Chapter Seven Into the Arena

The warmth of the Florida night pressed close on Reiko's skin, her tiny bikini not the cause of any goose bumps. Above the towering marble columns forming the entrance backdrop, the faint, early stars were obscured in heat haze, the distant threat of an approaching storm adding to the tension of the pre-match atmosphere. Ahead of her, a wooden walkway stretched towards the sea, lined on either side with rows of burning torches. Apart from a single spot light which followed the entrants progress, these flambeaux provided the main illumination so that, combined with the Romanesque style of the building behind them, the impression was given that this was a contest from the classical age of the world. Perhaps the tournament directors had wanted to draw attention to the gladiatorial nature of the encounter.

Are they hoping to see any real blood spilled? Reiko wondered. The pre-match publicity had relentlessly hyped-up the contrast between Rodeo Drive, as Dixie's tag partnership with Aisha had formerly been known, and her new team Tequila Sunrise. The latter was seen as a face team, due to Reiko's participation, whereas the Drive had been known for its dubious heel tactics. Speculation was rife that this match between Sunrise and the opposing Dark Alliance was going be rough, if the antagonism between Dixie and Aisha got out of hand.

And that's what the spectators and the organisers want to see, a grudge match between the forces of good and evil, Reiko thought. Fans like to see things in terms of black and white, and as long as someone gets hurt in the process they don't mind which side triumphs in the end. They enjoy booing the skull-duggery of the heel side, as much as cheering the bravery of the guys in the white hats. And the backers win, either way.

Putting this meditation aside, Reiko focused on the entrance she had arranged with Dixie. It was straightforward, except for the last part. She wished though they'd had time to come up with something better than the rather bland if vigorous pop tune which was playing them in.

"Dixie Clemets and Reiko Hinomoto are TEQUILA SUNRISE!"

The tag partners hit the boardwalk running, cheers and whistles rising from the crowds packing the beach, presumably at the sight of their micro bikinis, Reiko's red, Dixie's blue. At the mid-point of the ramp they paused, striking poses, while at the same time fireworks launched into the night sky. Then they resumed their progress at a more leisurely pace, saluting the crowd. Although used to modelling in daring outfits, Reiko felt a faint embarrassment at the amount of flesh they were showing. If these swimsuits were any smaller, they'd be non-existent! But Dixie had insisted they couldn't let Aisha outdo them costume-wise, and in terms of bikini size this would be practically impossible.

The ring was placed in the middle of a tidal pool, with the prospect of a ducking for anyone thrown outside of it. A retractable part of the boardwalk allowed Reiko and Dixie to cross and leap athletically over the ropes. Now came the difficult bit of the routine. Reiko attempted a running high-five with Dixie, and missing it stood apparently embarrassed. Dixie turned and treated her to a cold stare. Reiko hastily completed a whole series of high-fives as if making up for her mistake. It was a set up, of course. Reiko had initially objected on the grounds of professionalism, but Dixie had said, "Reiko, it'll look kinda cute, and maybe the crowd'll be more sympathetic if you seem like a green horn. It might even confuse Aisha into thinking we're not a tight outfit."

Reiko wondered if the Texan had been more concerned at appearing as the senior partner in the team. But it was too late to worry about that. They completed the entrance by facing each other, striking out to touch gloves, ending with their arms crossed and touching elbow to elbow in a pose of solidarity. Looking into Dixie's eyes, Reiko saw them light up with pure, almost child-like pleasure.

That's something I can always count on. Dixie lives in this ring. She loves wrestling like she loves life.

Entering first gave them the opportunity to observe the arrival of their opponents. Musically the Dark Alliance had the advantage of making their entrance to the strains of Aisha's number one hit, Fate.

Reiko had seen Aisha many times before, in live broadcasts, in recorded DVDs, on Internet streams. Nonetheless, her actual appearance, alone, on the catwalk, caused a thrill to ripple through her body. Not only at the thought that this was, at last in the flesh, the star who had sold a record number of platinum albums, whose combination of beauty, style and vocal talent had made her the idol of millions. It was the effect of a remarkable charisma which instantly made itself felt, in the way she stood, held herself, moved; from the dark flashing eyes, golden glossy hair, flawless skin, superbly toned muscles. Her swimsuit looked like something from an exotic lingerie catalogue, an affair of white lace which seemed at once chaste and sexually alluring.

All around, the crowd were reacting, some hysterically cheering, others looking upwards with adoring eyes. And in her turn, Aisha responded. Reiko could see how she bathed in this show of collective worship, almost greedily sucked in the love around her. Her confidence was absolute, her progress along the walkway punctuated by perfectly timed dance moves, acknowledging her audience with waves and blown kisses. It recalled the triumphal march of some conquering Roman emperor.

Even so it was surprising that Aisha was already about a third of the way along the boardwalk, before her partner followed her onto the stage. The woman suddenly coming into view was considerably shorter and slighter, her willowy, graceful figure in marked contrast to Aisha's towering, muscular one. Her rose-coloured swimsuit was similarly less striking, the impression of innocence reinforced rather than contradicted. Yet this tameness was overridden by the mask she wore, showing the same fierce animal features which had so disturbed Reiko when she first saw them.

So she's still wearing it. I wonder what effect it will have on the crowd.


She is doing this to spite me!

Benikage felt as though there was a yawning gulf between herself and the mid-point of the catwalk, where Aisha had paused, and was looking back at her, one hand on hip. The singer appeared to be smiling for the fans, but Benikage was convinced she was also aiming a mocking look in her direction.

She believes I cannot handle this. Perhaps she is right. There are so many faces, and they are all looking at me, at my body, so exposed. For someone who is always hiding, it is a nightmare.

The mask did not seem much protection anymore.

"Let's see your face, beautiful!"

Her training and mind/body control were not enough to prevent two spots of colour appearing on her cheeks.

They treat me as though I am a piece of meat.

She was sure that Aisha could sense her embarrassment and humiliation, and was taking a sadistic pleasure in it.

I must maintain my cover at all costs. I will show her!

Taking a deep breath, Benikage squared her shoulders and strode forwards, chest out and hands on hips, doing her best to imitate Aisha's nonchalant walk. Cheers started to break out.

I will not allow this to distract me from my purpose. I must observe all the contestants. Anyone of them could be tampered with or tampering.

Even Reiko Hinomoto.


The arena was bathed in light, hues of gold, pink and white mixed together by the tracking spotlights, turning the surrounding water into a phantasmagoria of reflected, rippling colour. Outside of this, the main illumination was still torchlight, reddening the faces of the crowd, while leaving the rest of their forms darkened so they resembled an assemblage of demonic worshippers, ready for some satanic rite.

"Go get her, Reiko!"

Reiko was aware of Dixie cheering her on, of the upturned, baying mouths in the crowd. But of all these faces, her attention was focused on one alone.

From above the mask, soft, brown eyes watched. Reiko had the strange feeling that they were looking through her for something below the surface, something secret. Were the eyes, apparently so gentle, those of a killer?

Reiko reviewed in her mind everything she had been told about the society of ninjitsu. They were a secret organisation for centuries, dedicated to the arts of spying, assassination and intrigue. Mercenaries who sold their services to the highest bidder, they were despised by samurai for having no honour, yet were rumoured to have their own code, loyalty to their clan coming above all else. Their ability to use stealth and ambush was second to none, and they were masters of trickery and deception.

If she is a real ninja, then I must be on my guard against tricks.

Benikage stood in an attitude of contemplation, palms pressed together. Reiko hesitated, unsure how to approach this. To challenge her opponent seemed almost discourteous, to ignore her, doubly so. Benikage provided a way out of the dilemma for her. She held one hand above the other, slightly clenched, as if shielding a precious object or animal, manipulating her fingers in a series of gestures.

Reiko fought down the urge to bow respectfully as Makoto would have done. She contented herself with a perfunctory nod. It occurred to her that the organisers would have preferred something more dramatic, and might be regretting allowing the tag debutantes to face off first. But Dixie had insisted and, as usual, she had got her way.

We'd best put a good show on for them, Reiko thought, an instant before the bell rang, and the two combatants began circling for position.

'Spend the first minute in study.' Reiko couldn't remember if this was ancient wisdom passed down the centuries, or whether she'd heard it in a martial arts film. Benikage at any rate seemed content to take time to scope her opponent, while keeping well clear of her. Reiko decided to seize the initiative thus offered, sensing the crowd would soon be getting impatient at the lack of action.

Here's a ninja-style trick for you. Breaking from the circle routine, she quickly jumped onto the middle rope and spring boarded into a spectacular twisting back-flip, corkscrewing her body to send herself into a dive directly into Benikage's path.

Almost casually, the slender woman sidestepped the attack, leaving Reiko to spin to the ground. For an instant Reiko was vulnerable, but the next moment she had rolled clear, and the opportunity to counter attack had been missed or ignored. Without pausing, Reiko continued on the offensive, this time trying to force her opponent into a corner. In response the masked woman backed off, but much more slowly.

She's trying to lure me in, Reiko thought, even as she launched a combination attack, a kick to chest height, with a nearly simultaneous straight-arm strike, Bruce Lee style. The supposed ninja let the kick slide by; then seizing the extended arm, swung her leg in a lightning counter aimed at Reiko's chin.

Noise in my head. What are these words swimming around? 'Their knowledge of anatomy allows them to strike at the precise areas of the body to stun, break bones or kill.' Is that why everyone is cheering?

Flick, flick, flick. Time is slowing she cannot hit me so fast over and over and now I'm falling …

The world righted itself. Reiko became aware that she was sitting on her backside in an undignified posture. Benikage was standing over her, alert but seemingly unwilling to press her advantage. The eyes above the mask held amusement. The crowd were roaring encouragement.

Burning with humiliation at being floored so easily, Reiko tried to catch her antagonist out with a long, low leg sweep from her prone position, simultaneously trying to regain her feet. It was a street-fighting move, but again failed to connect. As Reiko rose, Benikage kicked her hard in the stomach, then closed to deliver scything flat palm chops to the back of the neck. Reiko dropped to her knees, and two more elegant kicks struck her head, causing her to roll belly up on the canvas. Contemptuously the ninja placed a foot on her opponent's chest, twisting it over the ribs, then sprang away.

She's so fast. Faster than anyone I have ever fought against. If I can't match her for speed, I have to find another way to beat her. Dixie is relying on me. I need time to look for a weakness. I must be more defensive.

Perhaps sensing this change of strategy, Benikage became yet more confident, moving forward to trade punches with Reiko, who blocked desperately, but was unable to stop some punishing blows striking home. Apparently satisfied, the ninja performed an exquisite backwards flip, straight-legged, one foot landing, then another, to take her out of range.

She's showing off. She considers herself superior, and thinks she can play cat and mouse with me.

Reiko could sense contempt in her adversary's eyes. She recalled her mother's teaching. 'An opponent who believes they have won before the match is over may have exposed a fatal weakness. Encourage them in this belief, and be ready to take advantage.'

Immediately Reiko set about putting the advice into practice. Slightly dragging her feet, she backed towards her own corner, as if about to make the tag. Benikage instantly followed, and as she approached, Reiko made a deliberately clumsy attempt to grapple, exposing herself to an obvious counter throw.

Benikage took the bait, grabbing at Reiko's right arm preparatory to throwing her.

In a sudden explosion of speed, Reiko countered the counter, gripping Benikage's bikini top with both hands, and rolling to the ground, dragging the ninja with her in a full sacrifice. As Benikage was thrown across her body, Reiko rotated with her, maintaining the contact. With her opponent temporarily at her mercy, the younger woman took full advantage, seizing the kunoichi's right leg, and bending it at an unnatural angle, straining the ligaments. Benikage thrashed wildly, but was unable to escape.

Rapidly changing her grip, Reiko converted her grapple to a submission hold, a particularly agonising leg lock her mother had taught her. A whimpering from Benikage told her that whatever near supernatural abilities the ninja possessed, immunity to pain was not one of them. On the contrary, Reiko could almost smell her opponent's fear and desperation; she was not used to being trapped and hurt. It even seemed possible the ninja was so shocked by her sudden reversal of fortune that she might tap out.

Reiko became uneasily aware that this was not in the best interests of the match as a whole. The crowd and the organisers would be disappointed that the two main draws, Dixie and Aisha, hadn't even entered the ring, to say nothing of those competitors' own frustration. She looked across at Dixie. The Texan wore an impassive expression like armour. Aisha was fidgeting impatiently, but showed no signs of trying to intervene. Reiko got the impression she was enjoying her partner's discomfiture.

Well its too bad, it would be wrong of me to let up. I wonder if Dixie …

Reiko's train of thought was rudely interrupted by Aisha's diving elbow drop, forcing her to release the lock. The singer's feigned indifference had led to both Sunrise partners being caught by surprise.

Aisha held up a palm for Benikage to tag. "Seems like our fearless ninja needs some downtime." She gave her partner a disdainful glance. The dark haired woman regained her feet gingerly, and slunk back into her corner.

Reiko tried to keep focused. Aisha's presence, the smouldering, magnetic look in her deep, brown eyes, and her movement, so graceful, like an elegant dancer, were all too obvious distractions. Reiko reminded herself that this was a competition where beauty and brutality went hand in hand.

Aisha gave Reiko a long, appraising look. "My ain't you a pretty thing? So what, you Dix's new partner? Forgive me if I indulge in some amateur psychology, but it occurs to me that if there's one thing that's gonna rile ya, its seeing someone messing with your new partner. Wouldn't it be too awful if someone were to spoil her beautiful hair, or even her beautiful face? What d'ya reckon Dix? D'ya mind if I play rough with your l'il Japanese kitten?"

Dixie rolled her eyes. "How you do shoot your mouth off, Aisha," she drawled nonchalantly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say too much? I didn't want to imply anything rude. And Reiko here's been so nice and quiet and polite, like a l'il mousey. Would ya like to play with me, mousey?"

Reiko had been prepared for Aisha's taunting, but it didn't stop her feeling a rush of hot blood to her head; the one thing she wanted was to wipe the smirk off the pop star's face. Just a step closer, she thought.

Aisha took the step, and Reiko dropkicked her to the canvas.

Never one to wait around, Reiko was up on her feet, attempting a cross body attack on Aisha as she sought to recover. Aisha went down, but unlike Benikage, she threw off Reiko's attempted grapple with ease. They squared off, Reiko still with the initiative, which she used to launch a kick/punch combo. Compared to Benikage, Aisha seemed to be moving in slow motion, and the Japanese woman had the satisfaction of hearing Aisha grunt as her blows struck home.

Aisha backed off, dancing on her toes and raising her gloves protectively. She made a clawing motion with one of them. "So kitten can scratch? Meow, hiss!"

From the sidelines, Dixie commented, "Girl, you sure are mixing your metaphors, is she cat or mouse?

"I'm mixing my wha …" before Aisha could say more, Reiko made a grab for her gloved hands. The move was just a little predictable; Aisha dodged and uppercut, but Reiko counter-punched, scoring heavy strikes to Aisha's body. Again Reiko tried to take hold, this time reaching for Aisha's hair.

With perfect execution and timing Aisha countered, jerking Reiko off balance, and sweeping away first one leg, then the other to deposit her on the canvas. In a sudden flurry of activity, Aisha stamped several times on Reiko's chest, then hauled her to her feet, mauling her with a vicious series of punches. She bounced Reiko off the ropes, and flung her towards her own corner. An alert Benikage grabbed her round the throat.

Winking at the enraged but helpless Dixie, Aisha strolled up to the corner. "Is poor kitten trapped like a cat in a bag?" At her signal, Benikage released Reiko, and Aisha punched her in the stomach with all her strength. As Reiko folded up, the two wrestlers began to savagely beat her. She tried futilely to cover up and protect her face, as the kicks and punches rained down. When they finally stopped, Reiko was left on the floor with blood spurting from her nose and mouth.

"How d'ya like that, Dix'? Aisha licked her lips sadistically, as she ground her foot down on Reiko's hand, causing her to shriek out piteously. Dixie glared at the singer, who still had a grip on Reiko's hair. Pulling her up, Aisha pounded her several times with her fists, then ran her straight at the opposite ropes, tossing her over them into the tidal pool. Aisha quickly leapt over in pursuit, and as Reiko tried to rise spluttering out of the foot-deep water, Aisha brutally pushed her back under, holding her head down for a full ten seconds before allowing her to rise, vomiting blood and water.

When Aisha attempted this unholy baptism for the second time, it was too much for Dixie, who jumped down from her corner into the pool. The pop star seemed to be expecting the move, and smartly leapt out of the way of Dixie's lunge, before sliding back through the ropes.

"Hey, Dix', seems someone tried to drown your poor kitten. Take her home, and give her some milk."

"You just wait there and I'll give you something," was all Dixie could manage, as she tagged with a bowed but not beaten Reiko.

"Sorree – time for the ninj' to earn her corn again. See ya later." Aisha waved cheekily, before tagging with Benikage.

The kunoichi stepped into the ring a trifle warily, sensing the coming of the Texan's fury. It was perhaps a gesture of respect that, having previously disdained to attack an opponent at a disadvantage, she launched herself at Dixie as soon as the Southerner had cleared the ropes. Benikage's boot connected with the Texan's unprotected face. Dixie staggered and fell, but immediately got up. With a roar, she charged Benikage like an enraged grisly. The ninja leapt aside, kicking Dixie on the back of the shin to unbalance her, then flooring her with a rabbit punch to the neck. She added a couple of crushing stamps before Dixie could rise.

The Southerner stood up again, and this time began circling rapidly. Benikage took up a boxer's stance, feinting and dodging, as if trying to assess her opponent's capabilities, perhaps to convince herself that Dixie was, after all, a paper tiger. Suddenly she cartwheeled to the Texan's blind side, landing a stunning combination of blows to floor her opponent for the third time.

Dixie rolled to her feet, taking up a stance both intimidating and defensive, one foot in front of the other, shoulders stretched apart, making herself look as large as her 5' 11" frame and the state from which she hailed would allow. She circled the ring slowly, taking one step at a time.

She said, "You don't talk much, do ya?"

There was no response from her opponent, but Reiko could sense she was listening intently. She had slowed her movement to match the Texan's, perhaps in itself an advantage.

Dixie said, "I'm askin' myself why that is. Maybe its cos of being scared of what we might find out, that ya got somethin' ta hide."

Reiko might have imagined it, but it seemed that as the Texan made herself bigger, so Benikage shrunk into herself.

Dixie continued, "Don't know if you're a real ninja or whether ya'll pretendin'. Don't matter much either way. This ain't a place for sneaks and fakers. This ain't a dojo or a film set. This here's a wrestlin' ring for real wrestlers. Reiko there, she's a real wrestler, and though it pains me to say it, your partner, she's a real wrestler." Striking her own chest, Dixie said, "And me … well I think ya get the picture. But you, I ain't sure what you are. So stop ya sneakin' around and show us if you can really wrestle, or crawl back to whatever stone you've been lying under."

How does she do that? Reiko thought. Just with her presence it seems like she's turned things around.

While Dixie was speaking, the ninja seemed to slump, almost as if she were about to follow the Texan's last taunting suggestion. Now she stood up straight, and raising a finger in a significant gesture, she intoned, "Benikage is here." Her diction was precise but somewhat overemphasized, making her pronouncement even more melodramatic.

Suddenly she raced forward, springing over Dixie's head in a huge rotating leap, grabbing the Texan's hair in mid-jump to use as a pivot. Landing just behind her, she snaked an arm around her opponent's neck, attempting a headlock.

Dixie was ready, instantly twisting out of the hold. Then with a bear like yell, she seized her opponent around the chest, lifting her high in the air, crushing her ribs in a suffocating hug. The ninja moaned and choked. Still holding her up, Dixie charged towards her opponents' corner, dashing Benikage against the turnbuckle and simultaneously knocking Aisha backwards into the water with an undignified splash.

Dixie punched Benikage while she was still cornered, only to find her slipping away. With a cry of "Yukodo!" Benikage tried to counter-grab and roll her adversary to the ground, but Dixie had already braced herself and stood like a rock. She violently elbowed back into her opponent's face. This seemed to stun the ninja, and while she stood dazed, Dixie turned and head-butted her to the canvas. As she reached out to grab her opponent and apply the coup-de-grace, there was a flash, and the ring suddenly filled with smoke. Dixie groped and coughed, but Benikage seemed to have disappeared. The Texan looked wildly in every direction. The crowd booed their disapproval.

"Look out!" Reiko had seen what Dixie had not, that Benikage had mounted and leapt off the turnbuckle and was actually in mid-air. She landed atop Dixie's shoulders, locking her legs around the Southerner's head, and toppling her backwards to the floor. Dixie's shoulders were pressed to the canvas, and the referee began to count her out.

"One!"

Reiko had already climbed the corner post.

"Two!"

Reiko leapt off as if she were about to execute her signature move, "Angel Dive", but instead her leg extended and struck Benikage's chest, knocking her backwards and breaking the pin. Still shaken, Dixie accepted the offered tag, and Reiko advanced rapidly on Benikage. The ninja was backing away across the floor, her eyes wide, as if escaping from some nightmarish peril. Just in time, she reached behind her to tag with Aisha.

"Guess who's back!" Aisha was dripping water from her unexpected bath, and her hair was sadly plastered together; in all other respects she looked fresh, ready and eager to continue the fight. Reiko, remembering the earlier counter, backed off a little.

"I don't need her." Aisha contemptuously aimed a thumb in the direction of the panting ninja. "I'll take the both of ya on myself." She turned to the crowd, raising her fist. "C'mon, cheer for me! Louder! Can you remember my name now? Cheer for me!"

From a multitude of throats, a single name rose like a tribal chant, "Aisha, Aisha, Aisha!"

Feeling a little like the US Cavalry encircled by Sitting Bull's Braves, Reiko retreated as far as she could with dignity. She could hear Dixie breathing hard in the corner.

"Reiko."

"Yes, Dixie."

Aisha was cheerleading the crowd like she almost expected them to jump into the ring to help her.

"Reiko, I want ya to make the tag."

Keeping her eyes fixed on Aisha, now thumping her fist on the turnbuckle in time with the chanting, Reiko said, "You're not ready."

"Make the tag, Reiko." Dixie spoke calmly, but the words had the force of absolute command.

Reiko said, "Don't you see that's what she wants you to do? You're allowing your anger to rule over your wrestling head."

"Reiko." Dixie's voice remained completely level. "I don't give a damn what ya think. Make the tag."

"No Dixie, I won't let you ruin everything." Reiko raised her gloves. She felt that the Texan was about to destroy more than just their chances in the match.

Gently, Dixie said, "Reiko, if ya don't make the tag, this partnership is over. Ya'll know I mean it, don't ya?"

A great surge of indignation rose in Reiko's breast. She turned and slapped Dixie's gloved palm with her own.


"Look, look!" Makoto Aihara almost dropped her popcorn. "Reiko's tagged with Dixie already! What d'you think of that, Aigle?"

The Mongolian nomad removed a spare rib from her mouth, wiped her hand on her furred bra cup, and considered the pictures showing on the plasma television.

"Aigle think pretty stupid move," she commented phlegmatically. "When one horse tire, smart warrior get another fresh."

"Ah, the wisdom of the steppes!" Miss Spencer was delicately nibbling some peanuts. "But the audience seem to appreciate it. They're cheering for Dixie too.

"What do you reckon'll happen, Miss Spencer?" Makoto looked like she was about to soil herself with excitement.

"Its hard to say, dear." The teacher popped a nut into her mouth, and added soothingly. "Dixie's the champion, so my money's still on her. Why don't you have another of those shakes I mixed you? It'll help you to calm down."

Aigle was casually adjusting the red bows in her long, dark hair. "If Makoto listen to voice of Great Spirit, Makoto always be calm."

"What a nice thought!" Miss Spencer gave the nomad a slightly condescending smile, which she ignored. "Drink your shake anyway, Makoto, there's a good girl."

"Yes, Miss Spencer." Makoto obediently raised the glass to her lips.

Aigle said, "They go at it hard. Ah – into water."

"Oh my, those costumes look like they've been sprayed on!" Makoto spluttered into her drink.

"My dear," tutted Miss Spencer, "try to maintain some decorum. Hmmm, that must have hurt. Oh, my goodness!"

Aigle and Makoto were giggling and nudging each other, despite Miss Spencer's disapproving looks.

"Something pop out that shouldn't," Aigle tittered.

"That'll keep Aisha's fans happy, win or lose!" laughed Makoto.

"Well, really!" declared Miss Spencer. "Is this a wrestling ring or a bordello?"


The water beneath the two wrestlers' feet churned into a multi-coloured wash of light. Drops glistened and ran from their skin. Their arms gripped tightly, as they tried to pull one another off balance, legs braced to avoid staggering.

"Dix'?" Aisha's low voice could barely be heard above the yelling and shouting. "Ya know ya can't win this, dontcha?"

"Strange to say, it never occurred to me," Dixie's grunted reply revealed she was feeling the strain.

"Ya only just beat me last time. And now I've trained to be so much better."

"Well whoopee do!"

"And you're tired."

"Me, no, I'm as fresh as a daisy."

The deadlock suddenly broke as Aisha plucked Dixie off the ground by main force, heaving her up onto her shoulders. A far off flash of lightning instantly lit up the whole arena, with its vast sea of faces.

"Its bin a good fight. But its over now. We'll finish this in the ring."

Swivelling, Aisha hurled Dixie over the ropes and onto the canvas, rapidly slipping through after her. Dixie rose, only to run straight into the singer's counter, a deep leg sweep into a throw which she followed up in classic judo style with a step over ground hold, tugging on her opponent's arm at right-angles to her body, while locking her head with her feet. Except that Aisha was twisting Dixie's wrist to make it into a submission hold.

"This the best you can do?" croaked Dixie.

"Oh no, I can make it much more painful for ya. You'll soon be wishing ya never split with me."

"That was your call."

"I guess so. Anyways, since we're talkin' about it, I'd like ya ta know, what I said, it was all lies, there was no one else."

"You're still a friggin' liar, I spoke to someone who …"

"Yeah, and I know who that was. She was lying too. It was only afterwards that we … well never mind. You're finished, this hold's virtually impossible to break."

Behind the ropes, Reiko was preparing to make a rescue attempt. But Benikage, recovered somewhat from her ordeal, had placed herself between the Tequila Sunrise partners. She wagged a finger in Reiko's direction, and shook her head.

"Now that …" gasped Dixie, "is a word you'll never find in my vocabulary."

With what seemed to be sheer force of will, the Texan was beginning to free herself from the hold. In spite of Aisha's best efforts, she somehow managed to turn herself a little towards the pop star. Dixie's teeth bit down. Aisha screamed as the Texan's molars sunk into her leg, She let go Dixie's arm, and scrambled away.

Pausing only to spit blood, Dixie came at her. Aisha was retreating, limping, a look of utter astonishment and disbelief on her face. She appeared unable to stop Dixie grabbing her by the hair, as the Southerner slammed her face downwards to meet her knee coming in the other direction. Taking control, Dixie lifted her up in a part rerun of her earlier move, and sent her crashing into the turnbuckle. In quick succession she delivered a punch to the stomach, then a bone crunching head butt. The singer seemed to crumple.

As Reiko had seen her do many times before, Dixie prepared her finishing move, a rapid combo that gave the victim almost no time to react. Hoisting the stunned songstress onto her shoulders, Dixie spun and slammed her down onto the canvas. Then moving with a speed surprising for such a large woman, she leapt astride her to force her shoulders to the floor. Pinned down by the Texan's cover hold, Aisha looked too flabbergasted to escape.

"One!"

The tables were turned, and it was Benikage's turn to find herself hampered from interfering by Reiko's presence. She looked to where her partner lay helpless, too far away to reach in time, then back to Reiko, and her eyes seemed to smile. Raising her hands in a complex gesture of farewell, she bowed her head.

"Two!

There was a bright flash, a puff of smoke, and when it cleared, the ninja was nowhere to be seen.

"Three – and out! Tequila Sunrise win by a pinfall!"

Reiko jumped into the ring, and held Dixie's arm up high, as they paraded around, saluting the crowd. On the canvas, Aisha beat the ground in frustration and defeat.

Reiko said, "I'm sorry I doubted you."

Dixie said, "Its OK, I'm sorry too. I needed your help out there."

Reiko said, "That's what being a team's about, isn't it?"

Rockets soared into the night sky, their thundering detonations a precursor of the storm to come.