[Last Woman Standing Match] Astrid Arvidsson vs Diana Accera - For abs, booba and the Openweight Title (Apex Match)

[skip-stop]

Match type:
Last Woman Standing
Victory conditions:
The opponent cannot get to feet before the count of ten
Special conditions:
Anything goes
Falls count anywhere
Apex Event conditions:
The winner will be considered for the Inaugural Openweight Title at the end of Apex
The loser forfeits their chance to become the Inaugural Openweight Champion

[skip-stop]

Hell yeah! Finally. Finally, this day has come. Barely holding back a smile, the blonde made a pendulum movement down and to the right, and when she straightened up, she turned on her toes to the left, sending such a powerful right hook into the punching bag that this bag moved a few meters to the side. Opening her fists, Astrid took a deep breath and went to the locker to wipe the sweat from her forehead and put on her wristbands.

"You're almost shining," Victoria grinned, watching her ward.

"How else, huh?" Astrid grinned back. "I'm not used to running after people, and Diana literally made me do it."

Victoria took off her glasses and smiled. Yes, it really was an unusual story. Dramatic, sometimes comedic, but a long and rich story. From the point of view of the manager, this is exactly what a real pro wrestling should be. Someone sees in each match only the match itself. But she believed that there should be a decent story behind every match. Because only then does the match turn into something truly beautiful.

"So your goal is still..."

"My goal is to set her mind straight," Astrid replied before the Englishwoman could finish, then grinned. "And at the same time prove to myself that I deserve to be a contender for the openweight title!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Victoria's face. She knew her ward's temperament perfectly well. And she knew that it was important for Astrid that Diana finally understood what she had been trying to tell her from the very beginning. And, perhaps, it was difficult to imagine a more suitable time and place to end this story than the Apex match. Victoria took a quick look at the documents, once again making sure that there was not a single empty seat in the arena today. This match caused a very big stir. And considering how long Astrid and Diana had been going for this, it was not surprising.

"Well, then go and show them all why no one should waking up the dragon, don't hold back, Astrid," Victoria said, putting her glasses back in place. "You told me that you joined LAW because the strongest women in the world are here and that here you can make your ancestors proud of you." The manager's gaze changed and at that moment Astrid felt something strange, she did not immediately understand what it was, but then it became clear like the sun in the summer sky, Victoria looked at her with a look that only a mother who is worried about her daughter is capable of. "But no matter how it ends, I'll always be proud of you."

"Victoria... I..." Astrid was speechless for a moment, but then a wide smile returned to her face. "You needn't ask me twice." Astrid said, hitting her left shoulder with her right fist.

After receiving an approving nod from Victoria, the Norwegian woman left the locker room. She headed down the long corridor, lost in thought. It's been a quite long time since she joined LAW. And this was not her first conversation with Victoria. And she was well aware that Victoria was trying to do everything possible to help and support every girl and woman in their team. But Astrid had no idea that her manager's feelings were so warm.

Entering the waiting room, the blonde stopped in front of the curtains. She noticed that her heart was beating a little faster than usual. And she knew the reason. Even though Astrid could say without remorse that she was used to challenges, now she could not deny that she had a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. She have to meet Victoria's expectations. She have to meet the expectations of her fans. She have to earn the right to be worthy of her ancestors. She have to earn the right to become a contender for the openweight title. And most importantly. She have to knock all the folly out of the head of the woman whom she sincerely respected. The blonde's right fist clenched and she hit her left palm.

"To the last drop of sweat and blood!" she said to herself.

Entrance Music

Attire

Her dynamic music started and she came out from behind the curtains. The arena was filled with the noise of applause, the audience greeted the Norvegian woman. The blonde smiled broadly and took a few steps forward. Stopping, she raised both hands above her head, joining her palms in the manner of a crown. At that moment, multiple flames rose up behind her, and huge dragon wings appeared on the screens on either side of Astrid. The Golden Dragon has arrived at the Apex match.

She is used to a lot of noise during the entrance. But now her ears are almost literally blocked because of so much high volume. It wasn't just that there was no free space for an apple to fall in the arena today, but also in Astrid's new entrance. Victoria has put a lot of effort into making it much more vivid and memorable than it was before.

With a smile on her face, the Golden Dragon began to descend the ramp, approaching the ring. However, she had to stop several times in order to pamper the most loyal fans. A selfie here, an autograph there. Popularity has never been her main goal, but the blonde was not going to give up on it. The audience found a place for her in their hearts and Astrid was grateful for that.

Approaching the ring, the Norwegian woman looked at the place that was supposed to be the culmination of her story with Diana. Her heart beat even faster. She didn't know exactly what kind of emotions Diana was feeling about their upcoming match. But Astrid herself was in great anticipation. She wanted to give her rival everything she had. She wanted to see if she had the strength to defeat a woman, who had lost her way, but who was still rightfully one of the strongest.

Climbing the metal steps, she slipped between the middle and top rope. Once in the ring, she immediately felt like she had returned home. This was where she belonged. Having enjoyed this moment, the woman confidently headed to the center of the ring and at that moment the ring announcer decided to take the floor.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

Quite a significant part of the audience began to laugh after these words. And even Astrid couldn't help but smile. Recent events were still fresh in the memory of everyone in this arena. The ring announcer gave everyone the opportunity to stop laughing, and then continued.

"Welcome! Welcome to another Apex match! A match where the stakes are higher than ever! The winner gets a chance to become the first openweight champion, and the loser is left with nothing! But today we are going to see a confrontation not only for the sake of the openweight title! Today we are going to see a confrontation for beliefs and pride! You have been following this story with bated breath and today this story will end. Maybe. And now, introducing first! From the land of ice and snow! From harsh Norway! Her flame demolishes everything in her path! And her ancestors are smiling, looking at her from Valhalla! Five feet eleven inches tall! Weighing one hundred and seventy pounds! Please welcome! Astrid! Golden Dragon!! Arvidsson!!!"

Amid a flurry of shouts and applause, the Golden Dragon raised her right hand and pointed at herself with her thumb, which was her signature gesture. There was a playful twinkle in her eyes. She was well aware that a serious test was waiting for her today. Diana was not the first veteran with whom she had to come together in a fight. But today the stakes were much higher than in any of her previous matches. Astrid knew it. But it didn't change anything for her. She never liked to look to the future, especially when it came to matches. But, as always, she was ready to fight until her last breath. Because that's the way of a warrior. That's her way.

Accepting the last applause from the audience when her music ended, Astrid greeted the referee and headed to her corner. The Norwegian woman leaned back, pressing her back against the turnbuckle, and put her hands on the top ropes. Now all that remained was to wait for Diana. They chose harsh conditions for this match. And no matter how it all ends, Astrid was sure that today they would both do everything possible to drag each other through hell.

"So let's not delay this, Diana..." Astrid said as if her rival could hear her.

[Devilish53]

Where as Astrid Arvidsson had visibly put herself in the utmost of perfect of mindsets for the task at hand, her opponent this evening looked to be anything but. For what was about to follow Astrid's own entrance was an appearance so frivolous and fabulous, you'd think you were tuning in to the final PPV match of the year. A fitting sensation, given the encounter that was to follow, albeit make no mistake. Astrid Arvidsson was about to exchange hands with a woman who felt to be in her very prime...

For with the sudden dimming of lights, roars in favour of Astrid would turn to near perfect silence, albeit with a few exasperated gasps bellowing out towards the masses. A common feat in wrestling, given that the outright cutting of the lights often meant something of great proportion was about to happen. Diana Accera would certainly like to think so.

With the darkness still covering the arena, those in the front row seats would catch a glimpse of what was to come, as the motions of many a stagehand at the top of the entrance ramp couldn't be hidden even in such dim lighting. With silence soon turning to loud mutterings between one another, the lights of the arena would selectively come on to highlight the ring. And the woman within it.

Though Astrid wouldn't be victim to some vicious blind siding before the match had begun, no. If anything, Diana had seemingly wanted all focus to be on Astrid, before the lights would shift away yet again to literally put Astrid back in the dark. A metaphor Diana felt was fitting and then some.

With the speakers coming alive with the opening riffs and roar of Adelitas Way's 'Cage the Beast', the titantron itself would flicker alive with the montage played whenever Diana Accera made her entrance. Highlights of her career thus far would briefly flicker as it ever did, with moments of Diana unleashing her favoured manoeuvres mixed in. Before all at once, the music and the screen cut to black yet again.

For another deafening moment of silence, that seemed to go on...and on...

Until yet again, it was cut by Diana's planning.

With an outright roar forcing many in the audience to jump back in shock, the lights would flicker in tune to partially reveal a figure standing at the very peak of the ramp. One whom descended in such a dramatic, slow fashion - what with the lights still flickering in tune to the beat - that the sensation was not unlike the unlocking of a hidden, final boss in a video game. One renowned for difficulty many times the world over.

"LAAAAAAAAAAAADIES AND GENTLEMEN..." Any laughter this time round at the unironic bellowing of the announcer would be drowned out by the ongoing Disturbed song, as the announcer himself found his vocal chords being stretched simply to be heard.

~You're never gonna stop me
I'm the nightmare you've been dreaming of~

"INTRODUCING HER CHALLENGER! Standing five foot eleven, weighing one hundred and sixty five pounds!"

The announcer was damn near turning red simply at the opening lines, given how stressed he was to be heard over the blaring entrance theme. Though he couldn't pause now. Not as Diana herself continued her dramatically slow descent down the ramp, with her figure yet to be fully revealed.

"SHE!- Is the original number one contender!"


~Now the day is approaching
Gonna show you what I'm made of~


"SHE!- Is the blood soaked participant of the 2018 Bloodsport!"


~This is just the beginning
Your anxiety is justified~


"SHE!- Is the 2019 Queen of the beach!"


~Let me tell you something
There's nowhere left for you to hide~


"SHE!- is the second, and most highly decorated LAWLESS champion!"


~Justice will be mine~


"SHE!- stands with a amateur boxing record of 22-0-4!"


~You can be certain~


...SHE IS THE WOLF OF CATANZORO, THE ITALIAN POWERHOUSE, THE FACE OF THE LAWLESS DIVISION..."


"SHEEEEEEEEE IS...LAWLESS...DIANA ACCERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

On the very verge of passing out the attention would thankfully be drawn away from the announcer in favour of the figure now standing on the ring apron. One fully revealed by the lighting, as at last the arena was fully lit up once again to reveal Diana as her song roared on...

Spoiler

As she stood on the side of the ring with the biggest of grins whilst staring down Astrid, with many a moment passing as to add tension to the moment, the title of Diana's new entrance couldn't have fit how the Italian felt right now any better,

~I am unstoppable~

[skip-stop]

"Hoooooo..." Astrid drawled when the lights in the arena disappeared.

It was a sure sign that her opponent would soon join her in the ring. She didn't take into account the possibility that Diana would attack her from the dark. Not today. If the Italian woman wanted to prove that Astrid was wrong all this time, then she would have to defeat the Golden Dragon in a real fight, and not using a sneak attack. However, the blonde, apparently, jumped to conclusions too much about Diana's arrival.

Suddenly, the spotlights illuminated the ring and, accordingly, Astrid. At that moment, she was the only person the light fell on in the arena. However, this did not last long, as after a few moments the spotlights turned off, leaving Astrid in darkness. The Norwegian woman's lips stretched into a smile as she realized what the hint was.

"How dramatic," she murmured.

The music started. And although this was the first time Astrid had heard it in person, she had watched enough of Diana's matches, so she was aware that it was the music of the Italian woman. In addition, a huge screen turned on above the ramp, where the demonstration of the brightest moments of Diana's career began. Apparently, the moment has finally come when the brunette deigns to bring her ass to the ring. But...

The music stopped, and the screen above the ramp turned off. The arena was once again plunged into silence and darkness. This time it really looked like a technical problem. However, the blonde had a feeling that this was not the case at all. And she was right, because after a few seconds of oppressive silence, the walls literally shook because of the deafening music, which was even louder than Astrid's.

The new music was accompanied by a flickering light, which finally made it possible to see Diana at the top of the ramp. The brunette smoothly and confidently headed straight to the ring, while the ring announcer took the floor in order to introduce her. And if until today Diana managed to only slightly hurt the pride of the Golden Dragon during their first meeting, then this time she put a lot more effort. Something told the blonde that the text coming from the mouth of the ring announcer was written personally by her rival.

Every achievement of Diana sounded like another nail in the lid of the blonde's coffin. Most viewers understood that Astrid was an outstanding fighter, but they understood no less that the Norwegian woman could not boast of something like that. There were big names in her track record, because from the first day she was not afraid to challenge the best of the best, but she had never participated in PPV matches, let alone title matches. Diana's tactics were great. Her introduction was made for only one purpose. And she succeeded.

The cherry on the cake were the words of her new musical theme. The ring announcer had to make great efforts to make Diana's achievements sound loud enough. However, everyone in the audience could hear what was said in the song. The Golden Dragon tilted her head slightly to the side, looking at her rival. The message that Diana wanted to convey to Astrid was extremely simple. Astrid didn't have anything that gave her the right to be in the same ring with Diana.

A few seconds before her rival's music ended, the descendant of the great Vikings pushed off from her corner and headed to the center of the ring. The moment she stopped, the announcer formally introduced Diana. The smile that was on the face of the Italian woman deserved some artist to draw it. She looked at Astrid with a look full of pleasure, because she had just humiliated the Golden Dragon in front of many thousands of viewers, some of whom were right here, and the other part was in front of their screens. Yes, Diana certainly knew how to make a good show.

What was in Astrid's soul? Did she feel offended? Good question. Her lavender eyes seemed to have lost all luster and now they seemed to be empty. The blonde stretched out her hand to the side, demanding that the referee give her a microphone. She had to wait a little while for the noise to subside before starting to speak.

"Yes, the truth is in every word," she admitted. "The great Diana Accera, who has so many achievements behind her, is forced to stand in the same ring with Astrid BlaBlaBla, who can only boast of magnificent breasts and steel abs."

The Golden Dragon spread her hands to the side, as if apologizing to her rival. After that, the audience began to whisper, because it was not in Astrid's nature to say such words. The fact was, she was tired. This day was supposed to end what started an eternity ago. But instead of coming and starting the match, Diana decided to do once again what she had been doing since their first meeting. Astrid is already tired of hearing how great her rival is. Therefore, this time she wasn't going to repeat what she had already said earlier. This time she was going to say something different, perhaps less pleasant, but much more sincere.

"You're absolutely right, I wasn't a champion, I never even participated in PPV matches," she continued. "I admit everything you wanted to say, Diana." Astrid nodded her head obediently. "You have come a very long way, you have fought with the strongest of the strongest, you have participated in events that brought ratings and money, you have achieved what some cannot achieve in a lifetime, you have even won the champion title."

The whispers turned into clear disapproving glances. It seems that many were sure that Astrid could not stand the pressure that Diana brought down on her. Could she be blamed for that? Unlikely. She had never had to face such an emotional ordeal as the one through which she was dragged by an Italian woman. Diana wanted to prove that Astrid had not achieved anything that Diana herself had achieved. And it was the pure truth, it was impossible to deny. It was pointless to deny it. That's why Astrid wasn't going to do it. But she's not done yet. She made it clear when her eyes met Diana's again.

"And look what a selfish piece of shit you've become in the end," Astrid's tone changed, she slightly tilted her head forward, which made her gaze directed into Diana's eyes become hawkish. "Not a single match since you lost the LAWLESS title." There was a flash of lightning in her lavender eyes, and Astrid's lips stretched into an impudent smile. "All you did after that was scream about how great you were, you screamed about how you had nothing left to prove." Astrid tilted her head to the side and chuckled slightly. "Yes, you really are the great Diana Accera, you really have achieved so much, so much that even your own mother was disappointed in you, because in fact you have become just a little cowardly bitch, able only to hide behind achievements from the past! So..."

Astrid looked around, smiling at the audience, who had changed their anger to mercy. They thought that Astrid was really ready to admit defeat in this dispute of different points of view. But it wasn't like that. She just wanted to let Diana know exactly how she feels about her and all her achievements. But she still hasn't said the most important thing. So she grinned and took a deep breath.

"GO FUCK YOURSELF AND FUCK YOUR LAWLESS PAST TOO," she literally shouted into the microphone. "I'D RATHER DIE A FUCKING NONAME THAN GET FAMOUS AND BECOME YOU!!!!!!!!!"

Under the roar of the audience, the Golden Dragon threw the microphone aside. Looking Diana straight in the eyes, she clenched her right fist and hit her left palm, after which there was a loud crunch of her knuckles. Her lips stretched into a defiant smile, slightly exposing her snow-white teeth. That's all. She had nothing more to say. At least with the help of words. Everything else she was going to say with her fists. If Diana was still so blind that she did not see the simple truth, then the only thing that could help her in Astrid's opinion was a good beating. That's exactly what the Golden Dragon was going to do. She was going to beat the shit out of Diana here and now, and at the same time earn the right to become the first openweight champion.

[Devilish53]

Astrid's words could have thrown Diana off her game - a glancing mention at something under the belt, her family, her recent egotistical personality change, or even to the fact Astrid had been in Diana's childhood home very recently could have turned the Italian irate, shattering the illusion she had just created with her entrance that was straight out of the final stages of a Dark Souls game.

Or so those looking on might have thought. And perhaps Astrid too, for that matter.

For Diana, much like the entrance proceeding her being where she was on the ring apron, had practiced everything up to the actual encounter. Including what she would do in response to Astrid's own reply. For regardless of what Astrid might have done the moment the spotlight was back upon her - be it a short verbal demeaning, an early attempt at a physical retort, or a simple stare back at Diana - the Italian's response would have been the same.

One made all the more patronising by the fact that without prompt, the referee would equip herself with the microphone Astrid had just thrown to the side, before passing it to the Italian.

Who nigh instantly threw it over her shoulder.

Barely holding back a mocking laugh as she stared a good moment longer at Astrid, Diana would raise both arms with her palms facing the sky. She'd do so at an incredibly slow pace, until they were level with her shoulders. The moment they were, the finishing touch on Diana's entrance to this match was applied.

That being a small if violent fluttering of fireworks at the very peak of the ramp, as what could be described as a miniature inferno took place in front of the masses!

One that would make Diana look all the more cocky and all the more dramatic, given Astrid would gain sight of said explosion happening just past Diana's shoulders - as if the Italian herself had summoned it! With the middleweight not even bothering to turn her head!

"Time to make you look foolish..."

[skip-stop]

It certainly deserved praise. Even under the pressure of the screams of the audience and Astrid's gaze, Diana did not lose her composure. The brunette remained standing in place and even her facial expression did not change. What was going on in her soul at that moment? It was hard to say for sure. But something told the Golden Dragon that somewhere in the depths of her soul, Diana knew that the path she had chosen was not the path she was supposed to go forward.

However, it was too naive to believe that something would change after Astrid's words. Diana had gone too far. And although the words spoken by Astrid were strong, it was clearly not enough to push the Italian woman to rethink who she has become. Now the only thing that could help her was a good beating.

The descendant of the great Vikings never made loud statements, she never made promises that she would kick someone's ass. This time was no exception. Astrid was fully aware of how strong Diana was. Therefore, it would be naive to believe that victory is already in her pocket. Not at all. However, Astrid was ready to promise that whatever the outcome of the upcoming match, her opponent would never forget it.

The Norwegian woman felt a pang of conscience when the referee picked up the microphone that she threw aside. However, at that moment the blonde was overwhelmed with emotions, so she did not think that it would be better to just give the microphone into other hands. Anyway, Astrid tilted her head slightly when the referee handed the microphone to Diana. And when the brunette threw this microphone over her shoulder, the Golden Dragon grinned. Something told her that Diana was still not going to enter the ring.

Yes, that's how it was. The Italian woman clearly had some kind of plan and she stuck to it. Her eyes were directed at Astrid at the moment when she started to raise her hands. And then there was an explosion. Right behind Diana's back. Astrid's left eyebrow lifted slightly. Fine. Okay. Good. It was epic. No questions. The cherry on the cake was the phrase that Diana threw to Astrid to the enthusiastic shouts of the audience.

"Victoria..." Astrid thought, remembering her manager. "Damn... you were right..."

Those who have seen at least one match of the Norwegian woman knew that she does not like posturing. Those who knew her personally knew that she was straight as a rail. She has said more than once that she is here to fight. Her main and only goal was to become someone her great ancestors would be proud of. The rest was not important to her. However...

"You know, Diana..." Astrid said with a slight smile. "I think you still haven't realized..."

As if mirroring the actions of the brunette, Astrid began to raise her hands up. Slowly, very slowly, so that no one would miss a single one of her movements. Higher and higher. First to shoulder level, and then even higher. Raising her hands above her head, the blonde folded her palms in the manner of a crown, just like every time she came out from behind the curtains. And few people were impressed by this, because there was nothing special about it. But...

Hold my beer

A huge golden dragon broke out right from under the Norwegian woman's feet. Majestically turning circles, the mighty monster began to rise up. The dragon stopped only when he reached the ceiling. The monster's gaze was directed at the Italian woman. And then the dragon opened his mouth. The roar from the speakers filled the arena and at the same moment flames burst out around the dragon. He swooped down, straight at Astrid. The last chord was that the golden dragon literally returned to the blonde, passing through her. The audience, close to a state of shock, first plunged into silence, and then began to scream like crazy. With a smile on her face, Astrid lowered her hands.

"You still haven't realized that two people can play this game," she said, then beckoned Diana with her palm, urging her to finally enter the squared circle. "So, can we finally start?"

In order to prepare all this, it took a lot of money. Considering that Astrid was far from the richest person, she had doubts about whether she should have agreed to this. But now she was grateful for Victoria's offer. Her manager suspected that Diana would try to belittle Astrid in one way or another. And although Astrid herself didn't give a damn about it, Victoria, as a manager, couldn't let it happen. And it seems that the result has more than recouped all the efforts and funds spent.

[Devilish53]

Diana Accera would have absolutely loved had she had something prepared this occasion. To have the perfect comeback for Astrid's own dragon graphic, whatever that might have been - had she, she likely would have been unable to wrestle the match ahead of her.

Purely from the hysterics she would have been suffering. Alas however, Diana Accera could not predict the future.

Having planned solely for an equally dumbstruck and annoyed response from Astrid, the Italian found herself raising an eyebrow given the blonde 'lowered herself' to Diana's stature - with Astrid briefly giving focus to theatrics over pure wrestling. Though the latter would finally come, and not a moment too soon for the fans and the blonde alike as Diana briefly raised her head back. With her eyes to the golden dragon fluttering about the ring, she'd finally enter the ring if with a shake of her head.

To pace right up to Astrid, with her fists poised and a sour look to her face!

...If only for Diana's shoulder to tickle Astrid's own, as she walked right past her!

For it appeared as though the Italian had one final motion in pissing the blonde powerhouse off, as she clambered onto the turnbuckle just behind where Astrid was standing to raise her arm high! To an absolute torrent of boos!

Audible laugh heard even above the impatient cries from the masses, Diana, with her book of tricks thoroughly exhausted, would finally take to staring Astrid down in the ring after dismantling the turnbuckle with quite the thud.

There'd be no further exchange of words between the two powerfully built women.

She'd already said enough when she was on the apron.

With a final shake of her hands, arms and shoulders given before she adopted a serious look.

Finally, Diana Accera was ready.

Finally, the match could begin.

[skip-stop]

What was that? Did Astrid see the resentment on Diana's face? Even if this was not the case, the Italian woman clearly did not expect that the blonde had prepared something to respond to her rival's spectacular performance. The truth was that in any other situation, Astrid would hardly have spent so much effort and money to do something like this. It was especially for Diana.

Of course, it was the brunette who made the most effort to turn their confrontation into a real farce. And although some thought that after the fake funeral and the aardvark, Diana's imagination came to an end, it turned out not to be so. But Diana missed one point. It may have been hard to admit, but it was she who showed Astrid that sometimes it's just not enough to stand and wait. Sometimes, to achieve a result, it is necessary to do more than just a punch in the face, as Astrid did during their first meeting.

And it brought results. The brunette slipped between the ropes and finally found herself in the ring. Was it really true? Seeing her opponent raise her fists, the Golden Dragon did the same. Diana was rapidly approaching her and it looked like she was going to start the match before the bell rang. Seeing this, the referee even intended to take a step forward, but this was not necessary.

Instead of attacking the Norwegian woman, Diana only made their shoulders collide. The brunette walked past the Golden Dragon. She climbed onto the turnbuckle and raised her hand. The audience began to whistle in discontent, but it was not even half comparable to what Astrid felt.

How tired she was of all this... Diana certainly wanted to make her angry. And, damn it, she did it. The Norwegian woman felt a heat inside as if her blood was starting to boil. She wanted to turn around, grab Diana, throw her on the mat, and then start stomping on her head. But she fulfilled only the first point. Lowering her fists, she turned to face the brunette.

Why didn't she do the rest? Because she didn't want to succumb to this provocation. She didn't want to be like Diana. Perhaps the Italian woman herself thought it was something funny, but Astrid did not see anything funny in the endless avoidance of the start of the match. It was still hard for her to believe that Diana voluntarily decided to become such a person.

The indignant noise in the hall subsided only after the brunette got off the turnbuckle and turned to Astrid. After spending her one moment moving her arms and shoulders, the Italian woman finally dropped the mask of pompous indifference. Diana's eyes were serious now. Although, considering all that had happened, few people were ready to believe that she had finally decided to start the match. The Golden Dragon sighed, and then raised her fists again, taking a classic boxing stance.

"Diana," she said, as if making a last attempt to reach the brunette with words. "If there's anything left in you from the woman I once respected, then don't hold back, because I won't."

After these words, the Golden Dragon nodded to the referee, making it clear that she was ready. And as soon as the striped shirt would have received the same confirmation from Diana, she would have raised her hand up. Yes, it may have been hard to believe, but the moment to which they had been walking for many months had finally arrived. As a gift for Christmas, which everyone were waiting for like manna from heaven. The referee abruptly lowered her hand.

Ding-Ding-Ding.

[Devilish53]

After what felt to be an eternity of build-up, with Diana ducking and dodging every one of Astrid's invitations to duke it out in the ring, Astrid and the Italian were finally about to go at it. Had Diana had it her way, she'd still have been dodging the blondes offers of taking this to the ring, despite the fact that the winner of this bout would be in the running for not only the Openweight belt, but in Diana's case, the Middleweight belt as well.

But Diana, to the surprise of no-one, thought herself above such accolades. She'd 'done it all.' She'd 'climbed every mountain.' She'd beaten all comers.

The Italian felt she had nothing to prove - and still stood by said fact loudly and proudly. The only reason she was here and now exchanging hands with the blonde powerhouse was because she had crossed a particular line - one Diana could not possibly counter, save for the two of them finally taking it to the ring.

And speaking of exchanging hands...

Her arms wide and high with open palms, Diana would practically skip about the ring until she came towards the centre. Those waiting for the two to lock horns would wait no longer, as Diana flexed the entirety of her frame in hopes of Astrid doing the same. In an opening clinch - to see which built woman had more muscle to her!

Or so it seemed.

For the moment Astrid showed any signs of raising her hands to match the Italian, Diana would kick off her feet. Tucking her shoulders in the process, Diana was barrelling forward in no time at all, with her strong legs coming up behind her.

Only, she wasn't rolling towards Astrid. She was rolling right past her!

"Shameful...Shameful..." She'd tut as she raised her hand the moment she was back to her feet from that seamless roll, with Diana's eyes shut as she wagged her finger. As if disappointed at the blonde woman now left swiping at nothing but air!

For it seemed that despite the fact the match was finally underway, Diana wasn't quite done playing Astrid for a fool!

[skip-stop]

It was hard to believe that this was really happening. Diana and Astrid in the ring. The bell rang. Has it really started? Has the holiday finally come to this street? Yes, it was really hard to believe, mainly thanks to the brunette, who seemed to have been trying for an eternity to do everything possible so that this moment would not come.

When the bell rang, the audience gave both women loud applause. And as soon as the arena became quieter, Astrid took the first step forward. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time. But when it finally came, she was somewhat confused because it was hard to believe in that for her. How should she start this match? Not to change her principles and attack Diana with fists? Yes, why not, it was a good option. Therefore, the Golden Dragon took a deep breath and prepared to rush. But…

The blonde's left eyebrow lifted slightly. The reason for this was that the Italian woman raised both hands and spread her fingers, after which she began to slowly approach the descendant of the great Vikings. Seriously? Did she decide to give Astrid a test of strength? Oh, it really seems like it was some kind of holiday, because that's exactly what the blonde wanted. Maybe her last words really awakened in Diana at least a little bit of courage and now she really wanted to find out which of them was stronger? Well.

Literally for a split second, the corners of Astrid's lips lifted, after which she unclenched her fists, changing her boxing stance to a classic wrestling stance. Why did she smile? The answer was extremely simple. She wanted to test herself. Therefore, she began to move towards her rival. And at the moment when the distance between them was no more than two steps, the Golden Dragon abruptly threw her hands forward in order to engage in a fight with Diana. It seemed that Diana did the same thing, but…

"BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" it spread through the arena from the majority of the audience.

And there was a reason for that, because Diana wasn't going to get into a fight with Astrid. Instead, she did a roll forward, passing the Norwegian woman. In the blink of an eye, all of the Golden Dragon's hopes were shattered. Perhaps it was too naive of her to hope that after all Diana would leave this childishness. Before the blonde turned to her rival, her left eye twitched nervously several times.

The Golden Dragon turned around the moment Diana got to her feet, commenting on the situation. For a few seconds, the descendant of the great Vikings just looked at the Italian woman, and then she sighed heavily. Of course, on the one hand, she was already used to Diana's antics. But it was hard for her to believe that even today the brunette decided to turn their meeting into a cheap clowning.

"You know," Astrid finally said. "I feel sorry for your mother, who told me she still believes in you, because if I were in her place, I'd say you're a fucking disappointment."

Spoiler

Was Astrid sincere in these words? Yes and no. She didn't want to say it. But she was very impulsive. Diana was constantly trying to provoke and angry her, as Astrid usually preferred to respond with her fists. Now Diana repeated what she had done many times before. She angered the Golden Dragon. The only difference this time was that now Astrid decided not to restrain her thoughts. But, as it is not difficult to guess, this was not the only thing she did.

Clenching her fists, the blonde was going to rush to her rival in order to try to impose her own pace this time, and not follow Diana's lead. And the first thing she was going to do when the distance between them was suitable was to shoot her left fist into the brunette's chin with a simple but quick left jab.