02x02 - The Door to One's Soul

[bunniefuu]

[thwack]

[whoosh]

So you're having trouble with driving?

Yeah, I am.

When he swings, he tops it or goes heavy.

His form still looks the same though.

All right then. Let's go have a look.

EPISODE 14: THE DOOR TO ONE'S SOUL

- Chop-chop. Show me your drive.
- Just relax, and swing like normal.

[Gawain] All right. I'm just gonna hit it
like I usually do.

- [crackling]
- [Gawain gasps]

[grunts]

That's the problem.

Let's try one more swing.

[Gawain grumbles]

- [grunts]
- [Aria] Hmm...

Man, why is this happening?

What's wrong with him?

He's straining to hit the ball.

As a result,
he's dropping his right shoulder

in an effort
to give his drive more distance.

Well, that's good.
It sounds pretty easy for us to fix.

You're dropping your right shoulder
during the downswing, Gawain.

- Can you fix that?
- Yeah, I can do that.

Make the adjustment
and give it another go.

Sure.

[Aria] Hmm...

[Gawain] All right.
Now no dropping my right shoulder.

[crackling]

[grunts]

Man. I tried but it didn't help.

What am I gonna do now, huh?
What if I've lost it?

Let's see.

When you know exactly what the problem is
but you still can't correct it,

then the problem
is an underlying emotional issue.

Some tiny hesitation
during your downswing.

That's what's causing you
to strain too much.

So I have emotional issues?

Golfers with great driving power are often
the ones who struggle with straining.

Gawain, have you had
some traumatic experience recently?

Just before all this began?

[gasps softly] Me?

Uh, well, I'm...

I know he had some kind of confrontation
with the kids from the American team,

but I couldn't get him
to give me any details about it.

Can you tell me what happened, Gawain?

I really wish I could tell you,
but I... I can't.

[Aria] It's just too painful
to discuss, is that it?

It sounds stupid.

But yes.

Then you're left with only one choice.

You will have to solve
your emotional issues on your own.

Think of it as a challenge
that'll make you stronger.

[sighs] Mm.

His problems may be far more serious
than we thought.

[Gawain] Why is this happening to me?

I can't seem to get Quester's shot
out of my mind.

[Lancelot] Acting rather self-centered,
aren't we?

Huh?

[Gawain] Have... have you been following me?

And what do you mean,
I'm being self-centered? I am not.

I know what it's like

when you're trying everything
to improve your game.

You can start to think
you're all that matters.

But then, you start looking at others
and comparing yourself to them.

That's dangerous.

You are you, and he is who he is.

Get it?

[gasps]

Focus on your own strengths
and talents instead.

Of course, I didn't see his shot,
so I don't really know his ability.

Huh? Hey, how do you know
about Quester's 3-iron shot?

[Lancelot] Well, you just told me.

But I knew it had to be
something like that,

judging from the way
you've been moping around.

I am me, huh?

Okay.

- [stomach gurgles]
- Huh?

Worrying really has a way
of making a fella hungry.

So I think I'll fill my stomach
and then worry about this problem.

I never did eat breakfast,
come to think of it.

[footsteps]

[panting]

Oh?

- Hi. Looking for someone?
- Huh? Uh.

Uh, by any chance,
are you a player from the American school

or the Japanese school?

The Japanese school. I'm Gawain Nanaumi.

The Japanese school.

Uh, I'm looking for someone
I think might be here.

Is there, by any chance,
a girl named Platalissa here

with the Japanese school's golf team?

Oh, yeah. I know who Platalissa is.
We're both on the same team.

Uh...

- I see.
- [footsteps approach]

- [Platalissa] Is that you, Sfida?
- [gasps]

[Sfida] Platalissa.

Wow. What a shock.
Did you come here to see me?

[giggles]

I did... I guess.

No way! You two are actual sisters?
But you're nothing alike!

[giggles] We might be sisters,
but we are really different.

Like, Sfida is so much prettier than I am.

She's two years older,
and she's here with the British school.

Isn't that awesome?

Oh, wow!
Then you must be a fantastic golfer.

And what's really cool is how happy
Platalissa looks to see her big sister.

- She must be crazy about her.
- [Platalissa chuckles softly]

Hey, why don't you come up to my room
and have a cup of tea,

and we'll chat a bit, okay?

No, I don't think so.

Hey, wait. Mom isn't here too, is she?

[murmurs awkwardly]

I have to go. I shouldn't have come.

- See you later.
- Huh?

Do you really have to go so soon?

Oh, Sfida!

I'm gonna work really hard this year
and get high scores like you do,

so that I can come back home.

I was thinking that after you graduate
from Camelot Academy,

we can be together again.

I'm not about to let you go home again.

[Platalissa gasps]

[tense music plays]

Oh, wow. What a mean thing to say.

Your sister's kinda
tough as nails, isn't she?

So you two are the same
when it comes to having an attitude.

I guess sisters are more alike
than I thought.

Although, I can think of an exception.

- [Platalissa sighs]
- Huh?

Why do you look so sad?

Oh. It's nothing, really.

I think I'm just rundown
'cause I've been practicing all morning.

Do you like to practice?
It seems like it since you're always...

- [stomach gurgles]
- Oh.

[Gawain] Hmm?

[cutlery clinking]

[munching]

I thought you were really hungry.
Aren't you gonna eat something?

[Platalissa] Changed my mind.

You should just go practice
if you're done eating. Don't wait.

What's the point of practicing though
if I can't use a driver anymore?

Huh?

[Gawain] Truth is,
I'm so out of form right now,

I probably won't even be picked
for the team competition.

Only six of us get to play in the matches,
so my only shot is the substitute.

And I scored the worst of anyone
in the tryouts.

[chuckles softly]

You don't need to worry about all that.

You'll get in 'cause I'm not going out
for the team competition.

What?

I only want to play
in the individual competition.

Are you saying

you don't wanna play for the school team
even if you get selected?

[Platalissa] Nope. I don't care anymore.

[Gawain gasps]

The truth is that I was planning
to quit playing golf after the cup anyway.

Aah!

Ow! Keep your voice down,
you little howler.

[sighs] Anyway, it's good for you
since now you'll make the team.

But why would you quit the game you love?
It's just dumb!

And why'd you come
all the way to the academy

to play golf in the first place?

- [Platalissa inhales]
- [poignant music plays]

You heard what my sister said back there.

I'm not about to let you go home again.

The sad truth is
that my sister can't stand me.

But we really did love each other so much
when we were young.

[young Platalissa giggles]

[Platalissa] Back when we were little,
Sfida and I were almost never apart.

We went just about everywhere together.

Although, it was usually me
following behind her, of course.

[panting]

And sometimes,
she'd reach her hand out to me...

- Uh?
- [Platalissa] ...to help me catch up.

Whatever Sfida loved, I loved too.

Dolls.

Cakes.

- And then...
- [clang]

Oh, wow.

Sfida, I wanna learn to play golf too!

Oh. [chuckles]

[Platalissa] That day was the last time
I ever saw my sister smile at me.

Did you two have a big fight or something?

Oh, no.

My life has been
a huge disappointment to her, that's all.

She's a high achieving,
all-around great athlete

with a great personality,
who's loved by everyone.

[sighs] While I get all Cs
and suck at sports.

My role is just the spoiled younger sister
riding Sfida's coattails.

It's like that in golf too.

Even though we played
in the same tournaments,

my sister always came home
with trophies and medals,

while I just came home
with a bag of dirty clothes.

So you can imagine
why she wouldn't want me around her.

[Gawain sighs]

I don't want her
to spend her life hating me.

- And so, that's why I'm through.
- [music fades out]

- [man] Congratulations.
- Huh?

Very impressive,
winning consecutive championships.

No doubt your parents
are both very proud, Sfida.

[gasps]

[giggles]

Mom, Dad, look.

[pants, giggles]

[young Platalissa sobs]

You did a great job out there, Platalissa.

You got a really good score.

[sobs] Did not. I didn't get a trophy
like Sfida did, and it's not fair.

She's always better than me.

[mom] Oh, honey, that's not what matters.

You did your best,
and we're so proud of you.

What about me? I did my best too.

[downcast music plays]

[young Sfida] I like your necklace, Mommy.
Did Daddy give you that? It's so pretty.

Ah, no, it's a very old
and precious good luck charm

your grandmother gave me when I was young.

And someday,
I'm going to give it to you, my dear.

You are? [gasps]

- Oh, thank you. Thank you, Mom.
- [chuckles]

- [Platalissa] I won't go!
- [Sfida] Hmm?

And why do I have to get sent
halfway around the world to Japan?

Because you do. Because you failed
to get accepted into the British school.

Well, I don't care! I won't go!
I want to go to the same school as you!

If you try to make me,
I'll just quit school.

- [mom] That's enough nonsense, Platalissa.
- [gasps]

You took the entrance exam
for Camelot Academy of your own free will.

[Platalissa sighs]

I think I may have been guilty
of spoiling you too much, Platalissa.

So listen carefully.

If you want to come back home,
you will compete in the Camelot Cup.

And you'll have to score as well as
or better than your sister does.

That's my final word.

[Platalissa gasps]

[downcast music continues]

Take good care of yourself, my dear.

- And just call us if you need anything.
- [Platalissa, glumly] I will.

[Sfida] The UK is far away too,

but you'd think Platalissa
is the only one who's leaving home.

So typical of them.

One more thing.

I told you I'd give you this lucky charm,
and today's the day.

- [necklace rattles]
- [Sfida gasps]

[mom] Wear this to remember me by
and to remind you to always do your best.

Whenever you feel discouraged,
just hold onto it.

[Platalissa chuckles]

- [Sfida] How dare you!
- [mom] Hmm?

You promised. You promised
you'd give me that necklace, Mother.

[inhales sharply] I get nothing,
and you give Platalissa everything!

That's not true.

Oh, Sfida.

No, no.

It's not like that at all, my dear.
We just don't worry about you as much.

[sobs] I get neglected... by both of you!

It's not fair.

[music fades out]

Not fair.

Not fair at all.

[Gawain] But are you really sure
that you wanna quit the game completely?

Huh?

If you do, you won't be able
to play with your sister anymore.

Isn't that something
you're kinda gonna miss?

Yes, I would. You're right about that.

If you love your sister,

I think you have to keep following her
wherever she goes and hang in there.

[gasps softly]

Follow Sfida wherever she goes.

[Gawain] People play golf
for lots of different reasons.

And even though it may be the same game,

everyone puts their own unique feelings
and emotions into their playing style.

I just have to be me
and not worry about my situation.

All right. I'm off to practice.

[up-tempo dramatic music plays]

I'm gonna hit and hit and hit,

and not stop till I get my shot back.

[crackling]

[groans]

[grunts] Let's try again.

- [rousing music plays]
- And again.

And again.

- [music continues]
- [golf club clanging]

[panting]

I'm not giving up.

- One more time.
- [music ends]

I'm worried. Gawain never showed up
at the course for team practice today.

He spent the whole day
on the driving range.

I think he might still be there.

I'll go out and check to see if he's okay.

Please stay
and finish your meals, children.

Oh. I'll go with you.

[Yumiko] Yeah, I'll come too.

[footsteps departing]

The poor kid.

- [crickets chirping]
- [thwack]

[thwack]

[clack]

[grunts]

[crackling]

What am I doing wrong? [grunts]

- [crack]
- [grunts] Ah!

Oh no.

I'm all blistered and bleeding.

And what's worse,

I still haven't been able
to get Quester's dang shot out of my head.

This is a major problem.

If I can't get my drive
under control again...

You are you, and he's who he is.

Get it?

Focus on your own strengths
and talents instead.

[gasps] Focus on my own ability.

[pensive music plays]

It may be only a little over a half a year
since I started playing,

but I've swung a club
a thousand times or more.

And I've played
against a lot of good golfers,

and they pushed me to get better.

I'm just fine.

I know I can hit it.

[clack]

[all panting]

- Gawain.
- He is still here.

[breathing heavily]

[gasps]

- Little squirt!
- Stop right there.

- Huh?
- Huh?

No one can fix Gawain's emotional issues
but Gawain himself.

As long as he's serious
about trying to regain his shot,

all we can do to help
is to be here and watch over him.

- Yeah, but...
- [clang]

Let's have faith
and trust in his abilities now.

What he does next
will determine everything.

[both breath anxiously]

[clack]

[clack]

[panting]

Keep your eyes focused on the ball
until your club hits it.

[gasps]

Ms. Kiria is right.

You should give it a chance.

If you really wanna be
the longest hitter in the world,

golf might be the sport for you.

- [Gawain] I wanna learn golf!
- [Kiria] Good idea.

[Gawain] I'm gonna practice
as much as I can.

And then I'll be
the longest hitter in the world!

Look closely at the ball
and then hit it hard!

Look closely at the ball,
then hit it hard!

[uplifting piano music plays]

Look closely at the ball...

and hit it hard!

- [stirring music swells]
- [resonant clanging]

Whoa. I did it!

[all gasp]

The ball is still rising.

[hum echoes]

[gasps]

[murmurs excitedly]

I'm back! I'm back! My drive is back!

[laughs elatedly]

I knew I could do it, Ms. Kiria!

[laughs] Aah!

[grunts, groaning]

Okay, that's enough.

Whoa. And I saw that big flash
come off my club at impact.

I just needed to get back to the basics

of looking at the ball
and then hitting it hard.

[gasps] I lost my form just 'cause
I was so worried about Quester.

It got so bad,
I wasn't even looking at the ball.

But I am me.

I must defeat myself
before I take on someone else.

Thanks, Lancelot, for showing me that.

- [Liebel] Gawain!
- [Yumiko] You did it, little squirt!

- [Liebel] Your drive's back!
- [Gawain] Hi, guys.

You crushed it.
I've never seen anything like that.

And it looked like the ball
accelerated two times in the air.

How did you do that?

Not sure. I just, um...

I just looked directly at the ball,
and when I stopped straining,

it got all calm and quiet
in my head, and then...

- [Aria] I'm surprised.
- Huh?

I've heard that ba*ls hit
by so-called long-hitters

can accelerate twice
when the player meets the core dead-on.

And you've fixed your drive
just in time for the competition.

I know!

[laughing heartily]

[stomach gurgling]

I am kinda hungry though.

That's what happens when you miss dinner.

We're all hungry too,

because instead of eating,
we came out here looking for you.

[pleasant music plays]

Whoa. Look at the blisters
all over your palm, little squirt.

[Gawain] Yeah.

[Liebel] I can treat those and get
some bandages on them when we get back.

[Aria] Hmm...

I have to see for myself.

Exactly how far
did he hit that last drive?

[gasps softly]

[gasps]

Incredible.

Three hundred eighty yards?

[Bridget] Don't try playing
all innocent with me!

Which one of you little sneaks was it

that went and messed up
four of my teammates, huh?

I know it was some dude
from the Japanese school!

She's a small girl, but I sure wouldn't
wanna run into her in a dark alley.

Yeah? Look who's talking.

Charles said he was a guy
that was kinda sorta pretty.

Huh? Ah-ha!

- It was you! [growls]
- Are you calling me a guy, you jerk?

That's enough out of you.

We don't have to listen
to your accusations.

[grumbles] Who asked you?

- [Quester] My apologies, Todoin.
- Huh?

[Bridget] Quester?

Don't pay any attention
to anything Bridget says.

[Bridget] How could you
say that to me? I...

You're not our leader and you have
no business speaking for the team.

[Bridget grumbles]

[scoffs]

[under breath] Frickin' lame.

[Quester grunts]

Good to see you, Todoin.

You too.

I sure hope the Japanese team will give us
a little more competition

than they did last year.

[grunts] Maybe you should just worry
about your own team

instead of talking trash, Bilford.

I don't know who that blonde is,
but I feel like wrapping a club around...

[Quester] Wait a sec.
I think I know that guy from somewhere.

- [Gawain] Thanks for waiting, you guys!
- Huh?

Oh! Hey, Quester's here too.

- You look a lot better than yesterday.
- [Gawain grunts]

You seemed pretty upset
with the way our little challenge ended.

[Gawain] Yeah, I was.
But I'm totally okay now.

[scoffs] You sure about that?

[laughs]

Well, I guess you'll have to wait
until we start playing to find out.

Huh?

[chuckles]

[Aria] Gawain's previous drives
were limited to around 330 yards.

I always knew he was capable of more
if he focused on the ball,

but it's amazing what he's achieved here
in such a short time.

[Todoin] Listen up!

I want you to play
your practice round today

as if it were the actual match.

Memorize anything and everything
that you can about the course here.

The greens, the fairways,
and even the wind.

We are the Japanese school.
The cup will be ours!

[all cheer] Yay!

[suspenseful music plays]

[Aria] I have the inescapable feeling
that, at this year's Camelot Cup,

something incredible is going to happen.

[music swells, fades out]

[descending squeak]

RISING IMPACT

- [theme music plays]
- [lyrics in Japanese]

[in English] ♪ Let's play
For all the love ♪

♪ Let's play for all the love ♪

♪ Let's play for all the love ♪

♪ Let's play for all the love ♪