[ WP ] The hero beats the villain by stooping even lower .

He had already stooped so low. The gall of this man was incomprehensible. He moved with the predatory grace of a great cat stalking its prey. So coordinated was this man, so precise. How dedicated he was! 
 
 But I knew there was only one way to defeat him. I had to abandon my instincts. I had to give up what I felt safe with. The bar has been set low; I need to set it lower, even though it might be the end. 
 
 He's watching me on the other side, judging me. I can see what he's thinking. I'm sure it's something like, `` He ca n't make it. There's no way he could go through with it. I will be the victor, and he shall settle for nothing''. 
 
 But no! I wo n't let him win! I *can't* let him win. 
 
 It's my turn. The music starts to play. I shift myself under the bar. I arch myself lower and lower. I need to clear 11''. My shirt begins to tease the bar. *I. Ca n't. Hit. It* 
 
 My core muscles begin to burn. My legs start to ache. I'm almost there. I just need to clear my shoulders and head. After what seems like an eternity, after my body telling me to give up and abandon this trial, I pass the bar. I shimmy myself upwards. I made it. I did it. 
 
 Now it is his turn. I can see the worry in his eyes. I've already beat him. But he has to make a show of it, it is the rules to attempt until defeat. So I stand across from him, where he stood and judged me. 
 
 Yes. I've already won. Now I'll see you fall before me. Tonight, I have won the Limbo championships. You must settle for second.
