Post by Mac Bane on Apr 29, 2023 18:11:11 GMT
The Enigma
“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” - William Jennings Bryan
I sit on a wooden chair that’s been turned around backward, so I straddle it instead of sitting as a normal person would. I tap lightly with my right hand against the middle slat and smile. It was going to be a huge week and I had to recap the previous one to help bring into perspective the current week.
Hey Ya’ll, it’s that time once again. Some things went as expected, while others, not so much. The expected, well that’s an easy enough thing ain’t it?
I quit drumming on the wooden slat across the back of the chair, admiring the natural grain of the wood.
I know Kim won’t take this the wrong way. I was expected to beat her, not because of a lack of ability. My baby sister fights better than most men, as Dane Preston found out the hard way. She is a certified badass and a true warrior in every sense of the word. I was expected to beat her because of the difference in experience, she was out of her weight class in this match. She’ll overcome all of this in time. Today we are as good with each other as we were before that fight, maybe better than we were. If that makes sense to those of you out there. A lot of people would prefer it if we weren’t to be transparent about it.
Pausing there I level my gaze at the camera and set my jaw.
Only a few people I know of, thought that my side of the bracket would be myself against Enigma. People have made fortunes capitalizing on the mistake of underestimating others. I know it’s true because it’s been the story of my career. No one ever thought I would amount to much of anything.
I smile a feral smile.
They’ve been paying the price for that ever since. I doubt that Thad ever considered he might lose to someone like Enigma. It’s understandable, Thad is one hell of a talent and deserves every single accolade he’s received. You could say the same thing about Enigma. Although a big fella, he hasn’t had the number of accolades that Thad has but accomplished all the same.
I shrug in indifference.
Most people won't acknowledge him or his accomplishments, even though the man is a former world champion. He looks like he’s chiseled from stone and damn sure knows his way around a wrestling ring. Roughly the same amount of experience as myself. I give him all the credit in the world for making it this far in the tournament.
I wink at the camera and grin.
You didn’t think I would come out here and just bury that motherfucker did ya? Nah, I always say what I mean and mean what I say. Pay attention kids, it gets better from here.
The scene fades as I laugh.
continued from iiwefed.boards.net/thread/1933/mac-bane-kim-pain
The night was a complete cluster fuck as far as I was concerned, this whole operation should have been handled differently. I was not a happy man at the moment and all I wanted to do was beat the crap out of a man who had been my friend for all of my adult life. Movement caught my attention, I stared into the night beyond the highway. A black wolf stood there staring at me. I felt a kinship with that animal immediately, he was out hunting too. My hunt was probably much different than his but at that moment, it was very surreal. All those stories that my great-grandfather told me, they all came rushing back. It looked down and sniffed around for a moment, I whispered a name to the wind, “Wyah”, and it lifted its head and stared at me. This was not an ordinary wolf. Black wolves were rare to begin with but this wolf had eyes of amber. A messenger or an omen of things to come. There are tons of myths and urban legends about the black dog or the black wolf being evil. They are not, the older religions teach us that they can be messengers of the old gods. At least that’s what my great-grandfather had taught me as a kid.
40 years ago
I sat cross-legged and starry eyed as my great-grandfather, Papa Barrow, told the story of the black wolf.
“This story comes from our brothers and sisters in the far north, in the Canadian Rockies.” He said in his deep but soft way of speaking. Papa was a Cherokee Medi or “Medicine Man” if you will. I had heard this story dozens of times, but I always ended up right where I was listening and hanging on to every word. His story about the black wolf had a moral, it was truth versus illusion. He continued to speak uninterruptedly, telling the story.
“The black wolf was a rare sighting, even in the land they occupied in Canada and so the elders grew concerned. They bestowed upon their two strongest warriors to find and confront the black wolf.” A child no older than I at the time raised his hand. “Yes Silver Sand, you have a question?” He was always patient with the kids of the nation, we were all very eager to learn. “Yes Papa, They wanted them to kill the wolf didn’t they?” He smiled patiently at the young girl, “Yes they did, but sometimes people don’t get what they want but what they need. You’ll see as the story continues.” She smiled in return and all hands went down as the revered old man continued.
“The two warriors, Lightning and River, took up the task with pride and set out to find the black wolf. They rode around the mountains all day but had no sign of the black wolf or any other wolf. Towards the end of the day, they spotted a cave where many warriors had used it for refuge and taking up their vision quest. They went inside, making sure it was uninhabited, and started a small fire. River pulled out a beautifully engraved pipe and began stuffing it with gasha, an herb that helped to open the mind and the spirit to their ancestors. It didn’t take long for the herb to take hold and the black wolf appeared at the mouth of the cave. These were brave and wise warriors, upon seeing the amber eyes of the wolf, they knew without a doubt that this was no ordinary wolf. When it spoke to them, it was in their minds, as they bowed down to the earth with their arms outstretched in reverence. After a few moments, the two young men returned to a seated position and the great black wolf raised its paw signaling that they were all three connected. It spoke in a deep but calm tone that almost reverberated in their heads. “My name is Wyah and I’m but a simple messenger from the great spirit. Your people have lost their way in this dark time of egos. They ignore their faith and jump to conclusions, rather than relying on the faith that they’ve been taught for centuries.”
“The two men sat patiently and waited as the wolf continued to speak. “It is imperative that you truly see into the nature of things. You must not sit in the world of illusion for your people have been called upon to light the way and remember the traditions. It was Lightening that spoke first, “Venerable one, we can see that you have heavenly powers, please explain what you mean.” Wyah considered him for a moment and then relayed to him the story of a great Medi who had been blessed with the powers to heal. “The medi has been given the gifts of prophecy and healing, each morning he would pray to the great spirit for two hours and asked the great spirit to come to him and share the secrets of healing. He would wait for hours but the great spirit never appeared in a physical form. This went on for months but no physical visitation ever occurred, causing this great healer to doubt it ever would. Each night as he slept he would have dreams of communicating with a mysterious owl and each morning he would be reenergized to continue his quest to meet the great spirit in person. Both warriors bowed their heads in reverence to the story. Stone spoke quickly, I believe I understand what you are trying to teach us, Wyah, the great spirit had visited him in his dreams but he was lost in the illusion of appearances. Wyah nodded with approval at his statement and commended him for it. “Yes, that is exactly the case.” “You’ve understood well,” the venerable Myah continued. The story I’ve told you has many parallels with things that are happening in your village and the world today. I ask that you return to your village and relay to the elders what you’ve learned from me today.”
“The next morning they returned to their village and met with the group of elders that waited for them. They relayed their story but were not believed, the two brave men were stripped of their rank as warriors. They had told them that the black wolf would arrive this very evening and so the village gathered their greatest warriors to confront the foul beast and kill it. The warriors, River, and Lightning were sent back to their respective huts to await final judgment from the village. If they had spoken true then they would be reinstated, if they had lied to the elders they would be banished from the village for five years. True to their word, the black wolf made his appearance at the entrance to the village where the fifty warriors shot arrow after arrow at him. He deflected all the arrows that came his way and changed them into white lotus flowers. To a man, the assembled warriors cast their weapons away and prostrated themselves to the black wolf. The circle of elders also dropped to their knees and prostrated themselves before the holiest of messengers. The black wolf howled in the most haunting way and then, raising a single paw much like he did with the two warriors, he spoke to them. He told them of the great spirit's message and the task that had been placed upon them.”
“You must conquer all of your fears and misconceptions of how things are in the world today. Never forget that the fruit of wisdom falls from the tree of pure awareness and an understanding of the nature of things. There is no difference between you and the universe, we are all tied together in existence.” He paused there for a moment, “To remind you of your error, you just tried to extinguish the existence of something that is part of you, just as I am part of you.” With another great howl, the visage of the great black wolf faded into the night.” Papa Barrow had finished his story and smiled at the faces that were still enthralled in the story. “Who can tell me what the moral of this story is, except you Bear Paw, you already know the answer. I nodded silently, knowing this to be a story about truth and illusion but allowed the other children to speak. Unsurprisingly, it was Silver Sand that answered it first and correctly. She was a beautiful girl with jet-black hair. I applauded when she finished her answer as did the rest of the children, in this community support for each other was paramount.”
return to the present day.
One of the agents that worked for Jeff had his night vision goggles on and his sniper rifle at the ready. “I could just kill it,” he muttered quietly, “it’s just vermine, a scraggly wolf that won’t survive much longer out here anyway.” He reached for the trigger with his index finger and the black wolf faded from view without a trace. He rubbed at his eyes, thinking it was a trick of the light. I shook my head in disgust, “Some classy people you employ, Jeff.”
Fade.
The door opens and swings open almost silently as I step into the room. I swing the door back closed and it latches with an almost audible click. The studio in our home in Las Vegas is well-lit, between the natural light that comes in through the many windows here and the canned light in the ceiling. I move toward the office chair and set my black stetson down there. Then I decide, it’s time to get down to business. Now standing in front of the microphone, I begin adjusting the pop filter, making sure it is exactly where I need it to be.
Earlier we spoke at length about doing what was expected of me. Some unexpected things happened. When I first arrived here I extended a hand of friendship to Osh, the owner of this company to help save this company. I’m sure he had his reasons for not doing so. Maybe he believes that his homegrown talent is up to the task. You know, people like Matt Stone. He’s had a lot to say recently, especially about members of CCPE who just show up and then leave. Even after I said I would be here beyond the tournament. I don’t know if he’s deaf or just stupid but he spoke his peace.
I shrug in indifference and give the camera a little smirk.
You know all those calls that Joe was making backstage? They were being made to me. The inaction of Osh combined with the arrogance of Stone solidified that deal. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was signed, sealed, and delivered. I’m watching Joe’s back for more than one reason. The most important reason is that he is a brother in arms within the Enterprise. There are times that we don’t agree on things that he says or does but he’s still my little brother. The second reason is that this is business, he and I have a third and final match in our future to settle the score once and for all. I have to make sure he’s healthy enough when the time comes for that match to happen.
I spread my arms out from my sides to emphasize that it should be plain enough. IIW roster members don’t realize how much Joe and I dislike each other and they don’t need to know that, I thought to myself as I smiled.
I could go on for a while about IIW, Osh, and Shaun but that’s not the purpose or the task at hand currently. The big man, “Enigma” is the task at hand. The self-proclaimed monster and enigma. According to the dictionary, an enigma is something or someone mysterious in nature that is hard to understand. Blah blah blah
I allow my arms to come back to my sides and I hook my thumbs behind my belt buckle and smile.
Here’s the good news boys and girls…he’s neither of those things. There is absolutely nothing mysterious or scary about a man the same size as me that’s good at this. The only thing that’s scary about you is your strength and willingness to do insane shit inside the ring. I dig that because I’m the same way. I’ve always been reckless to a fault and I have no regrets about it. Being this way has cost me countless titles but has won me even more than I’ve lost.
I lock my eyes on the camera to make sure my intensity is obvious.
I’m sure he will educate us all with his eloquence when he addresses me in his promo for this match. This isn’t just any match though.
I shake my head indicating that I firmly believe it’s much more than that.
No, definitely not just another match, this is for an opportunity to face the homegrown boys for the International Title. I think it was Matt Knox who called it a few weeks ago. He knew, just as I did, that the finals would be you and I. This is the real championship match.
I pause there for a moment, allowing what I’ve said to this point to register with the audience. More importantly to make sure that they IIW home grown talent understands.
Within IIW we are ranked 7th and 8th respectively in the power rankings. My ranking is higher than his, as it should be. They know what I represent, I am what the rest of the roster aspires to be. A true star in this business. I put asses in seats everywhere I go, IIW is no different than any place else I’ve ever been. When you’re this good, everyone wants you. Joe and IIW were not the only people begging me to come to their company. There were a number of contracts offered and I turned them down.
I glare at the camera as if daring someone to dispute my claims, even though I know there’s no response coming. I am after all alone and so I continue my musings.
I’ve been a world champion on many occasions compared to your, one? Is that right? I would think that a man of your stature and ability would have captured many more than that, but here we are.
I shake my head, it’s hard to tell whether it’s dismay or disgust, I chuckling to myself.
You and Me though? This will be a war of epic proportions. We have never faced one another before but I know your work ethic and your never say die attitude. I respect the hell out of all of that. It’s simply not your time, and more than that, it’s not enough.
The howl of a wolf can be heard along with my laughter as the scene fades.
The night air on the reservation was slightly warm, as we’d not really moved into the summer months quite yet. The night itself, if you knew what to listen for, was far from quiet. Nature had started its nocturnal cycle. The survival of the fittest among the night dwellers. It was a beautiful struggle that I wish more people had visibility to. That would require effort and as we all know, that’s a lot for people to digest. I mean, they’d have to put their cell phones down and pay attention. Regardless of that, I stood at the door to my great-grandfather’s old house. It was like I was being compelled to be here, even if I really didn’t want to. I had some very fond memories here from my childhood. Also some very bad ones, courtesy of my father. I went inside of the house and saw that things had probably not moved since the last time I saw Papa. His pipe, an intricately carved pipe with many glyphs or symbols if you will etched into its surface. It strikingly reminded me of the story he would tell about Wyah the black wolf. that’s because he was River from the story, came the response in my mind. I nodded, of course he was, I should have known. I looked toward the door and of course the black wolf, Wyah, stood there. I smiled and bowed deeply to the messenger. leave your human weapons behind and take only what you will need. They will be safe here, no one ever comes here anymore. I nodded my understanding and took my knife and pistol and laid them on the table.
I took the pipe and pouch containing gasha, along with Papa’s hickory bow and flint knife. If I remember correctly, the cave is to the northwest from here, I sent my link to him. You remember well, Bear Paw. I’m glad you still honor our traditions in your own way. That can be relearned in time. I smiled in return and stepped back out into the night. Myah would of course follow me to the site and stay with me until my spiritual journey was complete. We moved fast and loose up the rabbit trails until we finally found ourselves at the caves opening. What is required? I asked through our shared connection. This is not a traditional vision quest so to speak, but seeking answers from the great spirit. He knows you are here and he waits. I nodded and moved into a sitting position, crossing my legs as was the traditional way. I stuffed gasha into the pipe of my great-grandfather and lit it. It would not take long for the herbs to do what they needed to do. My entire life I had been torn between 2 different worlds. My mother’s side of the family were primarily Cherokee and the allure to be a part of them was strong for me. The Bane side of the family was black Irish and Scottish with its own history and also gave me a sense of pride. Not my fathers role in it, but his ancestors. I started reciting the mantras I had learned as a child, praying to the great spirit for guidance and revelation. I needed to understand my place in the world and the task that would be asked of me.
Soon the herbs had fully taken control and I started to see things. The first thing I saw was the face of Alexander Bane, my migrating ancestor who stood in front of our family crest. The motto of the family was, “touch not the cat” which of course is loosely translated. He had been a highlander in Scotland in addition to being a womanizer and a highwayman. By his side was his wife, Chirstianna, she was of Irish nobility. They both smiled with pride at me. they are very proud of the man you’ve become. Wyah said through our shared link. I could see it and sense it, so I knew it to be true. For the first time in a very long time, I allowed my emotions to be free and I cried tears of joy for this revelation. Next that came was my great-grandfather, River, who also smiled with pride but there was some sadness as well. you were his greatest hope but that was taken from him. He’s not sad or angry toward you, only at the circumstance. It hit me then how much I missed him, he always gave me hugs which is something I never got at home and those memories made me glad. Finally a large owl swooped into the cave and landed on the back of Wyah. It studied me for a long time, as if measuring me, weighing me in judgment. Then it too gave me a look of pride and I felt it more than saw it. I had been trying so hard to preserve the traditions of my people but had no guidance other than doing what had felt right. Justice is your task. A deeper voice than Wyah’s came through the link. The sound of his voice in my head caused my back to straighten as I sat there. My attention was firmly on the owl and it couldn’t be broken no matter how hard someone tried. Justice for your ancestors and for yourself. You are on the path that you need to be on. New friends and old are where they should be during this time of need. I sat there in absolute shock as he spoke to me. [Justice for what, great spirit? I need more clarity.[/i] The owl shimmered and disappeared as I stood staring. you will know the who and the what when it shows itself to you. Nothing less than the destruction of the aggressors is acceptable.
I bowed in the traditional way, accepting my task and my future. Thank you was all I said as I continued to sit there in thought of this ominous task. Justice for myself and my people, that covered a lot of fucking ground. The persecution of the Native American people in America was boundless. The persecution of myself was more limited to the best of my knowledge. There were people in my path that needed to be taught a lesson. Of that there was no doubt at all. We will speak again in the near future, Bear Claw, you can be assured. Did he just change my name? Yes, you are now a warrior of status among the people. They will all have dreams tonight of you and your ascension in status. Most will ignore it because they don’t know or remember you from childhood. Those that are still loyal will remember and rejoice at your ascension. Then the great black wolf faded into the darkness and left me in the cave to my own thoughts. I could feel the effects of the gasha fade with his departure, maybe I would wake up and find this all a bizarre dream, if not I would pursue the justice that I had been tasked with.
Fade
I walk down the long hallway of my home in Vegas, my steps echoing off the stark and barely decorated walls and dark wood flooring. I turn the handle of the door to the studio and smile.
Time to get busy ya’ll
I say as I move into what I call the dead zone, the home studio is almost completely devoid of sound. In addition to that, this is where I come to slay the monsters of wrestling. Amber had already set this up for me earlier so there was nothing to check as I grabbed the remote for the camera and approached the center where the stand-up microphone is, along with my podium. It kinda makes me feel like a minister, when I’m in here preaching to the Bane faithful. Using the remote, I start the recording for video and audio. To start off I show the remote to the viewing audience.
A simple device.
I smile as I tap the remote against my hand for emphasis.
It controls everything in this room, with a simple press of a button I could interrupt this feed or turn the lights out. This match and this tournament are like this remote. It’s all about control. The MECCA wants to control it all and we will. Not you or any of those sad sack little boys on the other side of the bracket can stop it.
I set the remote on the podium and allow it to slide to the bottom where the raised lip stops its momentum.
Like what happened right there, your momentum stops with me. Regardless of the fact that you beat Joe once, don’t be foolish enough to believe that in and of itself means anything to anyone.
My gaze hardens and I set my jaw to emphasize my determination and intensity.
I have great respect for you, as I’ve said earlier. We even have similar paths and circumstances. You lost your championship in your previous stop and were prevented from retaining it.
I lean on the podium, not with my full weight but in order to lean ever so slightly forward.
One difference is that you are just now starting to spread your wings, trying different companies on for size to see if it fits or not. For me, it’s the opposite, I don’t try companies on to see if they fit. I drive a square peg into a round hole. Usually with a sledgehammer. Another difference is, when I lost my championship in that place. I had held it a total of 4 times. Everything I could accomplish was done. I was a proven commodity and a big money draw for them. Unfortunately, they were too late in realizing that they just lost the best thing they ever had. The company proved itself not to be trustworthy and so I allowed my contract to expire without even trying to negotiate a new one. I left as a triple crown champion and certified legend.
I smirk at the camera as I allow my face to resume a more neutral expression.
I think the thing that struck me most is that you are a man who isn’t bothered by people not knowing who you are. I knew who you were long before I knew you were in this tournament. I’ve always been, consistently, a student of the game. You don’t mind that, but yet you are also a man who wants to be seen and heard. That would make you either a liar or a walking contradiction. Either way, it undermines your credibility as a competitor. But, that’s just my take on things.
I smile a small smile and wink at the camera.
You had a lot to say in the first round against Tristan. You did beat him, but at the same time, I feel it was a jaded and hollow victory for you. You allowed your hatred for the man to impact your judgment. You allowed it to color your views where I take the emotion out of it from the beginning and just call it like I see it.
I shake my head and make that “tsk tsk” sound with my mouth.
My man, that is a huge mistake for a professional. You still managed to win, but one thing you need to know is that I am not Tristan Slater. I am simply the most dangerous animal you will ever encounter inside of those ropes. There’s a reason I’m a seventeen-time world champion. Just as there is a reason you’ve only ever held one.
I look down at the podium briefly and when I look back up, my eyes have turned black and my intensity is dialed up to eleven.
It won’t matter what you say about me, it will not elicit any emotion from me. I am The Apex Predator within IIW. For years and years, people have referred to me as “The Gentleman Wolf. That man died last year and was replaced with a creature of purpose, dedication and discipline. The only thing that remains is a killer, a man without remorse or fear. A person who only seeks justice, not for the sake of redemption but for himself.
All trace of emotion was gone as if it died on my face, my next words sound almost like the growl of a feral animal.
You will not like me.
Fade.
“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” - William Jennings Bryan
Foreword.
I sit on a wooden chair that’s been turned around backward, so I straddle it instead of sitting as a normal person would. I tap lightly with my right hand against the middle slat and smile. It was going to be a huge week and I had to recap the previous one to help bring into perspective the current week.
Hey Ya’ll, it’s that time once again. Some things went as expected, while others, not so much. The expected, well that’s an easy enough thing ain’t it?
I quit drumming on the wooden slat across the back of the chair, admiring the natural grain of the wood.
I know Kim won’t take this the wrong way. I was expected to beat her, not because of a lack of ability. My baby sister fights better than most men, as Dane Preston found out the hard way. She is a certified badass and a true warrior in every sense of the word. I was expected to beat her because of the difference in experience, she was out of her weight class in this match. She’ll overcome all of this in time. Today we are as good with each other as we were before that fight, maybe better than we were. If that makes sense to those of you out there. A lot of people would prefer it if we weren’t to be transparent about it.
Pausing there I level my gaze at the camera and set my jaw.
Only a few people I know of, thought that my side of the bracket would be myself against Enigma. People have made fortunes capitalizing on the mistake of underestimating others. I know it’s true because it’s been the story of my career. No one ever thought I would amount to much of anything.
I smile a feral smile.
They’ve been paying the price for that ever since. I doubt that Thad ever considered he might lose to someone like Enigma. It’s understandable, Thad is one hell of a talent and deserves every single accolade he’s received. You could say the same thing about Enigma. Although a big fella, he hasn’t had the number of accolades that Thad has but accomplished all the same.
I shrug in indifference.
Most people won't acknowledge him or his accomplishments, even though the man is a former world champion. He looks like he’s chiseled from stone and damn sure knows his way around a wrestling ring. Roughly the same amount of experience as myself. I give him all the credit in the world for making it this far in the tournament.
I wink at the camera and grin.
You didn’t think I would come out here and just bury that motherfucker did ya? Nah, I always say what I mean and mean what I say. Pay attention kids, it gets better from here.
The scene fades as I laugh.
The Black Wolf
continued from iiwefed.boards.net/thread/1933/mac-bane-kim-pain
The night was a complete cluster fuck as far as I was concerned, this whole operation should have been handled differently. I was not a happy man at the moment and all I wanted to do was beat the crap out of a man who had been my friend for all of my adult life. Movement caught my attention, I stared into the night beyond the highway. A black wolf stood there staring at me. I felt a kinship with that animal immediately, he was out hunting too. My hunt was probably much different than his but at that moment, it was very surreal. All those stories that my great-grandfather told me, they all came rushing back. It looked down and sniffed around for a moment, I whispered a name to the wind, “Wyah”, and it lifted its head and stared at me. This was not an ordinary wolf. Black wolves were rare to begin with but this wolf had eyes of amber. A messenger or an omen of things to come. There are tons of myths and urban legends about the black dog or the black wolf being evil. They are not, the older religions teach us that they can be messengers of the old gods. At least that’s what my great-grandfather had taught me as a kid.
40 years ago
I sat cross-legged and starry eyed as my great-grandfather, Papa Barrow, told the story of the black wolf.
“This story comes from our brothers and sisters in the far north, in the Canadian Rockies.” He said in his deep but soft way of speaking. Papa was a Cherokee Medi or “Medicine Man” if you will. I had heard this story dozens of times, but I always ended up right where I was listening and hanging on to every word. His story about the black wolf had a moral, it was truth versus illusion. He continued to speak uninterruptedly, telling the story.
“The black wolf was a rare sighting, even in the land they occupied in Canada and so the elders grew concerned. They bestowed upon their two strongest warriors to find and confront the black wolf.” A child no older than I at the time raised his hand. “Yes Silver Sand, you have a question?” He was always patient with the kids of the nation, we were all very eager to learn. “Yes Papa, They wanted them to kill the wolf didn’t they?” He smiled patiently at the young girl, “Yes they did, but sometimes people don’t get what they want but what they need. You’ll see as the story continues.” She smiled in return and all hands went down as the revered old man continued.
“The two warriors, Lightning and River, took up the task with pride and set out to find the black wolf. They rode around the mountains all day but had no sign of the black wolf or any other wolf. Towards the end of the day, they spotted a cave where many warriors had used it for refuge and taking up their vision quest. They went inside, making sure it was uninhabited, and started a small fire. River pulled out a beautifully engraved pipe and began stuffing it with gasha, an herb that helped to open the mind and the spirit to their ancestors. It didn’t take long for the herb to take hold and the black wolf appeared at the mouth of the cave. These were brave and wise warriors, upon seeing the amber eyes of the wolf, they knew without a doubt that this was no ordinary wolf. When it spoke to them, it was in their minds, as they bowed down to the earth with their arms outstretched in reverence. After a few moments, the two young men returned to a seated position and the great black wolf raised its paw signaling that they were all three connected. It spoke in a deep but calm tone that almost reverberated in their heads. “My name is Wyah and I’m but a simple messenger from the great spirit. Your people have lost their way in this dark time of egos. They ignore their faith and jump to conclusions, rather than relying on the faith that they’ve been taught for centuries.”
“The two men sat patiently and waited as the wolf continued to speak. “It is imperative that you truly see into the nature of things. You must not sit in the world of illusion for your people have been called upon to light the way and remember the traditions. It was Lightening that spoke first, “Venerable one, we can see that you have heavenly powers, please explain what you mean.” Wyah considered him for a moment and then relayed to him the story of a great Medi who had been blessed with the powers to heal. “The medi has been given the gifts of prophecy and healing, each morning he would pray to the great spirit for two hours and asked the great spirit to come to him and share the secrets of healing. He would wait for hours but the great spirit never appeared in a physical form. This went on for months but no physical visitation ever occurred, causing this great healer to doubt it ever would. Each night as he slept he would have dreams of communicating with a mysterious owl and each morning he would be reenergized to continue his quest to meet the great spirit in person. Both warriors bowed their heads in reverence to the story. Stone spoke quickly, I believe I understand what you are trying to teach us, Wyah, the great spirit had visited him in his dreams but he was lost in the illusion of appearances. Wyah nodded with approval at his statement and commended him for it. “Yes, that is exactly the case.” “You’ve understood well,” the venerable Myah continued. The story I’ve told you has many parallels with things that are happening in your village and the world today. I ask that you return to your village and relay to the elders what you’ve learned from me today.”
“The next morning they returned to their village and met with the group of elders that waited for them. They relayed their story but were not believed, the two brave men were stripped of their rank as warriors. They had told them that the black wolf would arrive this very evening and so the village gathered their greatest warriors to confront the foul beast and kill it. The warriors, River, and Lightning were sent back to their respective huts to await final judgment from the village. If they had spoken true then they would be reinstated, if they had lied to the elders they would be banished from the village for five years. True to their word, the black wolf made his appearance at the entrance to the village where the fifty warriors shot arrow after arrow at him. He deflected all the arrows that came his way and changed them into white lotus flowers. To a man, the assembled warriors cast their weapons away and prostrated themselves to the black wolf. The circle of elders also dropped to their knees and prostrated themselves before the holiest of messengers. The black wolf howled in the most haunting way and then, raising a single paw much like he did with the two warriors, he spoke to them. He told them of the great spirit's message and the task that had been placed upon them.”
“You must conquer all of your fears and misconceptions of how things are in the world today. Never forget that the fruit of wisdom falls from the tree of pure awareness and an understanding of the nature of things. There is no difference between you and the universe, we are all tied together in existence.” He paused there for a moment, “To remind you of your error, you just tried to extinguish the existence of something that is part of you, just as I am part of you.” With another great howl, the visage of the great black wolf faded into the night.” Papa Barrow had finished his story and smiled at the faces that were still enthralled in the story. “Who can tell me what the moral of this story is, except you Bear Paw, you already know the answer. I nodded silently, knowing this to be a story about truth and illusion but allowed the other children to speak. Unsurprisingly, it was Silver Sand that answered it first and correctly. She was a beautiful girl with jet-black hair. I applauded when she finished her answer as did the rest of the children, in this community support for each other was paramount.”
return to the present day.
One of the agents that worked for Jeff had his night vision goggles on and his sniper rifle at the ready. “I could just kill it,” he muttered quietly, “it’s just vermine, a scraggly wolf that won’t survive much longer out here anyway.” He reached for the trigger with his index finger and the black wolf faded from view without a trace. He rubbed at his eyes, thinking it was a trick of the light. I shook my head in disgust, “Some classy people you employ, Jeff.”
Fade.
Truth vs. Illusion
The door opens and swings open almost silently as I step into the room. I swing the door back closed and it latches with an almost audible click. The studio in our home in Las Vegas is well-lit, between the natural light that comes in through the many windows here and the canned light in the ceiling. I move toward the office chair and set my black stetson down there. Then I decide, it’s time to get down to business. Now standing in front of the microphone, I begin adjusting the pop filter, making sure it is exactly where I need it to be.
Earlier we spoke at length about doing what was expected of me. Some unexpected things happened. When I first arrived here I extended a hand of friendship to Osh, the owner of this company to help save this company. I’m sure he had his reasons for not doing so. Maybe he believes that his homegrown talent is up to the task. You know, people like Matt Stone. He’s had a lot to say recently, especially about members of CCPE who just show up and then leave. Even after I said I would be here beyond the tournament. I don’t know if he’s deaf or just stupid but he spoke his peace.
I shrug in indifference and give the camera a little smirk.
You know all those calls that Joe was making backstage? They were being made to me. The inaction of Osh combined with the arrogance of Stone solidified that deal. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was signed, sealed, and delivered. I’m watching Joe’s back for more than one reason. The most important reason is that he is a brother in arms within the Enterprise. There are times that we don’t agree on things that he says or does but he’s still my little brother. The second reason is that this is business, he and I have a third and final match in our future to settle the score once and for all. I have to make sure he’s healthy enough when the time comes for that match to happen.
I spread my arms out from my sides to emphasize that it should be plain enough. IIW roster members don’t realize how much Joe and I dislike each other and they don’t need to know that, I thought to myself as I smiled.
I could go on for a while about IIW, Osh, and Shaun but that’s not the purpose or the task at hand currently. The big man, “Enigma” is the task at hand. The self-proclaimed monster and enigma. According to the dictionary, an enigma is something or someone mysterious in nature that is hard to understand. Blah blah blah
I allow my arms to come back to my sides and I hook my thumbs behind my belt buckle and smile.
Here’s the good news boys and girls…he’s neither of those things. There is absolutely nothing mysterious or scary about a man the same size as me that’s good at this. The only thing that’s scary about you is your strength and willingness to do insane shit inside the ring. I dig that because I’m the same way. I’ve always been reckless to a fault and I have no regrets about it. Being this way has cost me countless titles but has won me even more than I’ve lost.
I lock my eyes on the camera to make sure my intensity is obvious.
I’m sure he will educate us all with his eloquence when he addresses me in his promo for this match. This isn’t just any match though.
I shake my head indicating that I firmly believe it’s much more than that.
No, definitely not just another match, this is for an opportunity to face the homegrown boys for the International Title. I think it was Matt Knox who called it a few weeks ago. He knew, just as I did, that the finals would be you and I. This is the real championship match.
I pause there for a moment, allowing what I’ve said to this point to register with the audience. More importantly to make sure that they IIW home grown talent understands.
Within IIW we are ranked 7th and 8th respectively in the power rankings. My ranking is higher than his, as it should be. They know what I represent, I am what the rest of the roster aspires to be. A true star in this business. I put asses in seats everywhere I go, IIW is no different than any place else I’ve ever been. When you’re this good, everyone wants you. Joe and IIW were not the only people begging me to come to their company. There were a number of contracts offered and I turned them down.
I glare at the camera as if daring someone to dispute my claims, even though I know there’s no response coming. I am after all alone and so I continue my musings.
I’ve been a world champion on many occasions compared to your, one? Is that right? I would think that a man of your stature and ability would have captured many more than that, but here we are.
I shake my head, it’s hard to tell whether it’s dismay or disgust, I chuckling to myself.
You and Me though? This will be a war of epic proportions. We have never faced one another before but I know your work ethic and your never say die attitude. I respect the hell out of all of that. It’s simply not your time, and more than that, it’s not enough.
The howl of a wolf can be heard along with my laughter as the scene fades.
The Black Wolf continued…
The night air on the reservation was slightly warm, as we’d not really moved into the summer months quite yet. The night itself, if you knew what to listen for, was far from quiet. Nature had started its nocturnal cycle. The survival of the fittest among the night dwellers. It was a beautiful struggle that I wish more people had visibility to. That would require effort and as we all know, that’s a lot for people to digest. I mean, they’d have to put their cell phones down and pay attention. Regardless of that, I stood at the door to my great-grandfather’s old house. It was like I was being compelled to be here, even if I really didn’t want to. I had some very fond memories here from my childhood. Also some very bad ones, courtesy of my father. I went inside of the house and saw that things had probably not moved since the last time I saw Papa. His pipe, an intricately carved pipe with many glyphs or symbols if you will etched into its surface. It strikingly reminded me of the story he would tell about Wyah the black wolf. that’s because he was River from the story, came the response in my mind. I nodded, of course he was, I should have known. I looked toward the door and of course the black wolf, Wyah, stood there. I smiled and bowed deeply to the messenger. leave your human weapons behind and take only what you will need. They will be safe here, no one ever comes here anymore. I nodded my understanding and took my knife and pistol and laid them on the table.
I took the pipe and pouch containing gasha, along with Papa’s hickory bow and flint knife. If I remember correctly, the cave is to the northwest from here, I sent my link to him. You remember well, Bear Paw. I’m glad you still honor our traditions in your own way. That can be relearned in time. I smiled in return and stepped back out into the night. Myah would of course follow me to the site and stay with me until my spiritual journey was complete. We moved fast and loose up the rabbit trails until we finally found ourselves at the caves opening. What is required? I asked through our shared connection. This is not a traditional vision quest so to speak, but seeking answers from the great spirit. He knows you are here and he waits. I nodded and moved into a sitting position, crossing my legs as was the traditional way. I stuffed gasha into the pipe of my great-grandfather and lit it. It would not take long for the herbs to do what they needed to do. My entire life I had been torn between 2 different worlds. My mother’s side of the family were primarily Cherokee and the allure to be a part of them was strong for me. The Bane side of the family was black Irish and Scottish with its own history and also gave me a sense of pride. Not my fathers role in it, but his ancestors. I started reciting the mantras I had learned as a child, praying to the great spirit for guidance and revelation. I needed to understand my place in the world and the task that would be asked of me.
Soon the herbs had fully taken control and I started to see things. The first thing I saw was the face of Alexander Bane, my migrating ancestor who stood in front of our family crest. The motto of the family was, “touch not the cat” which of course is loosely translated. He had been a highlander in Scotland in addition to being a womanizer and a highwayman. By his side was his wife, Chirstianna, she was of Irish nobility. They both smiled with pride at me. they are very proud of the man you’ve become. Wyah said through our shared link. I could see it and sense it, so I knew it to be true. For the first time in a very long time, I allowed my emotions to be free and I cried tears of joy for this revelation. Next that came was my great-grandfather, River, who also smiled with pride but there was some sadness as well. you were his greatest hope but that was taken from him. He’s not sad or angry toward you, only at the circumstance. It hit me then how much I missed him, he always gave me hugs which is something I never got at home and those memories made me glad. Finally a large owl swooped into the cave and landed on the back of Wyah. It studied me for a long time, as if measuring me, weighing me in judgment. Then it too gave me a look of pride and I felt it more than saw it. I had been trying so hard to preserve the traditions of my people but had no guidance other than doing what had felt right. Justice is your task. A deeper voice than Wyah’s came through the link. The sound of his voice in my head caused my back to straighten as I sat there. My attention was firmly on the owl and it couldn’t be broken no matter how hard someone tried. Justice for your ancestors and for yourself. You are on the path that you need to be on. New friends and old are where they should be during this time of need. I sat there in absolute shock as he spoke to me. [Justice for what, great spirit? I need more clarity.[/i] The owl shimmered and disappeared as I stood staring. you will know the who and the what when it shows itself to you. Nothing less than the destruction of the aggressors is acceptable.
I bowed in the traditional way, accepting my task and my future. Thank you was all I said as I continued to sit there in thought of this ominous task. Justice for myself and my people, that covered a lot of fucking ground. The persecution of the Native American people in America was boundless. The persecution of myself was more limited to the best of my knowledge. There were people in my path that needed to be taught a lesson. Of that there was no doubt at all. We will speak again in the near future, Bear Claw, you can be assured. Did he just change my name? Yes, you are now a warrior of status among the people. They will all have dreams tonight of you and your ascension in status. Most will ignore it because they don’t know or remember you from childhood. Those that are still loyal will remember and rejoice at your ascension. Then the great black wolf faded into the darkness and left me in the cave to my own thoughts. I could feel the effects of the gasha fade with his departure, maybe I would wake up and find this all a bizarre dream, if not I would pursue the justice that I had been tasked with.
Fade
Truth vs. Illusion continued… ]
I walk down the long hallway of my home in Vegas, my steps echoing off the stark and barely decorated walls and dark wood flooring. I turn the handle of the door to the studio and smile.
Time to get busy ya’ll
I say as I move into what I call the dead zone, the home studio is almost completely devoid of sound. In addition to that, this is where I come to slay the monsters of wrestling. Amber had already set this up for me earlier so there was nothing to check as I grabbed the remote for the camera and approached the center where the stand-up microphone is, along with my podium. It kinda makes me feel like a minister, when I’m in here preaching to the Bane faithful. Using the remote, I start the recording for video and audio. To start off I show the remote to the viewing audience.
A simple device.
I smile as I tap the remote against my hand for emphasis.
It controls everything in this room, with a simple press of a button I could interrupt this feed or turn the lights out. This match and this tournament are like this remote. It’s all about control. The MECCA wants to control it all and we will. Not you or any of those sad sack little boys on the other side of the bracket can stop it.
I set the remote on the podium and allow it to slide to the bottom where the raised lip stops its momentum.
Like what happened right there, your momentum stops with me. Regardless of the fact that you beat Joe once, don’t be foolish enough to believe that in and of itself means anything to anyone.
My gaze hardens and I set my jaw to emphasize my determination and intensity.
I have great respect for you, as I’ve said earlier. We even have similar paths and circumstances. You lost your championship in your previous stop and were prevented from retaining it.
I lean on the podium, not with my full weight but in order to lean ever so slightly forward.
One difference is that you are just now starting to spread your wings, trying different companies on for size to see if it fits or not. For me, it’s the opposite, I don’t try companies on to see if they fit. I drive a square peg into a round hole. Usually with a sledgehammer. Another difference is, when I lost my championship in that place. I had held it a total of 4 times. Everything I could accomplish was done. I was a proven commodity and a big money draw for them. Unfortunately, they were too late in realizing that they just lost the best thing they ever had. The company proved itself not to be trustworthy and so I allowed my contract to expire without even trying to negotiate a new one. I left as a triple crown champion and certified legend.
I smirk at the camera as I allow my face to resume a more neutral expression.
I think the thing that struck me most is that you are a man who isn’t bothered by people not knowing who you are. I knew who you were long before I knew you were in this tournament. I’ve always been, consistently, a student of the game. You don’t mind that, but yet you are also a man who wants to be seen and heard. That would make you either a liar or a walking contradiction. Either way, it undermines your credibility as a competitor. But, that’s just my take on things.
I smile a small smile and wink at the camera.
You had a lot to say in the first round against Tristan. You did beat him, but at the same time, I feel it was a jaded and hollow victory for you. You allowed your hatred for the man to impact your judgment. You allowed it to color your views where I take the emotion out of it from the beginning and just call it like I see it.
I shake my head and make that “tsk tsk” sound with my mouth.
My man, that is a huge mistake for a professional. You still managed to win, but one thing you need to know is that I am not Tristan Slater. I am simply the most dangerous animal you will ever encounter inside of those ropes. There’s a reason I’m a seventeen-time world champion. Just as there is a reason you’ve only ever held one.
I look down at the podium briefly and when I look back up, my eyes have turned black and my intensity is dialed up to eleven.
It won’t matter what you say about me, it will not elicit any emotion from me. I am The Apex Predator within IIW. For years and years, people have referred to me as “The Gentleman Wolf. That man died last year and was replaced with a creature of purpose, dedication and discipline. The only thing that remains is a killer, a man without remorse or fear. A person who only seeks justice, not for the sake of redemption but for himself.
All trace of emotion was gone as if it died on my face, my next words sound almost like the growl of a feral animal.
You will not like me.
Fade.