NEW - NOIR EXTREME WRESTLING

Princess_Misaki: In the days following the match, I refused N.E.W's medical assistance. At the very least, I didn't want to go back there so soon. I would probably have to endure everyone's polite but slightly strange looks. The kind Misaki turned into a demon in the ring — a failed demon, even. How many times have I heard such words these days? During the day, I locked myself in my room. At night, I went to the old training room, desperately throwing and stretching myself until I was exhausted, so that I could fall asleep in weariness. That night, I continued flipping over the ropes and throwing myself onto the canvas. "Damn Mayumi! Thud! ...Terrible training camp! ...Thud!" I shouted out the things that gave me a headache, one after another, then hurled myself heavily onto the canvas. I was gasping for breath, my mind occupied with many things. I hadn't forgotten who first found me here, but maybe she would never show up here again... "Sara..." Without any embellishment, I knew I shouldn't feel any emotion toward you. After whispering your name, I did a backflip and slammed my back onto the canvas again. I stared directly into the harsh lights, replaying my own absurdity and madness over and over in my mind. The familiar feeling of contradiction always found me at times like this. I had grown used to being haunted by these ghosts these days. And then there was Mayumi — after that night, she went crazy sending me photos of me being submitted and thrown by Sara. I don't know why she treated me like this, treating a relative who could give her money at any moment this way. Maybe I'm the only one who thought that... I lay on the canvas breathing heavily, letting my thoughts drift farther and farther away.

Sara_León: The following days had been intense. But precious. It seemed that all my problems had dissolved. Even the looks of envy and frustration from some Noir wrestlers felt good. I know who I am, how much I have worked for this, and how much I deserve it. Or well, I try to remind myself whenever I can, so as not to let the voices in my head make me forget it. Photo shoots, interviews, messages on social media, fan meet-and-greet sessions... Now I was the face of NEW. And there's no need to fool oneself, it felt good. And I had almost managed to forget about you. The day after the match you congratulated me on the victory by message, and I didn't answer you. I didn't want to pretend that everything was fine between us, but I didn't want to hurt you more either. I didn't want to face your shattered and pleading-for-redemption gaze that you had already used on me before. Tonight, after long hours of activity, I hadn't even put on the wrestler outfit. It was almost frustrating, and the desire to return to the ring was eating away at me. It was late, and I was about to leave, when I saw the gym light on. No one could be heard, so I approached to turn it off. As soon as I open the door and direct my hand toward the switch, I freeze upon seeing you lying on the canvas, sweating and staring into space. I take too long to react, feeling an uncomfortable pressure in my chest, knowing that I don't want to do this right now. "Oh.... S... Sorry, I just thought that... Well... I'll leave you alone..." I manage to stammer while making a move to leave

Princess_Misaki: I vaguely heard footsteps approaching. 'Damn it, how is that possible? Misaki, you're so beaten up you're having auditory hallucinations...' I helplessly mocked myself. After all, no one would be paying attention to this place at this hour. Until I heard someone speaking — my body jolted violently. It felt like I hadn't heard such a voice in a long time. We'd kept enough distance during this period, thinking we would never hurt each other that way. But... some things... 'No, no! Stop! Sara! Please! Is it really you?' I still couldn't believe my senses. In these past days, I could even hear Mayumi constantly cursing me with trash talk and venomous words in my ear — of course I knew she wouldn't come back for me. So I turned over and got up. The moment my eyes confirmed that it was the Spanish girl who filled my thoughts, I couldn't help but want you to stay. I quickly flipped over the ropes and stepped down from the ring, but immediately stopped. I realized that you might not want to be that close to me right now. 'I mean... good evening, Sara. I hope you've been well these days...'

Sara_León: I close my eyes in resignation when you ask me to stay, and I remain by the door, uncomfortably still, while you climb down from the ring and keep a respectful distance that I genuinely appreciate. This wasn't where I met you, but it was where our story began. I press my lips together in an awkward silence before answering, bringing a hand to my arm and rubbing it. "Good evening.... Um... Yes, honestly, it's been a very... Intense few days... But great..." I curse myself as I speak; it's neither prudent nor tactful to say something like that to someone who could have been in your place. "Hey, I'd like to apologize for not replying to your congratulations... And for interrupting you now... I really don't want to bother you."

Princess_Misaki: 'Please, stop saying that, Sara...' I shake my head. I had imagined countless times the scene of us meeting again, but I never expected this day to come so soon. I see your unnatural expression, your hesitant words—you're even more awkward than the way I've seen you on TV these past few days. 'Sara, I've never been one to beat around the bush. I just want to tell you—I'm sorry for the Misaki you saw in that match. I don't know what came over me. I did a lot of over-the-top things, said a lot of over-the-top things. I tried to keep the match under normal conditions, but I was the one who turned into a lunatic first. You have to know that really wasn't my intention. I didn't want anyone to get hurt. I...' My words come out faster and faster, and I get more and more agitated. I take a few steps forward, wanting to get closer, wanting to grab your wrist.

Sara_León: I begin to tense up as you speak and keep getting closer. The pity starts to reappear in my heart, just when I'm trying to avoid it. My pulse quickens, I feel a knot in my throat, and when you finally grab my wrist, I pull my arm back, trying to retreat, but I have the door right behind me, so I sidestep and move backward along the wall, interrupting you. "I've ALREADY heard all of that, Misaki, okay?" I tell you in a sharper tone than I would have liked, but I continue. "That it's not really you, that I should forget the other Misaki, that you're very sorry and that you don't know what's wrong with you. I know. And I don't mean to say I don't believe you, but you have to understand that I can't just give you a hug and tell you everything is going to be okay. Not after the match. It's the second time you've hurt me during some fit of madness." My voice begins to tremble as I add, "And this second time, you hurt me a lot."

Princess_Misaki: I knew these words would come sooner or later. I wasn't surprised by any of your complaints or accusations. But this time, you told me that you understand everything I've said, yet you can't just accept me again indifferently because of the hurt I've caused you. I tried to stay calm. Your wrist slipped away from my hand. My arm hung in the air like a robot's—stiff and lost. Once again, I realized clearly that no one, like in fairy tales or friendship stories, would keep accepting a broken friend over and over. Neither of us would. Everyone who is emotionally sensitive has their most brutal memory. 'I... I'm so sorry I hurt you so deeply. So that means... if I do this, you'll feel more secure...' My voice trembled and dropped low. As I spoke, I took several big steps backward. I noticed the door beside you. 'Maybe there were too many misunderstandings between us. I thought I needed you, and maybe you mistakenly thought you needed me too. So we did a lot of wrong things at the wrong time—things that kept hurting each other. Thank you for taking care of me during this time, Sara...' My voice, mixed with sobs, became more and more uncontrollable. 'I think... from now on, you'd better not let anyone know that you once associated with a lunatic... Besides, it's not safe for you to be around me...' I turned my head away, not wanting you to see my vulnerable side at this moment. I covered my eyes with my wrist wrap. 'It's late, Sara. I think I should leave... Don't worry, Sara. I am indeed losing my mind, but this time, you won't get hurt...' I turned completely away from you. I knew you would soon disappear through that door. The next time we meet, we'll just be colleagues. No partners, no close friends, no therapy room or café that belonged only to us. No more sequels to any of the private memories that belonged just to the two of us..

Sara_León: I feel a stab in my soul. I see the disappointment and deep pain in your eyes, and I blame myself for it. I try to push that thought away. I was never responsible for you. I'm willing to help you, but not at the cost of being stabbed in the back whenever you lose your mind. However, I can't help wondering whether now, at a moment when you seem to be in your right mind, I shouldn't show you at least a little understanding and compassion. I walk to the door, grab the handle... and close it, remaining beside you. I take hold of your arm, feeling your sweat, and squeeze it lightly, beginning to guide you toward a nearby bench. "Come on, Misaki... Sit with me for a while. Please."

Princess_Misaki: This was the moment I imagined we might have when you walked through the door. But some things can yield different outcomes at different times—just like how we met and got to know each other. I heard the door close, and I thought you had left. I let out a loud sigh, ready to pour out all my emotions right there. But then I felt my wrist being grabbed, and you pulled me over to a bench. Confusion, panic, even a hint of anticipation. I don't know what help I can still offer you now. "No, Sara… I think you should go back… No, I should go back and rest. It's really too late." I sobbed, trying to hide my embarrassment, while gently trying to pull my wrist free. Even when we reached the bench, I didn't choose to lean close; instead, I intended to sit at the opposite end of the bench from you, if it really had to be this way. "Listen to me, Sara. I really don't know when I might hurt the people around me. I probably need a psychiatrist more than anything. Don't try to play with fire, okay? I don't want the same tragedy to happen to you again…"

Sara_León: I notice the tension, paranoia, and desperation growing in you. Really, I can only think of one way to make you calm down so I can have a serene moment with you, so before you finish speaking, I place you in front of me and give you a loud slap. Hoping the shock will make you stop talking and listen to me for a few seconds, I speak to you with all the speed and confidence I can. "I've heard you, and you don't have to worry. I'm not going to let you hurt me again, I've learned my lesson. I don't want your friendship or your support, and I'm not going to ask for them. What I do want is for you to calm the fuck down once and for all and sit with me to chat. Do you think you can do that?"

Princess_Misaki: A fiery, stinging pain spread across my face. I cried out and dropped to my knees, gripping the bench, tears pouring from my eyes. But this time, surprisingly, I felt much calmer than expected. I kept my head down, my hair completely hiding my expression. In my heart, I suddenly went back to the way we first met here—when I was confident, proud, and full of hope. I saw you as a rival, as a senior. And now, hearing your disappointment in any further friendship between us, I suddenly felt a great sense of release. I lifted my head and swept my hair to one side. The bright red handprint on my cheek was slightly swollen. "I'm listening, Sara. Please, go ahead…" I wiped away my tears, looked at you, and then simply sat down on the floor, resting my arms on the bench, waiting for your final verdict on me…

Sara_León: I sigh almost inaudibly, feeling a certain relief at seeing you a little calmer. I sit on the bench beside you, but I realize that I really want to be able to look at you face to face, so I sit on the floor in front of you, crossing my legs and resting my arms on my knees, looking at you. I then become aware of the silence surrounding us. So different from the incessant and deafening noise of the crowd. I close my eyes for a few seconds, enjoying your company in solitude and silence, knowing that you are not going to try to hurt me, either physically or mentally, and I exhale again before speaking. I extend my hands and try to take yours between mine. "I want to thank you, Misaki. Thank you for trusting me, and for being by my side those weeks. Whatever you do, and whatever happens starting tomorrow, to me you will always be a great wrestler, worthy of the title of Noir, and a good person. I want you to understand that none of this means that I want you close to me, neither as an ally nor as a friend. But I also want you to know that there is beauty and strength in you, that I have been able to see it, and that I do not want there to be sadness or frustration in your heart."

Princess_Misaki: I listened to your words expressionlessly. Everything had come full circle. Straightforward Sara—every word you said was so real and direct. You grabbed both of my hands with yours. I lowered my head and gave a bitter smile. "Thank you, Sara. You've sobered me up a lot. Don't worry, I'm calm now. Maybe later I'll still have to pay that damn psychiatrist a huge fee, but right now I feel much better. Maybe you deserve that paycheck more than he does—all it took was one slap… I understand. Just like when we first met, we've always been alone. We're both used to being alone. Some people—people like us—are destined to walk some paths alone. Thank you for the paths you've walked with me. You opened my eyes, gave me so much novelty. But novelty gets old…" I held your hands tightly. "So then, Lioness! Sara! Starting tonight, we each go back to our own path. When I meet you again—if it's in a café, I hope we can sit down and have a drink. If it's out there in that damned ring, I won't go easy on you either. But by then, I'll be stronger than I am now—both physically and mentally. I hope your belt stays around your waist for as long as possible… To be honest, I'm kind of reluctant to let go. Really reluctant…" I sighed, my expression still a little forlorn, but I knew that some things I had to get through on my own. I stood up, put one foot on the bench, and reached out my hand toward you on the ground. "Come on! Get up! Walk out through that door, and then walk your own path. As for Hana—good luck to you both. And I hope you'll wish me luck too, if you're willing. I might go back to Japan for a while, maybe compete in some kickboxing or jiu-jitsu tournaments—just to clear my head. The road that Sara and Misaki traveled together—maybe happy, maybe sad—but now it's over…" I tried to give you a resigned smile, hoping you would understand that this is good for both of us.

Sara_León: I feel a knot in my stomach when you talk about loneliness. I don't want to contradict you, but I really refuse to believe that I must walk my path alone. It was that fear of loneliness that almost finished me off in that ring; I can't simply accept that I will always be alone. You reopen that wound without meaning to, and I have to pretend that nothing is wrong. However, when you say that it's hard for you to let me go, my eyes quickly become moist. I knew you cared about me, but I wasn't aware of how much. I thought you clung to me because I was the only person who paid attention to you, but hearing you let me go with those words makes me think that I really am special to you. And that hurts, but it also feels good. Knowing that this can be a friendly farewell. I take your hand and stand up with your help. You mention Hana without provoking me, with genuine respect for the situation, and you dedicate some words to me that sound like a goodbye. Our hands are still together, and I smile at you. "Misaki... I truly believe that you still have a lot left to do in Noir. Don't let either the title or me deprive you of a brilliant career. When we first talked here, you hadn't debuted yet, and just a few days ago you almost became champion. The crowd adores you, the wrestlers fear you. Don't let sadness or helplessness consume you..." I pause, trying to find the right words to bring up a sensitive subject, "...And don't let your sister torture you. Please."

Princess_Misaki: I smiled faintly and gave a deep bow, almost in an Asian manner. "Thank you, Sara. I know—she will keep tormenting me. But as long as I'm strong enough, maybe I need such a villain in my life. I hope you do too, Sara. I promise the people in Noir will remember me. Maybe when I come back next time, it'll be me coming for your belt. Who knows? So keep moving forward, Sara. Make yourself strong—and you'll make those around you strong too. Like me, for instance… Okay, enough of that mushy stuff, Sara. I still have a few days before I leave here. So if you can spare a little time from your victory tour, you're welcome to drop by my place. Of course, you'll have to pay for your own coffee. After all, you messed up my neck pretty badly—after my medical bills, I don't have any money left to cover yours. If you're too busy, that's fine too. After I'm gone in a few days, you can come here anytime to relax. You know where the second‑floor key is, of course. Go on, champion. Watch your own path. This stretch of the road—I'll walk it with you only this far…" I took you toward the door, kicked it open with one foot, and pushed you out with force. The evening breeze felt cool and refreshing on our bodies. Your coat fluttered in the wind, forming an elegant and handsome silhouette. Under the moonlight, the two of us stood—one on each side of the door. I looked at you calmly and politely, smiling. I knew you would take the left path. I turned toward the right path, pointed at it, then looked back at you with a sweet but helpless smile, and waved… "Until fate brings us together again, Lioness… Sara."

Sara_León:

Sara_León: You start talking again with that chaos that characterizes you, overdramatizing everything, stumbling over your words, mixing up your ideas. I half smile and try to calm you down, but suddenly you forcibly take me to the door and open it violently, making me flinch before feeling a brutal shove. I remain in the street, completely confused, looking at you with a certain sadness as I realize that you really wanted to say goodbye to me, that you really wanted to leave for a while. I begin to think that perhaps it is my fault after all, but sudden images of your submissions and your hurtful phrases cross my mind and make me banish any hint of guilt. However, a small and tender smile appears on my face. You are still adorable, and I will never stop thinking so. And you are suffering a lot. Pity and that brutal maternal instinct take hold of my soul. Memories of the good moments with you invade my mind, and I throw myself at you in an unexpected and sudden hug, squeezing you tightly, trying to let you feel my affection one last time, while I whisper words that I think you need to hear with great urgency. "I forgive you, Misaki... Even if our paths must separate. Keep this moment with you."

Princess_Misaki: My expression paused for a moment. I went from struggling at first to finally letting go. This was what I had been waiting for all along. When I realized that some things in life can never be made up for, I had already given up on seeking your forgiveness. But… I began to smile at you easily—grateful, warm, affectionate. I tried my best not to let tears become the main character at the time of parting. 'Oh, you little rascal. You finally want to say that out loud? But I stopped caring a long time ago. It's okay…' I pretended to be lighthearted, trying to keep the atmosphere from getting too heavy. 'I'll remember this. If the chance comes, when we meet again in the ring and you happen to have to be my opponent… I hope that after that, you'll continue to forgive me…' I held you tighter in my arms, unwilling to let you go, feeling your presence one last time…‘ I will always remember you, Sara…‘

Sara_León: I stroke your back without stopping the embrace, feeling myself become a little emotional too. "Hey... We'll keep seeing each other. We belong to the same federation. Just... Get help. Maybe our paths will cross again in the future. And if it's in the ring, at least I'll have the peace of mind that we're not friends, so you can be as cruel as you want." I let out a sad little laugh and then pull away from you. I remain looking at you and say softly: "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Princess_Misaki: 'I will. You too…' In the end, we might never become friends, but I know that a girl from Spain taught me a lot. She helped me understand a great wisdom: not everything is always black and white. Just because we're not friends doesn't mean we're enemies… We've found a delicate and perfect balance in our unique relationship… 'Next time we meet, I'll amaze you. I hope you will too…' I gently patted your back and reluctantly let go of my embrace…

Sara_León: I smile at you one last time and nod, adding nothing more, turning around and starting to walk down the street. I hear the sound of the door closing behind me, while I feel a shy tear that does not dare slide down my cheek, which I quickly wipe away with the back of my hand. You do not know it, but it was Hana who taught me the beauty of forgiveness. Although they aren't similar circumstances, I do feel my soul much lighter. It has been a very intense month, and meeting you has been a true roller coaster. But I choose to keep the good. I choose to believe that that Japanese submission wrestler with serious emotion-management issues truly appreciates me and will continue her path with as much peace as possible. I choose to believe that she will find help and that she will grow in Noir as a wrestler. I choose to believe that, when our paths cross again, the door to friendship will open again

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