Pride (BOTB X*Crown RP)
Jun 10, 2021 22:14:38 GMT -5
via mobile
IMMORTALS, anthonycaffrey, and 2 more like this
Post by MYŌJIN on Jun 10, 2021 22:14:38 GMT -5
Pride
VS Misha Constantine | BOTB
“What do you do this for?”
It was a simple question. At least, at first glance it was. There were plenty of easy answers for why a mixed martial artist would choose such a profession. Those were mostly the main three answers MYOJIN heard from the group of students that sat in the Kuromiya family gym, their ages ranged from older teens to young adults. As they all sat cross-legged on the mat, the blonde paced back and forth while listening to said answers as each person raised their hand to speak.
It was another seminar being held for younger students who trained at the place, though this time instead of doing their brother a favor, the former Junior Heavyweight Champion had come because they wanted to. Specifically, because it was June- Pride month, the Shining Star had wanted to do something special for students that identified as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. MYOJIN had specifically asked his brother if he could borrow the gym to do so- and the blonde. Ones that were inherently more unique and stood out in a varying amount of ways. A few seemingly had a fiery passion that wasn’t found in anyone else. Some others showed a great deal of intelligence when sparring. Others, despite their shortcomings, were always picking themselves back up again and again. Though the one common trait between all of the unique types the blonde had personally picked out for the seminar was that they wanted to achieve not just success, but ultimately greatness.
Though MYOJIN was not satisfied with the responses that were given. Instead, they crossed their arms with a neutral look on their faces- pointing to a dark-skinned boy, pretty muscular and well built. “What's your reason, Tristan?”
The teen paused, his eyebrows raised once he realized the blonde was referring to him. He looked in MYOJIN’s direction, thinking about the question. The teen then began scratching the back of his head while speaking, somewhat awkwardly but nonetheless with sincerity. “I like the sport, but I want to get famous, y’know? I want people to recognize me.”
An expected answer.
MYOJIN nodded politely, their dark brown eyes then turned toward another student. “What about you, Brianna?” They asked.
A Hispanic gothic girl with black, short hair and dyed mermaid blue tips along with black matte lipstick. She wore a confident smile once acknowledged, “I just like to fight. I like martial arts, I’ve always been into hand-to-hand combat and stuff like that and it just seems fun to put myself to the test.”
Another expected answer.
MYOJIN crossed their arms, stopping their pacing as they pondered on a better way to ask the question as they looked at one more student. A boy with dark red hair and faint freckles on his sun-kissed skin, more than likely in his early twenties. “And you, Will?”
Will was a much more timid person than the others, it was easily noticeable due to his interaction to hearing his name. His shoulders sunk somewhat as he looked up and awkwardly cleared his throat before speaking. “...I, uh, guess respect. I'd like people to respect me.”
And yet again, another expected answer. MYOJIN clasped their hands together, “Okay- Now I want everyone to recognize those three answers to my question- and while they're valid answers, I don't think anyone truly understood the meaning behind my question. Everyone who wants to be a professional MMA fighter wants fame and respect, everyone MMA fighter finds it fun otherwise they wouldn't want to do it, right? What I'm asking you all is what motivates you personally? What is your drive?”
Tristan, Brianna, Will, and all the other students' attention were now more drawn toward the Shining Star. The blonde paused, letting them all ponder on the question. “I can teach you every hold and strike I know, I can give you plenty of tips, but none of that matters if you don't have a personal goal- a true reason and purpose that gives you the strength to get back up when you're knocked down. The strength that keeps you coming back for more despite the struggles and obstacles that come your way.”
“I can tell you right now that if your only goal is to win often- you won't have a long career because you'll more than likely end up quitting when things don’t go your way. What matters the most in that ring is what you fight for, personally. What gives you the passion to train from months on end, to rehabilitate after an injury, what makes you push yourself to wanting to be the best that you can be. What separates a good fighter from a great fighter is, and I know how terribly cliche this sounds, heart... and dream that you won’t accept less for.”
Brianna suddenly spoke, a curious expression on her face. “Well, if you don’t mind telling us… What’s your reason?”
MYOJIN paused, somewhat taken by surprise. Though, they supposed that they should have expected that- After all, a good mentor is supposed to lead by example. Running a hand through their tied-up golden hair, they gave a small smile. “Well, it's simple..”
“I want to let it be known that it's okay to embrace being different.”
Sometime later after the speech ended and some training was done, everyone had headed home and the blonde was closing up. Their sister, Akira, had also been there helping out as well. She seemed to have something on her mind as the two finished putting everything back where it belonged.
“That was a pretty nice pep talk you gave. Seems like you're getting pretty good at this whole leadership thing.“ She spoke, an amused look on her face.
“You think so?” They responded, snorting. “Sis, I barely have my own life together- I doubt that any of them really take me that seriously.”
“It was pretty inspiring. A lot of them look up to you, whether you realize that or not, Sho. I don't know if you've noticed, but you've become sort of a big deal-”
“Where are you going with this, exactly?” MYOJIN asked, turning to their sister with a puzzled look. Akira simply sighed, placing a hand on her hip.
“I just… think you really need to learn how to follow your own advice.”
“..Huh?”
“Shouta, I've been paying attention to a lot of recent events you've been in and the way you've acted in recent memory, all that aggression? The attitude you've been showing… It's not you.” She spoke, choosing her words carefully to not offend her little sibling.
The blonde frowned, rolling their eyes. “You too? Listen, Akira-”
“You haven't been acting like yourself at all ever since you lost that title in AWF, hell- It even started before that when you were shit talking Bloodied Fox. You're good, I know that- Anyone that watches you knows that, but the way you've been acting recently- Well, hell, it's not that different from the Misha dude you're gonna be facing.”
“So, what? Just because I decided to stop being humble and recognize that I'm one of the best newer wrestlers to XHF, I'm suddenly as bad as that egomaniac?!” They were taken aback, offended as they scowled at their sister.
“Let's be honest, you kind of have been. From this growing superiority complex of yours and the way you look down on your opponents, have you acted any better?” Akira retorted, her voice growing firm as she had a stern look on her face. “Has jumping in the middle of that asshole's tag title match and going behind the ref's back to make him lose shows that you're better than that?”
“When you started wrestling, you said you wanted the world to recognize you for your talent and to not be defined by preconceptions. Then, why did you kick that biker guy in the dick in your match at FIRESIDE a little while back? Doesn't that just make it seem like you have to cheat to win instead of using your skill?”
MYOJIN was stunned, opening their mouth to retort- but they didn't have anything to combat what their sister was saying. “...That's different-”
“How is it different…? The way you've been acting… that's not the Shouta, the MYOJIN that I know. That's not the same you that wanted to be an inspiration..” Her voice lowered, growing gentler as she placed her hands on their shoulders with a pleading expression as her eyebrows tilted upward.
“You are going to be fighting for the fucking X*Crown Championship soon. This isn't just another championship to add to your name, this is the most IMPORTANT title in the entire XHF Network- and with that, you'll have every single fan that tunes in watching every move you make. Everything that you do, and you have no idea how many who are looking up to you already. Can you imagine what it will be like if- no, WHEN you win?”
MYOJIN didn't know how to respond. How could they? Not only had they not expected to be put on blast, but they hadn't realized the scope of the match against Constantine- the importance of it, and the effects it could have. It wasn't just going to be another fight- but it was one that could quite literally determine the near future, a fight to become the face of the Network. Nor had they considered the consequences of their own actions in the ring- Was it possible that they've been losing their way?
“You have to face it, Sho. You're going to leave an impact and you're going to be an influence on fans who admire you. You have to ask yourself: What kind of impression do you want to leave?”
“I know you've got this. You know that I believe in you every step of the way… but that's something you need to consider.” She then patted her little sibling's shoulders before walking past them- leaving MYOJIN with a new perspective and a lot to think on.
How did they want to be remembered? What mark did they want to leave on the entirety of XHF? To lead an era of positivity…
Or infamy?
“13th and Locust, oh, have I wanted so badly to see this street for myself.”
The camera fades into broad daylight, the sun beaming its golden rays down upon the streets along with a baby blue sky and wispy clouds. The view slowly turns to the Shining Star themself, wearing casual clothing- some ripped jeans, sneakers, a denim jacket, and a tie-dye shirt underneath as they stood next to the iconic 13th Street sign as people and cars walked by, crossing the rainbow-painted crosswalk- a very busy day. The blonde wore a bright, excited smile on their face. As they looked around- their signature sunglasses on.
“I bet already that a lot of Philadelphians recognize exactly where I'm at. This is the Gayborhood-” MYOJIN raised their arms with a toothy grin.
“A place with some of the richest LGBT culture in America. Down there on 21st and Locust is the landmark where Barbara Gittings lived, who's considered the mother of the LGBT rights movement. In front of me is the AIDS Library of Philadelphia, and right next to it is the John Fryer Historical Marker- he was a psychiatrist and gay rights activist, by the way. Not too far from here USED to be the 12th Street Gym's mural of Gloria Casarez, rest her soul, who was the first director of LGBT Affairs for Philly, until some shitheads literally whitewashed it away. The whole reason this place is called the Gayborhood is that the OutFest is annually held here-”
MYOJIN finally caught their breath, taking a moment to inhale, as they had been going on nonstop lovingly about the notable areas. They then laughed, taking their glasses off as a bright look in their eyes showed.
“Sorry, I've just always wanted to visit this place- and I figured now, it was the most appropriate time to do so. Considering, not only that it's Pride Month- but... I needed a reminder of what I was fighting for too.” The Submission spoke, their face turning ever so slightly serious.
“In about the next week, I'm going to have literally the biggest match of not just my tenure in FIRESIDE, not just in the XHF Network either, but my entire career- and... That's been sitting with me for a bit. No pressure, right?" The blonde spoke as they began to walk down the street past some people. They placed their hands in their pockets.
“Caffrey told me that I'd have my shot, I just didn't know it would be… this soon. But when I think about it- I get to kill two birds with one stone! Kick Misha Constantine's ass and win the X*Crown, so it's not all bad.”
Despite the joke, the smile on their face began to fade as they brushed a strand of their hair away from their face. “For the longest time, I had a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to show everyone what I was worth- that entire XHF Junior Heavyweight Title started because I wanted people to pay attention to me, and it was a bit out of spite. I felt that I was owed the world- but with each defense, I was humbled, and I matured and I found something beyond my own ego to defend. I learned how not to tear down, but to build, and in recent time, I had a step back in terms of growth- I found myself becoming so bitter, so arrogant- thinking I was above it all... And it took someone close to me to bring me back to my senses, to remind me of the place I'm in.”
“And I think that's why you upset me, Constantine. Instead of channeling any of that energy to grow and develop and progress, you prefer to put yourself against everyone and everything. Because you remind me so much of.. me.”
“Is there anything you believe in? Or do you do all of this out of hatred? I cannot imagine being THAT insecure after being the inaugural FIRESIDE World Champion and the current X*Crown Champion to where you still have to do everything in your power to make you feel like you're above everyone else.”
“You run off of pure hate, but let me ask something, darling. How long do you think that'll last? Channeling all this spite, all this anger at the world gets exhausting fast. Believe me, I know. I don't think that you even actually enjoy wrestling, but this narcissistic need of yours- to feel like you're superior to everyone is the only thing you have going for you… and it's pathetic, not only that- but its a waste of talent.”
MYOJIN shook their head, simply exhaling with irritation. There was a bit of growing frustration and intensity. “You are an amazing wrestler, Misha. No one can say otherwise with what you've accomplished in such a short time- but you're no God. You're a manchild, and as much bravado as you have, you wonder why your world title run didn't last long? It's because you didn't learn anything- you never realized how to fucking act your age and instead of improving upon yourself, you were and still are focused on trying to destroy instead of create.”
“I don't hate you. I just pity you. I pity that you willingly subject yourself to being such a stagnate wrestler. It makes me feel sorry for you whenever instead of you evolving from your losses and misfortunes, you instead throw the blame at everyone besides yourself. The only thing you know is hate- and that's why you fail, because that's all you allow yourself to feel- it's the only motivation you have.”
MYOJIN stopped, standing in front of the beautiful mural on the William Way LGBT Community Center which presented a group of many people- of different ages, races, genders: unity. The blonde looked up at it, clasping their hands together.
“This neighborhood represents some of the major progression Philadelphia and America as a whole has made when it comes to inclusivity, ...but there's still work to be done. At first, I just really wanted to get payback for your little sneak attack on me during my return. But now? This is about more than that, Misha…”
“Whoever holds the X*Crown Championship can lead the future of the XHF- and I want that responsibility. I want to bring this entire Network to a new era, a better one. I want to inspire as many people as I can and use the Crown to show that people like us are strong and are capable and can lead. I want to break barriers and ceilings- but more than anything? In this day and age where everyone is so divided, where this pandemic has taken so much and politicians only think of their best interests, I want to show love that is what I pride myself on, and you're in the way, Misha. You, who only sees this as a vanity project and only want to take away people's happiness, are holding XHF back.”
“And I just wanna take it further than it ever has been. I'm taking FIRESIDE to a new level and I'm going to become the next X*Crown Champion.”
MYOJIN smirked once more, turning back to face the camera. “So do your worst, Constantine. But it won't be enough to deter me. Insult me, belittle me, underestimate me- but it won't change the outcome where I leave Battle of the Best with the future wrapped around my waist.”
“A God is nothing to me. I've killed one before, I guess it's time to do it again.”
It was a simple question. At least, at first glance it was. There were plenty of easy answers for why a mixed martial artist would choose such a profession. Those were mostly the main three answers MYOJIN heard from the group of students that sat in the Kuromiya family gym, their ages ranged from older teens to young adults. As they all sat cross-legged on the mat, the blonde paced back and forth while listening to said answers as each person raised their hand to speak.
It was another seminar being held for younger students who trained at the place, though this time instead of doing their brother a favor, the former Junior Heavyweight Champion had come because they wanted to. Specifically, because it was June- Pride month, the Shining Star had wanted to do something special for students that identified as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. MYOJIN had specifically asked his brother if he could borrow the gym to do so- and the blonde. Ones that were inherently more unique and stood out in a varying amount of ways. A few seemingly had a fiery passion that wasn’t found in anyone else. Some others showed a great deal of intelligence when sparring. Others, despite their shortcomings, were always picking themselves back up again and again. Though the one common trait between all of the unique types the blonde had personally picked out for the seminar was that they wanted to achieve not just success, but ultimately greatness.
Though MYOJIN was not satisfied with the responses that were given. Instead, they crossed their arms with a neutral look on their faces- pointing to a dark-skinned boy, pretty muscular and well built. “What's your reason, Tristan?”
The teen paused, his eyebrows raised once he realized the blonde was referring to him. He looked in MYOJIN’s direction, thinking about the question. The teen then began scratching the back of his head while speaking, somewhat awkwardly but nonetheless with sincerity. “I like the sport, but I want to get famous, y’know? I want people to recognize me.”
An expected answer.
MYOJIN nodded politely, their dark brown eyes then turned toward another student. “What about you, Brianna?” They asked.
A Hispanic gothic girl with black, short hair and dyed mermaid blue tips along with black matte lipstick. She wore a confident smile once acknowledged, “I just like to fight. I like martial arts, I’ve always been into hand-to-hand combat and stuff like that and it just seems fun to put myself to the test.”
Another expected answer.
MYOJIN crossed their arms, stopping their pacing as they pondered on a better way to ask the question as they looked at one more student. A boy with dark red hair and faint freckles on his sun-kissed skin, more than likely in his early twenties. “And you, Will?”
Will was a much more timid person than the others, it was easily noticeable due to his interaction to hearing his name. His shoulders sunk somewhat as he looked up and awkwardly cleared his throat before speaking. “...I, uh, guess respect. I'd like people to respect me.”
And yet again, another expected answer. MYOJIN clasped their hands together, “Okay- Now I want everyone to recognize those three answers to my question- and while they're valid answers, I don't think anyone truly understood the meaning behind my question. Everyone who wants to be a professional MMA fighter wants fame and respect, everyone MMA fighter finds it fun otherwise they wouldn't want to do it, right? What I'm asking you all is what motivates you personally? What is your drive?”
Tristan, Brianna, Will, and all the other students' attention were now more drawn toward the Shining Star. The blonde paused, letting them all ponder on the question. “I can teach you every hold and strike I know, I can give you plenty of tips, but none of that matters if you don't have a personal goal- a true reason and purpose that gives you the strength to get back up when you're knocked down. The strength that keeps you coming back for more despite the struggles and obstacles that come your way.”
“I can tell you right now that if your only goal is to win often- you won't have a long career because you'll more than likely end up quitting when things don’t go your way. What matters the most in that ring is what you fight for, personally. What gives you the passion to train from months on end, to rehabilitate after an injury, what makes you push yourself to wanting to be the best that you can be. What separates a good fighter from a great fighter is, and I know how terribly cliche this sounds, heart... and dream that you won’t accept less for.”
Brianna suddenly spoke, a curious expression on her face. “Well, if you don’t mind telling us… What’s your reason?”
MYOJIN paused, somewhat taken by surprise. Though, they supposed that they should have expected that- After all, a good mentor is supposed to lead by example. Running a hand through their tied-up golden hair, they gave a small smile. “Well, it's simple..”
“I want to let it be known that it's okay to embrace being different.”
Sometime later after the speech ended and some training was done, everyone had headed home and the blonde was closing up. Their sister, Akira, had also been there helping out as well. She seemed to have something on her mind as the two finished putting everything back where it belonged.
“That was a pretty nice pep talk you gave. Seems like you're getting pretty good at this whole leadership thing.“ She spoke, an amused look on her face.
“You think so?” They responded, snorting. “Sis, I barely have my own life together- I doubt that any of them really take me that seriously.”
“It was pretty inspiring. A lot of them look up to you, whether you realize that or not, Sho. I don't know if you've noticed, but you've become sort of a big deal-”
“Where are you going with this, exactly?” MYOJIN asked, turning to their sister with a puzzled look. Akira simply sighed, placing a hand on her hip.
“I just… think you really need to learn how to follow your own advice.”
“..Huh?”
“Shouta, I've been paying attention to a lot of recent events you've been in and the way you've acted in recent memory, all that aggression? The attitude you've been showing… It's not you.” She spoke, choosing her words carefully to not offend her little sibling.
The blonde frowned, rolling their eyes. “You too? Listen, Akira-”
“You haven't been acting like yourself at all ever since you lost that title in AWF, hell- It even started before that when you were shit talking Bloodied Fox. You're good, I know that- Anyone that watches you knows that, but the way you've been acting recently- Well, hell, it's not that different from the Misha dude you're gonna be facing.”
“So, what? Just because I decided to stop being humble and recognize that I'm one of the best newer wrestlers to XHF, I'm suddenly as bad as that egomaniac?!” They were taken aback, offended as they scowled at their sister.
“Let's be honest, you kind of have been. From this growing superiority complex of yours and the way you look down on your opponents, have you acted any better?” Akira retorted, her voice growing firm as she had a stern look on her face. “Has jumping in the middle of that asshole's tag title match and going behind the ref's back to make him lose shows that you're better than that?”
“When you started wrestling, you said you wanted the world to recognize you for your talent and to not be defined by preconceptions. Then, why did you kick that biker guy in the dick in your match at FIRESIDE a little while back? Doesn't that just make it seem like you have to cheat to win instead of using your skill?”
MYOJIN was stunned, opening their mouth to retort- but they didn't have anything to combat what their sister was saying. “...That's different-”
“How is it different…? The way you've been acting… that's not the Shouta, the MYOJIN that I know. That's not the same you that wanted to be an inspiration..” Her voice lowered, growing gentler as she placed her hands on their shoulders with a pleading expression as her eyebrows tilted upward.
“You are going to be fighting for the fucking X*Crown Championship soon. This isn't just another championship to add to your name, this is the most IMPORTANT title in the entire XHF Network- and with that, you'll have every single fan that tunes in watching every move you make. Everything that you do, and you have no idea how many who are looking up to you already. Can you imagine what it will be like if- no, WHEN you win?”
MYOJIN didn't know how to respond. How could they? Not only had they not expected to be put on blast, but they hadn't realized the scope of the match against Constantine- the importance of it, and the effects it could have. It wasn't just going to be another fight- but it was one that could quite literally determine the near future, a fight to become the face of the Network. Nor had they considered the consequences of their own actions in the ring- Was it possible that they've been losing their way?
“You have to face it, Sho. You're going to leave an impact and you're going to be an influence on fans who admire you. You have to ask yourself: What kind of impression do you want to leave?”
“I know you've got this. You know that I believe in you every step of the way… but that's something you need to consider.” She then patted her little sibling's shoulders before walking past them- leaving MYOJIN with a new perspective and a lot to think on.
How did they want to be remembered? What mark did they want to leave on the entirety of XHF? To lead an era of positivity…
Or infamy?
“13th and Locust, oh, have I wanted so badly to see this street for myself.”
The camera fades into broad daylight, the sun beaming its golden rays down upon the streets along with a baby blue sky and wispy clouds. The view slowly turns to the Shining Star themself, wearing casual clothing- some ripped jeans, sneakers, a denim jacket, and a tie-dye shirt underneath as they stood next to the iconic 13th Street sign as people and cars walked by, crossing the rainbow-painted crosswalk- a very busy day. The blonde wore a bright, excited smile on their face. As they looked around- their signature sunglasses on.
“I bet already that a lot of Philadelphians recognize exactly where I'm at. This is the Gayborhood-” MYOJIN raised their arms with a toothy grin.
“A place with some of the richest LGBT culture in America. Down there on 21st and Locust is the landmark where Barbara Gittings lived, who's considered the mother of the LGBT rights movement. In front of me is the AIDS Library of Philadelphia, and right next to it is the John Fryer Historical Marker- he was a psychiatrist and gay rights activist, by the way. Not too far from here USED to be the 12th Street Gym's mural of Gloria Casarez, rest her soul, who was the first director of LGBT Affairs for Philly, until some shitheads literally whitewashed it away. The whole reason this place is called the Gayborhood is that the OutFest is annually held here-”
MYOJIN finally caught their breath, taking a moment to inhale, as they had been going on nonstop lovingly about the notable areas. They then laughed, taking their glasses off as a bright look in their eyes showed.
“Sorry, I've just always wanted to visit this place- and I figured now, it was the most appropriate time to do so. Considering, not only that it's Pride Month- but... I needed a reminder of what I was fighting for too.” The Submission spoke, their face turning ever so slightly serious.
“In about the next week, I'm going to have literally the biggest match of not just my tenure in FIRESIDE, not just in the XHF Network either, but my entire career- and... That's been sitting with me for a bit. No pressure, right?" The blonde spoke as they began to walk down the street past some people. They placed their hands in their pockets.
“Caffrey told me that I'd have my shot, I just didn't know it would be… this soon. But when I think about it- I get to kill two birds with one stone! Kick Misha Constantine's ass and win the X*Crown, so it's not all bad.”
Despite the joke, the smile on their face began to fade as they brushed a strand of their hair away from their face. “For the longest time, I had a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to show everyone what I was worth- that entire XHF Junior Heavyweight Title started because I wanted people to pay attention to me, and it was a bit out of spite. I felt that I was owed the world- but with each defense, I was humbled, and I matured and I found something beyond my own ego to defend. I learned how not to tear down, but to build, and in recent time, I had a step back in terms of growth- I found myself becoming so bitter, so arrogant- thinking I was above it all... And it took someone close to me to bring me back to my senses, to remind me of the place I'm in.”
“And I think that's why you upset me, Constantine. Instead of channeling any of that energy to grow and develop and progress, you prefer to put yourself against everyone and everything. Because you remind me so much of.. me.”
“Is there anything you believe in? Or do you do all of this out of hatred? I cannot imagine being THAT insecure after being the inaugural FIRESIDE World Champion and the current X*Crown Champion to where you still have to do everything in your power to make you feel like you're above everyone else.”
“You run off of pure hate, but let me ask something, darling. How long do you think that'll last? Channeling all this spite, all this anger at the world gets exhausting fast. Believe me, I know. I don't think that you even actually enjoy wrestling, but this narcissistic need of yours- to feel like you're superior to everyone is the only thing you have going for you… and it's pathetic, not only that- but its a waste of talent.”
MYOJIN shook their head, simply exhaling with irritation. There was a bit of growing frustration and intensity. “You are an amazing wrestler, Misha. No one can say otherwise with what you've accomplished in such a short time- but you're no God. You're a manchild, and as much bravado as you have, you wonder why your world title run didn't last long? It's because you didn't learn anything- you never realized how to fucking act your age and instead of improving upon yourself, you were and still are focused on trying to destroy instead of create.”
“I don't hate you. I just pity you. I pity that you willingly subject yourself to being such a stagnate wrestler. It makes me feel sorry for you whenever instead of you evolving from your losses and misfortunes, you instead throw the blame at everyone besides yourself. The only thing you know is hate- and that's why you fail, because that's all you allow yourself to feel- it's the only motivation you have.”
MYOJIN stopped, standing in front of the beautiful mural on the William Way LGBT Community Center which presented a group of many people- of different ages, races, genders: unity. The blonde looked up at it, clasping their hands together.
“This neighborhood represents some of the major progression Philadelphia and America as a whole has made when it comes to inclusivity, ...but there's still work to be done. At first, I just really wanted to get payback for your little sneak attack on me during my return. But now? This is about more than that, Misha…”
“Whoever holds the X*Crown Championship can lead the future of the XHF- and I want that responsibility. I want to bring this entire Network to a new era, a better one. I want to inspire as many people as I can and use the Crown to show that people like us are strong and are capable and can lead. I want to break barriers and ceilings- but more than anything? In this day and age where everyone is so divided, where this pandemic has taken so much and politicians only think of their best interests, I want to show love that is what I pride myself on, and you're in the way, Misha. You, who only sees this as a vanity project and only want to take away people's happiness, are holding XHF back.”
“And I just wanna take it further than it ever has been. I'm taking FIRESIDE to a new level and I'm going to become the next X*Crown Champion.”
MYOJIN smirked once more, turning back to face the camera. “So do your worst, Constantine. But it won't be enough to deter me. Insult me, belittle me, underestimate me- but it won't change the outcome where I leave Battle of the Best with the future wrapped around my waist.”
“A God is nothing to me. I've killed one before, I guess it's time to do it again.”