anotherwvba

[anotherwvba]

Another sketch as I try to improve my skills and another thank you to a friend in the Punch-Out community. This is my take on Star Mika for my friend @cyrah-is-cool101. Cyrah not only was one of the first to send my feedback on my fiction, but also asked if I'd include her OC in my fiction. Now, Mika is as important part of my WVBA Atlanta story as any of my own OCs. I jokingly call Cyrah my editor because she routinely checks in on my progress, motivating me when I'm feeling down or depressed, whether she knows it or not. Thanks, Cyrah! I hope I'm doing right by your girl Mika.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #wvba #punch out oc #punch out art #gift art #friend tag!! #star mika #heroine of mabuhay justice #thanks cyrah

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 7

Mid-morning Friday found Jon Adamski making his way to the least favorite part of his daily routine. Since arriving at the WVBA Campus on Monday, Jon had spent an hour every morning with Dr. Yukiko Mera. She was the head of the Mental Wellness Center, part of the extensive medical program the WVBA offered to boxers and staff. If it wasn’t for his promise to the Frenchman, to Gabby Jay, he wouldn’t have bothered.

But, Jon was a man of his word and Dr. Mera hadn’t mistreated him. It was just a waste of time, at least as far as he was concerned. It’s not that Jon has a problem with controlling his anger. It’s more that others have a problem with the way he chooses to control it, usually with a physical, and typically violent, outlet.

“Yo, Jonny!” As Jon was walking toward Dr. Mera’s office, Disco Kid called out to him. Disco was another regular patient of the Doctor’s. Didn’t know they could treat annoying optimism, Jon thought as he nodded to Disco in greeting.

Disco smiled, “Hey, man, we gonna see you in the gym later? Cutie saw this new footwork drill she’s been dyin’’ to share.”

He wanted to snap back. Or maybe a swift kick in the… “Maybe,” Jon answered, struggling to keep himself in check against Disco’s incessant positivity.

“My man!” Disco held his hand up for a high five, but Jon just kept walking. Disco shook his head and smiled, but continued about his own day.

Jon, on the other hand, trudged on his way toward his appointment, muttering a litany of grievances in Polish under his breath. The day, his apartment, breakfast, therapy, life in general. It didn’t matter. None of it was really to his liking.

Finally making it down the long corridor, Jon opened the door to the Mental Wellness Center and found himself nearly immediately speechless. Dr. Mera’s nurse, it wasn’t worth remembering her name, sat behind her desk, as usual, but there was no Dr. Mera. Instead, there was a uniquely beautiful young woman, late 20’s maybe?

She was sharply dressed, very professional, in dark tones of gray and purple. Jet black bangs and a ponytail contrasted against not just her rather pale complexion, but the buzzed short sides and top of her head. And her glasses drew Jon’s attention to her eyes, cold and piercing. Without meaning to, Jon found himself staring.

“May I help you?” The woman’s voice broke Jon out of his stupor. Her tone was crisp, damn near cold. The same was true of her posture, proper and practiced.

“Uh, umm, yeah, sorry,” Jon, someone who performed on stage for, what some would call, a living, struggled to find words. “Jon Adamski, uh, 10 o’clock…”

The nurse handed the stranger a file folder, “Jon is Dr. Mera’s daily 10 a.m.”

“Ah,” the woman said plainly as she looked over the file. “Dr. Mera is out of the office today. Psychological conference in Athens. I’m handling her appointments today. If you’ll step…”

“Poczekaj cholerną chwilę!” Jon was immediately angered, looks be damned. “Who the hell are you? Are you qualified? Why wasn’t I told before…”

The woman held up a hand with an air of authority that, for some reason, silenced Jon. It was obvious that she expected to be listened to whenever she spoke.

“Apologies,” the woman looked up from the file and looked Jon in the eyes, unfazed and unflinching. No fear whatsoever. That’s different, Jon thought as the woman continued.

“Dr. Mera’s trip was a last minute opportunity, but you should have been informed.” She was direct, no sign of patronizing or pity. “As for myself, I am Miss Evelyn White. I am Dr. Mera’s intern. I have Bachelors Degrees in both Behavioral Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from UCLA and Ohio State, respectively, and am currently top of my class in the Master’s program at Duke. Does that satisfy your question of my qualifications?”

This wasn’t what Jon had come to expect from people. She wasn’t treating him like some volatile mental case to tiptoed around. She was treating him as an equal, a man to be talked to like any other adult. That hadn’t happened in a long time.

Evelyn stepped closer, Jon instinctively backing a step, blushing. If Evelyn noticed, she didn’t show it. “I understand this is highly unusual,” she lowered her voice to speak only to Jon in the moment, “and might be uncomfortable, but I assure you, Mr. Adamski, I am fully qualified to see you.”

As Jon fought to compose himself, at least mentally, Evelyn continued. Her voice was firm, but not unkind, “I’m not Dr. Mera. She has a very maternal approach, which works wonders, and yes, she is a truly amazing therapist. I am fortunate to study under her. However, I have a different approach. I am straightforward, and I don’t sugarcoat. I'm not here to befriend my patients, but to help them."

Trying to force his typical defiance and bluster, Jon asked bluntly, “Who are you to say I am your patient?”

With a nod, Evelyn conceded, “Quite right. You are not my patient, not unless you choose to be.” Her voice picked up a slight edge of resolve as she continued, “but if you allow me, you’ll find me honest, and I’ll respect you enough never to undermine your intelligence with platitudes."

There was something about this woman. Jon held her gaze for a moment before nodding slightly, “For today.”

The briefest flicker of a smile flashed across Evelyn’s face as she gestured once again to Dr. Mera’s office, “Then best not to waste time, Mr. Adamski. The clock is ticking.”

Jon Adamski & Evelyn White are an OCs belonging to @punchout-ispunched and are used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #wvba #disco kid #jon adamski #evelyn white #yukiko mera

[anotherwvba]

The Punch-Out community here has been so supportive! Thank you, everyone! I'll be putting my meager drawing skills to the test to show my thanks to several folks over the next weeks. First (and to blame for inspiring me to do this) is @lukasdoodles. My friend, you are a constant source of encouragement, support, and inspiration. Thank you, so much!

#friend tag!! #kaori cotton #gift art #punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch out oc #thank you a.b.!

[anotherwvba]

I don't normally share my artwork, mainly because I don't think it's that good. But, some recent encouragement (thanks Lukas) has inspired me not just to draw a little more, but to share what I feel are my little successes.

That said, here are Glass Joe and Von Kaiser as they appear in my stories. Joe is a little younger, just 20 or so fights into his career, and aspiring to live up to his idol Gabby Jay. Von Kaiser is a little older, retired, and serving as a youth coach at the WVBA Academy and as trainer to Niki Binary (one of my OCs).

Hope you like these and, if I draw more that I'm happy with, more may follow.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #wvba #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out fanfic #glass joe #von kaiser #punch out fanart

[anotherwvba]

Love the SNES love on this one!

#super punch-out!!

[anotherwvba]

I've been tagged and I'm late, but what the heck! LET'S GO!!!

Last Song: "Dr. Wily Stage 1" by Nestalgica

Favorite color: Blue

Currently watching: Oppenheimer (just finished); Shogun (remake); Hajime no Ippo

Spicy/Savory/Sweet: Savory

Relationship status: Married

Current Obsession: Punch-Out; BattleTech

Now, who to tag? @lukasdoodles, @sukipershipper, @punchout-ispunched, @cherryrollarts

Nine people i'd like to get to know better:

Tagged by: @bell-of-indecision, thank you so much for tagging me <3

Last Song: Gmfu by Odetari,6arelyhuman

Favourite colour: Dark red, violet, pink

Currently watching: Death note, ep6

Spicy/Savoury/Sweet: Spicy

Relationship status: Single

Current Obsession: Mbti types and cognitive functions.

Tagging: @somin-yin @a-cloud-for-dreams @axepen @hinsaa-paramo-dharma @basic-bitch-alkali @rhysaka @blackknight-100 @squishywizardd @reykalot

#reblog #tag game #friend tag!! #better late than never #tag gamez #why with a “z” though?

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 6

The WVBA Cafeteria was its usual bustling landscape at lunchtime. But during the hustle and bustle of the Thursday lunch rush, Star Mika found herself in a quiet, introspective bubble. Idly poking at her food, Mika was fully absorbed in her tablet, sitting alone at her table. Other lunch-goers seemed to avoid her table. Not out of any sense of fear or intimidation, but just… oddity. Mika was normally the most vibrant, upbeat person in the room. But today, she was almost somber.

“May I join you?”

Mika continued to move her food around her plate and swipe through her tablet. Everything must have been like white noise to her, because she didn’t react to anything around her at that moment. No sights, no sounds.

“Mika. May I join you for lunch?”

The firm, yet respectful Filipina voice startled Mika out of her reverie. She looked up from her tablet to find Alexandra Rosal Archangle standing there, decked out in workout gear and a tray of food in her hands. Mika quickly smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, as if she were forcing it.

“Ay, pasensya na,” Mika apologized, “please, sit. I didn’t see you standing there.” The flush of embarrassment left Mika’s face as Alexandra took a seat. “So, Alexandra, any more trouble out of Aran lately?”

Mika’s attempt at small talk as she returned to her tablet fell flat. Alexandra placed a straw in her drink and observed Mika for a moment before responding. “Hindi. Ikaw naman? Your fight with Gemma is two days away.”

The preoccupation was obvious. Mika glanced up only briefly as she answered. “Gemma’s improving nicely. She already had a good understanding of the punches and basic movements working with Mr. Bruce. It’s just been a matter of teaching her practical use instead of stage use. But, she learns quickly. Should be a decent match.”

Alexandra’s brow furrowed slightly and her voice picked up an edge. “I didn’t ask about Golden. I asked about you. How are you, Mika?”

“I… uh.” The directness of Alexandra’s question took Mika off guard. After a brief hesitation, she answered, “I’ll be fine. Just pre-fight jitters.”

“Hindi ka tapat.” Alexandra’s response was immediate and blunt.

“Excuse me?” She now had Mika’s full attention as Mika sat her tablet screen down on the table.

“You’re not being honest with me, or yourself, it seems,” Alexandra leaned forward, her elbows on the table. “You’ve barely touched your food. You’re distracted. You’re avoiding looking me in my eyes. You seem fatigued. Should I continue?”

Mika opened her mouth to refute, but she closed it just as quickly. After a long, thoughtful pause, Mika finally answered, “You’re right.” There was another pause as Mika searched for the words to explain the way she felt, “It’s hard… mentally getting ready to fight. It’s easy if it’s someone like, say, Reina. I could punch across every fiber of the canvas and not think twice after what she did to Skye in their match. Or if it were, I don’t know, Cutie Hondo. Testing myself against a skilled opponent, knowing that we can hug and laugh afterwards makes it easier knowing I could leave her bloody and bruised. She can take it. But this… it’s different.”

“How so?” Alexandra questioned earnestly. “Does she not understand what she is getting into? The risks involved in a boxing match?”

“She does, but,” Mika’s eyes scanned the ceiling tiles, as if looking for an answer. “She’s not a boxer, alam mo ba? Gemma got… pushed into this by her studio. They think this is all a publicity stunt for her movie. If I go all out, really try, I’d knock her out in the first round. That just feels… wrong?”

Alexandra considered it for a moment, “Then you do your job and knock her out. It’s a boxing match. She knows the risks. No one is forcing her into the ring Saturday.”

Frustration colored Mika’s features as she finally met Alexandra’s eyes, “That’s cold, Alexandra.” Mika took a breath to steady herself before continuing, “She trusts me. I’ve been helping her prepare, telling her that everything will be alright. If I go in there and do what I know I can do, I’ll end up seriously hurting her, not just beating her.”

“Ang kawalang galang.” Alexandra’s expression hardened, her voice picking up a trace of reproach. “Gemma is giving her all to get ready. I’ve watched her in the gym. She was running this morning with Skye. If you don’t fight her as you would any other opponent, you disrespect her hard work, your own efforts to help her, and the sport.”

Mika’s face reddened with anger for the briefest of moments, but then her shoulders dropped, “I’m not trying to be disrespectful.” The sting of Alexandra’s words was deep in Mika’s eyes. “I just feel that I would be betraying her trust. Taking advantage of her. May katuturan ba iyon?”

“If you fought, say, Skye,” Alexandra probed, her tone evening out, “would you hold back?”

“Gosh, no! Of course not!” Mika shook her head at the thought, “Skye’s a trained boxer and works so hard. It’s not the same with Gemma.”

Alexandra countered, “But, isn’t it. Skye has had one fight. Before that, she was a performer, like Gemma, and learned boxing. And as you said, Gemma’s been training with a former champion for months. The same was true of Skye before her debut. Gemma is no more ignorant to the risks involved than SKye. Why hold back against one and not the other?”

The words resonated somewhere deep inside Mika. It was unsettling. Was she just trying to justify holding back to herself? The internal conflict was written all over her face, a blend of concern and contemplation.

While Mika’s mind drifted with those thoughts, Alexandra decided to shift the topic and give Mika time to think, “What were you looking at on your tablet?”

“Oh, that,” Mika glanced at her tablet and picked it up. “I was really hoping my old high school coach could come down from New York to corner me for my WVBA debut, but he can’t make it. So, I’m looking for someone else to work my corner.

A spark lit up in Alexandra’s eyes. “I could be your cornerperson.”

“I appreciate that,” Mika answered with a touch of surprise and skepticism, “but you’re a little young for that, no?”

Alexandra smiled, her voice sounding a little smug, “The minimum age for a boxer is seventeen. There is no minimum age to work a corner. I’ve checked.”

Mika’s eyes met Alexandra’s with a degree of intrigue. “Would you feel comfortable working my corner? It’s more stressful than fighting sometimes.”

“It’s a good opportunity for me,” Alexandra stated plainly. “But, I have two conditions.”

“And those are,” Mika questioned.

“First, you give your all. Gemma deserves it,” Alexandra’s voice wasn’t stinging anymore, but now soft, almost reassuring.

Mika looked down to the table for a moment, then answered, “You’re right. She does. Done. And your second condition?”

“Second, when I make my debut,” Alexandra looked shy for a brief moment, “I would like it to be against you.”

A small smile tugged at Mika’s lips, “And done.” Mika reached her hand out and placed it on Alexandra’s, “I wasn’t trying to disrespect Gemma, but I can see why you thought I was. I promise, Gemma gets my all. She’s put in the work and she deserves the best I can give.”

Alexandra’s expression softened, “Then, you have a corner now.”

Star Mika is an OC belonging to @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission.

Alexandra Rosal Archangle is an OC belonging to a friend of @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #wvba #star mika #alexandra (shiver)

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 5

The sun started its rise over the WVBA Campus on a chilly Thursday morning. Long shadows were cast as the light bathed everything in a soft, golden glow. Gemma and Skye were already deep into what had rapidly become a morning routine. Both dressed for the cold November air, their breathe formed tiny clouds as they pounded the pavement. This was the second of their three laps around the Atlanta city block the WVBA called home.

As they ran, they talked. It was a conversation kept at a comfortable pace to match their run. They mostly discussed Gemma’s training, areas where she could improve, what she was doing well, and just general anticipation for her match in just two days. But, it wasn’t long before Gemma brought up the elephant in the room.

“Skye, if I may ask,” Skye began, her British accent pronounced from exertion, “why isn’t Mika joining us today? She’s been with us every step until now.”

“Before I answer that,” Skye glanced at Gemma with a slight smile, “I just gotta know. Still nervous about Saturday?”

There was a thoughtful silence for a few moments, only the ambient sounds of early morning in the city and their footfalls breaking in. When Gemma answered, her voice was a mix of apprehension and an honest confidence that wouldn’t have been there a week ago.

“Of course, I am.” Their pace remained steady as Gemma continued. “I’ve never done anything like this. That is to say, the fight itself. The audience, in the arena or on the telly, doesn’t bother me. But, the notion of a trained boxer trying to pound me senseless… I’m not terrified anymore, thanks to the training and sparring with you and Mika, but I am… let’s say, ‘anxiously excited.’”

Skye nodded as they rounded the corner past the Campus Apartments. “That’s good. Real good.” City sounds and shoes smacking sidewalk filled the air as Skye considered her next words. “Ya’ know, there’s another way boxing and acting are alike. It’s not just in the practice and the rhythm and the improv. There’s a lot of mental prep. A whole lot.”

Gemma chuckled lightly, “You mean like finding your character? Learning to think and feel as the person you’re meant to play?”

“Not far off,” Skye smiled, happy with how quickly Gemma was learning, but then turned serious. “In boxing, you’ve gotta get yourself to see the guy or gal in front of you as an opponent, not a person. An opponent is something to be overcome. Ya’ gotta be able to do things to an opponent you’d never do to another human being.”

“That sounds,” Gemma seemed taken aback as she searched for the words, “a bit… I don’t know, harsh? Wouldn’t you say?”

The pair slowed down near the steps of The Omni, the arena that Gemma where would be fighting in just two short days. Coming to a stop, Skye pulled out her water bottle and Gemma followed suit. After a deep swig and a little thought, Skye looked up at the marquee and explained.

“It is. And it can be hard, like, really hard.” Skye sighed and Gemma could see Skye searching for words. “I grew up in Chicago. It was rough. I was picked on in school, bullied. When you’ve got people wanting to beat you up for no reason on the regular, ya harden up pretty quick. So when I got into boxing, I channeled that. Like, if I fought you, as big a fan as I am, as awesome as it’s been hanging with you and showing you the ropes, when I stepped in the ring, I’d look at you and see my bullies and I’d do what had to do.”

Gemma looked at Skye as if seeing her for the first time. “That’s… I’m so sorry you went through that as a child.”

“Oh no, please,” Skye waved it off. “If I hadn’t gone through that growing up, I wouldn’t be the person I am now. But, my point is, for some people, we kinda have a conduit built in. But, for Mika? She’s one of the kindest, most compassionate people you’ll ever meet. For her to get herself to a place where she wants to actually hurt someone? It’s tough on her. I’ve been seeing it firsthand. For her to do that, she’s gonna need some distance.”

Skye took another drink from her water bottle as understanding flicker Gemma’s eyes. She stared up at the marquee now, too, the matches for Saturday scrolling by. Eventually, they saw it.

SATURDAY… MINOR CIRCUIT FIGHT NIGHT… WOMEN’S CIRCUIT ATTRACTION… “THE HEROINE” STAR MIKA… VERSUS… GEMMA GOLDEN… STAR OF “THE BIRMINGHAM BUTTERFLY”...

Gemma’s voice went quiet, “Like exploring a role that’s so different from who you are as a person that you question why you took the part in the first place.”

“Pretty much,” Skye affirmed with warmth and empathy, then rested her hand on Gemma’s shoulder. “Look, Mika doesn’t want to hurt you. She would never inflict pain just for the hell of it. I’m pretty sure I can say the same for you. But the difference is, right now, come Saturday, Mika will enter that ring determined to inflict as much pain and hurt on you as she needs to and win.”

Realization fell heavy on Gemma at that moment. Then, determination took hold. “If I don’t find it in myself, the person who’s willing to fight without reservation, I’m going to get hurt quite badly.” Steeling herself with a deep breath, Gemma looked Skye in the eyes, “Skye, performer to performer, I need to find my character before Saturday. Would you be willing to help me? I understand if not. It would be a bit awkward, what with Mika being your flatmate and all.”

Skye smiled without hesitation, “Girl? You think I’m gonna dip on you in your moment of need? I’d never forgive myself if my favorite actor got busted up and I coulda made sure she at least gave as good as she got.”

A tear rolled down Gemma’s cheek, “Thank you, so much, Skye.”

“We’ll find the fighter in you,” Skye said with confidence. “Besides, Mika wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s why she offered to help you in the first place and that’s why she asked me to pitch in. It’ll be hard, but you can do it.”

Renewed focus and drive swept over Gemma as she took a last swallow of her water and tucked the bottle away. With a gesture to the sidewalk, the rest of their run ahead them, Gemma smiled, “Well, then. We shouldn’t waste all this beautiful daylight. Shall we?”

Star Mika is an OC belonging to @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #wvba #gemma golden #skye ivy

[anotherwvba]

Just posted the next part of "Joy's First Day" on @lukasdoodles and my side blog. Go check it out. This is the first part I've workshopped with Lukas specifically. Gotta say, I'd never have come up with this idea on my own... lol! It's awesome!

Joy's First Day pt. 2

Monday, 9:56am

“Miss Swan?” A middle-aged man in a suit stepped out of a small conference room, Joy close behind, “Joy’s wrapped up all her new hire paperwork and is ready to go.”

“Excellent, Zach,” an easy smile crossed Melodie’s features as she stood. “Ow… we really need to get new chairs for the waiting rooms around here. These are stiff as a board.”

“You’ll have to take that up with Gabby,” Zach chuckled. “Something about proper posture and other stuff he said in French. I don’t know.” Zach then looked to Joy, “Now, Miss Pesca, be sure to log onto the company training server and complete your orientation videos before the end of the week. I.T. will issue you a laptop for you to use here and at home, just be sure to clock in online if you watch any of the videos away outside of your regular hours.”

“Sure thing, Mister Allan,” Joy answered crisply. Thank goodness this was normal, she thought, allowing herself to relax a little, Just like any other job I’ve had. Maybe that altercation I saw getting broken up was just a one-off.

“Miss Pesca? Did you hear me?” Zach asked.

Joy shook her head quickly, clearing cobwebs, then sheepishly smiled, “I’m sorry, Mister Allen. I was just thinking. You were saying?”

“Firstly, no more ‘Mister Allen’, please. Makes me feel old,” he smiled as he continued. “I was just saying that my business card is tucked in the front cover of your employee handbook. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Alright?” Joy nodded as Zach extended his hand, “Welcome to the WVBA.”

Joy nodded her thanks with a smile as Melodie gestured toward the door leading to the hallway, “If you’re ready, Joy, we can head to I.T. and get your laptop and credentials squared away.”

“Sounds great, Melodie,” Joy said, opening the door to the hall. Then just as quickly…

“EEEEEK!!!”

Scared out of her wits, Joy jumped back so far and so hard, she nearly bowled Melodie over. Melodie quickly stepped in front of her and opened the door, looking around quickly. When she looked down, her shoulders slumped in seeming resignation.

Melodie turned back to Joy who was now catching her breath. “Joy, are you alright? I’m so sorry. I promise this doesn’t happen that often.”

“Wh-what d-did I just s-see?” Joy asked, clearly still rattled.

“Those,” Melodie opened the door, pointing to the small, furry creatures running down the hallway, “are squirrels.”

Joy slowly moved to Melodie’s side, cocking her head, “Squirrels? We have a squirrel infestation?”

“Oh… no, it’s not an infestation,” Melodie’s voice was calm and steady, trying to calm Joy. “Those squirrels… and that beaver… are Bear Hugger’s pets.”

“Umm,” Joy squinted her eyes in puzzlement, “is the beaver dragging something?”

Glancing down the hallway, Melodie’s eyes widened as her head followed a bouncing box down the hall. “Crap! Come on, Joy. I might need a hand.”

Melodie takes off and Joy quickly follows, “Is that a… boombox?”

“Not just any boombox,” Melodie answered. “It’s Disco Kid’s boombox. Now, hurry! Catch that beaver!”

To Be Continued

#friend tag!!

[anotherwvba]

Just a couple of Cuties

I realized that I've got some commissions that I haven't posted yet. These are two really awesome takes on Cutie Hondo. I just love seeing different interpretations of the same idea or concept and both @parashy-art (left) and @lukasdoodles (right) knocked it out of the park! This was my first (and not my last) commission from Para and I was blown away by the communication and collaboration. Thanks, Para, for the great first experience and I look forward to commissioning you again! If you want to commission Para, follow this link:

I've worked with my friend Luka many times, but this is the first time I've made a commission for his more realistic Style 1 work. Gotta say, I like it a lot! Lukas always comes through and this one is no different. Lukas recently updated his commission page and, yes, there is a price jump. But, for the quality of the work and communication, it's still well worth the price. Check out Lukas's commission info at this link:

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #wvba #cutie hondo #parashy-art #lukasdoodles #friend tag!!

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 4

As the day wore on, fighters and hopefuls came in and out of the WVBA Gym. It was a veritable symphony of thuds, grunts, cheers, and gripes. In the center ring, Gemma was now sparring alternately with Skye and Mika under the watchful eyes of Coach Maxwell and Dudley Bruce. Glass Joe was on the treadmill trying to warn people away from a napping trainee, while Disco Kid and Cutie Hondo were showing new signee Jon Adamski around the gym and introducing him to people with varying degrees of success.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the gym, Razor Sharp was on the speed bag. She was a force of nature. She danced around the bag, keeping its rhythm flowing for strikes from all angles. She had the flair and showmanship of a star. From all around the gym, eyes fell on her and the bag. She knew and she loved it.

As Razor drew stares and gazes with her incredible bag work, Luna Doll approached a neighboring speed bag, ready to start her own workout. Luna was as precise and quick on the speed bag as she is with a controller, something viewers of her streams knew all too well. But as focused as she was, Luna found herself stealing glances of Razor’s performance on the bag next to her.

Taking a quick break, Razor took a moment to hydrate and grabbed her water bottle. Most of those watching her went back to their own training at that point, but Luna caught a glimpse of the bottle, the word RAZOR boldly emblazoned across it.

“Yo,” Luna stopped her bag as she spoke, “you’re Razor Sharp, ain’t ya’?” Her tone was friendly and warm, as usual, but had a touch of challenge to it, like she was putting her quarter down on the arcade machine to call ‘next’.

Razor turned, sizing Luna up with a smile, “That’s me, girl! Philly’s finest in the flesh.” Her brash and braggadocious nature came through, but certainly good-natured. “And you’re Luna Doll, the stream queen herself. Loved your ‘Shadow Hearts’ playthrough. Pretty cool stuff.”

“Thanks! I can’t believe you watch,” Luna’s face lit up at the recognition. “You know, I gotta tell you, debuting against each other? It’s like a dream. I’ve seen you in action before and you’re amazing! It’s like you were born for this… which kinda makes sense. B-T-W, big fan of your dad.”

A mischievous quality came through Razor’s grin, “Appreciate it. Our fight’s gonna be lit, something really special. For me, anyway. Kinda like a good public workout.”

“Excuse me?” That comment hit Luna like a game over screen and her friendly expression darkened. “What do you mean by ‘public workout’?”

Razor’s confidence never wavered, her smile securely in place. “Means you’ve never had a fight, not a real one. I step into the ring, I’m not like your influencer friends. They playing tag. I’m starching chicks. You ain’t ready for what I’m bringing.”

Pride and determination overcame Luna. Her eyes flared, but she held her temper in check. “Just ‘cause I fought influencers before I came here doesn’t mean I don’t take this seriously. Those fights were real. We weren’t playing games. We were trying to put each other on the canvas. So, you best not sleep on me, girl!”

“Hey, chill,” Razor shrugged and put her hands up. “Ain’t saying you didn’t scrap. I’ve seen what you’ve done. It’s cool and all and it took a lotta guts. But this? Me? This is the big leagues, baby, and, like you said, I was born for this. You ain’t built for a beatdown, giving or receiving.”

Luna heard the challenge in Razor’s voice and smiled. It wasn’t out of amusement, though. It was ‘game on’. She stepped a little closer toward Razor, “We’ll see, Razor. But I’mma tell you right now, you treat me like anything other than another pro and I’m gonna flip the script on you, Baby Sands.”

Closing the distance between them to mere inches, Razor’s smile broadened, her voice dropped. She was loving this. “Let’s keep this 100, aight? You best be ready to catch a beating, girl. I’mma send a message to the whole damn Circuit and that message is gonna be you, out like a light, flat on your back.”

“Oh, girlfriend,” Luna met Razor’s gaze with her own, her smile bright, too. Unfazed and unflinching. “Stay cocky. Keep underestimating me. ‘Cause I can’t wait to prove you wrong. Just one thing… don’t blink, baby. You do and you’ll wake up on your ass wondering what happened.”

And there it was. Challenge laid out and accepted. Bring your best or pay the price when the bell rings. Luna turned back to her bag, finding her rhythm driven by a newfound purchase. Razor moved on to the heavy bags to continue her own training, but just couldn’t help herself as she called back loudly over her shoulder, the whole gym hearing her.

“Hey, Hitmaker! By the time I’m done whooping your ass, you gonna wish you stuck to boxing with TikTokers and Twitch streamers. It’s a lot safer than stepping to me, baby!”

Luna’s response was a barely there smile and words only loud enough for herself to hear, drowned out by the rhythmic sounds of her speed bag. “Game on, Baby Sands… game on!”

Star Mika is an OC belonging to @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission. Jon Adamski is an OC belonging to @punchout-ispunched and is used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #wvba #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #razor sharp #luna doll

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 3

The WVBA Gym was abuzz with activity, as it was every Wednesday morning. Von Kaiser’s thick German accent and authoritative voice boomed as he worked with the children’s class. On the other side of the gym, a hip hop beat played loudly as Disco Kid’s “Grands’ Glove-Up” boxercise class for senior citizens was in full swing. And amidst all of this, boxers and hopefuls alike trained hard with their coaches, either for upcoming fights or hoping to get the opportunity to compete in the WVBA’s rings.

Beside one of the many rings in the gym, Gemma, Skye, and Mika were running through a ladder drill to hone their footwork. Skye’s coach Vanessa and Gemma’s stunt coordinator Dudley watched on closely, Vanessa providing most of the feedback and encouragement. 

“C’mon, ladies! Smooth like butter, slick like ice,” Vanessa called out. “If the other girl can’t hit you, she can’t beat you.”

Skye circled from the front of the line to the back, “Yes, Coach!” As she started her next lap through the ladder, Skye saw Gemma struggling with the swift and precise movements, “You’ve got this, Goldie! Let’s go!”

“C’mon you blasted…” Gemma muttered to herself, her face turning red, more from frustration than exertion.

Mika, in line behind Gemma in the drill, saw Gemma’s awkward movements and whispered to her, “Gemma, you can do this. Deep breaths and relax. Don’t overthink it.”

“Left, right, back, quick quick, slow… Argh!” Gemma exclaimed, her aggravation coming through clear as a bell.

“You’ve got this, Goldie,” Skye encouraged, noticing Gemma’s frustration. “Find your rhythm, girl.”

“Oo, take it easy,” Mika chimed in, “One step at a time.”

Despite the encouraging words, Gemma found herself stumbling over the rope ladder and her own feet. She tumbled forward and crashed to the floor, knocking the wind out of herself. Mika took a knee at her side as Gemma got to her hands and knees, gasping for air, catching her breath.

“Dammit to bloody…” Gemma whispered to herself as she regained her wits. Breathing slow and deep, she saw a pair of clean and neat black boxing boots come into view. They were accompanied by her stunt coordinator’s refined British accent.

“On your feet, Miss Golden,” Dudley said with a steady voice. “Focus and start again.”

Mika helped Gemma to her feet and Gemma glared daggers into Dudley. “If it’s that bloody easy, Mister Dudley,” Gemma snapped, irritation lacing her voice, “why don’t you show us how it’s done? I don’t understand how a dance routine is going to help me punch someone or, more crucially, keep from getting punched?”

Dudley was silent as he calmly knelt down and tightened his shoelaces. As he stood, he held Gemma’s gaze, “Coach Maxwell, if you please.”

“Sure,” Vanessa answered, moving to face Dudley who had taken up position at the front of the ladder, his back facing it. “Ready when you are, Dudley.”

“In your own time, Coach Maxwell.” Dudley settled into his wide boxing stance, hands in a peak-a-boo guard, his base as a power puncher evident.

Vanessa smiled and snapped into her own stance, arms in a half-guard position, a light boxer’s bounce finding rhythm. Then… jabs flickered toward Dudley’s face that weren’t just fast, they were sudden. With every jab, Dudley fluidly and deftly moved back out of range, speed and grace his size shouldn’t allow. Vanessa pressed forward, jabbing at a persistent pace, but without pattern.

A broad smile formed on Skye’s face as she watched alongside Mika and Gemma. “Look at ‘em go! They’re amazing!”

Mika nodded and leaned close to Gemma. “Watch their feet, not their hands,” she whispered.

Gemma cast her eyes down and focused on the two coaches’ footwork. Not only were they flawlessly executing the same footwork drill that the girls had been running, Dudley was doing it backwards! “Impressive,” Gemma whispered with genuine admiration.

“Each drill is a piece of the puzzle,” Mika said. “We learn the skills one by one, but that’s so that we get comfortable enough with each one that we can use them all at once in the ring.”

Skye chimed in, “Can’t dance if you don’t know the steps, Goldie.”

With eyes on them from throughout the gym, Dudley and Vanessa finished the drill. Von Kaiser even had his kid’s class watching, “Meine kinder, a round of applause for ze excellent demonstration.”

Clapping sounded from around the gym causing Vanessa to blush slightly and Dudley to give a polite and stoic nod to those applauding. “My thanks, Coach Maxwell” Dudley said as he extended his hand, “I greatly appreciate your assistance.”

“Any time, champ,” Vanessa shook Dudley’s hand and smiled.

“Miss Golden,” Dudley turned to Gemma, fixing his gaze on her, stern but supportive. “The art of boxing is far more than simply punching your opposition. Further, a real bout involves a great deal more than simple choreography. One must anticipate their opponent’s movements, be prepared to improvise their own, and have technique honed to the point of instinct.”

“It’s kinda like dancing with some random person in the club,” Skye said, resting a reassuring hand on Gemma’s shoulder. “You don’t know their moves or their rhythm. You’ve got to read their dance moves and anticipate where and how they’ll move next to keep up the dance with them.”

Vanessa smiled, “And if you are a good enough dancer, your rhythm takes over and you start leading the dance, not reacting to it.”

“You’re doing way better than you think, Gemma,” Mika said, placing a reassuring arm around her shoulders. “Relax and keep practicing. Soon enough, it’ll be instinct.”

Gemma politely removed Mika’s arm, something Mika didn’t expect and that took her aback. “A question, Miss Mika. There’s something I don’t quite understand. Why? Why help me learn when you could easily defeat me Saturday? You’ll likely defeat me regardless, but why give me any opportunity?”

Mika took a deep breath, “Because boxing isn’t about beating someone up.”

“That seems rather contradictory to the objective of the sport,” Gemma said flatly.

“It does,” Mika chuckled, “but it’s true. Boxing is about testing yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally. The mental test is chess in real time, anticipating and outthinking your opponent. The physical test is bringing your whole body into focus to execute the blows and defenses. The emotional test is the pain, the excitement, the crowd, the win, or the loss. And through all of that, if the test isn’t hard…”

“... it isn’t worth taking,” Gemma finished. “Like performing Hamlet with a classically trained Shakespearean actor. If you bring all your skills and talents to every scene, you’ll see where you stand and it’ll drive you to improve.”

Mika smiled, “Well, I’m not an actor, but that sounds right to me.”

Gemma returned the smile, “Well I’m not a boxer, but I hope to provide a suitable test.”

“You are not a boxer… yet,” Dudley spoke clearly from the ring. “But we will strive toward that goal. For the picture and, perhaps, for yourself.”

Skye and Mika both nodded their support and approval, bolstering Gemma’s spirits and her resolve.

Vanessa sat down on the ring apron, “Enough lollygagging, ladies! We ready to get back to work?” Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, a suddenly serene look came over Gemma, as if something suddenly clicked. They are my castmates, she thought, and the cast is only as good as its weakest member. Mika, I’ll not let you down. We will put on a two-woman show for the ages.

Star Mika is an OC belonging to @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #wvba #gemma golden #star mika #skye ivy #vanessa kof #dudley sf

[anotherwvba]

I'll be writing little side stories from time-to-time on the @meanwhilewvba blog I share with @lukasdoodles. These stories are set in my WVBA, but they aren't necessary for my ongoing narrative. Just a way to show off other "mundane" parts of life in the WVBA. Check it out and I hope you enjoy.

Joy's First Day pt. 1

by @anotherwvba

Monday, 7:55am

Okayokayokayokayokay… calm down, Joy. They’ve already hired you. They have to like you… don’t they? Of course, they do! They wouldn’t have hired you otherwise. But, what if they don’t like my dress? Is it too dress-y? Too short? Too long? Oh no… nonononono… my shoes! There’s a smudge on my shoes! They’re gonna hate me! They’re gonna see my shoes and think I’m a slob! I should go home, call out. This was all a bad…

“Pardon me, Joy?” A young lady stood holding the door to the Atlanta headquarters of the WVBA open. She was dressed in a red dress, very business appropriate, but quite fletching on the redhead. When Joy failed to respond, the young lady asked again with a bright smile, “Are you Joy Pesca?”

“Uhm, yeah,” Joy nearly stuttered, shuffling her feet and straightening the non-existent wrinkles in her dress, “I mean yes yes ma’am I’m Joy Pesca it’s my first day and I might be a little nervous.”

The young redhead giggled with a warm and reassuring expression, “I can tell. Trust me, there’s nothing to be nervous about. My name’s Melodie, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Joy took Melodie's extended hand, practically trembling, “Thank you, Melodie…”

“Melodie Swan. I’ll be your mentor on our administration team,” Melodie said as she shook Joy’s hand. “Welcome to the WVBA!”

Melodie held the door open for Joy to enter the building and the front lobby. With a slight hesitation, Joy stepped through, “I’m… I’m sorry Melodie. It’s just… I’m so nervous. I love the WVBA and to be working here, it’s just… I don’t know…”

“Surreal?” Melodie ventured and Joy nodded. Melodie just smiled again, putting Joy at ease, “Well, you’ve got nothing to be nervous about. You’ll do great. Let’s get you to HR and get your new hire paperwork taken care of.”

As Melodie led Joy toward one of the halls leading off the lobby, the doors behind and to the left of the receptionist’s desk burst open. Two security guards and a tall man that Joy recognized as Disco Kid, one of the Minor Circuit boxers, were pulling a rather combative short, scrawny looking young man with white bag gloves out of the room.

Following close behind were a small handful of trainers, Joy assumed, and another instantly recognizable face, Aran Ryan. The Irish hooligan was screaming and pointing with his green gloved fist. “Oi! I tells ye’ tha boy is radio rental! He don’t need ta learn a proper jab, he needs a proper shrink! Who in blazes signed tha bloody mental case?!”

The young man was shouting back, but Joy couldn’t make it out over all the shouting and scuffling. Melodie, on the other hand, was completely unbothered, “Come on, Joy. We don’t want to keep HR waiting.”

Joy watched the slowly stabilizing situation, “Is… this normal?”

“Oh, girl!” Melodie’s laugh was loud and immediate. “This is Monday.”

To Be Continued

Jon Adamski is an OC created by @punchout-ispunched and is used with permission.

[anotherwvba]

Check out a side blog that @lukasdoodles and I are gonna post just weird Punch-Out stuff and who knows what else on!

Meanwhile...

Welcome to the blog! We’re gonna serve up little side stories, doodles, and who knows what else from the WVBA, headcanons, OC’s, and other goofiness. Feel free to ask questions of us or our OC’s, make your own submissions, and just (hopefully) enjoy whatever silliness we post.

If you wanna check out more of the stories of WVBA Atlanta, Niki Binary, Cutie Hondo, Gemma Golden, and OC’s like Star Mika or Jon Adamski and others loaned over (thanks @cyrah-is-cool101 and @punchout-ispunched), feel free to visit @anotherwvba.

If you wanna see all kinds of cool stuff and doodles for Punch-Out!!, Pokemon, Minecraft, and more (or commission some really cool artwork *wink wink nudge nudge* -anotherwvba), check out @lukasdoodles.

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 2

Mornings in the WVBA Cafeteria are more than a bustling hub of activity, they’re a battlefield. Today was no exception. Fighters and trainees trying to get the choicest of Giovanni’s offerings for the morning to meet their nutritional plans, trainers and instructors carefully watching for any secreted away contraband that had made it onto the strict dietarily correct plates, and staffers trying to negotiate the minefield with their food and well-being intact.

At one table amidst this chaos sat a young, somewhat disheveled, perpetually exhausted New York transplant that recently joined the WVBA legal team. Jason Jeopardy may have been alone at his four-top, but he had the table covered in plates, all in various states of fullness. Eggs, bacon, sausage, potato hash browns, fresh mixed berries, pancakes, toast, English muffins, vegetable juice, coffee, and milk all lay before the attorney and that’s just what could be seen.

As Jason shoveled fork after fork of food down, bearing a striking resemblance to a starving man on his way to be executed, Niki Binary made her way toward his table with her tray holding a modest breakfast of oatmeal and orange juice. With a friendly smile and a warm voice, she asked, “Mind if I join you?”

“Ack… ecch!” Taken by surprise by Niki’s arrival, Jason started coughing and choking. Though he did manage to gesture to a chair and grunt what seemed to be an invitation while furiously fighting to keep his mouth closed.

Niki stifled a soft chuckle as she sat opposite of the New Yorker, setting her meager tray on the table. Raising an eyebrow at the mountain range of food in front of the slender attorney, Niki couldn’t help herself. “Planning to go into hibernation soon?”

Oblivious to Niki’s playful and jovial tone, Jason finally swallowed his food and replied in a deadpan fashion. “No, not really that hungry this morning,” he said with all sincerity as he scooped up the last of his hash browns and moved that plate aside.

“You do remember that the cafeteria is open for all three meals, right?” Niki’s voice carried a mix of amusement and disbelief as Jason continued putting away the food. “Remember? I’m pretty sure I told you that when you picked up your laptop on your first day.”

With that comment, Jason stopped eating and just looked at Niki. It was as if he were surveying her with a critical, judgemental eye. Niki almost wondered if this was what it might be like to be on a witness stand under his silent and intense gaze.

After what felt like a few minutes, Niki sipped her juice and tilted her head curiously. “Okay, now you’re getting weird. What’s up? Why the peering gaze? I feel like you’re about to yell ‘Objection!’ or ‘Silence!’ or something.”

Jason shifted his intense gaze from Niki to his cereal as he took a spoonful, “Why are you sitting with me? You don’t need something from me, do you?” His voice was laced with suspicion and just a hint of paranoia.

“Wow,” Niki leaned back in her seat, surprised and puzzled by his reaction. “Do I need a reason? You looked a bit lonely and I thought you could use the company. That’s all.” 

Jason’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if inspecting the corn flakes on his spoon, “Cute girls don’t just sit with raggedy looking guys like me for no reason. They have an agenda.” His voice was blunt and skeptical. “They either want a laugh or need them to do something for them and figure flashing a smile will get them what they want.”

Niki was taken aback by Jason’s blunt assumption, “Listen, I get that other people might have treated you poorly, but I’m… wait a second… did you just say I’m cute?

The half-laugh, half-snort that came with Niki’s sudden realization didn’t phase Jason in the slightest. Still shoveling food into his mouth, he regarded her with a weary, yet skeptical expression. “Look. People like you don’t just waltz to guys like me without wanting something. So, what is it? Spill it.”

It took a deep breath and a silent count to ten for Niki to quiet her initial reaction. She scooped up a spoonful of oatmeal and took a bite, buying time to formulate a proper response that would keep HR out of the picture. Jason, watching her closely, “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Only everything,” Niki chuckled, a sarcastic lilt to her voice as she shook her head slightly. “Jason, seriously, what kind of person do you think I am?”

Jason took a moment to observe Niki, his gaze analytical, like he was assessing a witness during a deposition. Niki, for her part, straightened in her seat, meeting his stare confidently. Finally, Jason took a sip of coffee, “You seem like the typical beautiful, stylish, well-to-do star. The kind that wouldn’t give the time-of-day to a hard-working, deep-in-debt, everyday grinder like me, unless we had something you need.”

Niki had to fight back the urge to cough, nearly choking on her oatmeal. Swallowing her food, then coughing and laughing at the same time, Niki looked Jason square in the eyes, “Wow! I must be a renowned bitch then. Jason, your honesty’s kinda refreshing, but you… heh… you couldn’t be more off the mark.”

“Is that so?” Jason cocked an eyebrow in disbelief.

“You see this?” Niki gestured to her blouse and slacks. “Office dress code. Trust me, I’d rather be rocking my Lulu Valentine shirt and some jeans right now. Being well-off? I don’t work in I.T. for my health, dude. I gotta pay the bills while I train for boxing. And as for being a star? My claim to fame is getting TKO’d by my best friend on national television.”

Jason stopped eating, his fork halfway to his mouth, and he looked at Niki silently. If one looked closely enough, you could see the gears turning, trying to decide if he was mistaken.

Niki, sipping her juice, continued with warmth in her voice, “I saw you sitting here all by yourself and I thought you looked a little lonely. So, I thought I would join you and, maybe, make a new work friend. A work friend I won’t have to trade leather with on some random Saturday night, anyways.”

With a deep exhale, Jason sat his fork down on a plate. “My apologies.” The words sounded off coming from Jason, as though he weren’t used to saying them. “I’m just not used to people approaching me without some kind of motive, wanting something or getting their jollies at my expense. I’ve learned to keep my guard up. I’m sorry.”

“I get that. I really do.” Niki’s smile was genuine and understanding. “Tell you what. Let’s try this again.”

Niki took her tray and stood up, turned around in place, then faced Jason with a bright smile on her face. “Hey! I’m Nicole from I.T. We met when you picked up your laptop. Mind if I join you?”

Jason couldn’t help but smile, just a little, as he shook his head. “Good morning, Nicole. Please.” He gestured to the seat across from him as he reclaimed the fork from his plate.

A mischievous grin formed on Niki’s lips as she sat back down. She waited for Jason to have a mouthful of scrambled eggs before asking, “So, Jason. What’s all this I hear about you thinking I’m cute?”

A quick swallow and cough later, and all of Jason’s usual eloquence failed him. “Well, I…”

Jason Jeopardy is an OC belonging to @lukasdoodles and is used with permission.

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #punch out fanfic #wvba #niki binary #jason jeopardy

[anotherwvba]

Dream Match Doodle

@lukasdoodle brings us some of the action from Niki Binary's midnight match with the mysterious Dream from my side story "Dreaming After Midnight." I got Lukas to include a background of the dark, empty WVBA Academy Gym and he did an amazing job! I'm so fortunate to be able to commission amazing artists like Lukas to bring scenes from my stories to life. If you'd like to commission Lukas, check the link below:

#punch out #super punch out #punch out wii #punch-out!! #super punch-out!! #punch-out!! wii #punch out oc #wvba #niki binary #mr. dream #friend tag!!

[anotherwvba]

Learning on the Job pt. 1

Monday mornings in the WVBA Boxing Academy Gym are always busy. Trainees learning their craft, fitness classes for those looking to get in better shape, and the boxers of the WVBA getting ready for upcoming bouts. While the gym is open to WVBA boxers and trainees at all hours, classes start at 8am and most boxers start their days at 7.

At the top of the six o’clock hour, Star Mika and Skye Ivy made their way into the gym, dressed to train and gym bags over their shoulders. This was the beginning of fight week for Mika, but not just any fight week. This week was her first match in the WVBA and she was helping train her opponent!

“Skye, maraming salamat,” Mika cheerfully said as they entered the gym. “It means a lot that you're willing to jump in and help out like this.”

“Girl, you know I’ve got you!” Skye enthusiastically said with a smile. “Especially after the way you and Joe helped me get ready for Reina, it’s only right I pass it along. And besides, I’m still green, too, so this’ll be good for both of us.”

Mika returned her friend’s grin, “Iyan ang espiritu! We help Gemma get comfortable and then, Saturday night, she and I put on a show!”

Skye shot a side-eye at her roommate, “You gonna take it easy on her?”

“Uh, no!” Mika chuckled, but then turned quite serious, “But that’s why what we’re doing is so important. I’m gonna give my all, but I don’t want to embarrass, or worse, hurt her.”

“As much as you can keep from hurting someone while punching them as hard as you can,” Skye mischievously grinned.

Mika nudged her friend in the side, “You know what I mean, Skye.”

“I know, I know. And I’m happy to help. I think a lot of boxers, maybe even some of the other girls here, would take the easy win and carry on,” Skye sighed.

“Hindi pwede!” Mika shook her head. “An old friend told me that you only want the bouts that are worth winning and beating someone that doesn’t have a chance… not worth it.”

As the roommates approached the center ring in the room, there was Gemma at ringside. She was already dressed for a workout, hands wrapped, and gracefully stretching. The young British actress looked the epitome of focus and dedication, every movement measured, no wasted motion.

“Miss Mika, where have you been?” Gemma looked up at the pair and stood to greet them, a hint of irritation in her voice. “I’ve been here warming up for well past an hour now.”

Mika glanced at the clock and laughed softly. “Please, just Mika. And it’s just now 6. We’re right on time,” she reassured with a calm and friendly tone. Mika certainly didn’t want to start off on an adversarial foot. They may be opponents Saturday, but until then…

Any worry lessened when Gemma leaned against the ring apron and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “The first rule I learned in show business, if you are on time, you’re already late.” Her British accent gave off a certain superior air, but the smirk crossing her lips gave away a more playful meaning. “Time is precious on set. One should never waste it.”

“Yeah, yeah, time is money,” Skye waved her off with a dismissive wave.

Gemma’s attention shifted to Skye, “And you, praytell, are you, young lady?”

“Skye Ivy,” Skye stepped forward, confidently extending her hand. “Wanna make something of it?”

Mika started to step in, but Gemma stepped forward with a smile. “Skye? Skye? Ah, yes… you’re the one that masked woman knocked cold a fortnight ago.”

After a quick glance to reassure Mika, Skye’s eyebrow shot up and she cocked her hip in a defiant stance, “Yeah, but I’ll get her in the ring again soon enough and then…” Skye punched her right hard into her open left palm.

Gemma’s gaze narrowed and a bright smile spread across her face as she took Skye’s hand, “You’re an actor.”

“Dancer, actually,” Skye smiled back, breaking her tough-girl performance and shaking hands with Gemma. “I did my share of stage performances back home in Chicago. I’m new here, too, and green, like you. So, Mika thought that I could help out. Kinda like running scenes, just with more punching.”

“How exciting! I didn’t expect another performer.” Gemma let out a sigh of relief and seemed to physically relax slightly. “I must admit, though, this whole boxing thing is, well, rather daunting. I’ve never been in a real fight. Never been punched and, certainly, never punched anyone else. To me, this was just a part, but now,” Gemma took a deep breath, trepidation in her eyes, “the idea of it all is quite terrifying.”

Skye nodded in understanding. “That’s normal. I was the same way the first time I got in the ring with my coach to spar. But, you put in the work and dedicate yourself to the process, let yourself get lost in it, like a role. Director yells ‘ACTION’ and you’re a cop. The bell goes ‘DING’ and you’re a boxer.”

The words were reassuring, but Gemma was skeptical as she considered them. “I find it hard to believe that it’s just that easy.”

“I never said it was,” Skye said as she sat her bag on the apron. She pulled out her hand wraps and started weaving the cloth around her fingers, “but what’s easy about learning your lines? Or the right timing to hit your marks at just the moment? It’s all a challenge.”

“I do enjoy that challenge,” Gemma replied. As the actress hopped up and sat on the ring apron, one could see the wheels turning behind her eyes as she looked over to Mika. “It’s a process, you see. An actor spends weeks, sometimes months, pouring over the script, trying to find their character. It’s hard to put into words, but you try to discover that person and let them share your spirit for a time.”

If Mika had any reservations about this entire process, they were evaporating quickly. The connection Skye and Gemma might share as dramatic performers never occurred to her, but seeing Gemma connecting the dots between her world and this one, there was a spark there.

“Fear isn’t a bad thing, alam mo?” Mika sat beside Gemma on the apron and began wrapping her own hands. “It keeps you alert and aware. You just learn not to let fear control you. You control the fear. I mean, I may not look it right now, but when I get in the ring with you Saturday, I will be scared.”

Gemma scoffed at this, eyebrows shooting up, “Pardon me? You, an experienced pugilist, are scared of me?”

Mika continued her well practiced routine with her wraps, eyes never leaving her hands, “Every time I step in the ring could be my last. There’s always the chance that I’ll get caught cold with that one punch that ends my career. And there’s the chance that you’ll be the one throwing that punch. But, that fear doesn’t control me, I control it. It sharpens my senses and I harness it.”

“This role could end my career.” Mika and Skye both looked at Gemma, surprised at the comment as she stared at her own wrapped hands. “This part is so far away from my type. I’m the romantic interest or the dramatic lead. My fans have never seen me do action and certainly not a sports feature. This isn’t going to be the beautiful and glamorous light they are used to seeing me in.”

“So,” Mika asked as Gemma met her eyes, “why take the role? Aren’t you afraid?”

“Petrified, darling.” Then, something neither Mika nor Skye expected happened. Gemma’s eyes hardened, her fists balled, and they could see that this was not her acting. “But I know what I am capable of on any set and I can hold my own with any actor. I want to… need to… prove that. To myself, to the studios, and to my fans. I don’t want to be the pretty face that disappears after she turns 30.”

“What do you want then?” Skye asked, her face caring and genuine.

“I want to be Helen bloody Mirren!” Gemma said with a chuckle. They all laughed. “If any of you tell anyone about this, I promise you…”

Mika rested a gentle hand on Gemma’s shoulder, “Secret’s safe.”

From behind and above them, a seasoned and firm female voice surprised the trio. “What do you think, Dudley?”

The girls all turned and looked into the ring to see Skye’s coach Vanessa Maxwell and Gemma’s fight choreographer Dudley Bruce standing, both dressed in sweats. Dudley’s expression gave away nothing as he answered with his refined British accent, “It would seem Miss Golden is beginning to grasp the essence of things.”

Vanessa, as supportive as ever, “I hope you don’t mind, but when Skye told me what was happening, I thought I might be able to help.” Skye’s eyes lit up and Mika clapped excitedly as Vanessa continued, “Now, you girls ready to work?”

Gemma took a deep breath and looked around. She had quite the company behind her, one she didn’t really ask for, but one that she would need to tackle the most challenging role of her career. She might not be a boxer, but Gemma Golden had never backed away from a challenge in her life and she wasn’t about to start now. Drawing herself to her full height and locking eyes with Vanessa, Gemma’s voice was sure. “Coach Maxwell, I do believe we are.”

Star Mika is an OC belonging to @cyrah-is-cool101 and is used with permission.

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