A/N: If any of you have kept up with Dawn of Chaos, you know what happened to Helena in Chapter 34.
Here's a new Special Edition Gaiden chapter to make you feel better.
The following story is chronologically eighth, and was not posted previously.
xxxxx
Helena and Tyra
xxxxx
Helena
It was 6:00 AM. As usual, it was time for my daily early morning training.
I rose from my futon and gathered my training gear. Opening a bag, I pulled out a pair of fitted black training pants, a brown tank top, and black wristbands. Before heading out to train, I went to take a quick bath. If one could describe me as anything, it would be dedicated and focused with my training. Not only did I train to stay in shape, but to improve my abilities as a Senshi. As an active Sailor Senshi, I pushed my training regiment and actively did morning training before meeting everyone for breakfast.
However, I don't like to train alone.
Once I stepped out of the tub, I draped a towel around my body and opened the door. To my surprise, my friend and fellow Kuiper Senshi, Tyra Vanderbilt, stood near me in her own training gear: a black tank top, golden pants, and white wristbands.
"Ready to start the day?"
I nodded, smiling. "Yes."
Tyra and I are close friends and make great training partners. In fact, it's thanks to our sparring matches that helped Tyra improve as a martial artist. I've been impressed with how steadily she's come along since we first moved into Hikawa Shrine. Our first sparring matches usually ended with disastrous results. Every match ended the same way: me beating Tyra and taking her out. But, I never once applied force to beat her. She always pursued power first to defeat her opponent, which I easily exploited. Capoeira never focuses on injuring or overpowering an opponent. It emphasizes one's skills, a fact to which Tyra eventually caught on.
In no time, Tyra was able to utilize skill over power, allowing us to better complement each other's styles.
Although, I'm not one to brag, I still manage to beat her in our sparring matches. She still has some ways to go.
Throwing a kick at my direction, I tilted my whole body and whirled around like a dancer. Tyra's kick narrowly made contact as I dropped down and swept my left leg, taking out Tyra's right foot and knocking her to the ground. Tyra surprised me as she pressed her left hand down on the ground whilst keeping herself balanced. She spun around into a hand spin and landed back on her feet. She then advanced toward me and attempted a hand strike, which I evaded with an aú, or a cartwheel. I created a distance between myself and Tyra.
"Nice move, Hel," Tyra complimented me, taking a battle stance. "Hell, I should teach that to my students today."
I smiled, wiping the sweat from my brow. "I'll be there to see it."
Tyra has gone out of her way to get a certified license to teach girls and young women in self-defense classes. On top of making money, she has helped women learn the proper basics of self-defense against attackers. And she's even implemented some Capoeira into the mix in addition to karate. It's really good to see my friend do this and I'm always there to watch her classes.
I mean, how could I call her my friend if I'm not there to support her work?
Before I knew it, we were leaving the shrine later that day and headed off to Shibuya. She teaches her students over at Okami's dojo three times a week: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Okami has allowed us permission to use his shrine for 1.5 hour class sessions. Tyra could only afford this maximum amount since there are other classes taught by other masters. Certain blocks are scheduled for each teacher and session.
Why don't I teach Capoeira classes?
Heh, well, I don't see myself as the teaching type.
Tyra does a better job with it, I think.
xxxxx
Tyra
Who would've believed I'd become a self-defense instructor? Since I started living in Japan, I figured I had to turn my life around by giving back to the community, and what better way to do it than through self-defense? If there's anything that bugs me, it's seeing helpless girls in messed-up situations.
And I figure, why not teach them to fight back?
It's only been seven months and I've gotten a lot of positive feedback. Women as young as first year junior high girls to women in their 50's have come to take my sessions. Out of all the instructors, I'm already ranked the most popular ladies' instructor.
Out of all my promising students, there are a few that come to mind that I think have progressed better than I expected. Those three were my promising subjects whim devoted their time to impress me. As I walked in front of the class awaiting me, there were 25 young girls and women waiting, each seated across the floor mats placed over the dojo. Donning my black t-shirt and dark gray sweatpants, I stood front and center with all eyes staring at me.
After thirty minutes of warm-ups and lessons, it was demonstration time.
I quickly called up my three best students to the front, addressing each by their names.
"Chun, Lily, and Nuriko, front and center."
"Hai, Sensei!" Three youthful cries cried out in unison.
The first to walk forward, Chun, was bar none my quickest learner and top ranked student. She was a youthful Chinese girl about my age. She was born from a wealthy Chinese family, but has moved on her own in attempt to learn study and perfect her Kung-fu, which she learned from Hong Kong duelist Vivian Wong. Directing her view forward, she gave me her ever nonchalant and cheery demeanor. She stood about a few inches below my height, give or take, and wore her dark hair trimmed with purplish tints. Dressed in a blue-sleeveless top trimmed with yellow and black pants coupled with a red cloth with a big bow tied behind the back, Chun was firmly ready for her demonstration. Out of my students, her eyes burned with passion, but I can't quite place where her passion lies. Is it for my lessons... or for me?
The second girl to step forward, Nuriko, was taller, darker-skinned, and shaggy-haired. She was a little more lethargic, unlike Chun. Growing up on the streets, Nuriko adopted the Drunken Fist style. I recruited her to my class after watching her cream a bunch of delinquents. Naturally, I joined in the fight and gave her an offer she couldn't refuse. Like Chun, I saw great potential in her fighting ability, which I could teach her to utilize as a self-defense tool. She's about three years my senior, but she views me with high regard. Greeting me with a wave, I returned a kind gesture and turned my view to my third promising student.
The third student, Lily, is undoubtedly the youngest student in my class. Approximately 13 years old, Lily was a lavender-haired, Chinese girl with the most spry personality I've ever seen. Out of all my students, she's the quickest and literally the hardest to catch! Even with all the moves I know, she somehow is able to evade all my blows! With her small frame, however, when I do manage to take her down, she can't escape. Feh, quick little brat.
These three specifically are my most challenging and physically demanding students. We learn and adapt to each other's styles, giving the others a fun and exciting demonstration.
Just like we're about to do right now.
xxxxx
Helena
"Chun! You're up! Don't hold back!" I sat on a chair from the sidelines, observing Tyra and Chun quickly maneuvering around each other. It's always exciting seeing Tyra teaching these young ladies self defense. I can tell she's doing her best and enjoys teaching them the basics of fighting. Our daily sparring has helped her to achieve what she's always wanted to do: giving women a chance to better themselves and use sufficient means in self defense. "Go, Tyra!" I shouted, expressing my full support for my friend.
Tyra is doing a lot of good for these women. I'm proud of her.
Throwing a spinning kick, Chun narrowly missed Tyra. The blonde-haired girl turned her head and dropped down, attempting to take Chun down by her legs. Chun jumped over Tyra. As Tyra turned, she waited as Chun turned around. Seizing the chance to take her down, Chun spun around and landed a high side thrust kick, clocking Tyra in the jaw. Everyone gasped in awe as Tyra collapsed and fell to the mat.
"TYRA!" I cried, rushing over to my friend's side. "Tyra, are you ok?"
"Tyra-sensei, I... I didn't mean to..." Chun stammered as she knelt by Tyra's side.
"It's cool... I'm fine..." Tyra said, beckoning a wave to us. She rubbed her jaw and turned, offering a laugh to Chun. "That was a sick move, Chun. Caught me off guard."
"Yes, but I didn't mean... I only did it instinctively..."
"Hey, that's the whole point of this class. That was a great counter, but don't go patting yourself on the back yet," her smile faded as she wore a determined glare. "I'll remember that and won't make the same mistake." With that, I helped Tyra up to her feet. "Damn, she really got me good."
"You need to be careful, Tyra," I said, handing a towel to my stubborn friend, who took it and wiped her face with it.
The blonde vaguely smiled, as confident as ever. "It's cool. I've gotten my ass handed to me by Chun plenty of times. I'm probably learning as much from these three as they are from me, if not more."
What she said struck me. I knew I should've seen this a mile away. Unlike most instructors I've seen, Tyra doesn't make any excuses for herself. The moment one of her students trounces her in a spar, she will admit her defeat. Thus far, Chun has the best track record against Tyra in sparring bouts, amounting to 7 wins and 3 losses. Nuriko even surprised Tyra with a 4-4 record in spar sessions. Lily has come close to sneaking a win over Tyra, but doesn't quite have the strength to take her down.
Still, Tyra doesn't let setbacks keep her from reaching her goal, and that goal is to challenge herself. She feels she's achieved something.
xxxxx
Tyra
"Chun, nice work," I turned and nodded to the Chinese girl, who acknowledged me with a playful wink. Oh, boy. "All right, great work everyone. See you guys in two days and remember what we demonstrated."
"Yes, sensei!"
As my students started filing out of the dojo, I turned my view to my three top students, who helped pick up the floor mats. Being my best students, I ask a lot from these three and demand they stay to help clean up. As I picked up my bottled water, I sat down on a chair as Helena draped a towel around my neck.
"Tired, Tyra?" Helena smiled, rubbing my shoulders.
"Not so much tired as drained," I added, drinking a sip of my water.
Nuriko approached and inquisitively addressed to me. "We've put away the mats. Is there anything more you'd like for us to do?"
"Nah, see you next time," I asked as Chun approached me, offering a towel to me. "Chun?"
"Tyra-sensei, would you like a towel?"
"Thanks, but just one will do." Heh, not so surprising, Helena gave Chun an irked glare, making her withdraw from me. Helena is naturally a shy and good natured individual, but when something or someone gets on her bad side, she'll really show her claws. I don't know what it is, but Chun rubs Helena the wrong way. Might be a rivalry thing, or the fact Chun kicks my ass in spar matches.
"See you next time, sensei!" Lily chirped, gleefully waving to me as she picked up her cute pink book bag.
Nuriko bowed, openly expressing respect to me. "Take care."
"Tyra-sensei! Where you going after this?" Chun inquired.
"Probably just going to cruise around town with Helena. Why?"
"Nothing just asking. I was going to ask if you two wanted to join me for some ice cream."
"Well..."
"Thanks, but we have plans later, Chun," Helena said, quickly putting a hand out to Chun. "We'll see you next class."
Chun shrugged. "Sure. Bye, Tyra-sensei!"
As Chun walked out the dojo, Helena ceased rubbing my shoulders.
"What's your deal with Chun, Hel?" I chuckled, teasing the Brazilian, who quickly blushed and stuttered.
"W-Well I... I think she shouldn't hurt you so badly. She sometimes gets a little rough."
"I'm still walking, aren't I? Besides, the whole point of the class is to teach them to defend themselves. If they can't kick my ass, then I'm not doing my job. And if they can kick my ass, then the average thug on the street doesn't stand a chance."
My remark drew an exasperated sigh from Hel, who picked up her gym bag. Now that class was done, we could spend the rest of the day cruising. The minute I walked out the door, I bumped into someone, causing me to stumble back. "Hey, watch where you're going!"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to barge on your time, Tyra Vanderbilt."
"That voice..." I muttered as I raised my head and saw a tall, red-haired fierce-looking woman, dressed in a tattered red muscle shirt and black pants, in her late-20s staring over me with arms folded. "Kasumi Mizuhara." My fiery and passionate eyes narrowed, shooting a cold glare at my heated dojo rival. "I didn't know the Women's Battle Champ would turn up here. What brings you here, champ?" I dryly quipped.
"Nothing you should be concerned with. Is Okami-sensei here?"
"He stepped out," Helena answered. "He'll be back in an hour after the Kobudo class."
"I didn't ask you, Miss Brazilian, but thanks," the red-haired butch turned her nose to Helena and walked off.
I wasn't gonna let this stand as I walked up and jerked the taller woman's left arm. "Hey, take back what you said, Kasumi!" As I turned her around, we came face-to-face and sized each other up. "I don't give a rat's ass if you're some champ in some MMA arena type competition and gained so much fame, but you don't give my friend the cold shoulder. She gave you a simple answer."
"And I so appreciate it. Now let go," Kasumi scoffed, jerking her arm off. "You and this class of yours is a joke. How you call yourself a sensei if two of your own students are your physical superiors?"
"Because they believe in me enough to let me teach them. And besides, I'm learning to adjust to their styles. It's not about winning or losing to me. I'm only here to improve myself and teach them a thing or two about proper self defense."
Walking forward, Kasumi snorted and turned her back to me. "You're just a brat who has no real grip for martial arts."
"At least I'm not someone who sold herself out for fame. I can admit my defeat, unlike you. Okami-sensei's none too pleased with what you've become."
Not surprisingly, my words fell on deaf ears and she walked past the gates. I turned and nodded to Helena, who walked past me and headed near the gate. "Hel?"
"Let's set out some clean floor mats for the next class," the Brazilian turned, smiling to my general direction, her frown smeared away after Kasumi left. "I'm sure Megumi-shishou and the Kobudo class would appreciate it."
"That sounds like a good idea," I nodded as we walked back into the dojo.
xxxxx
Helena
After Tyra and I finished placing out the floor mats for the next class, we shared a brief exchange with Taylor and Christina, then headed off to the Tiger Claw Gym for some exercise and sparring. I stretched out while Tyra was striking fiercely at a punching bag. I went over to hold the bag, letting Tyra punch and kick it. Every strike from her was strong and fierce. Not a single one was held back. She went all out and it made me smile seeing her improving herself as a martial artist. Tyra strove for nothing more than to improve and learn. This was a trait about her I admired. I can't really explain it, but it's something I find thoroughly enjoying when I see her train this hard.
"Ok, Hel, your turn," she offered to switch out with me. I readily accepted and took a stance while she held the boxing box in position.
I landed a fierce side kick and followed it with the left. I repeated this at least 14 more times before landing a spinning back kick, which nearly knocked the bag over and pushed Tyra back, startling even her!
"Whoa there, Hel! Careful!" Tyra laughed as she nearly fell back from my strong kick. "Sheesh, if there's anything I can't counter well, it's your kicks!"
"I don't hold back when I kick, but I'll try and have some restraint next time."
"I'll keep that noted."
"Well, well, looks who's here. Didn't think I'd bump into you two so soon," a familiar and offhanded woman's voice called out behind us.
My brows furrowed as Tyra and I saw Kasumi standing in the middle of a boxing ring. We saw everyone who had been working out taking notice of the sports celebrity addressing us publicly. Suddenly, we also noted Kasumi wasn't the only individual standing in the ring. Kasumi was accompanied by her bodyguard, a tall Amazon of a woman standing 6'2. The large woman, named Reika, wore long purple hair, an attractive dark blue elegant dress, and resembled a model more than a fighter. Despite her beautiful looks, Reika's known for being a pound-for-pound deadly brawler. When she's in a ring, she turns into a completely different animal altogether. Many have given her the 'Lady Demon' title since starting as a pro 7 years ago and that name has stuck with her since. Tyra had gone toe to toe with her in ambitious effort to get her training off the ground. Unfortunately, rather than sparring an opponent on her level, Kasumi sent Reika to 'rough' Tyra up to teach her a lesson.
Needless to say, Tyra put up a valiant effort, but was beaten in less than five minutes. I had to take Tyra to get a few stitches after that fight.
Of course, that was roughly a year and a half ago. Tyra has since improved and earned her students' respect.
Respect. This is something Kasumi has yet to fully give Tyra and I think it's about time she gave it.
"You're the last person I wanted to see here," Tyra scoffed, shooting a determined glare toward Kasumi. "I'll tell you this, I'm not the same simple street brawler that doesn't know shit about discipline. I'm a whole different Tyra now. Care to try me, Kasumi?"
"Sure, why not?" Kasumi answered, wearing a smug expression.
I interjected between my friend and the fighting champion. "Tyra, not here. Not today. She's not worth it."
"Why hide behind your Brazilian friend? Is she going to fight your battles for you? Are you too afraid to back up your word?"
Upon hearing this, I whirled around and gave Kasumi a fierce glare that would scare a grown man. Naturally, Kasumi was seemingly unfazed and waited for Tyra to enter the ring. I stepped aside and nonchalantly let my friend pass. Kasumi just lit my fire and finally pushed me over the edge, but I remained calm and collected as I can be.
"Teach her a lesson, Tyra," I darkly muttered.
Tyra added with a confident smile. "You're being awfully generous today, Hel."
"She pushed the wrong buttons, that's all. Just kick her butt."
Noticing I meant business, my friend replied in earnest. "No problem. This arrogant bitch is mine!" I watched as Tyra stepped into the ring to confront Kasumi and Reika. Reika walked right up and towered over Tyra whilst folding her arms and standing. "I didn't ask for you. I want Kasumi."
Kasumi suddenly beckoned off Reika, who stepped away and let the two face each other off.
When I watched the two meet face to face, I knew serious business was about to pick up.
xxxxx
Tyra
I smirked as we sized each other up.
"Isn't this something? You really eager to go through with this?"
Kasumi shared a similar confident smile and clenched her taped fists. "I just want to see how far you've come along. If Reika can kick your ass, then I, her superior, should mop the floor with you."
"That was before I really started getting serious. I bet I can take your big bad bitch right now."
"Care to try?" Kasumi smiled evilly as she beckoned the tall and gorgeous woman back into the ring. "I'm sure Reika will serve you up nicely before I take care of the leftovers."
I frowned and watched Reika taking her off her shoes before walking right back up to me. I raised my head and looked straight into the eyes of the 'Lady Demon,' pound for pound one of this country's feared and deadly professional female fighters. Her reputation scares even the best male fighters, but not me. She doesn't realize what kind of crazy stuff I've faced during the last two years being an active Sailor Senshi. 'Lady Demon' is about to realize that the hard way.
I put on my fighting gloves and lifted my clenched fists, readying myself for our throwdown match. Without hesitation, I lunged forward and put my arms around Reika's waist. Reika easily held her ground whilst I tried pushing her. With little effort, she elbowed me in the back and I fell like bricks to the mat. I sprang to my feet as Reika reached over to grab me, but I cartwheeled away from it, utilizing the move Helena had used on me this morning. I encircled Reika cautiously as the large woman carefully observed me. Reika has the clear height and strength advantage over me. I get it. And she's got some years of experience over me. That's all fine and dandy, but I'm no pushover. I've trained and adapted to several disciplines to get where I am. I turned and looked over to Helena, who openly encouraged me with cries and cheers. I turned and watched Reika advance toward me. She went for a straight kick, which I evaded by rolling away. Then, I clipped Reika's right leg by kicking it. One kick was able to bring Reika down to one knee. I seized this opportunity and went for a straight jab to her face. Reika caught my hand with a surprisingly quick reflex and threw me across the ring. I bounced right off the ropes and jumped right on her back. I delivered jabs to the side of her face whilst she recovered from me hitting her leg.
Reika suddenly rose to her feet with me still hanging on her back. Everyone was in awe as I still managed to hang on and clamped my arms around her head. She effortlessly slammed me right into a turnbuckle, but I wouldn't let go. She slammed me again. Again, I refused to relinquish the hold. Reika slammed me hard thrice, but I still wouldn't let go. Reika reached over her face to grab my head. I turned my head and wrapped my legs around her waist, clamping my arms over her head. Reika waltzed over to the center of the ring and dropped on her back, crushing me under her weight. I let out a pained cry as I lied prone and doubled over holding my side. So, she wants to go pro wrestling on my ass, huh? Two can play it that game.
As Reika walked over to pick me up, I feigned injury and allowed her to take advantage. Once Reika went to pick me up on her right shoulder, she ran across to give me a power slam. Unbeknownst to her, I slid right through her arm and pushed her into one of the turnbuckles. I landed a picture perfect dropkick to her back and knocked her face first on the same turnbuckle. I hurried over and waited as she turned. I quickly caught her with a side kick and followed it up with another. I kicked her sides at least three more times. Finally, I hit her in the chin with a spinning back kick. The kick dazed the large woman as she stumbled forward. I raced across and landed a fierce jab to her face, knocking her out to the surprise of everyone in the gym.
I looked over my back and caught Helena cheering for me. But, not just her, I saw Chun and Nuriko, too. They were all watching to support me. I couldn't have asked for better spectators.
"Way to go, Tyra!" Helena cheered.
Chun quickly asserted herself. "I didn't think anyone would topple the Lady Demon!"
"But, my friend just did."
Suddenly, I heard clapping as I watched Kasumi enter the ring and nonchalantly applauding me. I watched as Reika was suddenly coming to as she lifted her head and rolled away to let Kasumi pass through. I stood and faced Kasumi.
"Congratulations, Tyra. Maybe I was wrong about you," Kasumi addressed to me. "You couldn't even last with Reika before and now you just bested some of the best fighters I've ever competed with. Though, I'd say her best days are behind her. I'm still superior to her. But, how about an offer?"
"What do you want?"
"Be my bodyguard. Reika is easily dispensable. I'd say you're the raw deal. What do you say?"
Me? Shake hands with the bitch who badmouthed my friend? "Tempting, but no thanks. I have a busy life as it is." I turned toward Helena and gave her a smile of reassurance. Kasumi took note of our exchange and dismissively shook her head.
"Disappointing, but oh well," she stepped back across the ring and readied her clenched fists. "Time to put up or shut up, Tyra. I want to see why your students respect you so much."
Having been through a grueling but sudden fight with Reika, I realized the deck was truly stacked against me. Kasumi is a fighting champion for a reason. She's no flashy fighter, but I think the fame she gained has gone to her head. She's been prominently featured as a prized women's fighter for the past decade, or so I heard from Okami, who just happened to be Kasumi's former sensei. I'm in for a hardcore brawl. Reika's tough, sure, but Kasumi, undoubtedly, will rough me up good.
Nonetheless, I'm not afraid. This was the last straw to get her to recognize me.
"Finished taking a breather?" Kasumi taunted me while trotting back and forth in the ring.
I paced forward and raised my fists, waiting for Kasumi to advance. But, like the veteran she was, Kasumi didn't take my bait and instead tried to lure me in. She went for a light jab, but I jumped back and barely even dodged! In fact, her jab was so quick the edge of her knuckles just touched my shirt and I didn't even realize it until now! I paced myself carefully and encircled Kasumi, who turned and watched me with keen eyes. I advanced and went for a jab, but she countered and slapped my fist aside. I pulled my hand back and analyzed her. Kasumi was practically my equal in height and size, but she had more than 10 years of professional experience over me. I was barely getting into disciplined arts less than two years ago when I moved here with the Kuipers. I'm still a rookie compared to Kasumi.
However, it didn't matter how many years of experience she had over me. I never back down from any challenge thrown at my direction.
Even if that means possibly losing.
Kasumi encircled me and attempted to throw a few jabs. I backhanded each jab and shot forward, throwing a right-handed hook, which Kasumi evaded. She went to sweep me off my feet, but I jumped away from her reach. She raced forward and landed a punch into my side. I doubled over and felt the riveting blow in my side. Kasumi quickly seized me by my right arm and hit a kick to my abdomen. Reeling from her kick, I fell over on the nearest turnbuckle. Taking a minute to recollect myself, I waltzed up to Kasumi and threw a punch. She evaded my punch and threw a left-handed hook to my face, which dazed me. I nearly dropped from the punch, but managed to keep myself attentive to the fight. I followed Kasumi, who was dancing around me and trying to psyche me out. Kasumi lunged forward and threw her arms around my waist. She hoisted me into the air and took me down with a hard hitting slam. She then had me pinned to the mat and sat right on top of me.
Leaning forward, she whispered into my ear. "Stop humiliating yourself, Tyra. Just give up."
"Not my style," I angrily rebuked and decked her in the face with a punch.
As Kasumi covered her face, I took this time to mount a quick comeback. I hit her with an uppercut to her jaw and knocked her across the ring. As Kasumi fell on her side, I gingerly stood and recovered from the blows. I could hear the loud cheers coming from Hel, Chun, and Nuriko outside the ring. The more they cheered, the more I was able to gain a second wind and become rejuvenated, however long it may last me.
I hurried over and went for a kick as Kasumi slowly stood.
Then, from out of nowhere, Kasumi threw an uppercut at blinding speed, which knocked me nearly out cold. I collapsed on the mat and was down on both knees.
That last uppercut seemingly came out of nowhere and knocked me silly. It was sudden and quick, which even I couldn't initially respond to. As I tried to reach for the nearest ropes, I heard Helena screaming in encouragement. Then, the last thing I saw was Kasumi picking me up.
xxxxx
Helena
Kasumi was dominating Tyra for the next two minutes. After that last uppercut, my friend couldn't do anything to fight back. I'm not sure if it was the last punch that did it, but Tyra was unable to focus and mount any comeback. I don't think my cheers can reach her now.
"No, c'mon!" I cried out, watching with fear as Kasumi kicked Tyra's side. Then, she threw my friend on one of the turnbuckles while landing kicks. At this point, I was visibly upset. Kasumi was just toying with her. Is this how a famous fighting champion is supposed to conduct herself?
"C'mon, Tyra-sensei! Get up!" I heard Chun cheer her sensei on with unbridled encouragement.
I can do better than that. I screamed out and slapped the side ring. "Get your butt up, Tyra! Don't let her take you!"
Kasumi landed a cringe-worthy side kick to Tyra's side, dropping her to the mat. I continued screaming and trying to get Tyra back into the fight, but Kasumi landed hard punches to the sides of Tyra's face. Tyra tried covering herself, but Kasumi could have none of it. She flipped Tyra over and applied an arm bar submission. As Kasumi locked her legs around Tyra's right arm, she bent and turned my friend's arm while attempting to force a submissive cry out of her. Gritting her teeth, my friend defied giving into submission and tried her hardest to turn Kasumi over.
I was deeply drawn to the contest and couldn't take my eyes off Tyra. She resisted Kasumi's wrath with her resilient spirit, which was one of her greatest traits. She possessed this spirit even during her Senshi duties. She never gave up no matter what the odds were. However, now, Tyra realized she had to win a hard fight without her powers. Suddenly, I watched as Tyra rolled over and landed a few kicks to Kasumi's face. Kasumi rolled away and leaned against the ropes. Tyra stumbled back, favoring her right arm. The second Tyra charged forward, Kasumi lunged ahead and kicked her face. Tyra fell back on the mat and was seemingly out cold. Kasumi dropped to one knee and noticed Tyra slowly coming to.
"C'MON, TYRA-SENSEI!" Chun shouted, trying to get my friend back on her feet. "YOU CAN'T LOSE!"
The minute she said this, my mind clicked. Kasumi went for a straight punch to my friend's face, and then I shut my eyes from what could end up as a cringe-worthy scene. Then, I opened my eyes and saw Kasumi's fist caught by a hand just a few inches from Tyra's face.
All eyes followed the arm to see that the hand belonged to none other than Okami Inuki.
"Okami-sensei?" I murmured, taken aback by the old master's eventful arrival.
Kasumi was more shocked than others as she drew her fist back..
"O-Okami-sensei?" I heard Kasumi address her old teacher. "This is a surprise."
Tyra came to her senses and looked up as Okami offered her a hand. She took his hand and pulled herself off the mat. I rolled into the ring with Chun and Nuriko while checking on Tyra. Okami approached Kasumi, wearing a discouraged look and looked none too pleased with his former student's actions.
"Are you ok?" I asked Tyra, putting an arm over her as I noticed she was still a little dazed.
"I'm ok... thanks, Hel," Tyra reassured me as she observed Okami and Kasumi. "...Okami?"
Kasumi stood and leaned against a turnbuckle, facing her former master. "Okami-sensei, what brings you here?"
"I heard you came to see me at the dojo, but I wasn't available. So, I heard you'd be coming here."
"Judging by the look on your face, you look disappointed with your former student."
"Not with your talent, but your character has disappointed me."
We stepped side, giving the student and the master room to resolve their differences.
Kasumi furrowed her brows, expressing her disapproval of Okami 'downplaying' her. "Character? Okami-sensei, I'm the top women's fighting champion in this country. I'm the best."
"Only in your own mind. Kasumi, I didn't teach you to lose sight of who you were before. You were my top student before you graduated. You were the first of my students to become a renowned fighting champion. You wouldn't be where you are now without me."
I saw that Kasumi withdrew her eyes from Okami and seemingly quiet. Perhaps what Okami said was finally reaching her. I don't know anything about their history, but assessing Kasumi's body language, she retracted any retorts and stood quietly. Tyra lightly beckoned me to step aside as she tried to interject between Okami and Kasumi's exchange. I promptly put my hand on my friend, inexplicably convincing her to hold her ground.
Kasumi sighed and turned to meet Okami eye to eye. "No, I know I'm the best. I think you've lost sight of the fact I've become more known on an international level! I've faced and conquered many challenges put in my way! Aren't you at least proud that I, your top student, aimed to accomplish her goal?"
"I am, but you've let success cloud your judgment. You immediately dismissed Tyra and Helena as nothing more than rookies. These two young women have promising futures. In fact, Tyra has taken time out of her schedule to teach women's self defense classes. You never know if one of Tyra's students may eventually step in and become a fighter on a professional level. That student just might dethrone your position."
I definitely agree with Okami-sensei. Not everyone can stay on top forever. Kasumi needs to realize this and recall where she learned her roots.
"Kasumi, you might not know this, but you and Tyra have much more in common than you realize."
Upon hearing this, Tyra listened and noticed Kasumi lowering her eye level.
Nonetheless, Okami pressed on while approaching the woman. "You, like her, started as a street urchin. Like her, you found a home. I raised you like a daughter. In fact, before my wife had Aoshi, I was proud to have raised you like my child. Suzuno and I gave you a home. And you took immediate interest in learning the arts from me. You took whatever I taught you and ran with it. After you graduated, you left on your own to become the renowned champion you are today. I've become proud of your success, but I did take notice of the change in your demeanor from the various interviews I saw on TV. I looked deeply into your eyes and saw the Kasumi I knew had sold herself out."
Tyra and I noticed Kasumi's expression had changed. Everything Okami said hit her like a freight train. She was left standing visibly shaking.
"You didn't once come to see me again after ten years and now you decide to show up? Why? Did something happen?"
Suddenly, Kasumi sank to her knees as sudden tears formed in her eyes. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. Was the fighting champion breaking down in front of everyone? Was it Okami's words that broken the exterior of Kasumi's famous hardcore disposition? Kasumi was risking her reputation here by breaking down in front of a large crowd of people.
It was then Okami knelt over and put an arm over Kasumi, who covered her face.
"...the pressure's getting to me, Okami-sensei. The press... and the tours... and the grueling matches are taking their toll."
"Why don't you just relinquish your title?"
"Because I worked hard to earn it. I'd rather lose it to a worthy challenger than give it up."
"When is your next fight?"
"In two weeks," Kasumi answered as withdrew her tears, shifting her view over to us. "Tyra, Helena, I want to apologize for all the trouble you've caused for you. No, in fact..." With that, she stood and walked up to us, offering a handshake to us. "I want to call a truce."
xxxxx
Tyra
"You're kidding?" I rebuked. "After what you put me through on those occasions and for you badmouthing my friend..."
"Tyra, that's enough," Helena interjected as I looked at her and saw her walk up to Kasumi. "Kasumi, I hope you realize what fame can do to a person. You thought of yourself highly and looked down on me. For a while you've irritated me and I've had to suppress the urge to beat you down. I didn't want to embarrass the champion. As a part-time martial artist, I can recognize you as a highly talented woman. I may not like you as a person, but I respect you as a fighter. But, maybe starting today, we can put our differences aside... and I can't hate you for breaking down like that." I watched as Hel took Kasumi's hand and readily shook it.
Damn. If Hel can forgive her, then I should be able to.
I walked right up to Kasumi and gave her a reluctant handshake. Kasumi followed and we exchanged handshakes, formally resolving the differences we've had.
"I mean what I said to your friend. I'm sorry for putting you two through such hell."
"I'll never forget everything you said."
"But, I hope this start a recovery process. By the way, Tyra, ever thought of going pro? You have great potential. If you decide, I can get you in and give you a shot at my title?"
I chuckled and dismissively nodded. "Nah, sounds fun, but I'm happy what I'm doing now. Going pro would just hinder my schedule. No offense, champ."
Kasumi shared a small heartfelt laugh with me. "Oh? Afraid I might beat you?" She playfully teased me.
"Yeah, right."
"Whoever I drop this title to, I hope it's someone who truly deserves it and I hope it's soon," Kasumi said as she turned toward Okami. "Thank you for opening my eyes, sensei." She smiled as she called Reika into the ring. "The day I lose my title, I'm thinking Reika and I can open our own dojo. Tyra, Helena, Chun, Nuriko, you're all invited to watch me when that day comes."
I smiled. "Sure. I'd be happy, too."
Helena nodded. "Me, too."
My dislike for Kasumi turned into respect in less than a day. All this couldn't have been possible if Okami didn't intervene. I have him to thank, but I'm glad I was able to earn the respect of a well-known fighting champion. Likewise with Hel. Speaking of Hel.
"Hey," I addressed to my friend and saw her finishing a conversation with Okami. "Kasumi's not too bad."
"No, she isn't. I'm glad Okami brought her to her senses."
"Same here, Hel. Now that we got things settled here, wanna head out?"
"Yes, I'm ready to go."
xxxxx
Helena
"Not fast!" I heard Chun's exuberant voice ringing behind me. I felt Chun lightly me pushing me away and encircling Tyra like a frantic fangirl.
"Tyra-sensei? Can I ride with you? Can I? I need a ride home!"
I rolled my eyes and took Tyra by the arm, storming out of the gym with our belongings.
"Wait for me, Tyra-sensei! Helena!"
"Let's go, Tyra. Fast as you can."
Tyra chuckled nervously as she saw how fast I was running. "Sure thing! Wait up!"
This is just one of our many times we've spent together. Though we're complete opposites, we always find ways to strength our bond and friend with each other, and with other people. Forming a friendship with Kasumi after a seemingly hated rivalry was just another plus for us.
xxxxx
My Commentary: To hopefully get your minds over what happened with Helena recently, this chapter was to show Tyra and Helena's developing friendship. By this point, they've been living at Rei and Cammy's shrine for nearly two years. During those two years, Helena has been teaching Tyra how to better adapt to learning martial arts. Having raised herself as just a pure street brawler, Tyra has only learned to attack steadfast without analyzing her opponents. If you recall reading YuYuGiDigiMoon: Gaiden, a chapter exclusively written by LazerWulf, there was a brief glimpse of Tyra and Helena sparring. If you may recall, Helena was shown to have beaten Tyra easily. This further adds to Tyra learning to adjust to fighting smarter than harder, and losing consistently to Helena allowed for her to become a more adaptable fighter.
And after taking a few classes herself, Tyra took this chance to start self defense classes for young women. She wishes to help women to learn to defend themselves, and so forth build their confidence. After each consecutive training session, Tyra also utilizes these classes to learn from her students. This is where Chun, Nuriko, and Lily come in. These three are her top students and she picked them to be her sparring partners (outside Helena of course) to learn to use their maneuvers. She learns by watching and sparring with them. Tyra makes a habit of challenging her students, but most of all herself. Whether it's Helena's Capoeira, Chun's Kung-fu, or Nuriko's Drunken Style, she's learned to implement them to her own developing combat system, which she can often utilize in Senshi battles. I even incorporated wrestling into Tyra's repertoire, which she displayed in her fights with Reika and Kasumi.
Though she didn't get too involved in the class, Helena does offer guidance and helps Tyra's students. Speaking of Chun, yes, she has an unbridled love for her sensei if you didn't notice. Helena also shows us a side of her we've never seen. ;)
Least I forget, you did read correctly. Chun was taught Kung-fu by the one and the same Vivian Wong, the Hong Kong Duelist. Moreover, Tyra's self defense class precedes the Kobudo class that fellow Kuiper Senshi (Karin, Taylor, and Christina) take thrice a week.
Kasumi is introduced into the series, and she was revealed to be one of Okami's top students. She's, also in fact, his first child, albeit an adopted one. Her story begins after having been rescued and saved from a demon by Okami, who had unveiled his Lycan form to her. Kasumi knows of Okami's Lycan nature, but has made a vow to never speak of it except between them. At age 10, she was adopted by Okami into his household and was around to see Aoshi born a few years later. By the time she was 18, she left after graduating from his school and utilized the skills she's picked up from her master/foster father to become a renowned fighting champion. She won her first national championship at age 21 and competed in various international competitions whilst defending against all comers. She had since lost the title and won it back four times, establishing herself as a multi-time champion. As of Summer Diaries, she's in her fourth championship reign. Every once in a while, she drops by around her former hometown, and met Tyra & Helena in the gym. This started their rivalry with each other.
Reika, one of Kasumi's major opponents, became her bodyguard. Having roughed up Tyra before, she was used primarily as an obstacle for Tyra to overcome to get her hands on Kasumi. The biggest turnabout is undoubtedly Okami reminding Kasumi of the kind of student she used to be. Realizing that fame was taking a toll on her, Kasumi is now ready to settle down and let someone else take her place as champion.
The chapter served to bring some down to earth street-level action (for once) and some development for an introduced character. So, who really won between Tyra and Kasumi? I say undecided.
Hope you enjoyed this installment! Send a review and stay gold!