Post by MorningStar on Mar 24, 2007 20:22:46 GMT -5
And So Your Castles Of Quicksand Dissolve Before The Oncoming Tide…
The location may well be one of the most sought after pieces of information in the world. Built atop a small, nameless mountain it rests, a thing of beauty hewn from the very rock that surrounds it. Partially ringed with spiraling mountains, one could stand at the gates, taking in the breath-taking view, and truly believe he is the ruler of all he sees, the lord of all the sun touches. But here one man does indeed stand, framed by the gateway in the mid evening dusk, knowing he is indeed, the Ruler of ALL.
For here is the fabled VNB Compound, a massive complex of interlocking buildings and sheltered walkways; ethereal in it’s splendor yet intimidating in its military, warlike appearance. Here it was that The Devil ruled with an iron fist, as always with Trish Sullivan and “Fad” Gordy stood at his shoulders. Here it was that dreams were both fulfilled and smashed… fates decided over an oak dining table. And here it was, a few short days ago, that the collective torch was passed on; that the responsibility of so much was given so freely to two individuals, so that they too may manipulate and corrupt to make the world as they see fit. A new wave… a new generation… A Violent New Breed…
:: Voice ::
Ya happy now, Johnny boy?
Broken from his reverie, The New Ruler of ALL, “The MorningStar” Johnny Mental turns to the source of the disturbance. Silhouetted by the setting sun, he appears almost Herculean as he stands in the gateway… a masterpiece painted in shadows. Stood against the outer wall, folded arms swathed still in bandages, stands Mentals longest – and only – friend, Steven “The Phoenix” Frost.
Even though his face is crisscrossed with bandage, scarred and mutilated skin peeking through the gaps, Steven still cuts an impressive figure… an image all too much at odds with the hoarse, raspy voice. Seared by the heat from the flames caused by The Beast, Frost’s lungs and throat have yet to fully recover. A sad sound indeed, as a once so rich and booming chuckle is reduced to nothing more than a throaty wheeze. Again, Mental regrets not finishing his business long ago… so many could have been spared, so much suffering could have been avoided.
:: The Phoenix ::
It’s what you always wanted, wasn’t it, Johnny? You wanted power, you wanted fame. You wanted control over everyone and everything… you wanted it ALL. Now you’ve finally got it… are you happy?
A quizzical look crosses the face of Mental, a blank look of incomprehension followed by one of genuine confusion.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
Steve… I don’t get you dude. The hell ya talkin’ about? I never wanted that shit, all I wanted was respect, to sit atop the pile and smile down at ‘em all… just wave and say “Yeah, so what if I’m not all there? I’m STILL fucking better than you!”. All I’ve ever wanted is to be remembered man… and here’s my chance. I man, c’mon dude…
He spreads his arms out, gesturing with his hands to encompass the entire compound; the beating heart of the Violent New Breed.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
THIS is mine all. Sure, I’ve gotta share it with ol’ Toots… but this is IT dude! This is my world now, this is my living, breathing dream! I’ve reached the top of the mountain… people may forget The MorningStar… but they ain’t going to forget The Ruler of ALL, are they?
Mental stares at frost, as if trying by sheer weight of eagerness to make him understand how big this is for him. Silent, frost just stares back… before lowering his head, shaking is sadly.
:: The Phoenix ::
…Do you really think that, John? Do you think you NEED this to be remembered? You think people are going to forget about your war on D.o.A? You think they’re going to forget the NightBreed winning every single title in the EWA? You think people will remember you just because you lead these sheep?
A frown clouds the countenance of our XVI World Champion, clearly unhappy at those within his charge being referred to as sheep. Hands on hips, he glares defiantly at The Phoenix…
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
After everything we’ve been through dude, I thought You at least would be happy for me. After what I’ve been through since we broke into this sport, I FINALLY get what I’ve always wanted… I finally get my dream… can’t you be happy for me?
Another sad little shake of the head, and Steven turns, hobbling painfully as returns t the depths of the compound…
:: The Phoenix ::
We had it all, Johnny… You never needed this… we already had it… but you changed, didn’t you? And no matter what you tell me, or them… you haven’t changed back. I knew it…
* * * * * * * * * *
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
What is it, really, that drives us?
Darkness has fallen over the VNB compound, the sharp angles of the buildings throwing weird shadows deep into the ebon night. Various lights at various windows are still shining - never in a complex this large is the entire place devoid of movement – but in the main the entire staff are slumbering. Sat upon the highest point of the wall, perched on the roughly hewn stone and gazing down upon the root of his newly found empire, Johnny Mental stares thoughtfully into the middle distance.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
Let us take, for example, The Beast. Yes Convict, I’m talking to you. What drives YOU, eh? What would drive a man to burning an innocent? What would drive a man to tearing apart an elderly gentlemen without a shred of evil in him? What drives YOU, Convict? Now lets not rant on about your chemical imbalance, about how your heads not screwed on properly, how your mother never held you enough, etcetera… Lets talk in plain, bog standard facts, shall we?
You, my nemesis, are nothing. You’re worthless, a bane to society and the dregs thereof… but you found a way to turn that around, didn’t you? You stumbled across a way to hurt people and get paid for it, to inflict torture to the many and get away with it… Genius, Beast… sheer genius.
A grinding of flint on steel, a shower of sparks in the darkness, and a paltry flame, seemingly hemmed in by the night. Quickly lightning his cigarette, Mental inhales deeply and exhales quickly, allowing the wispy smoke to be carried away on the slight breeze. Releasing the gas lighter, the flame dies as fast as it was born, leaving nothing but a green and purple after image.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
But I digress, we were speaking of motives and drives, were we not? We know what drives you Convict, deep down we know the real reason. After all, why change to fit the world, when you can change the world to fit yourself? THAT is why you wish to unleash The Destroyer… so that he will in turn poison others, helping you to create a world where we’re all like you. I saw through your games the minute you picked up the dice Convict, and told you over and over that I won’t play to your rules…
…But every man has a limit, Beast…
Yes, I got your little package, or should I say packages… but you know what happened? Rage, anger tumultuous… followed by laughter. Because Convict, I’ve already won. I sit here, herald of a new era and emperor of the greatest empire the world has ever seen… whilst you bust a gut trying to provoke me. Pitiful Convict, oh so pitiful. The Children Of the Night know the truth, as now do their counterparts of the Violent New Breed… the world watches you Beast, and the world laughs…
But still, Beast… there is a debt to be repaid.
A wise man once said Evil lives in a pit; a deep, dank pit of slime, despair and corruption. To combat evil, you must climb into that pit, slay it, and return untarnished by the pits influence. So be it. A Fools Revenge Convict… I accept your match. A match where I can break your body, shatter your will… Though I’m loathe to slide to your level, to climb into your pit, I do so for the memory of Adrian and the vengeance of The Phoenix. Once and for all Convict, I WILL put an end to you and your kind. On my hope of Salvation and Rebirth, These are the Words of The MorningStar…
Heed Them Well…
Mental takes a final drag of his cigarette, before throwing it over his shoulder, letting it plummet the twenty feet down to the mountain below. A sighing exhale to release the smoke with aching pleasure, and he collects his thoughts once more…
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
But first, there is one small matter to attend too. Hello, Dog. Or “Dawg” as you prefer to call yourself. Yes, I remember you all too well. Trousers hanging around your arse, hat twisted askew… all you were really missing was an alarm clock on a chain… you would’ve had the image down perfect. Yes I remember the little sniveling snotling, curled up at the bottom of the WCXF, whimpering quietly so that the wolves above you would never find you…
…And as pathetic now as you were then…
Locked in a cage with The MorningStar… Dog, I mean it in the most heartfelt way when I say I’m glad it’s you, and not me. I’m glad I’m not the one who has to stare into the face of his demise, who gets put back in his place at the very bottom rung of the ladder. I’m glad I don’t have to stare into these mocking eyes, to have to drop to my knees and pray to the impotent godlings above that my life will be spared. Wrong place, wrong time, Dog. Do yourself a favour and put your tail between your legs, whine and scurry away. For there will be no quarter given, no flags of truce or treaties of peace…
…Try and Run, You Won’t Get Far…
…You Can’t Escape The MorningStar…
With that the camera turns, facing once again the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, framed in a haphazard network of twinkling stars. For eternity they stand guard over the VNB compound, a shield and a warning to those who would seek entrance…
The location may well be one of the most sought after pieces of information in the world. Built atop a small, nameless mountain it rests, a thing of beauty hewn from the very rock that surrounds it. Partially ringed with spiraling mountains, one could stand at the gates, taking in the breath-taking view, and truly believe he is the ruler of all he sees, the lord of all the sun touches. But here one man does indeed stand, framed by the gateway in the mid evening dusk, knowing he is indeed, the Ruler of ALL.
For here is the fabled VNB Compound, a massive complex of interlocking buildings and sheltered walkways; ethereal in it’s splendor yet intimidating in its military, warlike appearance. Here it was that The Devil ruled with an iron fist, as always with Trish Sullivan and “Fad” Gordy stood at his shoulders. Here it was that dreams were both fulfilled and smashed… fates decided over an oak dining table. And here it was, a few short days ago, that the collective torch was passed on; that the responsibility of so much was given so freely to two individuals, so that they too may manipulate and corrupt to make the world as they see fit. A new wave… a new generation… A Violent New Breed…
:: Voice ::
Ya happy now, Johnny boy?
Broken from his reverie, The New Ruler of ALL, “The MorningStar” Johnny Mental turns to the source of the disturbance. Silhouetted by the setting sun, he appears almost Herculean as he stands in the gateway… a masterpiece painted in shadows. Stood against the outer wall, folded arms swathed still in bandages, stands Mentals longest – and only – friend, Steven “The Phoenix” Frost.
Even though his face is crisscrossed with bandage, scarred and mutilated skin peeking through the gaps, Steven still cuts an impressive figure… an image all too much at odds with the hoarse, raspy voice. Seared by the heat from the flames caused by The Beast, Frost’s lungs and throat have yet to fully recover. A sad sound indeed, as a once so rich and booming chuckle is reduced to nothing more than a throaty wheeze. Again, Mental regrets not finishing his business long ago… so many could have been spared, so much suffering could have been avoided.
:: The Phoenix ::
It’s what you always wanted, wasn’t it, Johnny? You wanted power, you wanted fame. You wanted control over everyone and everything… you wanted it ALL. Now you’ve finally got it… are you happy?
A quizzical look crosses the face of Mental, a blank look of incomprehension followed by one of genuine confusion.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
Steve… I don’t get you dude. The hell ya talkin’ about? I never wanted that shit, all I wanted was respect, to sit atop the pile and smile down at ‘em all… just wave and say “Yeah, so what if I’m not all there? I’m STILL fucking better than you!”. All I’ve ever wanted is to be remembered man… and here’s my chance. I man, c’mon dude…
He spreads his arms out, gesturing with his hands to encompass the entire compound; the beating heart of the Violent New Breed.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
THIS is mine all. Sure, I’ve gotta share it with ol’ Toots… but this is IT dude! This is my world now, this is my living, breathing dream! I’ve reached the top of the mountain… people may forget The MorningStar… but they ain’t going to forget The Ruler of ALL, are they?
Mental stares at frost, as if trying by sheer weight of eagerness to make him understand how big this is for him. Silent, frost just stares back… before lowering his head, shaking is sadly.
:: The Phoenix ::
…Do you really think that, John? Do you think you NEED this to be remembered? You think people are going to forget about your war on D.o.A? You think they’re going to forget the NightBreed winning every single title in the EWA? You think people will remember you just because you lead these sheep?
A frown clouds the countenance of our XVI World Champion, clearly unhappy at those within his charge being referred to as sheep. Hands on hips, he glares defiantly at The Phoenix…
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
After everything we’ve been through dude, I thought You at least would be happy for me. After what I’ve been through since we broke into this sport, I FINALLY get what I’ve always wanted… I finally get my dream… can’t you be happy for me?
Another sad little shake of the head, and Steven turns, hobbling painfully as returns t the depths of the compound…
:: The Phoenix ::
We had it all, Johnny… You never needed this… we already had it… but you changed, didn’t you? And no matter what you tell me, or them… you haven’t changed back. I knew it…
* * * * * * * * * *
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
What is it, really, that drives us?
Darkness has fallen over the VNB compound, the sharp angles of the buildings throwing weird shadows deep into the ebon night. Various lights at various windows are still shining - never in a complex this large is the entire place devoid of movement – but in the main the entire staff are slumbering. Sat upon the highest point of the wall, perched on the roughly hewn stone and gazing down upon the root of his newly found empire, Johnny Mental stares thoughtfully into the middle distance.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
Let us take, for example, The Beast. Yes Convict, I’m talking to you. What drives YOU, eh? What would drive a man to burning an innocent? What would drive a man to tearing apart an elderly gentlemen without a shred of evil in him? What drives YOU, Convict? Now lets not rant on about your chemical imbalance, about how your heads not screwed on properly, how your mother never held you enough, etcetera… Lets talk in plain, bog standard facts, shall we?
You, my nemesis, are nothing. You’re worthless, a bane to society and the dregs thereof… but you found a way to turn that around, didn’t you? You stumbled across a way to hurt people and get paid for it, to inflict torture to the many and get away with it… Genius, Beast… sheer genius.
A grinding of flint on steel, a shower of sparks in the darkness, and a paltry flame, seemingly hemmed in by the night. Quickly lightning his cigarette, Mental inhales deeply and exhales quickly, allowing the wispy smoke to be carried away on the slight breeze. Releasing the gas lighter, the flame dies as fast as it was born, leaving nothing but a green and purple after image.
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
But I digress, we were speaking of motives and drives, were we not? We know what drives you Convict, deep down we know the real reason. After all, why change to fit the world, when you can change the world to fit yourself? THAT is why you wish to unleash The Destroyer… so that he will in turn poison others, helping you to create a world where we’re all like you. I saw through your games the minute you picked up the dice Convict, and told you over and over that I won’t play to your rules…
…But every man has a limit, Beast…
Yes, I got your little package, or should I say packages… but you know what happened? Rage, anger tumultuous… followed by laughter. Because Convict, I’ve already won. I sit here, herald of a new era and emperor of the greatest empire the world has ever seen… whilst you bust a gut trying to provoke me. Pitiful Convict, oh so pitiful. The Children Of the Night know the truth, as now do their counterparts of the Violent New Breed… the world watches you Beast, and the world laughs…
But still, Beast… there is a debt to be repaid.
A wise man once said Evil lives in a pit; a deep, dank pit of slime, despair and corruption. To combat evil, you must climb into that pit, slay it, and return untarnished by the pits influence. So be it. A Fools Revenge Convict… I accept your match. A match where I can break your body, shatter your will… Though I’m loathe to slide to your level, to climb into your pit, I do so for the memory of Adrian and the vengeance of The Phoenix. Once and for all Convict, I WILL put an end to you and your kind. On my hope of Salvation and Rebirth, These are the Words of The MorningStar…
Heed Them Well…
Mental takes a final drag of his cigarette, before throwing it over his shoulder, letting it plummet the twenty feet down to the mountain below. A sighing exhale to release the smoke with aching pleasure, and he collects his thoughts once more…
<|?|> The MorningStar <|?|>
But first, there is one small matter to attend too. Hello, Dog. Or “Dawg” as you prefer to call yourself. Yes, I remember you all too well. Trousers hanging around your arse, hat twisted askew… all you were really missing was an alarm clock on a chain… you would’ve had the image down perfect. Yes I remember the little sniveling snotling, curled up at the bottom of the WCXF, whimpering quietly so that the wolves above you would never find you…
…And as pathetic now as you were then…
Locked in a cage with The MorningStar… Dog, I mean it in the most heartfelt way when I say I’m glad it’s you, and not me. I’m glad I’m not the one who has to stare into the face of his demise, who gets put back in his place at the very bottom rung of the ladder. I’m glad I don’t have to stare into these mocking eyes, to have to drop to my knees and pray to the impotent godlings above that my life will be spared. Wrong place, wrong time, Dog. Do yourself a favour and put your tail between your legs, whine and scurry away. For there will be no quarter given, no flags of truce or treaties of peace…
…Try and Run, You Won’t Get Far…
…You Can’t Escape The MorningStar…
With that the camera turns, facing once again the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, framed in a haphazard network of twinkling stars. For eternity they stand guard over the VNB compound, a shield and a warning to those who would seek entrance…