Too soon. (Vesper, Manami)

[okami]

The finish line was in sight, and for much of the XWA it was none to soon. A grueling schedule accentuated with difficulties, injuries and hardships couldn't end soon enough for most of the roster. Okami Hawaito was not one of them. One of the last arrivals to the once struggling Diamond division, Okami was left feeling little more than frustrated and disappointed with herself. She had hit the ground running after being signed. She never missed a show. Her blog had been somewhat successful. But she had never truly gotten her legs under her in the ring, and her character which was quite successful in Japan had floundered somewhat with the American audience that demanded flash, flesh and edge. So with the end at hand, she could only wish for one more month to get all the pieces in to place. Just a little more time, she thought, was all that she needed.

Okami was broken out of her thoughts, by Fabiola's voice and the lights of the interview camera. It was XGames3, and somewhere between a dark match and a Jamie Fury T-Shirt ad was an Diamond Division interview.

Fabiola: I'm here with The White Wolf, Okami Hawaito. Fabiola turned to face the masked wrestler. Okami, this is your very first trip the crown jewel of the XWA broadcast schedule. The titles are on the line and grudges will finally be settled. Where does The White Wolf fit in all this?

Okami listened carefully, and took a moment to form her answer. "First, I would like to congratulate Jamie Fury. That match was a true devil. It was not just a name, and she beat the devil back to keep what belongs to her. She is a great and strong champion."

Fabiola: You were first in the Devil's-

Okami held up a hand politely, to stop Fabiola from continuing. "Thank you, Fabiola. I know you are a kind person. But I do not need any more excuses to carry." Okami looked from Fabiola and into the camera. "My time in the XWA is full of excuses for me to carry. It would be nice to say that America is different. It would make me feel better to say that I need more time. I would like to believe that if I had been last in the Playground that I would hold the Championship like some impossible dream." Okami shook her head no. "No, I will not carry those with me. I have much work to do to be a success here. I did not finish my work this season and that is what I will carry, only that."

Fabiola: I can respect that. But certainly the fact that not only you, but Manami and Vesper Gold even got invited is a huge nod from upstairs that you are on the right track, right?

Okami was about to answer humbly. When another voice cut in to the scene.

[Vault]

-Having been watching and waiting for the perfect time to strike, the more sinister of the two Joshi smirks and walks into frame.-

" I will not have this little goody two-shoes MUTT speaking for me. If you have a quest about me, ask me. Not someone who can't see through those rose tinted glasses she is constantly wearing. I drug both you and Vesper kicking and screaming into that match. I was eliminated early but I can concede that Jamie was better on the field of battle that night then I. "

-Sneering at Fabiola, Manami continues.-

" Let's just get to the cut to the chase and stop wasting each other's time trying to out talk the other. Tonight is X-Games3, and out last time fighting before we go back to our homeland. While I was tieing my sparring partner into knots, I got an idea. Me and you, in the most brutal match XWA has available. A steel cage match. It's not electrified barbwire rope death match...but it will do. "

-Ignoring the quick flash of disgust and fear that shot over Fabiola's face at the suggestion of such a match, Manami continues.-

" What do you say Okami? Are you up for it or do your 'virtues' keep you from entering such a match. If they do, I'm sure the XWA management wouldn't mind changing it into a frilly pink pillow fight to better suit you. "

[okami]

Okami took a step forward and responded to her eternal nemesis with much focus. "I have always had to put my virtues in a box when I meet you, Manami." Okami almost growled as she continued, "The same thing you do with history when you meet me. The last time we met in one of your brutal matches. It was you that finally tasted defeat and I think that maybe you even liked it." Fabiola held the microphone close to Okami's mask. "You have tried to end my career this season and you have tried to end my dream. I will never no the reason why. But that is okay, Manami because you will never succeed." Okami paused for a moment before ending with, "Deep down inside what little heart you hold, you already know I accept. I will always accept until there is no more evil like you in the world."

Okami's words were strong with her heart into the final line. "I will make this my defining moment, sending you back home with nothing. That is my new dream, Manami and that is your karma for all you tried to do."