Post by Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas on Aug 23, 2015 9:58:52 GMT -6
Pride: Fight or Flight
Friday August 14, 2015
Los Angeles, CA
I'm a quiet person but I do believe that my manager Y'layna Bryant was noticing my silent nature more than usual. We are both sitting in her home office in Los Angeles just attempting to synchronize things for my upcoming appearances and photoshoots. There have been a lot of things on my mind as of late. Things I haven't really talked about simply because letting things out make them more alive to you. Not that I'm one to place things in denial because I am of a stronger fabric. It is hard to keep things bottled up tight though. I am aware of my surroundings and the things that have been brought to disturb my center. The first year of my professional career has been a rocky yet positive one. Professionally and personally I believe I'm coming to a crossroad. There are decisions I have been needing to make and I have yet to make them. I can say I have been happy with my most recent decisions but that would be a lie. I'm happy that I made them but still feel unsure of the results. I need to lay my situations upon a head I can trust and won't be bais. One that will give me the outlook from outside the box. I needed to tell someone. I know I do it has just always been a self determined ideal to figure it out on my own. Hearing her voice I quickly snap out of my zone and look around at the familiar scenery of her office. A modern look for a modern woman.
Y'layna is one of the few women I know that is the meaning 'built from the ground up'. Not meaning that in a physical nature. Her business, YL Management, leads most of the national modeling agencies. More than that she is very well versed in advising professional wrestlers. She has helped me advance my brand more than wrestling ever could have by itself. Not to say my upcoming dates weren't important just so much on a man's mind can give him the possibility to crack under that pressure.
Am I that close?---no.
But to make sure I stay that way I must engage with another mind. Think outside of my own game plan. I'm a prideful man and can become hardheaded in my conviction but in this case I rather be smart than stupid. I guess I've learned to accumulate enough sense to know when that is needed. By Zeus, I'm zoning again aren't I?
"--I'm-I'm sorry Layna. What did you say?" I snap back again. I had intended to do it the first time but---processing too many things at a time.
Y'layna looks to her client with questioning eyes. She sits her iPad on her desk to give him her full attention. "What's on your mind Gresham? We aren't focused. And we're always focused?" She shakes her head and chuckles a bit. "Are we ever gonna discuss what actually went down with you over at Pride? I mean I know the obvious."
I look up at her meeting her questioning eyes. Wasn't the first time she asked this question and if I didn't answer I'm sure it wouldn't be the last. One of the many paths currently traveling along my subconscious I guess I should start here. She is aware of what happened but she's never heard it from me. I can understand why she would want to hear it from me. Wanting to know where it has placed me. I haven't talked about it to anyone really. I never felt the need to but at the same time my lack of conversation on the subject could be becoming more of a detriment to my progress than I once thought before.
I take a deeper breath a long exhale following that. This subject is of automatic annoyance. Not saying that Layna is bothering me in any fashion just the whole situation has left a rather sour taste in my mouth.
"I..." I shake my head before admitting my truth. "I was a pawn Layna. For all my talk about my power like the queen upon the chessboard. I come to find out my previous employer simply used me as a pawn for ticket sales and never having the direct chance to win or end honorably." The frustration steady rising as I think of the culprit. "Cody Taylor had his own agenda. Looking to adjust the matches to his best interest. He bet on my World Championship match on Phenomenon. The ending was fixed. The fast count to my first defeat ever. Taylor was looking for more money. Greed unparalleled. He had money fixed in with the match setting for Sean Mendez Jr to win and then Lex Brooks to win against Mendez shortly after retaining with Brooks' 'title shot' envelope which was given to him by Cody himself. The investigation behind this claim was just starting out at that time. I had nothing of truth in front from of me so I continued to work. How they treated me after I waited in the hospital for the results of Maxwell's allergic reaction was appalling. They treated me as if I wasn't one of the main reasons PRIDE became the household name it was. Of course from that point a mere few days later the media blew up with proof of Cody Taylor's terrible ownership skills. The biggest one, sabotaging a good event and the glory in the main event of the PPV. He was the one we talked to about a contract, did business with him, and gave me his good luck wishes. Me becoming a fool. Never knowing I was a pawn to boost egos and unaccounted money under the table. Deplorable. It has caused me a lot of problems accepting it."
I lower my head slightly not in shame just a little anger and frustration with the whole thing. I don't wear my heart or emotions on my sleeve but in the company of Y'layna I am comfortable enough to do be open. She looks at me with a rather guilty expression on her face. She was the one who vouched for him. We visited several companies before actually signing with Cody. The two had a slight business relationship and she felt that she could trust him. She was just as blind as I was. She didn't think twice when negotiating the contract with him, and seeing everything unfold, she felt that she was at fault.
She shakes her head in disappointment. "I'm almost at a lost for words. Knowing that all of this happened right under my nose...Your nose, for that matter. I'm just boggled. I feel like I put you in this situation. But I promise you, anything on my end will be rectified."
I shake my head as my neck rises up looking back up at her. "It's of no fault but his own. We thought he was of honorable code and like most in life he showed us he was not. He's lost a lot since then. His MMA career, the PRIDE company itself, it's nothing to dwell upon I know that but now I realize I have a lot of pause in this business. Distrust. I hold a lot of resentment that I haven't been able to cycle past as of yet. Professional wrestling has a very sour taste in my mouth right now. I keep thinking that what happened in PRIDE can easily happened in EXODUS. There's not much of a difference when you look at it as a whole. Very chaotic, uncontrollable, and for all those that claim to be taking the reigns and giving the company a level of justice or retribution all they are doing is focusing on those they hate or dislike furthering the nature of chaos. I understand there are those that wish to do the company harm and may take drastic steps doing so but none of the people involved are going about it as it should be done. Backyard hoodwink tactics and schemes. Childish beatdowns and games. What happened to the purity of the sport? What happened to being the better man at the end of the night in the most defining of ways in the ring? What happened to the pride of a wrestler? What happened to standing upon your own and staking your claim? These are the ways I was taught in KWI. That is what Dewey Dresden preached to me night in and night out. It's lost upon everyone. They rather engage in frivolous meaningless battles upon social media. They rather be Kim Kardashian. Popular but without merit. They rather be..." I sigh shaking my head holding the bridge of my nose. You would have thought I was on a 10 match losing streak with the level of my frustration. I'm an accomplished person with many more pedestals still to reach but the atmosphere of what I considered to be the highest and most hard working are all just---insolent children looking for attention. "This is not what I expected. I'm disappointed in my adversaries. I'm disappointed in my co-workers. This...they are all just disappointments."
"You're right. Honestly all we can do is focus on moving forward and ensuring that this never happens again. But not all bad came from this honestly. No one will ever be able to speak the name "Pride Pro Wrestling" without a nod to you. And either way you did exactly what you set out to do. You made your statement and nothing and no one will ever be able to take that from you." Y'layna says to me and I believe her. Its truth, no one can take that away from me but I wasn't given what I rightfully deserved. That I will get past and in part I already have. What concerns me is the future. I don't want this to happen again. I don't want to be one of the best around only to be set aside by unjust practices. The climb is made for hardships, roadblocks, and obstacles that test the mettle of man. The will and pride to continue gives you the strength to overcome but just like Cody Taylor the reigns can be held by the same tyrant of a man.
"I guess with Jon taking a leave I feel it opens up EXODUS to receive the same faulty treatment and selective process among the roster. I took advantage of an opportunity given to me by him. I realize he sees a lot of himself in me but I do not think he has yet seen me in the whole picture. I am starting to see things before they happen. I've learned from PRIDE and the unfortunate things that came with it. Things will no longer be earned. Men and women's limits will not be pushed. Just handed to those 'on the right side of the governing body.' Among thieves you will find no honor. That's all these technicians are now, thieves unpolished and not dedicated. I am realizing I am not of that same cloth. It is a good thing but maybe the cons are becoming more apparent." I intertwine my fingers together before placing them on the desk in front of her. "Very unsure about many things Layna. Very unsure."
She looks at me with a more confident expression than before." Gresh. One thing that we can be certain of is that they don't call you gifted for nothing. Don't tell me you've forgotten about that?" She says to me with a chuckle. "You're going to shine wherever you go, whatever you do and I'm gonna be in your corner every single step of the way. Just continue on your path and doors will only keep opening for you. You're a champion. You got this. Stop worrying so much and just do what you love doing. Everything will be fine in the end."
I nod slightly looking at her. She was right but then again she didn't know everything. I sigh a bit before speaking. "Have you ever withheld something from your significant other for their safety Y'layna?" I look in her eyes to convey the sincerity. So many things on my mind. Without hesitation she answers, "Safety? I don't know. Unless you count protecting their feelings as safety, or are we talking legitimate safety?"
I sit still for a moment allowing her question to stay suspended in the air. Not to be rude or leave her wondering. I wanted to relinquish this info on someone but at the same time the uncertainty still lingers inside my subconscious. I finally move from my statuelike state before going into my pocket pulling out my wallet. "In one of my last matches in PRIDE I was preparing for my opponent in Katelyn Divera. In doing so I was welcomed by Jon Collins to work at the (R)evolution dojo. I spent almost 19 hours in there for one session with Dewey both of us crash coursing me into MMA which Divera was well versed in. When I walked out of the establishment toward my car...this..." I pull out the folded note familiar to me. When I first encountered this piece of paper it was laid along my 64 Impala windshield. I thought it was a parking ticket and it ended up being much more. Unfolding the paper I slide it over the desk toward Y'layna. The same red ink faded a bit but still as legible as the day I read it.
Your wife is not yours. Your 'son' is not yours. I know who you are DeMarcus. They are mine.
Y'layna's eyes widen. She rereads the note a few times over. Before looking back up at him.
"You have any idea what this is about?"
I look at her as she meets my eyesight. She could probably see the seriousness coming from me. I don't take lightly to threats. You do not mess with a man's family.
Especially a man who previously had no family.
"The hereditary father of Davi, Hideo. JJ's ex. He is currently in a Brazilian prison. It is not physically possible for him to do this but he has threatened both me and my family before. JJ would tremble in fear whenever he was the topic. I don't know this man or his capabilities. I just know this is unacceptable. This was at my front door a few days before everything went destructive in PRIDE. Shortly after I started my quest for the Honor's Cup in EXODUS."
Again through my wallet I gather a photoshoot photo of me in a local publication. The paper is completely crunched up due to my previous treatment of it. I unfold the crinkles and open it upon Y'layna's desk. Nothing but the background can be seen in it but of course I am aware of me in the photo. I fondly remember taking it. I am completely 'blacked' out with marker. Under the blacking out of my body within the background is yet the same handwriting only this time it's black instead of red.
Yes, I know where MY family lives too. Time to black you out.[
I sit there looking from the crumbled photo to Y'layna. I wasn't in fear but I knew this cretin whoever and wherever he is could have the upperhand whenever he wanted it. I am the ruler of my kingdom and I intend to fight and defend not sit and run. But is it worth the risk?
"JJ doesn't know about this and before it happened she brought up New York being a great move for her career. I travel as does she but I do have more 'friends' I guess you would say willing to help me there than here. At least those I am willing to trust. I wasn't too thrilled about the idea at first but after this." I pause looking down at the evidence in front of me. "I'd almost be a fool to keep us here. I don't know Layna. This is all a new insane territory for me. I didn't know marriage came with death threats from others. I was expecting it from my wife." My desperate attempt at humor. Anything to escape this apparent reality. Y'layna examines the papers once more, thinking to herself. After a few moments, she gives her attention back to me.
"If he found you here, don't you think he can find you there? Something needs to be done about this. Your safety...your family's safety could be at risk." I nod in response to her words.
"I'd rather start from scratch and help her boost her career. I just didn't want to scare her. I need to handle this. I just don't know how. He's in jail. How is this happening? Someone could be doing it for him. I don't know but I'm not allowing it. He won't touch my family." I sit back in my chair thinking. "Do you have underground connections that I could correlate with to eradicate this problem?" With a sigh I fold my hands together. "I feel police involvement will only make this worse. Plus they are foolish."
Y'layna smirks at that comment. "I know a lot of people, you know that. I would have to dig deep. But you're absolutely right. Getting the police involved, you might as well just hand your family over." She shakes her head. "I hate that this is happening to you. We'll get through this together, but you absolutely cannot keep more in the dark about anything. I can't help you if I don't know what's going on Gresh."
Rubbing my temples I feel a slight matter of relief. "Thank you Layna. I appreciate it. No I will no longer withhold." My sigh leaves me without asking as I rise from the comfort of my chair. "Which means I should go home, talk to my wife, and pray she doesn't lose it."
Pride is something that can bring you up and tear you down just as swiftly. Sometimes the best move isn't the move you would normally do but I will choose flight...for the safety of my family. More than that I will be sure he doesn't find anything. He knew where JJ lived. He doesn't know me and no matter how dangerous you are the unknown is just as deadly.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Los Angeles, CA
The place is set and packed I'm taping boxes finishing it all up. I look around the place my wife has called home ever since moving to Los Angeles. So many fond memories. Maxwell was brought home here from the hospital. Davi had his first kid party here. Its just all coming to me now looking at the bare doors and walls. We are coming to a new journey. A new path. Like winter. I didn't miss the snow at all but this is best for my better half therefore it is best for me. For my family. Right?
No time for doubts. Doubts can easily become the downfall of a man.
JJ will get the ball rolling even more in her modeling career. I will make sure Davi is as prepared as ever for his new school and Maxwell's information has already been transferred to the best pediatrician in the area. They deserve the best. The best is all I will give to them. The forwarding address is under strict commands for safety. No one will know where we are unless I want them to. Unless we want them to.
JJ walks into the apartment I can tell she was having the same revelation as I had. Looking around at the memories and pastimes. I have already informed her of the threats and information. She was scared, terrified in fact but I assured her this will never reach our doorstep again. Gated community, 24/7 security, and near a police headquarters. That and I'm taking my measures as well.
"You ok dear?" I ask her watching her eyes scan.
She nods quietly still looking around. "This it?" I nod to her reply. "Yes, we start anew bigger and brighter."
I grab the last few boxes walking toward her. "Yes, all the betters love." She says as I give her a calming kiss. Some may consider this flight but I respectfully disagree...it's evolving. Transcend from where we are to who we are meant to be.
[NOW RECORDING]
The scene is simple DeMarcus stands outdoors as the sun starts to set. A large white wall sits tall behind him with the line of beautiful well kept grass and shrubbery behind his frame. He has on a stylish brown long sleeved sweater with a pair of good looking jeans and athletic trainers on his feet. He positions the front of his sweater high enough so the large 'PRIDE' belt buckle shines in the setting sunlight. Taking a step forward his back stays straight as his form overtakes most the background behind him.
"Aries Reed..."
He pauses looking around at the scene around him. A serene view that the rest of the viewing public doesn't deserve to see.
"Your infamous mouth preys on the minds of the weak. I only pray hope your sentences make more sense than the likes of Zack Lifer. In fact, I'm pretty sure it does expand farther than the likes of that small man with even a smaller mind but alas it will not puncture this man of suitable mental armor. I say suitable knowing it's far more better than that but I'll leave that truth to be shown in the ring. But, I did notice that you had to at least give me one jab before our physical chess game. I understand it. I welcome it in fact. Lifer said many things before I decimated him. Words are simply that---words. I, a rather cunning wordsmith myself couldn't help but notice you stated that your are the man for the task, that you Mr. Reed are more than capable in taking my pride."
He places one hand upon the hefty belt buckle at his midsection.
"This is merely a signal. A banner if you will. An emblem. The reason I hold this? I am a king of a previous mountain uncrowned. A victim of the deviance and and selfish nature of an unfit man. A deserving token was never bestowed upon me and this is my reminder. This, is my beacon of hope and belief that it will all payoff in due time. A personal doctrine that above nothing else I will reach my pedestal here in EXODUS no matter who or what is placed in front of me. You see we all have pride in this company. We all have some level of pride in this profession. For how do you have enough power to walk down the ramp and through the ropes to do what you do every other week? What emblazes you to continue when everything around you is constantly telling you to quit?"
He pauses as if to give others time to answer then points down at his emblem.
"That's right---pride and that's what makes this whole situation so humorous to me. You don't understand the position you've placed yourself in Mr. Reed."
He smirks cockily replying with a shake of the head as if Aries was standing right in front of him.
"No, you don't. You really don't. You believe you can do a job, a job that is completely unattainable. You, Aries Reed, cannot take a gifted man's pride. Can you take this emblem?"
DeMarcus shrugs.
"Maybe---Can you beat me? Perhaps---not likely but perhaps. My pride is embedded in my DNA and my drive is all the more stronger. You are not facing the ragtag grouping of (R)Evolution. A group even you struggled with at the very beginning. Your history is deep within EXODUS and no matter how I feel about your disrespectful tactics and boorish vocabulary, that---is something worth respecting. I suppose. It depends on how you look at it like anything else in life. I can sit here and boost your accomplishments. Tell you that your time working from (R)Evolution to EXODUS has been a story of a man climbing from the ground up but I'm not here to boost your ego. I'm here to enlighten you."
Clasping his hands together DeMarcus takes another look at the view of the still setting sun.
"My question to you is has your path from the bottom to your current place---has it been on of pride? Has it been a journey of fight or flight?"
He pauses again giving time for the thought to set in.
"To fight or take flight Aries. That is the question I propose to you. You do understand that while I have been only at the base of my potential, you have only waded in the middle ground? Not considered an overbearing danger, simply a common presence. A common presence with a mouth. Without that mouth you'd hardly be noticed but still lacking substance like all the other loudmouths I've seen before you. A trait I'm suddenly finding very common within your family tree. You are coming to the ring looking to reach a goal unreachable I just wonder if you are seeing it clearly now Blackest Sun. Do you see it yet? Do you?---No? Allow me to enlighten you further."
He begins to lightly pace along the sidewalk in the short distance between the width of the camera view. A short distance but enough to suit him.
"Shall we speak upon your crowning moment? Former tag team champion holder. You and your brother in purpose GRENDEL. You fought to attain and fought to regain. Only to destroy the accomplishment you fought for. Why? It seems rather purposeless. I know you feel a method was obvious to the madness but I look past the outlooks of inferiors. Flight...Mr. Reed was bestowed upon you and your partner that night. You won knowing that in time you would lose just as you did before. Instead of facing that challenge, truly earning your stand with at least one defense you did away with the one thing that would place a target upon you. What man seeks battle and runs once he finds it? A coward. Finally your name etched in the history books but it isn't what you wanted. That target wasn't what you wanted once you attained it. Be careful what you wish for you just might get it and once you did you ran. You and GRENDEL both ran from the responsibility given to you once you won the honor."
DeMarcus smirks humored before spitting upon the concrete floor.
"Pathetic. Oh you still don't see it? Follow me further..."
DeMarcus stops his steps before rubbing his hands together and rubbing his right hand over his well kept goatee.
"Lets take a more recent route. Battle Without Honor or Humanity Two: The Sound of Violence. We both failed that night to attain the standard we originally wished for. Sally Talfourd pinned Michiko Yamada and eventual winner Christum Furor pinned who...the same man that's been being pinned ever since. The same man that was defeated by Shinji Uchikawa in the (R)Evolution Wrestling Title Tournament Quarter-Final. Enough hints? I thought so. I have yet to be pinned in my short time here in EXODUS. Whereas you have become the epitome of the horizontal position in defeat. The Funky Dragon who reveals to be your brother...well it's moments like those I appreciate being without the traditional childhood. So we tally Batlle Without Honor or Humanity Two as well as EXPRO 36. This will be #3 Mr. Reed. Oh yes, indeed it will. Your flights to defeat will continue without delay. It's not that you aren't skillful I just find that you have spent far too much time on your family values than preparing for the gift that is soon to stand in front of you. You are not stronger than I and I have the ability to counteract your speed. I have the control necessary to receive your best and come back better. I am a student first Aries, pure---learning as I go. This is a test I must pass and continue forward. I will give the people of EXODUS their one exhibition of true dominance just as I gave with Lifer. The people need the purity of power displayed in the ring. If they are looking for the newest reality show called 'The Reeds' they can follow your Twitter. That of course is where your power performs best."
He begins his short distance pacing again every so often looking at the camera as he speaks.
"These are the stepping stones to prove myself in high regard. To show everyone that I am as serious as I sound and that you are as foolish as you sound. The decimation of Lifer in a Gifted fashion may not mean much to you but I assure you that you've already lost if you haven't taken notice of it. I am a walking testament of dedication to my goals. Some have already been attained others are still in progress. You cannot stop this drive Mr. Reed. You cannot stop this man for you are a mouth not a motivator. You are a game and not a game changer. Any highlights you have has been done in hand with another man both with fake conviction. A REVOLUTION only stands to succeed with a reason to continue on. Something to hold onto. A cause to step forward for---what is your cause? To destroy titles as soon as you attain them? To take the proverbial ball and go home? What helps you to hold on to pride and fight instead of taking flight? If you had that answer---truly, had that answer---you'd be succeeding. No, succeeding doesn't mean talking yourself up to the likes of Chris Strike. It mean actually battling Chris Strike you know like Black Jones. I give that village idiot more rise than you at this point. Do you even bestow the mental stability to be facing me at this point? As you attempt to answer that allow me to remind you, you may be solid in that ring, maybe even golden. BUT..."
He stops in front of the camera allowing the last bit of sun to set completely allowing the dark to slowly takeover. Lights illuminate overhead and brings resuming shine to his belt buckle.
"You are not gifted...and that puts you at an obvious disadvantage."
He takes his hands and presents himself from his shoulders down to his waist in a show off fashion.
"Two men come in claiming to be unbreakable and unshakeable. You don't allow people to know that you've been beaten? Watch me enlighten you. You will acknowledge Gifted or others will acknowledge him for you. There's a moment where too much pride will be the downfall. That wasn't the case in my loss to Sally Talfourd but within it I learned many lessons. My first triple threat match ever? Yes, many lessons were learned. Did you learn from yours Aries? Did you learn just as you said you learned from Christian Kane? Will you learn from me? Will to take what went wrong and know better? Or will you be how I envision---a coward with unlimited denial? You are the Blackest Sun. Are you ready to become eclipsed by the Gifted Moon? Allow yourself to be illuminated Aries. Allow the Gift of enlightenment. It's far better than any gift of gab."
DeMarcus begins to walk away from view.
"And if any of your brothers or Revolution brethren care to get involved. Well then, you will also learn that a gift can become rather Uncensored toward all---catch my drift?"
[END]
Friday August 14, 2015
Los Angeles, CA
I'm a quiet person but I do believe that my manager Y'layna Bryant was noticing my silent nature more than usual. We are both sitting in her home office in Los Angeles just attempting to synchronize things for my upcoming appearances and photoshoots. There have been a lot of things on my mind as of late. Things I haven't really talked about simply because letting things out make them more alive to you. Not that I'm one to place things in denial because I am of a stronger fabric. It is hard to keep things bottled up tight though. I am aware of my surroundings and the things that have been brought to disturb my center. The first year of my professional career has been a rocky yet positive one. Professionally and personally I believe I'm coming to a crossroad. There are decisions I have been needing to make and I have yet to make them. I can say I have been happy with my most recent decisions but that would be a lie. I'm happy that I made them but still feel unsure of the results. I need to lay my situations upon a head I can trust and won't be bais. One that will give me the outlook from outside the box. I needed to tell someone. I know I do it has just always been a self determined ideal to figure it out on my own. Hearing her voice I quickly snap out of my zone and look around at the familiar scenery of her office. A modern look for a modern woman.
Y'layna is one of the few women I know that is the meaning 'built from the ground up'. Not meaning that in a physical nature. Her business, YL Management, leads most of the national modeling agencies. More than that she is very well versed in advising professional wrestlers. She has helped me advance my brand more than wrestling ever could have by itself. Not to say my upcoming dates weren't important just so much on a man's mind can give him the possibility to crack under that pressure.
Am I that close?---no.
But to make sure I stay that way I must engage with another mind. Think outside of my own game plan. I'm a prideful man and can become hardheaded in my conviction but in this case I rather be smart than stupid. I guess I've learned to accumulate enough sense to know when that is needed. By Zeus, I'm zoning again aren't I?
"--I'm-I'm sorry Layna. What did you say?" I snap back again. I had intended to do it the first time but---processing too many things at a time.
Y'layna looks to her client with questioning eyes. She sits her iPad on her desk to give him her full attention. "What's on your mind Gresham? We aren't focused. And we're always focused?" She shakes her head and chuckles a bit. "Are we ever gonna discuss what actually went down with you over at Pride? I mean I know the obvious."
I look up at her meeting her questioning eyes. Wasn't the first time she asked this question and if I didn't answer I'm sure it wouldn't be the last. One of the many paths currently traveling along my subconscious I guess I should start here. She is aware of what happened but she's never heard it from me. I can understand why she would want to hear it from me. Wanting to know where it has placed me. I haven't talked about it to anyone really. I never felt the need to but at the same time my lack of conversation on the subject could be becoming more of a detriment to my progress than I once thought before.
I take a deeper breath a long exhale following that. This subject is of automatic annoyance. Not saying that Layna is bothering me in any fashion just the whole situation has left a rather sour taste in my mouth.
"I..." I shake my head before admitting my truth. "I was a pawn Layna. For all my talk about my power like the queen upon the chessboard. I come to find out my previous employer simply used me as a pawn for ticket sales and never having the direct chance to win or end honorably." The frustration steady rising as I think of the culprit. "Cody Taylor had his own agenda. Looking to adjust the matches to his best interest. He bet on my World Championship match on Phenomenon. The ending was fixed. The fast count to my first defeat ever. Taylor was looking for more money. Greed unparalleled. He had money fixed in with the match setting for Sean Mendez Jr to win and then Lex Brooks to win against Mendez shortly after retaining with Brooks' 'title shot' envelope which was given to him by Cody himself. The investigation behind this claim was just starting out at that time. I had nothing of truth in front from of me so I continued to work. How they treated me after I waited in the hospital for the results of Maxwell's allergic reaction was appalling. They treated me as if I wasn't one of the main reasons PRIDE became the household name it was. Of course from that point a mere few days later the media blew up with proof of Cody Taylor's terrible ownership skills. The biggest one, sabotaging a good event and the glory in the main event of the PPV. He was the one we talked to about a contract, did business with him, and gave me his good luck wishes. Me becoming a fool. Never knowing I was a pawn to boost egos and unaccounted money under the table. Deplorable. It has caused me a lot of problems accepting it."
I lower my head slightly not in shame just a little anger and frustration with the whole thing. I don't wear my heart or emotions on my sleeve but in the company of Y'layna I am comfortable enough to do be open. She looks at me with a rather guilty expression on her face. She was the one who vouched for him. We visited several companies before actually signing with Cody. The two had a slight business relationship and she felt that she could trust him. She was just as blind as I was. She didn't think twice when negotiating the contract with him, and seeing everything unfold, she felt that she was at fault.
She shakes her head in disappointment. "I'm almost at a lost for words. Knowing that all of this happened right under my nose...Your nose, for that matter. I'm just boggled. I feel like I put you in this situation. But I promise you, anything on my end will be rectified."
I shake my head as my neck rises up looking back up at her. "It's of no fault but his own. We thought he was of honorable code and like most in life he showed us he was not. He's lost a lot since then. His MMA career, the PRIDE company itself, it's nothing to dwell upon I know that but now I realize I have a lot of pause in this business. Distrust. I hold a lot of resentment that I haven't been able to cycle past as of yet. Professional wrestling has a very sour taste in my mouth right now. I keep thinking that what happened in PRIDE can easily happened in EXODUS. There's not much of a difference when you look at it as a whole. Very chaotic, uncontrollable, and for all those that claim to be taking the reigns and giving the company a level of justice or retribution all they are doing is focusing on those they hate or dislike furthering the nature of chaos. I understand there are those that wish to do the company harm and may take drastic steps doing so but none of the people involved are going about it as it should be done. Backyard hoodwink tactics and schemes. Childish beatdowns and games. What happened to the purity of the sport? What happened to being the better man at the end of the night in the most defining of ways in the ring? What happened to the pride of a wrestler? What happened to standing upon your own and staking your claim? These are the ways I was taught in KWI. That is what Dewey Dresden preached to me night in and night out. It's lost upon everyone. They rather engage in frivolous meaningless battles upon social media. They rather be Kim Kardashian. Popular but without merit. They rather be..." I sigh shaking my head holding the bridge of my nose. You would have thought I was on a 10 match losing streak with the level of my frustration. I'm an accomplished person with many more pedestals still to reach but the atmosphere of what I considered to be the highest and most hard working are all just---insolent children looking for attention. "This is not what I expected. I'm disappointed in my adversaries. I'm disappointed in my co-workers. This...they are all just disappointments."
"You're right. Honestly all we can do is focus on moving forward and ensuring that this never happens again. But not all bad came from this honestly. No one will ever be able to speak the name "Pride Pro Wrestling" without a nod to you. And either way you did exactly what you set out to do. You made your statement and nothing and no one will ever be able to take that from you." Y'layna says to me and I believe her. Its truth, no one can take that away from me but I wasn't given what I rightfully deserved. That I will get past and in part I already have. What concerns me is the future. I don't want this to happen again. I don't want to be one of the best around only to be set aside by unjust practices. The climb is made for hardships, roadblocks, and obstacles that test the mettle of man. The will and pride to continue gives you the strength to overcome but just like Cody Taylor the reigns can be held by the same tyrant of a man.
"I guess with Jon taking a leave I feel it opens up EXODUS to receive the same faulty treatment and selective process among the roster. I took advantage of an opportunity given to me by him. I realize he sees a lot of himself in me but I do not think he has yet seen me in the whole picture. I am starting to see things before they happen. I've learned from PRIDE and the unfortunate things that came with it. Things will no longer be earned. Men and women's limits will not be pushed. Just handed to those 'on the right side of the governing body.' Among thieves you will find no honor. That's all these technicians are now, thieves unpolished and not dedicated. I am realizing I am not of that same cloth. It is a good thing but maybe the cons are becoming more apparent." I intertwine my fingers together before placing them on the desk in front of her. "Very unsure about many things Layna. Very unsure."
She looks at me with a more confident expression than before." Gresh. One thing that we can be certain of is that they don't call you gifted for nothing. Don't tell me you've forgotten about that?" She says to me with a chuckle. "You're going to shine wherever you go, whatever you do and I'm gonna be in your corner every single step of the way. Just continue on your path and doors will only keep opening for you. You're a champion. You got this. Stop worrying so much and just do what you love doing. Everything will be fine in the end."
I nod slightly looking at her. She was right but then again she didn't know everything. I sigh a bit before speaking. "Have you ever withheld something from your significant other for their safety Y'layna?" I look in her eyes to convey the sincerity. So many things on my mind. Without hesitation she answers, "Safety? I don't know. Unless you count protecting their feelings as safety, or are we talking legitimate safety?"
I sit still for a moment allowing her question to stay suspended in the air. Not to be rude or leave her wondering. I wanted to relinquish this info on someone but at the same time the uncertainty still lingers inside my subconscious. I finally move from my statuelike state before going into my pocket pulling out my wallet. "In one of my last matches in PRIDE I was preparing for my opponent in Katelyn Divera. In doing so I was welcomed by Jon Collins to work at the (R)evolution dojo. I spent almost 19 hours in there for one session with Dewey both of us crash coursing me into MMA which Divera was well versed in. When I walked out of the establishment toward my car...this..." I pull out the folded note familiar to me. When I first encountered this piece of paper it was laid along my 64 Impala windshield. I thought it was a parking ticket and it ended up being much more. Unfolding the paper I slide it over the desk toward Y'layna. The same red ink faded a bit but still as legible as the day I read it.
Your wife is not yours. Your 'son' is not yours. I know who you are DeMarcus. They are mine.
Y'layna's eyes widen. She rereads the note a few times over. Before looking back up at him.
"You have any idea what this is about?"
I look at her as she meets my eyesight. She could probably see the seriousness coming from me. I don't take lightly to threats. You do not mess with a man's family.
Especially a man who previously had no family.
"The hereditary father of Davi, Hideo. JJ's ex. He is currently in a Brazilian prison. It is not physically possible for him to do this but he has threatened both me and my family before. JJ would tremble in fear whenever he was the topic. I don't know this man or his capabilities. I just know this is unacceptable. This was at my front door a few days before everything went destructive in PRIDE. Shortly after I started my quest for the Honor's Cup in EXODUS."
Again through my wallet I gather a photoshoot photo of me in a local publication. The paper is completely crunched up due to my previous treatment of it. I unfold the crinkles and open it upon Y'layna's desk. Nothing but the background can be seen in it but of course I am aware of me in the photo. I fondly remember taking it. I am completely 'blacked' out with marker. Under the blacking out of my body within the background is yet the same handwriting only this time it's black instead of red.
Yes, I know where MY family lives too. Time to black you out.[
I sit there looking from the crumbled photo to Y'layna. I wasn't in fear but I knew this cretin whoever and wherever he is could have the upperhand whenever he wanted it. I am the ruler of my kingdom and I intend to fight and defend not sit and run. But is it worth the risk?
"JJ doesn't know about this and before it happened she brought up New York being a great move for her career. I travel as does she but I do have more 'friends' I guess you would say willing to help me there than here. At least those I am willing to trust. I wasn't too thrilled about the idea at first but after this." I pause looking down at the evidence in front of me. "I'd almost be a fool to keep us here. I don't know Layna. This is all a new insane territory for me. I didn't know marriage came with death threats from others. I was expecting it from my wife." My desperate attempt at humor. Anything to escape this apparent reality. Y'layna examines the papers once more, thinking to herself. After a few moments, she gives her attention back to me.
"If he found you here, don't you think he can find you there? Something needs to be done about this. Your safety...your family's safety could be at risk." I nod in response to her words.
"I'd rather start from scratch and help her boost her career. I just didn't want to scare her. I need to handle this. I just don't know how. He's in jail. How is this happening? Someone could be doing it for him. I don't know but I'm not allowing it. He won't touch my family." I sit back in my chair thinking. "Do you have underground connections that I could correlate with to eradicate this problem?" With a sigh I fold my hands together. "I feel police involvement will only make this worse. Plus they are foolish."
Y'layna smirks at that comment. "I know a lot of people, you know that. I would have to dig deep. But you're absolutely right. Getting the police involved, you might as well just hand your family over." She shakes her head. "I hate that this is happening to you. We'll get through this together, but you absolutely cannot keep more in the dark about anything. I can't help you if I don't know what's going on Gresh."
Rubbing my temples I feel a slight matter of relief. "Thank you Layna. I appreciate it. No I will no longer withhold." My sigh leaves me without asking as I rise from the comfort of my chair. "Which means I should go home, talk to my wife, and pray she doesn't lose it."
Pride is something that can bring you up and tear you down just as swiftly. Sometimes the best move isn't the move you would normally do but I will choose flight...for the safety of my family. More than that I will be sure he doesn't find anything. He knew where JJ lived. He doesn't know me and no matter how dangerous you are the unknown is just as deadly.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Los Angeles, CA
The place is set and packed I'm taping boxes finishing it all up. I look around the place my wife has called home ever since moving to Los Angeles. So many fond memories. Maxwell was brought home here from the hospital. Davi had his first kid party here. Its just all coming to me now looking at the bare doors and walls. We are coming to a new journey. A new path. Like winter. I didn't miss the snow at all but this is best for my better half therefore it is best for me. For my family. Right?
No time for doubts. Doubts can easily become the downfall of a man.
JJ will get the ball rolling even more in her modeling career. I will make sure Davi is as prepared as ever for his new school and Maxwell's information has already been transferred to the best pediatrician in the area. They deserve the best. The best is all I will give to them. The forwarding address is under strict commands for safety. No one will know where we are unless I want them to. Unless we want them to.
JJ walks into the apartment I can tell she was having the same revelation as I had. Looking around at the memories and pastimes. I have already informed her of the threats and information. She was scared, terrified in fact but I assured her this will never reach our doorstep again. Gated community, 24/7 security, and near a police headquarters. That and I'm taking my measures as well.
"You ok dear?" I ask her watching her eyes scan.
She nods quietly still looking around. "This it?" I nod to her reply. "Yes, we start anew bigger and brighter."
I grab the last few boxes walking toward her. "Yes, all the betters love." She says as I give her a calming kiss. Some may consider this flight but I respectfully disagree...it's evolving. Transcend from where we are to who we are meant to be.
"Pride is something impossible to take from a man of strength...
for what is pride without heart, respect, love, and family?"
[NOW RECORDING]
The scene is simple DeMarcus stands outdoors as the sun starts to set. A large white wall sits tall behind him with the line of beautiful well kept grass and shrubbery behind his frame. He has on a stylish brown long sleeved sweater with a pair of good looking jeans and athletic trainers on his feet. He positions the front of his sweater high enough so the large 'PRIDE' belt buckle shines in the setting sunlight. Taking a step forward his back stays straight as his form overtakes most the background behind him.
"Aries Reed..."
He pauses looking around at the scene around him. A serene view that the rest of the viewing public doesn't deserve to see.
"Your infamous mouth preys on the minds of the weak. I only pray hope your sentences make more sense than the likes of Zack Lifer. In fact, I'm pretty sure it does expand farther than the likes of that small man with even a smaller mind but alas it will not puncture this man of suitable mental armor. I say suitable knowing it's far more better than that but I'll leave that truth to be shown in the ring. But, I did notice that you had to at least give me one jab before our physical chess game. I understand it. I welcome it in fact. Lifer said many things before I decimated him. Words are simply that---words. I, a rather cunning wordsmith myself couldn't help but notice you stated that your are the man for the task, that you Mr. Reed are more than capable in taking my pride."
He places one hand upon the hefty belt buckle at his midsection.
"This is merely a signal. A banner if you will. An emblem. The reason I hold this? I am a king of a previous mountain uncrowned. A victim of the deviance and and selfish nature of an unfit man. A deserving token was never bestowed upon me and this is my reminder. This, is my beacon of hope and belief that it will all payoff in due time. A personal doctrine that above nothing else I will reach my pedestal here in EXODUS no matter who or what is placed in front of me. You see we all have pride in this company. We all have some level of pride in this profession. For how do you have enough power to walk down the ramp and through the ropes to do what you do every other week? What emblazes you to continue when everything around you is constantly telling you to quit?"
He pauses as if to give others time to answer then points down at his emblem.
"That's right---pride and that's what makes this whole situation so humorous to me. You don't understand the position you've placed yourself in Mr. Reed."
He smirks cockily replying with a shake of the head as if Aries was standing right in front of him.
"No, you don't. You really don't. You believe you can do a job, a job that is completely unattainable. You, Aries Reed, cannot take a gifted man's pride. Can you take this emblem?"
DeMarcus shrugs.
"Maybe---Can you beat me? Perhaps---not likely but perhaps. My pride is embedded in my DNA and my drive is all the more stronger. You are not facing the ragtag grouping of (R)Evolution. A group even you struggled with at the very beginning. Your history is deep within EXODUS and no matter how I feel about your disrespectful tactics and boorish vocabulary, that---is something worth respecting. I suppose. It depends on how you look at it like anything else in life. I can sit here and boost your accomplishments. Tell you that your time working from (R)Evolution to EXODUS has been a story of a man climbing from the ground up but I'm not here to boost your ego. I'm here to enlighten you."
Clasping his hands together DeMarcus takes another look at the view of the still setting sun.
"My question to you is has your path from the bottom to your current place---has it been on of pride? Has it been a journey of fight or flight?"
He pauses again giving time for the thought to set in.
"To fight or take flight Aries. That is the question I propose to you. You do understand that while I have been only at the base of my potential, you have only waded in the middle ground? Not considered an overbearing danger, simply a common presence. A common presence with a mouth. Without that mouth you'd hardly be noticed but still lacking substance like all the other loudmouths I've seen before you. A trait I'm suddenly finding very common within your family tree. You are coming to the ring looking to reach a goal unreachable I just wonder if you are seeing it clearly now Blackest Sun. Do you see it yet? Do you?---No? Allow me to enlighten you further."
He begins to lightly pace along the sidewalk in the short distance between the width of the camera view. A short distance but enough to suit him.
"Shall we speak upon your crowning moment? Former tag team champion holder. You and your brother in purpose GRENDEL. You fought to attain and fought to regain. Only to destroy the accomplishment you fought for. Why? It seems rather purposeless. I know you feel a method was obvious to the madness but I look past the outlooks of inferiors. Flight...Mr. Reed was bestowed upon you and your partner that night. You won knowing that in time you would lose just as you did before. Instead of facing that challenge, truly earning your stand with at least one defense you did away with the one thing that would place a target upon you. What man seeks battle and runs once he finds it? A coward. Finally your name etched in the history books but it isn't what you wanted. That target wasn't what you wanted once you attained it. Be careful what you wish for you just might get it and once you did you ran. You and GRENDEL both ran from the responsibility given to you once you won the honor."
DeMarcus smirks humored before spitting upon the concrete floor.
"Pathetic. Oh you still don't see it? Follow me further..."
DeMarcus stops his steps before rubbing his hands together and rubbing his right hand over his well kept goatee.
"Lets take a more recent route. Battle Without Honor or Humanity Two: The Sound of Violence. We both failed that night to attain the standard we originally wished for. Sally Talfourd pinned Michiko Yamada and eventual winner Christum Furor pinned who...the same man that's been being pinned ever since. The same man that was defeated by Shinji Uchikawa in the (R)Evolution Wrestling Title Tournament Quarter-Final. Enough hints? I thought so. I have yet to be pinned in my short time here in EXODUS. Whereas you have become the epitome of the horizontal position in defeat. The Funky Dragon who reveals to be your brother...well it's moments like those I appreciate being without the traditional childhood. So we tally Batlle Without Honor or Humanity Two as well as EXPRO 36. This will be #3 Mr. Reed. Oh yes, indeed it will. Your flights to defeat will continue without delay. It's not that you aren't skillful I just find that you have spent far too much time on your family values than preparing for the gift that is soon to stand in front of you. You are not stronger than I and I have the ability to counteract your speed. I have the control necessary to receive your best and come back better. I am a student first Aries, pure---learning as I go. This is a test I must pass and continue forward. I will give the people of EXODUS their one exhibition of true dominance just as I gave with Lifer. The people need the purity of power displayed in the ring. If they are looking for the newest reality show called 'The Reeds' they can follow your Twitter. That of course is where your power performs best."
He begins his short distance pacing again every so often looking at the camera as he speaks.
"These are the stepping stones to prove myself in high regard. To show everyone that I am as serious as I sound and that you are as foolish as you sound. The decimation of Lifer in a Gifted fashion may not mean much to you but I assure you that you've already lost if you haven't taken notice of it. I am a walking testament of dedication to my goals. Some have already been attained others are still in progress. You cannot stop this drive Mr. Reed. You cannot stop this man for you are a mouth not a motivator. You are a game and not a game changer. Any highlights you have has been done in hand with another man both with fake conviction. A REVOLUTION only stands to succeed with a reason to continue on. Something to hold onto. A cause to step forward for---what is your cause? To destroy titles as soon as you attain them? To take the proverbial ball and go home? What helps you to hold on to pride and fight instead of taking flight? If you had that answer---truly, had that answer---you'd be succeeding. No, succeeding doesn't mean talking yourself up to the likes of Chris Strike. It mean actually battling Chris Strike you know like Black Jones. I give that village idiot more rise than you at this point. Do you even bestow the mental stability to be facing me at this point? As you attempt to answer that allow me to remind you, you may be solid in that ring, maybe even golden. BUT..."
He stops in front of the camera allowing the last bit of sun to set completely allowing the dark to slowly takeover. Lights illuminate overhead and brings resuming shine to his belt buckle.
"You are not gifted...and that puts you at an obvious disadvantage."
He takes his hands and presents himself from his shoulders down to his waist in a show off fashion.
"Two men come in claiming to be unbreakable and unshakeable. You don't allow people to know that you've been beaten? Watch me enlighten you. You will acknowledge Gifted or others will acknowledge him for you. There's a moment where too much pride will be the downfall. That wasn't the case in my loss to Sally Talfourd but within it I learned many lessons. My first triple threat match ever? Yes, many lessons were learned. Did you learn from yours Aries? Did you learn just as you said you learned from Christian Kane? Will you learn from me? Will to take what went wrong and know better? Or will you be how I envision---a coward with unlimited denial? You are the Blackest Sun. Are you ready to become eclipsed by the Gifted Moon? Allow yourself to be illuminated Aries. Allow the Gift of enlightenment. It's far better than any gift of gab."
DeMarcus begins to walk away from view.
"And if any of your brothers or Revolution brethren care to get involved. Well then, you will also learn that a gift can become rather Uncensored toward all---catch my drift?"
[END]
