Somewhere in Atlanta, there’s a scene of the utmost serenity. It’s a softly lit room with heavenly white furnishings in abundance. Curtains billow in a light breeze behind an overstuffed white armchair with golden arms and legs. Rather than resting upon a dais it rests on the floor. Before it is a circular lavender colored carpet with a white six pointed star centered within. It’s the sort of scene for a friendly chat over tea rather than a regal proclamation. In the chair there’s no queen but rather a simple plush panda with golden eyes. As the camera zooms in we can see that there’s a single golden star on a necklace hanging around P-Chan V2.0’s neck. The voice of the EBWF Women’s Champion is heard giving voice to her thoughts.
Tam Nakano: “So it’s come to this?”
We switch to clips from several years ago with Tam and Arisa standing together in an interview area. Arisa smiles and tries to include Tam in the happiness of the various scenes, but Tam rejects her every time. Sometimes she just looks disgusted, others she leaves Arisa hanging or literally pushes her away. At the bottom of the screen is the phrase ‘footage courtesy of World Wonder Ring Stardom’. We then see several sequences from a match between the two - both exchange strikes, suplexes and holds before finally Arisa’s hand is held up in victory.
Tam Nakano: “Three years after the last time we fought one on one, I’m fighting Hoshiki-san for a championship. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I know Hoshiki-san - no, Arisa-san very well. She was the biggest thorn in my side back then, and the person who took away what I thought I wanted. I’m sure she remembers that too. But I hope she remembers what happened after that too.”
Next we see Arisa insisting on shaking hands with Tam after that title match and bringing her close. Tam pushes her away after a close moment. A series of clips play showing the two working together in tag matches, doing double team moves and laughing together in the interview area. From their smiles it’s clear they are close. The image of Arisa and Tam posing together, bright smiles on their faces, freezes and lingers, then fades away to reveal Tam sitting on the previously seen chair.
Tam Nakano: “You see, Arisa-san is someone I’ve always had passionate feelings about. At first I resented her and tried to push her out of my life. No matter what she said to me, I just wouldn’t listen because I was so convinced she was the worst thing to ever happen to me. The only language that got through to me back then was the language of battle. She showed me who she really was back then and even though I lost the match, I gained a friend. Our roads took us in different directions, and I ended up here in EBWF while she was forced to retire. She had her road back, and after Wrestlemania so did I. Both of us had to rebuild, and now three years later it’s come full circle. Arisa-san vs Tam for the championship in the main event of a big show.”
Tam sighs and gives the plush panda a head pat.
Tam Nakano: “We’ve both grown from our journeys to EBWF. While I was super excited to see her working backstage, I could tell there was still pain there. Arisa-san, I want you to know that what happened to you wasn’t fair. You should have gotten the chance to keep growing in the ring instead of clawing your way back to it. When we got together in the summer my heart ached for you, and I hoped you could get back to doing what you loved. But we both have different roads even today.”
She stares down the camera with a very serious look.
Tam Nakano: “Despite what you think, I’ve been watching you too. I’ve seen you twisted into what you’re calling the Dark Star. Even if you deny it, you’re a very passionate person too. All of that pain and hurt you had to deal with is coming out in a burning passion that’s setting EBWF ablaze. Your kicks are more dangerous than ever. Even the pain of serious blows doesn’t slow you down in the slightest - you’re so focused on your goal of proving your own strength that you won’t quit. Because of that you’ve managed to beat the woman who gave me the toughest fight of my career just a month ago. Now you have your eyes on me and the EWBF Women’s Championship.”
She tugs at the championship belt which she wears across her chest like a bandolier.
Tam Nakano: “You’re right, Arisa-san, you’re a different person now than when we fought for a title before. I can see it in the aggression you bring to every fight. I saw it when you locked eyes with me on Warfare and said you’d claim my beautiful championship as a trophy for your queen. Fighting you means a lot of things are uncertain. I don’t know if I’ll still be able to stand after we fight. You have the deadly skill to end a match in one kick, and you’re going to come after me with all the force you can muster. As a fighter, you’re strong! But what about your heart?”
She gives the belt a pat again before she continues.
Tam Nakano: “Because to me it seems like yours isn’t sure what it wants. You pledge yourself to your queen’s goals, but your eyes immediately drifted over to this beautiful championship. When we met again and I challenged you to fight me, there was a fire in your eyes I haven’t seen in three years. But then you turn around and fall right back in line behind someone who’s twisted you in knots. Is your heart really in this fight, Arisa-san? Because mine is.”
Tam smiles knowingly.
Tam Nakano: “Yes my heart is big, and it can seem soft because of how passionately I care about the things I do. But it’s strong. It’s strong enough to take the heartache of failure and keep me going after I lost everything. It’s what keeps me fighting even if I’m taking the worst beating of my career, racing to keep up with an explosive rookie or fighting the most dominant woman in EBWF. No matter what happens, it keeps beating proudly and because of that I can keep getting back up. I’ve fought too hard to regain this beautiful championship to back down, even when it’s my best friend standing across the ring from me. My heart is fully in this fight. And with the emotions running high, an uncertain heart can cost you dearly at that critical moment that decides the outcome of the match. You’re a strong fighter when you control your emotions, but I’m strongest when I fight with them. Tonight is going to be the most emotional fight of our lives. Are you ready for that?”
Her smile grows sad.
Tam Nakano: “Just like three years ago, I know that words alone aren’t going to get through. The roles have switched but that’s still the same as it was. We’ve got the added wrinkle that Utami clouds your thoughts, but tonight that’s not a problem. When the bell rings it’s just Tam and Arisa-san. Our fight will be all the conversation I wish we could’ve had the last two years.”
Tam’s smile grows hopeful as she pauses to touch the golden star necklace her plushie wears.
Tam Nakano: “But there’s something I know about you that you don’t know yourself. The woman who spoke to me through battle not so long ago? She’s still in there. That’s where your passion and drive come from, Arisa-san, not from whatever example your queen’s given you. She’s been hurt and she was all alone in her darkest moments. I’m so sorry that happened to you, I’d change it if I could. But we can’t go back in time. So I’m here now, with you, to remind you who you really are. Let’s paint a beautiful passionate picture with our battle tonight!”
She stands up and extends her hand toward the camera.
Tam Nakano: “My heart’s pounding because tonight I’m not just fighting to keep this beautiful championship or to keep my Twilight Dream alive. Tonight I’m fighting to ignite the Shining Star again. I’m fighting for my best friend, and I’m not accepting defeat.”
Tam winks playfully.
Tam Nakano: “Stop me if you can, Arisa-san.”