All That Glitters

[BlackAkuma]

Sometimes, fellow podcasters would ask

what his secrets were to making a good podcast, how they could get themselves off the ground. While it never served him to help his potential competitors, he usually gave them some tips, as long as they remained cordial about things. It wasn’t a Secret Sauce type of thing, not like he knew some ancient secret that had been passed down from generations. No, in Keith’s humble opinion, it all came down to one thing.

Timing.

It wasn’t just a matter of having guests, no, but having the right guests at the right time. You needed to have the people that the world wanted to see, before the world even knew they wanted to see them. It might have seemed like a simple, small thing, but it was what separated the big names from the fly-by-nights. It wasn’t an innate talent, but something he’d picked up over the years—the Power of Observation.

It was that skill that put one Madison Knox on Keith’s radar. A new name on the LAW scene, she’d made a big debut in LAW with a win, and not just any win. She’d taken down Ms. Spencer, of all people. The Rumble Rose, the legend, and she’d done it in grand fashion, coming from the depths to pick up an incredible comeback win. The dirt sheets were ablaze with talk about her potential on the Japanese scene, with some already fingering her for title opportunities.

That alone wasn’t what drew him, though. While most of the buzz was solid, there were a few murmurs about some behind-the-scenes drama. Namely, one of LAW’s CCTVs had picked up footage of Madison and her BFF arguing backstage. There was no audio, so it was impossible to know what they were saying at a distance, but the expressions gave away enough to make things juicy. While the two had parted well, there had undoubtedly been some tension. Adding to that tension, management had already hotshotted a match with Valley Doll and Madison Knox, wanting to capitalize on the heat before it could fade away and the public’s attention went elsewhere.

It could’ve been nothing, just a quick disagreement between friends, but people were already speculating, theories were being made, and the YouTube wrestling community was making a fine mint off the clicks. Things like this had a way of taking on a mind of their own. People wanted a story, and when they didn’t get that story, they filled in the vacuum with their own.

That was why Keith had contacted Madison Knox through his agent. He’d contacted Valley Doll, too, but she’d shut him down, wanting her privacy. That was fine by him - better to get one side of the story than none of it.

He found himself in his Shibuya studio, going over a few last-minute touches with his producers while he waited for Madison to show up. He’d done his homework on the woman, not only looking up stuff about her career in the USA, but going over her family details, watching a few of her matches, getting a gist for what she was about. The couch was setup and waiting for her, a plush, leather setup that his guests could sink into for maximum comfort. He already had a list of questions to ask - some meant to put her at ease, others meant to catch her a little off guard. He didn’t want to catch her with traps, but he wasn’t looking to play softball, either.

Keith was in the right mindspace. Perfect.

Now, he just needed the woman of the hour.

[Parker]

The studio wasn’t much to look at from the outside, just another boxy building tucked into a strip of warehouses, but inside it hummed with energy. Wires coiled across the floor like lazy snakes, bright stage lights pooled against black curtains, and the faint scent of burnt coffee clung to the air. Staff members moved with quiet efficiency, adjusting camera angles, checking sound levels, and tapping through scripts on glowing tablets.

slipped through the doors with a polite smile that never faltered, even as the crutches under her arms clicked rhythmically across the tiled lobby. She hated that sound, hated the reminder, but she’d made peace with it enough to not let it sour her mood. Today wasn’t about looking wounded. Today was about sending the right message.

She adjusted a sweep of hair over her shoulder and flashed her brightest, most charming grin to the assistant who met her at the front desk.

“Hi. Madison Knox. Here for Mr. Fox.” Her tone was warm, practiced, but still carried the undercurrent of genuine gratitude. This was her first podcast appearance since her LAW debut, and like everything else, it mattered. She was going to make sure she looked every inch the approachable, well-meaning rookie to the brand.

The assistant, harried but friendly, guided her down a narrow hallway, helping hold open doors as Madison carefully maneuvered through. Each step was steady, deliberate; she leaned into the air of determination as if the crutches themselves were just part of her story, not a setback.
Finally, they reached the studio space. The assistant gestured her in. “Keith? This is Ms. Knox.”

Madison shifted her weight to her good leg and offered a bright wave, her eyes crinkling with warmth as she stepped into the glow of the lights. “Hey, Mr. Fox. Thanks for having me.” A polite bow, practiced to perfection with her crutches in hand for this very moment.

Her smile broadened, a playful lilt in her voice. Best behavior. Babyface charm. A girl next door with a little grit, exactly the impression she intended to leave.

[BlackAkuma]

Keith was fiddling with the lights when he heard the distant rumbling, carrying through the halls, and the sound of unfamiliar footsteps approaching. He didn’t look their way just yet, tempting as it was to greet them - no, he needed to get this angle just right. While he could get his people to handle this sort of thing for him, Keith liked to do some of his own work, especially when it came to the YouTube version of his podcast. It was his face that would be on the camera, after all, and he knew the best way to cover it.

He was still wrapped up in his work when his assistant, Junko, brought Madison in and introduced her in with her usual sheepish voice. She was an intern he’d picked up after he came to Japan, still not used to being around celebrities. She’d get over it soon enough.

”One sec, one sec, I just…” Keith raised the camera up, one inch, then two, then down a little. ”There. Perfect.”

Satisfied, he spun on his heel and gave her the quick lookover. Keith’s approving nod came out right away - yeah, she had the perfect look, didn’t need any real touching up, though he’d offer his makeup lady, anyway. The clothing choice was on point. Formal, yes, but with some playful edge. Those sneakers would play well in the long shots. She’d nailed the Girl Next Door appeal.

”Thanks for being had. Call me Keith, keep it cordial.” The bow took him off guard - he was used to it from this country, sure, but not from an American. She must’ve been integrating well, then. Good topic, he’d have to bring it up.

”Madison? Maddie? Mads? Which do you want me to go with?” He thumbed towards the couch, offering her to sit and take a load off those crutches. He’d been in them a few times, himself. He could sympathize.

[Parker]

Madison’s smile didn’t falter when Keith finally turned around, though she gave a little laugh at his comment, shaking her head as she made her way toward the couch. The crutches clicked along the floor with every step, but she moved with practiced grace, easing herself down onto the cushion without a single complaint. “Of course, Keith.”

Once settled, she carefully stacked the crutches at her side, angling them just so, subtly making sure the cameras would catch them in the shot. The injury wasn’t just a weakness; it was a story beat, and she wasn’t above letting the audience see how hard she was working to stand tall through it.

Looking up at Keith from her seat, she brushed a stray lock of blonde hair back over her shoulder and tilted her head, giving him that bright, signature grin that seemed to light her whole face. ”My friends call me Maddie,” she said, a soft, cheerful lilt in her voice. There was warmth in her tone, almost inviting him in on the nickname, an open door, if he wanted to step through it.

Her green eyes lingered on him for just a beat longer than needed, gauging. Was Keith going to treat her like one of his usual headline-chasing guests, trying to catch her off guard with some salacious question? Or would he take the bait and let her play the sweetheart, the friendly new face just trying her best? She’d invite the chance to spin things if he allowed her or proved unable to cut her off.

Either way, Madison was ready.

[BlackAkuma]

Keith’s confidence only rose when Madison met his welcoming energy with some of her own, keeping things light and bouncy. You could never know how people would react to this sort of thing - even people who were used to being on screen could falter a bit when it came to this setting. There was a vast gulf between wrestling in front of a camera and being asked questions, talking, carrying on a conversation while millions watched. It was a different arena.

Though the cameras hadn't started rolling yet, Madison wasn’t showing any of the warning signs - no jittering, none of those nervous looks at the camera. More than that, she seemed hyper aware of how to play for the camera. He was about to suggest she keep the crutches in frame, when she gave him exactly what he needed.

This would work. Yeah.

”Oh, friends only? Okay.” He shrugged. ”I’ll go with Maddie, then. I’m everybody’s friend.”

Keith enjoyed his own joke, then sat down beside her as the crew made the finishing touches. He crossed his legs and sat, getting into his signature position, though he made a few microadjustments. [color=#8000000]”So,”[/color] He leaned and rested his arm on the couch’s shoulder. [color=#8000000]”I think we covered most of everything in the emails. Just in case, though, last check - anything out of bounds, any topics you want me to weave around? Doesn’t hurt to check.”[/color]

Keith snapped his fingers and threw in a quick add-on before she could answer that one. ”Oh, and we can give you a quick once-over with the makeup, if you want. Not that you need it, offering just in case. Nice look, by the way.”

[Parker]

Madison gave a faux gasp at Keith’s little sense of humor, waving a hand at the man as if he were too much for her as she giggled. He was just too funny!

She brushed a hand through her blonde hair, checking the strands like she was making sure they behaved for the camera. When Keith offered makeup, she laughed, a light, airy sound, and waved him off gently. "That’s so sweet, but I think your makeup team deserves a break. I’m already feeling spoiled enough. This whole setup is really, really very charming! You’ve got an eye for this stuff, don’t you? I can really tell you care.”

Her smile widened as she angled herself just slightly toward him, letting her posture stay open and easy. "As for questions…honestly? I trust you. I’m just happy to be here, so whatever you throw at me, I’ll roll with it. Might stumble a little," she gave her crutches a playful shake with a sheepish grin, "but I’ll make it work. That’s what we do in the business after all." Mindful of the camera, she folded her bad leg over the good, making sure the ice brace was readily visible.

[BlackAkuma]

Keith wasn’t exactly immune to flattery, but he’d had his bread buttered enough to know when someone was spreading it thick. Madison was doing a better job of making it seem innocent than most, however, so he wasn’t too bothered. They were both in their personas, already wearing the masks they put on for the whole world.

It did make him wish the two of them could have a little chat off camera, somewhere more private and relaxed, but that idea could wait for later. Now, it was showtime.

”You got that right.” Keith cracked his knuckles and nodded towards his producer, who started the countdown. ”Game on.”

Starting in 3, 2, 1…

”And we’re back in the Foxhole, welcome all.” Keith Fox clapped to draw in attention as he focused on the right camera, the one keeping Madison in frame until her reveal. ”It is a lovely day in Tokyo, as always. Got a lot to cover today on the program, great show for you today. My friends from Hot Takes are gonna come over and talk about their new HBO Max series, Purgatory, should be fun, and it’s finally time to go over my movie reviews for the month, looking forward to that.”

Keith slipped a bit to the side, giving Madison more room, as the camera panned her way. ”Right now, though, we’re covering my favorite subject - pro wrestling. And don’t say I never give you guys what you want, because I made it happen.” He shot the camera with two quick finger guns, then pointed Maddie’s way, just as she came into full view. Timing was everything.

”Madison Knox. The Golden Girl. LAW’s newest star, slayer of teachers.” Kieth finally turned her way in full, making direct eye contact. Not confrontational, but focused.

”Madison, Keith gave her a quick with the eye that was off camera, as he laid out her full name for an icebreaker - they might’ve already broken said ice, but there was no harm in doing it again on camera. ”Welcome to the show, great to have you. How’re we feeling?”

[Parker]

Madison pressed a hand over her chest, her fingers curling just above her heart as Keith gave her the full grand introduction. Her lips parted into a beaming smile, the kind that seemed to brighten her whole face, and she tilted her head as if the words had caught her off guard.

"Keith~!" she chimed back, letting the name tumble out with a delighted giggle, like they were already old friends sharing a private joke instead of two people on a livestream in front of thousands.

Settling back against the couch, she folded her hands neatly in her lap, the picture of polite poise, even if the crutches she’d set by her side betrayed how battered she really was. She gave her leg the faintest shift, a subtle wince tugging at her lips before she smoothed it into another smile.

"Honestly? I’m feeling great," she said, her tone bright and chipper, almost bubbly. "Sure, my ankle’s still a little mad at me..." She tapped one crutch with a playful knock for emphasis, the audience likely catching it on camera, "but hey, you can’t step into LAW for your first night and not expect to leave with a couple of bruises. Comes with the territory, right?"

She leaned slightly toward him, eyes sparkling. "Besides, when you’re doing what you love, even the pain feels kind of worth it. And trust me, I had the time of my life out there."

[BlackAkuma]

It had been a good while since Keith broke his own ankle, though he couldn't claim to have done it in nearly so cool a way as Madison. For him, it had been part of this Ninja Challenge he did for a fundraiser, and he didn’t even break it on anything different. Slipped off a balance beam that someone on the team hadn't done the best job of cleaning, came down awkwardly on his foot. That was all it took. Snap.

That was a while ago, and the pain was mostly gone, save for a little twinge whenever he stepped on something in exactly the wrong way. It was fresh enough that he could see the similar signs in Madison, though, as she coped with it, and did a good job of compensating for the screen.

”Yeah, not when you’re taking on Ms. Spencer, that’s for sure. Pretty high bar to cross on your first night, throwing you in with the sharks, but you swam.” As if the mention of swimming made him thirsty, he reached over and pulled out a couple of water bottles from a small cooler off screen, one for himself and another to offer her.

”For you, though, it’s not just about the love of the game, right? You’ve got that whole wrestling dynasty thing going on. Just the Dolls, the Akamatsus, the Akans, the Midoris…”[‘/color] He rolled his wrist about, letting that list play out. He wasn’t big on wrestling history, but even he knew there were dozens like that in LAW. ”Now LAW’s got the Knox family in the mix. How far back do you guys go, what’s your story?”

[Parker]

“I have to say, it was pretty frightening to step into a LAW ring for the first time to be stared down by someone so seasoned and storied. Ms. Spencer, the Rumble Rose. Against me? It still feels unreal.” Madison shifted on the couch, toying gently with the cuffs of her pink cardigan as she smiled at Keith with a look of practiced innocence, her head giving a little nod. “It certainly did feel like being thrown in with the sharks…” She let that moment hang for just a moment. “I’m just glad I was able to make it through until the end.”

She accepted the bottle with both hands, dipping her head in a small show of gratitude before cracking it open. “Thank you.” A soft twist, a sip, then she set it carefully down in her lap as she sat a little taller, her smile still bright though her eyes flickered with thoughtfulness.

“True. My grandfather was something of a pioneer back home, and both my mother and father are household names, still performing strong. Still happily married.” She beamed at that, though her gaze slipped briefly to the bottle in her lap. “Growing up in that kind of family, you don’t really get to be ‘normal.’ There are expectations the moment you step through the curtain. To be flawless, to be a titan of the industry. Out here especially.” She glanced back up, the corners of her lips curving in a small, wistful smile.

“My family’s legacy is strong in the States, but it doesn’t have roots here in Japan like the other dynasties do. That’s why I’ve been so touched by the fans. I actually saw signs with my name at my debut. It was incredible. They’ve been so kind and welcoming.” Her hands fussed with the bottlecap, fingers turning it slowly as she took another sip. “But… it almost feels like, compared to those homegrown legacies here in Japan, my family’s accomplishments don’t carry quite as much weight.”

Her voice softened, carrying just enough hesitation to sound careful like someone who didn’t want to rock the boat with their honesty rather than bitter. “The paperwork process has been… complicated. From what I’ve heard, it’s usually much smoother for new signees. And then there are the little things. Like, the locker room they’ve put me in with a few other rookies? It’s, well…” She gave Keith an apologetic smile and a small, self-effacing laugh. “Let’s just say it’s seen better days. Flickering lights, cracked tiles, no hot water… the sort of place you’d expect to be shut down, not used.”

She pressed her lips together briefly before continuing, her tone still soft, still humble. “I even had a small blowout with one of the other rookies in there, nothing serious, just about cleaning up after themselves. Things being left wet, letting their trash pile up… I guess it got to me a little more than it should’ve. It’s been… a trial.”

Madison shrugged lightly, a gesture that made her seem bashful rather than burdened. “But that’s okay. I’m powering through, making the best of what I’ve been given. And honestly? That’s all I’ve ever wanted, to prove I belong in that ring. To earn it, not just have it handed to me.”

“I’m the first Knox to make her name over here, so that’s the plan. Keep my chin up and take each day one step…” She glanced between Keith and her crutches before giving a small giggle. “One whatever, at a time.” She smiled broadly, sipping from the bottle.