Tick Tock [Now O2A]

[Justice Asuka]

Her friends and family called her "J" after much training. Her wrestling name was more real to her than her given name, Asuka Kamada. She decided not to mention the 'Kamada' part of her name, wanting to remain free from her family. She also found herself wanting to be free of Lilith's gaze. Justice shifted uncomfortably again, she had been the object of many male desires. She knew the look. But it had never come from a woman before. It left Justice lacking a tested response. Ignoring such things rarely worked, and meeting things head on was very un-Japanese.

"Justice is fine, thank you. I am not sure what I control. But I know what I am ready for."

She looked over at Lilith.

"And I know what I am not ready for."

She looked back up at Fury.

"I guess that is a start."

She did not know why she was talking. Something about Fury's presence made you want to be around and talk to her. But Justice had to be careful. They were not friends. One only had to look over at Lilith to know that. She was a shark. And Fury? She was kind and even more dangerous than a shark.

[Manami Kuroguchi]

-Somehow being able to remain totally unnoticed, Manami gazes over at the group from her squat rack. Trying to focus on finishing this last set, she slowly raises from her squated position lifting the loaded barbell. Feeling the strain in her glutes, calves, and thighs, she gets herself to a standing position before going back down and repeating this until she had finished her set. Racking the barbell, she quickly strips it of it's weight and properly puts the weights away before slowly moving toward the group. Popping the cap on her water bottle, she takes a long drink before snapping the lid closed and setting it aside as she moves on to working her arms and shoulders.

She wasn't in nearly as good of shape as Jamie but she wasn't a slouch in the gym either. Despite not being a mountain of muscle like Jamie, Manami was deceivingly strong. Once of her signature moves, the Japanese Ocean cyclone suplex required her to be in very good condition so she could lift anyone in the division on her shoulders in a sitting position. Shooting Lilith a quizical look, Manami starts her next work out. Could she be the woman who she had gotten into a bar room brawl with? She certainly matched the description the bartender gave her.

Glancing over at the last obvious wrestler of the group, Manami gazes over Asuka. Up close Manami could see why Lilith was giving her predatory glances. The half-asian girl was very good looking. Despite that she did nothing remotely sexual for Manami. The girl seemed nieve and innocent. Two qualities Manami didn't find arousing. She honestly preferred more outspoken and brash women. Plus Manami was more into girls from cultures other then her native one.

The last of the group, like Asuka, seemed very mousey. Almost at odds with the woman she was sticking close to. Lilith gave off a very predatory aura. Of the women here Lilith was by far the closest to her type, that is if she was looking for that type of relationship at the moment.

Continuing her work out, Manami just listens in on the conversation for now. Perfectly content to just listen to what the others were talking about.-

[Lilith]

Isn't that fucking cute...
.. She's already ready for me..

Ahem.

Hm.. ? Oh, right right..

Lilith stands back up slowly, another heavy sigh leaving her as she stares almost grumpily at Fury. This was one of those 'suit and tie all about the business' chicks from what Lilith could tell. And frankly, she really couldn't stand those kinds of women. Let's just forget the fact that Jamie has a title and a 'Legendary' form of status that Lilith had been lusting after ever since she first laid eyes on Anjyl from afar back in Detroit. She snuffs out after picking up juuuuust the tail end of a remark leaving Fury's face.

Oh rest assured it's not a look I'll be giving you anytim- So we're all acquainted. Isn't that nice? Right? Right? Good times. Girl talk, gal pals and all that. Did you really just say 'Gal Pals'? You have no sense of the word 'subtle' do you?

Lilith continues to do little more than sighing and grunting at the mini escapade of Katja's lectures. She tries to wave them off before taking another step in Asuka's direction.
For which she is promptly halted before she can begin. Katja grabs Lilith's left wrist and tugs on it harshly, her patience finally having reached it's mini-breaking point.

Are you a absolute fool? Have you not forgotten the ENTIRE reason we came here to train? Hello? Hayley, Shin Bone, Throat. Their first 'date' didn't go to well remember? Misses Shin decided she was going to gang-rape Miss Throat solo-style just because she could!

Katja tries her best not to speak above a dull whisper, but it was more than obvious at least some of it got out. She was in a frenzy. How can someone who so much resembles little more than a skirt chaser be 'The' Lilith Creighton? Was Iggy fucking with her from beyond the grave for kicks? Did he have some sort of voodoo spell on Lilith or something? Katja was almost twitching at the flurry her mind goes into.

Lilith's own breaking point is pretty damn fast rising. She yanks her wrist back from her mini assistant, almost in a rush of annoyance herself before her eyes shift back to Fury. Asuka. Fury. Asuka. For a brief moment, very brief. Lilith's ears almost seem to perk up. She spins around quickly... her eyes trying to scan the gym.. but the crowd of incoming peoples makes it a tiresome attempt at best. She finally sighs, lifting up her arms in a shrug before waving it off.

There's more to wrestling than hurting one another. Sure, it's the main neat little goal and it has a great number of side dishes to entertain yourself with too.. you know mind games and the like..
But really, If I missed out on the 'Fruit' of life then what kind of role-model would I-... Oh shit..

Waaaaait for it.
Model. Ding ding ding.

Lilith spins around and glares at Katja, she twitches furiously before grabbing the pint sized assistant by her shoulders and shaking her too and fro vigorously.

Katja! What happened with Ray? What about Ray?!

Ohhhh right right Ray, the agent right?
PHOTOGRAPHER HE'S MY PHOTOGRAPHER!

Clearly panic has set in.

Oh.. oh I see... hmm, well, I'm sure it'll work- WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU SEE?! What did you do Katja. What was it that you were talking about when you were so intently watching that bitch Jonas pike her shin against my Goddamned throat!

Katja continues to be shook. Her blond hair waving back and forth from the momentum. It wasn't enough to harm her, but it was enough to move her tiny frame. She finally grabs hold of Lilith's arms and begins slowing the process down before mumbling outwards.

As you two can tell... my 'boss' is a very 'stable' and capable woman..

[Justice Asuka]

"Hey!"

Justice was suddenly standing and over the bench in a startling quick movement for such a 'quiet' girl. Their friendly 'girl talk' had made relationships and standings much clearer to Justice. The smallest girl in the sewing circle was not a fighter of any kind, but she was the one being physically woman handled. Bullying. It pissed Justice off instantly as she was quickly up into the 'stable' presence of Lilith.

"I said stop that!"

Justice may had been the focus of Lilith's rather healthy appetites. But at the moment her face was colored and twisted in anger as she put up a defensive arm to shield Katja from anymore shaking. Putting herself in between Lilith and her assistant/chew toy.

[Lilith]

Ka.. Th- Thank..- Kawaii... .. Why does that response not surprise me... Katja.. look... she's blushing with anger... hey hey look it's so... ... Please stop touching me when you talk like that.

Lilith promptly released Katja's shoulders. Ray? Who was Ray? She was affixed on Asuka. Ohhhh the firey cuteness. The light skin tone of the Japanese Blood, blending with a soft pink hue slowly trying to fight it's way to be the real color of red. The almost crumpled but still cute [In Lilith's eyes] face of the young Forbidden Foreign Fruited one was a blessing for Lilith's dark little palette. Not to mention someone so seemingly innocent and cute, naive and filled with... well, look at it... it's in part of her name for crying out loud. It was just all ringing a perfect score so far... plus now? Now it looked like Asuka was almost ready to actually have a physical altercation. PHYSICAL. Kawaaaiiii~! Lilith's own face contorts up in a large almost "Why all the better to eat you with my dear" Bad Wolf smile.

Ahhh... you really are one of those delicacies Lil' Red... I'm going to enjoy- Right! Thank you very much Asuka. I appreciate it, sometimes Lilith tends to forget where her head is at.
... You know I can still crush you for sure Katja.

Anyway! It was a pleasure to meet you two ladies in the flesh. I look forward to working with both of you in the near future. That's what they call it right, 'working with' someone in this business yes? I think so. Yes that should be fine. Lilith?

You seem to be enjoying yourself 'Miss Stepford Wife'... if you'd please remove yourself from me and my Platter De' Asuka-
Yes that's right Lilith we have an appointment to keep yes? We need to go and see Ray, remember, Ray? The agent-
PHOTOGRAPHER- Ahhhh fuck..

Total blank. New course had distracted Lilith's attention. Some would wonder why Lilith seemed to utterly intent on Asuka. It was simple really, from Lilith's point of view anyway.

She was New.
Having people you've known and worked with for a while is okay every now and then, but someone entirely new presents soooooo many more possibilities of rivalries, 'friendships', collarings. You know the usual.

She wasn't A Man.
This is quite an obvious one if you pay any attention really, but Asuka is a woman. Even though Lilith still holds a special place in her heart for two very PARTICULAR men, on the whole... she doesn't really like the ideal at the moment.

She's Innocent.
Ohhhh innocence... that shit's fun to corrupt right there. Asuka is seemingly naive in the way of this business, she's innocent, a strong sense of Justice. Ohhhh... yummy.

She's Young.
Lilith didn't really care about the age process in terms of being with someone older or younger. It was not exactly a issue in her mind, but perhaps due to the fact that she was now actually feeling the natural flow of time for herself... The ideal of someone who was younger, but looked EVEN younger than she ACTUALLY was.. ? Win.

Lilith checks the checklist in her mind quickly and concisely.. she was sure she forgot one or two. But no time for that now. She picks up her gym bag and blows an almost dis-heartening kiss towards Asuka with a wink and a giggle quickly following it. She begins navigating towards the exit, Katja firmly in toe before the two stop. Lilith turns around and seemingly glares through people in order for her gaze to reach Fury once more. She shouts out, loudly. In public.

It's not your BELT, I'm after Fury. It's the 'TITLE' you hold..
Her voice begins to pick up steam.
But priorities take reign over indulgences.. once I'm done with Jonas and Gianni... then I'll 'worry'... about you. Ah... and Lil' Red?

Lilith looks past Fury, to the stunning yet still furious figure of Asuka. Oh she WAS going to enjoy 'playing' with her... not today though, she still had to smooth things over with Maxim... ohhh but her blood could almost feel it. It would be soon...
And it was be finger lickin' good baby.

Next time? You may want to take the smallll opening you can find in order to put me down sweetie...

Lilith cups her hands around her lips, funneling her voice to help project it vastly and around as much of the gym as she could humanly effect whilst all the racket of machines clanking and people talking about 'dude bro check it out man I can cut cheese with my abs' and the usual idiotic New York/Jersey bravado went. What? What do you mean there's a difference? When did that happen?

- Besides, it's REAL easy to play with a new toy after I've made it pass out, ney?

Katja bows silently in the direction of Jamie and Asuka. She tries to not snicker under her breath as she does so. She hadn't known Lilith for very long, but she DID get the distinct impression the woman enjoyed mouthing off.. and that she herself should somewhat maybe rethink the sleeping arrangements within Lilith's suite at 1 Penn..

Lilith flicks her wrist in the air as a wave before the two head out the gym's sliding entrance doors, and make their exit.

[Manami Kuroguchi]

-As Lilith left, Manami moves closer to Asuka and finally speaks.-

" Don't let her get to you, I went through something similar when I was in my first major federation back home. "

-Of course she was hiding that it was because she was a former porn star but that's a story for another day.-

" She's just trying to get into your head. She sees a young good looking rookie like yourself and thinks among things you'd probably not care to think about, easy prey. The best thing you can do, is toughen up and seek out someone like Jamie here to teach you the ropes. I would volunteer myself but she's been here longer then I have. So she knows it better then I do. "

-Thinking about what else to add, she remembers the most important thing.-

" My name's Manami by the way. "

[Justice Asuka]

Justice was still visibly upset at what had transpired.

"She shouldn't pick on people smaller than her who are not trained. I don't care who she is or why she is doing it. It's not right."

Everyone was correct. Justice was young, passionate and easy prey. Lilith was already in her mind, pushing buttons at will and with little care. Justice's own, limited, history just made it that much easier. It did not matter that Justice had been seconds from being dismantled with precise glee. She would probably have to learn the hard way.

"I'm sorry I made a scene."

Her heart was still beating fast. She watched the door until she was sure Lilith and Katja were not coming back. Justice felt bad for Katja. Why did she work for someone like Lilith. She must have been trapped by something, and that only made Justice angrier that Lilith would abuse whatever situation was at work. Justice realized that her hands were still clenched into fists, she finally relaxed them.

"I will toughen up Manami. That is why I came here and that is why I will come here tomorrow. America is very different and the XWA is very big. But I will not let her do that again. Not in front of me."

[Jamie Fury]

As the situation progressed between Lilith and her assistant Katja, Jamie was wondering exactly where the woman's head was at. You can never judge a book by it's cover after all...

That was unique...

Unique was a good word to describe those two. Complex was another excellent adjective to go with. However that relationship was going to develop was going to be interesting, but one thing Jamie took out of it all was that she apparently has some history with Amber Gianni. As in one of her two closest friends to the point of near-sisterhood Amber Gianni. In Jamie's mind, that meant she was going to have to get in touch with her and get some research done. In the event their paths did cross inside of the ring, she'd want to know as much as she could.

But all that was in the thought process. In the real world though, you had Justice who was pretty p.o.'d right now, and Manami Kuroguchi, who she hadn't even known was in this gym until moments before who was helping her cool off.

It's perfectly understandable, Justice. It all went too fast for me to even try to get in between that, but that Lilith looks like she's obviously the type who'll try to "prey" on someone she thinks she can push around. I'm not too big of a fan of that myself.

I wouldn't mind seeing how she does against someone who'd push back though.

[Justice Asuka]

It took some time for the color red to fade out of her eyes and for her to come back to the real world. In the real world she had just made a scene in front of Jamie Fury and Manami. Both of whom she had just met minutes before. Her shoulders slouched down, and she couldn't even turn around to face them.

"I'm"

Her face was still hot, but the anger was gone. It had been replaced with embarrassment. She had acted rashly and become the center of attention. She felt like a child being comforted by adults. It was horrible.

"I'm sorry for that."

First impressions had been made and recorded. She just wanted to disappear.

"It was not my place. I think I over did my workout today."

She offered it up as a lame excuse for her public outburst. In America it was nothing. Maybe she had even done the right thing. But in Japan such fiery and public displays were rare and hard to live with. She looked up at Fury and over to Manami, making eye contact briefly.

"I think I will cool down."

She turned away, and looked for the showers, a pool, a sauna. Anything. With her head tilted slightly down, she followed the 'hydro-therapy' sign.

[Jamie Fury]

As Asuka had began to leave, Fury looked on and let her go. She wanted to stop her and say something. Meanwhile, she thought out loud, unknowing if Manami was paying attention or not...

There's something about her that reminds me of...me. Maybe I really ought to have a word with her.

Before she left to wherever it was she was to go, Jamie had to talk to her. She continued on with her workout, and after all was done she'd ask where Justice went to one of the employees.

[Justice Asuka]

The Hydrotherapy room was filled with the noise of high pressure water jets, pumps and waves. The air damp and humming with it all. When Justice lost her temper, embarrassed herself or worst of all both then she either had to extinguish it with water or bake it out with heat. At first she could not be seen, her tall body submerged below the water level of one of the hydro-pools. But after 30 seconds, her black hair flowed to the surface only to be followed by her head, nose and mouth. Water dripped along the mixed features of her face before being swallowed by the pool once again. She looked calmer, but there was no smile on her face.

'Dear diary'

She thought to herself, before half submerging up to her nose again The bubbling surface of the pool hid the series of high pressure jets that pounded, massaged and tenderized her mixed up and tired body. She felt like a bubbling toad. That was exactly what she felt like.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie's workout done, she as she said she would asked one of the employees if a taller, fit Japanese girl was still there. Delighted to know she hadn't left yet, Jamie made her way to the pool after changing into her bathing suit. A towel hung from her neck as she walked slightly along the edge of the pool, trying to spot her in the moderately filled area.

After a few seconds, she did in fact see Justice in off corner of the pool, alone. She tilts her head and shakes it ever so slightly at the sight of obviously such a bright and young woman all by herself, thinking of all the reasons why that might be the case.

Justice didn't notice her coming along. She sits down at the edge, letting both of her tanned, toned legs dip into the water. She sighs softly, and speaks in the same manner.

I'm glad you didn't leave, even though you probably felt like you wanted to. There's something I wanted to say to you, if you're interested in hearing it.

[Justice Asuka]

'This day' She had not wanted to leave. She had wanted to disappear from the face of the Earth. Instead she was faced, once again, with the sculpted and dynamic form of Jamie Fury. 'Why?' She had no idea. Nothing was making sense to her today. Slowly she brought her mouth out of the water again. She didn't really know what to say, so she spoke the simple truth.

"My father always told me I don't listen very well."

He said that because it was true. She heard the words well enough. But, like most youth, the words drifted away as quickly as they were processed. That, combined with her genetic stubbornness, made for a frustrating experience for those who would try to advise young Justice. She was calm now, that could help Fury's chances and she definitely had all of the girl's attention.

[Jamie Fury]

Well, some of it might sound a bit obvious regardless, but I've got to say it anyway. About that Lilith Creighton...you know...if the two of your are a part of the XWA now then you should know that she's not going to go away. I saw the way she was acting around you there, and I wouldn't have been to comfortable myself if it were me.

The thing is, she's going to keep coming back unless you fight her off. Even if you do that and she keeps coming back regardless...I mean, she looks like the type that enjoys that...at least she'll know she can't just bully you around or play some kind of mind game with you.

Was this something Justice already knew was going to have to happen though? Hopefully. Sometimes hearing it from someone else makes it go down easier though.

I've been to Japan enough times to know how your way of life is. I know you avoid conflicts whenever possible, but this isn't home anymore. You've got to stand up and be strong and believe that you can. That's the most important thing, to believe. I know you've got some fight in you, I saw it back there when you were sticking up for Katja. All I'm saying for now is don't feel ashamed of it. Don't be embarrassed by it.

Embrace it.

If you let it, it can lead to great things in life. I know this from experience, but at the same time, don't let that fight control you...or you'll end up being a monster...or a predator.

That did describe the departed Creighton perfectly. A predator. Like a shark, or a hawk, or the snake that lead Eve to the apple tree. Damn that Eve. What a sucker she turned out to be.

I don't want to sound like I'm lecturing or anything, but I notice things like that about people. The better qualities they have, that sometimes they don't know about or are too scared to show. Don't be scared...or ashamed, that's all I'm saying. You're a fighter. Not just a wrestler, but a fighter.

So...fight!

For whatever it is that you believe in, and don't be afraid what others think, because it's about what you believe in. Not me. Not Manami, not Lilith. Nobody but you.

If you ever want to talk about stuff...you know...I'll be around. I have some friends who I think you'd like.

That might be good for her too, she thought. If anyone can break a person out of their shell, Amber Gianni could. Jamie was proof of that. And Marisol of course had her connection to "The Tokyo Tsunami" herself, Tadako Anenokoji. There's a woman who commanded respect, and probably could do a lot in speaking to young Asuka, just on the fact that they were women of the same country, the same values.

[Justice Asuka]

Justice had no idea what she could be in for with Lilith Creighton. Wrestling in Japan was intense. It was probably more intense than in America. But they were professional wrestlers, it was all in the arena. It was always their job. It rarely became personal and even then? It was played out in the arena. Lilith was playing in a different world all together, and dragging Justice in to it. It was obvious Justice was ill-prepared for Lilith, the XWA or America. Justice knew that to some degree.

"Change is easy to say."

Change had been the one thing she had tried to make her entire life. Change her mixed up body. Change her family history. Change her place in the world. The first two had been complete failures. Her body had only grown more. Her mother had never returned and her departure never erased. She had changed her place only weeks ago but now, it too, was meeting reality.

"It is harder to do, and if you are Japanese?"

It was almost impossible. America was free and always changing for the better or for the worse. Japan was old and moved slow. Changes took a hundred years to complete. Justice was not even traditional or old fashioned, yet still the law applied to her. It was difficult to explain and even more difficult to work around.

"I don't know what Lilith wants. I don't know what you want. But I just want to succeed. That is why I accepted the offer from the XWA."

She sank below the water one more time before surfacing again, and finally standing. The water up to her shoulder, her hair matted to the skin of her neck. She looked at Fury and her impossible form. She wondered if Fury ever hated her own body. Probably not.

"I can fight. But that's not enough here. I know that now."

But she did not know if she could do everything else that it would be required for her to be successful in American wrestling. Anyone could fight. There was more to it than that. As she had told Lilith on their first meeting, fighting was very clear. Dealing with Lilith and success in the XWA? Not so much to Justice.