RISING

[Weonna]

Hiro Takahashi

Kenzo Miyamoto

In the heart of bustling Tokyo, amidst the vibrant tapestry of city life, stood the Iron Titans Wrestling Gym, an haven for wrestlers striving for greatness. Within its walls, Hiro, a revered ex-kickboxing champion turned Wrestler and Part-Time wrestling coach, and his steadfast friend and business partner, Kenzo, surveyed the gym's renovations with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"So, what do you think, Hiro?"

Kenzo asked, gesturing toward the new equipment and expanded space.

"I told you we'd make this place even better than before."

Hiro nodded, impressed by the changes.

"It looks amazing, Kenzo. You've really outdone yourself."

Kenzo nodded, his expression contemplative.

"Yeah, it's going to revolutionize our training sessions. Speaking of changes, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."

Intrigued, Hiro turned to face Kenzo, his curiosity piqued.

Kenzo smiled, but there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes as he cleared his throat.

"There's something else I wanted to talk to you about, Hiro. It's about Fang..."

Hiro's expression darkened slightly at the mention of his girlfriend's name.

"What about her?"

Kenzo hesitated before speaking.

"I owe you an apology, Hiro. I shouldn't have interfered in your relationship with Fang. It was wrong of me, and I'm truly sorry."

Hiro's surprise was evident as he processed Kenzo's words. After a moment of silence, he nodded, accepting the apology.

"Thank you, Kenzo. I appreciate that."

Kenzo's relief was palpable, but there was still something weighing on his mind.

"To make it up to you, Hiro, I want to give you more ownership and control of the gym. And I think we should change the name too."

"The name?"

Hiro repeated, intrigued.

"But it's always been Iron Titans."

Kenzo nodded.

"I know, but I think it's time for a fresh start. And I have an idea for the new name: Rising."

Hiro considered the suggestion, the image of a phoenix rising from the ashes coming to mind.

"Rising... I like it. But I'm not entirely sure about the name change just yet."

"That's fair. Take your time to think it over. We want a name that resonates with everyone."

****THE NEXT DAY****

The following day dawned bright over Tokyo, casting its golden glow over the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. Hiro, still grappling with the decision over the proposed name change, sought counsel from his two closest friends and fellow wrestlers, Alexios and Rekka.

Rekka

"Hey Alexios, Rekka, I need your advice on something,"

Hiro began, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Kenzo wants to change the gym name from Iron Titans to Rising. What are your thoughts?"

Amidst the tranquil ambiance of a local café, Hiro recounted the proposal while sipping on steaming cups of green tea.

Rekka, a famous New luchador from Mexico began to speak up first and said,

"I like the name change, Hiro,"

he said with conviction.

"Rising has a powerful symbolism to it. Just like a Phoenix it represents growth, overcoming challenges, and emerging stronger. Plus, think about it—we're in Japan, the land of the rising sun. It's a nod to our roots, to the spirit of this country. And don't forget, Hiro, back when you were wrestling with me in Mexico, you were known as El Sol Naciente, It's like coming full circle, embracing who you are and where you've come from."

Hiro's eyes widened in realization as he absorbed Rekka's words. Indeed, the connection to his past as a luchador in Mexico, under the name El Sol Naciente, added a poignant layer of significance to the proposed name change. But then, all eyes turned to Alexios, waiting for his input

[ScylliasExoter]

Spoiler

Alexios had answered Hiro’s text and showed up to meet him at Cafe Leblanc. He caught on that it was business related when he saw one of the other trainers, Rekka, there as well. Alexios had minimal interaction with Rekka before. And while they had different styles, Rekka was Hiro’s friend so they worked around each other with the trainees. Alexios ordered a pour over coffee and sipped on it while listening to Hiro.

”Damn, you and Kenzo made up? I’d still be mad at him if me made me not be with Christina for a month. Where’s he getting the money for a renovation, by the way?”

[Weonna]

Hiro sighed, a mix of frustration and understanding evident in his expression.

"Kenzo and I go way back, you know? This is the first time in our friendship he's done something like this. But I believe people deserve second chances."

Hiro would then take a sip of his tea and when asked how Kenzo got the money to pay these renovations, Hiro leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly as he leaned into the conversation.

"Funny you ask. Kenzo was actually tipped off by an anonymous rich investor. Seems like someone sees potential in our gym and wants to help us take it to the next level."

Rekka raised an eyebrow behind his Luchamask as he was intrigued by the sudden turn of events.

"Well, that's unexpected. Guess it pays to have connections, huh?"

Hiro chuckled, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Seems like it. But enough about Kenzo and the renovation."

Hiro turned back to face Alexios.

"What's your opinion on the name change?"

[ScylliasExoter]

Alexios had some thoughts. He pondered for a moment trying to say it nicely.
”Honestly? I don’t like it. Keep it Iron Titans. That’s the name people know and respect. It’s the name you and I built when you asked me to join you. Rising Titans implies we are starting over or fallen, which we haven’t. We are Iron. We’ve taken every blow dished out to us and are still standing, not rising.”

[Weonna]

"I have to respectfully disagree, Alexios,"

Rekka interjected,

"I mean, vato, most of the people in the gym are still learning, you know? While the three of us are strong, we also got a job to help people in the gym who want to commit rise up. Rising, it's like a reminder, a motivation for them to keep pushing forward, to rise up from where they are and become the best they can be."

[ScylliasExoter]

Alexios sighed.
“With all due respect, symbolism is nice and all, but this is a business. Changing names means changing brands. It means starting over marketing and merchandising the new name. That’s expensive and while a rich investor is nice, shit’s not free, ese. The investor will want a return soon. I say we go with the name recognition we have and build on that.”

[Weonna]

"But Alexios, it's not just about the money,"

Rekka retorted, his tone sharper than before.

"Yeah, changing names means investing, but it also means investing in the future of everyone who walks through those gym doors. Rising isn't just a name—it's a vision, a belief in the potential of every wrestler who trains with us. We owe it to them to strive for something greater, to inspire them to rise above their limitations and become champions in their own right."

Hiro watched as Rekka's eyes blazed with passion, his words echoing with conviction. He couldn't help but admire his friend's fervor, even as he grappled with the weight of Alexios's practical concerns.

"And Alexios, just to clarify, vato,"

Rekka added, his voice softening slightly but still carrying a firmness.

"We're not changing the business itself. We're just changing the name. The heart and soul of our gym will remain the same. It's like when a luchador changes their ring name, but they're still the same luchador underneath, you know? El Hijo del Santo became El Santo became El Hijo del Perro Aguayo. The essence is still there, just with a different name."

[ScylliasExoter]

Alexios’ voice also got more animated.
“Well maybe Iron Titans means something to me. We can all dream, but it is iron willpower and resolve that makes it reality. It’s how I won my Olympic silver medals with a cracked freakin’ rib!”

Alexios patted the table as he spoke, the coffee/tea cups rattling as he went.

”As for a luchador changing their name and mask, vato, how would anyone know who they are? What they’ve struggled with? Where’s the story to finish?”

[Weonna]

Rekka felt a pang of disrespect at Alexios's words, but he maintained his composure, determined to make his point.

"Hey, I get where you're coming from, compadre,"

Rekka replied evenly.

"But think about it like this—luchadors like El Santo, Blue Demon, and Rey Mysterio, they all changed their names and masks at different points in their careers, but their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs? They're still remembered and celebrated today, inspiring generations of wrestlers to follow in their footsteps."

Feeling the weight of the tension between them, Rekka took a deep breath, steeling himself to share his personal story with Alexios. He began to speak.

"Listen, here Compadre..."

Rekka said, his voice softer now, carrying the echoes of his past struggles.

"I know where you're coming from, hermano. But let me tell you about my journey, about the struggles and sacrifices that brought me here."

Leaning in closer, Rekka recounted his upbringing...

"Man, you don't even know, Alexios,"

Rekka continued, his voice tinged with emotion.

"Mi madre , she worked double shifts just so I could afford my wrestling gear. She believed in me when no one else did, vato. She gave up everything for me, and I'll be damned if I don't make it worth her while..."Now, I ain't saying Iron Titans don't mean nothin',"

Rekka said, his eyes glistening with passion.

"But for me, I guess that's why I like the name Rising—cause to me, vato, it's more than just a name. It's a symbol of hope, of perseverance. My goal ain't just to be a local legend—I wanna make my name known around the world, to inspire others to chase their dreams, just like mi madre inspired me."

[ScylliasExoter]

Alexios listened, seemingly pacified by Rekka keeping to the high road. While Rekka's story was touching, Alexios still wanted the gym to be Iron Titans, though, and wasn't going to back down. However, he wasn't unreasonable. Quickly thinking of a solution, Alexios pondered and then spoke.

"Alright, compadre. If you want to rise up so bad, earn it. You and me meet in the LAW ring. You win, the gym will be Rising. I win, the gym will remain Iron Titans. And let's make it best 2 out of 3 falls, yeah? That way there's no fluke win. Let's see how your hope and symbolism does when it crashes against an Iron Titan, ese."

Alexios rose up from the table and extended his hand to Rekka.