MD 65: Runn Reynolds Runn vs. Mind Over Matter
- Thread starter Ty Burna
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***
Four years ago....
We cut to footage from what seems to be a house show. The arena is small and the stage lighting is very subtle, giving a very dingy, low-budget feel. There is a small tron at the top of a short ramp and the ring is six-sided.
Its now very clear that this isnt life as we know it. Its not WZCW.
It is clear to see despite the dim environment that Austin looks much younger than we are used to seeing him. He is paler than he is today and marginally slimmer too. His outfit is a simple black combo with gold trim. He has a swagger about him that is reminiscent of his first six months in WZCW epitomised by the large gold belt over his shoulder. He has a microphone in his hand and is mid promo.
Four years ago....
We cut to footage from what seems to be a house show. The arena is small and the stage lighting is very subtle, giving a very dingy, low-budget feel. There is a small tron at the top of a short ramp and the ring is six-sided.
Its now very clear that this isnt life as we know it. Its not WZCW.
It is clear to see despite the dim environment that Austin looks much younger than we are used to seeing him. He is paler than he is today and marginally slimmer too. His outfit is a simple black combo with gold trim. He has a swagger about him that is reminiscent of his first six months in WZCW epitomised by the large gold belt over his shoulder. He has a microphone in his hand and is mid promo.
AR: ...And this stinking town doesnt deserve to see The Ratings Winner wrestle tonight! Im the MWE World Champion and you can all go to hell.
A rapturous cheer greets the recognisable music of the Grand Mystique. Austin appears unfazed in the middle of the ring as the dark haired superstar appears at the top of the ramp.
GM: Oh Austin, your cocky schtick really doesnt change does it? Its getting boring you know. Saying the same old thing will get you nowhere.
Austin scowls and points accusingly.
AR: Shut up you psycho. Youre just blind to what Im capable of! I can do everything that you can do ten times better! You couldnt beat me in ten lifetimes!
GM: How about I come down and beat some sense into you?
The crowd show their approval with a roar.
GM: Just give me the chance to shove your condescending tongue up your own ass.
AR: OK big man. Im soooo scared.
The Grand Mystique tips his head to the side in response to the dripping sarcasm.
GM: And then Ill rip that belt from your cold lifeless fingers.
Austin suddenly grips the championship close to his chest.
GM: And then well see how far being a cocky little sh*t will get you.
AR: Yeah you try it!!
Suddenly the lights cut out and when they reappear, the Grand Mystique is in the ring with Austin on his shoulders in position for his finisher and he slams Austin down to the mat!
***
Three months later.....
We see another arena, small, dark and set out in a very similar manner. Austin is in the centre of the ring once again with a mic in hand.
Three months later.....
We see another arena, small, dark and set out in a very similar manner. Austin is in the centre of the ring once again with a mic in hand.
AR: Ive beaten everyone who matters in this company and everyone who hasnt been beaten doesnt matter! Im the Ratings Winner and nobody else even comes close!
GM: Oh this is familiar. The Loudmouth Winner spouting off to people who are tired of his crap!
AR: Come down here and say that bull to my face. I swear Imma -
GM: Say Austin, how did that go for you last time?
The Grand Mystique undoes his robe to show the very same championship that Austin had carried. Austin seethes at this display of confidence.
GM: And you know what, Ive been told that we are teaming up against the Bowen Brothers in a tag team match later tonight and if you pull any arrogant tricks out of your ass, I will slam you so hard on your head that you wont remember your name!
AR: Alright, Ill work with you - I dont trust you but the way I see it, I dont need to. I can beat the Bowens all by myself because Im that freaking good!
GM: Heard it all before Reynolds. Same old cocky, arrogant piece of trash.
Later that night, Austin is trapped on the opposite side of the ring to his reluctant tag partner, the Grand Mystique. The Bowen Brothers, a seven foot tall giant named David and his smaller, facepainted brother called Alex are working him over with quick tags and hard offense. David tags back in and lifts Austin up above his head and Alex climbs to the top rope but Austin fights out. He drops David with a DDT and kicks Alex off the top rope on the way down!
The Grand Mystique reluctantly reaches out for a tag as Austin crawls across the ring. David begins to stir but Austin is close enough to tag in. As he reaches his own corner, he goes to tag the Grand Mystique in but the fan favourite drops off the apron! Austin looks on desperately as his tag partner walks up the ramp. David Bowen is back to his feet and nails Austin with the Slam of Black Death. Alex comes off the top rope with a leg drop; David hooks the leg, 1....2.....3!!!
Your winner, the tag team champions, David & Alex Bowen!!
Austin looks up the ramp as the victorious brothers celebrate their impressive win. The Grand Mystique stands at the top of the ramp and cackles as Austin seethes in the ring. The Grand Mystique picks up a house mic and begins to taunt Austin.
GM: That must sting like a bitch Austin. See, being a cocky son of a bitch who trusts no one gets you precisely squat!
GM: Seeing you dropped on your ass has been the highlight of the night and I cant wait to do the same to you at the pay-per-view next week!!
***
Back in the here and now...
We are in midst of a WZCW house show. The difference is stark. The arena is vast and a sea of enthusiastic faces is lit up with a dazzling display and allows the sharp clean details to be picked out. As expected, the action has been great all night and the crowd have been hot from bell to bell for every match.
Back in the here and now...
We are in midst of a WZCW house show. The difference is stark. The arena is vast and a sea of enthusiastic faces is lit up with a dazzling display and allows the sharp clean details to be picked out. As expected, the action has been great all night and the crowd have been hot from bell to bell for every match.
[YOUTUBE]7xxgRUyzgs0[/YOUTUBE]
The mood changes quickly as the music of Mind Over Matter begins to play. The crowd noise gets louder as they realise that Alexander Stark and Hiraku Susumu are not in the arena, but on the Titantron. Both men are dressed in smart suits and not dressed to work as the fans may have expected.
HS: We are devastated to not be in Hickville, USA tonight but Alexander and I have much greater plans to attend to.
The crowd in attendance immediately begins to chant obscenities at the pair who are clearly delighted by their own intelligence and sense of superiority.
AS: That we do. You see, Hiraku-san and I plan to end the team of Runn Reynolds Runn at Meltdown and kill off whatever dream they have of being crowned the best team in this company. These belts are going nowhere because they won't be in a fit state to compete at All or Nothing.
The staggering arrogance of these two young men is on full show as they stand proud with their chins out like strutting peacocks.
HS: They will not win this match and they will not be in the tag team match at All or Nothing. Its really quite simple, even if you inbred rednecks criminals are too dumb to figure it out.
The live crowd detests this continued show of bravado and their words are only serving to further incite their anger.
AS: We will expose Ricky Runn as the worthless, brainless, talentless spot monkey that he really is and Reynolds cannot be the mule that is dragging your team along forever. We are better than Runn and Reynolds individually and as a unit.
HS: We will make them scream in agony and they will thank us for the privilege. For it is only in the fires of suffering can man be made better. Whether you sheep accept these words or hide from it doesn't matter. You will see them lose next week and that is the inescapable truth.
The crowd roar with approval as The Ratings Winner appears. We can no longer hear Stark & Susumu speaking but we can still them before the picture cuts out without warning. Reynolds makes his way down to the ramp and walks around the ring before getting into the squared circle. He smiles as he brings the mic up to speak.
AR: I slipped a tenner to one of the tech guys in the back just to sabotage that feed its the best thing Ive done this week. My god, are those guys arrogant and boring or what?!
Austin appears keen to engage the crowd in exactly the opposite way to Stark and Susumu. He paces across with a boundless energy.
AR: They could talk the hind legs of a dogs backside. And the smartass partners who dont trust each other routine got old real quick.I know that better than most! I came to WZCW with the biggest ego going and it got beaten out of me damn quick!
AR: All this talk about suffering and pain just gets me down! Im the bounciest person I know, I hate feeling like that! So I can go and make it real simple. Let me put it in terms I know they will understand.
Austin stops pacing as if to consider his words.
AR: Im going to roll into Meltdown with my boy Ricky and we are going to show those cocky asses what Runn Reynolds Runn have in their tanks! They need to learn that their words are not gospel and their arrogance is only going to get them so far. Ricky and I are going to Meltdown to do what we do best and that is to entertain the fans in the arena, the fans at home by kicking their backsides all over the ring.
He is now speaking much slower and his words now carry the full weight of his intentions.
AR: They may think that being all serious and dull gets the job done but what does that do for everyone else. Im the Ratings Winner, ive got a reputation to protect. So I see it as my civic and professional duty to go and get the W and drag those two punks to the best match of their career because anything less than a win for the Triple R Express will be a failure.
His serious tone continues.
AR: But above all, you think that you can take my tag team partner and try to end his career by dropping him on his head? You think that is the way to get things done here? Want to know how the Ratings Winner gets things done? Im going to stroll down to Meltdown, walk into that ring and teach those two smarty-pants a few things about pain and suffering. Ive been to hell and back a few times here so Im pretty well-qualified to talk about the subject. You think that you can top what Ive been through, just try it.
Austin smiles to show he welcomes any and all challenges.
AR: You want to know what would be the best thing about winning on Meltdown? We get a title shot and we can choose whatever match we want at the pay-per-view. And we already know what we want to do. Its a doozy!
His wide grin can barely conceal the implied brilliance of this idea.
AR: Now Ive promised Ricky that I wouldnt let the cat out of the bag before the match. So as much as I would like to tell you, I cant. But we'll announce on the show and if that is not a great reason to tune in, I dont know what is!
AR: But enough about me, thats not why I am here and Im bored of talking about them.
Austin pulls off his jacket to reveal a referees shirt and he smiles broadly as the crowd pop once again.
AR: So I was asked to ref a match, lets get it going already!
The scene opens with the young Ricky Runn sitting in a small office with his friend, Rachael. The two are both freshmen in high school. The both of them are covered in stains from the food fight they caused in the cafeteria. Rachel is sporting an unusually bright grin while the Daredevil grips his chair nervously. She looks over to Ricky and says concerned.
Whats wrong Rick? Didnt you have fun back there?
Ricky looks back and plasters a nervous smile and says softly.
Well, I did yeah But Arent you worried about getting in trouble?
Rachael laughs and pats Rickys mashed potato-covered shoulder and says with an upbeat energy.
What is the principal going to do? Suspend us? Please, like it is any real punishment to be given permission to miss school.
Ricky turned his head, thinking about what his friend said and then replies.
You do have a point.
Just sit back and relax; you let me do the talking. Okay Ricky?
Ricky nodded his head and then suddenly, Principal Smith walks in and takes a seat at his desk in front of Ricky and Rachael. He takes a look down at the papers in front of him informing him about the incident in the school. He looks up sharply at Rachael and Ricky and says nonchalantly.
You two again You would think a week of detention would have taught you how to behave yourself in these halls.
Smith then picks up a remote and flips on security footage of the cafeteria. The image on the screen is a still of Ricky and Rachael with a handful of goop in the grips of their hands, seconds before launching it at a poor, unsuspecting victim. Smith points at the screen and says professionally.
Now can you tell me who these two young adults are?
Rickys face was a pale white while the girl next to him was still possessed the same smile before the principal walked in and said proudly.
You bet it was us Smithy! Only 30 minutes of lunch time isnt enough to enjoy a good meal before class so we felt that we needed to let our actions speak louder than words.
Ricky plants his face into the palm of his hand and sat there while Smith shared a similar expression. He began to sound disappointed as he replied.
Dont get smart with me Ms.Lopez. This isnt the first time I had to deal with you before. But I dont understand why you are dragging this young boy down as well.
Ricky then looks up defensively and says boldly.
Well excuse me sir, but she isnt dragging me anywhere. I am actually having fun in school thanks to Rachael."
School is not about fun, its about hard work and studying. You and Rachael should be studying and preparing for the future.
Rachael then stood up and proclaims.
Then what if our future doesnt need a fancy degree from Harvard Not everyone wants to be a doctor or a chemist, we just want to enjoy the youth we have now before it is too late.
Just before either the principal or Ricky could speak, a loud banging comes from the door as a tall, silhouette stands on the other side of the translucent window, the principal gestures with his hand and shouts to the door.
Come in Mr.Jackson, come in.
Rickys eyes widen up as he dared not to look behind him as the door opens. Rickys father stood behind him and says in a cold manner to the principal.
So, what is the damage Mr. Smith? What harm did Ricky do this time? What did his little friend get him involved in this time?
Well him and Ms. Lopez started a little food fight, because they wanted to enjoy their youth.
Mr. Smith if my son and his little charming friend here caused any damage to the school I will be more than willing to pay for it.
That wont be an issue Mr. Smith. I was just about to put Ricky and Rachael in duty for cleaning up the entire school from top to bottom. They will spend three hours every day after class to clean the halls for the next week.
Ricky and Rachael share a collected sigh from the punishment given from Smith before Smith stood and says promptly.
Well Ricky, thats your punishment. I still need to discuss her punishment in private so if you excuse us.
Both members of the Jackson family stand up and leave the office. Jackson Jr. leaves with a high-five to Rachael before leaving. Once Ricky and his father enter the car it is filled with a grim silence. Richard Sr. Is the first to speak as he says harshly.
I dont want you hanging around that young girl anymore. She is nothing but trouble for you.
Ricky looks over shocked from what his father said as he replies.
What, are you insane? Rachael is like, my best friend. You cant tell me who or who not to hang out with father.
I can if she is affecting your grades, and she is.
My grades have always been shit dad. But now I am actually having fun.
School is not about fun Ricky. You got to get serious now or otherwise you will you become nothing. That young girl you are so fond of, does she have anything planned for the future.
She uh, um, does it matter if she does? Shes happy and thats all that matters.
You just dont get it, do you?
No, you just dont get it Dad.
You think you know what is best for you Richard? Youre just a kid, you dont squat away what is important in life. You keep up this antics and you will see your way out of this house.
You cant kick me out of the house. I am only 15.
You better not keep up this attitude when youre 18 Richard.
The two continue arguing as the car drives off back to the Jackson household. The scene snaps back to Ricky stretching out in the Reynolds personal gym in Chicago. It was the middle of the night and the Ratings Winner, Austin Reynolds is talking strategy with Ricky. But the daredevils mind was in other places. Austin continues to babble on and begins going over the move-sets of Mind Over Matter.
Stark doesnt have the energy you have in the ring. If we can keep him in our half of the ring, we can make it a very quick match.
Ricky nods to what was white sound to him as he continues to stretch out his leg.
Susumu is really intelligent too, but all this strategy will go right out the window if we dont Are you listening to anything Im saying?
Ricky snaps back into reality and shakes his head and tries to remember what the Ratings Winner was just telling the daredevil.
I uhh, um Honestly dude, I have no idea.
Austin stops his stretching and looks over to Ricky with a concerning look upon his face.
You okay Rick? Youve seem distant lately.
Austin sits down on the apron of the ring looking straight at Ricky and tells him straight
You got to get out of the past Ricky. Sitting back and watching the world pass you by is not going to get you anywhere.
Ricky nods his head and listens to Austin.
And you cant be looking for the future. You have to make the best of the time you have now. That is why it is called the present.
Ricky chuckles a bit and looks up and says with a smile.
That is really corny, you know that dude?
Austin laughs in return and responds.
I know, I know. But it does have some truth to it.
And what truth is that?
You cant hold onto the past man. I dont have any regrets about I won the Elite X Championship, I just prepared myself for every defense I had. And that is exactly what we are going to do with the tag titles."
Ricky nods and hops up to his feet. Energy begins flowing through Runn as he says in a rejuvenating fashion.
Youre right Austin; the future is going to be what we make it. I cant afford to worry about the past or the future. I got to make the present the best I can make it!
Ricky then jumps into the ring and climbs to the top of the turnbuckle and raises his fist in the air and says proudly.
We are Runn Reynolds Runn! The fans love us and Mind Over Matter wish they can be as good as us! We are the most rating winning, city thrilling, show stopping, and head stopping team in WZCW!
Ricky flashes his signature grin and says to Austin.
And Mind Over Matter, theyre boring, overrated, and insane.
Austins eyebrow raises and then says in a questioning manner.
What do you mean, insane?
Ricky jumps off the turnbuckle in a back flip and lands in the ring and says loudly.
They have to be crazy in order to think they will hold onto those tag titles after All or Nothing! Ive never have had this focus or this drive before but man, I want to bust skulls and kick some ass! Im sick with always needing to be saved by you, Austin. Im tired of crooks like Showtime and MOM. Because we are going to be the best tag team in history, the best cant take any of this crap lying down. The best go out and become Champions, the best go out and defeat pretenders wannabes!
Austin smiles up at the youthful Ricky and continues on and shouts back as Ricky sprints off the ropes.
Who are the pretenders, brother?
If you look up the word in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Alexander Stark and Hiraku Susumu shaking hands. They do their best to put up the front that they are a capable team but the fact is, theyre not. Both Susumu and Stark would give up the titles and the team in a heartbeat if it meant that one of them could gain something more.
Once Ricky finished, he rests against the ropes and takes a deep breath in and then speaks after breathing out.
Whew That felt .Great!
Austin grins and slides into the ring and stands in front of the Second City Daredevil and shouts with the same, infectious energy Ricky has.
Theres the Ricky I teamed up with. Our energy, our speed and our trust will beat Mind Over Matter and we will pick the stipulation to the match we are going to win!
Ricky shouts into the air and then looks back to Austin and said curiously.
Say, we never did think of the stipulation we are going to pick when we win?
What stipulation do you think that the two best high-flyers in the business will use to their advantage against the most boring tag team in history?
Ricky rubs his chin and thinks to himself. He looks toward the sky and then jokes.
Does it matter what stipulation would we not be better in than MOM? We will beat them no matter if it was a cage match, inferno match, tornado match, or an ice cream eating contest!
Didnt I already say we are not going to do an ice cream eating contest?"
Aww man I could really go for some ice cream right now. But Action freaking Saxton and Saboteur stole every last drop of the stuff.
Austin chuckles and wraps his hand around Ricky after both of them leave the ring to head out and get to the next house show and looks up to the rafters of the now quiet gym and says.
You know what Ricky, after All or Nothing, we will have more ice cream than you can stomach.
The both share a hearty laugh before Ricky says softly.
Im holding you to that Austin.
As both men stand at the entrance, Austin began flipping off the lights to the gym. The lights turned off one by one from back to front until the final light that is above the RRR Express turns off.
Whats wrong Rick? Didnt you have fun back there?
Ricky looks back and plasters a nervous smile and says softly.
Well, I did yeah But Arent you worried about getting in trouble?
Rachael laughs and pats Rickys mashed potato-covered shoulder and says with an upbeat energy.
What is the principal going to do? Suspend us? Please, like it is any real punishment to be given permission to miss school.
Ricky turned his head, thinking about what his friend said and then replies.
You do have a point.
Just sit back and relax; you let me do the talking. Okay Ricky?
Ricky nodded his head and then suddenly, Principal Smith walks in and takes a seat at his desk in front of Ricky and Rachael. He takes a look down at the papers in front of him informing him about the incident in the school. He looks up sharply at Rachael and Ricky and says nonchalantly.
You two again You would think a week of detention would have taught you how to behave yourself in these halls.
Smith then picks up a remote and flips on security footage of the cafeteria. The image on the screen is a still of Ricky and Rachael with a handful of goop in the grips of their hands, seconds before launching it at a poor, unsuspecting victim. Smith points at the screen and says professionally.
Now can you tell me who these two young adults are?
Rickys face was a pale white while the girl next to him was still possessed the same smile before the principal walked in and said proudly.
You bet it was us Smithy! Only 30 minutes of lunch time isnt enough to enjoy a good meal before class so we felt that we needed to let our actions speak louder than words.
Ricky plants his face into the palm of his hand and sat there while Smith shared a similar expression. He began to sound disappointed as he replied.
Dont get smart with me Ms.Lopez. This isnt the first time I had to deal with you before. But I dont understand why you are dragging this young boy down as well.
Ricky then looks up defensively and says boldly.
Well excuse me sir, but she isnt dragging me anywhere. I am actually having fun in school thanks to Rachael."
School is not about fun, its about hard work and studying. You and Rachael should be studying and preparing for the future.
Rachael then stood up and proclaims.
Then what if our future doesnt need a fancy degree from Harvard Not everyone wants to be a doctor or a chemist, we just want to enjoy the youth we have now before it is too late.
Just before either the principal or Ricky could speak, a loud banging comes from the door as a tall, silhouette stands on the other side of the translucent window, the principal gestures with his hand and shouts to the door.
Come in Mr.Jackson, come in.
Rickys eyes widen up as he dared not to look behind him as the door opens. Rickys father stood behind him and says in a cold manner to the principal.
So, what is the damage Mr. Smith? What harm did Ricky do this time? What did his little friend get him involved in this time?
Well him and Ms. Lopez started a little food fight, because they wanted to enjoy their youth.
Mr. Smith if my son and his little charming friend here caused any damage to the school I will be more than willing to pay for it.
That wont be an issue Mr. Smith. I was just about to put Ricky and Rachael in duty for cleaning up the entire school from top to bottom. They will spend three hours every day after class to clean the halls for the next week.
Ricky and Rachael share a collected sigh from the punishment given from Smith before Smith stood and says promptly.
Well Ricky, thats your punishment. I still need to discuss her punishment in private so if you excuse us.
Both members of the Jackson family stand up and leave the office. Jackson Jr. leaves with a high-five to Rachael before leaving. Once Ricky and his father enter the car it is filled with a grim silence. Richard Sr. Is the first to speak as he says harshly.
I dont want you hanging around that young girl anymore. She is nothing but trouble for you.
Ricky looks over shocked from what his father said as he replies.
What, are you insane? Rachael is like, my best friend. You cant tell me who or who not to hang out with father.
I can if she is affecting your grades, and she is.
My grades have always been shit dad. But now I am actually having fun.
School is not about fun Ricky. You got to get serious now or otherwise you will you become nothing. That young girl you are so fond of, does she have anything planned for the future.
She uh, um, does it matter if she does? Shes happy and thats all that matters.
You just dont get it, do you?
No, you just dont get it Dad.
You think you know what is best for you Richard? Youre just a kid, you dont squat away what is important in life. You keep up this antics and you will see your way out of this house.
You cant kick me out of the house. I am only 15.
You better not keep up this attitude when youre 18 Richard.
The two continue arguing as the car drives off back to the Jackson household. The scene snaps back to Ricky stretching out in the Reynolds personal gym in Chicago. It was the middle of the night and the Ratings Winner, Austin Reynolds is talking strategy with Ricky. But the daredevils mind was in other places. Austin continues to babble on and begins going over the move-sets of Mind Over Matter.
Stark doesnt have the energy you have in the ring. If we can keep him in our half of the ring, we can make it a very quick match.
Ricky nods to what was white sound to him as he continues to stretch out his leg.
Susumu is really intelligent too, but all this strategy will go right out the window if we dont Are you listening to anything Im saying?
Ricky snaps back into reality and shakes his head and tries to remember what the Ratings Winner was just telling the daredevil.
I uhh, um Honestly dude, I have no idea.
Austin stops his stretching and looks over to Ricky with a concerning look upon his face.
You okay Rick? Youve seem distant lately.
Austin sits down on the apron of the ring looking straight at Ricky and tells him straight
You got to get out of the past Ricky. Sitting back and watching the world pass you by is not going to get you anywhere.
Ricky nods his head and listens to Austin.
And you cant be looking for the future. You have to make the best of the time you have now. That is why it is called the present.
Ricky chuckles a bit and looks up and says with a smile.
That is really corny, you know that dude?
Austin laughs in return and responds.
I know, I know. But it does have some truth to it.
And what truth is that?
You cant hold onto the past man. I dont have any regrets about I won the Elite X Championship, I just prepared myself for every defense I had. And that is exactly what we are going to do with the tag titles."
Ricky nods and hops up to his feet. Energy begins flowing through Runn as he says in a rejuvenating fashion.
Youre right Austin; the future is going to be what we make it. I cant afford to worry about the past or the future. I got to make the present the best I can make it!
Ricky then jumps into the ring and climbs to the top of the turnbuckle and raises his fist in the air and says proudly.
We are Runn Reynolds Runn! The fans love us and Mind Over Matter wish they can be as good as us! We are the most rating winning, city thrilling, show stopping, and head stopping team in WZCW!
Ricky flashes his signature grin and says to Austin.
And Mind Over Matter, theyre boring, overrated, and insane.
Austins eyebrow raises and then says in a questioning manner.
What do you mean, insane?
Ricky jumps off the turnbuckle in a back flip and lands in the ring and says loudly.
They have to be crazy in order to think they will hold onto those tag titles after All or Nothing! Ive never have had this focus or this drive before but man, I want to bust skulls and kick some ass! Im sick with always needing to be saved by you, Austin. Im tired of crooks like Showtime and MOM. Because we are going to be the best tag team in history, the best cant take any of this crap lying down. The best go out and become Champions, the best go out and defeat pretenders wannabes!
Austin smiles up at the youthful Ricky and continues on and shouts back as Ricky sprints off the ropes.
Who are the pretenders, brother?
If you look up the word in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Alexander Stark and Hiraku Susumu shaking hands. They do their best to put up the front that they are a capable team but the fact is, theyre not. Both Susumu and Stark would give up the titles and the team in a heartbeat if it meant that one of them could gain something more.
Once Ricky finished, he rests against the ropes and takes a deep breath in and then speaks after breathing out.
Whew That felt .Great!
Austin grins and slides into the ring and stands in front of the Second City Daredevil and shouts with the same, infectious energy Ricky has.
Theres the Ricky I teamed up with. Our energy, our speed and our trust will beat Mind Over Matter and we will pick the stipulation to the match we are going to win!
Ricky shouts into the air and then looks back to Austin and said curiously.
Say, we never did think of the stipulation we are going to pick when we win?
What stipulation do you think that the two best high-flyers in the business will use to their advantage against the most boring tag team in history?
Ricky rubs his chin and thinks to himself. He looks toward the sky and then jokes.
Does it matter what stipulation would we not be better in than MOM? We will beat them no matter if it was a cage match, inferno match, tornado match, or an ice cream eating contest!
Didnt I already say we are not going to do an ice cream eating contest?"
Aww man I could really go for some ice cream right now. But Action freaking Saxton and Saboteur stole every last drop of the stuff.
Austin chuckles and wraps his hand around Ricky after both of them leave the ring to head out and get to the next house show and looks up to the rafters of the now quiet gym and says.
You know what Ricky, after All or Nothing, we will have more ice cream than you can stomach.
The both share a hearty laugh before Ricky says softly.
Im holding you to that Austin.
As both men stand at the entrance, Austin began flipping off the lights to the gym. The lights turned off one by one from back to front until the final light that is above the RRR Express turns off.
For the first time in weeks Alexander Stark is completely relaxed. His mind focusing solely on his task. His hand drops to the quiver at his hip and feels nothing there. Placing his bow down, Stark walks to the target. As he gets close enough to observe his shots his brow creases. The grouping was far too inconsistent and the scores too low to reach Stark's high standards for himself. But then, since committing to the masquerade to safeguard his gold and beginning Susumu's enlightenment training...
Stark's reverie is broken by a vibration in his pocket. That could only mean one thing. Hiraku Susumu has arrived. Collecting the last of his arrows he walks back to the shooting line. Susumu walks in to the room to see Stark draw the first of his collected arrows.
HS: "What on earth are you doing?"
What does it look like I'm doing, drinking your disgusting tea? Stark releases, silently he watches the arrow land in a black ring and sighs.
AS: "I was meditating, Hiraku-sama."
Susumu's face briefly shows a look of surprise. Stark places the bow on a nearby stand and turns to face his master.
HS: "Kyudo, I am impressed that you knew of this art Stark."
AS: "If nothing else, I am a diligent researcher Hiraku-sama. I take it you are here because of The Monkey and The Mule."
No need to let him know that I'd never heard of Kyudo until he mentioned it. Stark takes off his quiver and carefully places it next to his bow.
HS: "Of course. After last week's disaster, we cannot afford to make any mistakes while dealing with them this week. We must display our superiority by putting the lesser beings down."
AS: "At Meltdown I will see to it that they take their first steps towards enlightenment."
Stark smirks slightly, appearing to take pleasure at the thought. Susumu nods once, evidently approving of his disciple’s thinking.
HS: "One step at a time, Stark."
AS: "Of course, Sensei. What do you think of our opponents?"
Both men start walking towards a set of double doors, walking through to a room containing a wrestling ring.
HS: "Runn is nothing to either of us. He's a gymnast, not a wrestler. We should isolate him and target his legs to reduce his speed and agility."
AS: "I disagree with you, Sensei. While your strategy is good in theory, you are overlooking one factor about young Mr Runn. He has nothing to lose, this makes him more dangerous."
Susumu's brows crease, obviously not following Stark's thinking. Of course the blinkered fool refuses to see anything outside of his preconceptions. I suppose I'll have to spoon feed him the answer.
HS: "Explain yourself, Stark"
Anger? That's unexpected, evidently he doesn't like his confessed inferior contradicting him.
AS: "Of course, Sensei. Runn's mindset at the moment is not one of rationality. His best friend is buried under 6 feet of dirt and his team has nothing at stake in this match. What I have observed from him after the first suggests that he has no reason to care about his own wellbeing, the second means that he has little reason to think about the outcome of the reckless actions he will no doubt take. This means he will be an unpredictable element in this match. If you think that a sore knee will slow him down or stop him from delivering his usual brand of idiotic flip flopping you are sorely mistaken."
Susumu remains silent for a few moments, contemplating what Stark said.
HS: "If, as you say Runn won't think of the consequences of his actions what does it matter. The more stupid risks he takes the more likely it is that he will make a mistake that we can capitalise on. He'll think much more about his actions after a Mind Altering Experience."
AS: "Perhaps, but they are as likely to succeed as they are to blow up in his face, and we cannot afford to be forced onto the back foot after last week's disaster. He is beatable like anyone is, but if possible our focus should be on Reynolds for three reasons."
Stark unbuttons his shirt, taped up ribs easy to see while Susumu pauses before nodding in agreement.
HS: "Your words are not without wisdom Stark. You are learning fast. What are your reasons for targeting Reynolds?"
AS: "Aside from pinning Austin Reynolds looking better in the record books than pinning a glorified gymnast with no sence of self preservation; the most obvious reason is that one of Austin's few weaknesses in the ring is his nonexistent power wrestling ability. I'm no Stan Rogers, but I have a good 35 pounds on Reynolds and enough skill to strike his Achilles heel. The other is that he will at least think before he does something stupid. This makes him infinitely more predictable than Runn. After a Brasenose Driver he won't try to hit a diving head butt. The final reason is that Runn can act as a smoke screen if he acts impulsively. Should he illegally try to interfere, the official must get him out of the ring. While he does so he won't be able to see me use something like this:"
Stark pulls on the slightly gaudy belt buckle of his suit trousers and it easily comes away. He tosses it to his partner who easily catches it but can't hide a look of surprise when he does.
AS: "To incapacitate the self proclaimed Ratings Winner. If you were wondering why it feels so heavy, it's made of solid tungsten. Believe me, it leaves a mark. I also have – among other things hidden on my person while I wrestle – two small bags of salt in pockets sewn into the inner lining of my suit trousers. All is fair in love and war, but we have weapons and they do not."
HS: "Alexander, while I approve of your use of tools to inflict pain on our opponents; I am disappointed that you have taken this long to reveal this and not to divulge all of the details. That's enough talk of the future for now. It's time to begin the next step in your journey to enlightenment."
Stark's mood darkens as he enters the ring knowing that what was about to happen was both neccesary and excruciating.
Stark's reverie is broken by a vibration in his pocket. That could only mean one thing. Hiraku Susumu has arrived. Collecting the last of his arrows he walks back to the shooting line. Susumu walks in to the room to see Stark draw the first of his collected arrows.
HS: "What on earth are you doing?"
What does it look like I'm doing, drinking your disgusting tea? Stark releases, silently he watches the arrow land in a black ring and sighs.
AS: "I was meditating, Hiraku-sama."
Susumu's face briefly shows a look of surprise. Stark places the bow on a nearby stand and turns to face his master.
HS: "Kyudo, I am impressed that you knew of this art Stark."
AS: "If nothing else, I am a diligent researcher Hiraku-sama. I take it you are here because of The Monkey and The Mule."
No need to let him know that I'd never heard of Kyudo until he mentioned it. Stark takes off his quiver and carefully places it next to his bow.
HS: "Of course. After last week's disaster, we cannot afford to make any mistakes while dealing with them this week. We must display our superiority by putting the lesser beings down."
AS: "At Meltdown I will see to it that they take their first steps towards enlightenment."
Stark smirks slightly, appearing to take pleasure at the thought. Susumu nods once, evidently approving of his disciple’s thinking.
HS: "One step at a time, Stark."
AS: "Of course, Sensei. What do you think of our opponents?"
Both men start walking towards a set of double doors, walking through to a room containing a wrestling ring.
HS: "Runn is nothing to either of us. He's a gymnast, not a wrestler. We should isolate him and target his legs to reduce his speed and agility."
AS: "I disagree with you, Sensei. While your strategy is good in theory, you are overlooking one factor about young Mr Runn. He has nothing to lose, this makes him more dangerous."
Susumu's brows crease, obviously not following Stark's thinking. Of course the blinkered fool refuses to see anything outside of his preconceptions. I suppose I'll have to spoon feed him the answer.
HS: "Explain yourself, Stark"
Anger? That's unexpected, evidently he doesn't like his confessed inferior contradicting him.
AS: "Of course, Sensei. Runn's mindset at the moment is not one of rationality. His best friend is buried under 6 feet of dirt and his team has nothing at stake in this match. What I have observed from him after the first suggests that he has no reason to care about his own wellbeing, the second means that he has little reason to think about the outcome of the reckless actions he will no doubt take. This means he will be an unpredictable element in this match. If you think that a sore knee will slow him down or stop him from delivering his usual brand of idiotic flip flopping you are sorely mistaken."
Susumu remains silent for a few moments, contemplating what Stark said.
HS: "If, as you say Runn won't think of the consequences of his actions what does it matter. The more stupid risks he takes the more likely it is that he will make a mistake that we can capitalise on. He'll think much more about his actions after a Mind Altering Experience."
AS: "Perhaps, but they are as likely to succeed as they are to blow up in his face, and we cannot afford to be forced onto the back foot after last week's disaster. He is beatable like anyone is, but if possible our focus should be on Reynolds for three reasons."
Stark unbuttons his shirt, taped up ribs easy to see while Susumu pauses before nodding in agreement.
HS: "Your words are not without wisdom Stark. You are learning fast. What are your reasons for targeting Reynolds?"
AS: "Aside from pinning Austin Reynolds looking better in the record books than pinning a glorified gymnast with no sence of self preservation; the most obvious reason is that one of Austin's few weaknesses in the ring is his nonexistent power wrestling ability. I'm no Stan Rogers, but I have a good 35 pounds on Reynolds and enough skill to strike his Achilles heel. The other is that he will at least think before he does something stupid. This makes him infinitely more predictable than Runn. After a Brasenose Driver he won't try to hit a diving head butt. The final reason is that Runn can act as a smoke screen if he acts impulsively. Should he illegally try to interfere, the official must get him out of the ring. While he does so he won't be able to see me use something like this:"
Stark pulls on the slightly gaudy belt buckle of his suit trousers and it easily comes away. He tosses it to his partner who easily catches it but can't hide a look of surprise when he does.
AS: "To incapacitate the self proclaimed Ratings Winner. If you were wondering why it feels so heavy, it's made of solid tungsten. Believe me, it leaves a mark. I also have – among other things hidden on my person while I wrestle – two small bags of salt in pockets sewn into the inner lining of my suit trousers. All is fair in love and war, but we have weapons and they do not."
HS: "Alexander, while I approve of your use of tools to inflict pain on our opponents; I am disappointed that you have taken this long to reveal this and not to divulge all of the details. That's enough talk of the future for now. It's time to begin the next step in your journey to enlightenment."
Stark's mood darkens as he enters the ring knowing that what was about to happen was both neccesary and excruciating.
The scene opens on Hiraku Susumus study. Everything has been restored to order; the room is neat and organized. Hiraku sits at his desk, his book open, reading from previous entries while lightly tapping his fingers on the wood.
So much of this will have to be revised. Damn this curse of enlightenment in a human body. I have learned so much, even in these few months. I long for the day when I transcend this mortal coil.
He continues reading, scoffing at one passage.
The path that leads to enlightenment is paved with honor. To deceive others is to deceive yourself. Dated two years past. Did I believe this once?
He tears the page out of the book.
Honor. What is honor? Pah. He spits. Honor is meaningless, a word made up by the foolish to stop powerful men from doing what they wish. I make my own honor.
He reads on, shaking his head, muttering, and crossing out lines as he goes. Eventually he lets out a deep sigh.
What am I doing? I already know what I must do. This book is a failure. If the enlightened mind can evolve every day, working closer and closer to true transcendence, this book is nothing more than a weight around my feet.
He stands up, grabbing a metal trash can from the side of his desk. He tosses the book into it. He reaches for a box of matches on his desk. He lights one, and throws it in.
I cannot hope to write down a path to enlightenment if my understanding of it changes daily. I will teach from my own mind, the only thing in which I can be sure.
He heaves a deep sigh.
What tragedy this is. An enlightened soul, trapped with human mind and human body. These fools should worship me for tolerating this, just to help them. Truly, I am a saint.
He resumes his seat. He glances at his desk, and something catches his eye. A small knife a letter opener.
Odd. I do not remember this being here.
He takes it in hand, turning it over and examining it. A far off voice in his head seems to be saying something about the knife, but he ignores it.
Strange. Come to think of it, I have no knives here. I cannot think of anywhere I have a knife. Surely I need a knife, from time to time. But this is the only one I can think of owning, and until just now, I could not have remembered it.
He turns the knife over, looking at the blade. He admires its sharpness.
Ah, if only all things were thus. Made perfectly apportioned to their task. I should hope one day I may make all men thus. But, alas.
He sighs again and sets the knife down.
Flawed as I am, my work will ever be flawed. To have the perfection of this knife alas.
Suddenly, as if the whole world leapt ahead of his perception, Hiraku finds himself with the knife in his hand again. His head is clouded, confused.
Only natural to test such a blade
He hears himself saying this, but the words are not his own.
The most glorious feeling erupts across his body. Pain, searing pain, cutting across his arm, no, not his arm, someone elses arm, surely. Euphoria, a beautiful rush, new, or was it new, more like a lover remembered only after the first embrace. Never again? Thats what you said, all those years ago.
Suddenly, with the force of a hurricane gale, Hiraku returns to consciousness. He lies on the floor, gasping for air.
What
He looks at his arm. Three bloody gashes cut across it. The knife is laying across the room from him, thrown away as if in anger. Covered in blood.
My blood
Hiraku stands, shaking, moving to the chair. He cannot remove his eyes from his arm. He shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. But his eyes cannot help but return to the gashes on his arm, crimson red. He has the unsettling impression that someone, something Inside my own mind! -is trying to tell him something, remind him of something he never should have forgotten.
----
Days later, at Hirakus gym. Hiraku waits calmly. He wears his suit, but the bulge of a thick bandage can be detected beneath the long sleeve.
The door is thrown open as Alexander Stark and Sascha arrive.
Good afternoon, Stark. Hirakus voice is just a note weaker than usual, but Stark misses nothing.
Hiraku. Youre feeling alright? You sound off.
I am quite alright, I assure you. Slightly tired. I found myself reading late into the night.
Stark raises an eyebrow.
Eh? I thought you didnt read.
Pay attention. I read works of philosophy, as it pleases me. I was reading the work of the Zen master, Zhuangzi.
Oh? And what did you learn from the great master?
Hiraku gestures for Stark to sit at the nearby table. He pours tea for the two of them from a platter set on the table.
Zhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly.
And when he awoke, he did not know whether he was Zhuangzi dreaming of the butterfly, or the butterfly dreaming of Zhuangzi.
Good. You are learned in the ways of Zen, then.
I have read the work of Zhuangzi, yes.
Then you have considered the problem of the butterfly.
Stark makes a sweeping gesture with a hint of mockery in it.
What is the nature of reality? What are our minds? Are we all just brains in jars?
He scoffs.
Empty questions, better considered by a half-baked university student than by such sober men as us.
Are they?
Stark flashes a mildly irritated glance at Hiraku.
Have you better answers to resolve Zhuangzis problem, then?
This is where we differ, Stark. I am enlightened, and you are not. I am equipped to answer such questions. One day, you may be equally so.
Then enlighten me.
Hiraku sets his tea down, stands, and paces idly.
The problem at the heart of Zhuangzis question is this what is the mind? Can we be sure our own minds exist, if we can dream of being other minds? Can we be sure we do not live in a simulation?
No.
Then I ask the question does it matter? Would being a brain in a jar change the innate nature of a mind?
It would change what a mind is, fundamentally, but not what a mind does, in this world.
Is that so? Consider the difference between being and doing.
Susumu waits for a moment, letting Stark work through the problem in his own mind.
Why does it matter? The separation of being and doing.
Doing follows from being. If one does not understand what is, his actions will be flawed. Imagine a man walking in a dark room. He may walk, but he will stumble over unfamiliar ground, fall over furniture. He may do, but he does not what is. The man who understands the being of the room turns the light on and walks boldly.
Then we are all men walking in the dark, since none can truly understand the being.
None except the enlightened. Zhuangzi was not. I am.
Then tell me.
Simply this. We can define reality for ourselves. This is what we dare to do you and I, Stark where others fear. This is why we are Mind Over Matter. The rest let the world define itself. We are better than that. We dare to define the world on our own terms, and force it to conform. We exert our minds over mere dust. We know the being because we make the being. We cannot help but do with the knowledge of truth because we define what is.
Stark nods, understanding.
And here I thought Mind Over Matter was just a name.
Whats in a name, Stark?
Stark raises an eyebrow.
You said you didnt read English silliness.
I refuse to be at your disadvantage. I have read your Shakespeare.
All of it?
I said I was up late.
Stark grins and barks a laugh.
All of this with Zhuangzi. I never took you for a religious man, Hiraku.
Who says that I am?
The works of a Zen master. All of your talk of Enlightenment. Its all very Zen Buddhist.
Hiraku spits.
If I am a religious man, it is not Buddhism. Their enlightenment is false. I have read of their Buddha, and I know him to be false, for I am enlightened, and his path to enlightenment was not mine. Therefore he is a liar. I read the works of the Zen philosophers to take their half glimpsed truths to their full completion, as I have done with Zhuangzi.
Bold of you.
Bold men will inherit the Earth.
Theres a passage in the Bible that claims just the opposite.
Hiraku now raises his eyebrow.
And I never took you for a religious man, Stark.
And who says I am? A man can read a book without making a religion out of it.
I get the feeling from you. Who are your gods, Alexander?
Power. Success. Wealth. Knowledge. He gestures at the championship belt laying nearby. Gold.
Admirable goals.
I think so. Who are your gods, Susumu?
A twisted grin comes across Hirakus face.
Why my gods? My gods are Ricky Runn and Austin Reynolds.
Stark looks incredulous.
You cant be serious.
Of course I am. Surely, for what I will do for them, they must be as gods to me. How does one serve a god, if not by rendering all their talent to the glory and honor of this god? But this is what I shall do for Reynolds and Runn. I will work my art on their fragile bodies, and they will know the greatest gift I can give to them. I will show them pain such that they have never felt before the most glorious pain they have ever felt. I can think of no greater gift I can render a man. I will give to them all I can in the hope that they may become as enlightened as I can I do them any greater service? If I will give them all I can, if I will serve them to my utmost, can they be considered anything else? Surely, Reynolds and Runn are my gods. And I know no better way to serve my gods than to destroy them, and raise them up more glorious than they ever were before.
Stark has developed a twisted grin to match Hirakus.
Sometimes you terrify me in the best possible way, Hiraku-san.
So much of this will have to be revised. Damn this curse of enlightenment in a human body. I have learned so much, even in these few months. I long for the day when I transcend this mortal coil.
He continues reading, scoffing at one passage.
The path that leads to enlightenment is paved with honor. To deceive others is to deceive yourself. Dated two years past. Did I believe this once?
He tears the page out of the book.
Honor. What is honor? Pah. He spits. Honor is meaningless, a word made up by the foolish to stop powerful men from doing what they wish. I make my own honor.
He reads on, shaking his head, muttering, and crossing out lines as he goes. Eventually he lets out a deep sigh.
What am I doing? I already know what I must do. This book is a failure. If the enlightened mind can evolve every day, working closer and closer to true transcendence, this book is nothing more than a weight around my feet.
He stands up, grabbing a metal trash can from the side of his desk. He tosses the book into it. He reaches for a box of matches on his desk. He lights one, and throws it in.
I cannot hope to write down a path to enlightenment if my understanding of it changes daily. I will teach from my own mind, the only thing in which I can be sure.
He heaves a deep sigh.
What tragedy this is. An enlightened soul, trapped with human mind and human body. These fools should worship me for tolerating this, just to help them. Truly, I am a saint.
He resumes his seat. He glances at his desk, and something catches his eye. A small knife a letter opener.
Odd. I do not remember this being here.
He takes it in hand, turning it over and examining it. A far off voice in his head seems to be saying something about the knife, but he ignores it.
Strange. Come to think of it, I have no knives here. I cannot think of anywhere I have a knife. Surely I need a knife, from time to time. But this is the only one I can think of owning, and until just now, I could not have remembered it.
He turns the knife over, looking at the blade. He admires its sharpness.
Ah, if only all things were thus. Made perfectly apportioned to their task. I should hope one day I may make all men thus. But, alas.
He sighs again and sets the knife down.
Flawed as I am, my work will ever be flawed. To have the perfection of this knife alas.
Suddenly, as if the whole world leapt ahead of his perception, Hiraku finds himself with the knife in his hand again. His head is clouded, confused.
Only natural to test such a blade
He hears himself saying this, but the words are not his own.
The most glorious feeling erupts across his body. Pain, searing pain, cutting across his arm, no, not his arm, someone elses arm, surely. Euphoria, a beautiful rush, new, or was it new, more like a lover remembered only after the first embrace. Never again? Thats what you said, all those years ago.
Suddenly, with the force of a hurricane gale, Hiraku returns to consciousness. He lies on the floor, gasping for air.
What
He looks at his arm. Three bloody gashes cut across it. The knife is laying across the room from him, thrown away as if in anger. Covered in blood.
My blood
Hiraku stands, shaking, moving to the chair. He cannot remove his eyes from his arm. He shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. But his eyes cannot help but return to the gashes on his arm, crimson red. He has the unsettling impression that someone, something Inside my own mind! -is trying to tell him something, remind him of something he never should have forgotten.
----
Days later, at Hirakus gym. Hiraku waits calmly. He wears his suit, but the bulge of a thick bandage can be detected beneath the long sleeve.
The door is thrown open as Alexander Stark and Sascha arrive.
Good afternoon, Stark. Hirakus voice is just a note weaker than usual, but Stark misses nothing.
Hiraku. Youre feeling alright? You sound off.
I am quite alright, I assure you. Slightly tired. I found myself reading late into the night.
Stark raises an eyebrow.
Eh? I thought you didnt read.
Pay attention. I read works of philosophy, as it pleases me. I was reading the work of the Zen master, Zhuangzi.
Oh? And what did you learn from the great master?
Hiraku gestures for Stark to sit at the nearby table. He pours tea for the two of them from a platter set on the table.
Zhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly.
And when he awoke, he did not know whether he was Zhuangzi dreaming of the butterfly, or the butterfly dreaming of Zhuangzi.
Good. You are learned in the ways of Zen, then.
I have read the work of Zhuangzi, yes.
Then you have considered the problem of the butterfly.
Stark makes a sweeping gesture with a hint of mockery in it.
What is the nature of reality? What are our minds? Are we all just brains in jars?
He scoffs.
Empty questions, better considered by a half-baked university student than by such sober men as us.
Are they?
Stark flashes a mildly irritated glance at Hiraku.
Have you better answers to resolve Zhuangzis problem, then?
This is where we differ, Stark. I am enlightened, and you are not. I am equipped to answer such questions. One day, you may be equally so.
Then enlighten me.
Hiraku sets his tea down, stands, and paces idly.
The problem at the heart of Zhuangzis question is this what is the mind? Can we be sure our own minds exist, if we can dream of being other minds? Can we be sure we do not live in a simulation?
No.
Then I ask the question does it matter? Would being a brain in a jar change the innate nature of a mind?
It would change what a mind is, fundamentally, but not what a mind does, in this world.
Is that so? Consider the difference between being and doing.
Susumu waits for a moment, letting Stark work through the problem in his own mind.
Why does it matter? The separation of being and doing.
Doing follows from being. If one does not understand what is, his actions will be flawed. Imagine a man walking in a dark room. He may walk, but he will stumble over unfamiliar ground, fall over furniture. He may do, but he does not what is. The man who understands the being of the room turns the light on and walks boldly.
Then we are all men walking in the dark, since none can truly understand the being.
None except the enlightened. Zhuangzi was not. I am.
Then tell me.
Simply this. We can define reality for ourselves. This is what we dare to do you and I, Stark where others fear. This is why we are Mind Over Matter. The rest let the world define itself. We are better than that. We dare to define the world on our own terms, and force it to conform. We exert our minds over mere dust. We know the being because we make the being. We cannot help but do with the knowledge of truth because we define what is.
Stark nods, understanding.
And here I thought Mind Over Matter was just a name.
Whats in a name, Stark?
Stark raises an eyebrow.
You said you didnt read English silliness.
I refuse to be at your disadvantage. I have read your Shakespeare.
All of it?
I said I was up late.
Stark grins and barks a laugh.
All of this with Zhuangzi. I never took you for a religious man, Hiraku.
Who says that I am?
The works of a Zen master. All of your talk of Enlightenment. Its all very Zen Buddhist.
Hiraku spits.
If I am a religious man, it is not Buddhism. Their enlightenment is false. I have read of their Buddha, and I know him to be false, for I am enlightened, and his path to enlightenment was not mine. Therefore he is a liar. I read the works of the Zen philosophers to take their half glimpsed truths to their full completion, as I have done with Zhuangzi.
Bold of you.
Bold men will inherit the Earth.
Theres a passage in the Bible that claims just the opposite.
Hiraku now raises his eyebrow.
And I never took you for a religious man, Stark.
And who says I am? A man can read a book without making a religion out of it.
I get the feeling from you. Who are your gods, Alexander?
Power. Success. Wealth. Knowledge. He gestures at the championship belt laying nearby. Gold.
Admirable goals.
I think so. Who are your gods, Susumu?
A twisted grin comes across Hirakus face.
Why my gods? My gods are Ricky Runn and Austin Reynolds.
Stark looks incredulous.
You cant be serious.
Of course I am. Surely, for what I will do for them, they must be as gods to me. How does one serve a god, if not by rendering all their talent to the glory and honor of this god? But this is what I shall do for Reynolds and Runn. I will work my art on their fragile bodies, and they will know the greatest gift I can give to them. I will show them pain such that they have never felt before the most glorious pain they have ever felt. I can think of no greater gift I can render a man. I will give to them all I can in the hope that they may become as enlightened as I can I do them any greater service? If I will give them all I can, if I will serve them to my utmost, can they be considered anything else? Surely, Reynolds and Runn are my gods. And I know no better way to serve my gods than to destroy them, and raise them up more glorious than they ever were before.
Stark has developed a twisted grin to match Hirakus.
Sometimes you terrify me in the best possible way, Hiraku-san.
- Status
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