Kagura considered herself to be an insightful person. She had no problem speaking her mind. A straight shooter in any situation. Though she had come to know the value of saying quiet and simply listening. That harkened back to her training at her grandfathers temple in Ise, Mie as a young girl. She had to learn how to meditate. Watch. Look. Listen. Feel the energy around her. She still did that, even in the chaotic world of WZCW. She considered herself pretty good at being able to read others. Many people still treaded lightly around her, citing an eerie calm present whenever she was around. She was dangerous. And she knew it. And she didnt feel guilty about that. To her that was a strength. Nobody could hide anything from her, and she had the confidence to speak in front of anyone. Yet her poker face was indecipherable.
Take a person like that, and give them the proverbial keys to the kingdom, she glanced down at the briefcase that she carried in her right hand, and a lot of people were going to be on edge. Most people seemed to have the who or what pinned down. But there was one thing that still wasnt clear. There was still one question for her that everyone wanted to ask, when? One word. When
She didnt know.
Shed always answer with a smile, or a little smirk. Or sometimes even a scowl. But each time her expression gave away nothing. Unless WZCW had a mind reader on the payroll, her thoughts remained a steel trap. Yet today, she planned to give everyone a glimpse into her psyche, and try to at least give a hint that might help answer that question.
---
Another fight. Another city. She was on her own. And really, it didnt matter. After two and half years of constant travel, she was used to the routine. She had seen much of the US by now; many of the major cities. Sure, she wasnt a permanent resident of any one place, but shed seen enough to curb her culture shock. That was a thing of the past. She now viewed herself as an American resident and not like a foreigner, even though technically she still was. She had to admit, the US was a great country, and she even wrestled with the idea of moving there permanently, but those were thoughts for some other time.
Minneapolis, Minnesota. By the Kami, it was cold here. Really cold. Forecasters were already predicting snow for the week after. Meaning shed likely be stuck in the airport after the show. She sighed. It was just another part of the job. Derrick was due back from Japan soon, and he had planned a small trip to New York for them to visit an old college buddy before the PPV. That made her smile.
Though it immediately transformed into a frown as soon as she saw her translator. She was an arrogant and somewhat lazy girl in her early twenties fresh out of college. The brass had hired her directly out of school to translate for Kagura once she had lost her voice, and her ability to speak English. The thing that Kagura disliked is that she swore she wasnt translating her words properly. Even though she no longer spoke the language fluently, she had the memory of being able to. Certain words and phrases were familiar to her, like a muscle memory in the brain, even if she didnt know the meanings. And the translators words felt off. Like they werent having the full effect Kagura desired.
And her tone and emotion were often all wrong. She might manage to translate Kaguras words correctly, but not the tone. She likened it to having a child threaten you in a cheery voice. Kagura swore that the next time she fucked up an interview she was going to pound her head into a table. Repeatedly. And she wasnt going to stop until she could do the job right. The girl greeted her, but Kagura only responded with a grunt. It was going to be a long night.
---
Kagura made her way into the conference room. Stacey Madison was playing hostess this time. Kagura could remember a time when Stacey used to intimidate her. When they had first met, she just exuded an aura of professionalism and power. Having gained experience herself, Kagura saw Stacey as little more than a nuisance now. She still respected her professionalism, but that was it. Kagura took a seat, and immediately leaned back in her chair, giving the impression that she really didnt want to be here. And truthfully, she didnt. The whole interview was stupid. The big question was stupid.
When?
Yeah, like Im really going to say when, she thought.
Kagura strapped the microphone to herself, as Stacey greeted her with a smile. Kagura didnt return it, giving her the aura of being all-business like. The blond simply brushed it off.
Welcome WZCW fans. Stacey Madison here with the first ever Queen for a Day with an exclusive interview. You all wanted to hear from her, and now shes here to answer the big question that everyone has on their mind.
She turned to Kagura,
But first let me say how great it is seeing a woman finally reaching into the upper echelons of the company. Good for you, Kagura.
The young girl translated the message, as Kagura forced a smile. She knew Stacey was bullshitting her, even if her sentiment was genuine. Kagura didnt care about that. She won the briefcase for herself. No one else. As far she was concerned, fuck all the other women in the company; this was her spot. She knew she was selfish in thinking that way, she had to ruthless from this point forward. This was the path she wanted to follow.
Stacey continued,
Most people have had their eyes on your ever since you won that briefcase at the Anniversary show. And after defeating the world champion last Meltdown, Im sure Justin Cooper cant afford to ignore you now. Is that still your goal; to be world champion?
Kagura spoke and the girl translated,
Of course it is, Stacey. What wrestler doesnt dream of becoming world champion? Regardless of age, sex, race, or gender. This company has given all of us that opportunity. However, this briefcase has given me to opportunity to win any title I want. I do want to win the world title. Though I could cash in on Titus instead; end his remarkable run as Eurasian champion. Or maybe Callie Clark. Become a two-time Elite Openweight champion. Or even Randy Studd. Any title is mine for the taking
Something felt off. Her words were firm, but Stacey still had that shit eating grin on her face. She wasnt being serious at all. Kagura shot her translator a fierce, threatening look before continuing.
And because of that, I know that every champion is on edge. Looking over their shoulder. Even if I am not their top priority, I am on their mind. The moment they sleep. The moment they wake. Every time they polish their belts and make sure that the whole world can see their name on the tag. Because they know, that I might be coming for them when they least expect it.
And many people, personnel and fans alike, now see a change in you. Are you ready to be world champion, if that is what you really desire?
Of course. I wouldnt have fought so hard in that cell if I didnt. Ive been a champion in WZCW before, I know what it takes to win. Winning is the easy part. Losing is hard. Keeping that belt around your waist knowing that you have a massive target around your waist. Thats why Justin Cooper has surrounded himself with so many allies. Its easier. Titus, I respect. Hes been untouchable. I couldnt stop him. At least, not fairly. But with this
She tapped the briefcase on the floor, before hoisting it up onto the table.
I dont have to play fair. And thats my right as Queen for a Day. I can wait until the exact moment when my opponent is the most vulnerable, and then Ill strike. I realize that its not the most honorable way to win a championship, but I went through Hell to get this opportunity, Stacey. Im not letting it slip through my figures. The world champion has big shoes to fill. As the main event, it is their name on the marquee. They must carry the business side of things, and Im ready to do that. The fans are back on my side. My appeal has never been higher with them than it is right now. Theres a change coming, and they know it. And they also know that I am the catalyst. If John Constantine dethrones Cooper for the world title, or if Titus drops the Eurasian, it wont matter. Nothing will change until I cash in this case. Thats what people really want to see.
Stacey nodded,
Indeed. We can all speculate on when, but I suppose well all just have to wait and see, wont we? In the meantime, youll have your hands full with Batti at Unscripted and Logan McAllister at Meltdown 145, anything you want to address to them?
I dont have much to say on Batti right now. On paper, its shaping up to be a big deal. I made Justin Cooper tap out. She pinned Tyrone Blades. Were both forging paths that ironically began with the same man. Maybe its fate. If the Kami will it, maybe WZCW will see Kagura versus Batti for the world title sometime in the future. Wouldnt bother me. I respect the girl, but Im not willing to give up my spot to her. Not now; not ever. Logan though, I know his game plan. He wants a trophy, but Im not going to be his bitch. It was unfortunate what happened to Eve at Meltdown 144. I feel for her. And I dont blame her for the circumstances. We still won despite Logan McAllisters interference. Im not going to fight Eves battle for her, but at the same time Im not going to lay down either. Its Logans choice if he wants to make this fight personal, but I dont care either way. Hes not on my radar. He wouldnt even be a notch on my belt. Its a harsh thing to say, but its the truth. Let him step up his game, if he can.
Stacey chuckled as the translator spoke. Kagura raised an eyebrow. Nothing was funny about what she had just said. She listened and caught the translators tone. It was wrong! This was the reason why she hated having a translator. What good was speaking if no one took the words seriously? Shes was being made to look like a fool. She held up her hand to try and stop the translator. When that didnt work she felt a vein pop in her forehead.
Shut up!
Her words cut through the conference room startling both women. Stacey starred opened mouthed as Kagura stood and grabbed the briefcase. She spoke, this time in English.
Words fail here. Let us stop.
She looked at both women with intense eyes before continuing,
You want to know my big question, when will I cash in? Answer is simple. No one will see it come.
With that she abruptly turned, and spat red mist into the camera. The feed fading to black.
