A Golden Opportunity (For SuckerPunch)

[Misfit_Alien]

Spoiler

Appearance + Casual Outfit

By the time Emelie landed on the runway, the sun hadn't even risen in Japan. If not for her generous but secretive sponsor paying top dollar for her flight, she wouldn't have made it as soon as she did. Her family could've paid for her travel needs, but the person scouting her seemed to want to establish a positive relationship from the get-go...Emelie was hoping that this wouldn't leave her in some debt. She would remain cautious throughout the day, stopping by a cafe in the airport to get herself an espresso to help wake her up. After that, it was a short drive to LAW's headquarters to receive and file some documentation, finalize a few reports, fill out a couple of forms, and take a few notices. Once that was finished, the young Judo practitioner caught a cab to her new living arrangement, a dormitory residence. All Young Lionesses were required to stay here, apparently...much to Emelie's ire. However, there wasn't much she could do about it. Luckily, she managed to secure a single-person bedroom so she wouldn't have to worry about dealing with an annoying roommate. After moving things up to the second floor, she began to organize her small boxes. She had them arranged in a specific order ranging in importance...She needed to focus on preparing the essentials for her future living space until the rest of her things arrived on the shipping trolley.

Spoiler

After putting out some necessities and items, she unpacked a few boxes and carried cases with the cab driver's help. She first set her bed up with linen and extra foam covering to make sleeping easier on her frail body with a specially-made mattress cover. After that, she placed a few things around the room...medicine, dishes, utensils, towels, etc...Next came the ordeal of tidying things up in this dusty room. It wasn't terrible by any means, but it was still a fixer-upper, but the hardworking Frenchwoman was no stranger to trials and tribulations in life. To her, cleaning up this room was a menial task completable within a short afternoon. However, before she could start, a notification chime rang on her phone...an email...from her ANONYMOUS SPONSOR. It seemed that it was finally time to meet them. The email addressed strictly toward Emelie directed her to go down to the front of her building where the two would meet soon...in an estimated five-to-ten-minute timeframe. With a furrowed brow, Emelie put her phone away and cleaned herself up, adjusting her clothing and makeup before leaving her dorm room.

"This sponsor of mine...Who could they possibly be? Most people would overlook me without hesitation despite my achievements. So what makes this mystery benefactor any different? Tch-...It doesn't matter, I suppose. So long as they benefit me, I can play along for the most part." She thought to herself as she made her way down to the entrance of her assigned dormitory, standing by the front gate as per the email's instructions. She was hoping to avoid having to wait much longer. Her room still needed much work from cleaning, polishing, decorating, and unpacking...The movers should arrive soon to help. Any longer, and Emelie would feel offended, having her time wasted on such frivolous matters. A face-to-face meeting with the person giving her a chance is important...but being punctual was an absolute MUST to the cold and indifferent young lady. If her sponsor did not show...the white-haired Frenchwoman would leave.

Spoiler

[SuckerPunch]

Rose Gold hardly had any time for recreation or side projects. Training and Media Obligations swallowed up the majority of her free time. Being a wrestler... No, it was more than that. Being the Ace of her company was a job that didn't end after the bell. She was obsessive about the sport. About her position. So when Lexy approached her with this proposal she had met her enthusiasm with an exhausted frown.

It had only been through dogged sincerity that she had even bothered to open the file that Lexy had put together for her. Sincerity... And trust. Lexy had been handling a lot for the Lightweight Champion. It wasn't simply that she performed as her valet. But she had put together her entrances for major events. Scheduled her interviews and appearances. While Rose Gold had to execute, Lexy Alan was the one who had laid the groundwork. And this was her next plan.
________________

Her rideshare stopped right in front of the Young Lioness dorms. She'd sat in the back and hadn't said a word the entire ride. It wasn't just that she had no interest in the driver. It was that she yearned desperately to go unrecognized. Rose Gold was a bombastic, larger-than-life presence and one of the biggest celebrities in Japan, if not the world. She'd dressed down in hopes of going incognito. Tennis shoes, jean shorts, a simple tank top, and a too-large yellow windbreaker made up her attire. And to top it all off she'd tucked her hair under a black ball cap. She carried a messenger bag on her hip.

Attire

She approached the front gate of the Young Lioness dormitories and wondered if anyone would recognize her here. The only woman who had ever seen her like this was Yumi Takemi. Her mother had been one of her coaches at Hokkaido University. Yumi had been quite young when she'd attended the meets for the University Joshi Club. Still in high school herself. She was a woman grown now. A young Lioness. She had arranged to meet at the gate rather than inside the property to avoid taking any chances. Rose Gold in the Young Lioness dormitories would look to many like letting a wolf into a nursery.

"I see you managed to make it here on time. I trust the accommodations met your needs?" Emelie had been gifted a first-class flight as well as a driver to get her to the dormitories. But beyond that, her stay at the dormitories had been fully paid for. The Young Lioness program was for trainees. Many of them paid for the opportunity. But some were sponsored. Like Emelie.

[Misfit_Alien]

When Rose approached Emelie, the Frenchwoman was slightly taken aback. Sensing her time was wasted, she was about to leave when she spotted the ride-share vehicle arrive at the curb. At first, she was expecting someone a little more...maintained. Upon her first glance, this person looked like another Young Lioness just stepping out of a car after paying for a ride home. Nothing about her attire screamed influential sponsor and mentor...So, understandably, Emelie was a bit apprehensive...Properly presenting oneself meant a lot to her. One's image reflected a lot about them, after all.

"Hm? You-..." Emelie paused, refraining from addressing this woman any further without conducting a brief look over the woman. The Frenchwoman's eyes quickly scanned the frame of the casually-dressed stranger who approached her. She carefully studied the woman as her gaze narrowed, and once she decided the woman was clear of any suspicion, she took note of the words she said. "Yes, the accommodations were quite suitable...lovely, even-...Though I must say-...It's a travesty others must pay for these dorms. However, I suppose earning an opportunity at the high life...among other such fanciful privileges and luxuries...will be something to strive for. Regardless, I thank you for making things far more tolerable. Judging from your appearance, I would've guessed you were an attendant sent by my sponsor...but from your words and the email I was sent, I believe it's safe to say that you are indeed my mysterious benefactor, correct?" Emelie asked, conducting herself properly but giving Rose a cold detailing of her suspicions.

With a respectful curtsy, Emelie bowed and showed her gracious appreciation. "Presuming I am indeed correct...It's a pleasure to finally and FORMALLY meet you. Please excuse my attire. I'm typically better dressed for important occasions...but I found it illogical to spend my day moving and cleaning in a fancy dress only to get it dirty."

[SuckerPunch]

Rose Gold observed the woman as she approached. No, woman wasn't quite right. She was still a girl, wasn't she? The Young Lioness hopeful paused in front of her. Observing her. Judging her. The thought put a little smirk on her lips. It was one she wore throughout the duration of her introductory monologue.

Emelie's native tongue flavored her words making her sound exotic. Denoting her as foreign. It would be a burden for her. Her lengthy greeting was filled with observations she'd made. Assessments that might offend, but were delivered without the edge of malice. She didn't seem to care whether or not she was abbrasive. Was it haughty arrogance? Or social nihilism?

"You are correct." She said simply, answering the girl's presumption. "I think you'll understand that appearing this way, in this place, was absolutely necessary to facilitate a reasonable and uninterrupted introduction." She gave a sweeping gesture over her own body. "Though, I'm wounded that you aren't charmed by my style. Are women not to your liking?" The smirk had never left her lips, so it only perked a bit deeper in the moment.

"I'm glad you've enjoyed the accommodation. But you're mistaken if you think that you won't have to pay to be here." She captured the girl's eyes in her own now. The grin slipped from her lips. Her eyes were gold. More beautiful than any jewelry. Polished and backlit. They were alive with the intention of a playful hunter. Cat-like in their capricious nature. "Money, however, will not be a concern for you. You'll be paying in blood, sweat, and dedication, to me, Rose Gold." She didn't bother returning her bow as she fed her her own identity.

At the moment that Emelie took to process the information, be it through surprise or cold analysis, she would remove the messenger bag from her shoulder and push it against the French girl's chest. "I've taken the time to prepare a regiment for you. You'll follow it, or I'll withdraw my patronage. And I'll not hear any complaints. You have my interest, but not my respect. You'll have to earn that. Understood?"

[Misfit_Alien]

This woman...Rose Gold...She was the one sponsoring Emelie. The Frenchwoman hadn't a clue about the inner workings of the professional wrestling landscape, but she did a fair bit of research beforehand. She wasn't the type to take a very selective sponsorship in an industry like this without studying it first. During her investigation, she came across a few highlighted subjects...note-worthy personalities and stars within the company who were listed time and time again in articles. Among them was the same name the woman had uttered. Rose Gold-...LAW's current Lightweight champion. She was a high-class talent and a world-class athlete. She was a star not just in her division but across the industry. However, Emelie recognized her more for her standing as a former professional Judo competitor. Emelie remembered seeing an article showcasing Rose Gold's previous success in Judo on nearly an Olympic level, if not for some controversy and turmoil regarding her position as a non-Japanese citizen representing the country on the grandest stage for athletes everywhere. Save for that, everything about Rose Gold's profile screamed high status. She had an...-interesting-...personality. The way she conducted herself, how she uttered her words, and how she dressed. Emelie didn't show it on her face, but she was surprised when the woman stated her reasoning behind her attire. It made sense now why she dressed like this. Emelie kept note of this fact in her mind.

However, Emelie's inner train of thought came to an immediate halt when Rose made her little comment. The semi-stoic, cold young woman felt a tinge of red forming on her face. "T-That is...Unimportant...to this partnership, I feel. I mean no disrespect." She said, clearing her throat as she tried to calm herself. Once things cooled down, Emelie was given a pretty blunt statement about the terms of this arrangement. The stakes behind this partnership were extreme, and the responsibilities and standards were set to their limits. However, the Frenchwoman was no stranger to conquering her limits. She had made it this far, and she wasn't planning on stopping any time soon. She narrowed her gaze at Rose, unyielding to the staggering expectations now set upon her shoulders as she took the messenger bag in hand, handling it with great care. "Very well, I understand clearly. I shall study this while I tidy my residence. In due time, I shall earn your respect as both a pupil and a competitor. I assure you, Ms. Gold...this partnership WILL prove to be a worthwhile investment. I intend to make sure of that."

[SuckerPunch]

Emelie's blush caused something to stir within Rose Gold. Something that nearly put a blush on her cheeks. Something that caused her to unconsciously lick her lips.

"Oh honey, I'm sure you don't. But I assure you that it is!" Her golden eyes glittered with something equal parts excitement and hunger.

"I would encourage you to abandon your pretense and allow -me- to teach you what is and isn't important." Emelie was new to this world and its... Indulgences. How delectable, that she might have the first taste of this succulant specimen. Lexy had done her homework.

Oh and that glare. Icy. Intense. Confident. It was nearly as alluring as the girlish blush she'd worn a moment ago. "Such confidence. Such lofty promises. But then, what else -would- you say, hm?" Her words were lacksidaisical. She spoke them as she looked past Emelie, at the dorms behind her. As if she was a cat looking over the rim of a fish bowl. "It is your future that is on the line, afterall."

Her eyes met Emelie's. The playfulness in them fled, leaving only the intensity to remain. "Open the bag. I should like to be certain that you understand the expectations I have for you." She commanded.

Inside the messanger bag was a manilla folder. And inside that folder was a... brochure? And a curriculum. Both for Tokyo University.

"I have taken the trouble to enroll you in university. I would have enrolled you in my Alma Mater, but I thought it would be cruel to have you travel 900 miles to train. You're welcome." She waved a hand palm up between them. "The first semester you get anything below a 3.8 will be your last. And you'll see all of my patronage revoked. If you want my respect, then earn nothing below a 4.0."

[Misfit_Alien]

Emelie opened the bag, revealing a folder with information regarding a secondary school...this woman...This 'Rose Gold'...She wanted Emelie to attend university while training under her, seriously? Did the woman believe Emelie to be a fool or something? The white-haired Frenchwoman was no stranger to achieving high marks in class, but this caught her off guard. As her eyes partially widened, she glanced back toward Rose Gold for a moment. She remained silent, not making any decisions or saying anything before fully reading the curriculum pamphlet, college brochure, and any other information left in the manilla folder. "It appears straightforward enough. Though I must ask...why university? I was under the assumption that this would be a purely 'physical' arrangement. I can grasp the basic concept of sending me to a school to teach me how to balance my life and work while forcing me to train my brain as well, but-...Part of me feels that is not the only reason you've enrolled me in this. Not that I question your judgment-...I would hope you wouldn't mind enlightening me on the subject." Emelie asked.

[SuckerPunch]

Rose Gold watched the confusion in her potential protege's eyes. She watched her process the demands and resign herself to them. But not without questioning them first.

"Of course. I am not a tyrant" She waved a hand and acquiescing to her request for explaination. "In this world of professional wrestling, strength and skill is not enough." She paused, looking over the girl as if assessing her physique for a second time. "Especially not for women of our size."

"Do not think that because you have the chance to make it big as an athlete that your academics should be ignored. Any trainee of mine will show her opponent that the thing she has most to fear isn't her muscles. But her mind." She tapped the side of her head with a finger.

Her smile grew warm for a moment. "You have such potential. Follow my instruction and I will see to it that in the ring you will be a terrifying and ruthless competitor. And a peerless lover." She paused, finding Emelie's eyes for the moment. Capturing them in a moment of inescapable intimacy. "But I will make sure the woman outside of the ring is thrice as devastating."

[Misfit_Alien]

Emelie paused, taking some time to consider Rose Gold's words. This woman had other motives in play. Whether for her benefit or amusement. Emelie was a pupil, sure-...But she was also an asset. One that needed to prove its worth and fast. Although she was not running up a tab of expenses, she was still on Rose's dime. If she wanted to continue this venture without paying a great deal on her own end, she would need to EXCEED Rose's expectations, not just meet them. With a cordial nod and a half-smile, Emelie responded. "Very well. If those are your demands, I will comply. I will stick to the guidelines you've provided me, regardless of how high you set the bar. Rest assured, I will not fail you, Ms. Gold." She said, carrying herself with a very esteemed, formal attitude. "If I may ask, once I've finished preparing my living arrangements, what is my first course of action? From the pamphlet's notes, classes do not begin until next week. With so much time on my hands, I would assume immediate training would be first on the agenda?"

[SuckerPunch]

Rose Gold watched the girl as she processed her orders. She was confident and driven. The now-mentor couldn't help but wonder if this girl truly understood what she was getting herself into. Or was she just blindly confident.

"Mm. It's Ms. Rose Gold." She thought she'd hate being called miss. It did make her sound old. But it made Emelie's first task all the more debaucherous.

"And you are very astute. Classes do not begin till next week. But training begins tonight." She had an impish grin as she looked up towards the Young Lioness dorms.

"Wear your best. Because tonight you are going to be my date." She licked her lips. "We're going to the area's most popular nightclub. The Crystal Ballroom." It was a trendy and expensive dance club. The type that served twenty thousand dollar bottles of champagne. Emelie was too young to drink, but not too young to dance.

"Tonight, I'm going to teach you how to kiss." She puckered her lips and kissed the air.

"Ja." And with that she turned and left with a sashay of her hips, refusing to elaborate further.