Cindy's Amazon Diary: Part 4
by M.C.
A good week for Cindy as the martial arts tournament looms


November 8th

Bob and I had our sparring session today and I'd have to say that, despite my
earlier reservations, it went very well. We agreed beforehand not to go 'all
out'  against each other and just practice our techniques. When he respects my
fighting abilities Bob can be tough; he's much better than I gave him credit
for. Is there any chance that we'll meet in the martial arts tournament? I
hope not, it would be a shame to have to beat him again. Despite being better
than I thought he was, Bob's still no match for me and, in a tournament,
there's no love lost.

I'm not only the defending champion but a 16 year-old girl to boot. I've
always felt that there are many people out there in the martial arts community
that resent me for winning the title last year; that it was just a fluke.
Therefore, I feel that I have to win the tournament again this year to prove
them wrong.  That being the case, anybody who stands in the way of my goal -
Bob included - well, I just hope I don't have to face him that's all.

But leaving all that aside for the moment, I actually enjoyed my session with
Bob today; for the first time I felt something clicked between us. He even
took a bit of advice from me about how not to leave himself so wide open after
he kicks. Guys usually hate when I give them advice - it may have something to
do with the fact that they're usually lying flat on their backs looking up at
me in a daze when I give it (giggle, giggle).

I half expected (hoped?) that Bob would invite me out for an ice cream or
coffee afterwards. But I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part; it
didn't happen. Yes I know, I could have asked him couldn't I ? Well, I still
feel that because of the circumstances in which we met he should decide how
close we should get to one another. He did, however, thank me for the workout
and wished me good luck in the tournament. So, if the ice wasn't completely
broken, at least it's been cracked. I suppose that will have to do for now. As
I walked home from school today feeling unusually good, I reflected on some of
the aspects of my life.

My life is something of a dichotomy - an attractive, outgoing 16 year-old
cheerleader on the one hand and a tough, take-no-prisoners, martial arts
expert on the other. One minute I can be warm and friendly with friends -
laughing and joking like everyone else - a minute later I could be forcing the
strongest boy in school to back down; like I did to Rick a few weeks ago.

Leslie, one of my best friends, once even likened me to Linda Danvers, AKA
Supergirl, the comic book character. Normally Linda's a mild mannered high
school student (just like me) but when trouble comes along - POOF! - she
quickly changes into Supergirl and deals with whatever problems arise; then
returns to her Linda Danvers secret identity."Cindy," she said shortly after I
won the tournament last year," you're only 15 and kicked those guys asses.
What further proof do you need?" Supergirl? Me? Hell, I can't even fly. And
that outfit of hers, the cape, no way; red and blue are definiately not my
colors. Still, there are certain similarities - we're both blonds.

November 11th

I can't believe it! Their coming, the Amazons are coming! I got a call from
Jennifer this afternoon telling me she's picking up Robin - they live about 50
miles from each other - and driving down to see me compete in the tournament
tomorrow. And get this, Ray's gonna drive Crystal down too. My parents said
they can all crash here tomorrow night. The Amazons together again! Damn, I'd
better win this silly thing.

November 12th - Morning

Well, this is my big day (hopefully) and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm
nervous. Last year I was a complete unknown - a small, 15 year-old girl in her
first major tournament - and nobody expected me to do very well. To tell you
the truth, neither did I. I had only recently recieved my black belt and just
wanted to see how far I could go. Nobody took me seriously. Even as I advanced
in the tournament, flattening guys nearly twice my size with my lethal, board
shattering feet, I felt I was being treated more as a curiosity than a serious
contender. In fact, only my Master, Dr. Ruth Walker, felt I had a chance. When
I reached the semi-finals it finally dawned on me," I can actually win this
thing." Fighting for all I was worth, I beat the top two contenders - one
after the other - knocking out the defending champion in the final to win the
crown.

I guess he couldn't accept losing to a girl easily. A few weeks after the
tournament he showed up at my dojo and challenged me to a rematch. At first I
really didn't want to fight him again but he became so insulting and
arrogant that Master Walker gave me permission to do so. In front my entire
class I beat him up pretty good. I suppose I could have knocked him out
quickly but he pissed me off and I really wanted to teach him a lesson.
Finally, Master Walker intervened and stopped the massacre. I'm glad she did
too because if she hadn't, I honestly don't know what I might have done to
him. Anyway, he hasn't bothered me since.

This year will be different though. I'm the Queen of the hill now and everyone
will be gunning for me. Fortunately that guy I beat last year is over 18 so he
won't be competing here...I have three more years before I have to worry about
him again; or he has to worry about me (giggle). But there are many others who
would like to take my crown. I'm sure there's also more than a little bit of
male testosterone involved here too..."let's take the title back from this
upstart girl who thinks she can play rough with the big boys." Well guys,
ready or not here I come; so bring it on. O.K. Cindy, enough of this female
machismo, pre-tournament, psych-up session; it's time to go.

 Wish me luck.

End of part 4