Post by Manabu on Jan 19, 2012 17:39:34 GMT -5
Enjoy the Ride
Word Count= 2168
Section 1:
The scene opens up as Manabu walks into a large gym, holding a bag of course. He isn’t in his usual training spot however. He passes a huge Red, White, and Orange sign on the wall that reads “YMCA: Building a Healthier Future.”
Manabu begins to look around the area. He spots a couple of signs that say “Zone 1.” The entire left side of the wall is filled by a mirror, designated for form practice. Manabu is care to as lest noise possible while crossing the hard-wood floor.
The center of Zone 1 is plastered with about 20 yoga mats, with even spacing between each one.
He hears a door open, and as he turns around, Manabu spots a gaggle of people filling to the arena. He quickened his pace a bit and walks through a door marked “Zone 2.”
Zone 2 had the same set-up as zone 1, except for the yoga mats. Instead, there was a large amateur wrestling mat in the center. Manabu chooses to walk alongside the west wall. Along the east side of the zone, seven young men dressed in shorts begin to stretch. A lot of the local high schools use the Y for weekly practice.
One of the guys looks up and spot Manabu.
Guy:
“Manabu!
“Congrats on the title win, you deserve it man.”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Thanks.
“Keep up the good work yourself.”
Manabu laugh again to himself. It always shocked him a bit when people recognized his face. In Japan he would get greeted and stopped at least once a day, since many people had watched his grandfather and father’s matches. But in L.A., most people wouldn’t even think to classify himself as a “wrassler,” since he didn’t fit the stereotypical “mold”.
Manabu walks until he reaches another door. Walks through the door and enters Zone 3.
Zone 3 three is a basketball court. He walks over to the right side of court, where there are a bunch of benches. Seated at the far end of the bench is young woman, about 25 years of age. Her light brown skin his dripping with sweat. She is dressed in a blue tank-top and a pair of white shorts.
Manabu takes a seat next to her.
Woman:
“Hey you!
“How was your workout?”
The woman leans over and gives Manabu a hug. He accepts it and then playfully pushes her away.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Eww Cammy, you are all sweaty.”
Cammy lets out a small laugh.
Cammy:
“Oh please!
“Don’t be a diva sir.”
Cammy looks over and spots the bag in Manabu’s hand.
Cammy:
“That my bag?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah.”
Manabu hands it over to her. She smiles and opens it up, pulling out a couple of DVDs. She give him another hug.
Cammy:
“Thanks.
“I’ve been dying to watch some good movies. The cable company said of service would be off for another two weeks. Apparently, our area has some kind of power outage and no one is getting their cable.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You all are getting compensated though right?”
Cammy:
“We better be.”
Cammy laughs.
Cammy:
“But enough about me sir.
“How’s wrestling treating you? I here you are doing quite well lately.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“It’s going ok.”
Cammy raises her eyebrow.
Cammy:
“You sure? Normally you are gushing when discussing wrestling.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I don’t know. A lot is going on.”
Cammy:
“What’s the matter?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well, I’ve got this huge match coming up. UWA’s pay-per-view is this week and I’m main eventing.”
Cammy laughs.
Cammy:
“I still don’t see the problem. You have main evented cards before right?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah. Well, I’ve main evented regular cards, but never a pay-per-view before. It’s something new to me.
“What if I don’t draw people in?”
Cammy takes grabs Manabu’s hand.
Cammy:
“I’ve known you for eight years now. This is the first time that I have seen you feel a bit self-conscience.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I know.”
Cammy:
“You might not want to hear this, but I think this is a good thing, for a couple of reasons.
“You are human boo, and humans get nervous sometimes. This is a big match, so yeah, you should be feeling a bit nervous. But think of it like this; this match is just another chance to prove something. Normally you are trying to prove something to your doubters and nay-sayers. But this match is a chance to prove something to yourself.
“I know that situation with that other promotion lingers in your mind. I know it bothers you a lot, but, this is a new promotion with new people. I know you didn’t choose this path entirely, but, it’s the path you are on right now.”
Cammy leans over and gives Manabu a small kiss on the cheek.
Cammy:
“You are going to do just fine, I promise.”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Thanks Cam.
“I can always count on you to get my mind right.”
Cammy:
“That’s what best friends are for right?”
Cammy looks down at her watch.
Cammy:
“Hey, what are you doing in a couple of hours?
“You aren’t still training are you?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“No, I’m done training for the day. I don’t know, I’ll probably just be watching TV or something.”
Cammy:
“Come out to dinner with me. I’ve got reservations at that new Greek restaurant across town, but other friend bailed one me.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sure.”
Cammy:
“Then it’s a date.”
Section 2
Manabu had finally received a locker room in the UWA. It was a small room, almost the size of a jail cell. But it was enough for Manabu. It beat changing in the middle of the hallway, that’s for sure.
In the middle of the White-walled room is a small bench, which is where Manabu is seated right now, dressed in his ring attire. Behind him are three rows of lockers alongside the wall. Other than that, the room was empty.
Seated on the bench next to Manabu is his gym bag. He reaches into and rambles through it for a moment. Eventually, he emerges with a roll of athletic tape. He begin to unravel a bit of the tape.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“In about 30 minutes or so, I’m going to go out and write history. A while ago, I defeated a man to win the UWA World Championship. I can’t describe to you how it feels to win such a match; the emotions that ran through your veins as your hand is being raised. But that joy that you feel doesn’t last long. It’s like a drug; eventually, you are going to stop soaring through the clouds, only to crash back down to Earth.
“Now I’ll be honest, I’m still elated over that win. I was also glad when I defeated Samual Silas last week. You see, Samual thought that he was better than me. The fool thought that because he has been here a month or so longer, that he automatically was going to be the victor of that match. Mr. Silas was mistaken. Like the ‘aint-s***’ wrestler that he is, he failed to defeat me.
“But apparently, the upper management in UWA have decided to give the poor turkey one last chance. But this time, we will be squaring off at for my title.”
Manabu smirks as he reaches into his bag to retrieve the belt
Manabu Fujiwara:
“That’s right Silas, I said ‘MY’ title. I know what you are thinking Samual. You think that you should holding this little gem don’t you? You probably don’t a man like me should even be allowed to work here, much less hold the company’s only active title. You would love to pound my face in, leave me bloody in the ring, and walk back to your locker room with this title wouldn’t you?
“But, there is only one problem Silas…
“…you just aren’t good enough!
“Last week I made some bold statements, so did Mr. Silas. But the key difference is that I back up my statements. Samual, let’s get one thing perfectly clear, I don’t trash talk. My word might be harsh; they may even cut to your core. However, I don’t lie. So when I say that ‘I’m better than you,’ you should treat it as the gospel!”
Manabu takes off a libel amount of tape. He places the end on his left wrist and begins to wrap it.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“It must eat you up inside Samual. It must kill you to know that you were beaten a rusty paralegal turned wrestler. I was under the impress that you are some type of manager or trainer. I mean, that’s what you have been telling the world. For a man who has had one foot in the business for many years, I’d expect you to be a lot better.
“Perhaps it isn’t your fault though. Some people aren’t meant to shine in this business. Here is an analogy for you; a wrestling company is just a body. You have got the ‘head,’ the most powerful people in the company. This would encompass the owner, the champions. These people are the crème of the crop, like myself. Then you have got the ‘chest and midsection.’ These wrestlers make up the bulk of the body. Some are better than others, heck, these people might even be fan favorites. However, for the most part, they are just average. In UWA, this would be someone like Fear. And then there are the ‘legs and feet.’ You should know this category very well, since this is where you fit in. These wrestlers are jobbers and openers. Some are in this position because they are untested, new to the company. Others, just plain suck—like you Silas.
“But you see everybody has their place. A company needs ALL of its piece in order to run efficiently. So no need to fear Silas, there is a place for you here.
“But, that place is nowhere near me.”
Manabu finishes taping his left wrist. He flexes it a bit, making sure that it is tight enough.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Let me ask you a serious question Silas. You think that you deserve this title don’t you?
“Why?
“What have you done in your short career as a wrestler to even deserve a SHOOT at a title, much less hold one? Look at your record here Silas! According to my account, you are two and three here in UWA. You winning percentage is 67 percent. 67 percent is a D sir; you do remember that from college right.
“Or should I say high school. I serious doubt that you went to college, not the way you spew ignorance out of your mouth.”
Manabu starts to tape up his right wrist.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Let me explain something else to you Silas. A true champion just doesn’t have ring skills. The champions we all remember carried themselves professionally IN and out of the ring. Look at you Silas, you run a seedy sex brothel! Is that really the type of person that UWA needs leading it?
“We both already know that answer to that.
“And let’s not forget the racist side comments that you have been making over the past month. Yeah, I caught them all partner. It all started when you beat up some random Japanese men before you faced Neptune. NOW, you think because I’m Asian that I don’t belong in the country?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Are you f******g serious!
“I’ve lived in the United States for 19 years fool, an I’ll contend that I’m more ‘American’ than you ever will be.”
Manabu gets up of the bench. He then hoists the title onto his shoulder. He pats it a little bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ll be honest; I was a bit nervous about this match. I’ve never had an Iron Man match before. But you know, I talked to a great friend of mine. She told me not to fear this match, because it’s an opportunity to prove myself once again. Not to you Silas, because really, you mean nothing to me bro. This is a chance to prove something to myself, the only person who really matters in this situation.
“When I walked into this arena, all that ‘fear’, all that nervousness, it vanished. I was destined to be successful. And I won’t let some hack of a wrestler stand in my way.
“In few short moments, I’m going to go out there and embarrass you Silas. You are going to be out-talked, out-wrestled, and out-classed. And after the match, I’m going to climb those ropes and raise this title in victory, while your sorry a** limps back to your locker room.
“After this match, I hope you learn your place kid. Don’t bark if you aren’t ready for a bigger dog to come along and scrap.”
Manabu gazes at the camera bit longer. He then exits the locker
room.
END
Word Count= 2168
Section 1:
The scene opens up as Manabu walks into a large gym, holding a bag of course. He isn’t in his usual training spot however. He passes a huge Red, White, and Orange sign on the wall that reads “YMCA: Building a Healthier Future.”
Manabu begins to look around the area. He spots a couple of signs that say “Zone 1.” The entire left side of the wall is filled by a mirror, designated for form practice. Manabu is care to as lest noise possible while crossing the hard-wood floor.
The center of Zone 1 is plastered with about 20 yoga mats, with even spacing between each one.
He hears a door open, and as he turns around, Manabu spots a gaggle of people filling to the arena. He quickened his pace a bit and walks through a door marked “Zone 2.”
Zone 2 had the same set-up as zone 1, except for the yoga mats. Instead, there was a large amateur wrestling mat in the center. Manabu chooses to walk alongside the west wall. Along the east side of the zone, seven young men dressed in shorts begin to stretch. A lot of the local high schools use the Y for weekly practice.
One of the guys looks up and spot Manabu.
Guy:
“Manabu!
“Congrats on the title win, you deserve it man.”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Thanks.
“Keep up the good work yourself.”
Manabu laugh again to himself. It always shocked him a bit when people recognized his face. In Japan he would get greeted and stopped at least once a day, since many people had watched his grandfather and father’s matches. But in L.A., most people wouldn’t even think to classify himself as a “wrassler,” since he didn’t fit the stereotypical “mold”.
Manabu walks until he reaches another door. Walks through the door and enters Zone 3.
Zone 3 three is a basketball court. He walks over to the right side of court, where there are a bunch of benches. Seated at the far end of the bench is young woman, about 25 years of age. Her light brown skin his dripping with sweat. She is dressed in a blue tank-top and a pair of white shorts.
Manabu takes a seat next to her.
Woman:
“Hey you!
“How was your workout?”
The woman leans over and gives Manabu a hug. He accepts it and then playfully pushes her away.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Eww Cammy, you are all sweaty.”
Cammy lets out a small laugh.
Cammy:
“Oh please!
“Don’t be a diva sir.”
Cammy looks over and spots the bag in Manabu’s hand.
Cammy:
“That my bag?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah.”
Manabu hands it over to her. She smiles and opens it up, pulling out a couple of DVDs. She give him another hug.
Cammy:
“Thanks.
“I’ve been dying to watch some good movies. The cable company said of service would be off for another two weeks. Apparently, our area has some kind of power outage and no one is getting their cable.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You all are getting compensated though right?”
Cammy:
“We better be.”
Cammy laughs.
Cammy:
“But enough about me sir.
“How’s wrestling treating you? I here you are doing quite well lately.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“It’s going ok.”
Cammy raises her eyebrow.
Cammy:
“You sure? Normally you are gushing when discussing wrestling.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I don’t know. A lot is going on.”
Cammy:
“What’s the matter?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well, I’ve got this huge match coming up. UWA’s pay-per-view is this week and I’m main eventing.”
Cammy laughs.
Cammy:
“I still don’t see the problem. You have main evented cards before right?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah. Well, I’ve main evented regular cards, but never a pay-per-view before. It’s something new to me.
“What if I don’t draw people in?”
Cammy takes grabs Manabu’s hand.
Cammy:
“I’ve known you for eight years now. This is the first time that I have seen you feel a bit self-conscience.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I know.”
Cammy:
“You might not want to hear this, but I think this is a good thing, for a couple of reasons.
“You are human boo, and humans get nervous sometimes. This is a big match, so yeah, you should be feeling a bit nervous. But think of it like this; this match is just another chance to prove something. Normally you are trying to prove something to your doubters and nay-sayers. But this match is a chance to prove something to yourself.
“I know that situation with that other promotion lingers in your mind. I know it bothers you a lot, but, this is a new promotion with new people. I know you didn’t choose this path entirely, but, it’s the path you are on right now.”
Cammy leans over and gives Manabu a small kiss on the cheek.
Cammy:
“You are going to do just fine, I promise.”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Thanks Cam.
“I can always count on you to get my mind right.”
Cammy:
“That’s what best friends are for right?”
Cammy looks down at her watch.
Cammy:
“Hey, what are you doing in a couple of hours?
“You aren’t still training are you?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“No, I’m done training for the day. I don’t know, I’ll probably just be watching TV or something.”
Cammy:
“Come out to dinner with me. I’ve got reservations at that new Greek restaurant across town, but other friend bailed one me.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Sure.”
Cammy:
“Then it’s a date.”
Section 2
Manabu had finally received a locker room in the UWA. It was a small room, almost the size of a jail cell. But it was enough for Manabu. It beat changing in the middle of the hallway, that’s for sure.
In the middle of the White-walled room is a small bench, which is where Manabu is seated right now, dressed in his ring attire. Behind him are three rows of lockers alongside the wall. Other than that, the room was empty.
Seated on the bench next to Manabu is his gym bag. He reaches into and rambles through it for a moment. Eventually, he emerges with a roll of athletic tape. He begin to unravel a bit of the tape.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“In about 30 minutes or so, I’m going to go out and write history. A while ago, I defeated a man to win the UWA World Championship. I can’t describe to you how it feels to win such a match; the emotions that ran through your veins as your hand is being raised. But that joy that you feel doesn’t last long. It’s like a drug; eventually, you are going to stop soaring through the clouds, only to crash back down to Earth.
“Now I’ll be honest, I’m still elated over that win. I was also glad when I defeated Samual Silas last week. You see, Samual thought that he was better than me. The fool thought that because he has been here a month or so longer, that he automatically was going to be the victor of that match. Mr. Silas was mistaken. Like the ‘aint-s***’ wrestler that he is, he failed to defeat me.
“But apparently, the upper management in UWA have decided to give the poor turkey one last chance. But this time, we will be squaring off at for my title.”
Manabu smirks as he reaches into his bag to retrieve the belt
Manabu Fujiwara:
“That’s right Silas, I said ‘MY’ title. I know what you are thinking Samual. You think that you should holding this little gem don’t you? You probably don’t a man like me should even be allowed to work here, much less hold the company’s only active title. You would love to pound my face in, leave me bloody in the ring, and walk back to your locker room with this title wouldn’t you?
“But, there is only one problem Silas…
“…you just aren’t good enough!
“Last week I made some bold statements, so did Mr. Silas. But the key difference is that I back up my statements. Samual, let’s get one thing perfectly clear, I don’t trash talk. My word might be harsh; they may even cut to your core. However, I don’t lie. So when I say that ‘I’m better than you,’ you should treat it as the gospel!”
Manabu takes off a libel amount of tape. He places the end on his left wrist and begins to wrap it.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“It must eat you up inside Samual. It must kill you to know that you were beaten a rusty paralegal turned wrestler. I was under the impress that you are some type of manager or trainer. I mean, that’s what you have been telling the world. For a man who has had one foot in the business for many years, I’d expect you to be a lot better.
“Perhaps it isn’t your fault though. Some people aren’t meant to shine in this business. Here is an analogy for you; a wrestling company is just a body. You have got the ‘head,’ the most powerful people in the company. This would encompass the owner, the champions. These people are the crème of the crop, like myself. Then you have got the ‘chest and midsection.’ These wrestlers make up the bulk of the body. Some are better than others, heck, these people might even be fan favorites. However, for the most part, they are just average. In UWA, this would be someone like Fear. And then there are the ‘legs and feet.’ You should know this category very well, since this is where you fit in. These wrestlers are jobbers and openers. Some are in this position because they are untested, new to the company. Others, just plain suck—like you Silas.
“But you see everybody has their place. A company needs ALL of its piece in order to run efficiently. So no need to fear Silas, there is a place for you here.
“But, that place is nowhere near me.”
Manabu finishes taping his left wrist. He flexes it a bit, making sure that it is tight enough.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Let me ask you a serious question Silas. You think that you deserve this title don’t you?
“Why?
“What have you done in your short career as a wrestler to even deserve a SHOOT at a title, much less hold one? Look at your record here Silas! According to my account, you are two and three here in UWA. You winning percentage is 67 percent. 67 percent is a D sir; you do remember that from college right.
“Or should I say high school. I serious doubt that you went to college, not the way you spew ignorance out of your mouth.”
Manabu starts to tape up his right wrist.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Let me explain something else to you Silas. A true champion just doesn’t have ring skills. The champions we all remember carried themselves professionally IN and out of the ring. Look at you Silas, you run a seedy sex brothel! Is that really the type of person that UWA needs leading it?
“We both already know that answer to that.
“And let’s not forget the racist side comments that you have been making over the past month. Yeah, I caught them all partner. It all started when you beat up some random Japanese men before you faced Neptune. NOW, you think because I’m Asian that I don’t belong in the country?”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Are you f******g serious!
“I’ve lived in the United States for 19 years fool, an I’ll contend that I’m more ‘American’ than you ever will be.”
Manabu gets up of the bench. He then hoists the title onto his shoulder. He pats it a little bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ll be honest; I was a bit nervous about this match. I’ve never had an Iron Man match before. But you know, I talked to a great friend of mine. She told me not to fear this match, because it’s an opportunity to prove myself once again. Not to you Silas, because really, you mean nothing to me bro. This is a chance to prove something to myself, the only person who really matters in this situation.
“When I walked into this arena, all that ‘fear’, all that nervousness, it vanished. I was destined to be successful. And I won’t let some hack of a wrestler stand in my way.
“In few short moments, I’m going to go out there and embarrass you Silas. You are going to be out-talked, out-wrestled, and out-classed. And after the match, I’m going to climb those ropes and raise this title in victory, while your sorry a** limps back to your locker room.
“After this match, I hope you learn your place kid. Don’t bark if you aren’t ready for a bigger dog to come along and scrap.”
Manabu gazes at the camera bit longer. He then exits the locker
room.
END
