Harsh Reality (X*Crown RP #2 for NoC)
Jul 9, 2018 22:40:12 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer and Nausicaä Suzuki like this
Post by Raiden Ishimori on Jul 9, 2018 22:40:12 GMT -5
{Rain. The weather that can cause an average person to reminisce on suppressed memories, whether they want to or not, it happens. At the same time, it was the only thing that had filled Osaka throughout the entirety of the weekend. Sometimes it lightened up and occasionally it ceased albeit briefly before resuming once more. For Raiden, the rain was the last thing on his mind as he trod lightly through the nighttime streets dressed in only a purple dress shirt and black dress pants with matching shoes. The only sounds that danced around him were the constant pitter-pattering of the rain, the click of his shoes against the sidewalk, and the occasional splashes that sounded off from the puddles that lied in his path. His clothing seemed as if it had just gone through the wash, but he didn’t mind it as he trudged forward.}
{Going around for another six blocks, he stops in front of an entrance that leads to a high-end establishment. The sign above bearing the name, “Club Fujin” with the image of a rather attractive woman performing the blown kiss gesture. Without missing a beat, Raiden continues his walk to the double glass doors, deftly slipping inside after opening one only to be met by four employees in a unified bow.}
Girls: “Welcome to Club Fujin, Ishimori-san!”
{A curt nod is the only gesture Raiden gives in response while he picks at the soaked shirt clinging to his toned torso. He gives up after a few seconds, realizing the attempt is futile and instead starts to simply scan the lounge floor. Many other patrons are already out and about with their chosen hostess, with some even trying to be more flirty than others while others are only involved in a casual conversation. With a sigh of contemplation, he returns his attention to the four women before him.}
Raiden: “Is Reina Miyabe available?”
{The four women raise themselves up, looking at one another with a look of curiosity, almost indiscernible from panic as they keep going back and forth with darting eyes. Raiden sighs once more just as one of the male workers makes his way over with a badge that bore the name “Kenzan” just about his breast pocket.}
Kenzan: “Girls, is there a problem here?”
{One of them whispers into the Kenzan’s ear, discreetly pointing to Raiden as he continues to survey the area. The whispers continue with Kenzan nodding along with every detail and eventually, he sends the four off, leaving The Lone Wolf of Osaka in a state of confusion.}
Kenzan (nervously): “Ah...apologies about that, Raiden. Those girls are still fairly new to the establishment.”
Raiden: “Is she here?”
Kenzan: “Reina…? Uhm…”
{A frustrated breath bellows from Raiden, causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose out of anger.}
Raiden (annoyed): “Is she avoiding me or something?”
Kenzan: “What?! N-n-no, it’s not like that Raiden, I swear.”
Raiden: “Then why are you struggling to give me a simple answer this time around, Kenzan?”
{Kenzan himself struggles to formulate another answer as Bone Cold continues to stare daggers into him, enough to the point that the man even backs up slightly the more he’s glared at. Eventually, he exhales in defeat, composing himself while straightening his clothing out.}
Kenzan (mumbling): “She’s here tonight, but...her depression has somewhat returned. Knowing how close you were with...y’know, since the...incident.”
Raiden (sighing): “I know the circumstances entirely. Just let me see her.”
{Kenzan nods in response, soon guiding Raiden to his table. After being seated, he leaves him with a courteous bow before briskly walking away, to which Raiden can only shake his head at as he leans back against the seating. Being in the establishment brought back countless memories for him for as long as he could recall when he was still an average salaryman. The nights him, Jotaro, and the others would meander their way down here to spend their Friday nights until the place closed and the times that some people, mainly Hideo and Eizan, made fools of themselves for trying to impress the other girls. Just the thought of it brought a slight smile to his lips, even making him giggle a bit the more he replayed the memories in his head.}
Hostess: “Remembering the old days?”
{The feminine voice snapped him back to the reality he was in as he craned his head up to the familiar sound. Before him, was a woman who was probably about half a foot, maybe little more, shorter than he was. Her hair freely flowing down to the midpoint of her back to compliment the navy blue dress she had on that left the upper half of her back exposed and also accented her curves, further supported by the fact that she had her arms folded under her…*ahem* assets.}
Raiden: “Somewhat. You look stunning by the way.”
Hostess: “I bet you greet most women that way these days.”
Raiden: “Don’t make me laugh.”
{Standing up from his seat, he shot her one of those rare full smiles to which she responded with a small one of her own.}
Raiden: “You’ve been holding up alright, Reina?”
Reina: “Mhm.”
Raiden: “You almost don’t sound sure about that.”
Reina (whispering): “I’d rather not talk about it…”
Raiden: “It’s fine.”
{Moving closer to Reina, Raiden simply envelopes her in his arms, surprising the young hostess.}
Raiden (softly): “You look like you could at least use one of these.”
{With a casual grin, Reina returns the gesture. For about thirty seconds, the pair appears frozen in time as they stand together until Raiden is the one to pull away from the embrace. Gesturing to the table, they both sit in their respective spots, the eye contact between still remaining unbroken.}
Reina: “So, what have you been up to these days? Still working at that clinic?”
Raiden (shaking his head): “Nah. I quit that place about a year back. Ended up becoming part-time work before I decided to just leave.”
Reina: “What do you do for work then?”
Raiden: “Pro wrestling.”
{Reina raises a questioning eyebrow at the sound of the two words, but Raiden simply laughs it off.}
Raiden: “Relax, I’m still within the country for most of the gigs I work. Every once in awhile I fly out to the States to do work there, but that’s it. I’m still around locally, well, relatively locally.”
Reina: “You never were the adventurous type before.”
Raiden: “That side kinda gets yanked out of you in the wrestling industry. If you want to be successful, you gotta be willing to travel too.”
{One of the male attendants briefly stops by the table, dropping off a few drinks for the duo before continuing on his way.}
Raiden: “I take it business here has been normal these past few months?”
Reina (sipping her drink): “Depends on what your definition of ‘normal’ is.”
Raiden (chuckling): “Probably should’ve asked if things are still running smoothly here.”
Reina: “Yeah, still is. Usual clients come in every now and then, but every day has just become so routine at this point that it almost feels like you’re talking to the same person for who knows how long.”
Raiden: “So am I the difference maker?”
Reina (smiling): “One could see it that way.”
{Another small smile pops up on Raiden’s face as he takes a sip of his drink. A brief euphoric feeling washed over him as the glass returned to the table. It was an interesting feeling to experience so suddenly, but he brushed it off whilst wondering if had to do something with the alcohol that was being served tonight.}
Reina: “You mentioned you were still wrestling locally in the country.”
Raiden: “That I am.”
Reina: “Where at if I may ask?”
Raiden (thoughtfully): “Well, let’s see...there’s Suzuki Blitz Wrestling out in Yokohama. To be honest, I really do like that place so far with the people that are there and the person who’s overseeing everything. Some are a bit weirder than others, but you get used to it.”
Reina: “And the other place?”
Raiden: “It began with a K if I recall. King something. They basically travel across the country to put on their shows here and there. It’s nothing big, but like I said, at least it’s another place to get paid and make a living out of it.”
{Raiden leaves the statement with a half shrug, unsure of how to really finish it. Resting his arms on the table, he lets out a contemplative sigh as he looks off to the side, noting how some of the patrons seem particularly more buzzed compared to when he last observed them.}
Raiden: “Yeah, this place hasn’t changed at all.”
Reina (tracing her glass): “Aside from the workers if that’s what you’re looking at.”
Raiden: “If I was, I’m pretty sure you’d smack me for doing so.”
Reina: “And if I didn’t?”
Raiden (smirking): “Well, that would just make you a bad friend, wouldn’t it?”
Reina (smiling): “Smartass.”
Raiden (leaning back): “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
{While not aware of it initially, something kept reflecting light in his direction from time to time and looking downwards, that’s when he noticed it. There was a ring of sorts on Reina’s right hand, something Raiden was unsure of if he had seen it before.}
Raiden: “Where’d you get that?”
Reina: “Get what?”
Raiden (pointing): “That.”
{Looking to where her friend was pointing, Reina immediately felt her heart sank the moment her eyes fell upon the ring. Looking away, she quickly covered it with her other hand, something that only made Raiden more curious.}
Raiden: “Is there something I need to know? I mean, if you’re engaged and all, good for you as long as the guy treats you right.”
Reina: “You mind not saying things like that so loud?”
Raiden (confused): “Uh…”
Reina (sighing): “He never told you did he?”
Raiden: “He…?”
Reina: “...Jotaro.”
{A wave of painful silence washed over the two as their demeanors went from content to gloomy. Jotaro was the one who had first introduced the two and got Raiden in on good terms with Reina and the rest of the workers and everyone would constantly joke about how it seemed Jo practically owned the place with the way he would talk and sometimes direct traffic within the establishment. However, Raiden didn’t think Jotaro had grown really close with one of the hostesses, let alone Reina.}
Raiden: “When did he…?”
Reina: “About a year before his untimely passing. It seemed like there was some peace for awhile given the work that he had was toning down, but then…”
Raiden (murmuring): “Eizan and Hideo…”
{Reina simply nods along, tears starting to well up in her eyes.}
Reina: “I still remember the look of devastation Jotaro had when he came in the following evening. It was almost nothing but silence between us until he spoke of what happened to them.”
Raiden: “He never told me what exactly happened. He only told me that they had died in a ‘freak accident’ and nothing more.”
Reina: “It’s because he wanted to protect you, Raiden. The real cause of death was blood loss from stab wounds.”
{A cold sweat broke out from Raiden as he bit his lip at the revelation. Why did Jo never tell him the truth? What was it that he and the others stayed quiet about? At this rate, he was only gonna leaving with more questions than answers, perhaps even more than when he first learned of everyone’s tragic passing.}
Raiden (nervously): “And as for...Jotaro? What happened to him, Yoshi, and Meiji?”
Reina (holding back sobs): “The same thing, except they actually put up a fight against whoever the perpetrators were.”
{That’s when the realization struck him. The December night he had seen the three walking together...it was a fight they were in, but what for? Was there rhyme and reason to it or died they just die for nothing? Whatever it was, the information now added to what happened late that night and also added more as to why there was no word from them throughout the entire week}
Reina (crying): “I’m sorry Raiden…”
{Raiden’s fists tightened at the sight of seeing her openly weeping in front of him. Out of instinct he moved himself over to her side and pulled her close to him, letting her cry into his shoulder. As if coming to terms with the deaths wasn’t enough, knowing the actual cause for each death only made it more painful to think about. However, even though he finally had answers, he was only left with more questions that needed answers and he wanted them as soon as possible.}
Raiden (inwardly): “Gempachi…”
{That was the only name that popped into his mind as he continued to think everything over. If there was one man who knew more history about the bond that the group shared, it was Gempachi. The thoughts, however, soon ran out of his head as Reina’s sobbing gradually came to a halt. Although the noise had ceased, the tears were still steadily pouring out with Raiden drying out of consolation as he continued to hold her.}
Raiden (whispering): “You okay?”
Reina: “I just wish things were back the way they were.”
Raiden: “We all do, but that’s the harshness of reality. Once a chain of events is set in motion, it’s nearly impossible to reverse it.”
{He wished he could’ve lied on that, but it was just another one of those unfortunate truths that everyone had to face in the world. The air around them just now spoke of dread and unhappiness as Raiden ran his hand along Reina’s bicep as a means to comfort her, but even he felt there was no use in trying for the time being. After a few more silent minutes Raiden stood up from the table, but Reina’s hand caught his.}
Reina: “When are you planning to come back?”
Raiden: “Beginning of next month maybe. I got a few other shows to work in the coming weeks not to mention another show in States that I have to fly in for at the end of the month. I promise I’ll be back once I have an opening in my schedule.”
{He gave her hand a tight squeeze of assurance before going on his way with a relieved sigh. On his way to the exit, Kenzan stopped by the doors with a concerned expression.}
Kenzan: “How is she?”
{Rather than just give a straight answer, Raiden blankly stared at the employee, then out the double glass doors, and then back to Kenzan.}
Kenzan: “Raiden, just give me an answer, please.”
Raiden: “Give her some time off from work. She needs it after tonight.”
Kenzan (confused): “What? But the club ca---”
Raiden (serious): “Remember the words you said to me earlier, Ken. You’d be doing us justice by giving her some days off.”
{With that statement, Raiden pushed the doors and walked back out into the night. The rain was still steadily coming down, but it was more of a drizzle compared to what it was like earlier. He let out another heavy sigh as he started to retrace his path back to his home, countless thoughts swimming about in his head.}
Raiden (inwardly): “What a cruel world we live in. Each and every day you never know if you’ll see or hear from those closest to you...but damn...I never realized just how hurt someone like Reina was because of what’s transpired. With all this information, I can only hope Gempachi has some answers for me. Why was Jotaro so secretive? What weren’t they telling me all those years ago? What was the main cause that led to their demises?”
“...Even so, events like this make me wonder...do my opponents share similar stories? What’s Anomoly’s case? What’s Tabitha’s deal that she’s facing? What’s the backstory of Rob Riot? So many questions with such information serving as answers. Maybe I’ll get my answers at Night of Champions, but what good would that serve me? What good would relating to an enemy serve me? This is all too much. My head hurts...my heart aches...all there is now is the pain.”
“It’s funny looking at all of it now. The hell we go through and all the suffering...it really is a harsh reality that we survive in while others thrive in it. What more is there to it? What secrets are still being kept hidden? Someday, I know I’ll have all the answers to these questions, but what matters most now is keeping my head in the game for that Four-Ring Circus Match and also getting answers out of Gempachi. Once again, I, the Lone Wolf of Osaka...walk this path alone…”
{Raiden continues down the street, his head hung low as he still tries to process everything in his mind. While there was much to think about, he still knew that he couldn’t let his personal problems take priority for the time being. There was a match to be prepared for and that this was going to be one of the only chances he would have at the X*Crown in a blue moon. Eventually, he disappears from sight as he rounds the corner with the sound of the rain picking up once more as thunder rumbles in the distance. Fade to black}
{Going around for another six blocks, he stops in front of an entrance that leads to a high-end establishment. The sign above bearing the name, “Club Fujin” with the image of a rather attractive woman performing the blown kiss gesture. Without missing a beat, Raiden continues his walk to the double glass doors, deftly slipping inside after opening one only to be met by four employees in a unified bow.}
Girls: “Welcome to Club Fujin, Ishimori-san!”
{A curt nod is the only gesture Raiden gives in response while he picks at the soaked shirt clinging to his toned torso. He gives up after a few seconds, realizing the attempt is futile and instead starts to simply scan the lounge floor. Many other patrons are already out and about with their chosen hostess, with some even trying to be more flirty than others while others are only involved in a casual conversation. With a sigh of contemplation, he returns his attention to the four women before him.}
Raiden: “Is Reina Miyabe available?”
{The four women raise themselves up, looking at one another with a look of curiosity, almost indiscernible from panic as they keep going back and forth with darting eyes. Raiden sighs once more just as one of the male workers makes his way over with a badge that bore the name “Kenzan” just about his breast pocket.}
Kenzan: “Girls, is there a problem here?”
{One of them whispers into the Kenzan’s ear, discreetly pointing to Raiden as he continues to survey the area. The whispers continue with Kenzan nodding along with every detail and eventually, he sends the four off, leaving The Lone Wolf of Osaka in a state of confusion.}
Kenzan (nervously): “Ah...apologies about that, Raiden. Those girls are still fairly new to the establishment.”
Raiden: “Is she here?”
Kenzan: “Reina…? Uhm…”
{A frustrated breath bellows from Raiden, causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose out of anger.}
Raiden (annoyed): “Is she avoiding me or something?”
Kenzan: “What?! N-n-no, it’s not like that Raiden, I swear.”
Raiden: “Then why are you struggling to give me a simple answer this time around, Kenzan?”
{Kenzan himself struggles to formulate another answer as Bone Cold continues to stare daggers into him, enough to the point that the man even backs up slightly the more he’s glared at. Eventually, he exhales in defeat, composing himself while straightening his clothing out.}
Kenzan (mumbling): “She’s here tonight, but...her depression has somewhat returned. Knowing how close you were with...y’know, since the...incident.”
Raiden (sighing): “I know the circumstances entirely. Just let me see her.”
{Kenzan nods in response, soon guiding Raiden to his table. After being seated, he leaves him with a courteous bow before briskly walking away, to which Raiden can only shake his head at as he leans back against the seating. Being in the establishment brought back countless memories for him for as long as he could recall when he was still an average salaryman. The nights him, Jotaro, and the others would meander their way down here to spend their Friday nights until the place closed and the times that some people, mainly Hideo and Eizan, made fools of themselves for trying to impress the other girls. Just the thought of it brought a slight smile to his lips, even making him giggle a bit the more he replayed the memories in his head.}
Hostess: “Remembering the old days?”
{The feminine voice snapped him back to the reality he was in as he craned his head up to the familiar sound. Before him, was a woman who was probably about half a foot, maybe little more, shorter than he was. Her hair freely flowing down to the midpoint of her back to compliment the navy blue dress she had on that left the upper half of her back exposed and also accented her curves, further supported by the fact that she had her arms folded under her…*ahem* assets.}
Raiden: “Somewhat. You look stunning by the way.”
Hostess: “I bet you greet most women that way these days.”
Raiden: “Don’t make me laugh.”
{Standing up from his seat, he shot her one of those rare full smiles to which she responded with a small one of her own.}
Raiden: “You’ve been holding up alright, Reina?”
Reina: “Mhm.”
Raiden: “You almost don’t sound sure about that.”
Reina (whispering): “I’d rather not talk about it…”
Raiden: “It’s fine.”
{Moving closer to Reina, Raiden simply envelopes her in his arms, surprising the young hostess.}
Raiden (softly): “You look like you could at least use one of these.”
{With a casual grin, Reina returns the gesture. For about thirty seconds, the pair appears frozen in time as they stand together until Raiden is the one to pull away from the embrace. Gesturing to the table, they both sit in their respective spots, the eye contact between still remaining unbroken.}
Reina: “So, what have you been up to these days? Still working at that clinic?”
Raiden (shaking his head): “Nah. I quit that place about a year back. Ended up becoming part-time work before I decided to just leave.”
Reina: “What do you do for work then?”
Raiden: “Pro wrestling.”
{Reina raises a questioning eyebrow at the sound of the two words, but Raiden simply laughs it off.}
Raiden: “Relax, I’m still within the country for most of the gigs I work. Every once in awhile I fly out to the States to do work there, but that’s it. I’m still around locally, well, relatively locally.”
Reina: “You never were the adventurous type before.”
Raiden: “That side kinda gets yanked out of you in the wrestling industry. If you want to be successful, you gotta be willing to travel too.”
{One of the male attendants briefly stops by the table, dropping off a few drinks for the duo before continuing on his way.}
Raiden: “I take it business here has been normal these past few months?”
Reina (sipping her drink): “Depends on what your definition of ‘normal’ is.”
Raiden (chuckling): “Probably should’ve asked if things are still running smoothly here.”
Reina: “Yeah, still is. Usual clients come in every now and then, but every day has just become so routine at this point that it almost feels like you’re talking to the same person for who knows how long.”
Raiden: “So am I the difference maker?”
Reina (smiling): “One could see it that way.”
{Another small smile pops up on Raiden’s face as he takes a sip of his drink. A brief euphoric feeling washed over him as the glass returned to the table. It was an interesting feeling to experience so suddenly, but he brushed it off whilst wondering if had to do something with the alcohol that was being served tonight.}
Reina: “You mentioned you were still wrestling locally in the country.”
Raiden: “That I am.”
Reina: “Where at if I may ask?”
Raiden (thoughtfully): “Well, let’s see...there’s Suzuki Blitz Wrestling out in Yokohama. To be honest, I really do like that place so far with the people that are there and the person who’s overseeing everything. Some are a bit weirder than others, but you get used to it.”
Reina: “And the other place?”
Raiden: “It began with a K if I recall. King something. They basically travel across the country to put on their shows here and there. It’s nothing big, but like I said, at least it’s another place to get paid and make a living out of it.”
{Raiden leaves the statement with a half shrug, unsure of how to really finish it. Resting his arms on the table, he lets out a contemplative sigh as he looks off to the side, noting how some of the patrons seem particularly more buzzed compared to when he last observed them.}
Raiden: “Yeah, this place hasn’t changed at all.”
Reina (tracing her glass): “Aside from the workers if that’s what you’re looking at.”
Raiden: “If I was, I’m pretty sure you’d smack me for doing so.”
Reina: “And if I didn’t?”
Raiden (smirking): “Well, that would just make you a bad friend, wouldn’t it?”
Reina (smiling): “Smartass.”
Raiden (leaning back): “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
{While not aware of it initially, something kept reflecting light in his direction from time to time and looking downwards, that’s when he noticed it. There was a ring of sorts on Reina’s right hand, something Raiden was unsure of if he had seen it before.}
Raiden: “Where’d you get that?”
Reina: “Get what?”
Raiden (pointing): “That.”
{Looking to where her friend was pointing, Reina immediately felt her heart sank the moment her eyes fell upon the ring. Looking away, she quickly covered it with her other hand, something that only made Raiden more curious.}
Raiden: “Is there something I need to know? I mean, if you’re engaged and all, good for you as long as the guy treats you right.”
Reina: “You mind not saying things like that so loud?”
Raiden (confused): “Uh…”
Reina (sighing): “He never told you did he?”
Raiden: “He…?”
Reina: “...Jotaro.”
{A wave of painful silence washed over the two as their demeanors went from content to gloomy. Jotaro was the one who had first introduced the two and got Raiden in on good terms with Reina and the rest of the workers and everyone would constantly joke about how it seemed Jo practically owned the place with the way he would talk and sometimes direct traffic within the establishment. However, Raiden didn’t think Jotaro had grown really close with one of the hostesses, let alone Reina.}
Raiden: “When did he…?”
Reina: “About a year before his untimely passing. It seemed like there was some peace for awhile given the work that he had was toning down, but then…”
Raiden (murmuring): “Eizan and Hideo…”
{Reina simply nods along, tears starting to well up in her eyes.}
Reina: “I still remember the look of devastation Jotaro had when he came in the following evening. It was almost nothing but silence between us until he spoke of what happened to them.”
Raiden: “He never told me what exactly happened. He only told me that they had died in a ‘freak accident’ and nothing more.”
Reina: “It’s because he wanted to protect you, Raiden. The real cause of death was blood loss from stab wounds.”
{A cold sweat broke out from Raiden as he bit his lip at the revelation. Why did Jo never tell him the truth? What was it that he and the others stayed quiet about? At this rate, he was only gonna leaving with more questions than answers, perhaps even more than when he first learned of everyone’s tragic passing.}
Raiden (nervously): “And as for...Jotaro? What happened to him, Yoshi, and Meiji?”
Reina (holding back sobs): “The same thing, except they actually put up a fight against whoever the perpetrators were.”
{That’s when the realization struck him. The December night he had seen the three walking together...it was a fight they were in, but what for? Was there rhyme and reason to it or died they just die for nothing? Whatever it was, the information now added to what happened late that night and also added more as to why there was no word from them throughout the entire week}
Reina (crying): “I’m sorry Raiden…”
{Raiden’s fists tightened at the sight of seeing her openly weeping in front of him. Out of instinct he moved himself over to her side and pulled her close to him, letting her cry into his shoulder. As if coming to terms with the deaths wasn’t enough, knowing the actual cause for each death only made it more painful to think about. However, even though he finally had answers, he was only left with more questions that needed answers and he wanted them as soon as possible.}
Raiden (inwardly): “Gempachi…”
{That was the only name that popped into his mind as he continued to think everything over. If there was one man who knew more history about the bond that the group shared, it was Gempachi. The thoughts, however, soon ran out of his head as Reina’s sobbing gradually came to a halt. Although the noise had ceased, the tears were still steadily pouring out with Raiden drying out of consolation as he continued to hold her.}
Raiden (whispering): “You okay?”
Reina: “I just wish things were back the way they were.”
Raiden: “We all do, but that’s the harshness of reality. Once a chain of events is set in motion, it’s nearly impossible to reverse it.”
{He wished he could’ve lied on that, but it was just another one of those unfortunate truths that everyone had to face in the world. The air around them just now spoke of dread and unhappiness as Raiden ran his hand along Reina’s bicep as a means to comfort her, but even he felt there was no use in trying for the time being. After a few more silent minutes Raiden stood up from the table, but Reina’s hand caught his.}
Reina: “When are you planning to come back?”
Raiden: “Beginning of next month maybe. I got a few other shows to work in the coming weeks not to mention another show in States that I have to fly in for at the end of the month. I promise I’ll be back once I have an opening in my schedule.”
{He gave her hand a tight squeeze of assurance before going on his way with a relieved sigh. On his way to the exit, Kenzan stopped by the doors with a concerned expression.}
Kenzan: “How is she?”
{Rather than just give a straight answer, Raiden blankly stared at the employee, then out the double glass doors, and then back to Kenzan.}
Kenzan: “Raiden, just give me an answer, please.”
Raiden: “Give her some time off from work. She needs it after tonight.”
Kenzan (confused): “What? But the club ca---”
Raiden (serious): “Remember the words you said to me earlier, Ken. You’d be doing us justice by giving her some days off.”
{With that statement, Raiden pushed the doors and walked back out into the night. The rain was still steadily coming down, but it was more of a drizzle compared to what it was like earlier. He let out another heavy sigh as he started to retrace his path back to his home, countless thoughts swimming about in his head.}
Raiden (inwardly): “What a cruel world we live in. Each and every day you never know if you’ll see or hear from those closest to you...but damn...I never realized just how hurt someone like Reina was because of what’s transpired. With all this information, I can only hope Gempachi has some answers for me. Why was Jotaro so secretive? What weren’t they telling me all those years ago? What was the main cause that led to their demises?”
“...Even so, events like this make me wonder...do my opponents share similar stories? What’s Anomoly’s case? What’s Tabitha’s deal that she’s facing? What’s the backstory of Rob Riot? So many questions with such information serving as answers. Maybe I’ll get my answers at Night of Champions, but what good would that serve me? What good would relating to an enemy serve me? This is all too much. My head hurts...my heart aches...all there is now is the pain.”
“It’s funny looking at all of it now. The hell we go through and all the suffering...it really is a harsh reality that we survive in while others thrive in it. What more is there to it? What secrets are still being kept hidden? Someday, I know I’ll have all the answers to these questions, but what matters most now is keeping my head in the game for that Four-Ring Circus Match and also getting answers out of Gempachi. Once again, I, the Lone Wolf of Osaka...walk this path alone…”
{Raiden continues down the street, his head hung low as he still tries to process everything in his mind. While there was much to think about, he still knew that he couldn’t let his personal problems take priority for the time being. There was a match to be prepared for and that this was going to be one of the only chances he would have at the X*Crown in a blue moon. Eventually, he disappears from sight as he rounds the corner with the sound of the rain picking up once more as thunder rumbles in the distance. Fade to black}
