CLACK! BANG!
The drums of war echo as the sky is covered in an eerie grey. Banners are held high from two opposing factions, each brandishing their own colours and symbols. Each warrior is decked head to toe in a traditional samurai armour, swords at their side. Men on horseback flank the sides, another part of each faction’s strategy. A general sits on his horse on a side with dark blue banners, white kanji reading “ファンタジー戦争軍” or “Fantasy War Army.” He paces in front of the army to give a speech. He shouts at the army while one soldier remains with her head down. Her face is obscured by a kitsune inspired helmet which covers her face like a mask. Her arm is wrapped in a mock sling. The general speaks in Japanese.
“What is your reason to fight?!” He shouts at his army. “We are fighting for a true purpose and we shall not look back yet! The riches of victory will go to you, your family, our people! But this will not be easy! You must rely on your training! You must have the thrill of battle course through your veins! All to protect our way of life!”
The speech of the general falls on deaf ears for the masked warrior. She slowly nudges herself through the crowd of people, looking to get out of the fight. The woman instantly grabs her shoulder with her good arm, feeling a sharp pain as if a sharp knife is being sliced into her chest.
“-This war will be just a step on our road to Ikigai! Our reason to live! Our lifeblood!”
Once again, the General’s speech faded into the background to her, of no importance. She scoots her way and finally breaks free from the tightly packed rows of warriors. The masked woman drops to a knee and grabs her injured collarbone. She tries to hold back her tears as the pain is too much. At the back are two other female samurai, trying to comfort the masked woman, but there’s still pain. The General shouts his finally rallying cry to his warriors as they are pulling their swords and bows, ready for a battle.
“For your money, for your skill! For your passions for the good of our people! For the Fantasy War Army… For F-W-A!!! Onwards to battle!”
The army begins to charge onwards to battle as the general, like any ‘leader-’
Chooses to stay behind.
Hypocrite…
He looks onwards to his army of samurai, clashing their swords with the enemy in what has quickly become a chaotic melee. He looks back to see the three who stayed behind. The injured masked warrior, and her two friends. He shakes his head in disgust. He trots over on his horse, circling the fallen warrior.
“What’s wrong?” He shouts. “Injured already?”
“I-I told you, General
Fuan. I was injured yesterday.” Shegrits her teeth as the pain becomes unbearable. “I broke a bone.”
“So you say?”
Fuan gets off his horse and gets a closer look at the wound.
“The bone is pressing against my armour.” The young warrior says as she gently moves her chestplate to show a bump along the collarbone, the bone sticking out.
General Fuan hums as he looks at the bump. He gives it a glare full of disdain as he takes out his sword. Slowly, he raises his blade and uses it to slice the sling. The young woman’s arm drops and she immediately screams in pain!
“You can move it. You’re faking it!”
The two other female samurai stand up in outrage.
“She’s hurt!” The tall one shouts in Japanese. “Can’t you see it?!”
“As far as I’m concerned, as long as you still have some limbs, you can fight.”
The three cut the man a glare as he continues.
“I have to wonder if today’s generation has become soft? No sense of fulfilment. No passion, no love of their craft. To think you fake an injury because you are scared.”
The injured warrior stands up. She holds her arm which is practically begging to be cut off with the pain it is in. The general scoffs.
“Heh, there’s that passion. Now go on, fight.” He points with his sword to the battlefield in which the melee is getting uglier by the minute. The masked warrior, however, doesn't budge.
“What are you waiting for? For the end of the world? Go.”
Closing her eyes, the masked warrior responds.
“The worst thing to say to me is that I am scared. I am not scared… I just know I am hurt.” There is anguish in her voice. She’s in a great deal of pain. She turns to the two who comforted her. “If I could, I would go into any battle with these two by my side. But it would be a disservice to fight in my condition.”
“You’re pathetic…” The general looks down at her. “Unable to do the basic thing we HIRED you to do.” He shouts in her face. “It’s nothing!” And he kicks her in the shoulder, causing the young warrior to screech.
“Go, fight.”
The masked warrior turns around, holding her arm.
“-I can’t.” She shakes. The pain becomes too much for her as it feels like a needle is piercing her skin from within. Fuan takes exception. He shouts.
“You have no purpose if you leave us! No reason to live! Go then, quitter! You are a letdown. And when we get back to camp, I will have you speak with my superiors!”
The General chastises the deserter. The masked woman turns to her friends.
“-I am sorry. I don’t want to let you down, but I can’t.”
A heavy feeling weighs on her heart.
The feeling of disappointing those she cares about breaks at her very core. She has a tear in her eye as she walks away. The General scoffs, showing contempt as he turns around to command his army. The two ladies turn to each other before deciding to walk away as well, showing support.
Heading across the plains far away, the drums of war become faint as the sky cackles with thunder. Soon after, the rain falls as the warrior walks with her heavy armour, wound aching. A feeling of humiliation is over her. Hurt out of battle, forced to leave, and be talked down to for making the tough decision.
Her boot gets stuck in mud and she slips, falling backwards with a thud! She holds her shoulder in great pain as she looks up to the rainy sky above. Blinking, her world around her begins to disappear again. The two friends stand over her as she closes her eyes-
To find herself in her hospital bed. Out of war. Out of her dream. Most importantly, out of surgery.
October 21st, 2023
Osaka City Central Hospital
Her arm is in a sling as stitches are along her collarbone, closing the wound from surgery. Across from her are her parents and her two friends. Her father has a pair of glasses on with a dress shirt and dress pants, likely came over after work, with her mother wearing a black and white dress. Her friends, Cali and Ririko, are dressed more casually, wearing sweaters and jeans, with Cali’s shirt branded with the Canadian Hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks. Ririko holds in her hands a big Koala plush.
The woman known as Katsu lies in her hospital bed, an IV machine connected to her arm to replace some blood loss from surgery. She is hazy and tired, her body numb after the procedure. It was all a dream.
They murmur amongst each other as she wakes. Still feeling the effects of the drugs used to put her to sleep, her eyes are still glazed over as she looks across.
“You’re awake!”
Her tall friend shouts in Japanese as picks up the koala plush she had and places it by her friend at bedside. She puts her friend’s good hand over the bear and smiles.
“Here’s your new friend!” She cheerfully says as her friend gives a weak smile, not sure what is even going on. “How are you feeling?”
She doesn’t speak as her head tilts slightly to the side, looking down at the koala. The friend with silver hair walks over, speaking Japanese. She appears confident with it, though it clearly isn’t her first language.
“I think the medicine is still in her system. Maybe we should leave her with her family?”
The tall friend has a disappointed look on her face.
“Aww, okay.” She pats her bed-ridden friend and the koala on their heads. “Get well soon, and you better name your koala!”
The silver haired friend in the Canucks sweater rolls her eyes.
“We’ll talk when the medicine wears off.” They turn to their friend’s family and give a slight bow. She respectfully says to them in Japanese. “Thank you for allowing us to give you company. We will stay in touch while your daughter rests and recovers.”
The parents give a slight nod and smile. The mother thanks them.
“We needed the company, Hayama and Hoshiki.” She uses their last names. “We are glad our daughter has found some good friends through her wrestling. When she is feeling better, we will tell you when you can visit.”
The two friends wave goodbye and walk out of the room. The young woman blinks as her mother approaches her. She speaks softly.
“Rest up, you will be better in no-time.”
Her eyelids feel heavy. With the comfort of a new stuffed friend and some of the people she cares about near her side, she falls back asleep, beginning her long journey back to the ring.
Presenting… A Katsu Story
Many months have passed since the incident with Fuan. But after much recovery and training, Katsu is
back in her army’s camp, seemingly back to full strength. Katsu is deep into her practice, eager to get back in the fight.
Rain falls from the grey sky as she is decked out in proper samurai armour. She slides on her special helmet over her rain soaked hair. The kitsune inspiration, obscuring parts of her face like a mask. Banners flap around the various tents. The outer walls are marked with large wooden stakes, jabbed into the ground. On the ground in front of her, damp from rain, is her sword. It has intricate markings etched in the steel of the blade, a red ribbon wrapping around the hilt. In front of her eyes is a “dummy” made from hay and cheap armour. Something to practise on. Katsu picks up her sword and clutches it tight. Standing, she readies herself, taking a deep breath and she begins to slash the practice dummy, trying to see if she’s at full strength after her injury.
“HIYAH!”
Her arm movements are precise and quick as the blade rips the hay, strands flying out as she carefully cuts where there's exposure. Yelling out with each slice of the blade, she’s letting out any negative emotions in a productive way, and showing skill, something she has taken years to refine. Her general walks over from behind, keeping distance as the sword swings. Finally, with a precise strike, the “arm” of the dummy falls in a single swing of the blade. Breathing heavily, Katsu returns her sword to her scabbard. Turning around, she sees the general. Her mood instantly worsens, remembering the harsh words from the last battle.
“I’ve come to deliver you something.” General Fuan has a smirk on his face. He pulls out from his pocket a piece of paper. Unable to contain himself, he has a big smile.
“What is it, General Fuan?”
Unfolding the paper, Katsu gives it a read. Through the eyes of the helmet, she has a sense of anger, disbelief.
“-YOU’RE TELLING ME TO LEAVE?!” She shouts, crumpling the paper in her hands. “Was it over the fact I got hurt? Your superiors sided with me, saying I should not have fought in my condition!”
“I, General Fuan, require you to go and what I say goes. Your services are no longer required here…” He looks behind as several new warriors walk in. “You’re replaceable. So, we got new people to fill your position.”
The general points to the gates where several new people are filing in. In the crowd there’s a young lady with luscious curves and confidence to spare. She looks down on the others around them, trying to avoid touching someone. Next is a young girl with a friendly, neighbourly disposition. Contrasting her is a masked man with face paint covering the lower half of his face, creating a demonic look. Towering over him is a man with Puerto Rican descent. He has a smile which seems to show kindness, but deep down, there is a darkness about him. Keeping the theme of darkness is a man dressed in all black but the complexity of a chair. Then of course… a tree! A tree walking and wearing armour! Who would have thought to see that sight? General Fuan has a proud grin on his face as these individuals, and more, make their way into the camp.
“Aren’t they impressive?” He says smugly. “They ALL are going to stay here for a long time! They will not be so weak as to get hurt or leave us.”
“No… NO…” The young woman stands there in disbelief. “I don’t think you understand. You can’t just replace someone. We’re not interchangeable. We give our own thing… What I give is different from each of those people and it is the same the other way…”
Standing up to her commanding officer, she is toe to toe with him and looks up.
“I risked losing my family over this. I learned under the wing of some of the greatest warriors on my side of the world, taking what I know from them to apply it to myself. And yes, I fell down before. I was hurt, but I came back. I always do, and I get stronger each time!”
Fuan hums, seeing a point.
“I do not deny you have skill.”
“Exactly!” She shouts.
“I put my blood sweat and tears into becoming better and to hone my craft. I have potential. You saw it. You saw it again and again and while each time someone comes there’s no guarantee you’ll see it, and I showed it the first moments I arrived at this camp. You said that to find your reason to live, you need to find what you have skill in. This is mine. This is the craft I have chosen and it is my Ikigai.”
“Skill, skill, skill, that’s good, but you did not let me finish. Skill is not everything, and even then, you’re not one of my top warriors. My golden warriors.”
He pesters the young warrior, scoffing at her pleading.
“An army is not made up of one man or woman.” Katsu gives some surprising wisdom for her age. She closes her eyes and says “One day, the smallest seed may blossom into the most beautiful tree. It is just a matter of giving the time to nurture it. I have value. I have a purpose…” Pointing to the mask in her helmet, she says. “This is the product of everything I have put into this life.”
“You obscure your face, so what?” Fuan misses her point and comments, pointing at the new scary man in the back with the dark mask. A newer face. “So does he, and his mask is ALL BLACK. You don’t do that as much anymore. His mask is always black and that’s more striking. Just like ‘Black Jesus,’ Alyster. Man, I am always in awe of his-”
“It’s not about being masked.” Katsu clutches her blade.
“Oh, I also have magic users? Do you use magic? Do you have dimensional travel? Space? Do you produce oxygen? No, just Carbon monoxide!”
The General asks and the Kitsune Warrior is silent. Seething. He’s comparing her to everyone around her. Fuan is driving her mad.
“See? Nothing of that ‘special’ quality.” He chuckles. “I think we’re better off. Even if you can argue that having someone from where you are from is good… We got two.”
Motioning over his shoulder, he gestures towards two Japanese ladies. One tall with long dark hair, the other with shorter, colourful hair. They seem close, particularly close. More than friends. Katsu shakes her head.
“That’s just…” The Japanese woman rolls her eyes under her helmet. “Just because we are from the same place, it does not mean we are the same”
Fuan lets out a hearty laugh.
“This young lady is a comedian? Haha.”
Letting out a big shout, General Fuan orders his army.
“Warriors! Come around and watch this.”
His voice booms over the camp as the roster of warriors in the army turn around and circle the young warrior. Katsu raises her blade, expecting a fight, but the General just chuckles.
“Someone is looking a little on edge?”
Walking over, the General looks down the line and he picks out some key warriors of his.
“How about I get some of my golden warriors to come out?”
He looks around and shouts. “Best, Baxter, Kenny, Steiner, Bedlam. Out now.”
The group of warriors separate to allow the mentioned names to come out. The two who seem to have issues getting alone, Marshall, Kenny, exchange glances at each other, but there’s a subtle nod of recognition from them. Also coming hand in hand are Baxter and Best. One of them is large with greying facial hair and a shaved head. He has a scowl on his face, looking as if he’s ready to crush someone on sight. Best, on the other hand, is smaller, has a big grin on his face which is both friendly… and unnerving. Up the rear, the man with movie-star looks and a charm to him. Around his neck is a chain reading “TV.” Finally, forgoing traditional samurai attire with a cowboy hat and boots is Bedlam. His beard is thick and looks confused. He looks at Katsu, feeling an odd amount of sympathy for her in the situation, but is putting those feelings aside.
“Look here at this cowboy.” He puts his hand on his shoulder and the bearded outlaw gives a look, daring him to do that again. The General releases his grip.
“This is a family man, a true embodiment of the worker’s spirit while still having an outlaw’s sense of adventure. We have put him continually in more violent situations and despite the risk that he’ll never be able to see his wife and kids again, he has rushed into danger each time.”
“I don’t deny any of this about him.” Katsu cuts off her soon to be former general. “I have sparred with him before. I have no ill will. I recognise his growth since we first met. We both have. But com-”
It is Fuan’s turn to interrupt Katsu.
“And yet he’s surpassed you in every way. These people care about him a lot more than they do about you. In fact, here’s a guy who’s done that in even less time. Stiener!”
Fuan laughs and tries to act like a ‘friend’ of the new recruit who doesn’t return it. He rolls his eyes.
“This man has burst on the scene like a supernova! Good looks, charm, you walk him in any village, he can make peace. Everyone loves him! A redeemed man! He doesn’t need a mask! A true superstar on the battlefield!”
Looking at Stiener, he looks at the chain around his neck.
“Remember when you were given that chain? We had to bring it back to the guy who had it before! You weren’t even the person who he had to defeat in battle. You were TERRIBLE! He’s been doing SO much better with it. And if… If we ever need to give it to someone else, we know he’ll have the guts to fight until the end! They will have to beat him to get it!”
Fuan laughs, moving on down the row. “Hey, Kenny. How’s it going?”
Kenny looks away from the General who laughs it off.
“Ah, quite the character, is he? Another fast rising star. This guy fights like he’s done this a whole lot longer than he actually has. You know what I like the most about him? He doesn’t need friends.”
Pointing to the crowd of warriors, he points out the man who has an injury.
“Until this guy got hurt, these two have become a premier pair on the battlefield. Do they go out after battle to have sushi like you?”
Fuan smirks at Katsu, taking a dig at her friendships. “No. It’s all business. And despite the fact these two can’t get along, they put that aside to create a department of violence against our enemies!”
“Don’t you dare mention my friends again. There is nothing wrong with having a strong bond with your team.”
The masked woman says through gritted teeth.
“It’s the truth.” The general smirks. “I don’t care about your ‘friendships’ if they don’t get results. I don’t even think anyone misses your crew except you. If you want to see friends that can get the job done, look at these two.”
He puts his arms around both Baxter and Best. The two look proudly as Baxter has a slight smirk and Best has his usual unsettlingly big grin.
“The strongest two I have had over the past year and more. Best friends on and off the battlefield, but they don’t let it cloud themselves. They get RESULTS. Look at the big guy here. This big nasty bastard. Unrelenting. He’s crushed his enemies with one hand. He’ll NEVER be beat.”
Fuan smirks at the smaller man.
“As for Best, he’s polite, friendly, but that’s all to hide the killer he truly is. Think of Krash. Best lost the battle and that did not stop him. He rose from the dirt and won the war as that man has NEVER been the same again! YOU DON’T HAVE THAT INSTINCT IN YOU!”
Getting in the face of Katsu, he stands across from her.
“By comparison, what do you really have?” Looking her dead in the eyes. He shouts. “NOTHING! You… ARE… NOTHING! AND NOW… YOU ARE GONE!”
The young warrior falls backwards from him getting in her face and the people around her begin… laughing, amused at her embarrassment. Katsu mutters under her breath.
“This… This can’t be happening.”
She slowly pulls herself up, grabbing her sword. At one time, she might have folded like a leaf at this, and she is holding herself up.
“To think, at one point we had big plans for you. Two different divisions you’d be part of. We even let you bring along your pals. You know, the ones only you care about.”
Katsu takes a step forward at the mention of her friends and it takes everything in her power to restrain herself.
“The worst thing in the world is wasted potential, wasted skill. You have had it, but you never could reach where we wanted you. You let us down multiple times. You came close only to fall at the finish. Your services are no longer needed and the longer you stay here the more your failure will grow like cancer!”
Standing across from General Fuan, Katsu raises her sword. Several others near-by draw their weapons.
“You know what?” The General really lays it in. “Your services were never needed. You have been nothing but a disappointment! We were only so forgiving because you were the new toy for us, and now we have new opportunities and people we know we can rely on… You’re not good enough.”
And Katsu swings her blade-
Slicing the head off the dummy behind her. A small warning shot that she could have ended him there. But she didn’t. Deep down, she’s had similar self-doubts before, and Fuan has fed into it.
“I thought so. Goodbye.”
Reality sets in on the Kitsune Warrior as she knows she’s no longer welcome.
The General motions for the crowd to split, allowing their exiled warrior to leave. Katsu places her sword back in its sheath and reluctantly takes her leave. As she walks, some of the warriors in the army boo and hiss. She even hears insults be flung at her.
“You’re a fake!” One man’s voice yells. “I bet you’re not even who you say you are under that cover!”
Words that sting. Another shouts.
“Some ‘teacher’ you are! You will always be a mentor in name only!”
“You’re the REAL villain around here! Y-”
The last voice gets muffled out by someone else.
“It’s always about you, is it?”
A voice speaks.
“Why can’t you be happy for me?!” It is softer compared to the others, child-like. Almost crying out.
Anothing booming voice shouts.
“You should have just stayed in your lane!”
All words hurt her. The world around her hates her all thanks to Fuan. All thanks to him. He’s guided her life, and ordered her around, leading her into danger. Now, he has a grin, knowing he’s rid himself of the Kitsune Warrior. The crowd continue to boo her, trying to get what they perceive as ‘trash’ out of their camp. Out of their world once and for all.
Stopping at the gate, she finally turns, seeing some of the higher ranked warriors. There’s a mix of feelings on their faces. Some are taking joy in seeing her leave, others might be biting their tongues, wishing she’d stay.
“You’ll never be them…”General Fuan approaches and points for her to leave. “Out.”
Finally, Katsu turns and leaves through the gates of the camp, only her weapons in hand as she makes her way through the forest-
And-
A familiar voice speaks in her.
“You ready?” It asks in English. “Buddy, are you awake?”
“Yo, Earth to Katsu?... KATSUKI SASAKI, DO YOU READ ME?!!”
February 10th, 2024
Osaka-jō Hall
Osaka, Japan
She blinks and finds herself back in the locker room, meditating on the floor. Her attire is her traditional white with a red trim, mask on. Looking in front of her, she has her phone on the ground, playing the live feed of Fallout from Tsushima, with their show beginning an hour or two before their bell time in Osaka. A match had just concluded between Madison Gray and Colby Sol. with the self-proclaimed ‘Conjurer’ picking up a win. Little did Katsu know at the time, this match would create a shockwave around a title scene she is familiar with. Sitting in front of her is one of her friends, Cali Hayama. She’s got her own gear on with the usual splash of black and neon. This includes a jacket with some fur on it and her usual silver hair. She smirks as Katsu looks embarrassed, getting completely lost in thought.
“Seriously bud, how do you get so spaced out while meditating?”
Nervously, Katsu stutters. “My mind races a lot. Sorry.”
“It’s whatever, I get it.” Cali kneels down and looks her friend in the eye. “It’s a big night for you. You’ve been waiting for this match for a long time! You’ve been long overdue for a singles title match here, then again you weren’t around as much for-.’” She notices her friend begin to tense up, so she stops herself.
“Right, uhh, yeah. Shit’s complicated with FWA…. But we've talked about that enough. Just know we got your back. Me, Ririko, REO now. No matter the letters of the company, YDS is our thing. It’s our family. We support each other. We push each other. And of course it’s getting bigger with our surprise recruit tonight. I know you’ll kill it in the main event. It’s your time.”
Giving her friend a pleasant smile, Katsu is put at ease.
“Thank you…” Katsu nods, trying to shake the vivid daydream she had. Hayama raises her hand and Katsu grabs it.
“It’s nothing. That’s what your unit co-leader is supposed to do, right? I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do on our own now.”
With her friend’s support, Katsu nods.
“I can’t wait to work with you more. Now go, make sure our ‘new friend’ is here.”
“On it.”
Cali gives a high five which turns into her grabbing her friend’s hand. She gives her a look of reassurance before she gets up to leave the locker room. Once again, Katsu is left alone with her thoughts. Her eyes glance to her phone to see Fallout continuing on-
Without her. A thought goes through her head.
“Maybe I should stay where I know I’m welcomed?” She whispers to herself-
As she prepares for her match.
Osaka, Japan
February 23rd, 2024
Katsu’s Apartment
Away from the bright lights of the ring, the young woman makes herself comfortable in her apartment on what appears to be a lazy Thursday afternoon. Her apartment, though somewhat spacious by Japanese standards, is tightly packed as the woman known to the world as Katsu sits back on her couch still in her PJs. Her hair, which often flows down under
the mask is put in a ponytail as she sits. To her side is the stuffed Koala gifted from her friend and on the coffee table in front of her is a laptop along with a bowl of noodle soup which has mochi rice cakes in it. The wrestler slurps her food with a pair of chopsticks as she looks through listings for houses in Tokyo. Though, she has continually dismissed options due to pricing. It seems no matter where you are in the world, it seems everything is painfully overpriced. But this move is needed.
Even with her frequent trips to and from Japan, trying to hop back and forth to honour commitments in multiple pro-wrestling companies, returning home has always been a must to recharge her batteries. But she’s in Osaka, with her home promotion, CJW, operating in Tokyo, with over half their shows running within the greater Tokyo area. A bullet train ride often costs her about two and a half to three hours, making travel inconvenient even in her home company. So, she’s seemingly ready to get out of her comfort zone in order to make her travel just that bit easier. If not now, then in the near future.
“Everything is so expensive.” She mutters to herself in Japanese. “I’m not asking to live in a palace, I just want something better than a small apartment. Make it easier for visitors. I’m getting paid in two wrestling companies and yet I still find these prices insane.”
Stopping herself, she thinks. Two companies.
“Well, I haven’t been with one for a bit of time now...”
Sighing, she lays back and looks up at the ceiling. FWA. A company she hasn’t been in contact with for a while and during a time where she likely would have been a star piece in advertising and billing, wrestling in her home country for a foreign company, she’s been locked out contractually, and she’s been dreading the possibility of having to make a decision. But, positive thinking. She mutters.
“It could be worse… I could have nothing.”
Resting her eyes for a moment, Katsu lets her mind run wild as the scenario plays in her head so that she can escape
In a peaceful village.
A small sign entering the village reads: “コズミック” as the forgotten warrior finds a place somewhat small and interconnected as if it is its own world.
Children run along the dirt road to play, laughing on a cloudy and fine day. Along the main roads are several houses, all built similarly with tiled roofs and wooden frames. Their doors
slide as some of the locals make their way around, making small talk or doing their daily chores. The exiled warrior stands on the end of the road, looking at her reflection in the creek. She has since taken off her armour and is wearing a plain green kimono. Her skin looks somewhat pale, malnourished as she hasn’t had a good meal in three days. She has a kitsune mask over her head, something she keeps close. It’s been months since she was sent packing, Fuan telling her that she wasn’t ‘good enough to stand with the other warriors.
Emotionally numb, she looks at her own reflection, seeing that the colour in her skin has been drained from her.
“Look at you.”
The young woman mutters to herself. Katsu feels her cheek.
“Nobody wants you. No matter what you can offer someone, if you’re different like me, you’re not welcome. I… I don’t like being jobless.”
Looking over her shoulder, Katsu thinks there is someone behind, watching her, but doesn’t see anyone. It’s just the children playing, kicking rocks, chasing each other, the usual.
“Every day I wake up and I feel trapped. Nowhere to go, not a life-line to open the door out. It is like… I-” She stutters under her breath. “I’m not worth saving to people. I’m a young girl who can’t fulfil my purpose. All the potential in the world, dreaming that one day, just maybe.” She sniffles.
“Just maybe you can be someone’s hero. But you can’t. It was never meant to be, and what do you have left? Nothing. You feel hopeless, lost. If you don’t contribute to society, what do people think of you? Just…”
Exhaling she kicks a pebble into the creek. Ripples form in the water, breaking her reflection. The young woman tries to break herself out of a funk. Wiping the tear from her cheek, she tries to push through.
“Beating yourself up isn’t going to change anything… But I need to find out what I can do?”
A growling sound is heard as she grabs her stomach. She’s running on empty. Looking around, she looks around and decides to walk around the village in search of cheap food. The woman keeps her head down, wishing to remain invisible from others. She heads down a ‘street’ and sees it is lined with vendor stands. Some individuals are selling their crafts and clothing, but some have food.
Fruits, vegetables, plucked fresh from the farm. A savoury smell waves through the air as, mixed in with the fresh produce, is homemade dishes, piping hot. Katsu’s stomach growls as the smell becomes more tempting. At a near-by stand is an older lady. Her hair is grey and she checks a lot of the boxes for an older Japanese lady. She has bags that almost hide her eyes, with a slight bend of her spine as she is hunched over. There’s a warm grin on her face as she has a collection of cooked and baked goods on her stand, most of which is just made for display. Next to it is a small set of picnic tables, giving people a chance to sit down and eat. Looking at the young lady nearby, she sees the confusion in her face, the paleness in her skin. The woman clears her throat and gets her attention.
“Hello there, young lady. Someone is looking awfully thin?”
She even has the kind spirit that comes from any grandmother when it comes to their food. Katsu shyly turns. She points to herself.
“Yes, you.” The old lady nods. “Come here. You need something to eat.”
Hesitantly, Katsu walks over to the stand.
“Thank you…” Katsu bows her head slightly. She nervously looks at the food in front of her. A collection of traditional, savoury, Japanese dishes.
But, most importantly, she looks at the prices associated with each dish. She nervously thinks through what is left in her wallet and what everything is worth, a burden over the idea of getting something so basic for survival. Food.
The old lady notices she is taking a long time. “Too many options, my dear?”
Katsu stutters. “No, it’s not that.”
She looks at a pouch she keeps along her belt to hold her money. Opening it, she peeks inside and sees just two Yen coins. Not enough for even the cheapest item. The old lady sees this.
“Someone is tight on funds, is she?”
Embarrassed, Katsu puts her pouch away and is ready to move on.
“Sorry for bothering you, miss. I can’t afford anything.”
“Now wait one moment. You are young, pretty, bright, but you appear to be cast aside when you should be thriving.” The woman’s voice is gentle but firm as she gets Katsu to stay. A motherly smile is in her voice. “Tell me your story. Why are you struggling?”
Looking forward to the old lady, Katsu is slow to share. This is a total stranger. But there’s a sense of warmth from her.
“-I was forced to walk away from FWA..”
She mutters.
“The general, Fuan, was seemingly against me at every moment. I was hurt during training one time, and he tried to force me to fight when I couldn’t. The superiors sided with me and he held that against me. So eventually he managed to get me out, saying I was never ‘good enough.’”
A chill runs down her spine. Holding back tears, Katsu tries to put on a brave face, but her voice catches as she admits.
“It has been hard on me and I have been struggling to get back on my feet since then. Each day wondering if I am even good enough. So yes, I have struggled for money. It hasn’t been easy.”
The older woman hums. She reaches forward on one of the price signs..
“I understand. Life has not been too kind to you recently, has it?” She smiles. “Well, at a time like this, I remember something my mother would tell me. ‘Help each other and prosper.’ So, for today…”
And the lady turns the price sign around.
“It will be free for you. Just get yourself some food. What would you like?”
Shocked by the act of kindness, Katsu stutters. She waves her hands. “No-No thank you. You do not need to do that for me. I need to give you something in return.”
The lady chuckles.
“Cooking is beyond just what gives me money, dear. I know it is important, but cooking is my mission. To provide good food to those who need it. To celebrate my passion and perfect my dishes. It’s just a bonus that I get paid.”
“I, uh, never thought of it that way.” Katsu anxiously responds.
“How about you take a seat, dear?” The food vendor motions to the area she has for patrons. “I know what will set you right.”
Knowing she can’t convince the vendor otherwise and in desperate need of food, Katsu relents, bowing her head.
“-Thank you. Thank you for your big heart.”
Leaving the kind lady to prepare her first proper meal in who knows how long, Katsu goes over to one of the benches to take a seat. A breeze blows through her hair as she looks down and there’s a feeling of guilt.
Accepting a stranger’s kindness for food all at no cost. Not just that but having to rely on someone else to help solve her problems in a way. That’s not what most people were raised on where she was from. If one was struggling, it was their duty to remove themselves from the group and solve something on their own, not potentially harm the group, or strangers, by bringing them down to their own problems. Someone who does that is not worth help.
She’s not worth the help.
Now, she’s leeching off someone else. A helplessness washes over her as a pit forms in her stomach. Though, the rumbling of her stomach speaks otherwise. Maybe a quick meal will give her the energy to move forward. Glancing at the table near her, she overhears some kids talking. They are full of hope and energy while they enjoy some snacks.
“Did you see the Fantasy War Army folks in the village the other day?” One kid shouts.
“Yeah, they looked so big and strong!”
Katsu clenches her fist hearing that. She takes a deep breath. “Just ignore them.” She thinks to herself, yet she can’t help but listen. As the kids mention different warriors, Katsu’s mind continually flashes back to them. Memories with them, emotions in managing them.
Training with the self-proclaimed ‘Black Jesus’ of the army. First, a one on one drill where she threw everything she had. She stayed in a lot longer than people expected, but it was clear he was on another level to her, knocking her down and out with a heavy strike. Then, another where there were multiple parties. She ends up getting higher ground and stares the man in the black mask down, and her grip slips and he sends her crashing below. Finally, she stands above him, sword drawn, ready for the final blow, until a man with bejewelled gear cracks her in the head with his knee…
Then to another sparring session, a man with tattoos over his body and a sense of virtue about him. She fights hard, going head to head, and for a few moments getting a leg up on him. Someone watching the spar shouts that a time limit is nearing, causing panic from the young woman. She tries to finish him, but he grabs his sacred blade and slashes the sword out of the Kitsune Warrior’s hands, standing over her.
A chill down Katsu’s spine and her heart races.
The kids continue to ramble on about all the ‘cool’ warriors who, according to Fuan, are better than Katsu in every way. A wave of emotions go through her heart. Anger, sadness, envy, every negative emotion you can think of. She can’t even understand why there’s this level of bitterness. Apart from a handful of people, there isn’t really any true reason to have any leftover anger apart-
Apart from the biggest hurdle she ever had there.
Fuan.
Her Fuan.
Always getting in the way. Making her feel less than everyone else. She is a young Japanese woman in a world filled with dragons, weasels, bastards, birds of prey, established favourites and new toys. Nothing is easy for her, but it doesn’t mean Fuan has to remind her of it every day.
“When I grow up, I want to be a strong warrior like them!”
“You don’t know the half of it…” She thinks to herself as finally, the lady comes with her food. It is on a wooden tray and she places it in front of Katsu.
“Here you go, dear. I chose it just for you to be nice and filling. I got you Misao Soup, and my delicious potato mochi! It is a signature dish I took from when I lived in Hokkaido.”
Katsu looks on her plate to see several dough disks of potato mochi. They have a fluffy brown exterior, evenly cooked with Nori wrapping it for ease of holding. Next to it is a container filled with a sweet soy sauce and of course, there’s her soup with a reddish broth with soy beans and rice in it. Very filling, healthy, and perfect for a woman who is starving. Looking at the old lady, Katsu still can’t believe the generosity of her. She hesitates.
“Go ahead, take a bite.”
Katsu uses a pair of chopsticks to pick up a piece of potato Mochi and she dips it in the sauce. Taking a bite, there’s a crunch as Katsu breaks through the outer layer and she nearly drops it because it is warm. There’s a light crisp from the initial bite with the sauce providing a salty sweetness to it with a soft and chewy inside. And surprisingly, she feels something warm inside of it. Is that a bit of cheese? Chewing, she swallows and grins.
“That is… delicious. I can tell it is made with care.”
The lady is charmed.
“I always put everything I have into my cooking. I want to make sure everyone, no matter how old or young, finds joy in my cooking.”
“That sounds amazing.” Katsu gives a polite smile as she takes another bite. The older lady sits on the other side of the picnic table and asks Katsu a question.
“Do you have a place to stay? Work to be had?”
The Kitsune Warrior shakes her head.
“No. Not at all.”
“Well, how about I talk to the town mayor to get you a place here?”
Katsu’s eyes light up. She’s speechless.
“I know, it is surprising. But we can find work for you here, and I wouldn’t want you to be thrown out into the wild on your own. Like I said, I was raised to always help those in need. Because I know one day, the good deed will return.”
“How would you know I would help you?”
Katsu asks.
“Nothing is guaranteed. Though when you have been around as long as me, you can judge someone’s character well. We can see through the mask we hide behind.”
Grabbing her arm, Katsu looks at the warm food in front of her, the kind woman, and just surveys the village around her. Is she staying here? The lady continues her pitch.
“I know it might not be as prestigious as being in the FWA, but there is meaningful work here. People need help and people will appreciate you. You can be happy here.”
“I do need money…” Katsu mutters, remembering her wallet.
“I am sure there will be work and pay. And if you work hard enough, I’m sure you will make enough here.”
Reaching into her sleeve, the lady pulls out a piece of paper.
“So, what do you say?”
Bzzzt Bzzzt. Bzzzt Bzzt.
Katsu’s vivid daydream is cut off from the sound of her phone vibrating.
Katsu looks down on her phone and gets a notification from a bank. The message translates to “Direct Deposit” and reads from “COSMIC J-” before the message is cut off. She opens it and reads the amount and she looks to be genuinely shocked in the best way possible. A text message appears and it is from an “Anou Shigeki.” The first name and surname were swapped as normal in Japan. She opens it up and reads the latest message, it roughly translating to:
“Katsu, I just wanted to make sure you got your direct deposit. We have had banking issues with a few athletes last week and wanted to make sure you got it.
Also some good news, your merchandise sales came back and you broke our record for top seller in a month! I guess it might be a combination of your return, and the new YDS merch you and Hayama designed. I should give you the credit as well. It has come down to your hard work. We missed you when you were in FWA, but it has done you some good in the end. You’re a champion and you are being paid like one now. Don’t let this get to your head. Keep working hard.”
Katsu covers her mouth as her jaw drops. She looks at the house prices again and her sale totals. Her hopes of getting a nice place of her own closer to where she wrestles are real. Sometimes, for someone as passionate as her all she needs-
Is stability.
Finally, when reality sets in, she mutters.
“-I can get used to this.”
Looking at the kind lady in front of her, Katsu looks at her, giving her kindness in a time of need. A potential route to get on her feet. Find stability. She nods, breaking out a grin and attempting to hold back tears. The lady returns the kind look, saying.
“Welcome home, dear. Welcome home.”
April 4th, 2024
Osaka Castle Stadium
Osaka, Japan
An hour until bell-time, and fans are beginning to file in slowly to the stands at the historic and definitely still standing Osaka Castle Baseball Field for FWA to present Meltdown live from Osaka. Some wear and tear has been seen on the stands, but the ballpark has been fairly well maintained despite the main tenant leaving before the 90’s. In the middle of the infield, approximately where the pitcher’s mound would be, is a wrestling ring and an aisle way from it leading to one of the dugouts where they made a set. On the field are rows of seats as fans slowly begin to file into both the stands and the on field seats. Many of the fans are wearing surgical masks, something which is relatively common in Japan, even outside, with a focus for cleanliness and the prevention of disease. What many of the fans don’t know is that there’s an FWA wrestler in the crowd.
At least, for now. Katsu.
The wrestler leans against the gate going towards the stands, wearing her own surgical mask on. She wears a white long sleeved top and jeans, a casual look, and some makeup on her face. Despite the dyed tips of her hair being a giveaway of who she is, nobody has put two and two together as she’s hidden.
There’s a mixture of feelings as she looks on at the arena set up with the FWA logo proudly seen in the ring. There’s a sense of dread and sadness looking over her. Trying to keep it out of her mind for months, it has been near impossible. People mention the letters ‘FWA’ with her all the time, recognising a connection that, whether she likes it or not, will be with her for the rest of her career. Then now they are in her backyard for a long-term tour which is only now beginning to conclude.
Her phone vibrates as she pulls it out with dozens of notifications. Most of which are messages reading some variation of “お誕生日おめでとう,” or “Happy Birthday.”
That is only a brief distraction. She has business to attend to today. Not to wrestle.
But to move on.
Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out a wrestler’s mask with fox-like features and some fur. It has a sparkly texture with a mix of white and red. This is her ‘backstage pass’ in a way. A mask that she has spent the better part of a year building up to mean something and be part of her. She can head to the backstage area right now, show security the mask, and she’d be let in. Though her taking a trip around the stands might be her way of delaying the inevitable.
Sliding her mask back into her pocket, Katsu pulls out a sealed envelope. Written on it in penmanship is text in both Japanese and English.
“辞表”
“Resignation Letter.”
With FWA in her hometown.
Katsu appears ready to close the door on that chapter of her career.
No more long-trips halfway across the world. No more fighting men who are twice her size. No more risk of being booked in a barbaric stipulation match. She’ll get to stay home, wrestle with her friends, and continue to build a group they created together. She may not have the fame of being a world travelled star. It might be a bit more niche. But as long as she pays the bills and wrestles on a platform to show herself, what does it matter? With the letter, she can just hand it off to Jon or Cal, thank them in person because she owes them that much, and let her words on the page to do talking. It’s easier.
But it doesn’t make it truly easy.
Tucking her letter away, the wrestler steps forward and gives what might be her last look at a live FWA ring. Moving on is harder than she thought. Has it really been all bad?
But in her mind, it is time to say goodbye. With everything going on, there is no more love, passion.
She continues to reminisce until she is overheard with a conversation between a young girl and her father. The kid is trying to hold back tears, holding out a program for the show. It is a mix of Japanese and English text and has the matches scheduled. There is one omission which hurts her, Katsu.
“Why can’t she wrestle, dad?!” The young girl shouts in Japanese as she holds back tears.
Over her shoulder is a scarf towel. It has red and white, with some pink on it. Mixed with the font reading “KATSU” in bold gold letters is a fox head logo along with a red and gold version of YOKAI Death Squad’s logo. A decent seller for Katsu’s merch back home. Tucked under her arm is a mask similar to that of Katsu’s. The young girl unaware her idol is standing feet away from her. Her father gets on his knees, wearing a surgical mask and tries to console her.
“I can’t answer that dear.” He reasons with her. “And you saw her at the Joshi show in February. Maybe you can see your other favourites here?”
“But you weren’t at that show with me, dad!” The girl pouts under her own mask. “I had to go with Ema and her family! I wanted to show you her!”
“I was work-”
His daughter cuts him off. “You are ALWAYS at work! When Mom was around, she would have taken me-”
The kid is holding back tears and Katsu can’t help herself. She has to listen. The story resonates with her. Looking at the kid, the face rings a bell somewhat too. Though she signed dozens of autographs after a show, a lot of which were young kids. Guess her colourful mask is something that catches their eyes?
“I am sorry. Your Mom is no longer with us. I try my best, but I can’t be here all the time.”
The kid is unable to hold back tears as she grabs the scarf and rubs her eyes with it.
“I just want you to see my hero! I just want to share something I love with you!”
She screams out. Katsu’s mind begins to dissociate-
The forest is covered in a dense fog as the Kitsune Warrior rides her horse. Small breaks of sunlight shine down through the leaves as the steed trots carefully. This is just a routine expedition for her. Check the forest for any threats to her new village, if there’s any plants which can be brought back to be grown, take it. Since being welcomed into the village, she has made remarkable efforts in getting back to health physically and mentally. The locals have begun to trust her, even finding some new friends, and being part of their security cores, the intimidating named ‘Death Squad,’ she has found a purpose, doing what the village needs, and being appreciated for what she can do. It is a simple life, but one that makes her happy.
“Seems like the coast is clear, huh Yukio?” She pats her horse who gives a gentle neigh.
“Guess it is about time to go back to the village and get you some carrots?”
The horse stomps its hooves on the ground, beginning to turn. Then-
The sound of sobbing is heard in the distance.
It echoes through the forest and the Warrior, remaining calm, reaches on her back to grab her bow and pulls an arrow from her quiver. It is better to take caution in a case like this. The horse makes its way through the path with Katsu directing it to the source of the sound. The fog thickens, obscuring her sight. Katsu’s horse is unable to see where it's stepping and loses balance bucking Katsu off.
The Kitsune Warrior lands on the ground with a thud. Her horse manages to keep on its fours, but stops once it realises its rider has fallen off.
Katsu rubs her head and sits up. The fog begins to clear as she sees a grave site.
“Where did this come from?”
Katsu groggily says. Pulling herself up by the saddle on the horse, she still hears the sound of crying. Leading her horse she goes in the direction of it, her free hand holding her bow in case of an attack. At the far end of the graveyard she sees-
A little girl. She is wearing a pure white kimono and looks to be no older than nine or ten. She is sobbing in front of a grave while holding some flowers. The tombstone has a statue of a woman wearing a kimono holding a young
child. Katsu approaches, listening to the kid’s crying.
“Why did you have to go mommy!?” She cries out. “Why did it have to be you?!” The girl buries her head in her hands. Her tears falling into the dirt in which her mother rests.
“I’m sorry for all the times I was bad, mommy. I loved you. I love you mommy but I wasn’t being nice. And I can’t say that again. I can’t have your cooking anymore. I can’t play with you again…”
The girl wipes her tears.
“I will never be able to hug you again… I”
The little girl doesn’t know what else to say as she weeps over her mother’s gravestone. Putting her bow away, Katsu feels a weight over her heart. This poor young girl. She gets her horse to stay as she approaches the girl. She sits down, cross-legged next to her. Gently, like a mother talking to her own kid, she talks.
“Hello. What seems to be wrong, little one?”
The girl wipes her tears and looks at the warrior next to her. She falls back, fearful of a weapon-wielding woman. Katsu once again speaks calmly.
“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” And she gives a slight smile of reassurance. The child is still apprehensive, as Katsu introduces herself.
“My name is Katsu. What is yours?”
“Miso.”
“Nice to meet you, Miso.” Katsu tilts her head slightly, trying to give a welcoming grin before asking. “So, is this the grave of someone close to you?”
Nodding, Miso sniffles.
“My mom sleeps here.” She explains. “This is where she was buried last week. She was sick.” Another tear rolls down her cheek. “The last time I spoke to her, she yelled at me and I… I never got to say sorry.”
Keeping herself calm, Katsu puts her hand over her heart.
“You must be grieving terribly.” She says. “I offer you my condolences. It must be hard on you to know that you never ended things…” Her voice catches. Something about what she says next rings true to her. “You never ended things how you wanted to.”
Miso nods. “I never got to say to her I love her one more time. I wish she could have tucked me in one more time and read me a bedtime story like she did when I was a baby.”
Thinking through what she’s going to say next, Katsu’s mind goes to what others tell her. Something her friends or her parents tell her when something doesn’t go her way.
“I understand. It is hard. You can’t change how things happened, but sometimes accepting that can ease the burden. There are things you can control, like how we act now. I know your mind is stuck on that moment. Look past it. There must have been many other times you told her that you loved her.”
The girl gives a shy nod. Katsu looks at the flowers in her hand.
“Are those flowers for your mother?”
She once again nods. Katsu smiles.
“See? If that is not a sign that you love her, I don’t know what is? I think she will love them. Go on, give it to her.”
Cleaning the waterworks from her eyes, the girl shyly places the flowers at the base of her grave.
“Now what do you say?”
“I love you mom… Thank you.” Miso says. For a brief moment, she shows the slightest grin as she eases her mind.
“How do you feel now?”
The warrior once again asks the girl. Wrapping her arms around her knees, the girl sighs.
“I still miss her.”
“And that is okay. It is normal. It just m-”
Whatever Katsu is about to say is interrupted by the girl.
“I just don’t know how I can go on! My dad works the farms all day. She was all I have and now I have nobody. How can I live without her? I…”
Putting her hand on Miso’s shoulder, Katsu gives a gentle “shh” and gives a small smile.
“It will take time. But life is worth living. There are people who still love you. Things that you love to do that can give you a smile. Tell me, what do you love to do?”
Sniffling, Miso thinks.
“I love playing games with my friends. I- I love making art.”
“See? That is a great start!” She encourages the girl. “It is about finding what you love to give you reason. Something that inspires you.”
“The warriors around town inspire me.” Miso responds.
“Oh?” The Kitsune Warrior hums. “Like me?”
Nodding, the young girl wipes her eyes. “You all are so strong and tough! I want to be big, strong and brave someday!”
Giving a nervous laugh, the young warrior is charmed by the compliment.
“Now, I wouldn’t call myself brave. I am not without my faults”
“But you’re perfect to me! You’re a hero!”
Under her helmet mask, the woman has a big grin on her face. Sometimes, she forgets how much she loves to brighten people’s days and how it makes her day in return. Looking at the warrior, Miso asks.
“How do you do it?”
Taking her time, the young warrior looks at her fan. Differing ideas circle around her head. But one word jumps out at her.
“It’s what I love.” The warrior smiles. “If you go on doing something you love to do, it hardly feels like a burden.”
“What if someone doesn’t like what I do?” The girl asks again.
Thinking about her own life, Katsu takes a deep breath, but shows a calmness to her. “People who love you will support you pursuing your passions. Even from beyond. My family learned that, and being able to share it with someone you love, even with someone still in your heart, is a treasure.”
Katsu sees the young fan crying out to her father, heartbroken. Sometimes in the world of wrestling when you’re chasing accolades and championships, or for the ability to provide for yourself, you forget that at the heart of wrestling is the people you perform in front of.
The people who need a moment to escape their lives. Or in this case.
Someone to look up to and share their passions with.
Swallowing any social anxiety, Katsu slowly approaches the father and his daughter.
“Excuse me, sir?”
The father shoots up. He is stern.
“Sorry, we are in the middle of something.”
He holds the hand of his daughter and motions with his eyes towards her. “And it is rude to go up to someone you do not know, especially a child you have never met.”
“Are you sure?” Katsu kneels down slightly so she is at eye level with the girl. She asks her a question. “Are you…” She thinks back and a name instantly pops into her head. “Miso?”
Her eyes open as she nods nervously.
“See? I thought I recognised you. You had two action figures I signed. One was me as ‘Vampyra’ and the other was my first one as Katsu.”
The girl is in utter shock. Her favourite wrestler in person. She gives a slight bow as Katsu puts her finger up to her facemask.
“Now shh, I am not supposed to be here tonight, so this is going to be our little secret.” And winks. Miso nods happily. “It is nice to see you again. This is your father, correct?”
“That’s my dad! He never got to see you wrestle before, Katsu!”
Katsu once again presses her finger to her facemask, reminding the kid to keep quiet. Katsu turns to her father.
“It is an honour, sir.” Katsu gives a slight bow to him. “I am glad to meet a hardworking man. It was a shame you could not make the last show I wrestled here. And let’s just say there are some… difficulties going on right now which prevent me from wrestling tonight. Rest assured, I hope you and your daughter have a great time at the show tonight.”
“Thank you, Katsu? You are the one with the fox mask, correct?”
The wrestler nods as her father once again asks. “Is that your real name?” The father asks but Katsu just has a small chuckle.
“As far as you know, that is me. Now… Seeing that I am unable to wrestle tonight, how can I
make it up to you two?”
Putting her hand under her chin, Katsu hums. “I do not think it would be right to take a photo without me wearing my proper mask, especially when I am not advertised to appear. What would mean something to you? A-hah.”
Reaching, Katsu takes the mask the young girl has. “Do you have a pen, sir?” She asks the father.
The dad reaches into his pocket and digs out a pen.
Katsu opens the inside of the mask and writes, saying what she is writing.
“Miso. People like you are my Ikigai. Thank you.” Before she signs it with her name and hands the little girl the mask. She excitedly hugs it as her father reminds her to keep her manners.
“What do you say?”
“Thank you!” And she bows her head. Katsu smiles and motions to let her, just this once, give her a hug. Getting up, Katsu bows her head.
“No, thank you. You have done more for me than you realise, but I love my fans and I love being able to share my passions with you. I have to go, so enjoy the show and I hope to see you two at a show sometime with me wrestling.”
The girl bows her head and the father waves as Katsu turns around.
“When will you be back in FWA?” The girl innocently asks, not knowing the nature of Katsu being here. Katsu stops.
“We will see. Thank you, Miso.” Keeping her head down, Katsu heads down the halls of the stands, avoiding eye-contact with anyone. She makes a turn to head down to the dressing rooms.
It is now or never.
Two Hours Later
Having met with security, the woman known to FWA fans as Katsu has finally found her way into the locker room area for Meltdown for what might be the last time, hidden from the rest of the talent. Russnow’s schedule, he has asked her to wait before meeting. Though she could just hand the resignation letter to someone else to deliver it, she wishes to ensure he receives it and, depending on how courageous she is feeling, answer the questions he no doubt has. With some feeling of unrest, unsure how FWA roster members will receive her, Katsu has kept her signature mask off to remain anonymous, wearing just a surgical mask, and has found an old locker room which has since been unclaimed by wrestlers.
The venue has its age, with old wooden benches on the floor to sit on and locker room stalls which appear more like old showers than state of the art lockers for baseball players. There is a faint smell of urine in the air, probably from an animal infestation. In the middle of the locker room is a trash can and Katsu paces around.
She just wants to get this over with as her head is running through every possible scenario and reaction from Jon or Cal. Her mind still at unease, she decides to run things through one more time. Grabbing her letter, she decides to rip open the envelope and pull it out. Giving it a glance, she mutters in Japanese.
“I hope Cali was right with the translation of this.”
Before reading it out in English.
“To whom it may concern,
I, the wrestler known as KATSU, formally requested my release from my FWA contract. I make this decision with a heavy heart, but for multiple reasons, I have to leave.
Being in FWA has done wonders for me professionally. I raised my status on a world-wide stage and being in the ring with some of the talented wrestlers FWA has to offer such as Cyrus Truth, MvH, Alyster Black, has pushed me to be even better. There are few rosters like this and that is the biggest compliment I can give.
That has translated to greater success at home. I would not be able to dream of doing the things I have done in Japan in the past few months without FWA. But I have always been a woman stuck between two worlds and now they are clashing.
As you know, CJW has blocked me from appearing at all of FWA’s Japan-tour shows on account of my CJW contract, my responsibilities as champion, and various concerns from CJW which we have acknowledged as being legitimate. This tension has been stressful and being stuck in the middle has made a negative impact on my mental health. Ideally, I wish to be able to wrestle both places, but that is no longer a possibility as long as this tension exists and my body has its limits.
FWA is a globally recognized company and I thank you for allowing this young Japanese woman to chase her dreams. Maybe in the future we can co-exist and thrive together? But FWA does not need me now.
Thank you for everything and sorry for being a burden,
KATSU” |
Taking a deep sigh, Katsu neatly folds her letter up and slides it into her pocket. She walks closer to the door of the room.
“This is a lot harder than I thought it would be just reading it out.” She talks to herself in Japanese. “Imagine how disappointed Miso was, I only can imagine if there are fans internationally who can’t watch me here, how they would feel. I always loved making a positive impact on people, and this will be the opposite. But they do not need me-”
“Another year of a cursed F1, huh, Jack?”
Two men at the door are talking loudly, interrupting Katsu’s train of thought.
“Tell me about it, Phil, but it seems like the injury bug is hitting EVERYONE. Xavien’s out. Chris Crowe is out of Fallout. Tommy’s beat up. Everyone’s made of glass!”
Raising an eyebrow, Katsu can only imagine the stress Jon Russnow and Cal Robinson have right now.
“Not even real glass, that fake easy to break sugar glass used for stunts. At least last year it was mostly kept to the tournament. One spot seemed to flip flop between most of the people in Executive Excellence, Toner got hurt while champ too, like damn.”
“Poor Vampyra, tried all she could to fill Toner’s spot.”
Taking a deep breath, Katsu knows who they are talking about now. Her.
“Yeah, Katsu. That tournament was a hell of an uphill battle for her. They threw a 20-some year old girl from Japan to the wolves when the reigning World Champion got hurt. Talk about being bold? Say, what has she been up to?” Phil asks. “I know she got hurt.”
“She’s been wrestling.” He explains. “For her home promotion here and that ‘sister’ promotion, which started this year. Doing well from what I’ve seen.”
“No shit. If someone told me that she, when she debuted, that within a year she would have done half the shit she did, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
“Shame she hasn’t appeared here this tour.” One of them sighs. “Would have been nice to have an extra home-country star for this. Missed her wrestling too.”
“She’s from Osaka, don’t you know?” He responds. “Maybe she’s here right now? Haha.”
“I doubt it. All I know is there’s issues between FWA and CJW. I don’t know what. It is probably some Japanese promotional Politics stuff.”
The phone of one of them vibrates and they groan.
“Great, another mess we got to clean up. We work with fucking children.”
“Cry me a river, Phil. It’s our job. Let’s just get it over with.”
The two men leave as Katsu is left, surprised by the conversation. After months of thinking she’s a burden with everything going on and that everyone would be better off with her leaving the FWA, at least somewhere, there are people who think of her as a positive. Opening her letter,
Katsu paces back and forth.
FWA has been having some challenges lately with title vacancies, and injuries. She isn’t exactly a solution, but maybe her presence at a time of need can be of help?
“Help! Help!”
In the graveyard, as the Kitsune Warrior gives comfort to the young girl, she hears a familiar voice. Katsu tells Miso to hide as she draws her sword. Cautiously, she approaches the source of the cries for help. Trickles of blood appear on the path which she follows, keeping her sword drawn.
There are gentle rustles in the grass, but from the subtlety of the sound, it is likely just a wild animal. Whoever the attacker was is gone, leaving the victim-
Lying in great pain.
General Fuan.
In his armour, the general has multiple dents. In the exposed parts where there is no protection are various slashes and stab wounds. Under his ribs, a splotch of red. Blood in his mouth. He lies against a tree, his weapon on the ground. Katsu feels her blood rising upon seeing him. She approaches him and gets down to her knees. Crimson spirting from his mouth, Fuan says.
“Thank you… I’m glad someone found me.”
Katsu inhales and exhales. Not saying a word.
“What? Don’t just stand there, stranger.” He coughs.
“You don’t remember me…”
Fuan looks up. His vision is becoming fuzzy. “Wait… That Kitsune girl?”
“Katsu…” The kitsune warrior grabs her blade. “What brings you here? Your ‘powerful army’ is here to invade my home now too!? And here you are on the ground, broken.” She scoffs. “Not so easy here, now is it?”
“I almost forgot about you…”
“And I haven’t forgotten about you-”
Standing up, Katsu raises her voice. “You have ruled my life for a long time. No, you have ruined my life many times! Every day I would wake up, and no matter what I did, you would tell me that I was not good enough! You would make me feel inferior, tell me that I was not welcome. Every little mistake I made, you preyed on, made it weigh on my mind, and every time I wanted to stand up and take action you pulled me back and froze me! I was helpless to do anything! I could not fix any problems! I could not be happy, I could not sleep, and being injured in a way was a blessing because it gave me time away from you!”
Fuan glares at Katsu.
“Why do you hold this grudge?”
“Because it still affects me!” Katsu holds her blade out and holds it against his chin. “Every time I am with your FWA, it seems that all you do is ruin my life and I am tired of it! So now you’re asking me to help? Bachi! Bachi ga ataru! This is the karma you deserve!”
Looking long at Katsu, a woman who has given him her rage, the General, feeling his life slowly drain from him, feels little, weak. Looking off in the distance, he mutters.
“Maybe it is?”
Leaning against the tree trunk, the egomaniacal general feels defeated. “It is my role to push people. I try to keep people in check. But heh, I suppose I got out of control? I turned into an anchor for you. Sorry doesn’t mean anything at this point, but I’ll admit that.”
Pulling her sword back, Katsu listens to her former general.
“Since you've been gone, things have slowly begun to unravel. Those new faces I was happy about? It was a mixed bag at best. Some couldn’t handle it and were gone early. Others, the deeper we got into enemy territory, the more they would go under. Some of my golden warriors I was proud of even couldn’t handle it. I can count on one hand the people who lived up to what I thought and it’s been out of control. I-”
He coughs again, blood spewing from his mouth.
“I had to run away. I took what baggage I could and ran. But some raiders down the trail took it and stabbed me. This wound is probably going to be the end of me… I”
He feels the last parts of his life begin to fade, so he tries to ease his guilt.
“Maybe I was wrong about you? You are out here, living a life… Who knows what would have happened if you stayed? Though I guess I would never know… But I need to ask you.”
Katsu is still shocked by the admission from Fuan, but she gets what he is hinting at. Coming back to FWA camp? Really? His weak hand reaches forward to the young warrior and she gently grabs it. She nods.
“-Please. End me. End me now. Put me out of my misery. Grab my sword and f-finish what that bandit did.”
If given the choice five minutes ago, she would not have hesitated, but Katsu is not jumping at the chance to end his life. Fuan shows a small smirk.
“Consider it closing the chapter on me. I w-won’t be a burden for you anymore. Bachi. This is karma. Do it.”
Gently pushing his sword towards Katsu, she picks it up as her former General stumbles forward. His legs shake as he attempts to stand. If Katsu doesn’t do it now, he’s going to suffer longer. It is a mercy killing at this point. But, Katsu can’t do it. She drops the sword and turns around.
“Uhhg. What’s wrong?” He coughs up more blood. “Not even good enough to end a dying man?”
Wheezing, he shakes. “I guess you don’t have that in you? My agony has made me soft… Pathetic.”
Stopping, Katsu is refraining from ending the man. The man who gives her grief for his entire existence.
“Pitiful. Worthless.” He pesters the Kitsune Warrior. The words sting as she walks. “That is why you never could match my warriors, and you never will. You are…”
Lip quivering, General Fuan shouts. “NOTHING!” before dropping to a knee.
Taking a few steps forward, Katsu is ready to leave Fuan behind, her past. Let his ghost linger. But, there’s a voice in her ear. It is gentle and soft.
“Are you really all that?” It asks. There’s a whimsy about it. “Is that what you truly fear? Fuan? The feeling of being not good enough? Both?”
Turning her head back, she sees Fuan hacking and coughing. He looks up at her with pity.
“Do you want to stay in your den? Or do you want to be free, my kitsune? Don’t be scared. I believe in you. Why can’t you?”
Picking up Fuan’s blade, Katsu looks him in the eyes.
“I’m not nothing, Fuan. I am somebody. FWA would be lucky to have me. I am not a perfect warrior, but I… I believe in myself.”
Her voice shakes. She repeats, sounding more confident. “I BELIEVE in myself! I am not like one of the warriors you compare me to, but I am special in my own way! The Fantasy War Army may not need me, but it needs people like me. My own skills. My own way to bring riches. The heart I put into battle…”
Fuan wobbles as he tries to get up. “Nobody c-cares about y-.”
“Shut up!” She shouts. “I have my story to tell. We all have our stories to tell. Something we bring. All you have done is mess with my life! My reason to live. No more! I write the story, Fuan, not you and yours ends now so that mine can continue!”
Stabbing the sword, it drives itself into the chest of the general, going through his armour and his flesh. He wheezes out one final gasp as his eyes roll in the back of his head. Katsu lets go of the sword and it remains planted in the corpse’s chest as he drops to his knees.
Then to the ground. A weight is off the chest of Katsu as she signals for her horse. Fuan’s body lies on the ground, left to rot.
“Goodbye, Fuan.”
Getting on her horse, the Kitsune Warrior rides off, knowing what to do next.
As a knock is heard on the door of the locker room.
Looking up, Katsu shouts in English.
“One minute.” Before quickly pulling out her signature mask. She removes her surgical mask, swapping it with her wrestling mask, not even being able to tie it.
As she begins to tighten it, she yells.
“Come in.”
The door opens and Katsu is elated to see a familiar face who comes rushing in for a big hug. Wearing an FWA polo shirt, the young woman has some mixed race in her, part Filipino, part Asian. Her hair is covered by a beanie as she has a badge on a lanyard. It has a picture of her on it and it reads:
“Kimmy Cortez (She/They)
FWA Production”
“I KNEW you wouldn’t be gone forever!”
Kimmy shouts. Their accent still has some of its British influence, but with how much they travelled, it always takes some influence from those around. With the large number of Americans she works with, it has been Americanized slightly. Katsu happily hugs her old friend.
“Well, I live here. You are the one who’s visiting.”
She quips, laughing. Katsuki removes her mask briefly to show her face to one of the few people in FWA allowed to see it.
“No shit, it’s been how long?” Kimmy asks.
“Six months, almost seven.”
“Oh, by the way, according to Discord…” Kimmy smiles. “Happy Birthday…”
Katsuki gives a nervous laugh. “Right, I have you on it. Thank you. I do have some plans after to celebrate with some family-”
“That’s awesome!” Kimmy pokes her friend in the stomach. Katsuki can’t help but blush at this reunion.
“So, what’cha here for? Just to catch up? I know Jon told me you were here.”
Kimmy asks and their friend freezes. She looks at the paper in her hand. Katsuki thinks. Everything that has gone through her head over the past several months, going back and forth, feeling trapped contractually and mentally between two places. She seemingly can have it all still if she stays in Japan. A platform to show her skills. The ability to provide a good life for her. Being able to love her work, and be appreciated.
But she’s tied to FWA and it has given her so much. Amazing talent to fight. She’s grown into a real rising star. She owes her recent success at home thanks to FWA. As much as there’s extra pressure, she still craves the rush of being in front of new fans. Disappointing them would be heartbreaking. Then there’s the people in the company itself. The masked wrestler usually keeps to herself and those she trusts, and there are some enemies she’s made. Deep down, there’s still people who appreciate her and need her. She can’t give up. She needs to keep going. For her fans, friends, and herself. She can have two homes. Places to live for.
Her anxiety fades as she crumples the page up, giving her friend a cheerful look.
“I am here to talk about a potential return with Russnow and Robinson!”
“No fucking way! FWA and CJW finally talked?!” Kimmy practically jumps at the news. Katsu tries to get her friend to calm down.
“Not yet. We have a lot to talk about, but I think it will be worth it. I just want today to be the start. But- uhh, let’s keep that a secret, please? If anyone asks you, I am not here, remember?”
She lets Kimmy breathe for a moment and they smile.
“I will. Only Jon, Cal, and me know. They told me since, you know… But Jon did say that his office is open now if you want to talk.”
Bowing her head slightly, Katsu nods.
“I will be there. Mind leading me there, preferably a path where we don’t run into anyone on the roster?”
“Sure thing!” Kimmy dips her head. “I admittedly got lost down here a few times earlier today, but I know this place like the back of my hand now. Let’s go.”
“I will be out in a minute.”
Kimmy heads out the locker room door and Katsu looks down at the letter she wrote and has crumpled. Ripping it, she places the remains in the trash can.
“It’s time to fix this.” She mutters to herself in Japanese. “And I might have just the idea of how to come back. Because I will not start from the bottom.” There’s a confident look on her face, showing no fear. “I will go straight for the top-”
Putting her surgical mask on again to obscure her identity, Katsu makes her way out. She arrived looking to leave in FWA, but now she’s going to leave-
With the hopes of returning.
May 2nd, 2024
The Sphere
Las Vegas, Nevada
212 Days.
That is how long it will be between matches for Katsu in FWA. Over half a year in her home country, the longest she has remained home in well over two years. She has been in her own world, a place of comfort. Her attention to the international company she’s contracted to has been on and off over the past half-year. Moments she’d be scared to even watch a single show and other times a morbid curiosity would take over. The thought of coming back has always scared her, whether it be the potential ‘political fallout’ with her home promotion, or the constant fear of not measuring up to the lofty standards of an international wrestling company. That doesn't worry her now.
Following a 16-hour flight, the young lady finds herself making it in just days before her return to FWA screens. With a couple days of rest, she hopes to get her body adjusted to the time change and prepare. After the process of getting her luggage and checking into her hotel, the young lady has a hard time falling asleep. Or, at least has one more thing she needs to do before resting. Making her way through the city, she ignores the casinos, luxury hotels, and most of the tourist attractions. Instead she heads to one place.
The place where, in two days, she’ll be making her FWA return.
“The Sphere.”
Heading to a parking lot in which many tourists stand to gawk at it, the young wrestler has an unzipped hoodie to cover up after a long flight and with the normally hot desert growing chill as the night falls. Her hood obscures her face from others as she looks up at the over one million LEDs which light up the night in an already vibrant skyline. The lights display a recreation of the planet with Katsu seeing the outline of Japan, causing a small grin on her face. The small island she calls home. This is going to be the most unique place she will ever wrestle. The graphics change again to advertise FWA’s Carnal Contendership with various wrestlers flying around the event’s logo and date.
Thoughts flow through her mind. How will the fans receive her return? What about the other wrestlers? Despite so many questions on her mind… She smiles.
She smiles as she rides her horse to the peak of the mountain. It was a long trek, but finally, she has arrived at a place which has seemingly forgotten her.
FWA Base camp. The spiked logs of wood make the walls of the camp, providing a defence from any ambush or attacks from the outside. Instead, the turmoil appears to be from within. With several tents destroyed, some buildings having the ashes lying on the frame, showing the effects of a fire. The long running effects of this cursed time for them. This time, there is no pit in her stomach. She rests her horse under a single cherry blossom and dismounts it. Her heart rate remains steady as she draws her sword.
Looking at “The Sphere” there’s a sense of pride and adventure in the young woman, something she hasn't felt since she first stepped foot in an FWA ring. A feeling of joy. Everything will begin again.
Despite the dangers of the camp below. Warriors below who may not accept her as someone to bring stability, the Kitsune warrior feels a rush through her bones. A joy in the upcoming challenge. Together, they speak.
“I return to the place that forgot me.
To write my next chapter
To prove myself against the warriors who cast a shadow over me.
Every warrior will not be able to stand against my skill as I rise above.
So I can one day bring riches back to the home that accepted me-
and remind the people who believe in me not to give up on their dreams.
Fuan does not control my life-” |
“I return to the world I wished to forget.
To make things right at last.
To show my growth as a wrestler and a person.
Every wrestler will see me as the woman to beat as I prove myself as one of a kind.
So I can one day return home to where I started as a champion internationally-
and remind those who believe in me that anything is possible.
My fears do not control my life-” |
“I control my life…
I know what I am capable of.
This is what I love.
This is my everything.
This is-
My Ikagi.”
