Getting Stronger (for Bare)

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia Edelstein leant against the windowsill, letting the afternoon sun warm her back while she watched her other classmates struck poses for the camera.

The beautiful Austrian sighed, she came to LAW to leave the whole modelbusiness behind he, but soon she found out that doing photoshoots was part of the regimen of a wrestler too.
And it made sense.
LAW inhabited some of the most stunning women on this planet and of course with good looks there was money to be made.

No one knew better then Harmomia, as a year ago she still was a famous supermodel, travelling the world, living the highlife, only needing a pretty face to come around.
Harmonia scoffed.
What do they know?

They constant training regiments, special diets, the everlasting pressure from management, fans and press. Always smiling, always being considerate, just talk about the topics your managment allowed you? The relentless rivalries between her and other models, the travelling on her own, dealing with fake friends, fake lovers.

Harmonia was never like them.
She has learned to behave like a lady, look like a lady and talk like a lady. In fact, she enoyed being a lady, but inside she was still the farmgirl, living with her family in the Austrian Alps.

Harmonia always was a polite and courteous girl, the absolute opposite of her rebellious twin sister Finella. But still there was a fire in Harmonia, a burning, wild flame she never could stop. Strong, energetic and proud were three words that could describe Harmonia best.

But when she finally reached LAW, the welcome was more then modest.
She was the Supermodel Harmonia Edelstein.
Surely she bought herself in, another talentless stuck up bitch that destroyed the good name of female wrestling.

Harmonia gritted her teeth.
They booked her scarcly and when they did it was against "harmless" wrestlers that would'nt hurt Harmonia too much.

Things turned when she was booked against a certain Alien Gimmick Girl named Cheelani and a Young Lioness named Sheila, both respected her and did'nt held back, finally putting Harmonia on the map.

Suddenly the eyes were on her and even if it was far from "special" to beat a lightweight and a Young Lioness, she still put on a fantastic show.

Then she met Amirah. The Jaded Queen became Harnonias rival very quick as they faced off against each other in a Tag Match leading to a challenge at the PPV in two weeks. And everyone saw Amirah as the favourite.
Even if Harmonia managed to choke out Amirah at the end of their match, everyone just felt that Amirah had a bad day and in a one on one match she would squash the blonde Austrian easily.

Harmonia, who joined the Ashfords prestigious program: "Shadow Fortress", where she currently stayed for the photoshoot, was determined to show them all what she was able too to do.
Since the announcement of their match Harmonia did nothing less then hit the gym day and night, preparing her body and mind for this first big challenge pf her career!

And having a photoshoot in which she was obliged to participate did'nt lift her spirits.
She looked around and her gaze settled on a young girl that seemed to had struggles with the poses, the photographer already in a rage. Teuila was her name, Harmonia and her had exchanged a few words here and there but nothing of big worth.

But always beig the motherly and big sister type, Harmonia walked over to the struggling girl and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle smile.
"Need help, Teuila-chan? I know a thing or two about poses, maybe I can be of
any assistence?", she smiled.

Spoiler

[Bare]

'Man I thought I was done with this stuff. But figures I still have to deal with it even in wrestling.' Teuila thought to herself as she posed or at least tried to for a growingly frustrated photographer. Today Dana had asked the various students of the shadow fortress to do some modeling to help promote the dungeon, something Teuila had been fine with initially.

After all she had experience with modeling having done it the last two years as a profession, granted only mostly small time stuff and only with the sole intention of making easy money to live off of while paying for her wrestling training. So naturally when given the heads up for today she figured it would be quick and easy but boy oh boy was she wrong.

As Teuila had come to understand there was a significant difference between modeling back home and the states vs here in Japan. Standards were WAY higher than what she was used too along with the language barrier making it hard for Teuila to get the poses exactly right. Not to mention her expressions were off? The heck did that even mean!? Frankly Teuila was about another rant or two away from just straight up decking the photographer and heading back to the young lion dorms to finish the day joining in on whatever they were doing.

But before she could get the oh so sweet satisfaction of decking the little angry man in front of her a third voice interjected. One that was significantly more relaxed and warm than any she had heard that day. Looking up she saw an at least somewhat familiar face in Harmonia Edelstein. One of the Shadow Fortress members that was actually signed to the LAW Roster and someone that up till now Teuila had only greeted in passing and talked to sparingly. That was just sorta the environment at the Shadow Fortress. Current students tended to stick to each other while graduated members did their own thing if they were training at the dungeon that day unless ordered otherwise at least.

So right now Teuila was a little surprised, and embarrassed that Harmonia came over. Partially cause all Teuila was wearing a yellow bikini, after all no other way to feel less significant than someone else when you were literally half dressed compared to them. But the fact that Harmonia had to come over at all, no doubt to offer help which Teuila did appreciate, was also kind of embarrassing, at least for Teuila being as prideful as she was. She didn't like to be a person that needed help more often than not.

Yet, in spite of that Teuila also wasn't stubborn enough to deny said help when she knew that she needed it, and she definitely needed it right now. "Ah Harmonia-Senpai." Teuila said, despite neither woman being Japanese but already at this point using the suffixes was a habit for her, at least if in response to someone else referring to her with one. Nodding to the woman Teuila gave a bashful smile. 'I've modeled before but this is a bit different than what I'm used to." She admitted while sheepishly scratching the back of her head. "So I could appreciate anything you could show me before I do something I regret." That last part was directed solely to the photographer along with a pointed stare and raised fist, something the photographer responded back with a equally rude gesture.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia could'nt but smile as she approached the fighting young girl and the hotheaded photographer.
"Alright, Alright...let's calm down everybody...ok?", she asked and looked at the photogrpapher.
No, not looked at him, she stared him down as she approached him, her breasts heaving with every move she made and came to an halt before the small man.
"Okamura-san, is'nt it? You know who I am?", she asked, not to brag or to show off, no, Harmonia had other things on her mind.
"Yes, Yes Edelstein-san...everybody knows...", he said and looked to the side.
"Good, and please no need to be so firm, just say Harmonia, I can't stand this stuck up "Fräulein Edelstein" thing a bit...", she sighed and shook her head.
"I am no model anymore, I am a girl that loves to wrestle, buuuut, I have'nt forgotten a single thing from these days, so Okamura san, you will calm down a bit, take a smoke, drink a coffee, anything you want and I will talk to Teuila-san, yes?", she asked and the cameraman, to struck by Harmonias words and beauty just nodded.
"Ha-Hai...Ed-Harmonia-san...", he said and turned around while Harmonia looked back at Teuila, winked, and gave her a thumbs up.

When the cameraman was out of sight, the blonde Austrian walked back to her Kohai, a encouraging smile on her face.
Harmonia sighed and brushed her hair out of her face...she needed to see a proper barber before her big match in California.
"Teuila-chan. What seems to be the problem, hm? What does this insufferable man want you to do?", she chuckled and put an arm on her shoulder, squeezing it softly to calm her down and give her the feeling of comfort.
"The most important thing in the modelbusiness, when it comes to photoshoots, is that start to forget everything around you, even the camera. We models must'nt care about that things, there are at least three guys there who know how to operate a camera properly. But there is only one person in the room that knows how to operate your body and this is you. I watched you and you seem to have a little bit of experience but the Okamura and you seemed to disagree about something?", the austrian beauty said in her, deep, calm voice while her crystalblue eyes looked warmly on her younger classmate, her usual cocky grin on her face.

[Bare]

Teuila continued to give a terse stare at the photographer while Harmonia spoke to him. The annoyance with the man she held clearly written on every inch of her face. Luckily the older blonde had sent the photographer off for the time being to calm down before approaching her with a look of pure confidence that Teuila couldn't help but find breathtaking. Sure she herself exuded confidence and energy in a manner similar to Harmonia, but hers was sixty percent bravado, Harmonia's was backed up by genuine ability to match any words she said.

Either way as the woman approached and put a hand on her shoulder Teuila had to suck a breath in to keep herself from blushing. 'Those are... a lot bigger up close!' She thought to herself while doing her best to keep her gaze focused on the deep cerulean eyes of the older Shadow Fortress graduate. "He's just being really complicated and ornerary, ugh I can't even get half of what he means." She said with irritation radiating from her voice as she crossed her arms over her chest while listening to her elders words.

Sighing softly she took a deep breath and nodded to the blonde, silently conceding to her the point while thinking internally on how to articulate the issue she was having. "Yeah you can say that." She said while tilting her head back and looking at the ceiling, trying to figure out the words. "Like my poses are fine more or less, but Okamura keeps saying its wrong, that I'm 'exuding the right energy to go with the pose.' or some crap." She said annoyedly while doing mocking air quotes as she paraphrased the man's words, clearly frustrated with him.

"I don't know, he's just a lot more... severe than photographers I've had in the past..." She said, pausing for a moment debating internally on whether to say what she wanted to say next before sighing and finally spitting out, "Also I always had my brother with me whenever I did this sorta thing before. It feels... weird to do this without him..." She said, admitting something she'd been holding in for a while, Harmonia's easy going and warm vibe helping to make her feel more comfortable in doing so.

[RedShinigami]

The blonde Ex-Model listened and smiled as Teuila spoke about the whole incident.
"Yes, I watched you and you definetly have experience, I was'nt questioning that, but when I see a photographer and model fighting, I am just thrown back to those old days...", she said and shook her head.

Harmonia understood her, when she began her modeling career she was constantly at odds with stuck up photographers who were furious that she "did'nt get what they wanted" and that she was "a simple country bumpkin from the austrian alps who would'nt go far".
If these peoples intention was to get Harmonia to give up modeling then they had took the wrong approach as things like "you can't do it" or "you can't do it because you are..." never sat well with the eager and determined young girl.
She trained and did her poses day and night, wanting to show those bastards what a simple austrian mountain girl could do!
And now, six years later and a few million more on her bankaccount, Harmonia knew she had made it.
Now on to the next challenge that was LAW.

She looked at Teuila and nodded.
"Well, you have something going for you Teuila-chan, you are pretty hot.", Harmonia said straight and looked up and down Teuilas body.
"Yellow suits you very well, I love it. And what you did was'nt all too bad but still...you can do better Teuila-chan. Want me to show you some tricks?", she smiled and took a stance next to her, taking of her top and throw it away, now standing in a sports bra before her Kouhai and bent forward.
"See?", she grinned and gave her a wink.
"Totally easy but works everytime."

She pressed her chest between her arms and struck another pose, her face suddenly showing a longing tone.
"You have to feel it. Everything he tells you to do, you have too see in your head, before doing it yourself." ,the Ex-Model said and struck another pose, with another facial expression.
Looking at Harmonia was watching a professional at work, not a single movement was without grace, not a single change of expression on her face did'nt feel natural.
"Ok, Teuila-chan. You saw what I did...now do it for me please.", Harmonia said and crossed her arms before her impressive chest, waiting for her Kouhai to show her if she had watched and learned.

[Bare]

Teuila nodded appreciatively at what Harmonia said, glad that the older woman could agree with her about the photographers. Even if it was from a more experienced and nearly wistful stand point. In addition the fact that Harmonia was sure to acknowledge her experience, it wasn't something she really cared much about, but it was still nice to be appreciated.

However the woman's next claim admittedly made Teuila a bit bashful as she scratched the back of her head sheepishly with a blush on her face. "Awwwh shucks thanks Harmonia Senpai. I really put in a lot of work to look so good in a bikini so I appreciate it!" She said brightly with a chirp, not all that phased by being called attractive itself, but more so glad it was someone like Harmonia who said it. It was like being complimented on cooking by Gordon Ramsay!

But she had to get over the slight flustered state she was in quick. Now it was learning time and Harmonia was squaring up to teach her. Blinking Teuila would immediately nod at Harmonia's words as she explained what she would have to do. "Feel it? Like an actor?" Teuila asked, mostly to herself, watching in an impressed way as Harmonia's expressions immediately changed in response to each pose as she did them..

'Whoa.. modeling is more complex than I thought.' The bushy haired girl thought to herself before gulping as Harmonia gestured for her to go up next. "Right, got it... I got this." Teuila said in response, the last part mostly to herself as she took a deep breath before mimicking the first pose Harmonia had assumed, her body and arms positioning almost exactly the same as Harmonia with minimal effort. Facially Teuila morphed her expression, something which she accomplished for the most part, though it wasn't as convincing as Harmonia's, but emotion was visible in her eyes and face.

Afterwards Teuila would shift, taking the second pose Harmonia did, once again with minimal effort as far as matching her limbs and posture to what Harmonia had done. Like before she got some emotion on her face, not to the same extent of Harmonia, but better than what she was doing when it was just her and the photographer from a moment ago!

[RedShinigami]

"Hah! Now you get it, Babe!", she laughed and just posed with Teuila, but of course staying out of the line.
This was Teuilas time to shine and Harmonia was there to help her ,which she did with the same energy she always helped others.
Harmonia could be a very bad bitch when angered but usually she was a very caring and loving person, especially when she had
to help younger ones.

Being polite and helpful was something that was in Harmonias character and what made her very popular with her friends and fanbase who just loved
the down to earth woman who did'nt care about having any star allures or vain attitude.
Harmonia could be the simple farmgirl, a glamourus lady and a fierce wrestler, something the people who tried to look deeper into the Austrian then her being "a stuck up supermodel.
Teuila took her seriously and even looked up to her.
And the blonde could'nt lie when she said she liked being some form of idol or big sister, she was a sister after all and had to look after her rebellious twin, Finella more often then she wanted to admit.

"Great Teuila-chan, that was awesome!", she grinned and gave her Kouhai a highfive before looking at Okamura.
"Well, would'nt you say so too, Okamura-san?", she smiled and the photographer quickly nodded.
"Y-Yes...absolutely professional, Teuila-san...thank you very much!", he said and turned around making Harmonia smirk.
"Photographers...a strange crowd...", she whispered and shook her head, her beautiful blonde locks glistening in the afternoon sun.
"Well...seems that we have some time off now.", she said and looked at Teuila.
"Don't know about you but that whole ordeal made me hungry, care to join me? My treat of course.", she smiled.

[Bare]

Teuila had followed Harmonia's lead on every pose, matching her in both posture and facial expression, or at least trying too. None of Teuila's expressions were quite as perfect as Harmonia's, but they were close enough to appease Okamura who had returned and used the opportunity to take the photos he needed. Something that Teuila hadn't even noticed, either him coming back or him taking the pictures.

Teuila was far too focused on Harmonia. Not only in the sense of trying to match up to everything the woman was doing, but also thinking about the woman in general. After all the woman was a graduate of the Shadow Fortress, one of the first ones from the Japan branch in fact which meant the woman had to have done something to impress Dana. Likewise the blonde was slated for a big match at the next ppv. Something that was a big deal regardless of where on the card it fell.

Franky Teuila would have to be crazy not too look up the Austrian born woman to a degree. Especially given their similar disposition and wrestling styles, or well budding wrestling style in Teuila's case. But now their was also the similarity in their modeling backgrounds to consider now as well. Honestly the more Teuila thought about it the more she was appreciating Harmonia and was more grateful than she was initially that the woman had come over to offer her help.

"Bleh!" As the photographer walked off, finally getting the pics he needed Teuila gave one last show of disrespect by sticking her tongue out at his back as he walked away. Turning however and seeing Harmonia approach her she couldn't help but chuckle at what she said. "Haha I'll say!" Teuila said agreeing whole heartedly about what the woman said regarding photographers.

But then Harmonia continued to speak and what she said next caused a surprised look to form on Teuila's face at the offer from Harmonia. Since coming to Japan the only major names in LAW that she had interacted with were Dana and her family member alongs with the young lionesses. So a chance for her schmooze with such a self made name was a rare but welcome opportunity for her! "Yeah I'd love too Harmonia-Senpai!" As she said that Teuila grabbed a robe from a nearby rack before throwing it over herself. "Where too?" She asked excitedly, wondering where Harmonia would take her.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia grinned as Okamura left with his tail tuck between his legs.
Just don't start taking things from photographers, if they got a bad attitude then answer with a much badder attitude.
The Blonde never stuck to the "Rules of the Business", she was'nt just a fucking piece of meat, she was a person.
And so the whole industry developed a love/hate relationship for Harmonia Edelstein.

She was beautiful and talented and every big company wanted her for their commercials, but she was also dangerous because she was
an intelligent woman with her own ideas and worldviews and was not ashamed to mix herself into political discussions at parties were she was invited.

Usually it was expected for the supermodels to be eyecandy, talk about the weather, giggling and be just a nice asset for the men who were participating in the serious conversations.
How the old buzzards were shocked when they walked into the "Cigarroom", only to find Harmonia with a big cigar and an even bigger glass of brandy, looking at the man and starting a discussion over the current politicial situation.

They were reluctant at first, some even left, to ashamed or to proud to sit and discuss with a woman, but the oney who stayed soon recognized what an extraordinary woman this Harmonia Edelstein was.
Not just a beautiful face that could walk the catwalks of the world but a person with feelings, her own views and humor.
And this was why she was hated by the other models, she broke the unspoken rules and let them look "bad" in contrast even if that was'nt her intention.

She just did'nt want to giggle like an idiot and talk about how warm it was today, this was'nt Harmonia.
And nothing about this had changed as she stood here with Teuila and smiled.
She knew many restaurants in Japan, from the ultra fancy ones to simpler ones and she decided that for a careless chat and some fun with her Kohai it would be better if they went to something..."more grounded".

"I think I know just the place...", she grinned and waited for Teuila who just got ready.
"It's a beautiful day, lets take a walk, huh?", she smiled.
"It is'nt far, like 10 Minutes or so."

So they started walking and seeing this two beautfiul and exotic women, everyone on the street turned and looked at them, some with awe, some with respect and some with distain, it was Japan after all.
They were Gaijins and not everyone loved how careless they walked "their streets", but Harmonia did'nt care.
She liked Japan and only had witnessed it at its best so she enjoyed the walk with her Kohai down the street.

"Say Teuila...we have'nt had the chance to speak. Tell me something about you, I know a few things about Samoa but it is still a big mystery for me...tell me a little about your family...is it true that "family" in Samoa can also be a non blood relative when he gets introduced into the "tribe"?", she asked and if someone else have asked that question it could come across as a little respectless but not when Harmonia asked. She was interested and her voice showed nothing but deepest interest and respect for the culture that Teuila hailed from and Harmonia always had been the curious one.

[Bare]

Teuila smiled ecstatically as she watched Okamura leave, the man having gotten on her nerves far too often for her to really care for him all too much, in fact being all too eager for him to leave. Not only that but Harmonia was also offering Teuila the chance to eat with her meaning a rare opportunity to network with someone that was rising up the ranks of LAW which could lead to big things for Teuila in the grand scheme of things!

Initially she had grabbed her robe, thinking Harmonia was thinking of hitting up the snack bar Dana had set up for all the students and photographers to use. But no the women meant ACTUAL food. "Oh uh one sec!" Teuila said as stopped by the bench she and all the other students had ditched their outer clothes at. Quickly grabbing her jean shorts and slipping them on as well as a white, blue, yellow and orange stripes tank top and her sandals the bushy haired girl would dump her robe before following after her senpai.

'Phew that was close.' Teuila thought to herself as she caught up with the blonde, keeping pace with her in order to talk as the two quicky got out onto the streets of Japan. Walking down the streets Teuila was oblivious to the more negative looks sent either of their ways, instead focused more on the woman she was walking next too. Being a graduate of the Shadow Fortress alone was impressive, but that as well as having a match at the pay per view as well as Harmonia's recent rise up the LAW rankings? She was definitely making a name for herself and fast and Teuila would be stupid to not make the most of this chance.

As they walked however Harmonia asked about something that surprised Teuila, with the girl not expecting the woman to ask anything about her culture. "Oh well uh kinda?" Teuila said in response, racking her brain to think of how she should answer. "Likeeee we're more communal as a society overall. Everyone is generally really friendly and welcoming so you'd be treaed like family pretty easily cause most people are just generally super hospitable ya know?" Teuila said before pausing and humming a moment to think before continuing.

"But family in Samoa culture is like, super duper serious. It's not easy to join a family without marrying into it, but that in of itself can be tricky." Teuila said, having flashbacks to multiple suitors she had back home, only for them to be immediately shut down by her brothers who were WAY against anything of the sort. "Really the only thing I can think of like that is blood brothers. But thats not especially unique to us as a culture." She said finishing her explanation before blanching a moment thinking how serious that sounded. "Buttt like I said super friendly and communal society. Everyone kinda lives for everyone else ya know? So you would be treated well just by walking into two which is probs what you're thinking of." She finished, trying to finish off on a more positive note.