Jessie was kicking herself. She should have named the place. She had been pacing the length of their apartment since Marcus told her an hour ago. She couldn't let Elphie go back, not to that fucking town. Of course they would pick Vegas it was home field advantage, but with Elphie there...

Real fucking bright, Jessie. She thought to herself, shaking her head.

Marcus was working out the itenerary for tomorrow. Tomorrow night in Vegas virtually no training time; although, she was sure Maria had been training her ass off since she started this. Not that Jessie was truly worried about the fight, Jessie could knock her out at will. Hearing Elphie coming up the stairs and groaned, she really didn't want to tell Elphie about the fight.

"Hey, you're home early." Elphaba said, seeing Jessie in the living room. The look on her face said it all, "What's wrong?"

"Well, I got my match." Jessie said, getting a smile from Elphie.

"This is what you wanted, right?" She said hopefully.

"Yeah. The catch is, it's tomorrow night in Vegas." Jessie said, gauging her reaction.

"I'm assuming we're flying in, then?" Elphie said, no change to the smile. Jessie sighed.

"I'm flying. You're staying here." Jessie truly hoped that Elphie wouldn't argue about this decision.

"Like hell I am. Jessie, I need to be there." Elphaba's smile was now gone as she looked at Jessie.

"No, you don't. Elphie, if you're there, he's going to try again." Jessie's eyes betrayed how worried that thought made her.

"And if I'm not there, then he wins. Why did you have K looking out for me? So that I can go where I want to and feel safe, right," Elphie asked, getting a nod, "Jessie, if I'm not there, then all this was for nothing. He's going to think I'm afraid of him and he's going to try to force me back. He won't stop until he gets his way if we show one ounce of weakness. Besides, how is K going to watch your back in Vegas and mine here?" Elphaba asked.

Jessie shook her head slowly. "There are too many ways he can get to you in Vegas. Elphie, I'm not sure I can keep you safe." That was her deepest worry, that she would lose Elphie in Vegas if they weren't right next to each other the entire time.

"Jess, I appriciate the concern, but - in case you didn't notice - I can take care of myself." Elphaba said, taking her hand reassuringly.

"I would feel better if I KNEW you were safe, that's all." Jessie gently squeezed Elphie's hand.

"Jessie, with all the media around every one knows who I am now. Elphaba West, your personal assistant and friend. He can't just grab me off the street anymore. Even Marcus said it's safe. He gave me my ticket before I came up." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the ticket.

"I can hide that." Jessie said, motioning to the ticket.

"That's fine, I'll just fly there on my broom. It wouldn't be the first time I've flown myself." She said with a smirk.

Jessie chuckled at that, "OK if you want to go I'll call K. He will be an extra protection unit for you. You stay with him, OK? I don't ever want you alone while we're there." She hoped Elphie would agree to her terms.

"Agreed." Elphaba said, nodding.

Jessie put her arm around her. "I just worry about you."

Elphaba leaned into Jessie's arm. "I know, and I appriciate your concern." She said, honestly, "We fly out tonight at six, so let's get packed."

Jessie sighed before nodding in agreement.

()

Jessie woke up extra early and found Elphaba sound asleep next to her. Jessie had asked her to stay in the room with her once they had arrived in Vegas. K would follow her during the day, but Jessie took the responsibility herself at night. With all of the nightmares they both had, they found sleeping in the same bed helped. Jessie wasn't ready to admit this out loud, but she seemed to be sleeping better when Elphie was right next to her. She slipped out of bed and got changed. Going downstairs, she decided to go for a run to clear her head.

She knew the danger Elphaba was in just being there. It both impressed and scared Jessie that she was so non chalant about the entire thing. As much as she was growing to care for Elphaba the last thing she wanted was that asshole getting within ten feet of her. No matter how much she hated it, Elphaba was right if Tony thought she was afraid to be here he'd never stop trying to get her back. She ran along the main drag before turning around and heading back to the hotel. Winded and tired, she got on the elevator. Her eyes narrowed when Tony and two other men got on with her.

"Nice morning run there, champ." He said, smirking, as the doors closed.

"Do it every morning. Helps clear the mind. I'd recommend it, but first you have to have a mind to clear." Jessie said, smirking herself.

"Don't try to be cute. You're in my town now." He said with a frown.

"I'm sure the Las Vegas Tourist Commision would disagree." Jessie said, shaking her head in disbelief, "Did you want something, or are you just trying to fuck up my morning?"

"I just wanted to check on the mutant. Make sure she's in the same condition when I collect her tonight."

Jessie's fists tightened at her side at Tony's comment. "What delusion do you live in that makes you think, even for a second, she's going anywhere with you?"

He smirked when he saw Jessie's fists tighten in anger. "That depends on you. You and I need to talk business." Tony said, as the elevator stopped.

"You want to talk, we'll talk. You and I. I don't talk with extra ears." Jessie said, motioning to the two mountains with Tony.

"That's not a problem." He said, as Jessie opened the hotel room door. She closed it behind him, liking her one on one odds better, should he press his luck. He looked around the penthouse suite, and whistled, "Upscale. I'm sure the freak was impressed."

Jessie turned around, glaring at him. "Stop calling her that, or get the fuck out." Jessie said, picking up the phone.

"I wouldn't call security. She'll pay for that." Tony said, getting waved off.

"Room service? This is Miss Reynolds. I'd like a steak and egg breakfast, an eggs benidict breakfast, an order of cinnamon rolls, milk, orange juice, and coffee. Thirty minutes is perfect, thank you." Jessie said, hanging up, "You've got thirty minutes. I'd suggest you don't waste them."

"The way I see it, you owe me money. My clientele, for some reason, liked that freak. I'm loosing the five grand a week they brought in. So you're going to give me a hundred thousand. Fifty thousand for the sales and fifty thousand for having the nerve to take my property." He was completely relaxed as he waited for Jessie's answer.

"Uh-huh." Jessie said, pouring herself a cup of coffee she had set to brew before she left.

"Oh, that's not all." He stated when Jessie seemed to brush that off.

"No? Please, continue." Jessie said, as he sat on the couch, "Be careful, if I get charged for cleaning those grease stains I'll take it out of your ass." Jessie said, sitting on a recliner across from him.

"You're a funny girl." Tony said with a half hearted smile.

"So are you. Now get on with it, dipshit." Jessie said, sipping the coffee.

Tony bristled at her comment, but decided to let it slide for now. "And you're going to mail me five thousand dollars a week for life. That makes us square, and my associates leave her alone." He said, dead serious.

Jessie laughed, shaking her head. "Do I look like publishers clearinghouse? I don't have that kind of money. Even if I did, I wouldn't give it to you."

"Well, then. You can kiss her goodbye. If she's a good little bitch, I might let her see you once in a while." Jessie put down the cup in a flash.

Before she could get up, Tony pulled the gun. "Sit down." Jessie sat back down, "I might be willing to let her go for less."

"Do tell." Jessie said, glaring a hole through him. He put the gun away.

"This fight tonight, all of them in fact, are unsanctioned right?" He leaves his hand on the gun just in case Jessie makes a move towards him.

"Very good. You can read." Jessie said, wrapping her fingers on the armrest.

"So if you loose, it doesn't mean anything, right?" He was on his way to making a point, but he wanted to make sure she followed his train of thought.

"Right. You got a point, before I collect social security?" This man really was annoying.

"Go down. Go down by knockout in the first round. You do that for me, and the mutant is all yours." He wondered if Jessie would really consider this offer.

She wasn't completely expecting that kind of offer from the sleaze bag. Picking up the cup, Jessie sipped the coffee considering his offer. She really didn't care about winning or loosing. If it insured Elphie would be left alone, it was definatly an option. "How do I know you won't come after her anyway."

"My word is gold." Tony said with a wide smile.

"Your word means about as much to me as what I flushed last night." Jessie quipped before sipping her coffee carefully.

"You don't and I promise you that she's not getting out of Las Vegas." Tony said, the words making Jessie cringe.

"Like hell." Tony didn't have the chance to turn around before Elphaba had him in the nerve hold Jessie had shown her after the attack.

"Ahhhhhh…" He flailed in Elphaba's surprisingly strong grip.

"Jessie, get the gun." Elphie said, tightening her grip. Jessie got up, and did exactly that. She dropped the clip unloading the gun.

"Let … Me….Go." Tony managed. The hold had the left side of his body all but paralyzed with burning pain.

Elphaba let him go, going to the front to jerk him up. "Your property?" Elphaba landed a hard punch to his jaw, sending him into Jessie, who landed a kidney punch. He fell forward in agony, landing on his stomach. Elphaba kicked him in the ribs, forcing him onto his back.

"Elphaba….." Before Jessie could finish, she holds up her hand to silence her.

"She will NOT throw that fight. In fact, she will knock your girl out in the first round." Elphaba stepped on his groin, driving the heel she was wearing straight into it.

"You're hurting me." Tony called out, hoping for sympathy. His voice actually sounded a good deal higher than before.

"Oh, no. This isn't pain." Elphaba landed a hard punch to his pelvis, as a crack was heard. Even Jessie flinched in response, "Pain is what I will do if you EVER show your face around Jessie or I again. Do you understand?" In too much pain to speak, he nodded his head, "Jessie, I know we're in a hotel, but would you mind taking this trash out?"

"Not at all." Jessie said, as Elphie finally stepped off his groin.

"You….You're done. I'm calling immigration, bitch." He said, trying to get up. Jessie laughed.

"Isn't that cute, Elphaba? He thinks you're not legal." Jessie said, grabbing his ear, and pulling it until he got up.

"This isn't over! You better throw that fight, if you want to make it out of Vegas." His voice was shaky from the pain, and it still sounded about two octaves higher.

"I'll think about it." Jessie said, opening the door. Instead of shoving him out, she kicked him hard in the ass, sending him tumbling out. The two men with him ran to his side, as Jessie closed the door, locking it.

"You're not throwing the fight." Elphaba said, matter of factly. She was furious at the gall of that sleaze to come in here and try to blackmail Jessie like that.

Jessie walked to her, enveloping her in a hard hug. "This is why I didn't want you in Vegas. What if they confronted you instead of me?" Jessie said, kissing the top of her head.

Elphaba softened her face, looking up into Jessie's worried one. "Then K and Marcus would have handled it. As you can see, I can take care of myself." Elphaba said.

Jessie chuckled at that, "Yes, you can. Nice job with the nerve hold, by the way." Jessie said, finally letting her go.

"Well, I had a great teacher. Come on, the breakfast you ordered should be here any minute." Elphaba said nonchalantly.

Jessie looked at her wide eyed. "How long have you been up?"

Elphaba blushed as she shrugged her shoulder. "About an hour. I got dressed, and was waiting for you. Then I heard Tony's voice and had to listen."

"I'm glad you stayed put. I was scared to death he would discover that you were here." Jessie said, pulling her into a protective hug.

"Well, he did. Jessie, I spent so much time in Oz trying to outrun the wizard's guards, the witch hunters. I lived in fear of everything, suspicious of everyone. Even my first six months here were the same until I met you. I'm not running from these people. I have my documents. I'm Elphaba West, born in Topeka, Kansas. Let him call immigration. I'm not going anywhere." Elphie said, rubbing her back, comfortingly, until Jessie was ready to let her go.

()

Elphie and K were having a hell of a time keeping Marcus under control, especially after he heard what happened that morning. Now Jessie was an hour late to dress and tape, and the fights had already started. Mike had won his handily, and Rich was stretching his out a bit. Unlike Jessie's, they weren't personal. Just a couple of local fighters Mike and Rich had met at the gym. Rich didn't mind stretching it out. Marcus paced the floor, calling Jessie's cell phone again.

"She will be here, Marcus. She wanted this match." Elphaba said, trying to calm him down.

"I know. I'm just wondering if Tony is having another chat with her." Marcus said, as the door opened. Jessie walked in in jean shorts and her fight T-shirt.

"Where THE HELL have you been?" Marcus asked, getting a shrug.

"Getting my soul straight." Jessie said, popping her neck.

"Don't you do that after the fight?" K asked.

"Usually. But I needed to clear my head and heart. Otherwise I might really hurt the girl." Jessie said, sitting on the bench.

"Well, get dressed. You're running late." Marcus stated.

"I am dressed." Jessie said.

"Damn, Jessie. You aren't taking this fight seriously?" Marcus asked.

"No. I'm going down in the first round." She said.

Elphaba's jaw tightened as she looked hard at Jessie. "Jessie, I forbid you doing that."

"Come on, K. We've got to let Rich know he can end it now." Marcus said, leading K out.

"Elphie, if it gets him out of your life, it really is OK." Jessie said calmly.

"No, it isn't," Elphie got right in Jessie's face, "If you do this, he will NEVER be out of my life. Every time he wants to make some extra cash, he'll come after you to throw a sanctioned fight," Jessie stood there, grinning, "What in the hell are you grinning about?" Elphaba was actually furious at Jessie for choosing that damn deal.

"Gotcha." Jessie said, laughing. Elphie punched her in the arm, "OWWWW! Hurting your fighter before the fight is never good, Elphie." Jessie winked at her, as she gently rubbed her arm from where Elphie hit her.

"Neither is teasing your personal assistant like that." A hint of a smile begins to form on Elphaba's face. "So why no fight gear?"

"Because it'll take me longer to get changed than it's going to take to knock the bitch out." Jessie said, matter of factly.

"Now that's more like it." Elphie said, rubbing the spot she hit.

()

Jessie came out to War from Sick Puppies, Elphaba at her right and Marcus at her left. K hung back, within reach if needed. Unlike her usual fight demenor, she looked mellow, stopping to smile and pose for pictures for the crowd around the ring. It took almost the entire song to actually get in the ring. When she did she saw Tony sitting in the third row with a bag of ice on his pelvis and chuckled.

She motioned K over. "That's him."

"Gotcha." K said, he stepped off to the side to let the couple of guys from his crew know who Tony was.

Because the fight was unsanctioned, the cages were removed, leaving an octagon shaped karate ring. Marcus got in, seeing the arrogant smile on Maria's face, and the smirk on her managers.

"You're laying down to her? Your rankings are going to go into the toilet." Marcus said, shaking his head.

"Who cares about rankings." Jessie said, not even bothering to warm up.

"Who cares about rankings? Just great." Marcus said, as the referee pulled them into the middle. Jessie had a bored look as he explained the rules.

"Shake hands and come out fighting." Maria stuck out her hand. Jessie looked at her, and turned to walk away. Maria slapped her in the back of the head, getting boos from the heavy Jessie fan crowd.

"You're going to let her get away with that?" Marcus asked, getting a grin.

"Of course." Jessie said, walking to the corner where Elphaba was standing.

"Knock her out." Elphaba whispered, hugging Jessie's neck.

"That's a promise, beautiful." Jessie said, watching the blush crawl onto Elphaba's cheek. Jessie feeling bold, kissed her cheek gently.

"OK, save it for the room. It's business time." Marcus said.

Jessie turned around, the same non chalant look on her face. In her t-shirt, jean shorts, and tennis shoes. No gloves and no tape, Jessie looked more like she was going to a picnic than showing up for a fight. Jessie moved to the middle of the ring, completely relaxed. She didn't even take a stance, as the bell rang. Maria danced around in front of her, before throwing a kick. Jessie caught her leg, landed one shot to her knee that sent a sickening snapping sound echoing through the arena. When Maria screamed, Jessie followed it up with a punch between the eyes. The leg supporting Maria began to wobble her eyes rolling back into her head from the force, and blood flowing out of her nose.

"Next time you run your mouth will be the last." Jessie said, before landing one more punch to Maria's jaw, the impact visably misaligning it. She let go of Maria's leg, letting her fall to the mat, blissfully unconscious. Jessie walked back to the corner, waiting for the referee to call it.

"She's out." He said, calling for her corner.

"She cheated! She had to cheat!" Her manager said, angrily pointing at Jessie.

"Thank god." Marcus said, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Come on, Marcus. Do you really think I'd lay down for her?" She asked, laughing, as Elphie got in the ring. Jessie grabbed her around the waist in a hug, lifting her for the crowd to see, as the medics slowly revived Maria. They got her up before she stumbled, falling back down. To everyone, especially Elphaba's surprise, Jessie walked over to her.

"This is over." Jessie said, sliding her arm under Maria's leg. She carried her to the gurney, careful of her severly swelling knee, "I'm sorry about that." Jessie said, honestly. The knee strike was so automatic, Jessie hadn't even thought about it.

"You cheated!" Maria's manager said, shoving Jessie.

"Get out of my face before you get knocked out." Jessie said, shoving him back, and turning her attention back to Maria, "Just take it easy. They've got you from here." Jessie said, before getting hit with a kidney punch, driving her into Maria. Before she could turn around, Marcus and K were pulling Elphaba away from the manager.

Jessie sick of this bullshit grabbed the microphone. "KNOCK IT OFF!" Jessie, for the second time in her professional career, raised her voice in the ring. Everyone stopped, and even the crowd fell silent, "When I came here three months ago, I had the privilege of fighting for the women's heavyweight championship in front of some of the greatest fans in the world. Not a bad way to spend an evening. When I came here I also met my assistant, Elphaba West. Only, she was a performer for that waste of space," Jessie pointed straight at Tony, "For those of you that don't know, his name is Tony Shiarbrook. He runs a strip club just off the strip called Battling Beauties. He orchestrated this whole little love fest because he's pissed off that his top performer is tired of performing. In fact, he made me a deal. I lay down to Maria in the first round, and I never see or hear from him again. If I didn't, Elphaba wouldn't make it out of Vegas."

She looked at Tony, who was fuming, and smirked. "He's tried to ruin my reputation and Mrs. West's to force her to return to performing. She QUITS, Tony. This so called 'manager' for Maria is an employee of Tony's. Don't let this fight fool you, guys. This was a grudge match, but not between Maria and I. For the record, Maria is a solid fighter. If she can get rid of her current associates, and back into the good graces of the IWMMA, she's got a bright future ahead of her."

The crowd began to pity poor Maria at that revelation. As Maria was being wheeled out, she got a standing ovation. When the cheers died down, Jessie walked over to Elphaba, microphone still in hand.

"Now, I need all of your help. I have needed to do this for three months, but I always loose my nerve. Yeah, even the Blade has those moments," She smiled at Elphie, as the laughter died down, "But I really like this lady. So guys, help me out here. Elphaba, would you let me take you out?"

The crowd started chanting 'Say yes'. Elphaba, for her part, was blushing madly. She really just wanted to get out of the ring. Elphaba took the microphone, trying to find her voice.

"What they said." She said, smiling shyly.

"YES!" Jessie yelled, hugging her and twirling with her around the ring to more cheers.

"I'm going to get you for that one, my pretty." Elphaba said so that only Jessie could hear.

"I know. I'm looking forward to it." Jessie said, letting her down. Security escorted them to the back. After Jessie got changed, they headed back towards their room.

"Miss Reynolds?" Jessie turned, to see an older man.

"Yes, sir. Can I help you?" Jessie asked.

"I'm Phillip Shiarbrook. Anthony is my son." Jessie swallowed hard. Noticing it, he raised his hand, "No, I'm not looking for trouble. In fact, I wanted to let you know Tony won't be bothering either of you again. Kevin let me know what was going on," He reached into his pocket, handing Jessie a card, "You hear from him again about this, you call me."

"Will do, sir." Jessie said as she pocketed the card.

"By the way, nice fight. I made a nice little profit tonight." He said with a slight twinkle in his eye.

Jessie laughed. "Glad you liked it."

"Yeah, I can't wait to see you and The Machine rematch. You need to watch her ground and pound." He stated.

"Yes, sir, I do." Jessie said, shyly.

"Anyway, let me leave you two alone," He took Elphaba's hand, kissing it, "Again, please accept my apologies. Tony's always been the black sheep. I swear, if he fucked up tying his shoes, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised." He said with a smile.

"Apology accepted." Elphaba said.

"Good evening, ladies." With that, Philllip turned, and walked away.

"Hard to believe that's Tony's father, isn't it?" Jessie said, once they were out of earshot.

"Such a nice man. And apparently a fan of yours." Elphaba agreed.

"Hey, everybody loves The Blade, man! She's awesome." Jessie said, her fight bravado kicking in.

"Some of us like Jessie even more." Elphaba said, arm sliding around Jessie's waist.

Jessie gripped her around the shoulders, as they got into the elevator. When the elevator closed, Elphaba looked at her a little hard, pulling away, "I can't believe you did that to me."

"Did what?" Jessie asked confused.

"You asked me out in the middle of the octagon." Elphaba said as she crossed her arms in front of her body.

"Oh, come on! You can't be mad at me for that." Jessie said, eyes widening. She really hadn't though about it. It just seemed like a fun thing to do at the time.

"Oh, yes I can. I've never been so self conscious in my life." Elphaba paused for a beat as a smirk appeared on her face. "Or felt so thrilled." Elphaba said, kissing Jessie's cheek.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Jessie turned into the kiss deepening it. Elphaba's arms wrapped around Jessie, pulling her closer. When the kiss finally broke, Jessie found herself looking into Elphie's desire filled eyes.

"So, how do I make it up to you?" Jessie asked, hearing the bell ding.

"I'll think of something." Elphaba said, as they walked down to the room.

"I'm sure you will." Jessie said, chuckling nervously, as she fumbled to open the door. Walking inside, Elphaba grabbed the do not disturb sign, and hung it on the door.

()

Marcus didn't like this at all. Jessie calling Tony out. His father confronting her alone in the lobby. He was worried, and headed to Jessie's room to make sure she was OK. When he saw the do not disturb sign, he smiled.

"About fucking time." He said to himself, walking off.