Post by “The Saint” Johnny Eden on Nov 11, 2023 8:43:50 GMT -5
“Gather round, gather round my brothers and sisters…” Bishop adorned in a black robe along with Cipher and a number of children and adults on the roof of the Brotherhood compound, all gather around a giant fire pit illuminating the night sky.
“I didn’t realize you had children in your ranks, Kevin…” Cipher looks on at the children making s’mores with the flames.
“We are a family here, Cipher, this Brotherhood stretches generations, but don’t worry for the children, they are under MY protection.” Bishop gives a watchful eye to the children. “As we work to bringing my Darren back, it is these children who remind me of what I fight for… And the depths I’m willing to go to see our mission through.”
Cipher nods along. “I’m starting to see what your mission of Betterment is truly about.”
Bishop nods and looks out to his Brotherhood gaining their collective attention. “My brothers and my sisters, we appreciate you coming here tonight. To share in this moment of victory on two fronts… One is the victory of moving a step closer to figuring out the inner workings of the Infernal Architects… The other is our victory in bringing BETTERMENT to a failed industry of entertainment and brutality. The very same industry that has allowed me the opportunity to build what you see before you. Blood, sweat, tears, and dominance…. All of it over the decades of competing has led me to the man who stands beside me. I have had partners in the past, be it my first right hand, Kyle Ryder. Or my brother in law Sean Craven…. or even the rest of my band of misfits from WCF and UCI…. Rest in peace, brother Parish. All brought a competitive edge to this Brotherhood, but the swift precision and the never ending will to survive, that Owen here brings. I’m telling you, he’s unmatched! When we tiptoe this fine line between chaos and control, I couldn’t ask for a better right hand man. Be it battling the demons of this world or batting half witted nobodies in the industry that I’ve called home for so long now, we are bonded. We fight for ALL OF YOU and we make those tough decisions so you can enjoy what you see before you, without worry. So I ask you, are you with us?”
The Brotherhood gives an astounding yes in unison that perks Cipher’s ears and he looks at Bishop who is taking it all in.
“They love you…. like truly love you.” Cipher looks around at the admiration the Brotherhood is sending toward them.
“As we all celebrate this night, let our cups know no bottoms and let our laughter brighten this dark sky! Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for without YOU, there would be no Brotherhood!” Kevin gives the admiration back to his people and he turns toward Cipher. “Can I show you something, Owen?”
Cipher nods and Bishop returns the gesture. They exit the roof into an elevator, Bishop presses floor 13 and the two stand as an elevator music version of “Black Hole Sun” plays on their way down.
“You have a way about you, Kevin and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Your Uncle used to tell me that no matter my station in life, that I had an infathomable way with people…. Which, believe me, that was laughable to hear as a young street rat. But after truly applying myself to that belief, your Uncle’s words rang true.” Bishop reassures Cipher and they both notice the elevator ding with the doors opening, revealing a room giving off an inviting glow.
“What is this?” Cipher has to shield his eyes from the glow.
“This is my Tassei no dendō…” Bishop bows to the room.
“Hall of Accomplishment?” Cipher and Bishop waltz into the room and in the very center of the room is a golden throne with a King’s crown resting on it, the walls made up of glass cases filled with championships and memorabilia.
“This is indeed The Brotherhood’s accomplishments from over the decades, but I didn’t bring you here to flaunt my past…. I wanted to show you this throne and the crown I once wore. This is from the darkest time and the brightest time of my life. I was a Mad King once, Owen… I ruled an entire industry with an iron fist willing to do whatever it took to carry my kingdom over the fallen and demanding knees to be bent… I say it was the darkest time because I didn’t know how to limit myself and it allowed for HIM to take over. I did things that you wouldn’t go along with, no matter the outcome… Yet, I also called it the brightest point as well, due to how close it brought my Brotherhood together allowing us all to bask in the glory TOGETHER.” Bishop picks up the crown and he hands it to Cipher. “Your Uncle once told me, that great men are built by the decisions they make on their way to greatness… I didn’t know what he meant at that time, but after reaching the pinnacle and looking back at what it took to get there…. I understand completely and I find solace in what it took to get there. We are going to bring Betterment to this industry, Owen and in doing so we are going to be forced to make those tough decisions more than you will like to. If we keep being fed bottom feeders like The Supermarks or The Gunners…. We are going to have to demand true competition. Iron sharpens iron and we cannot grow stronger without being TESTED. Look around… If The Brotherhood wasn’t tested, we would never have achieved so much. Do you understand?” Bishop looks to Cipher who nods.
“I understand completely, Bishop. I think both agree that this mission of Betterment isn’t going to be easy, but in the end, it’ll be worth it.”
“I didn’t realize you had children in your ranks, Kevin…” Cipher looks on at the children making s’mores with the flames.
“We are a family here, Cipher, this Brotherhood stretches generations, but don’t worry for the children, they are under MY protection.” Bishop gives a watchful eye to the children. “As we work to bringing my Darren back, it is these children who remind me of what I fight for… And the depths I’m willing to go to see our mission through.”
Cipher nods along. “I’m starting to see what your mission of Betterment is truly about.”
Bishop nods and looks out to his Brotherhood gaining their collective attention. “My brothers and my sisters, we appreciate you coming here tonight. To share in this moment of victory on two fronts… One is the victory of moving a step closer to figuring out the inner workings of the Infernal Architects… The other is our victory in bringing BETTERMENT to a failed industry of entertainment and brutality. The very same industry that has allowed me the opportunity to build what you see before you. Blood, sweat, tears, and dominance…. All of it over the decades of competing has led me to the man who stands beside me. I have had partners in the past, be it my first right hand, Kyle Ryder. Or my brother in law Sean Craven…. or even the rest of my band of misfits from WCF and UCI…. Rest in peace, brother Parish. All brought a competitive edge to this Brotherhood, but the swift precision and the never ending will to survive, that Owen here brings. I’m telling you, he’s unmatched! When we tiptoe this fine line between chaos and control, I couldn’t ask for a better right hand man. Be it battling the demons of this world or batting half witted nobodies in the industry that I’ve called home for so long now, we are bonded. We fight for ALL OF YOU and we make those tough decisions so you can enjoy what you see before you, without worry. So I ask you, are you with us?”
The Brotherhood gives an astounding yes in unison that perks Cipher’s ears and he looks at Bishop who is taking it all in.
“They love you…. like truly love you.” Cipher looks around at the admiration the Brotherhood is sending toward them.
“As we all celebrate this night, let our cups know no bottoms and let our laughter brighten this dark sky! Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for without YOU, there would be no Brotherhood!” Kevin gives the admiration back to his people and he turns toward Cipher. “Can I show you something, Owen?”
Cipher nods and Bishop returns the gesture. They exit the roof into an elevator, Bishop presses floor 13 and the two stand as an elevator music version of “Black Hole Sun” plays on their way down.
“You have a way about you, Kevin and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Your Uncle used to tell me that no matter my station in life, that I had an infathomable way with people…. Which, believe me, that was laughable to hear as a young street rat. But after truly applying myself to that belief, your Uncle’s words rang true.” Bishop reassures Cipher and they both notice the elevator ding with the doors opening, revealing a room giving off an inviting glow.
“What is this?” Cipher has to shield his eyes from the glow.
“This is my Tassei no dendō…” Bishop bows to the room.
“Hall of Accomplishment?” Cipher and Bishop waltz into the room and in the very center of the room is a golden throne with a King’s crown resting on it, the walls made up of glass cases filled with championships and memorabilia.
“This is indeed The Brotherhood’s accomplishments from over the decades, but I didn’t bring you here to flaunt my past…. I wanted to show you this throne and the crown I once wore. This is from the darkest time and the brightest time of my life. I was a Mad King once, Owen… I ruled an entire industry with an iron fist willing to do whatever it took to carry my kingdom over the fallen and demanding knees to be bent… I say it was the darkest time because I didn’t know how to limit myself and it allowed for HIM to take over. I did things that you wouldn’t go along with, no matter the outcome… Yet, I also called it the brightest point as well, due to how close it brought my Brotherhood together allowing us all to bask in the glory TOGETHER.” Bishop picks up the crown and he hands it to Cipher. “Your Uncle once told me, that great men are built by the decisions they make on their way to greatness… I didn’t know what he meant at that time, but after reaching the pinnacle and looking back at what it took to get there…. I understand completely and I find solace in what it took to get there. We are going to bring Betterment to this industry, Owen and in doing so we are going to be forced to make those tough decisions more than you will like to. If we keep being fed bottom feeders like The Supermarks or The Gunners…. We are going to have to demand true competition. Iron sharpens iron and we cannot grow stronger without being TESTED. Look around… If The Brotherhood wasn’t tested, we would never have achieved so much. Do you understand?” Bishop looks to Cipher who nods.
“I understand completely, Bishop. I think both agree that this mission of Betterment isn’t going to be easy, but in the end, it’ll be worth it.”