AfterBurn for Above & Beyond V

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on AfterBurn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on AxxessNet!

[Izzy Anders]

♫ Oh who is she?
A misty memory
A haunting face,
Is she a lost embrace? ♫

The image of Blackthorn Mental Institute flashed in the background. A gray scale filter lied over it, but as the institute faded into black, another image followed. It was footage from ECWF of the masked figure, Vestige. This person had come into ECWF on a tear, defeating Mia Scott for the ECWF Extreme Championship. As they held up the bloody championship, the image faded like the institute. Soon, a series of video clips played.

Firstly, it was Dom Harter's injury long ago. The haunting image of Izzy Anders holding up the Mid-AtlanticLegacy Championship that he coveted over his body stayed on screen for a moment. Following that was a video from SSWA. Wadjethotep's mask was up high in the air, held by Izzy Anders. A demented grin remained on her face as she proclaimed her disrespectful victory over him. 

Finally, the last image showed Izzy Anders standing over a fallen Lacey Allen Cohen. It was a heinous attack backstage, which served as an exclamation point on her campaign of hatred and vengeance. As it faded, white lettering began to fade into focus.

"MY WORK IS ALMOST FINISHED."

A sudden fast-paced reel of Izzy's career went by, before stopping on a screen with her holding the MAL Championship in her arms. 

"I WILL SEE YOU SOON."

[Fujiko Mine]

We go backstage to find Spencer Burke standing alongside Fujiko Mine. She has the FGA Pride championship slung over her shoulder, but she keeps her eyes cast down.

Spencer Burke: Hi there folks, please welcome the FGA Pride Champion, Fujiko Mine.

Fujiko lifts her head up enough to nod before casting it down again.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, obviously things didn’t go the way you’d hoped tonight. Let’s talk about that.

An exasperated sigh escapes her lips, but she complies.

Fujiko Mine: Alright. As you know, I wasn’t quick enough to get into the cover, and it cost me. Savannah Taylor and I ended up going to a time limit draw. I had my heart set on that match, and if I was a few seconds quicker, the entire night could have changed. The entire NIGHT, off of one second. So yes, it’s heartbreaking.

She brings her head up to look into the camera, rather than at Spencer Burke.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve had several heartbreaking moments, but I have not let a single one of them stop me. I won’t let this one stop me either. I am going to move towards my mission of keeping the Pride championship a top championship. One to be revered and envied. And I know of the perfect place to do that.

Fujiko cracked a slight smile.

Fujiko Mine: The special event with my face on it. First Wave, our first AxxessNet special. It’s an amazing time in FGA, and it wouldn’t be complete without me there. So, I’m hoping to have a match for it. I want to face someone who will help me achieve my goals. I am going to…

A confused look crosses her face, and stops her in her tracks. Her mouth hangs open, and then they focus and her eyebrows furrow. The camera pans over to reveal Riley Owens standing next to them. He quickly flashes Fujiko a quick smile.

Owens: Forgive me for interrupting, Fujiko. I didn’t mean to mess up your vibe or anything.

He quickly let’s out a small sigh.

Owens: You see, I was in back here talking to a few officials and what not, when I overheard you speaking. And, from my end, it sounded like you were looking for a competent dance partner for First Wave.

He pauses for a second.

Owens: You know, sometimes wrestlers change once they get their hands on a title belt. The “hunt for gold” is filled so much bullshit, that it’s nearly impossible to walk away smelling fresh—but you have. Unlike most, you didn’t let a few hiccups jade your perspective. You stuck to your convictions, you stuck your morals, and you succeeded. And, instead of succumbing to the tried and true egotistical diatribe, you’ve come out here to elevate that title belt and take the Pride Division to new heights. That’s commendable, very commendable; and that’s what distinguishes you from a majority of that belt’s previous owners.

Instinctively, Fujiko’s eye glance over at the Pride title resting on her shoulder. Riley picks up on this.

Owens: I’m not here for your championship. There are at least six or seven people on FGA’s roster that deserve that honor.

He nods.

Owens: But, as far as First Wave goes, if it’s a true challenge you seek, then I’m your man.

Fujiko tilts her head, taking a look at Riley. She allows the wheels in her head to turn a fair amount before nodding back.

Fujiko Mine: First Wave...Riley Owens versus Fujiko Mine. I like it. See you then.

She gives Riley a smile before backing out of frame.

[Fujiko Mine]

Cameras go backstage to see Fujiko Mine hastily trekking the halls. She has, since we last saw her, transitioned to her street clothes and is carrying her gym bag. Her head maneuvers on a swivel back and forth across the hall, as if she is looking for something. Her walk slows as she seems to approach her intended destination, and she takes in a breath right before she comes to a full stop. Placing her gym bag on the floor, she nods to herself before pulling up her hand and knocking on the door.

While Fujiko waits, a pair of footsteps can be heard making their way to the door. After the doorknob is turned to her right, the door opens. Standing on the other side of the door is the 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner, Chandler Scott. Chandler looks worse for wear, having just completing a grueling trio of matches against three of FGA's top competitors. Chandler looks to be a bit taken aback by the sight of Fujiko.

Chandler Scott: Well... this is a surprise. And here I was expecting Spencer Burke.

There is a bit of a nervous laugh that emerges from the Pride champion. She mimes holding a microphone.

Fujiko Mine: Haha, no. But I think I could do his job pretty well. “Chandler Scott, you just won the 2016 Frontier Lions cup, your thoughts?”

She laughs again, then drops the act.

Fujiko Mine: But really, I just wanted to come by and offer you my congratulations on your win tonight. You did pretty amazing out there.

She clicks her tongue and takes a step back, as if to negate any sign of aggression with her next statement.

Fujiko Mine: I was really looking forward to being the one to face you in the finals instead of Johnny, but that can’t be helped. At least I can put my hope in you going to Retribution and coming out on top.

He smirks upon hearing the compliments.

Chandler Scott: Well thank you, Fujiko. It means a lot. But uh…

Chandler sticks his head out of the doorway and looks to his left, then his right.

Chandler Scott: You might want to keep it down. You know your new World Champion isn’t going to like you “kissing my ass.” We’re wrestlers, remember? We’re supposed to be screaming at each other and putting each other down. We shouldn’t be kissing each others’ asses… except for his, of course.

He shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: But yeah, it would’ve been nice to have met you in the Finals. But you never know what the future holds. I’m sure that at some point, our paths will cross and we’ll go out there and do what we do best.

Fujiko clasps her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in mock horror.

Fujiko Mine: Oh no! What have I done?! I’ve made a horrible error!

She then rolls her eyes, her face a mask of disgust.

Fujiko Mine: Zero is going to talk about us whether I came here or not. I’m a grown woman, and I have no problem showing someone respect when they deserve it. Until he pays my bills he can go choke for all I care. If he doesn’t like it, he can go cry about it on social media. He can make a twitter poll about it or something.

Chandler Scott: Well he’s got a World Title match coming up, so I’m sure he’s going to end up choking, anyway...

Chandler says with a smirk. Her face softens at Chandler's comment. She takes a second to ponder the possibility of a match with Chandler down the road.

Fujiko Mine: You’re right though. Who knows? Could even have a big fight feel to it.

A mischievous smirk forms on her lips. Chandler thinks about the potential match and rubs his chin with his right hand.

Fujiko Mine: I’m looking forward to it like you wouldn’t believe, Chandler.

The gaze between them lingers for a moment, and then Fujiko exhales.

Fujiko Mine: Hope you enjoy your night.

Chandler Scott: I’ll try to. You do the same.

Fujiko takes a step away from the door, and then turns to walk away. The camera focuses on the both of them as best it can until the scene fades.

[Deleted]

I pull my t-shirt down over my head as I hear her voice for the first time since before the match, “How are you doing?” she asks, letting herself into my locker room; I swear I locked that door, but I’m having a terrible time with locked doors as of late, so who knows.

She looks up at me with those sweet blue eyes of hers. Concern emanating from her with every movement and gesture; as she strokes my cheek I turn my head away though. “I’m not in the mood...”

“Dommy…” she runs a hand down my chest, “…you did the best you could.”

That’s not helping. I sigh in disdain, gnashing my teeth as I swat her hand away. “What, did you not think I was feeling bad enough already?” Katie takes a step back, putting a foot of distance between us as I continue. “I lost … in the first round. Mark Storm got further than me; Johnny Karma got further than me; I only got as far as Savannah Taylor, Yun Goeun, Fujiko Mine, and Molly! And I’ve been ahead of them since day fuckin’ one!”

“But yo–”

“I lost to the winner of the tournament,” I cut her off, causing her to huff softly. “I don’t care that Chandler Scott won the Frontier Lions Cup, it doesn’t soften the blow at all. This was my night, this was my moment; I was going to win the Triple Crown, to become number one contender…” I run both hands through my hair in frustration, looking down at the floor as Katie stands there in silence. “…and now I have nothing to show for it all.”

“So don’t stand there and tell me I did my best, because I can do better than that. I can beat Chandler Scott, I can win the Frontier Lions Cup. I can become the next FGA World Champion…” I slam the bottom of my fist against the nearest locker, “…but I didn’t. I won’t.”

“You could still become the next World champion,” Katie replies.

“They’re not letting me near that belt,” I yell in anger, “Rick Fuckin’ Young will probably get a shot at that World title before I do! Evan Envi will probably get a shot at that belt before I do! Because this tournament – the Gold Rush Rumble – those are the only times I’ll be given the chance to become a World champion here. If I go through three matches in a night; if I out last twenty nine other wrestlers; if I perform some feat of strength that nobody believes I’ll ever succeed in.”

“So this is what the wilderness feels like,” I chuckle, “I hate it.”

“Dommy,” she starts, moving closer to me, “one loss doesn’t define you. One setback won’t stop you. And you can always go for the Legacy title the bitch holds…”

“I’m not fighting your battles for you,” I snap back, “but I’ll get that shot in due time. When Annie stops ducking me, and avoiding my challenge. If Salem gets the belt and wants a real challenge. I’ll do whatever it takes – that much hasn’t changed. I’ll start over, turn over a new leaf and be the best me I can be – whatever the fuck that means!”

“If that’s what you want…” she says, cradling my face, “…I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.” We share a brief kiss before she backs away one small step, although she’s still holding my hand.

“They’re not going to stop me,” I state, “I’m come too far, achieved too much to be stopped now. They’re going to try and kick me while I’m down, but they won’t keep me grounded. I will go through hell and high water to get what I want; I’ll go to the end of the Earth if it helps me achieve my goals. Because before too long, mine will be the name on everybody’s lips. My matches will once again be headlining the largest shows around. My face will be on the posters, and the adverts – I’ll be a fucking star again and nobody can stop that from happening…”

“But before then, I need a drink to numb the pain.” I admit despite myself.

“I’ll come with you,” she offers.

“No,” I reject her, “you only slow me down. I’ll see you back at the hotel…” we kiss again before I grab my bag and head out of the locker room.