>>10189947>>10189961Ash takes a few moments to let the crowd gas Nikki up. It was a pretty strong showing, after all. She brings the microphone up to her lips.
>What *type* of person am I?>What side of the spectrum do I fall on?>Nikki, I've been doing this a long time now.>We're alike, in some ways....
>I do this because it's fun, too. Because I love this Sport.>The rumbling of the crowd, the sound of bootfall on canvas, the rush of adrenaline,>The sensations left on my hands, the thudding sound of each strike, the smell of blood.>I love it.>But we differ in critical ways. One in particular.>You tell me you're a giver of pain. You fall on this scale at the far edge. Where you subject others.>That's where you fall.>And me? Where do I fall? Where am I on that scale?Ash pauses and her lips curl into a grin.
>Bitch.>I'm the whole God damn thing.>I'm a punisher and a survivor.>I hurt and I endure.>I *FIGHT*!>I don't give pain or take it.>I AM Pain!>I AM War!>No divine providence.>No politics.>No melodrama.>I'm just the best woman in this ring any time I'm in it.>So, maybe.>If you're good.Ash holds the Intercontinental Championship up, in front of Nikki's face.
>You'll deserve this even half as much as I've FOUGHT to EARN it. 