down on it. I look up at you with awe as the crowd claps as you put the big gaijin down.
Virginia Dare
I see you go down and I don't hesitate for a moment. I turn and rush back at the ropes, bouncing off and, invoking Bret Hart, I leap toward your kneeling form, my arm out, ready to impact with another clothesline.
Red Enforcer
I see you coming, but I am in bad shape. My left arm is still a bit numb from the clash and I can't dodge what's coming. I have to do something so I fall back. As you hit, it isn't at ful, strength, but sunuvabitch don't you strike hard anyways. My back hits the mat with a thud and I wonder how I ended up on my back looking up at the lights.
Virginia Dare
My arm impacts your chest as I hit the mat. I remember what Lance Storm taught me: "Never pick them up. Make them work for it. When you get them on their back, go for the pin." I twist my body and scramble over, throwing it on top of you, trying to reach for your leg to pull it up. The ref looks surprised and spends a second getting on his belly. He counts, "One!"
Red Enforcer
Reflex and muscle memory combine to allow me to be able to kick out, shoving you off of me. I realize I've been dazzled by your skills and haven't had my head in the game. I need a breather so I keep the motion going and roll on out of the ring to clear my head and get my left arm back in shape.
I take a little walk as the ref applies the 20 count. You have to have a weakness. I'm just not used to fighting a woman with equal strength and stature. So, just change tactics. I mentally get ready for grapple mode as I see you doing that aggravating taunt. I get back in and move into a stance showing an attempt at a collar and elbow tie up again.
Virginia Dare
I tap my right shoulder and grin. You're frustrated, I can tell. That's one step toward victory. I step closer to you and raise my arms as well. Then, I push forward, trying to get as much momentum as I can as we lock up again. I try to get an early advantage by going low, trying to get under your center of gravity. But those arms of yours are too big to be underestimated.
Red Enforcer
The minute we lock up, I grin. Then you go low. "Hey, Knievel, ever watch Karate Kid?" I murmur to you as we get set. I put as much pressure on your arms to force you to concentrate on your upper body, then twist my hips and fire off a short, quick leg sweep, looking to hit your left ankle with my right instep and see if I can at least knock you off balance.
Virginia Dare
I feel like I'm gaining the advantage in the lockup, slowly starting to push you back, then I hear your taunt just a moment before you sweep my ankle out from under me. I fall, my back hitting the mat hard. You can see a sudden rush of pain on my face. "Dammit!" I shout. A rare curse from my lips.
Red Enforcer
I watch as my plan worked a lot better than expected. I knew switching to tactics smaller wrestlers like to use on me would help, but not like this. Fine, time to get my Swagger on. I pounce as I hear you curse, knowing Captain Whitebread wouldn't say such things unless I really scored. My hands go to your right boot and I try and grip it hard and pull towards me, twisting if I'm able.
Virginia Dare
You put your hands on my ankle and I feel it twist in ways it shouldn't. And under my boot, all that tape I put on it doesn't help. I keep the scream behind my lips but the pain on my face is something I can't hide. I reach down toward my ankle, like that could help anything, but you wrench it again and I fall back, arching my spine and almost screaming out loud.
Red Enforcer
Oh yes. It looks like your boots were hiding a secret and one that works out well for me. I wonder if it is just this ankle or the other, so I move in and put my right foot on your left ankle and mash down as I wrap my arms tighter on your right ankle and twist harder. "Well now, lets see if I can get a scream out of you"
Virginia Dare
There's no way I can let you push this advantage. I feel you wrench on both ankles, looking to find out how to push it further. I pull my knee close to my chest, then THRUST it against your chest, trying to use my strength to push you off so I can get a breath before I get back to my feet.
Red Enforcer
Damn you have some strong legs. As you pull your knee in, I move with you and as you push, I stagger back. Stepping on your other ankle prevents me from keeping balance like I'd want and as hard as I try, I lose my grip. I decide to go with it back to the ropes and spring off. Running towards you, I launch into a low dropkick, aiming for those ankles as you try to get off the mat.
Virginia Dare
I'm just getting to my feet when your dropkick hits. I flip forward, landing on my belly, my voice crying out. This time, I can't help but reach down and grab my right ankle. I realize what I've done and quickly scramble for the ropes, trying to get myself back to a vertical base.
Red Enforcer
I pop up from the dropkick and hear your cry and see you reaching and grabbing your ankle. That's the one. That's my huckleberry. I see you scrambling for the ropes, trying to pull yourself up and I close in on you. My boot raises up quickly as I near and I go to slam it down hard on your ankle, ready to repeat if I get the first strike in. Yes this will be delicious.
Virginia Dare
Your kick hits my ankle and I shout out, my face twisting into an ugly mask of agony. I've got to get out of this. Got to find a way to fight my way back to my feet. I roll away, trying to get enough distance between you and me so I can get an opportunity to get to my feet.
Red Enforcer
Damn, still fast and tricky. I am respecting your experience more now. But I have some tricks of my own. I slide out of the ring as you roll, looking to sneak up on you from outside the ring. I go over to you as you finish your roll and reach in, trying to snag both legs and pull you to the corner, wanting to do some damage to your legs if I can.
Virginia Dare
I roll away, thanking my lucky stars or guardian angel or whoever gives me that little bit of luck when I need it. And then, I feel someone grabbing my ankles. I see my ring position and I know what's coming. I feel you pull on my ankles and I give you a little bit just before I try pulling back, pulling you toward the ring post and its unforgiving metal.
Red Enforcer
I think to myself I have to stop underestimating your strength. Then the next thing going through my mind is very nearly the steel ring post itself. My mask absorbs some of the shock. My mom's Filipino genetics helps with some, but I'm still loopy. I lean against the post, head to one side and arms on the mat. Not so much seeing stars as flashes of purple.
Virginia Dare
I pull my legs back and use the ropes to pull myself up. The crowd is screaming, chanting my name, giving me some of that babyface adrenaline and pain-killer I need. I take these moments to make gentle steps on my ankle. Yeah, it hurts, it hurts bad, but I can get through it. I fought through it when Rowan tried to break it, I can fight through it now. I see you on the outside, staggering. Time to earn my nickname.
Virginia Dare
I run/limp toward the corner, using two jumps to get to the top rope. Then, I spread my arms out like an eagle and after a moment... I soar.
Red Enforcer
I can hear the crowd screaming as I get my senses about me. I look in the ring and don't see you. Then I look up and see you flying through the air. No time or chance to dodge you so I get my arms up and try to catch you. But the best I can do is fall soundly to the floor and smack my back hard with you landing atop me.
Virginia Dare
I roll off, my ankle screaming at me to take it easy. But I didn't wear a championship belt because I took it easy. I climb up off your body and use the metal railing to help me to my feet. I test the ankle again. A little better, I think. I reach down to grab you, pull you up, and try to roll you back into the ring.
Red Enforcer
I can feel you grabbing me to lift me up as my back aches and throbs. I go alon with it to make you work as well as catch my breath. You toss me into the ring, but I don't stay down. I get to my knees and as you come in, I join my hands and swing down, looking to hammer your back and slow your momentum.
Virginia Dare
I swing myself back up into the ring, then feel your hands hammer down on my back, slamming me into the mat, stealing the wind from my lungs. I see your boots in front of me and I reach out, trying to grab them, trying to buy myself a second. But I can already feel you planning your next move.
Red Enforcer
As I stand over you, I reach down and grab you by your hair, pulling you up to your feet but keeping ypu bent down. I put your head between my legs and lean over. "Did Rowan tell you about my powerbombs? I figure I'd let you experience one for yourself." My arms go around ypur waist and I squeeze hard before hauling you in the air. As your legs hit my shoulders, I spin and aim towards the center of the ring.
Virginia Dare
Up in the air, my legs over your shoulders, I feel my body slam down to the apron, hitting with the impact of an atom bomb. Everything explodes inside me. My head is full of fireworks and my back erupts in an inferno. When I hit, you hear my voice make a gasp as you slam all the breath from my lungs. I bounce an inch off the canvas, falling back, my eyes shut, my body motionless.
Red Enforcer
I feel the satisfying thud of you slamming hard onto the mat and then that rush of air as it expells out of your lungs and past your lips. I see you bounce and your eyes shut. Still holding onto your waist, I fold your legs up, trying to get your feet to touch your shoulders as I lay atop you and yell at the ref to start the count, pressing my body down, hoping to keep you planted for the win. '
Red Enforcer
"One!"
Virginia Dare
The referee counts one...
He counts two...
And he counts...
I pull my arm up just as his hand hits the mat. He puts up two fingers.
Red Enforcer
I shake my head, but I didn't expect you to go down this easily. In fact I was hoping to prolong your agony. I slide up and grab your right leg, wrapping it in one bicep as the hand of the other arm grips the outside of your foot and as I wrench it to the side, I try to turn you over, looking to hook in a harsh anklelock
Virginia Dare
"AHHHH!" I scream out loud. I pound on the mat. The ref asks me if I want to quit. My hand reaches out to tap the mat... and it hesitates... holding there... The crowd starts chanting my name. I feel it. Their love fills my blood, fills my muscles. I clench that hand trembling above the mat into a fist. I POUND it into the mat. Then, the other one. And I push all my strength against yours, trying to turn on the mat, turning into the hold as the crowd starts to cheer.
Red Enforcer
You just don't know when to quit. I feel you fighting and damn the strength you get from the fans is impressive. I strain to hold you down, but I know it is futile. I just try to do as much damage as I can. But you start turning, when you get halfway, I know I need to do something different. I decide to let you get to your back. When you do I move my leg forward so it is between yours and drop it down, aiming ostensibly for your belly, but really hoping to go low.
Virginia Dare
Stunned. That's the only word I can use. My body stunned by the blow, my mind stunned that you would do it right in front of the ref. Of course, he pushes you away, throwing a finger in your face, giving you "admonishments." Meanwhile, I'm rolling out of the ring, clutching where you kicked me, wincing in pain. I roll out to the floor. This is not going the way I wanted. I've got to get the momentum back.
Red Enforcer
I argue with the ref explaining I went for your belly and you moved, not my fault. When I see you roll to the floor, I slide out behind you. I come up to you and grab the back of your top and the waistband of your bottoms (maybe pulling up a bit too hard on those to give a slight wedgie) as I run you forward, hoping to plow you into the guard railing as hard as I can.
Virginia Dare
As we both plummet toward the iron, I know this is my opportunity. At the very last second, I duck, dropping to my belly, letting you carry all that momentum yourself.
Red Enforcer
Shit. You fall down and I just do manage to twist and hit the railing on my back. My arms drape over the too and my back stings again. I don’t like how my muscles are throbbing. I'm not used to this much of a fight. I take a moment to try to gather myself.
Shit. You fall down and I just do manage to twist and hit the railing on my back. My arms drape over the too and my back stings again. I don’t like how my muscles are throbbing. I'm not used to this much of a fight. I take a moment to try to gather myself.
Virginia Dare
I see you hit the metal and for a moment, I consider giving you a taste of your own medicine. Just pick you up and suplex you onto the floor. No. I'm not you. I'm better than you. I step back, now winded after all this action, and roll back into the ring. And I spend those moments catching my breath and giving my ankle a rest. But the whole time, I'm keeping an eye on you. No more surprises.
Red Enforcer
I hear the count go past 10 and I am really loving the 20 count. Taking stock I feel my back is angry at me and I am a bit winded, sweat is really pouring off my body as you are pushing me to limits I havent experienced since I was green as grass in the 90s. I also see you vigilant in the ring, head and eyes moving with me so I don't sneak up in you. But I've got more information on you than in the beginning, so this will be fun. I get on the apron and climb in, still shocked there are those who are goody goody these days. It's going to make this more fun. I signal for a collar and elbow and move towards you. "Let's dance"
Virginia Dare
I walk up to you and slam a stiff chop against your chest. "I only dance with gentlemen," I say.
Red Enforcer
I stagger back a step as my pale skin turns red from your strike. My mouth splits open wide and my teeth fill up the opening of my mask. "So, straight to foreplay it is." I turn my hips and swing my right arm at you, rough calloused hand flat out and striking you on your sternum with a pop.
Virginia Dare
Your strike knocks me back a step and almost doubles me over. That was a lot stronger than I thought. Like a flame brand across my chest, stinging at first, then burning hot. I bend over, putting my arms up against my chest, clenching my teeth and hissing air through them. But then, I growl and shout out loud, throwing my right arm out, slamming another chop across your chest. "COME ON!!!"
Red Enforcer
I get pushed back, legs quaking but refusing to put my arms up to cover the pain. I havent felt this pushed by a chop in years and I can feel welts rising. "Mosquito Bites. Show me some more!" I yell and I turn and fire off another strong chop, aiming for the same spot, wanting to turn your flesh to hamburger meat to prove a point of honor. We'll see who has the bigger fighting spirit.
Virginia Dare
The chop sends me spinning around in a circle as I clench my teeth and my fists and scream out loud, my tan skin now turning bright red, blood vessels bursting. I march around in that circle, shouting my pain at the crowd. My limbs are shivering, tears welling up behind my eyes. This one will knock you down. THIS ONE. I send another one, hitting as true as I can, but I have to be honest, my arms are shaking so bad, I can't maintain my aim.
Red Enforcer
Shit. Ok, I had to grab my chest with that one. It's looking brighter red than my mask now and I bow slightly as I suck air in between my teeth, but I straighten up. I look in your eyes and see the pain. Now to just draw it out. I turn and go to chop again, but now, not power, precision. I do one good swing to hit your chest, but then do a quick follow up, then another, then another. Screaming out, I fire off machine gun rapid short chops, looking to drive you back into the corner Kobashi style.
Virginia Dare
The first chop stuns me. The second blinds me. Then, the sudden assault paralyzes my limbs. I can't help but step back until my back is in the corner, almost buckled over with the pain, my arms over the top ropes, my eyes shut, my mouth open, gasping for air.
Red Enforcer
I keep up the steady stream of chops until my arm gets too heavy and my hand starts stinging. I see you hanging on bareky in the corner and know I need to keep up the pounding. With a yell I dash to the middle of the ring, spin and dash back, left arm extended, looking to drive a hard clothesline into you and mash my body into yours at the same time.
Virginia Dare
All that weight and speed and impact slams into me, knocking the wind out of me, your clothesline across my throat hitting me so hard, my legs kick up. The only reasons I'm still standing are my arms over the top rope. My hair flies and my throat gasps and I nearly collapse into the corner, completely crushed by your assault. I'm almost seated on the middle turn buckle, slowly sliding down in the corner.
Virginia Dare
But something inside me tells me I have to do something. I have to fight back. Blindly, without knowing what I'm doing or where I'm going, I scream and pounce forward, throwing a clothesline of my own, not knowing what might happen.
Red Enforcer
I get the satisfying feeling of slamming my body into yours and hammering you in the neck with my clothesline. Not as powerful as a normal one, but I needed to give my right arm a break. I step back and take a moment to enjoy watching you slump in the corner. But then I am caught flat footed in shcok as you scream and launch a counter assault with a hard clothesline that makes the sore red area on my chest scream and the hit on my neck makes my legs buckle. Even beaten down this hard you come at me with amazonian strength. I drop back a few paces and then fly up towards you, again left armed, but without the strength from before. Even hitting rocks my body, but I refuse to let you see me hurt.
Virginia Dare
I sense you throwing that counter-clothesline and I duck under it, grabbing your wrist as I go. I pull on your wrist, spinning you around toward me with incredibe momentum built in between our combined strength. And as you spin toward me, caught in the beginning of a short arm clothesline, I'm on one knee. I leap up from my knee, screaming out loud. My right arm comes up, aimed straight at your face/neck. And somewhere, the announcers are shouting in broken English, "GO HOME LARIOTO!"
Red Enforcer
I can't believe I missed on my clothesline, but my body sure can. I move around drunkenly as you spin me about, confused as to what is happening. I don't see you for a second but then you scream and rise up at me. Then there is a pure explosion of pain. It feels like a Mack Truck hitting me right under my chin and I fly up in the air and twist fast enough to make a Mulkey brother jealous. Then the mat hits my back with a resounding thud and my eyes flutter shut.
Virginia Dare
My follow through is pure Hanson. I land on the other side of you, flat on my face, so close to the ropes that I almost fall through. That's when the impact of that corner clothesline really catches up with me. I feel pain when I try to inhale and when I push myself up, I have to clutch my side, my face wincing in pain. I try to breathe, aching with every attempt. The crowd is chanting my name, but I can't give them what they want. I turn, aching with each movement. I crawl over to you. It's an epic task just to push you over on your back. How much time did I waste getting here? When you finally roll over, I throw my body on top of you. I grab your leg and pull it toward me, a sharp pain in my side as I do. I see the ref ducking down for the count. One...
Red Enforcer
The crowd really buzzes as the ref reaches Two. Somewhere in my lizard/predator brain that registers, but not much else in my body as I lay still. But a combination of training and muscle memory kicks in, along with that reptile brain screaming for me to keep fighting and a whisper away from Three, my torso moves and my shoulder separates breifly from the mat, but enough for the ref to signal "2" and the crowd to get surprised. I lie there, eyes barely open, chest heaving, aching, sweating, trying to recover but not able to do much more than just keep one shoulder up as you lie atop me.
Virginia Dare
All around me is the crowd's surprise. Their applause drowns out any other sound. I lay there, on top of you, and my eyes close as I slowly exhale. I knew I took too long. It isn't surprise: it's the slow acceptance of failure. If I was stronger, if I was faster...
Virginia Dare
I push myself up to my feet, holding my side as I do. I see you slowly getting your feet, limbs shuddering, eyes barely focused. I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if my core will take it, but I've got to try. As you stagger up, I move in behind you, grabbing your left arm, tucking my head under side, grabbing your left leg. And I lift you up in a fireman's carry. As soon as I do, my ribs scream at me. I... I can't... hold... I'm tilting... hold on... and I drop you down, falling to my knees, clutching my waist, my hair falling forward onto the mat. I can't do it. I can't lift you up.
Red Enforcer
I am on autopilot, getting to my feet but then I feel you lifting me. Well, this has to be it. Some other finisher that's....wait...you drop me to the mat behind you and drop to your knees, holding your waist. I push up on my elbows and see you doubled over in pain. This is my chance. To either finish it or at least recover.
Red Enforcer
Do I try a risky big move? No, hurting still and my brain is still scrambled by that lariato that'd make Dr.Death weep. No, I need to keep you hurting and give myself a rest. My arms are still heavy from the fighting earlier, so it's old school time. Come meet my powerful legs. Sliding in behind you, I go for your arms, trying to lift them up in the air while I get my thighs around either side of you, my ankles cross in front of you and I squeeze, clamping down on those obviously injured ribs, trying to add more damage to your core. All the while getting my breathing back and letting me get my second wind.
Virginia Dare
My back arches as I feel your massive legs wrap around my waist, squeezing. The red hot pain that was already there now turns volcanic. My head thrown back, my hair falling behind me, my arms grasp at your knees, trying to pry them off me. A hundred thousand knives stab my insides. Just trying to catch a breath turns them all poison. I can taste blood in my mouth. The ref sees the agony on my face and he asks if I want to submit. All I can do is shake my head. I can't breathe. I'm suffocating. I try to pry your legs apart again, but with no oxygen, my arms are useless. The crowd screams, but their cheers can't help me. My vision turns dark. I try to use my legs to get up, but they're just as useless as my arms. I try throwing an elbow back into your side, but there's no strength.
Virginia Dare
A few futile elbows at your stomach, like a child's punch. My head falls forward, then back. The back of my head against your belly. You can look down and see my body stretched out, trapped by your legs. My tan skin, covered in sweat. My chest still red. I try to catch another breath, my chest heaving, rising and falling in ragged, painful breaths. I try to turn... no... I'm... I can't... I... my arms fall by my sides, the backs of my hands hitting the mat. My head falls to the side, my cheek resting on your belly, wet hair falling across my face. The referee picks up my hand by my wrist and it falls, lifeless to the mat. He announces, "ONE!"
Virginia Dare
There's nothing from me. You can see blood spangled on my lips. I've stopped breathing. My hand fallen, resting silent on the mat. He raises my arm again, and it falls, hitting the mat. He announces, "TWO!"
Red Enforcer
I first feel your strong core as I start my squeeze. And then I feel the resistance melt away as I pour on the pressure. My thighs strain and grind into your sides and your body yields and starts to break under my strength. I can tell you want to fight me. You want to resist, but what the brain wants and what the body delivers are miles apart now. I didnt realize how hurt you were before I started squeezing, but even as the crowd desperately trues to rally you, you can't respond with anything close to offense.
Red Enforcer
Your body falls against mine as your last futile attempts at strikes fall helplessly against me. I can feel the sweat of your body mixing with mine as we stay locked in this position. I increase the stress steadily, adrenaline pumping in me as I sense you fading. As you collapse against me, I sense triumph as the referee picks up an arm and says "ONE!"
Red Enforcer
I look and see blood from your lips. When did you get that hurt? I'm not sure, but I clap my thighs with my hands and pour on more pressure as your hand goess up...and down and the ref says "TWO!"
Virginia Dare
The referee picks up my limp arm and raises it up. He releases his grip and my hand falls...
... and just before it hits the ground, it stops, quivering in the air. And then, my back arches, my legs lift and my feet, too. Up on my toes. My shoulders push into your belly and my limp arms wrap around your legs, barely holding on. The ref sees that and pauses for a second before he realizes what's happening. Then, he drops down to his knees and slaps the mat. "One!" he shouts. And just then, you realize...
... your shoulders are down.
The ref counts, "TWO!"
Red Enforcer
Sunuvabitch! I quickly twist away and turn from the pin in time to get my shoulders off, but that also ends up having me leg toss you out of my grip and down to the mat. No matter, you don't have too much left. You can't. I scramble to my feet feeling better than I did before you tried to decapitate me with your lariato and head over to you. I get two handfuls of your blonde tresses and haul you up to your feet and shove your head between my legs. I signal for my straightjacket powerbomb finisher and I cross your arms in front of you, gripping your wrists and with a grunt, haul you in the air as the announcers yell "HURRRRRRRICANNNNNE. HUGGGGOOOOO BOOOOOOOMMMMBBBAAAA"
Virginia Dare
For a moment, I'm airborne. Free of gravity. Unsure of where I am. Then, i'm plummeting. Like a ride on the vomit comet. And when I hit the ground, it's like a fall from forty thousand feet. My shoulders slam down, my arms locked in your grip, unable to protect my fall. You can almost hear the boards break. I don't scream. I don't cry out. In slow motion, you see my body hit... then buckle... then rise up off the mat... then fall back down. My head whips up, throwing my hair up, then snaps back down, hitting the mat. You think you may hear a single exhale before my head slowly falls to the side, matted blonde hair across my sweat-covered face.
And you've got me. My wrists in your hands, the referee falls to his belly and starts his count. The look in his eyes says, "Please don't kick out. Please."
Virginia Dare
But my arms are crossed and held tight in your hands. Your powerful grip. Too powerful for me to break, even if I was conscious. My lips twitch. His hand falls for the count of one. I don't respond.
Virginia Dare
As you bear down on me, my legs fall from your shoulders, slipping with the sweat we share. A leg on either side of your hips. You lean forward, crossing my arms even tighter, leaning into me. Your face right on top of mine. And the ref counts, "TWO!"
Virginia Dare
You clench tighter, anticipating what happens next. Me summoning a last moment of strength and lifting my shoulder. The ref lifts his arm and it begins to fall. But you see nothing from me. No sign I'm even aware what's happening.
Virginia Dare
His hand hesitates for a single breath...
Virginia Dare
And then, the ref's hand hits the canvas and he shouts, "THREE!"
Red Enforcer
As he hits "THREE!" the crowd starts a cheer but then stops. It's obvious they just figured their heroine would kick right out. There is a low buzz as it starts to sink in that the sexy and tough blonde American heroine was just defeated. I can't believe it myself and the breath I was holding eases out. I almost collapse onto you, but I let go of your wrists and catch myself before then. I struggle up to my feet and look down at you. You took me right to the edge. I go towards you and the ref and the young boys try to stop me. But I have no bad intentions. Instead I slowly ease you up to your feet. I turn you to the crowd and in a surprise display, I lift your arm. You more than earned my respect. I am giving you your moment with the crowd. I slide out of the ring and let you bask in well earned praise for your fighting spirit.
