"Don't think there'll be any winking," Fiona clarified, half-smiling at the thought, which was a little absurd after how mean their singles match had become a few weeks ago. "We're not going to become friends if this works. If I'm in the title fight a week from now, I'm going to fight tooth and nail to take it, and I know you'd do the same. This is just a one-night deal, plain and simple."

She could understand why Elina was being hesitant, as she no doubt had plenty of experience dealing with offers backstage and shaky alliances from her years in the profession. But Fiona was about as much of an open book as Elina was ever going to come across; she'd never backstabbed anyone in her career so far, and she didn't plan to. She hoped Elina would be able to see that.

Fiona picked up her bag again. "I've said my piece, you know my plan. We don't have to shake on it, just... think about it. And I'll see you in the ring."

She started towards the stage area again, Kendra following alongside, but it was hard to miss the way Elina's expression hardened as they separated. Suddenly Fiona found herself having second thoughts about the whole thing. [i]Did I just make everything worse? She probably would've focused on Raven anyway, maybe all I did was put myself on her radar.[/i]

She pushed the thought from her mind, not really wanting to think about making deals and alliances anymore. She just wanted to get into her gear, and get herself ready for her first fight inside the confines of a steel cage.