Post by Ezra Gideon on Oct 28, 2023 23:28:26 GMT -5
“A Brother may not be a Friend, but a Friend will always be a Brother.” - Thomas Jefferson
The Foreword
South Beach - Post Cannabis Cup Night 2
I stood on the beach, bare to the waist. My focus was on the horizon, always looking forward.The only light being the cherry of my cigarette and the pale moonlight.
Mac: I never look backwards or down, I’m not headed in either of those directions. Always forward, and upward. A never ending journey, a process to get better each and every week. That’s my process, my journey, not everyone subscribes to that. Not everyone wants to put in that kind of work to prove it.
The gulf breeze picked up just then, tossing my hair about a bit. beach hair, don’t care immediately sprang to mind. Under normal circumstances it would have brought a smile to my face, but instead I knew I was wearing a look of annoyance. I was annoyed by a great many things at the moment.
Mac: Many people have already jumped to conclusions. They assume that I lost my temper, they assume that my time here is just about done since I had come up short against Cholo and allowed him to advance. Not because of anger, but by design.
I shook my head in disgust and sighed heavily.
Mac: No children, we’re just getting started. It’s never that simple, and I’m not a one dimensional character in a cheap b rated movie.
I smile at the camera as I think, no one really has a clue what is about to happen, zero
Mac: Goth, you and I have been friends for a long while now, I think of you as family, but even brothers fight from time to time. Our previous encounters haven’t had high stakes like this. Be ready, this will not be like our past encounters. We’ve faced each other in another place and those were competitive, even considered friendly. We’ve both changed a bit, but we are still not the same.
Fade.
Sowing the seeds
[Off Camera]
The Velvet Rabbit
The ever mingling conglomeration of body makeup, cologne, and perfume was the wall of aroma that hit me when I walked into the club. It didn’t bother me, if it did, I would have asked Daniel to meet me elsewhere. I had a surprise for him today and I didn’t want to wait. What I intended to do would really upset a few people. Right now he was walking the floor checking on the patrons. He saw me and I waved to him, then I took a seat at the bar.
Ever since Daniel had been hanging out with me, the little seeds of chaos had been sown. He had begun acting out more, especially where his dad was concerned. I knew that Austin was just aching to say something but his wife wouldn’t allow it. As a parent, you always want to allow your children to learn from their own mistakes. In this case, she was wrong, when he first started hanging out with me they should have put a stop to it. Things were about to escalate and it was gonna straight piss them off. Something I had planned on doing since the first time it came up. I knew that Daniel was working at the Rabbit to help cover his expenses for school, but that is something I could help with. His dad was paying for school, so I wouldn’t do anything about that but another avenue was open, and fucking with Austin made me happy.
It was more than that though, the kid chose me as his role model over his dad. The joy I saw in him when we were working out together, training together at Hell’s Gate, that was the real story here. I looked up in the mirror and could see Austin, he was glaring a hole right through me. That made me chuckle, all that petty jealousy, but it was Austin so it was a given. The bartender brought me my drink, thank goodness they kept Laphroaig in stock. I thanked her and tipped her well. I wasn’t going to do what Mont had tried to do, he tried to buy the lads love and respect. I wasn’t about that and never would be. The smell of cinnamon invaded my senses just then and I knew Amber was there before she touched me on the arm and kissed me on the cheek. She set the box down that I had asked her to bring and laughed at my joy.
Amber: You’re terrible, I just wanted to say that out loud.
My beaming face caused her to laugh again.
Mac: I know! Ain’t it great?!
She shook her head in dismay before saying.
Amber: *sigh* boys will be boys.
My grin got bigger as Daniel made his way to the bar, his jaw dropped when he saw Amber, which caused us both to laugh.
Mac: I know Daniel, it’s amazing to me still that she chose me. This is my wife, Amber.
He recovered quickly and shook hands with her, his eyes then landed on the box. His eyebrows shot up.
Mac: That’s for later, I have to wait on one more person.
Much like when Amber walked in, the place seemed to reach a standstill when Whisper entered the room. Daniel had already met Whisper previously so he wasn’t as stunned as when he saw Amber. I looked in the mirror and could see Austin, his curiosity was piqued and he was frowning, which isn’t really all that surprising but still noted.
Mac: Thank you, Whisper, I’m glad you could make it on short notice.
She smiled and nodded her head.
Whisper: It’s my pleasure, Mac, I don’t get to do this very often so it brings me a lot of joy.
She retrieved the envelope that was sticking up out of her handbag and tapped it against the palm of her hand.
Whisper: Daniel, every so often, The Hell’s Gate wrestling school has a student who is so natural that we are impressed enough to do this. Our board of trustees voted in favor of this so that you know. Should you decide to choose wrestling over being a doctor, this envelope is for you.
She lays a box with a bow on it up on the bar, then places the envelope on top of that. I smiled because I knew what it was, a fully paid scholarship for Hell’s Gate Wrestling School. Whisper had noticed just as I had, how much fun he was having with the training and the comradery with the trainers and other students. She did this on her own, she told me about it but it had nothing to do with me. It was his work at the school and his positive attitude about the process that prompted her to do this.
Mac: No rush on the decision, Daniel, I know it’s a lot to process.
I pushed the box that Amber had brought in front of him.
Mac: Open this first before you commit to anything. This is a box full of…fun.
I chuckled as he ripped the paper and the bow away, he stared at the picture on the box.
Amber: I think shenanigans is the word you were looking for.
Daniel laughed and opened the box. What I had gotten him as a gift was a drone. Not one of these little kids' drones but a drone that had a decent carrying capacity. He held up an index card and had that unasked question on his face.
Mac: That’s a recipe for absolute chaos right there.
Daniel: That’s gonna be messy.
We both laughed as the ladies rolled their eyes. The gift seemed to take the edge off of his internal struggle and I smiled.
Mac: Don’t let it overwhelm you, Daniel. It’s not even a decision you have to make today. I see the fire in you when we train together. The real question is do you feel that same passion for what you’re learning in college?
He looked down at the envelope and opened it, he still hadn’t spoken but I had a good indication of which way he was headed. He had a passion for wrestling, and it would make his parents furious most likely.
Daniel: Full access to the gate, thank you Whisper, I’m honored.
He then looked at the box in front of him and opened it. What he found inside was wrestling gear. Tights, trunks, elbow and knee pads along with a sick looking ring jacket with the Hell’s Gate Logo on the back. The only thing that remained was if we had the balls to defy his family and chase his dream and not theirs.
Fade.
The Gate
[off camera]
Hell’s Gate Wrestling School, Grand Junction, Colorado
Kat’s coffee was always like this magical elixir, from the taste to the effect. I had started to wonder if Maria had used a little “black magic” on the beans before they were ground, but that would be silly wouldn’t it? She had made it exactly the way I like it, strong coffee was always my favorite. The weather here had gone cold, not really early in the season but still it felt bitter. The breeze picked up as I made my way to the door of the school. The warmth of my breath meeting the cold air formed a cloud as I exhaled and trailed behind me as I moved. I opened the door to the school and walked into the warmth of the place. Whisper made sure that the temp in here was always comfortable. I shed my jacket and hung it on the hook near the door and smiled as I saw students already here and either getting warmed up or already into their training with their coaches.
Whisper and Kim spotted me and waved me over. I moved with purpose but not aggressively, I had been feeling annoyed about this thing with Kim. She had said she wouldn’t work out with me again after our match. That bothered me more than I thought it should but still, I didn’t think I was over-the-top aggressive with her in the match. She’s fine, relax…was the thought projected to me from Whisper and so I slowed my pace ever so slightly. One of my weaknesses that hardly anyone knew about was my tendency to make things up that I thought people were mad about. I shit-talked myself in my own head far more often than I should and had started getting help with that. People had this perception of me that I was this man who never spoke openly about his own flaws and they were right. I didn’t like to show vulnerability or weakness of any kind. So when I got to the girls, I hugged them both and looked at Kim.
Mac: You okay?
She tentatively flexed the injured knee and nodded, even though grimacing.
Kim: Mostly, I won’t be able to work out for probably about a year though.
I sighed and nodded accepting my responsibility for that injury. They both began laughing at me, in stereo. I looked between the two and shrugged.
Mac: I don’t know what’s so funny about that, I hurt you and I’m not happy about that.
Kim patted me on the cheek and smiled.
Kim: That’s not the reason I’m taking the year off brother mine. I’ll tell ya later, I’ve got to go check on my students.
She walked away only slightly limping, so at least the damage wasn’t as bad as I had thought. Or at least I hoped it wasn’t as bad as I first thought. Whisper motioned me to follow her and I did as she asked. We ended up in her office with the door closed, so I was either in trouble or she had something to talk to me about.
Whisper: How do you feel, Mac?
I sat there for a moment, and before I responded she cut me off.
Whisper: It’s not rhetorical, I need to know and I need the truth.
I nodded and sighed deeply, then I told her the unvarnished truth.
Mac: Angry, not the uncontrolled rage that people would like to believe they saw against Cholo. That was something I did by design, to make him understand that he’s not indestructible.
Whisper: Was his winning the world title part of the plan as well?
I shook my head, it definitely had not been but then the smile bloomed on my face.
Mac: That was a happy coincidence.
She looked a little surprised by my response and her eyebrows shot up indicating the unasked question.
Mac: I don’t have to fight Peter, and I know I can beat Cholo. I damaged his leg the last time we met and he struggled through the rest of the tournament because of that. Now, every time he sees me, he knows two things.
She sat back in her chair, following along as I explained the psychology or at least the way I saw it.
Whisper: Oh?
Mac: First and foremost, he’s only a world champion now because of me.
Whisper: Don’t you think that’s a bit circumstantial?
Mac: It is, but it’s a circumstance that I created.
Whisper: So, the second?
I smiled way bigger than I probably intended or was necessary.
Mac: He’ll know, every time he steps into the ring with me, that I’m the one that hurt him. I’m the first that could hurt him. I did something no one else thought was possible, I pushed him to his physical limit and took a chunk out of his spirit. I’m living rent free in his head right now.
She leaned forward and studied me for a moment, and then to my surprise, she smiled.
Whisper: Unapologetic violence has always been our way.
Nodding I gave her a genuine smile.
Mac: This is the way.
She returned my smile with one of her own.
Whisper: This is the way.
She paused for a moment and then asked me another question, one that I knew was coming.
Whisper: Any news on Daniel?
I shook my head.
Mac: He still hasn’t made up his mind, but I know that this is what he wants. It may take him a minute to find the nerve to talk to his father, but I think he’ll be here before too long.
Fade.
Trending Upward
Seattle Washington
Standing in front of an “Oblivion Inc.” backdrop, the camera is already rolling. My task was easy, beat Goth or go to the back of the line. That was my focus, it was driving me. I would never accept the fate that destiny had for me, I was going to create my own and it didn’t matter who the opposition was. I would create my own path, just as I had throughout my career. The microphone was hot and I was ready to begin.
The Messiah of Pain, is that what you’re calling yourself these days, Goth? That’s ballsy as hell isn’t it? I have a ton of respect for you as you well know, but it seems like you’re in need of some course correction my friend. Before you can even consider calling yourself that, a couple of things need to happen.
I hold up my right hand with the first and middle fingers extended, almost like a peace sign.
First and foremost, you need to earn that. You saw how I’ve handled people in recent matches. I’ve tortured them through joint manipulation, making them scream in agony. Making them wish they could be anywhere other than where they were currently. It doesn’t matter who I am in the ring with, it’s always the same. From bell to bell, I’m all business, the pain is continuous and brutally applied.
I retract my middle finger with only the index finger remaining extended.When did he become so arrogant, I thought to myself.
Two, it’s quite pretentious of you to claim you are something you’re not.
not even close my man, I thought to myself as I continued. I hold up my hands in a placating way.
Don’t worry, I’m your friend and I’ll beat that shit right out of you. Just as I’ve done in the past.
I shot the camera a quick wink before I crossed my arms in front of my chest. Those who don’t learn from their own past are doomed to repeat it. That was my initial thought as my gaze narrowed.
That’s right, we’ve faced each other before, not in WGWF but in SCW. If you don’t remember, it was when I was making my first run at a world title and they booked us against each other.
I allowed a self-satisfied smirk to cross my face as I unfolded my arms from in front of me and placed my hands on my hips.
I still savor the first one, because I beat a part-time wrestler named Mark Cross. That was simply the beginning, the first of four world title reigns, we would fight a second time and that was right before you joined The Saviors.
The smirk slides away and is replaced with a smile as I remember the moment that he joined an extremely talented group of people. Those were good days, and this was just weird, who he’d become while no one was looking.
That happened because I felt like you’d been overlooked and misused by the company. It wasn’t pity or sympathy, it was friendship and me knowing the potential that lay in you. I knew you would bounce back and become something far more than what you were then. You proved me right when you beat JMont. I’ll admit it took longer than I had anticipated but I’m a patient man when it comes to family.
My gaze hardens, because this is business, and no one would stand in my way. That was my mindset for this match and every match that will follow.
Sadly for you, my patience has run out. You won’t come away from this feeling the brotherly love. I know Kim is still pissed because of what I did. You won’t be any happier with me, but this is business and I’ll do whatever it takes to claim what’s mine. I’m not saying you can’t beat me, I’m saying you won’t. As good as you are, I’m better and everyone knows it. After beating Kim she told me she won’t even work out with me again. I did the same thing to Cholo, but worse and that was by design. Not that I didn’t care about whether I advanced or not, but to prove a point. The crowd rallying him didn’t make a damn bit of difference. I kept my promise, every time he tried, I knocked him back down again. He advanced, but it was the most he had been challenged on a physical level in his career.
My facial expression doesn’t change, only now my nostrils flare as my hardened gaze intensifies.
He had to dig deep in order to continue in the tournament, if he says any different he’s a liar. Will your fate be different? How deep can you dig? This is not just an ordinary match, brother, this will take everything you’ve got and more. I’ll test you on a physical level that you haven't experienced before. You’ll know what true pain is. It is the single best motivator and teacher that there is. You have motivation and momentum already, the real question is can you capitalize on it?
Between the arrogance and the lies, I seriously doubt it,I thought to myself. I take a step forward so that I’m closer to the hard camera but not too close. I whisper conspiratorially to it.
A lot of people, especially Cholo are hoping you can. They hope that more than anything, they know that once I gain traction and begin my trek towards the world title, I will be unstoppable. No one can or will stop me from what my mind and heart are set on. You are their best hope.
I turn from the camera and chuckle, then I say in a loud clear voice.
Hope is not a strategy.
I turn back around and in my normal tone, I go back to my original position, and I continue.
That being said, you’re not really known as a tactician, Goth, I know you’re feeling good about things right now. You better have a plan going into this my friend, despite your optimism about beating Joe, this is different.
I cock my head to the side, smirking, I say in an almost jovial tone.
Very Different.
I’m not Joe my friend, and you’ll figure that out but it will be far too late, I think as I continue to speak.
Speaking of “different”, I honestly don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, all this talk about sin? Did you find Jesus? Maybe you joined a cult? Just a little FYI, Jesus wasn’t lost to begin with, so I think it must be a cult thing. When you speak you sound like the Baptist minister I had when I was a kid. All he preached about was hellfire and brimstone. He always said things with confidence, just like you do. It stems from this fanaticism that gives people a false sense of being untouchable. You are far from untouchable my man, I’ve proven that a couple of times.
I know that beating JMont gave you confidence and rightly so, he’s not an easy win, and worse was what you and Mel had to endure before you could get your hands on him. I’m not Joe, I’m not that soft. He and I are very different people, but I’m sure you know that. At least, you should know that by now. I’ve called you brother for a while now, and you know I don’t call many people that. It’s something reserved for only my closest friends whose loyalty I’ve never had to question. I hope our relationship doesn’t change after this match because what I expect is all-out warfare because that’s what I’m bringing to you. I hope your arm and shoulder are fully healed, I know you have a bad knee as well. These are things that I refuse to ignore, I’d be willing to bet, knowing you as I do, that you came back too soon. I know that you have a weakened knee, your shoulder was damaged by Mont and your arm was broken. All targets of opportunity that cannot be ignored, not by me at least. I know you’re not Cholo, but he is my end game, Goth, that belt is my goal and I will not be denied. Not by you or anyone else on this roster. There’s a lot on the line in this match, Goth, if you’re not ready, I’ll bury you and I won’t even feel bad about it.