Cognizance Special: King of Swords
Dec 13, 2020 23:46:33 GMT -5
Stuart Slane and Max f'n Daemon like this
Post by Dionysus on Dec 13, 2020 23:46:33 GMT -5
Ahh... It appears the time has come... | ||
Once again, we witness the catalyst of our arrival... | ||
Seems a fool... | ||
Pathetic, even... | ||
Yes... | ||
Still...it must be done. | ||
Indeed. | ||
The question is... | ||
Can he... | ||
Survive? | Survive? | Survive? |
Tell me...have you ever read The Odyssey, Downfall? The classic tale of the great king of Ithaca, Odysseus, as he takes a voyage home not long after the Trojan War. A ten year voyage, can you believe that? Ten years! All to try and come home. Now, many think that the reasons for taking his time was to have word spread of his exploits, like many of his contemporaries. Others believed he simply did not wish to return home right away. Perhaps he had a falling out with his family. However, for me, there is a much simpler explanation: Odysseus did not avoid his home by choice. Rather, he simply lost his way; the vast sea open to many dangers and opportunities that would sidetrack even the most diligent of men. He simply could not find the right path to bring him home.
It makes the most sense to me, given our standing with each other.
You know, a lot of people think I should be afraid of you, Downfall. Your brutal tactics in the ring has earned you your reputation and standing, even taking notice of The Lost Breed. Not bad, all things considered. Naturally, you still have me to thank for that; after all, Jekyll only allowed Hyde to reveal himself on his own whims. Still, you are decidedly proven, as we now take our fight to the level of champions. I will admit, there is a sliver of fear as I enter into this match. Downfall has bested me before, one of the few Action Wrestling Originals yet to have tasted gold. Not only that, but he has done so in a way that has cemented himself in the division. We both want the same thing; to climb to greater heights. For you, that is to continue where your predecessor left off; a streak unbroken. Whereas my goal is much more of a challenge; to best a man that has caused me to practice memorizing lines from a book. A man that has caused me to forget much of my past several months. A man who, without a doubt, is more than willing to do so again. You understand where I stand; I fear injury once more.
...
But what you may not know, Downfall...is that this fear will not stop me.
This fear only excites me. It will never control me. And now, Downfall, you enter into my world. You still get credit; you are a brutal fighter. However, much like a blind butcher dropping beef, you have no real grasp of the stakes here. You see, while I was recovering, I was always watching. I now know you like the back of my hand, Downfall. The fear and shame I felt all those months ago is now gone. All that remains is to put you in your rightful place; at my heel, groveling for mercy.
A street fight decides this battle. You understand what this means, yes?
It means I get to bring my toys to war.
You may think this is a way for me to match your level. Cast that thought aside; if all you wanted was a fight, I would simply give you one without my implements. However, you and I both know you want a war. A true war. I bring you no wooden horse to try and curry favor. No, I deliberately make my intentions clear, here and now: your reign ends, and my journey begins anew.
These past months while my mind raged and roiled were nothing short of torture. Can you imagine what it must be like, to try and recall every last detail of your life? Not just your name, not just your phone number, but every detail? Do you know what it is like to look in the mirror and not recognize the face staring back at you, even though you have seen this face time and time again? Or to try and remember the face of the mother who cared for you all on her own? This is the gift you bestowed me with, Downfall; an endless nightmare of confusion with the only thought left being when I will wake up from the nightmare. My life burned around me, my memories a pile of smoldering ash and sizzling blood.
...And I must thank you for this gift, Downfall.
Had this not happened to me, I would continue to allow myself to see only my hubris, my pride, my ego. You provided humility, a humbling, and a deeper understanding of my core being. And for that, I thank you. But I also pity you. For at long last, I feel as though I am my old self once more. The winds blow the fires of war in your direction, my friend. From my own ashes, like the phoenix of legend, I am born once more. I am Odysseus, finally at home after so many years. You, on the other hand. must be repaid for this gift.
So, consider this your gift:
I will not defeat you.
I will not simply defeat you.
You will break.
You will bleed.
You will burn.
You will feel every ounce of anguish I have felt.
And when you are left as a smoldering carcass in the middle of that ring, I will gather your ashes and scatter them to the four winds, claiming my prize as I go.
For you see...the gladiator is the fiercest of all actors. And you...will be taking the center ring...with me.
Gloriae proelio. Victoria sanguine.