Post by Yoshiru Long on Dec 3, 2012 22:34:30 GMT -5
OF ICE & MIST
[/color]And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
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[/color][/size]A heavy fog flows through the valley, completely hiding the winding river that rests between the monstrous snow-capped mountains surrounding. The pale moon residing in the dark blue sky shines upon the mountain caps, lighting up the near side of each while leaving the far sides to drown in their own shadowing. The wind gives a low pitched whistle as it pushes around the dense fog, spreading it out across the valley. The air is crisp, it's chill enough to leave one breathless.
The journey begins. The river, the mountains, the freezing chill, all too familiar. A journey he had taken many times before. A journey that he would take many times again. To him, this has become a second home. He, the uninvited guest. But it didn't matter to him if he were uninvited. This home, this place...the origins of his oldest friend and his greatest enemy. As much hatred as he had for this place, it also became his safe-haven.
He treks up the mountain-side, clad in a black hooded robe. The winds gust snow at the hooded man as he struggles to continue his travel. Nearing the top of the mountain, he reaches a plateau. The man climbs on to the plateau and hesitates as he stares at the open cavern dug out of the side of the mountain. The hooded man continues his travel, entering the open cavern. Reaching in to his robe, he pulls out a club-shaped hunk of wood, cloth wrapped around the top. He lights the cloth, using the piece of wood like a torch. The hooded man continues his walk in to the cavern, allowing the light from the torch to illuminate the cavern. The man stops and places the torch in a holster attached to the cavern wall. The light from the torch reflects off of the thick, ice-covered cavern walls, perfectly lighting the whole cavern. The man continues his walk through the cavern, eventually reaching what appears to be a throne room.
Chains hang from the cavern walls, rusted and worn. The hooded man walks over to the chains, gripping them within his hands. He pulls the hood down revealing his flowing silverish hair, a smirk coming to his face as he runs the chains through his hands. He turns his head, glaring over at the frozen throne. He lets go of the chains, and in a mezmorized state, approaches the throne. He stands in front of the throne...drawn to it. He once again smirks as he slowly takes a seat on the throne, almost as if it were meant for him. He closes his eyes, letting the peace come over his body. He opens his eyes as he gets comfortable in the throne.
“Yes...yes...” he mutters, his face shining with pleasure. This throne, it has always been his. He takes in a breath, the icy chill of the caverns filling his lungs. He exhales, a mist escaping his mouth as it hits the cold air. A sinister smile falls upon his face, one he hadn't experienced in quite some time. He could feel the comforts of his surroundings overcoming him. With every breath, this place no longer was a mere memory, but rather, the missing link.
“I have longed to return to this place. This...is...home...” he says softly. The words confident and crisp as they slip off of his tongue. He is comforted by the icy surroundings, knowing that in his heart, these snow-covered mountains, this chilling air, everything about this place is what he truly longs for.
“For years, I have been the victim. I have been the soul, smothered by an entity that could not be controlled...” His words ring through the cavern like a poet's to the heart of man. “What I've done... Who I have been... It shall never change who I am.” he says boldly.
He feels the chill of the caverns overcoming his body, yet to him, it's consoling. It has been so long since he has been to this place that he has forgotten how much like home it feels to him. Maybe to get a reaction from his old friend, or maybe because of his connection with his old friend. Either way, the caverns, the throne, the chains on the wall, the enormous mountains, the fog in the valley, the ice of the river, the moonlight cast upon the Earth, the chill of the night...to him, each piece left him more at ease.
“Twelve years... It feels like it's been a lifetime. A war that has no ending. A war that never will see a victor, only bloodshed.” He hesitates, sensing a presence. He gives a slight chuckle, staring toward the cavern path that he entered the throne room from.
Yoshiru stands, glancing back one last time at the throne before raising the hood back over his head. He follows the path back to the entrance. A feeling overcomes Yoshiru. He stops midway through the cavern. Raising his hands, he places them upon the icy wall, as if he were drawing the spirits locked within the sacred place. Yoshiru smiles slightly as he removes his hands from the wall. He continues his walk to the entrance, the moonlight casting it's pale light upon a figure crouched down to one knee. The figure looks across at the magnificence, an image that has always captured his eye. Yoshiru approaches the figure, stopping as he stands behind the figure.
“Welcome, friend.” the figure voices sincerely. “Have you ever seen a more majestic sight than this?” he continues. He keeps his eyes upon the wondrous mountains as Yoshiru raises his eyes to view the same as the figure. The iced-over caps drizzled in the light of the moon, more beautiful than any of the world's many wonders.
Yoshiru pulls down his hood. The air is cold, but it doesn't bother him. To him, the sight he has in front of him is all he needs. He had seen this very sight many times before, but something about this day, this hour, has made the mountainous view more breathtaking.
“You have come here for answers to questions...” the figure voices, sure of Yoshiru's purpose. Yoshiru smiles, never looking at the figure, but only at the mountains.
“I never will understand the pull that this place has over me.” Yoshiru says with ease. His words are meaningful, as he truly believes that Jotunheim has some sort of magical hold over him.
“You needn't understand, my friend. It draws you here for it's own reasons.” the figure states, still concentrating on his surroundings.
“Maybe this place isn't what draws me here. Maybe what I'm drawn to is your presence.” He hesitates, waiting for a response, but doesn't receive one. “I was lost, drowning...sinking in to an abyss. I was heartbroken and on the brink of death...but you brought me back.”
Yoshiru draws in a breath, hesitant with every word he speaks. He seems unsure of what response he will receive. He takes his eyes off of the mountains in the distance and focuses of the figure in front of him.
“You held me above the rapid tides. It was you, ghost, who created the being who I was. You could have let me drown...” he states, again hesitating for a response. “You could have let me suffer in my own sorrows...but you didn't. You couldn't. You are the reason why that poison chose to spread through my veins. You left me vulnerable.”
The figure rises off the ground, his massive figure intimidating as he stands in front of Yoshiru. He refuses to turn his attention toward Yoshiru, but rather, keeps looking upon the wondrous land. Much like Yoshiru, this specific place draws the man to it. It has always been his home.
“I was a fool.” the figure quietly mutters, a sound of remorse in his voice. “I couldn't have saved you. You alone had the power to do so.”
“A fool? You were the only one who believed that I could be saved.” Yoshiru replies.
“And you couldn't be saved unless you yourself believed as well.” the figure quickly states.
“How could I believe that I could be saved? I lost everything. I lost my daughter. I lost my wife. My world was crashing around me, and I was the cause of it!” Yoshiru exclaims, waiting, hoping for the figure to respond.
“And yet, you managed to pick up the shattered pieces. You suffered tragedy, and you rose again.” the figure says. “Do you not realize that you were reborn?” he continues.
“But with what I became, it would have been better if I had drowned.” Yoshiru replies, his voice trembling slightly at the mere thought of what he had become. “It would have been better to die as an honorable man than to live as a monster. Even you know that to be true, friend.”
“A monster couldn't have admitted what he had become. I tried to save you because I thought that you had lost your way.” the figure begins. “And I was right, you had lost your way. But nothing I could do would have led you down a path free of retribution.”
“I don't understand...”
“You needed to be consumed by that darkness, to become the heartless beast that you did. I see that now. It was the only way for you to overcome your loss.” the figure replies.
The massive figure points out toward the snow-capped mountains on the other side of the valley. Yoshiru looks in the direction that the figure is point, unaware as to why. The figure takes a moment, waiting for Yoshiru to concentrate on the mountains that rest upon the other side of the valley.
“You have come to this place many times before. You have seen it's beauty and wonder. Yet, you fail to see that this place, it's just like you.” The figure lowers his hand, confident that Yoshiru is focused on the surroundings. “Like you, this place is blanketed in darkness, it trembles at the chill that overtakes it. This place tries to escape all that has befallen it...but it can't.”
“And how is that like me?” Yoshiru questions, confused about the reference.
“No matter how long this place spends in the darkness, in the cold, it always manages to persevere. It remains steady, strong, unwilling to break.” The figure hesitates for a moment. “They do not crumble. They rest forever in a constant battle between light and darkness.”
Yoshiru looks at the surrounding features, seeing them in a new light. In his heart, he knew that the figure's words were true. He knew that like the mountains, he found himself in a constant battle between light and darkness. Years ago, he was unable to save himself. He fell victim to the darkness. But as he looks across at the series of mountains across from him, he felt ease. He felt that he could have the power to overcome, as long as he believed it to be true.
“The tragedies that have befallen you, I would wish upon no man.” the figure continues. “The strength that one would have to summon in order to overcome such tragedies, it's nearly too much to ask for.”
“Yet you asked me to summon such strength.” Yoshiru quickly snaps back.
“I asked a man to do something that I thought he was capable of. That is all. Your faith might be of question, my friend...but your heart is not.” The figure waits momentarily, breathing in the icy mountain air. “You have risen through the ashes in the past, a feat that most find impossible.”
“The past. Memories that are better forgotten.” Yoshiru mutters, his head lowered in disappointment.
“Memories that should never be forgotten.” the figure quickly replies back.
“Never? Rachel died... I left Amanda for dead... I turned my back on everyone and everything that mattered to me, all out of selfishness!” Yoshiru exclaims, surprised at the figure's words.
“Memories are like scars. Although they can be painful, they remind us of the mistakes that we have made.” The figure pulls down a hood that had been covering his head. His long, flowing blonde hair flutters a bit as the wind whistles near. “We all have scars, my friend. Some...deeper than others.”
The figure, all too familiar to Yoshiru lowers himself back down to one knee. He lowers his head in concentration as Yoshiru waits, respecting the silence that the figure deserves for the moment. As he waits, Yoshiru walks to the edge of the precipice, looking over to the fog-covered valley below. The moonlight shining off of the snow on the mountains reflects a light purple tint in to the fog, almost making it look magical from above. The slight movement of the fog adds to the effect, further showing Yoshiru the true importance of this place. He glances over to his left just as the figure raises his head.
“You have more to say...” the figure says, not questioning, but acknowledging.
“Years ago, we started this battle because you tried to save me, and I didn't believe that I should be saved. So why now do we continue this battle?” Yoshiru asks, although in his heart he knows the true answer.
“Because we must. Two hearts so strong cannot derive from the path which they have taken. No matter our positions now, we shall always be too different and too much alike to bring an end to this.” The figure hesitates. “We are the Alpha...and the Omega. Beginning and end.”
“And through it all, ghost, I still question whether or not Rachel would be able to forgive me.” Yoshiru looks toward the figure's face. “I told myself at the time that it was all for her. That my actions were vengeance against the cruel God that took her from me.”
“Remember these words. It is easy to forgive the man, but it is difficult to forgive the beast who evolved from the man.” the figure replies. “I'm positive that Rachel could forgive you. But your past, it's your past. It no longer holds bearing over who you have become.”
“You hold so much faith in your religion. But why? You're believing in something that you cannot see, that you cannot prove existed.” Yoshiru mutters, waiting for a response.
“For the same reason that I have faith in you, old friend. Seeing is not always believing. But more ofter than not, believing is seeing...” the figure said before taking in a fresh breath of the cool mountain air.
“And yet, you saw a man where I saw a monster...”
“I saw a soul split between two lives. But two lives that were strong, neither completely giving in to the other.” the figure replies.
“You should know, old friend... I despised what I had become.” Yoshiru admits, his voice sincere.
“I know. A man's eyes can tell so much. It never was hatred that I saw in your eyes. It was fear.” the figure tells Yoshiru.
“Fear?” Yoshiru questions.
“Don't mistake my words. You did not fear me. The fear that I saw, it was fear of what you were becoming.” The figure looks in to Yoshiru's eyes. “That fear no longer rests in your eyes.”
Yoshiru keeps his eyes locked on the figure's for a moment. After hesitation, Yoshiru smirks.
“You're right. I no longer fear that poison that overcame me.” Yoshiru states. “I welcome it...”
As the figure turns his attention back toward the mountains, Yoshiru closes his eyes. He draws in a couple of breaths before slowly opening his eyes once again. Yoshiru finds himself seated in the throne, questioning the line between fantasy or reality...
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[/color][/size]Ashes of the fallen, blown and scattered across the land. Their blood saturating the soils of the Earth. Those who are innocent. Those who seek justice. The seeking control. Those seeking supremacy. Those seeking freedom...they all perish just the same. For centuries, this world has allowed war to ravage it's lands, beauty destroyed in the process. But yet, the world has yet to achieve it's goal. Innocence is still lost. Justice is still unseen. Control is still lacking. And freedom...nobody in this world knows of true freedom. Everything that had been fought for still lies dead, rotting with the flesh of the corpses that infested the world.
And through the ashes shall rise greatness. Like a phoenix, it'll soar high above, overlooking the world and it's imperfections. Burning with passion, speaking only the truths that it believes. Days of darkness have befallen this world many times, and yet, the phoenix still chooses to rise, wings ablaze, symbolizing the birth of a new world.
It all began years ago. Call it destiny, if you will. Two men, focused on different paths, both too headstrong to give in to the other. One flourishing in the light, dedicated to accomplish great things. The other taken by a darkness, hellbent on destruction. But both believing that their path was their only option.
One built himself a legacy based on his actions, noble and true. He rose to the top of the mountain, overcoming every challenge placed in front of him. He became the definition of greatness, harnessing the respect and admiration that most long to have. His intentions were pure-hearted, and the world would become a better place through him.
The other built himself a legacy based on hatred and manipulation. He clawed his way toward the top of the mountain, betraying and deceiving all who stood in his way. Deception became his one true ally. And through his deceptions, he could overcome anything. His intentions were heartless, looking only to have others suffer as he had.
Two different paths, yet they lead to the same destination. Enemies of each other, yet, as close as blood. As opposite as they might be, in darkness, they have no one else they can turn to, only each other. They understand each other. And both have become who they presently are as a result of one another. Light and darkness must co-exist. Without one, the other serves no purpose.
You know this to be true, old friend. You know that without myself, without the darkness, you would serve no purpose. We need each other. We have needed each other for ions. You, my friend, you tried to save me once, and regardless of the outcome...I was saved. You did save me, ghost. The question is, what did you save me from?
Upon my rebirth, you showed me that I could use my rage in regards to Rachel to accomplish much, much more. No longer would it simply be about having others suffer as I did. Instead, it would be about using that rage to rise to the top of the mountain. You, my friend, you caused my evolution. You opened my eyes to who I was, and who I could have become.
And as I have said, we could not exist without one another. I spent months free of you, and yet, you come back. Like the chains that bound me to the darkness, you, my friend, you are bound to me. Something draws us to each other. Like moths to light, we shall never overcome this, ghost. We shall always be bound to one another...
As always, one cannot dwell upon their most pressing matters. They must concentrate on all matters of which they are facing. And the return of an old friend is not the only matter that I must address. Two years ago, I made my return to the ring. Within a month, I walked in to Struggle For Power as an underdog challenger...and I walked out as a dominant champion. I know what it's like to be the one at the top. I know what it's like to have the target on your back, to have everyone coming at you, trying to capture their own little slice of glory at your expense. And like me or hate me, nobody here or anywhere else can deny, what I have done in my career...it has been earned! I didn't rely on cheap tactics, I relied on talent. When I stepped in to the ring with Leon Lonewolf and Mariano Fernandez at Struggle For Power, I was victorious because I was the better man that night. And for nearly five months, I was the better man.
But now, now the scene has changed. A new champion has emerged, one that, in my opinion, could possibly be one of the greatest that PCW has to offer. In fact, at one point, she was a loyal member of The Elite. At Anarchy, I walked in to a Hell In A Cell believing that I would walk out as the World Heavyweight Champion. I had already defeated Michael Rollins. My track record with Curtis may have been less than perfect, but I was prepared. And as for Morrison, I knew that I could defeat him. But this was my moment of glory. This would be my rebirth. Unfortunately for me, there was a variable that I didn't consider. A competitor that I was unaware would participate.
You walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion, Heather...but don't let it go to your head. Keep in mind that two weeks after winning that championship...you were unable to defeat me on Rapture. You may be talented, and I may have the utmost respect for you, but you are in no way better than me. I guarantee you, Heather...one on one with me, championship on the line...you would NOT walk out with the World Heavyweight Championship! At Anarchy, you pinned Rollins...not me. You defeated Rollins...not me. And soon, very soon, Heather, I will meet you in the ring once again. And I will show you that every word I have spoken is true. Respect aside, I'm just better than you!
But Heather, you have a tough challenge. You may not be champion for much longer. At Struggle For Power, you face your next challenge. You face a man by the name of Adrien Cochrane. Now, I have gone on record over the past few weeks claiming that Adrien is getting a championship match that he doesn't deserve. I am not going back on those words. Adrien...what exactly have you done to deserve this match? Is it because you're a former Platinum Champion? Because if that's the case, than maybe someone like Draven Logan Kennedy deserves the championship match over you. After all, he did defeat you for the Platinum Championship. Is it because the likes of myself and Curtis have had multiple opportunities at the championship but have not succeeded? Maybe a fresh change in PCW?
If it is a case of myself and Curtis having multiple chances at the championship, I must bring up the point that at Wrestle Extravaganza, albeit by disqualification, Curtis DID defeat the World Heavyweight Champion. And as for Anarchy, myself and Curtis, neither of us were actually pinned in the match. So, Adrien, you tell me. What exactly makes you more deserving of a championship match? What makes you as a better contender than two former World Heavyweight Champions who have not been pinned or submitted in an actual championship match for over a year. The last time that Curtis was pinned in a championship match was when Michael Morrison first won the World Heavyweight Championship. The last time that I was pinned in a championship match was when Curtis won the World Heavyweight Championship.
But you, you get the championship match. Am I complaining? No. I'm just making the point that maybe there are more deserving challengers than you. Either way, if you win the championship at Struggle For Power, you can rest assured that myself and Curtis will both be coming for you. And Adrien, much like Heather, the shred of respect that I might have for you, it shouldn't be mistaken as me believing that you're on the same level with me. I am better than you, and I will prove it...
A man must realize when his chances for glory have fallen upon him. At Struggle For Power, one man shall walk out of the event with a golden opportunity. A chance that for some comes once in a lifetime. A chance that sees the victor EARN themselves a guaranteed match for the World Heavyweight Championship. But it's not as simple as overcoming one person. It's not just a battle that must be won...it's a war that must be survived! This match, this specific match, it's what gave Nightrain stardom, albeit not through the match directly. After winning MY World Heavyweight Championship, I was to face the winner of this particular match. I was to face SJ Funk. But due to certain circumstances, I instead defended the championship against Nightrain.
But to show how important this match truly is...SJ Funk did still get his championship match upon PCW's return. And that, that is the importance of this match. It is every person for themselves. There are no alliances. It's a match that the likes of Heather Monroe or Adrien Cochrane, whoever wins the World Heavyweight Championship match, should watch very closely. Because although the World Heavyweight Champion may have a target on their back, one would have to believe that the winner of this match should be the champion's focus.
But my concentration isn't on WHO will be champion after Struggle For Power. My concentration is on the participants that I will have to overcome in order to once again get a chance at MY World Heavyweight Championship! Aside from the likes of Magnus Thunder and fellow Elite member, Curtis Wilkes...there are many others that could prove to be adequate competition.
One of those participants that I should consider adequate competition would be one half of the World Tag Team Champions and possibly the next Broadcast Champion, Jay Thunder. Jay, aside from a tag team match, we've never really had the privilege of competing against each other. You are a man that by all means, the superstars of PCW seem to think is high on the rise. But let me remind you, Jay...I am a former World Heavyweight Champion. I am a Hall Of Famer. I am a man, that along side Curtis Wilkes has left the PCW locker room in shambles in the past! You may be a superstar on the rise, but I am a superstar who has already reached the top. And although some may say that I have fallen as of late, the truth is, I'm still at the top of my game. As I have stated before, many people believed upon my return that I was washed up, but I proved to them that I was far from being on a downward spiral! Jay, I'll admit, you'll be tough competition. But when it comes to me and you, you just don't have the experience to rise above me...
Another participant that I'd be re-missed if I didn't mention would be Danielle Lopez. Danielle, you were an excellent Broadcast Champion. Although you never have reached the top of the mountain, you are far from being a simple stepping stone. Most may count you out of such a match, but I wouldn't. I know that you come to that ring each and every night focused on the task at hand. I expect that this match will be no different. And don't think for one second that I haven't paid close attention to everything that you have done in PCW. Every night that you stepped in to the ring with Heather Monroe, you better believe that I was watching. I knew two years ago that Heather was fast on the rise. I knew two years ago that Heather would be one of the top competitors. And I knew when watching the matches that the two of you had...that you would become a top competitor as well. Danielle, I believe you can accomplish a lot in this match. In fact, I believe that this match, win or lose, it will be your highlight to this point in your career. But I also believe that when it comes between myself and you, as good as you are, you won't have what it takes to overcome me...
In addition, it seems as if we have the return of two adversaries of mine. In fact, I can credit the two of them for my rise to stardom in PCW. Two years ago, it was Mariano Fernandez and Leon Lonewolf that I stepped in to the ring with for the World Heavyweight Championship. It was Mariano Fernandez and Leon Lonewolf who I defended my World Heavyweight Championship against over the next few months after winning it. And it was the two of them that were the focus of The Elite two years ago. Leon, Mariano, everyone knows just how good the two of you can be. You are both former PCW World Champions. You both have had accomplished careers. But lately, PCW hasn't seen the likes of either of you. So, the question remains, have the two of you lost your step? Can you truly be a force in this match? Regardless of whether you will or won't be a force in this match, one thing that can't be disputed is the simple fact that I have proven time and time again that I truly am a step above both of you! And at Struggle For Power, if need be, I shall prove it once again...
Now, there is one man in this match that, in my opinion, could possibly be the toughest competition. A man that I feel on many occasions has been overlooked. A man that needs to take that one small step to reach the top of the mountain. Draven, I believe that we are somewhat familiar with each other. If memory serves me, you were a victim of The Elite upon the return of Curtis and myself. I can tell you right now, it was nothing personal. You know as well as I do, if you're going to make an impact, you need to make it big. And what could have been bigger than taking out the number one contender and the two top champions in the company? But to be honest, Draven, we're not that different you and I. If it takes ruthlessness, we're not afraid to be ruthless. If we need to be manipulative, we don't hesitate to manipulate. We do whatever we must to reach the next level, and we don't ask for anyone's forgiveness due to our actions. Draven, you are a man that I could see making a huge impact in this match. A big opportunity for you, and like myself, I can't see you squandering it away. But Draven, know this. I will stop at NOTHING to walk out of Struggle For Power as the new number one contender. That means, if it comes down to me and you, I will show you why I held that World Heavyweight Championship for four months...
Although there are many others competing in this match, I have one other focus at Struggle For Power. A man that I not only will see in the Battlefield Match...but a man that I will see in a Casket Match. Michael Rollins, the man who in any other world could be my greatest alliance...but, as destiny would have it, an even greater adversary. Michael, we've done this twice before. You were given a huge opportunity...provided you could overcome me on Rapture. And although as most would say, you had a great showing...you were unable to defeat me. That should have been the end of it. But really, the only one that I can blame for it's continuance is myself.
See, I think that you struck a nerve in me when I noticed how closely your actions and who you were resembled actions of my past and who I was. So, being the manipulative person that I am...I decided to have a little fun with you. I decided that I would portray the very persona that you were portraying. A display of how much better than you I truly was. What I didn't realize is how far such an action would escalate our situation. Now, I can admit it. Over the past two months, you have bested me at every turn. Hitting me with Hellbringer during EliteTV. You even went as far as bringing the mind games to the next level when you had the army of clowns and werewolves surround me after I defeated your brother, Kai.
But now, Michael. Now we have reached the final chapter. At Struggle For Power, it all comes down to a Casket Match. It's your moment to prove that you truly are deserving of being a top contender. And it's my moment to prove that you are a second-rate version of me. As similar as we might be, the two of us can't co-exist around each other. We will constantly look to prove that we're better than each other. Call it competition. Call it ego. Call it what you will. But between you and myself, Struggle For Power will be a journey through Hell. This isn't going to be a wrestling match. It isn't going to be about headlocks. This match, it's going to be an all out brawl. It's going to be exhausting. It's going to be bloody. It's going to be two men doing everything in their power to break their opponent apart. We're not going to stop at simply getting the victory. We're going to be out there with one thing on our minds...total decimation! Michael, Struggle For Power will be the final chapter...for you...
Because through it all, this is who I truly am. I overcome. I persevere. I am a man comfortable with the use of manipulation. I am comfortable with the use of deceit. I am comfortable with becoming the man who I once was. I understand that it might be a dangerous path to take, especially considering it's a path that I almost didn't return from before. But it's a path that I must take...
Let the darkness...return...[/b]
