Akasen Sumo Story - Chapter EX-2 (Patreon)

After her defeat against Nayako, Lora had fallen into a spiral of shame and disillusionment. Her sumo career, once a symbol of strength and pride, had become an unbearable weight. This defeat, which had ended her reign, did more than just beat her physically; it shattered something deep within, stripping her of her self-worth. Every day, she thought back to that fight, the humiliation, and it became clear that she could never be the same again.

After weeks of introspection and solitude, Lora made a radical decision: to leave the world of sumo for good. The pain was too sharp, and what once was her love and purpose had turned into a source of suffering. She could no longer see herself in that mirror of the past; that fierce fighter was no longer who she was.

Lora wandered, searching for a purpose, a reason to live, until she reached the borders of Akasen and found refuge in the outer village. This place was known as a haven for souls seeking renewal, and she felt strangely drawn to it, as if it were where she could rebuild herself.

The outer village held an unexpected diversity, and at its heart was the Brothel Nightclub, a place where laughter and pleasure filled the air each night. This place belonged to the Chained Lotus Harem, a mysterious and influential group known for holding the monopoly on Akasen’s nightclubs. When she first entered the club, Lora was just another customer, looking for a brief escape in the club’s intoxicating atmosphere.

That’s where she met Dashyru, the Mistress of the Harem and the club’s Director. Dashyru, imposing and charismatic, wielded a calm authority that needed neither flash nor threat. She saw in Lora more than what the world saw, sensing the sadness, the wound that inhabited each of her gestures.

Their exchanges, at first formal, became more personal. One night, as Lora sat alone at the bar, staring absently at her drink, Dashyru approached, her gaze unexpectedly gentle.

"You know, I recognize that look," she murmured. "It’s the look of someone trying to escape something heavy."

Lora looked up, surprised. She hesitated, but the words slipped out despite herself.

"I... I don’t know who I am anymore. I’ve lost everything. My identity, my pride… I’m nothing."

Dashyru watched her in silence, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, losing who you were is the only way to discover who you could become."

Those words resonated within Lora more than she would admit. She returned to the nightclub every night, seeking a presence in the shadows of her doubts. Dashyru was there, listening without judgment, and their bond deepened over nights spent sharing confidences.

After several weeks, Dashyru made her an unexpected offer. One night, as they talked in the club’s back room, Dashyru looked deep into Lora’s eyes.

"What if you joined the Chained Lotus Harem? What I’m offering isn’t just a job. Here, you could reinvent yourself… find a new family, if you wish."

Lora stared at Dashyru, astonished.

"Me, in the harem? I’m just a fallen fighter… why would you want me here?"

Dashyru smiled at her, almost tenderly.

"Because you’re far more than you believe. The harem is a family. And I think you could find your place here, just as much as anyone else."

After a moment of reflection, Lora felt something settle within her. She accepted, and this decision offered her a new perspective.

Lora became a waitress at the Brothel Nightclub, a simple position, but one that allowed her to turn the page and get closer to the harem members, especially Dashyru. Working in this place, which welcomed clients from all walks of life each night, allowed her to rediscover a sense of joy in simple things.

Her relationship with Dashyru evolved. What had started as professional exchanges turned into a deep friendship, then something more intimate. One evening, as they finished their shift, Lora confided in Dashyru.

"I never imagined I could be happy anywhere but in the ring… and yet, here, with you…" She hesitated, lowering her eyes.

Dashyru moved closer, gently lifting her chin to gaze into her eyes.

"You’re not just who you were, Lora. You are who you’re becoming, who you choose to be, here and now."

Lora felt her heart race, and that night, they shared more than just friendship.

As Director and Mistress of the Harem, Dashyru led her nocturnal empire with natural elegance, combining her supernatural powers with charisma. The harem was more than just a group of courtesans; it was a true organization where each member played a strategic role. Alongside Dashyru, Lora finally felt she had a new home, a new purpose.

Over time, Lora found a profound satisfaction in her role. She was no longer that former champion haunted by the ghosts of her past glory, but a fulfilled woman who had found her place in a different, yet equally vibrant, world. Her imposing presence and wisdom, forged by years of combat, earned her the respect of other harem members and even clients. But this time, it wasn’t victory that defined her, but her ability to bring joy and to be herself, without mask, without armor.