METROCITY
Superhe
roine Battle Arena
Countessa was looking forward to some much needed relaxation. Over the last several months she had been dismantling terrorist cells of an organization known as COIL. In her last raid in conjunction with Interpol, she had captured several data nodes. The techs said they would need anywhere from 6 hours to 6 weeks to break the encryption. Without any new intelligence, the investigation was stalled. So she decided to rest and relax; for the next 6 hours to 6 weeks.
Countessa decided to get out of Angel Falls for a while, see some of the rest of the country. One of the side effects of being immortal, the world changes a great deal if you are not paying attention. And she had been focusing on work for some time now.
She traveled to Metrocity. She had heard a great deal about the Superheroine Battle League, and was curious to see if the combats were legitimate or just staged exhibition. She paid what seemed to be a great deal of money for a limousine and VIP seating, but she also had trouble keeping track of the value of currency.
At the red carpet entrance, she showed her ticket and entry badge to the young valet. “Countess Portia Alixandria. That’s quite a mouthful. Sounds European. You English?”
“Romanian.” she smiled coyly, amused at his… unworldliness.
“Countessa… Is that your name? It sounds like a title. Are you royalty?”
“Yes. And yes.” she answered and walked in. He stared after her as she passed, ignoring the other VIPs standing in line waiting to be admitted.
Announcer 1: “This is a no holds barred, no disqualification match between crowd favorite Nike and Ursa Mega the Soviet Bear.”
Announcer 2: “This is the first match since they refurbished portions of the arena and were closed for one week.”
Announcer 1: “That’s right, there was some damage to the arena following the hostage situation and the battle royale at the end of it. The management took the opportunity to make some security and cosmetic upgrades to the facilities.”
Announcer 2: “Nike and Ursa Mega have faced off once before. Ursa looking for some payback for her defeat several months ago. And… Ursa Mega is now making her way towards the ring.”
Countessa looked around at the spectators. About half applauded while half booed at the massive woman in red now walking down the runway. She seemed dismissive of the crowd barely looking from side to side focused only on the ring. As she passed by Countessa, she happened to look casually in her direction then stopped in mid-stride. She looked at Countessa, hesitated, made a snorting noise then continued on. “What was that about?” thought Countessa.
Announcer 1: “Ursa Mega is in the ring. Wait, something is happening. She is indicating for a mic!”
Announcer 2: “Really? Ursa Mega?”
Announcer 1: “That is correct. This is very unusual. Ursa Mega never uses a mic. She’s usually all business once she is in the ring and doesn’t bother with all the posturing and showmanship.”
Announcer 2: “Let’s hear what she has to say.”
Ursa Mega began speaking in her thick Russian accent. “You should all be honored. There is royalty here in the audience tonight. A princess in her pretty red dress. “A little princess girl… here to watch how women fight.”
Countessa narrowed her eyes and locked gazes with Ursa Mega. The large Russian woman continued.
“Of course she is only royalty in a miserable country with nothing but criminals and whores living there. Perhaps if any of you men here have five American dollars you could have the Romanian Princess of the Whores spread her- <squelch!>”
Announcer 1: “Whoa! We can’t broadcast that!”
Announcer 2: “Hey, something’s happening ringside. Someone is climbing into the ring from the VIP section… Who do you suppose that is?”
Announcer 1: “Well, she has a red dress on, so I’m guessing she’s a Romanian princess.”
Announcer 2: “Wow! I’d buy that for five dollars!”