NEW - NOIR EXTREME WRESTLING

Princess_Misaki: *Grab a chair and sit nearby you in the backstage* Maybe I shouldn’t be curious, hope you have solved the problems, with Lauren?

Sara_León: I'm completely drenched in sweat, staring off into space with a very serious expression, drinking a bottle of water. I answer you without looking at you: "The match went the way I expected and wanted... But the problem is still there."

Princess_Misaki: I playfully pouted my lips... stood up and slowly paced around you... "Hmm... Sara, that's too formal. Are you at a press conference? ... Your fight with Lauren came out of nowhere. If NEW is willing to release the footage of you two for us rookies later, I think I'll take a close look at what happened... First off, I'm not taking sides or saying who's right or wrong. Hana brought me into this alliance, and the very next day, her friends are going at each other without holding back... I need to quickly get up to speed with the rhythm here, don't I..."

Sara_León: I look at you with tired eyes and try to steady my breathing: "Hey, with all the respect you deserve and without any intention of offending... I don't even know your name and I just had a pretty exhausting match. If you really want to know what's going on between Lauren, Hana and me, we can have coffee another day and I'll tell you about it. But I'm warning you already that it comes from a long time ago and it's not relevant to the federation's dynamics. If you want to get up to speed with the rhythm, I advise you to talk to Blue Eclipse, who debuted recently, or with Brooke, who I think is already recovering. Even with Hana, if you want. Find your own path. Getting involved in other people's private lives won't help you, trust me."

Princess_Misaki: I shrugged nonchalantly and crossed my arms. "Calm down. Since you're tired, maybe I've intruded too much. Sorry. And I don't care about your personal lives—it's really not that interesting to me. But if you two start verbally attacking each other in front of everyone, then I think you've already pulled some people into it. No offense meant. I just happened to see you here. If you don't want to talk right now, that's really fine." I turned and walked to the locker room door, then glanced back and suddenly tossed you a can of spray. "Try it. It's for your strain and muscle compression. If Lauren is a good submission fighter, I think you'll need it. Works great." I opened the door, walked out with a relaxed expression, and didn't look back. "Oh, and as for my name—you'll find out later. After all, I like to shout my name when my opponent gives up in the ring. Good luck, Sara."

Sara_León: I catch the spray can in the air, somewhat surprised, and examine it while you speak to me. Lauren didn't manage to lay a finger on me during the entire match, but I suppose you'll discover that soon enough when you watch it. Even so, I politely nod my head and put it away. However, your last sentence gives me goosebumps without me realizing it. I stand up but you've already left, and I remain alone, thinking about you. You're just a rookie who hasn't even debuted yet, why would such a banal threat alarm me? I sit back down, but my thoughts quickly drift away from you and return to Hana. I bring my hands to my face and, in silence and solitude, I manage to cry

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Princess_Misaki: When I was in Japan, I was known for my creative submissions and techniques (chokeholds), but it's obvious that flashy high-flying moves and suplexes are what make a wrestler popular. On the training ring mat, I kept diving, flipping backward, and even repeatedly slamming that heavy sandbag—dozens of pounds of it—with suplexes. My sweat soaked through my shorts and jacket. 'To be honest, submission techniques are way easier. Too bad you don’t have wrists or ankles, you bastard,' I muttered to the training dummy, as if hyping myself up. I looked out the window—from sunset to nightfall, I’d been throwing myself around that ring. I leaned against the ropes, fanning myself with my hand. The weather was sweltering… and I had to stay in my full gear to practice, making sure my moves looked flashy. I thought back to my early wrestling days in Japan, when the coach forced us to flip tires over and over, jump off high platforms… 'Ah, Coach, if you were here… you could wrestle in my place… I still hate this stuff…' I pouted and grumbled to myself.

Sara_León: I enter the training ring room, already showered and dressed, ready to head home, just to pick up a few things. The lighting is dim, but enough to illuminate the ring at this hour of the night. I freeze when I see you training with such intensity, all alone, so late. You don’t notice my presence, and I take advantage of the low lighting to sit on a bench in a corner and watch you. I remember you. You’re one of the new girls, you still haven’t debuted. You’re the one who approached me yesterday to talk, and you didn’t want to give me your name. And you playfully threatened me. I watch you carefully, trying to remember if we crossed paths during my 2-year stay in Japan. I’m pretty sure we did, but I can’t remember you. I try to stay still, stay calm, and just observe you. Partly admiring, partly alert. But then I hear you speaking under your breath, and I can’t help but answer, revealing my presence: “You should go get some rest anyway, you know?”

Princess_Misaki: "Oh my god, who's there…" The loud crash of me knocking over the dummy covered up any sound of you coming in, and I was startled by the sudden human voice… "My god, Sara, thank you. I'll go get some rest… but… if next time you could come into my line of sight first, even just wave at this rookie, I'd say hello to you first, trust me." Still shaken, I stopped moving and kept breathing heavily. "You're not here to see me, are you? Or have you heard about me already? I don't think so — these days, apart from some role-playing on the sidelines of the ring, I haven't even had my official debut… maybe you wouldn't want to know me on your own, but believe me, what I said yesterday was absolutely not meant to be malicious. Oh, right… I watched the match footage. You probably really don't need that spray." I stepped over the ropes and got down from the ring, sitting on the edge, and started untying my leg pads. I wouldn't deliberately show off my hard work in front of a signed wrestler, so I decided to end today's training. I draped the towel over my shoulder and wiped the sweat off my hair and neck.

Sara_León: I stay seated, watching you and letting out a soft smile when you speak. Something about you inspires trust in me, although I try to remain cautious and only be kind to you for the moment. “Yes, you’ll have to forgive me. I didn’t want to interrupt you, and then I got captivated by your routine. Sorry.” I begin to stand up and walk over to you. “And no, I hadn’t come to see you. I still don’t know your name, but I respect that you want to scream it at me while you submit me on the mat. I’ll have to cover my ears during the entrance so it’ll be a surprise...” I tell you playfully, giving a small hop until I’m sitting on the edge of the ring beside you

Princess_Misaki: I was amused by you and let out a chuckle. 'Hahaha, alright, Sara, this is Misaki, Princess Misaki,' I said with a smile, reaching out my hand to shake yours. 'So, does this mean we know each other now? Perhaps after today, when you're pinned down in the ring, if I can hear your cry for help, I'll do my best to come to your aid. Oh, it's a different story if I'm the one pinning you to the ground...' I took off my gear, stuffed it into my bag, put on my slippers, and slowly walked toward the bathroom... I think I need a good shower right now... 'Sara, by the way, I'm not joking now. If you need me, as a guest fighter or a partner, or even just a rival to compete against... please don't hesitate to come find me... I absolutely love this ring...'

Sara_León: I shake your hand courteously, but accompany it with a respectful bow, as I already got used to doing in Japan, with a smile on my lips. My eyes sparkle when you threaten me again, but my smile remains. I watch you walk away a little while I still sit on the edge of the ring, and your last words leave me silent for a few seconds, with a more serious smile and my eyes shining. I hop down from the ring and walk toward you. “Same here, Misaki. I know what it’s like to be not only new but also a foreigner in a federation like this. Don’t let shame or excessive respect hold you back. If you want to debut against me, you only have to ask. If you need someone to watch your back... just come find me. Not everything in Noir is as pretty as it seems”

Princess_Misaki: "Alright, then I think we should forget some things and toss those conventional debut rules out the window. Since you've lived in Japan, you must have seen something like Mexican-style mask wrestling." We stood nose to nose—not as a threat or provocation, but as a sign of mutual respect and a thirst for competition. I will put on that mask, and before my name is officially announced, I'll step in as a rookie to see what the current title contender is really made of. What do you think, Sara? Whether the match is public or not, let's see what two foreign 'treasures' can do here. Courage and confidence made my muscles more defined; I even felt a burning hunger for the ring. Whether you accept the challenge or not, I'm proud of my own bravery. Looking back, the title contender really had no reason to bother with a nobody like me.

Sara_León: I stand in front of you, my chin slightly tilted upward, trying not to let myself be intimidated. I know the impression I give you, and I don’t want to lose it. However, this challenge is poisonous, and I can’t stop thinking about it. What if you defeat me in your debut? My insecurities invade my chest, which starts beating hard, although my posture doesn’t change. When I speak, my voice is firm, almost playful. If I’m going to do this, I need to give you the impression that I’m doing you a favor. “I have a mask at home. It’s been a long time since I last used it, but it’ll be an honor to do it again if that’s what you want. I can get us a match for tomorrow night if that’s really what you want...” I tilt my head slightly, almost nodding, and then continue: “Anyway, the crowd already knows me, but not you... Do you want to keep your identity hidden behind the mask?”

Princess_Misaki: "Why not? If I perform well enough in this match, the moment I take off my mask will be the perfect time for your fans to get to know me..." I grinned sweetly at you. "How should I make my entrance? As a mysterious little cat from the East?" I crossed my arms. Before the match, my heart was full of anxiety. I knew that as a contender for the title, your strength was not to be underestimated. But I was certain that I had something you wanted—better resilience than you. A wrestler who grew up in Japan but came overseas to fight, repeatedly ostracized and deliberately targeted by my peers back in Japan. But if I could face a true powerhouse head-on, it would all be worth it. "I think this is good for both of us. If I win, I can proudly announce my arrival by defeating the hottest German girl right now. And you can still stay in contention for the championship—you wouldn't lose your spot because of me. But if you win, you can prove to your fans that you can control the pace and style of any match. Though I'll try my best to make sure that doesn't happen." I puffed out my chest and looked straight into your beautiful face.

Sara_León: My eye suddenly twitches and I lose my composure, placing a hand on your shoulder and clearing my throat: “Misuki, sweetie, I’m not German. I’m Spanish. I’m not the most popular one right now either, but that’s irrelevant. I know you meant it with the best intentions, but seriously, I’m from Spain.” I rub your shoulder with a maternal touch, although you can tell I’m fairly tense, but I quickly smile and remove my hand from your shoulder. “And about the rest... only you can choose your entrance. Your proposal seems reasonable to me, although it’s not just my title opportunity that’s at stake if you defeat me, but I’m not going to back down. And if you really want to show your face right after the match, I propose a deal. If you defeat me, you take it off yourself. But if I defeat you, I’ll rip it off myself. The crowd loves theatrics...”

Princess_Misaki: "Oh my god, I am so, so sorry, Sara. Sometimes my memory is worse than a smart fridge. I really meant no harm, please forgive me." I rubbed my hands awkwardly, the bravado I'd just shown suddenly deflating. I stuck out my tongue and put on a cute expression, hoping for your forgiveness. "As for the mask bet you mentioned, I accept. I've torn off a lot of masks before—I think I'm pretty experienced at that." I let out a long sigh and straightened my messy hair. "I think I'm ready. I hope you won't hold it against me or resent me for challenging you. I'm not here to take any of your honors—I'm just a wrestler with a burning desire to step into the ring with any great ally or friend. And if one day there's a powerful villain you have to face, I'll stand firmly by your side, Sara. Spanish girl... hopefully my memory isn't failing me this time." I gave you a wink and tilted my head, waiting for your forgiveness.

Sara_León: As soon as you tilt your head, I bring my hands to your face and lift it back up again, looking at you with a certain tenderness. “Hey, hey... There’s nothing to forgive, relax...” I gently caress your cheek a little, observing your face and beginning to worry that I’m getting too emotionally involved without even knowing you, and starting to make a conflicting decision. “And yes, we’ll do that. I don’t know if it makes much sense for me to wear a mask then. I’m excited to wear it, but I think for the audience, who already knows me, it’ll be more impactful if they can focus on you. Whether you win or lose. What do you think?”

Princess_Misaki: "Yes, thank you for giving me this chance, Sara. I'll give it my all, just like when I walked away from that cruel Japanese alliance. I hope you will too—I want to win a victory against a tough opponent." I opened my arms to give you a hug, but then realized I hadn't cleaned myself up properly. Instead, I just leaned my cheek against yours. "You wouldn't want to hug someone all sweaty and smelly, would you? Let me get another look at your face—tomorrow night it'll be hidden behind a mask." I climbed onto the ring apron and sat down smoothly on the ropes. "Get a good night's sleep, Sara! Tomorrow is going to be a thorny path!"

Sara_León: I almost do it. For a second. I almost attack you. Here and now. To convince myself that I’m not your friend, not yet. To make you angry. To prepare you for tomorrow. To make you understand that my kindness is not friendship, not yet. But something stops me. I don’t know if it’s pity or if you really have managed to soften me with your adorableness. Maybe it’s just... Maybe everything that’s happening with Hana, my best friend, is really affecting me more than I think. And seeing attitudes similar to hers in another Asian girl is truly clouding my judgment. I smile sadly and nod, grabbing my things and walking away, watching you sitting on the ropes. “You get some rest too! I don’t want to see you training this late again!” I tell you, trying to regain my composure. However, as I leave, the intrusive thoughts begin hitting again. Hana, Lauren, you... My head is a mess, and tomorrow I have a match against a debuting wrestler. And my mind is not in its best state... My God, what am I doing...?

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Sara_León: The next night, I'm standing in front of the curtains, adjusting my wristbands and regulating my breathing. I'm really not okay. What was I thinking, becoming friends with a rookie and accepting a match with everything that's happening to me? I swallow nervously. I slept badly. But I know I can handle this. More than that, I know it'll do me good. Clear my head a little, give it my all in the ring, savor the noise of the crowd. Maybe it'll help me clear my mind a bit. I've finally decided not to wear my mask, I think Misaki deserves to be the center of attention tonight, and for better or worse I'm more than well known in this stadium. My music hits and I step through the curtain with a perfectly fake smile. I stop for a moment with my hands behind my back and one shoulder slightly hunched, as I've gotten used to doing here, before letting out a laugh and starting to wave my hands frantically, jumping around and hyping up the crowd. I slap a few hands and circle the entire ring before jumping onto the apron and grabbing the middle rope. I slide into the ring and head to the corner, where I climb the ropes and stand on the middle ropes, hands behind my back again for a second before waving them once more. "LET'S GOOOO NOOOOIIIIR!!!" I shout, feeling that energy invade me with happiness for a moment, before dropping back down to the mat. I remain in the corner, stretching and waiting for your entrance

Sara_León:

Princess_Misaki: Earlier today, I arrived here early. To be honest, in the afternoon, while the staff were setting up the ring, I had already thoroughly inspected every corner. I needed to ensure that every one of my techniques could be perfectly executed with the equipment here. I was wearing my black idol wrestling outfit, embroidered with golden patterns, barefoot with cotton leggings. The only difference was that here, I had to wear a mask. I’ve always entered with a sweet and charming appearance, but this isn’t Japan—no one cheers for a nobody unless she proves with her own hands that she deserves it. Backstage, I calmly closed my eyes, thinking of my coach at the Tokyo BJJ dojo, thinking of my dear sister—how we fell and got back up again and again. I thought of the fierce argument my sister and I had when I decided to enter NOIR. She thought I should stay in BJJ and help her achieve her UFC dream. All of that faded with a one-way plane ticket. I don’t know if she’s still holding on, but I have to keep moving forward! I grabbed my mask and put it on; the suffocating feeling took me a while to get used to. I tried my best to stay calm as I walked out. But when I passed through the entrance corridor, they messed up the BGM I had prepared in advance—it turned out to be some country music from some old-timer’s iPod. The whole audience burst into laughter at my theme song. I barely suppressed my anger and made a "stop" gesture. If that’s how it was going to be, I’d rather just go straight to the ring without any fanfare. I stepped onto the edge of the ring, bent down through the ropes—the canvas was colder than I had imagined. I gave Sara a slight, polite bow, but in my heart, I was burning with the desire to make a name for myself here. My hands rubbed against the ropes… I didn’t even have the right to greet the audience, because they didn’t even know who I was.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León:

Sara_León: I make a gesture of annoyance at the music incident. But you manage to handle it well. When the music stops, the entire crowd goes silent, and you make your entrance in complete silence. My stomach tightens seeing your bravery and determination. The crowd starts murmuring, but they really don't dare shout anything. You don't give off the feeling of being the jobber of the week, even if they can't know who you are, and you've sparked their curiosity. You bow to me and I instinctively return it. The announcer doesn't even say your name, creating an even more intense atmosphere of mystery. And I start wondering whether my role is to give you a harsh welcome, or if I'm just the sacrificial lamb of this encounter, a stepping stone for your success, a tool for you to shine at my expense. Finally the bell rings and I try to push all those destructive thoughts aside and focus on the match. I raise my arms into a defensive stance and start circling you agilely, never taking my eyes off you, and finally I lunge toward you, looking for an initial collar and elbow lockup

Princess_Misaki: I look at you with a steely gaze. Most of my expression is hidden behind a mask, but with what little I can show, I let you know—I'm not here to beg for suffering tonight. We smoothly lock arms and elbows, and I reach around the back of your neck. This is the first time I've ever touched another wrestler in this very ring. I crouch slightly, trying to get a better grip, and start grappling with you. Like a bull, I hiss through my teeth—though my voice still sounds sweet, my eyes are anything but friendly. You're taller than me, so blindly wearing myself down against you isn't the right move. I shove you back quickly, then reach out again, locking your head into my bicep with a side headlock. "Got you, Sara... Ugh..." I begin twisting and squeezing, contorting your face, making your expression grimace... I feel like I'm full of energy in this opening sequence. Bring on whatever you've got next!

Sara_León: The first impression is positive. I'm slightly bigger than you, and strength is on my side. However, before I can push you back far enough, in an explosion of energy you shove me backward, forcing me to release the lockup, leaving me momentarily surprised, a situation you quickly take advantage of, throwing yourself at me and skillfully trapping my head under your arm in a side headlock. My head is pressed against your chest, my body bent forward. I try to move, but you're experienced and it's you yourself who turns through sheer squeezing force, guiding my movements around the ring while I feel your grip getting stronger and stronger. My face starts turning red as my facial muscles contract, beginning to feel pain. I drop one knee to the canvas, trying to stop you from turning again, looking for stability and a bit of surprise. Then I feel around your body for a moment with my hand until I find your stomach, and I try to throw a quick punch into your abs, looking to hurt you enough to make you loosen your grip

Princess_Misaki: You clearly haven't adapted to my sudden change of pace. You were probably hoping to wear down my strength bit by bit, but my sudden twist works well—I can feel your breathing growing more and more rapid. 'Yes! Yes! Sara, stay there! Ah-oh!' Suddenly I feel your fist punch my abs. At such close range, strength is absolutely dominant. I grunt, but I'm unwilling to give up this chance to wear you down. 'Do it again! Hola!!' As if punishing your resistance, I forcefully twist your face again, messing up your expression completely. But this time my exertion trembles slightly, because the consequence of that abdominal strike has revealed itself—my core can no longer gather power effectively. I try to lift you up and, in a bull-like posture, charge toward the corner post on one side.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: "Aeegghhh..." I groan when you twist my face again, shutting my eyes in pain. My punch didn't manage to make you let go, but I do feel you trembling slightly. You're definitely not that durable, I'll have to use that to my advantage. I'm ready to throw my second punch, when suddenly you yank my head upward, forcing me to stand, and start running, dragging me with you. My eyes open incredibly wide as I see the corner approaching rapidly toward me, until "BOOOM!!" My face crashes against one of the turnbuckles, making everything go completely white for a moment, my legs failing beneath me, and my entire body collapsing against the corner under your arm

Princess_Misaki: "Yes!!!" I turn around and roar with excitement. I slam you hard into the turnbuckle. When you were making a name for yourself in the league, for someone like you—a nameless rookie who can gain such an advantage right from the start—I can hardly hide my excitement. I wave to the audience, hoping they'll give me more encouragement. The audience is a bit at a loss, because this little girl doesn't even have a nickname or alias. All they can do is wave and shout, "Go ahead!" I turn around, climb up the middle rope using both hands and feet, trapping you in the corner. I grab the ropes and start stomping down on your shoulders and neck with my feet. Right from the start, I show off the diversity of my techniques to my future fans.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: I remain on my knees against the corner, still panting from the impact, when suddenly I start feeling your feet sinking into my shoulders and neck, stomping them savagely. I try to tilt my head, reduce the damage, even move away, but your rain of stomps is overwhelming and I writhe against the turnbuckles and ropes until I completely collapse onto the canvas, bringing my hands to the back of my neck trying to stop the punishment

Princess_Misaki: I shout excitedly! Sweat streams down my twitching muscles as I exert myself. The audience members closest to the ring can even see the beads of sweat on my body. I stomp you down again and again, venting my frustrations—venting about my career path that no one understands, about my family's dissatisfaction with me, about how my own younger sister, during our training sessions in martial arts, once tried to use a submission hold to cripple me. But this will never be about Sara—I won't transfer my misfortunes onto others. Everything I do is simply to win this match. The referee comes over and bluntly reminds me, the rookie, that I'm about to break the rules. I turn around, brush my sweat-soaked hair behind my head, and leave you in the corner, which serves as my response to the referee.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: At last you move away from me and I begin to move slowly, my arms trembling, my hair a complete mess. I grab the lower ropes and turn around between groans, with my neck and shoulders aching, and lean against the bottom turnbuckle, while my hands automatically move toward the middle ropes, looking to pull myself up and start getting back to my feet again. I feel sweat beginning to dampen my skin, while I watch you nervously, not very far from me. This definitely wasn't the start of the match I was expecting...

Princess_Misaki: It's just that the referee won't allow me to keep my opponent controlled in the corner for too long. I never said I would let up and stop all this. I charge at you again, lower my center of gravity, and first use my shoulder to slam your back into the turnbuckle again. Then I reach out, grab your hair, and force you to move with me to the center of the ring. Since I can't use the ropes, I'll now see if my strength can actually bear your weight. I tuck your head under my armpit, drape your left arm over my back, and grab your sweat-soaked pants leg with my right hand. 'Let's go!!! Ugh!!' I roar as I try to lift you up, but I find that I can't fully lift you into the air. Maybe this was my mistake. In my extreme excitement, I mistakenly thought of myself as a power wrestler. My arms and waist can't handle your athletic body. Before I can complete the back suplex, I can no longer hold on and collapse onto the mat together with you. 'Ugh... damn...'

Sara_León: "UUGGHHH!!" Your shoulder sinks into my stomach, making my back crash against the turnbuckles. My arms arch backward momentarily as I grit my teeth in pain, but you don't let me rest for a second. You yank my hair quickly, making me groan and forcing me to walk with you toward the center. My head suddenly ends up trapped under your armpit, my body bent over you, while you grab my trunks. My hands cling to your waist, knowing what's coming... "No... NO!!" But my fear is suddenly silenced by ironic reality. You lift me a few centimeters off the canvas, but not enough. My entire weight ends up supported on your body, and we both collapse awkwardly onto the mat. I take advantage of the confusion to free my head, and try to spring into action quickly. Having you underneath me, I look to optimize my attack, so I quickly wrap your head between my arms, also hooking one of your arms, while at the same time wrapping my legs around your waist and suddenly leaning backward, taking your head with me and forcing you to bend in front of me, ending up seated while I try to tighten the hold and submit you with a guillotine choke

Princess_Misaki: "Ah... cough..." I don't even have time to process the pain from falling onto the canvas—how did you suddenly launch an attack? My head is skillfully caught and locked between your arms, and my arm is also cleverly trapped against your bicep. Instantly, I feel blood rushing to my head, my face turning red from the pressure. This is the first time I truly witness the terror of your muscles. My hands flail aimlessly. I try to twist my hips, but your quadriceps are like a steel vise. You've already secured a good position—you're sitting on the canvas, but my body is left hanging awkwardly in midair. I try to reach for your hair, but I realize I can't. I cant even have a good sight to your body."Ugh... huff... ugh ugh... huff..." I do my best to find a better breathing rhythm. Since I can't move forward or backward, I extend my free hand toward the ropes, which are about 50 cm away from me.

Sara_León: I breathe violently, tightening my arms around your throat and pulling upward on them, trying to immobilize you completely and cut off your breathing, while I blink hard, trying to recover my senses. I see your hand reaching toward the ropes, and I'm forced to loosen the submission a little. If I lean farther back I'll inflict more pain on you, but you'll reach the rope. I stay motionless for a second, not knowing what to do. This position isn't wearing you down too much, but I don't want to release you. But in the end logic prevails, and I murmur "To hell with it... Suffer!!" before leaning all the way backward, painfully bending your body forward and digging my arms into your throat, looking to cause the maximum amount of pain possible for as long as I can, while your arm finally reaches the rope and the referee starts counting: "1!, 2!, 3!,..." I release you before it's too late, I have no need to risk disqualification, shoving you backward and quickly moving away from you, panting and trying to get back to my feet again

Princess_Misaki: "AAAAHHHH!!" The pain makes my sweat droplets visibly roll down my skin. My arm flails desperately at an unnatural angle, like a broken wing. Finally! I grab that rope. I grit my teeth against the pain and hold on for dear life, praying that the referee will finish that long three-count as quickly as possible. My roar has already turned into a crushed, suffocated sound. At last, I feel you push me away. I clutch my left arm and roll in despair on the canvas, wailing in agony. My throat, reddened from the friction of your bicep, makes every swallow a torment. Holding my left arm, I struggle to sit up on the canvas, gasping heavily. "You... uh... against a rookie! Is that all you've got?" I shout at you defiantly. Even your motion of getting up isn't as impressive as it was at the start of the match. The referee comes over and asks if I want to quit. I push him away roughly. Clenching my teeth, enduring the pain in my shoulder joint, I prepare to stand up.

Sara_León: I slowly get back to my feet, panting and sweating, when you throw that provocative comment at me. A horrible pressure forms in my chest. I know you're only saying it to provoke me, in the heat of the match... But you really hit a nerve there. What if I'm not enough? What if I never have been? I try to get the idea out of my head that being a rookie in NEW makes you a novice wrestler. You've fought in Japan, you're experienced. I clench my fists with contained rage but don't act, I wait. You shove the referee away roughly and begin getting back to your feet, when before you fully manage it I launch one of my legs upward like a spring, trying to crush your jaw with a superkick

Princess_Misaki: The moment the referee flashed out of my sight, I lost you from my view for a few seconds. Just as I was about to launch my own attack, a gust of wind came. "Thud!" The hard sole of your boot landed directly on my jaw, shattering it. Blood trickled down from the corner of my mouth. My mouth couldn't even close properly from the impact. I groaned and fell backward, my body exactly hooking onto the ropes from earlier. I grabbed the ropes tightly, refusing to fall completely. During this time, some of the audience members regained their senses. Chants of "Red Lioness! Red Lioness!" echoed one after another, building into a massive wave of sound. I did my best to support my body on the ropes with my elbows. I will not give in because of a blow like this. If I get the chance, I'll take you to experience the hellish strikes I've endured. But your strength is equally not to be underestimated. I watched you cautiously as you moved along the ropes toward one of the corner posts.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: Seeing you collapse and hook yourself onto the ropes, a wave of terror invades me. You should have fallen. Are you really that resilient or am I the one who's not focused? The crowd's screams give me some encouragement, and I try to restructure the situation in my head. You're against the ropes, and the fans know what I always do whenever I have my opponent there. I head to a corner to build momentum and sprint toward you with a feline scream, throwing myself into the air at the last second and extending my knee, trying to crush it against your skull while my hands reach for the ropes so I don't lose balance

Princess_Misaki: Ever since that meddlesome referee allowed me to suffer such a cruel attack, I haven't dared to take my eyes off you for a single moment. I slowly move my ankle to make sure I can still charge. You probably think I'm already at the end of my rope, about to use your knee again. I watch you scream as you charge at me. I take a few rapid, shallow breaths. Just as you leap into the air and your knee gets dangerously close to my chin, I use the tension of the ropes to quickly sidestep, causing your leg to get caught directly between the elastic ropes. I move in close and quickly strike your cheek several times with my elbow. Then I step back to the same spot where you were standing. To prevent you from pulling the same trick again, 'Hola! Hola!' I dash toward the space beside you, then quickly grab the ropes at a spot parallel to you and hit you with a 'ROPE ROUND KICK' – spinning and kicking your nose. 'Kiyaaa!!!' My body then crashes down on the ring apron. You're flung back to the center of the ring by the force of that huge roundhouse kick. I figure you'll slowly sink down as well. I need to get up fast. 'UgghhhAAAA... damn it, my face...' Blood and grime stain my carefully made‑up face. Clutching my left arm, I struggle to my feet at the edge of the ring and move toward you.

Sara_León: I don't even see you move aside. My entire body crashes into the ropes mid-flight, and my knee goes between them, getting momentarily trapped, while I cling to the top rope with both arms. But before I can react, your elbow starts crashing repeatedly into my face in a skillful and brutal counterattack, shaking me and leaving me completely stunned. Your greeting in Spanish is absolutely adorable but also humiliating. I remain there hanging from the ropes, with my head falling forward and the grip of my arms weakening, when suddenly... -PASSSSHHHH!!!- Your kickpad CRASHES against my face in a brutal roundhouse kick. I can't even see how you did it or from where. My vision blurs, my ears ring, my limbs go slack. My entire body starts collapsing backward, until it untangles from the ropes and falls limply onto the canvas on its back, arms spread and legs bent, with my eyes half closed and a thread of blood beginning to emerge from my nose

Princess_Misaki: As I walk toward you, I see you completely down on the ring, breathing heavily, drenched in sweat. You, like me, look as if you've just fought a wild beast. But the match isn't over yet. I need a perfect reason to be able to sleep well tonight. "Who says the Asian baby can't fight!" I roar at you on the ground with all my strength. My left arm is a mess, and my jaw joint will take a long time to fully heal, but it's all worth it. Anything that gives me a legitimate reason to take off my mask is worth it. I intend to make you acknowledge me again, using my most satisfying method. I don't go for a pinfall. Instead, I try to wake you up a little. I flip you over. "Alright, Sara, it's almost over, I promise..." I pull your arms back and stretch them apart, then thread my legs through your armpits, press down on your back, and cross my ankles behind your head, locking you cleanly in this "Lotus Lock." I grit my teeth and apply pressure, making you wake up just enough to realize that you're trapped in a painful and helpless submission hold. "Do you give up?! Givooo Uppo?!"

Sara_León:

Sara_León: My senses are dulled, but I'm perfectly conscious. The lights blind me, my chest rises and falls rapidly, my sweaty skin sticks to the canvas. And I see you approaching me, shouting at me. I feel your hands on my hot body, pulling me until I'm face down. You whisper to me that you're going to finish me soon, and my heartbeat quickens. No... I don't want it to end... However I'm still stunned, and my strength is scarce. I feel my arms stretching backward, separated, while I let out a groan, while your ankles begin crossing over my neck, beginning to apply pressure and pulling backward and upward in a terrible Lotus Lock... "Ah... No... AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!" The intense pain suddenly wakes me up, and my body writhes, so much that you can barely keep me still. I rotate my hips until I'm seated, but then you drop all the way onto the canvas and my eyes open wide, realizing you've fully locked in the submission. The pressure on the back of my head is unbearable, and my hands are completely immobilized by the wrists, held backward by you... "NOOOOO!!! NOO!!!" I shake my head, moving it as much as the hold allows, with a grimace of pain on my face but finding the will not to submit. I begin kicking my legs, while every second my back screams from pure pressure. But then I press my boots against the canvas and begin leaning backward, making your back and shoulders touch the canvas completely. And between groans of pain I manage to shout: "REFEREE!!! HER SHOULDERS!!! COUNT IT!!! QUICK!!!"

Princess_Misaki: Maybe it was a mistake to wake you up like this, but in your dizzy and disoriented state, you still couldn't fully admit defeat. I thought I could torture you longer in this position, but you really are a creative wrestler—you showed me something special again. Even while trapped in a submission hold, you managed to arch your body up, making my shoulders look like they were being pinned. I quickly rolled off—it was just a little trick. I got up and wiped the sweat from my forehead. My mask made my face hot and stuffy. I licked my lips. "Sara, are you afraid of me? I probably won't need to expend much more effort." Since your back had already started taking some damage, I grabbed your beautiful but now messy blonde hair again, made you crawl toward me on all fours, then pulled you back up, tucked your head under my armpit, and hooked your arm the same way. "Don't think you can get away this time... Come on!" With my roar, instead of lifting you into the air again, I sharply kicked your shin, making you fall face down onto the canvas with me—a perfect DDT. I even heard your groan. But the fact that you remained conscious in this situation surprised me a little. I pushed you away, knelt with one knee on your chest, pulled up both your legs, and went for my first pinfall attempt of the entire match. "One!... Two!..."

Sara_León: As soon as you let me go, I fall onto the canvas on my side and try to get onto all fours to get away from you. You ask me if I'm afraid of you, but I don't answer... Although the truth is yes. Maybe not direct fear of you, but fear of realizing that I'm not invincible. You grab me by the hair before I can slip through the ropes, pulling me like I were a dog, making me crawl across the canvas until you manage to place my head under your armpit again, forcing me to stand up. Before I can process the situation or counterattack, I feel you dropping backward. My body tilts forward, and that's when I feel a terrible impact against my shin, making me lose all balance and collapse violently forward -BOOOOMM!!- causing my skull to smash against the canvas in a flawless DDT, while the rest of my body collapses after it. A weak groan escapes my lips, but I manage to move the fingers of one hand. I feel your thin hands pressing against my body and making me roll over, ending up on my back. The lights make me shut my eyes suddenly. Your knee sinks into my chest and you lift my legs, while the referee throws himself beside us and slams the canvas once. I can't even move. Everything is spinning, and suddenly I feel like you're too much for me. I give up, I don't want to keep trying. The referee strikes a second time. And then I think about defeat. I think about Hana, always getting back up after her worst falls. And I know maybe it's a stupid decision, but I want to try again. I want to keep going until I don't have a single ounce of strength left. For the fans, for Hana. Letting out a scream with a broken voice, I quickly raise one arm, lifting my shoulder and stopping the count at the last second

Princess_Misaki: I hold my head in disbelief. I didn't expect you to be such a tough person—almost stubborn, I think. I don't want to knock anyone unconscious, but you seem to be taunting me into doing exactly that. I kneel on the canvas, gasping for air, feeling more confused than anything. I don't understand what you're struggling so futilely for. "Fine then!" I convince myself that success requires hard work. I turn to face you again, grab your hair, and force you to kneel on the canvas. "Since you insist on choosing this way…" I spin your head around. This time I stand behind you, and with the same motion I fold your head backward, trapping your throat and nose under my armpit. I jerk your body upward like lifting a handbag, then fall backward, folding your thighs underneath you. I lock you in a Dragon Sleeper and present you to the audience. "I really don't get you, Sara. You've made me work way too hard." My legs lock tight around your abs, keeping you from moving. I can feel your throat gurgling against the muscles of my arm. "Hopefully this time you won't let me down."

Sara_León: You move your knee away from my chest and let my legs fall, and I remain there lying beside your knees, panting unevenly and sweating. I feel your surprised gaze on me. My head burns, my neck too. I still have traces of blood on my nose. I feel a new tug on my hair and groan while you place me on my knees, suddenly feeling very weak in your hands. My arms fall limply to my sides and I only remain upright because of your hands gripping my hair. And then your firm arm traps my throat and nose, my face suddenly pulled backward, forced to look at the ceiling lights. One part of my body tries to resist, but you clearly know what you're doing, and I don't have the strength left to fight your power and determination either. Panic takes over me when you pull my body upward and drop backward.... -AAAARRGGHHHHHH!!- I let out a primal scream as I feel my entire body stretch and curve unnaturally in your Dragon Sleeper, my knees dug into the canvas, my thighs stretched too, while my toned body is exposed to the Noir audience, who watch in pure shock

Sara_León: You whisper to me as if taking victory for granted. As if it only depended on me at what point in the match I would be defeated. And you say it sweetly, sincerely, naturally, without malice or mockery. Your legs suddenly close around my abs, and I am definitely completely trapped in the submission. I try to move any part of my body, but the only thing I can do is move one of my arms erratically backward, with absolutely no possibility of hurting you or helping myself escape the position. My throat struggles to get some air, my chest rises and falls desperately, the stadium lights shine harshly over my exposed abs, the crowd starts shouting for you to knock me out. You've already become the favorite, at my expense. And then you tell me not to disappoint you. You're no longer the debutante who needs support. You're the woman who has destroyed me in my first defeat in Noir, the one to whom I myself opened the doors. And that's when, between spasms and groans, the first silent tears begin running down my face

Sara_León:

Princess_Misaki: In this moment, standing in the ring, I've rediscovered the joy I once had as a top submission wrestler in the Japanese women's wrestling league. I can feel you twitching, even starting to whimper softly. 'I hope you're okay, but unfortunately, I have to defeat you today, and I need to do it in the way I do best.' Then, raising my voice so the entire crowd can hear me, I shout loudly: "Now then! You're going to know who I am. I am 'Princess Misaki!!!!!!' from Japan!" This time I lock your head completely, step on your heels, and force your body to arch like a bridge. "Let's see how much longer your darling Sara can hold on!!!!" I'm wrecking your back and throat. If this weren't a wrestling match but a street fight, people would think I was trying to kill you. I keep jerking you around, putting terrible pressure on your spine and heel ligaments. "Now, Givoo Uppoooo? Sara!" With a hint of a Japanese accent, I demand, for the last time, that you admit defeat—as the one poised to win.

Sara_León: You whisper to me, apologizing with a crushing dominance. My eyes are full of tears, though you can’t see it. Then you mock me before you start shouting, addressing the crowd directly. You scream your name like you promised you would two days ago, when we met. My fears come true, your promise fulfilled. And then you harden the submission. Your arm clamps down with a devastating pressure on my throat, your feet come off my waist to dig into my heels, and my body, already punished, is forced to stretch with a violent, brutal new yank—“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Making me let out a howl of pain and suffering, as my whole body begins to shake, people start to rise from their seats, cheering you on, shouting at you, begging you to finish me, to make me suffer. I feel as if my spine is about to split in two, my throat about to tear. And I can’t move. The pain is intense, sharp, unbearable. No… I can’t go on… I can’t even cry, I can’t breathe, my screams of agony fade under the pressure of your bicep on my throat. I convulse, and I know it’s the end. I start frantically slapping your shoulder with my free arm, as I try to shout between moans and with a broken voice, “I GIVE UP!! I GIVE UP!! PLEASE!!! STOP!! I GIVE UP!! PLEASE!!”

Princess_Misaki: The sound of your pleading echoes incessantly in my ears: "Give up!" Like a beast that has been repressed for too long, I suddenly release you and shove you aside. I’m not a despicable heel, so I won’t do anything excessive to you. I look back toward the control room of the ring, repeating my entrance gesture—raising a finger to my lips in a "shush." I grab the microphone handed to me by a staff member. "Now you have one more idol to pay attention to—Princess Misaki. Take care of me!" At last, my own adorable girl-group BGM resounds through the venue along with my victory! I tear off my mask and climb the corner posts, declaring to everyone that Japan’s cute idol is here to make some noise from today onward! I didn't let it go to my head. I quickly returned to the canvas, bowed to my first tough opponent, Sara, the worried-looking Spanish girl, showing my Asian humility. Then I walked over and crouched beside you. "Forgive me, Sara. This really wasn't my intention, but the ring, for me, you know... Are you okay?" I helped you up, taking you by the wrist. "Everyone, please remember this impressive girl, The Red Lioness, Sara León!!!!"

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: When you finally let me go, I collapse face down on the mat, gasping, trembling, and with my arms stretched out in front of me. I feel close to losing consciousness, all my strength and willpower abandoned, but I remain conscious. My whole body hurts. And I can't even lift my gaze, embarrassed. My breathing remains irregular, and you can perceive how my sweaty back rises and falls slightly, a result of my breaths. I hear you introduce yourself, proclaim your arrival at N.E.W., I feel the love and clamor of the audience who have just gotten their new Asian babyface, and I suppose you have taken off the mask. It has served its purpose. Then suddenly I feel your presence beside me. I turn my head slightly, just to show my eyes completely reddened by tears, and my ruined makeup. You ask for forgiveness, and I don't react, largely due to exhaustion. But I understand you, and I would have done the same in your place. We weren't even playing for the title. You were just better than me. I let you grab my wrist and try to stand up with your help. You ask the audience to remember me, and they receive your request with a warm applause, a balm for my tormented soul. I let out a weak smile and whisper "thank you..." before trying to give you a hug, but collapsing onto you until I'm almost on my knees when my legs suddenly give way

Princess_Misaki: "Oh my god," it all happened so suddenly. My mind went blank, and I kept wondering if I had gone too far. I quickly grabbed your arms with both hands to keep you from falling and getting even more hurt. "Hey! Doc! Doc! Someone needs you over here!" Several staff members from the league rushed out from backstage. The crowd erupted in murmurs, and some even started saying that you might have lost confidence in your career—which is total nonsense! I stayed right by your side as you lay on the mat. "Sara, if you can hear me, believe me, this was just an accident. You're going to be okay, right? I'm so sorry I went too far..."

Sara_León: As soon as I realize the doctors are arriving, I begin to sit up, making abrupt gestures with my hand. As if this image wasn't enough already. "I'm fine, I'm fine... Misaki will come with me, don't worry... I'm just a little dizzy..." I hold out my hand to you, pleading with my eyes for you to help me get up, and once on my feet, I wrap my arm around your shoulder and pat your chest with my other hand. "I'm fine, okay? It wasn't an accident, you've been a good wrestler... Now get me out of here... please..."

Princess_Misaki: "Okay, that's no problem." Hearing that your tone was back to normal, I gradually felt relieved. In the entrance tunnel, we thanked the staff. I helped you slowly walk along the wall back to the locker room. Since it was our rookie debut match, there weren't many wrestlers there. I helped you sit down on the bench, then turned back and locked the locker room door to prevent those noisy reporters or fans from saying anything else out of line. "Are you really okay, Sara? You had several moments today... I'm not picking out your mistakes, it's just... I feel like your moves were somewhat... hesitant or... something. Even though some of the things I said in the ring were for my... match needs, today you really... didn't do any back suplexes..." I stopped myself. Actually, this is a person's fighting habit, like cola versus coffee—it's almost impossible to change subconsciously. But I could sense that your emotions were very delicate.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: I remain sitting on the bench, finally in silence, with my hands over my head and sweaty hair falling over my face, hiding it. I stay motionless, letting the thoughts sort themselves out in my mind. Finally I lift my gaze toward you, knowing I owe you an answer after your kindness: "No, I'm not okay... I wasn't before the match either. I'm distracted, unfocused, sad..." I pause and reach for a bottle of water, taking a sip before continuing. "You fought well, it was a pretty incredible debut. It'll be good for you, surely more wrestlers will want to face you very soon. I'm glad I could help you..." I finish saying with perfect politeness but a certain tremor in my voice

Princess_Misaki: "Oh, thank you, Sara. Getting recognition from my first opponent means so much to me... Yes, I'm not afraid of any challenge. I have the confidence and ability to step into the ring. Since you need some time to process things on your own, I won't force anything you're not comfortable with. Cheer up. I hope that when we meet again, you'll be back to that powerful, breathtaking Sara who makes everyone scream..." I patted you on the shoulder and held out my fist, waiting for you to bump it back.

Sara_León: Your words, your simplicity, your careful touch on my shoulder... are truly healing for my broken spirit. Even coming from the woman who has just made me suffer more in the ring than anyone else ever has here. Or rather, especially coming from her. Proving that true pain doesn't come from the ring, but from outside it. I look into your eyes and suddenly I'm glad that it was you who defeated me first. Perhaps the most suitable person. I return the fist bump, and stand up, speaking with a nervous voice: "Hey... I know that for you maybe it's something intense, because of your culture, but..." I look into your eyes with a certain desperation, "Can I give you a hug?"

Princess_Misaki: "Of course, I'd be happy to." I reached out my arms. Even though you're a bigger and stronger girl, I felt that you needed more support after such a heartbreaking match. I moved close to your cheek and whispered softly in your ear, "Some things really are hard to struggle through. It's okay, Sara. If you want to cry, I won't tell anyone." My mind flashed back to what happened with my sister. To this day, she's still a madwoman who pursues victory at all costs. Even when facing me, her own older sister, she's nothing but a fighting machine that only keeps causing harm. I sighed softly and patted your back.

Princess_Misaki:

Sara_León: I melt into your embrace with trembling arms and your sweet words with the strong accent of the place where I was born as a wrestler finally break me completely. I start crying on your shoulder, tightening the hug. Clinging to a stranger, with whom I haven't really shared anything. And I imagine that you're Hana. I shut my eyes tightly and squeeze you against me, pouring all that sadness and frustration into a hug I'd needed for days, and feeling how my anxiety finally begins to fade. But I don't let you go. I don't know what the hell you must think of me, but the only thing I can do is whisper words of gratitude, "Thank you.... thank you... For offering me your shoulder without knowing why I needed it..."

--END--