Chapter 2 - The Bracket Is Out

I walked inside the dojo.And everyone was on the mat warming up, swinging there wooden swords.

I walk onto the mats and pass them into the headmaster's office.

“Lily, there you are.”

“Headmaster you needed me?”

“Yes, Do you know what is coming up in 2 months?”

“Yes sir, the tournament.”

Yes, THE TOURNAMENT. So I’m trying to make sure you are ready. I have high hopes for you.”

“Sir, don’t flatter me, I haven’t made the team yet.”

“I’m not, I’m just reminding you.”

“Yes Sir.”

I bow and walk out of the room, then my friend Jay walks up to me.

“What did the headmaster have to talk to you about?”

“Nothing he was just telling me he has high expectations for me.”

“He is right, you know…you have really good potential.”

“I don’t think, so I always mess up and screw things up, but I think he only says that to keep my spirits high. I think to myself.”

“Yeah, I guess you are right.”

“Talking about that, doesn’t brackets come out today?”

“Yes they do that should be out later tonight.”

“All right then let’s try our best.”

“Right!”

After dojo practice, me, Jay and Henry walk home

I looked into the sky. It’s night and the stars are glowing bright as ever.

I look up and run my fingers through my hair

“I'm nervous to see the bracket. Jay says.”

“Me too. Says Henry nervously”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

They are only taking top 5 and why would Henry and Jay be nervous they are top 2 and 3.

“Why are you guys nervous? You guys are some of the best.”

“Just because we’re good doesn’t mean anything. Anything can happen in 2 months. Says Jay.”

“Exactly. Henry agreed”

“Well, I guess so.”

“Well, my house is this way. Bye Lilly, bye Henry.”

“Bye. We both said”

We walked in silence down 1 block

“Well my house is right here. Henry says.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Lily.”

“Yeah, bye”

Henry turned and started walking toward his house

I turned and started walking home thinking…

Can I really make the cut? I am one of the worst in the dojo.

Why does the headmaster always expect something of little ol me? Anyways if I want to even have a chance of making it, I have to work my butt off.

The path I’m walking down seems impossible, with no light at the end of the tunnel.

I walked the rest of the way home with my hands in my pockets.

I walk inside the house and say…

“I’m home.”

“Ok sweetie, go take a bath and get ready so you can eat.”

While Lily is in the shower inside her room, her phone goes off.

DING!

I walk out of the bathroom feeling tired, So I plop on the bed.

I grab my phone and…

See the results are posted I click on the photo and open my phone

And I look really hard through all the contestants to see my first match.

I see my name…and I stare in horror and disbelief.

My first opponent…

Is Jay.