Anything You Can Do

It was a bit of a slow day at Carmen’s gym - rainy, for one thing. You could hear the heavy downpour cascading all over the gym, rattling the walls all over, with the occasional burst of thunder making the walls shake. Carmen liked it. Her father’s gym sounded much the same way, and the rain helped drown out the sounds of the city, made for better focus. Many of her students disagreed, though, so today she was only working with a handful of her usual girls. She’d gotten dressed up, put on black and red workout shorts and matching sports bra, and came in for a hard day of training and tutoring.

”Hands up, Suzy. Even when you’re on offense, you can’t stop protecting yourself.”

Right now she was working with Suzanne Quinton, Suzy Q, one of her better pupils when she could be serious enough to focus. Not that Carmen was one to talk about divided attention these days. God knew she had plenty of distractions.

The first and foremost distraction was sitting on a table nearby: the 24/7 Championship. Aside from the typical burdens that came along with being a champion - the interviews, the photo shoots, the press conferences - the 24/7 belt was always up for grabs. Anytime. Anywhere. At first, Carmen didn’t think that would be a problem. But, lately, wrestlers were making a habit of attacking her at the most improper times.

One had even come to her home. She had to have a wrestling match in her own apartment.

It was stressful, more than she’d ever anticipated it to be, and she couldn’t help wonder if that stress was getting to her. But still, it was her championship. She’d wanted gold her whole life. Fought for it, but never got it. Now she had it, and she wasn’t about to give it up. A small part of her was tempted, but only a small part. An easily ignored part.

”One-two!” Carmen walked around Suzy as she hit the heavy, drilling it with a left jab and a right straight in quick succession. ”Good speed, one-two! One-two!” Another two sets hit the bag, one right after the other. ”Watch those feet, I want good placement, don’t get sloppy. One-two!”

Carmen kept her eyes trained on her student, moving around her and examining all the angles.

When it rained in Tokyo, it apparently rained in style. There was a lot of it, it came down with venom, and the thunder was a good reminder that there wasn’t just rain to worry about.

Luckily, it wasn’t far to her destination and a last glance at the address she’d scribbled down showed it was in fact no distance at all.

Well, this was it.

The Rodriguez family gym, her latest stop on her tour of the local facilities around Tokyo.

Stepping inside, Alicia paused a moment to eyeball her surroundings as she closed her umbrella and shrugged off the raincoat – fortunately, there was a place to hang both up and she happily left them behind as she went to explore the gym proper. But her course seemed both naturally and inevitably to lead her towards the two women by one of the heavy workout bags. There was the sound of fists against leather, an instinctive pull to the redhead’s ears, not to mention the sound of the second woman coaching her pupil.

Alicia found herself curious.

Dressed in a pair of loose trousers, one of the few she owned given the difficulty of getting ones loose around her thighs, and a blouse that disguised her figure quite considerably, her fingerless gloves probably looked decidedly out of place as she moved through the gym with an easy grace.

As she approached, her eye was caught by a glint of gold from a nearby table. And that had to be the infamous 24/7 belt, and fight-loving or not, that was one belt Alicia wanted absolutely no part of even more so than the hardcore belt. To her mind, it was the best way she’d come across of painting a colossal target on her back and she was only familiar with it in theory.

Oh, she was still very interested in fighting anyone tough enough to hang on to the thing, but she didn’t want it.

And that meant the older woman, the short-haired brunette that was the taller of the pair in black and red, had to be the infamous Carmen Rodriguez herself – gym owner and 24/7 target of opportunity. She was about Alicia’s height, slimmer of build but still clearly in fighting form. The other was a shorter girl of the redhead’s age, tanned with long dark hair and a slim toned shape that did little to impress Alicia.

And a boxer too by the looks of it. How cute.

”Too late,” She offered as she approached, grinning, ”Her footwork’s already sloppy. I’m guessing you’re Carmen Rodriguez?”

It wasn’t really a question but Alicia was keeping her posture non-threatening in the hopes of not looking like she was after that title.

Carmen heard the door buzz, meaning someone had entered the gym, buts she didn’t pay it much attention. Not at first. People walked in all the time - not typically during thunderous rainstorms, but still, it wasn’t unusual. They came in, the looked around, they saw how things worked, they either signed up or they left. She didn't have to break away to address, not when she was busy honing her student’s skill.

Then the newcomer spoke. To them.

Suzy’s eyes shot wide with a brief flash of anger, and if she didn’t have the guard in her mouth, she likely would’ve had something snippy to say. Carmen on the other hand, had more of an annoyed response, turning around with a glare. Their guest wasn’t wrong - Suzy’s feet were too far apart, and she kept going back to it - but Carmen was the teacher. She didn’t need or want random people doing her job for her.

That sharp gaze lasted a second, however, before surprise replaced it. ”Oh.”

It took Carmen a moment to connect the face and the name, but it came to her: Alicia Wells, a Friction newcomer. She hadn’t had the opportunity to watch any of her matches in full, but she’d seen clips and read reports, all with good reviews. She stood out among the typical incoming Friction talent as being one of the bigger, stronger competitors out there, and many were pegging her as a future champion.

That last bit made Carmen weary, for all the obvious reasons. Alicia didn’t look like she’d come to fight and there wasn’t a referee or a camera crew to be seen, but she’d already been attacked twice in her gym over the belt. No harm in being cautious.

”Yes, I’m-”

”Yeah, that’s Carmen.” Suzy spat the mouth guard out and leaned to the side, glaring at Alicia from behind he teacher. Her voice was thick with sass and Southern drawl. ”Fuck are you?”

Carmen looked over her shoulder with a huff and narrowed eyes, silently telling her student to behave. She sighed and turned back to Alicia a second later, pausing to look her up and down, before staring straight into the violet eyes.

”Senorita Wells.” Carmen nodded her way, still maintaining a cautious gaze. ”Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?”

Alicia’s glib entry to the scene was met with a pair of glares so well-matched she couldn’t help but snicker. It was immediately obvious why the boxing princess there wasn’t keen on being criticised and she was willing to guess that the annoyance from the older woman was at someone swanning into her gym and critiquing her students.

Fair enough. The boxer’s attempt just washed off Alicia like water off a duck’s back and, while the other’s was better, the British amazon wasn’t in a mood to be intimidated. It didn’t last long either, before Carmen Rodriguez – if that’s who this was – went to shock and then recognition and then finally watchful.

Alicia very pointedly didn’t make any moves that could remotely be construed as aggressive. Even when the boxing princess finally got her mouth guard out and started running her mouth in a way that had the redhead’s eyes narrowing slightly. There was absolutely no reason why anyone here ought to know who she was.

Equally, if she didn’t want people to point out her weak footwork, there was an easy solution.

Fix it.

”Thanks,” She told the smaller girl with a smile over Carmen’s shoulder, because that was an awesome way of trolling her, before the instructor turned back to face her. And yes, that just confirmed that the older woman knew who she was – Alicia was apparently making a name for herself hereabouts.

Well, that was nice. Saved on introductions.

”Not really, and I’m definitely not here for that belt of yours,” She tilted her head in the 24/7 title’s general direction before stepping forward to offer her hand, ”I saw one of your ads and I’m checking out the gyms in this town so it seemed worth checking out. Besides, seems like you’ve got your hands full with her already.”

Alright, yes, that was low but something about the other girl was just rubbing her the wrong way.

”Fucking welcome.” Suzy huffed, with a little more whispered under her breath. Not the first time she'd gotten like this with newcomers, and it had brought trouble before. Carmen could already feel the unneeded tension mounting, and the last thing she wanted she wanted to push away a potential customer and partner.

”I don't remembering calling for a break.” Carmen cocked her head to the side and she swung back around to her student, turning on a heel.. ”Twenty push-ups, then jabbing drills.”

”Say what?” Suzy threw her hands up, then pointed at Alicia with her sweaty glow. ”But she-”

”Down. Add ten for the lip.”

Suzy opened her mouth, thought better of it, then dropped down and started her penance.

”Sorry.” Carmen softened a bit now that Alicia’s intentions were out in the open, but she still kept a solid, focused demeanor. She took Alicia’s hand and gave it a firm shake. Not enough to hurt, but with a fair level of flex to it. ”And welcome to my gym. I can give you a tour in about twenty minutes if you want to look around. Maybe sooner, if my brother gets back in. Big ‘if’.

Carmen flashed a quick look at the clock, taking in the time since Army had left to get them lunch. Too long. Probably got lost. Again.

”Won't lie, though, we probably don't have anything that would be new to you. If what I read is on point.” Carmen folded her arms and gave Alicia another look over, this time with more focus on her lower half. ”Any sort of training you're looking for in particular?”

This time, Alicia kept her thoughts on the matter to herself, doing her ruthless best to keep the smirk off her lips as Carmen dressed down her student, dealt with her backtalk and set her to doing push-ups. It wasn’t easy, particularly when the boxing princess pointed and blamed Alicia herself for her own problems, but she probably managed. Mostly.

Though, in fairness, this time it was partly because that seemed to be a thing world-wide. She hadn’t been involved last time, but she was pretty sure she’d seen the same thing happening in at least one British gym she’d been in. There was always someone like that, here, there, in the US she supposed…

She still waved away the apology, mostly because it wasn’t like Carmen had done anything to apologise for. If teachers had to apologise for their students being utter witches, then Alicia’s teachers would only be half-way through theirs by now. ”No problem,” The redhead said, doing her best to match the older woman’s grip and not entirely sure she’d managed. It hadn’t hurt but that was without a doubt one of the solider handshakes she’d ever had the pleasure of.

Which made sense, because she was a boxer.

”I wouldn’t say no to a tour,” She replied, folding her arms and meeting Carmen’s eyes, ”But I’m mostly just looking for somewhere to work out, keep in shape, maybe spar some if anyone here’s worth my time, that sort of thing. You know, the usual. As for what you’ve heard about me…”

One shoulder rose and fell in a lopsided shrug. She’d caught Carmen’s interrogative glance at her legs but, though her thighs were too well-built to be easily hidden, she didn’t think the boxer would really be able to get a good look in the trousers she was wearing.

”I’m guessing you know what I do.”

‘Aggressive’. That had been a common word Carmen had seen in descriptions of Alicia, and now that the Alan was standing here in all her glory, she could say that there was some truth to it. It had less to do with the things she said, so much as the way she said them and her body language. Most younger fighters tended to shy away from Carmen when they first, not wanting to appear like they were trying to challenge her. Alicia was different. She carried herself as if she'd have no trouble with them going at it right then and there. As if she'd welcome it.

Not a bad trait. If anything, the AFW could've used a little more aggression.

”Wouldn't say I ‘know’ it.” Carmen shook her head. ”I've seen glimpses and word of mouth, but I don't like to go off that alone. People talk about the ‘Next Big Thing’ all the time, and everybody looks good in a highlight reel with a good editor. First hand is best.”

Carmen stepped back and strolled around Suzy, keeping a close eye as her student made it up to twenty. An idea was starting to form in the back of her head, and she took on a small smile for the first time since Alicia entered.

”It’s a simple fix, though.” Carmen gave Suzy a little tap on the knee with her toe, making sure she didn't try to cheat and put her legs on the ground. ”Do you have time for a little sparring? Like, right now?”

Conceding the point with a nod, the British amazon had to admit that Carmen had a point there. It was like a film trailer, all about making the audience want to see more. They certainly didn’t throw in the boring bits. She honestly wouldn’t know in this case, not having any interests in reading stuff about herself or watching commentary on her own matches – when she did watch them, it was with the sound muted so she could make up her own mind about stuff.

So, yes. She could understand the boxer not wanting to assume gossip had the story. And her ego was tough enough to take the big, big hit of Carmen not immediately assuming she was the best thing since sliced bread, not least because Alicia didn’t really care whether she was or not. She was just there to have a good time. Championships, rankings, they didn’t matter all that much.

There’d always be a next big thing anyway.

So yes, absolutely fair.

And she’d have no problems at all showing Miss Rodriguez exactly what she could do sometime, either in the ring or here in the gym. So, when the boxer proposed just that, well…

”Always.” This time, Alicia didn’t even try and hide that deadly smirk, her eyes sparking with interest as they focused on Carmen with laser-sharp intensity. She hadn’t actually been angling for a sparring session right there and then, but she definitely wouldn’t be turning one down now that it was on offer. ”How do you want to do this?”

The other girl, still doing push-ups was entirely forgotten now, all the redhead’s attention bent on the older boxer. Alicia had straightened up, tugging absently at the MMA gloves she was almost always wearing. She was definitely starting to think she might like it here, whiny princesses trying to learn to fight or not.

Carmen had figured Alicia would say yes to a spar. Sh didn't quite anticipate her being that energetic about it. Her earlier assessment had been closer to the truth than she’d thought - the redhead was hungry. Carmen liked that. It didn’t mean she’d feed her the exact dish she was looking for, though.

She opened her mouth to speak, when Suzy decided to do it for her, fresh off from her set. ”Shouldn’t be so eager to get wrecked, Brit.” She wiped a layer of sweat off her forehead with one hand started slipping her gloves back on with the other. ”Because that’s all that’ll happen if some scrub like you goes up against Carmen.”

Carmen simply sighed and swiveled Suzy’s way with her arms akimbo. ”I never said anything about me sparring anyone.” She pointed over to a rack where they kept the sparring gear. ”You. In the ring.”

That goes Suzy’s attention quick, looking between Carmen and the new girl. ”What? Me?” Her lips curled up. ”I’m not even training for Friction, how is that-”

”They do freestyle matches in Momentum, too. It’ll be a good way for you to get more experience. Besides, you’re not sitting around on the clock while I spar.” Carmen gave her student a quick clap. ”Get moving.”

Suzy was disgruntled, but knew better than to argue. Without another word spoken - out loud - she moved over to the rack and started getting suited up.

Carmen watched her for a moment before looking back at Alicia. ”Not a problem?” It was more of a statement than a question, really.

The British kickboxer just turned her evil smirk on the trainee as the younger boxer tried her trash talk again, the big redhead visibly unimpressed, but her expression turned as shocked as the other girl’s when Carmen made her pronouncement.

Well, that was disappointing, to say the least. Carmen Rodriguez would be fun to fight. This girl? She somewhat doubted it. But apparently, she was going to find out shortly.

Certainly, the way the gym’s owner was talking, this was what she was getting and – looking at it dispassionately – she understood exactly why Carmen was doing it. It’d give her a better look at Alicia’s style, it’d potentially give her trainee a good dose of humility and it wouldn’t be time wasted in terms of training.

None of which changed the fact that she’d definitely been hoping to fight the 24/7 champion. Oh well. Another time, she hoped.

Alicia’s eyes flickered from Carmen to the trainee busily kitting herself out and back again, before she sighed and shook her head. It was certainly not the fight she’d been looking for but she wasn’t about to back off now.

”No problem.”

Her violet gaze flicked back to the younger boxer, angry, already sweating from her workout, with a weakness already primed for exploiting, and narrowed. Coldly. Purposefully.

”No problem for me, anyway.”

As she spoke, Alicia began unbuttoning her blouse, quickly peeling it off to reveal her torso and the black sports bra she wore underneath it. It was a nice top, she didn’t want her opponent bleeding on it. Otherwise, she was happy as she was, pausing only to kick off her trainers before she rolled under the ropes into the ring.

”Don’t worry, this won’t take long.”