Bengal wasn’t very popular with most wrestling fans, so she was surprised when she noticed that her recent “LAW of the Jungle” match had started to trend online. The audience had been blown away by the rainforest-themed arena, although most of them seemed disappointed that the Blaze Tiger had won. Another common refrain was the demand for an even larger, grander set, with more unique features for the wrestlers to encounter. Sensing an opportunity, company management quickly got to work organizing a follow-up.
On the other hand, Bengal herself wasn’t particularly interested in pleasing the crowd. She cared more about the opponent she’d be facing tonight: Candice “Fang” Lewis! At the end of the last LAW of the Jungle match, the Tiger had brutalized Candice’s sister, Sylva, hoping that her humiliating beatdown would provoke Fang to challenge her. It looked as if the younger sibling had fallen for the bait - but still, Bengal couldn’t help but wonder if she was the one walking into an ambush.
As she stood on top of the entrance ramp, surveying the newly renovated arena, those feelings only intensified. This second “jungle” was so vast that she couldn’t even see the other end of it from her current position, and so authentic that she could barely distinguish it from the real thing. She recognized all the same environments from the previous match: pools of muddy water, crumbling stone ruins, and sun-dappled groves.
Besides the visible spectacle, the combat area was also filled with devious, hidden traps - that is, if the rumors on the internet were to be believed. Bengal was usually skeptical about such claims, but she still kept her eyes peeled for danger as she padded down the moss-covered entrance ramp. The sloping surface gradually flattened out, becoming a rough trail that led toward the center of the arena. Her opponent was waiting for her there, standing upon a carved stone plinth. She turned to face the Tiger, seeming to sense her presence, even before the ring announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers:
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s main event is another LAW of the Jungle match! Contestants may win by pinfall, submission, or knockout, anywhere within the arena. No count-outs, no disqualifications! Use the jungle to survive! And, introducing first…” The referee, who had been resting on a log at the edge of the clearing, got up and gestured toward Bengal’s corner.
“From Kolkata, India…standing five feet, seven inches, and weighing 140 pounds…THE BLAZE TIGER! BENGAL!”
The Indian woman craned her head skyward to look at the stands. The arena’s balcony had been extended to give fans a better view of the action below; it seemed to hang over them like a cresting wave. Bengal blew mocking kisses toward the faraway seats, drawing boos, as the announcer continued:
“And her opponent…standing five feet, nine inches, and weighing 150 pounds…welcome to the jungle, FANG!”
Cheers erupted from the stands, making Bengal grimace. The patter of applause echoed off the trees around them, like an invisible rainstorm. Clearly, the LAW faithful believed that Fang could succeed where her sister had failed.
Guess I’ll have to prove them wrong a second time, the Tiger thought, forcing her face back into a smile. As the noise died away, she locked eyes with her opponent and began to speak.
“So, here’s what I don’t get,” she drawled, circling the other woman, waiting for the bell. “You must have seen what I did to your sister, right? After all, I got your challenge the very next day.” She put a finger to her lips, feigning curiosity. “But…you didn’t do anything to stop me. Did you just sit there and watch, the whole time? Damn, I thought my family was messed up…” she laughed bitterly. “Don’t worry about your little sibling rivalry. I’ll make sure to beat you just as bad, so you don’t feel left out!”
