Post by Roman Cripate on Jul 8, 2011 22:30:08 GMT -5
Seated in the office of Mark Rivera, Redemption looks across at the owner of the Asylum, sweat still pouring down their faces having just completed their match in the ring. Roman Cripate appears none to happy, completely frustrated with the result and his own performance in the ring. Ethen Bonelo sits stoic, unfazed by the chaos that surrounds him. Rivera folds his hands on his as he looks seemingly out at space, allowing the two masked men to stew uncomfortably for a moment before addressing them
Rivera: “As I'm sure you know this is my Asylum and I can do whatever I see fit with it. I'm sure the two of you have heard about all the 'things' I did to finally get back to where I belong. I've never accepted failure and I'm not going to accept it from my subordinates.”
Cripate flinches slightly at the tone of Rivera. Not a nervous twitch but more likely that of suppressed anger. It doesn't go unnoticed by Mr. Rivera either as he looks at the masked man, his hair still matted after the contest earlier.
Rivera: “Is something the matter Roman?”
Roman turns to Bonelo, his mind racing trying to formulate a response that would appease Rivera, knowing that at the slightest whim Rivera could put an end to their tenure. Bonelo returns the gaze as the two stare at each other in silence, almost as if communicating by telepathy.
Roman: “Sir, if you're going to get rid of us Ethen shouldn't have to go. I got pinned out there, he didn't. Yes, the record states that Redemption lost, but Ethen didn't. As far as I'm concerned he's not been pinned or submitted in an EUW ring and deserves a chance to show he belongs.”
Rivera: “So you're willing to fall on the sword in order to spare your partner?”
Roman: “Yes.”
Rivera: “Interesting.”
Rivera nods his head in amused contemplation as he studies the two masquerading men in front of him. He leans back in his chair, linking his hands as he taps his thumbs against his chest.
Rivera: “Teamwork. It's something I've never been particularly good at. I've always been someone who looks at a partnership as either a dominant and submissive, or parasitic relationship. That being said your loyalty is something that I can I understand. You see, everyone here in EUW seems to be looking out for their best interest. Shawn Ashen nearly bankrupted my operation by pulling out in order to finance Scorpion's reign. The Las Vegas Commission seemingly forgot about who brought them back into wrestling, who made certain they got the tag team titles as soon as Oblivion returned. Even Warrior and his merry band are in this for themselves. They'd stab each other in the back if it meant they could get over the hump though they play the part well in my company.
I'm not going to release either of you, instead I'm going to see just how far loyalty can take you here in my Asylum. In fact, in two weeks I'm going to put it to the test when you step into the ring against the Dogs of War.”
Roman and Ethen look at each other. Though Bonelo's expression hasn't changed during the entire time, what should be elation on the face of Roman Cripate is still measured, knowing full well that the tone in Rivera's voice precludes continuation.
Rivera: “Sure, you'll be jerking the curtains for the big boys but it's better than the unemployment isn't it?”
Rivera pauses and looks at Roman who doesn't answer.
Rivera: “Isn't it?”
Cripate is still stopped as instead of turning to Ethen for guidance, he stares straight down the barrel of the gun as he looks right in the eyes of Mark Rivera without saying a word. The aura of the room becomes heavy as everything seems static until slowly the upper lip of Mark Rivera begins to curl.
Rivera: “Very good. Don't forget this though Roman. Always remember what it felt like to beg, and when you were there who brought you up from your knees.”
With a dismissive nod from Rivera, Roman and Ethen get to their feet as they exit his office, ignoring the smirking Rivera. The door opens without a creak from the well oiled hinges, but closes with a loud thud as Roman Cripate, none to pleased with his performance in the ring, nor the actions of Mark Rivera, slams the door shut.
Roman Cripate: Origins
1.2
1.2
“If she sees you with that she's going to have a fit.”
I took another drag from my cigarette as I sat on his porch looking out over the lake. I hadn't smoked in almost two years. It was a stupid vice; something I had picked up when I was rebelling against everything. Every muscle in my body wanted to toss it aside and spit out the tar that was already beginning to mix with the mucus in my mouth, but psychologically I couldn't. I needed something, anything to create some distance for myself, to give me time to gather my thoughts. Taking another drag, I knocked the ash off the edge as I turned and looked at him.
“I know but I need it, just one” I said. I wasn't pleading with him for acceptance, in fact I almost wanted his shame, someone to feel disappointment in me. Two hours ago I had lost, was unable to capitalize on the opportunity of a lifetime and yet for the first time in almost two years, I was at peace with myself. I should have been beating myself up inside, I should have been disavowing everything I had worked towards as I began my next chapter. Yet I couldn't. My loss had finally allowed me to regain the euphoria that had drawn me to the ring. It allowed me to rise above all the bullshit that had plagued it.
“I'm going to come back one day.” I told him as he nodded his head in the affirmative.
“I knew you were” he answered with a smile, “and you might not be alone this time.”
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow and with his words, I immediately dropped the cigarette still smouldering in my hands and quickly crushed it with my foot.
“It's over” he said, “finished.”
I knew from the tone of his voice he was disappointed. He had poured so much into making it work, fought so hard against a number of obstacles and it wasn't to be. The look in his eyes however suggested something different, the same feeling I had been experiencing moments prior. In his eyes there was an excitement. The knee was still as ravaged as ever, he would never be the same he was before but mentally he had recovered. He had grown tired as the months had worn on, not as young as he once was, nor as patient with dealing with the problems presented by his growing fame.
“It needs to be different this time though, a new challenge. You know that as soon as you come back that everything isn't going to be utopia you seemingly found this evening. Everyone speaks well of those as they leave but if you come back it's not going to be the same” he said to me.
“I know” I responded but already my mind had begun to formulate a plan. Though academically I had never flourished, numbers were always my downfall, I was far from dumb. As we looked at the tide coming in against the shoreline, silent in thought, she strode up behind us.
“What 'cha lookin' at?” she said. Her voice was still melodic to my ears but I knew she was in a better place.
“How to get wrestling back to the way it was when we first broke in” we both responded in unison.
She paused for a moment and then smiled at us. “It's easy” she stated, “break in all over.”
And with those words, Roman Cripate came into being.
We wear the mask that grins and lies
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes.
-- Paul Laurance Dunbar
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes.
-- Paul Laurance Dunbar
One of the most culturally significant poems in American History, the words of Paul Laurance Dunbar still hold water in the twenty first century. Originally written as a metaphor about the pseudo-happiness exuded by twentieth century “negro's”, in the present time it also carries significant weight for many people inside the public spotlight. Expected to act a certain way and judged by a sense of heightened morality expected from the upper echelon: there is simply no air when seated upon the perch of fame. In order to transcend the fate that befalls so many others, to get to a level where the glitz and glamour or present, the greatest sacrifice of all must be made: the death of one's self.
For Roman Cripate and Ethen Bonelo, their foray into EUW presents a chance to resurrect themselves. In a past life they had committed sacrifices necessary to achieve everything they had desired. Yet for them the grass was no greener on the other side and the wall they had crossed could not be scaled back to the other side, fame had seemingly claimed two more. Yet like Ignotus Peverall, the two cloaked themselves and managed to somehow escape from her clutches.
The facade however seemed to weaken them, as for the first time ever as a team, Redemption had fallen two weeks ago against Violent Conduct. Perhaps it was ring rust coming off of a long lay-off, perhaps the competition they had faced previously was nothing like the caliber of wrestler in EUW, or possibly their lack of reputation failing to strike fear into the heart of their opponent. Anyone individually or a combination of all three could potentially have been reason for their downfall but neither would admit to it. Instead their eyes shifted immediately to the future, spurred on by their meeting with Mark Rivera. Their path was now obvious; emulate the success of their brother Ewan Jakeway ...
Defeat the Dogs of War.
For Roman Cripate and Ethen Bonelo, their foray into EUW presents a chance to resurrect themselves. In a past life they had committed sacrifices necessary to achieve everything they had desired. Yet for them the grass was no greener on the other side and the wall they had crossed could not be scaled back to the other side, fame had seemingly claimed two more. Yet like Ignotus Peverall, the two cloaked themselves and managed to somehow escape from her clutches.
The facade however seemed to weaken them, as for the first time ever as a team, Redemption had fallen two weeks ago against Violent Conduct. Perhaps it was ring rust coming off of a long lay-off, perhaps the competition they had faced previously was nothing like the caliber of wrestler in EUW, or possibly their lack of reputation failing to strike fear into the heart of their opponent. Anyone individually or a combination of all three could potentially have been reason for their downfall but neither would admit to it. Instead their eyes shifted immediately to the future, spurred on by their meeting with Mark Rivera. Their path was now obvious; emulate the success of their brother Ewan Jakeway ...
Defeat the Dogs of War.
Cripate: “I was fourteen the last time I had to do this.”
Bonelo: “I told you Mark Rivera wasn't someone that was going to be our friend. You thought we had it tough before, but Rivera's a whole different ball game. He's only worried about himself. He doesn't see any value in two harlequins on television.”
Seated right near the curtain that separates the entrance ramp from the backstage area, Roman Cripate and Ethen Bonelo talk amongst themselves, dressed in their wrestling gear as they listen to the crowd slowly pour in. Relegated to the non-televised portion of the card changed their entire routine. Gone was the chance to watch the opening guys, usually green but fresh never the less; their jubilation at simply getting a chance to wrestle in the big leagues and eager hopefulness at making an impression. Gone too were the large crowds in attendance. There was something strange about going from having everyone's undivided attention, to gaining it for a fleeting second as they grabbed a soda from the vendor, found their seats and then sat with their nose plastered against their cell phone, twittering about how exciting a night it was going to be.
Watching the frenzied pace of technicians, makeup artists and roadies preparing for the night of action, the conversation stops for a moment as one of the sound tech's ducks past the two carrying some form of mix-deck out to the announce table at ring side.
Cripate: “I know, how many times do I have to say it. We did say we wanted to start fresh though and unless we were picked straight out of the garden it doesn't get much fresher than this.
Bonelo chuckles at Roman's remark as he turns his focus off of a makeup artist running around looking for Rock Gibson and gives it back to Roman.
Cripate: “And it's still not a bad situation when you think of it. Last week these guys were fighting for the tag team championship.”
Bonelo: “I don't know. You saw their performance last week. It's as if they didn't show up. They're close to Rivera ... as close as he allows you to get to him and they certainly realize what this is. It's his way of sending them a message that he'll do anything, regardless of whether you're friend or foe. He's given them a life line though, instead of outright cutting them he's given them what he perceives as a breeze match. They come down, out class us, and begin to look like a million bucks again. He made this match to get them back on the right side, not as an opportunity for us to prove ourselves.”
Cripate: “His intentions don't matter though. Answer me this: when have we ever given a fuck about someone else's intentions?”
Ethen smiles to himself.
Bonelo: “You make it sound like we're a couple bad-asses our something. Renegades, men on the lam.”
Cripate: “We kind of are though, aren't we?”
Bonelo: “Touche.”
During their conversation, Sarah Thompson, EUW Interviewer had strolled up behind them. As Bonelo finishes she clears her throat slightly causing the two to turn their heads towards her. A smile curls across the lips of Cripate as he looks at the dazzling blonde reporter.
Thompson: “Hi.”
Cripate: “Hi!”
Ethen laughs along with Sarah at the intentionally over-exaggerated hello that comes out of the mouth of Roman Cripate.
Thompson: “I don't think we've met; I'm Sarah Thompson one of the reporters here in EUW. I was hoping I could get a few words from you about tonight's match before you head out.”
Roman and Ethen shoot each other a sideways look simultaneously, neither particularly fond of the entire backstage interview.
Thompson: “It'll be live on euw.com and our mobile application for apple and android devices.”
Again, the two members of Redemption look at each other but this time their reactions are slightly different. With both in unspoken agreement, Roman turns back towards Sarah Thompson.
Cripate: “Take a seat.”
Sarah climbs over Roman and Ethen, sitting on a seat above them and leaning forward as the cameraman that was waiting in the wings sets up and begins to roll live.
Thompson: “Ladies and gentleman, I'm here with Roman Cripate and Ethen Bonelo, collectively known as Redemption who two weeks ago in a losing effort against Violent Conduct. Tonight they'll take on Dogs of War in a match that will be broadcast live only on www.euw.com. Now guys, no one truly knows what to make of the two of you. In EUW our only masked superstar has been the lovable Dante Holly, is it fair to say the two of you, along with your fellow Redemption member Ewan are unlike our currently injured superhero?”
Bonelo: “There's two answers to that question Sarah. I would say you're wrong because in some respects we're the same as Dante Holly irrespective our cloaked identities. You're talking about someone who goes out to the ring each and every night because that's what he loved doing and that's the same as us. Dante's someone who's always going to be loyal to those who surround them and that's like us as well. Through thick and thin Roman and I have always fought along side of each other. We've been on the top of the mountain, we've experienced fame and everything it entails and that didn't drive us apart. Two weeks ago Roman volunteered to walk away from EUW, put aside his dreams so that I might be able to accomplish mine. That's loyalty, something Dante Holly has beyond measure same as us.
In the same breath though, you're right because we couldn't be further from Dante Holly. Where as he sees the wrestling ring with rose coloured glasses. Our love for that ring was threatened by everything that went on around us. For six months neither of us stepped in the ring because we knew that when we did that it was going to be the same thing. We wanted to be able to cherish the good memories we had without them being sullied, coated in the bullshit that plagues this business. We had tried to scrub it off, fight against it but we just couldn't keep up, which brings us to where we are now. Again back to the similarities between Dante Holly and us: we're both masked, and the differences: he's masked to protect his identity as a hero who saves others, we're only masked to save ourselves.
Is it selfish, yes, but it's the path we've chosen.”
Thompson: “And that path lead you here to EUW. What was it like last week to step foot inside of the EUW ring.”
Cripate: “To be honest it was like every other time we've stepped into the ring, except for the fact that we lost. That was the biggest difference is the level of competition for us. For so long we were considered the best of the best, the pinnacle of tag team wrestling and now we're back to nobodies. We've got to work our way back up to the top and that's refreshing. It's something we've wanted to do and we feel no shame in losing to Violent Conduct. They're one hell of a tag team and part of the reason that many people are talking about the rise the tag team division here in EUW is going to explode. We hope we can be a part of that rise as well.”
Thompson: “Which brings us to the Dogs of War as we're running out of time.”
Cripate: “What is there to say, Sarah? Chance Fusion is a former pure champion, Superbitch is the only female to make it successfully inside of the ring here in EUW. As a tandem they're going to present a tough test but nothing we can't stand up and fight against.”
A producer steps up behind the two into the shot, giving Ethen and Roman there two minute call.
Bonelo: “What they are Sarah, is our stepping stone.”
Ethen and Roman get up and leave Sarah behind as she turns and faces the camera.
Thompson: “Big words from Redemption as they look to back it up in a few minutes against the Dogs of War”
Chance Fusion, Superbitch, tonight we're both in unfamiliar territory. You two came waltzing back into the EUW alongside Warrior and seemingly left your mark on the tag team division. You helped brutalize Jace Ambrose, you joined forces with Mr. Luck and took out Damaged Goods as they searched for Annette Ritter and because of that found yourself with an opportunity at the tag team titles. You didn't just let that opportunity slip between your fingers, you simply and utterly blew it. You were dominated in that ring, Damaged Goods took you over their knees and smacked you until your bottoms were as red as Randy White's cheeks on four-twenty.
Now you find yourself jerking the curtain alongside of us. Your backs up against the wall 'cause you know your buddy Rivera isn't going to let you go with another performance like you put on two weeks ago. Their should be ample motivation for you to come out and give us the beating of a life time and you're expected to do that. Redemption is nothing but a failed experiment to you guys, it's two clowns running around in masks pretending they were once something great because it's the only way they can hope to strike fear in the heart of their opponents. You can call our bluff but we're turning over a royal flush because for everything that's pushing you, we've got it in spades. You've had your shot in EUW, we're fighting for ours. You've got your job locked up being Warrior's lackeys, we're looking at the unemployment line. Not only that but you represent everything that we fought hard against and failed. You are the personification of every corrupt value that forced us to don these masks.
You can look at our match last week and think that you're going to walk over us but this weeks a little different. It's only the four of us inside of the ring, it's only two teams going up against each other and Violent Conduct knocked all the ring rust off of us. You're not going up against a team looking to get their sea-faring legs back but the best in the business. We came to EUW with the intention to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are the best. We wanted to avoid the bullshit, the politics, everything that you have openly embraced, and rise above it to the pinnacle. We want to get back to when wrestling was pure, no one was stabbing each other in the back for personal gain. Redemption is simply that, it's our own personal mission, redeeming ourselves to ourselves, to get back to where we were as the fresh rookies that usually fill the slot we do today when wrestling was simply fun.
Last week was the prelude, the prologue to that and tonight's the first aria, the first chapter. Tonight we cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.
As the door slams shut Ethen looks at Roman, his face contorted in frustration.
Cripate: “This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.”
Bonelo: “Just control it and let it loose in two weeks in our match.”
Cripate: “Such a cunt!”
Bonelo: “I haven't heard that one in a while.”
Cripate: “You weren't with me last Thursday.”
Ethen smiles as the two push open the door exiting the arena, the same motion in two weeks they would repeat ... hopefully this time as victors.