Reunion-Rematch: Haruka & Haruko (COMPLETE)

"I was just wondering," Haruka admitted. "I joined AFW because it would help in my idol career. I've always thought of myself as an idol first and a wrestler second.

"But I've been having doubts recently. I've become stronger since joining AFW. I've made a lot of friends here. I like it here. So I'm confused over what I really want to be. Idol, or wrestler?

"You, though, are a really dedicated wrestler. I want to know what your feelings are on this matter. Maybe you can help me decide my own path..."

Haruko looked at her and thought for a moment." The only advice I can give you is to think long and hard about it, then decide for yourself. I"m sorry, but that's the only advice I can really give." She said.

Haruka nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Haruko-chan. I guess I'll figure it out one day." She smiled at her friend. "Thank you very much for your advice."

She then closed her eyes to rest better. In a few more minutes, she would be ready to get up again.

Haruko nodded slowly, before trying to stand back up again, having caught most of her breath. "But.. to answer the other part of your question.. I have four brothers I need to care for, and this place provides a nice enough paycheck to keep them all well fed and clothed." She explained.

Haruka opened her eyes again at that. She regarded Haruko with admiration. "Oh," she murmured. "That's very admirable, Haruko-chan.

"I have a younger brother, too. He likes to tease me, and I get annoyed of him sometimes. But we get along all right. I know he's wishing me the best, though-" Haruka blushed. "-I wonder what he and my mother and my grandfather think about what's happened to me in AFW..."

She remembered, all too well, the humiliating end to her shot at Lil Luci Lollipop's belt. They must think I'm a bad girl... Now she was depressed and tired.

Haruko nods a little. "They're the only family I have.." She replied, then tilted her head curiously when Haruka started to look sad. "Hey hey.. what's the matter?" She asked.

Haruka only managed "I... I..." before breaking into sobs. She covered her tearful face with her hands. " I'm ashamed of being a wrestler... I'm ashamed of myself!"

"Hey hey hey!!" She chided, running over to her, and hugged her without thinking. "Why are you saying those things to yourself, Haruka?"

Haruka sobbed into Haruko's shoulder. "I shamed myself!" she wept. "I did perverted things on live TV! And I liked it! I shamed my family and my friends and myself! I can't face my family anymore, ever!"

"O...oh..." She said, sounding a little surprised, but she still strived to console her. "Why do you think you've shamed them? You had a shot at the title. That's more than I can say for myself. You also came close to winning, didn't you? ... Want to know something a friend of mine told me?