[[ Pre RP Notes - This picks up as the third part of two RPs posted for these characters for the FWA in their last cycle. You can check these out here: Abby Dresden - https://fwawrestling.boards.net/post/3861 Akame McClancy - https://fwawrestling.boards.net/post/3872 ]]

 

{{Behind the Scenes}}
{{SUSHISAMBA Restaurant}}
{{The Venetian Hotel & Casino}}
{{Las Vegas, Nevada}}

The following completes the previous scene. Akame and Ahklut sit at a table, enjoying dinner. The subject of Akame and Abby had come up. 

Akame looked down at her plate. “I have a confession to make.”

Ahklut leaned back in the booth seat he was seated in. “Please, Kuʻuipo? I’m here to hear it.”

She sighed and looked up at him. “You sure?”

“Yes. I’m going to hopefully put your guard down before you do. I know about the rumors with Abby. I know you are repressing things about her. You have actually said her name in your sleep before.”

Akame now blushed hard. 

“You do not need ot hide anything from me. I am a man of OUR generation. I am straight, but it doesn’t mean you have to be. If you are attracted to other people, just tell me. With recent incidents, I’ve thought about it myself.

I’d have just three rules for it to keep my trust.”

Akame felt weight leave her shoulders; it wasn’t real, but it was weight all the same. “What would those rules be?”

“First, no guys. It may be a bit chauvinistic, which would surprise you.  But I have my reasons. I would not want a chance for someone else getting you pregnant. And you and I both know no birth control is 100% effective. If you see a guy on the side, you’re pretty much telling me we’re over.”

Akame nodded at that. “Second? And for the record, I’ve not gotten to my confession yet.”

“I know, trying to show you I’d not be an asshole. Because I think I know what the confession is. The second, while no guys… only one girl is off limits. Kelea. It would be weird to have my fraternal twin sister involved.”

Akame had to laugh at that. “Okay, yeah. Can see that. But you and I both know Kelz is fully for the guys.” 

Akklut nodded at that. “Third… be honest with me. Not saying tell me everything. And not saying if opportunity presents itself, don’t take it. But be honest with me. If something happens, it is always good ot know who is possibly involved.”

She had to accept that. He was one of the more practical of the bunch. “Okay. You’re sure about that?” 

“Yes. The three rules. Now, go ahead and tell me that you’re at least infatuated with Abby?”

She turned red again. 

“Yeah, I think I am. Especially since we’ve worked together so much. We know each other. We’re traveling more together. Spending time together. And I’m not fully sure what to do about it. I told you about the one time. I’ve told you about my upbringing. But recently it’s just kinda hit me. Especially with everyone pointing things out. How protective I am of her. Not like she needs my protection. But I know when she told me about Rayvenn and Roz… I felt… jealousy? Envy? Ugh, bad word there. I was disappointed.”

He reached over and put his hand on hers. “Just know it might not be what is meant to be. Talk to her. I can tell you, she’s looked at you longingly. That one time we went to the beach in Florida, I think she looked at you in your swimsuit just as much as I did. But it might not be that.  If you’re interested, talk to her.”

She nodded, but then frowned, “And what if it does come between us?”

“Then we might not have been meant to be. But I like to think you and I might get closer if you get the chance to be yourself even more than you have been. You are like a butterfly coming out of your cocoon lately. I like it.”

“Or a snake shedding its skin?” 

“You’ve been listening to certain music a lot lately.”

She nods, “Yeah, songs about transformation and that. But it’s been what I’ve been feeling. Thank you, Babe. Thank you. It’s almost like  you know me more than I know myself sometimes.”

He shrugged and smiled playfully, “Maybe I do.”

{{Behind the Scenes}}
{{Abby’s Hotel Room}}
{{Edmonton, Alberta, Canada}}

It had happened.  Again.  After 15 minutes of fighting, Abby had maintained the FWA TV title by the skin of her teeth against a very talented young Korean girl in the Kidd.  

Yet being tired and sore hadn't stopped it from happening again. With a groan, Abby got up and looked around.  She got out of bed, and it took her a second to realize she was still nude. She looked down at herself and nodded.  “Right.  Post-match celebrations.”  She grabbed a towel.  Not really out of modesty.  She was either alone in her room, or Akame was lounging about.  She was sure she was safe, but while English people often mocked footballers for their lack of general ed, some of the education she did get was how far some members of the press would go to get a picture.  Hence the towel, as she did a quick check and confirmed she was alone.  

Her internal debate on how to spend her day was interrupted when she got a text.  She and Akame had been booked against some new tag team, with the winner getting a tag team title shot at Bad Company.  Abby smirked.  “Oh man, did this team pick the wrong time to run into Akame and I.”  Abby said to herself as she shook her head.  Abby and Akame were both good.  Both 2nd gen squared, as they liked to say, since both of their parents were legendary wrestlers.  Now that they'd finally had *The Talk* and gotten past the awkwardness of suppressing their real feelings, they were even better.  Their double team moves were smooth.  Akame’s parents, tag team specialists themselves, had helped them and approved of Akame and Abigail as a team.

Her thoughts were interrupted again as she felt a portal open.  A few seconds later, Akame poked her head in from one of the rooms inside the suite and shook her head.  “You really need to be ready in case it’s an enemy.”

Abby shrugs.  “The odds of someone trying to kill me in a hotel are…”  

“How many of your previous mantle holders were killed?  At least 1.”  Akame said as she walked over, put her hands on Abby’s shoulders, and wrapped her arms around Abby’s neck and back.  “Seriously.  You saw what the other side thinks of me, and I was born fae.  To them?  You’re just a human pretending to be fae.  Your human morality is part of that.  I’m telling you.  One of these days someone is going to come for you.”

Abby nods.  “I’ll try to be ready.  Did you see we were booked?”

Akame nods.  “We can cover that in a second.  I told Ahklut.  About us.”  She says, holding up her phone where she has Ahklut on FaceTime.  Abby blushes.  “I’m really sorry, Ahk.. “  

He cuts her off.  “It’s cool.  Akame and I set some rules.  No other guys.  No Kelea, and tell me about whoever she gets involved with.”

Abby nods. “ Huh.  Those are pretty much the same rules Ros and Rayven and I decided on.”

Ahklut nods.  “Sounds like we’re all on the same page.”

Abby shrugs and smiles, relieved this wasn’t the potential end of the Upstarts she feared it could be.  “Sounds like, I think it’s encouraging we all had pretty much the same ground rules for it, though I don’t think you have to worry about other guys.  I mean, just look in the mirror, you and Miguel are.. Very nice specimens.  If I indulged my Hispanic heritage, you two would both rate an ‘Ai Papi.”  Abby says, getting a laugh from both Akame and Ahklut as Akame nudges Abby.  “Dork.”

Then Akame blinks for a moment.  “Hey.  We have the portals.  I wanna do a special date night.  You and me, babe.  We’re going around the world before we hit Philadelphia.”

“Pittsburgh.  I want to be there for Vanguard.  I want to make sure Rayven has backup, and I want the Grove to know we’re at every show and keeping an eye on things.”

Akame rolls her eyes.  “We can discuss on the way.  Come on.  Shower and get dressed; you haven’t lived until you’ve had Sushi and Ramen in Japan… Akihabara to be specific.  And we can try some other things.”

Akame and Ahklut said their goodbyes as Akame dragged Abby towards the shower.  “What about training?”  

Akame looked at Abby.  “It’s the day after a show.  You always take the day following an event off to rest and recover.”

Abby sighed.  “You know me too well.”

Akame smirked and winked.  “Yup, sure do. Come on.  I promise you’ll enjoy this.”

{{Behind the Scenes}}
{{A Few Hours Later}}
{{Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan}}

A few hours ago, they had stepped through a Fae portal into the basement of a hotel in Otaku City. 

Akihabara was Tokyo's nerd neighborhood, and Akame had gone there a few times, especially as a teenager, when her father taught at a school in Okinawa. 

They checked into the hotel, got ready, and headed out. Akame was quick to ask the right questions: “Hungry? Wait, you are always hungry. So… You want REALLY GOOD Ramen, or good ramen? The difference: With the really good stuff, we’d sit side by side, in a cubicle-like setup. No talking, just slurping. But it’ll be the best ramen you’ve ever had. The good stuff is right below that; you get your stuff; pretty much make it yourself. But you can sit at a table and be social.”

Abby stopped for a moment. “Wait, no talking, by yourself?”

Akame stopped and turned around. “Japan is a whole different beast. Yes. You sit in a little alcove of your own. Window in front of you. Hand in your order, bowl comes out. You eat, and it’s you. People sit next to you, but a wall separates you. But it’s damn good ramen. The best. “

She then lets out a little giggle. “The other, it’s like a buffet of ramen stuff. Hot broth at the end. Build it like doing your own Subway version of a ramen bowl; go to a table and eat.”

Abby seemed to get it. “Well, you know me, I’d like to start with the second option. Sushi later, has to have a conveyor belt to grab from. Maybe sequestered ramen later on after that. You said this part of Tokyo is pretty much 24/7, right?”

Akame smiled and extended her hand. “Yeah, nightlife is a whole different thing in Tokyo, let alone here. Here you’ll have cosplayers, love hotels, and nerds and dorks everywhere. Oh, and weebs, lots and lots of weebs.”

Abby seemed reluctant to grab it. “Won’t they be offended?”

Akame shook her head. “No one here knows. And girls walk around in Japan holding hands all the time.”

Abby takes her hand

Akame smiles widely, then slips her glass on to hide her eyes. “But these have to be hidden. They’ll think ill of me if they saw those more than if they saw us holding hands.” 

Abby nodded. “Even if they learn your first name?”

Akame shrugged. “An anime character that came out 3 years after I was born has this name. Same reason, but there are more Akames now, without the red eyes, born to fans of Kill La Kill. All good.”

As they started walking, “Oh, and if you get the feeling to work off all the rice and noodles here… We could end up down in Okinawa too, if you need a training day. They won’t say no; Dad’s still listed as their head trainer there, even though he’s been in the States for the CWF for a couple of years now. He flies out there once every two months. An adventure to be had.”

They walked down the main road, taking in the sights. It had been a few years since Akame had come here. 

The big signs, the girls dressed as maids trying to bring people in for a coffee or tea, the Pokémon-themed displays all over the place. 

Eventually, they found themselves in a ‘Ramen Bar’ themed for the anime that maybe promotes ramen more than any other… Naruto. TVs on the wall played episodes of the show in order, on a loop, along with cardboard cutouts, 3D-printed models, and people behind the counter dressed like professional cosplayers. 

The spread was just like Akame had promised: maybe 10 types of noodles, various toppings from meat, veggies, and different sauces. At the end, half a dozen broth flavors sat there, just barely boiling. 

Akame took the time to show Abby what was what, along with the usual combinations. 

Once they had their bowls, large ceramic bowls that looked like they belonged at a high-end dining table, they both sat down at a table that was set up for only two.

Abby was ready to dive in when Akame tapped her under the table, foot to foot. 

“Not sure we should be playing footsie here,” Abby said with a smile. 

Akame smirked, “We’ve got a couple of people trying to listen in. English speakers. Maybe fans. So be careful. They won’t really walk over and interrupt us while we eat, unless we tell them it's okay. But don’t need to draw too much attention.”

“How do you know they speak English?” Abby asked as she took the first bite of pork charsu. Then she looked down at the bowl and added, “Oh, my… God? Gods? Goddess?”

Akame actually giggled, “Told you.   One of them keeps positioning their head so one ear is aimed our direction. If you’re worried about being found out too soon, we could switch to Gaellige. Our mantles can translate.”

Abby shook her head. “No need yet. But what do you want to talk about? You know I’m going to bring up our booking eventually. New Tag Team? You’re the legal assistant in the office. What do you have on them?”

Now it was Akame’s turn to shake her head. “Eat… but only know names and who brought them in. Contracts signed by DocuSign. Mason and Rook. Seems they’re with Morales.”

“Morales? Really? Where is his Mammoth friend? But guess the guy can’t do things without help, honestly. He failed to get the Valor title a while back. Didn’t get the Skirmish belt. Not really been how he was with the Kharnival.”

Akame shrugged, “I’m just surprised he has friends. I’m going to guess, but could be wrong, that they’re more like mercenaries. They might be some of their ‘freaks’ from back then, getting a promotion. Don’t know. I just know that you and I need to make a move on the tag team scene. We’re the Dyad Champions already. But a fed-wide tag team title run would also cement us further as one of the best.”

She finally took a bite of hers, slurping the noodles. Once her mouth was clear, “Oh, and they encourage slurping noodles here. Kinda like burping in France, let those who prepared everything know you’re enjoying it.”

Abby nodded at that. “Okay. In the US and UK, that would be considered rude.” Then Abby gives her a sly look. “So, you’re half Japanese, half Irish. And you bring me to Japan?”

Akame waves her off with one hand. “Well, I could go to Dublin, where my family is from. I’ll eat me some corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes too. And I grew up in the Southwest. I have an app on my phone that tracks food trucks, and half of them are taco trucks.”

 Abby laughed a bit. “Why Japan then?”

Akame seems to be thinking it over. When she finally answers, “It’s because, while it's half my cultural identity, it’s something I’ve not seen you experience the real thing yet. Yeah, you’ve gone to sushi places in the States, and we hit that one in London. That one had some Michelin Stars, but it doesn’t have the culture.

But it’s not been the real thing. I mean, we could go to India. Never mind, we actually had that in London as well. And well, English Indian food is the better take, I think.  But Korea, Thailand. There are Fae-run places everywhere.  

I’ll admit, when it comes to some of this stuff, since getting my mantle. Maybe I’ll end up like Scathach once was. A hermit.”

“Why a hermit?” Abby asked, then took another big bite of her noodles and slurped them. 

Akame shrugged. “Burnout. I want to do everything still. I want to go everywhere. I want to explore, experiment. I have access to something that others don’t. I know I was born with some money. I’m not like some of them who grew up with nothing. My college was paid for. I’ve always had a roof over my head, a small 7-room mansion in Scottsdale. But even with that, it’s been modest. I drive a 2017 car my parents got me when I got my Driver’s license. And I keep it in good shape because Dad raised me not to fall behind on its maintenance. Probably why I chose law; you’ve seen my calendar app… I’m meticulous with reminders and shit for everything.”

You’ve got what? A Dodge Viper waiting for you? Same year, if I remember.” 

But now I’m doing a job that lets me travel, after only hearing about it from them when I was little. But then, I’ve also got the Fae stuff. Why the fuck not?”

Abby points at her, using her chopsticks. 

Akame shakes her head, then mouths, “No pointing.”

She points the chopsticks back down to the bowl. “That’s why you were attracted to Ahklut. The Adrenaline junkie stuff. As for the Viper, never really decided. I still have to get my license, and then I can go pick it out. Mom paid for it. But I can’t drive it yet.”

Akame cocks her head over to one shoulder, thinking about that statement. “Maybe, but he’s actually quite the homebody. Of course, his teenage years were full of traveling between Alaska and Hawaii. He’s seen two versions of paradise. I grew up in… Scottsdale. It’s in Arizona. It’s in the Desert.”

“You should try growing up in the Swansea area. It has the ocean, but the beaches are rocky. It’s a small town still growing up,” Abby adds in before nodding.  “I kinda get it.  Valora’s told me stories.  She grew up with less than nothing.  She decided she wasn’t ‘mother’ material.  That's how I ended up in Wales.  Family wasn’t rich, but Mom said Valora always made sure they had money.  So no mansions for me, but still.  We always had enough to get by.  Now, I’m still a teenager, and I already make enough money that I don’t need to live on handouts from Val… Mom.  Bloody hell, that gets confusing at times.”

Akame smiles at that. “Well, that just means that both of us deserve to have some ‘not boring’ for at least a little bit. And you’re ready, you know. And for the record, you’re only a teenager for two more months”

Abby gave her a ‘look’, “Ready? And don’t remind me about the birthday.”

“Driver’s test. You’re ready. We could hop back to Vegas and go take your test. We got your first piece of mail at the condo. Was a credit card offer, but still mail to prove you ‘live’ there when in the States.”

Abby smiles at that, “Maybe it is time. But not sure I want to take the test in your 2017 Nissan Rogue, Geek Squad edition.”

Akame glares at her, “It’s the Sith Lord Edition, or Death Trooper, since it was in honor of the Rogue One movie.” 

“At least that’s good Star Wars. But I could afford to maybe have the car delivered to Vegas, right? Would be what? Couple thousand?”

“5 to 10 depending on how fast you want it delivered. But doable. If you go through a nationwide dealership, they can do it cheaper. But this is a specialty shop in LA that your mom knows.” 

Abby nods at that, “Probably should claim the car mom paid for finally anyway.” Abby then moves to change the subject, “So… we’re out in public. I don’t mind. But you know how they’ve been. Eventually they’ll see us holding hands or something. How do we handle that? Since  you’ve already noticed a few fans here?”

Akame shrugs, “Well, denial only leads to more rumors. Certain reporters, we just tell them we’re banging like screen doors in a hurricane. They’ll think we’re taking the piss with them, and shrug it off.”

Abby laughed at that, but was slurping up more noodle soup. She stopped, and the laugh turned into a quick cough. 

A few moments passed, and Akame noticed the ones trying to listen in again. “You’re halfway through, ready to make a fan’s night?”

“I’m always up for that, actually. Probably the best part of the job other than beating the shite out of people. Especially when you find someone like The Kidd, who is a girl who sees you as an inspiration,” Abby says, taking a napkin to her chin. 

Akame looks over to the table a little farther away and smiles. Then she nods to them. The two girls at that table quickly get up and come over, giggling. 

They looked related, maybe sisters or first cousins. The older and taller one spoke first in Japanese, “<translation> You are both wrestlers? Yes. Abigail Dresden and Akame McClancy?”

Akame, who did speak ‘conversational Japanese’, answered, “<translated>Yes, we are.”

The other girl looked elated, and her mouth started going a mile a minute. “Can we get pictures? Autographs? Why are you here? No wrestling shows with you two booked…”

Abby and Akame pose for pictures, and Abby speaks a couple of words of Japanese.  She speaks slowly, clearly thinking and working the translations through her mind.  But it comes out a bit better than the fans were expecting as she tells them the two are here on a short break.  

After the fans leave, Abby looks at Akame and smiles.  “Always been good with languages.  Val speaks Japanese and taught me a bit, and I watch anime, and I’ve heard your mother break out the Japanese.  In case you're wondering.  My Welsh family taught me Welsh and English.  School reinforced the English.  Mom taught me Spanish, and Miguel has helped with that.  And I’ve been working on French and the clumsy few bits of Japanese I just showed.  My Mantle says being who we are helps us with languages, but I’ve been sticking to the normal ways.  Less likely to raise flags, and I’m still nervous about using.. Well, our special skills.”

Akame chuckled, “I’ll admit to cheating on languages thanks to the Mantle a bit when FWA went to Europe before you joined. Spanish since 2nd grade, Japanese from mom, and my grandparents in Vegas have tried to teach me some Gaelic. Oh, and Uncle Sean, too. But that’s mostly cuss words. I think I told someone to kiss my ass in Irish when I was 5, thanks to him.”

She then looks across the table at Abby. “So, before we get into the training for this match. How about a real day of relaxing?”

Abby smirks, leaning back to look at her. “Why do I think you’re up to something?”

“The best one is up north. But a hotel with an Onsen. Traditional Japanese Hot Springs for soaking and good for sore bodies.”

Abby’s lips curl into a wicked smile. “You’re not just thinking of relaxing, are you?”

Akame shrugs but smiles, “Well, I’ve never been to one. You’ve never been to one. I hear they’re great. Just a day or so, then back to training. But I’ve heard a nice stay in an Onsen can be… well… ”

Abby smiled, “Romantic?”

“Yeah.”

 

 

{{A few days later}}
{{Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Akame & Akhlut’s Condo}}

Akame sat on the couch, a small portable table in front of her holding her laptop at chest height for proper ergonomics. She worked on a school assignment while Akhlut cooked in the kitchen. 

He had a cookbook on a stand and was actually wearing an apron that said, “Kiss the Cook.” 

A knock came at the door, and Akame shot up, giving him a look that said she had it. 

When she opened the door, a guy in coveralls stood there. “You Abigail Dresden?”

Akame leaned back; the guy was a bit louder than usual. “Nope. But she does live here when in town. She’s due to return today. Can I help you?”

“Then are you Ak… Ak.. Ak-amy? McClancy.” 

“Akame, as in Ak-ah-may. And yes, I am.” That’s when she noticed the guy had some earbuds in, probably the reason for the almost yelling. 

“Okay, got a delivery downstairs for you in the parking garage. You’re the other authorized signer.”

That’s right, the car delivery. 

“Let me guess, fast sports car?” 

“Yes’em. Just need an inspection, and we’ll drop it into the common area and give you the key to park it.”

Akame slipped a pair of sandals on from next to the door. “Okay, let's see this.”

A few moments later, they were in the first-floor parking area. There was a flatbed car transport. It was basically a tow truck with a company logo on the door for “Carlos’ Specialty Cars of East Los Angeles.” 

On the flatbed was most definitely a gorgeous car. Akame recognized it from the website. 

A 2017 Dodge Viper GTS with the full racing package. It was painted almost Vantablack, with two red stripes running down the middle from bow to stern. The windows were heavily tinted, but Nevada didn’t care. 

It already has Nevada temp plates on it. 

Akame whistles at it, “Well, that’s a pretty car. Her insurance is going to be horrible, but a pretty car.”

The guy handed Akame a tablet. “I can’t take it off the truck without a signature, and you’re not supposed to sign without confirming I’ve not fucked up anything on it. It was under a cover until right before I went upstairs to get you. If you don’t mind?”

Akame nodded as she took it. “Will do. How much did this thing cost her mom?”

The guy shrugged, “Don’t know off the top of my head. It’s got some aftermarket stuff like an entertainment and navigation center that’s more modern, and it might have some engine mods I’m not going to talk about in public. Stock, it would be 645 horsepower, with a top speed of around 210. It can do 660 horses and 235 miles per if you want it to. But she’ll be drinking gas like it was Pepsi.”

“Noted. The owner loves her Pepsi.” 

Akame walked around the car and found it delivered in perfect condition. She gave the guy a look that read, “Damn, good job,” and then signed the spot on the tablet. 

He took the tablet, stuffed it into the pocket inside his door, and started to unload the car. 

Akame pulled out her phone and snapped a couple of pictures, then sent them into the group chat for the Upstarts with the comment, “Our Little Abby is growing up! Soon she’ll be able to actually drive this thing!”

Miguel commented quickly, “That’s too much damn car for her first one. She needs a VW Bug or something.”

Kelea added, “The Vegas sidewalks won’t be safe anymore!”

“OOOH, that’s one damn sweet car,” Fiona typed in, “Too bad she’ll probably never take it more than 10 over the speed limit!”

That got a laugh audibly from Akame, and of course people tagged it with upvotes/emojis all over the place. 

Finally, Abby’s comment came in, “Don’t tempt me. Seems Ms. McClancy has been experimenting with some Fae tricks to speed and not get caught. I wonder if I could do that.”  

Akame added, “My rogue is 90% plastic. This thing is a ton of actual steel. It might not work as you are expecting. But he’s taking it off the truck now… and since it’ll need to be in a parking spot, that means I’m actually going to be driving it first!”

Abby’s voice came from behind her next, “Not quite!”

Akame turned around to see Abby getting out of an Uber. Fiona was getting out of the other side and then turning for the trunk of the car to get their luggage. They’d obviously landed not long ago, still choosing to fly even though there was an actual Fae portal in Akame’s bedroom. Of course, that could lead to an awkward situation if Ahklut was in there, or… worse for Abby’s mind, both of them, if Abby used that wardrobe. 

It was still undetermined if a Druid-in-training like Fiona could use the Fae portals, although in the past they could with some training and guidance. 

 Akame quickly moved in for the hug with Abby, then they stood side by side, watching the man take the V-10 sports car off his transport truck. 

When it was done, the guy walked over with the keys and held them out. Abby quickly put her hand out. “Hi, Abigail Dresden. I believe that’s my car.” 

The guy looked her over and smiled. “Yeah, you look like a chica that would buy something like this. You’re that wrestler, right?”

Abby nodded. “Yup, both of us are.”

He smiled. “How do you know Valora Salinas, then? She’s the one who paid for this. She and my dad used to… well, shouldn’t say anything from the old stories. But let’s just say she could hotwire anything on wheels back in the day, according to him.” 

Abby laughed at that. “Well, you see; She’s my mom.” 

The guy handed her the keys. “That’s a surprise. I’m not a big fan of wrestling. But never thought I’d meet the child of Valora Salinas. I’m used to her hanging in the shop sometimes. And I know she took over the old gym a few blocks down when the old man passed. 

Well, enjoy the car; don’t get caught in it. And if you need anything with it, give us a call. L.A. is only a short drive from here. It costs a bit more, but we know this car better than anyone else on earth. So if you need anything, we’ll come out.”

Akame exhaled sharply at that. “Okay, maybe it’s time for me to retire the Rogue. I get better service now that I know one of Salazar’s band members is a salesman at the local dealership, but otherwise don’t get really personalized service.” 

Abby nods to the man.  “Will do.  Thanks for coming out here.”  She says before getting into the car, Akame sliding into the passenger seat.  The car was manual, but as Abby was born and raised in Europe, this was no challenge for her.  She starts the car and moves it to the parking spot, with Fiona and the rest of the Upstarts walking behind as Abby maneuvers it in, then they get out.  Abby nods, pleased with the parking job.  

Fiona walks over.  “So.  What do we know about this new tag team?”

Abby glances at Akame and then back to Fiona.  “Well, I wanted to get Akame together with Rayven for a bit.  We’ve kinda hung out together a few times, but Rayven and Akame didn’t really interact with each other.”

Akame looks at Abby.  “How does Rayven help us find out info about our opponents?”

Abby grins.  “It’s one of her main jobs.  She finds out info about her opponents.  I don’t ask how she gets her info, but she’s good.  While doing our normal prep work, we can see what she’s found out too.”

Fiona looked the car over from the outside. “So, after you take your test in two days and get your license, we’re driving from Vegas to Pennsylvania in this, riogh?” That last bit her Irish accent comes through, thick.

Akame turned to Abby for that answer. 

Abby smiled, “Fuck yeah, I think we will.”

{{Behind the Scenes}}
{{A Few Days Later}}
{{Rayven’s Hotel Room}}
{{Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania}}

A couple of days later, Abby and Akame are standing in Rayven’s room.  Rayven and Akame sized each other up.  Akame spoke first.  “So... you’re cool with this setup?”  Rayven shrugs.  “Roma.  Some of us are quite open-minded, and some of us are just happy we weren’t born into a clan that is stuck in the Middle Ages and marrying off girls at 12 years old or so in arranged marriages.  Pretty much anything is a step up from that.”

“While you two are getting acquainted.  Rook and Graves.  Can you learn anything about them?”  Abby cuts in, looking at both of them.

“Rayven shrugs.  “Nothing official on their bios.  They have a theme song.  That’s it. I know they’re connected to Madd Morales, but I’m sure you two already know that.”  Rayven says and shrugs.  “It’ll take some time, but I’ll call some of my friends and see what they can dig up.  But this close to showtime, I can’t promise anything in time to be useful for this match.  You two are a good, solid team.  I’m sure you’ll be able to adapt.  They look like big, stereotypical thug types, so I don’t think they’re going to be able to keep up with you two.

They’re probably all powerbombs, suplexes, and slams of some sort.”

Akame gave Abby a look. “We keep our eyes open; they’re guys. There are tricks we can do to throw them way off their game as well.”

Abby laughed, “Just kiss in the ring, and their heads will short-circuit for at least a moment, if not longer. Although that will start the internet going nuts on us.”

Rayven nods.  “She isn’t wrong.  I could make the feminist comment about men being simple creatures and whatnot, maybe throw in a joke about how ironic it is that men get turned on to all hell by a sex act that forbids their participation, but hey, I’m not gonna kink shame.  The actual reason I agree is.. “  Rayven looks at Abby and points.  “I mean, look at her.  She's right out of most guys’ and a lot of girls’ wet dreams.”

Abby blushes, and Akame looks at Rayven.  “What am I, chopped liver? I know I’m a walking fetish. Half Japanese, former gymnast and cheerleader who knows enough ways to bend joints to cause extreme pain.”

Rayven laughs a bit.  “Well, very true, and now I wanna train with you two and see how flexible you are, but in an attempt not to get distracted, I didn’t focus on you because even though we’ve all hung out a few times, this is the first time we’ve really talked.  But I get good vibes from you, and you’re welcome, by the way.”

Akame blinks for a moment, then nods.  “Right.  You pushed Abby to have the ‘talk’ with me.”

Rayven nods.  “Glad things worked out.”

Akame nods and clears her throat a bit before bringing up the next point.  “So with you and Abby getting.. Close.  How’s that working?  Bad Company is mostly our allies, but Kara has damaged that a good bit.  Are you still with them, or are you looking to come into the Upstarts? I still have no problem calling her names to her face, you know?”

Rayven thinks for a moment and shrugs.  “Hadn’t thought much about that.  I guess right now, view me as a liaison between the two groups?  I told Aunt Kara the same thing I’m bout to say here, and she agreed.  We have bigger threats.  Eternal Grove.  Whatever thing she has against you can wait until after we get them.”

Abby chimes in.  “I think she has a point.  I’m not happy with Kara either, but she’s the only one in Bad Company we really have a problem with, and we need to focus on the Grove. We can work that out later.”

Akame nods.  “Fine.  But it’s gonna take some time to trust Kara. Especially with what I know about her from the Order’s records.”

Rayven crosses her arms. “What do you know from the Order’s records?”

Abby is also suddenly interested in what Akame was bringing up. She doesn’t cross her arms, but her stance shifts. She really doesn't like Akame bringing up shit if it isn’t needed.

Akame put her backpack down on the hotel desk and quickly fished out the tablet. Rayven watched her. 

“Hey, can I ask why you carry the pool cue case around with you, everywhere and all the time?” Rayven asked, trying to push those feelings down. 

Akame turns the tablet on, and while it boots up, she answers, “Well, since you know who and what Abby is. You know I’m the one that went with her to get our Mantles. Mine is a Sword Witch, actually what she’s called. And she had a lost Fae weapon with her. It’s mine until someone beats me for it. It’s known as The Answerer.”

Rayven quickly goes through her memories of mythology and folktales. Since meeting Abby, she's done more research on a particular culture than normal. 

“I’d massacre the name; it starts with a Frag, but then goes to where there are far too many consonants and not enough vowels, and probably doesn’t sound like it’s spelled.”

Akame lets out a light chuckle. “Yeah, Fragarauch. Actually has more vowels than normal. But it’s Gaelic, not Welsh.”

She finally pulled up what she was looking for. “You know I’m kinda on the same team as your mom is. I’m just not always on their jobs since I took the mantle. But, let me go here, then here. And technically I ‘work’ with your mom and Ms. Salazar on that team. But they tend to leave me alone.” She taps the screen, then finally pulls it up. 

“So, seems a Reinhardt ancestor of yours, Field Marshall William Reinhardt. He was a high mucky muck in the… party. But he was involved with a real piece of work known as lsa von Strauss.” She visibly shudders. “That’s too close to Von Krauss, but you know German names.” 

Akame then hands the tablet out to Rayven. “Go ahead. I’ve never had a security briefing. I suspect why, but I’m not going to raise a ruckus. But this Nat-C (she actually says that like Gnat-See) bitch was all into the occult and biology, including early gene research.”

Rayven nods.  “Dad told me about the Field Marshall.  Waffen-SS.  Which meant he was a racist piece of shit who is likely rolling over in his grave that his grandson married a Roma and such.”

Abby blinks.  “How can you tell from the army unit?”

Rayven shrugs.  “Waffen SS took their oath to Hitler.  Just him.  Not to Germany.  Not even to the party.  They were his private army.  You only got in if you were in perfect health and could prove you were a pure Aryan, going back to at least 1861 or so.  I knew about him.  I haven’t heard about Ilsa, though.  That’s new.”  Rayven says as she reads the tablet.

Akame nods.  “Think the Order covered up a lot of her things. Well, at least higher than I have on anything else.  Some evidence suggests she might have been paperclipped.  Some in the Order think she discovered something and is basically in the same category as the Von Krauss duo.”

“Paperclipped?”  Abby says

“Operation Paperclip was a Joint British/American operation wherein certain nazis were forgiven their crimes, given new identities, and allowed to work for the Allies.  Shockingly, both the U.K. and the U.S. have a branch of right-wing fascists who sound a lot like the Nazis.  I wonder how that could have happened.”

Abby shrugs.  “Yeah…”

Rayven tilts her head as she reads.  “So the Order thinks that Grandpa racist fascist was some kinda super soldier and that got passed down to Dad and Aunt Kara?”

Akame nods.  “They are in remarkable shape for people of their age, and even before the vampire got her… well, Kronin might have gotten the personality of Captain America, but Kara fights like him.. Or maybe Wonder Woman is a better comparison.  Still. There is something I highlighted there that makes me think more is up than comic book nonsense.”

Rayven scrolls a bit, then looks at the one small highlighted paragraph. “What is a Nephilim hybrid?”

Akame’s face shows concern, not any smart-ass attitude. “The Nephilim are biblical. They’re actually the main thing the Order keeps an eye on. If you read the Bible, they’re mentioned all over, but mainly in Genesis… chapter 6 somewhere. The half-angel, half-human hybrids who made the biblical flood necessary. 

They occur naturally; their bloodlines are still in existence. They’re giants, Goliath was one. So anyone today who is exceptionally tall, strong, and bulky very likely traces their genetic heritage back to the days of Noah and has Nephilim in them.”

Rayven then asks, “What would this have to do with this Von Straus? She does Gene Research?” 

Akame now frowns, “The further the bloodline goes from the original, with some exceptions in like a throw back… the less the effect is. Angels as far as we know, aren’t allowed and can’t reproduce anymore. Banned and altered to do so. But…”

“If someone says they figured out how to produce the same effects in a test tube, that would make a real supersoldier?”

“Yeah,” Akame just answers with one word.

Rayven nods.  “Worth looking into for sure.  Thanks for letting me see this.”

Akame takes the tablet back from Rayven and nods.  “Abby says you’re okay; I trust you.”

Abby smiles, happy to see Rayven and Akame getting along.

{{The Promo}}

It’s a press conference. Things are just getting started. 

Both women are sitting at a table, multiple title belts in front of each.

Abby with the FWA Television Championship, the 4WW Albion Championship, and the 4WW Dyad strap over her shoulder. 

Akame has the CWF Skirmish belt and the 4WW North American Championship in front of her. She’s also holding her Dyad Belt over her shoulder, mirroring Abby. 

A small group of interviewers and reporters are there. 

Abby speaks as they sit down. 

“Before we open up to questions and other things. We all know we’ve got a match coming up in Warzone against a team known as AOC. The winning team gets a shot at Bad Company and the CWF Tag  Team Titles. We’d like to start off with addressing these guys, then we’ll get to some questions and maybe answer them.”

A murmur runs through the assembled wrestling press, but no one argues or jumps in with questions. 

Akame gets things started. “So, a team comes in, and someone decides to book them against us right away with the same prize up for grabs. The winning team goes on to face whomever Bad Company decides to put up to defend the Tag Team Titles.”

She adjusts her Dyad Championship. “We all know how this should go. While we’re not at war with Bad Company, it doesn’t mean both sides don’t like some competition. And really, the only other tag team here that could do so is us.”

She shakes her head. “And who do they put us against? Two dudes named Rook Knight and Graves. Don’t even know Graves’ other name. We know jack and shit about them. And so does the front office. 

But I’ll start on the known so far. Rook Knight.” 

She holds her hands up and wiggles her fingers. “He’s named after two chess pieces! Oooooh. Now, a knight, we know that would imply. Honor, Chivalry, and stuff like that. A warrior. But yeah, these chuckle-fucks hang out with Madd Morales. So chivalry is right out the window. 

But you may ask, what is a rook actually? Two types of Rook out there. First,  a type of bird, a corvid to be exact, so related to crows, ravens, and magpies. Closer to a magpie. Second, the chess piece that should be spelled Ruhk. Chess is from the Middle East. A ruhk is a chariot. Would explain why they only move in certain directions, can go the whole board, so speed… simulation in a thousand-year-old game. 

But really, got some news for you, Mr. Knight. You don’t scare us. You’re two chess pieces. That means you only do what the player says for you to do. We play our own game here.”

Abby comes in here.  “You might think the lack of information gives you the edge.  If we don’t know you, we can’t prep for you, right?”

Abby shakes her head.  “Wrong.  We know what it takes to be champions.  I’ve held the Valor title.  Defended it 5 times. Cashed it in for a Conquest title shot, won it, held it for a record length.  Nearly won the Skirmish Title; the person who won it?  My tag team partner here.”

Akame winks and nods.  Abby continues.  “She’s the 4 Winds North American champion.  I’m the 4 Winds U.K. champion.  Together, we’re also the 4 Winds tag team champions.  My point is.  You don’t win titles without encountering different kinds of fighting styles.  Whatever you throw at us.  We’ll be ready for it.” 

Akame rolls her eyes a bit. “By the way, Mr. Graves is it? Don’t know if that’s your first or last name. I’ll just say this since you’re as much a ghost as your partner.

We already have a better Graves in this federation, and her name is Sadie. You’ve got a lot to live up to. Who are you? Her long-lost baby brother? Or maybe a cousin? Doesn’t matter. We’re not afraid of you, either of you. And you’re in for a fight. 

And if you all are fans of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, just remember what it means when Biddy Blas tells you to ‘Scrib Doon’.” She says the last part with a bit of a play on the character's accent. She stops and clears her throat after trying to go that high. It only takes a moment and then she continues, “It means to write it down. So do just that. We’ve got to go through you to finally get what we should have had a shot at after how the previous tag tourney went. 

It’s our turn. You’re just speed bumps in our way. Now, we’ll take some questions.”

One of the reporters stands up and starts to ask, but Abby cuts her off.  “Wrestling question or Personal life question?”

The reporter blinks, confused, and shrugs.  “Both?  I have a couple of questions.  Very recently, you were the special guest commentator while Akame defended her Skirmish title.  You physically got involved in the match.”

“After Vespertine got involved. And I only touched Vespertine, who was not a participant in the match.  Does this connect to our upcoming match somehow?”

The reporter nods.  “The celebrations after the match are raising some questions.  If the speculation is true, do you consider it a strength or are you concerned it might be a weakness others might exploit?”

Abby looks at Akame and answers first.  “We train together every day.  We hang out together.  Not just Akame and I, but the whole Upstart unit.  We know each other pretty well at this point.  Anyone who has watched one of our tag team matches knows how many team moves we have and how fluidly we can execute them.  I see it as a strength.  Yes, amateur try-hard ‘I wanna be evil but in reality, I’m just a poser emo outcast’ like Madd Morales, his army of lackeys, and the Eternal Grove might try to use it against us, and they will regret doing so.”

Abby holds up a finger.  “And real quick, before I hand off to Akame to let her answer, Rook.  Graves.  Morales goes through lackeys.  Mammoth?  He’s disappeared.  Off the grid.  The nKo?  Gone.  The Freaks?!  He loved them until they cost him a match, and then?  He lashed out and banished them.  He’ll do the same to you after Akame, and I kick your ass.  You should find a better leader.  Cause to Madd?  You’re just the flavor of the week.”  Abby says, looking over at Akame.

Akame picks up quickly, “Well, I mean, we all really know what the issue was with Mammoth. Guy was a gimp. They broke up. I hear he’s down in Florida or something, working the indies… maybe.  But I already said what I need to about these two. Now for your other implication there. 

Yeah, I get it. We’re females, ladies, women… who are very, very close. And you all just want to speculate on the idea that we might be a thing. We’re lesbians getting into that.. What did they do in that early 2000s wrestling bit? Hot Lesbian Action? 

What would you all write if I told you,  yeah, we’re banging, okay? We’re sharing a hotel room. We’re traveling together all the time. Yeah, I’ve got a boyfriend, but he hasn’t been traveling with me lately. 

What if I told you that we’re doing it? If you finally write that shit down, will you finally fucking stop trying to speculate? I mean, really. How often do you ask Madd Morales is he’s fucking one of the Freaks? Or how about the new British Wrestler guy? Going to ask him if he takes it up the ass from someone like, oh, I don’t know… Dylan Erikson? Or how about the new goth group? Are they all banging? 

Get over it and let's be a bit more professional. But if you want to speculate… yeah, go ahead and write it down. But next time you ask someone, better not be us.”

Another reporter stands up.  “If you win this match, you get a tag team title shot.  Are there worries about such a match weakening the alliance between the Upstarts and Bad Company?  Also, Kara and Rayven were the duo of Bad Company that won the title.  Do you hope to face them?”

Abby shakes her head.  “Bad Company and we Upstarts know how things work.  We’ve had competitive matches in the past, and we’re still friendly.  Kara and Rayven would be a fun team to face, but Rayven might not be available if she still has to defend her Valor title.  Whatever pairing they send against us will give us a strong match, I’m sure.”

Akame leans into the microphone, “Look, we know Bad Company has that clause in their contracts. Rayven and Kara won the belts. But right now Ray is the Valor Champion. Kara has her sights set on Drago and Apathy. And I’ll actually say it: I don’t want us being a distraction for her this close to Cyber Warfare. 

And we don’t know when we’ll get the shot, even if we win it. 

But we don’t know what Greg and Kronin are doing.  And they’d still be a damn good team to try to beat. Those two have been working together since the Star Chamber match way back when Kronin won the Conquest belt. 

It doesn’t matter who defends the belts; we’re going to challenge them. Actually, I'm going to break my usual here. We’re the best tag team in the CWF right now. The only other team that's close has the straps. 

And we’ve got to face them to win. We’re hungry, we’re ready, and it’s time for the Wild Hunt to become CWF Tag Team Champions. 

That’s another thing you can write down in your books. “

Abby nods in agreement. 

The rest of the questions were not that important for anyone to know, at least not right now.

{{End}}