{{London, England, UK}}
{{Backstage}}
{{FWA’s Back in Business Event, Night 1}}
{{Just after the Television Title Match}}

Abby had just won the FWA Television Championship in her FWA wrestling debut. She beat a multitude of others in a cluster match that changed gimmicks every couple minutes. 

It was the second time Abby Dresden had been one to take a title off Aaron Harrows. The first was the 4WW Dyad Championship match where she and Oni, the Wild Hunt had taken those tag team titles from the Cinematic Universe, of which Harrows was a member. 

Tonight, Abby had been one of ten challengers for the title, plus the champion. And she came out on top. A new record in the modern FWA… first match, first title, same night. 

Some things had changed from the past though. Where usually Akame would be waiting in the dressing room they both shared usually, back when she wore the mask as the fourth Tetsuo Oni. 

But,  this time Akame was waiting for her friend, dressed in regular street clothing,  just back in what the wrestling industry calls “Gorilla Position’. Just barely backstage, where some of the producers and agents would watch the match and the show to direct and check on things. 

Abby was maybe 3 steps past the current that was used to keep the lighting just inside this area from flooding out into the arena, but also keeping prying eyes outside from the backstage operations. 

“YOU DID IT!” Akame yelled as she suddenly rushed up to Abby. 

She grabbed Abby in a hug. Abby recoiled just a bit, more out of shock of being accosted just inside the curtain. 

“Yeah, yeah. I did, didn’t I?” She added, as the smaller, albeit 4 year older woman grabbed her around her mid torso. Abby patted her on the back with the arm that didn’t have a new title for the Upstarts in it, and then added in, “Now you’ve gotta win tomorrow night to keep the wave going.”

Akame let her go and nodded, “I’m planning on it. So, wanted to hit you with something before you got out to the press pool for the post match pictures and quick questions. I got a message from Oberon. They’re in private box. They’ve invited us up to watch the rest of the show.”

Abby smiled, “Well, give me a shower to decide if I’m wanting to deal with that bunch, even if only for another hour or two. He still gives me the ick, and the rest of them aren’t much better. Match was only so long, but I feel like I’ve run a marathon with all the change ups.”

Akame backed up a step and smiled, “Alright. Of course the photo shoot will be around fifteen minutes as well.”

A backstage worker stepped up to them, “Ms. Dresden, as the winner of the Television Title here at Back in Business, can I get you to come with me really quick. We’ll get some photos of you with the title in the gear you wore tonight then you’re off for whatever else.”

Akame stepped back, her hands going behind her back a bit, “Go on… champ. You’re latest in the line for TV champs. Now you just gotta be the one to try to break Siobhan’s record. Do that, and you’ll maybe get  that nickname finally. The Record Breaker? Sound good?”

Abby looked over her shoulder as she’d started to follow the stage hand. She gave a thumbs up as she disappeared down the hallway towards the area setup for the post match pictures. 

Akame had watched her new friend here, Siobhan Van Ryhs, the longest reigning TV Champion. The woman who had taken the TV title off of Akame, herself… win the North American Title in the first of two matches to put down a wild Kitsune. 

Akame, tomorrow night would be in the second match for that, when she would face the bounty hunter Vengador who had taken that Kitsune’s bounty against her. 

So far two out of three matches she really cared about were tonight, on Night 1. Tomorrow night, in Wembley, her match on Night 2. Yeah, there was the tag team match that Siobhan’s stable mates were in, but Akame wasn’t as connected to that as she was Siobhan’s match itself. 

Akame sighed and headed back to the locker room. 

{{A bit later}}
{{A Private Box in Wembly Stadium}}

The door man opened the door he was watching, and both Akame and Abby stepped in. Abby was now in her street clothing. Both had their rolling suitcases with them. Abby’s gear had been cleaned via Fae Glamour, and then packed away. 

As they stepped in, a young man stood. He was shorter than Akame, coming in at around 5’ 2”, and skinny like a boy who was just getting to puberty. 

Technically he was, even though he was almost 35 years old chronologically, the fact he’d been a pre-teen when his body had taken its Fae Mantle, his physical aging had slowed. His body was just now approaching the physical age of around 16. 

He was the bearer of the mantle of Oberon, and the current King of the European Court of the Fae, the Seelie Court compared to the American Unseelie Court. 

Oberon’s real mortal name was kept secret… his mortal name could be used against him via magic or other means. 

“Ach, it’s the conquering hero!” Oberon said as he approached Abby. She had her 4WW belts in the suitcase. She only had the FWA TV belt around her waist. She knew they’d all want to see the title just won. 

Oberon and Abby shook hands for a moment, and then he motioned for them to take some seats. 

As they did, Oberon’s finance, the bearer of the mantle of Epona spoke up, “Such a wonderful job out there tonight, Abigail? Can I call you Abigail or would you prefer Leanan?”

A difference between the US based and the Dublin based Tuatha De Dannan. The Europeans tended to just use their fae name, while the other side they still kept their Mortal name. America’s social, political and religious environment had led to more of a masquerade type setup, and not being as open. 

Abby shook her head a bit as she answered, “It’s still new to me, and with the fourty some-odd voices in my head, I’m enjoying being Abigail for a bit longer. I know as I get older, things will start to meld, and why a lot of the older mantles seem to just have their fae side take over.  But Abigail if you would.” Abby had pulled the TV title off from her waist and tossed it over her right shoulder.

Oberon chuckled as he sat back down, “In interesting trieste as to why those of use who are older in the line tend to lose out mortal identities more and more. I myself have about 60 former hosts. I guess us melding would just be what would happen.”

Epona nodded at that, “Interesting indeed. Although that leads to questions for… Aka-mae?” 

Akame nodded, “You pronounced it correctly. Yes, I have two previous hosts. And one of them is not very active. I’m not even sure who the second host was. I mostly speak with the original.”

Others, also fellow members of their court now looked at Akame. Of course her being half Irish, and having found one of the lost mantles, like her Irish blooded father before her had done…she knew her very presence made their skin crawl. But the politics that fell after it all, between Maeb and Oberon, Queen and King of two colonies… she was to be accepted. 

And Oberon would want to save face here. 

“It is a shame. We should talk more. But it’s also something. Between your father…. Blaise… who now bears the dual Mantle of Turren and Delbáeth, and you finding the lost mantle of Scáthach. 

And well, your brother finding a mantle we didn’t even know about, that of the Firbolg King Sreng. Your line… that branch started from the first American Born of us, is all about finding things from the past that were buried.”

Akame gave him a side eye. She was waiting for the insult. 

It didn’t come from Oberon, but from one of his hanger-ons. Akame didn’t know what mantle he bore, but the accent was from Ulster, “Ach, cursed ones all. One of them becomes the Barghast, what’s she going to turn into?”

Akame turned her head, but when she heard Oberon actually speak up. 

“The Barghast is not a curse. It is one of our great weapons, just like the swords, the clubs, and the spear which I bear… And I’ll remind you that the Lady Akame, not only did the mantle of the Mistress of Swords choose her, but she also brought back the lost sword, Fragarach. 

Speak ill against her, or the others again, and we will have words.”

The spear… it was now Oberon’s. Of course her cousin, Maeb, had a weapons as well, a sign of her position and power. Sean, or Bres, her brother had Murtoch, one of the other Fae Swords.

The one who had spoken up took a step forward, “These half breeds are an abomination. You should not be coddling them, or the False Queen.”

Akame’s jaw shifted. 

She thought about summoning Fragarach… but the voice from the back of her head came to her. 

“It’s a test. Don’t fail it. He’s trying to rile you up. Reach out. Sense it… he’s not hiding it. He’s trying to see if you’ll take to insulting Maeb. Remember… you are neutral in their politics as long as you are the protector of the Leanan.”

Akame turned her head just enough to get Oberon into her peripheral. 

Oberon stood up, “Your King commanded you to stop. Do you refuse my order?" 

Oberon’s right hand flexed, and formed into an open fist, like he would be holding something. 

The man backed down, “No your majesty. I’m just… our old ways are being trampled. And after those three got their mantles, others have come forth and we have allowed those not of our blood lines to take the mantles. Our culture and identity are being stolen out from under us.”

Abby was now staring at the man. Akame sensed that her own many voices in the back of her head were speaking to her. Abby’s eyes, had that golden glow of her fae coming to the surface. 

Oberon shook his head. 

Then the man signed his last, “And her, as the Leanan? She’s a warrior woman. She fights… we watched her. The Leanan is now supposed to be a warrior woman…”

Akame shook her head, “Her predecessor, Leah,  who for a few short weeks was my own cousin by marriage, wrestled. Wrestled and fought to get the love of her life back. It’s not out of her norm after it happened with one of her hosts.”

The man now looked at Akame, his eyes now showing some hate. She’d spoken against her point. 

Abby smirked and looked at Akame, “Top of that, my host is Welsh. Raised Welsh. My father English, of the Iceni line that bears the mantle of the Morrigan in its past. I’m probably better suited for my mantle than you are… Creidhne.”

Abby had used her senses as the Leanan, and identified the man who had spoken out. 

The voice in the back of Akame’s head, spoke, “Creidhne, the gold smith. He was an ally of Nuada… your old enemy.”

The man didn’t seem to like being spoken to like that, or being identified. He took two steps towards where Abby was sitting. 

Akame moved, fast… tapping into the power of the mantle. 

She reached for the thing hanging off her rolling suitcase, what to others looked like the case for a pool cue. As her hand pulled away from it, the five foot long black blade formed as it came out from the glamour its sheath projected. 

The man stopped as the thin pointed tip of Fragarach ended up in front of him. 

Akame’s eyes locked on his, “While I know she could handle herself, know this: Like the Leanan, I am of neither court. I am her sworn protector. One more step, and you will learn why the Sword Mistress picked me…”

The man stopped, giving enough room for Oberon to slip between them, “That is enough. Go back to the hotel. Do not engage with either of these ladies again while we are in London.”

The man wasn’t looking at Oberon, but instead the black blade in front of him. Fragarach was also called “The Answerer”. The blade was enchanted that anyone it was pointed at could tell no falsehood. 

Not that Fae could lie, but if Akame asked him a question he would have to answer it. Would Oberon’s interposing keep him from speaking of anything he shouldn’t?

Instead he turned, and grabbed a large newsboy style cap from a hook, and headed out of the room. 

“I’m sorry, M’Ladies for the issues,” Oberon said as he retook his seat. 

The rest of the evening was short, and after the show’s first night had ended, the two fae fighters went back to their hotel, while the Irish Court of Fae went to theirs. 

{{The Next Day}}
{{Before Her Match Up vs Vengador}}

Akame was in the dressing room, looking at herself in the mirror, getting ready to head out. Already in her gear, the robe on a hook next to that mirror.

She had just finished stretching, and she was starting to almost job in place, hopping from one foot to the other, getting her blood flowing and heart rate going up gradually. 

Abby’s someone knocked on the door, “McClancy, 2 minutes!”

Akame kept doing her thing, “Got it!” she yelled out. 

Abby, this time the one in street clothes, gets up from the bench, She snaps a picture with her phone, and quickly gets ready to post it to various social media sites. 

Akame laughs hearing the picture sound, “Oh, going to share a pic of my ass in these shorts?”

Abby snorts and then lets out a light laugh, “Well, now that you mention it. Was going to tag it ‘The Reckless One is Ready’. But I could just post ‘Hey, is this spank bank material?”

Akame can’t help it, she laughs. She turns and grabs the robe to start to put it on, “Like I’d be in anyone’s spank bank… “

Abby glares at her, “What do you mean? Akhlut had better have pics of you in his.” 

Akame shakes her head, “Freak japanese girl with red hair and red eyes… Only Anime weebs are doing anything like that. One reason why I don’t do cosplay for like conventions. I’d love to… but any pictures get out there for me dressed like some lolita vampire from anime would…”

Abby cut her off, “Probably cause a weeb explosion on the internet.”

Akame put her hands on her hips, “Seriously… “

“Being serious. But it’s almost time. Different subject, come here.”

Akame walked over, and Abby grabbed her by the shoulders, “You’ve got this, girl. No matter if he beat you before. You’re going to go out there, and beat his ass. You bared your soul for this. You aren’t the girl in the mask anymore. You’re Akame Lynn Skya McClancy.”

Akame blushed. Abby was one of them that knew her true name now. But as another of the Fae, she couldn’t use it against her. But in this case, it just felt… special hearing her use that name including the Anglesized version of her mantle name in there. 

Another knock on the door, “30 seconds, McClancy!”

Akame stood there, staring at Abby for a moment. 

Abby finally caught her, “Hey… go. Music starting in 25 now.”

Akame nodded, and absently in japanese, “Gomen (痛恨)” She then turned and opened the door, heading out to the ring. 

Abby wasn’t too far behind her, going to watch from Gorilla Position’s various monitors.

{{About 20 Or So Minutes Later}}

Fourteen and a half minutes of match time, plus the pre-match entrances, and post match camera time.

A Supergirl Elbow, followed by a  reversed Supergirl Elbow, and her signature madcap meteor. 

Vengador had been defeated. 

Redemption to her loss against him in the past, when he then moved on to become the X Champ. 

But also a clean sweep between her, and her friends. 

Later, Siobhan’s allies would fail to take the Tag Team Titles. But between their immediate circle, 3 out of 4 matches are a good record. 

Akame felt herself lifted into a huge hug from Abby as soon as she went through the gorilla position curtains. 

The rest of the time in Wembley was really for another time and another day.

{{Some Time Later}}
{{Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Akame & Akhlut’s Condo}}

Akhlut was sitting on the couch in the living room, not far from a small dining area, and then the kitchen, watching television. They’d not gone to North Carolina yet, as Akame had some work to do at the main offices for the CWF. 

Yes, Akame still was the person doing contract reviews and readthroughs, and filing paperwork for federal and state requests, taxes, and the likes. 

Her ‘home’ being in that city made it easier for when she was needed in the office. 

Akame was in the kitchen, getting a tray of things ready. It wasn’t often that the couple got a few spare moments. 

She spoke out, so he could maybe hear her from there, “You should have seen it… You heard Callie had come to town for some in office time, yeah?”Ahklut answered, “No I hadn’t.”

Akame walked in, putting the tray down on the coffee table in front of them. 

“Yeah, she had both babies with her. Little Amy is just so adorable… Daniel is almost 2 now, and it’s showing. Get both sides… cutesy and adorable, and little monster.”

Ahklut chuckled at that, “Yeah, my mom always said If a terrible two’s kid is a handful, I was three handfuls…”

Akame smiled at that. 

Both of their phones ‘dinged’ at the same time… same service sound. 

Something in the Upstarts group chat. 

Akame had her phone out first, pulling it from her back pocket, “Oh, Abby’s interview is public now.”

Ahklut points to the TV, “Go ahead, let’s watch it. Can’t hurt.”

Akame hits a few buttons on her phone, and then the TV’s screen changes. 

She sits down, reaches out and grabs a tall can of Snow Monkey Dragon Fruit & Key Line Sake and takes a sip. 

The two watch Abby’s interview intently until Abby seems to forget Akame held the Valor title for… basically one month. 

Ahklkut looks at Akame and she just shrugs, “It was pretty forgettable. I beat Mozzy Rella, then lose it on the next Vanguard to Vespertine of all people.”

Ahklut shrugged as well, “Not sure I agree.  You’re in the record books as a former Valor Champion.”

Akame scoffed, “Yes, but no one remembers all the Valor Champions that didn’t make it to five defenses. Hell, Kat Hale is barely remembered for getting to four… It’s fine.”

Ahklut shook his head, “I’m more concerned with the fact that Jimmy didn’t fix that for her. But interviews are under pressure. Probably why me and Kelz just recorded shit and sent it in. No questions being asked.”

Then they hit the part where someone said this, just as Akame was taking a drink from her canned sake mix. 

Here Alyssa Lucchi comments, ““You know, you call Akame McClancy your ‘big sis’ but your body language and sometimes the inflections in your voice lead me to think you might want more.”

Akame damn near drops the can, and forces herself to not spit out the drink still in her mouth. Akame gets up and rushes to the kitchen, and empties her mouth into the sink before she has an issue. 
 
Akame didn’t see it, but Ahklut did… Abby’s response. Her blush, and then her political type denial, including the words “no comment.”

Akame coughs up the wine mixer, and then goes into a coughing fit over the sink.
 
Akhlut gets up, slowly, and slips in behind her, “You okay?”

Akame comes up from where she was bent over, and she’s catching her breath, “Yeah, just almost went down the wrong way while keeping me from spraying the TV. I’m… Uhm… Yeah, I’m fine.”

He smirks at her, “You are?” 

“Yeah… I mean… Are you okay?”

Ahklut’s smirk curled even more, “I’m fine.”

Akame walked over, and pulled a chair out from the kitchen table and sat down, “I’m… Uhm… “

“They’ve been trying to find out who Abby is dating for some time now. On top of that, she was the one who had a countdown website counting down until she turned 18. But for some reason, a young, successful woman, they want to know…”

“I’ve heard that she and someone recently had a bit of a fling. But not sure who it was, just rumors going around. She’s turned down my brother more than a couple of lunch dates here and there. But why would they ask something like that? I mean… harranging her on who she might or might not be up between her legs. She’s turning, what 20 in a few months?”

Ahklut chuckled, “I’ve heard you put yourself down before… many times. You’re getting better at not doing it around me. But if I read that answer right, someone at least does agree with me.”

Akame shakes her head, then looks up, “Her answer?” 

He shrugged, “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

She sighed, “Oh, this is going to make the paperwork really awkward if it gets out. It’ll be a public filing…”

“Paperwork?” Ahklut asks.

“Yeah, spoke about it a month or so ago. Abby needs a US Residence on record to get her driver’s license. We’ve done a few lessons here and there. I drafted up the paperwork she needs to claim residence in Las Vegas, using our address.

…  If she wants to. Haven’t asked her yet. Was going to surprise her.

Nevada doesn’t have a minimum time in state to go do your test, since they require that you transfer an out of state license within 30 days of moving here. 

Once she has a state license,  she can go get her international driver’s license like I have before we head to Europe… And she can park that sports car she can’t drive yet in our garage.”

Ahklut stands there, and nods his head, “You think I’d not allow that? She is family. She could have a key if you wanted her to have one.”

“I know you would… just… kinda a surprise you know. That whole question. To be included in that is just a surprise. Why speculate on me? ”

“Good surprise or bad one?”

He stopped at that question. 

Akame frowned, “Uhm… not sure how to answer that.She denied it right?”

Ahklut nods, “She denied it. Think it caught her off guard as well. Wasn’t as rehearsed a denial as the others.”

Akame looked down at the floor, “So much…”

“Confusion?” Ahklut asked so many layers in that one word question.

“Babe, I love you. You know that. 

But, that’s why I’m not going to lie to you.

One time… One. First year at UCLA… I was trying to get onto the cheer squad, like I’d been in high school. Was at a party… little underage drinking, little… uhm, recreational brownies… But that’s just it. But we really didn’t connect, at all. She was a sophomore, little sister of the team captain. She came onto me…. So figured it was just an experiment that failed, you know? But college kids are known for that. Especially girls. Especially Asians, you know. 

I should probably point out, she decided she never wanted to see me again, after finding me without my contacts one day. Never made the damned  squad either… but probably was a good thing, got me to really finally go judo more pro cause I had more time.”

Ahklut smiles at that, and shakes his head, “So a reason why you always put things like your eyes as a reason why you see yourself as not attractive.”

She sighs, “I’m an asian with fucking freckles, red hair and red eyes… all natural. I’m weird. Okay? I can accept that. I accept who I am, and what I am. You just like weird things.”

Ahklut shakes his head at that, and shakes his head. 

Their phones both ding again. This time Ahklut beats her to it, “You have been sent a request to do one of those presser junkets like Abby did. They’re wanting to get everyone they can on them. But they’re only asking right now. 

Says they could be here in a couple of days, as all of them report out of the local office, of course.”

Akame nods, “Yeah. You think I should? I’m not sure if I want to deal with questions like that.”

Ahklut shrugs again, “You might as well. Have you ever done one?”

Akame shook her head, “No. as Tetsuo Oni I avoided them like the plague and kinda kept it up since then. Guess I can give it a try.”

He went over, grabbed her phone and handed it to her, “Then you get to answer the question. And the questions.”

{{The Interview}}

Akame peeks out to the presser table that had been set up in the studios at the CWF’s offices in Las Vegas. She was behind a curtain before it started, not in wrestling gear, but like Abby, carrying her championships, now currently only her half of the Dyad Titles and the 4 Winds North American Title. 

She took that peek, and saw the handful of wrestling based interviewers there. Of course the CWF had sent their head newsie, Alyssa Lucchi, and the guy that few knew actually had been around Akame when she was a child, James Collins. The others, she didn’t know them and was surprised the event had attracted others from outside the CWF. 

Eventually a stage hand type person walked over, “It’s time. We are recording for it. But don’t worry about language.”

She nodded once, and then came through the curtains. Like she’d seen Abby do, she put her title belts down in front of her and then took a seat. Her drink of choice was a new Mt. Dew Mango Pineapple, zero sugar unlike Abby’s Pepsi addiction. 

“Thanks for coming everyone. Figured I’d keep the Upstarts doing interviews this time. Of course we have Alyssa and Jimmy from the CWF. But I’ll try to let everyone ask questions. I’m ready when you are.”

Jimmy stood up first, “So, starting on the past. Any words about the match last Warzone against Kara Reinhardt.”

That got a slight eye roll, “Only thing I’m going to say on that… is that Ms. Cunt-a-saurous-rex needs to really learn how to look at recent history. I have held exactly ONE CWF title. And I had it for one month. And what did I have to do to get that shot? I’ll go ahead and answer it for you: I had to challenge the man after almost winning it in a cluster fuck match up. 

My father is the commissioner of this federation, and maybe our relationship has made him afraid to actually give me what I deserve. I’ve had to go outside of his fed to finally prove my worth. 

And you can ask him, and I’ll tell you now, he can’t lie to you, or really anyone. He’ll tell you… In fact, I should probably ask him  how many times I’ve come up in staff meetings, and he’s had to go ‘no, not her. Not yet.’

Abby earned her shots. All of them, as well. Valora is probably in the same boat as my father… do you honestly give us our laurels or make us work twice as hard to get them. 

Look at what happens when Abby goes to a fed that Valora Salinas is not a partial owner in…. She wins the FWA Television Championship in her FIRST actual match there, against 10 other people. Why? Because she’s that damn good.”

Alyssa Lucchi takes the next question, “So you’re saying you are probably as good as Abby Dresden?”

Akame glares at her and shakes her head, “At some things I am. Some might not know this, but Abby doesn’t have her driver’s license yet. Her mom bought her a damn expensive sports car and it’s been in storage for over a year cause all the touring and that… and while she is a US Citizen, she’s got a condo in Swansea, Wales, and no US residence. 

I’m better at some video games than she is… but I’m better than the rest of the Upstarts at those games. I’m more… logical. But I’ve already completed 5 years of college, where none of the rest have gone to school post High School Graduation, except Kelea is starting classes. 

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We’re all different people.

And I’ll address your next question: Do we always get along, since you’re trying to build to the question where you try to trip one of us up to try to say something about the upcoming match that might piss off the others. 

Have you ever watched us on a twitch stream playing a game? I’ll point out a recent stream from a couple months ago… we were all playing Star Wars, the Old Republic… and Miguel brought on his character he’s had since he was like 5 foot tall, so when he was a toddler or something.” 

She allows a grin at that joke.

“But, he started just cheesing force lighting everywhere, killing everything. We were all in a group, so yeah counting for all of us… but still was cutting the rest of us out of the fun. 

So yeah, we yelled at him. He sighened off. Well he and Kelz both signed off. They went and probably had some monstrous sex… came back to the stream a couple hours later and apologized. We were and still are all good. 

I’ve accidentally clocked Abby in the chin with a kick in training. She’s got her mom’s temper. She’s called me a bitch before. I’ve called her a name or two… McClancy’s are known for their tempers as well. 

But end of the day… we’re honest to goddess friends. We might not always agree, but we’ll work it out.”

Alyssa Lucchi, “But that’s video games, not wrestling.”

Akame sighs, “I brought up out training as well. Trying to bridge it here. Look… we’re going to go all out out there. At least I will be. I honestly have troubles speaking for both Fi and Abby. I’m not them. I’m me. 

Bottom line is this: We will compete. Best woman win. And as the one who lost the Tempest title to Kat… yeah, she’s included in that statement. But she lost the tempest title to Fi…. so she’s not 100%. And you all know I believe that anyone can win anything any day if its your day. 

Come this match, whose night will it be? Abby’s? Fi’s? Mine? Kat’s? We don’t know yet. I’m not a soothsayer. 

But what I do know is this: If anyone thinks they’re going to GIVE the belt to someone else, that’s their deal… but right now, the rules we all agreed on in the Upstarts is this: we fight. We wrestle. 

And the rest of the title holders should be happy with this situation. Other than Miguel right now… the rest of us who are currently active are all in one match, and not challenging for other titles.”

Some guy stands up in the back, “Any update on Pacific Rim? They’ve shown up and been active a couple of times, but nothing really set.”

Akame shrugs, “Well I live with one half of that team. He’s healed, he’s ready. Kelz has started online classes. But, so far the CWF doesn’t have a lot for them apparently. Akhlut has passed every medical check on his ankle. They still train every chance they get. You want a better answer, ask them.”

Alyssa stood up again, “Back to you. What do you think YOUR chances are?”

Akame smiled at that one, “I’m feeling pretty good right now. The match against Vegador was a good morale boost. That one was tough. But most know I hate multiperson matches. Abby is the one who just went through one of those. 

But I’m feeling good right now. But I’m the Reckless One. My win against Vegadore came because I said fuck the usual. I hit him with a few moves that aren’t what people expect. I try to not be formulaic. And I can’t be against two people who know me very well. So I’ll have to mix it up. No one in this match is too big. Abby is the biggest. 

So I can use some power moves that I’m normally not able to use cause I’m against some one who has me by 100 lbs. I’ve got no problems saying this… I’m going to be using more suplexes. More impact. More power. 

I have to. I’ve been training half the time with my dad at his place at his home. 

I was the first Tempest Champion, I feel the need to be the first Skirmish Champion. Set the course. Set the theme. 

Abby would be a good champion, of course. Fi would be a good champion, of course. Hell, Kat would be a good champion. 

But I want it… I dare say I need it right now. But I also recognize that we don’t always get what we want. If I don’t win it, then I need to put myself in a position where I’m considered to be one of the next contenders for it. 

No get it and drop it the next week to someone like Vespertine.”

Jimmy Collins takes the next question, “There is one more factor in this… the special referee, Valora Salinas.”

Akame shrugged, “Look, I don’t know her that well. She’s Abby’s biological mother, yeah. But so far she’s never done me wrong. I’m not sure how she’s going to play this. She said some things I didn’t like about how we’re all friends blah blah blah. I mean… yeah, she was burnt by friends a lot. 

I get it. But, she’s also gotta worry about Kara Reinhardt on the main show. And while she’s refereeing, she’s a target for Reinhardt to take a cheap shot or two at her. I’m not sure she thought this through, except she wants the first Skirmish Champion to be named rightfully. No bullshit. She is kinda one of the driving forces for the forming of this title. “

Alyssa Lucchi takes the next one, “As Abby Dresdens “Big Sis” what’s your take on the fact she’s been apparently seen hanging out a lot with Rayven Reinahrdt lately? Even seen catching a dinner together?”

Akame just stared at the woman. 

“I mean, she’s been connected to many people possibly romantically including your..”

Now Akame takes a drink from the bottle, and puts it down. 

“Let me make it abundantly clear… I personally am not sure my brother would be the best for Abby. Yes, I’ll confirm it pubically. He’ll send me some mean texts… maybe. 

He’s asked her out a couple of times. He did wait till she was 18, because he is 2 years younger than me. But there is a bit of an age gap there. I turn 24 end of next month. 

But, whomever Abby finds herself dating, that’s for her and them. And the only thing I can add, whomever it ends up being had better not hurt her. Because if they do, they’ll have to deal with the rest of us… especially me, if they do. 

Otherwise, who fucking cares? Really? I mean… yes, I’m in a relationship. And it actually pre-dates the whole Upstarts thing by about six weeks? Maybe 2 months? I met Ahklut when dad went to sign him and his sister, and we kinda hit it off. 

But otherwise… who the fuck cares. Are you guys from the fucking National Equirer or doing Wrestling News? Okay?”

The Alyssa followed up, “Okay, what is your take on the answer Ms. Dresden gave about a possible relationship with you? She denied it but also got very flustered and basically just said no comment. Are you and Abby an item behind the scenes? Are you cheating on Mr. Thulnaught?”

Akame’s glare got even more intense, but then softened a bit, “We are not, and I am not. But I’ll be honest here:

Abby is an inspirational person. And I know things about her you’ll never know. She is OUR Inspiration. And anyone who would find themselves getting her attentions would be one lucky fucker. Pun intended. 

But, I’m not here to talk about the days of our lives, Upstarts edition. 

Skirmish Title. Yes, I hope I win. Yes, like the others, I’ll be happy with really whomever wins. I’m maybe closer to Kat than the other two are. I did help Kat with a previous problem. 

That’s what you fuckers should be asking about, not who is fucking whom. Seriously.”

At that she stands up, and grabs her title belts and leaves the area.

{{END}}