Post by alundra on Jan 6, 2009 5:50:38 GMT -5
(Note: In the following passages, Ashley has allowed me to role play her character within my own posts, but she will also make her own whenever she logs on.)
January 6th, 2009
XGames II was now a week in the books. The season ended well for Alundra, as she exacted sweet payback on her newest rival Michelle Marx, and her oldest rival in Helena Troy. But for a woman like Alundra, there was no such thing as an "Off-Season". The location was her home in Japan.
A quaint, traditional styled house located on the rural island of Okinawa. While she was born in Hawaii to Samoan parents, Okinawa was the place she called home ever since she began wrestling. This is where she, her husband Seto and their two children Selei & Tuato resided. And also where she honed her skill when not on the road. This time around, she wasn't alone in her trek through the woods to her home. She was joined by Ashley Diamond. A woman who she had quickly gained respect and friendship with over the last two months. It was at Alundra's request that Ashley travel with her to Japan, so that for the 1st time since her mentor Kasumi Saotome retiring she would have a training partner.
So how do you like the hike, Ash?
Best work out I've had in months. And just think, we haven't even made it to your house yet.
Alundra could sense the sarcasm in Ashley's tone. She chuckled to herself as they continued on. She was very much used to this trip though the woods. Some seven minutes after they started up the beaten path, they arrive at Alundra's abode.
Well, here we are. What do you think?
I think I really need to invest in a house. This is amazing! And this is all off of money made from wrestling?
Well I had help. My husband is Judan at the Dojo we passed on the ride here.
Judan?
Alundra forgot that Ashley wasn't exactly up to task as far as Japanese terms.
Judan is the term used for a 10th Degree Blackbelt in Karate. It's as high as you can get.
Wow. How old is he might I ask?
He'll be 53 this coming March. But he doesn't look a thing over 35. Come on, let's go inside and say hello.
Alundra starts up the stairs as Ashley stood pondering what she'd just heard for a moment. She then follows Alundra up the stairs. Before entering, they remove their shoes as custom in Japan. Alundra slides open the door and they enter the main hall of the house.
Ashley was fairly impressed with what she was seeing. They continue on into the living room, where Alundra sets her bags down on the floor.
Seto, I'm HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!!! And I've got company. *He hates when I do that.*
A nearby sliding door opens, and from it steps a stout, well built man. Clad in a traditional Kendo uniform, his hair was long, down to the middle of his back. It showed his age as there was streaks of gray mixed it with the deep shade of black. With a stern look in his eyes, Seto leers at his wife and their visitor.
Who is this?
His voice had a stark forcefulness to it. He simply waited for Alundra's answer.
This is Ashley. Ashley Diamond. She's going to be staying with us for the next two months to train, so save the grilling for when we actually get into the dojo, will you?
Seto responds with a simple grunt.
*Mmmmph*
Then turns and goes back from whence he came.
You'll have to excuse him. We don't get many visitors, and Seto's admittedly not the most social man in the world. But give it a while, you'll grow on him.
I hope so. I really had no idea you were married. If you don't mind me asking, how long?
14 years.
14 years??? Holy CRAP! How old are you, anyway? I mean, I know you're in your 30's, but geez.
When my birthday rolls around I'll be the ripe old age of 38. I know, I don't at all look it, do I? *Giggle*
Ashley's eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
38, and you look like that? You're like that lady in those Bowflex commercials. Lord knows I hope I can still look hot, let alone still wrestle when I'm 38.
The years have been kind to me, what can I say. But it has taken a toll on me as well. I'd go on a limb in saying I've got maybe 2 more good years left. If there's one opponent you can never really beat, it's time. I know I've lost a step or two to some of you younger girls. 4 years ago I would have left that Channelle girl eating out of a straw for the rest of her life. But the years are catching up on me. Which is why I actually sided with you. Well...aside from the fact that I despise your sister with a passion. It's going to sound really weird hearing this, but you're both so similar it's almost frightening. You both have this drive about you that makes you refuse to quit. Though in her case it's twisted and distorted. I made the decision that I wanted to be a mentor to someone. The problem was finding someone worthy to pass my knowledge on to.
I'd say I'm honored, but I've been trying too figure out why it's me since we got on the plane.
I've been around the business for a long, LONG time, Ashley. I've seen women ten times better then 90% of the XWA Female roster fall through the cracks and into obscurity because they didn't have anyone to help cultivate their talent. It's fitting that you're last name is "Diamond", because you're a Diamond in the rough. In this day and age where females come in 3 flavors, the tough chick, the bubbly ray of sunshine and the bimbo, you're different. You're real. A true throwback. I've admired that a great deal about you. You carry yourself in a professional manner unlike any other female in XWA, including myself. But you can still be better. You have to be if you're going to become more then just a wrestler, but a legend. And I want a hand in making you that. That's why you're here.
Ashley gives a nod of agreement.
Well I couldn't decline the offer even if I wanted to, seeing as we're already here and I have no idea how to get back to the road. *Giggle* I just have one request.
What's that?
Don't go easy on me. I might not have as much experience going against Helena as you do, but I've seen enough to know that the times I've bested her was because she was off her game, and when she's on her game, she's the most dangerous woman on the planet. I need to be just as ferocious as you AND her in the ring. Sadly, I doubt two months will even be enough, but I guess it's a start.
Done. Well then, I guess I'd best show you to your room.
The two women go deeper into the house, as Alundra takes Ashley to where she'd be residing for the next two months.
To Be Continued...
January 6th, 2009
XGames II was now a week in the books. The season ended well for Alundra, as she exacted sweet payback on her newest rival Michelle Marx, and her oldest rival in Helena Troy. But for a woman like Alundra, there was no such thing as an "Off-Season". The location was her home in Japan.
A quaint, traditional styled house located on the rural island of Okinawa. While she was born in Hawaii to Samoan parents, Okinawa was the place she called home ever since she began wrestling. This is where she, her husband Seto and their two children Selei & Tuato resided. And also where she honed her skill when not on the road. This time around, she wasn't alone in her trek through the woods to her home. She was joined by Ashley Diamond. A woman who she had quickly gained respect and friendship with over the last two months. It was at Alundra's request that Ashley travel with her to Japan, so that for the 1st time since her mentor Kasumi Saotome retiring she would have a training partner.
So how do you like the hike, Ash?
Best work out I've had in months. And just think, we haven't even made it to your house yet.
Alundra could sense the sarcasm in Ashley's tone. She chuckled to herself as they continued on. She was very much used to this trip though the woods. Some seven minutes after they started up the beaten path, they arrive at Alundra's abode.
Well, here we are. What do you think?
I think I really need to invest in a house. This is amazing! And this is all off of money made from wrestling?
Well I had help. My husband is Judan at the Dojo we passed on the ride here.
Judan?
Alundra forgot that Ashley wasn't exactly up to task as far as Japanese terms.
Judan is the term used for a 10th Degree Blackbelt in Karate. It's as high as you can get.
Wow. How old is he might I ask?
He'll be 53 this coming March. But he doesn't look a thing over 35. Come on, let's go inside and say hello.
Alundra starts up the stairs as Ashley stood pondering what she'd just heard for a moment. She then follows Alundra up the stairs. Before entering, they remove their shoes as custom in Japan. Alundra slides open the door and they enter the main hall of the house.
Ashley was fairly impressed with what she was seeing. They continue on into the living room, where Alundra sets her bags down on the floor.
Seto, I'm HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!!! And I've got company. *He hates when I do that.*
A nearby sliding door opens, and from it steps a stout, well built man. Clad in a traditional Kendo uniform, his hair was long, down to the middle of his back. It showed his age as there was streaks of gray mixed it with the deep shade of black. With a stern look in his eyes, Seto leers at his wife and their visitor.
Who is this?
His voice had a stark forcefulness to it. He simply waited for Alundra's answer.
This is Ashley. Ashley Diamond. She's going to be staying with us for the next two months to train, so save the grilling for when we actually get into the dojo, will you?
Seto responds with a simple grunt.
*Mmmmph*
Then turns and goes back from whence he came.
You'll have to excuse him. We don't get many visitors, and Seto's admittedly not the most social man in the world. But give it a while, you'll grow on him.
I hope so. I really had no idea you were married. If you don't mind me asking, how long?
14 years.
14 years??? Holy CRAP! How old are you, anyway? I mean, I know you're in your 30's, but geez.
When my birthday rolls around I'll be the ripe old age of 38. I know, I don't at all look it, do I? *Giggle*
Ashley's eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
38, and you look like that? You're like that lady in those Bowflex commercials. Lord knows I hope I can still look hot, let alone still wrestle when I'm 38.
The years have been kind to me, what can I say. But it has taken a toll on me as well. I'd go on a limb in saying I've got maybe 2 more good years left. If there's one opponent you can never really beat, it's time. I know I've lost a step or two to some of you younger girls. 4 years ago I would have left that Channelle girl eating out of a straw for the rest of her life. But the years are catching up on me. Which is why I actually sided with you. Well...aside from the fact that I despise your sister with a passion. It's going to sound really weird hearing this, but you're both so similar it's almost frightening. You both have this drive about you that makes you refuse to quit. Though in her case it's twisted and distorted. I made the decision that I wanted to be a mentor to someone. The problem was finding someone worthy to pass my knowledge on to.
I'd say I'm honored, but I've been trying too figure out why it's me since we got on the plane.
I've been around the business for a long, LONG time, Ashley. I've seen women ten times better then 90% of the XWA Female roster fall through the cracks and into obscurity because they didn't have anyone to help cultivate their talent. It's fitting that you're last name is "Diamond", because you're a Diamond in the rough. In this day and age where females come in 3 flavors, the tough chick, the bubbly ray of sunshine and the bimbo, you're different. You're real. A true throwback. I've admired that a great deal about you. You carry yourself in a professional manner unlike any other female in XWA, including myself. But you can still be better. You have to be if you're going to become more then just a wrestler, but a legend. And I want a hand in making you that. That's why you're here.
Ashley gives a nod of agreement.
Well I couldn't decline the offer even if I wanted to, seeing as we're already here and I have no idea how to get back to the road. *Giggle* I just have one request.
What's that?
Don't go easy on me. I might not have as much experience going against Helena as you do, but I've seen enough to know that the times I've bested her was because she was off her game, and when she's on her game, she's the most dangerous woman on the planet. I need to be just as ferocious as you AND her in the ring. Sadly, I doubt two months will even be enough, but I guess it's a start.
Done. Well then, I guess I'd best show you to your room.
The two women go deeper into the house, as Alundra takes Ashley to where she'd be residing for the next two months.
To Be Continued...