*backstage*

Dori: Great match back there. You and Dustin fought well, despite it being a squash match.

We see Daikon and Dori talking backstage after his match tonight. Dori has just signed a contract to ALL Elite Wrestling so she attended as a guest to watch Daikon in the ring.

Daikon: Thanks. I didn't want it to be a typical squash match against Dustin. I want it to have my opponents fight back, despite who I am.

Dori: Smart. It makes the matches more interesting and it would build up the match between you and Cody.

Daikon: Yeah. So, how did the contract signing go?

Dori: Wonderful. They said that you put in a good word for me, and accepted. Still, I feel sad to leave Liv back there.

Daikon: I could bring her in if you want.

Dori: No. It's fine. I think she would be better going solo.

Daikon: If you say so.

Dori: Thanks. So, what's next for you?

Daikon: Well, I have a match against Darby Allin next week for my title.

Dori: Really? Interesting. Another title match. Though, I'm not sure why, since everyone knows you can hold the Championship for more than two years.

Daikon: Well, it's mostly because of me want to have my reigns be less than that now that I returned to Wrestling.

Dori: What? How come?

Daikon: Dori, I'm getting old.

Dori: Nah. You're in your early thirties, man. That's not old.

Daikon: I know, but you know the bumps I had during my prime. I was insane back then. Even to the point the people working at the promotions had to bring in physical and mental therapists after my more extreme matches.

Dori: Jesus. I can understand, though, since even the most tough guys in WWE cringed at the bumps you had. I still get chills when I saw how your leg broke and yet you walked off like it was nothing and still powered through and win against Keith Lee.

Daikon: Yeah. Even Keith was begging me to stop during the match seeing I was hurt, but me being the stubborn asshole I was, and maybe still am, I ignored him.

Dori chuckles at that.

Dori: At least you're admitting to that. Anyway, I guess I see your point on not having year long reigns.

Daikon: Thanks, Dori. Anyway, I need to leave for the night. Take care, okay?

Dori: I will. Take care, Champ. *winks*

Daikon chuckles as he walks away. Dori watches him leave before she was met with Holly Lekteman, aka Rosemary.

Holly: I'm honestly quite surprised.

Dori: What?

Holly: I haven't seen Daikon interacting with someone that isn't a friend or family like that. He usually makes his conversations short.

Dori: Really? Damn. Has been like that?

Holly: Not really. He was more open, but after his wife died, he went stoic and quiet.

Dori: Oh...Damn. I remember that. It must've been hard for him.

Holly: Yeah. I was friends with his wife, Rylee, and she was the shining sun to his moon. He would go on and on about her, but not in a typical bragging way, just compliments and sweet things. After that incident, he stays in the dark and not really interact much. It took some therapy and some talk to his love ones to finally make him open, but it doesn't feel the same.

Dori: Dear God. Poor guy. Guess, it shows that one tragic event can change people, even someone like him.

Holly: Yeah. Anyway, I'm glad he's working things through and hope he might find someone special one day.

Dori: Yeah.

Holly: Though...I think he may have found someone.

Dori: Who?!...I mean...Who?

Holly: *smirks* Can't say. Use your imagination.

Dori: What? You-

Holly walks off, leaving Dori there, thinking what she said to her.

*later*

The next two days, Daikon has been doing online classes at a vacant room. whenever he does this, he use test dummies to show a skill and technique and have his students online either use the dummies they were given or to each other if allowed by either him or them. He has been doing these classes since he returned to wrestling.

The idea of online classes was given to him by a father of his students, who was a teacher that does online classes at the University he teaches. He showed him how to do it after Daikon asked him for assistance and Daikon managed to get use to doing online classes. To thank the teacher and his son, Daikon has them be brought backstage to meet the Wrestlers.

Right now, Daikon is seen walking out the mall after he picks up some new clothes and other stuff. As he leaves, he noticed someone familiar. I was Dori, but she looked different from the last time he saw her. Her hair was shorten and dyed a different color.

Daikon: Interesting.

Daikon then goes up to her as she sees him.

Dori: Oh hey, Daikon. How are you?

Daikon: Still alive. You?

Dori: I'm fine as well, thanks.

Daikon: So...what's the new look?

Dori: Oh. Sorry. I just felt that, since I'm starting a new company, debuting next week, I felt I should change my look.

Daikon: I see. Well, it would be a while to get use to the new look, but if you comfortable in it, then who I am to judge?

Dori: Thanks. Glad you respect my choices.

Daikon: I don't agree with some, but if they're set, then I respect them and leave them be. Unless it sounds outrageous.

Dori: Understandable. So, what about you?

Daikon: Eh, getting some new clothes.

Dori: I see.

Daikon: They're mostly recolors of my Gi, and some regular clothing. Nothing much.

Dori: Okay. That's cool. Nice seeing you again after these two days.

Daikon: Yeah. How do feel, going to work for AEW?

Dori: Honestly, a little nervous. I wasn't a star back in WWE, so I don't know if it would any different when I go to AEW.

Daikon: That cheer on Dynamite begs to differ.

Dori: True. But-

Daikon: Don't feel anxious. Don't think your run with the WWE would be a permanent stain on your resume. I can happen, but what you should do is to power through it, then get use to the new environment, and see that it can be manageable. If it's not, either adjust it, or there's the option of leaving. It's up to you, but I'm just wanting you to not get nervous.

Dori looks at him, after hearing what he said and gave a smile.

Dori: Thank you, Daikon. I needed that.

Daikon: *smiles* No problem. I just don't want those coming to a new company to feel that way.

Dori: I know. Thank you for telling me that.

Daikon: You're welcome. I would be on my way. Take care, Dori.

Dori: Okay. Take care, Daikon.

Daikon nods as he walks off and Dori watches him leave with a smile. She then walks off with some much to think about, thanks to Daikon.

How's the chapter?

What do you think of Daikon's conversations with Dori?

And the info he and Holly gave her?

Also:

New cover for the story. Hope you like it.

Take care.