Chapter 11: Paralyzer

Well I'm not paralyzed.

But, I seem to be struck by you

I wanna make you move,

Because you're standing still.

If your body matches what your eyes can do.

You'll probably move right through

Me on my way to you.

Paralyzer - Finger Eleven

It is the morning of the second round and Mila has a lot on her mind.

She makes her way down to breakfast and spots Tina at a table with Bass and Kokoro. She gets a few pieces of toast and takes a seat across from Tina and next to Kokoro.

"Good morning," Tina says to her with a smile as she sits down. "Are you ready for your second round fight."

Mila stares at her for a second, "...I...didn't sleep the best and I am just a little tired," the redhead answers. "I just hope I am ready for the second round."

"If you like, we could go a few rounds to wake you up," Tina says to her. "Just us two alone and we could finally finish our chat from the other day." She looks over to her Dad. "And hopeful we won't be interrupted this time."

Bass just looks in the other direction and whistles a tune. "Well," he says at last. "Speaking of no sleep," he says as he winks at Kokoro. "I think there is someone here who did not get any sleep last night."

Tina looks over to the quickly reddining girl. "I am pretty sure the entire floor could hear your (she puts up two fingers on each hand) 'activities' last night.

Kokoro hides her quickly reddening face in her hands. Oh Kami-sama help me.

-XX-

After breakfast Mila tries to focus on some morning training. She changes into her black shorts and red sports bra and heads to one of the training rings next to the weight room. Shortly after Tina arrives to help her friend get ready for the next round. She is dressed in spandex shorts and blue t-shirt.

"Are you ready for this?" The blonde asks as she climbs into the ring.

Oh I hope so, Mila thinks to herself as she stakes a stance. "Don't go too hard on me," she says. "I have another fight later on."

The two go for a few quick rounds and are feeling out of breath.

"That was pretty good," Tina says. "How about we take a break."

"Okay, sounds good," Mila answers as the two climb out of the ring. This could be my chance, she thinks to herself as she follows the blonde out.

The two take a seat on a bench a short walk away from the training area. "That was pretty good," Tina says as she wipes her face with a towel. "I think you should be okay against Kasumi today."

Mila takes a drink of water and looks over to her friend. Bass's words repeat in her mind as she tries to find what to say.

Tina breaks the silence, "I was talking to my Dad…", but Mila cuts her off.

"Just stop talking already," the redhead interrupts while placing a hand on the side of Tina's face, losing herself in her friend's blue gaze.

She leans in and the two lock together in a passionate kiss. She moves her hand and grabs a hold of blonde locks as she deepens the kiss. After a long moment the two pull apart and Mila looks into the wrestler's eyes with a smile.

"Looks like my daughter finally made it to first base," comes Bass's voice from down the hall.

"Oh Dad," Tina says as she puts her face in her hands.

The redhead places a hand on her new girlfriend's back. "It's alright," she says. "He's just being supportive in his own way."

"Exactly", Bass says as he walks up. "I am just happy to see my little girl happy."

Just then Zack walks up behind him with Helena. "Looks like all of the girls are getting some at this tournament," he says. He then looks over to Helena, "And I don't just mean the fighters."

"Hey," she responds. "It's not my fault Kokoro was so loud."

Bass chimes in with a laugh. "Actually," he says. "It kind of is."

-XX-

It is time to begin the second round and Kasumi is getting ready in the locker room. She has changed into her black and gold tunic from the first round and tries to focus herself. Here we go again, she thinks as she finishes with her shoes.

She meets with Hayate at the entrance as Zack heads into the ring with a microphone.

"Ladies and gentleman!," he shouts to the crowd. "Welcome the second round! We are set up to have some more great fights today."

The crowd answers with a loud cheer as Kasumi and Hayate make their way down to the ring. They find Ayane waiting at ringside when they arrive.

"Are you here to cheer on your sister?", Hayate asks her as they walk up.

She closes her red eyes and turns away. "I am just here to scout out the competition," she says as she crosses her arms.

"You know," Hayate answers. "You could be a little more supportive of your family." He wraps an arm around Kasumi who tries to find a smile.

"It's okay," Kasumi says. "All she cares about is winning."

Ayane studies Kasumi's face and feels a slight pain in her heart. Their attention then turns to the entrance as Mila makes her way to the ring. As they walk down the ramp, Kasumi notices that they are holding hands and she swallows hard.

Is everyone else here getting some except me?

Kasumi looks over to Ayane. You have a plan, she thinks. When the two of us meet in the finals, I will tell her. If that fails, I will tell her if one of us loses. She narrows her eyes. But I don't plan on losing. She cracks her neck and climbs into the ring.

Mila and Tina hold hands as they make their way down the ramp. Tina holds the ropes open for her girlfriend who climbs inside. The blonde finds herself admiring how the redhead looks in her sports bra and shorts. Mila looks back at her and a smirk crosses her face. "Caught you staring," she says as the blonde climbs inside.

"Blame yourself for being so damn cute," Tina answers as she paces a quick kiss on her freckled cheek.

Up in the stands Hitomi turns to her girlfriend. "Looks like someone else got somewhere during the break." She then looks down to Momiji. "Another one of your doings?"

The maiden turns in her seat and looks up to Hitomi, a smile on her face. "I am just doing what I do," she says with a wink.

-XX-

The fight opens with Mila moving in with a series of punches. Kasumi throws up her hands in an effort to block, but Mila throws a big right hook that catches the side of Kasumi's face that causes her to wince in pain as she is sent backward. Mila stays on the attack, but Kasumi is able to recover and throws a spinning kick to Mila's abdomen.

Mila is sent into the ropes and falls to her stomach. The redhead takes a moment to recover and makes it to her feet. "That was pretty good," she says to Kasumi as she rises.

-XX-

Jacky and Jan Lee head out to get ready for the next fight. As Jan Lee makes his way up the aisle, he looks over toward Hitomi who has her left arm around Leifang. Hitomi notices his gaze and pulls her girlfriend closer while giving him a "sorry dude" look. Jan Lee looks forward as Jacky puts his hand on the bouncer's shoulder. The two make their exit and Leifang looks over to Hitomi.

"That was mean," she whispers.

"I just want everyone to know that you are mine," Hitomi says with a smile.

"Yeah, but you don't have to be a jerk about it."

-XX-

Mila throws a series of jabs at Kasumi and lands a couple strikes before the ninja is able to block the last few. She turns them away and sweeps Mila's leg, the redhead is sent falling to the ground and Kasumi backs away to allow her to get back to her feet.

Mila gives Kasumi a nod as she stands up and the two begin to circle each other. Mila throws a series of strikes and Kasumi throws up her hands to block, seeing the opportunity, Mila catches Kasumi in a bear hug and throws her backward. Kasumi is able to roll through, but as she makes it to her feet the redhead tackles her and gets into a mounted position. Kasumi tries to guard her face, but Mila lays down a barrage of punches upon her.

This is not good, Kasumi thinks. I need to break out of here.

The ninja is able to get a hold of Mila's arm to stop the onslaught, she flexes her core and flips them around. Kasumi now on top throws a few punches of her own, but Mila is able to pull the same move and as they spin around she rolls and pops up to her feet.

The two head toward each other and Kasumi ducks under a high jab. She hits a quick punch to Mila's abdomen and leaves the redhead doubled over. She throws a big kick to the same place and sends Mila over to the side and to the mat. The redhead grabs a hold of the ropes and pulls herself to her feet.

-XX-

Tina looks down at her girlfriend with confidence on her face. Bass notices and looks over to his daughter. "She should be fine," he says. "As far as I am concerned, she is an honorary Armstrong."

"Wow Dad," Tina answers. "Getting a little ahead of ourselves are we."

"I am just saying I like her," he answers with a smile.

So do I, the blonde thinks to herself a smile also covering her face.

-XX-

Mila and Kasumi are both reaching the limits of their strength and determination.

"These two are at a standoff and I feel this one is reaching its climax," the announcer says as the two fighters both try to catch their breath.

Kasumi jumps and traps Mila's head in her legs. She swings around and throws the redhead into the corner. Kasumi steps back and a look of supuise comes across her face as Mila is able to stand up.

"I really thought I had you there," Kasumi says to her.

"It is going to take more than that," Mila answers.

"Oh I have something more."

The two come at again and Mila goes for a big right hook, but Kasumi is able to duck under it and roll backward. As she does so, she grabs Mila and kicks her up into the air. As she comes back down, the ninja swings her leg and connects with a jumping kick that sends Mila flying off to the side and across the mat.

"And Kasumi takes the first fight of the second round!" the announcer yells and Hayate lets out a breath.

"That was pretty close...," Bass looks over to his daughter to find her missing. Beyman taps on his shoulder and points toward the ring. He turns forward to find Tina already inside.

The blonde lifts Mila in her arms and looks into her eyes while giving her a smile. "That was a really good fight," she says. "You almost had this one."

Mila returns her smile, "I already got my consolation prize." She closes her eyes as the blonde leans in and gives her a big kiss that makes Mila's heart soar. The two break apart and Mila spends a long moment staring into the blue orbs looking back at her.

Kasumi slowly climbs out of the ring, her breath heavy. She stumbles as she hits the floor and a pair of arms reach out to catch her.

"Thanks Hayate," she says as she looks up only to find Ayane holding on to her. Kasumi tries to calm herself as the younger girl gives her a smile.

"Not who you expected?"

Kasumi feels the world start to fade away as she gets lost in those red eyes. She comes to her senses as Hayate walks up and Ayane lifts her to her feet.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"I'll be fine," Kasumi answers, leaning into Ayane as they head out of the ring.

The two take a seat at ringside, Kasumi puts a hand on her swollen cheek and flinches from a short stab of pain.

Ayane pulls out a bandage she got from one of the medical staff and places it on Kasumi's cheek. "This should help," she says.

"Thank you," Kasumi responds with a smile.