Post by Zahara Matisse on Oct 29, 2016 17:44:41 GMT -6
”Good-bye is never easy...”
I. First Time in Too Long
To say Zoey was excited… that was a bit of an understatement. The person on whom she was waiting, she’d missed them the moment they left. And things at home just hadn’t been the same since. For certain life would always go on, but there was a certain glow that, for a time, had been missing. Gradually a routine had been found, a means of keeping up with all the matters that had once been tended to so wonderfully by the arrival in question, but the friendship, the love… that was still a bit of a hole in the soul, as it were. For what must have been the fifteenth time since they got there, Zoey checked her watch, glancing from it to the terminal entrance. By her side, the mostly-severe Catherine was likewise pensive though not nearly as actively so. It seemed that Zoey’s constant checking was more irritating than the wait itself.
The two women couldn’t look more different in that moment, a true odd couple: Catherine was, as always, in her black latex and platform boots with plenty of buckles and studs. Today it was in the form of pants that looked like they were painted on her powerful legs, a similarly-shiny corset wrapped tightly around her midsection and a loose, half-open latex blouse over top of that. She looked imposing and intimidating to everyone except Zoey herself. Clad in tight, torn jeans, knee-high black suede boots and a buttoned purple top, she looked… well, about standard. Beautiful, of course, but basic. Catherine stood as her standard unyielding, power-radiating self, something that rarely altered and even then only out of sight of 99.99% of the population. Zoey, on the other hand, carried a lot of tension with her even if she did her best to keep it downplayed. A faint scar was visible over her left eye and she kept her weight off her right knee as much as possible.
Callbacks to her recent exploits in P10W. Catherine gave her a look each time she shifted her posture, with equal parts concern and disapproval.
”Stop it.”
She nearly commands pressing a hand down to the small of Zoey’s back helping to straighten her out some.
”And stop looking so anxious. You want her first actions back to be a panic attack?”
”Honestly, I’m hoping for a hug.”
Straightening up as Catherine intended, Zoey tries to stop the urge to check the time by shoving her hands into the pocket of her leather jacket. She’d not had an occasion to wear the old bomber-style piece in some time. Having found it in Drake’s things and getting it cleaned, though, she’d likely be using every excuse to wear it about. Idly, she rubbed the top of her right foot against the back of her left leg.
”Still itches…”
”Gonna keep itching if you keep rubbing it like that.”
Catherine doesn’t comment on the obvious, it’s just how they’ve become these past few months. Then again it helps that Catherine has been looking out for more than Zoey’s in ring training lately but also her scheduling and typical day-to-day affairs bringing them closer beyond mentor and student, assistant and boss, perhaps even a little beyond friends. Soon, people start to come out the door and into the terminal. Catherine can sense the growing excitement from Zoey but only shakes her head.
”Relax, it’s a big plane.”
Meaning Summer was most likely going to be coming off near the end, perhaps even after the flight attendants. Possibly helping them with their bags. Catherine’s been on enough plane rides with Summer to know her mannerisms as she gives Zoey another glance once more shaking her head as she comes around stepping in Zoey’s way.
”Such a mess, it’s a wonder Kat even let you out this morning.”
Catherine quickly smooths out some of Zoey’s hair before tugging down on her shirt straightening it up prior to focusing her attention on the collar. Shirt collar, should say. Their eyes do meet up a few times but there’s not much meaning behind the look Catherine gives as she steps back looking the magician over.
”Much better.”
”You know I’d be lost without you, right?”
It was only part-hyperbole; Catherine had been invaluable as Zoey’s, for lack of a better term, personal assistant over the last several weeks. Looking after the house and tending to Makayla during Zoey and Katalina’s work hours was just one part. As seen, Catherine took it a step beyond, to the point of fussing over the magician’s appearance and mental state as well. Part-motherly, part-friend, part-perfectionist. From almost anyone else, all that smoothing and shifting would have been brushed off with a smile, leading Zoey to do it herself. But from Catherine, it was not only accepted but appreciated. No, not much passed between them when their eyes met, but nonetheless there was gratitude in Zoey for the attention to detail.
”Don’t get mushy on me.”
”Truth hurts, don’t it?”
The blue-haired woman stops short of muttering some epithet at the magician, at least audibly. They turn their attention back to the terminal just in time to see a familiar, pink-haired figure come ambling through with a somewhat-nervous look about her. That look, of course, came standard with Summer. It was Zoey’s hope that when she laid eyes on Catherine and herself that it would turn into a smile, if not an expression and posture more relaxed.
And Zoey wasn’t disappointed. Summer all but scurried over to them, pulling both into a hug at the same time. From the feel of things, the maid had been working out something fierce. Catherine and Zoey glanced at each other over Summer’s head before she let go, the magician offering a smile to the young woman.
”It’s so wonderful to see you, hon. How was your flight?”
”It was good, Miss. Zahara, thank you.”
She gives a short bow before hearing a few more voices that seem familiar to her entering into the terminal. Flight attendants. She turns between them and Zahara before bowing again.
”Please excuse me.”
Coming up, she hurries over to the pair of attendants leaving the pair of Zoey and Catherine to watch on.
”Half expecting her to come out with their bags in tow.”
”I’d have called you silly for suggesting that once…”
Mere moments later, Blink is doing just that. Catherine smirks in a superior fashion while Zahara just shakes her head a little and smiles.
”...but now I know better.”
”Took you long enough.”
For a second or two, the eyes of the flight attendants meet those of Catherine and Zoey. Folks didn’t often know what to make of Catherine in public, something that seldom bothered her. Experiencing such reactions always amused Zoey who, not to be mean, could easily be passed over if she chose. A smile, a certain light in her eyes… and she could hold a stranger’s look. Not today, though. Catherine dominated their attention for the few moments they dared look before scurrying off. Summer came back over around that time, looking between the two.
”So...will we be going home now to see Mistress?”
”Not yet. Couple of stops to make first. Figured we could do it while the three of us were together.”
”Some lunch, a little shopping… girl stuff, honey. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to visit that I want to make the most of the time we have. I’m sure Catherine concurs.”
Summer actually appears a little saddened to hear that, or at least something from there prompting the blue haired woman to look back at Zoey brushing away a few of her own bangs.
”I thought I told you that you could call me Marie.”
Blink’s eyes begins to sparkle a little but it’s clear she’s working hard to hold back from getting too excited hearing that.
”You did, Marie. I apologize.”
Old habits and all that. Zoey turned her smile on Summer again, trying to intone that it would have been just fine if Summer wanted to show hers. Summer’s own expression brightens immensely. It’s mostly directed toward Catherine though, but Zoey gets her own warm looks as well.
”So… you’re friends?”
”Yeah, let’s just get your bags.”
Catherine heads over to the baggage claim area as Blink watches her go waiting until she’s gone before looking back to Zoey.
”So you two are friends?”
”Thanks in part to you, Summer. We’ve had some rough patches since she started training me, but we’ve begun to understand each other. I’m quite happy to have her in my life. I think, deep down, she feels the same.”
”I’m glad. I was afraid she wouldn’t open up to you any because of how her other friends have been. Even I… did horrible things to her.”
Blink swallows not wanting to relive those memories, but definitely holds onto them as a personal reminder of how cruel she could be herself. A reminder to never step into that light again. Zoey puts an arm around the maid’s shoulders, drawing her close.
”It’s in the past. Marie isn’t an easy person to understand but we’ve both found a way. And because of that we have a wonderful friend in our lives who likewise has more people who truly care about her. I think that’s important, don’t you?”
Blink nods her head in agreement.
”It’s what she deserves. Anyway… where were we going shopping?”
”I thought it might be fun to buy some costumes for the upcoming show. Add a little flair to the match.”
The prospect excites Blink and once Catherine returns with her bags, the three head out of the terminal.
II. Stuck In The Middle With Us
At best, Catherine was tolerant within the confines of the airport, even patiently allowing Summer the chance to tend to, of all people, the flight attendants on her flight. But that armor was chipping away as she flipped somewhat forcefully through a magazine, seated in a padded chair between two occupied dressing rooms. A couple shopping bags sat on either side of her crossed legs, one booted foot bobbing up and down as quiet chatter came from behind both doors… the mutterings of a person speaking to themselves.
Even that simple self-communication grated at her nerves.
From the left hand door which opens slowly steps Zoey, wearing a deep blue one-piece outfit, a bit of lacing and mesh making a ‘V’ toward the center of her chest. Matching boots are laced up to mid-thigh with some imposing-looking heels and a blue half-mask like that of a ninja. Catherine turns and looks Zoey up and down for a few moments, a brow raising. The outfit was every bit as blue as her hair. Perhaps more so.
”...Kitana, huh?”
”A bit much, you think?”
”Oh, it looks good, sure… but it doesn’t suit you. It’s not… I guess ‘classy enough’ is the word here. Try one of the other ones.”
Zoey looks at herself for a moment, then turns and glances at the mirror in the dressing room behind her. Blowing out her breath, tossing a few dark strands from her face in the process, she shrugs and smiles a little.
”Yeah, maybe you’re right. Back to the drawing board.”
No sooner does she step into the dressing room and close the door behind her than does Blink step out herself in a red Crayola crayon, looking to Catherine while gnawing on her lower lip. As with Zoey, but perhaps to a gentler degree for obvious reasons, Catherine casts an artistically-critical eye on Blink’s clothing costume creation and muses for a moment before speaking her mind.
”No.”
”Yes, Lady Marie.”
Dejected but not defeated, Summer turns back around and enters the dressing room. Catherine watches her flipping out the magazine having hoped for a bit more in conversation...but Blink is Blink, unfortunately and fortunately.
With Blink Re-entering the dressing room, Catherine is left to leaf through her periodical of choice for the space of six seconds before Zoey steps out again. White has taken the place of blue, although there’s a splash of red here and there… as one might expect from a nurse costume. From the short, button-down dress to the white stockings and boots and even the little white hat. Catherine, upon seeing it, did a literal facepalm, shaking her head behind her hand.
”...seriously?”
”What, too literal?”
”You’d go out in front of thousands of people like that and get inside a ring and fight? You’re serious?”
Folding her arms and canting her head to the side, Zoey lifts a brow over her rather adorable smirk.
”Done more in less, Marie. It’s called performance art.”
”Just… no. You can do better than that.”
”Oh, fine. Only did it to get a rise out of you anyway.”
Catherine almost comes out of her chair at that but Zoey is already in her dressing room again with a giggle on her lips. Settling back down, Catherine looks to resume reading when the other door opens up once more. Catherine mutters to herself over never getting the article finished and turns to inspect Summer’s next choice of costume. It was black, surprisingly, more than that it was tight. Form fitting tight and reflected the light beautifully. It was just a simple cocktail dress made from latex but it had the blue haired bitch close up her magazine and swallow.
”You kept it?”
Summer looks down dusting her fingers gently along the front of her dress before nodding. The whole thing was a gift some years back, back when Catherine and Summer had finally loosened up their grips over the other’s throat. So… a peace offering from the former. An offer that was accepted, but…
”You said it was difficult to wear.”
”It was, but… mm?”
Catherine rises up from her chair and approaches Summer prompting a blush from the girl who quickly fell silent. The gothic princess reaches a hand out stroking it along over the pink hair of her long time friend, and at times more, causing her to react with a gentle nuzzle into the palm. Then, out of nowhere, Catherine forces Summer’s head under her arm and grips the bottom of the skirt tugging it up as if going for a suplex. She then backs away letting Summer see the damage.
”What did--!!!”
Summer gasps quickly dropping down to her knees when she notices her panties on full display. Catherine takes a seat back down in her chair and offers up a friendly smile.
”I appreciate you holding onto that and willing to wear it again, but don’t do it in a match, Summer.”
”Y-yes, Lady Marie!”
Blink quickly scurries back into her changing booth to avoid further embarrassment as Catherine shoots an apologetic look knowing her work was for the best and goes back to her magazine. She gets a couple minutes this time before Zoey’s door opens again… though the magician doesn’t step out. Catherine turns, however, looking Zoey up and down. She squints for a moment, mostly in concentration, then faintly smiles and nods.
”Faintly obscure, but it suits you. Are you doing the hair, too?”
”Mm-hmm. Actually did this costume once before but this time I can actually afford good material.”
”Good. Go with that.”
That being as close to praise as Zoey could have hoped to get, she closes the door and proceeds to change behind it. Catherine looks back at the door after it shuts, lips pursing in a silent whistle before she turns back to her magazine, the scene fading out.
III. The Other Side of Summer
Following the costume shopping, comes the visit to the local gym. It's been a long flight so Holly, even though she wouldn't suggest it (this trip brought to you by Catherine), needs a chance to fully stretch out her legs. It's a small fee up at the counter for Holly, covered by Zoey, as the magician and her trainer flash their membership cards allowing them ease of access inside the interior. Stopping in the entrance of one of the larger rooms, Catherine lets out a groan as Zoey bites her lower lip. This guy again. A man who simply called himself “Legs” on account of his speed with the treadmill. It was a rather stupid name for a stupid reason, but here he was boasting up his abilities of a top speed of 32km/h. Impressive still, but he's never really gone on to do anything with it. But today could be different, today Catherine could have the tables officially turned on this man as Holly makes her way into the changing room.
Minutes pass and both Holly and Zoey step out of the room with their own expressions of perplexity over the absence of their shared friend. Looking across the room, Zoey eventually finds her up talking to Legs over by the treadmills. Facepalming a little, Zoey also gives her head a quick shake having hoped when she saw the man something like this wouldn't happen. Catherine tried, she could barely maintain 20km/h, so what was she doing now? It starts to become clear to the magician when she notices Catherine pointing back over toward them drawing the man’s attention their way before he was smirking. A challenge? Zahara might be able to push herself that far but, like Catherine, could she even maintain her own top speed? But it wouldn't have to be her own worry as Blink, having changed into her competitive ring gear, is gestured over by the still latex clad female. Holly and Zoey share a glance before they join over at the treadmill both looking up at the man self proclaimed as Legs.
”This twerp? You think she's gonna be able to beat my legendary record?”
”I really don't mean to challenge anyone, Lady Marie.”
”You're not challenging anyone, Summer. You're warming up.”
”Oh, if that's all.”
Legs crosses his arms as Blink takes up her place on the treadmill looking over the various controls trying to get a feel for the button landscape. She makes a few comments under her breath about the layout to help memorize before pushing the big green “start” button. It's a walking pace at first, just enough to get her legs moving and to loosen them up. Ever confident, Legs keeps his smile going as Blink gingerly picks up the pace to something a little more brisk. Blink's expression wasn't so obvious, but her generous glow displayed her enjoyment over what she was doing. Training, or at the very least attempting to better herself in the eyes of her peers, had always been something of a hobby of hers. In fact, her only hobby. Puppy play, maid duties, it was a life for her. So it's when she puts the treadmill into “freeflow mode” that she finally started to smile.
Catherine folds her arms watching as Zoey looks on herself. It's hard for her to see, what with a crowd having gathered around, but she soon hears a noise other than the treadmill and looks over to find Legs with a bead of sweat dripping down the side of his face. His eyes were wide and wavered about over the controls of the treadmill all while his lower lip started to tremble. Uncertain what this meant, Zoey steps a little through the silent crowd and stands to her tiptoes trying with all her might to see Blink was into the high 20's in the km/h area and showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. As a matter of fact, the numbers kept climbing at a nonstop pace. 28.8. 28.9. 29.0. By now Legs was panicking and it wasn't long until--
”Stop it!”
29.4. 29.5. 29.6. Blink keeps right on running, her eyes centred ahead of her as if chasing after a goal only she could see. At first it was just Zoey’s brow going up as Blink’s speed likewise increased. Then, as the speed crept towards the purported record of Legs and proceeded to break it…
31.9. 32.0. 32.1.
...Zoey’s jaw went a little slack.
”C'mon, Summer. We've got enough training elsewhere to do.”
”Yes, Lady Marie.”
It takes a few minutes, but Holly eventually manages to bring the speed back down to a cool down walk keeping herself warmed up until she ultimately powers the machine down hopping off. She leaves behind the stunned crowd and Legs in his own state of disbelief. If she had known this was a contest, she would have acknowledged him at the very least.
Shortly after, it is sparring time. Blink makes her way inside of the ring across from a trainer as Catherine keeps a hold of Zoey's wrist knowing she wouldn't mind getting the chance to spend some time in the ring herself. But, for now, she just has something to show her. She doesn't say anything about it, however, at least not to the magician herself.
”Lose the skirt, Summer.”
”Wh-what?”
Even the trainer raises a brow of confusion, an action that doesn't go unnoticed by Catherine.
”It's okay, she's wearing shorts underneath. Summer.”
Catherine makes a downward motion with her finger showing her friend she was serious about this. Eventually, Blink runs her thumbs inside the band of her skirt and nods.
”Yes, Lady Marie.”
She lets the skirt slip down until she loses her grip and the entire thing CRASHES into the canvas creating a massive thud noise. Across from her, the trainer's mouth hangs open as his expression otherwise takes on the form of Legs' earlier one.
”I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'll fix up the ring!”
Curiously, Zoey looks down at Holly's feet to see what she's so concerned over spotting the indent in the canvas from the skirt. It was at this moment she also remembered how during the treadmill...she was still wearing said skirt.
”Like her or hate her, and with a lot of people it's the latter, Holly's trainer, Emily, knew what to get out of the girl. She's fast and she's got the stamina to keep that speed going. Unfortunately, she could never throw you around the ring. Or even really lift you off your feet.”
Catherine states as Zoey looks back in at the still panicking Blink and then back to her trainer.
”So you know, even though she's my friend I'm letting you know this because I've told her everything about you. Everything I've taught, shown, talked about and everything you already came to me with. She's a serious minded combatant and although she'd never use this number with you, I've no reservations.”
Catherine looks back over toward Zoey.
”Five hundred and eighty-four.”
She pauses long enough for the number to sink inside of Zoey's head. She didn't know what it meant, but given Catherine's expression it was a rather serious matter.
”That's how many days Summer was a World Champion. Timid, overly caring, and very soft spoken...that's all people tend to get to know about her. You've probably wondered at some point how a friendship like ours could even work.”
Catherine looks back in the ring where things are starting to calm down and Blink is warming up for the sparring match.
”It's because I know who she really is. It's why I was so hesitant to train you in the first place knowing you had Summer around.”
Catherine looks back at Zoey for a moment then checks back in the ring.
”That makes sense in a way. At least I think it does. She was World Champion for 584 days, you said?”
Putting her attention back on Blink, a shadow passed over the magician’s face, her arms folded across her chest. Catherine would pick up on the look easily enough; the serious focus in Zoey’s eyes and the set of her jaw. The only question was whether she was focusing on Summer in an effort to study her opponent… or kicking her own tail inwardly for some stupid reason.
”Didn’t think she was the capable sort?”
”More like unaware that she’d been in the business that long and so successfully. Summer’s full of amazing surprises. I’m both awed… and rather intimidated.”
”That’s the correct reaction.”
Catherine nods as she looks back in watching as the unweighted Blink darts around the trainer catching various points of his body. Her movements were still easy to follow but it all reminds Catherine of something as she takes a long breath.
”Anyway, and this is probably the best bit of advice I can give anyone when facing Summer, don’t leave her...exposed.”
”In other words without her skirt?”
”Yeah. She panics, loses her sense of reason, everything gets unhinged. It’s okay if she does it herself because she knows it’s happening. But if you do it...well, if you do it let’s just say she won’t be the only one kicking your ass that night.”
”Seems like that would be a stupid thing for me to do. She’s already faster than me with it on. Plus if she loses focus on the match because of it… that wouldn’t be fair, either.”
”No, it wouldn’t. Other than that...we’ve been teammates for enough years she might actually use a few of my own moves. Her personal favorite being my...um, ‘F-You.’”
Catherine won’t swear in Blink’s presence, never.
”Which is funny because I actually stole her Blind Sight to make that move.”
”Sounds like I may have to dig deep into my own bag of tricks for some moves, some of which I haven’t used in a while.”
Her brain was firing again, sifting through memories and past matches. Zoey smiled faintly now, watching Blink dart around the ring like a blur. The more she watched, the more she learned, bit by bit, how to keep up. Whether her body could keep up like her eyes were, though… she wouldn’t have that answer until the moment came.
”She’s amazing.”
”She certainly is.”
Catherine agrees as Blink nails a stiff left hook across the trainers jaw knocking him out cold. Blink jumps back and apologizes before checking on the man as Catherine steps toward the ring.
”Yeah, watch out for that too.”
”Duly noted.”
Fade out.
IV. One For The Road
”So this is it, then.”
Her smile is genuine, but certainly wistful. Night has fallen upon Malibu which, as per usual, does nothing to deprecate its beauty. Even Zoey, as a native, still marvels at how lovely the waves look under the moonlight or in the first glow of the sun every morning. And there’s truly nothing like being rocked to sleep by the sounds of the waves and awakening to their crash. Such beautiful musings are the furthest things from the magician’s mind. While inside the house Katalina and Blink catch up on old times over sweets and hot beverages, Zoey gives them space. Not that she doesn’t have the right to be a part of that, but… it’s a happy time. And the mood of the Magical Maiden is anything but.
Reality has a way of making that happen. And lately, the harshness of reality has weighed on the young woman severely. At one point, despite nagging pains and a somewhat-drastic change in outlook where it came to her wrestling career, Zoey would have admitted after some prodding that she had much to look forward to; the Amazonian Rumble, the Third Eye Open tournament, the chance for some redemption and time partnering with people she could have learned from, both in life and wrestling. Now? In less than two weeks she wouldn’t have a wrestling career. So much left undone even after only a bit over a year in the business.
It’s no wonder she was pausing her monologue to reach for a tissue. The smirk, though? That was for the people she knew would be poking fun at her for being emotional. And there were sure to be several. All over Twitter, all across VoW television and throughout the VoW Nation, probably even closer than that. And Zoey didn’t care. The smirk said as much even beneath the tears. Still, she composes herself after a bit and reaches forward to adjust the camera a bit before speaking again.
”Just over a year of travelling, facing all sorts of challenges and thrusting myself in the big bad world with little more than a dream and a promise, trying to make good on the latter to the point that the fulfillment would be enough for two. Some nights when sleep wouldn’t come to me, I’d ask myself whether I was doing the right thing. And the answer was always the same… and usually it sounded like Drake was saying it himself:
‘Following a dream is never wrong. Hard, sure, and not always a happy road… but it is the only road you can walk whose experiences can never be taken away from you.’
And he’s right. Professional wrestling has shown me the world and introduced me to so many wonderful people and places. I’ve had experiences, good and bad, both treasured for the lessons taught me. I grew up mighty fast in the past year, going from the fresh-faced, just-happy-to-be-here woman who got signed to her first big contract on her birthday of all days... “
It sounded as if she were building up to some grand expression of joy and satisfaction, leaning forward in her chair… and then she sat back and shook her head.
”...to this.
Lying back against the cushioned seat, Zoey closed her eyes for a few moments, soaking up the ocean breeze that chose that moment to blow past. It gave her another few seconds to compose herself, if nothing else.
”Now, the person that most fans and friends know me as wouldn’t be talking like this. She’d be waxing nostalgic about the good times she had in VoW, for there have been quite a few, and probably sharing fun stories about all the aforementioned experienced and the great friends she’s made. And there have been many. Kelsey Spencer, Stacy Jones, Zelda Lawson, Constance Chapin… the list goes on. I could name names all night. I even met my fiancee here in VoW...”
For a moment she glances toward the house itself, then turns back to the camera.
”...and they’re wonderful. All of them. But the professional side of me is left considerably wanting. Every big match I’ve ever been a part of I’ve fallen short in. No disrespect to any of my opponents, but when a title or big opportunity was on the line, I always fell short… either due to the skill of my opponent or my own miscalculations. It happened in VoW and, for the short time it existed, it happened in P10W.
Every time I go out to that ring I wow the fans and, sometimes, even the people backstage. I always put on a show whether you’re talking about the wrestling ring or a stage with my magic. And for many performers, that’s enough. To hold the crowd in the palm of your hand and manipulate their emotions with a word, action or gesture. To take them on a fantastic journey of escapism and give them a moment away from reality to enjoy the allure of the unknown.
Offering that fulfillment should satisfy me on a level beyond championships or pats on the back from my peers. It should be a joy in and of itself, one of those rare pleasures that can’t be found any other way. Yet I feel empty. Unfulfilled.”
Her jaw sets and at once Zoey looks severe.
”Not the kind of attitude that I want to carry into my last match, obviously. Especially considering that I’m facing someone dear to me on many levels. And yes, you read that correctly. Barring someone stepping up and calling me into the ring for Darkest Hour, this is the last time you’re going to see me in a wrestling ring for a while.
But it is what it is. The fans deserve honesty out of me, as do my peers and everyone else in my life. This isn’t on any of them, though. It’s on me. I don’t blame anyone but myself for my feelings on wrestling right now. My choice is my own. And if it’s any solace, there’s a lot of people out there who aren’t happy about it. But given the choice between my personal health, both mental and physical, and beating the proverbial dead horse… it’s really no contest.”
Letting that soak in, Zoey takes a few breaths before picking up again. Or she would have had the back door not opened and a certain pink-haired maid stepped out into the evening air to join her. Zoey turned and, well, she couldn’t look on her friend without smiling. Seeing such, Blink smiled in response and let the door close behind her as quietly as possible.
”Evening, sweetie. I thought you and Katalina would be having a bit more time catching up than this…”
Holly just continues smiling as she makes her way toward the patio railing gripping it gently before looking back.
”I’ve been enjoying my time with Mistress, but to be honest...I really made the trip to see you, Miss. Zahara. I wanted to make certain you were okay in facing me. I know I could have just asked but…”
It should be stated for the record that Summer did at one point fly halfway around the world just to hug someone. So coming here for this, while still no small feat, is within reason with the maid. Zoey, indicating the chair next to her, smiles and nods.
”I’m glad that my last match will be against you, Summer. Being able to face someone who I care for and respect will be a nice way to go out. And you’re right… you could have just asked. That you made the trip out to do so in person, though, is both an unexpected and welcome delight. Thank you for that.”
When Blink takes the offered seat, Zoey rests a hand lightly on her thigh, meeting the pink-haired young woman’s eyes.
”Believe me when I say this smile you’ve put on my face is as welcome as it is sorely needed.”
That is both thrilling and...quite saddening to hear as Blink looks down at the hand and then back up at Zoey.
”What do you mean?”
”Because I don’t think I could dredge up the desire to step between the ropes at this point against anyone who wasn’t special to me in some way. In facing you, I get to not only compete against someone I’ve never faced before, but someone that I have respect and admiration for. Plus neither of us have to worry about silly shenanigans and can just go at it however we please. That’s a large load off, too.”
”I’m sorry for ques-ti-on-ing you, Miss. Zahara, but...you never really answered the question. Why has it become a problem?”
”Because in looking back on my short career lately, I realized that I haven’t accomplished anything tangible. Lots of good things have happened, and good people have entered my life, present company included. But what do I have to show for my career in terms of accolades? What have I done that people will talk about years from now? Precious little. That’s the problem, Summer. That’s why after we face each other in the ring I’m stepping back for a while. I need to refocus and figure out what I’m doing wrong.”
Summer looks away for a moment and then back to the house in behind them prior to focusing on the beach listening to the waves.
”I think Miss. Makayla will be talking about you. I’ll be talking about you. The problem with others, I find, is the industry is too big to be focusing on one person or even just a set of people. You leave your mark, it’s there, and then you go. No matter what you do your world will rotate just as theirs will. When I left my second company earlier in the year, I wasn’t worried about being remembered. I wasn’t worried about what they would say about me, whether they would even bother remembering what I’ve done. If you try to do that, then the more people will actually forget you. I’ve seen it happen and I’ve seen it provide nothing.
Accolades are certainly one thing, Miss. Zahara, memories are another. The biggest thing you should take away from your career are the friends you’ve made. Their smiling faces, their eagerness to be with you, the fact that they’ll still be there by your side no matter what you decide to step into next. Whether it be as a full time maid, a trainer, or getting up on stage.”
Zoey considers those words, looking to Blink first, then turning to stare out at the waves again. She’d said the same herself, hadn’t she? But in the same breath she’d downplayed those very qualities while talking about how she hadn’t done anything notable in wrestling. That attitude hadn’t wholly changed through Blink’s words, but if nothing else the maid had opened her eyes a bit, bringing her to a realization that maybe her focus was more skewed than she thought.
Which, for better or worse, only galvanized her decision.
”I think you’re right, but that being the case it means that my focus is improper… that I’m not approaching wrestling the right way. Somewhere along the way, I lost my spark. It took your perspective to make me see that clearly.”
The smile gives in a little, but the gratitude to the pink-haired beauty is still there.
”Now I know what I need to do.”
”What’s that?”
”To focus on what matters most to me. I do not believe that I’m done with wrestling even though I’m stepping away for the time being. But there’s so much more that I want to accomplish aside from championships and glory between the ropes. Like finishing my degree and getting my certification… like stepping up my magic game on-stage… like continuing to build a long, happy life together with Katalina and friends like yourself. Those are likewise important to me and, in time, I’ll rediscover my fire for wrestling.
After all, I can’t go back on my promise to Drake, can I?”
She offers another smile to Summer, taking the maid’s hand and squeezing it gently.
”Thank you again.”
”You’re very welcome, Miss. Zahara. To be honest, I don’t mind stepping from the ring either. It helps me focus more on what I enjoy doing.”
”Then what do you say we just go out and have fun at Breakthrough? Show everyone at the show what we can do and have fun doing it? Afterward we’ll all go out for dinner.”
”So long as it brings a smile to your face, it’s a date.”
Smiling gently at that, Zoey pushes up to her feet and gathers up the camera as well.
”Then let’s head inside and see to Katalina. She shouldn’t be left on her own right now. She’ll start getting ideas and plotting things…”
Winking to let Blink know that she’s only making a joke, she leads the way back into the house, shutting off the camera on the way.
