Chapter 141 (Daily)

Sayuri started her day early in her office. She fixed her eyes on her laptop watching a video of a certain press conference that was just the other night. It showed the monster-sized wrestling legend, Mother Devil, disrespecting the masked wrestler, Spring Tiger (now called Springer). Mother Devil had just dared Springer to unmask herself if she loses her upcoming match in Girmov.

"Reveal my face?" Springer asked in angry retaliation. "I'd rather reveal my bum!"

Mother Devil smirked at the idea. "You're the one who said it. Your bum it is then!"

All the reporters who were present at the conference gasped in surprise, interest, and curiosity. Springer looked confused as to the reaction she was getting.

Sayuri chuckled. "She's clearly new to the whole wrestling thing."

The video ended just as she heard a knock on the door. Ryuji Hashimoto opened the door and poked his head in to face his boss.

"Ms. Rogue, Fenix Malvada is here."

"Good. Send her in." Sayuri ordered.

Ryuji opened the door and the black-masked luchadora walked right into the office wearing clothes that were either black or dark-purple. She sat in the chair facing the Xtrema CEO.

"Hola, jefa."

"Ms. Malvada, do you know why you're here?" Sayuri asked.

"I have some idea." Fenix said. "I'm guessing it has to do with my match against Kaito Marx."

"Bingo. It was a match which was anticipated by many. We had a good rise in tickets ever since we announced it. Yet, you left the ring just less than a minute after it began. Now, I'd like to know why."

"I assumed you heard by now." Fenix said. "I never wanted a match against Kaito. If it was offered to me in the future, I'd give it my all, but there's still one loose end I have to tie up. Before anything else, I want a match against Black Swan."

Sayuri rolled her eyes at the statement. "Yes, I've heard that. I'm just wondering what you meant by that. I mean, clearly, you are, or rather were Black Swan. How am I supposed to put you in a match against your old persona?"

Fenix Malvada reached into her jacket and pulled out her old Black Swan mask which was still a little soggy from the lake water it was buried in. She then dropped it on the desk for Sayuri to examine.

"I've been thinking it over, and I believe I found a way to do that." Fenix said. "That cosplayer, Sam Hamilton. She can perfectly mimic anyone, even a wrestler down to their very last move. You give her this mask, ask her to face me in a Black Swan costume, and she and I will handle the rest."

Sayuri picked up the mask and stared at it. She then set it down to look at her wrestler. "I'll see what I can do. But there's no guarantee that she'll even accept this. But before I do anything else, I want to know. Why do you even want this match-up?"

"Because Black Swan is a part of my past that I need to be rid of. Until I finish it, it'll haunt me for the rest of my life. Don't you ever wish you could go back and beat up who you were back then?"

That question got a surprised reaction out of Sayuri causing her to drop the mask and sit back in her chair. "Thank you, Ms. Malvada. You may leave now."

Fenix stood up from her chair and left the office. Once she was gone, Ryuji looked back and took note of his boss' stunned expression.

"Guess she got to you without even realizing it, huh?" he asked.

"She did bring up a good question." Sayuri said. "If I could go back, I'd certainly want to teach the young me a lesson for all the dastardly things she's done… or rather, I've done."

"You mean back in your heel days?" Ryuji asked. "Ma'am, you're not that person anymore."

"Tell that to Annie." Sayuri said. "She's the one who likes to remind me of old times."

"You mean Anesthesia, ma'am?" Ryuji asked. "You know, now that I think about it, you never told me a lot about your past with her."

"Oh?" Sayuri asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. All I really know is that you and she used to be an item back in the day. Nothing else, really."

Sayuri gave out a silent sigh. "Let's just say that if I stayed with her, the world of wrestling would be a much more dangerous place."

"Ominous."

"Yes." Sayuri cleared herself up and sat back up again. "All right. Enough focusing on the past. Let's focus on setting up Dynamix for this weekend. How's Queen Bee? My world champion looked like she was out of sorts after her match against Platinum Mask."

"Well, last I checked, she's not too injured, but she has to go to the doctor to check her ribs." Ryuji. "She's probably there right now."

"It would be a problem if she can't compete." Sayuri said. "If she's unable to defend her championship, then Eris will be the new champ by default."

"I asked her, and despite her feeling sore, she seemed like she was clear enough to put up a fight, so I wouldn't worry about that." Ryuji said. "But the real problem are the number of matches."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, let's take a look at the matches we have so far." Ryuji said looking at his clipboard. "We have Queen Bee going against Eris for the World Championship. There's also the Tag Team Championship match between the Daughters of Darkness and Scarlette and Clover. And let's not forget the Yin-Yang Tournament finals between Amazon Aqua and Mercy. And now, we seem to be considering a grudge match between Fenix Malvada and Sam Hamilton wearing a Black Swan costume. Assuming we can get Ms. Hamilton on board with that, we still have five more empty places on the match card for a complete set."

"I see." Sayuri said pondering hard. "Hmm… Well, we can't have a TV Championship match since our current champ, Clover, will be partnering with Scarlette for the tag team titles. Perhaps we can put Clementine in a match for the 24/7 belt. And perhaps I can get in the ring for another match. I could bring in an outside wrestler for a visitor's match too. I gotta decide this soon."

At that moment, Sayuri's cell phone rang. She picked it up and answered the call. "Hello. This is Sayuri Rogue, how can I…" She stopped when she recognized the voice. Her body shot up straight and her eyes widened. "You? How… Wait, you what? …I mean, sure, I guess. …Yeah, I'll see you then." She hung up with a surprised and confused look.

"Is everything okay, Ms. Rogue?" Ryuji asked.

"You're not going to believe who just called me."

Dawn sat at the doctor's table with her dad and Kaito standing beside her. The three of them waited until the doctor came in reading over his clipboard.

"How's it looking, doctor?" Mr. Sawyer asked.

"Well, my professional opinion is your daughter's not seriously injured and she can be cleared to compete this weekend. However, there are some bruises in the ribcage that could be an issue, so if you want out of the match…"

"I can't do that." Dawn said.

"All right then. I'll leave you to it. Feel free to leave when you're ready." The doctor left the office.

"That cheating Eris." Dawn murmured in a deep growl.

"You think she set this up?" Mr. Sawyer asked.

"Of course, she did. She's always like this." Dawn answered. "Throughout her whole career, she hasn't competed in one match that she didn't try to manipulate in her favor. From insults to sabotage, she's mastered every trick in the wrestling book. It's part of her persona as 'the Goddess of Chaos'."

"So what are you going to do?" Kaito asked. "I mean, it's probably smart if you just…"

"Don't suggest such a thing, Kaito." Dawn said. "If I forfeit the match, I lose the title to her. And besides, this might be the only match where my dad can see me compete in. I'm not letting this opportunity go just because of a bad stomach."

"Well, what are you going to do?" Mr. Sawyer said. "Eris is going to take advantage of your injury."

Dawn turned her eyes to her phone and put on a devilish smile. "I think I got an idea. If Eris wants to play games with me, then I guess I should fight fire with fire."

Eris laughed as she looked at Queen Bee's social media post.

"Doctor says injuries are minor. Cleared to compete. Guaranteed to win. #QueenOfProWrestling"

"You did good, princess." Eris said turning to Platinum Mask who refused to look into her master's eyes. "Very good indeed."

"I don't see why you're so happy about this." Platinum Mask said. "Queen Bee doesn't seem threatened."

"Oh, please. You know nothing about the internet." Eris said. "And you certainly know nothing about Queen Bee. She's too proud to admit there's something wrong with her. So unless you were holding back on her…" She narrowed her eyes on her servant. "You weren't holding back, right?"

"I wasn't." Platinum Mask assured. "I made sure to hurt her as you instructed."

"Good. Then that means she has an Achilles heel, one that I will use to be the one to end her stupidly long title reign and become the new Xtrema World Champion. It'll be such a great reign, that everyone will forget about my fluke of a loss."

Platinum Mask finally looked over at Eris' phone and widened her eyes. She smiled devilishly. "I wouldn't be so sure of that."

Curious, Eris looked back at her phone and discovered a video posted on Queen Bee's page. She pressed the play button and gasped in shock as she recognized a recent match she had. The video showed her losing to the Skunk. Not only that, but it showed Eris getting the stinkface followed by the senton bomb that led to her first pinfall.

After seeing the video, Eris scrolled down and saw the views that were rapidly growing followed by the comments that were added to it every half second.

"SHE'S our next World Champion?"

"Obvious why she needs a handicap."

"Goddess of Chaos? More like Goddess of Butts!"

"Undefeated no more."

"The Skunk of all people broke her streak!"

"Make the Skunk the number one contender!"

Eris had enough. In a fit of rage, she threw her phone to the wall and watched it shatter into pieces. Platinum Mask silently chuckled at Eris getting a rise.

"That does it!" Eris growled. "Come Dynamix, I'm giving Bee the ultimate defeat!"

Later that night, Sayuri Rogue locked the Xtrema gym and headed off downtown. There, she entered a late-night diner and looked around. When she noticed another woman sitting with a redhead, she headed over to sit with them.

"Hello, Ms. X." Sayuri greeted before turning to the redhead. "Lady."

Ms. X sighed. "Hello, Ms. Rogue. Listen… We need your help."

"Is this about what happened at the press conference?" Sayuri guessed.

"It's that obvious, huh?" Ms. X asked sullenly. "Lady, please explain the situation."

"Yes, ma'am." Lady said with a blank stare pointed at Sayuri. "Ever since Springer's loud outburst about 'revealing her bum', we have lost quite a bit of investors. Not only that, but other wrestlers have decided to drop their names out of our upcoming matches."

"And you want me to lend you some of my wrestlers." Sayuri guessed shrugging. "I don't know. I can't imagine many of my professionals would want to get involved in a wrestling event where someone has to strip. Well, maybe the Skunk… and Hotrina… and Eris."

"We're not going to allow that." Ms. X assured. "The tabloids took that WAY out of context. The issue is, we're running way too low on available wrestlers. So far, I've still got Springer, Milk, Mint, Queen Elizabeth, Payne Fox, and Mother Devil, who I hired for name value and decided to pit against Springer. It was also suggested that I have to get in the ring myself, but I'd much rather not."

"I'm aware." Sayuri said. "I heard that Mint contacted Viper for an appearance, but she's just on the fence about it. But the matter is, I'm not so sure anyone would want to associate themselves with anything related to the Global Wrestling Monopoly. After everything you all did…"

"None of that was my fault. Mr. X was the one calling all the shots. I was just along for the ride." Ms. X interrupted. She calmed down and took a breath. "Look, I know my face doesn't inspire confidence, but I'm trying to turn my life around. I've changed. I just need the chance for a new start. I would think that if anyone would know what it's like to change, if would be you."

Sayuri looked over at Ms. X and thought hard. She pondered quietly for a minute. Then, she got an idea that made her lift her head up and smile. She thought hard to think it through before answering Ms. X's proposal.

"Actually, X, I think I know a way we both can win." Sayuri said. "As it turns out, despite all the hype Dynamix has, I'm still short a few matches. So how about instead of me lending you wrestlers, you lend me yours?"

X stared at Sayuri curiously. "You want us to compete… in Dynamix?"

"Of course." Sayuri answered. "Consider it my way of welcoming you into the world of full-time wrestling. I do however have a few conditions. Number one, I make the final decisions on what the matches are going to be."

"I suppose," Ms. X said, "But it's already out to the public that Springer is going to face Mother Devil."

"Why would you arrange that?"

"Like I said, I hired her for name value. I didn't think she was that strong though."

Sayuri sighed. "You clearly have a lot to learn. Anyway, number two, when it comes to the profits, we split it 55-45 in my favor."

Ms. X thought hard. "Well… I suppose that's better than nothing. Is that it?"

"Not just yet." Sayuri said. "There's actually one more condition. I want you to prove that you're looking for a change, that you're not the person you were before."

"And how do I do that?" Ms. X asked taking a sip of tea.

"By getting in the ring." Sayuri answered.

Ms. X choked up on her tea before spitting it out. "What?! Hold on! I told you, I'd rather not…"

"That's the point. You want to show how dedicated you are to changing yourself, you have to show your dedication by going against a strong wrestler. I'm thinking Viper Takagi. Once the public sees you willing to put your welfare on the line for a fair show, they might start seeing you differently."

"But… I…" Ms. X stammered before letting out a sigh of defeat. "All right. You win. Lady, make a note. X Woman is making a comeback."

"That will be done, ma'am." Lady said holding out a notepad for her to write on.

"Excellent." Sayuri said. She held out her hand offering it to X. "The deal is struck then."

X nodded and accepted Sayuri's hand shaking it along with her. "This is the true beginning of Girmov."

*Xtrema Shorts*

Chibi Monica Everly kissed to the audience that cheered for her and waved at them as she took her seat at the stage. Sitting right next to her was the cheerful teen duo, Team Spirit. Starla and Isebella waved to everyone before getting ready for the interview.

"Welcome to Xtrema Shorts where we ask our wonderful characters of Xtrema questions and they give their honest answers. Some questions are meant to be procedural that we ask everyone, but some are more personal questions that are asked by our readers. After a long break away from this segment, it's nice to be back and start with one of the first and most energetic tag team in the roster, Team Spirit! Starla, Isebella, thank you for being here."

"It's great to be back, Ms. Everly." Chibi Starla said.

"And I gotta say, we are honored that you chose us as your first interview in 2024." Chibi Isebella said.

"Well, ain't that cute." Chibi Monica said. "Now, are you girls ready?"

"Ready." Both asked simultaneously.

"Good. Now, first question… Who was your debut opponent, or in this case, opponents?"

"Well, each of us started off with singles matches. I got Kaito and Isebella got Carly X." Chibi Starla said. "I won, but she lost."

"But when it comes to tag teams, our first opponents together were Madame Python and the Skunk." Chibi Isebella said. "We won, but they did not make it easy."

"What's it like facing Kaito Marx?"

"Well, before, it would be an easy win which would have us partly feeling sorry for him." Chibi Starla answered.

"Now that he's gotten better at wrestling, we're proud of him." Chibi Isebella said.

"What do you think of Sayuri Rogue?"

"Love her!" Both answered at once.

"We've admired her work in Shangri-La." Chibi Starla said.

"So it's awesome to be working for her." Chibi Isebella said.

"Who's the easiest opponent (or opponents) you faced other than Kaito?"

"That would probably be Madame Python and the Skunk again." Chibi Starla said. "It wasn't easy, but it was easier than all the others."

"What did you expect? We're teens." Chibi Isebella explained.

"That's fair. Anyway, time to get on to the personal questions. These were asked by Awesome ax10. For their first question, they ask… With the rise of new tag teams in Xtrema, how do you plan to remain on top of the game?"

"Well, it's no secret that we're nervous about all the new tag teams added and assembled here on Xtrema." Chibi Starla said. "The Pantheon. The Ice Queens. Poison and whoever her new partner is. They're all going to be quite challenging."

"But we're Team Spirit." Chibi Isebella assured. "We'll face adversity head on and keep on fighting for our fans."

"Do you wish to face their XAW opponents the Spike and Dusty Lola in a tag match?

"Sure. I mean, it's only fair." Chibi Starla said.

"One of us lost a match, the other won another." Chibi Isebella said. "A tag match should be a good tie-breaker.

"Now with their main adversaries from the beginning of the story Daughter of Darkness having a third member do they plan to have a third member too? If yes who?"

"Hmm… That's a very good question." Chibi Starla said. "We haven't planned on getting a third member, but that would raise our odds, wouldn't it? But who?"

"It would have to be someone who we would consider a friend, but also have to be energetic and full of spirit." Chibi Isebella said. "But who knows where we can find someone like that?"

"Well, good luck with that." Chibi Monica said before turning to the audience. "Well, that's all the questions we have to ask. If anyone has any questions they'd like to ask our characters, you can ask them either through the comments section or the PM.

"Before we sign off for now, I'd like to make an announcement. In case you haven't inferred, our upcoming PPV, Dynamix, is going to be the wrestling event which hosts the Tiger Mask W characters in episode 38. It'll be same as it is in the anime, but with a few new matches and some added details into the already-existing matches. So along with the matches we revealed earlier, we'll also be having X Woman vs Viper Takagi, Milk vs Payne Fox, Mint vs Queen Elizabeth, and Springer vs Mother Devil. That's a total of eight matches planned, but we're still missing one. Epiclot214 has yet to come up with one, so if anyone has a match idea they'd like to share, we'd be happy to take it under consideration.

"Well, that's it for now. See you all at the next chapter. Any and all comments are welcome."