USUAL DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN EYESHIELD 21 OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS PERSE.
A/N: Finally, I started working on the sequel! I would have not thought of making this sequel if not for you readers who supported the Devil's First Zero. No better words could explain my gratitude except from every word that would comprise this new story of mine. Excuse my sappyness but I was deeply overwhelmed by your support. So thank you. I hope you'd like this!
The backstage staff and crew restlessly spun about as the floor director endelssly barked orders, ensuring the fluid excecution of the plan and the avoidance of major lags for the event.
The event.
Her introduction.
Her first catwalk.
The beginning of everything she could ever hope for...
Or could it be the ending?
"No turning back now. You've worked hard enough to get here, don't chicken out now." she mumbled to herself.
The endless shifting and turning of models did nothing to help ease out her thunderous nerves.
Focus Mamori. Focus.
The events director clapped to get everyone's attention., "Ten minutes, everyone."
Oh my.
Mamori started straightening her unwrinkled ensemble.
Her hands were suddenly damp.
Her mind unsuprisingly blank.
Her feet numb.
Could she really do this?
She thought of soothing words but was not appeased in the least.
She could imagine the eager crowd outside, from the rich and famous to the reporters and writers.
They could be harsh.
The world could be harsher.
Especially for a novice like her. But she had already faced the worst of all fears... she had faced the devil himself did she not. She had fought him toe to toe so facing the crowd outside would just be a breeze for her.
It should be.
She did not come here in Milan unprepared. She was coached by some of the best in the industry and the training was no walk in the park. Who would have ever thought that there was a right balance for walking. She clearly remembered what her poise instructor told her at the beginning of their session, you walk like a madman. So that night she sulked like a madman. But the day after, she came to their session with a renewed spirit. She was tenacious Mamori after all.
For six months, she had slaved and toiled herself to death so that she can be the supermodel. She would not let everyone's efforts go to waste.
Slowly she regained her confidence back.
She would deliver.
"Places everyone."