The HWA Academy was buzzing since the announcement of the new, upcoming card that Butch Parker had announced for the next episode of Havoc, as well as the tease of announcements to come for Road to Ruin. You could tell, even with some of the newer recruits, that the excitement was palpable. People were training harder, keen for any way to impress either Butch, Wisdom or Red Dragon with hopes of becoming part of the main roster. Plus, the announcement of Starlight Kid being signed to an open contract was creating a tremendous amount of excitement within the female competitors signed to developmental contracts. It wasn’t lost on either of the co-CEOs that the number of female sign-ups had diminished with Erica Martinez running roughshod, coupled with Michelle Learner’s lack of willingness to step outside her comfort zone and no other established female talent to stand up for the dwindling women’s division.

But the arrival of Starlight Kid and her incredible match she had put on with Erica had rekindled the flame dramatically and the media frenzy was also in full swing too. Butch’s inbox was already inundated with multiple sports outlets, both Stateside and over in Japan, wanting to get the dirt on it. After all, Starlight Kid was considered to be one of the best Joshi wrestlers on the planet. So being able to coax her away from her homeland was quite the coup for Butch and Wisdom, albeit with some considerable help from Red Dragon.

When the scene opened up, Butch was in his office, conversing as best he could with Starlight Kid who was in the midst of signing her contract and getting a tour of the Academy. As with traditional masked Joshi, Starlight Kid was reluctant to remove her infamous mask which Butch was fine with. He knew Red Dragon himself prided himself on the mask he wore to the ring in his early competitive days and only showed his face to those he was very close with.

Butch was attempting to adopt a more informal approach with Starlight Kid, leaning back on his desk and showing her the terms of her contract which were written in both English and Japanese Hiragana characters.

(Butch): Um…

Butch screwed his face up, eyes looking upward, as if trying to work something out in his head. It had been a long time since he had had to converse properly in Japanese. Red Dragon had shown him quite a bit but he was nowhere near as proficient as Sean was but he couldn’t overly rely on either so tried to make the best of it until the official interpreter arrived later that day.

(Butch): Gōi shita jōken…ni mondai wa… ari…ari….arimasen ka?

Starlight Kid’s face lit up through the slits in her mask in an assuring smile.

(Starlight Kid): Hai! Arigatou gozaimashita, Butch-san! I… very much… appreciate the… how do you say? Oppor…opportunity?

Butch smiled back, nodding affirmingly.

(Butch): You’re very welcome. We will get you a Tsuji today… um….today…what was the word for today again… oh yeah, kyō.. Tsuji kyō.

Starlight Kid nodded once again with a smile and bowed her head.

(Starlight): Thank you! I can… um… look… around?

She motioned outside of Butch’s office to the training room floor.

(Butch): Oh, hai, yes, of course. Sensei Kiriyama… he is out… um…kyō wa kare wa kiteimasen… hai, look around and come back up here, yes?

Starlight Kid smiled again, looking out onto the floor and bowed once more before taking her leave of Butch’s office. As she made her way down the stairs towards the training room floor, walking in her direction, looking like she’d just finished a workout of her own, was her Havoc opponent, Michelle Learner. She was mopping her face with a towel and taking a long drink from her water bottle when she spotted Starlight Kid and her face lit up.

She waved, and her pace quickened, and she moved to catch up to HWA’s newest female acquisition. She suddenly stopped, holding a finger up as an indication hold, then turned back around running back to the leg press machine she was on and grabbed her phone. She quickly returned, fingers swiping with excitement as she got close then finally greeted Starlight with a bow, then talked into her phone. After Havoc she had downloaded the Google talk to translate app and had been eager to “talk” with Starlight.

(Michelle): It’s so good to see you, I got this translating app installed and now we can talk without Sensei needing to translate for me…I hope. My boyfriend, Sean is fluent in Japanese and he says this isn’t 100% accurate but it’s pretty close.

A feeling of realization washed over her.

(Michelle): You saw Sean at Havoc. He wasn’t in the best of moods at the time so I don’t think you got a real introduction, but we’ll get together at Havoc. You’ll love him, he’s super talented and the sweetest guy you ever want to meet. Anyway…how are you? How do you like the Academy? Must be pretty different from back home.

Michelle’s face still alight, just radiated enthusiasm. Starlight smiled at Michelle broadly, the rise in her cheeks through the mask an easy indication and she gestured towards her phone.

(Starlight Kid): I…. talk?

Michelle nodded excitedly.

(Starlight Kid): Konnichiwa, yoroshiku onegaishimasu….Michelle-san?

Michelle’s app generated a robotic female AI voice that said, in English…

Hello, Michelle-San? I look forward to working with you.

She couldn’t help notice that Starlight Kid still had a mask on.

(Michelle): Ya know, you don’t have to keep your mask on here if you don’t want to.

She covered her mouth a bit horrified. She suddenly had the impression that she had offended Starlight somehow. Maybe masks were culturally appropriate in Japan. She heard a lot from Sean and Sensei how serious wrestling was there and Starlight may be accustomed to a different set of expectations such as keeping up her persona out in public.

(Michelle): Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to offend…I hope I didn’t. I just meant it’s okay to be yourself here. Not that you’re not yourself…I mean you should be comfortable.

Michelle anxiously looks at her phone, trying to read Starlight’s reaction and hoping her phone translated things correctly. It could have translated “I meant to offend you” and “It’s okay to be a pig here” for all she knew, and she was horrified that it might have come out wrong. Starlight instead offered a polite smile and pointed to her mask.

(Starlight Kid): Daijōbu desu yo, Misheru-san, rikai shiteimasu. Masuku wa Nihon no puro resurā ni totte, aidentiti no ichibu to shite totemo jūyō desu. Watashi ni totte mo, sore ga watashi no ichibu na no desu.

(It is ok, Michelle san, I understand. Masks are important to pro wrestlers’ identities in Japan. It is who I am.)

Michelle looked relieved and placed a hand on her chest with a smile. Starlight Kid looked around her and then tried to speak in English.

(Starlight Kid): Is… Sean? Will he…. uh… be here?

She pointed down as indicating in the Academy.

(Michelle): Sean? Oh…no he’s training with Sensei today. He has a private dojo at his house and he’s been helping Sean with some secret, ancient, meditation thing or something. Whatever it is, I think it’s working.

The mood in her face changes a little as she thinks of Sean and what he’s doing, and why.

(Michelle): It’s been a little rough for him lately, after Ring Master. He was a bit lost I think, and it hurt my heart to see him like that, but I think Sensei has him on the right track. He’s always been so good with Sean, he’s like a father to him ya know. Anyway, enough about the boys. Are excited for Havoc…I know I am. Don’t worry…I may have been out of the ring for a bit, but I’m busting my tooshie in here and I promise you, I’ll be ready.

She smiles brightly as Starlight.

(Michelle): I’m so excited for this match, it’s been so long since I’ve been in the ring with someone who just wanted some good competition and a friendly match. I don’t mean to speak ill of the women here but you saw Erica last week…she’s not exactly a role model and Briar and Liliana…when they’re around they do nothing but play games.

Oh, you’ll get to meet my friend Sarah soon. She’s just wrapped up the Olympics, she was a trainer there and I can’t wait to hear all of her stories. You’ll probably see Alexis around here at some point, she’s been injured and isn’t cleared yet, so she’s been helping out with the recruits around here from time to time. And there’s Luna Rain, she’s sort of new but her family has been around for years, her dad’s a legend in the business. I can’t wait to introduce you.

That sense of embarrassment comes over her again.

(Michelle): I mean, I could introduce you. I’m sorry, I guess I’m just so excited you’re here, it means a lot to the Women’s Division, it really does. I can ramble sometimes when I’m excited so please, just let me know if you rather be left alone. I apologize.

Starlight Kid’s demeanor was hard to read through her mask but she seemed genuine and friendly. She leaned over and spoke into Michelle’s phone.

(Starlight Kid): Koko ni irareru koto o taihen kōei ni omoimasu, Misheru-san. Anata wa junsui na kokoro o motte ite, Nihon demo kitto yoku najimu to omoimasu! Anata to ringu de taisen suru koto ga dekitara, watashi ni totte ōkina meiyo desu.

(I am very honoured to be here, Michelle San. You have a pure heart and would fit in very well in Japan! To face you in a wrestling ring would be a great personal honour.)

Suddenly, a familiar voice to Michelle came out of nowhere with an arm around her shoulder.

(Sean): There’s my girl!

Sean Parker appeared out of nowhere, placing a kiss on Michelle’s cheek. He turned to see Starlight Kid and smiled.

(Sean): Sutāraito-san, oai dekite ureshii desu! Senshū no Erika to no shiai wa subarashikatta desu! Watashi no kōdō ni tsuite o-wabi shimasu, iroiro na koto ga atte…

Starlight Kid looked a little taken aback by Sean’s sudden appearance and looked away slightly, nodding hesitantly towards him. Michelle turns to Sean with a huge smile. She wraps her arms around his neck as he takes her by the waist and she plants a small peck on his lips.

(Michelle): I thought you were at Sensei’s house training.

She doesn’t wait for a reply, none is really needed, she’s just glad to see him and takes him by the hand pulling him forward.

(Michelle): Sean….Starlight….Starlight…Sean. You two didn’t have a proper introduction at Havoc so there it is. Starlight and I were just talking about how glad we were to be working together.

Michelle shyly leans into Sean and whispers, although Starlight can clearly still hear.

(Michelle): I think the app works okay.

She turns back to Starlight with a smile, still holding Sean’s hand in hers, fingers interlocked lovingly, the other hand still with her phone and app front and center.

(Michelle): I was telling Starlight that she’s a major boost to the Women’s Division. I really do feel reinvigorated by her being her. It was just Erica and me and I just…

Her thoughts trail off momentarily. It was hard for her to admit how much she feared Erica, especially after the last incident that put her in the hospital. Her entire family coming down to be with her, and her own second guesses about continuing in the business.

(Michelle): …well…it’s just great she’s here. Havoc is going to be the most fun that I’ve had in the ring in a long time.

Sean grinned widely. The training he’d been doing with Sensei had been really paying it off. He felt his moods lighter, the pent-up rage he’d been feeling had felt like the volcano had finally gone dormant. And seeing Michelle finally excited at the prospect of competing again filled him with joy. He nuzzled Michelle lovingly, the smell of her shampoo was intoxicating.

(Sean): You’re right, she’s definitely the adrenaline shot in the arm we’ve needed. I just can’t believe Sensei Kiriyama managed to get you here, Starlight san.

Koko ni iru aida, nani ka hitsuyō na koto ga areba, zehi itte kudasai. Misheru-san wa sono apuri o motte iru kedo, watashi wa jitsu wa san-nenkan, sensei to issho ni Nihon ni sunde ite, dentō-teki na Okinawa no hōgen de Nihongo o manabimashita.

Starlight again looked a little different from the moment Sean had arrived. She looked around and looked him in the eyes briefly, nodding respectfully. Sean looked at her almost quizzically.

(Sean): Wow, you know I’m getting such a feeling of Deja-vu. Like I’ve met you before. Izen ni o-ai shita koto ga aru yō na ki ga shimasu.

Starlight Kid’s eyes widened slightly.

(Starlight Kid): Oh… no… this my first time… first time in America… maybe you see me on TV?

(Michelle): Oh My God Sean, you’re right. Why didn’t I see it before…she reminds me of, Oh, what was her name…Kai….Kay…Kaori….that’s it. You remember Kaori?

Michelle spins back around to Starlight Kid.

(Michelle): About a year ago we had a recruit from Japan named Kaori. She spoke fluent English and she was dynamite in the ring. It was right before they started Before the Bell, huh Sean? She was a shoe in for the main roster but had to leave…her father was sick and she went back home to Osaka. I wonder what ever happened to her, she was so nice.

Sean’s facing Luntik at Havoc Starlight. I don’t know how much HWA history you know but Lunatik is veteran in the sport and is friends with Maniac. They won that tag match last week, but something tells me Sean here isn’t going to let him take another win this week.

Michelle brushes her body up against Sean’s as one would a playful elbow. Sean smirked as Michelle brushed her body against him playfully.

(Sean): You know it. Lunatik and Maniac probably think they’ve got these matches in the bag after last week. This meditation training Sensei’s having me doing though, honestly, Shell, it’s incredible, I almost feel like a new man. It’s like I’ve got a little guardian angel on my shoulder, keeping me on the right path. I’ll tell you more about it later, I’m sure Starlight Kid isn’t interested in hearing about this.

(Michelle): She may not be, I am. You’ve been pretty hush-hush about this meditation technique with Sensei…why don’t you give us gals some insight.

Michelle turns to Starlight…

(Michelle): Now’s our chance Starlight. He hasn’t told me anything about this meditation thing except that its “private.”

She turns back to Sean with her hand on her hips and quizzical look in her face.


(Michelle): Well mister, gonna let us in on the big secret?

Sean was hesitant at first. Sensei hadn’t categorically told him to keep what he was being taught under wraps but surely he could trust Michelle. Starlight Kid was a household name in Japan as well, known for her honourable traits and sense of justice.

(Sean): Fine, I’m sure Sensei wouldn’t mind. He calls it Kokoro no Michi, it means a Path to the…

(Starlight Kid): … Heart…

Sean turned his head to look at Starlight, a look of pleasant surprise on his face.

(Sean): Yes! You’ve heard of it?

Starlight Kid turned her head away.

(Starlight Kid): I’m sorry… I must… go… see you at…at Havoc.

Starlight Kid, bowed her head lightly before quickly making a beeline for the Academy main doors without another word, leaving Sean and Michelle a little perplexed.

(Sean): She seems… nice?

(Michelle): She’s so cool, I’m really glad she’s here. I was just about to ask her to lunch but I guess she’s got something else going on.

Michelle wraps her arms around Sean’s neck again, standing on her tippy toes.

(Michelle): Guess its just you and me mister.

(Sean): I still feel like I know her from somewhere….

Sean snapped back to reality, looking at Michelle, leaning his forehead on her’s.

(Sean): It doesn’t matter. I guess you get me all to yourself. Anywhere you want to go?

Michelle’s eyes light up with excitement.

(Michelle): Oh…seafood tower at Water Grill!

Michelle jumps up and down with excitement.

Sean couldn’t help but laugh at Michelle’s positive energy.

(Sean): Shell…. I’m so happy you’re excited about competing again… you have no idea how happy it makes me seeing you like this… I love you so much.

He leaned in and her a kiss on the lips that lasted a bit longer than either of usually conducted in a public place and Sean was still conscious of how heated things had gotten, albeit momentarily, back in Zion after Ring Master.

God help her she was weakened by him. He was a modern day Delilah that cut her hair and her resolved swayed in his embrace, yet she found herself…pulling back ever so gently from their kiss. A reassuring smile on her face that she was okay, and that it was also as far as she could go. She took his hand and squeezed it.

(Michelle): I really am happy, it’s nice to have a new friend and when Sarah gets back, it will really feel like old times before we went big. But I’m starving…care to count how many shrimp I can eat?

Minutes later they were in the garage and with the keys to her car already in hand she pulled Sean in the opposite direction from where he was headed.

(Michelle): I’ll drive.

She looked at him with a smile. He typically drove and he knew this was a little payback from Havoc not letting her get behind the wheel of that Maserati, the mischievous look on her face told him so, and he had no choice but to give in. The car started and Pistol AM Radio was coming on, and with special guests Wolfy and Maniac. She eyed the look on Sean’s face.

(Michelle): I can change the channel if you don’t want to hear it, I’ll listen to it online later or something.

(Sean): No, it’s ok, leave it. I’m gonna hear it sooner or later. At least when I’m with you I won’t punch a hole in dash.

Michelle threw him a look and he immediately threw his hands up in innocence.

(Sean): I’m kidding!

The restaurant was only 10-minutes from the Academy and headquarters…if that. They sat in the car a good 30 minutes after listening to the remainder of the broadcast. As it finished, Michelle turned to Sean, a serious look on her face.

(Michelle): Do you really not like Wolfy, Sean? He such a nice guy, you remember how he was when we first met him at the Zoo. The kids all love him and his program is so fun and educational. I know he wasn’t there on the spot to help me but, I know he would have been if he could.

Sean was looking straight ahead still, she couldn’t quite get the full look into his eyes for some indication of what he was feeling or thought.

(Sean): I don’t not like him, Shell. I was willing to let things go after Ring Master but he keeps bringing me up, bringing you up. And did you hear him there? All passive aggressive? Ten bucks says he wouldn’t say that to my face! I’m trying, Shell, I’m really trying but I’m running out of nerves for him to get on…. even with what Sensei is teaching me.

She liked Wolfy, she even considered him a friend, but she didn't want to press this further with Sean. She was hoping to play mediator, but this was clearly something he needed to work through on his own, so she changed the subject and focused on their present activity.

(Michelle): Let's go in, maybe we can get a seat outside and people watch. I'll put my hair up and with our sunglasses on maybe nobody will notice us.

She smiled at him as they exited the car, taking one another's hands as they left the parking garage and headed across the street to the restaurant as the scene fades to black.