April 15, 2023
Tatsumaki Dojo - Tokyo, Japan
From every corner of the building rise disparate noises which crash head-on into each other, then recoil a moment before they weave and mix in the air. This is the environment in which the Magic Princess pushes the extreme limits of her endurance on a daily basis. Even now her body is wracked with reminders of the violence inflicted on it at Straight On Till Morning. A normal woman would at the very least slow down when her body sent this many signs of lingering agony. Yet there’s something about the cacophony of the Tatsumaki Dojo which fuels this aggressive training regime, drives Yuna to fight on.
Nearest to her the explosive clank of metal on metal as others lift weights and work the machines. Just barely audible beneath that is a soft hum with a steady beat that was only just discernible as music. Yuna makes no effort to determine what band or group it is. It doesn’t matter. Her body lowers from the overhead bar and she catches a view of herself in the mirror. Sweat drenched, her hair is plastered to her forehead in the most unflattering manner imaginable. She shakes her head and looks back up at the bar. Her body throbs with pain in at least half a dozen places, an ongoing gift from Shuko MURDER-Gun. Yet she grits her teeth, lets out a loud groan of effort and pulls herself back up one more time.
From below other voices rise up in shouts and screams of effort. Loud crashes from the ring provide an irregular percussion to the mix. All of this with a low distant rumble that lightly shakes the building itself. Not an earthquake, just another train taking its passengers to their destinations all around Japan’s most populous city. These varied sounds blend into a symphonic soundtrack for Saito Yuna’s efforts. Every woman here is doing their best to become stronger. The least she can do is provide an example to follow; after all she’s a hero now. Heroes give others the strength to keep fighting. Pain’s been a regular visitor in Yuna’s life since she first set foot in a ring. Working through it to get that one last rep in isn’t an issue.
Almost to the top. Her arms burn, her body shivers from the effort, but still she presses on. Just one more. Yuna’s eyes bulge and her teeth gnash but she gets the last few centimeters. First her wild eyes pass above the steel bar. As the sensation in her arms reaches an inferno level Yuna’s nose passes the goal line. For a moment her body threatens to mutiny against her, but a sudden scream banishes such thoughts. Finally her chin is above the bar and Yuna smiles wickedly. Mission accomplished. She lowers herself from the bar so quickly that her feet crash into the floor with the impact of one of those trains outside. That sudden impact nearly throws off her balance and she stumbles back from the pull up bar. One moment her left foot turns in on itself, the next her right slips and she’s starting to fall back. How appropriate, the Magic Princess returns to her ignominious roots by injuring herself after a routine exercise!
But she doesn’t. That left foot plants itself on the floor and Yuna’s arms shoot out to brace her against the nearest piece of exercise equipment. The aftermath is dizzying, her head swimming with scenes of imagined doom just barely avoided. Yuna feels her body relax as her balance returns, and she banishes those mental images. Goodbye, Yuna sitting by the ring with her leg in a cast and watching everyone else get better than her. Farewell Yuna watching the Galaxy Princess Cup from the crowd with her arm in a sling. Such fates don’t await her. Despite the racing thoughts to the contrary this isn’t luck. She’s gotten better at every facet of this sport. Somehow the tall freak has gotten more coordinated and focused. She smiles as she recognizes her narrow escape from disaster for what it is. Progress.
It feels so odd to recognize that improvement. Up to the opening bell of Historic BIG BANG Evolution not even she had any expectations of herself. How could you when you’d amassed the worst record in Joshi wrestling? When you went to the ring knowing full well that no effort was going to change your destined defeat, you got used to it. Failure had been as constant a companion as pain; she knew she could look forward to seeing it again any time she donned her gear. Much as she hated the fact that she had no chance, she’d come to weirdly embrace failure. A fact of life which was always there for her when everything else changed. During her historic losing streak Yuna never really worried about improvement. She was good enough to get work in the ring. Six years in the ring and she simply coasted along as the ultimate failure in pro wrestling. Maybe it was because she knew failure would always be waiting for her? Or maybe she just didn’t have anything to fight for.
That’s changed as much as she has in the last two months. Even when facing the woman so violent that she’d been banned from MMA, Yuna knows she’s gotten better. Her eyes glance down at her arm as she grounds herself. For a moment she flinches as her mind fills with the pain of that arm being forcefully pulled into the most agonizing position imaginable. She sees Dixie Boone’s face all contorted in sadistic pleasure and the pain increases. Yuna shakes her head as she remembers that somehow she escaped from the hold. That imagined pan fades and she realizes something else.
Saito Yuna isn’t just a hero, she’s a distinctly different wrestler now. The girl who went 0-170 would’ve tapped out to Dixie’s armbar before she got anywhere close to the ropes. Since that fateful meeting with Tatsumaki Aoi in HARD OFFF, Yuna’s gone undefeated. Somehow the Magic Princess is 3-0! Despite all the odds and all the critics wondering what the hell Tatsumaki was thinking recruiting her, Yuna has the best MGP record in Galaxy Defense Force. It’s a shock to her, and it’s gotten the most violent faction in pro wrestling to declare war on her. Has the pain they inflict on her every single show been worth it?
She thinks of the women in her unit. Kasey Vex, the foreign born veteran whose success inspired Yuna since their first meeting. If Kasey can be brave enough to confront Costanza in the ring and promise to come after her, Yuna can stand up to Shuko. Yua, the kind hearted woman who never doubted Yuna’s ability and helped her to achieve that magical first victory. It’s not clear if Yua will be able to compete anytime soon, so Yuna’s got to keep proving her belief right. The Hixx sisters whose worldwide star status motivates Yuna to try and match their example. All of the newcomers - Brooke, Kathryn and Mirai - whom she hopes to befriend and wants to inspire to great things in the ring. Hiromi, who she kind of tolerates and whom she still wants to help improve. Despite the girl’s selfish proclamations, Yuna sees talent in her and hopes someday to help her get past that.
Tatsumaki Aoi, the legend who saw something in Yuna that Yuna didn’t know existed. A woman who gave her a magical opportunity when she absolutely didn’t have to. Someone Yuna looks up to, whose philosophy on wrestling she embraces without question. Even with the wrath of Shuko’s killers aimed squarely at her, Yuna knows that Tatsumaki Aoi will be there to lead the fight back. Heck, Tatsumaki’s such a legend that she unified all of MGP’s other factions against MURDER-Gun! Yuna wants badly to reward the trust of all these women with continuing miracles in the ring. And the only way to do that is to forge her body into the deadliest weapon she can manage. No pain is too much. Has the pain Shuko MURDER-Gun inflicted on her been worth it? Absolutely.
Wait, there’s also Mizuki! How could she forget the woman who’s taken on Yuna’s training as a personal project? Especially when the beautiful retired ace was right in front of her? Wait, what?! Yuna looks down her arm, from the elbow down to her hand and then what that hand rested on. Far from a piece of gym equipment, it’s a flash of red cloth. Oh no. Her eyes drift to the left until the cloth meets the fine skin and a stray lock of dark brown hair. Mizuki! Yuna immediately drops her arms and bows in the most apologetic and over polite manner she can manage. How could she use one of the bright stars of the past decade of wrestling as a support! Clearly Mizuki is furious with her for that - wait, is she laughing? Indeed, Mizuki is laughing at the sight of Yuna’s sudden bow. She reaches out and gently pats Yuna on the shoulder.
Mizuki: <”Easy, easy. You ok?”>
Yuna maintains the bow as her hair forms a convenient curtain around her face that hides the embarrassment written all over it.
Yuna: <”Y-yes of course, Suzumi-sensei!”>
Mizuki: <”Then get up, you’ve got nothing to apologize for.”>
Yuna: <”Yes! Of course! Right away!”>
Yuna stands up straight so suddenly that her hair whips Mizuki right in the face! Oh no! Yuna is about to bow again when Mizuki shakes her head. They’ve been together long enough that her trainer can kind of read her mind. Even if an apology seems right, Yuna knows Mizuki doesn’t need it. So she stands there, stiff as a statue as Mizuki glances over the balcony wall down at the ring below. After a moment, Mizuki nods toward the stairs.
Mizuki: <”Well come on, let’s head down.”>
Yuna: <”Yes, of course! After you, Suzumi-sensei!”>
As they begin to descend from the upstairs gym, Mizuki glances over her shoulder at Yuna.
Mizuki: <”Hey Yuna. You’ve been up there for a few hours. I lost track of you for a bit and thought you’d stepped out. Were you working out the whole time?”>
Yuna’s back tenses up as she descends to the step below - lingering pain thanks to Shuko.
Yuna: <”Of course! I hit a new personal best for the chest press and-”>
Mizuki’s face is full of concern.
Mizuki: <”Without taking a break?”>
Yuna: <”Um - that’s right. It hurt, I had to really push sometimes, but I got through the circuit twice!”>
They arrive at the ground floor and Mizuki immediately spins around to face Yuna. Her eyes are fiery and her posture is tense. Did Yuna say something wrong? Was she boasting too much? She probably was! Who wanted to hear you talk about how amazing you were when there was still so much work left to be done? Of course. Yuna steeled herself for more intense training to come as Mizuki continued to glare at her. Clearly she’s done something wrong that the veteran despises.
Mizuki: <”Yuna, listen. I’m really happy to see you training hard for the Galaxy Princess Cup, but you need to pace yourself. You’re going to get hurt before you even get to Anya Bonecrusher.”>
Yuna blinks in surprise - that’s what Mizuki’s worrying about?
Yuna: <”But Suzumi-senpai, I’ve got so much work to do! Everyone’s looking up to me now, I have all of Shuko MURDER-Gun out to kill my dreams and people are even predicting that I’ll be champion. I can deal with the pain.”>
Mizuki puts her hands on her hips. Yuna fights the urge to hunch down to make herself a smaller target for her trainer’s ire.
Mizuki: <”There’s a lot to do, but you won’t accomplish it if you kill yourself in training. Let’s go one step at a time. As your trainer, I think - no, I’m ordering - that you should slow down, take a step outside and get yourself some hydration.”>
Yuna glances towards the door and worries further. Should she really step out when there’s such a big mountain left to climb? Isn’t this just slacking off?
Yuna: <”But everyone else is going full speed.”>
Mizuki rolls her eyes.
Mizuki: <”They haven’t been training nonstop for hours like you.”>
She nods to the ring, where the action’s paused for a moment. Yuna spots a familiar face in the blue corner. Sitting there with a towel around her neck and breathing hard from the exertions of the day is none other than the girl beyond the stars! Sato Hoshi takes a long swig from her bottle of Pocari Sweat and then makes eye contact with Yuna. The Stargazer talent waves cheerfully to her, prompting Yuna to meekly wave back. Right, even Hoshi looks up to her, doesn’t she?
Yuna: <”But-”>
Mizuki sighs.
Mizuki: <”No, don’t keep doing that. No buts. If it makes you feel better about it, go get me something too.”>
Yuna’s eyes catch the light glinting off of something small and golden. As Mizuki extends her hand out towards Yuna, the Magic Princess can see it’s a 500 yen coin. Okay, that’s fine. If she’s doing something for her trainer as well as herself, Yuna doesn’t feel quite as bad about it. Her hand closes around the coin tightly, as if it’s a rare treasure that might float away if she doesn’t. For a moment Yuna lingers, her mind still preoccupied with the thoughts that she could still do more before taking a break. Yet that expectant look Mizuki’s shooting her way makes it clear that delaying the break isn’t an option. As Yuna turns to head outside, a voice calls out from behind the ring. It’s a thundering, powerful voice that can only belong to the leader of Galaxy Defense Force.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Suzumi-san, a moment? We need to talk.”>
Mizuki: <”Right away, Tatsumaki-san!”>
Yuna watches her mentor scurry back to attend to the legend’s needs, then takes a deep breath. Break time. Each step she takes towards the door, then out it, is full of pain shooting up her long legs. Echoes of the 3K she ran before arriving at the dojo. And of the leg presses and squats that are part of her gym circuit. Despite herself she slows down and takes in the outside world. Around the exit she took is a narrow street lined with small business and apartment buildings. So many places people could be, yet it’s all but abandoned. Only the sounds of progress being made in the dojo break the eerie silence of the outside world.
She rounds the corner into an alleyway more out of instinct than conscious thought. Before she began training at the Tatsumaki Dojo, she’d explored the neighborhood around it. Even though she got herself lost many times, Yuna managed to piece together an impeccable mental map of the local area. Every sign on every building, every flower bed, every turn and where it could take you. Not to mention every vending machine. The one near the dojo has a wide variety of beverages available, from coffee to sports drinks and even warm soup.
As she plunks the golden coin into the machine, Yuna notices something odd. Being so close to the dojo the machine is frequented by the trainees and even the occasional fan. It makes sense that there are Miracle Galaxy Pro logos on it, as well as the stylized artwork of Tatsumaki Aoi and Mizuki Suzumi. Other members of GDF have been added as well, including - her?! This is a new decoration, or maybe she just never noticed it before. But right there on the front of the machine, was a small cartoon version of herself. How did she rate that? Sure she was a member of GDF and all, but to be so prominent on the machine and to be pointing up at the bottle of Aquarius? Maybe it’s a sign.
Yuna smiles as she imagines a purple belt with silver plates on it around her cartoon self’s waist. It’s a long shot, but so is everything she’s accomplished in MGP so far. At the very least she follows cartoon Yuna’s suggestion and presses the button for Aquarius twice. Both bottles make a thunk as they softly land at the bottom of the machine. Before she can crouch down to retrieve them, there’s another thud. Out of nowhere a hand smacks into the glass on the front of the machine. It’s wearing a black driving glove. She turns around slowly and follows the leather clad arm to its owner. A woman with short curly hair wearing a leather jacket and jeans, shorter than Yuna but with an athletic build and danger written all over her face. As soon as she meets the woman’s threatening eyes, Yuna’s face scrunches up in response to an unexpected assault. Horrid stench arrives at her nostrils first, followed by a waft of stinging white smoke. It overwhelms her senses and she staggers back into the alley to create some space. The woman snickers as she stands there, cigarette hanging from her mouth.
????: <”Hello Princess.”>
Her words have a razor sharp edge to them. With the way she speaks and the malicious intent in her eyes, the woman is clearly a threat. Yuna’s thoughts immediately race as she tries to determine who this is and what she wants. No one’s around to help, but a loud noise might attract attention. This woman carries herself with the same sort of ill intent and potential for horrific actions that Yuna hesitates to make any sudden move. They’re meeting for the first time but Yuna instinctively knows what kind of person she’s dealing with. The sort who turns bitter and dangerously destructive in a split second.
Yuna: <”Eh - c-can I help you?”>
????: <”Is that any way to welcome someone from home?”>
From home? It’s then that something clicks in Yuna’s mind. There’s something very distinctive about the way this woman speaks. It’s aggressive, assaulting the ears with every rough word. It’s also very masculine sounding regardless of the gender of the person speaking. Someone who talks like this is liable to break something over your head as soon as hold a friendly conversation. This sharp and aggressively masculine dialect is from Osaka, and Osaka’s underworld specifically. For 18 years she was surrounded by it, immersed in it, attacked by it. Even with her efforts to learn a more pleasing manner of speech in order to distance herself from that life, Yuna can still recognize it when she hears it. No question, this woman at the very least runs in the same circles that her father did. Yuna takes another step back, but the woman closes the distance with a casual malice in her step.
Yuna: <”Who are you? What are you doing here?”>
The woman works a kink out of her neck.
???: <”I’m just a gal on a delivery job. And you’re the person I’m deliverin’ to, Princess.”>
She stresses the term as if it’s an accusation. Before Yuna can respond, the woman reaches into her pocket and fishes around for something. A weapon? Yuna looks left and right to see if she can escape before the woman draws her implement of destruction. Too narrow of an alley, especially if it’s a gun or something. This is just the kind of thug who’d have one. She just manages to avoid cowering as the woman pulls out - a business card?
???: <”But where are my manners? My card.”>
She holds the card out, which Yuna eyes suspiciously. What is this? A trick? Yet the woman just stands there, puffing on her cigarette as she waits for Yuna to accept the offering. Morbidly curious about who this woman is, Yuna gingerly grips the card and plucks it from the woman’s hand. She holds it close to her face as she reads the text: ‘MIYAMA MAYA’ first, then in red kanji at the top of the card ‘SAITO CONGLOMERATE’. Yuna’s eyes go wide in terror as she sees the name of the Saito yakuza syndicate’s ‘official’ company name. The card falls to the ground as she panics, knowing this woman is just as dangerous as anyone in Shuko MURDER-Gun.
Miayama: <”Heh, that’s more like it. Your daddy sends his greetin’s. He’s been keepin’ tabs on you since this whole galaxy thing started. Asked me to deliver a message to you: ‘You’re finally less than a disappointment.’ Congratulations, Princess'. He’ll be watchin’.”>
What could he possibly want? What was he really after by sending Miyama to deliver a message to her? He must know that she wouldn’t answer a letter or phone call. But he’s not the sort of man who would care what his daughter was doing. Not after she ran out on his business venture and took his money to start a new life. Yet Miyama makes no move to attack her. If this is meant to scare Yuna, it’s not doing the job. Rather than fear, Yuna’s beginning to feel something unexpected - anger. After all the years she’s spent building a new life for herself, he dares send someone to try and intimidate her? Saito Gorou doesn’t run her life, and she’s not going to let him ruin what she has now. Meanwhile Miyama snorts.
Miyama: <”’Course if you ask me, it woulda done you good to get the Hifumi treatment from Shuko-san. Put you back in your place.”>
Hifumi? The name is familiar to her, but at first she can’t place why. If this thug thinks she can scare Yuna into doing something, she’s got another thing coming. Just wait until a half dozen other strong women show up to beat Miyama down. GDF is here for her as much as she’s here for them. And unlike Saito Gorou, they love and support her. Tatsumaki Aoi and everyone else in the unit is far more of a family than Yuna’s ever had in her life. Miyama takes a step closer, then flicks her cigarette at Yuna. It flies through the air in slow motion, its tip glowing with deep red embers that seem to raise the temperature to an unbearable heat. Then she remembers. Hifumi. One of the other girls in Kansai Girls’ Battle..
2017
Osaka, Japan
Tap. Tap. Tap. Sounds echo through the narrow stairwell one after another in a slow rhythm of hope. Each is one step closer to escape, closer to a brighter future. Or at least one free of the constant lurking threat of harm from the very person who should’ve been protecting her. No more all pervasive cigarette smoke choking the air and assailing her senses. An end to the oppression of Saito Gorou. For certain further pursuits in the sport she’s grown to love despite the ignominious reasons she first entered it. All of this awaits her just outside the wooden door just a few meters away from Yuna. Even from here, just past the curve in the staircase halfway down, she can see her escape route clearly.
Ever since her father pressured her to work on the gravure book with Ota, this is all she’s thought of. His hateful actions and words made it clear that she couldn’t continue living under the same roof any longer. The thought of running off from the only home she’d ever known was still terrifying in and of itself. She’s only eighteen, after all. Old enough to have graduated high school but not quite old enough to have come of age as an adult in Japan. Despite all the reasons to not wait another minute in her escape, she’s had moments of doubt.
Each moment small and fleeting, but they come back to her in force now that she’s near the point of no return. How’s an eighteen year old girl from Osaka going to survive in the most expensive and populous city in the country on her own? It’s not like she’s going there for university or anything, nor does she have any family to take her in if this falls apart. Her only work history to go on is being the punching bag of Kansai Girls’ Battle, and that’s not really anything she wants to use as reference. Too many questions about what a girl of her age was doing working shows in venues that were clearly meant for adults only. It’s possible that she won’t be able to support herself on the salary of any job she’s able to actually land, and then what will she do? Shouldn’t she just stick it out in Osaka at least? Wait until she’s reached full adulthood or at least gotten something more solid than ‘maybes’ to go off of?
Still Yuna forces herself to take the rest of the steps down. She’s planned this out the best she could after all, and even with those doubts resurfacing she’s so close to escape. One last tap and she’s at the threshold. Within the room she can make out a few rectangular shapes of varying sizes among the darkness brought on by thick curtains in the windows. They could be anything to the untrained eye - was that someone hunched over the sink?! Yuna spotted the unexpected shape bunched up where she expected to see a faucet. Unexpected enough that she crouched down in a hurry to avoid being spotted. Her heart races as she tries to adapt her plan on the fly. What does she do now? Freedom is just over an arm’s length away, but now she’s got an unexpected obstacle to deal with.
Who’s here in the kitchen at this time of day? She’d decided on the dead of night as the time to flee specifically because there wouldn’t be anyone in here! Her father’s staying at his compound for the week. The other girls were either still asleep in the dorm or at home. None of the Saito Syndicate mooks ever used the kitchen this early, so who in the hell was here? Did someone get sick and come to use the sink to throw up? If so they were being really quiet about it. When there’s still no sound from them, Yuna cranes her neck up to see what was going on. That shape’s still there, covering the faucet and hanging limply around it. Maybe they need help? As much as her rattled brain cries out for her to keep going, to get out, Yuna knows this person might actually be in trouble. They’ll hear her leave most likely, so it’s better to attend to them first. Get them situated, then run when they’re not in the room.
Yuna: <”A-are you okay?”>
Her soft words go unanswered. Maybe the person isn’t able to respond? After a moment’s hesitation Yuna stands up and takes a deep breath. Tap. Tap. Tap. It takes just three steps for her to arrive at the sink, but each is filled with trepidation. Her steps are no longer the only sounds being made on the ground floor. From the next room over she hears voices, one sharp and one soft. A series of rapid scuffles, thuds and a crash catch her attention for a moment. But no! She has to check on this person first, or her plans are doomed. All that commotion has to wait - it’s probably going to be a good cover for her anyway. The shape at the sink is small in stature, so definitely not one of her father’s enforcers. Perhaps one of the other girls? Hoping not to scare them and thus cause a commotion of her own, Yuna reaches her long arm out to try and get the girl’s attention. Just as her hand’s about to make contact, she hears a man’s voice from the other room.
Man: <”Hey! What’s the big idea, keepin’ this from Saito-sama? Huh? You thought you could get away with this?”>
Who’s he talking to? Not her, she’s sure of that. The only field of vision between the front room and the kitchen is blocked by a solid door. No, she can’t worry about them - probably some issue between two of her father’s men. That’s all. She returns her attention to the shape before her and realizes something odd. They don’t have any legs! In fact there’s nothing to suggest any kind of mass beyond the edge of the sink, which puzzles Yuna. She leans forward and realizes her mistake - it’s nothing more than a towel draped over the faucet. Her fingers grip the sopping wet cloth and lift it up, providing a glimpse at the shapes beneath which had fooled her. A couple of pitchers which had been used for iced tea, water and the like, not a girl in distress. This is what’s slowed her escape? Yuna shakes her head, sighs and drops the towel as she refocuses herself. There, just meters away, is her escape.
Man: <”You know how many times we warned you not to sell shit on the side, right?”>
They’re still going at it up front. Escape is so close. Yuna takes a deep breath, denies those doubts access to her train of thoughts. She can’t let anything slow her down now. If there are people from the syndicate here, now, she has to get out before they realize they’re not alone. One step, then another, soft as possible. She grits her teeth as she arrives within arm’s reach of the door out and her liberation. The handle is cold from the morning chill as her hand closes around it. Another voice from up front stops her in her tracks.
Hifumi: <”It’s my design! I’m not selling anything that belongs to him.”>
Hifumi? What’s she doing there? This isn’t just some argument between yakuza, Yuna realizes. Why would Hifumi of all people get harassed by her father’s men? It’s not like Yuna shared her plans to run away with anyone else. Her hand loosens on the handle that could lead to her freedom. There’s clear distress in her dorm mate’s voice - it reminds Yuna of her own when her father wrenched his fingers into her hair. She can’t just leave without finding out what’s going on.
Man: <”You work for Kansai Girls’ Battle! Saito-sama gave you a place to stay and the chance to perform in front of fans and this is how you repay him? Huh?”>
Hifumi: <”I-I didn’t sell it at shows!”>
Man: <”Doesn’t matter. You need to take responsibility.”>
Yuna’s hand closes around the handle to the door leading up front. Her mind screams for her to stop - she can be on her way in a heartbeat, be free of this life! Sure what’s happening up there with Hifumi is unfortunate, but it’s cover for her. If they’re concerned with her transgression, then they’re not going to notice the boss’ daughter running out the back door. Just run! Her heart, though, aches at hearing the argument unfolding. Hifumi is the oldest wrestler in the dorm, though just two years older than Yuna. She’s always looking out for the other girls, taking time out of her busy schedule to check in on them and make sure they’re doing all right. It’s safe to say Hifumi is basically the dorm mom, and none of the girls would have anything bad to say about her. Yet here she was in some kind of trouble? Yuna’s heart has to know more. And so she gently turns the handle, opening the doorway and revealing a horrifying scene.
Three Saito Syndicate toughs have surrounded Hifumi, two on either side and one in front. Hifumi’s trembling as the third stalks towards her, a lit cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth. Her expression is full of fear and her eyes are wide as the man cracks his knuckles. What’s going on?! WIthout warning the two other yakuza fiercely seize Hifumi’s wrists, then employ their full weight into forcing her down to her knees. She struggles, but there’s nothing she can do to wrest herself from their grip. Yuna recoils at the sight, helpless to do anything from her hiding place.
Man: <”This’ll teach you to stay in your place, Hifumi-chan.”>
He removes the cigarette from his mouth and uses it to emphasize his words. Each gesticulation causes red embers to fly off in Hifumi’s direction. Hifumi’s eyes grow wider as she starts to realize what’s coming. Her muscles tense and strain against her captors’ iron grips but they’re simply too strong. There’s nothing she can do as the cigarette closes in on her face.
Hifumi: <”No! P-please, don’t! I-It won’t happen again!”>
Man: <”You’re damn right you won’t.”>
The cigarette looms in place over her face, and Hifumi’s eyes dart around the room looking for some hope of escape. Suddenly one of them meets Yuna’s, causing Yuna to stiffen in surprise. Hifumi knows she’s here! That look in Hifumi’s eyes is terrified, pleading for anyone to step in and save her. Yet also protective in a way - when their eyes meet, the fear turns to concern and a warning. Stay back. Stay safe. Yuna’s eyes go wide in fear, dampening in the corners as she sees that cigarette close the remaining distance and make contact with Hifumi’s bare skin. The scream her dorm mate makes as the glowing red tip burns into her temple is loud enough to wake the dead. Out of instinct, Yuna’s hands both rush to cover her ears as the tears roll down her cheeks.
What in the world did Hifumi do to deserve this torture? Seeing her squirm helplessly under the weight of her tormentors, Yuna feels so helpless. Even if Yuna were to burst into the room to rescue Hifumi, she’s not strong enough to fend off three yakuza. They’d treat her just like they were treating Hifumi right now. Is this what her father meant by ‘find someone else to teach you a lesson?’ Yuna crouches down behind the wall, hands clapped to her ears as she’s frozen in indecision. What the hell does she do now?
She can’t do anything to help, but she can’t run away can she? Not when someone so kind is being abused like this. There’s no doubt in her mind that her own father would have his people do the same thing to her if he knew she’d seen this happening. Her heart races as it works triple time to keep up with her thoughts. Shouldn’t it be her in there instead? She’s the one who’d told her father no to everything recently. She should be the one being held down, forced to endure the hellish burn of a cigarette being rubbed out on her skin. Yuna’s the one who’s sinned and has to pay the price right? If she could trade places with Hifumi she would. As she sits there, curled up in terror, that look Hifumi shot her moments before plays in Yuna’s mind. Stay safe. Stay back. Get out. There’s no other choice.
Yuna: <”Hifumi-san.. I-I’m so sorry..”>
April 15, 2023
Tokyo, Japan
That unbearable heat nears her face, so close it threatens to singe her stray strands of hair. So close that Yuna recalls the feeling of being held down by Shuko’s thugs while their leader threatened to put her eye out. Close enough even to free a memory that Yuna’s spent the last six years burying as deep as possible. For a moment she’s back in that accursed, filthy ‘dojo’, forced to her knees not by yakuza but by two unknown foreign strong women. It’s not a yakuza tough but Shuko standing in front of her, holding that cigarette close to her skin and threatening to scar her for life. All for the sin of achieving success for herself, not unlike what Hifumi did. That sneering, crooked face telling her she deserved this fate for what she’d done.
Just like Shuko, this Miyama thinks that she can intimidate Yuna with the threat of violence. Like so many women who’ve stood in the ring against Yuna over the years and like the one who’s waiting for her in the Galaxy Princess Cup. They think that they can break her with brutality and destroy her once and for all with raw power. Before Yuna would’ve asked why she didn’t just curl up and hide. The old Yuna would’ve hid from the danger and avoided the abuse that such people wished to inflict upon her. That was the Yuna who complied the worst record in Joshi wrestling. It’s not the Yuna who’s become the symbol of everything good in Miracle Galaxy Pro Wrestling, nor the Yuna who’s defied the odds twice against Shuko’s killers. Certainly not the Yuna who’s standing in front of the petulantly smirking Miyama Maya.
How dare this woman bring up Hifumi’s name like that! As the cigarette lands on the pavement behind her, Yuna feels that slightly distant feeling again. She can see herself square her shoulders and shift into a fighting stance in response to Miyama’s actions. Tap. Tap. Tap. Her shoes impact the pavement, causing a percussive echo through the alley. Her expression twists into a sneer as she glares down at the insect who thinks she can push Yuna around. At first Miyama’s expression is amused at the flash of courage, but this doesn’t last long. The long arms of the Magic Princess reach down and seize the smaller woman’s jacket collar. That confident voice speaks in her thoughts.
The Thought: <”Make her pay for that. Brutalize her the way she wants to brutalize you.”>
Yuna shakes her head, the thought disappearing as quickly as it came to her. But she’s still gripping Miyama’s jacket firmly - so tight in fact that the tough little woman can’t flee. What was once amusement quickly turns to something else - fear. Met with Yuna’s eyes full of fire and a far more aggressive reaction than expected, Miyama realizes she’s made a mistake. The Magic Princess glares down into Miyama’s eyes so deeply that she might well be able to see the yakuza’s soul within. No one does this to Saito Yuna anymore.
Yuna: <”Don’t you dare threaten me, Miyama-san. I don’t answer to him, and I definitely won’t waste time with you. You tell him he has no daughter. He gave me up a long time ago! I found my family, and it doesn’t include him. And keep Hifumi-san’s name out of your dirty mouth.”>
She shakes Miyama harshly, then shoves the woman to the ground in a loud crash. For a moment Miyama tenses her muscles as if she might get right back up in Yuna’s face. Then she sees Yuna isn’t backing off, and the fear fills her face again. Maybe she’s not used to people fighting back. After a long, tense moment, Miyama scurries away to the corner of the building, then hops to her feet. One last fearful look at Yuna and she takes off running away from the dojo. As soon as she’s gone, Yuna’s muscles relax and all the tension is released from her tall frame. What was that? Did she really just threaten a dangerous woman back? What the hell was she thinking? It’s just as these thoughts parade through her mind that a familiar voice calls to her.
Hoshi: <”Saito-san?”>
Sato Hoshi has appeared, face full of puzzlement as she looks down the alleyway at the Magic Princess. Behind her are a couple of other women from the dojo, including the imposing figure of Tatsumaki Aoi. They must’ve heard the commotion. Yuna blushes at the sudden attention, then reaches down to grab the bottles of Aquarius she bought earlier. When she looks back up at the small crowd, she sees everyone looking to her. Be they a Stargazer talent like Hoshi, a trainee hoping to someday debut, or even the legend Tatsumaki Aoi, they’re looking to her. She just stood up to someone who believes fully that might makes right and the strong deserve to conquer the weak. Just like Shuko Shiori and her MURDER-Gun, just like Maggie Crush and her Gaijin Assault Army. They might have terrifying strength and talent on their side, but just like with Miyama Maya, Yuna can push them back. Saito Yuna is the hero who can do that, and Saito Yuna is the woman who needs to do that. It’s in this moment that Yuna realizes why she’s training so hard.
Yuna: <”Oh, Sato-san! What is it?”>
Hoshi: <”You were taking a while, so they asked me to check on you.”>
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”What was that? Are you all right, Saito-san?”>
Yuna heads down the alley, sports drinks in hand, as she responds.
Yuna: <”I’m fine! It was just - a troublemaker, but I dealt with them.”>
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Are you sure?”>
Hoshi: <”She looked pretty scary.”>
Yuna smiles at this and nods.
Yuna: <”I’m sure.”>
Tatsumaki stares at her questioningly for a moment, then nods.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Then do you mind getting in the ring with Sato-san? I’ll be meeting with Suzumi-san for a little longer, and I think some sparring will do you some good. I’ll come speak to you later about the Galaxy Princess Cup, but for now keep working hard.”>
Yuna: <”Of course, Tatsumaki-san. I’m going to make sure the Interstellar Dream Championship comes home to the Tatsumaki Dojo.”>
What she meant was she’d make sure it comes home to her real family. But for now, there’s still a long road left to go.
April 22, 2023
Tokyo, Japan
At first it’s just a few scattered beats on the roof above. Tap-Tap-Tap. Nothing particularly disruptive to Yuna’s thoughts or plans for a cloudy Saturday morning. At least not at first. It’s tranquil enough accompaniment that she subconsciously starts tapping her foot along with the heavier impacts. Hardly an easy task when they’re so uneven, but she feels like a challenge! After all, coordination and agility are as much part of her training as strength and technical skills. She already possesses a quickness that’s surprised opponents, even in matches Yuna’s lost. Now that she’s learned how to win it’s going to play an even more crucial role. Might as well take the opportunity to practice and run with it!
Taps of the foot aren’t nearly enough to harness her newly deep reserves of energy though; it’s inevitable that her foot taps become full on dance steps. She’s worked enough odd jobs that had some form of dance or idol trappings involved that she still remembers the steps months and years after the fact. With the scattered beat she manages just fine, if awkwardly, but then they grow louder and faster. More rain’s coming in, the showers promised by the forecasters on TV. Those scattered steps rapidly become a chaotic attempt to perform an entire dance routine at two and a half times the intended speed. Even with her aptitude for it, it’s a bit much for Yuna to handle - this dance isn’t meant to go so fast! But if she can nail it at this speed, maybe she can blend it into her in ring explosiveness! Just wait until the terrifying Russian sees her zip around the ring, evading all those powerful strikes!
As the downpour continues outside, Yuna transitions from trying to match the natural percussion line to performing a dance she’d learned a couple years back. A fellow freelancer had taught it to her during some downtime, and the song was really catchy. So much so that even though she hasn’t listened to it in over a year, she can recall it in her mind on demand. Thus she went through the opening movements, from a sweep of the arms to a shimmy of the hips and then she was off! It has an extended instrumental intro with a lot of moves, so it takes a little while before she hits the opening lyrics. Even though she shares this apartment with Mizuki, she thinks nothing of belting out those lyrics.
Yuna: <”Let-”>
She’s tangentially aware of footsteps in the background.
Yuna: <”me-”>
A click as the doorknob turns.
Yuna: <”freeeeee!”>
Yuna lands the next move, a back step with her left hand pounding on her chest to simulate a racing heart. A big smile crosses her face as she starts the next line.
Yuna: <”My voice s-”>
The song doesn’t get any further as she finds she has an audience. Mizuki leans up against the door frame, smirking and trying not to show too much amusement at the display. Oh no, had she seen the whole thing?! Yuna holds the pose for a long, drawn out moment as she tries to get her mind back on track. They’re supposed to do something today, right? Special training, she remembers that. But what kind of special training? Her roommate has yet to fill her in on that part, other than to say it’s something Tatsumaki Aoi suggested. All the same they have special training today ahead of the biggest event in Yuna’s wrestling career! How could she let herself get distracted with dancing on a day like today? Out of habit Yuna bows apologetically.
Yuna: <”My apologies, Suzumi-sensei. I know we’re supposed to do special training today. I didn’t mean to get carried away.”>
Mizuki waves it off and steps into the room with a spring in her step.
Mizuki: <”Don’t worry about it, Yuna. Dance counts as exercise, right? Plus I’m flattered that you know the lyrics to my old entrance theme. Didn’t know there was a dance to it.”>
Yuna blinks in surprise. Wait, that’s Mizuki’s entrance theme?! Or was? She wonders how she didn’t remember that, but maybe it’s just because she’d had a lot going on back then. Not like her acquaintance had mentioned it either. Though come to think of it, that woman had worked with Mizuki’s promotion before becoming a freelancer. It makes sense that she’d be familiar with the song, but where did the dance come from? On that front Yuna’s just as confounded as her mentor, but still she tries to find an answer or explanation. It’s then that she feels a light tap on her forehead; she blinks and realizes Mizuki’s hand is inches from her face. Right, special training.
Yuna: <”Sorry. So Suzumi-sensei, what’s this special training?”>
Mizuki lowers her hand and nods.
Mizuki: <”Ah yeah, the special training. So while you were sparring the other day, Tatsumaki-san and I were talking about you.”>
Yuna: <”Oh, I see. Is there anything I was doing wrong?”>
If there is, she can absolutely focus on fixing it before the Galaxy Princess Cup! Yet Mizuki shakes her head immediately, banishing that line of thought. Now Yuna’s even more curious. In past jobs she’s learned that when people are talking about her, it’s usually not a good thing. Especially when it’s the bosses talking about her behind closed doors. Yet this is clearly a situation where she hasn’t done anything wrong, so what could they possibly have been discussing? Before Mizuki can explain, Yuna gazes down at her eagerly and pumps her fists.
Yuna: <”Well what is it? I’ll do whatever you and Tatsumaki-sensei think I should!”>
Mizuki smiles at the enthusiasm.
Mizuki: <”All right, all right. Actually we were just talking about how proud we are of the progress you’ve made. Since you first started with us, I’ve noticed a huge change in your confidence. Your ring awareness has gotten so much better too. I honestly think you really can go all the way in this tournament, Yuna. That’s why I proposed the special training to Tatsumaki-san.”>
Yuna hangs on her mentor’s every word, wondering what it’s all leading up to. What kind of special lessons is she going to get from two of the most accomplished names in the history of the sport? Secret knowledge? Special techniques reserved only for the biggest matches? For a moment the rain provides the only sound in the room while Yuna ponders what other possible answers there might be. Finally, she speaks up.
Yuna: <”What is the special training, Suzumi-sensei?”>
Mizuki reaches out and places a hand on each of Yuna’s shoulders. The veteran locks eyes with Yuna, her gaze filled with the intensity Yuna’s only seen her use in video of past title matches. This is the first time that the woman’s been so fired up in Yuna’s presence. Something very important, then.
Mizuki: <”Yuna, you’re ready to learn one of my special moves.”>
This is huge! Never in Yuna’s wildest dreams over the past six years has she ever imagined she’d be presented with this kind of opportunity. She knows Mizuki enjoyed a lot of success in her career, including several championship victories. Though she’s only seen a few of Mizuki’s matches, and none in person, Yuna knows how big a deal it is to be gifted one of her moves. A star of Mizuki’s caliber doesn’t teach her best moves to just anyone! Yuna’s body stiffens as she tries to stand as straight as she can for this momentous occasion. She needs to show Mizuki just how seriously she takes this! It’s only Mizuki’s little laugh that breaks Yuna out of her overly serious response a moment later. As the tension somewhat leaves her body, Yuna realizes that she hasn’t been given the full answer.
Yuna: <”Which one specifically?”>
Mizuki: <”That, Yuna, is up to you. Tatsumaki-san had her suggestions, but left it up to me. And I think you should make that choice yourself.”>
Yuna smiles a little, instantly knowing what she needs to do.
Yuna: <”Then can I do some film study? It’s been a little while since I’ve seen your matches, and I want to be sure the move I learn is the right one.”>
Mizuki smiles back, glad to see Yuna on the same page.
Mizuki: <”Go for it. I’m going to step out for a bit, but try to pick out the move by the time I get back! We can get to the dojo this afternoon and I’ll start teaching you how to use it!”>
Yuna gives a playful salute as Mizuki departs, then begins to think. Where to start? She cracks open her laptop to get going, but it quickly becomes an unfathomably daunting question. It’s shocking just how much information assaults her at once just by doing a search for ‘Suzumi Mizuki’. For a moment the seemingly endless stream of statistics, general information, images and video links threatens to drown the intrepid Magic Princess. Everything from a general outline of Mizuki’s 13-year career to periodical interviews with her and even some definitely suspect photo collections labeled ‘Mizuki’s feet’. Weird. With all of this streaming in with every line she scrolls through the results, she feels like she’s at the helm of a ship searching for lost treasure. Captain Yuna’s problem as the wind and storm of the search engine seas slam into her face is she’s not sure what port she’s sailing for. Nor what that treasure actually looks like. What move is it that she can learn from Mizuki that will help her make this big, impossible seeming dream reality? By the time she gets to the bottom result on just the first page, Yuna knows she needs to come at this from a different direction. No matter how much experience Mizuki had in the ring, an article reviewing her various sets of gear isn’t going to help Yuna win this tournament.
So the mouse moves back up to the top of the screen and she takes a deep breath. Reset. Maybe what she needs to focus on isn’t the woman herself, but how she achieved that success in her decade plus career. This is a major opportunity to gain invaluable insight into how a woman transforms herself from just a wrestler to the kind of legend it takes to overcome the toughest field of competitors in the sport. Every single one of the other women in the Galaxy Princess Cup is a potential champion. All of them are fully capable of running the gauntlet with four increasingly high stakes wins to claim the galaxy’s top prize. Just thinking about it right now, Yuna feels like the odd one out. All of those other women have some kind of experience with big matches. Or they’ve tasted success before and this is simply building on it. Then there’s Saito Yuna who’s never even been in that kind of position before.
Three months ago she was content to leave a venue early after losing in a tag team match no one’s likely to remember. Now she’s sitting her trying to figure out what to study in order to prepare herself for a tournament to crown a champion for the first promotion she’s belonged to since her rookie days. No matter how she thinks about it, Saito Yuna is the odd name out of that list. She’s not like anyone else in the field, she’s not the first name anyone besides that Vinny Li guy would pick to be the last woman standing. The first to hold up the purple belt with silver plates that shine like stars in the night sky. So why have her dreams been filled with scenes of her wearing that exact prize around her waist? Why is it that every single day that’s passed since the Straight On till Morning has brought about more and more of those dreams. Dreams of a glory that a woman of her standing shouldn’t be having; dreams that some would accuse of being selfish. Yet they’re there, they’re real, and in the deepest reaches of her beating heart Yuna knows they’re honest. She wants - no, she needs to become the Interstellar Dream Champion. So where to begin?
Once she’s accepted those feelings as legitimate, Yuna’s search grows simpler and more focused. Surely, she reasons, Mizuki must have been involved in tournaments in her storied career. She definitely fought for championships. From the impossibly vast field of potential avenues, she finds herself on a memory lane of Mizuki’s big moments. It starts with a list of her accomplishments, then leads to any details about the matches. Did Mizuki win? If so, with what move? Every nugget of information she uncovers is jotted down into a notebook. Her eyes are locked onto the small laptop screen and her hand moves rapidly every few seconds in response to some new development. The research turns her into a machine compiling and analyzing the matches in question. Soon enough the text alone isn’t enough; it’s not enough to see that Mizuki defeated Okuyama Honami by submission, she has to see what that looks like.
If she can watch that play out, Yuna can get a feel for what it is that Mizuki did to defeat the dangerous women in her path. Just a few strokes of the keys and Yuna’s research steps into another gear. Matches and highlights of matches from her mentor’s illustrious career flash before her eyes. More patterns emerge. She sees the intrepid Suzumi Mizuki step up to women who are bigger, stronger, meaner than her and bring them down one after the other. No matter how battered she is by the first opponent, she finds a way to keep fighting on against the next. It’s here that Yuna finds herself more in tune with her mentor than ever. Like Mizuki she knows what it feels like to have something you’re willing to put your body on the line for. Something that keeps your heart going even when every last centimeter of your body and soul scream out for relief. Mizuki fought for many things - pride, her tag partner, her mentor. Yuna fights for her family, her fans, for MGP and maybe just for herself. Regardless of the reason, theirs seem to be kindred hearts beating loud and proud in their chests, powering them to defiance unexpected of them even against the most vile forces in the sport.
With all the moves in her arsenal, it’s hard to single out just one. Her eyes flit away from the screen and down to the notepad. Perhaps that’s where her answer will be! Among the dozens of names, dates and events she’s scrawled onto it, there is indeed a pattern. In title matches and tournaments, Mizuki’s most common method of victory was a devastating move she called the Scarlet Suplex. Seeing the move play out in real time transfixes Yuna. The way Mizuki lifts the taller, more muscular foreign up in a high angle and then drives the woman into the mat, is astounding. Such power! Truly this is a move that slays monsters. Like a magic blade rumored in fairy tales that the hero has to find and learn to wield. Yuna’s heart beats faster as she imagines herself using it, her height adding to the impact of the move. This is it!
Her search for a new secret weapon is at its end, or so it seems. Idly her free hand scribbles out the name of the move and then circles it emphatically several times. Yet her eyes remain on the screen as something entirely different catches Yuna’s attention. Off in the recommendations tab, there’s a match that seems totally out of place. Not a big title win, rivalry or tournament match. A tag team match. These are very common in Joshi wrestling, and Yuna’s been in more than her fair share of random contests with various competitors. This one, though, stands out. Not just because of the illustrious names involved but because of the date. She reads out loud, unable to believe what she’s found.
Yuna: <”2018: Shuko Shiori & Sagisawa Yuu vs Angel Kandori & - Suzumi Mizuki?!”>
It’s a match of such infamy that the names alone summon all kinds of dark feelings. One of the darkest days in Joshi wrestling history, in which the legendary Angel Kandori suffered a fatal injury. Even to those who aren’t history buffs it’s known as one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the ring. It’s a shock to Yuna to see that Angel Kandori’s tag partner was Mizuki. What exactly happened? Why hasn’t Mizuki mentioned this before? If nothing else Mizuki might have insight into Shuko Shiori that might help inform Yuna’s fight against MURDER-Gun now. Yet when she clicks on the video it’s not a match but a youtuber discussing the match. Odd. Maybe it’s just this one. Her curiosity is piqued and she’s not just going to let this mystery rest until she’s gotten more information about it.
Time races on as she tries every trick she knows to find more information about the match. Every turn seems to lead to a dead end though. Summaries just mention the accident and sometimes try to place blame on one of the other women. Video, such as there is, consists only of retrospectives and analyses. There are a few interviews as well, but none with any of the women in the match itself. Not even Mizuki. Given what happened, Yuna guesses that Mizuki doesn’t talk about it at all. But Yuna’s come too far and gotten too invested to not see with her own eyes. So she digs more, goes to less popular video sites and searches and searches. Finally she finds what she’s after - ‘Gruesome Tragedy: Angel Kandori’s Final Match (Match Video)’. There in the thumbnail is an image Yuna never thought she’d see - Angel Kandori standing side by side with Suzumi Mizuki. This is it.
She clicks the link and leans forward as she watches the contest unfold. Every blow, every chain, every momentum shift has her enthralled. Seeing Shuko’s face on her screen causes Yuna to sneer - even from a distance and in the past, there’s something about Shuko’s face which upsets her. She’s just as aggressive in this match as Yuna would expect, though she doesn’t have a gang to back her up. If only Yuna could get her hands on Shuko alone, she could put a stop to the constant assaults! Yuna’s mind drifts a little, contemplating what she’d like to do to Shuko if she got her hands on the woman. Then it happens. In the video there’s a shocked collective gasp. Time stands still. All she can see of Angel Kandori in the moment is her flying towards Sagisawa and missing. When a camera tries to get close, it’s pushed out of the way by the ref and then Mizuki. Just in the bottom left of the frame as Mizuki creates space, Yuna can see blood. That’s when the video abruptly ends and Yuna hears a gasp from behind her.
Mizuki: <”Yuna?! Wh-what the hell are you watching?!”>
Yuna’s eyes dart up to the distraught face of her mentor. The normal playfulness and casual beauty is replaced by a thousand sorrows coalescing with untold shocked indignance all at once. Instantly a tidal wave of regret slams into Yuna, so much so that the Magic Princess falls into an old habit which she only recently began to shed. Faced with this unexpected torrent of emotion, Yuna freezes up. Any action in this moment might well just further exacerbate things. She lingers in position, poised just over her laptop while Mizuki glares daggers that cut right through her. Concern fills Yuna’s mind over whether she’s just ruined her relationship with her mentor. Months upon months of training at the Tatsumaki Dojo, bonds formed through the shedding of blood, sweat and tears, all burned away in one unintentional act of self-sabotage. Her usual apology doesn’t seem like it’s going to do much good - overdoing that also upsets Mizuki. Simply turning off the computer won’t address the question at hand. Trying to explain herself might well just further Mizuki’s anger towards her. Yuna wouldn’t be where she is without Mizuki’s help; the threat of all that blowing up on her has driven Yuna to frightened inaction.
So it’s Mizuki who takes action in her stead. The trainer’s eyes leave Yuna’s terrified form for a moment and land upon the laptop again. There the end of the video is still visible: Mizuki’s arm and face, the ref’s back and the hint of copious bloodshed on the floor. A still image that continues to preserve what must be the ace’s darkest moment for all present to see. Yuna’s eyes grow wide at the suddenness with which Mizuki slams the laptop shut. It’s that same quickness which contributed to Mizuki’s many in ring successes over the years. Rather than a dangerous opponent it’s directed entirely at Yuna’s computer. She flinches at the sound of the plastic hitting plastic, startled out of her frozen terror. To take no action now will be far worse than to risk making a mistake. The pain so evident in Mizuki’s eyes make clear her need for answers.
With tears welling up at the corners of her eyes, Yuna makes her move. Fear of alienation and rejection permeates the Magic Princess’ mind even as the words take shape. It’d make total sense if Mizuki simply scoffed at her apology. She must’ve buried this memory deep in the recesses of her mind, much like Yuna did with her own memory of Hifumi. Something so violent and catastrophic had the ability to rule one’s existence otherwise. To have it ever present in your mind just drives a woman mad, steals her desire to do anything else lest she bring more misery into the world. To walk in on someone dredging that memory back up was horrific and insulting, and Yuna knew she should be admonished at the very least. Her fingernails dug deep into the bare skin of her knees as she spoke at last.
Yuna: <”Suzumi-sensei, I had no idea. I’m so sorry.. I was just watching some of your matches and then found out you were in that one. I’d heard what happened but - but seeing it is different. I’m sorry, I - I- I shouldn’t have done that.”>
Mizuki glowers at her, brow furrowed. In Yuna’s mind she’s already prepared for the furious response from this woman whose trust she’s betrayed.
Mizuki: <”No, you shouldn’t have. I never wanted to think about that night again! Think more carefully next time you do your film study, Yuna.”>
Yes, Yuna deserves this. Yet there’s something tugging at the edge of her mind all the same. A question. Even if she doesn’t want to go into the details of that infamous match for understandable reasons, why didn’t Mizuki mention she’s had experience fighting Shuko Shiori? That kind of experience and expertise could be incredibly valuable for Yuna as she wades through the blood MURDER-Gun spills in order to protect the Ring of Dreams. All these months, all this time working under this woman’s tutelage, and such key information’s been hidden away. Information that might even help Yuna fight back against the consistent abuse and stacked odds Shuko’s thrown at her. Despite her guilt over watching the match at all, Yuna feels a fire stoked in herself as well. Shouldn’t Mizuki have told her something? Anything? For a moment that fire grows strong enough that Yuna glares back at Mizuki and speaks with a sharp tongue.
Yuna: <”Why didn’t you tell me you were in that match? That you’ve fought Shuko-san before?”>
The corners of Mizuki’s mouth curl down into a powerful frown in response.
Mizuki: <”Do you think I wanted to relive that memory at all? All that blood everywhere? The sight of someone I looked up to torn up like that? Anytime I think about it, I can smell the blood in the air, Yuna. And I’m helpless, just like I was that night. Even with all the things I can do in the ring, there’s nothing I can do! Here I thought I was free from reminders of it, but then I walk in to see you digging it back up. I don’t want to talk about it.”>
She doesn’t? Didn’t she just spell out her feelings about that night, if being a bit short? Instantly, Yuna thinks she understands what her mentor’s talking about. To be present for such a traumatic moment, but to be powerless to help, is something Yuna’s lived through. Yuna knows what that feels like at a deep level. She hadn’t been present for someone’s death, but she’d had to hide while a friend suffered. Heart aching at the screams her friend made, mind racing for some way she could help. Yet there wasn’t any. All she could do was cower like a scared little girl and then flee. Until Miyama dug it back up, Yuna had done her best to keep all of that buried with her old life. Just like Mizuki here, she’d been incensed at Miyama for reopening that old wound. Keeping it to herself has been all the more trying, but there’s been no outlet. Now, perhaps, she’s found someone who might understand at least a little. But more importantly, she wants to give her mentor that same outlet rather than let her suffer alone.
Yuna: <”Suzumi-sensei, it must’ve been horrible. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”>
Mizuki sighs and shakes her head.
Mizuki: <”It was, and I’m sure.”>
There’s a finality to the woman’s words that leaves no room for interpretation. She’s determined to keep this pain to herself, which troubles Yuna. Letting the emotional bleeding continue unabated threatens to cripple you into inaction. You feel just as helpless, if not more so, as you relive the moment again and again. The pain’s felt just as intensely as the first time, just on a loop. Each time it recurs it’s a stab right to the heart. It can cause further bleeding until you’ve been wounded so much you can’t keep going. At this crucial juncture, with the biggest challenge of her life on the horizon, Yuna needs Mizuki there with her. Yet Mizuki doesn’t want to talk about it. For a moment Yuna considers pressing the issue, trying to knock some sense into Mizuki and get her to open up about that night.
But she realizes that isn’t going to help much either. Being strong armed into doing something isn’t going to be of any benefit for her. Even when you want answers, to force them out of someone is harmful to them. She learned that quite the hard way sitting across the table from her father in smoke filled rooms. It made her feel even more helpless than events themselves did. The last thing she wants is to make Mizuki feel even worse, so Yuna makes the decision to drop the subject. Maybe Mizuki just needs to heal that wound in a different way than Yuna would.
Despite this, Yuna’s mind has drifted to her own resurfaced memory. Echoes of Hifumi sound through Yuna’s mind. Anguished screams bounce off the corners of her brain until they’re near deafening. Then she sees that look Hifumi shot her just before the embers bit into her bare skin. The scene shifts and Yuna suddenly sees herself at ringside, staring down at a scene of hellish carnage. Despite the presence of a packed house, there’s no sound from the fans. All she hears are long, anguished groans of untold suffering from the ground. Yuna’s mind’s eye drifts to the mats on the floor and the sticky, dark substance that casts a dark shadow on their lightly colored surface. It’s red, and there’s just a hint of it on the toe of Yuna’s shoe. Those groans continue, grow louder. Her nostrils fill with the pungent odor of iron permeating the ringside air. As her eyes follow the macabre trail left by the blood, Yuna’s deafened again by the groans. There’s a hand, its fingernails painted elaborately. Just past those she sees an amethyst toned wrist band not unlike the ones Hifumi wore to the ring. Again the groan grows louder. She shakes her head to banish the horrid scene and looks over at Mizuki.
Yuna: <”Suzumi-sensei, can I tell you something?”>
While that feeling of upset and distress hangs in the air, Mizuki’s posture relaxes a bit.
Yuna: <”Before I came here, I had a friend who got hurt. She was just in the next room, but there wasn’t anything I could do. If I tried to help I’d just have gotten myself hurt. I made myself forget about it for a long time, but that trouble maker the other day reminded me about her.”>
There’s more silence before Yuna continues on.
Yunai: <”I didn’t get to share the ring with her very often, but she was passionate about the things she loved. Hifumi-san was the kind of person who fought hard for what her heart wanted - and she’d stand up to anyone to protect what she loved. She wanted to make things better for everyone so badly that she’d try to fight back against violent, unpredictable people. I think if there was something she loved, she’d risk her life to fight for it. And then that night happened, and I couldn’t do anything to help. I’d forgotten about that until that trouble maker brought her up the other day.”>
This hangs in the air for a long moment before her mentor sighs and nods.
Mizuki: <”I see. That sounds horrible too.”>
Yuna nods in agreement. Another silence settles over the room as she ponders what’s next. For her it feels good to just acknowledge those feelings. To let someone else know that she still hurts, and to share the story of someone who’s inspired her. Without even realizing it Yuna’s fought to become the same kind of person Hifumi was to her. How can she do anything else when she has a place that she loves with all her heart? Yet she’s not Hifumi. If anything she’s kind of a poor imitation isn’t she? Just a scared little girl who’s trying to be brave in the face of dozens who want to hurt her badly. Dreams of becoming more? Just that, dreams. The reality of her situation is that overcoming even her first opponent is probably near impossible. And yet - she can’t let that be the answer.
So her eyes settle on the woman before her, the retired ace who fought so courageously against all comers for 13 years. Someone who’s selflessly been there for Yuna since the very first time the Magic Princess stepped into the Tatsumaki Dojo. No matter how much Yuna struggles with a technique or move, Mizuki’s always there to support her and push her forward. She looks after Yuna day to day, even if it’s got nothing to do with professional wrestling. Before Yuna believed she could win, Mizuki was right there cheering her on. This is a woman whose opinion Yuna trusts implicitly, and a woman with the experience to assess the reality of Yuna’s dream. So she gazes down at her mentor, locks eyes and asks the question burning in her mind.
Yuna: <”Suzumi-sensei, you’ve seen so much in your career. Do you think I really have a chance in this tournament?”>
Mizuki snorts at the query, which causes Yuna to flinch in surprise. Did she say something funny?
Mizuki: <”Seriously?”>
Yuna nods gravely.
Yuna: <”Seriously.”>
Mizuki nods and speaks with a sudden onrush of confidence.
Mizuki: <”Yuna, let me put it this way. All of those things you said about your friend - they’re true about you too. I’ve seen you go out there against the worst kinds of women in wrestling and take all the punishment they can dish out. I’ve seen you get beaten down in ways that 90% of the women I’ve shared a ring with wouldn’t get back up from. Even when it looks like you shouldn’t be able to get back up, you keep finding a way. That same kind of passion keeps you going, doesn’t it? You’ve got something you want to fight for, and not even the most ruthless fighters in wrestling are going to stop you, right?”>
Yuna smiles bashfully.
Yuna: <”Well yes, that’s what the beating heart is all about.”>
Mizuki: <”And you want that Interstellar Dream Championship bad right?”>
Yuna’s smile grows a little.
Yuna: <”More than I can describe. All I think about is how much I want to win it and protect MGP as the champion.”>
Mizuki gives her a pat on the shoulder.
MizukI: <”Then, in my expert opinion, yes, you have exactly what it takes to win this tournament. Now are you ready to go make it happen? For Hifumi-san and everyone else?”>
There’s no hesitation on Yuna’s part.
Yuna: <”Absolutely. What do we do next?”>
Mizuki nods towards the door.
Mizuki: <”We get back to the dojo. Tatsumaki-san asked to see you personally.”>
The biggest legend in MGP wants to work with her personally? Surely the Galaxy Princess Cup is a major event, but Tatsumaki Aoi must have other more important things to do than work with Yuna. She’s running the company in addition to leading GDF after all! Yuna bites her lip in momentary anxiety, wondering what her faction leader has in store for her. If she’s asked for Yuna specifically it must be incredibly important. So Yuna smiles with confidence, the confidence of a woman who’s reaching for the stars.
Yuna: <”Let’s not keep her waiting!”>
Mizuki grins.
Mizuki: <”Great! She said she’ll be waiting for you in the ring, and that you should bring your best when you join her.”>
Bring her best - was this a match or something? Yuna’s eyes drift to her duffle bag, out of which a wisp of pink tulle is visible.
Yuna: <”Should I grab my gear?”>
This gets another laugh from Mizuki.
Mizuki: <”No time to waste, hero. Don’t worry about the gear, let’s get over there before the boss starts demanding to know where we’re at.">
Mizuki takes the first step out the door and Yuna’s right behind her.
Mizuki: <”Besides, we left a little something upstairs for you. You’ll need it for what Tatsumaki-san has in mind for you.”>
What on earth is she talking about? Yuna keeps the questions to herself, at least until she remembers what she’d originally set out to do today.
Yuna: <”What about the special training? I want to learn the Scarlet Suplex!”>
From outside the apartment, Mizuki responds with a somehow cheekier grin.
Mizuki: <”And I’ll teach you. But destiny’s waiting!”>
Later that day
Tatsumaki Dojo - Tokyo, Japan
It’s utterly and totally overwhelming to behold. Even several minutes after the fact, Yuna can’t help but behold herself in the mirror. Just a couple of weeks ago she’d worn a new set of gear which she’d designed herself based on the colors of her inherited ring coat. It’s gorgeous and fits her well, and with her old set she’s got a small wardrobe now. No way in hell did she expect to find a third set of gear waiting for her at the dojo! Standing there in the dressing room, she can’t help but admire how the largely pink gear is designed to accentuate her height. Vertical stripes down the sides of the pads. An abstract red trim that draws attention to her long limbs and towering physique. Even a frilly skirt that somehow helps make her look taller while tying into her original set! That red gem at the center of her top looks awfully familiar too. Surely it must’ve been expensive! Yet by Mizuki’s accounting it’s a gift. She’s shaken from further considerations by the thundering voice of her faction’s leader.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Saito Yuna-san! I’m waiting.”>
Her first instinct is to scurry out of the dressing room to get to the ring as fast as possible. Yet something inside her convinces her not to. There’s a lot of equipment here that a girl could trip herself over if she’s not careful. Like Mizuki said she doesn’t want to get hurt before she even gets to Anya Bonecrusher. Besides, if she’s going to be the champion she needs to walk with confidence, not panic. Thus she steps out carefully, takes a deep breath and marches straight for the ring. All of the lessons she’s learned thus far roll through her mind. Focus on the action at hand, always make sure you’re aware of what your opponent is doing. Act decisively and show them everything you’re capable of. Remember who and what you’re fighting for, always find a way back to your feet. Yuna arrives at the wooden ring steps and bows in contemplation for what’s to come. She then looks up and sees Mizuki sitting on the apron of the ring. Within awaits not Sato Hoshi but Tatsumaki Aoi herself, imposing even in her t-shirt and sweatpants.
Yuna: “Onegaishimasu!”
Tatsumaki Aoi: “Onegaishimasu.”
Yuna climbs up the steps, then slips through between the middle and top ropes. Once in the ring she meets the legend’s eyes, which burn with a passion that takes Yuna aback a little. The last time she saw Tatsumaki Aoi with that much fire to her was when she’d made the proclamation about MGP being united against Shuko MURDER-Gun. Met with such a presence, Yuna does her best to match it. She thinks of all the other women in GDF, of Mizuki, of the fans who look to her for hope, of Sato Hoshi watching at ringside, of Hifumi, and of the interstellar Dream Championship. All of these make her beating heart swell with pride and love; she steps to the center of the ring and watches her leader with her own burning passion. Tatsumaki recognizes it immediately as she joins Yuna there.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”I see you brought your best today. Good. Are you ready?”>
Yuna nods confidently.
Yuna: <”I’m ready for anything, Tatsumaki-sensei.”>
The legend nods gravely.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Spar with me.”>
Yuna blinks in surprise - did Tatsumaki Aoi really just tell her that? The legend’s eyes narrow.
Yuna: <”Spar with you?”>
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”That’s what I said. Spar with me. Show me you’re ready to become Interstellar Dream Champion.”>
It’s a daunting prospect - she didn’t expect to be locking up with the powerful legend! Her? A girl who was once considered the worst wrestler in Japan? No, she can’t think like that. She’s left that Yuna behind, transformed into someone so much more than that. Even as doubts form in her mind, so too does the form of the championship which rests in the stars she reaches for. It has to be her. She has to do this. So Yuna nods in agreement and both women complete the formalities with another bow. A bell sounds from ringside and suddenly the air between them is sliced in two by a wave of powerful energy. The thick arm of Tatsumaki Aoi chops into Yuna’s chest with such force that the Magic Princess stumbles back into the ropes. It’s far more painful than words can describe, and almost knocks the breath out of Yuna.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Come at me! That’s only one chop, Saito-san. The Russian will do far worse to you if you hesitate.”>
It’s as the air was hammered out of her by a steamroller. Her lungs gasp for air as she desperately tries to keep a clear mind. Pain radiates from the point of impact, acting as an unfortunate signal of suffering that draws in her vicious opponent. Mention of her first opponent causes Yuna to envision the powerful Russian looking over her. Muscles bulging, eyes blazing, face red from whatever substance she sucked into her nostrils ahead of the match. A walking engine of destruction hell bent on one thing and one thing only: the demolition of Saito Yuna. She knows this woman served in her country’s military, that she was hardened through years spent in the harsh realities of that service. Now another chop rushes in and lights up her chest once again. Worse than the first, the pain digs deep into her, disrupts all other things. Backed against the ropes, Yuna can only absorb chop after chop from her foe, her brain racing to get a sense of what’s happening.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”You let her chop you like this and you’re dead meat!”>
Suddenly her mind finds clarity. Focus on your surroundings, be aware of what’s going on in the match. Anya is a bear of a woman so strong she can punch a table in half! Those hands are lethal weapons against the slender torso of the Magic Princess. Clearly the Russian must be assuming that she can just take Yuna in her hands and break her in half. A matter of a few seconds to dismantle the dreams of Saito Yuna and strike a heavy blow to GDF. No. Yuna can’t take this - move! Her foe’s club-like hand soars in for a killing blow, but Yuna’s not there. Those agile dancer’s steps spin her away from the ropes and create enough space for Yuna to go on the attack. With a fierce scream unlike anything she’s uttered in the ring, Yuna slams her hand into her opponent’s chest. The impact echoes like a gunshot through the dojo.
Yuna: <”She can hit me all she wants, try to break me like a twig-”>
Yuna lights her opponent’s chest once, twice, three more times as she fires back at her would-be destroyer. Force will not overcome heart. The Magic Princess will fight Bonecrusher’s bruising with fiery passion. One more chop explodes against the other woman’s chest, and Yuna runs the ropes. Her enemy is strong, but she’s fast. On the rebound she flies through the air to nail the woman with as forceful a dropkick as she can manage.
Yuna: <”I don’t break so easily. And I’ll keep getting back up, keep fighting her horrific belief that she can just batter the world into submission!”>
For a moment the Magic Princess stands there proudly glaring at her opponent who - is not actually on the mat. In fact Tatsumaki Aoi is staggered at best, and now she’s seen Yuna’s going full force. With a snarl she closes the distance and locks up with Yuna, catching her student off guard. Expertly applied strength allows Tatsumaki to snare Yuna in a headlock. She wrenches the hold, applying a smashing pain to the taller woman’s head and neck. Yuna doesn’t falter, however, nor does she just take this hold meekly. Fight!, her brain screams at her, and she fires back with a pointed elbow to the ribs. Another and another land square in Tatsumaki’s side as Yuna digs her feet into the mat and pushes with all her strength. There’s a give - the ropes! Time to change the momentum. A scream erupts from the bowels of Yuna’s lungs as she whips the heavier woman to the opposite ropes.
Time to show her some magic. On the rebound Yuna drops down underneath, cunningly avoiding the force of Tatsumaki’s momentum. She’s about to do the same when Tatsumaki plows her over with a tackle. Her body slams into the mat hard, pain shoots through her back and then suddenly all the air’s knocked out of her as the sturdy body of her mentor falls right on top of her. Yuna’s eyes water, she gasps for air as her opponent wraps her hands around Yuna’s face and pulls her head back in pain. It’s excruciating. In another time this alone would’ve been enough to force her to tap, but Yuna’s no longer that girl.
Her face scrunches up as she collects herself again. For a moment she’s not locked into a hold by Tatsumaki Aoi but one of the many skilled technicians of MGP. Whether it’s the fierce Nijima Kasumi, the vicious and skilled Aria Knight or the exotic brutality of Costanza Caponata doesn’t matter. As she finds her way out of the hold, the faces all flash before her eyes. All of them women who think themselves better than Saito Yuna. All of them to some degree entitled to just step over her broken body on the way to a prize Yuna’s dreamed so fondly of. No. Saito Yuna is a hero who cannot be vanquished by the self importance or deadly skill of such women. Instead she sinks her fingers into the mat, dragging herself centimeter by centimeter through hellish pain as her foe drastically increases the pressure on her head and neck. No.
Centimeter by centimeter, millimeter by millimeter if that’s what it takes. Everyone is watching her, counting on her. As if in the heat of a match she can swear she hears chants of “YU-NA!” from a few voices in the imagined crowd. Almost there. Again her foe pulls back on her neck, Yuna screams. But she doesn’t quit. If she’s going to realize her dream she has to escape; her arm shoots out like an arrow fired straight and true. It grips the bottom rope so tightly the knuckles turn ghostly white. Her foe releases the hold at the last moment, and thoughts begin to stir. Insolence! How dare this woman who thinks she’s superior just by virtue of who she’s fighting. Such disrespect must be paid back with the fury of a lady scorned!
Yuna shoots up to her feet and locks eyes with Tatsumaki again, the fire in her eyes a raging inferno. A forearm slams into her chest, forcing Yuna to take a step back. Thoughts urge her to return pure violence for pure violence, and for a moment she does. Screaming bloody murder, Yuna throws her full weight and power behind a strike of her own. Her opponent slips back a step, then fires back with one of her own. It’s war. The only way to show someone standing in the way of her dream is to match their ferocity. Or is it? She fires off a kick to her foe’s side, but eats a headbutt for her trouble. When she screams again and tries to take the other woman’s head off with a Railgun, she becomes unstable. Suddenly she falls backwards, her legs swept from under her.
She rolls out of the way just in the nick of time to avoid an elbow drop that would’ve caved her chest in. No. This isn’t the way. She can’t fight out of anger, fury and frustration. That isn’t her. Violent monsters like Shuko’s MURDER-Gun did that, but not her. Though those thoughts continue to egg her on, Yuna remembers herself. To become champion she’s got to apply everything she’s learned here. Impact after impact shoots pain through her body as she’s stomped, then clubbed on the back. Each one is like the strikes of a whole swarm of enemies, just like what she’s suffered through for the past two months. MURDER-Gun itself might as well be wailing away at her for how much it hurt. Every single one which connects shoots that little bit more pain through her system, but Yuna fights through. One knee, then to a crouch, then to her feet.
As she reaches her full height, she sees there’s a small crowd gathered around the ring. All their eyes are glued to the ring, all of them expectantly watching her every move. Two months ago she’d have been the girl crouched in the back, desperate to hide her height for fear of standing out. Today? She’s the one facing the supreme force of a ring legend, showing all of the other girls her heart. The stars in their eyes, the smiles on their faces, the dreams they clung to, all of these ignite the Magic Princess’ heart. She has to do this.
She’s whipped to the ropes and nearly decapitated with a lariat. No. Yuna unleashes a powerful shout and kips up to the astonishment of their tiny audience. Her opponent scoops her up for a big slam - no! She slips out of the hold and propels the larger woman away with an arm drag. Focused, decisive, passionate. These words all echo through her thoughts as she lets out an impassioned scream and charges Tatsumaki. The legend charges her and Yuna’s legs fly out to either side as she leapfrogs Tatsumaki. On the rebound Yuna uses her built up momentum to fly through the air and land a flying forearm! Tatsumaki goes down briefly, then pops right back up and drives Yuna into the mat with a spinebuster. Agony shoots up Yuna’s back, but she catches a glimpse of all the concerned faces at ringside. She has to do this.
To the shock of her mentor she slaps the mat so hard it sounds like one of those shotgun chops. A visceral shout escapes her lips as she shoots up to her knees with both hands clenched into fists.
Yuna: <”Is that the best you’ve got?!”>
Another clubbing blow to the back, then another. Yuna gets up, standing so close to her opponent that their faces would touch if there weren’t that height difference. Her eyes light up, dare her leader to hit her again. One of those stiff hands slams palm first into her face, snapping Yuna’s head to the side. It’s a shocking strike that would’ve shattered Yuna’s confidence before today. An intimidating move that demands she submit to the will of her enemy. No. With unimaginable speed her head whips right back around and she glares down at Tatsumaki. Tatsumaki kicks her, Yuna kicks back. Tatsumaki forearms her, Yuna uppercuts her opponent. Finally Tatsumaki whips her to the corner. The impact shoots a trio of sickening pains through her back, but Yuna shoots right back out of the corner to just narrowly miss a Magical Punch.
Tatsumaki catches her out of mid air and lifts the taller woman onto her shoulders; Yuna recognizes this as the Storm Breaker, and she’s not letting it end that way. She elbows her mentor once, twice, thrice to break that fearsome hold and escapes behind Tatsumaki. Time for one big move. Yuna wraps her arms around Tatsumaki Aoi’s waist, plants her feet into the ground. Everyone’s watching, everyone’s counting on her. Yuna summons every last bit of strength in her body, channeling the power through her limbs as she seeks to score that one decisive blow. To the astonishment of their audience, she lifts Tatsumaki off the mat and begins to get her up at an angle for what looks very much like the Scarlet Suplex! Though doing it from memory, she thinks she's got the idea! She has to do this. That’s when the bell rings, signaling the end of the sparring match. All at once, the tension flows out of Yuna’s body and her legs lose their purchase.
She and Tatsumaki Aoi crash awkwardly to the mat with a thunderous crash. For a long, long moment both women sit on the mat, staring at each other in disbelief. Yuna sees the unquestionable power of her faction’s leader, a strong spirit she only just managed to keep up with. Was she holding back? Was that really Tatsumaki Aoi’s full strength? What does Tatsumaki Aoi see in her? She has no way of knowing, but she does recognize the general mood of that look she’s getting. It’s not the unquenchable fury the legend showed to Shuko. It’s not the indifference of a veteran who was unimpressed by her student. It’s knowing, maternal, the image of a woman who’s at last satisfied with what she’s seen from a student or child. This causes Yuna’s heart to soar - has she truly proven herself? A long moment later, Tatsumaki Aoi flashes the tiniest hint of a satisfied smirk. In response Yuna nods knowingly.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Saito-san, I have one request.”>
Yuna breathes deeply and nods.
Yuna: <”Anything, Tatsumaki-sensei.”>
Tatsumaki Aoi pulls herself to her feet, looks down at her student and nods.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Take care of the Interstellar Dream Championship belt and wear it proudly.”>
It’s as much of an endorsement as she’s going to get, and it brings a bright smile to Yuna’s lips.
Yuna Saito: <”You have my word.”>
Tatsumaki grunts, eyes Yuna as she begins to stand up, then motions towards Mizuki.
Tatsumaki Aoi: <”Good. Not let’s get back to work.”>
Korakuen Hall
4/29/23
It’s time. Today is the day on which the future of the Ring of Dreams is to be decided. Will it be darkness? Destiny realized? Chaos? Or the stuff of miracles? Saito Yuna stands before her locker, collecting her thoughts. She’s here early since it lets her have a bit of space to reflect. So much has happened in the past month, so many people are in her corner. As much as she loves them all it helps to have a moment to herself. Her mind and heart are clear, she knows what her goal is. Yet plans have a funny way of changing once the bell rings and you’re fighting the best athletes in the world. Before that happens, before chaos overtakes the ring and throws even the most careful predictions and plans to the wind, she wants to get her thoughts out there. Get the words recorded for all to see so that they’re not rattling around in her head. To have the best chance of reaching the stars, she needs a clear mind. So she pulls out her phone, taps open Instagram and begins a live stream.
Yuna: <”Today is the day. Today all the best wrestlers in Miracle Galaxy Pro will be putting it all on the line in the search for glory. Today we’re finally going to crown a champion. Everyone’s got their reasons for fighting, everyone’s got their picks for who they think will wear that gorgeous galactic belt around her waist at the end. And throughout this month and even in these last few minutes before I step through that curtain, I’ve been thinking about that. Who am I? Or, I guess, who am I now?”>
She exhales with just enough force to push a stray strand of hair out of her face.
Yuna: <”All of the other women in this tournament? They’re considered the best, the most dominant, for a lot of reasons. And me? I’m not like them. I’m not a vicious military veteran out to rip women apart with my bare hands. I’m not an exotic femme fatale everyone basks over immediately. I’m not the gloriously violent emblem of British wrestling. I’m not the prolific progeny of prominence with a global corporate trumpeting my success. I’m not a twisted, jaded girl hiding behind a mask as I resort to the dirtiest tricks to achieve victory for a monster. And I’m not the girl who from day one proclaimed she was the destined ace of Miracle Galaxy Pro. I don’t fit any other definition but my own. Some people will look down on me or think less of me because of who I was.”>
The Magic Princess chuckles.
Yuna: <”I get it. 0-170, that’s all you have to say. My past was full of failure. But that’s the thing. It’s the past. Something I realized is that there are two distinct periods in the magical history of Saito Yuna. Those failures were the first period, my early period. That ended the moment I decided to take on the biggest challenge of my career and come here to Miracle Galaxy Pro. When I accepted Tatsumaki-san’s invitation, I changed forever.”>
She smiles wistfully.
Yuna: <”There’s something magical about this place. A new realm with the power to transform you if you embraced the change it brought. A place where anyone can reach for the stars and make their dreams come true. Maybe it’s silly, but I think this is a world of miracles just waiting to be made reality. If you truly believe in your heart that they can happen, if you put your full heart and passion behind what you do, you can make the impossible possible. All it takes is that new space for a scared girl to grow into a confident, heroic woman. It happened to me. I’ve already seen one miracle come true.”>
She pauses in thought.
Yuna: <”So to anyone who’s expecting Saito Yuna to fall early, let me remind you that I’m no longer the girl who lost for six years straight. I’ve become something more.Thanks to the support of my sisters in Galaxy Defense Force and the lessons of two of the best to ever step into a ring, I’ve got a new record: 4-0. In this new period, I’m the unbeaten Beating Heart of Galaxy Defense Force. Never forget that.”>
Her face grows serious as she continues.
Yuna: <”Everyone here wants to mold this special place in their image. They all want to twist it into something different from the ring of dreams where even someone like me could be transformed. All of them came here with some legacy of their own, their own history that makes them believe they’re destined to become the first Interstellar Dream Champion. I’m not like them. I’ve only become who I am and made my dreams come true because of MGP. My growth, my new era, is all because of Miracle Galaxy Pro. I desperately want this place to stay a ring of dreams, so I have to do this. No, I’m not like them, I’m the living proof of what MGP is and can be!”>
Yuna begins to walk towards the steps, her voice filling to the brim with confidence.
Yuna: <”Every day since Straight On Til Morning, I’ve dreamed of only one thing: becoming Interstellar Dream Champion. There are countless other girls out there who believe they’re worthless, who feel helpless and scared. There are plenty here in MGP who struggle and wonder if they can really make it. I used to be one of them. And now I’m going to become the symbol of everything that’s possible here. This place is my home, and I’m going to fight with every fiber of my being, until the death if that’s what it takes, to protect my home. My heart is set on this path, and no matter how much everyone else breaks my bones, draws my blood, spits on me and leaves me for dead, that heart will keep beating proudly. I will keep rising up from the ashes of that destruction to defy them, to fire back with the passion of a woman who’s finally found herself. Even if I’m wheezing, bleeding buckets over the mat and can barely stand, I’ll keep fighting to make the greatest dream a reality. Everyone in this tournament is strong, determined and dangerous, but stopping my heart is something that not even the most powerful of them can do. The worst they can do to me won't be enough to stop Saito Yuna at her strongest.”>
She turns around, the steps visible behind her.
Yuna: <”No pain is too much. No suffering is too great. This is something I absolutely have to do. It may take the greatest miracle of all time for me to make this dream come true, but did you know? This is the stage where the greatest of those are made real. Here in the holiest site in professional wrestling, I know deep in my heart I can reach the stars! Whatever it takes, whoever I fight, I won’t stop until I’ve finally got that beautiful championship resting around my waist.”>
Yuna steps back to her locker, winks into the camera and flashes a peace sign.
Yuna: <”Now let’s make some magic.”>
