Post by Cameron Corvis on Sept 10, 2009 15:04:48 GMT -6
"They say silence is a form of cowardliness. Someone who chooses to live in regret and not face the challenges that lie ahead. I hadn't spoke in nearly two weeks. Not a word to anyone. I showed up to my match against Xavier Cross, but that's all I did... show up. That wasn't me. That wasn't the version of me that would be seen at Battlegrounds. That was a shell of myself. Nothing more. Nothing less. I knew what was at stake. I knew the opportunity that I was given. That I achieved. There was a reason for my silence though. There was a reason for it all."
September 5th, 2007
A large group of people in all black began circling around a black casket in a local cemetery in Philadelphia. The crisp early morning air created a foggy atmosphere from the breathing of all the family and friends that had come to pay there respects to Martin Leonardo Veranzio, who was being laid to rest. The distinct sound of cries of sorrow and weeps of grief can be heard from many of the females in the circle, while most of the men were trying their hardest to hold it in all in, even though the occasional tear would roll down the cheek and onto the grassy surface beneath. At the head of the casket stood a priest with his bible open and from his mouth, he spoke the word of god.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."[/b]
The priest placed his right hand on the casket, his left still firmly holding the bible.
"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."[/b]
Amen flew from every person’s mouth, including my own, as the Lord’s Prayer ended. The priest splashed some holy water onto the casket as many of Martin’s friends and family begin to put cards, flowers, and personnel items on top of the casket. I could only stand and watch.
"The second anniversary of the only father figure I ever had came to me at the worst possible moment. Here I was, about to enter the biggest match, arguably in my lifetime and I had forgotten about Martin. Before my sister called me to remind me of the news, the only thing that drifted on my mind was Steve Awesome and Mike Honcho. At the time, they were all that mattered. They were my only concern. The rest of the world ceased to even exist. Now everything had changed."
September 5th, 2007
I was dressed in an all black tuxedo and a dark pair of sunglasses as I stood firmly, looking down at Martin’s casket. A small tear drop gently sloping down my cheek and onto the black casket.
"You were like a father I never had. The only one I felt comfortable talking with. And I know I was like a son you never were able to have. You know, I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time and how hard it will be on me. Hmmf…. I never thought it would be this hard. I remember the day you told me I would become something, that I would become a someone. I failed though; I never became anything, but a person who looked for excuses when something went wrong. Maybe Samantha was right, I need to start blaming myself. I need to stop looking for excuses. Maybe if I would have done that, you wouldn’t be here today. Maybe I should just stop blaming altogether. I should just let whatever happens, happen. Like it was meant to happen. I just don’t know anymore."
I hit my knees, the emotions racing through my body as I hugged tightly around the casket.
"I use to come to you when something went wrong. You would be the first person I’d see or call. And you were there every time I needed you. You never failed me, not once. I wanna believe you are in a better place, I really do. I won’t know until the day I die comes. But what I do know is that somehow, someway, we will meet again. It’s going to be hard for me without you, but I know you will be with me through spirit. At least that is what everyone keeps saying to me. Regardless of what they say, I will never forget you, you will always remain in my heart. For all eternity."
Pushing myself backup from the ground, I stood once again as I took off the sunglasses to wipe the puddles that had formed underneath my eyes.
"I had completely forgotten the one person that had gotten me to this place I'm in right now. Maybe that is why there is such things as anniversary's. So we don't forget what we have and what we've lost along the way."
It was at this time that I realized that I needed Martin now more then ever.
"Sometimes life isn't fair. I know that more then most people in this world. But I also know, thanks to The Forgotten, that it's not worth sobbing about it. It's not worth wasting time thinking "what if?". I know what's on the line at Battlegrounds. I know what I have to get done. I know Falcon, Spike, and Rob are expecting me to walk out with the National Championship."
It almost felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I wasn't use to having such lofty expectations. I was used to doing whatever. Winning, losing, it never mattered to me. But now... but now it did.
"Steve, I know how much being a champion means to you. I really do. I see the passion you bring to the ring each and every night you compete. I guess some would commend you for that. I can't do that though Steve. I can't respect a guy who flaunts for the appreciation of the fans. What's the point? So they can buy another Steve Awesome t-shirt? So they can go around saying "how cool!" you are? Steve, you're part of the reason we formed The Forgotten. It's guys like you who have been given there shots for no reason at all. You're a little different though Steve, I can't single you out. There are far worse. You have that fire to compete, it's that fire that I respect. It's why I truly chose you to be my opponent at Battlegrounds and not Adam Knite or anyone else with a title. If you could stop worrying about what everyone else thought all the time and just do your job in the ring, you'd probably be World Champion again."
It's a shame to think someone as naturally gifted as Steve Awesome is sitting around with a second tier championship. It makes me realize that I have to do more than that to become just a champion. I have to work harder then Steve and Mike do, both in and out of the ring.
"In fact, I believe it was about this time last year when you won the World Title, Steve. At Battlegrounds, was it not? It is funny how one year can change the course of a person's career. I went from not even being known by you to being in a match against you for your title. A title that has far lesser value then the World does. But I guess a title is a title as long as the fans are cheering your name and buying your paraphernalia. That's all that really matters to you. That, Steve... really is a shame."
There are far worse though. Mike Honcho comes to mind.
"Steve, it could be worse though like I said. You could be a Mike Honcho... who nobody respects. Mike, I imagine you sitting down right now, most likely drinking a warm beer, and your right hand positioned somewhere in your shorts. You don't care about this match. You don't care about the National Title. You don't care much about anything. But... you don't even care that you don't care. The world you live in must be simply fascinating. But here you are, the most undeserving participant in this match, one pin fall away from walking out the National Champion at Battlegrounds. Since your return to NcW, you haven't even won a match. Yet, here you are. Honestly, I was going to wait to cash in my briefcase on Steve. Part of me felt I wasn't absolutely ready for this tough of a task. Then here you came along... and honestly, Mike... I couldn't sit there and watch it happen this time. The briefcase gave me a power I wasn't use to having... and I had to use that power against you. Steve nor I will let you walk away from that ring victorious."
What if he did though? What if he did win? I couldn't help, but think about that scenario. What a mockery that would be.
"When it comes down to it. Expect a war. Expect me to give everything I have over and over and over. I have expectations for the first time in my career and I plan on meeting those. I know... well I hope... you each feel the same way I do. Come much time, there won't be no backing out."
September 6th, 2007
Martin Leonardo Veranzio, it read on the gravestone. Red roses and other various flowers laid next to it. The swirling winds created a whistling noise as I dropped another red rose, letting it swirl in the air as it landed on top of the other flowers.
"I’m leaving. I don’t know when I will be back for sure, but I promise you, I will come back to talk to you."
I ran my hands over his gravestone.
"So I guess this is good-bye for now."
I leaned down, kissing the gravestone.
"I won’t let you down… not this time."
"I won't let you down!"
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]September 5th, 2007
A large group of people in all black began circling around a black casket in a local cemetery in Philadelphia. The crisp early morning air created a foggy atmosphere from the breathing of all the family and friends that had come to pay there respects to Martin Leonardo Veranzio, who was being laid to rest. The distinct sound of cries of sorrow and weeps of grief can be heard from many of the females in the circle, while most of the men were trying their hardest to hold it in all in, even though the occasional tear would roll down the cheek and onto the grassy surface beneath. At the head of the casket stood a priest with his bible open and from his mouth, he spoke the word of god.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."[/b]
The priest placed his right hand on the casket, his left still firmly holding the bible.
"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."[/b]
Amen flew from every person’s mouth, including my own, as the Lord’s Prayer ended. The priest splashed some holy water onto the casket as many of Martin’s friends and family begin to put cards, flowers, and personnel items on top of the casket. I could only stand and watch.
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]"The second anniversary of the only father figure I ever had came to me at the worst possible moment. Here I was, about to enter the biggest match, arguably in my lifetime and I had forgotten about Martin. Before my sister called me to remind me of the news, the only thing that drifted on my mind was Steve Awesome and Mike Honcho. At the time, they were all that mattered. They were my only concern. The rest of the world ceased to even exist. Now everything had changed."
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]September 5th, 2007
I was dressed in an all black tuxedo and a dark pair of sunglasses as I stood firmly, looking down at Martin’s casket. A small tear drop gently sloping down my cheek and onto the black casket.
"You were like a father I never had. The only one I felt comfortable talking with. And I know I was like a son you never were able to have. You know, I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time and how hard it will be on me. Hmmf…. I never thought it would be this hard. I remember the day you told me I would become something, that I would become a someone. I failed though; I never became anything, but a person who looked for excuses when something went wrong. Maybe Samantha was right, I need to start blaming myself. I need to stop looking for excuses. Maybe if I would have done that, you wouldn’t be here today. Maybe I should just stop blaming altogether. I should just let whatever happens, happen. Like it was meant to happen. I just don’t know anymore."
I hit my knees, the emotions racing through my body as I hugged tightly around the casket.
"I use to come to you when something went wrong. You would be the first person I’d see or call. And you were there every time I needed you. You never failed me, not once. I wanna believe you are in a better place, I really do. I won’t know until the day I die comes. But what I do know is that somehow, someway, we will meet again. It’s going to be hard for me without you, but I know you will be with me through spirit. At least that is what everyone keeps saying to me. Regardless of what they say, I will never forget you, you will always remain in my heart. For all eternity."
Pushing myself backup from the ground, I stood once again as I took off the sunglasses to wipe the puddles that had formed underneath my eyes.
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]"I had completely forgotten the one person that had gotten me to this place I'm in right now. Maybe that is why there is such things as anniversary's. So we don't forget what we have and what we've lost along the way."
It was at this time that I realized that I needed Martin now more then ever.
"Sometimes life isn't fair. I know that more then most people in this world. But I also know, thanks to The Forgotten, that it's not worth sobbing about it. It's not worth wasting time thinking "what if?". I know what's on the line at Battlegrounds. I know what I have to get done. I know Falcon, Spike, and Rob are expecting me to walk out with the National Championship."
It almost felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I wasn't use to having such lofty expectations. I was used to doing whatever. Winning, losing, it never mattered to me. But now... but now it did.
"Steve, I know how much being a champion means to you. I really do. I see the passion you bring to the ring each and every night you compete. I guess some would commend you for that. I can't do that though Steve. I can't respect a guy who flaunts for the appreciation of the fans. What's the point? So they can buy another Steve Awesome t-shirt? So they can go around saying "how cool!" you are? Steve, you're part of the reason we formed The Forgotten. It's guys like you who have been given there shots for no reason at all. You're a little different though Steve, I can't single you out. There are far worse. You have that fire to compete, it's that fire that I respect. It's why I truly chose you to be my opponent at Battlegrounds and not Adam Knite or anyone else with a title. If you could stop worrying about what everyone else thought all the time and just do your job in the ring, you'd probably be World Champion again."
It's a shame to think someone as naturally gifted as Steve Awesome is sitting around with a second tier championship. It makes me realize that I have to do more than that to become just a champion. I have to work harder then Steve and Mike do, both in and out of the ring.
"In fact, I believe it was about this time last year when you won the World Title, Steve. At Battlegrounds, was it not? It is funny how one year can change the course of a person's career. I went from not even being known by you to being in a match against you for your title. A title that has far lesser value then the World does. But I guess a title is a title as long as the fans are cheering your name and buying your paraphernalia. That's all that really matters to you. That, Steve... really is a shame."
There are far worse though. Mike Honcho comes to mind.
"Steve, it could be worse though like I said. You could be a Mike Honcho... who nobody respects. Mike, I imagine you sitting down right now, most likely drinking a warm beer, and your right hand positioned somewhere in your shorts. You don't care about this match. You don't care about the National Title. You don't care much about anything. But... you don't even care that you don't care. The world you live in must be simply fascinating. But here you are, the most undeserving participant in this match, one pin fall away from walking out the National Champion at Battlegrounds. Since your return to NcW, you haven't even won a match. Yet, here you are. Honestly, I was going to wait to cash in my briefcase on Steve. Part of me felt I wasn't absolutely ready for this tough of a task. Then here you came along... and honestly, Mike... I couldn't sit there and watch it happen this time. The briefcase gave me a power I wasn't use to having... and I had to use that power against you. Steve nor I will let you walk away from that ring victorious."
What if he did though? What if he did win? I couldn't help, but think about that scenario. What a mockery that would be.
"When it comes down to it. Expect a war. Expect me to give everything I have over and over and over. I have expectations for the first time in my career and I plan on meeting those. I know... well I hope... you each feel the same way I do. Come much time, there won't be no backing out."
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]September 6th, 2007
Martin Leonardo Veranzio, it read on the gravestone. Red roses and other various flowers laid next to it. The swirling winds created a whistling noise as I dropped another red rose, letting it swirl in the air as it landed on top of the other flowers.
"I’m leaving. I don’t know when I will be back for sure, but I promise you, I will come back to talk to you."
I ran my hands over his gravestone.
"So I guess this is good-bye for now."
I leaned down, kissing the gravestone.
"I won’t let you down… not this time."
-------------------------------------------------
[/i]"I won't let you down!"
