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Post by Matthew "The Raven" Knox on Apr 18, 2011 1:06:16 GMT
Eventually, the sun comes up, and banishes the darkness, the Night And with it, comes a seemingly new world. A New, fresher Air. But eventually, the sun must set again… And the night will return…
Hello Darkness My Old Friend
I’ve come to Talk to you again.
I’m Back…X=xRx=X][Home Sweet Home]Two Years. 24 Months. 730 Days. It had been much too long since I had been backstage at a Livewire. I sat on a bench in the dressing room they assigned to me, staring at the stark white walls, a small smile playing on my face. It felt like home, being back in the FWF.
I mean, I had never missed a place as I had missed this one since APWO. And now, my time there had ended almost a Decade ago. And my achievements there couldn’t hold a candle to what I had done here in the FWF.
My smile only broadens further as I think of all the titles that I had the privilege of calling my own. The Ironman Championship, The UK Championship, The Tag Titles, and the TV Championship. Almost every title there was to hold in the federation, except the Hardcore, Women’s, and of course, my ultimate goal, the FWF World Heavyweight Championship.
Although I had quenched my taste for World Title gold during my brief tenure with the Phoenix Wrestling Enterprise, and while my reign was short lived, and with it’s end, came the end of my tenure with the company, It was a realization of a goal.
However, it wasn’t the realization of THE goal. I wanted FWF World Championship gold, I wanted it since the first time I stepped in the FWF ring with my old tag partner Greg Taylor. I wanted it bad then, and I want it worse now.
All in Due time though, all in Due time.
I’m suddenly broken away from my musings by a soft series of knocks upon the door, without moving, I simply call outRaven Come in!The door opened within a split second, and Linda Myles’ petite form filled the doorway. She was dressed in a gray skirt, and matching jacket with a pink blouse beneath. Her hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and in her right hand, was her seemingly omnipresent FWF Microphone. Behind her was one of the many cameramen that was on staff.Linda Myles Matthew! I was wondering if you could spare a few words for us? I mean, now that James Bohne isn’t here to interrupt us.The last part of her statement prompted a smirk to cross my features. I had pursued Bohne to the back, but either I’ve gotten slower, or he’s gotten faster, as he was able to evade me, and leave the building before I could get my hands on him. . . .There would be time for James though, plenty of it.Raven Of course Linda, always happy to give an interview.She smiled, and turned to the cameraman, who promptly aimed the lens at the two of us. I stood up then, so as not to be rude, and took my place next to Linda. The Camera man held up three fingers, and began to count down. As soon as the index disappeared into his palm, he gave Linda the signal, and she began to speak.Linda Myles Hello FWF Fans, I’m backstage here with the returning Matthew Knox! As I’m sure you all saw earlier, I was conducting an interview with Matthew, only to be interrupted by James Bohne, but before we get into that, I’d like to ask you Matt, on behalf of the locker room, myself, and the fans at home . . . Where have you been these past two years?I couldn’t help but let a chuckle escape me at the emphasis she put on the question. I placed my hands on my hips, and looked toward the floor, thinking my answer throw carefully. I tapped my fingers once on my hips, and then looked up at the camera once, then glanced back toward LindaRaven Well, everywhere honestly. I had a brief Tenure in the Phoenix Wrestling Enterprise, where I reconnected with my older half brother, and won my first World Title. Then honestly, after I lost the title after holding it for a month, my passion for the sport kind of took a back seat, and I felt as though I needed to go out into the world, and reconnect with myself, you know? Try and remember why I’ve been at this for so long.Linda Myles I was always under the impression that you were in it to win a world title?Raven Well, yes, that was always my long-term goal, but after I won the PWE Title, I felt kind of…Hollow about it. I mean, sure, I had risen above a handful of very talented superstars to win the title at the end of a Tournament, and will always be known as the very first PWE Champion, but the fact of the matter is, it wasn’t THE world title I was after.I went silent then, my face covered in a look of silent contemplation. Before I could go on, Linda, seemingly reading my mind, filled in the next line for me.Linda Myles That being the FWF World Title?Raven Why, yes, actually. I mean, not to take anything away from myself, or the PWE Championship, but I have been fighting for my shot at the FWF title since Late 2006, as soon as I first stepped foot into this company. And While I don’t expect Pain, or anyone to just hand me a title shot any time soon, I would like him, and our current Champion, Christian Lee, as well as Thor, Stall, and “The” Ross Walker to know that whoever has that belt, has a target on their back, and I intend on coming to hit a bulls-eye as soon as the opportunity presents itself.I smiled, and nodded. Pleased with myself. I really didn’t expect my return to be met with an overflowing abundance of opportunities, or title shots. Personally, I wouldn’t have them if they were offered. I had never been given a damn thing in my career, and I’ll be damned if I’d start taking handouts now.Linda Myles Very Well said, Raven. Do you have anything to say about your return match on the upcoming edition of Livewire?I arched my eyebrow at this. I already had a match scheduled? Well, this could be interesting.Raven Actually, Linda, I had no idea I was booked yet.Linda Well, we’ve got word that you will be taking on the son of the Human Suplex Machine, Marcus Thomas Brody, one half of the FWF Unified Tag Team Champions.I felt my eyebrows raise slightly. Partially because Marcus Brody has a kid, and Partially because I’d be facing said kid. I shook my head, smiled, and shrugged lightly, before speaking with an air of honesty, and confidence.Raven Well Linda, no offense to the Brody clan, or anyone, but I really haven’t heard of Marcus Thomas Brody. I mean, He did win his match tonight, and that’s impressive enough, and to be a part of a winning tag team, I know from experience that that also takes a whole boat load of talent . . . So for now, I suppose I’m going to have to refrain from talking any smack, and simply wish Young Mister Brody good luck, and issue and early apology.At this, Linda seems slightly confused, raising the microphone closer to her lips, she speaks slowly, cautiously.Linda An Apology for what?Raven For using him to remind everyone in the FWF of who I am, and what I am capable of.Linda Strong words, Matthew…Well, good luck next Livewire, and to all the FWF Fans, be sure to tune in Next Week for Raven’s match against MTB, as well as the other five-star matches on the card. This is Linda Myles, and we’re out.Cameraman Cut!I smile politely to Linda, and turn away from her, picking up my duffel bag from it’s place next to the bench I had previously occupied, then turned, and made my way to the door.Linda Thanks for your time, Matthew. And Really, it’s good to see you back in an FWF locker room I halted my exit, and looked over my shoulder at Linda, a friendly smile crossing my featuresRaven Thank you, Miss Myles. That Means a lot.Without another word, I slid into the deserted hallways. I didn’t know what time it was, but it appeared as if all but Linda Myles, the cleaning crew, the Cameraman, and I were the only living souls left in the arena. Silently, I made my way down the sterile white-walled hallway, my footsteps ringing out as I made my way across the just as sterile white tile floor.
I couldn’t help but relive all the great moments this place had offered me. My Title wins, the friendships I formed, and just the entire experience of being a part of this company never ceased to bring a smile to my face. I had missed it in my long lived, but necessary absence. And as it stood now, I had no intentions of leaving.
I just hoped that I’d be able to smile after my match with “MTB” as I heard Linda call him. The last thing I wanted to start off my career here with was putting down a no name half of the tag champs without a fight, or, worse, putting one more in the “L” column.
I pushed the door at the end of the hall open, and stepped into the parking lot. I breathed in the cool night air, and exhaled heartily. Slowly, I made my way to the black Jaguar XJ, opened the door, threw my duffel bag in the passenger seat, and slid into the cool, comforting black leather.
As I turned the motor on, I leaned back into the seat, closing my eyes for a moment.
It was good to be home.
Now it was time to go repair another.X=xRx=X[Where I’ve been, What I’ve done. Redemption]From the hands it came down From the side it came down From the feet it came down And ran to the ground Between heaven and hell A teardrop fell In the deep crimson dew The tree of life grew - Johnny Cash, Redemption It was around 4 in the morning when I pulled into the driveway of a home that was not unfamiliar to me. I turned the headlights off, and killed the engine, staring briefly at the familiar automobile I had pulled in behind, then looking toward the upper windows of the home. I felt my stomach tighten in stress. My mind swam through a myriad of second thoughts. Perhaps I should just turn around and leave?
No, I’ve done enough leaving up to now. Everyone knew plenty well of my retiring from the public eye. However, no one knew that I’d retired from all eyes. The fans weren’t the only people who rarely, if ever saw me.Raven Hell, I haven’t been here in a year..I mutter the words to the air around, the only thing here to listen now. I take a deep inhale, and open the door to the Jaguar. I step out gingerly, as if the ground beneath me would open up, and swallow me whole if I wasn’t careful. As I walked up the cobblestone path to the doorway, I reached into my pocket, and produced a single, silver key.
Slowly, I inserted it into the doorknob, and gave it a slow, ginger turn. The rewarding ‘click’ and the knob giving way to my turn sent a small wave of relief through me. I smiled slightly, she hadn’t changed the locks on me.
I push the door open slowly, and smile at the familiarity of what lay before me almost brought tears to my eyes. It was heart warming, having nothing change in your absence. But the smile soon faded, as I reminded myself of that absence.
I stepped forward, and turned, closing the door as silently as I could. I kicked my boots off, and made my way up the glamorous looking staircase, trying to remain as quiet, and inconspicuous as I possibly could. Soon, I entered the hallway at the top of the stairs, and quietly made my way down, eyeing the door at the very end. A small shiver ran down my spine, causing me to look away.
Finally, I came to a stop by the third door to my right. I breathed in slowly, before placing my hand upon the knob of the door, and turning it slowly. I let the door open before me, and felt a mix of shame, pride, and happiness of the sight that awaited me.
On a bed in the middle of the room, laying upon her side, and looking more peaceful than a person in death’s grip, was the closest thing to a pure being I had ever met on this earth. The one person I knew had never caused anyone any harm. She was the closest thing to an angel I had ever met.Raven Hope…I stepped forward gingerly, before taking a seat on the edge of her bed, and slowly running my hand over her blonde curls. She had grown since I first met her in a park, with her now deceased mother five years ago. She was eight years old now, and I had missed the eighth year entirely.
Again, a twinge of shame tugged at my innards, I withdrew my hand, and simply stared at her for a second. My breath hitched slightly, as she began to stir. I sat patiently, resting my hands upon the faded blue denim of my jeans. Slowly, her bright blue eyes opened, and groggily locked with mine.Hope D-Dad?I remained silent, as she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. I felt the corners of my mouth tug up into a small smile. She removed her hands from her eyes then, and her blue eyes locked with mine. Without hesitation, she leapt forth, out from under the pink comforter, and wrapped her arms around my neck. Taken aback for a moment, I slowly wrap my arms around her small form, one hand reaching up to stroke her hair.Hope I’ve missed youRaven I’ve missed you too, Hope.Gently, I disentangled myself from her, and ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes held no mistrust for me, no malicious feeling. Just happiness that I was here again. The relief this brought washed through my entire being like a flood. I took the opportunity to scan the room, the walls were a deep mauve color, with various posters of The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and other classic rock and folk bands pinned up.
Very odd music taste for such a young girl.
I was snapped away from my geographical observations, as well as my age-to-music observation by her tiny, calm voice breaking the short lived silence. Hope Where have you been?I looked back to her, looking her in the eyes, I felt my smile fade, as the shame crept forth yet again. I took a deep breath, looked away, and met her gaze again as I exhaled, before speaking softly.Raven I can’t tell you that right now, Hope. . . .But know this, if it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have been gone for so long, do you believe me, Hope?She nods, and I feel my smile return. A child’s trust seemed to know no bounds. I stood then, and motioned for her to lay back down, she complied, letting out a sleepy yawn. Gingerly, I tucked her in, then brushed my hand softly across her forehead, as I had always done since I had taken her in. I then turned, and walked toward the hallway slowly.Hope Dad?I froze then, but didn’t turn to her, my muscles tensed, half scared of being questioned further about my absence.Raven Yes, sweetheart?Hope You’re staying for good this time, right?I exhaled slowly, relief once again rushing through me. I nodded once, before answering.Raven Yes, Hope. For Good. Now, get back to sleep.Without another word, I exited the room, and closed the door behind me softly.
I breathed a sigh of relief, before turning around to head down the hallway.
When I was suddenly ,and viciously slapped across the face. I stumbled back, away from my attacker, dumbstruck from the suddenness of the attack. Before I knew what was going on, I was taken down again, this time with a snap mare by my still mystery attacker.
Suddenly, there was a weight upon my, straddling me, and I felt the cold, sharp edge of a knife to my throat. The world finally caught up to me then, and as the cob webs cleared, my attacker was revealed to me.
Pinning me to the floor, in a black nighty that any other night would driven me crazy, was a very distraught looking Astryd Thorn. We sat there, as if frozen in time for a split second. Slowly, I tried to push myself up, sure of it being a misunderstanding. However though, she shoved me back down ,and pressed the knife even harder against my adam’s apple.Astryd Give me one reason, Matthew. One Good Reason, why I shouldn’t do it.I gulped then, and slowly raised my arms up, and cupped her face within my hands, and smiled gingerly, trying to hide my nervousness.Raven Because, Darling, I’m no good to anyone dead, now am I?She bore her teeth then, and removed the knife. I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the ordeal was now over. Only to be slapped across the face. Out of reaction, more than anger, I grabbed her, and flipped us both over, so she was now on the ground. She began to struggle up, but I grabbed onto her wrists, and pinned her down.Raven Stop It.She struggled ferociously against my grip, then spit up into my face, before whispering in a venomous voice, so as not to make anymore noise than we already had.Astryd A year, Matthew?! A Year without so much as a letter? All you’ve done is sent us money, as though we were liabilities! Get out of our house, and take your money, and your pompous attitude with you, you piece of sh--Raven I said, Stop It.I pushed harder against her wrists, and leaned in close to her face, locking eyes with her. The shame began to slowly nip at me again, soothing the anger I felt rising over the attack, both physical, and upon my character.
When I spoke, it was slowly, calmly, but with an edge.Raven I’ll tell you like I told Hope, Astryd. Wherever I was, if it wasn’t of the utmost importance, you KNOW I would have been here with you and her, as opposed to wherever. You KNOW that, Astryd. So I’ll have no more of your nonsensical rantings and ravings, and even less of your physical attacks.She seemed to calm then, and just look into my eyes, a mix of desperation, hurt, and anger swimming in them. I exhaled slowly, then spoke again, so low it was almost a whisper.Raven Now, I’m going to let you up, do you promise not to attack me again?Wordlessly, she nodded. I then stood, dragging her up with me, before I let go of her wrists. She stood there, her head bowed for a moment. The second her shoulders began to quiver, I reached out, and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Initially, she fought it, trying to pull from me, but soon she gave in, and leaned into me, her sobs coming forth. She spoke after a moment, through the tears, her voice barely audible.Astryd I’ve missed you.I nodded, stroking her hair gently, before replyingRaven I’ve Missed you, tooWithout another word, she looked up into my eyes, and I stared into hers. A Sudden hunger rose from the very pit of my stomach, and I pulled her into a passionate, desperate kiss which she made no move to resist.X=xRx=X[No One]I lay next to Astryd’s now sleeping form, staring at her, with a small smile playing on my face. I sat up then, careful so as not to make a move to disturb her resting form. I reached down next to the bed, retrieved my jeans, and as I stood, slowly slipped into them. I made my way out of the bedroom, and back down the hall.
I sauntered down the stairs, and went into the living room. I took a seat upon the large, black leather sofa, and stared out of the window, as the sun came up. My mind began to drift toward this coming Livewire again.
As I told Linda Myles, I really didn’t know who Marcus Brody was, but to give him credit, what I saw in the ring was rather impressive. The kid had talent, there was no two ways about it. He beat WBL, someone who I’d only wrestled once, in a War Games match. Someone who our apparent new chairman had a long, storied history with.
To beat someone of that caliber was simply something else, especially to be so new, and doing so. The first big name I ever knocked over was Don Lepore. So I could relate to the kid on being a rookie overcoming seemingly endless odds against one of the top assholes on the roster.
However, That wouldn’t make me go any easier on Mister Brody. I had more to prove now, not just to myself, but to the Locker room, and the FWF fans, than I feel I ever had. I disappeared on them for two years, and now It was time for me to regain their adoration, and respect.
And time, once again, to show the locker room, and my fellow competitors what I was made of.
This was my moment of glory once again, and no one would stop me from once again proving my worth to the Fantasy Wrestling Federation, or it’s fans.
Not James Bohne
Not Marcus Thomas Brody
Not Anybody.
Prepare yourself, Mister Brody.
Come Thursday, on Livewire.
As so many before you have been
You
Will
Be[glow=Blue,2,300] DEVOLVED[/glow] Sorry again, but I’m sure we can get past this discrepancy, and build a much stronger friendship from it.
I smile to no one, amuse with myself, as I lay upon the sofa, stretching my form over it, my smile broadens, satisfied, I feel sleep come on upon me, whispering to the world around me before I go under.Raven See you at Livewire, JuniorXxX
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