A Kick In The Dark

[Seito Risa]

The Doctor steps back, looking up at Ichiro as he sits on a table. Ichiro's right pants leg has been cut off at the knee, his foot ankle and lower leg are heavily wrapped, possibly even lightly cast. Standing next to him, still in her ring outfit Risa stands with both of her hands both at her mouth.

Doctor: "Just sit here. I'll get you some crutches and we will get them adjusted for you. You're lucky it wasn't worse."

Ichiro gives a brave but tired smile to the Doctor.

I: "It had to be done."

The Doctor nods and moves away out of the room. Risa lowers her hands and reaches out, touching Ichiro's shoulder gently.

SR: "You will be okay?"

Ichiro nods, looking down at his leg.

I: "I think my pride is hurt more than anything else. I was too busy watching the monitor to think that someone might sneak up behind me."

Risa nods.

SR: "That's twice now. Messing with me is one thing, but messing with you? That's another."

I: "Don't let them get into your head, Risa-chan. You know that's what they are trying to do."

Risa clinches her fists, but closes her eyes and breathes a moment. Her eyes flutter open, calmer.

SR: "You are right. Retribution will be taken, I promise you Ichi-kun. They will not get away with this. Maybe not now, but sometime."

Ichiro smiles and reaches out and touches Risa on the shoulder. Her eyes lower.

SR: "I am sorry. I never wanted to see you get hurt. You've been my best friend for...and I wasn't there to..."

Ichiro's hand goes to her chin and lifts it.

I: "We have been best friends since grade school. We have competed against one another, and cheered for the other when they emerged victorious. As you will from this. Their objective, it would seem, was to isolate Eden Morgan. To what nefarious end I cannot even imagine. Then again, until a few hours ago, I could never imagine a sadistic man with a scalpel at my throat."

This causes Risa to close her eyes again and take a deep, shaking breath.

SR: "They will pay. When the time is right. I can't and I won't let them throw me off of my objective. I'll get another chance at Eden Morgan, but until then, I have my own title to defend and my own fights to deal with."

The Doctor returns with the crutches. It takes a few moments to get them lined up for Ichiro, but he shows good form in using them.

I: "I broke my leg playing kickball once. I learned how to use these things then."

Risa stays quiet as the Doctor finishes up with Ichiro and he is released. Outside the two move toward a rental SUV.

I: "Well, at least it is a high vehicle, I can get in without hurting myself and ease out."

Risa nods pulling out a set of keys from Ichiro's pocket.

SR: "UGWC staff said they would make sure our stuff got back to the hotel. I'm taking you to get that pain prescription filled and then back to the hotel and to bed. We'll be in this rental for a few weeks, so it will give you time to heal."

Ichiro nods, working his way to the passenger door. He pauses and winces in pain as he shifts his weight, but clears it from his face and opens the door. Risa slides in the driver's side.

I: "I could go for a snack."

Risa looks at him with a quirked eyebrow. As he eases into the seat next to her she turns and pulls a small purse from under the armrest of the back seat.

SR: "American fast food? I think there's a few places near the pharmacy. Or maybe we can stop at a grocery store on the way. I think some of them have what passes for sushi and sushimi here."

Ichiro makes an urping sound.

I: "Oh, good grief, no. Somewhere I can get a grilled chicken sandwich would be perfect."

Risa looks at him smiling and nods. As he turns his head to retrieve the seatbelt, she looks down at his leg and clinches her hand in a fist, opening it quickly when he turns to click his seatbelt.

SR: "Sounds good. Been a while since I've had one. I'll see if I can find somewhere with a side salad."

Ichiro nods and leans his head back.

I: "Curse steal plates."

Risa pauses to look at him before clicking her own seat belt and reaching for the gear shift.

SR: "That isn't all that should be cursed. That one is just dealt with."

She puts the SUV in reverse and backs out of the parking space. Turning the wheel she pulls out and heads to the long driveway and the exit.

[Eden Morgan]

You hop into the unofficials fast and it's pretty damn brilliant. I enjoy the continuing story and the interaction between these two.

[Seito Risa]

Happens when I get a good idea to write on. Now we see where it goes from here. Glad you are enjoying them. It's fun to write:)