THE MOMENT
There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. Jane preferred to spend her weekends exploring alternate Earths and finding clients; but, occasionally she did too good a job. She booked enough appointments yesterday to be needed at the office today. Each red chair lining the wall was occupied and Jane's glasses allowed her to see the golden aura that surrounded every client.
No two auras were alike, even among those that had a similar Unique Soul. It took some time and effort, but now Jane was able to identify souls at a glance. She had recruited most of the people waiting; they were all there to sell their soul to Jane's boss, Mrs. Melody Sharp.
Jane was surprised when the bell above the door jingled. She had already checked in the last client that had an appointment and wasn't expecting anyone else. It was a young, teenage girl with bright orange hair. Jane saw the girl's aura through her glasses and identified her as Unique Soul #42, La Calavera. A large ethereal, golden skull wearing headphones surrounded the girl.
"Hi, is Melody here?" The girl asked when she reached Jane's desk. Jane nodded.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked out of professional courtesy. The girl shook her head.
"It won't take long, I just want to ask her something. I'm Riot, Dread sent me," she said. Jane panicked for a split second; but, Riot did not seem to be there for violence. As far as Jane knew, Dread tried to kill her boss several years ago. But, even when Melody told the story, she did not seem to hold any resentment.
Jane gestured at the row of occupied seats and was about to tell the girl to wait her turn but the office door opened behind her. Melody was finished with her most recent appointment, but she walked out of the office alone. Jane wasn't surprised anymore. Part of Melody's sales pitch was sending the clients to any Earth they wanted to go to.
"Riot?" Melody asked when she spotted the girl. "Something I can do for you?" She waved the girl forward, then looked at the other clients. "This won't take long," she smiled at them, then followed Riot into the office.
"You know me?" Riot asked when she sat in front of Melody's desk. Melody nodded as she walked around to the other side.
"Not formally, but I know all the students that were educated by Sharp Development," she replied. She sat down and smiled at Riot. "What brings you here?" she asked.
"Then, you know I'm at Toku-high, right?" the girl asked. Melody nodded.
"Right, so... I'm captain of a derby team; but, we don't have a name yet...,"
"Okay," Melody said.
"Someone gave me an idea for one, but I didn't know if I could use it. So, I asked Dread, and Dread insisted I ask you... because I can't ask Ms. Sharp."
"Oh?" Melody leaned forward with apparent interest. "What name is that?" Riot sat up straighter and met Melody's eyes.
"I'd like to use the name 'New Luchadoras' for my team if that's okay with you?" Melody leaned back in her chair to put space between them. Her eyes stayed focused on Riot; but, they seemed colder than they were moments ago. She studied Riot in silence for several moments and Riot did not want to interrupt her thoughts.
"Setting aside my own feelings for the moment...," Melody said. "I'm sure you're aware of all the negativity associated with that name, and everything that happened at the Pineapple Cup. You were there, do you talk to anyone about it?" Melody asked. Riot sheepishly shook her head. She didn't even talk about it to her best friend.
"Do you believe your team can weather that storm?" Riot shrugged.
"I don't know yet. They might not want to; but, I needed your permission before I suggest it to the team; otherwise, there's no point."
"Well, I'm glad to see you've put some measure of thought into it," Melody replied. "I'm sure Dread raised similar concerns about your reputations?" Riot nodded. "And you still want to take up the name?" Riot nodded again.
"It's common advice to look twice before you leap; and, I believe you've done that. If your team's on board, then so am I. “You have my blessing to be the captain of the New Luchadoras."
"REALLY!?" Riot jumped off her seat in excitement. "Thank you!" she said.
"On one condition...," Melody nodded.
"What?" Riot asked.
"You have to let Sharp Development sponsor you; and, wear our uniform," Melody smiled. "If the multiverse is going to hate you, let's give them a reason."