Post by CJ Phoenix on Nov 13, 2022 13:58:09 GMT -5
Everyone likes a good story, and it seems we've finally reached the third act, haven't we, Gerry? I must say there's been quite a bit of character development. Let's start with you, since we ALL know that's your favorite thing to talk about. What a meteoric rise to prominence. Pulling off upset after upset until you weaseled your way to the World Title. It must feel good getting everything you want so quickly. So why do you still have such a superiority complex? No matter what you achieve, you still continue to be insecure. You just HAVE to be a nuisance everywhere you go because deep down you're still shallow and desperate for attention. How does it feel to know that even the richest of prizes can't save you from the despair that haunts you?
You know what else is rattling your chains? The ironic fact that the most memorable thing about your run with the World Title is the fact that you got outfoxed by a clown in front of the world. Now that's something worth calling a living legend and boy did it make your blood boil. But that's what you wanted, isn't it? That moment will live longer than you will. The same way that me beating you at Revolution still lives rent free in that head of yours. So much so that you RAN AWAY from me after Battlebowl. You've been trying your hardest to avoid me for eight months. Unfortunately for you, there's nowhere to run now.
But why run in the first place? Aren't you supposed the be the frontrunner here? You beat on your chest and boast about any little thing under the sun. You're even going as far as to try and call your shot of winning the Wrestler of the Year tournament before we've even hit the midway point. You should be running TOWARDS me, but you don't.....and I know why.
You're AFRAID. Scared of the fact that of all the people you've faced, I'm the one that put you down for the three. I've PROVEN that I can beat you, and you know that when I do it again Monday, you're gonna have a new recurring nightmare.
"DOWN GOES THE 1 SEED! DOWN GOES THE 1 SEED!"
That's gonna echo in your mind like a bat's screech in a cave. You probably won't even watch March Madness next year because of the trauma. Instead, you'll be spending that time STILL complaining about how you only lost that match because the moon wasn't positioned right or some shit. Just like a typical movie villain, you try to set yourself apart only to end up no different than the rest of them. You're just another guy in the revolving door of insufferable bastards poisoning the prestige of the World Title, and Monday night, you'll be just another guy that I defeated....again.
This whole day has just been exhausting. Five hours of being interrogated by the police and now I'm finally able to drive home. The first and only conversation I had with Vanessa's brother is still fresh in my mind.
(Flashback)
Phoenix: Why the fuck did you kill him!?
Syrus: Somebody had to!
Phoenix: Nobody had to!
Syrus: You really think he was gonna get what he deserved otherwise? He was a rich dude that knew how to pull strings. He would've gotten what, 25 at most for what he did? I'M the one that he sent to do most of the heavy lifting. I'm catching charges regardless, so I'd rather get it over and done with so we can all move on. When the cops show up, I'll take full responsibility for it.
Vanessa: But you're gonna be gone for life if you do that! Besides, Aren't we accomplices or something? We're alive and he's not.
Syrus: No you're not. You're witnesses. Either way, I'm the one that's going away, not you.
Vanessa: But....I don't want you to leave....I just got you back....
Syrus: It's fine. You'll still be able to visit and stuff. It's not like I'm gonna be GONE gone. Not to mention y'all still have so much more to do in life.
Phoenix: Nah don't say that like you don't either.
Syrus: I'M an accomplice...
He points at Dr. Field's corpse.
Syrus: ....to HIS bullshit! I'm not getting off with a slap on the wrist.
Phoenix: Well at least let me hook you up with a good lawyer.
Syrus: ....alright. I'ma probably need one of those. I appreciate it.
CJ nods and Vanessa runs up to Syrus and hugs him.
Syrus: I'm proud of you, Nessa.
Vanessa: For what?
Syrus: My mind's still fucked up, but I do remember most of the stuff that I saw. You've learned how to take care of yourself. You've made friends, got a great ass job, and you still hold yourself up with class and respect. You got people that look out for you too. That's why I'm not worried about going to prison. I know you'll be okay while I'm gone.
He looks at CJ and grins.
Syrus: Hey, man. I see that sad ass look on your face. Don't go blaming yourself for this shit. You got better things to do with your life. Besides, I'll be alright.
Phoenix: You sure?
Syrus: I wouldn't be smiling if I wasn't.
The sound of sirens approaching cut our conversation short.
Syrus: Looks like my ride's here. Y'all be good, alright? I'm finna see if they can put me in a prison with good food. I'm hungry like a mother fucker.
(End flashback)
That smile on his face....how could he be so happy? He went through so much despair to finally be free to be himself again.....just for that freedom to be taken from him less than an hour later. I know he doesn't want me to blame myself, but how can't I? If it would've been me that got shot, maybe he wouldn't have gone that far off the deep end. He'd likely end up with a lighter sentence and be free to hang out with Vanessa that much sooner. I just wish I could've done more. The least I can do to make up for it is make sure that Nessa's okay. The cops let her go early because of how shaken up she is, so Kaiyah was able to pick her up from the station. I think this is the longest I've ever seen her go without even so much as a smile. Hopefully Kaiyah's making some progress with cheering her up or at least providing comfort. As much as it hurts to be in pain, it hurts more to see those close to you in pain and not be able to fix it completely.
Every great story has a protagonist that goes through adversity. They get knocked down so that they have a reason to get back up. No one does that better than me. You may think it's you because you've had doubters and whatnot, but let's be real. You were already established before you got here. You didn't just randomly decide 'hey, I'll try this whole wrestling thing out' twelve months ago. The reason people didn't know you when you showed up here isn't because they live under a rock. It's because you're honestly not all that interesting. You're just new here, and once that new car smell wears off, you'll be another car in the parking garage collecting dust.
I've spent my whole career swimming in adversity, especially this year. I don't get questions about how I've rebuilt THREE different divisions in this company in less than 18 months. I don't get banners and whatnot about how I'm becoming one of the winningest wrestlers in AW history, or how I have a realistic shot of hitting 100 wins before my 30th birthday. Sure I get my flowers from time to time and I appreciate them, but I hear more about my failures than anything else. Time after time, I've had my chances of FINALLY giving Action Wrestling a breath of fresh air stolen from me by a bunch of weirdos who just HAVE to have their moment in the spotlight because they know they'll be forgotten when it fades. I've heard "You had your chance" and "You'll never achieve this or that" and a bunch of other bullshit repeatedly. The pain, despair, and heartbreak that I've been through this year alone would make even great competitors throw in the towel. Not me. I'm too resilient. I'm too determined. The fans don't say 'if' I achieve something. They say 'when'. They have a love for me that you couldn't get in your wildest dreams. Honestly, you have something I want, but I have something you'll never get. I'll get my hands on that World Title. You're just lucky it's not on the line or I'd be walking out with it in addition to a spot in the final four of the tournament that you're NOT gonna win. But what you want, that admiration and almost cult-like following from the people around you, you won't get because of the type of person you are. So it gives you another reason to be envious of me. I became the hero of the Action Wrestling lore naturally. I don't have to whine or complain or beg for the lead roles because they chase me. I'm the true champion of this world. You're just a hater with a belt who talks everyone to death before he goes home and cries himself to sleep because no one wants to listen.
As I got closer to my home, I passed by Hope's Peak Academy. It brought back memories of me standing next to Junko Enoshima about this place last year. Guess that triggered her to appear beside me.
Junko: Damn, I can't believe how lucky you got with this place. It's actually thriving. You missed another phone call by the way.
I've probably missed a thousand by now and a million notifications across social media. I feel no need to rush to answer. Not in the state of mind that I'm in.
Phoenix: I'm sure I'll miss a few more.
Junko: I'll be honest, I'm surprised this place is still standing. I thought it was gonna flop for sure. Can't believe it's been a year since you told me about wanting to have this all built. I almost miss the dirt and stuff before it was built.
Phoenix: Time flies when you're having fun I guess.
Junko: You don't sound like you're having fun now.
She's right. I'm not. Not at this moment. Not even a little bit.
Phoenix: This is supposed to be one of my gifts to the world. Likely my biggest gift. A whole year of planning and watching this place to from literally nothing to a fortress for the future. There's even a senior here that's been training in the squared circle. Signed a developmental deal in OCW after she hit 18. She's got talent. Still undisciplined, but she's showing signs of improvement.
Junko: Sounds to me like you should be joyful. Yuck. Instead, you're wallowing in despair over something you had no control over.
Phoenix: I know. As far as the positives go, I have a life that most people dream of. Happily married with a nice home. I have a great career. I'm a champion. I'm helping to build up the next generation. I'm grateful for all of that. I really am, but things could still be better.
Junko: Oh MUCH better. The whole world should be reveling in glorious despair. You still have plenty of time to make that happen though. I believe in you. Hehehe.
Phoenix: Riiiiiiiiiight. Sure you do.
Junko: I get what you're feeling. This is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life, and yet everything is falling apart just as fast as it's all coming together. So, what are you gonna do about it? Finally gonna give up this whole being a better person nonsense?
Phoenix: Hell nah.
Junko: Humph. Fine, but I'm gonna ask again tomorrow.....and the next day......and the next day.......and the next day.
She fades away, still saying "and the next day" until she completely disappears. I let out a heavy sigh afterwards. Not sure if it's a relief from her leaving or a stressed out sigh from how today went. Probably both. Regardless, I can't just stop now. I got too much on my plate to rest now. I just have to do what I do best. Take things one day at a time and build from there. But first, I need to try an clear my mind up before my match Monday. Lemme grab my phone and talk to Spencer. Maybe venting a little will help me feel better before I get home.
Every great story has a thrilling conclusion where the protagonist ekes out a victory in an absolute war. You've been built up and your ego's been blown up to the point where me beating you actually MEANS something this time. It almost feels like a full circle moment. Remember how you told me that you were gonna be the asshole that humbled me? Well consider this me returning the favor tenfold. I'm gonna hit you in the face with a whole humble pie. It's only fitting that it's me who does it too. I've got a bit of a history popping overinflated egos. It's something I enjoy quite a bit. So if you hated me before for beating you and exposing your mortality, you're gonna DESPISE my existence when I derail your self hype train.
Believe it or not, I'm actually excited about this match. In a sense, I created this monster. And now I get to destroy it. I get to dismantle this douchebag until he's down bad in despair. You'd think I'm out for revenge or something but I'm really not. I'm actually giving you what you wanted, Gerry. I'm giving you the role of a lifetime as the out of control machine dismantled by the man who brought it to life, the Luminary of Despair himself. You better hope the EMTs can get to you in time because you're about to choke on your own hubris like it's a Popeyes biscuit with no drink to wash it down with. So pack your bags and get your excuses ready, Gerry. I'm gonna CUT your tournament life short Monday.
