Post by Manabu on Feb 23, 2012 20:18:15 GMT -5
Games of the Mind
Section 1
Manabu is sitting in a very dark room, there is single light illuminating a bit of the room; most of the room is still covered in darkness. Manabu is sitting still, almost lifeless. In font of Manabu’s chair, about eight feet away is a large cage.
Within the cage, something begins to rustle a bit. It sounds as if something large is sliding across the floor.
Voice:
“Manabu Fujiwara…
“…you are worthless!
“You walk around, acting like you are better than everyone. You don’t know struggle Manabu, your father and mother have been providing for you all your life. Heck, to this day you till call your dad when you get into trouble. And you have the nerve to walk around like you are better than everyone. You know that is just a big lie. Manabu, you are no better than anyone, especially not in that little wrestling company. That fact of the matter is, you are trash. You deserve to be in UWA, because you are nothing, just like they are!”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are wrong!”
The rustling sound begins to get louder. A moment later, the being presses its claws against the iron bars. Its gruesome scaly face frightens Manabu a bit, causing him to take a step or two back.
Creature:
“Am I really wrong Manabu?
“For the past two months you have been losing left and right. You aren’t a great wrestler—you are a hack, just like all the others you speak about.
“It’s only a matter of time before you wash out and fail.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You’re wrong!
“I’m a successful wrestler. I’ve only been wrestling for a couple of years and I’m already a Word Champion!”
Creature:
“No, you are a farce!
“You aren’t a true champion Manabu; you are just a man holding a belt. Well, you are holding the belt for long. In a month or two, you won’t be holding it—you’re weak!”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Shut your mouth!”
Creature:
“Quiet down, for you have no power.
“Heck, you don’t have enough power to change your position in the company. Ryan Blake doesn’t believe in you. He doesn’t even want you to hold that belt. The only reason he hasn’t stripped you of it is because there would be legal recourse.
“Everything around is about to fall: your career, your ‘fame,’ your relationship. It’s ALL about to come crashing down on you, and you won’t be strong enough withstand it.”
The creature shakes the bars a bit until they break. It then rushes out of the cell, moving to attack. Manabu turns to run but gets tripped up.
…
Manabu wakes up after hitting his bedroom floor hard. He had gone to bed a little early, leaving Cammy downstairs to watch TV. She was staying over his house for the evening.
Cammy heard the bump and quickly made her way upstairs. She spots Manabu on the ground; she rushes over to him.
Cammy:
“Babe!
“Are you ok?”
Manabu shakes his head groggily.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Huh?”
Manabu tries to get up, but his legs buckle and he falls back to the floor. Cammy takes a look at his head; there is a small cut. She puts his arm around her neck and hoists him up.
Cammy:
“Come on babe, we got to get you to a hospital.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mm….”
Section 2
Manabu Fujiwara:
“No mom, I’m fine. I just got a small cut on my forehead, nothing too serious.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“That’s a relief.
“Manabu dear, you have to be more careful. Have you been taking care of yourself?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“To the best of my ability.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“And what about resting.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mom, you know I don’t have time to rest.
“I’ve been given a great responsibility, and I’ve got to start living up to it.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“You are sooooo much like your father.
“Manabu, dear, I understand that this title is important to you. But right now, you are in pretty bad shape from what I’ve heard. You need to start resting and taking better care of yourself. It’s great to show off your fighting spirit, I’d never tell you not to do that. However, a broken down warrior is no good to anyone.
“You understand right?”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes mom.
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“Well, at least Cammy is there to watch over you.
“She is such a nice girl.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ll send her your praises; she is driving me right now.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“Ok dear.
“Please, take care.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I will mom, no need to worry.
“Talk to you soon.”
Manabu sighs and he places his phone back into his pocket. He leans back gently and rests his head against the plush leather seat of his Range Rover. When he first bought it, he complained a bit about just how soft the leather was. Tonight he was grateful that he went with the leather.
The doctors said that Manabu didn’t have a concussion or anything of that nature. However, he did hit his head pretty hard, so he was advised to take it easy over the next couple of days.
Manabu turns slightly and looks over at Cammy, who has her eyes on the road. She feels his gaze and turns a bit towards him. She gives him a little smile, which he returns.
Cammy:
“You really scared me today.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Cammy:
“So, what caused all this?”
Manabu is silent for a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well…
“… I had a nightmare.
Cammy:
“A nightmare?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah. I haven’t had one of those in years.”
Cammy:
“Well, what was it about?”
Manabu is silent for a moment.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well, I was standing in some really dark, really large room. And in front of me was some type of dragon, a talking dragon. And this creature was telling me that I was a failure and that I would never amount to anything; that UWA is against me. ”
Cammy:
“Well, do you believe that?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I…
“…I don’t know right now.”
The two ride in silence for a bit.
Cammy:
“Manabu, I know you have been struggling a bit lately. You haven’t been winning all of your matches, which I know you hate. But, I’ll tell you this; you have been working REALLY hard. I’d argue you are one of the hardest working men in UWA. Sure, you have lost a couple of matches, but a failure you are not. You didn’t become UWA World Champion by losing, you obtained it by winning. UWA can’t do anything to you!
“And sure, you aren’t in some huge company touring the world. But you know what; you are building your name. People recognize you when you go out. Those people respect you because of the work you have done babe.”
Manabu nods his head.
Cammy:
“Babe, you put a lot of pressure on yourself. I know there is a certain amount of pressure when you are the champ. But, you are putting even more on yourself.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are right.”
Cammy smiles.
Cammy:
“I know I am.
“So, are this next match of yours, you and I will be going on a trip, a trip to relax. You need something to take your mind off things.
“That ok with you?”
Manabu lets out a bit of a laugh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes ma’am.”
Section 3
Manabu is running on the beach. Well, running is a bit strong. He is at a light jog right now. It’s early in the morning, nearly 6:30. The sun is just beginning rise, but, it’s still fairly dark.
Manabu stops jogging. There is a gentle breeze in air—he stops and soaks it up. He then turns and looks at the ocean. The waves are pretty calm. Manabu kicks around some sand until he makes a small sand dune. He then takes a seat.
Manabu runs his hand through his hair.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Over the past couple of days, I’ve been trying to take things easy.
“Oh, don’t worry; I’ve still been training like crazy. That will never change.
“When I say I’m taking things easy, I mean I’m trying not to stress out about things you know? It’s like this; I came to UWA to compete. But, I also signed up with UWA to prove something to myself. After XDF I thought I was done, beaten, and washed-up. I was always confident in my skills, but, I still didn’t know how well I’d fare in this company.
“And in a very short time, I rose to the top. I believe I proved myself to everyone. People like Samual Silas thought that a man of Japanese descent could not hold the UWA Championship. He was wrong—I’ve held and defended this title with pride and honor. People like Jake Eaton and J Callahan thought that I would fold under pressure. They were wrong too, I’ve took on that UWA has thrown at me.
“Therefore, I’m done trying to ‘prove’ s*** to other people. I don’t have to another; I’ve done all I can. The only person that I need to reaffirm and prove something to at this point is myself.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Over the past couple weeks my performances have been unacceptable. Losses, ties, DQ’s— that s*** is beneath me, I’m far better than that. I became a wrestler to WIN, not to settle for meritocracy.
“Therefore, this match is against Andy Star is a big deal, at least to me. Mr. Star, I’ve heard your name before. You’ve had a couple of wins here and there. And, it’s been said that have been around UWA longer than most people.
“But you see Mr. Star, I’ve also noticed that you only show up every blue moon. You see, there are certain wrestlers who are booked every week, rain, snow, or shine. However, you tend to show up once a month, once every two months. I bet UWA fans used to cheer you all the time. However, now, you are just a fleeting memory in everyone’s mind.
“Let’s be clear Andy, this match is going to be a simple walk in the park. Or, a walk on the beach if you will. And honestly, let’s disregard the fact that I am the champion for a moment. Andy, I could have whooped you’re a** when I was fresh out of wrestling school. I understand you 20, you are young kid and that you have still got a lot to learn.
“Like how to give a convince speech.
“Yeah, I heard your rant last week from your match. There were a few things I found VERY questionable. For example, you were the only person to graduate from your class. Andy, let me stop you right there. Andy, think about things before you say them. One person graduating from a wrestling class of about 10 to 20 is bull s***. And then you claim that YOU were the best out of all them? According to the promo you ‘won every match, challenge, competition, tournament.’ ”
Manabu shakes his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are lying through your teeth. Unless you were wrestling bean-bag sacks every week, there’s no way YOU could have done all of that. But that fact that you had to lie about all of that reveals something else about you Mr. Star.
“It also reveals that you are naive.
“You see Andy, I HATE to loss, loses burn me up in side. But you know what, loses are an essential part of the business. You see a loss does two things. One, it provides the wrestler with feedback, things that he or she needs to work on. And two, a loss provides wrestlers to redeem themselves, to strengthen their weak areas.
“To put it in simple terms Mr. Star, I’ve you have never lost then you have never grown. Even champions lose sir. Ric Flair didn’t win 21 titles consecutively—he had to lose the NWA Championship to win it again.”
Manabu laughs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mr. Star, I’m going to actually tell you my game plan for this week. It really doesn’t matter, because no matter how much you try, you won’t be able to negate my onslaught. First, I’m going to break down your arm. It could be the left, it could be the right, it could be both—I haven’t decided yet. From there I’m going to drop you on your head a few times and lock on a couple submissions. And then, I’m going to finish you off the ‘Rules of the Player’s Club.’
“You don’t know anything about technically wrestling sir. But this week, I’m going to teach you.”
Manabu turns his head and looks back at the ocean.
END.
Section 1
Manabu is sitting in a very dark room, there is single light illuminating a bit of the room; most of the room is still covered in darkness. Manabu is sitting still, almost lifeless. In font of Manabu’s chair, about eight feet away is a large cage.
Within the cage, something begins to rustle a bit. It sounds as if something large is sliding across the floor.
Voice:
“Manabu Fujiwara…
“…you are worthless!
“You walk around, acting like you are better than everyone. You don’t know struggle Manabu, your father and mother have been providing for you all your life. Heck, to this day you till call your dad when you get into trouble. And you have the nerve to walk around like you are better than everyone. You know that is just a big lie. Manabu, you are no better than anyone, especially not in that little wrestling company. That fact of the matter is, you are trash. You deserve to be in UWA, because you are nothing, just like they are!”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are wrong!”
The rustling sound begins to get louder. A moment later, the being presses its claws against the iron bars. Its gruesome scaly face frightens Manabu a bit, causing him to take a step or two back.
Creature:
“Am I really wrong Manabu?
“For the past two months you have been losing left and right. You aren’t a great wrestler—you are a hack, just like all the others you speak about.
“It’s only a matter of time before you wash out and fail.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You’re wrong!
“I’m a successful wrestler. I’ve only been wrestling for a couple of years and I’m already a Word Champion!”
Creature:
“No, you are a farce!
“You aren’t a true champion Manabu; you are just a man holding a belt. Well, you are holding the belt for long. In a month or two, you won’t be holding it—you’re weak!”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Shut your mouth!”
Creature:
“Quiet down, for you have no power.
“Heck, you don’t have enough power to change your position in the company. Ryan Blake doesn’t believe in you. He doesn’t even want you to hold that belt. The only reason he hasn’t stripped you of it is because there would be legal recourse.
“Everything around is about to fall: your career, your ‘fame,’ your relationship. It’s ALL about to come crashing down on you, and you won’t be strong enough withstand it.”
The creature shakes the bars a bit until they break. It then rushes out of the cell, moving to attack. Manabu turns to run but gets tripped up.
…
Manabu wakes up after hitting his bedroom floor hard. He had gone to bed a little early, leaving Cammy downstairs to watch TV. She was staying over his house for the evening.
Cammy heard the bump and quickly made her way upstairs. She spots Manabu on the ground; she rushes over to him.
Cammy:
“Babe!
“Are you ok?”
Manabu shakes his head groggily.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Huh?”
Manabu tries to get up, but his legs buckle and he falls back to the floor. Cammy takes a look at his head; there is a small cut. She puts his arm around her neck and hoists him up.
Cammy:
“Come on babe, we got to get you to a hospital.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mm….”
Section 2
Manabu Fujiwara:
“No mom, I’m fine. I just got a small cut on my forehead, nothing too serious.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“That’s a relief.
“Manabu dear, you have to be more careful. Have you been taking care of yourself?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“To the best of my ability.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“And what about resting.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mom, you know I don’t have time to rest.
“I’ve been given a great responsibility, and I’ve got to start living up to it.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“You are sooooo much like your father.
“Manabu, dear, I understand that this title is important to you. But right now, you are in pretty bad shape from what I’ve heard. You need to start resting and taking better care of yourself. It’s great to show off your fighting spirit, I’d never tell you not to do that. However, a broken down warrior is no good to anyone.
“You understand right?”
Manabu laughs a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes mom.
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“Well, at least Cammy is there to watch over you.
“She is such a nice girl.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ll send her your praises; she is driving me right now.”
Mrs. Fujiwara:
“Ok dear.
“Please, take care.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I will mom, no need to worry.
“Talk to you soon.”
Manabu sighs and he places his phone back into his pocket. He leans back gently and rests his head against the plush leather seat of his Range Rover. When he first bought it, he complained a bit about just how soft the leather was. Tonight he was grateful that he went with the leather.
The doctors said that Manabu didn’t have a concussion or anything of that nature. However, he did hit his head pretty hard, so he was advised to take it easy over the next couple of days.
Manabu turns slightly and looks over at Cammy, who has her eyes on the road. She feels his gaze and turns a bit towards him. She gives him a little smile, which he returns.
Cammy:
“You really scared me today.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Cammy:
“So, what caused all this?”
Manabu is silent for a bit.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well…
“… I had a nightmare.
Cammy:
“A nightmare?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yeah. I haven’t had one of those in years.”
Cammy:
“Well, what was it about?”
Manabu is silent for a moment.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Well, I was standing in some really dark, really large room. And in front of me was some type of dragon, a talking dragon. And this creature was telling me that I was a failure and that I would never amount to anything; that UWA is against me. ”
Cammy:
“Well, do you believe that?”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I…
“…I don’t know right now.”
The two ride in silence for a bit.
Cammy:
“Manabu, I know you have been struggling a bit lately. You haven’t been winning all of your matches, which I know you hate. But, I’ll tell you this; you have been working REALLY hard. I’d argue you are one of the hardest working men in UWA. Sure, you have lost a couple of matches, but a failure you are not. You didn’t become UWA World Champion by losing, you obtained it by winning. UWA can’t do anything to you!
“And sure, you aren’t in some huge company touring the world. But you know what; you are building your name. People recognize you when you go out. Those people respect you because of the work you have done babe.”
Manabu nods his head.
Cammy:
“Babe, you put a lot of pressure on yourself. I know there is a certain amount of pressure when you are the champ. But, you are putting even more on yourself.”
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are right.”
Cammy smiles.
Cammy:
“I know I am.
“So, are this next match of yours, you and I will be going on a trip, a trip to relax. You need something to take your mind off things.
“That ok with you?”
Manabu lets out a bit of a laugh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Yes ma’am.”
Section 3
Manabu is running on the beach. Well, running is a bit strong. He is at a light jog right now. It’s early in the morning, nearly 6:30. The sun is just beginning rise, but, it’s still fairly dark.
Manabu stops jogging. There is a gentle breeze in air—he stops and soaks it up. He then turns and looks at the ocean. The waves are pretty calm. Manabu kicks around some sand until he makes a small sand dune. He then takes a seat.
Manabu runs his hand through his hair.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Over the past couple of days, I’ve been trying to take things easy.
“Oh, don’t worry; I’ve still been training like crazy. That will never change.
“When I say I’m taking things easy, I mean I’m trying not to stress out about things you know? It’s like this; I came to UWA to compete. But, I also signed up with UWA to prove something to myself. After XDF I thought I was done, beaten, and washed-up. I was always confident in my skills, but, I still didn’t know how well I’d fare in this company.
“And in a very short time, I rose to the top. I believe I proved myself to everyone. People like Samual Silas thought that a man of Japanese descent could not hold the UWA Championship. He was wrong—I’ve held and defended this title with pride and honor. People like Jake Eaton and J Callahan thought that I would fold under pressure. They were wrong too, I’ve took on that UWA has thrown at me.
“Therefore, I’m done trying to ‘prove’ s*** to other people. I don’t have to another; I’ve done all I can. The only person that I need to reaffirm and prove something to at this point is myself.”
Manabu sighs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Over the past couple weeks my performances have been unacceptable. Losses, ties, DQ’s— that s*** is beneath me, I’m far better than that. I became a wrestler to WIN, not to settle for meritocracy.
“Therefore, this match is against Andy Star is a big deal, at least to me. Mr. Star, I’ve heard your name before. You’ve had a couple of wins here and there. And, it’s been said that have been around UWA longer than most people.
“But you see Mr. Star, I’ve also noticed that you only show up every blue moon. You see, there are certain wrestlers who are booked every week, rain, snow, or shine. However, you tend to show up once a month, once every two months. I bet UWA fans used to cheer you all the time. However, now, you are just a fleeting memory in everyone’s mind.
“Let’s be clear Andy, this match is going to be a simple walk in the park. Or, a walk on the beach if you will. And honestly, let’s disregard the fact that I am the champion for a moment. Andy, I could have whooped you’re a** when I was fresh out of wrestling school. I understand you 20, you are young kid and that you have still got a lot to learn.
“Like how to give a convince speech.
“Yeah, I heard your rant last week from your match. There were a few things I found VERY questionable. For example, you were the only person to graduate from your class. Andy, let me stop you right there. Andy, think about things before you say them. One person graduating from a wrestling class of about 10 to 20 is bull s***. And then you claim that YOU were the best out of all them? According to the promo you ‘won every match, challenge, competition, tournament.’ ”
Manabu shakes his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“You are lying through your teeth. Unless you were wrestling bean-bag sacks every week, there’s no way YOU could have done all of that. But that fact that you had to lie about all of that reveals something else about you Mr. Star.
“It also reveals that you are naive.
“You see Andy, I HATE to loss, loses burn me up in side. But you know what, loses are an essential part of the business. You see a loss does two things. One, it provides the wrestler with feedback, things that he or she needs to work on. And two, a loss provides wrestlers to redeem themselves, to strengthen their weak areas.
“To put it in simple terms Mr. Star, I’ve you have never lost then you have never grown. Even champions lose sir. Ric Flair didn’t win 21 titles consecutively—he had to lose the NWA Championship to win it again.”
Manabu laughs.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Mr. Star, I’m going to actually tell you my game plan for this week. It really doesn’t matter, because no matter how much you try, you won’t be able to negate my onslaught. First, I’m going to break down your arm. It could be the left, it could be the right, it could be both—I haven’t decided yet. From there I’m going to drop you on your head a few times and lock on a couple submissions. And then, I’m going to finish you off the ‘Rules of the Player’s Club.’
“You don’t know anything about technically wrestling sir. But this week, I’m going to teach you.”
Manabu turns his head and looks back at the ocean.
END.
