Miracles Come True (Caff/Myo #2)
Dec 24, 2021 23:55:20 GMT -5
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Post by MYŌJIN on Dec 24, 2021 23:55:20 GMT -5
The holidays were here.
People were naturally divisive. Different opinions, different ideologies, beliefs, the list goes on- and for some reason? People were very naturally tribalistic and hostile when it came to this division. There was a lot of hate and ignorance in the world, the last two years had been a clear example of that. But come every December of each year, love and unity seemed to shine their brightest. When people came together to celebrate, no matter their differences. Christmas was coming closer and closer- and the Kuromiya family had finally come back together.
MYOJIN had… differences with their family, although still very close with their siblings. Immediately the reason they had decided to show up to the gathering with their fiancée, Himari. Their mother had never really agreed with their life choices and becoming a professional wrestler. She had never been much of a fan of their passions and what they wanted to do with their life. It had strained their relationship for a long time, as MYOJIN had distanced themself. Though for the most part? Everything had been going smoothly.
All of that said, there had been a lot on the Shining Star's mind. Around this time, the youthful wrestler would have expected themself in the Wildfire Championship match against the others, finally getting the chance they had been waiting for to get payback on someone who had not just almost ended their career, but their life. At Good Riddance, the blonde had expected to see themself become the inaugural Wildfire Champion. Though, just like that- plans had changed. Now, they were preparing for a quite frankly, impromptu match with Anthony Caffrey against the BANG Bros for the Tag Team Championships. It would be their final match of the year- and maybe anyone else in their position would've been excited- But admittedly there was some nervousness that the blonde felt, beyond the initial anger that they had with Caffrey- There had been a lingering thought ever since the match had been announced.
Were they and Caffrey good enough to go against a team that had probably cemented themselves as the best tag team in FIRESIDE? It was going to be the first big match that the two would be tagging in together against a duo that had much more experience as a well-oiled machine. But MYOJIN was used to big odds as those have defined them with every triumphant victory and every soul-crushing defeat that they had ever experienced as a fighter.
But if you want to be great, if you want to make history and put yourself back on the record books, if you want to make the statement that you’re here to stay and that the Shining Star hasn’t already burnt out, if you want to knock some old world bullshit values fat on their ass, and if you want to cement not only your legitimacy and legacy but also your identity in front of the world… well, I’ll see you next Thursday.
Caffrey's words rang through their head on repeat.
But that wasn't the real thing that worried them so much. No, it was something less to do with Caffrey and more with themself.
Were they losing their touch?
Ever since their return from the heartbreaking loss that they had experienced, losing the X-Crown Championship in a match that they should have won, should have been prepared for- Everything had been off. The confidence that had led the Shining Star to be one of the breakout stars of 2021 had been missing. The resolve that had been pushed them through the pain that every opponent had put them through, only to stand once again- felt like it was weakening. Their passion's flame felt like it was dying out.
MYOJIN held an old picture frame in their hand, looking over it- it was an old photo of themself as a kid in a white gi with a gold medal around their neck, along with a bright smile on their face. A tournament that they had won as a preteen. If only they felt that same belief in themself as back then…
“(That Himari girl is such a nice soul. She's definitely a keeper, you know.))” A feminine, older voice called out from the doorway. MYOJIN turned, raising their eyebrows with brief surprise to see their mother- Megumi Kuromiya- standing at the doorway. She gave a soft, little smile before walking over. "(You two seem like a perfect match.)”
The blonde sat the picture to the side, looking down, "(Yeah, she's been my biggest supporter through everything. I don't know where I'd be without her.)”
Megumi's smile faltered ever so slightly, lightly placing her hands together as she stood. She looked down as well, lightly sighing, before briefly averting her gaze. "(Shouta… Can we talk?)”
A tinge of curiosity ran through their mind as they turned to their mother, simply patting the spot on the bed right next to them. "(Sure, mom. What's up?)”
“(I was talking to her, Himari, and your sister earlier- and they've both been telling me a little about how you've been doing recently ever since you came back from the hospital.)”
Oh. Of course. This was the part where she, like always, criticized their choice to become a fighter. Telling them that it was too dangerous and that it would be best to finally give up on their dream since they have been struggling. MYOJIN felt their eyebrows furrow as they expected to hear the same things from her that had caused a rift in their relationship as mother and child; already starting to regret even coming to her home on Christmas Eve-
“(And I just wanted to tell you… that I'm proud of you.)”
That was unexpected. It caused MYOJIN's eyes to slightly widen as they turned to look toward her, softly uttering; "(What?)”
Megumi brought herself closer, lightly placing her hand on their shoulder. "(I know, I should've said this a long time ago- but I am so, so proud of you-... and I've regretted never telling you that, Shouta. I was always so worried about you and Akira getting hurt.. I've seen what so many years of violence had done to your father- and your older brother had gotten seriously injured from following in his footsteps. The reason I always was so against you doing this is that… Well, I was worried that you'd end up the same way. I was scared- and I know that I hurt you because of that… I'm sorry.)”
MYOJIN let out a little defeated laugh, running a hand through their hair. "(Well.. Every day it starts to seem like you were more right than I realized. I keep putting my body, my mind through SO much just to keep falling short and… I'm starting to wonder if I belong, if maybe I really was never meant for this..)”
"(You do,)” She responded, shocking MYOJIN even a little more. Megumi then caringly cupped their cheeks with her hands, turning their head to look her in the eyes. "(Shouta, you proved me wrong. I've paid attention to what you've been doing, what you have been able to accomplish in such a short time. I've even seen the inspiration, the hope you've inspired… I know that things haven't been easy recently, that you have had a hard time- and you're maybe wondering if any of it was worth it? Believe me, Shouta, it is.)”
Her soft smile reappeared on her face, "(I remember once upon a time that I felt just like you. Your grandfather had always been against my dreams- and when I finally pursued them, and it wasn't going the way that I hoped.. I wondered if I should continue as well. I didn't- and sometimes I still regret that… And I don't want for you to be put in the same position.)” Megumi then hugged MYOJIN.
"(You can't give up, because you've gotten this far no matter what has gotten in your way. You sure didn't let me stop you, so don't let these obstacles stop you either.)”
MYOJIN didn't know what to say. The emotion they felt was hard to explain; the feeling of finally being accepted as tears started to form in their eyes. The blonde leaned their head against their mother's shoulder. Her words were comforting, reassuring… but most importantly, exactly what they had needed to hear. It seemed that Christmas miracles did come true after all.
"(Thank you, mom… I really needed that.)”
This is it.
The final FIRESIDE show of the year 2021. An extremely chaotic year, at that- To the point where I definitely consider the pay per view name Good Riddance, like last year, to be perfectly apt. It's been a year of ups and downs- I went from resurrecting the Junior Heavyweight division and being one of the rare X*Crown Champions to successfully defend at Night of Champions to losing all of that in only a few moments. I've felt like I've been without a sense of direction, a purpose ever since I've come back and it's shown in my matches- how I barely survived Gavin Drake, how I didn't win a chance to face Bloodied Fox for the title he won from me. Though when I say this year has been one hell of a rocky ride, I'm not just talking about myself- or just talking about wrestling.
I'm talking about life in general.
So much has happened this year, so much I don't think any of us were prepared for it. I think that we all thought that we would get through this pandemic and the struggles that it brought along in 2020, then we'd be able to move on… And that's unfortunately not the case, darlings. We even have a new variant to deal with- and don't get me started on the politicization of masks and vaccines against the virus that shall not be named- It's been rough, no- That's an understatement, we were all hoping that this year was going to take a turn for the better- and while things did improve, it wasn't the change back to normal that any of us were hoping for.
But now it's close to the holidays, tomorrow actually is Christmas- I'm recording this sitting in my living room staring at the tree my fiancee and I spent much time, the gifts we wrapped for each other and the family that is going to be visiting- And suddenly all those anxieties that I felt? Those worries? Everything that has been on my mind troubling me has taken a backseat as I sit here cozy, knowing that I'm not alone- and that I have people that care about me. And that's what Christmas is truly all about, right, lovelies? The gifts, the musics, the tacky decorations, but most importantly- unity. Being close to the people that you love and cherish and celebrating not only the happiness that it brings, but also the fact that you've made it to the final few days of the year. That I and evertone listening to this survived, preserved through all worst moments we experienced through these twelve months and made it to the finish line.
And… maybe I'm naively optimistic. Maybe I have my hopes set too high for my own good, but I see 2022 as being a great year. It's going to be the restart all of us need.
Though it's not over yet. I still have some work left to accomplish. You see, notice how I mentioned the word unity earlier? That's a very important word. A meaningful word that represents a lot- and in this specific case? It's something that a great tag team needs in order to succeed.
BANG Bros. has that. Kanyon and El Combatiente? Are undoubtedly one of the greatest tag teams that we will ever see in our lifetime. They've had an iron fist wrapped around this division- and they've been near unstoppable… And anyone with simple logic could reason that Caffrey and I- a team with relatively no experience together aren't much of a threat to a team like that.
But…. What if we defied those odds? What if we pulled off a miracle? What if they're underestimating us because of that?
What if we finally pried their iron grip from FIRESIDE and brought in a new era?
Caffrey picked me as his tag partner because he knows me. He knows the competitive strive that I have for anything I'm given. He knows that I will put one-hundred-and-ten percent into every bout, every match, every single moment I'm given to prove that I am what I say I am: the best. And at first? I was upset with him for forcing me into this, but considering how low I've felt in recent memory? I want to end this year on a high note. I want to show to everyone that this slump that I've had in recent memory? Is just that; a slump. A temporary down period. I want to show everyone that I haven't peaked, I'm not even CLOSE to my peak. And what better way to do that then by going against a legend and one of the current best wrestlers to do it today?
And Caffrey? At some point, you, Kanyon, have had to realize that everyone can be pushed to their limit. That those months of torturing, playing with him- thinking he wouldn't do anything to retaliate would eventually come back to bite you. Caffrey has been dreaming to get his hands on you both for the longest time- and he'll do almost anything to make sure he finally gets payback.
But make no mistake, I'm not doing this for him.
I'm doing this for me.
Kanyon, beyond your term as president sucking, I have ran into men like you throughout all my career. The old guard, the gatekeepers trying to keep things as the way that they once were. Trying to stay on top of the mountain and stop any youthful wrestler in their tracks from reaching higher above you. You think that your past, your experience, makes you superior to me and to Caffrey- And news flash, honey? I've been beating people just like that my entire career as well. Every time a veteran that has tried to hold me down from smashing through the glass ceiling, I have torn straight through them and have done it anyways. You are undoubtedly one of the greatest of all time, but that's exactly all the motivation I need in order to end your reign. I need to break this spell, I need to show the world that the Shining Star isn't finished yet. And to be quite blunt? Using you as a stepping stone will get me exactly where I need to be.
And El Combatiente? I respect you, I respect everything that you've accomplished- but at the same time? I don't buy this friendliness of yours. With the crowd you hang around, I don't buy you as the genuine heroic person that you tend to claim you are. You are an amazing high flyer, but so I am- and not only that? I'm capable of so much more than just acrobatics. I want to fight you someday one on one, but facing you in this match is more than good enough for now.
Sure, I'm already guessing the main point you two have against us is that we haven't been a long tenured team as you two have. But Caffrey and I? Well, we're both former X-Crown Champions. He's already been apart of one of the best teams ever as the Purple Emperors- and not to mention, one of the longest reigning world champions in XHF history? Me, well, all of you already know everything that I've done. Everything that I've proven. We're both talented, we're both very experienced- and we wrestle a similar style. It won't take long for us to sync up- and once we do?
You're both in trouble.
I guess the two of you could say; Caffrey and I are going to end this year with a BANG!
People were naturally divisive. Different opinions, different ideologies, beliefs, the list goes on- and for some reason? People were very naturally tribalistic and hostile when it came to this division. There was a lot of hate and ignorance in the world, the last two years had been a clear example of that. But come every December of each year, love and unity seemed to shine their brightest. When people came together to celebrate, no matter their differences. Christmas was coming closer and closer- and the Kuromiya family had finally come back together.
MYOJIN had… differences with their family, although still very close with their siblings. Immediately the reason they had decided to show up to the gathering with their fiancée, Himari. Their mother had never really agreed with their life choices and becoming a professional wrestler. She had never been much of a fan of their passions and what they wanted to do with their life. It had strained their relationship for a long time, as MYOJIN had distanced themself. Though for the most part? Everything had been going smoothly.
All of that said, there had been a lot on the Shining Star's mind. Around this time, the youthful wrestler would have expected themself in the Wildfire Championship match against the others, finally getting the chance they had been waiting for to get payback on someone who had not just almost ended their career, but their life. At Good Riddance, the blonde had expected to see themself become the inaugural Wildfire Champion. Though, just like that- plans had changed. Now, they were preparing for a quite frankly, impromptu match with Anthony Caffrey against the BANG Bros for the Tag Team Championships. It would be their final match of the year- and maybe anyone else in their position would've been excited- But admittedly there was some nervousness that the blonde felt, beyond the initial anger that they had with Caffrey- There had been a lingering thought ever since the match had been announced.
Were they and Caffrey good enough to go against a team that had probably cemented themselves as the best tag team in FIRESIDE? It was going to be the first big match that the two would be tagging in together against a duo that had much more experience as a well-oiled machine. But MYOJIN was used to big odds as those have defined them with every triumphant victory and every soul-crushing defeat that they had ever experienced as a fighter.
But if you want to be great, if you want to make history and put yourself back on the record books, if you want to make the statement that you’re here to stay and that the Shining Star hasn’t already burnt out, if you want to knock some old world bullshit values fat on their ass, and if you want to cement not only your legitimacy and legacy but also your identity in front of the world… well, I’ll see you next Thursday.
Caffrey's words rang through their head on repeat.
But that wasn't the real thing that worried them so much. No, it was something less to do with Caffrey and more with themself.
Were they losing their touch?
Ever since their return from the heartbreaking loss that they had experienced, losing the X-Crown Championship in a match that they should have won, should have been prepared for- Everything had been off. The confidence that had led the Shining Star to be one of the breakout stars of 2021 had been missing. The resolve that had been pushed them through the pain that every opponent had put them through, only to stand once again- felt like it was weakening. Their passion's flame felt like it was dying out.
MYOJIN held an old picture frame in their hand, looking over it- it was an old photo of themself as a kid in a white gi with a gold medal around their neck, along with a bright smile on their face. A tournament that they had won as a preteen. If only they felt that same belief in themself as back then…
“(That Himari girl is such a nice soul. She's definitely a keeper, you know.))” A feminine, older voice called out from the doorway. MYOJIN turned, raising their eyebrows with brief surprise to see their mother- Megumi Kuromiya- standing at the doorway. She gave a soft, little smile before walking over. "(You two seem like a perfect match.)”
The blonde sat the picture to the side, looking down, "(Yeah, she's been my biggest supporter through everything. I don't know where I'd be without her.)”
Megumi's smile faltered ever so slightly, lightly placing her hands together as she stood. She looked down as well, lightly sighing, before briefly averting her gaze. "(Shouta… Can we talk?)”
A tinge of curiosity ran through their mind as they turned to their mother, simply patting the spot on the bed right next to them. "(Sure, mom. What's up?)”
“(I was talking to her, Himari, and your sister earlier- and they've both been telling me a little about how you've been doing recently ever since you came back from the hospital.)”
Oh. Of course. This was the part where she, like always, criticized their choice to become a fighter. Telling them that it was too dangerous and that it would be best to finally give up on their dream since they have been struggling. MYOJIN felt their eyebrows furrow as they expected to hear the same things from her that had caused a rift in their relationship as mother and child; already starting to regret even coming to her home on Christmas Eve-
“(And I just wanted to tell you… that I'm proud of you.)”
That was unexpected. It caused MYOJIN's eyes to slightly widen as they turned to look toward her, softly uttering; "(What?)”
Megumi brought herself closer, lightly placing her hand on their shoulder. "(I know, I should've said this a long time ago- but I am so, so proud of you-... and I've regretted never telling you that, Shouta. I was always so worried about you and Akira getting hurt.. I've seen what so many years of violence had done to your father- and your older brother had gotten seriously injured from following in his footsteps. The reason I always was so against you doing this is that… Well, I was worried that you'd end up the same way. I was scared- and I know that I hurt you because of that… I'm sorry.)”
MYOJIN let out a little defeated laugh, running a hand through their hair. "(Well.. Every day it starts to seem like you were more right than I realized. I keep putting my body, my mind through SO much just to keep falling short and… I'm starting to wonder if I belong, if maybe I really was never meant for this..)”
"(You do,)” She responded, shocking MYOJIN even a little more. Megumi then caringly cupped their cheeks with her hands, turning their head to look her in the eyes. "(Shouta, you proved me wrong. I've paid attention to what you've been doing, what you have been able to accomplish in such a short time. I've even seen the inspiration, the hope you've inspired… I know that things haven't been easy recently, that you have had a hard time- and you're maybe wondering if any of it was worth it? Believe me, Shouta, it is.)”
Her soft smile reappeared on her face, "(I remember once upon a time that I felt just like you. Your grandfather had always been against my dreams- and when I finally pursued them, and it wasn't going the way that I hoped.. I wondered if I should continue as well. I didn't- and sometimes I still regret that… And I don't want for you to be put in the same position.)” Megumi then hugged MYOJIN.
"(You can't give up, because you've gotten this far no matter what has gotten in your way. You sure didn't let me stop you, so don't let these obstacles stop you either.)”
MYOJIN didn't know what to say. The emotion they felt was hard to explain; the feeling of finally being accepted as tears started to form in their eyes. The blonde leaned their head against their mother's shoulder. Her words were comforting, reassuring… but most importantly, exactly what they had needed to hear. It seemed that Christmas miracles did come true after all.
"(Thank you, mom… I really needed that.)”
This is it.
The final FIRESIDE show of the year 2021. An extremely chaotic year, at that- To the point where I definitely consider the pay per view name Good Riddance, like last year, to be perfectly apt. It's been a year of ups and downs- I went from resurrecting the Junior Heavyweight division and being one of the rare X*Crown Champions to successfully defend at Night of Champions to losing all of that in only a few moments. I've felt like I've been without a sense of direction, a purpose ever since I've come back and it's shown in my matches- how I barely survived Gavin Drake, how I didn't win a chance to face Bloodied Fox for the title he won from me. Though when I say this year has been one hell of a rocky ride, I'm not just talking about myself- or just talking about wrestling.
I'm talking about life in general.
So much has happened this year, so much I don't think any of us were prepared for it. I think that we all thought that we would get through this pandemic and the struggles that it brought along in 2020, then we'd be able to move on… And that's unfortunately not the case, darlings. We even have a new variant to deal with- and don't get me started on the politicization of masks and vaccines against the virus that shall not be named- It's been rough, no- That's an understatement, we were all hoping that this year was going to take a turn for the better- and while things did improve, it wasn't the change back to normal that any of us were hoping for.
But now it's close to the holidays, tomorrow actually is Christmas- I'm recording this sitting in my living room staring at the tree my fiancee and I spent much time, the gifts we wrapped for each other and the family that is going to be visiting- And suddenly all those anxieties that I felt? Those worries? Everything that has been on my mind troubling me has taken a backseat as I sit here cozy, knowing that I'm not alone- and that I have people that care about me. And that's what Christmas is truly all about, right, lovelies? The gifts, the musics, the tacky decorations, but most importantly- unity. Being close to the people that you love and cherish and celebrating not only the happiness that it brings, but also the fact that you've made it to the final few days of the year. That I and evertone listening to this survived, preserved through all worst moments we experienced through these twelve months and made it to the finish line.
And… maybe I'm naively optimistic. Maybe I have my hopes set too high for my own good, but I see 2022 as being a great year. It's going to be the restart all of us need.
Though it's not over yet. I still have some work left to accomplish. You see, notice how I mentioned the word unity earlier? That's a very important word. A meaningful word that represents a lot- and in this specific case? It's something that a great tag team needs in order to succeed.
BANG Bros. has that. Kanyon and El Combatiente? Are undoubtedly one of the greatest tag teams that we will ever see in our lifetime. They've had an iron fist wrapped around this division- and they've been near unstoppable… And anyone with simple logic could reason that Caffrey and I- a team with relatively no experience together aren't much of a threat to a team like that.
But…. What if we defied those odds? What if we pulled off a miracle? What if they're underestimating us because of that?
What if we finally pried their iron grip from FIRESIDE and brought in a new era?
Caffrey picked me as his tag partner because he knows me. He knows the competitive strive that I have for anything I'm given. He knows that I will put one-hundred-and-ten percent into every bout, every match, every single moment I'm given to prove that I am what I say I am: the best. And at first? I was upset with him for forcing me into this, but considering how low I've felt in recent memory? I want to end this year on a high note. I want to show to everyone that this slump that I've had in recent memory? Is just that; a slump. A temporary down period. I want to show everyone that I haven't peaked, I'm not even CLOSE to my peak. And what better way to do that then by going against a legend and one of the current best wrestlers to do it today?
And Caffrey? At some point, you, Kanyon, have had to realize that everyone can be pushed to their limit. That those months of torturing, playing with him- thinking he wouldn't do anything to retaliate would eventually come back to bite you. Caffrey has been dreaming to get his hands on you both for the longest time- and he'll do almost anything to make sure he finally gets payback.
But make no mistake, I'm not doing this for him.
I'm doing this for me.
Kanyon, beyond your term as president sucking, I have ran into men like you throughout all my career. The old guard, the gatekeepers trying to keep things as the way that they once were. Trying to stay on top of the mountain and stop any youthful wrestler in their tracks from reaching higher above you. You think that your past, your experience, makes you superior to me and to Caffrey- And news flash, honey? I've been beating people just like that my entire career as well. Every time a veteran that has tried to hold me down from smashing through the glass ceiling, I have torn straight through them and have done it anyways. You are undoubtedly one of the greatest of all time, but that's exactly all the motivation I need in order to end your reign. I need to break this spell, I need to show the world that the Shining Star isn't finished yet. And to be quite blunt? Using you as a stepping stone will get me exactly where I need to be.
And El Combatiente? I respect you, I respect everything that you've accomplished- but at the same time? I don't buy this friendliness of yours. With the crowd you hang around, I don't buy you as the genuine heroic person that you tend to claim you are. You are an amazing high flyer, but so I am- and not only that? I'm capable of so much more than just acrobatics. I want to fight you someday one on one, but facing you in this match is more than good enough for now.
Sure, I'm already guessing the main point you two have against us is that we haven't been a long tenured team as you two have. But Caffrey and I? Well, we're both former X-Crown Champions. He's already been apart of one of the best teams ever as the Purple Emperors- and not to mention, one of the longest reigning world champions in XHF history? Me, well, all of you already know everything that I've done. Everything that I've proven. We're both talented, we're both very experienced- and we wrestle a similar style. It won't take long for us to sync up- and once we do?
You're both in trouble.
I guess the two of you could say; Caffrey and I are going to end this year with a BANG!