Post by Jin Min-jun on Aug 9, 2021 22:37:58 GMT -5
Note: Whenever speech is written in this colour that character is actually speaking in Korean and I am just writing the English translation of what they're saying.
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I look around my room as I've done for the last six or so weeks. It feels like a cage almost.
I came.... so close. I was on the top of that mountain... I was bout ta take LeClair out and give her a reason to keep bitchin bout the UnStable. And then BANG.
My thoughts are still hazy from that night. Everything happened so fast. No warning... no idea who...or why. But it doesn't matter. It can't matter. Six weeks. Six weeks without any real income for my fam... my little gang of misfits.
The struggle came back and it came back fast and their glorious leader couldn't do a fucking thing about it because he got cocky and thought for a second he was untouchable. Serves me right.
My phone rings and snaps me out of my train of thought. I look to the screen and it's a name I know I need to hear from.
Min-jun: Park Taehyun... I've missed you. You haven't called me in so long.
Taehyun: I am sorry Minnie I've been busy with work. I also wasn't sure if my calls were helpful to you or if me reaching out made things worse.
Min-jun: No! Tae! Ever since you left... after.. well you know... I've felt like a piece has been missing from my heart. Hearing your voice gives me peace.
Taehyun: Then I will do my best to not make you wait so long to hear it again.
Tae goes silent and for a moment the only sound I can hear is the racing of my heart and the flaps of the butterflies in my stomach.
Min-jun: So why call now?
Taehyun: Minnie... I'm worried about you. I've been watching... the attack on you ... is it a good idea to be back?
The fear in Tae's voice is clear and I know he has every reason to worry. I know exactly how he feels.. it's how I felt watching everything turn red in my hands... watching life start to leave his eyes... but he made it and I made it. We rebuilt. We moved forward. And now that we have each other again... we conquer all over.
Min-jun: Tae... you know I'm a fighter, a scrapper. I've taken my fair share of beatings and gotten back up. That's what I'm doing now.
Taehyun: Minnie... this was worse than a fight back in Brooklyn... you were left for dead. All the blood... how's your head?
Min-jun: Well you never seemed to complain.. but I have been a bit out of practice.
I hear Taehyun choke back a laugh, struggling to maintain a serious concern for me. That's what I've always been good at: breaking tension and getting you to laugh through the bad.
Min-jun: I know I just made you laugh.
Taehyun: Jin Min-jun I'm trying to be serious.
Oh shit... he used the full name. Doghouse for me.
Min-jun: Tae I'm fine. I'm resilient. My leg is better from Rebirth, my head is fine from the attack. And more than that I have a responsibility to those kids. No injury is going to stop me from helping them.
I hear Tae sigh as he accepts my stubbornness.
Taehyun: Min-jun your heart has always been bigger than your brain... but it's why I love you. Please be safe... I'll call you when I can, but I have to go.
A smile takes over my face completely at the mention of love. Even as the line goes dead I can't stop the butterflies that now feel like eagles soaring around. This was the last little kick I needed to get my ass back in gear. I've got a match to get ready for and the kind of requires me to get my ass outta bed and leave the comfort of my room.
I get out of bed and walk to my suitcase in the corner chaotically tossing my gear and travel essentials into it before walking out the door. My mom is of course waiting to intercept in the hallway.
Mrs. Jin: Min-jun are you leaving again? I really hate that you insist on returning to this bloody sport. You're making me age faster.
Min-jun: I am mom. I will be okay I promise. I know you worry... so does Taehyun, but I need to do this. I need to help all my little neighbors.
At the mention of Taehyun I see my mom's face twist with concern. As she speaks there is a deep sadness in her voice.
Mrs. Jin: .... Min-jun...... you talked with Taehyun? Are you sure-
Min-jun: Am I sure it's a good idea? Yes I am!
Mrs. Jin: But Min-jun ..... you know he's-
Min-jun: Mom! Stop! I get it. You've always thought it was a bad idea for us to hang out... I get it you think he's a bad influence... but I don't. He supports me and I'm asking you to do the same.
Before she can respond I storm out the door.
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Tuesday Night Jin is back on the air and ratings are about to go through the roof! It's been what.. a month and a half? I know y'all missed me and the feeling has been mutual. At Rebirth I showed up and showed out... walked right up to the top dog on my show and called my shot.
Sierra Heck'N Silver.. gotta say I'm proud of you. You went from being knocked out by me... to taking advantage of MY opportunity. You gained so much from me being taken out.. went from a twenty-four seven title chase to winning the most important title in the company. Movin' on up girl. But I'mma move on up too...and send you right back down.
The attack from the "Definitely Wasn't the Left Hand Wink Wink Nudge Nudge" . .. it was a temporary setback at most. All I've proven in this company is that I'm the most resilient stray dog to ever walk the damn streets. Made to bleed by the living embodiment of a mid-life crisis Jason Ryan.... went on a win streak. Got my leg busted by Lee... knocked her out... knocked two more out. Walked in beaten and busted up against a seven foot idiot... flexed a bit higher and still knocked that mother fucker out. That's what I do. I get beat the fuck down, I lick my wounds, and then I get the fuck back up.
So Sierra... I'm giving you full warning now. I called my shot at Rebirth and when I get the chance lined up I'mma fire it. I'm gunna do what I did at Glory and kick your head clean off ya shoulders, but this time it won't be for the "opportunity" it's gunna be for the top prize itself. But before I step up to you again and repeat that history.. gotta start from the ground up with my come-up. And damn from what I've seen... I'm really starting from the slums again.
Cross.. I know when you walked back in ta Revo1 you came in with your guns blazing thinking you really did something by winning that Futures Title. You came back to Revo after some time off and found immediate success.... but then you dropped that ball pretty damn quick. Eight days.... that all it take to get you off your game fam? Eight days? Sure you managed to pick yourself up and get yourself in a good place for the Remembrance Battle Royal... but damn girl you blew that shit too didn't ya? Who's got your case now? It ain't you. That's been a cycle for you. International title win... then dropped it... then dropped off the roster. Futures Title win... dropped it... Remembrance Case win... lost that. So how long til you drop off again? How long til you walk out on your fans again.. walk out on the folks that depend on you?
See that's what makes you and I so different Sara. You crumble under that pressure and then fuck off until you think we've all forgotten about it. I don't have that luxury. Sara I don't get to just give up when it gets too hard. I've never been able to. If I walk away who looks out for the kids back home? The world sure the fuck isn't. Their parents are tryin their hardest, but they haven't been barely stayin above water. But me... well I can put my body through hell time and time again just to send a little somethin back home. Now sure beatin' you ... not gonna be too much of a pay day... but it's about climbing back up to the gold and the big cash. You're that rung on the ladder back to the top.
And trust.. I'mma climb right over you. I have no choice. It's too serious for me. I don't act like a fuckin fool wasting my time setting up some cliched fuckin set for my promos as a metaphor. I don't care about that.. it's a waste. Streets don't care about your lighting set ups or the house you want to represent the inside versus the outside. I've seen lives end in the time you wasted setting that shit up.
You know what else I don't waste my time on? Pretending everything is like some anime. This is real life. This isn't Pokemon where all your problems are from some bumbling team of idiots and are nicely solved in less than a half hour. That's not how life works Cross. You know I didn't really get a chance to get lost in cartoons like that? Never really. Was studying hard as a kid to try and impress my parents. When I realized studying wasn't keeping a roof over my head I started hustling. I know you think you've studied all these anime's so you think you know how to overcome everything. Probably going to say I'm like I don't know... Zuko or Sasuke or some other anti-hero from one of your shows, but what I am Cross is a much bigger problem... I'm real.
You convince yourself I'm some anime rival to overcome and you'll be looking up at the lights. I promise you that. I'm not a ninja... I'm not some Fire Lord. I am the most dangerous threat you've ever had to face... because I simply can NOT allow myself to lose... I have too much riding on my shoulders. I won't lose. I can't lose. I'm not a problem you can overcome with a pikachu or a rasengan.
No "jutsu" is gonna help you after a Shot of Jin. Ask Sierra.. ask Aph 9.. ask Jessie Lee... hell ask Nanovirus. When the Brooklyngun calls his shot he always hits his target. So Sara let me be clear. My shot is called... the winner's coin is comin home with me. I'm about to be your next excuse to leave.
-----------------------------------
I look around my room as I've done for the last six or so weeks. It feels like a cage almost.
I came.... so close. I was on the top of that mountain... I was bout ta take LeClair out and give her a reason to keep bitchin bout the UnStable. And then BANG.
My thoughts are still hazy from that night. Everything happened so fast. No warning... no idea who...or why. But it doesn't matter. It can't matter. Six weeks. Six weeks without any real income for my fam... my little gang of misfits.
The struggle came back and it came back fast and their glorious leader couldn't do a fucking thing about it because he got cocky and thought for a second he was untouchable. Serves me right.
My phone rings and snaps me out of my train of thought. I look to the screen and it's a name I know I need to hear from.
Min-jun: Park Taehyun... I've missed you. You haven't called me in so long.
Taehyun: I am sorry Minnie I've been busy with work. I also wasn't sure if my calls were helpful to you or if me reaching out made things worse.
Min-jun: No! Tae! Ever since you left... after.. well you know... I've felt like a piece has been missing from my heart. Hearing your voice gives me peace.
Taehyun: Then I will do my best to not make you wait so long to hear it again.
Tae goes silent and for a moment the only sound I can hear is the racing of my heart and the flaps of the butterflies in my stomach.
Min-jun: So why call now?
Taehyun: Minnie... I'm worried about you. I've been watching... the attack on you ... is it a good idea to be back?
The fear in Tae's voice is clear and I know he has every reason to worry. I know exactly how he feels.. it's how I felt watching everything turn red in my hands... watching life start to leave his eyes... but he made it and I made it. We rebuilt. We moved forward. And now that we have each other again... we conquer all over.
Min-jun: Tae... you know I'm a fighter, a scrapper. I've taken my fair share of beatings and gotten back up. That's what I'm doing now.
Taehyun: Minnie... this was worse than a fight back in Brooklyn... you were left for dead. All the blood... how's your head?
Min-jun: Well you never seemed to complain.. but I have been a bit out of practice.
I hear Taehyun choke back a laugh, struggling to maintain a serious concern for me. That's what I've always been good at: breaking tension and getting you to laugh through the bad.
Min-jun: I know I just made you laugh.
Taehyun: Jin Min-jun I'm trying to be serious.
Oh shit... he used the full name. Doghouse for me.
Min-jun: Tae I'm fine. I'm resilient. My leg is better from Rebirth, my head is fine from the attack. And more than that I have a responsibility to those kids. No injury is going to stop me from helping them.
I hear Tae sigh as he accepts my stubbornness.
Taehyun: Min-jun your heart has always been bigger than your brain... but it's why I love you. Please be safe... I'll call you when I can, but I have to go.
A smile takes over my face completely at the mention of love. Even as the line goes dead I can't stop the butterflies that now feel like eagles soaring around. This was the last little kick I needed to get my ass back in gear. I've got a match to get ready for and the kind of requires me to get my ass outta bed and leave the comfort of my room.
I get out of bed and walk to my suitcase in the corner chaotically tossing my gear and travel essentials into it before walking out the door. My mom is of course waiting to intercept in the hallway.
Mrs. Jin: Min-jun are you leaving again? I really hate that you insist on returning to this bloody sport. You're making me age faster.
Min-jun: I am mom. I will be okay I promise. I know you worry... so does Taehyun, but I need to do this. I need to help all my little neighbors.
At the mention of Taehyun I see my mom's face twist with concern. As she speaks there is a deep sadness in her voice.
Mrs. Jin: .... Min-jun...... you talked with Taehyun? Are you sure-
Min-jun: Am I sure it's a good idea? Yes I am!
Mrs. Jin: But Min-jun ..... you know he's-
Min-jun: Mom! Stop! I get it. You've always thought it was a bad idea for us to hang out... I get it you think he's a bad influence... but I don't. He supports me and I'm asking you to do the same.
Before she can respond I storm out the door.
-------------------------
Tuesday Night Jin is back on the air and ratings are about to go through the roof! It's been what.. a month and a half? I know y'all missed me and the feeling has been mutual. At Rebirth I showed up and showed out... walked right up to the top dog on my show and called my shot.
Sierra Heck'N Silver.. gotta say I'm proud of you. You went from being knocked out by me... to taking advantage of MY opportunity. You gained so much from me being taken out.. went from a twenty-four seven title chase to winning the most important title in the company. Movin' on up girl. But I'mma move on up too...and send you right back down.
The attack from the "Definitely Wasn't the Left Hand Wink Wink Nudge Nudge" . .. it was a temporary setback at most. All I've proven in this company is that I'm the most resilient stray dog to ever walk the damn streets. Made to bleed by the living embodiment of a mid-life crisis Jason Ryan.... went on a win streak. Got my leg busted by Lee... knocked her out... knocked two more out. Walked in beaten and busted up against a seven foot idiot... flexed a bit higher and still knocked that mother fucker out. That's what I do. I get beat the fuck down, I lick my wounds, and then I get the fuck back up.
So Sierra... I'm giving you full warning now. I called my shot at Rebirth and when I get the chance lined up I'mma fire it. I'm gunna do what I did at Glory and kick your head clean off ya shoulders, but this time it won't be for the "opportunity" it's gunna be for the top prize itself. But before I step up to you again and repeat that history.. gotta start from the ground up with my come-up. And damn from what I've seen... I'm really starting from the slums again.
Cross.. I know when you walked back in ta Revo1 you came in with your guns blazing thinking you really did something by winning that Futures Title. You came back to Revo after some time off and found immediate success.... but then you dropped that ball pretty damn quick. Eight days.... that all it take to get you off your game fam? Eight days? Sure you managed to pick yourself up and get yourself in a good place for the Remembrance Battle Royal... but damn girl you blew that shit too didn't ya? Who's got your case now? It ain't you. That's been a cycle for you. International title win... then dropped it... then dropped off the roster. Futures Title win... dropped it... Remembrance Case win... lost that. So how long til you drop off again? How long til you walk out on your fans again.. walk out on the folks that depend on you?
See that's what makes you and I so different Sara. You crumble under that pressure and then fuck off until you think we've all forgotten about it. I don't have that luxury. Sara I don't get to just give up when it gets too hard. I've never been able to. If I walk away who looks out for the kids back home? The world sure the fuck isn't. Their parents are tryin their hardest, but they haven't been barely stayin above water. But me... well I can put my body through hell time and time again just to send a little somethin back home. Now sure beatin' you ... not gonna be too much of a pay day... but it's about climbing back up to the gold and the big cash. You're that rung on the ladder back to the top.
And trust.. I'mma climb right over you. I have no choice. It's too serious for me. I don't act like a fuckin fool wasting my time setting up some cliched fuckin set for my promos as a metaphor. I don't care about that.. it's a waste. Streets don't care about your lighting set ups or the house you want to represent the inside versus the outside. I've seen lives end in the time you wasted setting that shit up.
You know what else I don't waste my time on? Pretending everything is like some anime. This is real life. This isn't Pokemon where all your problems are from some bumbling team of idiots and are nicely solved in less than a half hour. That's not how life works Cross. You know I didn't really get a chance to get lost in cartoons like that? Never really. Was studying hard as a kid to try and impress my parents. When I realized studying wasn't keeping a roof over my head I started hustling. I know you think you've studied all these anime's so you think you know how to overcome everything. Probably going to say I'm like I don't know... Zuko or Sasuke or some other anti-hero from one of your shows, but what I am Cross is a much bigger problem... I'm real.
You convince yourself I'm some anime rival to overcome and you'll be looking up at the lights. I promise you that. I'm not a ninja... I'm not some Fire Lord. I am the most dangerous threat you've ever had to face... because I simply can NOT allow myself to lose... I have too much riding on my shoulders. I won't lose. I can't lose. I'm not a problem you can overcome with a pikachu or a rasengan.
No "jutsu" is gonna help you after a Shot of Jin. Ask Sierra.. ask Aph 9.. ask Jessie Lee... hell ask Nanovirus. When the Brooklyngun calls his shot he always hits his target. So Sara let me be clear. My shot is called... the winner's coin is comin home with me. I'm about to be your next excuse to leave.