Post by MYŌJIN on Dec 8, 2021 23:56:15 GMT -5
MYOJIN concentrated, looking with their tongue slightly hanging out of their mouth as they squinted. Their eyebrows furrowed as they carefully and gently moved, eager to not make a sudden movement.
“(Hey, be careful, you're going to knock over the tree!)” Himari shouted with a bit of playful annoyance. Shouta simply rolled their eyes in her direction, turning back to the top of the Christmas tree.
“(I know what I'm doing, Himacchan.)” They uttered under their breath as they stood on the side of the couch in the couple's apartment, carefully placing the little speckled star on the very top of it while letting out a little ‘phew’ as they climbed down.
“(See? Everything's just fine,)” They spoke, a smile growing on their face as they placed their hands on their hips.
“(Couldn't we have just bought a smaller tree?)” Their fiancée pointed out, raising her eyebrows toward MYOJIN. MYOJIN simply walked toward her, wrapping their arms around her waist.
“(Do you always have to complain?)”
“(Only sometimes,)” She responded with a lovely smile, before pressing a gentle kiss on their lips, before looking around. “(I'd say we did a nice job with the place, yeah?)”
MYOJIN followed suit. The two had completely decorated their apartment into a cozy, festive area. Lights were mounted around the balcony window, giving a comfy warm color to the main room. A snowglobe sat at their table. Mistletoe was there as well. The whole nine yards.
It was December, and the holidays weren't that far away- and it would be the first time the two would spend Christmas together, that was the most exciting part. The blonde was happy, which was pretty unnatural for someone who is always snarky and confident.
“(So, are we going to do a little gathering sometime later this month? Like inviting family?)” Himari asked thoughtfully.
“(Sure, why not? I think my brother and sister can probably make it.)” MYOJIN responded as they looked over the tree.
“(What about your mom? I'd love to get to meet her again. She's going to be my mother-in-law soon, it'd be nice to get to know her.)”
The blonde froze, a slight wince at the mention of their mother. A hesitant look on their face, “(I, um… I don't know. We haven't really held a real conversation in a while.)”
Himari's joyful expression shifted once she noticed MYOJIN's demeanor, “(Oh, is.. something wrong between you two?)”
“(It's not a big deal, it's fine-)”
“(Shouta, come on, talk to me.)” She sat down on their couch, patting a seat for them to sit down next to her. MYOJIN relented and did so, albeit a little uncomfortable. “(What happened?)”
They sighed, “(It's a.. very long story..)”
"(No,)” That was the worst thing one could hear from a parent when they asked for permission for something. It was like a shot to the gut, the dread alone made Shouta reluctant about asking as they had expected the reaction they had gotten. Their demeanor dropped as they watched the mother chop ingredients in the kitchen with a knife.
“(Mom, I'm serious.. I want to-)”
“(Shouta, we've had this conversation before: no.") The stern, feminine voice of their mother quickly responded. This had been a conversation that the two have had multiple times ever since the teenager had first discovered their dream as a child; the want to be a professional wrestler. It had been something their mother, Megumi, had been against for a long time. She had been against her children following in their father's footsteps, she could tolerate them practicing martial arts- but she refused to allow them to become professional fighters. She hated the concept.
For a long time, the teen who would become MYOJIN later in life hadn't understood why. They had always thought of her reasoning as being unfair, being hateful even. The dark-haired youth's frustration had quickly shown on their face as they began to speak again, "(Why not?! It's not like it would be hard! There's a wrestling school nearby, it wouldn't be hard! I've saved a lot from my job to pay for it or something-)”
"(Shouta, what did I just say? It's not about money, now stop asking me about it.)” She responded again, somewhat quicker and with a more serious tone to her voice. Again, this had been a common recurrence whenever they talked about it. Usually, at that point, Shouta would have given up and walked away without asking again, but for once- they had kept pushing.
"(But why?! Could you at least tell me why I can't?! You know how much this means to me and this is like my closest chance to get to do so! Mom, can't we just give it a try?)”
She suddenly slammed her fist down on the table, sitting the knife down while turning to give a glare at her kid. Shouta took a step back, visibly a little shaken by her sudden outburst. "(I am NOT about to continue to repeat myself. I said no, and I am not going to change my mind. Stop asking me about it, because my answer is NOT going to change. Do I make myself clear?)”
They stopped pleading, but in response, their eyebrows furrowed as their heart thumped against their chest with anger. "(You've never allowed me to ever make decisions for myself! It's always something that you want! You never consider how I, or Akira, or even Satoshi feels..!)"
She paused, her jaw tightening as the two stared at each other. Once she spoke again, her voice was lower than before. "(Be realistic for a second. What would you do if you got your way? What would that lead to besides you realizing that you've only wasted your time once you get seriously hurt?! This fighting, this pointless violence is only going to lead to you ending up in a hospital- and I am not going to let you get hurt as Satoshi did, or worse- end up like a bitter broken man like your father!)”
Megumi paused, it was clear she didn't mean to say all of that. Shouta was taken aback, starting to fight tears as they simply turned and headed toward the door, bolting outside. She didn't try to stop them, instead, she started to feel tears coming as well- but quickly wiped them away.
MYOJIN looked down, clasping their hands together with a deep sigh. Recalling that day and specifically, that moment was hard for them, it was hard to relieve those emotions. It was something that they had wanted to avoid for as long as they could.
“(She never really respected my choices or what I wanted to do with my life… and when I became a wrestler, we simply just stopped talking much. Any time we have had a conversation about it, it becomes an argument.)”
Himari bit her lip, frowning with empathy as she leaned over to place a hand on their shoulder, “(...But you know, you can't avoid her forever. Neither can she do the same with you..)”
“(Himari, I've tried..)”
“(But have you two ever really tried to hear each other out? Have you ever asked her to really listen to you in recent memory? Shouta, she's your mother… and you know that I support you, but eventually, you two need to talk. You'd be surprised how much people can change their outlook for someone they love. You just have to try, okay?)” She spoke softly, MYOJIN simply nodded silently. They knew she had a point, as much as they hated that it meant they would have to confront their mother eventually.
Himari stood, “(But, onto something more lighthearted, Polar Express is going to be on soon- and I'm going to make some hot cocoa for the occasion!)” She gave a smile, before affectionately rubbing their cheek. “(Think about what I said, okay?)”
Himari then left. MYOJIN pondered on what the two had just talked about, resting their fist against the side of their cheek as they thought- until looking down at their phone, checking to see their mom as a contact. It was stupid, they highly doubt they could fix their relationship with their mother… But would trying really hurt? For at least closure?
Well, that was something they supposed they could only find out if they tried.
l
Only about seventeen more days until the most wonderful time of the year- and I have to admit, besides this disastrously tacky Colton Saint shirt I got for a “prize” at the Black Friday show… I'm still pretty excited. This time of the year we get to hear the charming and lovely but obnoxiously repetitive covers of multiple festive songs we all know by heart… and the awful abomination known as Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney- we get to wear most eye-offending clothing with colors that should be illegal to put together, delicious food and hot cocoa, snow, and the overall genuine heartfelt feeling that this time of year gives. I know it seems like I'm often sarcastic and a bit of a Grinch, but I truly am happy and probably in the brightest mood that I have been all year.
Isn't it just so crazy to think about, though? How much time has passed? I swear, to me, it hasn't felt that long since the beginning of this year- and so much has happened that it's almost been like a blur. I went from possibly my lowest moments in my professional career in Project: Honor, losing the tournament to becoming the inaugural Tag Team Champions with Zane. I got hurt and put on the shelf before The Crowning and thus, lost the chance to become the inaugural Legacy Champion as well. I grew very bitter, very spiteful to everyone around me- I then went on to win a chance to star in a movie, which honestly… Whatever happened to that? Not that I really care much about it, but- nevermind I'm getting off track.
Earlier this year in a match to qualify for a chance to get in the Legacy Chamber, I specifically remember saying that it would be MY year. Mine. That I would turn things around and show Project: Honor that I was finally done playing games- and while there were setbacks, like losing to He Who Got Fired And Also Shall Not Be Named- I turned things around, I beat Arata Asukara at Hell on Earth for another chance at the X-Factor Championship. I carried the loser I mentioned earlier that I lost to in arguably a match of the year contender, cementing my place as the only person to win the two Iron Man matches that have ever happened in this company and won the championship that had eluded me for so long.
I then kicked Cadillac Jackson's ass, but that was to be expected- and at the last Proving Ground? I became the only person to have twenty wins to my name, darlings. Not only that but I've wrestled the most out of anyone in this company and have the longest pay per view win streak- and soon enough? …Well, I'll outlast Indy Darling's reign and outdo his number of title defenses to become the longest reigning X-Factor Champion with the most successful defenses, but I may be getting a little ahead of myself.
What's the point of me stroking my own ego so much? Well, it's simple- I said I was going to do something and I did it. I said that I was going to make 2021 my year- and then I did. I proved that I'm not a choke artist, and that.. As I've always known all along- that I am the Heart and Soul of this place. The brightest Star, the Shining Star.
And Kyle Valentine recognizes that, otherwise, why else would he want to challenge me to a fight?
Hey, Kyle, sweetie- You know you're a very refreshing person here. A lot of wrestlers, especially the young ones- myself included, love to gloat and write checks with their mouths that their asses can't check. But you? You're humble, but far from a pushover. Respectful, but determined- …You kind of remind me of me when I first started out here in Project: Honor, as cliche as that sounds.
That's why I accepted your challenge, that's why my X-Factor title is willingly on the line. Because I'm here to face the best and the most promising- to keep myself sharp, and to keep myself as one of the very best this place has to offer. The thing is though, honey, while your potential is great? It's not all there yet.
When I pinned your partner, DJ Hunter, last Proving Ground- I quickly realized that although I'm not that older than the both of you, I am leagues ahead when it comes to experience and skill. Is that an insult? Nope, just a simple fact. You're still developing, and while you made this challenge to me because you probably think that you have a chance against me- Babe, I'm above your pay grade. I'm above your level- and the most that you will be capable of in that ring against me? Is by learning from my example.
I am going to tell you EXACTLY what I told Jackson before the ladder match I had with him- i have worked too hard and have gotten too far to lose everything that I have earned now, and I especially won't lose it now. I have been in this company since day one, becoming better and better with each match- win or lose. This is my house, and you're just a visitor.
…But maybe you'll prove me wrong, Kyle. Maybe you'll show me and everyone in that arena that you are much more than what you seem. That you are on my level, that you have what it takes to climb up that mountain. That your potential can be realized- and I hope you do so, but let me make one thing perfectly clear: You. Won't. Beat. Me.
I do want you to try your hardest. I want you to give your all, because you're sharing the Headliner match with me- and I always aim to have the best match for each show. So show me what you've got, show me that you aren't just a rookie.
Let's dance.
“(Hey, be careful, you're going to knock over the tree!)” Himari shouted with a bit of playful annoyance. Shouta simply rolled their eyes in her direction, turning back to the top of the Christmas tree.
“(I know what I'm doing, Himacchan.)” They uttered under their breath as they stood on the side of the couch in the couple's apartment, carefully placing the little speckled star on the very top of it while letting out a little ‘phew’ as they climbed down.
“(See? Everything's just fine,)” They spoke, a smile growing on their face as they placed their hands on their hips.
“(Couldn't we have just bought a smaller tree?)” Their fiancée pointed out, raising her eyebrows toward MYOJIN. MYOJIN simply walked toward her, wrapping their arms around her waist.
“(Do you always have to complain?)”
“(Only sometimes,)” She responded with a lovely smile, before pressing a gentle kiss on their lips, before looking around. “(I'd say we did a nice job with the place, yeah?)”
MYOJIN followed suit. The two had completely decorated their apartment into a cozy, festive area. Lights were mounted around the balcony window, giving a comfy warm color to the main room. A snowglobe sat at their table. Mistletoe was there as well. The whole nine yards.
It was December, and the holidays weren't that far away- and it would be the first time the two would spend Christmas together, that was the most exciting part. The blonde was happy, which was pretty unnatural for someone who is always snarky and confident.
“(So, are we going to do a little gathering sometime later this month? Like inviting family?)” Himari asked thoughtfully.
“(Sure, why not? I think my brother and sister can probably make it.)” MYOJIN responded as they looked over the tree.
“(What about your mom? I'd love to get to meet her again. She's going to be my mother-in-law soon, it'd be nice to get to know her.)”
The blonde froze, a slight wince at the mention of their mother. A hesitant look on their face, “(I, um… I don't know. We haven't really held a real conversation in a while.)”
Himari's joyful expression shifted once she noticed MYOJIN's demeanor, “(Oh, is.. something wrong between you two?)”
“(It's not a big deal, it's fine-)”
“(Shouta, come on, talk to me.)” She sat down on their couch, patting a seat for them to sit down next to her. MYOJIN relented and did so, albeit a little uncomfortable. “(What happened?)”
They sighed, “(It's a.. very long story..)”
b]Then…
[/b][/i][/center]"(No,)” That was the worst thing one could hear from a parent when they asked for permission for something. It was like a shot to the gut, the dread alone made Shouta reluctant about asking as they had expected the reaction they had gotten. Their demeanor dropped as they watched the mother chop ingredients in the kitchen with a knife.
“(Mom, I'm serious.. I want to-)”
“(Shouta, we've had this conversation before: no.") The stern, feminine voice of their mother quickly responded. This had been a conversation that the two have had multiple times ever since the teenager had first discovered their dream as a child; the want to be a professional wrestler. It had been something their mother, Megumi, had been against for a long time. She had been against her children following in their father's footsteps, she could tolerate them practicing martial arts- but she refused to allow them to become professional fighters. She hated the concept.
For a long time, the teen who would become MYOJIN later in life hadn't understood why. They had always thought of her reasoning as being unfair, being hateful even. The dark-haired youth's frustration had quickly shown on their face as they began to speak again, "(Why not?! It's not like it would be hard! There's a wrestling school nearby, it wouldn't be hard! I've saved a lot from my job to pay for it or something-)”
"(Shouta, what did I just say? It's not about money, now stop asking me about it.)” She responded again, somewhat quicker and with a more serious tone to her voice. Again, this had been a common recurrence whenever they talked about it. Usually, at that point, Shouta would have given up and walked away without asking again, but for once- they had kept pushing.
"(But why?! Could you at least tell me why I can't?! You know how much this means to me and this is like my closest chance to get to do so! Mom, can't we just give it a try?)”
She suddenly slammed her fist down on the table, sitting the knife down while turning to give a glare at her kid. Shouta took a step back, visibly a little shaken by her sudden outburst. "(I am NOT about to continue to repeat myself. I said no, and I am not going to change my mind. Stop asking me about it, because my answer is NOT going to change. Do I make myself clear?)”
They stopped pleading, but in response, their eyebrows furrowed as their heart thumped against their chest with anger. "(You've never allowed me to ever make decisions for myself! It's always something that you want! You never consider how I, or Akira, or even Satoshi feels..!)"
She paused, her jaw tightening as the two stared at each other. Once she spoke again, her voice was lower than before. "(Be realistic for a second. What would you do if you got your way? What would that lead to besides you realizing that you've only wasted your time once you get seriously hurt?! This fighting, this pointless violence is only going to lead to you ending up in a hospital- and I am not going to let you get hurt as Satoshi did, or worse- end up like a bitter broken man like your father!)”
Megumi paused, it was clear she didn't mean to say all of that. Shouta was taken aback, starting to fight tears as they simply turned and headed toward the door, bolting outside. She didn't try to stop them, instead, she started to feel tears coming as well- but quickly wiped them away.
b]Now…
[/b][/i][/center]MYOJIN looked down, clasping their hands together with a deep sigh. Recalling that day and specifically, that moment was hard for them, it was hard to relieve those emotions. It was something that they had wanted to avoid for as long as they could.
“(She never really respected my choices or what I wanted to do with my life… and when I became a wrestler, we simply just stopped talking much. Any time we have had a conversation about it, it becomes an argument.)”
Himari bit her lip, frowning with empathy as she leaned over to place a hand on their shoulder, “(...But you know, you can't avoid her forever. Neither can she do the same with you..)”
“(Himari, I've tried..)”
“(But have you two ever really tried to hear each other out? Have you ever asked her to really listen to you in recent memory? Shouta, she's your mother… and you know that I support you, but eventually, you two need to talk. You'd be surprised how much people can change their outlook for someone they love. You just have to try, okay?)” She spoke softly, MYOJIN simply nodded silently. They knew she had a point, as much as they hated that it meant they would have to confront their mother eventually.
Himari stood, “(But, onto something more lighthearted, Polar Express is going to be on soon- and I'm going to make some hot cocoa for the occasion!)” She gave a smile, before affectionately rubbing their cheek. “(Think about what I said, okay?)”
Himari then left. MYOJIN pondered on what the two had just talked about, resting their fist against the side of their cheek as they thought- until looking down at their phone, checking to see their mom as a contact. It was stupid, they highly doubt they could fix their relationship with their mother… But would trying really hurt? For at least closure?
Well, that was something they supposed they could only find out if they tried.
l
Only about seventeen more days until the most wonderful time of the year- and I have to admit, besides this disastrously tacky Colton Saint shirt I got for a “prize” at the Black Friday show… I'm still pretty excited. This time of the year we get to hear the charming and lovely but obnoxiously repetitive covers of multiple festive songs we all know by heart… and the awful abomination known as Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney- we get to wear most eye-offending clothing with colors that should be illegal to put together, delicious food and hot cocoa, snow, and the overall genuine heartfelt feeling that this time of year gives. I know it seems like I'm often sarcastic and a bit of a Grinch, but I truly am happy and probably in the brightest mood that I have been all year.
Isn't it just so crazy to think about, though? How much time has passed? I swear, to me, it hasn't felt that long since the beginning of this year- and so much has happened that it's almost been like a blur. I went from possibly my lowest moments in my professional career in Project: Honor, losing the tournament to becoming the inaugural Tag Team Champions with Zane. I got hurt and put on the shelf before The Crowning and thus, lost the chance to become the inaugural Legacy Champion as well. I grew very bitter, very spiteful to everyone around me- I then went on to win a chance to star in a movie, which honestly… Whatever happened to that? Not that I really care much about it, but- nevermind I'm getting off track.
Earlier this year in a match to qualify for a chance to get in the Legacy Chamber, I specifically remember saying that it would be MY year. Mine. That I would turn things around and show Project: Honor that I was finally done playing games- and while there were setbacks, like losing to He Who Got Fired And Also Shall Not Be Named- I turned things around, I beat Arata Asukara at Hell on Earth for another chance at the X-Factor Championship. I carried the loser I mentioned earlier that I lost to in arguably a match of the year contender, cementing my place as the only person to win the two Iron Man matches that have ever happened in this company and won the championship that had eluded me for so long.
I then kicked Cadillac Jackson's ass, but that was to be expected- and at the last Proving Ground? I became the only person to have twenty wins to my name, darlings. Not only that but I've wrestled the most out of anyone in this company and have the longest pay per view win streak- and soon enough? …Well, I'll outlast Indy Darling's reign and outdo his number of title defenses to become the longest reigning X-Factor Champion with the most successful defenses, but I may be getting a little ahead of myself.
What's the point of me stroking my own ego so much? Well, it's simple- I said I was going to do something and I did it. I said that I was going to make 2021 my year- and then I did. I proved that I'm not a choke artist, and that.. As I've always known all along- that I am the Heart and Soul of this place. The brightest Star, the Shining Star.
And Kyle Valentine recognizes that, otherwise, why else would he want to challenge me to a fight?
Hey, Kyle, sweetie- You know you're a very refreshing person here. A lot of wrestlers, especially the young ones- myself included, love to gloat and write checks with their mouths that their asses can't check. But you? You're humble, but far from a pushover. Respectful, but determined- …You kind of remind me of me when I first started out here in Project: Honor, as cliche as that sounds.
That's why I accepted your challenge, that's why my X-Factor title is willingly on the line. Because I'm here to face the best and the most promising- to keep myself sharp, and to keep myself as one of the very best this place has to offer. The thing is though, honey, while your potential is great? It's not all there yet.
When I pinned your partner, DJ Hunter, last Proving Ground- I quickly realized that although I'm not that older than the both of you, I am leagues ahead when it comes to experience and skill. Is that an insult? Nope, just a simple fact. You're still developing, and while you made this challenge to me because you probably think that you have a chance against me- Babe, I'm above your pay grade. I'm above your level- and the most that you will be capable of in that ring against me? Is by learning from my example.
I am going to tell you EXACTLY what I told Jackson before the ladder match I had with him- i have worked too hard and have gotten too far to lose everything that I have earned now, and I especially won't lose it now. I have been in this company since day one, becoming better and better with each match- win or lose. This is my house, and you're just a visitor.
…But maybe you'll prove me wrong, Kyle. Maybe you'll show me and everyone in that arena that you are much more than what you seem. That you are on my level, that you have what it takes to climb up that mountain. That your potential can be realized- and I hope you do so, but let me make one thing perfectly clear: You. Won't. Beat. Me.
I do want you to try your hardest. I want you to give your all, because you're sharing the Headliner match with me- and I always aim to have the best match for each show. So show me what you've got, show me that you aren't just a rookie.
Let's dance.