Post by Roxi Johnson on Feb 28, 2013 6:44:51 GMT -5
Did I make you upset Bliss?
Strike a nerve or something?
Because that's what it seems like.
There were a lot of emotions I went through after I attentively listened to you.
Anger. Puzzlement. Confusion. Mortification.
But I think the biggest emotion I had was one I wasn't really expecting to have, You know. One that I was just shocked to have once it had passed. Because...it's you. Bliss. The "Goddess". The woman with all the answers. The woman with the mission. So yeah, that emotion overcame me. You wanna know what it was?
Disappointment.
I was expecting...so much...and I got...so little. It was weird because as I said, it's you. You never disappoint. Well, promo-wise anyway. I was waiting to hear Bliss rip me a new one, tear me to shreds verbally, make everyone believe that I was next on your hit list.
And...I didn't get that. At all.
Instead, I got this nonsense of "Saving yourself" for me at Road 2 Glory. You need to save your best for that, and not take this match seriously. Maybe it's because you realize that Ash and myself are going to beat you and Drake, and you need to have some ammo left in the gun. You need to conserve what you're going to say. Why? I guess you'd have nothing if you used it now. And that is really, really sad.
Then, you called me crazy. Not that I haven't been called that before, but coming from you, it was puzzling.
Then you insulted the fans. Ohmigod! You took the time to call out people who like me. The same people who pay to see you? who pay your salary? The people who watch you every week on television? These are the people you chose to insult? I...I don't know what to say...
I know you think you made a really impressive argument. You sure showed me how wrong I was right? I'm sorry to inform you of this, but it has to be said...
You made a fool out of yourself. When you didn't even need to.
Need I remind you Kahlan, you are the favorite. You're the steamroller coming down the line. I saw you verbally abuse guys week in and week out. You have dismantled many opponents that you've been in the ring with. You've been on a tear.
And now...this?
You know what I'm hoping for Bliss?
That the next time you come on the screen, you just unleash on me. You just tear into me. I beginning to think that you've just been luring me into a false sense of security with what you already did, making me think it was going to be easy.
I just want you to just...give it to me. Let me have it. Blast me from here to kingdom come. That's what I want. Not this.
Not the woman from a three days ago.
Not that woman who came on television and babbled and bumbled his way into completely embarrassing herself. That girl should never return.
Because we both know you're better than that.
Like the famous proverb..."Good things comes to those who wait." I want to think that you've been laying in wait, and now you're going to spring this trap. At least I hope so. That you will reach deep down and pull out the hammer of god and bring it down on me.
But, there's another proverb about this kind of thing..."He who hesitates is lost." I stumbled you right out of the blocks, Bliss. I'm zigging and your zagging, you try to get one step ahead, I change direction. You're a day late and a dollar short right now. And I know my words right now are making you angry, they enrage you, because to you, these are insults of a cocky, smug, airhead, right?
Wrong.
Let me tell you what they really are. They're words of a woman who's done this long enough to know that you need to get it together. You need to wake up. Yes, believe it or not Bliss, I'm trying to help you. The Bliss of a day ago wasted her breath trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. You need to pull your head out of your butt.
Because right now, I've already mentally defeated you.
Do you see it? Do you get it now? This is your match to win. YOU have this opportunity to make history. This is a moment that could become Bliss's finest hour.
But right now? it's the time she choked. That she fell flat on her face. And you know it, don't you? It's in the back of your mind because I put it there. Otherwise, you wouldn't have given a damn what I had to say. You would focus on you. Your goals. Your career. Your moment. But you didn't, did you?
You are off your game, and it shows.
But, You'll rebound, right? Get it back on track. Surely I didn't derail this massive freight train with a mere nail did I? No, Bliss will come out here, and she will show everyone she deserves to be a champion.
Bliss will come with his best work ever the next time he comes on the screen. She will light it up. She will work magic like she's known to do. She will set the wrestling world on fire what what she says.
At least, she better if she wants to beat me.
I mean, I have been patiently waiting, which is unusual for me, but I have been waiting for the firestorm that is coming for me, also known as Bliss's wrath. But for some reason, although I probably should be leery of what's coming...I am not. I feel calm, not really concerned about it. Almost at ease.
Yes, Bliss has toppled men like the Drake and made it look easy. But, again, I'm still not worried. Hell, she's beaten me in the past few months. You'd think that would register something, but...No. Nothing. I'm not intimidated by Bliss. I'm not in awe of her. I do not sweat Bliss. Mostly I do not FEAR Bliss.
But why you ask?
Because my name is Roxi Johnson.
I've fought the best, and I've beaten the best.
The one thing I've had for Bliss is respect.
Sadly, I don't feel like I'm getting the same.
Every time I listen to you talk, I get this bad taste in my mouth. The taste of anger I have to choke back. I get this aura, this aura of pretentiousness that I have never really seen before. Overall I get this bad vibe that no one else matters but you. And right now, all of that is getting on my nerves.
So, after this loss, I will prepare you for another one. Another one with your precious title on the line. I didn't want to do this Kahlan, but you can't leave yourself wide open like that. I'm firing the first shot, because I need to show you the error of your ways.
Speaking of explaining things, Drake, there's a word I need to explain to you:
Rules.
They exist because people like you need limits, they need rules to govern them. Because without them, the world turns to chaos. Is that what you'd like Drake? Chaos? If you do, you are not calling for revolution, you're calling for Anarchy. That's not what this is about Drake. As much as I hate to admit it, this place NEEDS a Johnny Clash to run it. Without him, it's just not the same.
Listen to me, turning into even more of a softy.
No, let me be clear. I said this place needs Johnny, just like The Joker needs Batman. There has to be a counterpoint to the point. A yin to the yang. A peanut-butter to the jelly. That is everything Clash is. Eliminating him is the worst possible idea. There has to be someone for the hero to fight against. If there is no bad guy, then, really there is no good guy. I understand that winning is the ultimate goal in this game, half the fun is besting the villain, letting him return to his dark lair to lick his wounds and vow revenge.
Once that's gone, the game isn't fun anymore.
Do you see where I'm going with this Drake?
Every revolution, remembered as good or bad, eventually is replaced by another revolution. Either that, or the revolution fails. But the one thing they have in common is there was order. There was law.
What you are calling for, in this case, Anarchy, will not solve anything here in NCW. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in. Chaos in MPW, you, standing there watching the empire burn down with a grin on your face. Then what? the next think you know, Brandon Nytrus is asking for a world title match against Jason X, Tyler Rose is running around naked ALL the time, and Chrs Cable is an even bigger douchebag.
It's not a world I want to live in.
No, your vision is one that will fail miserably.
Why? Because there is another revolution that has already begun.
My revolution.
It is what I have started, and what I will finish soon. But in my revolution, even people like you benefit. Everyone gets a fair shake because they all deserve it. No one is overlooked, undervalued, or looked at as some sort of unbeatable god because they don't like to lose.
My revolution makes it safe for people to come here and succeed, not be held under the thumb of authority, things that need to change here in MPW.
It's a beautiful dream Drake. One that I will not allow you to ruin.
I will also not allow your warped vision to come to life. You and your dream have descended to near madness. An aura of disrespect and unabashed arrogance that must be stopped. At all costs.
That brings us to Thursday.
That day, You will find out that you cannot go around disrespecting people because you want to. You will find out that you are no messiah, you are not the agent of change that I am. You've been going about it all wrong. You don't get it. Revolution does not mean Anarchy. Revolution makes things better for those fighting for it. You, Drake, have been fighting a losing battle.
I always wondered if I was capable of hating anyone.
Hate is a really strong word we use for very trivial things, you know? We hate certain foods, certain sports teams, bugs, anything under the sun that we just don’t like…we say hate.
I didn’t think I would ever really hate anybody. I’ve meet a large number of people over the years and I’ve never felt hatred for any of them. Sure, there were some douche bags every now and again, that’s life. You just deal with those people and move on. Maybe you punch them in the nose or something, but you get over it. Maybe someone gets on your last nerve, maybe they’re good at pushing buttons, maybe they’re just assholes. But do you hate that person?
An old mentor of mine gave me a scenario about hate: Picture the person you supposedly hate. Now picture yourself and that person in the same place, and they are lying in a heap before you.
You have caused it. They lay on the ground broken, bleeding, all the damage was caused by you. And you look down, and in your hands is a weapon. A gun, a knife, whatever.
And now, you have a choice to make: Do you hate this person enough to end their life? Is your hatred so strong that you would KILL that person?
My answer was always “No.”
When he asked why not, I said that people cannot help who they are. It’s in their blood. And if I hated a person enough to beat them that badly, I would be satisfied with the result. I would feel like I proved a point.
He always chuckled. “But even if you feel you proved a point, would that person understand? what would stop them from continuing to make your life miserable, or whatever it was that made you hate them?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why not kill them Why take chances?”
“Because I am not a monster. And no matter who they are, they are human beings.”
The conversation always ended there. He would say that I did not hate.
But not that I was incapable.
Even still, I wondered if I even could.
Thank you Drake. For answering that question for me.
I have come to understand something very important this week.
I HATE you.
Yes. You are the sole reason that I realized that I am capable of hatred.
Everything you do, everything you say, irritates me to no end.
Just the mere fact that you breathe? It really upsets me.
The idea that you think you’re so intelligent and witty and clever? It bugs me.
Yes, you can go ahead and pat yourself on the back Drake. You’ve gotten to me. You’re in my head. You’re under my skin. I’m pretty much seeing red every time I think about you. It’s just that bad.
And I’m not the only one. Do you know how many texts, and tweets I’ve gotten in the past week, letting me know that they want you destroyed?
Just so they don’t have to kill themselves by watching anymore Drake Hunter segments?
You can prevent suicides, Drake! Think of it.
But you already knew that right? Everyone hates you. And you’re so cool because you don’t care, right? It doesn’t bother you, right? You’ll happily take on the role of the bad guy because you’re so holier than thou that you’ll rise above it right?
Ha. You make me laugh all the time Drake Never a dull moment with you.
But all that Hate, soak that all in.
I want you to fully realize what your in for. You are in for a long night. But I’m not totally heartless, you know.
I’m giving serious consideration to beating you into unconsciousness and leaving it at that. It’ll be the nicest thing I ever do for you.
Nah, never mind. I’m just going to beat you like a dusty rug and call it a day.
Yes, I cannot allow you to have anything even remotely resembling success. I just can’t. I hate you that much.
So much, that in your case…
I will look you square in the eyes, and let the last thing you see be my smiling face.
Then… I pull the trigger.
And Ash, I think you know you can rely on me. I'm going to pull my weight, and I know you can pull yours, that big gold belt tells me as such. You and Drake can have it out, you can get your little piece on Thursday...
If there's anything left when I'm done that is.
[ Roxi and Sydney are being strapped in to the dream machine by Dr. Lord ]
Dr. Lord - Just a few moment adjustments, and we’ll be ready.
Sydney - I still don’t see why I have to do this, he’s not after me.
Roxi - He could be. It’s best if we do this together.
Sydney - Why do I think We have little to no chance in this?
Roxi - Because we don’t.
Sydney - …. I like those odds.
Dr. Lord - Alright, we’re ready. Good luck to both of you, and…we’re going to do everything we can to prevent your deaths.
[ Doctor Lord readies the needles ]
Roxi - I don’t know about you, but that was very re-assuring.
Sydney - Totally.
[ A brief injection later, and …Dreamland. ]
Roxi - Ugh…Looks like we’re here.
Sydney - Ugh. Who is this guy’s interior decorator?
Roxi - I don’t know.
Sydney - It’s cozy…it’s a Hannibal Lector sort of way.
Roxi - I think I saw this exact look on the DIY network.
Sydney - You know, the people on that network have no idea what they’re doing.
Roxi - And it shows.
Sydney - So, anyway, where is he?
Roxi - I don’t know, he could be anywhere.
Sydney - Well, do we look for him?
Roxi - I guess.
Sydney - You’re not going to suggest what I think you are, are you?
Roxi - What? Splitting up?
Sydney - Yes.
Roxi - No. Why?
Sydney - I’m just saying, every time people split up in bad horror movies, people die.
Roxi - People die for very dumb reasons in horror movies, I don’t think we’re that dumb. Are we?
Sydney - …
[… Do you really want me to answer that? ]
Roxi - Never mind. Let’s go.
Sydney - Right.
[ The two search the area high and low, finding nothing. We montage it and find them back at the same room they started. ]
Roxi - I don’t get it.
Sydney - Maybe he’s just not here.
Roxi - He’s got to be here somewhere.
Sydney - You know, I’m sick of looking.
Roxi - Wait, what are you doing?
[ Sydney stands up and begins shouting. ]
Sydney - HEY! LET’S GO! I’M TRIED OF HIDE AND SEEK! COME OUT NOW!
Roxi - Zelda, stop!
[ And then…nothing. ]
Sydney - I guess, they can pull us out. This was a waste.
Roxi - I…
[ Then, the room darkens, and Sydney and Roxi look around, finally, Clint was making his entrance. ]
Sydney - What’s going on?
Roxi - I don’t know!
[ Then, just as quickly as that, the room lights up again. ]
Roxi - He’s toying with us.
[ Roxi stands and looks around. ]
Roxi - You alright?
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - (Signing) Hello.
Is it me you’re looking for?
Roxi - You…alright?
[ Sydney‘s smile widens as she stands back up. ]
Sydney - (Signing) I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You’re all I’ve ever wanted.
And my arms are open wide.
Roxi - What the…
[ Sydney starts laughing. ]
Sydney - (Signing) Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do.
[ Finally, it’s hits. ]
Roxi - Clint!
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - Well…it’s about time you figured it out.
Roxi - Why?
Sydney - Did you really think that either one of you could defeat me here? I was simply playing a game. And now that I’ve possessed this body, there’s nothing you can do to save her.
Roxi - We’ll see about that.
[ Roxi assumes a fighting stance. ]
Sydney - Child, please. I’ve possessed this body to remind you of your failures. You didn’t save me. You didn’t save Claire, and now…poor Sydney.
Roxi - Shut up and fight.
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - Gladly
[ Using Sydney’s body, and weapons, Clint attacks, dodging the broadsword swipes, Roxi manages to send Clint/Sydney back a few steps with a kick. Clint responds with a two handed throw of the sword which narrowly misses and inbeds the sword in the wall. From there, each attempts a few hand to hand strikes, none connecting, til Clint blocks a strike, traps the arm of Roxi, wrenches it and lands several palm thrusts into Roxi’s face, neck and body, then sends her flying backwards with another strike. Roxi clutches her body and slowly stands, only to be met by arrows flying at her. She hit’s the deck as the arrows stick into the wall. Standing and spotting her opening Roxi launches a flash bang which blinds Sydney/Clint. Roxi launches into a offensive attack and begins throwing punches for all she’s worth finally dropping Sydney after a volley. Sydney simply kips up and smiles, before launching a couple of arrows, one of which manages to stick in Roxi’s shoulder. Roxi goes down and tries pulling it out, but cannot. Sydney quickly gets on top of her and grabs the arrow. ]
Sydney - Does that hurt? Let me get that for you.
Roxi - Nooo Oohh oowww ahhhh!
[ Roxi howls in pain as Clint almost gleefully begins turning the arrow in her shoulder. Roxi tries everything to reach into her pouch, but cannot. Finally, she uses her free hand to gouge the eyes of Sydney, causing Clint to break off the attack. Disoriented, Sydney stands and rubs at her eyes, allowing a final desperation attack, punctuated by a spinning roundhouse kick that flattens Sydney, effectively knocking her out. Roxi drops to her knees and cries out in pain as she attempts to remove the arrow from her shoulder. She pulls and tugs, but it doesn’t budge. Finally, she rips her mask off and places it in her mouth. Biting down as she pulls as hard as he can…it finally comes loose. Roxi breathes a sigh of relief as she drops the arrow on the floor and is about to go to Sydney and check on her, when… ]
Clint - That looks like it could get infected.
Roxi - No…
[ Clint, now in his own body, smashes Roxi’s face into the wooden floor, and begins kicking her ribs, seemingly in a rhythm and enjoying himself.
Clint - Look at all this….You practically killed your partner, you’re left arm is practically useless, a gaping shoulder wound. And now…internal bleeding. Isn’t this fun?
Roxi - Ugh…*cough*
[ Roxi is shown to be coughing up blood. Clint reaches down and pulls her up by the hair and leads her to another room. Inside what appears to be a wash room, there a huge bathtub full of water. Clint violently dunks her head into it. ]
Clint - I remember when my father did this to me. Washed away my sins. Doesn’t being pure feel great?
[ Roxi frantically fights to gain her breath, but it’s only by Clint’s hand she’s able to, and then, she’s right back down. ]
Clint - I could very easily drown you, right here, right now. But…honestly, where’s the fun in that? Besides, the water’s getting all red and bloody. Tsk. Tsk.
[ He continues to hold her under, and soon it’s well past a minute before he pulls her out and let’s her limply flop to the ground. He drags her back out into the main room, as she coughs and gasps for air. Another swift kick follows, and then violent stomps, to assure more bleeding. Finally, he picks her almost limp body off the ground and tosses her onto a bed. She lays there, barely conscious. ]
Clint - And now, to complete your humiliation, before I finally kill you. Let’s have some real fun.
Roxi - (Weakly) No…Please
Clint - Was that a please? Are you begging me right now? I never thought I’d see the day. Well, technically I didn’t, but who cares. Oh…what’s that you’re doing now?
[ Roxi begins to pick herself off the bed and stand up. But, having taken the beaten she has, she can’t do it. And falls off the bed. Crumbling to the floor in a heap, Clint takes the time to chuckle before heading back over. He picks her and places her back on the bed, before straddling her body.]
Clint - You know, this could have all been avoided had you done what I’d asked…But you wanted to be a hero. Be stubborn. Sadly, this is what hero’s get.
Roxi - (Weakly) *mumble…mumble*
Clint - What’s that?
Roxi - *unintelligible*
[ Clint leans in to hear what Roxi is saying, but can’t make it out. ]
Clint - I’m sorry my dear, but I - AGHH!
[ With her last ditch effort, Roxi begins BITING the ear of the Clint, forcing him to jerk upward, and then….]
Clint - AGHHHH!
[ Rising from the ashes, Sydney stabs Clint in the neck with the arrow that was inside Roxi’s shoulder. ]
Sydney - Dr. Lord, PULL US OUT NOW!
[ *FLASH* Suddenly, Roxi, Sydney, AND Clint are all pulled out, and into the real world. Clint lies in pain as the arrow protrudes from his neck, and Roxi lays beaten and bloody, but slowly rises to her feet, as her healing power has begun to kick in. Syndey still smarts from the attack earlier. Members of the Guild surround Clint, and are able to get him under control. ]
[ Hours later, Roxi and Sydney sit high in the rooftops over the city, more or less licking their wounds. ]
Sydney - Did you have to hit me so hard?
Roxi - Heheh OW! Don’t make me laugh.
Sydney - I think you dislocated my jaw.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Sydney - Well, at least it’s over. It IS over right?
Roxi - I hope so. Save for the occasional nightmare.
Sydney - At least now, you won’t end up intensive care afterward.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Sydney - You already said that.
Roxi - I know, but I’m sorry I drug you into this.
Sydney - Hey, we’re partners.
Roxi - You did save us both back there.
Sydney - Yeah, but I’m surprised you’re even alive. You’re one heck of a fighter.
Roxi - It’s my job.
Sydney - Well, again, at least now, no more bad dreams.
Roxi - I’ll second that. And Sydney?
Sydney - Yeah?
Roxi - Thanks.
Sydney - Don’t mention it, we’re going to be getting into a ton of other stuff as soon as we’re back in shape. Evil never sleep you know.
Roxi - …Yeah.
Sydney - Come on, let’s get out of here before we freeze to death.
Roxi - You go ahead, I’ll catch up.
[ With that, Sydney uses her grappling hook and swings away. Roxi stands and turns to…Herman, the Gargoyle.]
Roxi - Well Herman, it looks like we did it. I beat the most ruthless enemy I’ve ever faced. But I get the feeling it’s not over. There’s still a lot of work to do. I just hope I’m ready. And I hope Sydney is too.
Strike a nerve or something?
Because that's what it seems like.
There were a lot of emotions I went through after I attentively listened to you.
Anger. Puzzlement. Confusion. Mortification.
But I think the biggest emotion I had was one I wasn't really expecting to have, You know. One that I was just shocked to have once it had passed. Because...it's you. Bliss. The "Goddess". The woman with all the answers. The woman with the mission. So yeah, that emotion overcame me. You wanna know what it was?
Disappointment.
I was expecting...so much...and I got...so little. It was weird because as I said, it's you. You never disappoint. Well, promo-wise anyway. I was waiting to hear Bliss rip me a new one, tear me to shreds verbally, make everyone believe that I was next on your hit list.
And...I didn't get that. At all.
Instead, I got this nonsense of "Saving yourself" for me at Road 2 Glory. You need to save your best for that, and not take this match seriously. Maybe it's because you realize that Ash and myself are going to beat you and Drake, and you need to have some ammo left in the gun. You need to conserve what you're going to say. Why? I guess you'd have nothing if you used it now. And that is really, really sad.
Then, you called me crazy. Not that I haven't been called that before, but coming from you, it was puzzling.
Then you insulted the fans. Ohmigod! You took the time to call out people who like me. The same people who pay to see you? who pay your salary? The people who watch you every week on television? These are the people you chose to insult? I...I don't know what to say...
I know you think you made a really impressive argument. You sure showed me how wrong I was right? I'm sorry to inform you of this, but it has to be said...
You made a fool out of yourself. When you didn't even need to.
Need I remind you Kahlan, you are the favorite. You're the steamroller coming down the line. I saw you verbally abuse guys week in and week out. You have dismantled many opponents that you've been in the ring with. You've been on a tear.
And now...this?
You know what I'm hoping for Bliss?
That the next time you come on the screen, you just unleash on me. You just tear into me. I beginning to think that you've just been luring me into a false sense of security with what you already did, making me think it was going to be easy.
I just want you to just...give it to me. Let me have it. Blast me from here to kingdom come. That's what I want. Not this.
Not the woman from a three days ago.
Not that woman who came on television and babbled and bumbled his way into completely embarrassing herself. That girl should never return.
Because we both know you're better than that.
Like the famous proverb..."Good things comes to those who wait." I want to think that you've been laying in wait, and now you're going to spring this trap. At least I hope so. That you will reach deep down and pull out the hammer of god and bring it down on me.
But, there's another proverb about this kind of thing..."He who hesitates is lost." I stumbled you right out of the blocks, Bliss. I'm zigging and your zagging, you try to get one step ahead, I change direction. You're a day late and a dollar short right now. And I know my words right now are making you angry, they enrage you, because to you, these are insults of a cocky, smug, airhead, right?
Wrong.
Let me tell you what they really are. They're words of a woman who's done this long enough to know that you need to get it together. You need to wake up. Yes, believe it or not Bliss, I'm trying to help you. The Bliss of a day ago wasted her breath trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. You need to pull your head out of your butt.
Because right now, I've already mentally defeated you.
Do you see it? Do you get it now? This is your match to win. YOU have this opportunity to make history. This is a moment that could become Bliss's finest hour.
But right now? it's the time she choked. That she fell flat on her face. And you know it, don't you? It's in the back of your mind because I put it there. Otherwise, you wouldn't have given a damn what I had to say. You would focus on you. Your goals. Your career. Your moment. But you didn't, did you?
You are off your game, and it shows.
But, You'll rebound, right? Get it back on track. Surely I didn't derail this massive freight train with a mere nail did I? No, Bliss will come out here, and she will show everyone she deserves to be a champion.
Bliss will come with his best work ever the next time he comes on the screen. She will light it up. She will work magic like she's known to do. She will set the wrestling world on fire what what she says.
At least, she better if she wants to beat me.
I mean, I have been patiently waiting, which is unusual for me, but I have been waiting for the firestorm that is coming for me, also known as Bliss's wrath. But for some reason, although I probably should be leery of what's coming...I am not. I feel calm, not really concerned about it. Almost at ease.
Yes, Bliss has toppled men like the Drake and made it look easy. But, again, I'm still not worried. Hell, she's beaten me in the past few months. You'd think that would register something, but...No. Nothing. I'm not intimidated by Bliss. I'm not in awe of her. I do not sweat Bliss. Mostly I do not FEAR Bliss.
But why you ask?
Because my name is Roxi Johnson.
I've fought the best, and I've beaten the best.
The one thing I've had for Bliss is respect.
Sadly, I don't feel like I'm getting the same.
Every time I listen to you talk, I get this bad taste in my mouth. The taste of anger I have to choke back. I get this aura, this aura of pretentiousness that I have never really seen before. Overall I get this bad vibe that no one else matters but you. And right now, all of that is getting on my nerves.
So, after this loss, I will prepare you for another one. Another one with your precious title on the line. I didn't want to do this Kahlan, but you can't leave yourself wide open like that. I'm firing the first shot, because I need to show you the error of your ways.
Speaking of explaining things, Drake, there's a word I need to explain to you:
Rules.
They exist because people like you need limits, they need rules to govern them. Because without them, the world turns to chaos. Is that what you'd like Drake? Chaos? If you do, you are not calling for revolution, you're calling for Anarchy. That's not what this is about Drake. As much as I hate to admit it, this place NEEDS a Johnny Clash to run it. Without him, it's just not the same.
Listen to me, turning into even more of a softy.
No, let me be clear. I said this place needs Johnny, just like The Joker needs Batman. There has to be a counterpoint to the point. A yin to the yang. A peanut-butter to the jelly. That is everything Clash is. Eliminating him is the worst possible idea. There has to be someone for the hero to fight against. If there is no bad guy, then, really there is no good guy. I understand that winning is the ultimate goal in this game, half the fun is besting the villain, letting him return to his dark lair to lick his wounds and vow revenge.
Once that's gone, the game isn't fun anymore.
Do you see where I'm going with this Drake?
Every revolution, remembered as good or bad, eventually is replaced by another revolution. Either that, or the revolution fails. But the one thing they have in common is there was order. There was law.
What you are calling for, in this case, Anarchy, will not solve anything here in NCW. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in. Chaos in MPW, you, standing there watching the empire burn down with a grin on your face. Then what? the next think you know, Brandon Nytrus is asking for a world title match against Jason X, Tyler Rose is running around naked ALL the time, and Chrs Cable is an even bigger douchebag.
It's not a world I want to live in.
No, your vision is one that will fail miserably.
Why? Because there is another revolution that has already begun.
My revolution.
It is what I have started, and what I will finish soon. But in my revolution, even people like you benefit. Everyone gets a fair shake because they all deserve it. No one is overlooked, undervalued, or looked at as some sort of unbeatable god because they don't like to lose.
My revolution makes it safe for people to come here and succeed, not be held under the thumb of authority, things that need to change here in MPW.
It's a beautiful dream Drake. One that I will not allow you to ruin.
I will also not allow your warped vision to come to life. You and your dream have descended to near madness. An aura of disrespect and unabashed arrogance that must be stopped. At all costs.
That brings us to Thursday.
That day, You will find out that you cannot go around disrespecting people because you want to. You will find out that you are no messiah, you are not the agent of change that I am. You've been going about it all wrong. You don't get it. Revolution does not mean Anarchy. Revolution makes things better for those fighting for it. You, Drake, have been fighting a losing battle.
I always wondered if I was capable of hating anyone.
Hate is a really strong word we use for very trivial things, you know? We hate certain foods, certain sports teams, bugs, anything under the sun that we just don’t like…we say hate.
I didn’t think I would ever really hate anybody. I’ve meet a large number of people over the years and I’ve never felt hatred for any of them. Sure, there were some douche bags every now and again, that’s life. You just deal with those people and move on. Maybe you punch them in the nose or something, but you get over it. Maybe someone gets on your last nerve, maybe they’re good at pushing buttons, maybe they’re just assholes. But do you hate that person?
An old mentor of mine gave me a scenario about hate: Picture the person you supposedly hate. Now picture yourself and that person in the same place, and they are lying in a heap before you.
You have caused it. They lay on the ground broken, bleeding, all the damage was caused by you. And you look down, and in your hands is a weapon. A gun, a knife, whatever.
And now, you have a choice to make: Do you hate this person enough to end their life? Is your hatred so strong that you would KILL that person?
My answer was always “No.”
When he asked why not, I said that people cannot help who they are. It’s in their blood. And if I hated a person enough to beat them that badly, I would be satisfied with the result. I would feel like I proved a point.
He always chuckled. “But even if you feel you proved a point, would that person understand? what would stop them from continuing to make your life miserable, or whatever it was that made you hate them?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why not kill them Why take chances?”
“Because I am not a monster. And no matter who they are, they are human beings.”
The conversation always ended there. He would say that I did not hate.
But not that I was incapable.
Even still, I wondered if I even could.
Thank you Drake. For answering that question for me.
I have come to understand something very important this week.
I HATE you.
Yes. You are the sole reason that I realized that I am capable of hatred.
Everything you do, everything you say, irritates me to no end.
Just the mere fact that you breathe? It really upsets me.
The idea that you think you’re so intelligent and witty and clever? It bugs me.
Yes, you can go ahead and pat yourself on the back Drake. You’ve gotten to me. You’re in my head. You’re under my skin. I’m pretty much seeing red every time I think about you. It’s just that bad.
And I’m not the only one. Do you know how many texts, and tweets I’ve gotten in the past week, letting me know that they want you destroyed?
Just so they don’t have to kill themselves by watching anymore Drake Hunter segments?
You can prevent suicides, Drake! Think of it.
But you already knew that right? Everyone hates you. And you’re so cool because you don’t care, right? It doesn’t bother you, right? You’ll happily take on the role of the bad guy because you’re so holier than thou that you’ll rise above it right?
Ha. You make me laugh all the time Drake Never a dull moment with you.
But all that Hate, soak that all in.
I want you to fully realize what your in for. You are in for a long night. But I’m not totally heartless, you know.
I’m giving serious consideration to beating you into unconsciousness and leaving it at that. It’ll be the nicest thing I ever do for you.
Nah, never mind. I’m just going to beat you like a dusty rug and call it a day.
Yes, I cannot allow you to have anything even remotely resembling success. I just can’t. I hate you that much.
So much, that in your case…
I will look you square in the eyes, and let the last thing you see be my smiling face.
Then… I pull the trigger.
And Ash, I think you know you can rely on me. I'm going to pull my weight, and I know you can pull yours, that big gold belt tells me as such. You and Drake can have it out, you can get your little piece on Thursday...
If there's anything left when I'm done that is.
[ Roxi and Sydney are being strapped in to the dream machine by Dr. Lord ]
Dr. Lord - Just a few moment adjustments, and we’ll be ready.
Sydney - I still don’t see why I have to do this, he’s not after me.
Roxi - He could be. It’s best if we do this together.
Sydney - Why do I think We have little to no chance in this?
Roxi - Because we don’t.
Sydney - …. I like those odds.
Dr. Lord - Alright, we’re ready. Good luck to both of you, and…we’re going to do everything we can to prevent your deaths.
[ Doctor Lord readies the needles ]
Roxi - I don’t know about you, but that was very re-assuring.
Sydney - Totally.
[ A brief injection later, and …Dreamland. ]
Roxi - Ugh…Looks like we’re here.
Sydney - Ugh. Who is this guy’s interior decorator?
Roxi - I don’t know.
Sydney - It’s cozy…it’s a Hannibal Lector sort of way.
Roxi - I think I saw this exact look on the DIY network.
Sydney - You know, the people on that network have no idea what they’re doing.
Roxi - And it shows.
Sydney - So, anyway, where is he?
Roxi - I don’t know, he could be anywhere.
Sydney - Well, do we look for him?
Roxi - I guess.
Sydney - You’re not going to suggest what I think you are, are you?
Roxi - What? Splitting up?
Sydney - Yes.
Roxi - No. Why?
Sydney - I’m just saying, every time people split up in bad horror movies, people die.
Roxi - People die for very dumb reasons in horror movies, I don’t think we’re that dumb. Are we?
Sydney - …
[… Do you really want me to answer that? ]
Roxi - Never mind. Let’s go.
Sydney - Right.
[ The two search the area high and low, finding nothing. We montage it and find them back at the same room they started. ]
Roxi - I don’t get it.
Sydney - Maybe he’s just not here.
Roxi - He’s got to be here somewhere.
Sydney - You know, I’m sick of looking.
Roxi - Wait, what are you doing?
[ Sydney stands up and begins shouting. ]
Sydney - HEY! LET’S GO! I’M TRIED OF HIDE AND SEEK! COME OUT NOW!
Roxi - Zelda, stop!
[ And then…nothing. ]
Sydney - I guess, they can pull us out. This was a waste.
Roxi - I…
[ Then, the room darkens, and Sydney and Roxi look around, finally, Clint was making his entrance. ]
Sydney - What’s going on?
Roxi - I don’t know!
[ Then, just as quickly as that, the room lights up again. ]
Roxi - He’s toying with us.
[ Roxi stands and looks around. ]
Roxi - You alright?
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - (Signing) Hello.
Is it me you’re looking for?
Roxi - You…alright?
[ Sydney‘s smile widens as she stands back up. ]
Sydney - (Signing) I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You’re all I’ve ever wanted.
And my arms are open wide.
Roxi - What the…
[ Sydney starts laughing. ]
Sydney - (Signing) Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do.
[ Finally, it’s hits. ]
Roxi - Clint!
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - Well…it’s about time you figured it out.
Roxi - Why?
Sydney - Did you really think that either one of you could defeat me here? I was simply playing a game. And now that I’ve possessed this body, there’s nothing you can do to save her.
Roxi - We’ll see about that.
[ Roxi assumes a fighting stance. ]
Sydney - Child, please. I’ve possessed this body to remind you of your failures. You didn’t save me. You didn’t save Claire, and now…poor Sydney.
Roxi - Shut up and fight.
[ Sydney turns to her and smiles. ]
Sydney - Gladly
[ Using Sydney’s body, and weapons, Clint attacks, dodging the broadsword swipes, Roxi manages to send Clint/Sydney back a few steps with a kick. Clint responds with a two handed throw of the sword which narrowly misses and inbeds the sword in the wall. From there, each attempts a few hand to hand strikes, none connecting, til Clint blocks a strike, traps the arm of Roxi, wrenches it and lands several palm thrusts into Roxi’s face, neck and body, then sends her flying backwards with another strike. Roxi clutches her body and slowly stands, only to be met by arrows flying at her. She hit’s the deck as the arrows stick into the wall. Standing and spotting her opening Roxi launches a flash bang which blinds Sydney/Clint. Roxi launches into a offensive attack and begins throwing punches for all she’s worth finally dropping Sydney after a volley. Sydney simply kips up and smiles, before launching a couple of arrows, one of which manages to stick in Roxi’s shoulder. Roxi goes down and tries pulling it out, but cannot. Sydney quickly gets on top of her and grabs the arrow. ]
Sydney - Does that hurt? Let me get that for you.
Roxi - Nooo Oohh oowww ahhhh!
[ Roxi howls in pain as Clint almost gleefully begins turning the arrow in her shoulder. Roxi tries everything to reach into her pouch, but cannot. Finally, she uses her free hand to gouge the eyes of Sydney, causing Clint to break off the attack. Disoriented, Sydney stands and rubs at her eyes, allowing a final desperation attack, punctuated by a spinning roundhouse kick that flattens Sydney, effectively knocking her out. Roxi drops to her knees and cries out in pain as she attempts to remove the arrow from her shoulder. She pulls and tugs, but it doesn’t budge. Finally, she rips her mask off and places it in her mouth. Biting down as she pulls as hard as he can…it finally comes loose. Roxi breathes a sigh of relief as she drops the arrow on the floor and is about to go to Sydney and check on her, when… ]
Clint - That looks like it could get infected.
Roxi - No…
[ Clint, now in his own body, smashes Roxi’s face into the wooden floor, and begins kicking her ribs, seemingly in a rhythm and enjoying himself.
Clint - Look at all this….You practically killed your partner, you’re left arm is practically useless, a gaping shoulder wound. And now…internal bleeding. Isn’t this fun?
Roxi - Ugh…*cough*
[ Roxi is shown to be coughing up blood. Clint reaches down and pulls her up by the hair and leads her to another room. Inside what appears to be a wash room, there a huge bathtub full of water. Clint violently dunks her head into it. ]
Clint - I remember when my father did this to me. Washed away my sins. Doesn’t being pure feel great?
[ Roxi frantically fights to gain her breath, but it’s only by Clint’s hand she’s able to, and then, she’s right back down. ]
Clint - I could very easily drown you, right here, right now. But…honestly, where’s the fun in that? Besides, the water’s getting all red and bloody. Tsk. Tsk.
[ He continues to hold her under, and soon it’s well past a minute before he pulls her out and let’s her limply flop to the ground. He drags her back out into the main room, as she coughs and gasps for air. Another swift kick follows, and then violent stomps, to assure more bleeding. Finally, he picks her almost limp body off the ground and tosses her onto a bed. She lays there, barely conscious. ]
Clint - And now, to complete your humiliation, before I finally kill you. Let’s have some real fun.
Roxi - (Weakly) No…Please
Clint - Was that a please? Are you begging me right now? I never thought I’d see the day. Well, technically I didn’t, but who cares. Oh…what’s that you’re doing now?
[ Roxi begins to pick herself off the bed and stand up. But, having taken the beaten she has, she can’t do it. And falls off the bed. Crumbling to the floor in a heap, Clint takes the time to chuckle before heading back over. He picks her and places her back on the bed, before straddling her body.]
Clint - You know, this could have all been avoided had you done what I’d asked…But you wanted to be a hero. Be stubborn. Sadly, this is what hero’s get.
Roxi - (Weakly) *mumble…mumble*
Clint - What’s that?
Roxi - *unintelligible*
[ Clint leans in to hear what Roxi is saying, but can’t make it out. ]
Clint - I’m sorry my dear, but I - AGHH!
[ With her last ditch effort, Roxi begins BITING the ear of the Clint, forcing him to jerk upward, and then….]
Clint - AGHHHH!
[ Rising from the ashes, Sydney stabs Clint in the neck with the arrow that was inside Roxi’s shoulder. ]
Sydney - Dr. Lord, PULL US OUT NOW!
[ *FLASH* Suddenly, Roxi, Sydney, AND Clint are all pulled out, and into the real world. Clint lies in pain as the arrow protrudes from his neck, and Roxi lays beaten and bloody, but slowly rises to her feet, as her healing power has begun to kick in. Syndey still smarts from the attack earlier. Members of the Guild surround Clint, and are able to get him under control. ]
[ Hours later, Roxi and Sydney sit high in the rooftops over the city, more or less licking their wounds. ]
Sydney - Did you have to hit me so hard?
Roxi - Heheh OW! Don’t make me laugh.
Sydney - I think you dislocated my jaw.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Sydney - Well, at least it’s over. It IS over right?
Roxi - I hope so. Save for the occasional nightmare.
Sydney - At least now, you won’t end up intensive care afterward.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Sydney - You already said that.
Roxi - I know, but I’m sorry I drug you into this.
Sydney - Hey, we’re partners.
Roxi - You did save us both back there.
Sydney - Yeah, but I’m surprised you’re even alive. You’re one heck of a fighter.
Roxi - It’s my job.
Sydney - Well, again, at least now, no more bad dreams.
Roxi - I’ll second that. And Sydney?
Sydney - Yeah?
Roxi - Thanks.
Sydney - Don’t mention it, we’re going to be getting into a ton of other stuff as soon as we’re back in shape. Evil never sleep you know.
Roxi - …Yeah.
Sydney - Come on, let’s get out of here before we freeze to death.
Roxi - You go ahead, I’ll catch up.
[ With that, Sydney uses her grappling hook and swings away. Roxi stands and turns to…Herman, the Gargoyle.]
Roxi - Well Herman, it looks like we did it. I beat the most ruthless enemy I’ve ever faced. But I get the feeling it’s not over. There’s still a lot of work to do. I just hope I’m ready. And I hope Sydney is too.
