Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2016 0:00:17 GMT -6
If only we could turn back time.
How things would change. How different the world would be. All wrongdoings erased, all blunders and misunderstandings a mere memory. Some say we would reach perfection. Others say we would fall into chaos. I, however, stand within the middle ground. We will not cease to exist, nor exist as flawless entities, but we will simply.... exist.
Without order there is no chaos, and without chaos how can there possibly be peace? You cannot have one without the other. All of one thing cancels itself out. It is not complicated and it is not hard to understand. Simply put, you become nothing if you try to become everything.
Let's look at things from an uncomplicated point of view. Simplicity.... or the simple things in life.... can benefit us the most. A single song can spark a moment. A single smile can start a friendship. A single candle dissipates darkness. And a single life can make a difference. You see, there are so many people who believe that something singular or straight-forward can never change things. That one simple item, action or word can't possibly transform society. Or a relationship. Or even oneself.
But they are wrong.
Something as simple as taking back what we as a society, as human beings, or as merely ourselves, have done.... could alter our very existence. So do I wish that I could turn back time? Where I could do what I'd planned from an early age without fault or failure? Where I could enter a ring and not fuck up every time? Or.... do I want to learn from those mistakes, lift my head, and try my damnedest to wake the dead at Double Jeopardy?
....
-You look peaceful-
The soft light from the afternoon sky shines through the window of a small cafe in Puerto Rico, illuminating the two young adults sitting beside it. One is a muscular but gentle looking man in khakis and a dark-blue collared shirt. Across from him is a pretty young mixed woman wearing a pastel-colored dress that meshes well with her mocha skin. Long eyelashes lowered lazily, she offers him a calm smile.
"It's so warm here...."
-It is.-
"It reminds me of home."
Lizzy Bowman looks down at the table before them then picks up her dark roast coffee (with a couple more shots of espresso added). Taking a long but silent sip of it, the woman watches Alec Rose as he stares out the window in his usual polite silence. Not that he could make much noise anyway.
"So. Where are you?"
Alec blinks and slowly turns his head back to facing his companion. After a moment he types upon the smartphone in his hand. He then lifts it up to reveal the notebook app he writes on, bolded words having been entered.
-What do u mean?-
"A lot has happened, Alec." Lizzy starts, trying to be as nice as possible as she fiddles with her cup. "You started off so strongly in your new career and then it just.... I don't know."
-Veered violently off of a cliff and crash-landed below?-
Alec types this out on his phone and twirls it back toward Lizzy, pushing it forward as he takes a drink of his own beverage: a white chocolate latte with a shot of raspberry. Yes, they received strange looks when ordering their drinks. Actually they are still being offered odd looks considering Bowman is the only one verbally communicating. Rose, being a mute, is used to the stares and simply ignores them as he intently listens to his friend's response.
"Well yeah, basically." Lizzy laughs at Alec's slight pout, "C'mon I know you don't take it that seriously. The reason you even started this was because you wanted to learn new things and experience what you haven't before. Most people do it for the sport or for the love of violence or because it's a family tradition or some other typical reason. But you.... it isn't your life but it can sustain it. If that makes sense which uh it probably doesn't."
She scratches her cheek sheepishly as Alec thinks about this. It's true that he isn't as bound to this sport as some people are. A loss to him is like spilling milk to others; it's nothing to cry over. He's proud to even be a part of it. However he wants to be more than just someone who gets paid to show up. He wants to prove that his style of fighting is just as good if not better than other's. But how can he accomplish this if he falters every time he steps into that ring?
"What is it?" Rose looks up at Liz's voice. She turns her head to the side, a worried expression sitting there on her face. "You look pretty thoughtful suddenly...."
-I am wondering how I got here. You know people once called me the next Ryder Blade? I took it as an insult but I knew what they meant.-
Lizzy reads this as Alec types it, keeping his phone on the table for her to see. He then hits the backspace button on the keyboard, before typing some more.
-I don't care much for records but I, like any normal man, enjoy competition even more when I'm winning. These last few times I have certainly dropped the ball. But perhaps I can change that at this event. Where else than a PPV?-
The pay-per-view, Double Jeopardy, sees Alec in preshow special. He'll be facing off against seven other people in a match that will certainly be interesting. He wants to make sure he lasts somewhat long.... he does not want to be the first or even second one thrown over the top rope. Rose knows that he's capable of so much more than what he'd been showing recently.
"Okay well, let's talk strategy then." Liz rubs her hands together, a certain gleam in her eye that makes Alec grin. But Bowman gets straight down to business.... sort of. "So uh, who are you fighting again?"
Shaking his head, Alec racks his memory for the names and details, then types it out....
-Rebecca Saint is one.-
"Oh GOD, don't get me started on her...." Lizzy rolls her eyes in disgust at the mention of Rebecca, as Alec lifts his eyebrow in confusion. She explains in her own little way, "She's a cocky brat, Alec. Thinks she's high society, do-no-wrong diva when really she's a basic bitch with an even more basic fighting style. I mean, I do pay attention to this stuff and let me tell you.... I'm ashamed that she's of the same gender as me...."
-Ok. Well, moving on. Brooks is next. Julius Brooks. I know of him. An older gentleman who is far past his prime. However I am not one to discriminate based on age nor gender. Which leads me to Valerie Beasley.-
"Basically a toned down, tougher version of Rebecca. Also more buff," came Lizzy's immediate reply with another roll of her eyes. Rose seems amused by the way his friend is acting, but moves on....
-I believe there are two men quite similar to one another. Lukas Emery and Dustin Holt. Both are your typical angry, violent men with short fuses. I suppose Lukas has a reason-
Before Alec can type anything more, Lizzy laughs sarcastically aloud, "Oh please. There's no reason for being a douchebag. Daddy never loved him so he's gotta take it out on the world. You've dealt with angry little men like those two time and time again. Your fighting style is very controlled in comparison, and thus you can knock them out pretty easily...."
Rose contemplates this for a moment, before typing out some more about his foes.
-Well there is also Jamo, who is a big guy from Australia. From what I know, he has a rocky past. His style is basically brute force, though he seems semi-intelligent enough. Confident though not very unique. Though if u want unique, my final 8th opponent is just that. Grim Ragnarson. Strong, but a bit messed up in the head. Though I enjoy any philosophical verbiage, I'm not confident in taking him seriously.-
"Well I'm pretty confident in your chances. I think you can do this, Alec. I really do!" Liz grins excitedly, finishing off her coffee. "These people might have potential but you have so much more. If anyone can pull out the shocking victory it's...."
Suddenly a deafening sound, a huge BOOM, interrupts them! It explodes through the air and shatters a couple of windows nearby!! Lizzy frantically ducks down and by instinct Rose gets up and moves over to cover her. Confused and scared shouts echo over the noise of a burning fire, though this is all muted for the two whose ears had popped as soon as the explosion had occurred.
"What the HELL?!" Lizzy shouts with wide, scared eyes. Alec flinches, trying to figure out what happened while also trying to keep his friend safe. She's practically clinging to him at this point and he has to gently but forcefully tear her fists from his shirt while wordlessly reassuring her that everything is fine. He then goes to stand and looks around. There are terrified patrons all hiding beneath their tables, trembling, and the manager is slowly moving toward the door. He peers out with Rose in toe, and the two only see one thing: a car ablaze.
It takes a moment to register with Alec, before he puts his head in his hands and groans. The noise allows Lizzy to peek up from her place beneath their table before she nervously tip-toes over to where Rose stands. She sees the destroyed vehicle and it immediately clicks.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me...."
"Do you know whose car that is?" The manager, with a thick accent, questions shakily. Lizzy, with fists tightened at her sides, nods angrily.
"It's our rental...."
"Your...."
"Yes. Someone just blew up our car." She replied with a huff.... before realization kicks in. "Oh my GOD SOMEONE JUST BLEW UP OUR CAR ALEC!!"
Rose has gone back to their table and picks up his phone. The screen is slightly cracked but somehow it still works. With a sigh of relief, he then returns to the two and types hurriedly.
-So I can see.-
Lizzy just stares at him, frustrated. "How can you be so calm?!"
-i assume the police hav been called?-
He holds his phone out to the manager, face expressionless, and the man squints at the screen before awkwardly nodding his head, "I.... I called them before coming over here."
-Good.-
Lizzy starts to speak but Alec puts a hand up to silence her, which she obviously isn't a fan of. But she shuts her mouth anyway, allowing the larger man to type away at his phone with a grim expression. Finally he holds it out to her again.
-It looks like we aren't that popular here Liz.-
"Oh really, what makes you say that?" She responds sarcastically, rubbing her temples. Alec gently puts a hand to her thin shoulder and types on his phone again.
-Im saying it seems one or more of our opponents have fans here who want to make sure we dont stand a chance. even if that means keepng us from getting to the show.-
"I mean, considering how things have gone recently you really aren't much of a thr.... what?" Lizzy frowns when Alec glares at her before she shrugs. "I'm just saying. Maybe it was a couple of kids being assholes. Or maybe you're right. But who would want fans like that? Someone could've gotten seriously injured...."
-It also seemed out of the blue. Like it was a snap decision. Either way, you and I must be careful. At least until we are off of this island.-
"Definitely." Lizzy rubs her arms, still hearing the sound of that explosion in the back of her mind. She shivers, despite the warm weather. "So what are we going to do now?"
-It would seem someone wants to make an impact, even if that means taking a rather dirty route to secure victory. A real man faces challenges head-on without resorting to such cowardice.-
How things would change. How different the world would be. All wrongdoings erased, all blunders and misunderstandings a mere memory. Some say we would reach perfection. Others say we would fall into chaos. I, however, stand within the middle ground. We will not cease to exist, nor exist as flawless entities, but we will simply.... exist.
Without order there is no chaos, and without chaos how can there possibly be peace? You cannot have one without the other. All of one thing cancels itself out. It is not complicated and it is not hard to understand. Simply put, you become nothing if you try to become everything.
Let's look at things from an uncomplicated point of view. Simplicity.... or the simple things in life.... can benefit us the most. A single song can spark a moment. A single smile can start a friendship. A single candle dissipates darkness. And a single life can make a difference. You see, there are so many people who believe that something singular or straight-forward can never change things. That one simple item, action or word can't possibly transform society. Or a relationship. Or even oneself.
But they are wrong.
Something as simple as taking back what we as a society, as human beings, or as merely ourselves, have done.... could alter our very existence. So do I wish that I could turn back time? Where I could do what I'd planned from an early age without fault or failure? Where I could enter a ring and not fuck up every time? Or.... do I want to learn from those mistakes, lift my head, and try my damnedest to wake the dead at Double Jeopardy?
....
-You look peaceful-
The soft light from the afternoon sky shines through the window of a small cafe in Puerto Rico, illuminating the two young adults sitting beside it. One is a muscular but gentle looking man in khakis and a dark-blue collared shirt. Across from him is a pretty young mixed woman wearing a pastel-colored dress that meshes well with her mocha skin. Long eyelashes lowered lazily, she offers him a calm smile.
"It's so warm here...."
-It is.-
"It reminds me of home."
Lizzy Bowman looks down at the table before them then picks up her dark roast coffee (with a couple more shots of espresso added). Taking a long but silent sip of it, the woman watches Alec Rose as he stares out the window in his usual polite silence. Not that he could make much noise anyway.
"So. Where are you?"
Alec blinks and slowly turns his head back to facing his companion. After a moment he types upon the smartphone in his hand. He then lifts it up to reveal the notebook app he writes on, bolded words having been entered.
-What do u mean?-
"A lot has happened, Alec." Lizzy starts, trying to be as nice as possible as she fiddles with her cup. "You started off so strongly in your new career and then it just.... I don't know."
-Veered violently off of a cliff and crash-landed below?-
Alec types this out on his phone and twirls it back toward Lizzy, pushing it forward as he takes a drink of his own beverage: a white chocolate latte with a shot of raspberry. Yes, they received strange looks when ordering their drinks. Actually they are still being offered odd looks considering Bowman is the only one verbally communicating. Rose, being a mute, is used to the stares and simply ignores them as he intently listens to his friend's response.
"Well yeah, basically." Lizzy laughs at Alec's slight pout, "C'mon I know you don't take it that seriously. The reason you even started this was because you wanted to learn new things and experience what you haven't before. Most people do it for the sport or for the love of violence or because it's a family tradition or some other typical reason. But you.... it isn't your life but it can sustain it. If that makes sense which uh it probably doesn't."
She scratches her cheek sheepishly as Alec thinks about this. It's true that he isn't as bound to this sport as some people are. A loss to him is like spilling milk to others; it's nothing to cry over. He's proud to even be a part of it. However he wants to be more than just someone who gets paid to show up. He wants to prove that his style of fighting is just as good if not better than other's. But how can he accomplish this if he falters every time he steps into that ring?
"What is it?" Rose looks up at Liz's voice. She turns her head to the side, a worried expression sitting there on her face. "You look pretty thoughtful suddenly...."
-I am wondering how I got here. You know people once called me the next Ryder Blade? I took it as an insult but I knew what they meant.-
Lizzy reads this as Alec types it, keeping his phone on the table for her to see. He then hits the backspace button on the keyboard, before typing some more.
-I don't care much for records but I, like any normal man, enjoy competition even more when I'm winning. These last few times I have certainly dropped the ball. But perhaps I can change that at this event. Where else than a PPV?-
The pay-per-view, Double Jeopardy, sees Alec in preshow special. He'll be facing off against seven other people in a match that will certainly be interesting. He wants to make sure he lasts somewhat long.... he does not want to be the first or even second one thrown over the top rope. Rose knows that he's capable of so much more than what he'd been showing recently.
"Okay well, let's talk strategy then." Liz rubs her hands together, a certain gleam in her eye that makes Alec grin. But Bowman gets straight down to business.... sort of. "So uh, who are you fighting again?"
Shaking his head, Alec racks his memory for the names and details, then types it out....
-Rebecca Saint is one.-
"Oh GOD, don't get me started on her...." Lizzy rolls her eyes in disgust at the mention of Rebecca, as Alec lifts his eyebrow in confusion. She explains in her own little way, "She's a cocky brat, Alec. Thinks she's high society, do-no-wrong diva when really she's a basic bitch with an even more basic fighting style. I mean, I do pay attention to this stuff and let me tell you.... I'm ashamed that she's of the same gender as me...."
-Ok. Well, moving on. Brooks is next. Julius Brooks. I know of him. An older gentleman who is far past his prime. However I am not one to discriminate based on age nor gender. Which leads me to Valerie Beasley.-
"Basically a toned down, tougher version of Rebecca. Also more buff," came Lizzy's immediate reply with another roll of her eyes. Rose seems amused by the way his friend is acting, but moves on....
-I believe there are two men quite similar to one another. Lukas Emery and Dustin Holt. Both are your typical angry, violent men with short fuses. I suppose Lukas has a reason-
Before Alec can type anything more, Lizzy laughs sarcastically aloud, "Oh please. There's no reason for being a douchebag. Daddy never loved him so he's gotta take it out on the world. You've dealt with angry little men like those two time and time again. Your fighting style is very controlled in comparison, and thus you can knock them out pretty easily...."
Rose contemplates this for a moment, before typing out some more about his foes.
-Well there is also Jamo, who is a big guy from Australia. From what I know, he has a rocky past. His style is basically brute force, though he seems semi-intelligent enough. Confident though not very unique. Though if u want unique, my final 8th opponent is just that. Grim Ragnarson. Strong, but a bit messed up in the head. Though I enjoy any philosophical verbiage, I'm not confident in taking him seriously.-
"Well I'm pretty confident in your chances. I think you can do this, Alec. I really do!" Liz grins excitedly, finishing off her coffee. "These people might have potential but you have so much more. If anyone can pull out the shocking victory it's...."
Suddenly a deafening sound, a huge BOOM, interrupts them! It explodes through the air and shatters a couple of windows nearby!! Lizzy frantically ducks down and by instinct Rose gets up and moves over to cover her. Confused and scared shouts echo over the noise of a burning fire, though this is all muted for the two whose ears had popped as soon as the explosion had occurred.
"What the HELL?!" Lizzy shouts with wide, scared eyes. Alec flinches, trying to figure out what happened while also trying to keep his friend safe. She's practically clinging to him at this point and he has to gently but forcefully tear her fists from his shirt while wordlessly reassuring her that everything is fine. He then goes to stand and looks around. There are terrified patrons all hiding beneath their tables, trembling, and the manager is slowly moving toward the door. He peers out with Rose in toe, and the two only see one thing: a car ablaze.
It takes a moment to register with Alec, before he puts his head in his hands and groans. The noise allows Lizzy to peek up from her place beneath their table before she nervously tip-toes over to where Rose stands. She sees the destroyed vehicle and it immediately clicks.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me...."
"Do you know whose car that is?" The manager, with a thick accent, questions shakily. Lizzy, with fists tightened at her sides, nods angrily.
"It's our rental...."
"Your...."
"Yes. Someone just blew up our car." She replied with a huff.... before realization kicks in. "Oh my GOD SOMEONE JUST BLEW UP OUR CAR ALEC!!"
Rose has gone back to their table and picks up his phone. The screen is slightly cracked but somehow it still works. With a sigh of relief, he then returns to the two and types hurriedly.
-So I can see.-
Lizzy just stares at him, frustrated. "How can you be so calm?!"
-i assume the police hav been called?-
He holds his phone out to the manager, face expressionless, and the man squints at the screen before awkwardly nodding his head, "I.... I called them before coming over here."
-Good.-
Lizzy starts to speak but Alec puts a hand up to silence her, which she obviously isn't a fan of. But she shuts her mouth anyway, allowing the larger man to type away at his phone with a grim expression. Finally he holds it out to her again.
-It looks like we aren't that popular here Liz.-
"Oh really, what makes you say that?" She responds sarcastically, rubbing her temples. Alec gently puts a hand to her thin shoulder and types on his phone again.
-Im saying it seems one or more of our opponents have fans here who want to make sure we dont stand a chance. even if that means keepng us from getting to the show.-
"I mean, considering how things have gone recently you really aren't much of a thr.... what?" Lizzy frowns when Alec glares at her before she shrugs. "I'm just saying. Maybe it was a couple of kids being assholes. Or maybe you're right. But who would want fans like that? Someone could've gotten seriously injured...."
-It also seemed out of the blue. Like it was a snap decision. Either way, you and I must be careful. At least until we are off of this island.-
"Definitely." Lizzy rubs her arms, still hearing the sound of that explosion in the back of her mind. She shivers, despite the warm weather. "So what are we going to do now?"
-It would seem someone wants to make an impact, even if that means taking a rather dirty route to secure victory. A real man faces challenges head-on without resorting to such cowardice.-
"Wait. So you still plan on going to the event despite what just happened?!" Lizzy cries, grabbing his arm, "Can't you just stay at the hotel? Just don't show for this event you can make up for it next time!"
Alec pulls his arm away and shakes his head, glaring toward the still burning car as he hears sirens in the distance. He then presses at his phone, which Lizzy warily leans over to read.
-This is Double Jeaopardy. A chance to prove something and a chance to study so many different styles of fighting, considering the match Im in. It is an opportunity and I will not back down from it. Putting aside the chance for that belt my pride is at stake. What little I have left.-
"Your pride isn't worth you dying!" His friend snaps, taking out her phone to look for local taxis. She seems to be trying to stay calm but her face shows a mixture of emotions that tell otherwise. "I don't want you to get hurt, Alec...."
-Why? You could nurse me back 2 health after.-
When Alec holds out his phone for Lizzy to read this, complete with a slight smirk upon his lips, the smaller woman reddens and puts her hands over her face, "This isn't the time for those kinds of jokes, Alec...."
The sirens are closing in as they see an array of flashing lights heading their way. Lizzy lowers the arm holding her phone, deciding to ask one of the officers to give them a lift back. But before she can even mention this to Alec, she feels his arm move around her in a strangely intimate way, just to showcase his screen. She looks back at him to see a serious but kind expression, confidence beaming but anger still fuming. With a quiet sigh she then turns her head back to read the screen before her....
-I will not be made a fool of or be threatened. Though I am not sure who was at fault, if anyone, I assure you that I am not one to take lightly. Let's just say this may have lit a fire in me.-
".... that joke is so not funny right now." Liz slaps a hand to her face as Alec chuckles to himself, trying to make light of this disturbing situation. As the cops drive up, Rose then exhales and types one last message before talking to the authorities, only allowing Liz to read it....
-I will be careful but I will also go far. This does not mark the end for me. At Double Jeopardy I, along with all of my opponents, will start the night off strong. We will wake the dead. And I will prove that I am still here and will build myself to something more. That much I can I promise.-