"Amazon" Alaina Sander-Haines vs. Gemma Faraday: A Battle of Pride

[Highfly]

"Listen, when you are as young as you are it is easy to get caught up in a loss. Hell, I still hate it when I lose." Alaina said as the two walked backstage out of view of the crowd. "I know you are a big Lisa Rampart fan, and she is one of the finest women I have ever wrestled. I was trying to get you fired up. During our tag match I was taken by surprise at your intensity. I've never had a lady your size slam me around so convincingly!" Alaina said patting Gemma on the back. "You had me thrown for a loop and at your mercy. You are a very good wrestler Gemma, and once you stop beating yourself up over mistakes and setbacks you will be even better."

[Luncha_Libre]

Gemma nodded along as Alaina talked about taking a loss. It was a bitter pill to swallow, getting that talk from someone who had just plastered her to the mat, but that didn't make Alaina wrong. The mention of Lisa Rampart made Gemma wince, realizing she'd just let down her heroine yet again. Alaina's next words, however, brought a smile to her face.

"Well, thanks," Gemma said. "That means a lot, coming from the original Amazon. And I'll tell you, slammin' that Amazonian body is no small feat!" Gemma winked as she teased Alaina. "I know I haven't been on much of a winning streak since coming to LAW ... or before that, really ... but I've still got a long way to go. Thanks for the encouragement, Alaina. Tough not to let the losses get to you, especially when they smart so much! My bum's gonna have bruises for weeks! Still, as much as I wanted to beat your arse, tonight, you're a class act. And hey, maybe once I start putting the pieces together, figure things out, I'll be coming for you again!" Gemma leaned back, giving Alaina a playful- and decidedly weak, with her arms still shaking- punch to the arm!

[Highfly]

Alaina couldn't help but grin as Gemma cheered up. It was great to see and Alaina nodded as Gemma spoke, adding in an extra nod as Gemma talked about facing her once more. "You are on Gemma. If ya slam me around and hit me with those strikes like you did in our tag match I will have my work cut out for me that is for sure." Alaina said as she pat Gemma on the back. "Keep at it and I could see you with a title of some sort, trust me on that one. You and Holly are way better than people realize. I expect big things from you two in the future!" Alaina said optimistically.

[Luncha_Libre]

"Yeah, well, that makes three of us!" Gemma said, giving Alaina a playful wink. Gemma told herself that Alaina might have been being nice. Maybe she was feeling guilty about squashing Gemma so hard, or maybe she just didn't want any bad blood against her in the locker room. Still, it seemed like the veteran really meant it, and it felt good to get an endorsement from someone of the Amazon's stature.

"Thanks for taking the time to talk, Alaina. It's a nicer way to end my night than just nursing my wounds with some Netflix and whiskey. Again. Plus, it's nice to know that beating me up isn't as easy as you make it look, from my end!" Gemma laughed a little, leaning back and starting to pull her white hair out of her pigtails. "Been a long night, Alaina. Think I'm gonna hit the showers, call it an early night tonight. Feeling kinda inspired, though ... thinking I might hit the gym early, tomorrow!"

[Highfly]

"Haha all right. You just take care of yourself and keep your head up. I expect big things from ya and can't wait to see your next match!" Alaina said as she nodded to Gemma, bidding the woman farewell before heading off in her own direction. She had to clean up and stretch a bit before going home to settle in herself. Gemma was going to go at it hard at the gym, Alaina could tell. If she wanted to keep herself going in her comeback she had to approach things with the energy and enthusiasm that Gemma did.

[Luncha_Libre]

Gemma let out a small sigh. She still felt pretty defeated, because obviously she was, but things weren't as bad as she'd suspected. While she hadn't brought up Alaina squashing her childhood idol in front of her trembling eyes all those years ago, Gemma still had that moment in the back of her mind. Clearly, she had been wrong about the Amazon.

Turning back to the lockers, Gemma started to get around a clean outfit. It was a short ride back to her apartment, then she could settle in for dinner, a bath, and a much needed sleep. Gemma thought about watching Alaina's powerful body, as she strode confidently away. "Someday," she told herself.