Trial by fire- Gail and Mariza!

[SubtleRoar]

*As the crisp, summer day began to wane into the early hours of evening, Gail's shady compatriots made their appearance in tandem- Both were strikingly sultry with just a hint of nefariousness in their respective attire, their bodies flaunting the more prominent aspects of their physiques.* "What took you two so long?" *The diminutive tornado snapped, her voice dripping with agitation as she subsequently gestured for the pair to join her inside of the ring.* "Pfft! Lay off, will yah?" *The denim-clad bruiser retorted, scowling in the jade typhoon's direction but avoiding any form of direct eye contact; she had both seen and felt the wrath of her superior, and knew it wouldn't behoove her to incur Gail's fury. The slightly shorter one that flanked her couldn't withhold a giggle at their little interaction, rolling her eyes at how predictable her confidant was.*

Sooz

"Hey Sooz" *She called, eager to pour salt into the freshly opened wound.* "Are you cross-eyed or something? I don't think you're looking at boss!" *Within an instant, the belligerent bombshell whipped around and tried to lash out at the insufferable jester, only to have her knuckles kiss air as she artfully dodged out of the way.* "Aww, too bad- I was looking to get some action going." *With a glint of frustration in her eyes, Sooz snarled in her ally's direction before opening up her trap.* "Whatever, Marcy." *After their initial interaction, both women ascended the steel case, joining the tiny terror inside the squared circle.*

Marcy

"So, do you two know why I called you out here today?" *She inquired, receiving quizzical stares from both women.* "Yeah, didn't think so. We some new meat that wants to join our gang, and you two gals are going to..hehe...welcome her in." *The last phrase was what caught her minion's attention, as both of them begin to bear their fangs in tandem.* "That's right; she's eager to try and prove herself tonight, and you two are going to introduce her to a world of hurt~"

[CaptainL]

Marzia stood before the door to the gym, where her gaze wandered up to the door that loomed before her at a height that seemed to exceed how tall it actually was. This was the place, all right. If Gail had plans for her, this would be the place to be. But she was, all the same, left questioning just what those plans were, and whether or not she should be afraid. Gail was...a character, all right. She'd seen that enough, both in her match with her and in their last encounter backstage.

But, at the same time, Gail seemed to genuinely believe in Marzia - for what purpose or motive that was, she couldn't possibly tell. And whatever offer she had to make, she seemed to believe it would be in the Italian's best interests in helping her reach new levels of success. From the conviction Gail had, and the affection with which she spoke of it, Marzia had no doubt that she was in earnest. But even if she was...was this something Marzia wanted to agree to? And, more importantly, just what was this trial she'd been talking about? Marzia had brought her gear, in a bag she now had slung over her shoulder, just in case she needed it. But knowing how Gail was, she was left wondering if that would be enough.

Taking in a deep breath, Marzia reached a shaky hand forward and knocked on the door. No use in waiting around, she thought to herself.

Spoiler

[SubtleRoar]

*As the triumvirate of terrifying women were nonchalantly standing around, discussing all of the draconian things they would do to their new toy, it seemed as though she had finally arrived. The tentative tapping at the door coaxed out a squeal of excitement from the elated Marcy, while Soozie craned her head sideways with a hint of curiosity to her stance, shifting her weight towards her right side while huffing under her breath. Gail, on the other hand, knew what to expect from the diminutive technician, and if everything went according to plan, she wouldn't have too much trouble with her feckless goons whatsoever.*

"Come on in Mariza, the door isn't locked." *The black-clad maelstrom called aloud, beckoning her to come forward while her goons snickered after hearing the child's name.* "Mariza?" *the denim-covered blonde remarked, crossing her arms in discontent as she witnessed the unimpressive woman step forward.* "This is what you dragged me all the way out here for? Gail, you're going to owe me double just for an appearance fee for wasting my valuable time." *While it seemed as though Marcy was ecstatic at the prospect of fighting the apprehensive Italian.* "Ooooh, isn't she just precious! I can't wait to bend her in all sorts of ways!" *She squealed in delight, clasping her hands together to try and contain her enthusiasm.*

"Please, take all the time you need to prepare yourself." *Gail reassured her compatriot, gesturing towards the two, otherwise unknown women that flanked her.* "These two lovely ladies are Soozie and Marcy, and both will be your competition tonight." *She shot the emerald-eyed girl a razor-sharp smile, the edges of her pearly whites gleaming with anticipation for what was sure to come.*

[CaptainL]

"Uh, okay-" Marzia muttered to herself, hearing Gail's invitation to come inside. When she pushed open the door, though, she would find her would-be mentor standing amidst a few unfamiliar women - but, as unfamiliar as they might have been, they all certainly looked like the type that Marzia would do well to be wary of. And, as she made her presence known, she had dropped in on the conversation to see that they were bickering to Gail about having to face her.

The Italian girl gulped, taking a single step back. Was she truly this looked down upon? She didn't know who was worse; the one who spoke of her as though her mere presence was an insult, or the one who seemed so excited by the thought of beating her down. But Marzia stopped herself then. She'd already committed to coming out this far, and she couldn't back down now.

She just hoped she'd be leaving in one piece, anyway.

"I, uh...I see," Marzia said to Gail, trying not to show any signs of fear as she did. She held her back straight and bit her lip. "So, what, we're going to...spar? Or..? You still haven't really told me what this is all about..."

[SubtleRoar]

*With a generous smile, Gail snapped her fingers twice, causing her compatriots to cease their bickering before she addressed Mariza's concerns, showcasing her unquestionable authority over the two of them.* "Exactly right, Mariza." *The jade tornado explained while approaching the edge of the ring, sitting her posterior against the center rope to allow easy access, a guaranteed safe entrance into the arena.* "I've watched your previous matches throughout the course of your law career, and if that's anything to base your talent off of, these two should be a cakewalk."

*Deliberately saying this within earshot of her cronies, Soozie was the first to protest such a statement, placing her hands against her hips while staring daggers at the petite Italian.* "What? That mousy little twerp? She'll be my doormat before the first round comes to a close, I guarantee it!" *She growled in a guttural tone, all the while Marcy whipped her neck backwards before unleashing a devilishly loud chortle that traveled throughout the gymnasium!*

"Aaahahaha! Gail, I didn't know you were a comedian in your spare time!" *The exuberant blonde retorted, bouncing on the platforms of her feet as the excitement within her began to rise.* "I can't wait to send you outta here on a stretcher!" *Her unwavering enthusiasm would have been considered almost cute, if it wasn't masked by her sinister intentions towards her prey!*

[CaptainL]

"These two?" Marzia looked back and forth between the two women ahead of her, thinking about what she had just heard from Gail. If she had faith in Marzia's ability to beat her underlings based on her previous matches...she didn't know if that meant that Gail truly believed in her, or if it was a backhanded insult to Marcy and Soozie. But, from all she'd seen from her so far, Gail seemed genuine. Odd, but genuine. Marzia took a step closer, gripping her bag closer at her side.

Her two sparring partners, however, seemed to be a good deal more confident that they would be able to handle Marzia, and they weren't shy about announcing this - something that made the Italian tense, biting down on the inside of her cheek in an attempt to stifle the urge rising in her to say something in her defense. She stopped herself, though, and took in a breath. This wasn't the time to worry about that - it would only matter once she got in the ring. She'd just have to try to ignore them.

"Er...right, yeah. Yes," Marzia said, looking over at Gail. "I brought my gear. Is there any place around here I can go to change?"

[SubtleRoar]

*Shooting a menacing glare at her cohorts, causing them both to tremble in fear, Gail turned her attention back towards the tentative Mariza, gesturing towards the vacant hallway that lead towards the restrooms.* "Of course." *The verdant whirlwind nodded, sticking her thumb outwards and tilting it sideways to indicate the direction.* "Take all the time you need to prepare; we aren't going anywhere." *Adding just a little spice to her otherwise sweet cadence, Gail tapped her compatriots on the back, imploring them to devise a strategy.*

"So, what are you two going to do?" *She asked, glancing towards Soozie initially, then casually glaring at Marcy.* "Tch, what do you think?" *The denim harlot responded in a rather condescending fashion.* "I'll trample over that walking doormat and teach her all about the wrestling hierarchy." *Soozie seemed rather cavalier about this entire experience, whereas Marcy maintained her giddy demeanor.*

"Awww, that won't be any fun!" *She stamped her foot against the ground, pouting aloud at the thought of taking the fight seriously.* "I wanna toy with her first! She's bound to be the type to curl up once someone starts wailing on her, and that's when the real fun begins!"

[CaptainL]

"Right...okay," Marzia said with a nod, proceeding in the direction Gail had indicated. She still couldn't shake the feeling that she was only heading deeper into the fire. But if Gail really thought it was good for her...she supposed the worst thing that could happen was that she'd get beaten up and might be put out of action for a while. But, all things considered, that wasn't so bad. Not as bad as some of the things she'd had to deal with at any rate...

To Gail's credit, the bathroom was indeed where she had said it was, and there Marzia set down her bag, going to change into her gear. She turned to the mirror to look herself over and straighten her hair, then took in a deep breath. She supposed she'd look as ready as she'd ever be.

At last, Marzia stepped out of the bathroom and returned to the gym area. She stopped then as she looked back at the opponents Gail had arranged for her, noticing how much more fearsome they looked compared to her admittedly unassuming image. She bit her lip, beginning to draw back before she realized that they seemed like the kind of people to seize on any sign of weakness, and instead dug her heel into the ground to stay firm. "Right, r-right," she said. "Okay, I think I'm ready..."

[SubtleRoar]

*Nonchalantly waiting for her little protege to make her way back, Gail pondered the impending fight in regards to what would potentially transpire. Both Marcy and Soozie were terrifying in their own right, but Mariza possessed some form of uncanny skill that just might allow her to come out on top.*

"Oh look" *The snarky blonde remarked, pointing towards the cowering Italian as she trotted back into public view.* "She's decided to bless us with her presence yet again." *Slowly approaching her victim with a menacing glare, Soozie would attempt to backhand Mariza across her face!* "This is for wasting my time, shorty!"

*Marcy, meanwhile, trailed behind while unleashing a tremendous cackle from the amusing image, tossing her head backwards to emphasize her insanity!* "Ahaha! Make sure to save some for me, Sooz! That little wimp is going to suffer for trying to step to us!"

[CaptainL]

No sooner had Marzia returned to the scene that Gail's companions jumped right back into mocking her. Of course they did, Marzia thought to herself as she bit her lip. Her fists tightened at her sides, but she held herself back from striking out just yet. If she lost her cool, it didn't tend to go very well. And this early into their spar, she couldn't afford to do that.

But no amount of preparation would prevent Soozie from lashing out with a backhand that clipped her right across the face. Marzia let out a groan as it struck her, and she went staggering back. The match as it were seemed to be on now, without any warning from Gail or anyone. But she was left rubbing at her cheek, glaring at Marcy with clenched teeth as she took her place. "Hey, n-nobody asked you-!" came her not-exactly-enthusiastic comeback. So far, this wasn't going so well.

Best not to think of that, Marzia told herself. Her words wouldn't prove her opponents wrong in the same way that her own physical effort could. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she went to charge straight for Soozie, shoulder raised in an attempt to rush her down and tackle her.