Rivals Without Benefits

[XXVV]

E'isa walked into the arena the following week with a big smile on her face, eager to get some practice in the gym before checking in with management. However, it seemed that management wanted to see her sooner than she had planned. They called her in and locked the door behind them. Confused, E'isa took a seat and crossed her legs.

They promptly addressed the issue at hand. They expressed their disapproval of the brawl that had taken place during her confrontation with Ambre, noting that while the footage showed Ambre had started it, they felt E'isa could have just walked away. They suggested that settling their differences in the ring would be more beneficial for everyone involved. E'isa laughed at the idea, feeling that she was not in the wrong.

"So, what you prefer is that I drag the b*tch by her hair into the ring and call for a referee before I toss her around?"

Her expression shifted from cheerful to annoyed in an instant at the thought of management believing there was a better option than teaching the French woman a lesson right then and there. She gripped her hands together tightly, fighting the urge to grab the person she was speaking to by the collar and explain why that wouldn’t work. Instead she took a moment to regain her composure and then came up with an idea to clarify the situation.

"I have an idea! I think this will help clear things up."

Those in the room exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what she might propose. However, E'isa managed to ease the tension. Turning to one of the security guards as she spoke up again.

"Hey, go tell the guys at the ramp that I'm coming. They better have a mic and my entrance music ready. THE STAR IS COMING!"

Feeling triumphant, she stood up and winked at the management team, leaving them with the impression that she was not just about herself, but also about the business. As she approached the ramp, she saw a man preparing to play her music, while a mic was handed to her. Grabbing the mic as her theme played,

Spoiler

she emerged from the back to a mix of cheers and boos, some fans shocked to see her since she wasn’t advertised for the night.

Holding up her trademark "X", mic in one hand, she made her way down to the ring, stopping at the outer ropes to perform a split before sliding into the ring. Standing in the center, she flipped her curls back and spoke.

Spoiler

"Soooooooo… I bet you all are wondering why I'm here unannounced. Let's just say last week I had a run-in with a certain someone, and a certain French woman was on the verge of getting put to sleep…"

She smiled mischievously, remembering the altercation as if it had just happened.. their back and forth, her clever tactics, and how she almost left Ambre in a vulnerable, unconscious state in the locker room before security intervened.

"Lucky for her, the staff jumped in and prevented the worst-case scenario. PUFFING OUT HER CHEST! That being me of course …I mean, how much luckier can she get? If I were her, I would’ve played the Powerball after escaping that one…” She laughed at the thought.

“MAN, WHAT A LOS.."

[Bearhug Goddess]

Ambre didn't have a match scheduled tonight but the staff invited her to come tonight to chat... Although she was asked to be dressed. She didn't know why she was called, she hadn't done anything wrong... And as agreed, she was reassured that she hadn't done anything wrong...

The Black Pearl was a good element, she caught the eye of the best wrestlers and managed to please the public without having a very important career... But everyone agreed that she had an unwavering will, the Frenchwoman remained very serious when it came to proving that she seriously dreamed of being champion one day.

But the Frenchwoman lacked history and interaction in front of the public, yet it was the basis for any wrestler! Ambre was far too shy to allow herself to provoke people for no reason, especially since she had already announced during her promo that she intended to defeat all the champions and all the wrestlers aiming for the heavyweight championship belt! But the staff had planned something for her, a rivalry with E'isa, the woman she had fought with a few weeks ago.

Her feelings were mixed, not that she hated or liked this person but... She didn't really know what to do. She wasn't one of the most influential wrestlers, nor even a talkative wrestler or one who punished the nasty Heels... She was simply the strong but shy Black Pearl. Despite this, she accepted the offer and entered the stage a few seconds after E'isa did, cutting off her new rival with her theme.

Ambre

Theme

"Lucky?... I don't think so."

The French girl walked on the ramp, making the spectators react who were much more excited to see the French girl and finally understanding who E'isa was talking about. The Black Pearl walked greeting the spectators with her usual big smile, even if this promo was not planned it attracted the attention of the entire audience. Ambre finally arrived on the ring, climbing it without too much difficulty and walked towards E'isa to look her straight in the eyes with a slightly more serious look as her theme stopped.

"You just ambushed me after one of my matches.. There is nothing lucky about that! And then... What's the harm in being lucky even? It's better than being a coward! I was told that you had just refused a match against me... Would you be afraid of losing to me in an official match? A match where I would be in form? A match where... I would be at my best ?"

Ambre smiled slightly as she looked her opponent in the eyes, the tension was rising and the audience was impatient to hear E'isa's answer! It was the second time the Frenchwoman had appeared on stage but the first time she had come to give a lesson to another wrestler !

"Come on E'isa, tell us why are you afraid of me ?"

[XXVV]

E'isa watched Ambre step out, feeling a mix of disgust and confusion that was evident on her face. She couldn't understand how Ambre could come out so confidently, proclaiming her intentions, especially since E'isa had shown her firsthand what could happen when someone crosses her. It surprised her to hear Ambre speak so abundantly, considering she had yet to demonstrate her potential in the ring. Whenever E'isa had seen Ambre in action, it usually ended poorly for her.. at least in ways that mattered. Nevertheless, it seemed that the people backstage were eager for this showdown after witnessing the recent brawl, which E'isa believed wasn’t her fault, but rather a provoked response.

Taking in everything Ambre had said, E'isa stepped closer, now chest to chest with the French woman, giving her full attention. She locked eyes with Ambre's brown gaze before speaking.

"A match? Amiga, you barely survived the brawl last week. You want a match? I’ve reviewed your past performances and seen the tape."

Suppressing a laugh while recalling what she'd seen in those matches, E'isa tried to understand Ambre's motivations. It seemed Ambre was seeking a boost from an up-and-coming star after failing to capitalize on previous opportunities. E'isa noted the resolve in Ambre's eyes but felt something was missing as if Ambre had a switch she just couldn’t seem to flip. She began to wonder if management recognized what she observed, which might explain why they believed E'isa was the right person to push Ambre to the next level. Visually, Ambre had the makings of a champion, but E'isa sensed a lack of what most champions seem to possess or have figured out along the way. The idea of pushing Ambre to her breaking point brought a grin to E'isa's face.

"Ah, I see what it is... They think you have 'IT'," E'isa said with a smile as she circled around Ambre. "They believe you have some qualities that champions are made of. I can see why.. you’ve got the look, the presence, and the muscles for sure. But you’re missing a couple of things.."

E'isa paused after finishing her circle and stepped up once more, chest to chest-with Ambre.

"Do you want to know what those are? Do you want me to enlighten you?"

[Bearhug Goddess]

Ambre lowered her microphone slightly while waiting for her opponent's answer, who remained silent before advancing towards the French woman, pressing her chest against Ambre's. The two women faced each other and looked straight into each other's eyes, they were both the same height, had muscular bodies and quite similar chests... It was the kind of staredown that the public loved and many journalists and spectators took the opportunity to immortalize this moment in photos.

The Black Pearl remained silent, listening to everything E'isa had to say to her. She went through several expressions, first a serious look, when the woman in front of her told her about her performances, then she raised her eyebrows when E'isa... seemed to compliment her, which surprised her greatly before sighing and raising her microphone to speak again, inflating her chest to slightly push her opponent away with it.

"That's disappointing, you're completely ignoring my question and changing the subject... but whatever, I'm going to play your game even if I doubt you can teach me anything... I'm listening E'isa, tell me what I'm missing!"

[XXVV]

E'isa carefully scrutinized the array of emotions flickering across Ambre's face, each one a testament to the internal conflict brewing within her. When she heard Ambre's half-hearted response, a surge of frustration coursed through her. For a fleeting moment, she envisioned smashing the microphone against Ambre's face, an honest reaction to the underwhelming exchange currently. However, she caught herself channeling her energy instead into a fierce curiosity about Ambre's character. E'isa wanted to explore how far she could push this French woman, to uncover what really drove her, and to see if she could unlock some hidden strength beneath Ambre's surface.

"First of all, you’re way too nice," E'isa began, her tone sharp and unwavering. "You don’t seem willing to do whatever it takes to win. I possess that relentless drive, but you not only lack it.. you appear to have absolutely none of it within you. Sitting here, I can’t help but notice that you rarely voice your thoughts, and when you do, it's often lacking the conviction that commands respect. It’s frustrating, to say the least."

E'isa leaned closer, turning the microphone to the side of her face, their foreheads almost touching.. a bold act mixed within the confrontation. "You never back up your words, especially when the stakes are high and everything is on the line. In crucial moments like those, your flaws are glaringly obvious. Trust me, your opponents notice precisely what I saw in you when I was just seconds away from putting you to sleep, amiga."

With deliberate intent, she lowered her voice, bringing her lips right against Ambre's ear. She wanted her words to be a secret, meant only for Ambre, even as the microphones hovered nearby, capturing the faintest whisper.

"They see a loser… a fucking loser, Ambre." E'isa's voice was low and laden with intensity, leaving a haunting echo of her message hanging in the air.

[Bearhug Goddess]

Ambre watched and listened attentively to the movements, expressions and words of her opponent who did not seem to hold back her words. The Frenchwoman did not really know how to react, what E'isa said was... rather true. Difficult to accept but real. Ambre tried to keep a straight face, she should not let herself be destabilized by her opponent's words and she had an idea about her response and her counterattack...

... At least, she had one. When E'isa brought her lips closer to the Frenchwoman's ear to whisper that she was a loser, Ambre's heart began to beat quickly. A certain unpleasant anger began to emerge in the Frenchwoman and it was visible in the look she gave her opponent.

The Black Pearl took a step back, distancing herself before raising her microphone and finally answering her opponent, the audience wondered what the Frenchwoman could say to defend herself.

"... I may be a little too nice and discreet but I take all my matches seriously! I may have had a bad period with a series of defeats, I continue to improve after each match, each training session, each day..."

She took a long breath, regaining her composure and seriousness before pointing at the woman in front of her.

"I will do everything to become a great champion one day and I take this goal very seriously ! What about you ?"

[XXVV]

E'isa could see how her words cut deep, piercing like a sword into Ambre's core. After her whispered comment, E'isa noticed a change in Ambre's demeanor, as if she had struck a nerve. E'isa was initially caught off guard by Ambre's glare, but then she felt a surge of joy. She realized that this woman actually had a switch she could flip, it just seemed that Ambre either didn't know how to turn it on or didn't want to for some reason. Thoughts raced through E'isa's mind about all the possibilities, including how deeply she could delve into Ambre's subconscious. This was a side of Ambre it seemed no one yet had managed to access. At first, E'isa wasn't interested, yet after getting this glimpse at what might lay dormant, she now wanted to push her buttons, but whether that was a wise decision remained to be seen.

"Ohh wow, so that's what's in you huh? That's what's behind that soft, kind loveable face.. I see.. That's exciting.. I wanna see more of that!" She thought to herself.

Stepping up to close the gap Ambre had made before responding to her. Looking her up and down as she examined her posture. She still looked firm but she was for sure rattled by what the Latina had said.

"May have had a bad series of defeats? You mean you got tossed around and ate a clean 3 count in each of them? You got beat clean in all of the ones that mattered?"

Feeling that she wasn't close enough, E'isa stepped face-to-face with Ambre once again. She wanted to eliminate any distance between them, ensuring that Ambre could hear everything she had to say clearly, without any room for misunderstanding.

"Wait, wait, wait... all this talk about wanting to be one of the faces of the division and your constant dreams of becoming champion one day?"

E'isa smirked, feeling empowered with each word that felt like a deeper dig at Ambre. She had no qualms about poking at the potential threat and relished the idea of matches that kept attention on her. Now, seeing the potential of this matchup, she prioritized getting the most out of Ambre, regardless of any potential danger.

"Champion one day, huh? Ain't you already face a champion? I may not remember the specifics, but what I do remember is the ending..."

She paused for a moment, locking eyes with Ambre.

"YOU LOSTTTTTTT.. "

[Bearhug Goddess]

Ambre groaned slightly and grimaced as she saw E'isa getting closer to her again, trying to get back in touch before resuming her trash talk. It was obvious that this was the Frenchwoman's first live confrontation, she didn't know how to react, what to say or even try to read the atmosphere in the room. Even if the spectators were on the face side, they couldn't deny the facts that the new heel presented...

... But E'isa knew how to play on the Frenchwoman's heartstrings. As Ambre began to lower her gaze and accept her opponent's harsh words, the Dominican had just said eye to eye, face to face, that Ambre didn't have the stuff or even the talent to become champion.

The Frenchwoman remained silent for several seconds, looking over E'isa's shoulder before finally raising her head and taking on a much more serious look than before. No hesitation in her gaze, no searching for words or actions, the Black Pearl displayed a confident and determined look... Maybe even a little too much because of the anger that was starting to rise.

"So what ?!"

The Frenchwoman put her hands on the other wrestler's shoulders to push her back, forcing E'isa to keep her distance before bringing her microphone back to her lips to speak again and answer her accusations.

"I lost, a lot of times, so what ?! Everyone loses, no one is perfect! At least I don't proclaim loudly that I'm a goddess or anything, I'm just me, Ambre Brault, a simple stone that will become a precious stone in the future. I will be champion one day, I guarantee it... But you, tell us, what have you brought and created to LAW?... I deserve this title much more than you, I have no lessons to receive from you."

[XXVV]

E'isa observed Ambre closely, noting how she began to behave in the face of confrontation. This back-and-forth dynamic between two strong-willed individuals, reluctant to back down, was new territory for Ambre. E'isa understood that while what she said was true, Ambre struggled to accept it coming from someone like her. The realization that she might not possess the complete package usually expected of a champion hit Ambre hard.

For a brief moment, Ambre lowered her head, seemingly ready to accept that perhaps the Latina was right. As a few seconds passed, E'isa began to wonder if this was truly all Ambre had to offer. She found herself questioning whether she had already broken Ambre’s spirit with her pointed critiques of her character and potential as a wrestler. With a slight roll of her eyes, E'isa realized she had opened up a vulnerability in Ambre, only to uncover yet another layer of self-doubt that appeared to hold Ambre back from becoming the star that management envisioned. E'isa pondered whether this inner struggle was something Ambre could ever overcome.

“So, is she really just going to give up?” E'isa thought with disappointment. “Damn, I was just starting to get excit…”

Then to the surprise of E'isa Ambre would seem to flip the switch again! Hearing the "So what ?!" as she looked back and saw a confident and determined look but not only that. Deep in her eyes, she could see a sea of anger. Which the Latina remembered vividly from earlier. Then would feel herself get pushed back as Ambre seemed to prefer the distance. Then hearing what the French Woman had to say she'd struggle to hold back her evil grin. As it seemed her poking had worked and even if only a little she'd gotten a bit of Ambre's anger to come out.

She would then grab Ambre's by the string in the front of her attire and look to pull her back into her. Not wanting to let up after getting this far. She'd then close in almost nose to nose with her before responding.

"Nothing to learn from me? That's funny, you just learned something from me right now.. I offer what no one so far has given you.. and if you don't see the potential someone like me can give you.."

E'isa released her attire as she'd eased up and giggled in front of Ambre. Looking like she was calm but over the situation, feeling like she might have been wasting her time.

"Then I'm wasting my time here, you might not have 'IT' after all.."

Walking by Ambre as she bumped shoulders with her. Almost reminiscent of what started everything to begin with almost imitating the French Woman. Walking by her as she looked to exit the ring and go back up the ramp.

[Bearhug Goddess]

Ambre raised an eyebrow when her opponent grabbed her by the strings of her outfit to pull her forward, she was forced to move forward and be close to E'isa again if she didn't want her top to break. She gritted her teeth and looked at the wrestler in front of her, frowning a little more, E'isa was right again.

Definitely, letting herself be carried away by feelings did not help the French woman win this debate with words. The woman in front of her was much better than her in this art and manipulated the French woman as she wished, showing the spectators a new and more interesting face.

...But everything had an end and this promo had to end too. E'isa tried to leave the ring, slamming her shoulder against the Black Pearl's without even giving her time to answer... It was frustrating, Amber clutching the microphone with all her might before letting go and turning around, grabbing E'isa's wrist so she couldn't leave.

"Stay here!... We're not done talking...!"

Ambre clutched her opponent's wrist with rather good force without realizing it. She didn't want her new rival to run away again, she still had things to say!

"Stop running away every time and face me!... You're starting to tire me out by always leaving after provoking me E'isa...!"