Who am I?

[Sakuralang]

"I am a true Japanese woman, kind and graceful!
— Mai Shiranui, win quote from Capcom vs. SNK 2

*The camera falls on the interior of the Musashi Junior & Senior High School in Tokyo, Japan. A distinguished school ranked second only to Tokyo High School itself. The classroom is dimly lit by the slowly falling sun as a cherry blossom tree gently blows in the breeze outside the window. The desk are stained golden by the setting sun as a figure sits quietly in contemplation. Her face pale but beautiful, her hair long and drawn down around her face. Her eyes are gentle as she stares forward at the book before her. Her outfit is that of a student, and though her form is feminine it belies a strength and musculature of someone who has honed their body into a perfect weapon. She sets down the book staring softly upward then out at the sloped branches dancing outside of the window. The scene is almost as beautiful as a kaiga painting. She drops her head slightly as a beautiful voice, like an ephemeral whisper speaks in a soft feminine tone.*

Voice (Voice Over): Everyday I look at that tree. I watch it dance in the wind. So free. So perfect. It's petals raining down so soft on the breeze.

*The girl looks down. Her face filled with a quiet sorrow. A strange sort of look that belies sadness and contemplation.*

Voice (Voice Over): I wish that I was that way. Free. Open. Sometimes I wonder when I glance in the mirror, Who am I? What sort of person am I? What sort of person can I be?

*The girl looks up and in that moment we see a sort of grace. A quiet perfect moment of tranquil reflection. Suddenly the sound of a door opening takes her by surprise and she turns. The figure of another girl standing in the doorway.*

Girl: Sakura? What are you still doing here? Class ended an hour ago.

*She looks up and in that same beautiful voice as before the beauty responds to the words of the figure in the door.*

Sakura: Oh... Mai. I was just... just resting.

*Mai walks in crossing her arms with a gentle smile. As Sakura looks at her a blank look upon her face.*

Mai: Everybody has left. Besides Aikido is canceled today.

Sakura: What? When did they cancel?

Mai: While you were daydreaming most likely. So, are we going home or what?

*Sakura simply smiles and nods softly. She places her book back in her bag and slowly rises lifting her bag to her shoulder as they walk out together.

The camera reopens as the two walk together side by side in the waning sunlight. Mai lifts her arms above her head and stretches enjoying the calm breeze and the wonderful weather. Sakura walks forward, head down, still lost in her own thoughts.*

Mai: So, what are you thinking about?

*Sakura looks up startled at the broken silence.*

Sakura: What?

Mai: I said, what are you thinking about?

Sakura: Oh, nothing. I'm just worried about my sister.

Mai: Why? What's wrong? What has she done this time?

Sakura: It's nothing she has done. She just has been really anxious lately. She hasn't been this way since she moved back home a year ago.

Mai: Oh yeah. Your sister lived in America before that didn't she?

Sakura: Yes, she was working as a wrestler.

*Mai looks at her in surprise. Her eyes sparkle a bit*

Mai: You never told me she was a wrestler.

*Sakura returned the smile pleasantly. She liked bragging about her big sister more than she cared to admit.*

Sakura: Oh, yes. She was known as the Otaku Angel. She was one of the youngest women wrestlers ever in her old job.

Mai: Why did she quit? Was she injured or something?

Sakura: No, not really. She came back to go to school. She wanted to graduate before she went back. But I'm worried about her. She isn't acting like herself.

Mai: What do you mean?

Sakura: She's been real secretive lately. She keeps checking the mail for some reason.

Mai: Well your sister isn't exactly the brightest girl there is. Maybe it's someone she writes to all the time? A pen pal from America or something? Or maybe a letter from a secret admirer?

Sakura: I thought of that but why would it be a secret? She would have told me.

Mai: Sounds like you've got a mystery on your hands.

*With that the two girls stop in front of a quaint little house. It's simple picket fence and sliding doors promote the idea of a simpler more rustic life. Mai turns and smiles in a simple wave.*

Mai: Tell me what you find out. I'll see you later.

Sakura: Later.

*Slowly she turns to the house and stops as the cool breeze plays the wind chime by the door. She stares at it a moment when suddenly the wind changes direction. Her eyes never blink once as she stares at it as if it was some divine omen.*

Sakura: That's odd.

*She shrugs a bit as she steps up the steps and slides the door open. Inside are all the trappings of comfort. A full kitchen. A living room with a plasma screen tv and several game systems. A bookshelf full of movies and games while another sits filled with actual books. Sakura sets her bag by the door, steps out of her shoes, and walks into the kitchen turning on the stove as she fills a pot of water to make some steamed rice. She stares downward her eyes filled with a sort of melancholy.*

Sakura (Voice Over): Oh sis. Whatever the matter is... I hope you tell me.

*Suddenly the sound of the door bursting open resounds through the house. Sakura turns in a quick motion in full fighting stance as a voice calls out.*

Girl: IT CAME! IT CAME! IT...

*Suddenly a loud thud as if something heavy hit the floor resounded in the hall. Sakura dropped her guard. She knew all too well who it was.*

Sakura: Sis? Are you okay?

*Sakura looks into the hall seeing her sister, the world renowned Mia Lang crashed upon the floor. Her legs wrapped in the arm strap of her sisters bag. Mia hops to her feet, clutching a letter tightly in her hands.*

Sakura: Oh, are you okay? What came?

Mia opens the envelope as she looks over the papers that she held in her hands.

Mia: My contract from the UWA. I'm in!

Sakura: That's great sis.

*Sakura felt torn. She was happy that her sister was happy as well. But she knew that it could mean that her sister would leave. The two had been inseparable since she came back. Sakura's heart felt sad that was until Mia continued.*

Mia: Oh... and your's came to!

*Mia smiled and handed out a paper that bore Sakura's name. She stood in shock as Mia smiled empty-headed. Sakura grabbed the paper and examined it closely.*

Sakura: But I... I mean... I never...

Mia: Oh I filled it out for you. Now we can be in the UWA together. That way we can watch each other's backs, you know?

*Sakura stood stunned. Was she serious? Sakura admired her sister sure. Her fame and renowned had made them comfortable in this little house and had paid for a good bit of things since they moved out of their parents house but Mia didn't have half the responsibility Sakura did.*

Sakura: Sis, I... I can't... I mean I have Aikido and Wrestling, and my studies. Not too mention the Tea House... I just...

*Mia brought out her hand and put a finger on Sakura's lip. Sakura stared blankly as forcefully Mia spoke up.*

Mia: Sakura both you and I know you could teach your Aikido class with your eyes closed, and your wrestling coach already said that you were the best that he's ever seen. And as for your job at the Tea House you would only be missing about a days work. Besides you would get to see America for the first time. I mean even grandpa said that your an adept in what he's taught you. So come on... please?

*Mia blinked and looked at her. Lip quivering with faux sadness. Sakura sighed and nodded and Mia smiled pulling her hand away as Sakura relented.*

Sakura: Fine... alright. I guess I could try.

Mia: Good! Cause I already got you a match lined up for thursday.

*Sakura stopped and froze staring blankly at her sister who simply walked into the kitchen calling out to her sis.*

Mia: NOW WHAT'S FOR DINNER?!

Sakura: Thursday?

*Sakura stood there frozen in time as her sister simply ate a pocky stick.

The camera then cuts to that night as Mia sleeps soundly on the floor on a sleeproll pad. The glow of the TV playing illuminates her face and also the face of Sakura as she stares at the screen. The show playing on the screen is that of UWA Rush Hour's last broadcast. Sakura watches the feed with interest as the Tag team match unfolds before her. She watches as Cashman tags in Emma and she dives in. The action was enjoyable but Sakura was more focused on her movements. On her style, her tells. She sat in silence as the drama played out before her.*

Sakura (Voice Over): She is quick but sloppy. A bit too showy. Her form is a bit off but it's unpredictable. How can I be ready in time for a match? I know nothing about this girl. Or these people.

*She looks over at the sleeping form of her sister who simply snores outloud like a buzzsaw.*

Sakura (Voice Over): I know sis means well. But...

*Mia simply turns over talking in her sleep*

Mia (In her sleep): Oh, Tenchi. Of course I'll save the mushroom kingdom with you. Hand me that koopa shell...

*Sakura only smiles staring down at her. She turns back to the TV with a determined look.*

Sakura (Voice Over): No, my sister is counting on me. I can't let her down.

*Sakura stares at Emma's face freezing the frame on the tv. She looks at the woman's face with a gaze of curiousity.*

Sakura (Voice Over): She is very pretty. She looks like a pop star or some sort of actress. So much better than me.

*Sakura shakes her head a moment trying to shake the thoughts of doubt out.*

Sakura (Voice Over): No, it's not about looks. It's about skill. Discipline. The moment you doubt yourself is the moment you lose. Remember what grandpa taught you. The key to battle is not to overthink. It is about reaction. It is about instinct. In battle we show who we really are. Words go away. They have no meaning in battle. Action. That is what matters for in their action a combatant shows who they really are.

*She stares at the TV and plays it again showing Joanne Canelli nailing Emma with the "Welcome to Jersey Shore" and getting the pin. Sakura sighs and freezes on the motionless Emma*

Sakura (Voice Over): So, who are you, Emma Sinclair?

*Sakura stands up and turns off the TV walking toward the bathroom.*

Sakura (Voice Over): And for that matter...

*As she turns on the light she then walks to the mirror and stares into it with a solemn look.*

Sakura (Voice Over):... Who am I?

*She stares for a moment at the image in front of her and sighs dropping her head and walking away leaving us to ponder as the lights go out who is the real Sakura Lang.*