Post by Midori Miyamoto on Oct 10, 2018 4:55:28 GMT
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
Her phone rang. It had been ringing for the past twenty minutes or so. But Midori Miyamoto didn’t answer it, not right away.
So needed some time.
To think.
To process.
To try and gain some peace of mind.
She’d been victorious that evening. A win over the Block B leader, Kimiko Hayabusa. It was no small feat, that’s for certain. And while that victory brought her great pride, it didn’t necessarily bring her happiness.
Midori knew her positioning in the RISE Grand Prix. Last in Block B. Despite all the hours of training to prepare, despite all the studying, despite all the shenanigans that her were thrown her way throughout the tournament. Last in Block B.
It hurt her.
It hurt her a lot.
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
*Buzz*
She chose not to answer it as she grabbed her things and exited the locker room. Most of the people backstage her too busy to notice her, so she slipped by almost undetected. Midori took the back exit and made her way to the parking lot. Her girl, Yumi, should have been there. But Midori didn’t see her vehicle as she peered around. “She must have gotten stuck in traffic,” Midori said to herself.
*Buzzzzzzzzzz*
That was the sound of a voice message.
Finally giving in, Midori reached into her back pocket and pulled out her iPhone. The name Merlot appeared on the screen. Her mentor.
Midori unlocked her phone and quickly cued up the message.
“Hi Mid-chan!” Merlot’s emphatic voice rang out in English. Well, the best English Merlot could muster, anyway. “Just wanted to check on Midori.” There was a small pause. “Merlot been watching Midori’s progress in RISE Grand Prix. And well, thought maybe it was time for little mentorly advice, hai hai.”
There was another pause.
“Merlot know Midori. Know how passionate Midori is about succeeding. How Midori would do anything to make Merlot, Natsuko, Cassandra, and parents proud. Know Midori wanted to win tournament; is kind of warrior Midori is…
“Therefore, know Midori feeling little bit lousy right now. Probably feel frustrated and a little depressed. Hai?” Merlot asked. “No need answer. Mid-chan always put great pressure on self. Makes drive even better. But also raises expectations to higher than needed level.”
She listened to Merlot as she let out a sigh.
“Merlot know tournament has not gone as planned. And Merlot know Midori feeling down right now. But must look at positives, hai?
“Midori beat Candice Blair, hai? Is JET Academy Champion. People around may not see match as big deal, but is much big deal. Not many people can say that. Also Kimiko. Watched her matches before; is tough competitor. Lastly, Midori has fought each match with heart and spirit of a champion. Have stood tall and taken high road when other aim low. Is honorable. And trust Merlot, people notice that. Hai!”
She heard some rustling in the background. “Sorry! Merlot packing bags. Visiting Claire-chan soon.” Claire was a mutual friend of theirs.
“Well Mid-chan, Merlot have to go. Flight to catch. Will maybe check in tomorrow.” There was another pause. “And remember, Merlot always proud of you. Hai!”
Midori’s ride pulled up just as the message finished playing. She slipped the phone back into her pocket. She’d call Merlot tomorrow.