[Nash]

This is mostly to show people what I've done with the character since end of HVW. And no this isn't like my first cheesy attempt at Darkness. This time I have such a firm grasp on it that it has shocked my teacher Sickle and has produced my longest RP's to date. Very deep stuff so prepare to be surprised. And if an admin could possibly keep watch on if there's any spam... I don't want any unnecessary bashing here. It's just to keep a record of the darkness turn. I will be continuing them in book format. Note: If you're having trouble with this... It's the culmination of his aunt and uncle dying plus someone burning down his school (Either Sickle or he paid someone to do it) during their fight for the title. Only posting the chapter RP's, not the irrelevant stuff.

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Part 1

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~ The Next Step ~

Fade in to the lobby area of the Herrera Training School where Eric is seen seated in the secretary’s desk usually occupied by his best friend, Sean Philbrick. He is unmasked now since he is in the privacy of his own home, as he likes to call it. We could sense something is wrong because of his posture. He is leaning forward with a worried look on his face. What must be worrying him? It looks like we’re about to find out as we follow the direction of his gaze and it leads us to a picture of his teacher christening this place the Society of Destruction, known for being a school of outcasts that banded together to shatter every known barrier. It didn’t matter what they physically possessed as long as mentally they understood the sacrifices that would come with this journey to the land of opportunity.

Several years later, this place still stood firmly in tact reminding people of the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. They would quickly find out that you don’t have to have a resume the size of a skyscraper in order to make it far. All you need is the fists that you were born with and an undying desire for justice to be served. Justice definitely was a term that was necessary, considering that his original opponent had recently been released from his contract. Now, he wouldn’t be able to gain his much-needed revenge for all the times that his teacher’s name had been mocked by the mentally challenged rookies. They would never understand how fortunate they were to witness such a beautiful mental and physical destruction. Resistance was indeed futile, but none of them had the true balls to admit their failures. None of them wanted to acknowledge their sins, so it was up to him to reveal them in the only match that truly mattered.

While his gaze is fixed on that picture, he is disturbed by his cell phone, which had been set to vibrate. He reluctantly lifts it up and snaps at the caller not even bothering to check the caller id.

“What do you want?”

A slight silence catches him off guard. He knows there is someone on the other line because he can hear them breathing as if taken back by the response. The person on the other line sighs and replies back in a rather dry tone.

“Is the pressure getting to you that quick, champ?”

Once he hears the voice on the other side his face turns to that of regret. This voice he definitely recognized and it was one that struck home. The voice on the other line noticed his hesitation and let out a soft sinister chuckle that surprised him even more.

“You thought running away from your problems was going to be the answer? I don’t think so. You can continue to paint yourself as the martyr to all of these puppets but you will never fool me. I used to care about you until you decided to let a career mean more than your damn family.”

Eric is taken back by the revelation and snaps back in anger.

“What would you know about my family? You’re the one that disappeared for years all because we chose not to treat you like a spoiled brat.”

The voice on the other end sounded very amused, as the laugh surely cemented.

“That’s only what I allowed you to know. I’m sure you don’t even know what happened to our Nana and Tata right?”

He arches an eyebrow as he hears those two names. Nana and Tata means the male and female babysitters in Spanish. In this case, it means his aunt and uncle. The silence only causes that voice to react in anger.

“Of course you don’t because ever since you decided you wanted your pointless fix, we died to you. Let’s see how you try to cover up the fact that both died in the past year without a single visit from you, Mr. Sensei.”

He lets the cell phone crash onto his desk and grabs his hair in frustration.

“But why didn’t anyone bother telling me?”

The voice chuckles, causing Eric to duck his head in frustration.

“We tried, several times yet you decided we weren’t important enough for you. That’s what happened when you decided to avoid mom until she was in critical condition. Isn’t it funny that it took your own damn girlfriend to notice her condition? You’re a sorry excuse for a human being, Eric. I hope Sickle kills you in that ring, because the family will finally be rid of the son of Satan.”

Click. Before he could even react, that conversation was over. He frantically tries to redial the phone number that called him but the response remains the same. His call keeps being forwarded to voicemail as he allows the cell phone to drop to the middle drawer of the desk right after he closed it shut.

“God damn it.”

He snaps out loud before going to his office to grab his coat. He then grabs his cell phone and shoves the doors open before locking them into place. He speeds through the outskirts of town in order to avoid traffic before reaching his home. Once he reaches it, he enters through the side door where the garage office is. He slams a fist into the punching bag that is located in the center, which almost hits him with the force of it. This causes a half-asleep Vero to venture into the room looking at Eric standing there grabbing his forehead in frustration.

“What’s going on?” She says and then yawns.

Eric doesn’t even bother to acknowledge her presence with eye contact. His eyes are still fixated on the ground.

“My second set of parents are dead. Hugo just passed the news to me and accused me of not caring.”

The news causes Vero’s eyes to open fully in shock. The slight silence only serves to annoy Eric even more.

“Well? What could have driven him to turn his back on me after so damn long?”

Vero shrugs her shoulders and replies in an attempt to not piss him off any further.

“He probably wanted his stupid fix once again. I don’t understand him, honestly. One minute he comes asking for forgiveness then the next his stupid withdrawal symptoms kick in.”

Eric paces around the room to try to get the gears in his head turning somehow. He ends up stopping where his desk is located and leaning on the file cabinet next to it, causing it to creak with the added weight.

“Bullshit! I bailed that fucker out of jail. I even did everything in my power to give his kids a stable residence when he was being immature yet I am paid with this? If I’m such a detriment to society, why am I still alive?”

He slams his palm on the cabinet allowing the sound of it to echo around the room. Vero jumps back in fright and stretches out her arms in defense.

“Calm down, honey, please. There must be a way to remedy all this.”

Eric turns his back and he growls, it being barely audible.

“I can’t do anything about it. They’re already dead and buried. I wasted away my youth trying to live out a dream that most consider fake and pointless. That same dream has stripped you from my grip countless times. There’s nothing left to care about.”

A stray tear rolls down his chest as that hand that’s lying on the file cabinet forms back into a fist. Vero inches closer to place a hand on his shoulder.

“Please calm down. You still got me and Jay. You know we’ll be there for you.”

Eric sighed and turned to acknowledge her for the first time.

“Unfortunately not enough people feel that same way. If I can’t be bothered to care for my own parents, what makes them think I’ll care about you and Jay? After all, I’m such a bad human being that I deserve an automatic trip to hell.”

He turns around to head towards the kitchen side entrance of the garage office, the left side. Right as he’s about to grab the door, Vero stops him once again.

“Stop! You’re taking this out of hand! Please, listen to me, it doesn’t matter what they think. All that matters is your real family is grateful for your dedication. Don’t allow that idiot to get to you. I don’t want to lose you again.”

Eric allows his hands to drop to his sides and lets out a sigh.

“I hope you’re right. If that bastard gets a hold of mom, she won’t want anything to do with me again.”

She interrupts him before he can continue.

“But it wasn’t your fault…”

He snaps back in anger and causes her to jump back again.

“You’re the only one that knows that. What about the other idiots that chose to betray me over a damn job? What about my brother and sister that I worked so hard to find? I will never be able to gain that back again all because of my damn obsession with this business.”

She walks up to him and they both walk into the kitchen area and onto the hallway to the bedroom. He sits on the edge of the bed while she heads towards the opposite side of the bed.

“Don’t worry about them. Worry about the people you have close. They obviously weren’t family if they couldn’t support your decisions in anything else. For now, let’s just sleep on it.”

He growls and snaps back reluctantly.

“Fine, I hope Nana and Tata can forgive me for it.”

She pulls him back and kisses him, even though he’s still angry.

“They will, just get some rest.”

~ Fade. ~

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~ The Next Morning ~

Eric slowly sits up on his bed and stretches, the birds just outside of his large window greet him to start the day. The window is a couple of inches above the bed and he has the blinds open. Usually, this is a routine that Vero performs to have some more positive energy flow into the room. He turns to his side and notices that there is no one there and starts looking to his sides, as if expecting an explanation to descend from the sky. Once he finds nothing, he wipes his eyes and slips on his slippers that are right next to the bed and heads straight for the kitchen. Vero is seen cooking some breakfast and having the cordless phone held by her right shoulder.

She sets the phone down right as she hears his footsteps approaching.

“What’s got you up so early?”

She asks while flipping the eggs on the pan. She adds a couple of extra ones and turns to face him.

“I couldn’t sleep due to what Hugo said. Could there be any truth to that? Does my family really think I’m Satan reincarnated?”

He scratches his head and reluctantly heads towards the kitchen, still dressed in his pajamas and his eyes not fully opened yet. She places a cup of orange juice in front of Eric and then heads back towards the stove.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. After all, you got your mother and father to forgive you. I would be feeling pretty damn happy at that turn of events. As long as you got your parents on your side, then it’s smooth sailing.”

She shrugs and takes out two of the eggs, placing them on a plate right next to her. She then walks towards Eric and places that plate in front of him. Eric grabs the fork and randomly moves them around like little kids do when they’re not hungry yet. She glares at him right after noticing the pattern and Eric reluctantly obliges.

“I guess. It’s just that he means so much to me. As little kids, we spent so much time together. He was like my role model and best friend growing up, as weird as that may sound. What could have driven him to think that way?”

He takes the first bite without even looking at the plate. His gaze seems to be directed towards the wooden fence outside, as if he was lost in thought. The glass sliding door allowing some sunlight to enter, although not as brightly due to the green net tossed up there to protect the plants. He doesn’t even notice his dog Sparky walking up to the door outside and scratching on it for a bit. Vero looks like she’s about to sit down, but instead turns towards Sparky and sighs. She goes to open the front door and responds while carrying the newly acquired German shepherd pup in.

“It’s jealousy. It happens to the best of us. Just let him have some time alone. He wants all the attention you’re getting instead of working for it. Don’t pay attention to his mind games and you’ll be fine.”

Vero pours some food and water into the two sided split bowl. Eric rolls his eyes and growls at the suggestion.

“You make everything sound so easy. Think of all the people he’s brainwashing in the process. Do you think my sister will want anything to do with me once he plays the victim again? Hell no. She will believe him because of not hearing from me in years. The odds are stacked up against me. I can’t even imagine what would happen if they decide to lure mom into all this.”

She walks back towards the table and lands the first bite. By this time has gotten to eating half of his food. He eats rather fast when nervous and she picks up the pattern as it’s happening.

“Take it one step at a time. Trust me, he won’t get to your mother while I’m here. I’m working on teaching her the real reason you picked wrestling. She doesn’t sound as aggressive as she did earlier. As long as you remember where your roots are, she don’t mind.”

Eric shrugs, knowing that there isn’t a proper response to that. He finishes the rest of his eggs and then gets to the juice.

“Fair enough. Hopefully things stay that way long enough. God knows I’ve already had enough problems in the past year with my home companies crashing to the ground.”

He finishes the juice and she comes to pick it up. He goes to the backyard once Sparky finishes and goes to play some catch with him in the back. Meanwhile, Vero washes the dishes and then heads towards her mother in law’s bedroom and knocks.

“Come in!”

Vero enters the room and sits on the couch right next to her bed with her head bowed.

“What’s going on, girl? Something bugging you?”

She nods and sobs silently struggling to get the words out.

“Eric has been acting so weird lately. I haven’t seen him this out of control since his UHW days when he was attending shrinks left and right. I hope to god he hasn’t entered another long depression. All because of what Hugo had to say.”

She chuckles and clicks her tongue to signal that she’s very disappointed at what she just heard.

“Hugo has always been a trouble maker. I remember when we were living in Chicago, he bet the house and a fair share of my jewels to his petty little gangs. I guess I should know better than to expect that kid to ever mature. He’s thirty and acts like he’s still in his fucking teens.”

Vero lifts her head in shock at what she just said. There is a brief silence, which the mother manages to pick up.

“I’m willing to bet five bucks that the bastard still has people doing the dirty work for him. He’s always been lazy. I wouldn’t believe him even if he was the last person alive on this planet. I may not like you but you’re still my family. Together we can overcome anything. I appreciate what you did by inviting me into your house. That definitely took some guts, especially with the hazing I gave you starting out.”

Vero lets her eyes trail back towards the ground as if trying to decipher this whole mess she was just fed. She lets out a sigh and returns her attention towards the mother.

“But why did you do it? For a long time I thought you hated my guts.”

The mother laughs heartily confusing Vero even more. And here we were thinking that Eric is crazy… Now we know who he inherited it from.

“Hell nah! When Eric was still in pampers, his dad treated me like shit. Many ordinary women woulda just caved in and said I quit. Not I… I fought the war until the very end and kept my chin up. The Herrera’s are known for their tough as nails women… You aren’t gonna find the caveman mentality here, cause we could realistically kick your ass on sight. I did it as an initiation because my boy deserves the most brutal type of woman. I want him to mature, not to be spoiled like Hugo. Fool me once, shame on you… Fool me twice, shame on me… I gotta stop the trend before it’s too late.”

Vero laughs nervously and thinks to herself.

“God damn, I’m gonna love having her around.”

The mother arches an eyebrow and leans forward a bit.

“What’s so funny?”

Vero gets snapped outta her trance and her eyes trail side to side, like when a kid gets busted.

“Eh, Eric’s been that way for quite a while. He didn’t truly mature as a wrestler or as a person till like end of 2008. For the longest time I wasn’t just his girl, I was his damn shrink!”

The mom interrupts her before she could continue.

“Now you know why I didn’t want him in wrestling. It’s not cause I hate the sport… It’s cause I didn’t want him to hurt people the wrong way. He gets attached to things way too easily… I can’t even count how many times he’d be on the verge of killing someone just to defend the family or a close friend. Sometimes you just have to walk away cause the guy isn’t worth it.”

Vero laughs heartily and nods in agreement. She sighs and leans forward, making proper eye contact now that the nervous effects are gone.

“Yeah, that’s him alright. It always pays off to know that help always turns up in the most unexpected places. Hopefully this will make him become an overall better person. Who knows, maybe both deaths were a blessing in disguise so he can learn how to take care of priority number one…. No insult intended, of course.”

The mother waves her off in response.

“Of course not. I understand what you mean. For me, it was moving to California, far away from all my brothers and sisters. That’s when I learned how to stop depending on people for either pay or free. Gotta learn how to be more independent somehow.”

Both nod in agreement as a slight silence follows. That silence is broken by the footsteps of Eric walking down the hall and knocking on the door. They both dually shout “Come in!” then laughing at thinking the same thing.

“Well, ain’t this a rarity… Never thought I’d see the day. I was just about to tell y’all to behave while I go back to the school to get some business finished.”

Vero turns to face Eric and fakes a worried face, gaining a chuckle from the mom.

“What, poor ole me making a mess? Blasphemy! But, you on the other hand are a different story. Lord knows you need the time off after yesterday.”

Eric rolls his eyes and backs off a couple of steps.

“Alright then, I’ll be seeing ya later then. Have fun, ladies.”

He walks out of the room and they can be heard laughing right after, the talking prior to the laugh being inaudible. He walks out the door leaving them with the house to themselves to get acquainted.

~ Fade. ~

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~ Show Time ~

Fade in to Eric’s office within the Herrera Training School. He’s seated on a rug in Indian style. His hands are folded along with having his head bowed. From what we could gather, it must be some martial arts exercise since this man doesn’t believe in religion. His attire supports that guess, a white karate outfit with a black belt around it. He has his mask on and sighs right as he hears the camera approaching him slowly. He raises his head and shakes his head.

Took you long enough. I thought you would never make it.

He stands up and goes to sit on the chair that’s right behind his desk. He folds his hands across the top and smirks.

Ever since Uriel was taken out of this match, I’ve had a lot of thinking to do. The only reason I was slotted into this match was because my teacher walked out. Now that he’s back, can I really say I’ve earned it?

He lets that question hang and then shakes his head.

Sickle busted his ass to earn this championship. He’s made a legacy out of completely destroying his opponents, both mentally and physically. He is a true rarity in this sport and should be enshrined into the hall of fame when he decides to hang them up. I, on the other hand, only had a United Kingdom Championship match to show for, which I lost shortly after. I wanted to pay my dues and show to everyone that I’m capable of carrying a company on my shoulders. But since it’s already happened, all I could really do is adjust. We could choose to make the best of it and show the fans what a true world championship match is all about. We shall dance for the very first time to prove whether I am truly worthy of taking that next step.

His eyes trail towards the dozens of posters that are scattered on the surrounding walls. These are all people he looked up to starting out, including Sickle and Lynn Brewster.

I know it’s weird hearing it from me, but no one compares to the amount of talent you possess. Hell, this school was built in your honor! Every time these students hear my teachings, they are reminded of the legacy you left behind. The society of destruction was the name you gave to us during our tenure in UHW. I never imagined this day would come. The day when the student would walk up to the teacher and challenge him for the world title. Several people would think this match is funny, but it’s not. This is the product of five long years of hard work and sacrifice. Not even the hall of fame induction at UHW can compare to the meaning of this match. They all took your work for granted, complaining due to jealousy but I am one of the few men that understands who you are behind the mask. I looked up to you as my father and treated you as such even in my earlier years. But as is the story of evolution, there must come a time where every chick has to leave the nest. My legacy has been built out of being the underdog, the mid carder that was never given that opportunity… That is until these initials came into place.

He trails off after that last sentence and then walks towards door motioning for us to follow him. He walks down the hall and into a trophy room, which only he has the key to. He opens the door and we see a shrine of several championships that Eric has won since he first considered wrestling as his career. All of his championships, both indy and professional are shown here for the world to see. The most decorated athlete the world has ever seen. But even this pales in comparison to his master known as Sickle.

Look at all this. I’m living proof that material possessions doesn’t always mean happiness. I’ve been countless people for championships of all kinds. If I sat here and named them all, you would swear it’s a who’s who of today’s top superstars. You would think that I would be able to retire happy and call it a day, but that’s what separates warriors like us, Sickle. We live for the thrill of the fight, regardless of how many worthless championships they shove to the forefront. We’ve won so many championships that winning and losing one is lose change these days. That’s why I don’t hold neither of these in the same light as this match. Nothing can compare to the true test. It’s going to mean a whole lot more to me to fight my teacher and show him how much I’ve changed in the past year. Uriel had no respect for that championship. He never should have been given an opportunity, but you can’t blame Hendrickson for being desperate. Uriel signed his death warrant the minute he claimed to be better than the original forefathers of this business. He didn’t respect any of the blood, sweat, and tears that made this company what it is today. As a result, he was injured and was forced to pay for his sins the hard way. A sacrificial lamb was necessary for the world to understand that a cancer truly has infected this company. That company is lust. Blind lust without understanding the significance of how much you need to sacrifice and the responsibility that it carries.

He walks over towards the end of the aisle and places the last retired champion, HVW Full Throttle Championship on his lap, cleaning it with a white cloth usually used for cleaning reading glasses. He’s being careful with the one that meant the most to him, until now anyways.

This championship I won when they were labeling me as a failure. I spent three years losing to everyone within distance, paying my dues the hard way. I wore the crown of thorns and endured the countless amounts of spit being directed at my face without even lifting a fist. It was necessary though because discipline helps everyone learn something. It’s why several boot camps still exists. It’s why parents still discipline their children with violence. They try to duplicate military lifestyle without learning self-control. HVW knew no self-control. Before they knew it, that same man they treated like Jesus’ last days ended up winning the tag team championships and three more. The company closed with me wearing this. When I won this championship, I knew what would come next. Eventually, I would have to walk down that aisle and meet my master for a championship. It was meant to be. That evolution in the past year was unavoidable. I just wish it would have been under different circumstances.

He places that championship back in its case and walks out of the room, right back into his office.

I didn’t do this to show off because that would only be insinuated by people that have no clue what the true intention of this business is. I did it to prove a point. I may be the underdog walking in, but that’s not going to stop me from giving you the fight of your life as funny as that may sound to you. There may have millions of people in the past year to make that threat and failed, but you know better than anyone that I’m not one of them. I’ve faced people double to triple my size when I was a rookie that looked like a stick, yet I still didn’t shake with fear. No, I used my speed to chop down titans and force them into submission. I outsmarted the most unstoppable forces and forced them to grant me that ounce of respect. I will not rest until the world understands that this wasn’t just a hand me down… It was destiny. Destiny will lead me to give you that fight you’ve been seeking for so long. Destiny will lead me to making sure you understand where the real competition is.

He motions for the camera to get closer. He leans forward on his chair and smirks in return.

Most importantly, destiny will lead me to making the world pay for their ignorance. Because pure destruction is never appreciate, until now. We will unleash a wave of destruction that would be considered demonic by the puppets. With this mask I shall honor what you’ve done in the past ten years. That’s a promise I can definitely keep. Until then, good luck, Teach… We’re both going to need it.

~ Fade. ~

This post has been edited by Nash: 13 March 2010 - 04:16 PM

[Nash]

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Part Two

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Song | Lyrics

Scene One
Off Camera

Failure. It’s a term that this man will never accept. He’s been driven to be the best at everything he has ever attempted. Ever since he first drew breath, this man has sought the most challenging positions and has shunned away a fair share of doubters but on this fateful night it wasn’t meant to be. The teacher did indeed defeat the student but only by a mere inch. He did help prove something to him on that fateful night though. He helped teach Sickle the hard way that he has truly changed into a better overall person in the time away from him. He helped shove his teacher into a limit he never knew was possible. He had passed the perennial trial by fire and there would be several more to come.

We fade in to see him in the living room area with a fair share of his luggage still visible. His attention isn’t on them though. He’s sitting on the sofa looking down at the ground in deep thought. This man definitely had a lot to think about concerning his recent dilemma. During his war with his teacher, his school that he dedicated all his time to burned completely. He was forced to search frantically for a backup plan until he received the phone call from Jay this past week to rebuild it in Texas. He didn’t see a point in remaining in the same state now that his family already has him tracked down. He never was going to be happy until he moved away and had a true fresh start. He believed they were the cause of all this mess. Hugo’s words last month surely didn’t help that cause.

Vero: I hope you know what you’re getting into with all this.

Eric lifts his head up slightly and stares blankly at the hall closet at the opposite end of the room. He lifts his hands close to his mouth in prayer formation and sighs. That was the sweet voice of his girlfriend, Veronica Rodriguez, the sole voice of wisdom in his life. That sweet voice had so much control over this tortured soul. She’s the only one that can tame the beast. Trust me, several others have tried and failed with drastic consequences. His reply sounds soft without even bothering to turn towards the direction of the voice.

Eric: When have I ever steered you wrong, little one? For all we know, this could be the break we need to live a “normal” life.

As he mentions the last two words, he scoffs and snaps out of his trance. It’s like the thought of being normal in any sense of the word would be utterly ridiculous. Everyone has an ailment of some kind. He doesn’t find a point in wearing this pointless facade, even if the person is not related to him. In the end, you don’t get to take none of this with you to the afterlife. It’s best to live life to the fullest while you still can.

Vero: It depends on what version of you. There have been times where I swear I don’t even understand you. Don’t you think you’re taking this way out of hand? I mean, we’ve already invested ten years into this house, Eric. It would be stupid to just piss it all away. Your mother passed you down the house before moving back to Chicago because she trusted you.

He sighs in frustration as his tone of voice changes to match the mood. The calm start has now been eliminated as he rises from his seat and walks over towards the entrance to the kitchen across from him. He leans on the white side wall and scowls at his girlfriend who’s seated at the table.

Eric: And what do you expect me to do? It’s not like I could be Superman and have eyes behind my head. I can’t seem to find any allies within distance. Even my own brother has chosen to betray me in favor of jealousy. A bond that we thought would never be broken, all because he’s not willing to support me in my most tumultuous stage of my life.

She rolls her eyes and rubs her head.

Vero: You’re forgetting one key factor here, Eric. We’re not necessarily as weak as you make it sound. Look at how much we both have endured in that decade. You think if we were so weak, your mom would have survived so many years in that chair? Hell, what about me after all those times we nearly broke up? This business isn’t strong enough to tear us down. Hugo is going to have to learn eventually to own up to his own mistakes. We can’t always pause everything to satisfy that ego.

There’s a slight silence as Eric soaks in what he’s been fed. He doesn’t want to ignore his other side of his family by staying here. But on the other side, his primary family doesn’t give a fuck about him, at least most of them anyways.

Vero: I’m being honest with you, Eric. You’ve already made a fair share of history within this county. I wouldn’t toss it all away without thinking it over. Your mom busted her ass even in times when there was very little money to pay for this house. Think of the responsibility that comes with this. You’re not going to get a better deal with the economy being so bad.

Eric crosses his arms on his chest and grunts in return. The response only causes Vero to get into a defensive stance. With Eric, you never can bank on him acting one certain way. He’s been notorious for having his streaks of insanity where very few are able to tame him. Much to her surprise, there isn’t an attack coming any time soon.

Eric: You make it all sound so damn simple. You have no idea what it’s like to spend so much time without knowing who your biological father is. I’ve been approached with the opportunity to meet my step brothers and sisters, along with my stepmother yet this is how I’m greeted? I honestly don’t know. It feels like no matter what I do, I can’t please either side. If I don’t do this, I risk spending my entire life asking questions that will never get resolved.

Vero rises from her seat and snaps back at Eric causing him to back off a couple of steps.

Vero: It always has to be about you, right? What about me? What about your mother that has for so long had to go through life on her own? You need to start taking responsibility, Eric. If you don’t take advantage of this current situation, you run the risk of never seeing her again. Think about it, can you imagine what would happen if Enrique actually found her?

Eric swallows the lump in his throat and freezes at the mention of that name.

Vero: Yes, him. People never truly change. You know that firsthand. Who’s to say that he won’t have those thoughts running through his mind while passing your house? He had twenty fucking years to apologize yet instead he had to run away from it all like a true coward. You ARE in charge of your own destiny, Eric, but don’t expect us to follow you on hand and foot. You can still see BOTH sides of the family without forcing us into it. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing gamble.

Eric lowers his gaze at the ground and closes his eyes. A tear rolls down his eye as he stands there in silence for a while.

Vero: I know how much that school meant to you, Eric. Hell, I was the one that co-owned it with you but I’m sure even Sickle would be pissed off at you giving up so quickly. This was the test, to see if you would be able to control your dark side. Show him you’re capable of becoming better than you’ve ever been. Find the balance between happiness and insanity.

Eric balls up his own hands into fists and grits his teeth.

Eric: Sickle wouldn’t fucking do this! Why is it that every time something bad happens he gets the blame first? All I ever wanted was to carve my own version of destiny, show the world that if you try hard enough anything can happen. There’s nothing left for me to contribute to this place. Notice how no one has been asking me to rebuild it at all.

She shakes her head and closes her eyes momentarily to show her frustration.

Vero: They don’t need to, Eric. You’re the creator of the school. Just listen to yourself for a minute. Do you think the entire valley will march on down and beg on hand and foot? Then he’s starting to rub off on you already. These people have enough pain and suffering in their lives. It’s not fair to give them even more ammunition.

Eric sighs and releases the grip. He hates it when she’s right. It’s just one of those moments when you can’t combat the words of wisdom. If there was ever any guardian angel made into human form, she would be the leading candidate. The one that stops Eric from committing acts he will regret for the rest of his life.

Eric: Fine, I will give this a second chance. I hope to god that you’re right because if Hugo gets his way, I won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor any longer.

She chuckles sinisterly and walks a bit closer to Eric, until they’re mere inches apart.

Vero: Then if he intends to do more, he will have to get through me and the rest of the Herrera family. Enough negativity. Let’s go out for a bite to eat at the buffet.

She grabs the keys from the wall a couple of inches to the right, just above the side cabinets of the stove. Eric reluctantly backs off extends a hand towards the door.

Eric: If you insist.

She laughs and walks past him, only to get lifted away squealing along the way.

Eric: You didn’t think you’d get away that easy, huh? Get over here.

They kiss as he walks down the hallway and opens the passenger side door of the firebrick colored Dodge Caravan. A couple of minutes later right as he’s getting ready to move the van out of the driveway, a lady in a wheelchair opens the door and places her hands on her hips.

Mom: And what am I, chopped liver?

Eric smirks and parks the van once again. He then walks towards the side door and opens it, unfolding the ramp in the process. She heads over to the ramp as Eric pushes her to the top before closing them both again.

Eric: Okay, now it’s a real party.

Both women giggle as he drives away with them both gossiping along the way.

Scene Two
Later in same day

After a night out, he was reassured that the few people that remain are the only ones that matter. If someone pressures you to change who you are mentally and physically, then they’re not worth the time or effort. As he heads over to the house once again, he understands what he must do. He must let Jay ad Lance know that a compromise must be reached. He’s not willing up to give up the house to start over, much less to be a quitter. That was the driving motivation behind building that school in the first place. These two girls had supported him when he was at his lowest and he would be a fool to throw all that away.

Once they’re locked away in their own respective rooms watching television, he heads towards his garage office and collapses onto the swivel chair right in front of his computer. He sighs and rubs his head a couple of times. How do you dare convince someone you value deeply that you reject their heartfelt offer? It was a double edged sword that he wished would never happen. But he understood why it was happening… He needed to start acting on his own accord rather than letting other people pull his strings. He needed to break the glass ceiling and become his own master. Maybe that was the hidden lesson in breaking down the dojo. Stop honoring other people, do it for yourself.

He takes out his cell phone and starts scrolling down the list of numbers. Before he presses the button that will make it official, he stops dead in his tracks. He looks at the small picture frames that lay on his desk, pictures of his mother and his future wife. He then looks at the cell phone and trades glances between the two. In frustration he grabs his hair and curses under his breath.

Eric: Why did life have to be so fucking complicated?

He sighs and bites his bottom lip as the other line starts to ring. That ringing tone seems to hypnotize him in its slow pace, as if he were envisioning the equivalent of the heart rate monitor at a hospital. Once he hears the voice on the other line, he’s snapped back into reality by force as he swallows the lump in his throat. The scene changes to a split screen view with Jay on the right side. He’s seated on his bar style counter in the kitchen of his cottage house.

Jay: Hello?

There’s no answer for a while as Eric is still feeling nervous about how to approach this. Jay notices the breathing on the other line and responds in anger.

Jay: What’s going on, Eric? Please, speak to me!

Eric shakes his head violently as if shaking off a bad dream and answers in a very soft tone.

Eric: I-I-I can’t do it, brother. There’s too much riding on the line with all this.

Jay is shown looking rather confused as he scratches his head at the lack of explanation.

Jay: What do you mean? I thought we had everything planned out down to the smallest piece of detail?

Eric sighs and raises a hand to his forehead groaning in pain.

Eric: I can’t. They both threw a tantrum over the decision. They’re not accepting dad as part of the equation and I can’t say I really blame them. It’s actually one of the things I asked you.

Now its Jay’s turn to sigh as his tone has now grown quite aggressive.

Jay: I don’t really get their paranoia regarding dad, but do what you feel is best, brother. I’ll support you either way. I was merely doing this to help you out.

Eric: I know, I appreciate the effort but they’re right. We’ve invested too much towards this house in order to let it go to waste. Here is where I spent the majority of my childhood. I don’t think I’d be able to rent it out to just anyone. I’m too attached to it to actually move.

There’s a slight silence as Jay soaks all this new information in. Eric breaks that silence once again with that same soft tone.

Eric: I wish there was a way to compromise. I want to get to know my stepmom and the rest, but I’m not willing to risk them both. They are my motivation to live and if they’re not happy then neither am I.

Jay smirks and nods his head in agreement. He knows exactly how that feels since that’s been the story of his life for the past year.

Jay: Do what you feel is best, bro. You know my door is open whenever you want to crash even for a visit. What do you plan to do with the school?

Eric freezes at the mention of the school. He stares blankly at the wall straight ahead. Jay notices the slight hesitation and freaks out once again.

Jay: Don’t tell me you’re actually going to cancel it? Come on, bro, that would be several years of hard work and sacrifice down the drain!

Eric shakes his head once again as if he was in yet another trance. He stutters a bit before getting to the point.

Eric: I really don’t know. What if someone else comes over and burns it again?

Jay rolls his eyes and rubs his forehead.

Jay: It’s not going to happen, Eric. Lightning rarely ever strikes twice in the same spot. Everyone will appreciate it if you give this a second chance.

Eric lets out a deep breath and closes his eyes in deep thought.

Jay: Think about it, man. That school is where plenty of memories happened. It’s what made us such a destructive unit in this business. We were outcasts of society until Sickle gave us that first opportunity in the Society of Destruction. It’s now time to return that favor. Do it for us, your second family both personally and professionally. You have nothing left to lose as you stated to Sickle. It’s time to prove it.

After Jay utters that last sentence, Eric opens his eyes and a sinister smile crosses his lips. His tone of voice changes to fit the new twisted expression on his face.

Eric: Yes… Yes! The world should most certainly pay for the way they treated us initially. I’m not a quitter nor will I ever be, even if it costs me my damn life.

Now it’s Jay’s turn to stare blankly at the wall ahead of him. He could sense the tone of voice was definitely not going to be beneficial to either party. What monster did he just finish creating?!

Jay: No, I didn’t mean it in that way, Eric. We still have a reputation to upkeep!

Eric: Pfft, like we had any to begin with. They’re going to wish they never even touched my property after the destruction we create. Forget the trip to Texas, I’m going to teach this county a lesson they will never forget. There will be a school but there will be much tighter security. Fuck the haters.

Click. Eric slams the cell phone shut before Jay could reply. Now the scene changes to a full scale view from Jay’s point of view. His recent screaming has brought his own brother into the kitchen area looking rather confused.

Lance: What’s all the fuss about?

Jay: Eric’s lost it, again. We’re going to need some reinforcements, quick!

Lance swallows the lump in his throat and stares blankly at Jay. He barks an order in anger not giving him much of a chance to react.

Jay: We got a flight to catch! If we don’t stop him, there will be severe consequences!

They both scatter around the house packing together their belongings for a trip to the Imperial Valley as the scene fades to black.

Scene Three
On Camera

The view changes back to Eric’s point of view as he sits on the floor in Indian style with his eyes closed. The calm atmosphere betrays what has been going through this man’s mind all day. It was necessary, because his opponent didn’t deserve to pay for his state of insanity… Or at least that’s what we can wager so far. As the camera is seen getting closer, Eric smiles sinisterly and licks his lips, as if anticipating a kill in the horizon. That twinkle in his eyes gives away that he’s certainly not looking for just an ordinary pin fall when that bell rings in a month’s time.

Eric: The Enigma Violator…

As those words roll from his tongue, you can tell there’s a hint of sarcasm on it as if even he doesn’t believe the moniker is justified.

Eric: Ever since you signed with this company, you’ve been running your mouth about competition. You claim to care about this sport and live for the thrill of the fight, expecting every person in those seats to actually believe it.

A short spit to the ground later, he has cemented the prior assessment to be absolutely true. He certainly doesn’t buy the facade that’s being sold to everyone within distance.

Eric: That’s bullshit and I can tell you why, Violator. I’ve seen several people come and go but very few can live up to that claim. Ego always finds a way to rear its ugly head, even to the people that were deemed infallible. You seemed destined for big things, even targeting my master from the very start. Your only win that mattered was against Vincent Williams in a dark match.

He shakes his head from side to side as the scowl remains plastered on his face.

Eric: Vincent is definitely a magnificent wrestler, don’t get me wrong, but he’s not on Sickle’s level nor will he ever be. That man has been shooting for the stars for god knows how long yet he’s never quite found that complete package. I hope that someday he can achieve his dream, because his training regime is one that very few people will actually want to endure. It reminds you of those stories you hear about going to boot camp. I can buy him being about the fight, but you haven’t shown me any signs of being a main event player, Enigma.

As he says those words, he rises to his feet and keeps his focus on the camera. That annoyed expression hasn’t been removed, giving us the impression that he’s pushed a button not many are able to find.

Eric: I don’t care if you’ve won gold or not, Violator. UCW isn’t for the weak at heart. This is where you go to find TRUE competition. Trust me, you will never find someone like me or Sickle, regardless of how many companies you try to scavenge. We’ve achieved success at every damn portion of this business and have established ourselves as hall of famers both in and out of here. This is where we will REALLY know if you can sink or swim, Violator, because underestimating what I’m truly capable of can lead to an early demise.

He pauses to smirk and look at the floor for a moment.

Eric: But that can’t happen to the legend known as Violator… After all, he’s their precious hero that will give them hope for a better tomorrow. There can’t possibly be a man that can live up to all the hype and so much more.

He shakes his head spits at the ground once again cementing the sarcasm.

Eric: You’re pathetic, Violator, and soon enough everyone will learn that. I don’t dish out respect to any Joe blow that roams the streets. On the contrary, it will be a whole lot harder to earn mine. My student may have been naive enough to portray you as a legend in your petty backyard feds but I don’t. I judge people by their actions and so far you’re massively overrated. If you’re truly offended, then it’s about time you do something about it. Push me to places I’ve never reached, damn it! Show me that you’re not blowing smoke, because all you’re doing is wasting our damn time!

He paces around the room shaking his head along the way.

Eric: Take a look at what I’ve helped build for the past year, Violator. I walked in as the virtual unknown and made believers out of the entire roster. Even my own teacher didn’t believe I had something to offer anymore, but look at him now. I took him to levels he never thought existed last Warfare. That’s the real way you get things done. That’s the real way to violate people, to rob them of their innocence. What gives you the right to sit there lecturing us on what the business should be when you haven’t done jack shit where it matters, right here? You can ask every damn champion this company possesses. They’ve all learned the hard way that this Sensei has a lot more to offer, even things these people were too stupid to comprehend. They learned to respect me not voluntarily but by FORCE because that’s how you get things done, with your actions!

He walks over towards the far end of the garage, where the front door used to exist. Now that door is bolted down with picture frames sitting on the nooks and crannies shaped like shelves. On the top of the door, there’s even more trophies laying on there from his past both professional and independent.

Eric: I reintroduced the art of Lucha Libre to the United States after they slowly started to piss on it. I have turned nearly a dozen students into champions in the professional level, all being a who’s who of today’s top stars. Without me, there never would have been a Daniel Gafet or Jay Williams. Southern Blood won the tag team titles two times with me at the helm managing them. It’s quite simple, Violator… Winning isn’t an option to me, it’s a lifestyle that I make look easy on a daily basis. And if you’d like to see firsthand evidence then I suggest you come prepared to fulfill all those promises. For now, I bid you farewell. I welcome your pathetic little challenge with open arms. Just don’t whine about the competition being far tougher than you expected.

He chuckles and walks away as the scene fades to black.

Scene Four
Off Camera

Once it finishes, we zoom out and see Vero was the actual one holding the camera. She looks scared of what Eric just finished telling his opponent. Eric catches expression and smirks in her direction.

Eric: I told you that I’m done being a puppet. It was your advice that caused this. No time to backpedal now.

She scowls in his direction and places her hands on her hips.

Vero: You know that wasn’t what I meant!

Eric shakes his head and clicks his tongue a couple of times.

Eric: Too late. I shall make the world pay for judging me. Wrestling is my outlet. If you’re smart enough, you will back off before things get out of hand.

Vero freezes in her tracks and looks shocked at what he just said. Eric acknowledges it and starts walking away towards the recently installed ramp that leads towards the door of his office. Before he goes to open it, Vero stops him

Vero: Wait! Look, I know those deaths were hard for you to control, but innocent people don’t deserve to suffer! Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid, Eric. I don’t want you going down that path again.

Eric: I can’t promise anything, little one. You wanted me to show them the real me and they got it. You can rest assured that my family will be safe. There’s a difference between then and now. Now I know how to control it and against who. This is a place I will DEFINITELY not regret unleashing it on that’s for damn sure.

He walks away, leaving her dumbfounded at what he just said as the scene fades to black.

[Nash]

Oh yeah and if you want to know about discovering his family, like the mentions of Enrique, his dad, then click here. That last CD against Alyon were intentional to give another dimension to him and Jay.

This post has been edited by Nash: 13 March 2010 - 04:40 PM

[Nash]

Continues off of Part 2 Phone Call

-------------------

Part 3

-------------------

Houston, Texas
Thursday Night

Fade in to the living room area of Jay’s cottage house. He’s sitting on the couch with his cell phone in hand. A couple of minutes ago, he had received a phone call from his brother Eric that really worried him. Eric was starting to show signs of his old self. The multiple personality disorder was becoming too much for him to handle. Especially the last couple of lines where Eric was determined to make the roster suffer for the family tragedies he had encountered in the past year. Was this really the man he had won the tag team titles with and called his best friend on several occasions? Was it really wise for him to watch from afar instead of actually trying to fix it?

This entire mess sent Jay down a literal downward spiral. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for having caused this entire mess. He was the one that made the suggestion for Eric to move down to Texas. Ever since that day, Eric has been fighting a mental war trying to pick between his biological family and his second family from when his father remarried. There must be some sort of compromise in the air that he hasn’t quite discovered. As Lance is busy trying to pack he rises from his seat and rubs his head in pain. He heads towards the bedroom and starts to pack some of his belongings in reluctance knowing that this trip may be his brother’s last hope at sanity if it’s even possible.

While he’s packing, he takes the time to look at a lot of his belongings. There’s pictures scattered around of their days tagging in the independent circuit along with copies of his first professional and independent contracts. These memories would remain with him forever even through the dozens of breakups and reunions they’ve had. Many would venture to say that this is an odd choice for a family but everything has a purpose in this maze we call life. He sighs and shakes his head from side to side knowing that the roller coaster is only the beginning of what he would go on to call the story of his career. As he shifts to a certain picture of the Society of Destruction posing at the Herrera Training School, the phone rings in ironic timing. The caller id reads Veronica Rodriguez as he groans in pain.

Jay: Hello?

Vero: I really need to talk to you, Jay. It’s about Eric.

He sighs and rubs his forehead some more.

Jay: I know. I just got done talking to him. We’re already packing to go over there for a while.

Vero: Don’t. We need to let him solve stuff on his own for once. Constantly interrupting his train of thought will only make things worse. It’s best to let him cool off for a while.

He pauses for a while as he’s caught off guard by his sister in law’s request. He doesn’t know how to approach this interesting dilemma. On one hand, Eric can be one twisted individual when left to bottle up things for far too long. On the other hand, he’s been through things that would make an ordinary human being commit suicide. If he’s had that much patience over the past couple of years, then this should feel like a cakewalk as ridiculous as that sounds.

Jay: I hope you’re right, sis. Because this is going to cost us an arm and a leg to endure. There’s no way to sugarcoat this.

Vero: I know, but it will definitely be worth it. Like in Hugo’s case, we need to leave him alone for a while so he could be self dependent. That’s the only way he can break the habit.

Jay nods as he now starts to get the point she’s trying to bring across.

Jay: Right. He’s just going through a phase. Hopefully it will subside. If it doesn’t, well at least now he knows how to control it for certain situations.

Vero: Yeah, that’s something I will continue to thank god for here. He understands what issues don’t deserve to be messed with. Back then, he would make Sickle look tame. Let’s hope he doesn’t do that again.

He shakes his head and now begins to unpack said boxes reluctantly. You can tell he was looking forward to returning to California. Instead, that trip will have to wait a while.

Jay: At least not on our watch. We need to show him that we do care about him; to forget about the rest. The first stage was bringing his mother back into the fray.

Vero: Even I admit that was one hell of a risk. I was waiting for her to hate me but instead she turned out to be a blast to hang out with. The only thing she’s ever wanted is for Eric to have a backup plan, nothing too drastic. After all, wrestling isn’t always going to work out, even if some of us are too cocky to admit that.

He nods and places the luggage back into the closet.

Jay: Right. Thankfully that problem is solved. Now all we need to resolve is the problem with dad. That happened a long time ago. Life’s not worth living with so many grudges.

Vero: That’s too complicated of a subject, Jay. Think about it, he spent twenty years without talking to anyone. He didn’t even acknowledge he had a son! Could you imagine what it’s like to go that long thinking you’re adopted? I think he was a bit too forgiving in that case. If I were the mom, I would be pissed off too. There’s something fishy going on. Maybe he was planning on us helping him out of some state of misery. There must be a string attached somewhere.

Jay rolls his eyes and shakes his head in frustration.

Jay: It was sincere, sis. He has honestly changed.

Vero: Then why did you tell me you didn’t spent much time with him as a child?

Jay stares blankly at the wall in front of him. He didn’t really think she would memorize that conversation. How the hell does this girl have an elephant type of memory? It’s scary yet interesting at the same time.

Jay: I never really got that answer from mom. All I know is that he was away a lot. I didn’t get to see him much till I was practically in high school.

Vero: Probably serving time for what he did to her. After all, you can’t run forever.

He pauses to think over what she just said. She doesn’t give him much time to before the interruption happens once again.

Vero: Listen, I’m happy for Eric finally meeting his other side of the family. I just don’t want him to force it down other people’s throats. Let it come voluntarily rather than making her move by force. He lives over there now, so her life would be in danger each time she wakes up. He would know her whereabouts and have a chance to strike. That’s something I’m sure neither of us would like to risk.

Jay: You got a point. I didn’t really know it got that deep with her. I just don’t want her to end up hating me. I was just looking out for my brother’s well-being in hopes that it would help take him out of his depression.

She lets out a sigh and sounds a bit more calm now that her point has been made loud and clear.

Vero: Thank you, I appreciate it. Just please start backing off a bit more. If something big happens, I will let you know. If Eric calls you, don’t answer. He is desperate for attention and it’s best we don’t feed that urge in this stage. Wait till he cools off.

Jay: Okay, you got it. I guess that means we won’t be going over to see you.

Jay begins walking towards the living room and doing a cut throat motion at Lance signaling to cancel the plans. He nods and unpacks everything again.

Vero: Correct. Just take it easy for a while. You got enough to deal with recently with the returns of Scott and Vincent. It’s time to catch up with your family, Jay. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.

Jay: Okay, I believe you. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be seeing you at Livewire then in a couple of weeks.

He heads towards the kitchen and writes on a sticky note “Leave Eric alone for a while.” He then walks back towards the living room to sit on the couch.

Vero: Sounds good to me. See you then.

Click. He hangs up as his brother turns his head slightly and shoots him a curious look, as in one you would normally expect from a little kid. This causes Jay to laugh and sigh contently at the recent turn of events.

Jay: Vero requested some time off to deal with Eric personally. She feels that our interference will only make things worse. It’s best to let things cool off for a while so that he doesn’t feel pressured.

Lance: Sounds fair, I guess. So what do you plan on doing in the meantime? After all, the school is no longer around so we have nothing left to do.

He scratches his chin and looks down at the ground in deep thought.

Jay: That’s a good one. I may just advertise to take care of kids again. After all, I could use Jack as a reference that I’ve done a good job of it. What about you?

Lance: Eh, probably mess around in the backyard fixing shit again. I don’t know what else to do either. For once, we got our booking commitments to be on the same week. So we won’t have to worry about sporadic travelling schedules.

Jay nods his head and smirks. It definitely helped make life a whole lot easier to not have to memorize so many dates.

Jay: That and we’re finally being acknowledged for our talents. It was getting ridiculous to have so many excuses made up for our collective title reigns.

Lance: That will never end. As long as there is a stereotype in existence, the excuses will continue. For now, we should just focus on what we can control. It’s time to show these people how determined we are to be the true definition of a champion. So without further ado, let’s get to training for our upcoming matches.

They both nod and head over towards the front door. They head off to the weight set under the shaded area where the cars are usually parked. The scene fades out as they’re working out on the bench press and the 5 different sized bars that remind you of those in kiddy parks. It helps build up muscle to lift up your own weight to those high altitudes except these bars are adjusted much higher for each age group including the really tall guys like Jay.

[Shane Lawson]

I didn't read it. But you suck!

[Nash]

As Venegas I did. Dunno why people were massively overrating that generic concept. But as Eric, this was my deepest stuff to date. You won't wanna miss it.

[Nash]

OOC: This is a in character representation. Don't take my views towards said companies serious. I know some will want to attack me for it, so just letting you know ahead of time.

–––––––––––––

Part Four

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Scene One
Off Camera

–––––––––––––

Waiting was always the hard part. He wanted so badly to avenge that loss against his master but knew that there was still half a month left to spare. His blood was boiling and there was no way to quench that thirst. Add onto that the fact that his student, Hector Venegas had re-entered his life. He found it hard to try and explain the past few months’ events because even he didn’t comprehend what he did to deserve all this. It felt like life’s special way of making him pay for the way he was in his first three years of active competition.

He knew he deserved every bit of it and more, but he didn’t know it would be this severe. By taking away his Nana and Tata along with his training school, he had been stripped away of his sanity. There was nothing left to care for and it was driving his Mother and Girlfriend insane. They couldn’t put up with his multiple personality disorder. He could go from being completely cool and collected to randomly snapping at the mention of a certain sentence. He was starting to become a danger to society and to his surrounding family without him even being aware of it.

The scene opens in the living room area where we see Vero, Eric, and his mother seated in triangle formation. Eric has his eyes closed and looks pissed off while the rest look worried. Ever since we last checked up on the Hardcore Messiah, he has been venturing an inch closer towards insanity. The people that are close to him have tried to guide him back towards the center but it’s only been greeted by severe doses of resistance.

Vero: Eric, it’s time to let go. Death is part of life. You weren’t responsible for it.

Eric opens his eyes and glares at Vero, with that scowl still present on his face.

Eric: Why do you keep insisting on the impossible? I’ve already told you several times to leave me alone. There’s no point in me dressing up the truth. They’re gone. My sole motivation has been wiped away. The least you could do is walk away before things get out of hand.

She stands her ground and doesn’t even flinch at the threat that is tossed her way.

Vero: No, because I would be making it worse by ignoring it. You have to seek help or else this will eat you up completely.

There’s a brief pause as Eric ponders what she said before a smile spreads across his lips.

Eric: Who said I wanted it erased? Up until this point, I had lived my life on the strings of someone else. I was always allowing other people to influence my actions whether professional or personal. Now, for the first time in my life I’m doing things because of wanting them done that way. I no longer have to worry about whether Nana or Tata actually agree with it. It’s time to break the chains before it becomes too late.

Right when he’s getting ready to stand up, he’s interrupted by his own mother.

Mom: So, does that mean you no longer care about me? After all, that’s the entire reason you chose to bring me back. Because you felt that a grudge was left standing that you never bothered to solve… That is unless you were lying to me.

He grunts in return, balling up his fists in return.

Eric: That’s like me telling you to live your life for my father and no one else. That’s bullshit and you know it. If that’s the case, you never would have made all this progress. You can try to deny it all you can but it’s an absolute fact.

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

Mom: Sometimes, there’s stuff life can never change. Yes, I did overcome it but I didn’t betray the rest of my family’s help in the process. Trying to blame others for evolution taking its course is ridiculous. You’re letting their deaths get to your head and it’s starting to affect everyone else.

He smirks and tilts his head slightly as he says the following words.

Eric: And who is there to stop you from walking away? Absolutely no one. You just want to find a stupid excuse to have me wrapped around your little finger once again. This isn’t the 1990’s. You aren’t able to intimidate me as easily anymore. So don’t take this re-adoption into our family as a sign for you to take control of who I am.

Vero: The fact that I am getting sick of you treating everyone like trash. This is your mother you’re speaking to, Eric. She’s doing it because she cares about you and you’re returning it with this?

This causes him to stand up quickly and get closer to both of them enraged, as if that sentence triggered a switch.

Eric: Where was she when I was struggling to live out my dream? Huh? Where was she when I was the laughingstock of this damn sport? Better yet… Where was she when we were determined to be together for the rest of our lives? She was the one that tossed me to the fucking curve at the instant I refused to follow her predetermined path. If she really cared about me, she would have supported my intentions and welcomed you with open arms.

There’s a slight silence as if there was a form of stalemate. Eric smiles and nods his head, sensing this as the opening that swings things in his favor.

Eric: Exactly, instead of finding peace I started a group of rebels that want me eliminated from the planet. There was no point to this stupid truce. I’m too nice for my own good. Maybe now without them, I’ll be able to decide who really cares about me.

Mom: It doesn’t have to be this way, Eric. All I ever wanted was for you to have a backup in case wrestling failed. We all know that this won’t last forever. Look at how many jobs I’ve had since I first worked. It’s common fucking sense… Why does everything have to be a shot at you?

He was starting to walk towards the kitchen thinking he had won the fight. Instead, at the mention of that last sentence, he freezes and snaps his head back to glare at them collectively.

Eric: Because you helped create this. All I ever wanted was respect. Respect from not only my peers, but my own damn family. I thought that by walking into this house I would find solace from all the injuries collected over the years. Instead, all I found was the equivalent of the New York City media. This is so fucking ridiculous.

Mom: How do you think I feel? That’s my brother and sister you’re talking about, for Christ’s sake. They were the two pillars of our family, even through the most depressive periods. I didn’t even get to go to their funerals either. I know how you feel because I felt that same battle deep inside, but I didn’t go blaming other people for it. Everything needs moderation and you’ve just lost control of everything.

He releases the grip and lets his hands drop to his side while his back is still turned to them. He stands in the middle of the kitchen entrance with his head down.

Mom: I’m sure Hector and the rest will appreciate it if you do. After all, you were the man that took him off the streets and gave him a reason to change. Martha owes you their house for that act of generosity.

He turns around and shoots her a confused look. He had not heard that name mentioned in a very long time.

Eric: How would you know who Hector is?

Mom: He came by earlier today asking for a place to work. He said he wanted to catch up for lost time. Then when he didn’t find you, he sat down here and chatted with us. Martha loved it here and continued talking to us even after he had left.

Eric chuckles and shakes his head side to side, but it isn’t long before he’s interrupted again.

Vero: But, that’s not the point. The point is that you do have a reason to continue fighting, Eric. You have us, your extended family, to fight for. You have your teacher Sickle to fight for. You even have the Williams Clan to fight for. Vincent just came back. Do you think he will like what you’ve become after earning his respect in the last match?

He pauses to ponder that question for a while but doesn’t manage to find anything. He shrugs, which causes Vero to reply again.

Vero: No, because Vincent was raised just like us. He would believe that you’re not a man of your word by doing that. So please try to calm down, at least for us. We don’t care what you do in that ring because they knew what they were getting into ahead of time. It’s what you do within these halls that matters, because we’ve done nothing but support you from the start. Don’t throw it away, because it will be next to impossible to recover all of this. Be grateful for what you do have before it’s too late.

There’s a brief silence as Eric thinks about it. In the mean time, Vero and the mother start heading towards their rooms.

Vero: I hope you’re smart enough to make the right decision.

Those are the last words he hears as two doors are closed simultaneously, leaving him there to think in silence.

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Scene Two
Off Camera

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He has retreated to the garage office, one of the few rooms that have granted him any sort of peace. The computer is seen turned on with the page focused on an email client, most of the messages marked as new. He hasn’t had time to pay attention to anything since separating himself away from the scene as most like to call it. He sighs and rubs his forehead wondering when this torture would finally end. Maybe when he’s shot down like he feels he deserves at this current pace. He shakes his head and goes to look at the yellow note that’s stickied onto his computer monitor.

He looks at the tag and it contains Hector’s contact information along with basically what the mom just finished saying. He looks around the room for something and then stands up to grab the cordless phone that sits on the top of the pool table. He checks the caller id for a while before deciding it’s time to dial the number. Once he hears it ringing, he goes to sit back on the chair and looks like he’s frustrated with long wait in general. Once he hears the voice on the other end, he’s woken up from his trance once again.

Hector: Hello?

Eric: What’s up, man? Long time no talk.

There’s laughter on the other end and then a content sigh.

Hector: Definitely, it feels like forever. Probably since like the SWA days. I just finished serving my time in VWA before signing the release papers.

Eric: I hope it wasn’t something ridiculous.

Hector: I just couldn’t stand having everything revolve around Jason. The only way I was ever going to be able to get anywhere is to walk away, to the point where I don’t care about losing the match with him. He could brag about it all he wants but if it means I don’t have to see his face again so be it.

Eric nods his head as he’s reminded of the last days of tagging with the Dreamer in EHW. That guy was their version of Jason Taylor. He always thought he was a million bucks even by the way he dressed when he was just a fucking chav. He wanted to act like someone he’s not. There’s nothing more pathetic.

Eric: Gotta love those types of people. Imagine what would happen if he ended up losing a match? The type that get bumped on the ropes and claim they got injured because of a stiff Irish whip or that you dug your fingernails into them during it.

Hector: Right. This guy was the whole nine yards. Totally pathetic. But I’m glad to shed that skin, man, because now I get to show you guys who I really am. I still wanna wrestle but I don’t have as much references as before since everyone and their mother went to that company. It’s pretty much a start from scratch sorta thing.

Music to his ears. That was basically the exact reason why he decided to camp in UCW and focus on them completely. Nothing else was able to satisfy that hunger. This way he would be able to train alongside his teacher and be happy doing it.

Eric: Well, you can always come with me to UCW. You can meet the rest of the school, since I trained some more into the ring. Lance and Jay are tag team champions right now. Vero is undefeated. Things are definitely looking up at the moment. We can make up for the atrocity that was SWA by coming here under one banner.

Hector: True that. I’ll definitely bite. Hopefully they actually give us an equal shot at the titles.

Eric: Equal? We dominate this damn place. I just finished off a World Title match against Sickle. I’m sure you’ll find something.

He shuffles through the file cabinet to look for a certain file. Then we find out it’s actually Hector’s bio from a long time ago, with the label aimed towards him.

Hector: Wow, that’s awesome. Then that means we could dominate like we did in PWA.

Eric: Hell yeah. I still miss Clyde Wilson. But at least now we’ve reached the big time.

Both of them sigh at the same time, content sounding ones as the memories start to flow. It sure feels like it was just yesterday.

Hector: Yeah, those were the good times. I can’t wait to start here. Thanks for everything, man. I’ll be around tomorrow to work out a deal with you.

Eric: Alright, I’ll be here. See you then.

He hangs up and then goes to view through the file that rests on his lap. There he sees pictures of Hector in the training school. It’s hard to believe that so much time had passed but at least he learned to embrace the business for what it is rather than acting like the world owes him something. While he’s looking through the pictures of his bio, we see Vero re-enter the scene. This time she’s by herself this time and has decided to sit on a steel chair that’s folded close to the entrance ramp to the garage.

Vero: So what do you think? Do you think he has what it takes to rise up the ranks?

Eric: He’s definitely heading in the right direction. For one, he actually knows he has a pretty balanced self esteem. He’s very good at evaluating when enough is enough. He doesn’t sit around and continue to kiss ass just for the money. That’s something I didn’t learn until I was three years in, so he’s already starting mature at a quicker race than all of us.

She nods and then her expression starts to get more stern with each passing second.

Vero: What about your attitude? Are you prepared to let him see you like that? He’s not going to like you the way you are. You need to set a proper example now that he’s going to be around us a lot more.

He sighs and places the file down in order to make eye contact with her for the first time.

Eric: Like I said, I can’t make any promises. Time heals all wounds, well most of them anyways. Right now, I don’t even know whether it’s worth it anymore in general. Even when I look at my own students, they don’t necessarily need me. Some of them have even surpassed me so it’s not relevant to the actual subject to sit here using them as bait.

Vero: That’s just a part of life. People grow up with each passing month. Your attitude will however sink into your teachings if you keep going at this pace. They aren’t stupid. They have ways of finding out and that’s where it is relevant. You need to control it before it’s too late.

There’s a brief silence as she rises from her seat and walks towards Eric. His eyes trail off towards the ground as she looks down at him with that stern look still in place.

Vero: Think about it. How would you feel if dad taught you something as a little kid then went on to do the opposite? You would feel like there’s a double standard. We are not just teachers during those times. We are placed under the spotlight every waking minute because of our stature. We’re god damn celebrities, Eric. We need to learn to control ourselves more so than others, because our actions influence everyone around us.

He hated it when she was right. She studied this stuff inside out, so there wasn’t any way you can back your way out of this mess. It was either agree with her or she would have ways to make sure you’re placed in a mental institution. She still had ties to them and could turn him in in a heartbeat, she just wanted him to learn by voluntary rather than force.

Vero: So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to learn some self control or are we going to have to do things the hard way?

Eric shrugs his shoulders and looks back at her again.

Eric: I guess I got no other choice. As long as you two learn to keep your distance because I hate when people are constantly poking and prodding for stuff they really can’t eliminate.

She backs off and smiles, relieved that Eric actually came to his senses without actually going that far.

Vero: Okay, then it’s settled. We’re going to go hang out at Chela’s (short for Graciela) house for you to cool off. Maybe spending time with their kids will slow you down.

He groans at that mention. It’s not that he didn’t like that particular aunt but there wasn’t much to do there. They didn’t have cable or video games. Just a large park across the street which he felt he was too old for. Vero only greets it with a chuckle and shakes her head as if to guess what he’s thinking.

Eric: Fine, let’s go.

He stands and follows her out the door.

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Scene Three
On Camera
Hours Later

–––––––––––––

The scene reopens in that same room with Eric now dressed rather professionally due to what he just finished doing. He didn’t feel it necessary to change yet since he wanted to get this little endeavor out of the way before it’s too late. His expression looks rather annoyed as the side of his face is supported by the right side of his head. He’s tapping his fingers on the pool table in front of him and lets out a sigh.

Eric: I guess I expected too much out of this company. At first I asked for competition to see if I was truly worthy of that main event slot against Sickle, all for my opponent to take his lone opportunity for granted. For all I know, this Violator guy may be some washed up has been that’s looking for a last shot at immortality, as if we didn’t have enough of those running around already.

He rolls his eyes and straightens up to look sternly into the camera.

Eric: Let’s face it, Violator, until you step into that ring with me, you don’t deserve to hold that name. I was living up to that name before you even had the dream form in your mind. I was winning championships when over half of this roster was still in high school hoping to be discovered and I’m not even close to being done yet. Not to mention the fact that I endured four years in the Indy circuit before being discovered. Very few of these kids would be able to contain that much patience. On the contrary, they would tuck their head between their legs and run because they want everything handed to them firsthand. They want to call themselves king shit without having to work for it.

He shakes his head and closes eyes trying to erase that possibility out of his memory but failing to do so.

Eric: You see here, Violator, I know you got prior wrestling experience. But when it comes down to it, very little compares to what we are capable of. This company has such deep roots that stretch back to the year 2002. You will be hard pressed to find federations that stick through the test of time like we did, let alone finding talent that can compete with here. You’ve reached the big leagues now, Violator. The bottom of the ninth, two outs, runners in scoring position. Either you drive in the winning run and become the hero or you strike out and get booed out of the building. All this silence indicates is that you’re showing signs of arrogance. You’re starting to believe that we’re not on your level, as if we were being graced by a god when you open your mouth.

He’s starting to get gradually mad with each passing minute as he scoffs and prepares to speak again.

Eric: If you were really desperate for competition, maybe it’s time for you to give it, huh? After all, that’s all you’ve ever done since entering this company, run your mouth and act like no one is on your level. Claim to be all about the fight then when someone gives you that battle, you chew them out like they’re yesterday’s garbage. You act like we’re all just some lamb being led to the slaughter rather than looking at our performances. Don’t think I don’t do my homework either. I know it firsthand because that’s the treatment you gave my half-brother during your pathetic little rivalry. You chose to underestimate him and think that’s he’s only blowing smoke all for him to retire you from those initials. Tell me, what are you going to do when it’s time to put up or shut up against me? Are you going to throw a tantrum and walk away? Or are you going to stick around for the rematch?

He chuckles at the thought. We can tell he’s enjoying himself because now that sinister grin appears on his face.

Eric: Let’s face it… You left that company because you were scared of having lost your crown. You left because the man that you underestimated as being nothing actually dethroned you from power. You were so embarrassed by said underestimation that you didn’t even bother to invoke a rematch clause. See, if you do that to me, I would personally make sure you’re not even able to leave on your own accord. I would give you a background reason to leave the company by force. There would be no hall of fame induction speech or pathetic little lie swept under the rug. You would have no other choice but to state I was the cause for your early demise because that’s what I’ve made a career out of, Violator. I’ve forced the biggest names to sacrifice their dignity to me because they discovered the hard way who their superior really is.

He stands from his seat and then looks at the camera with a stern look on his face then folds his hands close to his waist.

Eric: Are you sure you can live with that thought, Violator… Knowing that you could’ve just walked away and realized that you’re really out of your league… I know it’s a hard truth to realize but every human being reaches it at least once in their life. The time when they look in the mirror and say they overstayed their welcome. See, I don’t have a problem with wanting to have one last hurrah in this business… I’ve been guilty of it a couple of times myself. But the true problem is when you start demanding competition upon entry without actually earning it. If that’s your version of creating a good first impression, then I’m sorry, don’t even bother running to first base because that ball whizzed past you a long time ago. Unlike you, I didn’t demand competition from the first day. On the contrary, I let my actions do the talking from the instant that United Kingdom Championship match came to fruition. My work ethic has been the main thing that’s set me apart from the rest of this pathetic roster. I’ve always been known for being the type that gets straight to business and walks away without a regret in the world.

He dusts off his hands and shrugs as if to give away that he’s innocent even though most people would call shenanigans.

Eric: At the end, all these people knew what they were getting upon entry. They were dumb enough to awaken the beast that lays dormant within my soul… Common sense says that they would have a stretcher waiting for them from the very first meeting. I mean, even Uriel Black was stupid enough to believe he could play with fire and get away with it. If he had not walked away, I bet that he would have been accepting a defeat of some sort either way, so he did the smarter thing. He walked away while he still had some dignity left. He walked away before his career started to lose some of its luster by being beat by what he classified as a loser. Its okay, you know. I’ve been underestimated since I was born and it definitely isn’t going to stop. I’ve never been blessed with a muscular body, nor have I ever had a godly resume that follows me upon entry. But respect always manages to find its way to my locker room. Why? Because love me or hate me, they can’t deny the fact that I’m a five star machine. I make stars out of washed up hacks. I make the custodian look like a million bucks simply by horsing around, fooling him into that sense of security that he’s made it.

Well, at least no one can say this guy doesn’t have sympathy towards the lower class. He’s really a generous guy when pushed to that wall honestly… Not.

Eric: On any ordinary day, I woulda been happy to pass down my knowledge and grant you that request, but since you decided to act like your king shit that just isn’t going to happen here. No, instead you’re going to learn a first class lesson in respect. Let’s see if you decide to squeeze your way into the retirement home after this, eh?

He winks and walks away chuckling as the scene fades to black.

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Scene Four
Off Camera

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Vero walks out and takes the camera towards the computer, hooking it up to the USB hookup.

Vero: …And that’s a wrap. I think you’ve done enough convincing for the month there, hon.

Eric: Hopefully because I want to show them that I’m capable of getting rematch against my teacher some day. I may not have felt like I earned it back then but now? This battle will be a message that will be heard all over the world by any means necessary.

She nods and wraps the CD copy she’s making into an envelope.

Vero: Damn right. Let’s just hope that it stays in that ring though.

Eric: I’d rather not start this again, okay? I really need to get some rest since Hector’s going to come over for some papers.

She chuckles as Eric walks past her and onto the kitchen entrance.

Vero: Just remember one thing… You’re not just fighting for yourself, but several more along the way.

Eric: As if I wasn’t getting enough chills just thinking about that.

He grunts and exits the room, leaving Vero to sigh and shake her head.

Vero: He’ll never learn.

Fade to black.

[Shane Lawson]

lol

[Nash]

–––––––––––––
Part Five
–––––––––––––

It’s been nearly a week since this man punched in his ticket one step closer to immortality. He defeated Richard Fairplay and proved he still has what it takes to be a champion. But he knew better than to linger on that for far too long. The road to the top had just begun and it would become even bumpier along the way, especially now that there was new blood joining the ranks. The veterans were slowly starting to drift away as Jay became the lone leader of that locker room. It didn’t have to come down to this. Dazz could have just contained his rage and acted like the true leader he’s been for the past year, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

These drastic times have called for him to visit his half brother for the first time in nearly a month. Vero advised him to keep his distance but it was becoming increasingly hard to do so. He was entering a caged environment and needed to understand how to keep himself from snapping at the wrong. After all, Eric made a career out of being the hardcore messiah. He knew how to master that art and make it look easy to several others. What he did required talent, because he didn’t just aim the weapons blindly like any other Joe Blow. He would use them effectively and only when necessary, making them mean a whole lot more.

Once he arrives at the house, he decides to go through the side entrance of the garage so that he doesn’t have to stay chatting with the girls. He knocks on the door a couple of times and waits as footsteps are quickly heard. The door is swung open and to say the room is messy would be an understatement. There are several clothes littered on the floor including a mattress lying on the floor just short of the pool table. Jay stands there in shock as Eric grunts and lets him in without saying a word.

Eric: Well? Did you come here to snoop around or what?

Jay: Sorry, it’s just that I didn’t think it would come down to this. What happened?

There’s a brief silence as Eric goes to sit down on the mattress and sighs.

Eric: I decided to sleep in because they’re acting like shrinks again. Just this past week, Vero gave me that whole “You need help” crap. I wish people would just mind their own business.

Jay: She just wants you to be safe, man. I wish there was someone there that cares about me to that degree.

Eric laughs and shakes his head.

Eric: No, you don’t. It’s a pain in the ass. There’s times where I want to be alone and remember them but I can’t without having them check everything. I regret allowing Vero to get her RN. She takes it way too serious. Sometimes I fear she’s going to turn me in.

Jay: At least she’s doing what she enjoys. Let her live out her dream.

Eric snaps back in anger before Jay could finish.

Eric: No. I want my real baby back, not this obsessive fixer. The real Vero would comprehend what I’m going through and step aside. You’re never going to get me to change my mind about my aunt and uncle. Their deaths affected me heavily and telling me to get over it will only get you a slap in the face. I need time for myself and no one seems to understand that concept.

Jay: Weird, because she told me to stay away from this house for a while until you get over it. It’s just that my match in the next pay per view made it hard for me to keep that commitment for far too long.

Eric lifts his head and glares at Jay. This only causes him to backpedal knowing that he had accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

Eric: So that’s why I didn’t hear from you for so long… I swear, that girl needs to keep her mouth shut. Restraining me from seeing my family is only going to make it worse. Didn’t they teach her something useful down there?

Jay returns the glare and raises his tone causing Eric to be caught off guard.

Jay: That’s my sis you’re talking about. She’s had a fair share of patience with you over the past couple of years that very few people actually have had. She allowed you back into the house after you treated her like shit and even gave you your job back when you weren’t necessarily sane. I would be grateful for those gracious acts if I were you. (Not literal, short for sis in law)

Eric grunts and crosses his arms across his chest knowing that it’s always the comeback people choose to use. It’s like they don’t expect him to be able to earn his way back into shit.

Eric: She didn’t give me jack shit. I went into SWAT and busted my ass to get back into shape in 2009. That’s when the offers started to flow. People give her way too much credit. What about the work I actually did? I won their World Title yet I’m underestimated. What’s going on here, man? Don’t tell me you’re drinking her Kool-Aid too?

Jay: At this point, I don’t know what to believe. All this drama is giving me a headache. I just want the family to get along for once.

Eric snickers and nods his head knowing exactly how that is.

Eric: Try living in it. Now that is the true definition of hell. Enough about me though, what’s going on this coming week with you?

Jay: I’m scheduled to compete in the Carnage Chamber, my second consecutive World Title shot in such environment. I just don’t want to do something I’ll regret while there. That cage does insane things to people. I don’t wanna overdo it.

Eric rubs his chin as the memories of his EHW days come to mind. He hasn’t been in hardcore for nearly 4 years but he still remembers how it felt.

Eric: Think of it as a street fight. You only use those weapons when absolutely necessary. There’s no use using it while the guy still can defend himself because he will obviously block it. You need to know how to calculate when and where you wanna do it.

Jay: What about honor though? Isn’t that considered out of line?

Eric cackles for a bit scaring the shit outta Jay then shakes his head while doing so.

Eric: Fuck no! That guy knew what he was getting when he answered your damn challenge. They knew what you were capable as the Professor of Pain yet they still were stupid enough to provoke you anyways. Same with me, we both learned from the same train of thought. You can’t keep playing chicken with the train and expect to win all the time, you fool!

Jay smirks and nods slowly in return.

Jay: So you’re saying strike only when provoked?

Eric: Not even. You should be prepared to strike because they were foolish enough to agree to the stipulation. If they complain about it then they probably are cowards. I didn’t regret paralyzing that fucking chav Dreamer and definitely not Blood Reign. When someone keeps fucking with your integrity for so damn long, you got no other choice. Sure, you don’t do it all the time obviously, but in this situation you’re justified. Don’t worry about it.

He cracks his knuckles and keeps that smirk on his face.

Jay: Perfect, now there’s really nothing holding me back from becoming Global Champion while shutting up the doubters that thought I went soft.

Eric: Judging by your recent matches, if that’s soft then I’d hate to see what brutality is to them. Probably them pathetic Mortal Kombat castaways.

Both laugh simultaneously and sigh contently. The scene fades with both of them gossiping about several other subjects.