PaulNJ21
I shunned a voodoo witch, decapitated a black cat
Cut your promos here...
Hennig Memorial: Kazuo Shizaki vs. Richard Gideon
- Thread starter PaulNJ21
- Start date
JLevinson
Diva Tree
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Petals Fall
(FADEIN to a small press conference, if you could even call it that. Despite twenty or thiry chairs lined up in rows, only three reporters sit with cameras and notebooks. Jeriko stands, his bleach blonde hair gelled into a perfect mess, his navy blue three-piece suit freshly ironed and an obnoxious black and white hypnotic necktie. Kazuo Shizaki stands behind him, his arms folded in front of his chest. He wears his simple black mask and black gi while not moving a single muscle. Jeriko walks up to the podium and speaks into the microphone.)
JERIKO: "Welcome, gentlemen, to a once-in-a-lifetime event. That's right. Behind me stands the future WFW World Heavyweight Champion, 'The Black Rose,' Kazuo Shizaki. Trained in over twenty different schools of martial arts. Able to kill a man in a single blow, though, of course, he never would. (chuckles) But seriously, folks, how about some questions?"
REPORTER ONE: "Ummmm... Mr. Jeriko, is it? Yes. Didn't Shizaki previously wrestle under the name Kuro Hibatchi?"
JERIKO: "Ah... yes. He did. But you see, Kuro Hibatchi just means Black Rose in Japanese, so really, it was all kind of redundant. His... previous agent had... a questionable past. Let's leave it at that."
REPORTER TWO: "Yes, this question is for Kaz."
JERIKO: "FIRST of all, the name is Kazuo. Second of all, questions will be directed at me until Mr. Shizaki feels compelled to speak to you, should you be so lucky."
REPORTER TWO: "Well, ok... so, considering Kazuo's past wrestling career and its midcard status, what makes us believe that he would be any more successful this time around?"
JERIKO: "Let me TELL YOU SOMETHING, buddy. That was all politics. Part of the past. And maybe you shouldn't be so worried about his past. Because there is no past, and there is no future. There's only RIGHT NOW, and RIGHT NOW, Mr. Shizaki presents a very SERIOUS threat to anyone and everyone. If you can't respect that now, you will... believe me."
REPORTER THREE: "What about Kazuo's opponent, Richard Gideon? He's trained in several martial arts styles as well, including Jiu-Jitsu. Do you think he will present a formidable challenge to Mr. Shizaki?"
(Shizaki steps forward and puts his hand on Jeriko's shoulder. Jeriko steps back and Kazuo speaks into the microphone quietly, but purposefully, pronouncing his words carefully with a noticeable Japanese accent.)
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Master Gideon... in Japan... man such as yourself are a dime a dozen. American dreamers who think they can be the next Bruce Lee. Well, I, too, have trained for this, but not so I can prove myself to the likes of you. My motivation is much deeper indeed. I have perfected the art of violence, my friend, and I am going to show you all about it. There is a certain beauty in what we do, wouldn't you say? But beauty fades... and I will not.
"Master Gideon, please prepare yourself. For what you lack in challenge I will surely repay in blood. May the sun warm you all. Goodnight."
(FADEOUT.)
(FADEIN to a small press conference, if you could even call it that. Despite twenty or thiry chairs lined up in rows, only three reporters sit with cameras and notebooks. Jeriko stands, his bleach blonde hair gelled into a perfect mess, his navy blue three-piece suit freshly ironed and an obnoxious black and white hypnotic necktie. Kazuo Shizaki stands behind him, his arms folded in front of his chest. He wears his simple black mask and black gi while not moving a single muscle. Jeriko walks up to the podium and speaks into the microphone.)
JERIKO: "Welcome, gentlemen, to a once-in-a-lifetime event. That's right. Behind me stands the future WFW World Heavyweight Champion, 'The Black Rose,' Kazuo Shizaki. Trained in over twenty different schools of martial arts. Able to kill a man in a single blow, though, of course, he never would. (chuckles) But seriously, folks, how about some questions?"
REPORTER ONE: "Ummmm... Mr. Jeriko, is it? Yes. Didn't Shizaki previously wrestle under the name Kuro Hibatchi?"
JERIKO: "Ah... yes. He did. But you see, Kuro Hibatchi just means Black Rose in Japanese, so really, it was all kind of redundant. His... previous agent had... a questionable past. Let's leave it at that."
REPORTER TWO: "Yes, this question is for Kaz."
JERIKO: "FIRST of all, the name is Kazuo. Second of all, questions will be directed at me until Mr. Shizaki feels compelled to speak to you, should you be so lucky."
REPORTER TWO: "Well, ok... so, considering Kazuo's past wrestling career and its midcard status, what makes us believe that he would be any more successful this time around?"
JERIKO: "Let me TELL YOU SOMETHING, buddy. That was all politics. Part of the past. And maybe you shouldn't be so worried about his past. Because there is no past, and there is no future. There's only RIGHT NOW, and RIGHT NOW, Mr. Shizaki presents a very SERIOUS threat to anyone and everyone. If you can't respect that now, you will... believe me."
REPORTER THREE: "What about Kazuo's opponent, Richard Gideon? He's trained in several martial arts styles as well, including Jiu-Jitsu. Do you think he will present a formidable challenge to Mr. Shizaki?"
(Shizaki steps forward and puts his hand on Jeriko's shoulder. Jeriko steps back and Kazuo speaks into the microphone quietly, but purposefully, pronouncing his words carefully with a noticeable Japanese accent.)
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Master Gideon... in Japan... man such as yourself are a dime a dozen. American dreamers who think they can be the next Bruce Lee. Well, I, too, have trained for this, but not so I can prove myself to the likes of you. My motivation is much deeper indeed. I have perfected the art of violence, my friend, and I am going to show you all about it. There is a certain beauty in what we do, wouldn't you say? But beauty fades... and I will not.
"Master Gideon, please prepare yourself. For what you lack in challenge I will surely repay in blood. May the sun warm you all. Goodnight."
(FADEOUT.)
RE: Petals Fall
(The camera fades in to a what appears to be a study. However, instead of books the room is filled floor to ceiling with tapes and trophies. Toward the back of the room is a solid mohagany desk, where a man with his back turned to the camera sits, watching a tape. Noticing the cameraman has entered the room he stands up, allowing the camera to pick up the Shin Nihon logo emblazoned on his tracksuit. After turning to pause the tape he sits again, this time allowing the camera to pick his ebony complexion, short cut hair, and beard. Nodding slowly, he begins to speak ever so softly)
Gideon: Hello there WFW, and in particular Master Shizaki. I'm glad you can stop by. Would you like a seat?
(The Cameraman shakes the camera left to right)
Gideon: Fair enough. The reason you're here no doubt is to hear my response to The Black Rose, so I will get right to the point. Shizaki-san, I do not aspire to be the next Bruce Lee. I don't train in the martial arts to become an invincible superman. I train because I like competition whereever I can find it. And you sir may very well be competition for me in my WFW debut.
(Gideon strokes his beard ever so slighty and continues)
Gideon: You think I am an American dreamer. I am not. Dreamers sit idly by and watch as their future develops. I forge my own destiny. I don't wish to be Bruce Lee. I'm Richard Gideon, that's enough for me and will be enough to beat my opponents.
(Gideon stands and goes to the far right corner of the room where there stands a refridgerator built into the wall. Opening it, he retrieves a small water. Sipping it as he talks he continues)
Gideon: When the pyro goes off, and the music hits, and all the fans are singing the adulations of a spectacular match I will know that I have you to thank Black Rose. Why will I thank you? Because you've so graciously decided to sacrifice yourself for the career of the better man, ME. I mean, that has to be the only reason the BOD decided to put us together. I can tell this match will be one for the ages. Your fighting spirit is strong sir and it will be an honor to beat you and add a bit of your flame to my own.
(Gideon smiles a bit, and the camera zooms in so that you can only see his brown eyes, burning with determination)
Gideon: My name is Richard Gideon, and MY system, The System is the only way to go. You and I are going to show these fans what a battle between two skilled competitors will be. I look forward to it. I relish it. And when I am the victor, I will dedicate my future victories to an opponent of your calibre.
(Whispering)
Gideon: Do not disappoint me Black Rose. Because if you do, whatever has to be done in that ring is your own fault!
(The Camera fades out to Gideon humming the 1812 Overture)
(The camera fades in to a what appears to be a study. However, instead of books the room is filled floor to ceiling with tapes and trophies. Toward the back of the room is a solid mohagany desk, where a man with his back turned to the camera sits, watching a tape. Noticing the cameraman has entered the room he stands up, allowing the camera to pick up the Shin Nihon logo emblazoned on his tracksuit. After turning to pause the tape he sits again, this time allowing the camera to pick his ebony complexion, short cut hair, and beard. Nodding slowly, he begins to speak ever so softly)
Gideon: Hello there WFW, and in particular Master Shizaki. I'm glad you can stop by. Would you like a seat?
(The Cameraman shakes the camera left to right)
Gideon: Fair enough. The reason you're here no doubt is to hear my response to The Black Rose, so I will get right to the point. Shizaki-san, I do not aspire to be the next Bruce Lee. I don't train in the martial arts to become an invincible superman. I train because I like competition whereever I can find it. And you sir may very well be competition for me in my WFW debut.
(Gideon strokes his beard ever so slighty and continues)
Gideon: You think I am an American dreamer. I am not. Dreamers sit idly by and watch as their future develops. I forge my own destiny. I don't wish to be Bruce Lee. I'm Richard Gideon, that's enough for me and will be enough to beat my opponents.
(Gideon stands and goes to the far right corner of the room where there stands a refridgerator built into the wall. Opening it, he retrieves a small water. Sipping it as he talks he continues)
Gideon: When the pyro goes off, and the music hits, and all the fans are singing the adulations of a spectacular match I will know that I have you to thank Black Rose. Why will I thank you? Because you've so graciously decided to sacrifice yourself for the career of the better man, ME. I mean, that has to be the only reason the BOD decided to put us together. I can tell this match will be one for the ages. Your fighting spirit is strong sir and it will be an honor to beat you and add a bit of your flame to my own.
(Gideon smiles a bit, and the camera zooms in so that you can only see his brown eyes, burning with determination)
Gideon: My name is Richard Gideon, and MY system, The System is the only way to go. You and I are going to show these fans what a battle between two skilled competitors will be. I look forward to it. I relish it. And when I am the victor, I will dedicate my future victories to an opponent of your calibre.
(Whispering)
Gideon: Do not disappoint me Black Rose. Because if you do, whatever has to be done in that ring is your own fault!
(The Camera fades out to Gideon humming the 1812 Overture)
JLevinson
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Calm Before the Storm
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-16-03 AT 03:10 PM (EST)](FADEIN to an ancient cemetery. Most of the headstones are covered in various vines and leaves, unkept for years, possibly decades. Soft snow falls onto the Earth, unable to accumulate, but leaving a white dusting on the cold ground. The camera pans around various delapitated headstones, and finally focuses on the hunched figure of KAZUO SHIZAKI, who sits cross-legged on a small granite bench, wearing a black hooded gi with the imprint of a rose and a petal falling on the back. His back remains to the camera as he speaks quietly, making sure to pronounce his words correctly.)
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "The first rule of any kind of warfare is to know your opponent. Be aware of not only his weaknesses, but his strengths. Find out anything and everything there is to know about him, and use that information to manipulate him.
"Yet, Gideon, I can't help but feel like there isn't anything to know about you. You are an... open book... so to speak. You tell me you seek competition. That you have no dream but to fulfill your own destiny. Well, Gideon, I stopped believing in destiny a long time ago. I have seen what happens to men with big hopes... and might makes right. Those who wield power have no desire to share it, and those who stand in the way are mere obstacles to be trampled.
"You are overconfident. Blatantly arrogant, even. You assure me... and yourself... that you will attain victory. But only a fool presumes to know the future. Perhaps things may go differently, hm? Perhaps you'll be hit by a truck on the way to the fight. Perhaps you will come down with pneumonia. Perhaps I am far more skilled than you believe. You see, any combination of random occurrences can and will affect the outcomes of everything we do and say. There are no absolute truths to follow. No way of knowing what is real or illusory.
"However, Gideon, I assure you, that if you do not come to this match with most humble expectations, then I will show you exactly what I mean in the only way that you can understand: force. Long past any sense of reason or understanding, the idiot is convinced in the only way he can be. Lying on his back, choking on his own blood, his truth always eluding him. I will not guarantee victory, Gideon. I have no way of knowing the future. But I will guarantee you one thing. If you come to that ring, and you think that this is simply a show... that I am simply a stepping stone before something greater... or that your SYSTEM has anything to do with this... well, you are going to find very quickly that there is no room for illusion here.
"In the end, there is room for only one. One who will rise above paltry emotions or desires... one who knows that the only way is the way of beautiful pain... one who sees through the glory hogs and the pretenders. I am that one, Gideon. Not because I am stronger, or faster, or more skilled than anyone around me, including yourself. But because I see with untainted eyes... I know the part of you you're afraid of... the part of you that keeps you awake at night.
"The cycle of life rages on, Gideon... and no one is spared. All we do falls into nothing in the end. But I will find the most beautiful part of you... the part that still hopes... and dreams... and I will destroy it. Just like I destroy everything else.
"Your black rose is on its way, Gideon-san. I trust that you will enjoy it."
(FADEOUT.)
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-16-03 AT 03:10 PM (EST)](FADEIN to an ancient cemetery. Most of the headstones are covered in various vines and leaves, unkept for years, possibly decades. Soft snow falls onto the Earth, unable to accumulate, but leaving a white dusting on the cold ground. The camera pans around various delapitated headstones, and finally focuses on the hunched figure of KAZUO SHIZAKI, who sits cross-legged on a small granite bench, wearing a black hooded gi with the imprint of a rose and a petal falling on the back. His back remains to the camera as he speaks quietly, making sure to pronounce his words correctly.)
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "The first rule of any kind of warfare is to know your opponent. Be aware of not only his weaknesses, but his strengths. Find out anything and everything there is to know about him, and use that information to manipulate him.
"Yet, Gideon, I can't help but feel like there isn't anything to know about you. You are an... open book... so to speak. You tell me you seek competition. That you have no dream but to fulfill your own destiny. Well, Gideon, I stopped believing in destiny a long time ago. I have seen what happens to men with big hopes... and might makes right. Those who wield power have no desire to share it, and those who stand in the way are mere obstacles to be trampled.
"You are overconfident. Blatantly arrogant, even. You assure me... and yourself... that you will attain victory. But only a fool presumes to know the future. Perhaps things may go differently, hm? Perhaps you'll be hit by a truck on the way to the fight. Perhaps you will come down with pneumonia. Perhaps I am far more skilled than you believe. You see, any combination of random occurrences can and will affect the outcomes of everything we do and say. There are no absolute truths to follow. No way of knowing what is real or illusory.
"However, Gideon, I assure you, that if you do not come to this match with most humble expectations, then I will show you exactly what I mean in the only way that you can understand: force. Long past any sense of reason or understanding, the idiot is convinced in the only way he can be. Lying on his back, choking on his own blood, his truth always eluding him. I will not guarantee victory, Gideon. I have no way of knowing the future. But I will guarantee you one thing. If you come to that ring, and you think that this is simply a show... that I am simply a stepping stone before something greater... or that your SYSTEM has anything to do with this... well, you are going to find very quickly that there is no room for illusion here.
"In the end, there is room for only one. One who will rise above paltry emotions or desires... one who knows that the only way is the way of beautiful pain... one who sees through the glory hogs and the pretenders. I am that one, Gideon. Not because I am stronger, or faster, or more skilled than anyone around me, including yourself. But because I see with untainted eyes... I know the part of you you're afraid of... the part of you that keeps you awake at night.
"The cycle of life rages on, Gideon... and no one is spared. All we do falls into nothing in the end. But I will find the most beautiful part of you... the part that still hopes... and dreams... and I will destroy it. Just like I destroy everything else.
"Your black rose is on its way, Gideon-san. I trust that you will enjoy it."
(FADEOUT.)
RE: Calm Before the Storm
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-20-03 AT 10:25 PM (EST)](The camera fades in to Gideon seated in the WFW locker room. He seems a bit pensive at first, looking from left to right quickly and then waving the cameraman over. He is wearing a black and gold tracksuit, with a towel on his shoulder. He looks into the camera, his brown eyes flickering a bit in the dark, and begins to speak...)
"Shadows and dust...that's all we are Black Rose. I know this and I know you're aware of this as well. I'm not afraid of you Rose...I'm not afraid of losing either. What I am afraid of is you stalling. When we get into that ring, all that has been said will pass, and all that will be said will be built upon. I don't think you realize the severity of this situation."
(Gideon stands up and throws the towel to the ground, his face a mess of emotion)
"Sure Rose...I'm arrogant, but who in this business isn't? What is the point in being in a league such as this and desire to be a bit player? I'm main-event calibre, but I have to prove that to them (pointing to the camera) and to people like you. If you think I do not appreciate your skill you're wrong. I just don't think you'll win is all. And when I am victorious, and you are the person wondering what happened...it'll be your own fault!"
(Gideon turns his back to leave but stops suddenly)
"I guess we're done talking...Ganbatte Rose-san. I relish our match."
(Gideon leaves and as he does so moves the towel a bit with his foot. The camera zooms on what is revealed: a single black rose. From there the camera slows fades out)
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-20-03 AT 10:25 PM (EST)](The camera fades in to Gideon seated in the WFW locker room. He seems a bit pensive at first, looking from left to right quickly and then waving the cameraman over. He is wearing a black and gold tracksuit, with a towel on his shoulder. He looks into the camera, his brown eyes flickering a bit in the dark, and begins to speak...)
"Shadows and dust...that's all we are Black Rose. I know this and I know you're aware of this as well. I'm not afraid of you Rose...I'm not afraid of losing either. What I am afraid of is you stalling. When we get into that ring, all that has been said will pass, and all that will be said will be built upon. I don't think you realize the severity of this situation."
(Gideon stands up and throws the towel to the ground, his face a mess of emotion)
"Sure Rose...I'm arrogant, but who in this business isn't? What is the point in being in a league such as this and desire to be a bit player? I'm main-event calibre, but I have to prove that to them (pointing to the camera) and to people like you. If you think I do not appreciate your skill you're wrong. I just don't think you'll win is all. And when I am victorious, and you are the person wondering what happened...it'll be your own fault!"
(Gideon turns his back to leave but stops suddenly)
"I guess we're done talking...Ganbatte Rose-san. I relish our match."
(Gideon leaves and as he does so moves the towel a bit with his foot. The camera zooms on what is revealed: a single black rose. From there the camera slows fades out)
JLevinson
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Long Dark Road Out of Hell
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-21-03 AT 03:15 PM (EST)](FADEIN to what appears to be a nature preserve of some kind. A couple of fawn are eating leaves, but scatter once they sense the presence of the camera. The camera then slowly pans to the left and sitting on a simple rock with his legs crossed and his arms resting peacefully on his legs is Kazuo Shizaki. He continues to wear his black mask and black gi. He doesn't seem to be moving at all. After ten seconds or so, Jeriko walks into the shot, carrying a metal briefcase and wearing a godawful white three-piece suit. His highlighted blonde hair is combed back and his silver sunglasses reflect the sun's light as he walks impatiently towards Shizaki. He finally stops about three feet from where Shizaki sits.)
JERIKO: "Kazuo."
(Kazuo seems to take no notice of him whatsoever. Jeriko stands, patiently at first, and after 15 or 20 more seconds, he speaks again, shifting his weight from side to side.)
JERIKO: "KAZUO."
(Kazuo finally looks up and opens his dark grey eyes. He seems annoyed, yet says nothing.)
JERIKO: "Sorry about interrupting your meditation and all, but it's important. I've got another tape of Gideon."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "I fail to see the importance in this."
JERIKO: "Well I thought you might want to take a look at it. It's kinda short. It'll only take a minute or two."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Why don't you save us both some time and tell me what he's said this time."
JERIKO: "Alright... well... he basically said that he knows we're all made of dust or whatever, and that he isn't afraid of losing to you. He's just afraid you're stalling. He also mentioned that, while he may be a bit cocky, he didn't think that it was such a bad thing. He said that everyone in this sport is cocky, and what's the point if you don't plan to go to the top. Finally, he said that, when he DOES beat you, it's going to be your own fault. So... yeah. That's all."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "And... ?"
JERIKO: "Well don't you think you should address him? I mean, he may or may not be lying about his past training, but I'd reckon that he's gonna put up a hell of a fight. Luckily, I've got a surefire way to beat him."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Jeriko... I hired you because you are a man who knows how to get things done. You and I have worked together on many occassions, but you have failed where Gideon-san has failed. What you both cannot seem to grasp... is that it doesn't matter. Gideon has built his entire perception in victory. If he wins, then he has accomplished his goal and is one step closer to glorious gold. If he loses, then he fails but tries again. Yet what is victory? A striped man raises your arm in the air. A little notch in a book somewhere. Tell me... if Gideon-san were to beat me... and afterwards, I broke both of his legs and ended his career... do you think the fans would remember who won the match? Do you think they'd be talking about Gideon's impressive pin?"
JERIKO: "Well... ummm... I guess not... "
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "That's right. You see, unlike Gideon and even yourself, I am not limited by the ideas of victories and losses in any conventional sense. I have worked with men who wielded both great and terrible power. I have seen the emptiness which fills them. Only fools chase dreams of glitter and gold. My aspirations reach much farther... but we will get to that later. If I show the entire world that my arsenal of maneuvers far outweighs anything that anyone else in this league has, then I have proven victory regardless of the outcome. If I destroy Gideon's perceptions of glory... then I've won. I can win or lose the match, but either way, I take another step towards my goal."
JERIKO: "That's all fine and good, Kazuo, but the thing is, you promised me that you'd find a way to win that belt. So if you keep losing, how in the hell are you going to do that?"
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "You have so little faith, my friend. You see, just because I say that I can lose does not mean I will. And just because Gideon says he's going to win doesn't mean he will. You may have your plans, but no plan is infallible. For all we know, Gideon has already hired plants in the audience to shoot me with tranquilizer darts while the ref isn't looking. For all I know, our limo to the arena will be rigged with a car bomb. You see, there are so many things which Gideon and even yourself are unwilling to accept. You refuse to see that all things are possible. Only through the acknowledgement of all possibilities can you truly begin to make advancement by weighing each possibility and finding a way to manipulate it to your advantage."
JERIKO: "You lost me there, Kazuo. Listen. You just keep training. I've got a few ideas about how we can... tip the deck in our favor if you catch my drift."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Your subtlety does not escape me, Jeriko. Make your preparations as necessary, but keep in mind one simple thing: destiny is shaped by the man who knows that he cannot shape destiny."
JERIKO: "Isn't that one of those, uh, paradoxes?"
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Sayonara, Jeriko-san. I will contact you in the next few days. In the meantime, think upon what I've said. Your understanding of this will be most integral to our plans."
JERIKO: "Alright, Kazuo. Later."
(Jeriko walks off as Kazuo Shizaki barely acknowledges his departure. Shizaki closes his eyes and begins to meditate again. FADEOUT.)
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-21-03 AT 03:15 PM (EST)](FADEIN to what appears to be a nature preserve of some kind. A couple of fawn are eating leaves, but scatter once they sense the presence of the camera. The camera then slowly pans to the left and sitting on a simple rock with his legs crossed and his arms resting peacefully on his legs is Kazuo Shizaki. He continues to wear his black mask and black gi. He doesn't seem to be moving at all. After ten seconds or so, Jeriko walks into the shot, carrying a metal briefcase and wearing a godawful white three-piece suit. His highlighted blonde hair is combed back and his silver sunglasses reflect the sun's light as he walks impatiently towards Shizaki. He finally stops about three feet from where Shizaki sits.)
JERIKO: "Kazuo."
(Kazuo seems to take no notice of him whatsoever. Jeriko stands, patiently at first, and after 15 or 20 more seconds, he speaks again, shifting his weight from side to side.)
JERIKO: "KAZUO."
(Kazuo finally looks up and opens his dark grey eyes. He seems annoyed, yet says nothing.)
JERIKO: "Sorry about interrupting your meditation and all, but it's important. I've got another tape of Gideon."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "I fail to see the importance in this."
JERIKO: "Well I thought you might want to take a look at it. It's kinda short. It'll only take a minute or two."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Why don't you save us both some time and tell me what he's said this time."
JERIKO: "Alright... well... he basically said that he knows we're all made of dust or whatever, and that he isn't afraid of losing to you. He's just afraid you're stalling. He also mentioned that, while he may be a bit cocky, he didn't think that it was such a bad thing. He said that everyone in this sport is cocky, and what's the point if you don't plan to go to the top. Finally, he said that, when he DOES beat you, it's going to be your own fault. So... yeah. That's all."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "And... ?"
JERIKO: "Well don't you think you should address him? I mean, he may or may not be lying about his past training, but I'd reckon that he's gonna put up a hell of a fight. Luckily, I've got a surefire way to beat him."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Jeriko... I hired you because you are a man who knows how to get things done. You and I have worked together on many occassions, but you have failed where Gideon-san has failed. What you both cannot seem to grasp... is that it doesn't matter. Gideon has built his entire perception in victory. If he wins, then he has accomplished his goal and is one step closer to glorious gold. If he loses, then he fails but tries again. Yet what is victory? A striped man raises your arm in the air. A little notch in a book somewhere. Tell me... if Gideon-san were to beat me... and afterwards, I broke both of his legs and ended his career... do you think the fans would remember who won the match? Do you think they'd be talking about Gideon's impressive pin?"
JERIKO: "Well... ummm... I guess not... "
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "That's right. You see, unlike Gideon and even yourself, I am not limited by the ideas of victories and losses in any conventional sense. I have worked with men who wielded both great and terrible power. I have seen the emptiness which fills them. Only fools chase dreams of glitter and gold. My aspirations reach much farther... but we will get to that later. If I show the entire world that my arsenal of maneuvers far outweighs anything that anyone else in this league has, then I have proven victory regardless of the outcome. If I destroy Gideon's perceptions of glory... then I've won. I can win or lose the match, but either way, I take another step towards my goal."
JERIKO: "That's all fine and good, Kazuo, but the thing is, you promised me that you'd find a way to win that belt. So if you keep losing, how in the hell are you going to do that?"
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "You have so little faith, my friend. You see, just because I say that I can lose does not mean I will. And just because Gideon says he's going to win doesn't mean he will. You may have your plans, but no plan is infallible. For all we know, Gideon has already hired plants in the audience to shoot me with tranquilizer darts while the ref isn't looking. For all I know, our limo to the arena will be rigged with a car bomb. You see, there are so many things which Gideon and even yourself are unwilling to accept. You refuse to see that all things are possible. Only through the acknowledgement of all possibilities can you truly begin to make advancement by weighing each possibility and finding a way to manipulate it to your advantage."
JERIKO: "You lost me there, Kazuo. Listen. You just keep training. I've got a few ideas about how we can... tip the deck in our favor if you catch my drift."
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Your subtlety does not escape me, Jeriko. Make your preparations as necessary, but keep in mind one simple thing: destiny is shaped by the man who knows that he cannot shape destiny."
JERIKO: "Isn't that one of those, uh, paradoxes?"
KAZUO SHIZAKI: "Sayonara, Jeriko-san. I will contact you in the next few days. In the meantime, think upon what I've said. Your understanding of this will be most integral to our plans."
JERIKO: "Alright, Kazuo. Later."
(Jeriko walks off as Kazuo Shizaki barely acknowledges his departure. Shizaki closes his eyes and begins to meditate again. FADEOUT.)
RE: Long Dark Road Out of Hell
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-21-03 AT 08:57 PM (EST)](The camera fades in to Gideon's study...again. This time, the lights are out, and Gideon sits cross-legged watching a wrestling match on the big screen television built into the wall. He is enamored, like a child almost watching the tapes. The cameraman enters, and Gideon hurriedly waves him in. As always he smiles at the camera and begins to speak...but then stops. He waves to someone off-camera.)
Gideon:"...."
(The man whispers in Gideon's ear, he smiles, pausing the videotape. Gideon looks back toward the camera, and whispers in the man's ear. Gideon looks back again at the camera and begins...again...to speak.)
Gideon:"Father into your hands, I commend my spirit..."
(Gideon stands, clothed just in a pair of shorts and black addidas...)
Gideon:"Kazuo, Ganbatte. I'm ready for you. My victory shall be absolute; No matter what you do, what your manager tries...Just remember, I don't face your manager in that ring or whomever else you have waiting for me, I face you. And that is why I eagerly await this match...It's the heated competition that fires me...so you wanna ruin my dreams in this sport? Don't show up in our match...go half speed...that'll be the worse thing you can do. Because if you don't kill me in that match I'm going to learn, and get better and better until I am unbeatable...and then I will have nothing left to do in wrestling...except pass the System on to someone else..."
(Gideon looks up into the air, and drops to his knees)
Gideon:"No more talking shall come from my camp Kazuo-san. I have a match to prepare for..."
(Gideon and the gentleman looks away from the camera, and it fades out with a timer, with numbers, letters and symbols falling behind it Matrix-style. The timer is counting down until the Shizaki/Gideon Match.)
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-21-03 AT 08:57 PM (EST)](The camera fades in to Gideon's study...again. This time, the lights are out, and Gideon sits cross-legged watching a wrestling match on the big screen television built into the wall. He is enamored, like a child almost watching the tapes. The cameraman enters, and Gideon hurriedly waves him in. As always he smiles at the camera and begins to speak...but then stops. He waves to someone off-camera.)
Gideon:"...."
(The man whispers in Gideon's ear, he smiles, pausing the videotape. Gideon looks back toward the camera, and whispers in the man's ear. Gideon looks back again at the camera and begins...again...to speak.)
Gideon:"Father into your hands, I commend my spirit..."
(Gideon stands, clothed just in a pair of shorts and black addidas...)
Gideon:"Kazuo, Ganbatte. I'm ready for you. My victory shall be absolute; No matter what you do, what your manager tries...Just remember, I don't face your manager in that ring or whomever else you have waiting for me, I face you. And that is why I eagerly await this match...It's the heated competition that fires me...so you wanna ruin my dreams in this sport? Don't show up in our match...go half speed...that'll be the worse thing you can do. Because if you don't kill me in that match I'm going to learn, and get better and better until I am unbeatable...and then I will have nothing left to do in wrestling...except pass the System on to someone else..."
(Gideon looks up into the air, and drops to his knees)
Gideon:"No more talking shall come from my camp Kazuo-san. I have a match to prepare for..."
(Gideon and the gentleman looks away from the camera, and it fades out with a timer, with numbers, letters and symbols falling behind it Matrix-style. The timer is counting down until the Shizaki/Gideon Match.)