James, still bathed in the afterglow of his victory, made his way back to his own locker room. The door swung open, and he was immediately tackled to the floor by Amy, who wrapped herself around him like a protective shield. "I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed, her grip almost suffocating.

"Amy, Amy," James gasped, trying to catch his breath beneath the avalanche of affection. "I can't breathe."

Panicking, Amy quickly released him and helped him to his feet. "I'm sorry," she stammered, her eyes wide with worry.

Breathing more easily now, James glanced around the small locker room. "Where's Mr. Otomi?" he inquired. His concern was palpable as he scanned the space.

Amy's expression grew sombre, and she stared at the floor. "I don't know," she admitted, "I saw him in the hallway when I was coming in, and he asked me to wait in here for you."

The weight of worry deepened on James's face as he realized that his mentor had mysteriously vanished. "Thank you for letting me know, Amy," he said with determination. "I have to go find him."

Amy wasn't about to let James go alone. She reached for his hand and said, "Wait, I'll join you." Hand in hand, they ventured out into the uncertain hallway in search of his missing mentor.

As James and Amy arrived at the apartment, James inserted his spare key into the lock and turned it, allowing them entry into the dimly lit living space. The stillness inside was palpable, accentuating the mounting concern they both felt.

Navigating through the darkened apartment, James moved towards the kitchen. His worry grew with every step, the silence unsettling. Fumbling along the wall, he finally located the light switch. As the kitchen was bathed in illumination, the source of their anxiety became apparent.

A folded note lay on the countertop, a stark and mysterious message waiting to be revealed.

James curiously opened the note and began to read;

“Dear James,

First and foremost, congratulations! I knew you could do it, and your victory is not only a testament to your incredible skill but also to your unwavering determination. I hope you're basking in the well-deserved glory of your triumph.

I'm writing this note with mixed feelings, and I want to begin by saying how truly sorry I am for leaving so abruptly. I had my reasons, but that doesn't make it right, and I should have explained myself to you. You see, it's not easy for an old man like me to admit this, but I saw Emiko's dream reflected in your eyes tonight. You've achieved something remarkable, and I couldn't be prouder of you.

Our journey has been a remarkable one, filled with both challenges and victories. You've grown into an exceptional fighter, but more importantly, you've grown into a remarkable person. In you, I've seen a passion, a dedication, and a kindness that's not easy to find. It's been my privilege to be your mentor and friend.

And now, it's time for me to say goodbye, James. I'm returning to Japan to be with Emiko's family, to share her dream and ensure it lives on. I know you understand what that means, and I trust you to carry on the legacy of our martial arts journey. You've learned everything I know, and I have no doubt you'll continue to grow as both a fighter and a person.

Remember, the road ahead may not always be easy, but you have the strength to face whatever comes your way. Embrace your victories and learn from your defeats. Always stay true to yourself, and I have no doubt you'll leave your own mark on the world.

Thank you, James, for everything you've given me, for Emiko's dream realized, and for the unforgettable journey we've shared. I'll be watching from afar, cheering you on as you continue to make your mark in the world of booster fighting.

With the utmost respect and gratitude,

Mr. Otomi”

Tears streamed down James's cheeks, unchecked and heavy, as the weight of losing his mentor bore down on him. Mr. Otomi had been more than a teacher; he had been a guiding force, a fatherly presence in James's life. In this moment of loss, the world seemed a little darker.

Amy sat beside him in a compassionate silence, offering her presence as solace. She knew that words wouldn't ease the pain, but her unwavering support and understanding were there for him. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder, a subtle reassurance of her presence.

Throughout the night, James's grief poured out, wave after wave, and Amy remained steadfast at his side. She shared in his sorrow, a testament to her deep care for James. As the hours slipped away, the room was filled with the weight of his grief.

Eventually, as the early morning light filtered through the window, James's exhaustion overcame him. With a weary heart, he rested his head on Amy's lap, finding a fragile solace in her warmth. As the dawn broke, they remained together on the sofa.

In the quiet of the morning, the room's atmosphere shifted from one of mourning to one of tender serenity. Amy gazed down at James, her eyes filled with both sympathy and affection. She gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her touch soft and reassuring.

For James, this connection, this solace offered by Amy, was a lifeline in the storm of his emotions. He slept peacefully, the warmth of her presence wrapping around him like a protective cocoon. The world outside might have been moving on, but in this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the room held nothing but the quiet strength of their shared sorrow

James slowly roused from his uneasy slumber, his head heavy and thoughts muddled. Gently rubbing his eyes, he took in the sight of Amy, still perched on the sofa, her face a portrait of unwavering loyalty. A rush of gratitude swelled within him.

Casting his gaze upon the room, the blazing morning sun painted everything in golden hues. Amid this quiet moment, a persistent "ring, ring" intruded into his consciousness, disrupting the serenity. The sound emanated from the coffee table, where Amy's phone was receiving a barrage of calls from her concerned mother.

"Amy," James murmured, his voice still tinged with sleep, as he tenderly tapped her shoulder. When she didn't stir, he grew more persistent, gently shaking her to rouse her from her own slumber.

Amy blinked away the remnants of sleep, her drowsy gaze settling on James. She quickly realized the urgency in his tone and sat up, wiping away the last vestiges of sleep. 

"Sorry, James," she muttered groggily, then noticed her phone blinking with multiple missed calls and messages from her mother. Panic swirled within her, and she swiftly grabbed the phone, her fingers stumbling over the touchscreen. She dialled her mother's number, her heart pounding as she brought the phone to her ear.

"Mom?" she said, her voice edged with worry, and James watched her silently, a sense of concern evident in his eyes.

On the other end, her mother's frantic voice crackled through the phone, "Amy, finally! We've been trying to reach you all night! Are you okay?"

Amy listened, her expression shifting from concern to relief as she reassured her mother about her safety. During their conversation, her mother's voice shifted to one of exasperation, the tension between them evident even through the phone.

James remained silent, giving her privacy for her conversation but watching with a sense of concern. After a lengthy exchange, Amy sighed and hung up.

"They're worried sick," she explained to James, her voice tinged with both guilt and affection. "I should get back."

James nodded understandingly, offering her a warm smile that spoke volumes of gratitude. "Thank you, Amy. For everything. I'll never forget it."

With that, she left the apartment, leaving James alone with his thoughts, contemplating the profound presence of those who cared for him.

With Amy gone, James found himself in the quiet solitude of his apartment. The memory of Mr Otomi weighed heavily on his heart, and the empty spaces in the apartment seemed to echo with the absence of the man who had meant so much to him.

James knew he couldn't stay in this melancholic state forever. He glanced at the framed photo of Mr Otomi and Emiko on the shelf, a reminder of what they had all been working towards. His mentor's words echoed in his mind: "Don't let your emotions consume you." James knew he had to honour Mr Otomi's memory by continuing their journey.

Resolute, he picked up his phone and made a call. It was time to return to training, to prepare for the next step in his journey. And, as he would soon discover, the memory of Mr. Otomi would be a constant source of strength and guidance as he stepped into a future where Emiko's dream could still be realized.

As he got ready to leave the apartment, he glanced at the framed photo one more time. A faint smile touched his lips. He knew he carried Mr Otomi's teachings, his spirit, and the hopes of those he had left behind in his heart.

With a deep breath, James headed out, ready to continue the path they had started together, even without Mr Otomi by his side.

James walked towards the training ground with a sense of anticipation, ready to resume his rigorous training. But when he reached the entrance, he was met with a shocking sight - the training ground was sealed, covered with thick brush and debris.

Confused and intrigued, he pushed aside the overgrown foliage, revealing a large crate placed right in the middle of what was once his training arena. A sense of mystery and curiosity filled him as he approached this unexpected object.

As he neared the crate, he cautiously drew his sword, prepared for whatever awaited him. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against a note that was securely nailed to the crate's top. Carefully, he began to read its message, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions.

"Dearest Jamie-Boy,

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the countless surprises I've sprung upon you. I can't fathom the pain I've caused, and no amount of apologies could suffice. It's time for this old man to return to his homeland and confront his past.

In the crate before you, you'll discover a Model JAP12-EXO – a mecha exoskeleton. It may not be the most advanced option available, but it was the best I could acquire with my savings.

I have complete faith in your abilities, Jamie-boy, and I'm certain this exoskeleton will serve you well. Now, go out into the world and prove to everyone the remarkable fighter you are.

To get you started, I've included some training materials in the crate, ensuring you're well-prepared when September arrives.

With all my heart, Mr Otomi"