>>19373003Ash prepared to simply let the other woman leave. Another friendship in tatters.
But no, not this time.
>Sola.>I wish I knew all that.Ash stood up.
>I didn't respond to Onigiri because it's your fight.>Ever since... Flame.>Everything I've done for this dojo has been viewed with such uncertainty.>"I'm only doing this for ego. I'm just trying to leverage my position for more opportunities.">So I did everything I could to make sure, no matter what, nobody could say anything.>I studied. I mentored. But when it came time for you all to get out there and do your thing, I stepped aside.>It's why I didn't offer to accompany Carmody to her match. I didn't want one particle of that spotlight on me when it was her time.>I thought I was doing the right thing.>But I think I was being selfish there too.Ash paused, looking for the best way to phrase her following words. She'd likely fail anyway.
>You said my approach isn't what we need.>But I think what "we" need and what you need are different.>You will always be welcome here. Though, your "last chance" spiel made it seem like you didn't even want to be.>... But you shouldn't stay.>And I don't say that to kick you out.>I mean that you're way past due.>Sticking around will continue to give your rivals a reason to downplay your efforts.>You're bigger than this place.>So don't worry. You don't have to anymore.Ash opened her narrow office closet and held out two gift bags. Carmody hadn't grabbed hers on the way out, so she just gathered them both in once place out of convenience.
>Good luck, Sola.>You'd best fuck 'em up good.>Eh, maybe not Maria. She's alright. 