Beneath Tokyo's vibrant hum of neon-lit skyline lies the "Suplex Sunrise," a speakeasy ensconced in shadows. Here, the whispers of wrestling lore blend with the clinks of glasses in a symphony of subdued intrigue. The ambiance is thick with the musk of aged wood and the tang of spilled spirits, casting an alluring veil over the night’s unfolding drama. As the door creaks open, Duc Huy Nguyen steps inside, his silhouette a dark contrast against the flickering neon outside. His face is etched with the lines of battles past and the burdens of battles forthcoming. He approaches the bar, his gait steady and measured.
Joey Talladega: (Adjusting the amber lights above, his voice a smooth serenade) On evenings like these, the past and the present collide, bringing tales of glory and the specters of grudges. What brings you through these doors tonight?
Duc Huy Nguyen: (nodding to Joey, his voice firm but weary) A double of the darkest you’ve got, Joey. And keep 'em coming. Tonight’s about setting the stage for retribution.
Joey Talladega: (pouring a robust, peaty whiskey, curiosity piquing) Storm's brewing fiercer than this brew. Who's in the eye of it this time, Duc?
Duc sits, his eyes scanning the dim corners of the bar before focusing back on Joey. His gaze holds a resolve born from necessity rather than desire.
Duc Huy Nguyen: (sipping his drink, eyes narrowing slightly) It’s a storm of my summoning, Joey. There are debts to be collected and scores to be settled. The kind that needs more than just old grudges to fuel them.
Before Joey can reply, the door swings open again, ushering in Riko Matsumoto. Her entrance disrupts the speakeasy’s mellow cadence as surely as a stone shatters glass. She moves with an audacious swagger, her energy a palpable force that commands the room.
Riko Matsumoto: (approaching the bar, her tone laced with brash confidence) Joey, I need something fiery to match the heat I'm bringing to the ring. Make it burn.
Joey smiles, recognizing the fiery spirit that Riko embodies. He serves her a shot of fiery cinnamon whiskey, its flames mirroring the inferno in her eyes.
Joey Talladega: (with an appreciative chuckle) Only the fireiest for Riko. But tell me, what's fueling the fire tonight?
Riko takes the stool beside Duc, throwing him a nod of acknowledgment before turning her attention back to Joey. She downs her shot in one smooth motion, the liquid heat tracing a blazing path down her throat.
Riko Matsumoto: (placing the glass down with a definitive clink) I’m here to forge some heat into plans, Joey. The kind that changes the game.
Duc Huy Nguyen: (leaning towards Riko, lowering his voice) That’s why we need to talk, Riko. There’s a gathering brewing that could use your particular... talents. It's time to turn the tide against those who've wronged us.
Riko’s interest sharpens, her eyes gleaming with intrigue and caution.
Riko Matsumoto: (raising an eyebrow, her tone skeptical yet interested) A gathering, huh? And who are we turning tides against? I hope it’s worth my while, Duc.
Duc Huy Nguyen: (nodding, his expression serious) It's Tanaka and his cronies. The same ones who’ve been a thorn in your side since you dared to speak up. And it's not just you—they’ve made enemies of many. We’re rallying those wronged by AAPW, those cast aside. We need unity, Riko. We need strength.
Riko contemplates this, her fingers drumming a silent rhythm on the bar. She glances at Duc, assessing his sincerity and the potential of his proposal.
Riko Matsumoto: (leaning back, her voice laced with a hard edge) You’re talking about protection, a shield against those gunning for me—Mori, Hime, and the rest?
Duc Huy Nguyen: Exactly. It’s protection, and it’s payback. We watch each other’s backs; we strike where it hurts. And yes, we take down Tanaka and make him regret ever crossing paths with us.
Joey listens; his expression is unreadable, yet interested in the unfolding alliance. He interjects with a knowing smile, swirling a glass of amber liquid.
Joey Talladega: (with a twinkle in his eye) And amidst all this plotting and storm brewing, remember, Suplex Sunrise is a sanctuary. A place to plan, to pause, to fortify yourselves with something stronger than whiskey if need be.
Riko nods, the corners of her lips twitching upwards in a semblance of a smile. The wheels in her mind turn, plotting courses of action, potential alliances, and the inevitable confrontations ahead.
Riko Matsumoto: (picking up her glass again, her gaze fixed on Duc) Alright, Duc. You’ve got my attention. Let’s hear more about this meeting. But remember, I’m no one’s pawn. I play my own game.
Duc nods in agreement, respect evident in his eyes.
Duc Huy Nguyen: Understood. We meet tomorrow night, Graffiti Alley. Midnight. Be there, and we’ll show them how dangerous the cast-offs can be.
With a pact formed in the dim light of Suplex Sunrise, Riko and Duc share a toast. The weight of their decision lingers in the air, potent and heavy, like the whiskey that warms their insides.
Riko Matsumoto: (raising her glass, her voice steady) To new beginnings and enemies who’ll never see us coming.
Joey Talladega: (raising his glass in solidarity) To the shadows where the fiercest warriors are forged. May your battles be epic and your victories legendary.
As they finish their drinks, the "Suplex Sunrise" air thickens with the promise of the night to come. The stage is set, the players are aligned, and the game is about to change. Duc left the bar, his steps echoing into the night. As Duc disappeared into the shadowy folds of the night, Riko remained seated, the glow from the bar’s antique lamps casting dancing shadows across her thoughtful face. Joey watched her momentarily, recognizing the flicker of resolve that fighters like her often had before a storm.
Joey Talladega: (wiping down the counter and pouring another drink) You know, Riko, in all my time behind this bar, I’ve seen many fighters with fire in their bellies. But fire alone isn’t enough—it must be harnessed, directed.
Riko Matsumoto: (picking up the glass, the liquid gold reflecting in her determined eyes) Harnessing fire, huh? It sounds like a good way to get burned.
Joey chuckled, the sound rich and smooth.
Joey Talladega: Perhaps, but remember, you’re not just fighting against Tanaka or the AAPW; you’re fighting against everyone who thinks you can’t rise again. This alliance Duc’s offering—it’s more than backup. It’s a chance to turn the tables.
Riko nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of his words.
Riko Matsumoto: Turning tables... I like the sound of that. But Joey, you’ve seen the underdogs and the champions come and go. Do we—do I—really stand a chance?
Joey Talladega: (leaning forward, his eyes locking with hers, his voice earnest) Riko, in this city, under these lights, I’ve watched the unlikely become legendary. You’ve got the spirit, the cunning, and now, the alliance. What you do next, how you play this game with Duc and the others, that’s what will define your path forward.
Riko’s fingers tapped against the glass, her mind racing.
Riko Matsumoto: And what if we fail? What if all this plotting and planning falls apart?
Joey Talladega: (straightening up, offering her a sage smile) Then you pick yourself up, learn from it, and start over. That’s what the best do. They don’t get consumed by their failures; they use them as stepping stones.
The warmth from the whiskey spread through Riko as she took a slow sip, her resolve hardening.
Riko Matsumoto: No more running from the past, then. It’s time to face it head-on, to fight it out in the ring and beyond.
Joey Talladega: That’s the spirit. Remember, this bar is always here for you—to plan, ponder, or escape when the world's weight gets too heavy.
As the night drew on, the bar began to empty, leaving Joey and Riko in the quiet after-hours of whispered strategies and shared confidences. Riko finally stood, her silhouette framed by the doorway. She turned back to Joey with a determined look.
Riko Matsumoto: Thanks, Joey. For the drink, the advice... for everything.
Joey Talladega: (raising his glass to her) Anytime, Riko. Go make your mark. And remember, no matter how dark the night gets, there’s always a place here for you at Suplex Sunrise.
With a nod, Riko stepped out into the night, her spirit alight with new possibilities and the shadows of old challenges. Joey watched her go, a knowing smile on his lips, confident that whatever came next, Riko Matsumoto was a name the wrestling world would remember.