In Sheep's Clothing

“Oh? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already in all of your excitement.” She said, her lips twisting into a cruel sneer. “We talked for quite some time, you and I, getting to know each other. What foods did you like? What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your weekends? Did you catch the last episode of Dancing with the Stars?” Her smile elongated, leaning in slightly as the tension between the two stretched to its breaking point. “Why did your last relationship end?”

Manami chuckled darkly as she drew back slightly, forcing her eyes to close as the hilarious nature of it all came crashing down on her. Alaina was quite possibly one of the strongest women the wolf had encountered, the strongest that the AFW could muster to face her. And yet, for all those muscles could bring to bear, she could be outwitted by a child. How could one not laugh at someone so pitiful?

“I do wonder what would happen to Bryan’s career- oh, beg your pardon- Bry’s career, in the event this kind of publicity was...outsourced, let’s say. Your career, even. The Amazon, of all people. Not satisfied with one low-testosterone boytoy going between her legs, she had to try for two. Even the same can be said for her partner.” She kept her eyes locked as she began to circle Alania with slow, gratified steps. “And then let’s take a trip across the pond. Tension is already a backwater pit drenched in controversy against its male talent. How do you think a model’s image can hold under the pressure of such allegations in an atmosphere so perverse? Against someone who, for quite a while I’m willing to admit, seemed to be of the betters of his colleagues?”

She stopped in front of Alaina, sly grin still in place. A cool breeze flowed between them as the sound of children playing in the distance was temporarily overcast. Yet their gazes never left one another. “Will you be fired? Of course not. I’d wager others have been given a raise for worse. This filthy promotion eats this kind of publicity like bacteria. I may even be doing you a favor..” She folded her arms and leaned forward for a moment. “..but that isn’t what you want, is it? Alaina Sanders. The heart and pride of professional wrestling. An inspiration for children and aspiring talents everywhere. Just another AFW whore that can’t keep her legs closed around such strapping, young bodies. What a high-minded figure you present yourself as.” She giggled to herself, twirling the flash drive between the fingers before holding it between her thumb and index finger. “If I win this match, this flash drive will go to wrestling tabloids and publications around the country. Everything I’ve just said will become your future. If you back down, I’ll do it anyway.” She tucked the drive into her pocket and held out her hand, her smile fading into a softer, seemingly more genuine counterpart. “We understand each other, Aliana-san?~”

Ah, love. Such a powerful, persistent, invigorating, and overwhelmingly stupid notion.

It was hard for the Wolf Girl to resist the wide smirk that overtook her face as the woman across from her went on her brief tirade. Manami knew that this would be easy, but this level of entertainment had far exceeded her expectations. This very moment laid bear lingering truth to her words. What stood before her was a testament to everything she knew Friction to be. A powerful, domineering figure on the inside of which laid nothing but frail and hollow emptiness. Nothing more than the same. Was this truly all it took to unfound such a proud and commanding presence? It was enough to bring her to her knees. It was enough to force her to the ground, cackling. It was enough to make her laugh every last bit of breath from her lungs.

Instead, Manami simply rolled her eyes, taking a bold step towards the frothing Amazonian wrestler. She had quite the impressive scowl. She should break it out more often. “Oh, chin up, you oversized ape. Consider it a favor on my part.” She patted Alaina on her shoulder. “I’m saving you from ruining another...endearing relationship.” She chuckled darkly as she turned away, walking down the sidewalk in the direction of the park’s exit. “Focus on nothing but the fight before you, Alaina. The true ways of the world are beyond insufferable halfwits like yourself.”