Burgers and Black Eyes (Himeko and Chika)

[dlamp]

Himeko's grip only tightened as she got her arms around Clara's neck, pushing herself forward to lock and tighten up the woman's airways further. She barely even acknowledged Chika's existence now. Even with own breath leaving her and feeling Chika start to bear down and try choking her in turn she only kept her focus on the target in her grasp. Like hell she was letting go to have another combatant run free. If this was going to turn into a 4-way brawl then at least one of them would be taken out. "G-G-..." No, fuck that! This wasn't some quirky wrestling match, this was a brawl, one Chika asked for and was stupid enough to drag her foreign friend and Reiko into this.

And if Chika wanted to brawl with yakuza scum, then Himeko could let her be right and crush this Fish and Chip's neck right here so she'd learn to back off and after she rip the woman a new and drag Reiko away before she started asking question.

...

...

Wait, where the hell was Reiko right now? The Brit couldn't had knocked her out that fast, so what was the hold u-

"[ My... what do we have here? ]"

Shit. Himeko's eyes turned to the direction of the voice, her periphery catching a glimpse of Reiko being held in the air by a taller brunette in studded high heel boots, black stockings, a leather jacket, and sunglasses. And Reiko... had a gag in her mouth. Motherfucker... of course she shows up now.

"[ Let her go. ]" It wasn't a request. "[ That goes for both of you. Stop. ]"

Shit. As if on command, Himeko unlocked her arms, releasing the foreigner from her death grip.

[Vc0m]

”<LET GO OFF HER YOU PIECE OF SHIT!!!>”

Chika screamed as loud as she could, no doubt alerting more of the people in the nearby cafe about the brawl going on in the back…but Himeko, in spite of being choked out herself, was determined to keep Clara in the hold, and not just to leave her breathless.

”Ghhk…”

Clara felt pressure not just on her windpipe. Her neck actually, physically hurt. Her attempts to pull away yielded nothing, and she believed that, any moment, she would be knocked out for good…

…

Until both Chika and Clara heard an new voice enter the fray. Chika recognized it, and the source of it. The woman who was with Himeko during the match.

Reiko was already shut up by Hangaku, as she ordered Chika and Himeko to release the hold.

Chika wouldn’t do anything…until she saw that Clara was safely let go. From there, she would release her own choke, hands raised in the air to show that she wouldn’t attack…for the moment at least.

Clara coughed as she tried to get the airflow back into her body, on her knees, but still conscious:

”Are you alright?”, Chika asked.

”Akh..kah…I…think…”, Clara replied in a slightly coarse voice, Chika helping her up as her eyes stared at Hangaku, slowly realizing that she was the one to knock Chika out during her’s and Himeko’s match encounter…

[dlamp]

Great, things just went from bad to worse. Himeko might be able to draw breath again, but she fought the urge to hold it as she felt Nanase's aura loom over her like a 10-foot shadow. The weight along had the Princess averting her gaze, settling for glaring at the ground in bitter annoyance. The small muffles she could hear from Reiko's gag didn't give any hope of trying to spin this into something that'd save her hide from the storm coming. The most Himeko could manage was keeping a steady, if haggard, breath, waiting for... anything.

"Seiza."

It was a simple command, but Himeko still looked up and met Nanase's dead and unflinching gaze. "Nanana, I'm not-"

"[ Seiza. NOW. ]"

Himeko was on her knees in an instant, back against the wall and mouth shut. A movement of pure instinct at Nanase's command as she bit her lower lip. Fucking-

Nanase soon plopped Reiko next to Himeko, her too in a similar sitting position as she fell to her knees. Afterwards all Himeko she could hear were the clicks Nanase's heels click behind her as she approached Chika and the Brit.

"[ Igarashi Chika. ]" She heard Nanase say. "[ I'll ask you this one question and leave you be: Did you start this fight, or did Himeko? ]"

[Vc0m]

”Hak…”, Clara coughed out, trying to get her breathing back in order. She was trapped in the choke for a good minute. Bad enough her lungs were left without air for a good moment, but breathing was now actually uncomfortable for her:

”If you need help, I’ll call an ambu—“, Chika tried to say, only to be cut off by Clara

”It’s fine, really…but what on earth were you—“

Clara herself would be interrupted by the approaching Nanase. Both women didn’t pay attention to the argument happening between Nanase and Himeko.

Chika stood up straight as she called her name, the final conscious moments of her match vs Himeko finally coming back to her mind, the way Nanase knocked out while Chika was held back by Thirteen.

To Nanase’s question, Chika had an easy answer. She was not a liar, and gave Nanase a straight answer, despite fears of harsh retaliation from the woman:

<“I did. I called her out here outside the cafe, and challenged her to battle. And in a case where I can get her to an even less public spot, I would do this again in a heartbeat…”>

[dlamp]

"... ..." Nanase waited, scanning Chika and Clara over and double-checking their injuries. It was clear Chika was the one that had been fighting the longest, but the chokehold Himeko put on Clara was showing its work even as it was released. And to Nanase's relief Chika gave a straightforward answer, albeit a confrontational one that had her letting out an annoyed sigh. Honestly... This wasn't the day off I had in mind. She already had two children to scold, she had neither the time or energy to scold two others that weren't in her circle. It'll do I suppose. "[ Yes yes, I'm sure... ]" It was a battle to not roll her eyes, but Nanase managed to keep a neutral expression despite the near sarcasm in her voice. Hime-chan, you sure do make some interesting rivals... "[ Regardless, thank you for your honesty. ]" She pulled out her phone, waving it a bit in hers hands.

"[ Hime-chan text me on my emergency line with a specific code phrase stating someone either causing trouble for her personally or in a general area her family has influence over. Rei-chan called me personal phone soon after she heard the sounds of combat. I'm going to assume Clara Gaster came to aid you in assumption of Himeko starting the fight. ]" She paused, debating to repeat the phrase in English for Clara. No... probably best that only Chika hears this. And on the off chance of Clara having a good grasp on Japanese it'd also be wise to keep her words more general as well. "[ For the record, I'm only explaining this so you understand lying to me would be impossible. And will continue to be impossible in the future. ]" She pulled out a small piece of paper, writing an address on it and sticking a small pin on the corner of it before handing it off to Chika. "[ Here, this is the address to a Taishuya-sponsored clinic not too far from here, along with a note from me explaining the situation in more... positive terms. Give it to them and they'll look you both over and patch you up free of charge. That said, if you take this offer then this brawl never happen. Not a word of it leaves this alley and if it does there will be countermeasures to ensure no one believes you. ]"

With that done, Nanase turned on a heel began walking toward her two children. "[ Ah, and one more thing. ]" She paused a step, turning her head to Clara, her next words in clear English with only a small trace of a Japanese accent. "Clara Gaster. Please try not to get into these fights in the future. I would recommend calling the police and the emergency responders if you see something like this in the future."

With that said, she finally moved to stand in front of Himeko and Reiko to give them their much-needed lecture.

A rather long, detailed lecture...

"[ Do you two have any idea what you’ve done here? Rei-chan, did I not tell you to stay in the restaurant and wait for me and call the police? I didn’t say that because I thought Himeko could handle herself or that you couldn't help protect her, I said it to protect you and your reputation. You are not only a student of the Taishuya-ryu dojo, but also a former #1 Contender for the Lightweight Belt. Do you understand that means you have to hold yourself to a level of professionalism? Do you understand that means there were several wrestlers, Young Lionesses, and paparazzi that would love a chance to see Amano-Jaku not only out of uniform but photographed in a way that would make your state than after your match in America look like a runway shot? Are you trying to give Matsumoto Eiji ammo for an exposé on how a former contender is now stooping down to street fights with other former contenders? “Amano-Jaku Goes Rabid on GASTER” I can already hear him typing that headline as he lambasts the entire Lightweight Division for once again going down to Gold Rose's level. No, even lower than that. What if someone other than me showed up? What if Rose Gold happened to pass by and take pictures of this brawl to prove herself correct in her “revolutionizing” the Lightweight Division by "taming" all those in her Midas Touch segments? Did the Lightweight Division not just have a civil war a few years ago on something like this? This is just the thing that could make Dan DeFranco decide to pull the entire belt just to snub not only Rose, but reset the entire division because "young lightweights can't behavior professionally and shouldn't have a belt until they prove otherwise". I can hear those words coming out of his mouth now. I've told you this several times when at the dojo. Don't pick fights outside of the appropriate places. Don't swing your fists aimlessly out of anger. And especially don't behave in a way where your personal life and your private life are forced to permanently intertwine. ]

[ Honestly Reiko, I expect better from you. Perhaps I was wrong to let you do as you please in the ring because clearly you’re unable to keep that behavior in only the ring. There is a time and place for that. The ring is a fine enough place to act out since that’s part of your appeal as a fighter, but this is reality. This wasn’t a match, this wasn't even an impromptu spar. This was assault, and if a civilian called the police about violence breaking out in public it’d give you a criminal record. Do you think that would make you more popular? More attractive? Do you think people would want to do your Kimodameshi matches with someone that has a criminal record for assault on their profile? Would they trust that person to take a loss without immediate retaliation? Rei-chan, you aren’t Skylar Jones, you can’t just behave this way because of that. Even if you were trying to protect Hime-chan that’s not what you’d be seen as. It’d be seen as Senso no Hana attacking Clara Gaster and those in her circle out of spite. You need to think before you act. A student of Taishuya-ryu shouldn’t behave this way and maybe we should do some more drills to make sure that idea sticks. ]

[ And you Hime-chan. Accepting such an obvious taunt by someone who clearly doesn't like you. For what? Revenge? Satisfaction? A rematch that wouldn't even count toward your already shaky record? You’re the daughter and heir of the Taishuya Zaibatsu and you know your father wouldn’t approve of this. You aren’t 14-year-old fighting kiddy gangs anymore, these fights should had stopped years ago. You should have either ignored the callout or left for a different location with Rei-chan. Our leader shouldn’t be agreeing to street fights on a whim like this. You and me barely have the fights to our name Rei-chan has and if this is your way of getting them we might as well be productive about it and take that attitude toward getting the LAWLESS title, at least then we'd be rewarded for planning ambushes and street fights, especially when you’re already qualified for it. ]

[ Is Igarashi Chika such a tempting target that you can’t help yourself? Is the daughter and heiress of a business conglomerate and a reputable dojo franchise so violent that she can’t contain it for the ring? I believe you were called Kou-Hime for your iron will and ironclad morals, not because you swing your fists like a naked blade. Is this what out leader represents? Is this how you’re going to prove to Dan DeFranco that you have a handle on the ins and outs of wrestling as a business? By taking up street fights with contenders and risking yours and Rei-chan's bodies outside the ring? What message does this show about you, Himeko? About us? Is our princess leading us into a war in the alleyways for her own amusement? Actually, don't answer that, I already know the answer given your current treatment of me. Still, dragging Rei-chan into this does more harm than good and you should know that. ]"

"[ Honestly... how you two in up in these messes I’ll never know... ]"

[Vc0m]

Not knowing what reaction to expect, and knowing that, with how hurt she was, a single hard punch from Nanase would likely knock her out, she was thankful to simply have the situation explained to her. She somewhat expected Himeko’s manager to be related to her Yakuza ties, but as much as she wanted to deal with her past now, it seemed like it wasn’t an option right now. She didn’t hate Nanase for stopping their brawls twice over at this point now, but she disliked the woman, disliked feeling humbled by her.

She was given an address to Taishuya sponsored clinic, while keeping her expression neutral, wishing to rip the note and address to shreds, but nodding in a faux manner, as if thankful to Nanase. However, needless to say, she nodded more honestly to the offer of agreeing that this encounter never happened. She did not want a word of this getting out to her adopted father or her daughter.

Clara, meanwhile, couldn’t grasp the full contents of Nanase’s speech, her Japanese still being a fair bit…off. She heard something about a call, an address and a clinic, with a note giving a fake account of the injuries. The Brit didn’t catch any of the details about the Yakuza ties Nanase, Himeko and Reiko had.

The one thing she fully understood is the english words spoken specifically for her. She gave Nanase a look like she said something obvious…but something disagreeable at the same time, but she doubt that Nanase realized that.

With the trio discussing their troubles by themselves, Chika moved in to help Clara away, the Brit still rubbing her hurting throat, with spots around where Himeko locked in her choke turning bluish and purple on Clara’s pale skin.

Once through, Chika would try to get CLara to the car, only for the Brit to motion back to the cafe, quickly scanning her card for the bills, both her’s and Himeko and Reiko’s, as well as a bit extra for the disruptions backstage. The cashier looked concerned, especially at Clara’s coarse voice, but with a smile, Clara went back to Chika as the two entered the car.

”I…akh…I don’t know what you were talking about…but is that an address to a hospital? I am not a fan of going to any facility for…khm…check up, and having to explain that we brawled in the streets…the choice is yours…”

Chika didn’t want to take anything from Himeko or her “advisor”…but Clara was right. Giving a note to a facility sponsored by Taishuyas would hush all problems the brawl might cause for the 4 women…and Clara needed a check up even more than her.

Telling Clara the address, the tired Brit would drive to the hospital…

[dlamp]

Listening as the footsteps of Chika and Clara faded, a lull and silence soon followed. All three remained in place until she head the sound of a car starting up and leaving. Himeko kept her head down, avoiding Nanase's gaze and focusing her ears. The car sounded like it was starting to leave the area, and HImeko then heard Nanase sigh, likely pausing to shake her head as well.

"Alright, they're gone now."

Himeko relaxed her sitting posture, rolling her neck and shoulders as she stretched. "Jeez Nanana, did you have to lay into us that muc-" Himeko's complaint was immediately silenced by a solid punch to the back of her head. She nearly tipped forward from the force and was left clutching her skull in pain, teeth clenched as she glared at Nanase. "Fuck, really?!"

"Can it, brat. I'm still mad at you. For a number of reasons." Nanase's words were sharp, but they lacked the scolding edge of her previous lecture. She shook her hand, letting out a small hiss as if hitting Himeko's skull had actually hurt. "Why did you accept this brawl in the first place? You knew she was just picking a fight."

Himeko shrugged, rolling her neck again as if setting it back in place. "Honestly? Stress relief." Himeko was immediately met with another fist to her skull. "Okay seriously, knock it off. You don't have to play big sis right now."

Nanase scowled, shaking her hand again. "Are you sure? Because I was serious about going for the LAWLESS Belt if this nonsense keeps happening. I can't play the big sister forever, especially not when you're our leader. That effect is going to fade eventually so please don't call on me like this anymore unless a true emergency happens."

"Yeah yeah..." Despite the dismissive tone Himeko took Nanase's words to heart. In all honesty this was a test drive. A close call, but a good way to test things out. Anyone else seeing this fight would had been a nightmare. As much as it was to put on airs Nanase had a point. If Rose, DeFranco, or any other ambitious Lightweight saw that seen and decided to make a further show of it things might had ended badly. It'd be Reiko's reputation down the toilet and the little momentum Himeko built sent right back to square one. Nanase showing up and chewing in front of Chika and the Brit cooled tempers a bit and set things back to some kind of equilibrium between all three, but...

"U-Um..."

Himeko and Nanase turned to Reiko, both of them raising an eye. Reiko... was nearly in tears. No, she was in tears. It felt less like she was trying to get her seniors' attention and more just holding back the sobs. Ah shit... I forgot she didn't know.

"T-That was... f-fake?"

Himeko and Nanase looked at each other, then Himeko felt third blow to her skull.

"You didn't tell her..." Nanase's voice aimed at Himeko, but the was frigidness had their poor Demon shuddering in fear.

"She's a smart girl, I thought she'd figure it ou-" She was cut off by a four punch, but this time Himeko blocked it in time. Both her and Nanase met each other's eyes, silently communicating. Then, Nanase turned to Reiko, this time with a gentler tone and expression.

"No, Rei-chan. I am mad at both of you and you should both know better." Nanase started. "But... well, me chewing you both out in front of Igarashi-san and Gaster-san so fervently means they'll be less likely to hold this moment against you. If you and Gaster-san fight in a big match you don't have to worry about this brawl being too much of a factor, or being brought up again." It'd take a bit more explaining than that, but Reiko seemed to understand the major point of this performance, understanding it as a performance in some way, and gave a shaky nod.

"O-Okay..."

And with Reiko's understanding, both Nanase and Himeko let out a chuckle, Himeko standing and dusting herself as Nanase helped Reiko to her feet. "Come on Hadashi-chan, let's get your sandals and go back to the dojo. You have 50 laps to run as punishment."

Reiko's relaxing expression immediately turned to dread, stammering out a complaint before Himeko placed a hand on her shoulder to silence her. She and Himeko both had a bit of punishment to make this all "official" after all. It wouldn't do if they just joked around in the back of a store after a supposed scolding happened.

This leader shit is too much work some days... Still, it was all for a greater goal. And at least for Himeko 50 laps around a small dojo was nothing.

"You're doing 200 laps by the way."

Himeko clicked her tongue. Shit. Spoke too soon.

End.