Post by MYŌJIN on Feb 17, 2022 23:56:09 GMT -5
“(Can we please take a break?)”
"(Yeah, please…?)”
The voices of the two youthful preteens were tired, desperate. To say that they were pushed to their limit would be an understatement. Covered in bruises and scrapes, they looked toward the man who stood over to the side- and the taller, more mature boy that stood over them. Unfortunately, the situation that the two of them were in was nothing more but an often occurrence. Another day of the week.
“(You'll stop when I think it's time for you to stop.)” The man spoke, his voice was cold. Almost inhuman with the stern, emotionless but authoritative tone it gave. He turned, his dark brown eyes staring a hole through the older boy. “(Continue.)”
“(But, father… They're both…)”
“(Do I need to repeat myself?)” And like that, the oldest child went quiet. His jaw tightened as he reluctantly turned back to his younger siblings.
It was the childhood of the individual that would one day be known as MYŌJIN. The thirteen-year-old who would one day be known for their flamboyant confidence looked vulnerable; afraid. The arrogant grin that they would grow to be known for was replaced with anxiety as they wiped the crimson from their busted lower lip. Shouta's heartbeat was loud, thumping against their ribcage with every second as they turned to look toward their sister- Akira, who only gave them a small nod. There was both determination and fear in her eyes- but she was the one who brought her fists back up first.
But Shouta still sat, holding the side of their bruised face. They didn't want to keep fighting. They did not want to fight their older brother.
“(Get. Up. Do you think that Akira will be able to protect you forever? Do you think that everyone will leave you be just because you want them to, Shouta? Either you will fight, or Satoshi will beat you where you stand. Do not be a coward. Now stand.)” The commanding voice spoke, the smallest hint of irritation- But that was enough to be intimidating. Shouta was greatly more afraid of what he would do if they continued to resist- but that didn't stop the tears forming in their eyes as they slowly raised their fists.
“(Now, begin.)”
Shouta didn't believe that they or Akira was able to beat their brother in a fight. He was older, more experienced, stronger- Their father's perfect prodigy. So, why were they being forced to do this? To be humiliated? There wasn't much time to ponder as Satoshi yelled with violent intent, thrusting his right foot into the ribs of Akira with an alarming thud. She yelled, falling back against the mat- quickly going back to scrambling to her feet- however, Shouta couldn't bring themself to move.
What was the point? Why continue?
Every time either of them tried. Satoshi would knock them back down with ease. A counter for everything strike, throw, submission they threw at him- because he had learned those same things over a million times before. He was better. He was stronger.
...And I'm weak...
“SHOUTA!”
Their attention was brought back to what was happening. Akira called out desperately as she laid against the mat, trying to block the increasingly overwhelming blows that Satoshi viciously rained down on her. Each and every one started to tear through the defense of her forearms, crashing into her torso and face- Each connection leaving a disturbing echo in the wind as she cried and yelped.
And like that, their fear shifted. Insecurity twisted itself into rage. Rage at seeing what was happening to their sibling. What their brother was doing to her. What their father, the man supposed to protect them, was making the three of them do to each other. Shouta screamed, letting out a sound that was unbridled, ruthless, brutal anger coming from within. A burning, seething, hot hatred that spiraled- ravaged through their insides, through their heart. Changing them from that timid, scared little kid to someone different, something different.
A part of them that they never wanted to let out. But it was something that their old man was seemingly always able to bring out of them.
The powerlessness they felt, they despised it with everything in their being. Shouta had felt that weakness so many times.
Then and there, they decided they would never allow themself to feel that way again.
While Satoshi wasn't looking, focused on their sister- Shouta lunged at him, as if he wasn't family but instead their enemy. Bringing a fist directly into the side of his jaw, it snapped his head to the side. Satoshi stumbled, a brief look of surprise in his eyes. Before he could react, Shouta rushed into him again- hurling their entire body at him like a weapon- tackling him to the mat floor. They threw a fist, but Satoshi was still so much more skilled- he caught it and sent them overhead with a Tomoe Nage- and they crashed back-first onto the floor, a sharp pain sparking through their lower back as the wind in their lungs was forcefully sent out.
Akira had wasted no time recovering, however. She quickly swung her leg from under the eldest child, kicking his balance off and sending him onto one knee. She yelled, firing off of another kick as she swung her leg like an axe to a tree to the side of his face. He caught it, gritting his teeth, and raised her up- before sending her back down onto her back. Satoshi turned back to his face the youngest but was met with a right hook to the abdomen, sending him stumbling backward. Satoshi swung, but Shouta ducked- delivering two more swift fists into his chest, which caused him to keel over.
Their sister followed up from behind, delivering a Judo Throw to the eldest which sent him down- but Shouta wasn't finished.
They pounced on top of their hurt brother, raising their hand to deliver one last blow- But their arm was caught. Looking up, seeing red- they saw their sister, holding them back. “(It's over! Shouta, please-! Enough[)" She pleaded…
And they stopped. Shouta dropped their hand, breathing shakily and uneven with every second as they fell back, pulling themself away. That was Satoshi… Why were they hurting him? Why were they doing any of this?
And finally, their father stood. He walked over, looking over the three. Satoshi held the side of his face, letting out a pained groan. Akira brought an arm around Shouta, doing her best to reassure them. Ease their stress.
“(It took you both an inexcusable amount of tries, but it seems you finally learned the lesson that I was trying to teach you.)” He spoke. There wasn't a proud tone to his voice, no sense of warmth whatsoever. Every time he opened his mouth, it was simply with what felt like indifference.
“(W-What…?)” Shouta barely uttered, unable to make eye contact with him as they stared down at the bruised, darkened, and split knuckles on both hands.
“(Neither of you are as strong as Satoshi is, at least not yet. Maybe not ever. Though… When you fight together? You cannot be stopped… Remember that. It might help you one day.)”
And with that, he just simply walked away. Leaving the room. Leaving the three of them in the state they were.
Over the years since then, MYOJIN had grown to hate that man. To hate what he had done to them, what he had molded them into. It simply made it all the much worse to admit that even he was right about one thing.
The Crowning II stayed on the current X-Factor Champion's mind as they stared at a practice dummy in their personal gym, beads of sweat rolling down their sharp cheekbones as they breathed heavily. A match that, quite frankly, they found themself not feeling much of any personal interest in. There was nothing to gain from it- but the Shining Star initially had no desire to be involved in the petty wars between the three factions that existed within Project: Honor.
Big Drip Worldwide, originally a team of a bunch of misogynistic, douchebag frat boys that couldn't win a match to save their life turned into some sort of coalition “fighting for good”. Though in reality, it was a group of people who didn't mix. Who didn't belong together. Lil Petey, TJ Thompson- Sure, they were both practically made for each other. Shelldrake and MYOJIN themself? Well, the lanky edgelord had made it pretty clear he wanted nothing to do with them- and the only reason that the Shining Star was a part of that team even for one show, was simply to respect Lil Petey's retirement tour.
KaVengers, a bunch of jokes that quite frankly represented a lot of what they found wrong with Project: Honor. A bunch of jokes, who don't belong in a wrestling ring- much less their mothers' basements, somehow found their way in a main event of a Pay Per View. The only thing they were doing was taking up a precious amount of space.
True Society, the popular topic. The generic group of bad guys who thought of themselves as if they were avant-garde masterminds challenging the status quo, when they mostly came off as parodies of Joaquin Phoenix's Joker performance. Though that team was tearing itself apart at the seams, no help was needed from anyone else. Turning against each other because in the end, the only thing they want is to fulfill their own goals. They thought joining together would bring them power, but all it really turned out to be was just… A bunch of losers who got bullied in school taking the wrestling world's equivalent to a black pill
Now they were tied up in warfare. Instead of further defending their championship and further elevating it like Emmanuelle was being given a chance to, or even the incel Casanova English was going to do- MYOJIN was caught up in something they absolutely wanted nothing to do with.
All of that said, they wanted nothing more to win. MYOJIN wanted their team to be victors that upcoming night. Not for Big Drip, not to stop True Society… But for the simple, sole purpose to win.
For the later half of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, the Shining Star had become an unstoppable force. Finally, the blonde had become what they always believed that they were capable of- and that was greatness… And the idea, the simple notion- that all of that could be sent down the drain because of a team that was not fully in-sync, it was sickening to the X-Factor Champion. They refused to be held down after everything that they had gone through up until then.
MYOJIN let their platinum blonde hair down, taking a deep breath as they closed their eyes as they stared at the dummy that they had been laying into for who knew how long at that point. They took their fighting gloves off, sitting down as they wiped their face off with a towel.
That match was going to be nothing less than chaos. Two teams who lack any cohesion together, plus one team that ultimately would be less than a non factor. Chaos was uncontrollable. MYOJIN liked having control…
A lot.
They sighed. That was enough. Enough thinking for the time being. It wasn't worth stressing themself out over. As the Shining Star began to put things away, their phone rang. Eyebrows raising with curiosity, MYOJIN picked it up- looking to see who it was.
It was Caden. What could he possibly want at such a late hour? Nonetheless, they answered. “Caden, what's up? It's past midnight, this better be worth i-”
“Oh, come on. Don't act like you were sleeping or something. We both know how late you tend to stay up.” MYOJIN's manager and confidant suddenly responded. Though his voice lacked it's normal nonchalant playfulness; it was urgent. Which caused MYOJIN to grow serious as they brought their phone to their ear.
“Seriously, what is it?”
“Have you seen the news? About Ozymandias?”
That couldn't be good.
There's a lot about this match that makes me uneasy.
It could be that like Unbreakable Resolution, I have very, very bad memories with The Crowning. Ironically enough, I was never even on the very first Crowning show. No, I was sidelined with a torn rotator cuff- watching from home to see a match, a match that I earned my right to be in- that would go on to determine the very first Legacy Champion. Ever since that night, I had always wondered about what could've been. What if I had been there, in that main event- Would that outcome have been different? It was a time had ate away at me for the longest time. I got over it, evidently as I stand as soon to be the longest-reigning X-Factor Championship within this company.
And ideally, I would be defending that championship. I would be going out there to further prove why I am the greatest champion not only on the Proving Ground brand, but in this entire company. Yet, I'm in this… clusterfuck a match.
I can't complain that much, it's the Main Event.
And you know, as much as I hate this? As much as I hate being involved in a stupid little war between wannabe Soundcloud rappers and the emo community from MySpace.. There is something that I hate so much more than that.
And that is losing.
I've been paying close attention to what everyone has been saying, darlings. I know that everyone sees this ragtag group of people who couldn't give less of a shit about each other facing arguably the most dominant group in wrestling today. No one believes in Big Drip Worldwide? And honestly? I'm not sure if I can blame anyone.
I look at the three of these teams and start to wonder if I'm either the only one with sense, or maybe I'm the one who's lost it. Because everyone seems focused on trying to accomplish their own thing, and yours truly is the only team player. Shelldrake wants so badly to be the spooky True Neutral boy that he's more focused on trying to threaten everyone else on his side in this match. TJ is… I'm never quite sure what goes on with him. I don't know much of what to expect from Petey, all besides that he's going to at least try his best- But is his best going to be good enough?
Am I going to have to really carry this team on my back? Is True Society going to get an easy win over us, over Proving Ground?
“Ozymandias arrested? What the… fuck?” MYOJIN softly uttered with alarmed confusion. Caden stood next to them as they stared at a television screen in their apartment. The blonde looked toward their manager with disbelief, before turning the TV off.
“That's great. That's just splendid! The only other member of this team that was worth anything is now OFF the team. Because he FUCKING killed someone! The Legacy Champion is a MURDERER!” MYOJIN ran a hand through their golden hair, huffing as Caden simply winced at their reaction.
“It's not like this is the end of the world, dude. You guys still have a chance-” Their manager began to speak, but MYOJIN shot him a look that quickly made him take a step back and raise his hands in the air.
“What? With Lil Petey? Yeah, what a FUCKING improvement! I wasn't sure if I would even be able to rely on the original team, now I'm expected to work with those three?! Along with FAIRWEATHER ON EVERYONE'S TEAM?! None of this makes ANY sense!”
The frustration, the anger that the champion showed was different. Unlike the fiery passion, they showed in a fight, unlike the normal snarky arrogance that they showed against their enemies. It was different… Almost like panic. Caden reached over to place a hand on the side of their shoulder, as they scoffed at the situation they were in.
“Shouta, just- Just calm down for a second? Alright? You're taking this too hard. I get it, you're frustrated. You have every right to be at the moment- but you're going to figure this out, you always do, right?” Caden spoke, a small smile growing on his face.
“Shut UP! MYOJIN snarled, snatching their arm away from his touch as he took a step back. MYOJIN's hands clenched into the fists, sharp eyes glaring daggers… But once they saw the hurt look on Caden's face, they began to calm down. Taking a long sigh as they finally sat down, rubbing their temple.
“I'm… I'm, sorry, Caden… It's just.. A long time ago. I made a promise to myself that I would never let things get to a point where… where I'd feel so powerless. So out of control ever again… And right now, I just..” Shouta sharply exhaled. Caden walked over, taking a moment to sit down and place a hand on their back reassuringly.
“I get it.. Well, I probably don't. I don't know what you've been through or what your life was like before we met, but I get how you feel. Shouta.. You just need to take a moment to step back and reassess the situation. Sure, your team's taken a hit without having Ozy on it. But you don't think True Society has everything together, right? Because they don't. They're just as much of a fractured mess that'll turn on each other the moment they have a reason to. At least you can trust Petey and Thompson, and even to an extent, Shelldrake.”
“You've fought against the odds and won more times than almost anyone in this company. Who's to say that this time will be different? Besides.. Even if it doesn:t go the way you want, is it going to stop you from being the champion you are?”
MYOJIN looked up toward Caden, “...No.”
“Exactly. Now stop this whiny bullshit- and get back to being the MYOJIN that I know.
I look at True Society and I'm not sure why I'm supposed to see this team as the biggest threat to everyone else in Project: Honor. Sure, they've won a lot on Fallout- Which, you know… Has been tailor made to be convenient for them thanks to Arik Holt.
Slade Castle, who's most notable accomplishment in this company was being… What was it? Ascension Champion for a few days? He seems to drone on forever about how he's dangerous, about what he's going to do in the people in his way. Though I haven't seen him accomplish much on his own, he's irrelevant.
Syndicate, the former Legacy Champion- You and I have a little bit of history, don't we? I specifically remember that once, in XHF, you claimed that you were a God. You faced me for my XHF Junior Heavyweight title for the time… And I beat you. In the middle of the ring. I would say that you've improved a lot since then, but besides beating the rarely defeated Elena DeDraca once, you've lost a LOT more than you've won- and then you complain, cry, moan, and bitch about how you're owed respect when you clearly don't even respect yourself enough to actually improve in the ring. You may have been relevant for a little while before now, but I'm going to remind you of your place: Under me.
The enigmatic Drago Santiago, the very first Prime Champion- returning after months to join the ranks of True Society. I remember you from Wrestleworld, I've paid a great amount of attention to your work actually- as we're both in OWA. You have a really bad habit of dropping the ball, don't you honey? As Prime Champion, you didn't last very long. In OWA, when you earned your very first title shot- You ate shit. We can even look back before then, when you challenged for that American Dream Championship- didn't win it, then eventually fucked off for months. I also hate to tell you, hun, you've joined a sinking ship. But again, I guess it's in your nature to fuck up in the spotlight?
The biggest threat on True Society's side is Bennett… And even then, the rest of you have to realize- She's not really on your side. She doesn't care about any of you, or your team. All she's worried about is her own goals… And you know what? I have to respect that even if I don't like it. She recognizes that she's better than the rest of you jokes.
But on her own, she won't be enough.
I refuse to be denied.
I will personally drag this team to a victory if I have to. But I have faith in my teammates. Petey, he has a fighting spirit. I know that he's going to try. TJ Thompson is a weirdo but I know that considering I've wrestled him so many times and have witnessed his Warrior Rising reign, I know that he is more than capable. Swindle Shelldrake? I know that at the very least he will fight to further his own agenda. I know he's said before that he wants to challenge me, and winning this? Could hotshot him toward a title shot.
The KaVengers always have and always will be irrelevant.
Me?
I'm the undefeated X-Factor Champion who has been on fire since this year has begun, and I'm STILL only just getting started. I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.
And as I said before? I. Hate. Losing.
"(Yeah, please…?)”
The voices of the two youthful preteens were tired, desperate. To say that they were pushed to their limit would be an understatement. Covered in bruises and scrapes, they looked toward the man who stood over to the side- and the taller, more mature boy that stood over them. Unfortunately, the situation that the two of them were in was nothing more but an often occurrence. Another day of the week.
“(You'll stop when I think it's time for you to stop.)” The man spoke, his voice was cold. Almost inhuman with the stern, emotionless but authoritative tone it gave. He turned, his dark brown eyes staring a hole through the older boy. “(Continue.)”
“(But, father… They're both…)”
“(Do I need to repeat myself?)” And like that, the oldest child went quiet. His jaw tightened as he reluctantly turned back to his younger siblings.
It was the childhood of the individual that would one day be known as MYŌJIN. The thirteen-year-old who would one day be known for their flamboyant confidence looked vulnerable; afraid. The arrogant grin that they would grow to be known for was replaced with anxiety as they wiped the crimson from their busted lower lip. Shouta's heartbeat was loud, thumping against their ribcage with every second as they turned to look toward their sister- Akira, who only gave them a small nod. There was both determination and fear in her eyes- but she was the one who brought her fists back up first.
But Shouta still sat, holding the side of their bruised face. They didn't want to keep fighting. They did not want to fight their older brother.
“(Get. Up. Do you think that Akira will be able to protect you forever? Do you think that everyone will leave you be just because you want them to, Shouta? Either you will fight, or Satoshi will beat you where you stand. Do not be a coward. Now stand.)” The commanding voice spoke, the smallest hint of irritation- But that was enough to be intimidating. Shouta was greatly more afraid of what he would do if they continued to resist- but that didn't stop the tears forming in their eyes as they slowly raised their fists.
“(Now, begin.)”
Shouta didn't believe that they or Akira was able to beat their brother in a fight. He was older, more experienced, stronger- Their father's perfect prodigy. So, why were they being forced to do this? To be humiliated? There wasn't much time to ponder as Satoshi yelled with violent intent, thrusting his right foot into the ribs of Akira with an alarming thud. She yelled, falling back against the mat- quickly going back to scrambling to her feet- however, Shouta couldn't bring themself to move.
What was the point? Why continue?
Every time either of them tried. Satoshi would knock them back down with ease. A counter for everything strike, throw, submission they threw at him- because he had learned those same things over a million times before. He was better. He was stronger.
...And I'm weak...
“SHOUTA!”
Their attention was brought back to what was happening. Akira called out desperately as she laid against the mat, trying to block the increasingly overwhelming blows that Satoshi viciously rained down on her. Each and every one started to tear through the defense of her forearms, crashing into her torso and face- Each connection leaving a disturbing echo in the wind as she cried and yelped.
And like that, their fear shifted. Insecurity twisted itself into rage. Rage at seeing what was happening to their sibling. What their brother was doing to her. What their father, the man supposed to protect them, was making the three of them do to each other. Shouta screamed, letting out a sound that was unbridled, ruthless, brutal anger coming from within. A burning, seething, hot hatred that spiraled- ravaged through their insides, through their heart. Changing them from that timid, scared little kid to someone different, something different.
A part of them that they never wanted to let out. But it was something that their old man was seemingly always able to bring out of them.
The powerlessness they felt, they despised it with everything in their being. Shouta had felt that weakness so many times.
Then and there, they decided they would never allow themself to feel that way again.
While Satoshi wasn't looking, focused on their sister- Shouta lunged at him, as if he wasn't family but instead their enemy. Bringing a fist directly into the side of his jaw, it snapped his head to the side. Satoshi stumbled, a brief look of surprise in his eyes. Before he could react, Shouta rushed into him again- hurling their entire body at him like a weapon- tackling him to the mat floor. They threw a fist, but Satoshi was still so much more skilled- he caught it and sent them overhead with a Tomoe Nage- and they crashed back-first onto the floor, a sharp pain sparking through their lower back as the wind in their lungs was forcefully sent out.
Akira had wasted no time recovering, however. She quickly swung her leg from under the eldest child, kicking his balance off and sending him onto one knee. She yelled, firing off of another kick as she swung her leg like an axe to a tree to the side of his face. He caught it, gritting his teeth, and raised her up- before sending her back down onto her back. Satoshi turned back to his face the youngest but was met with a right hook to the abdomen, sending him stumbling backward. Satoshi swung, but Shouta ducked- delivering two more swift fists into his chest, which caused him to keel over.
Their sister followed up from behind, delivering a Judo Throw to the eldest which sent him down- but Shouta wasn't finished.
They pounced on top of their hurt brother, raising their hand to deliver one last blow- But their arm was caught. Looking up, seeing red- they saw their sister, holding them back. “(It's over! Shouta, please-! Enough[)" She pleaded…
And they stopped. Shouta dropped their hand, breathing shakily and uneven with every second as they fell back, pulling themself away. That was Satoshi… Why were they hurting him? Why were they doing any of this?
And finally, their father stood. He walked over, looking over the three. Satoshi held the side of his face, letting out a pained groan. Akira brought an arm around Shouta, doing her best to reassure them. Ease their stress.
“(It took you both an inexcusable amount of tries, but it seems you finally learned the lesson that I was trying to teach you.)” He spoke. There wasn't a proud tone to his voice, no sense of warmth whatsoever. Every time he opened his mouth, it was simply with what felt like indifference.
“(W-What…?)” Shouta barely uttered, unable to make eye contact with him as they stared down at the bruised, darkened, and split knuckles on both hands.
“(Neither of you are as strong as Satoshi is, at least not yet. Maybe not ever. Though… When you fight together? You cannot be stopped… Remember that. It might help you one day.)”
And with that, he just simply walked away. Leaving the room. Leaving the three of them in the state they were.
Over the years since then, MYOJIN had grown to hate that man. To hate what he had done to them, what he had molded them into. It simply made it all the much worse to admit that even he was right about one thing.
The Crowning II stayed on the current X-Factor Champion's mind as they stared at a practice dummy in their personal gym, beads of sweat rolling down their sharp cheekbones as they breathed heavily. A match that, quite frankly, they found themself not feeling much of any personal interest in. There was nothing to gain from it- but the Shining Star initially had no desire to be involved in the petty wars between the three factions that existed within Project: Honor.
Big Drip Worldwide, originally a team of a bunch of misogynistic, douchebag frat boys that couldn't win a match to save their life turned into some sort of coalition “fighting for good”. Though in reality, it was a group of people who didn't mix. Who didn't belong together. Lil Petey, TJ Thompson- Sure, they were both practically made for each other. Shelldrake and MYOJIN themself? Well, the lanky edgelord had made it pretty clear he wanted nothing to do with them- and the only reason that the Shining Star was a part of that team even for one show, was simply to respect Lil Petey's retirement tour.
KaVengers, a bunch of jokes that quite frankly represented a lot of what they found wrong with Project: Honor. A bunch of jokes, who don't belong in a wrestling ring- much less their mothers' basements, somehow found their way in a main event of a Pay Per View. The only thing they were doing was taking up a precious amount of space.
True Society, the popular topic. The generic group of bad guys who thought of themselves as if they were avant-garde masterminds challenging the status quo, when they mostly came off as parodies of Joaquin Phoenix's Joker performance. Though that team was tearing itself apart at the seams, no help was needed from anyone else. Turning against each other because in the end, the only thing they want is to fulfill their own goals. They thought joining together would bring them power, but all it really turned out to be was just… A bunch of losers who got bullied in school taking the wrestling world's equivalent to a black pill
Now they were tied up in warfare. Instead of further defending their championship and further elevating it like Emmanuelle was being given a chance to, or even the incel Casanova English was going to do- MYOJIN was caught up in something they absolutely wanted nothing to do with.
All of that said, they wanted nothing more to win. MYOJIN wanted their team to be victors that upcoming night. Not for Big Drip, not to stop True Society… But for the simple, sole purpose to win.
For the later half of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, the Shining Star had become an unstoppable force. Finally, the blonde had become what they always believed that they were capable of- and that was greatness… And the idea, the simple notion- that all of that could be sent down the drain because of a team that was not fully in-sync, it was sickening to the X-Factor Champion. They refused to be held down after everything that they had gone through up until then.
MYOJIN let their platinum blonde hair down, taking a deep breath as they closed their eyes as they stared at the dummy that they had been laying into for who knew how long at that point. They took their fighting gloves off, sitting down as they wiped their face off with a towel.
That match was going to be nothing less than chaos. Two teams who lack any cohesion together, plus one team that ultimately would be less than a non factor. Chaos was uncontrollable. MYOJIN liked having control…
A lot.
They sighed. That was enough. Enough thinking for the time being. It wasn't worth stressing themself out over. As the Shining Star began to put things away, their phone rang. Eyebrows raising with curiosity, MYOJIN picked it up- looking to see who it was.
It was Caden. What could he possibly want at such a late hour? Nonetheless, they answered. “Caden, what's up? It's past midnight, this better be worth i-”
“Oh, come on. Don't act like you were sleeping or something. We both know how late you tend to stay up.” MYOJIN's manager and confidant suddenly responded. Though his voice lacked it's normal nonchalant playfulness; it was urgent. Which caused MYOJIN to grow serious as they brought their phone to their ear.
“Seriously, what is it?”
“Have you seen the news? About Ozymandias?”
That couldn't be good.
There's a lot about this match that makes me uneasy.
It could be that like Unbreakable Resolution, I have very, very bad memories with The Crowning. Ironically enough, I was never even on the very first Crowning show. No, I was sidelined with a torn rotator cuff- watching from home to see a match, a match that I earned my right to be in- that would go on to determine the very first Legacy Champion. Ever since that night, I had always wondered about what could've been. What if I had been there, in that main event- Would that outcome have been different? It was a time had ate away at me for the longest time. I got over it, evidently as I stand as soon to be the longest-reigning X-Factor Championship within this company.
And ideally, I would be defending that championship. I would be going out there to further prove why I am the greatest champion not only on the Proving Ground brand, but in this entire company. Yet, I'm in this… clusterfuck a match.
I can't complain that much, it's the Main Event.
And you know, as much as I hate this? As much as I hate being involved in a stupid little war between wannabe Soundcloud rappers and the emo community from MySpace.. There is something that I hate so much more than that.
And that is losing.
I've been paying close attention to what everyone has been saying, darlings. I know that everyone sees this ragtag group of people who couldn't give less of a shit about each other facing arguably the most dominant group in wrestling today. No one believes in Big Drip Worldwide? And honestly? I'm not sure if I can blame anyone.
I look at the three of these teams and start to wonder if I'm either the only one with sense, or maybe I'm the one who's lost it. Because everyone seems focused on trying to accomplish their own thing, and yours truly is the only team player. Shelldrake wants so badly to be the spooky True Neutral boy that he's more focused on trying to threaten everyone else on his side in this match. TJ is… I'm never quite sure what goes on with him. I don't know much of what to expect from Petey, all besides that he's going to at least try his best- But is his best going to be good enough?
Am I going to have to really carry this team on my back? Is True Society going to get an easy win over us, over Proving Ground?
“Ozymandias arrested? What the… fuck?” MYOJIN softly uttered with alarmed confusion. Caden stood next to them as they stared at a television screen in their apartment. The blonde looked toward their manager with disbelief, before turning the TV off.
“That's great. That's just splendid! The only other member of this team that was worth anything is now OFF the team. Because he FUCKING killed someone! The Legacy Champion is a MURDERER!” MYOJIN ran a hand through their golden hair, huffing as Caden simply winced at their reaction.
“It's not like this is the end of the world, dude. You guys still have a chance-” Their manager began to speak, but MYOJIN shot him a look that quickly made him take a step back and raise his hands in the air.
“What? With Lil Petey? Yeah, what a FUCKING improvement! I wasn't sure if I would even be able to rely on the original team, now I'm expected to work with those three?! Along with FAIRWEATHER ON EVERYONE'S TEAM?! None of this makes ANY sense!”
The frustration, the anger that the champion showed was different. Unlike the fiery passion, they showed in a fight, unlike the normal snarky arrogance that they showed against their enemies. It was different… Almost like panic. Caden reached over to place a hand on the side of their shoulder, as they scoffed at the situation they were in.
“Shouta, just- Just calm down for a second? Alright? You're taking this too hard. I get it, you're frustrated. You have every right to be at the moment- but you're going to figure this out, you always do, right?” Caden spoke, a small smile growing on his face.
“Shut UP! MYOJIN snarled, snatching their arm away from his touch as he took a step back. MYOJIN's hands clenched into the fists, sharp eyes glaring daggers… But once they saw the hurt look on Caden's face, they began to calm down. Taking a long sigh as they finally sat down, rubbing their temple.
“I'm… I'm, sorry, Caden… It's just.. A long time ago. I made a promise to myself that I would never let things get to a point where… where I'd feel so powerless. So out of control ever again… And right now, I just..” Shouta sharply exhaled. Caden walked over, taking a moment to sit down and place a hand on their back reassuringly.
“I get it.. Well, I probably don't. I don't know what you've been through or what your life was like before we met, but I get how you feel. Shouta.. You just need to take a moment to step back and reassess the situation. Sure, your team's taken a hit without having Ozy on it. But you don't think True Society has everything together, right? Because they don't. They're just as much of a fractured mess that'll turn on each other the moment they have a reason to. At least you can trust Petey and Thompson, and even to an extent, Shelldrake.”
“You've fought against the odds and won more times than almost anyone in this company. Who's to say that this time will be different? Besides.. Even if it doesn:t go the way you want, is it going to stop you from being the champion you are?”
MYOJIN looked up toward Caden, “...No.”
“Exactly. Now stop this whiny bullshit- and get back to being the MYOJIN that I know.
I look at True Society and I'm not sure why I'm supposed to see this team as the biggest threat to everyone else in Project: Honor. Sure, they've won a lot on Fallout- Which, you know… Has been tailor made to be convenient for them thanks to Arik Holt.
Slade Castle, who's most notable accomplishment in this company was being… What was it? Ascension Champion for a few days? He seems to drone on forever about how he's dangerous, about what he's going to do in the people in his way. Though I haven't seen him accomplish much on his own, he's irrelevant.
Syndicate, the former Legacy Champion- You and I have a little bit of history, don't we? I specifically remember that once, in XHF, you claimed that you were a God. You faced me for my XHF Junior Heavyweight title for the time… And I beat you. In the middle of the ring. I would say that you've improved a lot since then, but besides beating the rarely defeated Elena DeDraca once, you've lost a LOT more than you've won- and then you complain, cry, moan, and bitch about how you're owed respect when you clearly don't even respect yourself enough to actually improve in the ring. You may have been relevant for a little while before now, but I'm going to remind you of your place: Under me.
The enigmatic Drago Santiago, the very first Prime Champion- returning after months to join the ranks of True Society. I remember you from Wrestleworld, I've paid a great amount of attention to your work actually- as we're both in OWA. You have a really bad habit of dropping the ball, don't you honey? As Prime Champion, you didn't last very long. In OWA, when you earned your very first title shot- You ate shit. We can even look back before then, when you challenged for that American Dream Championship- didn't win it, then eventually fucked off for months. I also hate to tell you, hun, you've joined a sinking ship. But again, I guess it's in your nature to fuck up in the spotlight?
The biggest threat on True Society's side is Bennett… And even then, the rest of you have to realize- She's not really on your side. She doesn't care about any of you, or your team. All she's worried about is her own goals… And you know what? I have to respect that even if I don't like it. She recognizes that she's better than the rest of you jokes.
But on her own, she won't be enough.
I refuse to be denied.
I will personally drag this team to a victory if I have to. But I have faith in my teammates. Petey, he has a fighting spirit. I know that he's going to try. TJ Thompson is a weirdo but I know that considering I've wrestled him so many times and have witnessed his Warrior Rising reign, I know that he is more than capable. Swindle Shelldrake? I know that at the very least he will fight to further his own agenda. I know he's said before that he wants to challenge me, and winning this? Could hotshot him toward a title shot.
The KaVengers always have and always will be irrelevant.
Me?
I'm the undefeated X-Factor Champion who has been on fire since this year has begun, and I'm STILL only just getting started. I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.
And as I said before? I. Hate. Losing.