Where I Want to Be

[Rosa DeLuca]

Rosa was walking back to her room from a pleasant morning of just taking a walk around Tokyo. There was something about the end of summer in this country and this city that seemed enchanting. She had enjoyed her time here and hoped that she’d have a few pounds of gold to take home with her as well.

As she entered the hotel lobby, the clicking of her boots on the tile made her smile, it had been a perfect day. Nothing could cloud the mood she was in.

Mimi suddenly stepped into her path, hands on her hips as she glared up at her. “Hey.”

Rosa stopped short, tried to take a step back so as not to lord her height over the other women, “Mimi, hi? Can I…help you with something?”

“Oh like you don’t know.” Mimi’s voice was determined as she stepped forward to close the distance, "Rosa, back off Warren. He’s not someone you can toy with."

Rosa, genuinely puzzled and defensive takes another step back, "What are you talking about? I wasn’t flirting with Warren. I didn’t even realize you thought that."

"Oh…If you weren't, then maybe you should watch your behavior. It’s coming off the wrong way."

Rosa swallowed putting up her hands, "Look, I have no intention of crossing any lines. I was just offering to be an ear of support. I know what it’s like to try and break up with someone for your better health despite still loving them-”

“He’s not still in love with Dean.” Mimi cut her off.

“Okay. Sorry.” Rosa stepped back further, “If I gave you the wrong impression, I’m sorry. I’ve got no interest in Warren other than in a professional context. Promise.”

“Good. Okay. Glad we have that clear.” Mimi’s shoulders relaxed. “He’s just… I really like him and I don’t want his heart to be broken again.”

“Questa è la trama di una telenovela.” Rosa sidestepped Mimi. “He’s all yours. No worries from me.”

“Okay. Sorry. That was a little intense.”

“Yeah, no worries.” Rosa shook her head walking back to the elevator.

Cosa è appena successo? Volevo solo essere amichevole. Non avevo bisogno di occuparmi di questo oggi, soprattutto quando stavo solo cercando di concentrarmi sulla mia carriera. Rosa thought as she pressed the button to go back to her hotel room.

---

O mighty Athena, daughter of Zeus,

Goddess of wisdom and strength,

I seek your guidance and protection.

Grant me clarity of mind and the courage to face challenges.

Guide me with your wisdom and shield me with your divine power.

Help me to act with honor and integrity in all I do.

Bless my endeavors and provide me with the strength to overcome obstacles.

In your name, I ask for your favor and protection.

Thank you, Athena, for your benevolence and guidance.

Amen.

---

“I will admit I am feeling a mix of excitement and determination. Here we stand at Legacy. My first pay-per-view with the prospect of becoming the first woman to hold the IWF Gladiatorix Championship. This is about breaking barriers in wrestling. This a significant achievement, and holding a title… the newest second female-only belt in the company since The Imperial Diamond was retired in 2021 with Virgina Stepanov. Before that was the Luchadora retired in 2019 with …Gaberiala Luna. Before that was the Shieldmaiden renamed the Openweight belt also last held by Gaberia Luna in 2019. The first secondary women’s belt was the Ruby championship last held by Firenze Everett in 2015.” Rosa takes a deep breath, “Most of these belts were held by women who then went on to challenge and sometimes win the main women’s world title. Being the first champion to ever win a belt is monumental. It echoes your name into history.”

“I’d like to make history.”

“Wrestling as an industry and a sport has been dominated by men. The women’s division has been slim pickings in the past but now… now? We are getting the green light finally, management has noticed how many of us are still here. This would be a groundbreaking moment in anyone’s career and for the sport as a whole. I would love to be among the first. I would love to be the first. I’ve earned my position in this match. But wanting does not mean I will. I have to beat three other women to get there.”

“This opportunity isn't just about winning a title but about proving that women are just as capable and deserving of such accolades.” Rosa puts a hand on her heart, letting the beat reassure her. “Specifically a woman like me. The importance of representing female wrestlers, cis or trans, and inspiring future generations to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles… Yeah. I want that.”

“Not to just speak of what I want.” Rosa shakes her head, “I have to beat three other women, just as deserving as I am.”

"Caroline Machado, the golden girl of the IWF. You’ve held a women’s championship before. You are clearly the favorite to win this match. You’ve got the fans cheering, the spotlight on you, but let me tell you something—when that bell rings, all the glitter in the world won’t save you from what’s coming. You’ve got that smile, that charm, that whole ‘everyone’s favorite’ vibe going for you, but this isn’t a popularity contest. This is a fight. And Caroline, you’re stepping into the ring with someone who’s not here to play nice. I don’t care how many people chant your name. When we face off, it’s not about who’s loved more—it’s about who’s stronger, tougher, and more willing to do whatever it takes to win.” Rosa smiles, “You might think you’ve got the edge given the belt you’ve held in the past, but let me remind you—I’m not just another opponent. I’m the woman who’s been fighting tooth and nail to carve out her legacy in this business, and I’m not about to let someone like you stand in my way. When we meet in that ring, don’t expect me to hold back. Don’t expect me to show you any mercy because I won’t. I’m here to prove a point, to show that no matter how bright your star shines, it can still be eclipsed. And when that happens, when I’m standing over you with my hand raised, you’ll realize that being the golden girl doesn’t mean a thing when you’re up against someone like me.”

“Rini Ishikawa, the pretty guardian, the technician in the ring. You’ve built your reputation on tag-team matches and picking apart your opponents piece by piece. But you’re stepping into the ring with someone who’s not just another puzzle to solve. You’re known for your skill, your strategy, your ability to outmaneuver anyone who crosses your path. But here’s the thing, Rini— I’m not here to play your game. I’m here to bring the fight to you.” Rosa crosses her arms. “You see, Rini, I’ve got something you can’t counter—pure, unrelenting drive. I’ve bled for this business and sacrificed everything to get where I am, and I’m not about to let some ‘pretty sailor guardian’ derail my path to greatness. You pride yourself on your discipline, your honor, but when you step into the ring with me, all of that goes out the window. Because I’m not here to respect you, Rini—though I do–I’m here to beat you. I’m here to show you that no amount of technical prowess can match the raw power and determination I bring. You might be the master of the ring, but I’m the master of my destiny, and that destiny doesn’t involve losing to you.”

"Itami, you walk around with that cold, calculated demeanor, thinking you’ve got everyone figured out. Do you think your stoic presence intimidates me? Let me make one thing clear—fear is not in my vocabulary. You’ve battled your way to the top, and left your mark, but now you’re standing in my way. You talk a lot about the MOD island and you’re built differently. The Italian army might not be what people think of as hard and grueling. But even as a medic, I saw active combat. I still was expected to protect the people of my unit. War changes people.” Rosa hugs herself a little, “So seeing you call yourself a warrior, acting as if your play island cult compares to actual war? It boils me a little. You call yourself a warrior, but you’ve never faced someone like me—a woman with nothing to lose and everything to prove. I’ve fought my way up from the bottom and clawed my way through every challenge, and now I’m on the brink of making history. The Gladiatorix Championship? That’s more than just a title; it’s a statement. It’s proof that I belong here. And you? You’ve built a reputation on your discipline, and your precision, but you aren’t the only one. You’ve never faced the fire I’m bringing. When that bell rings, you’ll realize that this isn’t just another match. This is not a war, but I’m ready to fight until I’m the last one standing.”

“So prepare yourself, girls. Because when I step into that ring, I’m not just fighting for myself—I’m fighting for every woman who’s ever been told she couldn’t, for every fighter who’s been underestimated. And when I raise that Gladiatorix Championship above my head, you’ll know that you were just another chapter in the story of Rosa DeLuca, the woman who made history.” Rosa puts a fist against her shoulder. “Get ready, because I’m coming for you, and I’m coming for that title. And nothing will stand in my way.”