Try as you might, you couldn’t defeat the Cowgirl.

You stumble over to stand in front of the ref, hanging your head dejectedly as the announcer begins to speak.

“The incredible strength and unassailable toughness of this fighter have triumphed once again,” begins the closing narration. “Overcoming a promising young challenger in spectacular fashion, they’ve proved to be as dominant as ever. Maintaining her lofty perch among the ECL’s best fighters is our winner...the Cowgirl!”

Dinah flexes and poses as the referee raises her arm, flaunting the muscular body that she used to such spectacular effect against you. She drinks in the crowd’s approval eagerly, enjoying her triumphant return from her hiatus—but then she seems to remember something, and she turns to you with an appreciative smile.

You’re confused for a moment before she holds out her hand to shake. Eyebrows rising slightly in surprise, you reach out and take it.

“Good match,” she says. “You really made me earn that one. You’re goin’ places, rookie. Don’tcha let one loss take the wind outta your sails.”

“Thanks. I’ll try,” you reply with a nod, feeling a bit better at the acknowledgment of your efforts. Holding your head up higher, you head back to your dressing room to recover.