Getting Stronger (for Bare)

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia smiled as Teuila caught up to her.
"Ooh say, what a cute outfit Teuila-chan.. It really fits your style!", she smiled as the samoan girl walked next to her.
When she got her questions answered she smiled and threw her beautiful face up into the sun, her eyes closed, her ivorywhite face almost looking like finest porcellaine.

" Hmm... That sounds lovely. I wish it was the same way in Austria.",she said and shook her head a little.
"Thanks for joining me, I don't like to eat alone. And I think we deserve something wholesome after all this dancing around in bikinis for some clowns.", she said and rolled her eyes while spinning her indexfinger next to her head to emphasize her "feelings" about the stuck up photographers the Ashfords had hired.

After ten minutes they reached a certain house that spelled a german name on the front "Gasthaus", meaning Restaurant in Austro-German, and entered.
"I eat her regulary, it is a small piece of home and they serve the best kind of beer.", the Ex-Model grinned.
Harmonia hardly looked like a beerlover but that is what she was.

They were seated and Teuila found herself surrounded by wood, antlers, and old paintings of fields, woods and houses on the wall.
"It is a little over the top as everything in Japan is but they really did a magnificent job here.", she smiled when the waiter appeared in some outfit that could make Teuila only scratch her head.
Harmonia always got a chuckle out of the Lederhosen wearing Japanese waiter whom she knew by name by now.

[Bare]

Teuila smiled easily at the answer from Harmonia. She had no idea why but she had been somewhat nervous about how the blonde would take her response, or how the woman would judge and think of her. She knew she shouldn't cause Harmonia seemed like a generally nice and fair lady, but the younger girl couldn't help herself. After all the woman was basically her senior and she only wanted to impress her. But luckily the bushy haired girl's fears were for nothing as Harmonia seemed to appreciate her answer and moments later they had arrived at the restaurant.

Looking over the clearly German restaurant Teuila had to blink for a moment to make sure they were in the right place. After all it wasn't often you found foreign restaurants in Japan, granted Teuila hadn't tried very hard in the two weeks since she had arrived in the country. But even so she was rather surprised to see the place before her. "Hehe I teach you something about my home you show me something about yours huh?" Teuila asked playfully as she followed the woman inside and to their table.

"I can tell, but sometimes too much is just fine. Although it's too bad I can't try the beer." She said with a chuckle while leaning forward on the table before looking over to the side and nearly doing a double take at the waiters outfit. 'I could have sworn those were just in cartoons and stuff.' the Samoan girl thought to herself in bewilderment before coughing and smiling politely at the man. "I'll have a coke please." She said politely before looking at Harmonia.


"Uh any recommendations?" Teuila asked the woman as the waited handed the two their menus. Teuila had only taken a single look before immediately turning to the blonde and asking her advice. After all she had no inkling about Austro-German food and her palate was generally open to whatever her senpai would suggest as good.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia chuckled as she saw Teuilas reaction to the man who was wearing "Trachten", the traditional austrian get up for festivities and occassions and ordered herself a "Gösser", whatever that was Teuila could'nt know.
Then she tilted her head.
"Wow, hope this is'nt some religious thing, if so, ouch...thats what I love of being raised in a catholic country, they all tell you, you go the hell while having a bearmug in their hands...",she laughed.
"Beer from home...food from home...", Harmonia said and sighed.
"A recommendation? Well everything and I hope you eat meats because yeah, there are some things without but like 80% is good, pure meat.", she laughed while she looked on the menu herself.
She knew it by heart now but they changed some menus weekly and she always looked forward what other delicious treats from home they would offer.
"Actually, if you eat meats, I would highly recommend the meatballs with the mashed potatoes, phew, I am so glad that I can eat real food again...", she said as there beverages arrived.

"Ok, then Teuila, as we say in Austria: Prost!", she cheered with the coke of her Kohai and took a big sip.
"Phew...nothing better on a hot day but yeah, imagine one year ago I was still living water and all kinds of seeds and dietary supplements...", she said and shook her head.
"Let me tell you, I don't miss this business, not for a single second. This, here at LAW, what we do here, this is something worthwhile. But then again I made a whole lot of money out of it and travelled the world so at least there is that.", she grinned and brushed some of her hairstreaks out of her forehead.

Harmonia would see a stylist before the ppv, now her hair and all in all looks were more...well if you knew the beautiful blonde siren looking at you from big billboards and looked at the woman before you, wearing an old Ozzy Osbourne tanktop, sneakers, her hair a little messy, you would'nt think of Harmonia Edelstein, the glamorous Supermodel, always in style, always wearing the newest and most expensive outfits, not a single hair on her body not in the right shape...
It seemed that this woman before Teuila had nothing to do with this symbol of grace and beauty but still, her blue eyes and her ivory face still made her beautiful enough to wear what she wanted.

"But enough about me, so tell me Teuila what brought you to the crazy world of womens wrestling, huh? And into the, may I say, really brutal clutches of Ashford-Sensei?", she said with a smirk and felt her thighs and back still burning from the hard training the matriarch of the Ashford Clan had put her through...

[Bare]

Teuila chuckled softly at the question from her senpai about why she couldn't drink and if it was religious or not. "Nah nothing like that. I'm just only eighteen so I can't legally drink yet, even with the Japanese drinking age." Teuila said with a chuckle while scratching her cheek lightly with a bashful chuckle escaping her lips. As Harmonia asked for what she was pretty sure was a toast Teuila would be quick to nod at the blond woman. "Prost!" She said doing her best to mimic what Harmonia said before sitting her drink down on the table after taking a sip from it. "Meatballs and mash huh?" Teuila said in response to Harmonia's recommendation before nodding. "Works for me I'll eat pretty much anything with meat!" She said brightly as she closed her menu and set it aside, knowing she wouldn't need it going forward.

Leaning forward and listening to Harmonia as she spoke Teuila would nod appreciatively to what the woman was saying, knowing how difficult diets could be. After all more than once a manager or photo director had tried to force her onto a similar diet or regiment. Not that she ever listened mind you. After all Teuila had no intention of being a model long term, it was only ever a means to an end as far as getting her wrestling training secured and career there started. Speaking of... Harmonia was quick to turn the conversation back to Teuila and why she was here doing this job herself. Something the brunette would be more than happy to oblige to as she smiled brightly at the woman across from her.

"Well I don't have like a crazy personal reason or anything like that." Teuila admitted with a chuckle while tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she did so. "Really I just grew up watching wrestling with my brothers as a kid and while they grew out of it I just never did, instead I decided I wanted to become one myself." She said while taking another drink of her coke. "So growing up we all saved money like crazy, which is actually how I got into modeling in fact." Teuila said in a matter of fact tone and a nod before continuing. "Really it was just a means for a end for me and one of my brothers to move to America so I can start training with Dana Sensei's husband in the American branch of Shadow fortress, I just did so well there that after a few months he decided to send me over here to train with his wife and join LAW, even helping pay for my travel costs as well. So here I am." Teuila said explaining her rather simple story but with no less degree of excitement and energy behind it as she spoke.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia smiled and nodded to everything Teuila was saying. She liked the girl. It seemed that she had found a kindred soul it seemed and Harmonia chuckled when she was reminded on Japans strict rules about juvenile drinking.
"Oh yes, sorry, I come from a land where it is standard for boys with 16 to drink their first beer with their dad.", she grinned and raised her glas again to drink from it.
Harmonia was enjoying life again, something she barely had the time when she would travel the world, going from one runway to another, so settling down with LAW, the training, the matches, the people she met, it was the life she really wanted to have and she lived it now.

Sitting here with her younger classmate, having dinner, talking about this and that, was so much more pleasant and satisfying then any High Society Party at the Cote D'Azur could ever provide her with.
She listened to Teuila and smiled.
"I think I know now why I like you so much, Teuila-chan, you and Sheila have a lot in common.", she said and was of course referring to Sheila Chihara,
a girl that had became one of her clostest friends since
their match at the very beginning of Harmonias career. "

You know, the australian girl who does'nt care too much for clothes. And come to think of it. How do you like it at the Young Lioness Program? Think you make progress with their help?", she asked and ordered their food for them before looking back at Teuila. "It seems like its a good thing, especially for very young girls to know the ropes and everything. Maybe I should have started there too...", she said and rolled her eyes. "But no, Miss Edelstein knows the ropes, she is absolutely ready for everything, man, my first few matches showed me some humility, believe me that. Especially against Toni, she was the reason I joined Shadow Fortress in the first place you know? And let me tell you, they did'nt spare me. Not that I wanted some extra treatment but they really put me through the wringer down there in their dungeon, let me tell you that. But..."

She smiled and flexed one impressive biceps before her Kohai and winked at her.
"It definetly did it's job and I will be forever thankful for it. And now, I have my first big challenge. The PPV in Los Angeles is approaching.", she said and suddenly her carefree attitude became a little serious.
"I hope I am strong enough to do it..."

[Bare]

Teuila hummed softly as she leaned back in her seat while nodding at the blonde woman across from her. "Ohhhh yeah I had heard Europe's rules about drinking ages were pretty different from the U.S.'s She said with a curt and polite nod realizing the connection there before smiling at the waiter as he came back around. Thankfully Harmonia ordered for them, saving Teuila the embarrassment of having to point to a picture in the menu to say what she wanted to eat.

As he left again however the topic of conversation went back to being about the two, more specifically Teuila as Harmonia asked her of her thoughts of the young lionesses and the Shadow Fortress, even enlightening her about how she came to join the group. Something that made Teuila giggle a bit in response as she tapped her finger against her chin while thinking about how to answer.

"Well I don't go to many of the classes cause ya know Shadow Fortress handles most of the basic training ya know?" Teuila asked rhetorically before continuing. "But I've adored the classes Astrid and some of the other signed wrestlers have taught. Not to mention they do have some nicer facilities and the dorms are pretty nice too. Not to mention cost effective hehe." As she went over the details of the program Teuila ended up finding herself a bit more appreciative of the aspects of it that she did end up partaking in.

But as she spoke Teuila noticed Harmonia said something else about her upcoming Pay Per View match in Los Angeles. But what drew Teuila's attention was the significantly more down cast look on the blonde's face. Tilting her head to one side cutely in response Teuila would blink at the woman in front of her. "Senpai what are you talking about? You have like, the highest weight record in the Shadow Fortress not counting Dana and I've seen you practice. You're like, crazy good!" She said, not understanding why Harmonia would be so nervous or forlorn when she could boast such feats for herself.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia listened to Teuila and nodded with each word. Cutting costs...that was something Harmonia was'nt familiar with. When she lived with her family they were pretty much settled, living a good life and when she started out as model she soon started to earn enough to live the life she wanted to live without thinking of cutting costs somewhere.

Of course this did'nt mean that Harmonia spent her money like crazy but still she never had to think of how to afford to eating, or fuel for her car and other daily necessities, Harmonia Edelstein was settled and could have leaned back, doing modeling until her late 20s and then just retire with her big pile of money.

But this was'nt what Harmonia was. This, here at LAW, when she started out as wrestler, was the life she really wanted to live. Something she and her sister had always dreamt of and wherever Finella was, Harmonia hoped that she would see her and maybe reach out to her.

//If she is still alive... // That thought alone made her stomach freeze and becoming a big lump of ice. Almost instinctivly her hand lashed out and grabbed one of Teuilas, squeezing it. "I have a twinsister, bet you did'nt know that. We are very different but I always loved her with all my heart. Have'nt seen her for six years now... I don't even know if she's alive anymore. Since my parents died I have'nt much of a family left but when I arrived here at LAW and Shadow Fortress, I feel as if I somehow get something close enough to a family back.",she said and smiled at the samoan girl, squeezing her hand and looking into her beverage.

"Thanks Teuila-chan, I am proud to hear that out of your mouth. Actually I did rather well against Amirah, but that was in a Tag Match. She is really strong and a big talent, hell, whenever I look at magazines or in the internet, everyone lists her as the big favourite, and even if I get some praise, they don't think I can hold myself one to one against an opponent like her. ", she said with a huff.

"As if I am destined to be just a ditzy midcarder for some skimpy mud matches, this is'nt what I want. I want to rise, straight to the top, fighting against people like Lilian Byrne, Alizeh Midori, Astrid Ostberg. This, this is what I want to do, you know? And this is why I put my body through a strong regimen every week, every day. To have a chance. And this PPV might be my ticket to some recognition so you can imagine that I am a little nervous... "

[Bare]

Despite her best effort it appeared as if Teuila's attempt to cheer up her upperclassmen wasn't very successful. Or at least thats how it appeared looking at the woman's face as it seemed to get more forlorn and even... regretful? It was hard for Teuila to tell exactly. After all she was still young and reading people and their emotions wasn't exactly something she was overly skilled at. She was better at making people laugh or feel motivated given her own infectious energy and determination usually rubbing off of her and dripping into her words.

However despite her effort Harmonia's expression only got downer. Then out of nowhere Harmonia suddenly reached out, grabbing Teuila's hand with a surprisingly gentle touch despite the Samoan girl knowing how strong the blonde was! Blinking in surprise from this she looked up and saw the heart felt look in Harmonia's eyes and immediately any budding question in her throat died down as she focused on listening to whatever she had to say.

As Harmonia spoke Teuila's would slowly go wider and wider from surprise and shock at what she had to say. Especially from the fact that the blonde actually had a sibling of her own, a twin sister no less! 'Wow I never would have guessed.' Teuila thought to herself before soberly reflecting on the fact the two appparently hadn't even spoken for years. Something that was difficult for Teuila to imagine. After all she had multiple siblings and her parents, one of her brothers even traveling to America with her no less! Ever since leaving them Teuila couldn't help but feel there was a void. One that only got better when she wrote emails home or video calls. But not even communicating within a year? That was just hard to imagine for her.

Despite the sobering thought though Teuila made sure to listen and process what Harmonia was saying to her, making sure in the process to squeeze Harmonia's hand back as the woman squeezed her own. Listening to what she said Teuila would nod softly in response. Understanding the worries and fears Harmonia was going through and more than anything understanding the woman's desire to be seen as more than a mid carder and rise to the top of the LAW card.

Looking up at the woman Teuila would nod understandingly with a soft smile on her face. "I get where you're coming from Senpai. Not to the same extent, but I do get it. There's a tournament coming up soon that I'm going to be in between all of the other young lionesses. I'll be representing the Shadow Fortress so I'm definitely a bit nervous myself. Likewise I really want to become an official part of the roster soon a well!" She said admitting to her similar issues to relate to Harmonia before speaking once more.

"But thats why we have to try even harder! Even if we're nervous if we give it our all there's nothing to be ashamed of. Even if we lose we can use that frustration and anger to push ourselves further in our training so that next time we won't lose. That's what Dana always says at least!" Teuila said in a fired up way that turned a few eyes towards the two. "So promise me that you'll do you're best to beat Amirah and I promise to do my best in the Young Lioness cup!" Teuila said with a bright and eager smile on her face.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia held Teuilas hand and got better with every word that left her Kohais mouth. Teuila really seemed to admire and believe in her, and this fact alone made the Austrian smile again. How could she be so blind not to see the people that believed in her? The whole Shadow Fortress counted on her, Dana was counting on her and surely was proud that Harmonia got a spot in such a special tournament. And her younger students looked up to her. No was'nt the time to melt in self-pity or question herself. She had beaten Amirah one time and she would beat her a second time, but this time it would be one on one, at a new PPV where all eyes would be on her.

And Harmonia would not dissapoint them, not Dana, not the Fans, not Shadow Fortress and especially not Teuila. "You know, Teuila-chan, there's something about you that makes it hard to disagree with you.", she said and a grin formed on her face. When she heard about the tournament and Teuilas parcticipation, Harmonias doubts and worries were all but gone. "Really? I...I think I heard something about that. Oh, Teuila-chan. I wish you all the best! You can do it! I am sure. You are the most promising of Danas students so far, believe me when I tell you that. She has high expectations of you...well...of us both.", Harmonia said and held up her pinkie finger.

"Promise me Teuila-chan that you will give your absolute best and I will promise you to stop worrying and give my best performance I have ever done in a ring!", she said and linked their pinkies. When their food arrived all of the bad thoughts and doubts were all but gone as the two friends now started to eat in a good mood.

Harmonia paid for them and both walked back to the HQ of the Shadow Fortress. Harmonia was staying the night as she had a few appointments in Tokyo the next day and the "Eagles Nest" was located at the outskirts of Tokyo. And she liked to spend time with her Kohais, it was like a big slumber party and the blonde enjoyed being admired...something that she always had liked. When it got late and the other students went to sleep, Harmonia started her training. Since she arrived in Japan and started at the Ashfords dungeon she went through a rigorous training regiment, intent of becoming stronger, stronger then everyone would expect her to be and this evening she felt ready to set her personal record.

But Harmonia needed help and so, when the others went to sleep, Harmonia emptied her glass and looked at her favourite Kohai. "Teuila...would you care for a spar at the gym? I know its late but hey, we did'nt had the time to have a match yet so why not today? Also before that I need your help with something. Will you help me?", Harmonia asked and looked her Kohai into the eyes. The sun already has set and both were the only ones in the big social room of the Fortress.
"Maybe you witness something great tonight. So if you are down, get into your gear and meet me in the gym in 15 minutes.", the beautiful blonde said mysteriously and got up from her seat.

[Bare]

Teuila smiled as she seemingly managed to turn Harmonia's sad expression into a significantly happier one. A look that screamed brightness and pride the more that she spoke. At first it was subtle, like she was only scratching the surface and making hairline cracks. But the more Teuila spoke, the higher she praised Harmonia and the deeper she got with relating to the blonde the more those cracks began to widen and widen until finally the look of sadness on her senpais face shattered and the woman smiled brightly at her in return, something that made Teuila smile in relief as she looked at the woman with a nod.

Face heating up in response to what Harmonia said Teuila couldn't help but blush at the praise she was receiving from the woman. It was sweet and more than Teuila felt she deserved, but it made her happy nonetheless, and all the more eager to not disappoint the woman! Smiling in response Teuila nodded readily as she sat up a bit straighter in pride, especially being called one of the most promising. That especially made her feel like the last thing she could do was fail. Seeing Harmonia raise her hand up with her pinkie extended only made Teuila smile a bit wider as she reached out and wrapped pinkies with the blonde woman.

"I promise!" She said eagerly, and just in time too as soon after the food for the two arrived making Teuila's stomach growl hungrily at the sight of the foreign food. "Mhmmmmm." She said as she devoured the food hungrily before leaving with Harmonia and heading back to the Shadow Fortress gym. The rest of the night for the two along with the other younger students was filled with fun and games. All the younger students being allowed to interact with and have fun with their senior student.

Soon however everyone went up to bed until it was just Teuila and Harmonia. But even then she was about to go back up to her temporary room as well before Harmonia stopped her. "Hm?" She asked curiously in response to the woman who asked for her help with some late night training, normally it was something Teuila would accept with a laugh and gusto, after all she was never one to turn down extra training. But going off the expression on Moni's face? She had a feeling this was no laughing matter. I

nstead Teuila nodded softly to the woman. "I'd be happy too." She would say before heading off and taking her street clothes off, instead slipping into her yellow singlet issued by the Young Lionesses before tying on her bright red boots. Once satisfied with both she would nod and make her way back to the gym area, determined for whatever Harmonia had in mind for her.