Fools and Flukes

[Bare]

Continued from here


~ LAW Arena ~

The fans were chattering, wondering what was happening, the previous match had just ended, but rather than going to the next one the lights had dimmed, something that usually signify a promo. Something that got everyone in the arena talking, theorizing as to who it could be. After all it wasn't often someone had to say in LAW, or at least something important enough to take up a segment. So whoever it was and whatever it was about must have been serious.

Soon enough however the lights would flare on in hues of purple, red and gold and out from the entrance ramp appeared a very familiar face, one that brought about a mixed reception filled with more cheers than boos as Toshimi Minami appeared on stage with a mic in hand! Wearing a simple pair of black jeans, matching boots with blue trim, and an old school wrestle angels blue tee shirt under a black leather jacket that had the symbol of venus on the back Minami was the very essence of cool as she strutted down the ramp.

Maintaining a icey expression her whole way down the ramp Minami would calmly walk up the steps before climbing into the ring. Taking a slow turn around the ring to take in the audience Minami would soon stop and raise the mic up to her lips. "I do not like to hold up shows with showy sound bites such as this so I'll be quick." She said in a serious, commanding tone that instantly silenced the rowdy crowd who were interested in what the strong and silent Venus of Submissions had to say.

Taking a big breath before continuing Minami would raise the mic once more to her lips. "As some of you may have seen earlier in the night, one Sanae Saitou got a win over Morgan Romero." Minami said in a slow drawl, the disdain for both wrestlers palpable in her voice. Yet the crowd at being reminded of the upset win immediately began cheering, making Minami tsk in annoyance but otherwise she said nothing until they calmed down. "Yes... THAT is why I'm out here tonight." She said making another round of muttering echo around the arena before she continued, silencing them once more.

"Frankly... I found that whole match a disgrace." She said bluntly, a few boos already starting before Minami spoke again to silence them. "Yes yes I know, she's popular. But ask yourselves WHY is she popular? Is it her skill? Her pedigree? Her ability in the ring?" Minami asked, looking around at the crowd before continuing. "Or is it just because she's a wanna be idol thats only using wrestling to bolster her career?" Minami asked, this time gaining a full round of boos before she continued once again.

"There is my proof. That fool barely won that match despite the constant carelessness of her opponent, in fact, had it been anyone else that took things even slightly more seriously, I guarantee you all that girl would have lost." Minami said harshly before glaring up at the entrance ramp. "You're still back there right Saitou? Relishing in the aftermath of you're fluke win?" Minami asked rhetorically while stepping closer to the ropes and leaning against them. "Well if you're any kind of real woman you'll come out here to face the facts head on?" Minami asked, calling out the aspiring idol before smirking. "Or are you like all the otehr so called idol wrestlers in this promotion? Little girls playing dress up?" Minami asked with a mocking smirk, the first realy expression besides cold seriousness since she had come out. The only question now was... how would Sanae respond?

[CaptainL]

Some time had passed since the fateful match earlier that night, in which Sanae Saitou had scored a victory over Morgan Romero in a turn of events that no one could have anticipated. Sanae, though she had established herself as a natural talent and a quick learner, was still out of her element when it came to the brutal, ruthless hardcore wrestling that Morgan had made her name in. No one was expecting her to put up the sort of fight that she did; even less had anticipated that she would actually have won. Certainly, when Morgan had her laid out on a table, prepared to crash down on her from above to put her straight through its surface, no one anticipated that Sanae would find the strength in her to roll away. But she had surprised them all, in the end. She had taken back the momentum, and brought things through to a stunning conclusion that left the whole crowd chanting her name!

Even now that Sanae was sitting backstage, watching the action on the TV screen, she still had a wide smile on her face, and she was struggling to sit still in her seat. She got a few odd looks from passers-by thanks to her grin, but she paid them no regard - after all, it was her victory, not theirs. When Toshimi Minami came onto the stage, she threw a fist in the air and cheered at the sight of such a well-respected veteran, even if Minami wasn't around to hear it. When she went on to call her out by name, though, Sanae gasped. Everything else ground to a halt. She never thought she would ever hear her own name spoken in the voice of such an icon. But there was no doubt about it, that was what she was hearing!

With an eager glint in her eye, she leaned closer to the TV, waiting to hear what Minami had to say about her. But a mere moment later, her jaw dropped. Minami had come forth to bury her, not to praise her. Despite how hard she had worked and how far she had come, Minami had only scorn for her! Even when she had done her best in the match and narrowly beaten the odds, Minami wouldn't see it. She was convinced that Sanae had only won thanks to luck, and her opponent being distracted - as if all the heart and soul she had put into her efforts meant nothing!

The more Sanae listened, the more her smile pulled downward into a scowl. Her body went rigid, and she coiled her fingers around the edge of the bench. Even before Minami had finished calling her to the ring, Sanae was already up on her feet, heading to the door. If Minami really believed that she didn't have what it took, it was up to her to show her for herself - but she wouldn't stand to be belittled like this any more!

It was just seconds after Minami had finished speaking that Sanae appeared on the top of the ramp, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed into a glare she settled on the woman in the ring. Her appearance spurred on a few cheers from the fans, but Sanae's attention was focused on Minami, as she made her way down to the ring, stepping up onto the apron to lean over the ropes and look her in the eye. "That's enough!" she shouted.

Reaching for the microphone, Sanae slipped into the ring to say her piece. "I just want to make one thing clear. Yes, my dream is to become an idol and bring smiles to everyone all over the world. Yes, my fans mean the world to me - and it's their cheers that tell me I can reach the sky!" She held a hand out to the fans, who began cheering to prove her point. "But that doesn't come easy. Part of me being the best I can be for my fans is giving it my all in the ring, and whenever I wrestle, I want my heart and soul to shine through in every move I make and everything I do! I did that against Morgan, and I do that in all my matches. I did that in the Young Lioness Program, and sure, I was up against a steep hill to climb to get to where I am now. But look at me now! In just that short time since I've graduated, I've faced off against the best around. I've gone the distance with Alizeh Midori, and I've already taken her side as one half of Stardust Storm - and in all that time, I've won the hearts of everyone sitting in these seats right now, and even more at home! So, Toshimi-san, do you really want to tell me I don't have what it takes? Was that all luck to you? Because if I need to prove it to you myself, I will!" She puffed out her chest, awaiting Minami's response.

Spoiler

[Bare]

It didn't take long for Sanae to come out to confront Minami and her words. In fact it barely took any time at all before the girl was out with a mic in hand, marching her way down to the ring to confront the Venus of Submissions. Holding her hands out as if to welcome the girl Minami would merely wait patiently for the girl to enter. All with a condescending smirk on her face as she waited.

Eventually Sanae wa finally here and she wasted no time. Going right into a rant towards her Minami would allow the girl to speak, the small, mocking smirk on her face not leaving for a single second as she let Sanae speak. The girl certainly brought up decent points. About her time in the young lioness program. About her rising through the ranking at LAW and efforts to improve, teaming up with Alizeh Midori and learning under her and of course, the reason both women were out here, her recent victory over Morgan Romero. But despite it all... Minami wasn't impressed. Not in the slightest by Sanae and her bluster.

Raising the mic to her lips Minami would sigh. "My dear girl take a word of advice from your elder and better." Minami said while focusing on Sanae. "Shut up." Minami said harshly to a immediate chorus of boos that were silenced from a cold glare before she turned her attention back to Sanae. "All you're pretty words and bluster is absolutely grating on my ears, and it just makes yourself look even more childish and foolish than I know you already are." Minami said, pausing once more to regain breath before continuing. "Being the best, does not mean prancing around, singing and dancing in ridiculous outfits, nor does it mean celebrating losses and wins taken by luck." She said, the last words being meant to cut directly to Sanae's points about her match against Alizeh and Morgan respectively. "Being the best means doing what it takes to improve, to challenge yourself and take punishment without fear." She said stepping closer to Sanae as she spoke. "You looked like you were about to pass out from nervousness during that match against Morgan like the coward I know you are!" Minami finally snapped before pushing Sanae.

"You have physical talent I'll admit that certainly. But its bogged down by too much air up here." Minami said while pointing to her skull, essnetially calling Sanae a air head before continuing. "Quite frankly I don't know how Midori puts up with you." Minami said earning a low murmuring from the crowd at the words before she continued. "Then again with how many 'students' she has at such a young age, she's either a ego maniac surrounding herself with cute little fuck girls or has a complex that she feels she needs to pick up strays, quite frankly I don't know which is worse." Minami said, directly insulting Sanae's mentor and friend now before she continued.

"What I do know however.." At this Minami would pause before continuing, directing a harsh glare at Sanae. "You certainly don't have what it takes. Not to be a wrestler. Nor a idol as you wish, you don't even have what it takes to stand before me! Because I'm going to the top, to APEX where I will win, become the first World Openweight Champion and if you are lucky, I'll perhaps let you shine my boots." Minami said with heated intensity as she stared down Sanae, waiting for how the girl would respond.

[CaptainL]

Despite Sanae's sudden appearance, Minami didn't seem the least bit suprised. If anything, she was downright eager to see the green-haired girl step out to face her, inviting her toward the ring. She seemed the image of confidence and smug assurance in her beliefs, no matter how determined Sanae was to stand up to her. The aspiring idol made her case with a passionate speech, appealing to all of her breathtaking displays of athletic skill and raw determination in the ring. And yet, Minami didn't even care. She dismissed everything Sanae had said with just two words that pierced her straight to her core.

Sanae let out a gasp, her eyes widening in shock as she took a step back from the veteran. Every word Minami said landed against her with the force of a punch to the gut, denying that any of her efforts had any meaning - that she had just gotten lucky; that her defeats weren't worth taking pride in no matter how hard she had worked and how long she had gone the distance against more experienced foes. Her knees started to knock together nervously as she listened to herself being taken apart piece by piece, but she balled a fist and sucked in a breath, trying to gather her composure. After all, Minami had criticized her for being nervous in the match against Morgan; she didn't need to give her any more ammunition to be used against her now.

But it was when she went after Alizeh, accusing her of doing this all to stoke her ego, that truly hit Sanae. The girl stared back at her, her gaze piercing straight through her. Her fist began to tremble as the gears in her head turned, looking for the right words to say. What could she possibly say that encapsulated all her feelings, though - her shock, her dismay, her defiance, her outrage on her friend and tag partner's behalf? She didn't know where to begin! The cameras focused in on Alizeh's face, and as her visage lit up across the big screen, the fans could see a glint in her eye, as though she was about to cry. But she didn't cry - she squeezed her fist closed again, and with it she shut her eyes tight. When she opened them, they were focused into a piercing glare. Sanae wouldn't be pushed around any more - she knew what was right, and if she wanted to succeed as a wrestler she was going to stand up for it!

"You're wrong!" Sanae shot back. "The reason Alizeh took me in wasn't about her, it was about me! Sure, I lost that match. I'll even give you that when I beat Alizeh in one of the three falls. But the point isn't whether I won or lost, because I was up against an accomplished wrestler, and I still tried my hardest and I gave her a fight she'd remember! She took me in because she saw the potential in me, and she wanted to help me bring it out! And to you, that might not mean anything. To you, that might just be another blip on the radar among all the championships you've won and the opponents you've overcome...but to me, it was everything. To me, the fact that Alizeh was willing to do that for me was proof that I was going somewhere! And to me, that was the most inspiring news I received since I graduated from the Young Lioness Program!"

She looked away from Minami to face the crowd. "I might not be the sort of legend you are yet. But what's important to me is that I'm still growing stronger. I'm still improving. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm well on my way. Alizeh sees that, everyone sees that too! And that's what keeps me going, because I know that potential is there, and I want to keep it alive and make everyone's hopes come true, even my own!"

Then, she spun back around to face Minami. This time, rather than looking back at her in shock, her face was a steely and determined glare. "So allow me to make this announcement right now - if you're going to Apex, then so am I!" The crowd gasped, hearing her proclamation, but Sanae stepped forward, placing a hand on her chest. "Effective now, I am entering myself in the Apex qualifiers, because I want to prove to the world I do stand a chance! I'll face any opponent I have to, and although I'll try my best, I know that whether I win or lose, I'll prove that I'm worthy of being in contention for the ultimate prize!" Her heart was racing. Sanae had made the decision just now on the spot, purely in the hopes of proving all her doubters wrong. But there was no hesitation. She knew what had to be done, and she was ready to do it!

[Bare]

It had become all too obvious all too soon that Minami's words had a serious effect on Sanae. The green haired girl looked as if she had been slapped across the face by the veteran when the woman hadn't so much as raised a finger. That was the power Minami's reputation and words carried respectively and it was all too satisfying to see in action. Especially against this so called idol masquerading as a wrestler.

Honestly the idea of idols as wrestlers never sat well with Minami. Not in wrestle angels, not in Berserk, certainly not here in LAW. Honestly the amount of idols worming their way into LAW was a travesty in Minami's opinion, and the veteran was ready to root them out and tear em away from this company and the world of wrestling like the weeds they were. First off however Minami would start with the most egregious of the bunch. Sanae Saitou. The brat that thought she was good enough to be a wrestler and build popularity to jump ship into being a idol, celebrating losses and mediocrity all the while.

Honestly it all made Minami somewhat sick. That was why she was so satisfied with the results of her words to Sanae. To see the girl's dismayed reaction and scrambling for a response, it just felt like karma served. Or course naturally Sanae wasn't one to simply sit and take it. Minami knew this and had fully expected to stand and listen to whatever the girl had to say. Not that it would shake any of what she believed or thought about the girl. No that would stay no matter what was said or done here today, regardless of Sanae's boldness or foolish false optimism.

Although that being said Minami was somewhat surprised with the answer she did receive. Of course there was her defending her friend and mentor Alizeh, that was to be expected. Likewise she had defended her own abilities and up bringing in the young lioness program. Another expected reaction. No what got Minami was Sanae's declaration that to prove Minami wrong she would enter the Apex event. Sanae Saitou, the wanna be idol, just made her bid to compete for the inaugural world openweight championship. Quite frankly...

"hehehe... Hahahah.. HAHAHAHA!" Quite frankly it made Minami laugh. The stoic, woman of few words Toshimi Minami, was now releasing a bursting laugh that had started out small and gentle as a giggle. But she couldn't help it. Sanae for openweight champ? Minami couldn't even imagine the girl going past a qualifier! Although... that did give the woman an idea.

Calming down from literally laughing in the face of Sanae's brave declaration Minami would calm down and regain her composure, looking at Sanae with a condescending smile "My that was a good joke." Minami said, but a look at the girl's expression showed she was anything but joking. "Oh you're serious." Minami added, already knowing the latter but wanting to further push Sanae's buttons.

"Well it's still rather funny but fine I'll bite." Minami said while stepping closer to Sanae. "Tell you what. You clearly have your issues with me, and I have my issues with you. So lets put it all on the line at Apex itself. If nothing else I'll be able to stamp you out once and for all while making quite the case for myself as champion in the process." Minami offered, but her eyes glinted as she continued with the trade off. "However... you should know that if you accept, I'll be choosing at least two of your qualifier opponents, to test your so called resolve as a wrestler... So what do you say brat." Minami asked, waiting to see if Sanae would fall for her bait.

[CaptainL]

Even without any punches being thrown, a battle of wills was playing out in the ring. Minami wanted to put Sanae in her place, proving to her that all her ambition and determination would get her nowhere when all she cared for was establishing her presence as an idol, and she aimed to belittle her and talk her down with everything she said. It was certainly working on the green-haired girl, who watched Minami with a wavering lip and clenched her fists with rage. She believed that she was going places in LAW; that she had proven to the world she was capable of not just holding her own but prospering. But Minami didn't believe in any of that. She was aiming to knock the foundation Sanae believed in out from under her feet. She was challenging everything she held dear. And Sanae couldn't stand for that!

As she heard Minami's mocking laughter, her lip pulled backward, baring her teeth with a snarl as her body stiffened. Her lower eyelid twitched just a little. She wanted to strike back at Minami in any way she could - to do so meant taking back her own dignity, and reclaiming her good name! But she knew she couldn't lose her cool now - if she was going to be a champion, she needed to act the part, with all the composure and dignity that entailed. Anything less would just confirm, to Minami, that she really was nothing more than an impetuous diva playing after glory. With a huff, Sanae crossed her arms, looking back at Minami. Now the woman had issued her challenge - and this was Sanae's chance to prove she wouldn't be bullied so easily.

"If I have to face you, so be it - you'll see for yourself what I can really do. And just because you're famous doesn't mean I'm going to hold back! Go ahead and name who I need to face for the qualifiers...I can take them on, I know I can!" She winced a little at Minami's parting barb, but she still stuck her chest out further in defiance.

It was at that point that LAW's ring announcer Misa Otomura - a former idol herself, ironically enough - stepped forward to explain the rules. "With more than three matches on her official record, Sanae falls under the LAW Abiders category, so she needs three qualifer matches to enter Apex." A chart appeared on the big screen to illustrate the categories for Apex. "Minami-san, I can trust a veteran like you to make the judgment. Who do you have in mind?"

[Bare]

Looks like things were official now. Sanae had made her intention to join APEX with the sole intention of dashing Minami's own Openweight Title aspirations. Purely to try and prove the wrestle angel wrong about her. It was a surprising turn of events to be sure, after all Minami had expected Sanae to want a match against her, but at Apex? Well the girl was definitely a dreamer Minami would give her that. But at the end of the day crushing Sanae at such an event would be far more impactful towards her goal than anywhere else, so Minami would take advantage and have Sanae work her ass off just to lose to her at the biggest event in this company's history.

So after Otomura came out and declared how many wins Sanae would need to qualify for Apex Minami would nod in appreciation. After all despite the woman being a former idol herself she at least had the sense to be a ring announcer as opposed to masquerading as a wrestler. A self awareness that Minami could appreciate. "Thank you for that Otomura san." Minami said first to Otomura before focusing on Sanae and smirking. "As for your opponent Saitou..." MInami said while pausing to allow tension to build before she would continue.

"I shall be announcing them one at a time after each match to keep you guessing, and to insure you do nothing to try and get out of any matches in advance." Minami said before she would continue onwards. "You're first opponent however is someone that I know you'll be familiar with, in fact you've fought her once before." Minami said, waiting a moment to see if Sanae would get it before moving forward.

"In fact you're quite close with her, so it'll make for a excellent test of your resolve as a wrestler in the apex event." Minami said with a nod as she knew it was all but obvious now, but it was time to make the full reveal as to who it was. "So to make it clear, you're good friend and mentor Alizeh Midori will be your first opponent in a submissions only match!" Minami declared to a loud outcry of shock and cheers from the audience at the shock announcement.

[CaptainL]

Sanae knew her decisions weren't ones to be made lightly. In announcing her decision to join Apex, she had put herself in the same league as those who considered themselves worthy of claiming the ultimate prize in LAW - to be declared number-one in the promotion. She knew that she was committing to facing down opponents more formidable than any she had ever faced in her entire career up to this point. She had made an impressive showing thus far, but ultimately, she was still just a rookie. And yet, Sanae had no regrets. She stood off with a defiant, confident look on her face, and her fist was balled tightly at her side. Minami clearly didn't take her seriously, but Sanae would just have to prove to her she deserved respect, one way or another - and if that was the case, she'd make sure she was ready for it!

Minami went on to discuss the next part of her plan - that she would select Sanae's next opponents, one by one with each match she put herself up to the task in. The green-haired girl's eyes turned to follow Minami, and she bit ever so slightly at her lip - but still she wouldn't waver. She nodded her head curtly without saying a word. She knew what she had committed to, and she was willing to do whatever it took to prove she belonged. However...when Minami declared her first opponent, it still took her by surprise.

Sanae let out a gasp, her eyes opening wide. "Alizeh-!?" Her first match with Alizeh Midori had tested her on every level, and forced her to push herself to new heights beyond anything she had ever done before just to keep up with her opponent. It had won her the girl's respect, and led to them forming not just a tag team but a close friendship. But now...she was going to have to face her again? In a submission match, no less - which, given Alizeh's expertise in the field, already clearly put her in an advantageous position?

Sanae's eyes began to narrow. She knew now that Minami was rigging the deck against her, choosing opponents she knew she would struggle against. If keeping up with Alizeh wouldn't challenge her enough, she also had to make sure her friendship wouldn't hold her back! But...all the same, Sanae nodded her head to Minami as she took a step forward. She knew things wouldn't be easy. But she still needed to prove herself, one way or another, and she'd do anything to do so!

"Then...I accept!" she said, drawing a gasp from the stands. "No matter who I need to go up against, I'm going to commit to it with everything I've got!"

[Bare]

Minami watched Sanae's reaction to her first opponent with a small smile on her face full of smugness. It was more or less how she imagined the girl would react, and it was all too satisfying to see in action. But once again Sanae surprised Minami by actually accepting the match up whole heartedly. Tsking softly in slight annoyance Minami would then shrug her shoulders. She had come out and said what she wanted to say, called out Sanae, and now they had something rather.. intriguing planned on top of a Apex match for herself should things workout correctly.... or rather if Sanae survived what Minami had planned as the girl's next opponents. So all that was left was to end this.

"Very well then." Minami said with a cruel smirk replacing her impassive expression as she focused on Sanae. "If nothing else I'll at least commend your bravery little girl. Even if it may just be stupidity." Minami said in a patronizing tone as she looked into Sanae's eyes with a cruel smirk. "But the match is now set. I hope you'll be prepared." Minami said, and as one final insult to injury she would reach up and mockingly slap Sanae's face, not hard enough for a true slap, but rather, just something meant to show disrespect towards Sanae and flex that Minami had no fear for the girl.

After doing so however Minami would drop her mic at Sanae's feet before curtly pushing past the smaller girl and to the ropes, climbing through them and strutting back up the ramp to the backstage area. Already thinking of Sanae's next opponent and conditions. Eager to put the aspiring idol through her paces in Apex.

[CaptainL]

Sanae knew it was a tall order she was putting herself up to. Though she had wowed everyone in her match against Alizeh, demonstrating that despite her relative inexperience she was still able to rise to whatever challenge was thrown her way and raise herself up to her opponent's level, she was still a rookie, and there were still a lot of things she didn't know. Minami, on the other hand, was an old hand in the business, who had many matches behind her and who had earned a fearsome reputation through all of them. And that was assuming Sanae made it to her at all. With Apex, the door was open to anyone who wanted to put themselves forward as worthy of taking on the ultimate challenge, but Sanae knew there would be many other hopefuls out there who easily surpassed her in strength, skill, and experience - not to mention, with Minami calling the shots, the Venus of Submissions could easily throw her into a situation where she was in over her head.

And yet...Sanae had no regrets. She stood firm, a defiant look on her face as she pushed her chest out toward Minami, letting her know in no uncertain terms that she was going to take on whatever she threw at her. She hadn't gotten to where she was by refusing to take chances! She knew the world was watching her, and the last thing she wanted was to let them all down. But more than doing this for the fans, Sanae was doing this for herself - she knew she had potential, and she wasn't going to run from it!

When Minami reached out to slap her cheek, the green-haired girl shrunk back, rubbing at her face. A collective "ooooh" went out from the crowd at such a provocative move from the veteran. But nonetheless, Sanae straightened her back, her eyes narrowing as she stared back at Minami even as she turned to leave the ring. She wouldn't give her the last laugh. No matter what happened, she wouldn't let anyone bully her into silence. Not in her matches, not through choosing her opponents, and certainly not now!

Once Minami was past the curtains, Sanae kneeled down to scoop up the microphone, turning back toward the crowd with it. "You heard it here first, everyone. I, Sanae Saitou, am taking on Apex - and, if I make it that far, I'm going face to face with Toshimi Minami herself! It's going to be hard, and it's going to put me to the test. I already know that, and I know you know that too - but I have faith that if we all put our hands and our hearts together, we can do this! And as for you, Alizeh..." Sanae paused a moment, looking out at the cameras in the hopes that her opponent-to-be was watching. "Let me say this now - just because we're friends and tag partners doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you, so let's do our best, okay?"

As the fans cheered Sanae for her courage and her willpower, the aspiring idol took a bow to them before handing the microphone back over to Misa. Then, she turned to follow Minami out, leaving the announcer to prepare for the next segment.

Continued here