Post by Caroline Machado on Mar 18, 2024 3:46:15 GMT
January 26, 2024 -- 8:30 AM
The very next day...
Inside the master bedroom of her parents' palatial Rio de Janiero estate, Caroline Machado outstretched her arms and gently pulled herself out of bed. For a summer day in the southern hemisphere, the weather was nice and tranquial outside. Sporting a pink pajama suit and matching slippers, she slowly trudged towards the large mirror, with gold trim and all, and closed her eyes.
This was going to be the start of a new journey, as it were.
Caroline's coach and childhood caretaker, paolo da Silva, was in the kitchen making breakfast as she dived into a state of meditation. As she opened her eyes, a foggy image appeared in the reflection with a great flash of white light.
"Mon capitain...I never thought we'd meet."
Caroline jumped back as the mental visage and body grew clearer. It looked like her mental health counselor, a mid-50s female sporting blonde hair and a crimson dress that didn't disguise her figure. There was only one problem -- her counselor was, as she thought, a gentle and inspirational person who often used biblical passages -- along with Star Trek lines -- to help her cope with her anxiety issues.
Except that this version took Trek to a whole other level, coming off as impish and rather trolling.
"Who are you...?"
"Don't be so obtuse -- I think the question should be 'who are you..."
Caroline sighed and looked around her room, trying to figure out whether this was real or a part of her imagination.
"If you must know, though...I come from a very special place. A place far beyond your own mental capacity of understanding..."
The "therapist" chuckled as she bore deep into Caroline's mind.
"From a continuum where I am one of many..."
The Brazilian shook her head, trying to avoid the embarrassment of talking to herself and the voice inside her brain.
"No way!"
"Yes, way! My oh-so-curious Dada once told me that you, young Caroline, were a diehard Trekkie. I can't even fathom a moment when you, of all people, would want to stop by his booth and ask for his John Hancock..."
"Dada?! You mean...?!"
"Yup, you're onto something. Just call me Q'utie. No one can see me or hear me but you. I've taken on the form of your doddering old mental health counselor, but perhaps I can lighten up your spirits with this..."
Q'utie snapped her fingers, and in a flash of white light, she changed herself into a 24th century Spandex Starfleet uniform -- featured in the first two seasons of TNG.
"I'm your subconscious, the angel and devil inside your narrow mind. Working together in harmony to ensure that YOU learn to navigate a tough trial up ahead."
Caroline's lips quivered slightly, listening to the thoughts pulsating through her subconscious.
"This game show, as you call it, is the perfect trial for you, but the question is...are you truly ready for it?"
"Hey, I have to go TRAIN soon! So get on with it, Q'utie!!"
Caroline's voice snapped out of nowhere, a moment that was completely out of character for the normally kind and demure woman.
"Face the facts, young lady...your parents would be so disappointed in you. You gave up a promising life as an astronomer and aerospace engineer for the sake of...combat! Now you seeking to take back the firm that was wrongfully stolen from you -- and now you want revenge. Am I right...?"
The Brazilian snarled at the mirror.
"Now you're starting to make me very angry..."
"Good. Good girl..."
The "therapist" chuckled inside Caroline's brain, her voice almost taunting her to let the anger out.
"Why are you pushing me...?!"
"Heh, more questions. Go on, go on...let the anger flow within you. It's no different than any other emotional state..."
The Brazilian listened intently.
"The burning question remains...can you control it? Or will it control you...?"
At that moment, Caroline managed to calm herself. Perhaps, this part of her own mind was trying to teach her a lesson -- but at first, it felt like a tall order. Caroline's family meant a lot to her, leaving her somewhat vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
"How...how can I keep myself from...you know...?! I...I loved my family...and I'd be willing to give up my life in their stead."
"Hrmmm...understandable. Just follow the yellow brick road, as the saying goes. Along the way, you'll be tested far beyond anything Mr. da Silva will ever throw at you..."
"I...I don't know where to begin."
"You'll figure it out someday, believe me. In any case, I'll be watching you. And if you're very locky, I just might pass by to say hello from time to time..."
A sharp knock on Caroline's bedroom door is heard, causing her to snap out of the trance-like state she had found herself in.
"Are you alright, Caroline...?"
The voice of Mr. da Silva was a refreshing sight for sore ears.
"I...I'm okay. I just woke up..."
She took a moment to stretch once more.
"I'll be ready soon, okay?"
"Good. There's a lot of work that needs to be done. Colesseum will be there before you know it..."
Caroline nodded warmly before getting her clothes for the day unpacked and ready to wear. At that moment, the voice of Q'utie popped inside her head again, reminding her of what was to come.
"The trial is getting started -- and even that is more than just a game show..."
To be continued...
---
"To Abigail and Itami.
To Mai and April.
To Charlotte, Natash, and Serenity.
I ask you all...what do you have that's worth fighting for?!
Hehehe...I have a feeling someone might say that is a stupid question, but in reality, I believe that's a question that all of us should be asking ourselves. For the past several weeks, we have been fighting amongst ourselves for six spots in the Iron Maiden, a match that is designed to test our very limits and show how far we will go in order to be the one to compete for the ultimate prize on the biggest stage of them all, Night of the Immortals. The road to get to High Stakes -- and beyond that -- has been quite a bumpy ride. Yet in the minds of those who've fought very hard to get this far, the trials are well worth the rewards.
The truth is, this sport can bring out the best -- and the worst -- in each and every one of us.
I, for one, understand that people are passionate about this opportunity. I understand that many are willing to go to great lengths to maintain their status and position -- no matter the cost to oneself and others. Sometimes, we often rely on public perceptions in order to try and get under our opponents' skin.
I've been here for three years now, but these perceptions have been ongoing ever since Imperial was first started in 2014.
It's not the first time people have been underestimated simply because they choose not to use their voice to hurt others. It's not the first time the so-'called 'select few' have considered others as lazyin order to beat them into submission. It's not the first time somebody has used their talents to demean others by suggesting that their opponents only became Champions by accident, that they didn't earn what they've set out to accomplish.
It hurts a lot -- and not just myself.
It hurts anyone else who's ever been the subject of such perceptions.
It...angers...people to no end.
Yet it gives them the desire to conquer those who think that they are superior to them.
I feel comforted in knowing that I'm not alone. I'm often reminded that in this life, there are two different types of families. One family exists by blood, in which you don't get to pick and choose your relatives. The other is be profession -- where you CAN pick and choose the people you work or train with. No matter the case, family is something that many of us often hold onto as a primary reason for doing what they love the most.
For me? As I prepare to qualify for my first Iron Maiden in the three years I've been competing?!
It's the one thing that makes me tick -- that shapes me into who I am.
My families have been my guides through the storms that I've experienced through past and present.
My parents...they would have given themselves up for the people of Brasil in the world. They built an entire company so that people from all over can someday explore the stars above. They did what they did because they wanted to bring happiness to the world and give the people something they can look forward to, not cover up the world's problems with lies!
They wanted to bring out the best in other people and teach them that they can be so much more than just the sum of their own parts.
Much like a couple of great friends I knew who once overcame so much and thrived in a business that can be just as cruel as it is rewarding.
When it came to this sport, JJ and Fiona did the same thing. They trained me, helped me to understand what it truly means to be inside that arena. They showed me the thrill f what it meant to be a Champion, and the agony of losing it all. The joy, the anger, the happiness, the sadness...they gave themselves up because they KNEW that it was more important to make the world better than how it was found.
A world where uncontrolled emotions often get in the way of what it truly means to be a Champion.
Yeah...I know that we can't purge emotions entirely. I know that nothing I ever do, from here on out, will ever bring my parents back. I...I loved them very much -- but I'm not gonna sit there and allow my emotions to control who I am. I am a former Women's World Champion and Diamond of the Year. I have traveled the planet and hav earned EVERYTHING that I have ever recieved.
I will live my own life, on my own terms.
I will live with my emotions -- my anger and happiness.
I will stand my ground and be strong -- and I will do it all without falsas percepções.
Look, I realize that no matter how hard I'm willing to try and win this battle royale, the perceptions about me -- or my blood or professional families -- can't be so easily abolished. Yet...it will be all worth it in the end, when I eliminate everyone from this match and conquer any hurtful thing ayone has ever said about me -- just as my parents or JJ and Fiona did before I even chose to enter Imperial. While I know that nothing is ever guarantted in this life, I WILL overcome anything the world might throw at me, no matter what is said and done.
So I say to you, to those in the Gladiators Division who ar eparticipating in this match.
To Abigail and Natasha, to Serenity and Itami and Mai.
And especially to you, April and Charlotte.
Don't make the same mistake I've seen others make time and time again over the years. Don't underestimate the power of the competitors around you, no matter how they are percieved by the haters. Don't allow yourselves to be chained to the notion that the Iron Maiden is the only step -- for there is going to be a bigger dance at the end of the road. Win or lose, I hope you all learn from this moment and cherish it with all of your heart.
Antes que seja tarde demais...because you never know when that spiritual volleyball is gonna come flying at you and spike you in the face!!!"
[/font]
The very next day...
Inside the master bedroom of her parents' palatial Rio de Janiero estate, Caroline Machado outstretched her arms and gently pulled herself out of bed. For a summer day in the southern hemisphere, the weather was nice and tranquial outside. Sporting a pink pajama suit and matching slippers, she slowly trudged towards the large mirror, with gold trim and all, and closed her eyes.
This was going to be the start of a new journey, as it were.
Caroline's coach and childhood caretaker, paolo da Silva, was in the kitchen making breakfast as she dived into a state of meditation. As she opened her eyes, a foggy image appeared in the reflection with a great flash of white light.
"Mon capitain...I never thought we'd meet."
Caroline jumped back as the mental visage and body grew clearer. It looked like her mental health counselor, a mid-50s female sporting blonde hair and a crimson dress that didn't disguise her figure. There was only one problem -- her counselor was, as she thought, a gentle and inspirational person who often used biblical passages -- along with Star Trek lines -- to help her cope with her anxiety issues.
Except that this version took Trek to a whole other level, coming off as impish and rather trolling.
"Who are you...?"
"Don't be so obtuse -- I think the question should be 'who are you..."
Caroline sighed and looked around her room, trying to figure out whether this was real or a part of her imagination.
"If you must know, though...I come from a very special place. A place far beyond your own mental capacity of understanding..."
The "therapist" chuckled as she bore deep into Caroline's mind.
"From a continuum where I am one of many..."
The Brazilian shook her head, trying to avoid the embarrassment of talking to herself and the voice inside her brain.
"No way!"
"Yes, way! My oh-so-curious Dada once told me that you, young Caroline, were a diehard Trekkie. I can't even fathom a moment when you, of all people, would want to stop by his booth and ask for his John Hancock..."
"Dada?! You mean...?!"
"Yup, you're onto something. Just call me Q'utie. No one can see me or hear me but you. I've taken on the form of your doddering old mental health counselor, but perhaps I can lighten up your spirits with this..."
Q'utie snapped her fingers, and in a flash of white light, she changed herself into a 24th century Spandex Starfleet uniform -- featured in the first two seasons of TNG.
"I'm your subconscious, the angel and devil inside your narrow mind. Working together in harmony to ensure that YOU learn to navigate a tough trial up ahead."
Caroline's lips quivered slightly, listening to the thoughts pulsating through her subconscious.
"This game show, as you call it, is the perfect trial for you, but the question is...are you truly ready for it?"
"Hey, I have to go TRAIN soon! So get on with it, Q'utie!!"
Caroline's voice snapped out of nowhere, a moment that was completely out of character for the normally kind and demure woman.
"Face the facts, young lady...your parents would be so disappointed in you. You gave up a promising life as an astronomer and aerospace engineer for the sake of...combat! Now you seeking to take back the firm that was wrongfully stolen from you -- and now you want revenge. Am I right...?"
The Brazilian snarled at the mirror.
"Now you're starting to make me very angry..."
"Good. Good girl..."
The "therapist" chuckled inside Caroline's brain, her voice almost taunting her to let the anger out.
"Why are you pushing me...?!"
"Heh, more questions. Go on, go on...let the anger flow within you. It's no different than any other emotional state..."
The Brazilian listened intently.
"The burning question remains...can you control it? Or will it control you...?"
At that moment, Caroline managed to calm herself. Perhaps, this part of her own mind was trying to teach her a lesson -- but at first, it felt like a tall order. Caroline's family meant a lot to her, leaving her somewhat vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
"How...how can I keep myself from...you know...?! I...I loved my family...and I'd be willing to give up my life in their stead."
"Hrmmm...understandable. Just follow the yellow brick road, as the saying goes. Along the way, you'll be tested far beyond anything Mr. da Silva will ever throw at you..."
"I...I don't know where to begin."
"You'll figure it out someday, believe me. In any case, I'll be watching you. And if you're very locky, I just might pass by to say hello from time to time..."
A sharp knock on Caroline's bedroom door is heard, causing her to snap out of the trance-like state she had found herself in.
"Are you alright, Caroline...?"
The voice of Mr. da Silva was a refreshing sight for sore ears.
"I...I'm okay. I just woke up..."
She took a moment to stretch once more.
"I'll be ready soon, okay?"
"Good. There's a lot of work that needs to be done. Colesseum will be there before you know it..."
Caroline nodded warmly before getting her clothes for the day unpacked and ready to wear. At that moment, the voice of Q'utie popped inside her head again, reminding her of what was to come.
"The trial is getting started -- and even that is more than just a game show..."
To be continued...
---
"To Abigail and Itami.
To Mai and April.
To Charlotte, Natash, and Serenity.
I ask you all...what do you have that's worth fighting for?!
Hehehe...I have a feeling someone might say that is a stupid question, but in reality, I believe that's a question that all of us should be asking ourselves. For the past several weeks, we have been fighting amongst ourselves for six spots in the Iron Maiden, a match that is designed to test our very limits and show how far we will go in order to be the one to compete for the ultimate prize on the biggest stage of them all, Night of the Immortals. The road to get to High Stakes -- and beyond that -- has been quite a bumpy ride. Yet in the minds of those who've fought very hard to get this far, the trials are well worth the rewards.
The truth is, this sport can bring out the best -- and the worst -- in each and every one of us.
I, for one, understand that people are passionate about this opportunity. I understand that many are willing to go to great lengths to maintain their status and position -- no matter the cost to oneself and others. Sometimes, we often rely on public perceptions in order to try and get under our opponents' skin.
I've been here for three years now, but these perceptions have been ongoing ever since Imperial was first started in 2014.
It's not the first time people have been underestimated simply because they choose not to use their voice to hurt others. It's not the first time the so-'called 'select few' have considered others as lazyin order to beat them into submission. It's not the first time somebody has used their talents to demean others by suggesting that their opponents only became Champions by accident, that they didn't earn what they've set out to accomplish.
It hurts a lot -- and not just myself.
It hurts anyone else who's ever been the subject of such perceptions.
It...angers...people to no end.
Yet it gives them the desire to conquer those who think that they are superior to them.
I feel comforted in knowing that I'm not alone. I'm often reminded that in this life, there are two different types of families. One family exists by blood, in which you don't get to pick and choose your relatives. The other is be profession -- where you CAN pick and choose the people you work or train with. No matter the case, family is something that many of us often hold onto as a primary reason for doing what they love the most.
For me? As I prepare to qualify for my first Iron Maiden in the three years I've been competing?!
It's the one thing that makes me tick -- that shapes me into who I am.
My families have been my guides through the storms that I've experienced through past and present.
My parents...they would have given themselves up for the people of Brasil in the world. They built an entire company so that people from all over can someday explore the stars above. They did what they did because they wanted to bring happiness to the world and give the people something they can look forward to, not cover up the world's problems with lies!
They wanted to bring out the best in other people and teach them that they can be so much more than just the sum of their own parts.
Much like a couple of great friends I knew who once overcame so much and thrived in a business that can be just as cruel as it is rewarding.
When it came to this sport, JJ and Fiona did the same thing. They trained me, helped me to understand what it truly means to be inside that arena. They showed me the thrill f what it meant to be a Champion, and the agony of losing it all. The joy, the anger, the happiness, the sadness...they gave themselves up because they KNEW that it was more important to make the world better than how it was found.
A world where uncontrolled emotions often get in the way of what it truly means to be a Champion.
Yeah...I know that we can't purge emotions entirely. I know that nothing I ever do, from here on out, will ever bring my parents back. I...I loved them very much -- but I'm not gonna sit there and allow my emotions to control who I am. I am a former Women's World Champion and Diamond of the Year. I have traveled the planet and hav earned EVERYTHING that I have ever recieved.
I will live my own life, on my own terms.
I will live with my emotions -- my anger and happiness.
I will stand my ground and be strong -- and I will do it all without falsas percepções.
Look, I realize that no matter how hard I'm willing to try and win this battle royale, the perceptions about me -- or my blood or professional families -- can't be so easily abolished. Yet...it will be all worth it in the end, when I eliminate everyone from this match and conquer any hurtful thing ayone has ever said about me -- just as my parents or JJ and Fiona did before I even chose to enter Imperial. While I know that nothing is ever guarantted in this life, I WILL overcome anything the world might throw at me, no matter what is said and done.
So I say to you, to those in the Gladiators Division who ar eparticipating in this match.
To Abigail and Natasha, to Serenity and Itami and Mai.
And especially to you, April and Charlotte.
Don't make the same mistake I've seen others make time and time again over the years. Don't underestimate the power of the competitors around you, no matter how they are percieved by the haters. Don't allow yourselves to be chained to the notion that the Iron Maiden is the only step -- for there is going to be a bigger dance at the end of the road. Win or lose, I hope you all learn from this moment and cherish it with all of your heart.
Antes que seja tarde demais...because you never know when that spiritual volleyball is gonna come flying at you and spike you in the face!!!"
[/font]
Well howdy there pardner.