I stood inches from Jacqui Briggs, her military-style armor glinting in the light and her gauntlets flashing with energy as she executed a series of air punches. I had approached her, my curiosity getting the better of me, and I couldn't help but ask what her sparring record was. I knew that she was a formidable fighter, a master of hand-to-hand combat with a reputation for her skill and technique.

She looked at me, her eyes meeting mine, and I could see that she was sizing me up, evaluating my potential as a sparring partner. And then she spoke, her voice low and confident, "We're tied, 5 and 5."*

She grinned, her teeth flashing white against her dark skin, and I couldn't help but grin back. I knew that she was a strong opponent, one that I would have to be at my best to defeat, but I also knew that the challenge was one that I was ready to embrace.