Transition or Transformation...
* Fanatic RP#2 for BattleBRAWL 3.
FADE IN…
The stage is set, quite literally on this night, in Times Square, NY. Tourists point up and photograph the pillar of advertising familiarly associated with the spire where the New Year’s ball descends; families emerge from the world’s most famous Toys ‘R’ Us; at the TKTS Booth, people grab their Broadway show tickets on the cheap; locals and tourists, alike, enjoy the amenities and restaurants at the Mariott Marquis; and all continue to wonder how the Naked Cowboy avoided frostbite yet again.
Thousands have found their way to the most impressive feature of the area for the day, on one of the now-packed islands in the center of Times Square. With a stage full of soundstage, lights, chairs, guests, and ring set up in the ‘Center Of The World,’ it’s no doubt there’s an increasing buzz. The banner presentation has caught the desired attention from this ‘need to know‘ crowd of New Yorkers and tourists…
LIVE @ DCU CENTER IN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS!
March 20, 2011!
As the crowd watches this BattleBrawl ‘pre-show,’ a man in a lavender suit, tie, finely pressed dress shirt and slacks stands in the ring, hosting the show. When the latest ‘web log’ finishes running from the big screen above the stage, he raises the mic to speak, his own pride and excitement evident.[/I]
SAM BAXTER: “Folks, we’ve had a great time here today, and it’s thanks to all your support for our ‘New Era in New York City: Big Apple BattleBrawl’ two-hour special!!”
SFX: CHEAP POP!
“Before we continue, though, I want to take the time to thank our special guests for the day…”
He motions to each one, seated on the stage, as he goes.
“New Era President, Marcus LaRoque! Commentators Jason Tripp and Natalie Newman!”
Newman stands, shouting out to the people and waving excitedly with both hands. Tripp produces a mic from his pocket!
JASON TRIPP: “NEW ERA FANS! We’re going to take this show up to Worcester and ROCK THE HIZZOUSE! Make the trip with us and catch the New Era action! WOOOOO!!”
BAXTER: *Ahem* Yes, thanks, Jason. Our other interviewer, Jennifer Harding, has been busy covering the interviews we showed with the wrestlers who will be competing at BattleBrawl, so thank you to her as well!”
“And this show wouldn’t have been quite the same without our look at previous BattleBrawl events, so thanks go to those who came from the beginnings of New Era to give us their thoughts on those events… TOM GHEORGHE, NICK JIVE, AND DEAN JULIUS!!”
Polite applause for the three former commentators as they stand, with some “JIVE IS DRUNK!” and “JULIUS RULES!” chants briefly heard.
“We also wanted to give a shout-out to New Era’s former Vice President, Juliet Marceau, who politely declined her invite, due to a previous engagement…”
SFX: BOOOOOOOOOO~!!!!!
“I know, what was she thinking?? We aren’t done just yet, fans! We’ve brought a little of New Era LIVE to you today, and to cap it off…“
The sound system comes to life… “TURN AROUND AND PICK UP THE PIECES!” as Hoobastank‘s “Pieces“ cues up.
“…A man who has been around New Era from the start, and is the FIRST New Era of Wrestling World… Heavyweight… Champion! He is Manhattan’s own… LARRY TACT!!”
The crowd gives a mixed reaction, some tourists will cheer just about anyone!-- but real fans in attendance know the man coming to the ring, and voice their displeasure clearly. Larry Tact walks out dressed in black leather pants and wife beater, a royal blue shirt over it. He also wears a silver chain around his neck with “Simply Tactilizing” written in cursive, and Arnette Rage shades. He proceeds up into the ring, shaking hands with Baxter before snatching the mic from him and backing him out of the ring, prompting the New Era fans to increase their disapproval. He then turns his attention to the crowd, pausing to take in the reaction.
LARRY TACT: “Listen up, New York City, because I’ve got too little time to be wasting repeating myself!”
SFX: BOOOOOOOOOO~!!!!!
“Uh huh, whatever! If I REALLY CARED, I could get you all to cheer me. It would take about as long as it takes to pull out my wallet and start handing out cash to all of you paper-pushing pencil necks and snobby hobo hipsters!”
SFX: BOOOOOOOOOO~!!!!!
“It really is funny that Cameron Cruise, Chaos, and others have accused me so prominently of somehow being wrong for speaking in place of my brother. In fact, Cruise went so far as to say he should SUE ME! Now typically, I imagine that may not sound so funny, considering most of you can barely make your rent and mortgage payments, much less afford decent clothes and clean laundry, as it is…”
SFX: BOOOOOOOOOO~!!!!!
“But I’m just doing my job. Cruise, it’s funny you‘d threaten legal action against me because THERE IS NO ILLEGAL ACTIVITY! Don’t tell me you really think I didn’t clear this with LaRoque? On second thought, go ahead… I‘d love to see the court throw out the case, on the basis of your being a jackass…”
“I humored all the chatter for a reason, of course. Through my managing not only the training, but the VOICE of Fanatic, he has become the most in demand talker of this promotion! A man of few words, people are clamoring to hear what Fanatic has to say, and that translates to a valuable commodity. So you can all say what you want about my management style, but it has brought attention to Fanatic, who is turning into one of the hottest rising stars in New Era. The results speak for themselves, both in and out of the ring.”
“But before this New Era Premier event, I think it’s only right to let Fanatic speak for himself, too. And so…”
He motions with his arm holding the mic towards the big screen, which illuminates to life. A shot of Fanatic appears. He wears his black costume, gloves, boots, and mask; with the infinity Mark sewn in gold into the mask, on the top of the gloves, and sides of the boots. He is seated on tatami mats that cover the floor of the room, which is minimally decorated. There is a definite Asian influence on the sparse décor, but Fanatic begins speaking soon after the image appears, his wispy voice like a fine mist, though certainly pronounced with its natural-seeming confidence.
FANATIC
“New Era of Wrestling … I welcome you to my Inner Sanctum. It has been some time since I have voiced my thoughts … there is good reason for that. As I am really not a returning warrior to this rank … it did seem … inappropriate … to be speaking without a formed opinion. I was taught to take time and gather information on those who you compete with, and part of that is certainly done in the ring. And while I have not faced all of you in the ring … as of yet … I do believe I have had enough time to research …”
“Larry has given an introduction to you all … and I am here, now, preparing for the battle to come. With BattleBrawl 3 almost upon us, it seems an appropriate time to break my silence.”
“I do remember a scant few of you, from previous opportunities I have had in the professional wrestling scene. For one, there is certainly Chaos. I remember you from what seems like an Age ago … back in the Rocky Mountain territory. I saw an old mentor of mine, from the Land, face you in a match. I can readily recall the same strength and intensity of your being … and now look forward to the chance of testing myself against those qualities. Yes, I most look forward to it, because I am not one who fears competition.“
“I am truly a creature who indulges in what drives him … my passions have been a driving force in my journeys. Chaos … a different warrior than most all … one who would give up a battle in favor of wreaking that of your namesake. One who cannot be discredited for that nature … as you were within a hairsbreadth of claiming the New Era Championship for your own. You should understand how passion can drive one to great and terrible things. For my part, that is not something to fear … I embrace it … and so I want to see which of us will be driven further … to embracing the title of BattleBrawl Champion.”
“I have seen what you are capable of, whether legal or not in a match, Chaos … and I would not expect any less. That being said … on my tour of the national circuit, brief as it may be … I have also endured and prevailed from a great deal. Point being … crashing into barbed wire and tables … being set aflame … enduring unnatural forms of punishment … and the like, are not alien to myself. Having been stabbed with a sword on one occasion was a particular … RUSH … in more ways than one. Perhaps that is a reason for my not wavering at the sight of what you have wrought, Chaos. I think your spirit and mine may have a common indulgence … but that will have to wait. For now, I need not beat you … merely eliminate you … that will be enough to advance me one step closer towards the BattleBrawl Cup. And so you must be exiled from the squared battlefield … cross me, and I will not hesitate to bring such a fate down upon you.”
He pauses, his slow, even breaths creating a sort of rhythmic interlude.
“Cameron Cruise … another who I am familiar with, as recently as this past week. I think you should understand that I am not incapable of holding my own in the ring … in fact, you should have known that before. However … you are a man of emotion … one would say you may wear your heart on your sleeve. Unfortunately, that can work against you … when you allow it to overwhelm you. This is a great opportunity, as you said … it is an avenue for one to thrive in, claiming the victory of the BattleBrawl. Unlike Larry … I do feel you are a respectable opponent. I have seen you in Rumble format matches, and feel you have held more than your own. You are capable of great things, Cameron … but you are also privy to great mistakes …”
“Emotion and success are constantly at war with one another. Emotions do not wish to be controlled, but success requires just that … otherwise, rash actions are taken, leading to ill-affordable consequences. This is a reason you do not see athletes and other competitors show emotion for much of their time in battle. For the most part, they try to hold back until the battle is over … not wanting to lose focus. There are a very few exceptions, as with all things … but Cameron, I will not allow you to slip by as an exception. For I am the rule … I am balance … control … elite. I was trained to hold my emotions in check, for most of my life, Cameron Cruise. I am unleashed in the ring, but even then I am fully aware of my actions … and thinking with my mind, not my heart. Allow your emotions to get the better of you in the ring … as easily as you have from Larry’s merely speaking for me … then it will not be possible to escape the Craze, at BattleBrawl. After all, I cannot find victory in the ring until I have survived all other eliminations … and so the Craze will be quite active, in Worcester …”
He pauses.
“Pat Gordon Jr … you are a new face. I recall seeing your Senior in the Rocky Mountain battlefield, as well. He was an innovative warrior … one whom I wish to see if you learned from. Are you as willing to throw caution to the wind … be the innovator … sacrifice yourself to the cause of survival … at the risk of not? I would hope … yes … that the answer is yes … and to test our wills, at BattleBrawl. And there is always one more spot to join the wave … of the Craze …”
Quietly, we hear a chuckle escape him, then nothing for a few seconds.
“I believe there is room for all of you … just enough room … at BattleBrawl. But only one may survive … and once the wave of the Craze washes over us all … and it is done … it will be I who emerges …”
“… all in a blur … ”
FADE OUT.
Tact looks back around, and raises the mic.
LARRY TACT: Now, in the past few days there have been some other comments made, and I think a few things were left unsaid. But I’ve got someone else here who would like to make a few more comments…”
”Torn” by Creed sounds out, and a royal blue-cloaked figure comes swiftly through the crowd. A few fans manage to slap him on the back, but most can only gain a momentary glance before he reaches the railing and hops it to the staging area. Bypassing the stage, he leaps straight onto the ring apron with ease. Another leap lands him on the turnbuckle nearest Tact, who hands him the mic. The bottom of the cloak trails on the ring ropes, covering the turnbuckle, and he whips the hood off to reveal the black masked head of Fanatic, bringing the mic towards.
FANATIC
“I suppose I can merely … pick up where I left off … and I would be remiss if I did not address one, Mister Entertainment.“
I am well aware of the words you had for myself and my brother, since our last encounter. Mister Entertainment … you may be surprised to find that … I cannot help but respect your ability. You are an innovative being, one who truly has a talent. I do not believe there is a point to denying that … you are a part of the future in New Era of Wrestling. And I welcome the opportunity to compete against you, once more …”
“Just the same … there is no denying where you have tread upon. The moment you made your remarks about my brother, and the Tact Legacy we are building … you were asking for a conflict of volatile proportions. You are not a fool nor ignorant, Mister Entertainment … you possess a talent that has given you quite an arrogance … but stupid you are not. You knew exactly what you were commencing when you let your tongue go awry … lashing out at the Tact Legacy … and, in fact, the legacy of New Era of Wrestling.”
“I acknowledge that there were certain figures in the history of this territory who built it. They remain here, today, continuing to build upon the foundation that has endured through the years. Tact … Marx … Chaos … Hart. These are the pillars of New Era. They are in the crust of New Era. People want to know what they are doing, or will be doing, week to week. They may not always approve, but were compelled nonetheless to attend and find out. Without them … we would not have the opportunity of the present. Regardless of whether you like them … respect is due to them.”
“However, you would rather dismiss all that, Mister Entertainment. If it does not serve your intentions of having New Era attend to your ego, you turn a blind eye … but the people do not forget. And if we clash at BattleBrawl, I will have no reservations of showing you the presence and power of one of New Era’s foundation …. and crash your shallow and fragile arrogance … under the weight and strength of my fighting spirit.”
“Understand this, Mister Entertainment … the Tact Legacy does not need money, or to be lavished with approval to nourish the ego. It is about the squared battlefield … giving one’s all to garner the respect that is deserved … because through victory, and taking a place at the pinnacle of this sport … is to have survived many a challenge, given many a thrill … and to have garnered respect, even from those who do not wish to give it. I would not expect or demand your respect, Mister Entertainment … however, I will gain it, regardless, in due time. I do not require your presence in the ring to do it … as I have already banked my Championship opportunity. I do not require money to gain it … or fame … or the very “image” of New Era to revolve around my vision. I merely require the passion to achieve, and to set out and achieve. And unlike fragile egos … you will find it is not so difficult to stop my spirit, in battle … when I am possessed by that goal.”
“Donovan Astros … I did make note of you in the past. It was an extremely brief note, due to your stay in the territory was so brief. You seemed quite disingenuous and unlike the confident competitor you spoke of. Perhaps, if you had remained … I would have seen that competitor. Regardless, I will make use of what I know … and that is a man who is supposed to be quite talented. Donovan Astros … one who can be truly great … but often forfeits his connection with the Spirit of the Ring. I doubt you would even recognize it if it hit you, Donovan … since you are so enthralled by your own ego. Your energy is not set in the proper direction for such encounters … and so you forfeit your will to your self-serving whims. Your energy is focused on putting down others … then using what tainted remarks to prop your own confidence, as you would with a crutch.“
“That said, Donovan … I do not feel this sport is not about finding the best ways to offend your opponent. It is about giving back to the Spirit of the Ring, which provides for us all … whether we realize it or not. It is a fuel … an aura that not many understand or acknowledge, anymore. To do so requires respect for the ring, and what it truly means to be in it. You … and to be fair, most others … seem too preoccupied with your own desires and greed-filled intentions to notice the Spirit. But make no mistake … it is present, always … watching for those who respect what it offers. A match such as this … in which the ring will be used by so many … the spirit must be paid tribute … it must receive ample offerings. And you, Donovan, with your inflated ego and greed-filled eyes … your sacrifice in this match will go some way towards pleasing the Spirit … when you take your leave of it…”
“Jonathan Marx … you seem to be emotional as Cameron Cruise tends to be … however, different still. Though I have heard you possess something of a tyrannical side to you … in my view, your heart does not appear to veer towards your own ambitions … so much as the struggle of others. I understand your feelings … I have spent some time in the Far East, even as recently as my training with Larry. It is quite a surreal sight to view the truly disastrous landscape of the Japanese nation. Incredible at its very core meaning … difficult to fathom as reality. However, you seem to also understand that the people of that nation possess some strong qualities. They are survivors … and my feeling is that this will not destroy them. As time does not stop for anyone, it will only further embolden them.”
“Having said that, however … there is still a battle of our own that demands our own focus and attention. We have both crafted part of that nation’s quality into our own respective cloth … and likewise, we are both survivors. Come BattleBrawl, however, only one of us may honor that nation with a victorious performance through battle … and I certainly intend on it being mine. Not because I desire the spotlight, or even the glory … but to thrive in the style that I learned from some of the Far East will certainly be a gratifying nod to the people there. Their influence runs deep and far … and I am only too happy to respect what I have gained from them, by putting the knowledge to apt use … and ascend to still greater reaches, as the Japanese will, going forward …”
“And New Era, too, will carry on, after this BattleBrawl … with those that survive it …”
“Soon we will find … who numbers among them …”
He tosses the mic back to Sam Baxter, who begins to wrap up the proceedings, as Tact raises his and Fanatic’s arms to a mixed reaction from the crowd.
FADE OUT.