Isamu stopped the match, and respectfully bowed to Betty. Then he said in Japanese. "You can train forever, but I think it is time to stop. You are an excellent student, you have learned much. You are a formidable opponent. Now you are able to protect yourself in any situation. It is time for you to go back into the world, Pandora."
Mimi translated through watery eyes.
Betty was confused. She didn't beat him in the fight. The moment felt like a milestone but didn't feel like a victory. As they battled she could tell he was testing her. He was never threatened. He controlled the whole thing. He said she was ready, but she needed proof. She needed to test herself.
It had been months since Betty last entered Murdock's Gym, but it could have been yesterday. It was exactly the same as she remembered, even the smell. The space was littered with the same players doing the same things. The Anvil was even sleeping in the same metal folding chair. He wore the same clothes and snored the same tune. Betty approached him and tapped his shoulder cautiously. "Excuse me, Anvil?"
He turned to her while asleep then opened his eyes. As he woke up Betty came into focus, and he said with a big smile, "Lila."
Betty didn't remember what fake name she had given him, but she responded nonetheless. The Anvil stretched and grunted. The giant spun a vacant chair around to face him. Then wiped off and patted the seat inviting her to sit. “Sit down honey. So what brings you back here? You must have missed me, huh?"
Betty smiled, sat down and told him. She was excited to have someone to talk to about her training discoveries with Isamu. Anvil liked stories and he soaked up every word. He understood her enthusiasm about learning to fight. It reminded him of the time he spent training with his father as a kid. He taught Anvil how to fend off playground bullies. After his first victory he felt charged by knowledge. He felt confident, unstoppable like Hercules with a super human power he could use for survival.
As Betty spoke, he was engaged and asked questions. He understood most of the answers except for all the Chinese mumbo-jumbo. The Chinamen taught her how to fight, and she wanted to fight someone in the ring, to test herself. Suddenly he stopped listening to her. He got goose bumps as a chill ran up his thick neck. An idea began to take shape in his imagination. It was like a revelation. He interrupted her story. She was startled as he clutched her by the arms and invaded her personal space. He wanted to confirm something she said. He asked intently. "You're positive you can fight just like the Chinaman?"
With her heart racing, Betty nodded. "Yes."
"Ok, ok. Let me take it from here." He said.
He looked around the room anxiously like he misplaced something. The Anvil knew that life boiled down to a few extraordinary moments that you would never forget, and the rest of if was pretty boring. To the Anvil, he had just been handed the makings of the greatest practical joke he could ever pull in his life. It would be historic. He would be famous. He just needed to work out a few details before unleashing it on the members of Murdock's gym.
The black hunchback, Earl, was sweeping the room. Anvil spotted him and called him over. They huddled in secrecy as Betty waited patiently. Anvil relayed what Betty had told him. The hunchback saw the situation as an opportunity too. He wanted in. Together they devised a scheme. They spoke back and forth in low voices. They plotted their strategy. Periodically the hunchback looked up and scanned the scattered gym occupants for possible contenders for their ringer.
They plotted some more. Anvil asked Betty if she had a five-dollar bill. She removed it from her purse to stake Anvil’s plan. When they were ready they broke from the huddle. Anvil removed her coat and checked out her shoes. She wore a pair of Converse, Jack Prucell sneakers. Then he motioned for her to follow him.
The Anvil climbed into the ring. Betty followed and stood in one of the corners. The hunchback manned the ringside bell, and let a series of dings chime. The sound drew in people from all parts of the gym. The Anvil stood proudly in the center of the canvas with his massive arms stretched over his head. His booming voice echoed throughout the space.
"Gentlemen! Today we have a special bout. The challenge comes from a new contender."
He proudly presented Betty. She looked completely out of place in the boxing ring. The crowd was confused, but curious. The Anvil continued.
"We won't call it boxing. We won't call it wrestling. We will call it fighting for fun. This little lady says she thinks she can beat any one of you palookas. I'm not sure if I believe her, but I’m willing to take a chance. And I’m willing to put money down. I have in my hand, five dollars. I will give it to anyone who can pin her."
The modest sized crowd stirred with interest.