Dawn Sawyer left home early. One the way to Berserk, she stopped by the magazine stand to check out the reviews on recent wrestling matches. She pulled one out and scrolled through the pages reading over them.
"Let's see… Hmm? 'Cutthroat ace Luciana Santiago scores a ruthless win'. Sounds like quite a snake. Certainly not someone I I'd want to have joined my old gym. Ah, here it is." Her eyes were fixed an the Beach Battle event. She scrolled through until she found her triple threat match against Sakura and Elena. Long story short, it made her smile. "That's just about accurate. We did put on a good show for everybody."
Dawn returned the magazine to the stand and proceeded to continue down the streets. Eventually, she made it to Berserk just as Seiichi Inoba opened it up.
"Morning, Mr. Inoba." Dawn greeted.
"Oh. Good morning, Dawn. Sleep well?" Inoba replied.
"Pretty well." Dawn answered following him inside. "So any ideas on what the next matches are going to be?"
"Well, Sayuri said she had a couple of ideas, but she said she should tell later on today." Inoba said. "In the meantime, why don't you warm up on the exercise equipment?"
"Sure thing." Dawn said. She went to the locker room and changed into her workout gear. She began by heading to the punching bags.
Dawn practiced her kicks to further perfect her Queen's Sting. While she did that, other Berserk wrestlers started to come in. Soon enough, Kanae approached Dawn while she continued to attack the bag.
"Easy there, slugger." Kanae said. "What did the beanbag ever do to you?"
Dawn stopped her assault to address her mentor. "What did I ever do to Beatrice back in my rookie days? She still rallied all the heels to jump me in the locker room. Sorry, sandbag, but you used the weights before me."
Dawn heard laughter behind her. She turned her attention to Rio. "Sorry. Couldn't help it."
"I don't think it was funny." Dawn said. "I was a victim of assault."
"So instead of a giant bag of sand, how's about a quick sparring session?" Rio asked.
"Don't have to ask me twice." Dawn said following Rio inside of the ring. The two of them stretched before Dawn noticed something. "Hey, where's your choker?"
Rio realized that there was nothing around her neck. She then groaned. "Oh, Ichiro."
"Ichiro?" Dawn asked. "Why would he…" She widened her eyes and gave an amused grin. Rio flared up seeing that. "Wait. Did you two…"
"Shut up!" Rio shouted before tackling Queen Bee to the mat. The two of them tangled until Queen Bee picked Rio up in a side headlock.
Queen Bee continued to squeeze Rio until the white-haired wrestler somehow managed to slip out and pull her sparring partner in a hammerlock. Queen Bee quickly escaped by reversing the hold and pushing Rio over to the ropes. Queen Bee went at Rio with a lariat, but Rio ducked underneath and countered with a belly-to-back suplex.
Rio then wrapped her arms around Queen Bee's head with a very tight sleeper. She tried to apply her bodyscissors too, but Queen Bee moved around too much to keep it in. Eventually, Queen Bee slipped out of Rio's sleeper hold and quickly get behind her to lock in a full nelson. She had her tight until they heard the sound of clapping approaching. Sayuri Rogue approached the ring clapping her hands together. Seiichi Inoba was right beside her.
"I love that spirit." Sayuri said. "You two better keep up that momentum for your matches this weekend."
"You've got our matches set up?" Dawn asked as she let go of Rio's arms. The two of them leaned on the ropes to listen in more.
"That's right." Sayuri replied. "It's time to settle some scores."
"What do you mean?" Rio asked.
"Queen Bee," Inoba said, "A few weeks ago, you and Chocho Miyazaki had a match that had everyone at the edges of their seat. However, at the end of it, the League of Evil interfered and the match ended in a no contest."
"Tell me about it." Dawn said. "Thankfully, I got those tramps back."
"Now, we are going to make things right by granting you and Chocho a rematch." Inoba said completely surprising Dawn.
"You're serious?"
"Of course." Sayuri said. "If there's anything I hate, it's a rivalry match that's unresolved. Speaking of which, Rio, your next match will be your real third match against Sakura Hagiwara."
"All right." Rio cheered with a balled up fist. "It's about time."
"No kidding." Sayuri said. "You and Sakura have quite an interesting rivalry. And you, Queen Bee, the fans seem really invested in this competitive spirit you have with Chocho. So let's give the people what they want."
"Thanks, Rogue." Dawn said while Rio gave a thumbs up.
"You're welcome. Well, carry on."
Dawn and Rio nodded before turning back to their sparring. Kurea smiled from ringside.
"Well, this is going to be fun. Perhaps I should text Natsuki to come watch the show."
After the long day of working out, Rio sat down on a bench with a towel around her shoulders. Her eyes caught Sakura who was chatting with Moe. The white-haired athlete smiled and got up to approach her.
"Hey, pop star." Rio said getting Sakura's attention.
"Oh. Hey, Rio. What's up?"
"You didn't hear?" Rio asked. "Ms. Rogue and Mr. Inoba's scheduling our third match."
"Really?" Sakura asked.
"Yep. And this time, we want things to run correctly." Rio said. "You don't have any more idol friends who'll ambush us, do you?"
"No. Of course, not." Sakura replied.
"This is so cool." Moe said.
"Just be prepared to bring you're a game." Rio said. "Back then, I always faced you as if you were a pompous diva who doesn't know her place. But now that I acknowledge you as a rival, I'm going to treat you as one."
"I won't hold back if you don't." Sakura replied.
Meanwhile, Dawn headed to the locker room to change. During that time, she noticed Chocho changing as well after leaving the shower. They smiled competitively at each other.
"Hey there, Bee." Chocho said.
"Chocho." Dawn said crossing her arms with a confident smile. "Not sure if you've heard, but our rematch has been scheduled this weekend."
"I've heard." Chocho said. "The question is, do you really think it'll be different from last time?"
"Of course. Ms. Rogue has already assured that the League of Evil won't interfere."
"That's not what I meant. We both know that if the League hadn't shown up, I would've had you pinned to the mat for the three count."
"Well, we'll never know, will we? All that matters is that I kick your ass in just a couple of nights."
"What? With that Queen's Sting of yours? That won't work on me."
"We'll see about that."
Dawn and Chocho exchanged glares into each other's eyes before the bigger wrestler shrugged and exited to the workout area.
Author's Note: For those who didn't notice, I gave Chocho a surname, Miyazaki. The idea wasn't mine though. It was suggested by MasamunaNoirPrime.
Two highly-anticipated rematches have been scheduled. Who'll win? Will it be the natural athlete Rio who wins or the rising pop star, Sakura? Will it be the Queen of Pro Wrestling, Queen Bee, or the nearly undefeated juggernaut of Berserk, Chocho? Only one night will tell. Any and all comments are welcome.
