IT'S PAYBACK TIME!
ALEXA HAYES
vs.
DEBORAH
Prior to her open challenge, Dragana Cesar is seen perched on top of a crate backstage, her legs crossed and her palms resting on her knees. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She exhales.
???: Miss Cesar?
Dragana opens her eyes and looks down to find Harper LeRoux holding a cute puppy up to her face.
Harper: I’d like you to meet a friend of mine!
Dragana: Ah!
She carefully takes the pupper in her arms and the dog licks her face. The Silent Queen laughs and kicks her legs like an overjoyed child.
Harper: Um, I also brought some more friends! Hope you don’t mind?
Dragana: Hmm?
???: There she is!
???: Sensei!
Dragana picks her head up and sees Bubba leading dozens of her students, surrounded by several cats, dogs, and even a pig. She puts her hands over her heart, overcome by all the kindness and cuteness around her.
Some of the cats hop up onto the crate and take a nap next to Regina Tacet. Harper hugs the pig while Bubba plays with some of the dogs.
Suddenly, there is a small amount of commotion, before a rather proud looking persian cat strolls into view. It is wearing a harness with a lead, but its owner is nowhere to be found.
Dragana points at the cat, and a quizzical look comes over her face, before academy graduate Amy Jade Miller runs into the room.
AJM: She’s mine, she’s mine, haha! Well, I’d hoped you’d meet her with the rest of these wonderful creatures, but Her Majesty loves to make an entrance.
AJ picks up and cradles Her Majesty, who lets out a big miaow before settling into the cuddle. She brings the big, fluffy girl to Dragana, who doesn’t hesitate to give out scritches, which the cat greedily accepts.
AJM: We all just wanted to say thank you for the amazing work you’ve done putting this event together. It goes to show you that no matter who you are and what you’ve been through, we can all come together to support the animals that have yet to find their forever home. I heard even Empress came through with a sizable donation!
Dragana gives a knowing, disapproving look.
AJM: I know, I know Dragana. I’ll be careful, but I really do think she wants to help me progress my career. Isn’t that what we do all this training at the dojo for, anyway? To become the best version of ourselves and fight for championship glory!?
Harper tilts her head to the side and ponders AJ’s take on why they train, eventually shrugging.
Harper: I’m just here because I enjoy helping out Miss Cesar, and my life sure hasn’t been lacking excitement ever since!
She then finds her puppy amidst the sea of other pets and picks them back up, cradling the dog in her arms and touching her nose to the dog’s snout, who licks her face. Harper wipes her face with her hoodie sleeve before carrying on with the conversation.
Harper: Her name’s Rue, I got her just a couple weeks ago from the shelter near my hometown up over the border. She seems to enjoy traveling as much as I do, though, and she fits right in with the other pups at the parks around the city… kind of a hassle!
Harper smiles.
Harper: Anyway, we were hoping seeing all of our animals before dealing with your admirer would give you the strength and confidence you need to emerge victorious… that and everyone could use a break from training before the holidays, don’t you agree?
Dragana laughs and spreads her arms wide open, calling for a group hug. All the students and some of the animals join in.
Students: Thank you Sensei!
KITTY TRIPLE LITTY
CHRIS GREENE
vs. EL PARCA vs.
PAUL BOULET