It was an unbelievable sight that burned through Rei Daniel’s eyes as he witnessed Roxanne’s match for the first time.
The deafening cheers of the audience showed him how much they loved the woman in the ring, and he was not disappointed when the match started.
Her quick reflexes, coupled with her stamina and the power she had with her little frame, made him realize how wrong he had been.
Even though the top rookies were not interested in signing with his agency, perhaps ‘she’ would be.
“She’s better than most of them, anyway” He thought to himself.
After the match, he knew what he had to do. As an old member of the Underground arena, he would participate in the New Year’s event, and cross blows with her.
That would be the deciding factor.
And so he did. Reid Daniel fought the inimitable Black Cat, and lost.
He wasn’t using his full skills in order to protect his identity. Still, for her to have bested him so well, it was something only a could would do.
“So, your agency is running out of skilled wrestlers, and the opposition are taking away any potential new members by offering them better deals?” Roxanne asked.
“Exactly!” Daniel said.
“I don’t get it though… Why? It’s going to be a loss to them if they throw away so much money on rookies, just because they are talented. They still lack experience, right?” She commented.
Daniel nodded, snapping his fingers in that instant.
“That’s the thing… Normally you’d be right. But, with what’s at stake, they would consider this an investment. Because, the International event is coming soon… And they want to be the ones to represent our country.” He added.
Roxanne’s eyes widened upon hearing this.
The International event, also known as Worldwide Wrestling Rumble, comprised of the top national wrestlers of every country for a final showdown. There were going to be primaries before the actual event which involved various national level wrestlers duking it out to see who would represent the nation.
There were major sections and groups in the event. The Pro male section, the Pro female section, and then the rookie section.
“I’ve been so occupied that I didn’t even remember that” Roxanne thought to herself.
“I see. It really is a big deal then…” She mumbled.
“Yes. Which is why, Black Cat… I want you to represent us in the Rookie section!” Daniel said with a firm tone.
Roxanne stared hard at him, and the aura enveloping his surroundings proved his sincerity.
“He’s serious…”
Roxanne controlled her body from reacting excitedly, and strained her face from bursting.
“I understand… Can I think about it?” Roxanne asked.
Daniel took a few moments to consider her words, placing his hands on his chin.
“Sure, you can. That’s the whole point of this. But, like I said earlier… There’s no time. In a week’s time, I’ll be returning to our headquarters in New York. I want you to come with me. You have until then to make your decision…” Daniel said.
Roxanne was surprised by the little time she had left to decide, but she also knew it was more than enough to think things through.
“I understand…” Roxanne’s voice trailed, as she continued contemplating within herself.
“Here, take this”
Daniel brought out a small card which contained his information, as well as his direct line.
“I only give this to a select few people. Call me once you’ve made up your mind… Or if you just want to hang out or talk. I’ll be around.” He said, handing over the card to Roxanne, who took it reluctantly.
After this, he jumped to his feet and shook himself slightly.
No doubt, he was feeling tired, especially after the final round with Roxanne. He had also gotten no chance to rest, and It was already very early in the morning. More than anything, he was concerned about Roxanne.
She had also not had any rest since they left the Underground Arena, and she showed no signs of exhaustion. Perhaps it was to make sure she didn’t make him uncomfortable, but Rei didn’t feel right about disturbing her for so long.
“I should get going now. You should get some rest…” He said, taking the chance to leave the living room.
“O-Oh, yeah…” Roxanne stuttered, suddenly realizing how much time had passed.
She stood, out of courtesy, and saw him at the door.
“I’ll be expecting your call, Black Cat,” Daniel said with his charming smile.
Roxanne laughed a little, finally noticing how weird it was to be called that name outside the stage.
“Roxanne. My name is Roxanne.” She replied.
A warm feeling permeated Daniel’s heart upon hearing her name while watching her laugh.
“T-That’s a lovely name… Roxanne” He smiled.
“Thanks, yours is too. Though I kind of like Xavier” She chuckled.
This made them both laugh.
“Well, you can call me whatever you want, and I can call you whatever I want. Deal?” Xavier, Rei, Daniel, or whatever his name would be, said.
The girl in the hotel laughed slightly, pushing her hair behind her ears as she stretched out her hands to shake the already awaiting hand of the man before her.
“Deal!” Roxanne, the Black Cat, replied.
And so, the night, turned to morning, ended in an inconclusive agreement.
As soon as Roxanne closed the door, she let out the emotions she had been holding in for a long time.
“Kyaaaaaaaaa!!!” She squealed in delight.
To think such a crazy thing would happen in the New Year.
Not too long ago, she had been wondering about what her future held. She was worried about continuing the path she had set out on and how long she would last.
But now…
“Fighting internationally… Wow. That doesn’t sound too bad” Roxanne beamed as she lay on her bed.
Thoughts of Asher flashed through her mind. Was she’s truly going to ignore her growing feelings for him, and the thudding in her heart on random occasions? Even in the presence of Daniel, she felt something. Was she falling for Daniel, or was this just a remnant of her bond with Asher?
Then the pictures of her family, friends, and everyone she cared about came to her head. Leaving Oregon would mean abandoning nearly everyone and everything she knew. Of course, she had already left them, but if she did this…
“It’s going to truly be goodbye…”
The very thought of that made her heart ache. Abandoning her previous life was what she initially set out to do, and now a window of opportunity opened up to her. This was the most perfect thing to happen to her at this juncture. Yet…
She wasn’t sure how to feel.
“C-Can… Can I really do this?”
Uncertainty, coupled with myriads of overwhelming emotions troubled Roxanne. Having no solution to the issues that plagued her thoughts, she fell asleep, hoping to have at least an answer once she awakened.