Post by Ahmya on Aug 29, 2021 19:13:13 GMT -5
Devil May Cry served as an opportunity for all the talents showcased to display why they are among the elite in the business. For eight people, Ahmya included, they had the opportunity to add their names to Level Up Wrestling history by becoming the first Courage Champion. Now Ahmya was no stranger to etching her name in history within this place. She was already one half of the first Multiplayer Champions, a title she presently holds with pride. She also holds it in the hopes that if she pushes the right combination of buttons that she’ll end up opening a gateway to another universe, but that’s for another day.
Right now? She needed to put all her focus on this task, this platformer match. It’s one that, as far as she knows, she has never taken part in and going in unprepared was a fool’s game. On top of that, she has even more studying to do when it comes to her opponents, all seven of them. Normally when her eyes were glued to a screen, she drifted or was prone to distraction, on her own, or because of the man she loved more than everything. This time, there was nothing keeping her from completing her scouting and he of course had the respect for her as an athlete to not only leave her to her note taking, but help supply the footage. What a guy..
Some time had passed and while she took many notes, she couldn’t help but feel like there was still more and something missing. Thinking to herself what exactly it could be, the young woman let out an exclamation.
“Courage!”
The very championship she was going after, one of the three key elements to the world Level Up Wrestling was building. Along with Wisdom and Power, Courage was an intangible sought after in order to truly be the champion of all. Sitting back down, Ahmya went from one lingering question to another. “What is courage?”
Sure, she could look up the definition, absorb the words to the best of her ability. Many claim to have this attribute, but she was one of the eight chosen to potentially represent it first. So why? Was it because of her record? Her background which was a blank canvas within her mind? She has to embody it in some form. At least that’s the conclusion she came to. Was the courage something she had forgotten following the snow? Did she have it and not have any idea? The answer needs to be there somewhere. “I must find it. To represent courage, it is only fair.” This truly was like no other match. This was.. a quest.
Like any quest, after obtaining some fundage, whether coin, rupee, dollar or donut, you head to the item shop in order to get what you need to obtain victory. While she didn’t know what shop to go to, the closest one to where they lived was this neat little corner store where she and Robert would often get potato chips and other snacks. Surely they would be able to supply what she needs. “Wait.. what am I getting here again?” A simple question, but one that would go unanswered as for some reason she was left to her own devices, trusted with the mission of getting their treats and beginning her path to the platform..er match. Or maybe she left without telling him again. Either way, she was alone and had to do the best she could. After all, in this match.. she would be on her own as well.
“If someone seeks courage, they need the right tools.. I think. Or maybe no tools are needed because courage isn’t a prize or a treasure.. I know that because I asked the best pirate I know and he said that wasn’t the case. So perhaps it isn’t an accessory that is needed to help me find it, but an inner map. I wouldn’t have been picked for this if I didn’t have what was needed. Why does this seem so hard then?” She thought about it, only to grow more frustrated. “I was told this would be a challenge like no other, but I thought that was because there were more people. Seven looking to try and claim that banner, that word, the meaning with pride and.. I can’t get to it! Gaahh freaking head!! All I see when I think too much is white!!” Stating that a little louder than she probably should have, Ahmya.. or at the present time Nao let out a giggle coated in embarrassment before grabbing their favorites. Then like any person faced with the fear of public humiliation being realized, she stood there awkwardly.
“Isn’t that your cue to leave?” A voice spoke out to her, causing her to snap away from the pain she was feeling and turn around. A child? “What do you mean?” Nao spoke with a genuine sense of confusion that brought about a smirk from the kid. She thought about the smirk and found it weird. Kids shouldn’t smirk. “Well it’s easy. You were talking to yourself, sort of screamed and everyone noticed. Usually that leads to an exit. You know the kind, all shameful and shit.” Kids curse? Nao could barely believe what she was hearing, but shook it off and shook her head. “That’s not really how I do things. I mean, the part you call weird I think happens a lot, but why would I leave after that? Just because things go wrong, get weird or simply seem too tough in a way doesn’t mean you leave. You have to face it. That’s what life is I think.. Although Robert did show me a movie that said life is the number forty-two. So I think that is part of the number. You keep going.”
The kid gave an amused nod. “Huh, pretty bold of you, but I like it.” Now it was her turn to show off a smirk, the light within flickering. “Bold as in..courageous, maybe?”
“Don’t push your luck, it’s not like you ran into a burning building and tried to save people.” Nao huffed a little, grabbing her bag of goodies from the cashier who was having none of the odd conversation going on. Her attention soon turned back to the kid. “Fine. I will accept that I am simply bold for now. I could totally do that though with the burning building. I got a cape now and everything!” The eyeroll was real, one from her following suit as the two made their exit from the convenient store. The child began heading off, but Nao stood there, looking to the left and right before a wave of panic took hold. Looking back for a second from the middle of the road, the child raised a brow. “Uhh are you okay lady?” Again a voice snapped her back to the present, and an irritating reality. “Yeah I.. I think I’m lost. I’ll find my way.. I’m sure.” A shrug of the shoulders greeted her hidden despair. “Okay I-”
Time stood still. The kid didn’t notice the lights, but somehow she did. Pain be damned, she raced over. Using what speed and strength she had, she shoved the child out of the way, looking ahead, seeing only white but having no fear for what was happening.
Until it didn’t.. or maybe it did. She isn’t sure. The world around didn’t come back into frame until two voices called to her.
“Hey! Are you okay?”
“Hey lady!”
Soon enough she was back and looked to see two very concerned faces staring at her. The blur of concern faded in and out, but there was a key statement that stuck. “Okay, I’ll give you that one.. maybe you are courageous. Just.. don’t be weird and wear a cape, okay? And uhh.. Thank you.” Another smirk made its way onto her face before the white.
It wasn’t a voice this time calling to her, but a gentle melody that brought Nao to her new present. It was a concern that she still had these moments, but she had to look at the positives. That and she didn’t wish to dwell too much while cleaning. So instead she looked over to Bert who was on the phone with someone and went back to work. The song was a cute one she somehow knew the words to, despite not really knowing the source. Both she and her love chalked it up to a missing piece that they would find soon enough. Or not. She was fine either way. Thinking of the words she found herself singing brought about a smile. Her memories from when he found her, a lot was fuzzy but she at least found her way to latching onto some.
“Look how far we’ve come.. found a bond that lasted.” It was true. Again so much was missing, but what she held onto, she feels a big part of why was because of him. Deep within she recalled not the exact time, not what happened.. but the feeling from that time. A feeling that has only grown since he made his way back into her life and gifted her with a real one once again. She had a feeling he had no idea what he meant to her and a while back made the decision that she’d dedicate her days to trying to let him know, as long as he’d like to have her around. So in order to extend those days, to not grow into a burden, she kept going, kept fighting. “Even everyday.. living takes its toll.. trials everywhere you look.” Whether personal or professional, this too rang true for them. However they always did their best to rise above it all. She couldn’t deny the fact that it did leave more of an impact each time. One stop after another, the journey never seemed to stop. Even with the EXP 11 incident, there was very little time spent resting or relaxing. If anything, more work came of it and the EXP that followed.
“And the chaos couldn't keep you from running into me.” It seemed that chaos was a strong theme with the two and their lives outside of one another. Hell according to what she was told and even saw, she won a title by that very name. Life is strange as hell. She didn’t understand a lot of it, she remembered even less, but she still knew. There was always something going on, some obstacle, some fight, but they always found their way back to one another and for that she was grateful. A life without him wasn’t one she wanted. So she had to do her best. She had to make him proud.
“Time slips by through your fingers. So live...now!” This fact began to showcase itself more and more to Ahmya who, after a few hectic moments, found herself more attached to this reality. The reality was difficult to absorb, but with him it was cake. Even when they were both not feeling their best, still cake. A cake she got to taste more and more, cherish, appreciating the little things such as the laughter, the magic. This one was no lie, and while she was thankful for getting lost less, the toll each time took multiplied tenfold during the best of times. Still, she had to keep going. He has done so much for her, given every part of himself emotionally, it’s only fair for her to push through the pain. Smile and do her best to absorb the frightening world her eyes are opening themselves too.
Do it for him.
With that thought echoing in her mind and the song ending “past infinity..” She looked around to see her job for the day was done. It wasn’t one she was told to do or anything, he never asked her for a single thing aside from grabbing the occasional snack or drink if she was already up. This was something she always felt was right to do, her way of showing her care and appreciation for all he does. Plus when in hotels, it kind of makes up for the whole taking eighty blankets thing. Forts are complicated, don’t judge.
A smile of accomplishment made its way to her face, the softest tint on her cheeks as well. Soft steps made their way over to where he had been for the last few minutes or so. She still doesn’t have the best grasp of time when not staring down a clock, but tries her best with it. Shaking the small weight of guilt over this fact, she gently knocked on the door a few times, hoping there wasn’t anything wrong. “Robert.. Are you okay? How are your allergies?”
He had been in there from nearly the second he hung up with Tirri. The world was changing. Or maybe it was just coming into view more clearly?
"I'm good, yo." He wiped the last bit of blood from his nostril. Their relationship was mostly private. People knew they were an item. But outside of two or three others? Nothing else was known. Especially one of the oddest details.
Aside from the brain injury and human trafficking of course.
They had never crossed a certain line that was almost an afterthought especially in the age of Tinder where sex was tantamount to take out. He would like to lie and say it's because he was old fashioned. Hell, his hair brained proposal scheme could easily reinforce that.
But the truth? He was afraid of hurting her. Causing some sort of trigger. He knew of her hellish existence before Carnage now. He had no idea what sort of thoughts lay buried and attached to physical intimacy from those times.
And he'd rather die than hurt her.
So, to cope, his body had dug up an old coping mechanism for stress. Humorously timed nosebleeds that, as a kid, gave him an out from stressful situations. Let him lock himself in the bathroom and calm down..
"I'm good." He repeated before going to the door, and opening it wearing a brave smile.
That sundress was going to kill him. Greeting him as the door opened was of course Nao. In that white sundress with the soft blue trim. Stepping closer, she smiled, though her expression also hinted at the obvious concern. “Are you sure? I think you were in here a while.. I think. Did you take the medicine? Are you drowsy yet? Should we nap? Should we eat? I forgot what we were doing today. Did we have something planned today? I feel like my head is full of questions and I’m thinking too much too fast again aren’t I..?” Giggling a bit, she gave him a hug, burying herself, and possibly a little embarrassment too.
He stiffened up at the contact, thankful for the extra layer of the hoodie between them. The fool he was though, couldn't resist returning the embrace. His hands came to rest just above her waist, before sliding to rest on her hips.
He felt his face flush. Not safer, McAlroy.
"Well, I was gonna say Tirri invited us to come stay for a while. You know, get away until after the clown is dealt with." Giving in and poking the dangerous bear further, he leaned down to bury his face in the crook of her neck. "I figured we get some lunch, veg out, I'll book a flight out there for the red eye.. then we figure out a game to play in the air." He took in a deep inhale of her familiar scent, pressing his face slightly harder into the crook. "If you're up for getting away, yo."
The suggestion of the getaway and prospect of adventure brought a quick and excited eep, Nao hugging tighter. “That sounds like so much fun! Staying with Uncle should be a wonderful time and I love your ideas for how we get there too!” Softening the hug again, she let out a soft hum of the previously sung tune while composing her thoughts. “I am glad we will get to have nice times before more work happens. Maybe we can play that peeking surprise game again like the last flight. I know I fell over because the plane got nervous and shaky, but I promise to be more careful this time.”
His own song bit at his mind, mostly as a way to distract him from the heat between them and the sorrow of her grip relaxing "Hey, now that we know what to expect maybe we get some marbles and race 'em on the fold down tray when the shaking starts.." he offers, painfully peeling away from her.
He looked at her silently, as the sun caught her eyes just right. Making them sparkle.
Yeah, he made the right decision.
“I'll play any game with you, you know that..” a thought, a distraction "Pack the board games, yo! I bet Don gets big mad at Risk and Monopoly!!" A laugh escaped him at the thought. Her own laugh was quick to join his as she too thought of the potential grrness those games can bring. Suddenly she claps her hands together and bounces excitedly, a lightbulb having gone off in her head. “Oh!! We should also bring the funny game with the people pictures, the ones on our heads too and do the one where we have to draw something and guess what it is! I don’t do so good and have to ask what some of the things are, but I think we can have so much fun with them! As long as..” Nao’s smile faded a little as she lowered her gaze. “As long as I don’t umm.. mess it up..”
His hand left her hip, the other remained in place as he tilted her face back up "You never could. Uncle Don loves and understands as much as he can.." he leans in, kissing the tip of her nose. "And you know me. I'm never upset with you.. even when you eat the last slice.." a warm, comforting smile as the hand on her hip stretched open, testing to see how much of her he could fit in his palm.
You know, for science yo.
The clearly pure experiment brought about an immediate reaction of color on her cheeks, her gaze averting his again but a smile returning. “I.. I’m glad you feel that way and that Uncle is understanding too. I guess I just feel like.. I make things hard sometimes because my head is not correct. I thought this way for a while and after.. after what I saw.. what I realized, it makes it a bigger thought in my head.” She paused for a moment, doing her best to come up with the right words to express her lingering thoughts. “You are the best and.. I want to be that for you too. I don’t want you to feel like.. I don’t know.. I probably sound weird right now.. I’m sorry.” She kept from looking at him, until a random thought entered her mind. “Wait a minute.. you do get upset. Last time I ate the last slice you shot me with a Nerf gun! Like eight times! I had to throw a pillow to make you stop.”
"Thievery will not be tolerated, yo!!" He declared, hands suddenly coming together under her rear and lifting her up. He marched out of the restroom, before unceremoniously dropping her on the couch, pointing an accusatory finger.
"WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION….WHERE IS MY LAST FUDGESICLE NAO?!" The grin betrayed the accusatory tone as his other hand retrieved the full auto death dealer AKA the Nerf gun. "I didn't eat it yo, and we all know you're a chocolate addict!" He leveled the weapon. "How do you plead, yo?!"
With the dreaded weapon pointed her way, Nao raised her arms, a playful smile on her face as she exaggerated her breathing. Looking around the room in desperation, she bit her lip a little trying to come up with her plea. “I.. I.. there’s no proof I’m a chocolate addict! Where is your evidence? I’m being set up! I object!” She couldn’t help laughing, rosy cheeks and a sort of subtly quick wink perhaps giving way to the truth. "Oh the good people at Hershey have sent a list of your victims yo.."
A grin, he lowered the weapon "However, I do feel like maybe we can work out a deal here. You answer a question, and maybe I reduce the charges. Fine you, and spare you the wrath of nerf." He steps closer, still aiming the dealer of suction tip darted death at the dangerous criminal in his presence.
And her..fucking unfairly perfect legs.
Nope. Focus on justice Bert.
Justice for the chocolate.
Pondering her options and looking around for potential shields, having very little to work with she gave a hesitant nod. “What is this deal, sir? What is this question? Also can my fine be those yummy chocolate coins and we get to share them? …Not that I’m an addict or anything. Just a.. an offer?” Her defense needed some work, she is no Ace Attorney. Still she smiled though, her curiosity rising. Bert drops down next to her, closing the distance and smirking mischievously.
"A little bird told me...that you had a crush on me when we first met!" He did his best not to melt at the implication the way he had at the thought. "Far as your fine...we'll focus on that after you answer, Miss Nao!" He jabbed her playfully with the Nerf gun then. Her eyes widened from his words, Nao unintentionally becoming a tomato in a little dress. She did her best to keep herself from fully curling into herself, but the smile showed the truth before she even said a word.
“I.. well I.. how would a bird know that? Was it watching me as I giggled to myself after trying to keep from seeming silly? I demand testimony from this bird! Although.. wait a minute. You didn’t actually ask the question, you just said the truth and then..” she was very quick to shush herself, looking away with an even brighter blush few would think possible.
"So it IS true!" He grinned, setting the nerf gun down and leaning over her, now hovering above her while his bottom half remained off the couch "So what was it, yo? Baby blue eyes? My butt? I do a lot of squats yo.." he let himself chuckle then, bringing a hand to caress her face and going quiet. He leaned down, kissing each of her cheeks before bringing his own cheek to rest against hers, whispering now.
"You always want to do better for me. You worry so much but you need to know that you're absolutely fine. Better than that, you're damn near perfect.." his hand reaches out to rest on her knee, his eye closes as he feels himself start to get overwhelmed.
"You're so courageous, Naoko. So many would have given up..but you keep going. And you make the world so much better for it. You've made ME better, yo.." he pulls from her ear with another soft kiss on her rosy red cheeks.
"I think, looking back...I never had a crush on you, Nao.." he smirks, looking almost drunk from the emotion and the moment "This was love at first sight, baby girl…"
Emotion overwhelmed her, she couldn’t stop the stray tears from escaping, though they were in no way tied to sadness. She had a warm smile on her face and following a few choked up attempts at responding, gave a simple nod, more tears rolling out. “I.. I.. 私はあなたがいるのはとても幸運です.. I can never.. match the way you have with words.. but please know.. they all mean so much, like how you mean so much.. mean everything..” more stray tears and a sniffle interrupted. “I feel the same with you. You are courageous too, so caring, sweet.. you told me before that I make it easy for you to be the way you are.. I feel the same way. I will always want to be better for you because you should have the best always. I want to.. I guess.. do all I can for however long I can.. if that makes sense..” another pause, this one of her own choice.
“It was.. first the smile.. and then it was who you are. It’s true.. I just didn’t know how to say it. I never.. as far as I know.. it is blurry but.. the feeling was different I think, than any other.. strange.. but makes me smile so much thinking about it.”
Her cheeks, warm and rosy, her eyes looking away again, her smile, clearly showing her pool of emotions. “Robert.. I love you. So much..”
"I love you too, Naoko.." he took a deep breath then and slowly almost rigidly climbed up onto the couch, now completely hovering over her. "You don't ever need to worry about better...because you're the best.."
His hand gently caressed her red face, thumb tracing her cheekbone as he held her gaze in his own. Both sets of eyes like deer in the headlights. His breathing had gone shallow, each breath hotter than the surface of the sun.
"You always got me thinking silly shit, you know? Always got me wound up…" he paused, swallowing once "Well...you told me a secret, would you like to know one, too?" The thumb froze, if she wasn't too lost she might note how much his hand shook as he armed the bomb he was about to drop.
While her breathing too had changed at this time, Nao did manage to nod slowly, the multi-layered expression of joy not even beginning to fade. It was quite the opposite. “I would like to know one too, I love learning more about you. If.. if that’s okay of course.”
He took a deep breath through his nose. Her scent did nothing to calm him. "I…" a pause, a chuckle "God I'm so lame.."
"I.. don't have allergies that often, yo.." his voice was hoarse. His vision was cloudy as he swore he felt steam shoot out of them. "The nosebleeds are..because you like…" now he was red, as red as her.
"You..like..get my motor running." Well that tracks. Way to go Bert. "And like.. I'm afraid of crossing any lines or like...hurting you, yo. Doing something to make the cold come back…" he looks away, flustered and embarrassed.
"God you must think I'm a fuckin dweeb.." he mutters.. Listening to his words, she took her time in making sure she understood everything. At the same time, she slowly snuck her hand underneath, using it to bring his gaze back to hers, offering a reassuring smile.
“You are not a dweeb.. we are both dorks.. big difference.” A soft chuckle escaped. “I.. I was nervous about your allergies, so I am glad you aren’t very sick. I.. I also.. I think that it is nice you think that way.. I know I don’t know much, or maybe don’t remember what I did know before, but.. I think we’re supposed to feel that way so I’m glad that we do.” More color rose as she lowered her hand back to where it was before. “Please.. please don’t worry about that.. I know I still go sometimes, but I always feel safe with you and you can’t hurt me.. I also know you wouldn’t. I trust you. 完全に…”
His breath hitched as he held her gaze. Time, space? They left the room. The room itself seemed to become independent from the rest of the universe.
Ragdoll? Didn't matter.
The Courage Title? Not an issue.
Defending their multi-dimensional space gloves? Who cares!
The Kazoka and their numerous crimes that had gone unpunished for nearly a century? Okay that's a big deal, but not right now.
All he could see was her, he brought a hand to her chest, resting over her beating heart. He took her hand and brought it to his own.
"These are one now, yo…" he whispered, obligated to be cheesy. Slowly, he brought his face to hers as the universe seemed to hang precariously by a thread with all of his inhibition…
Then the phone rang. He grunted in frustration, pulling it from his pocket…
And throwing it across the room.
She didn’t even flinch when the phone was tossed, her focus solely on him. Though she did manage a soft chuckle, a key statement following. “私たちは今1つです...”
"Forever." He managed to add, momentarily aware that he understood that before pulling her into a kiss unlike the rest.
Months of desire, eons of suffering and struggling through the crisis they found themselves in all came out in a pure, ferocious, passionate and clumsy display as the two came together fully.
Champions, for a company and for each other. One of them is fighting for a title that represents Courage. Befitting the courageous woman with no past and a future he'd die to make brighter than the sun.
He barely noticed when they fell from the couch. However, next door their neighbor paused her Cinemax softcore smut and listened intently. She lit up a cigarette and grinned.
"Nice."
Fucking..
“Brenda?” Nao curiously spoke the name of her neighbor’s name after having received a congratulatory text that also offered some rather troubling advice. It hadn’t been too long since the day they became one, even less time since the night they became engaged. The night of what she discovered was her birthday. Now she had a birthday to go along with a name, a name that will be changing in due time. All of that brought a soft smile to her features, she felt as if she was finally a complete person. She has a life, and in order to honor it, to honor how much she fought without realizing it, she had to do everything within her power to succeed. It took some time for her to find the courage, now she needed to publicly display it. First with a statement, then with her actions. For that is how a true message is delivered.
She was nervous of course, speaking was never really her thing and she is the first to admit that. However, something over the past couple weeks led to those nerves dimming just a bit. They started giving way to her overwhelming passion. The passion to compete, to achieve, and to live. It was decided between the couple that she would give this a chance by herself and should she feel it was too much, he’d come in to wrap things up like only he can. With one last breath though, after putting her phone down and getting into position, a soft nod was given and the stage was hers.
“Hello everybody!” A cute little wave and things are off to a smooth start. Keep it up Ahmya! “So where did we leave off last time I saw you all?” Tapping her chin playfully, she quickly realized that she actually forgot what happened at the last EXP event. She knows she was tagging with Jenny and facing.. that accursed thing and some guy named Isaac with capital letters. However, the ending is lost on her, she must have left and didn’t know until now. Shaking away the thought, she did her best to continue. “Well of course, I was in that tag match right? Pretty entertaining, although the ending wasn’t all I wanted it to be.” Just smile. If a smile is there, it will make sense even if it doesn’t. “That’s okay though, because another night will come and what is right will come to be. After all, Devil May Cry is right around the corner and I know for a fact that sad clown has a date with 父親 that will serve at least some justice. However, watching that match from afar and having fun with that isn’t all that is on my plate at this big event. With Ro-” Ahmya paused for a moment, remembering that it’s time to go by the other names. “With my partner Bert not cleared fully yet, I have a task to tackle on my own, wonderfully enough with the Courage Championship being on the line. If I win this, I become the first champion of the kind in the company which is a really nice thing in my opinion. Don’t you agree?”
She waited about twenty seconds for an answer before letting out a soft chuckle. “You don’t have to say a thing, I know some of you do and some of you don’t. That’s okay too. We’re all entitled to our opinions, just as we are entitled to our dreams and our goals. Right now, mine are picking out the perfect dress and getting my hands on that championship belt. I mean green is the perfect color in this situation because I have a feeling if I get the power gloves to work, they will shoot green laser beams and have a green portal too! Well.. I actually think the portal will be blue, but we can get that title later. Bert can have that one, even though he likes purple more..” Another brief pause from the champion as she realized she started rambling. “Anyway.. Courage Championship! The title where those who channel the meaning of the word take to the skies and battle all who oppose them! It took me a long time, but after some moments where my own courage was tested, professionally, personally, outside a convenient store, I understand why this is so important and why I belong in this realm.”
“Courage is strength in the face of pain and hardship, the ability to do something that brings about fear, despite that emotion. It ties in with boldness, bravery, and nerves along with the aforementioned fear. You see, I’m not going into this match without these feelings. For me, this will be an all new challenge and I will have the privilege of sharing that with some incredibly talented athletes so I’d be a fool to not be nervous or scared. I’m still going to face this though, I’ll face it, those involved and even myself on the quest for courage. In the name of that championship, I will conquer all of that and hopefully not get too busted up in the process because that doesn’t make for a cool pose picture. Although Bert mentioned something about chicks digging scars and I do think little baby chicks are cool so I would like to make them chirp in happiness.” Ahmya looked over to the side for a second, giving a few nods.
“Still.. with said match comes those other contenders and it would be wrong of me to overlook them in any way. Someone who doesn’t see the worth of others can never really find their own, so I’d be foolish to put myself on this pedestal without seeing those who belong on their own. Seven other people. Seven is a frightening number, but with me that makes eight and if you turn that eight sideways, you’ll see my potential, along with the potential of so many others. Now due to certain.. circumstances.. I can’t exactly compare experience, but I think I can do enough of a job expressing my appreciation for each person I’m up against.” A jovial clap of the hands before they lower. “So let’s get started!”
“I suppose I’ll go from left to right with that cool looking poster as reference, excluding myself because I am not exactly sure if I should talk about myself, I might give away too much, or show that.. anyway! First is my partner from the last EXP and someone who I know is incredibly tough in Jenny. She calls herself.. or gets called the Queen Machine. Personally I didn’t know that she was a robot when I teamed with her, but even with the cold interior, she showed that she has a lot of heart and means well. She seems lost too sometimes, but I know in that ring she will find herself again very quickly and do everything it takes to crush all, including me, to become champion. I think she likes me, and I like her a lot too. She’s very nice, but at the same time it would be disrespectful of me to go easy on her because of the way I feel. We’re both competitors and in that ring, I can’t see her as anything else. Then there is The Delivery Girl. She has a lot of spirit from what I have seen so far and while I do not know much about her outside of that, something tells me to watch out for her. There is more than she presents. This gives me even more of a reason to be excited to face her in this match. We may not get to spend all the time in it together, but I will make sure we become acquainted. Then there is Amber. Thankfully, even though this is her debut, there was a lot of footage to study and she is vicious. There are times she showcases tenacity, and others where she is pure venom. I do not know which Amber will appear for this match, but I am ready for both. I hope to battle you one on one someday.”
Ahmya took a deep breath before continuing. “Then there is Eli, sometimes Goode, sometimes bad. Like Amber, you have two sides to your coin, but for different reasons. I do hope you bring your best, please do. All of us are giving our entire being into this and if you give the slightest bit less, you will be outshined and overshadowed. Continue being the warrior. Erika is awesome! So talented, she’s one to watch too. Larry is annoying, but he can’t be overlooked. Doing that will lead to him easily taking advantage of the situation and I don’t think anyone wants him to add this to things he boasts about. Sorry Larry, we can’t let you win. Diamond is another one I have limited viewings of, however I can tell she’s athletic and will bring a lot to this match. Look.. I know people see my involvement in this as me trying to be a title hog, but I was placed in this for a reason. You want to keep me from holding two championships here, actually stop me then. これはあなたのチャンスです。失敗しないでください。そうでなければ、あなたは別の機会を持つことは決してありません..” A strange expression exudes from Ahmya now. Is this confidence? How strange..
Before she knew it, her blinks led her to a strange looking hallway, a female figure shorter than her in stature approaching. There was no greeting, no hugs, only a message. “What if I told you that I can have it where you are alone in a room with the woman from the snow? Would you be able to handle that?” The grip of the chains tightened, her head throbbing from the newfound blades jabbing her through that mark. It nearly brought her to a knee, but she stopped herself. Gritting her teeth, she managed to find the gaze of the mysterious female. It took a few attempts, pained cries.. however she found it in her to speak. “To.. cower now.. I can’t.. I won’t let her win.. none of them will. I will be there if you truly have the way.. and I will show her true courage.. not the burning.. the lies..” Struggling to a full vertical base, she stared down the figure. “I’m ready.”
“Then show me. Show us. Once you do, you’ll get to finally take it back. Until then, Naoko..”
“Wait, how did.. you know my..” Before she could get the last word out, she felt fingers press against the mark and then white. It’s all white again.
When the world returned eventually, he was back in it as always. Cradling her head in his lap and stroking her hair. He looked far more relaxed than most, but he had grown used to all the oddities of their relationship.
Her ears were filled with the rasping, off key rendition of their song. So innocent and childish. So true. Even if they had become so much more?
She had a friend in him.
Right now? She needed to put all her focus on this task, this platformer match. It’s one that, as far as she knows, she has never taken part in and going in unprepared was a fool’s game. On top of that, she has even more studying to do when it comes to her opponents, all seven of them. Normally when her eyes were glued to a screen, she drifted or was prone to distraction, on her own, or because of the man she loved more than everything. This time, there was nothing keeping her from completing her scouting and he of course had the respect for her as an athlete to not only leave her to her note taking, but help supply the footage. What a guy..
Some time had passed and while she took many notes, she couldn’t help but feel like there was still more and something missing. Thinking to herself what exactly it could be, the young woman let out an exclamation.
“Courage!”
The very championship she was going after, one of the three key elements to the world Level Up Wrestling was building. Along with Wisdom and Power, Courage was an intangible sought after in order to truly be the champion of all. Sitting back down, Ahmya went from one lingering question to another. “What is courage?”
Sure, she could look up the definition, absorb the words to the best of her ability. Many claim to have this attribute, but she was one of the eight chosen to potentially represent it first. So why? Was it because of her record? Her background which was a blank canvas within her mind? She has to embody it in some form. At least that’s the conclusion she came to. Was the courage something she had forgotten following the snow? Did she have it and not have any idea? The answer needs to be there somewhere. “I must find it. To represent courage, it is only fair.” This truly was like no other match. This was.. a quest.
Like any quest, after obtaining some fundage, whether coin, rupee, dollar or donut, you head to the item shop in order to get what you need to obtain victory. While she didn’t know what shop to go to, the closest one to where they lived was this neat little corner store where she and Robert would often get potato chips and other snacks. Surely they would be able to supply what she needs. “Wait.. what am I getting here again?” A simple question, but one that would go unanswered as for some reason she was left to her own devices, trusted with the mission of getting their treats and beginning her path to the platform..er match. Or maybe she left without telling him again. Either way, she was alone and had to do the best she could. After all, in this match.. she would be on her own as well.
“If someone seeks courage, they need the right tools.. I think. Or maybe no tools are needed because courage isn’t a prize or a treasure.. I know that because I asked the best pirate I know and he said that wasn’t the case. So perhaps it isn’t an accessory that is needed to help me find it, but an inner map. I wouldn’t have been picked for this if I didn’t have what was needed. Why does this seem so hard then?” She thought about it, only to grow more frustrated. “I was told this would be a challenge like no other, but I thought that was because there were more people. Seven looking to try and claim that banner, that word, the meaning with pride and.. I can’t get to it! Gaahh freaking head!! All I see when I think too much is white!!” Stating that a little louder than she probably should have, Ahmya.. or at the present time Nao let out a giggle coated in embarrassment before grabbing their favorites. Then like any person faced with the fear of public humiliation being realized, she stood there awkwardly.
“Isn’t that your cue to leave?” A voice spoke out to her, causing her to snap away from the pain she was feeling and turn around. A child? “What do you mean?” Nao spoke with a genuine sense of confusion that brought about a smirk from the kid. She thought about the smirk and found it weird. Kids shouldn’t smirk. “Well it’s easy. You were talking to yourself, sort of screamed and everyone noticed. Usually that leads to an exit. You know the kind, all shameful and shit.” Kids curse? Nao could barely believe what she was hearing, but shook it off and shook her head. “That’s not really how I do things. I mean, the part you call weird I think happens a lot, but why would I leave after that? Just because things go wrong, get weird or simply seem too tough in a way doesn’t mean you leave. You have to face it. That’s what life is I think.. Although Robert did show me a movie that said life is the number forty-two. So I think that is part of the number. You keep going.”
The kid gave an amused nod. “Huh, pretty bold of you, but I like it.” Now it was her turn to show off a smirk, the light within flickering. “Bold as in..courageous, maybe?”
“Don’t push your luck, it’s not like you ran into a burning building and tried to save people.” Nao huffed a little, grabbing her bag of goodies from the cashier who was having none of the odd conversation going on. Her attention soon turned back to the kid. “Fine. I will accept that I am simply bold for now. I could totally do that though with the burning building. I got a cape now and everything!” The eyeroll was real, one from her following suit as the two made their exit from the convenient store. The child began heading off, but Nao stood there, looking to the left and right before a wave of panic took hold. Looking back for a second from the middle of the road, the child raised a brow. “Uhh are you okay lady?” Again a voice snapped her back to the present, and an irritating reality. “Yeah I.. I think I’m lost. I’ll find my way.. I’m sure.” A shrug of the shoulders greeted her hidden despair. “Okay I-”
Time stood still. The kid didn’t notice the lights, but somehow she did. Pain be damned, she raced over. Using what speed and strength she had, she shoved the child out of the way, looking ahead, seeing only white but having no fear for what was happening.
Until it didn’t.. or maybe it did. She isn’t sure. The world around didn’t come back into frame until two voices called to her.
“Hey! Are you okay?”
“Hey lady!”
Soon enough she was back and looked to see two very concerned faces staring at her. The blur of concern faded in and out, but there was a key statement that stuck. “Okay, I’ll give you that one.. maybe you are courageous. Just.. don’t be weird and wear a cape, okay? And uhh.. Thank you.” Another smirk made its way onto her face before the white.
It wasn’t a voice this time calling to her, but a gentle melody that brought Nao to her new present. It was a concern that she still had these moments, but she had to look at the positives. That and she didn’t wish to dwell too much while cleaning. So instead she looked over to Bert who was on the phone with someone and went back to work. The song was a cute one she somehow knew the words to, despite not really knowing the source. Both she and her love chalked it up to a missing piece that they would find soon enough. Or not. She was fine either way. Thinking of the words she found herself singing brought about a smile. Her memories from when he found her, a lot was fuzzy but she at least found her way to latching onto some.
“Look how far we’ve come.. found a bond that lasted.” It was true. Again so much was missing, but what she held onto, she feels a big part of why was because of him. Deep within she recalled not the exact time, not what happened.. but the feeling from that time. A feeling that has only grown since he made his way back into her life and gifted her with a real one once again. She had a feeling he had no idea what he meant to her and a while back made the decision that she’d dedicate her days to trying to let him know, as long as he’d like to have her around. So in order to extend those days, to not grow into a burden, she kept going, kept fighting. “Even everyday.. living takes its toll.. trials everywhere you look.” Whether personal or professional, this too rang true for them. However they always did their best to rise above it all. She couldn’t deny the fact that it did leave more of an impact each time. One stop after another, the journey never seemed to stop. Even with the EXP 11 incident, there was very little time spent resting or relaxing. If anything, more work came of it and the EXP that followed.
“And the chaos couldn't keep you from running into me.” It seemed that chaos was a strong theme with the two and their lives outside of one another. Hell according to what she was told and even saw, she won a title by that very name. Life is strange as hell. She didn’t understand a lot of it, she remembered even less, but she still knew. There was always something going on, some obstacle, some fight, but they always found their way back to one another and for that she was grateful. A life without him wasn’t one she wanted. So she had to do her best. She had to make him proud.
“Time slips by through your fingers. So live...now!” This fact began to showcase itself more and more to Ahmya who, after a few hectic moments, found herself more attached to this reality. The reality was difficult to absorb, but with him it was cake. Even when they were both not feeling their best, still cake. A cake she got to taste more and more, cherish, appreciating the little things such as the laughter, the magic. This one was no lie, and while she was thankful for getting lost less, the toll each time took multiplied tenfold during the best of times. Still, she had to keep going. He has done so much for her, given every part of himself emotionally, it’s only fair for her to push through the pain. Smile and do her best to absorb the frightening world her eyes are opening themselves too.
Do it for him.
With that thought echoing in her mind and the song ending “past infinity..” She looked around to see her job for the day was done. It wasn’t one she was told to do or anything, he never asked her for a single thing aside from grabbing the occasional snack or drink if she was already up. This was something she always felt was right to do, her way of showing her care and appreciation for all he does. Plus when in hotels, it kind of makes up for the whole taking eighty blankets thing. Forts are complicated, don’t judge.
A smile of accomplishment made its way to her face, the softest tint on her cheeks as well. Soft steps made their way over to where he had been for the last few minutes or so. She still doesn’t have the best grasp of time when not staring down a clock, but tries her best with it. Shaking the small weight of guilt over this fact, she gently knocked on the door a few times, hoping there wasn’t anything wrong. “Robert.. Are you okay? How are your allergies?”
He had been in there from nearly the second he hung up with Tirri. The world was changing. Or maybe it was just coming into view more clearly?
"I'm good, yo." He wiped the last bit of blood from his nostril. Their relationship was mostly private. People knew they were an item. But outside of two or three others? Nothing else was known. Especially one of the oddest details.
Aside from the brain injury and human trafficking of course.
They had never crossed a certain line that was almost an afterthought especially in the age of Tinder where sex was tantamount to take out. He would like to lie and say it's because he was old fashioned. Hell, his hair brained proposal scheme could easily reinforce that.
But the truth? He was afraid of hurting her. Causing some sort of trigger. He knew of her hellish existence before Carnage now. He had no idea what sort of thoughts lay buried and attached to physical intimacy from those times.
And he'd rather die than hurt her.
So, to cope, his body had dug up an old coping mechanism for stress. Humorously timed nosebleeds that, as a kid, gave him an out from stressful situations. Let him lock himself in the bathroom and calm down..
"I'm good." He repeated before going to the door, and opening it wearing a brave smile.
That sundress was going to kill him. Greeting him as the door opened was of course Nao. In that white sundress with the soft blue trim. Stepping closer, she smiled, though her expression also hinted at the obvious concern. “Are you sure? I think you were in here a while.. I think. Did you take the medicine? Are you drowsy yet? Should we nap? Should we eat? I forgot what we were doing today. Did we have something planned today? I feel like my head is full of questions and I’m thinking too much too fast again aren’t I..?” Giggling a bit, she gave him a hug, burying herself, and possibly a little embarrassment too.
He stiffened up at the contact, thankful for the extra layer of the hoodie between them. The fool he was though, couldn't resist returning the embrace. His hands came to rest just above her waist, before sliding to rest on her hips.
He felt his face flush. Not safer, McAlroy.
"Well, I was gonna say Tirri invited us to come stay for a while. You know, get away until after the clown is dealt with." Giving in and poking the dangerous bear further, he leaned down to bury his face in the crook of her neck. "I figured we get some lunch, veg out, I'll book a flight out there for the red eye.. then we figure out a game to play in the air." He took in a deep inhale of her familiar scent, pressing his face slightly harder into the crook. "If you're up for getting away, yo."
The suggestion of the getaway and prospect of adventure brought a quick and excited eep, Nao hugging tighter. “That sounds like so much fun! Staying with Uncle should be a wonderful time and I love your ideas for how we get there too!” Softening the hug again, she let out a soft hum of the previously sung tune while composing her thoughts. “I am glad we will get to have nice times before more work happens. Maybe we can play that peeking surprise game again like the last flight. I know I fell over because the plane got nervous and shaky, but I promise to be more careful this time.”
His own song bit at his mind, mostly as a way to distract him from the heat between them and the sorrow of her grip relaxing "Hey, now that we know what to expect maybe we get some marbles and race 'em on the fold down tray when the shaking starts.." he offers, painfully peeling away from her.
He looked at her silently, as the sun caught her eyes just right. Making them sparkle.
Yeah, he made the right decision.
“I'll play any game with you, you know that..” a thought, a distraction "Pack the board games, yo! I bet Don gets big mad at Risk and Monopoly!!" A laugh escaped him at the thought. Her own laugh was quick to join his as she too thought of the potential grrness those games can bring. Suddenly she claps her hands together and bounces excitedly, a lightbulb having gone off in her head. “Oh!! We should also bring the funny game with the people pictures, the ones on our heads too and do the one where we have to draw something and guess what it is! I don’t do so good and have to ask what some of the things are, but I think we can have so much fun with them! As long as..” Nao’s smile faded a little as she lowered her gaze. “As long as I don’t umm.. mess it up..”
His hand left her hip, the other remained in place as he tilted her face back up "You never could. Uncle Don loves and understands as much as he can.." he leans in, kissing the tip of her nose. "And you know me. I'm never upset with you.. even when you eat the last slice.." a warm, comforting smile as the hand on her hip stretched open, testing to see how much of her he could fit in his palm.
You know, for science yo.
The clearly pure experiment brought about an immediate reaction of color on her cheeks, her gaze averting his again but a smile returning. “I.. I’m glad you feel that way and that Uncle is understanding too. I guess I just feel like.. I make things hard sometimes because my head is not correct. I thought this way for a while and after.. after what I saw.. what I realized, it makes it a bigger thought in my head.” She paused for a moment, doing her best to come up with the right words to express her lingering thoughts. “You are the best and.. I want to be that for you too. I don’t want you to feel like.. I don’t know.. I probably sound weird right now.. I’m sorry.” She kept from looking at him, until a random thought entered her mind. “Wait a minute.. you do get upset. Last time I ate the last slice you shot me with a Nerf gun! Like eight times! I had to throw a pillow to make you stop.”
"Thievery will not be tolerated, yo!!" He declared, hands suddenly coming together under her rear and lifting her up. He marched out of the restroom, before unceremoniously dropping her on the couch, pointing an accusatory finger.
"WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION….WHERE IS MY LAST FUDGESICLE NAO?!" The grin betrayed the accusatory tone as his other hand retrieved the full auto death dealer AKA the Nerf gun. "I didn't eat it yo, and we all know you're a chocolate addict!" He leveled the weapon. "How do you plead, yo?!"
With the dreaded weapon pointed her way, Nao raised her arms, a playful smile on her face as she exaggerated her breathing. Looking around the room in desperation, she bit her lip a little trying to come up with her plea. “I.. I.. there’s no proof I’m a chocolate addict! Where is your evidence? I’m being set up! I object!” She couldn’t help laughing, rosy cheeks and a sort of subtly quick wink perhaps giving way to the truth. "Oh the good people at Hershey have sent a list of your victims yo.."
A grin, he lowered the weapon "However, I do feel like maybe we can work out a deal here. You answer a question, and maybe I reduce the charges. Fine you, and spare you the wrath of nerf." He steps closer, still aiming the dealer of suction tip darted death at the dangerous criminal in his presence.
And her..fucking unfairly perfect legs.
Nope. Focus on justice Bert.
Justice for the chocolate.
Pondering her options and looking around for potential shields, having very little to work with she gave a hesitant nod. “What is this deal, sir? What is this question? Also can my fine be those yummy chocolate coins and we get to share them? …Not that I’m an addict or anything. Just a.. an offer?” Her defense needed some work, she is no Ace Attorney. Still she smiled though, her curiosity rising. Bert drops down next to her, closing the distance and smirking mischievously.
"A little bird told me...that you had a crush on me when we first met!" He did his best not to melt at the implication the way he had at the thought. "Far as your fine...we'll focus on that after you answer, Miss Nao!" He jabbed her playfully with the Nerf gun then. Her eyes widened from his words, Nao unintentionally becoming a tomato in a little dress. She did her best to keep herself from fully curling into herself, but the smile showed the truth before she even said a word.
“I.. well I.. how would a bird know that? Was it watching me as I giggled to myself after trying to keep from seeming silly? I demand testimony from this bird! Although.. wait a minute. You didn’t actually ask the question, you just said the truth and then..” she was very quick to shush herself, looking away with an even brighter blush few would think possible.
"So it IS true!" He grinned, setting the nerf gun down and leaning over her, now hovering above her while his bottom half remained off the couch "So what was it, yo? Baby blue eyes? My butt? I do a lot of squats yo.." he let himself chuckle then, bringing a hand to caress her face and going quiet. He leaned down, kissing each of her cheeks before bringing his own cheek to rest against hers, whispering now.
"You always want to do better for me. You worry so much but you need to know that you're absolutely fine. Better than that, you're damn near perfect.." his hand reaches out to rest on her knee, his eye closes as he feels himself start to get overwhelmed.
"You're so courageous, Naoko. So many would have given up..but you keep going. And you make the world so much better for it. You've made ME better, yo.." he pulls from her ear with another soft kiss on her rosy red cheeks.
"I think, looking back...I never had a crush on you, Nao.." he smirks, looking almost drunk from the emotion and the moment "This was love at first sight, baby girl…"
Emotion overwhelmed her, she couldn’t stop the stray tears from escaping, though they were in no way tied to sadness. She had a warm smile on her face and following a few choked up attempts at responding, gave a simple nod, more tears rolling out. “I.. I.. 私はあなたがいるのはとても幸運です.. I can never.. match the way you have with words.. but please know.. they all mean so much, like how you mean so much.. mean everything..” more stray tears and a sniffle interrupted. “I feel the same with you. You are courageous too, so caring, sweet.. you told me before that I make it easy for you to be the way you are.. I feel the same way. I will always want to be better for you because you should have the best always. I want to.. I guess.. do all I can for however long I can.. if that makes sense..” another pause, this one of her own choice.
“It was.. first the smile.. and then it was who you are. It’s true.. I just didn’t know how to say it. I never.. as far as I know.. it is blurry but.. the feeling was different I think, than any other.. strange.. but makes me smile so much thinking about it.”
Her cheeks, warm and rosy, her eyes looking away again, her smile, clearly showing her pool of emotions. “Robert.. I love you. So much..”
"I love you too, Naoko.." he took a deep breath then and slowly almost rigidly climbed up onto the couch, now completely hovering over her. "You don't ever need to worry about better...because you're the best.."
His hand gently caressed her red face, thumb tracing her cheekbone as he held her gaze in his own. Both sets of eyes like deer in the headlights. His breathing had gone shallow, each breath hotter than the surface of the sun.
"You always got me thinking silly shit, you know? Always got me wound up…" he paused, swallowing once "Well...you told me a secret, would you like to know one, too?" The thumb froze, if she wasn't too lost she might note how much his hand shook as he armed the bomb he was about to drop.
While her breathing too had changed at this time, Nao did manage to nod slowly, the multi-layered expression of joy not even beginning to fade. It was quite the opposite. “I would like to know one too, I love learning more about you. If.. if that’s okay of course.”
He took a deep breath through his nose. Her scent did nothing to calm him. "I…" a pause, a chuckle "God I'm so lame.."
"I.. don't have allergies that often, yo.." his voice was hoarse. His vision was cloudy as he swore he felt steam shoot out of them. "The nosebleeds are..because you like…" now he was red, as red as her.
"You..like..get my motor running." Well that tracks. Way to go Bert. "And like.. I'm afraid of crossing any lines or like...hurting you, yo. Doing something to make the cold come back…" he looks away, flustered and embarrassed.
"God you must think I'm a fuckin dweeb.." he mutters.. Listening to his words, she took her time in making sure she understood everything. At the same time, she slowly snuck her hand underneath, using it to bring his gaze back to hers, offering a reassuring smile.
“You are not a dweeb.. we are both dorks.. big difference.” A soft chuckle escaped. “I.. I was nervous about your allergies, so I am glad you aren’t very sick. I.. I also.. I think that it is nice you think that way.. I know I don’t know much, or maybe don’t remember what I did know before, but.. I think we’re supposed to feel that way so I’m glad that we do.” More color rose as she lowered her hand back to where it was before. “Please.. please don’t worry about that.. I know I still go sometimes, but I always feel safe with you and you can’t hurt me.. I also know you wouldn’t. I trust you. 完全に…”
His breath hitched as he held her gaze. Time, space? They left the room. The room itself seemed to become independent from the rest of the universe.
Ragdoll? Didn't matter.
The Courage Title? Not an issue.
Defending their multi-dimensional space gloves? Who cares!
The Kazoka and their numerous crimes that had gone unpunished for nearly a century? Okay that's a big deal, but not right now.
All he could see was her, he brought a hand to her chest, resting over her beating heart. He took her hand and brought it to his own.
"These are one now, yo…" he whispered, obligated to be cheesy. Slowly, he brought his face to hers as the universe seemed to hang precariously by a thread with all of his inhibition…
Then the phone rang. He grunted in frustration, pulling it from his pocket…
And throwing it across the room.
She didn’t even flinch when the phone was tossed, her focus solely on him. Though she did manage a soft chuckle, a key statement following. “私たちは今1つです...”
"Forever." He managed to add, momentarily aware that he understood that before pulling her into a kiss unlike the rest.
Months of desire, eons of suffering and struggling through the crisis they found themselves in all came out in a pure, ferocious, passionate and clumsy display as the two came together fully.
Champions, for a company and for each other. One of them is fighting for a title that represents Courage. Befitting the courageous woman with no past and a future he'd die to make brighter than the sun.
He barely noticed when they fell from the couch. However, next door their neighbor paused her Cinemax softcore smut and listened intently. She lit up a cigarette and grinned.
"Nice."
Fucking..
“Brenda?” Nao curiously spoke the name of her neighbor’s name after having received a congratulatory text that also offered some rather troubling advice. It hadn’t been too long since the day they became one, even less time since the night they became engaged. The night of what she discovered was her birthday. Now she had a birthday to go along with a name, a name that will be changing in due time. All of that brought a soft smile to her features, she felt as if she was finally a complete person. She has a life, and in order to honor it, to honor how much she fought without realizing it, she had to do everything within her power to succeed. It took some time for her to find the courage, now she needed to publicly display it. First with a statement, then with her actions. For that is how a true message is delivered.
She was nervous of course, speaking was never really her thing and she is the first to admit that. However, something over the past couple weeks led to those nerves dimming just a bit. They started giving way to her overwhelming passion. The passion to compete, to achieve, and to live. It was decided between the couple that she would give this a chance by herself and should she feel it was too much, he’d come in to wrap things up like only he can. With one last breath though, after putting her phone down and getting into position, a soft nod was given and the stage was hers.
“Hello everybody!” A cute little wave and things are off to a smooth start. Keep it up Ahmya! “So where did we leave off last time I saw you all?” Tapping her chin playfully, she quickly realized that she actually forgot what happened at the last EXP event. She knows she was tagging with Jenny and facing.. that accursed thing and some guy named Isaac with capital letters. However, the ending is lost on her, she must have left and didn’t know until now. Shaking away the thought, she did her best to continue. “Well of course, I was in that tag match right? Pretty entertaining, although the ending wasn’t all I wanted it to be.” Just smile. If a smile is there, it will make sense even if it doesn’t. “That’s okay though, because another night will come and what is right will come to be. After all, Devil May Cry is right around the corner and I know for a fact that sad clown has a date with 父親 that will serve at least some justice. However, watching that match from afar and having fun with that isn’t all that is on my plate at this big event. With Ro-” Ahmya paused for a moment, remembering that it’s time to go by the other names. “With my partner Bert not cleared fully yet, I have a task to tackle on my own, wonderfully enough with the Courage Championship being on the line. If I win this, I become the first champion of the kind in the company which is a really nice thing in my opinion. Don’t you agree?”
She waited about twenty seconds for an answer before letting out a soft chuckle. “You don’t have to say a thing, I know some of you do and some of you don’t. That’s okay too. We’re all entitled to our opinions, just as we are entitled to our dreams and our goals. Right now, mine are picking out the perfect dress and getting my hands on that championship belt. I mean green is the perfect color in this situation because I have a feeling if I get the power gloves to work, they will shoot green laser beams and have a green portal too! Well.. I actually think the portal will be blue, but we can get that title later. Bert can have that one, even though he likes purple more..” Another brief pause from the champion as she realized she started rambling. “Anyway.. Courage Championship! The title where those who channel the meaning of the word take to the skies and battle all who oppose them! It took me a long time, but after some moments where my own courage was tested, professionally, personally, outside a convenient store, I understand why this is so important and why I belong in this realm.”
“Courage is strength in the face of pain and hardship, the ability to do something that brings about fear, despite that emotion. It ties in with boldness, bravery, and nerves along with the aforementioned fear. You see, I’m not going into this match without these feelings. For me, this will be an all new challenge and I will have the privilege of sharing that with some incredibly talented athletes so I’d be a fool to not be nervous or scared. I’m still going to face this though, I’ll face it, those involved and even myself on the quest for courage. In the name of that championship, I will conquer all of that and hopefully not get too busted up in the process because that doesn’t make for a cool pose picture. Although Bert mentioned something about chicks digging scars and I do think little baby chicks are cool so I would like to make them chirp in happiness.” Ahmya looked over to the side for a second, giving a few nods.
“Still.. with said match comes those other contenders and it would be wrong of me to overlook them in any way. Someone who doesn’t see the worth of others can never really find their own, so I’d be foolish to put myself on this pedestal without seeing those who belong on their own. Seven other people. Seven is a frightening number, but with me that makes eight and if you turn that eight sideways, you’ll see my potential, along with the potential of so many others. Now due to certain.. circumstances.. I can’t exactly compare experience, but I think I can do enough of a job expressing my appreciation for each person I’m up against.” A jovial clap of the hands before they lower. “So let’s get started!”
“I suppose I’ll go from left to right with that cool looking poster as reference, excluding myself because I am not exactly sure if I should talk about myself, I might give away too much, or show that.. anyway! First is my partner from the last EXP and someone who I know is incredibly tough in Jenny. She calls herself.. or gets called the Queen Machine. Personally I didn’t know that she was a robot when I teamed with her, but even with the cold interior, she showed that she has a lot of heart and means well. She seems lost too sometimes, but I know in that ring she will find herself again very quickly and do everything it takes to crush all, including me, to become champion. I think she likes me, and I like her a lot too. She’s very nice, but at the same time it would be disrespectful of me to go easy on her because of the way I feel. We’re both competitors and in that ring, I can’t see her as anything else. Then there is The Delivery Girl. She has a lot of spirit from what I have seen so far and while I do not know much about her outside of that, something tells me to watch out for her. There is more than she presents. This gives me even more of a reason to be excited to face her in this match. We may not get to spend all the time in it together, but I will make sure we become acquainted. Then there is Amber. Thankfully, even though this is her debut, there was a lot of footage to study and she is vicious. There are times she showcases tenacity, and others where she is pure venom. I do not know which Amber will appear for this match, but I am ready for both. I hope to battle you one on one someday.”
Ahmya took a deep breath before continuing. “Then there is Eli, sometimes Goode, sometimes bad. Like Amber, you have two sides to your coin, but for different reasons. I do hope you bring your best, please do. All of us are giving our entire being into this and if you give the slightest bit less, you will be outshined and overshadowed. Continue being the warrior. Erika is awesome! So talented, she’s one to watch too. Larry is annoying, but he can’t be overlooked. Doing that will lead to him easily taking advantage of the situation and I don’t think anyone wants him to add this to things he boasts about. Sorry Larry, we can’t let you win. Diamond is another one I have limited viewings of, however I can tell she’s athletic and will bring a lot to this match. Look.. I know people see my involvement in this as me trying to be a title hog, but I was placed in this for a reason. You want to keep me from holding two championships here, actually stop me then. これはあなたのチャンスです。失敗しないでください。そうでなければ、あなたは別の機会を持つことは決してありません..” A strange expression exudes from Ahmya now. Is this confidence? How strange..
Before she knew it, her blinks led her to a strange looking hallway, a female figure shorter than her in stature approaching. There was no greeting, no hugs, only a message. “What if I told you that I can have it where you are alone in a room with the woman from the snow? Would you be able to handle that?” The grip of the chains tightened, her head throbbing from the newfound blades jabbing her through that mark. It nearly brought her to a knee, but she stopped herself. Gritting her teeth, she managed to find the gaze of the mysterious female. It took a few attempts, pained cries.. however she found it in her to speak. “To.. cower now.. I can’t.. I won’t let her win.. none of them will. I will be there if you truly have the way.. and I will show her true courage.. not the burning.. the lies..” Struggling to a full vertical base, she stared down the figure. “I’m ready.”
“Then show me. Show us. Once you do, you’ll get to finally take it back. Until then, Naoko..”
“Wait, how did.. you know my..” Before she could get the last word out, she felt fingers press against the mark and then white. It’s all white again.
When the world returned eventually, he was back in it as always. Cradling her head in his lap and stroking her hair. He looked far more relaxed than most, but he had grown used to all the oddities of their relationship.
Her ears were filled with the rasping, off key rendition of their song. So innocent and childish. So true. Even if they had become so much more?
She had a friend in him.
