Bird Set Free
Jan 6, 2016 0:58:41 GMT -5
Post by Fujiko Mine on Jan 6, 2016 0:58:41 GMT -5
The last real man?
I suppose the need to have some sort of “important” moniker fueled that idea. For the uninformed, Johnny Cannon calls himself that, as some sort of stepladder for his ego to stand on. A former EXODUS star--no, a former Exodus Pro world champion; he’s come here to try and continue a trail of dominance that he no longer felt inclined to over in the aforementioned company. Most of you already knew this, though. So why bring it up?
Because the fantasy that swims around in the head of Johnny Cannon, and the reality that we’re all a part of? They’re not the same.
From a literal perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. I don’t need to explain this. He’s not the last of his kind in any way, shape, or form. In fact, he and his off-again, on-again nemesis Tony Carmine is a lot more like him than they’d care to admit. They’re both driven by their ridiculous, poisoned egos.
From a societal perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. He is a man who pines hard for the days in which a man was able to slap a woman in public without restraint or disdainful looks. He watches Cruel Intentions and wishes real life could be just like that. Heck, from a little research, Johnny Cannon isn’t even enough of a man to care about the child he’s had with another woman. I’m supposed to buy this? A guy who dresses sharp, kicks hard, and drinks his whiskey straight is the same man who doesn’t even bother with his own progeny? He’s shown that he would rather spend his days lying about, Misha on his arm, than to worry about the fact that his son is without a dad. I guess that is a good picture of what a “real man” is supposed to be, rather than someone who actually stays committed after getting involved with someone to the point of having a child with them. Maybe I’m a bit bitter, being in the situation of being abandoned by my own parents, but if you’re going to go about calling yourself a man? Maybe you should actually act like one.
From a wrestling perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. Do I really need to retread what he did to Evangelista several weeks ago? No remorse whatsoever for potentially ending her career? I guess that’s what a real man does. No remorse for punching Cherry in the face a few days ago on Vertigo? I guess that’s how a real man operates, mistake or no. How about being an ungracious loser, as he did after failing to secure the Pride championship? Well, that one is probably more just the nature of most wrestlers nowadays, and less indicative of Johnny Cannon himself. But my point stands. If Johnny Cannon is really as good as he says he is, and is supposedly one of the best in FGA...why are you hovering around five-hundred? Why is it that a loss to me would make you even in wins and losses? I’ve already told you he’s a former Exodus world champion. He held it for less than month, and wasn’t able to defend it. Such a dominant man.
I mean, let's be honest: It wasn’t long ago that you beat Zero McHannon. You were looking primed and ready to take the Pride championship. And now, you’ve got a record that all but wipes that momentum boost away, you do not have the Pride championship, and you have lost my respect. Maybe that last one means nothing to you now, but once I finish kicking your butt? Maybe you’ll grow up a little bit and realize your mistakes. But hey, maybe I’ll go on a diet. It’s nice to dream.
Johnny Cannon is part of the problem here in FGA. He of the breed quick to puff up their chests and crow about how great they are, and how their opponents mean nothing. The ones so quick to blame their problems and shortcomings on others. They’re so desperate to hide every one of their weaknesses, that they’ll do whatever it takes to try and make themselves look strong. A problem that, if I have my way, will start to fade. I am not deluding myself into thinking that my battle against this will be simple and clean. My battle against Go-eun proved that.
Speaking of: I have no hard feelings against Yun. I have faith that eventually, she’ll come around. She will realize that what I’ve been saying is the truth; that she doesn’t need to have this ‘change in attitude’ to get success. But let’s get back to the point at hand.
I ring in the new year by facing off against Johnny Cannon, a man so manly he has someone else praise him and herald his coming to the wrestling ring.
Look, Johnny. Ultimately, how you handle your personal business is just that. It doesn’t matter to me. Your life is yours to waste how you see fit. That said, you are going to realize that I’m not going to let you just run through FGA unchecked anymore. I’m not stronger than you, but I sure am faster, and smarter. And I certainly will not let you treat me like you did Leanne. If you think that this is another match you can win by injuring a woman, you’re dead wrong.
As a matter of fact, I will beat you...not just for me, but for her.
For Leanne, I will either leave you in the ring, with a third straight loss placed over your head. I will place more distance between you and your goals. What I won’t leave you with, though...is a sense of why.
You know why I am doing this by now--and if you don’t? You certainly will by the end of our match on the ninth of January, the very first Vertigo of 2016.
The last real “man” vs. Lady Luck.
Believe me when I tell you that Cannon’s luck has run out.
10!
The sound of a ring bell being struck three times filled Fujiko’s ears as she closed the distance between herself and the door ahead of her. The industrial double portal, a traditional metal and glass model, yielded upon her pressing. Somewhere inside the building she entered awaited Fujiko’s good friend, Ryan LeCavalier. The wrestling and MMA dual star was unlikely to object to a repeat training session for Fujiko. She wouldn't be able to participate herself, but that wasn't an issue.
Fujiko needed it. The outcome of her last match in 2015 demanded so. She’d won, and thus avoided a losing record to close out the year. But she’d done so when Go-eun decided that rather than lose the match by pinfall or submission, she would walk out. It bothered her, that was for certain. Still, she refused to hold it against Yun. Instead, she would use it as fuel to torch the former number one contender to the Pride championship, Johnny Cannon.
The woman known as Lady Luck retraced her steps from her last visit as best as she could. As she did so, she couldn’t help but continue to hear the sound of the referee counting to ten, and the bell ringing. It began to annoy her greatly. She hoped that chatting and training with Ryan would help her turn that annoyance into useful energy, something she could use to kick Johnny’s chin clear off his face. Even as her eyes wandered, her senses were taken over by the referee counting, and the bell ringing.
She saw a few men working lifting weights in a small area off to the side of the ‘main track’ of the gym. To her right, a very intimidating looking woman pounded away at a heavy bag, which was spotted by who Fujiko could only assume was her trainer. In the main area. large black mats were set down, and an experienced looking male went through the motions of a judo-toss to someone who seemed incredibly eager to learn. Moreso eager than the trainer would have liked, she bet. Finally, she saw Ryan ahead, and waved. Ryan was mostly expressionless, even after Fujiko hailed her. Ryan was studying some of the action going on, almost as if she wished she were out there, taking part in it. She turned to face Fujiko, and returned the wave.
"Ryan! Hi!"
"Hey, what’s up?"Fujiko’s initial response was a wide smile as she closed the gap between herself and Ryan. She hesitated a moment as the question registered. How was she? What a complicated question to offer. She was happy: she broke the stalemate between herself and Yun, and gotten back on the winning track. She was sad: Yun backed out of the match, forcing a countout. She was hurt: the public argument with her mother still struck her heartstrings, a nagging experience that stuck to her ribs like a home cooked southern meal. Finally, she was determined to kick Johnny Cannon with the newest version of the Lucky Shot. How did she sum that up into a concise response?
"Oh, you know…" She trailed off, pairing the words with a half-hearted shrug and smile. "How are you?"
"I’m alright. I’m still a little sore from my fight. What brings you here?" Ryan emphasized this by slowly rotating her left arm in a circular motion. Coupling it with a slight grimace, Fujiko got the message. Her smile waned slightly. "I was kinda hoping you’d put me through some paces. I’ve got a match against the oh so ‘manly’ Johnny Cannon, and I thought you’d be the best person to help me out with that. Also, I’ve got some stuff on my mind, and need a good outlet for it."
She stole a glance at some of the equipment surrounding Ryan. She was going to push herself extra hard. She had one more naysayer to deny, after all. Ryan narrowed her eyes a little bit.
"The same Johnny Cannon Misha’s been messing around with?" Fujiko gave her friend a nod. "The very same." She was very matter-of-fact about it. She had nothing but a sort of friendly acquaintance with Misha. She deduced that Ryan wasn’t fond of Misha’s choice in relationship partners, by the way she said his name.
"I am only excited about the chance to see him lying dazed on the mat, wondering what hit him."Fujiko crossed her arms, her annoyance seeping through again.
"You’d only be doing us all a favor." Ryan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "I’m not so much of a fan, I think it’s odd he insists on seeing her. She’s got a lot going for her, why mess it up with someone who isn’t emotionally invested in her?"
Fujiko nodded in agreement. She didn’t really care for what Johnny Cannon did in his off time. He could rest and not prepare for her at all, if that was what he intended to do. All the same, Fujiko was going to beat him. "I’d be happy to do you that favor as a bonus. Beating him is more of a favor to the FGA fans than anything, though. With Quinn Goodrich continually running his mouth about how ‘great’ Johnny is, it’ll be nice to teach him a little bit more about humility." Fujiko paused for a moment. "Then again, it will likely just be excuse city out of both their mouths." Another pause. "Can you tell me anything about him?"
"Not really. Outside of Misha gushing, I know nothing about him." Fujiko tilted her head, but didn’t let it linger on her mind much. As she thought about it, it made sense that Ryan wouldn’t know much in the way of information she could use. She didn’t like the guy, and unlike Fujiko, didn’t have to worry about facing him one on one. So why waste time on getting to know him on a personal, or professional level?
"I guess that’ll be for the best. My plan is to knock him out, more or less. I’ll settle for the victory, but if I can put him down with a knockout, that’d be ideal. It’ll teach him a lesson, and it will teach Jimmy Page one, too." That lesson being that Fujiko was not so easily intimidated. Through narrowed eyes, Fujiko looked away from Ryan. She was mentally reliving Jimmy twirling his dirty fingers in her hair, breathing right in her face and attempting to deter her with threats of physical violence. In the moment, she was disgusted; panicked. Directly after, she began to feel angry. Angry that she showed a sense of fear to the former FGA World champion. It was like she telegraphed a move to him, which was dangerous by itself. Considering that she was already behind the eight ball when it happened? That made things even worse.
"I remember you and Nina having a conversation about Page." Fujiko balled her hands into fists at the mention of him. She wouldn’t let him win by getting overly upset with him. To do that was to walk into one of his traps. With that in mind, she coaxed herself to relax. Her hands found their way into the back pockets of her jeans, stretching out her torso for a more casual pose.
"I will keep my focus on Johnny, for now. As much as I’ve been watching him, I know better than to try and split my focus. He’s a terrible human being, but he’s a good wrestler. He has, up until this point, a decent track record. He’s also got a pretty nasty set of moves that make him difficult to defend against. He’s smart; covering up some of his glaring weaknesses. He’s had success. He wouldn’t be a recurring threat to the Pride championship if he wasn’t any good."
Fujiko paused for a moment. "But honestly, I think I can prove that I’m better than he is." Ryan didn’t smile. She never smiled. But she nodded her head. Fujiko had gotten used to Ryan’s refusal to smile. She knew the nod was its replacement.
"That’s fair. You’ve grown a lot over the course of a year, it’s hard not to see that you’re only coming into your prime."
Fujiko couldn’t help but cock an eyebrow at this statement. Ryan thought she was coming into her prime?
Fujiko took a moment to run back events from her memory vault. the 2015 Fujiko enjoyed and endured wasn’t bad, by most standards. She spent a fair amount of time in the top five of the Power Rankings, won a championship, “saved” FGA from Dante Anglais, and had good showings in both the Gold Rush Rumble and the Frontier Lions Cup. Then again, she’d lost that championship in a ladder match, her first defense. She also lost both the Rumble and Frontier Lions’ Cup. It could be categorized as decidedly average. But to her, she felt like she’d failed her fans. She felt like she let too much of the nonsense slip through. Maybe she was unknowingly complacent. Maybe there was something that she missed. In either event, she wasn’t so sure she was ready to agree with Ryan’s assessment.
"I guess that this match against Johnny Cannon is going to be my measuring stick. If I can beat him, maybe others will take me, and in turn, what I’ve been saying a bit more seriously. If I can beat him handily, there’s a chance Jimmy Page will understand how serious I am about challenging him."
Fujiko frowned for a moment. "I mean, it’s not my first time in the ring with him, and I had him beat before…"She said it out loud, but internally she knew she couldn’t use that as any sort of crutch. “Almost” was the same as “failed to” in the land of professional wrestling. She couldn’t place that on her resume with any sense of pride. Not that she would, even if she could. She needed to put Cannon down, then do the same to Jimmy Page. Then, and only then, she could focus on bigger matters.
"Yeah, that’s why you’re here right? Get a new perspective, work on getting some more confidence?" She gave Fujiko a look that implied the questions were rhetorical.
A smile crossed the lips of the woman known as Lady Luck. It was a grateful smile. "Well, the last time I was here, I took away a few new moves and sent Go-eun into a full on retreat. So why not ride the hot hand, right?" Fujiko’s lips spread into an almost predatory grin. The idea of watching Johnny try and explain his way out of a loss to her was pleasing, but the idea of feeling him tap out to her yet-to-be-debuted submission hold was just too savory in her mind.
"So," Fujiko started, losing the edge to her grin as she bounced a little bit on her heels. "Where do we start?"
Ryan shook her head in response, like someone restrained. "I can’t physically work with you due to my medical suspension, but I’ll gladly coach you through our routine from last time. That okay?"
A little bit of her enthusiasm died out. She'd momentarily forgotten about the medical suspension. Ryan had just taken the MLC International Champion, Prince Pierre Paul, to a judges' decision draw. She had her own naysayers, and she'd shut up a good chunk of them in that fight. But like Fujiko, it wasn't enough to sate her. Fujiko was hoping that Ryan would push her with something new. She would make do. Perhaps sticking with the routine was best. Consistency was key, after all...and her readiness to move on might prove later on to be a mistake.
"Yeah. That’s a good idea. Let me master this before moving on to something else. It should be enough to show Cannon I mean business." She smiled enough for both herself and Ryan. Ryan shook her head, then turned her back and led her towards some of the equipment. Fujiko prepared herself mentally. It was going to be incredibly difficult, but it would be worth it.
I suppose the need to have some sort of “important” moniker fueled that idea. For the uninformed, Johnny Cannon calls himself that, as some sort of stepladder for his ego to stand on. A former EXODUS star--no, a former Exodus Pro world champion; he’s come here to try and continue a trail of dominance that he no longer felt inclined to over in the aforementioned company. Most of you already knew this, though. So why bring it up?
Because the fantasy that swims around in the head of Johnny Cannon, and the reality that we’re all a part of? They’re not the same.
From a literal perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. I don’t need to explain this. He’s not the last of his kind in any way, shape, or form. In fact, he and his off-again, on-again nemesis Tony Carmine is a lot more like him than they’d care to admit. They’re both driven by their ridiculous, poisoned egos.
From a societal perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. He is a man who pines hard for the days in which a man was able to slap a woman in public without restraint or disdainful looks. He watches Cruel Intentions and wishes real life could be just like that. Heck, from a little research, Johnny Cannon isn’t even enough of a man to care about the child he’s had with another woman. I’m supposed to buy this? A guy who dresses sharp, kicks hard, and drinks his whiskey straight is the same man who doesn’t even bother with his own progeny? He’s shown that he would rather spend his days lying about, Misha on his arm, than to worry about the fact that his son is without a dad. I guess that is a good picture of what a “real man” is supposed to be, rather than someone who actually stays committed after getting involved with someone to the point of having a child with them. Maybe I’m a bit bitter, being in the situation of being abandoned by my own parents, but if you’re going to go about calling yourself a man? Maybe you should actually act like one.
From a wrestling perspective, Johnny Cannon is not the last real man. Do I really need to retread what he did to Evangelista several weeks ago? No remorse whatsoever for potentially ending her career? I guess that’s what a real man does. No remorse for punching Cherry in the face a few days ago on Vertigo? I guess that’s how a real man operates, mistake or no. How about being an ungracious loser, as he did after failing to secure the Pride championship? Well, that one is probably more just the nature of most wrestlers nowadays, and less indicative of Johnny Cannon himself. But my point stands. If Johnny Cannon is really as good as he says he is, and is supposedly one of the best in FGA...why are you hovering around five-hundred? Why is it that a loss to me would make you even in wins and losses? I’ve already told you he’s a former Exodus world champion. He held it for less than month, and wasn’t able to defend it. Such a dominant man.
I mean, let's be honest: It wasn’t long ago that you beat Zero McHannon. You were looking primed and ready to take the Pride championship. And now, you’ve got a record that all but wipes that momentum boost away, you do not have the Pride championship, and you have lost my respect. Maybe that last one means nothing to you now, but once I finish kicking your butt? Maybe you’ll grow up a little bit and realize your mistakes. But hey, maybe I’ll go on a diet. It’s nice to dream.
Johnny Cannon is part of the problem here in FGA. He of the breed quick to puff up their chests and crow about how great they are, and how their opponents mean nothing. The ones so quick to blame their problems and shortcomings on others. They’re so desperate to hide every one of their weaknesses, that they’ll do whatever it takes to try and make themselves look strong. A problem that, if I have my way, will start to fade. I am not deluding myself into thinking that my battle against this will be simple and clean. My battle against Go-eun proved that.
Speaking of: I have no hard feelings against Yun. I have faith that eventually, she’ll come around. She will realize that what I’ve been saying is the truth; that she doesn’t need to have this ‘change in attitude’ to get success. But let’s get back to the point at hand.
I ring in the new year by facing off against Johnny Cannon, a man so manly he has someone else praise him and herald his coming to the wrestling ring.
Look, Johnny. Ultimately, how you handle your personal business is just that. It doesn’t matter to me. Your life is yours to waste how you see fit. That said, you are going to realize that I’m not going to let you just run through FGA unchecked anymore. I’m not stronger than you, but I sure am faster, and smarter. And I certainly will not let you treat me like you did Leanne. If you think that this is another match you can win by injuring a woman, you’re dead wrong.
As a matter of fact, I will beat you...not just for me, but for her.
For Leanne, I will either leave you in the ring, with a third straight loss placed over your head. I will place more distance between you and your goals. What I won’t leave you with, though...is a sense of why.
You know why I am doing this by now--and if you don’t? You certainly will by the end of our match on the ninth of January, the very first Vertigo of 2016.
The last real “man” vs. Lady Luck.
Believe me when I tell you that Cannon’s luck has run out.
10!
The sound of a ring bell being struck three times filled Fujiko’s ears as she closed the distance between herself and the door ahead of her. The industrial double portal, a traditional metal and glass model, yielded upon her pressing. Somewhere inside the building she entered awaited Fujiko’s good friend, Ryan LeCavalier. The wrestling and MMA dual star was unlikely to object to a repeat training session for Fujiko. She wouldn't be able to participate herself, but that wasn't an issue.
Fujiko needed it. The outcome of her last match in 2015 demanded so. She’d won, and thus avoided a losing record to close out the year. But she’d done so when Go-eun decided that rather than lose the match by pinfall or submission, she would walk out. It bothered her, that was for certain. Still, she refused to hold it against Yun. Instead, she would use it as fuel to torch the former number one contender to the Pride championship, Johnny Cannon.
The woman known as Lady Luck retraced her steps from her last visit as best as she could. As she did so, she couldn’t help but continue to hear the sound of the referee counting to ten, and the bell ringing. It began to annoy her greatly. She hoped that chatting and training with Ryan would help her turn that annoyance into useful energy, something she could use to kick Johnny’s chin clear off his face. Even as her eyes wandered, her senses were taken over by the referee counting, and the bell ringing.
She saw a few men working lifting weights in a small area off to the side of the ‘main track’ of the gym. To her right, a very intimidating looking woman pounded away at a heavy bag, which was spotted by who Fujiko could only assume was her trainer. In the main area. large black mats were set down, and an experienced looking male went through the motions of a judo-toss to someone who seemed incredibly eager to learn. Moreso eager than the trainer would have liked, she bet. Finally, she saw Ryan ahead, and waved. Ryan was mostly expressionless, even after Fujiko hailed her. Ryan was studying some of the action going on, almost as if she wished she were out there, taking part in it. She turned to face Fujiko, and returned the wave.
"Ryan! Hi!"
"Hey, what’s up?"Fujiko’s initial response was a wide smile as she closed the gap between herself and Ryan. She hesitated a moment as the question registered. How was she? What a complicated question to offer. She was happy: she broke the stalemate between herself and Yun, and gotten back on the winning track. She was sad: Yun backed out of the match, forcing a countout. She was hurt: the public argument with her mother still struck her heartstrings, a nagging experience that stuck to her ribs like a home cooked southern meal. Finally, she was determined to kick Johnny Cannon with the newest version of the Lucky Shot. How did she sum that up into a concise response?
"Oh, you know…" She trailed off, pairing the words with a half-hearted shrug and smile. "How are you?"
"I’m alright. I’m still a little sore from my fight. What brings you here?" Ryan emphasized this by slowly rotating her left arm in a circular motion. Coupling it with a slight grimace, Fujiko got the message. Her smile waned slightly. "I was kinda hoping you’d put me through some paces. I’ve got a match against the oh so ‘manly’ Johnny Cannon, and I thought you’d be the best person to help me out with that. Also, I’ve got some stuff on my mind, and need a good outlet for it."
She stole a glance at some of the equipment surrounding Ryan. She was going to push herself extra hard. She had one more naysayer to deny, after all. Ryan narrowed her eyes a little bit.
"The same Johnny Cannon Misha’s been messing around with?" Fujiko gave her friend a nod. "The very same." She was very matter-of-fact about it. She had nothing but a sort of friendly acquaintance with Misha. She deduced that Ryan wasn’t fond of Misha’s choice in relationship partners, by the way she said his name.
"I am only excited about the chance to see him lying dazed on the mat, wondering what hit him."Fujiko crossed her arms, her annoyance seeping through again.
"You’d only be doing us all a favor." Ryan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "I’m not so much of a fan, I think it’s odd he insists on seeing her. She’s got a lot going for her, why mess it up with someone who isn’t emotionally invested in her?"
Fujiko nodded in agreement. She didn’t really care for what Johnny Cannon did in his off time. He could rest and not prepare for her at all, if that was what he intended to do. All the same, Fujiko was going to beat him. "I’d be happy to do you that favor as a bonus. Beating him is more of a favor to the FGA fans than anything, though. With Quinn Goodrich continually running his mouth about how ‘great’ Johnny is, it’ll be nice to teach him a little bit more about humility." Fujiko paused for a moment. "Then again, it will likely just be excuse city out of both their mouths." Another pause. "Can you tell me anything about him?"
"Not really. Outside of Misha gushing, I know nothing about him." Fujiko tilted her head, but didn’t let it linger on her mind much. As she thought about it, it made sense that Ryan wouldn’t know much in the way of information she could use. She didn’t like the guy, and unlike Fujiko, didn’t have to worry about facing him one on one. So why waste time on getting to know him on a personal, or professional level?
"I guess that’ll be for the best. My plan is to knock him out, more or less. I’ll settle for the victory, but if I can put him down with a knockout, that’d be ideal. It’ll teach him a lesson, and it will teach Jimmy Page one, too." That lesson being that Fujiko was not so easily intimidated. Through narrowed eyes, Fujiko looked away from Ryan. She was mentally reliving Jimmy twirling his dirty fingers in her hair, breathing right in her face and attempting to deter her with threats of physical violence. In the moment, she was disgusted; panicked. Directly after, she began to feel angry. Angry that she showed a sense of fear to the former FGA World champion. It was like she telegraphed a move to him, which was dangerous by itself. Considering that she was already behind the eight ball when it happened? That made things even worse.
"I remember you and Nina having a conversation about Page." Fujiko balled her hands into fists at the mention of him. She wouldn’t let him win by getting overly upset with him. To do that was to walk into one of his traps. With that in mind, she coaxed herself to relax. Her hands found their way into the back pockets of her jeans, stretching out her torso for a more casual pose.
"I will keep my focus on Johnny, for now. As much as I’ve been watching him, I know better than to try and split my focus. He’s a terrible human being, but he’s a good wrestler. He has, up until this point, a decent track record. He’s also got a pretty nasty set of moves that make him difficult to defend against. He’s smart; covering up some of his glaring weaknesses. He’s had success. He wouldn’t be a recurring threat to the Pride championship if he wasn’t any good."
Fujiko paused for a moment. "But honestly, I think I can prove that I’m better than he is." Ryan didn’t smile. She never smiled. But she nodded her head. Fujiko had gotten used to Ryan’s refusal to smile. She knew the nod was its replacement.
"That’s fair. You’ve grown a lot over the course of a year, it’s hard not to see that you’re only coming into your prime."
Fujiko couldn’t help but cock an eyebrow at this statement. Ryan thought she was coming into her prime?
Fujiko took a moment to run back events from her memory vault. the 2015 Fujiko enjoyed and endured wasn’t bad, by most standards. She spent a fair amount of time in the top five of the Power Rankings, won a championship, “saved” FGA from Dante Anglais, and had good showings in both the Gold Rush Rumble and the Frontier Lions Cup. Then again, she’d lost that championship in a ladder match, her first defense. She also lost both the Rumble and Frontier Lions’ Cup. It could be categorized as decidedly average. But to her, she felt like she’d failed her fans. She felt like she let too much of the nonsense slip through. Maybe she was unknowingly complacent. Maybe there was something that she missed. In either event, she wasn’t so sure she was ready to agree with Ryan’s assessment.
"I guess that this match against Johnny Cannon is going to be my measuring stick. If I can beat him, maybe others will take me, and in turn, what I’ve been saying a bit more seriously. If I can beat him handily, there’s a chance Jimmy Page will understand how serious I am about challenging him."
Fujiko frowned for a moment. "I mean, it’s not my first time in the ring with him, and I had him beat before…"She said it out loud, but internally she knew she couldn’t use that as any sort of crutch. “Almost” was the same as “failed to” in the land of professional wrestling. She couldn’t place that on her resume with any sense of pride. Not that she would, even if she could. She needed to put Cannon down, then do the same to Jimmy Page. Then, and only then, she could focus on bigger matters.
"Yeah, that’s why you’re here right? Get a new perspective, work on getting some more confidence?" She gave Fujiko a look that implied the questions were rhetorical.
A smile crossed the lips of the woman known as Lady Luck. It was a grateful smile. "Well, the last time I was here, I took away a few new moves and sent Go-eun into a full on retreat. So why not ride the hot hand, right?" Fujiko’s lips spread into an almost predatory grin. The idea of watching Johnny try and explain his way out of a loss to her was pleasing, but the idea of feeling him tap out to her yet-to-be-debuted submission hold was just too savory in her mind.
"So," Fujiko started, losing the edge to her grin as she bounced a little bit on her heels. "Where do we start?"
Ryan shook her head in response, like someone restrained. "I can’t physically work with you due to my medical suspension, but I’ll gladly coach you through our routine from last time. That okay?"
A little bit of her enthusiasm died out. She'd momentarily forgotten about the medical suspension. Ryan had just taken the MLC International Champion, Prince Pierre Paul, to a judges' decision draw. She had her own naysayers, and she'd shut up a good chunk of them in that fight. But like Fujiko, it wasn't enough to sate her. Fujiko was hoping that Ryan would push her with something new. She would make do. Perhaps sticking with the routine was best. Consistency was key, after all...and her readiness to move on might prove later on to be a mistake.
"Yeah. That’s a good idea. Let me master this before moving on to something else. It should be enough to show Cannon I mean business." She smiled enough for both herself and Ryan. Ryan shook her head, then turned her back and led her towards some of the equipment. Fujiko prepared herself mentally. It was going to be incredibly difficult, but it would be worth it.
