Post by Mark Hunter on Apr 9, 2022 10:49:34 GMT -5
PENANCE
“I think the greatest rogues are they who talk most of their honesty.” - Anthony Trollope
Unaired Footage
Cathedral of St. Johns - Albuquerque, New Mexico
A Few Days Ago
The journey towards faith can be a long and excruciating one paved by many tests. One person in particular that has never even attempted to test any type of belief is Mark Hunter. The returning Project Honor star, and new Underground general manager has never stepped foot in a church before, not for weddings, funerals, or even baptisms, he has never experienced it. For Mark, a young man looking for answers, enriching his knowledge and realizing that recent happenings have somewhat opened his eyes into seeing who he is, it has piqued his interest.
His ex step-mother always called him a sinner.
Mark stands outside the Cathedral of St. John, his head tilted to the side, wearing jeans, a black Billy Bennett t-shirt and standard black Nike trainers. He clearly hasn’t dressed for the occasion but he has at least gelled his hair.
His blue eyes stare at the cross…. before cracking a smile and walking inside. He sees a priest walk into the confessional, Mark makes his way to the altar. He looks up at the cross again then slowly turns to the booth. The straight shooter makes his way, slowly closing the door and kneeling in front of the currently closed screen window…
He waits a few moments before it opens. There is an awkward and momentary pause…. The priest eventually breaks that silence.
“Yes?”
“Yes what?”
“You are here to confess your sins my child?”
“Oh right, of course. Please forgive me father…. Well not yet, I didn’t mean it that way as I haven’t even told you my sins so if you just give me a second to collect myself and try to grasp the proper procedure of this whole confession thing I would greatly appreciate it.”
“Take your time my child.”
He clears his throat for a moment and brushes a hand across his forehead before taking a deep breath and smiling, speaking in his matter of fact tone with the slight British accent….
“Forgive me father for I have sinned….my last confession was never.”
“Never? Are you a member of the church? Do you not believe in God?”
“Belief is a matter of opinion Father. There are a lot of things people believe in like hope, fortune, karma and the dogma those that want to be forgiven put their blind faith in to name a few. For many believing in something is what gets them by every single day of their lives, they need it to strive toward a goal or that said belief to be a productive member of society. What they don’t know is that this is a world full of false prophets feeding them lines of rhetoric in order to gain their trust and support, in turn they find themselves as nothing more than puppets on strings all because of one word…..Belief. In a world so riddled with pain, death and terror, it’s easy to manipulate the weak, they search for answers, looking for a chance to fit in, they need that constant push in order to continue on the path to the lofty goals they have set for themselves. Is God the answer to this belief?”
“For many, yes, that’s why they come to confession, to cleanse their souls and continue on the road to salvation. Once they accept the Holy Ghost, striving to finally enter the gates of Heaven. It is never too late, child.”
“No?”
“No. Tell me about your sins.”
“Where do I start?”
“Wherever you feel you must.”
Again there is a slight pause, the Priest sits there patiently waiting for Mark to finally open up. The man many in Project Honor call a bastard finally decides to speak about “sins” and test this theory of faith and salvation….
“I have broken the Ten Commandments, the Seven Deadly Sins is a template to my actions each and every day. I have done so many things to so many different people, some I did out of necessity, others out of survival and a few out of pleasure. My step mother always told me never to have regrets, never live a life where you fear consequences for your actions and yet I am to be judged for these “sins”?”
“We can all be forgiven, he sent his only son to die for our sins.”
“Ah yes, one that he chose not to protect. He’s supposed to be my savior? Tell me father. Have you ever seen the ugly harnessed within the pure soul you talk highly of? With good there is evil, light there is darkness, hope and despair. If his son died for our sins don’t you think he miserably failed?”
“It brought those that believe in him closer together, hence why we all come to church, pray and sing the praises of the almighty. There will always be those that doubt child, their faith needs to be tested, God will always show you the way.”
“We’re all sinners, as a matter of fact my first sin was envy and vanity. I wanted to be handsome. I saw someone who took me in when everything seemed lost and that’s when I realized that not only was I envious, I wanted to be like him. I looked in the mirror and the ugly stared back at me.”
A moment of silence before the Priest answers Mark back….
“The ugly is the devil talking to you, all of us at one-point child have been guilty of envy and yes vanity as well. It doesn’t make you a bad person, all you have to do is repent.”
“Repent? Do you ever see that ugly in the mirror Father?”
“We see what we want to see.”
“No, I see the truth behind the lies. I was young, all I wanted was to be like him…..”
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We return and The Priest has listened to Mark’s story, he slowly turns toward the screened window….
“Fear Padre…. Fear is what that moment taught me. I was always so afraid. I didn’t understand what he meant, what he was trying to teach me then but I do now. Isn’t that what this is all about Father? Fear. The wrath of God or the chance of not going to heaven, so they live vicariously through the rules written inside the good book? They don’t do it out of love, you have taught them to fear. Sodom and Gomorrah? The first son of Abraham?”
“So you have read the bible.”
“Yes Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so, Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me oh, yes Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so, pressing on the up away. Always guide me, Lord I pray. Undeserving, and stubbornly never fail to love me still……”
“So why are you here then if not for penance? Don’t you want forgiveness?”
“Forgiveness? Father, my step-mother used to sing that to me every night before I went to bed. I would slowly drift asleep but before I did, I stared up at the ceiling praying that one day I would be loved, I would be beautiful and never have to worry about anything. Tell me Padre, have you ever felt like Jesus abandoned you?”
He waits for a moment before cracking a smile….
“Oh come now, I’m sure that he’s tested your faith before? Surely you have questioned the power of the almighty.”
“He has. We all have and that’s why we believe. I have dedicated my life to the church and to his teachings so that I may spread the word and to save one life is all I need to do in order to make this all worth it. We are all sons and daughters. Sins are forgiven and even when your faith may be blind, he will open your eyes and guide you in that darkness.”
“My sins are forgiven? Oh Padre, you don’t even know what I’ve done. They just don’t allow anyone in the pearly gates. I believed in him, this happens to be a recurring theme these days, to have something to believe in? Why? Wouldn’t it just be as easy to simply live in sin, do what you want and never have to worry about asking for forgiveness? Who polices the sinners? Are you that authority? A mortal man dressed in black who has given up his life, the vices that society were meant to indulge in all in sanctity of this house of worship?”
“You have been misled my child. That is why you came to confession today, not only did you want to repent, you want to understand. You don’t see the beauty behind the ugly.”
“I see the greed, the lust….the sloth. More sins that I have committed.”
“Tell me my son.”
“Well… there was this girl I liked and…”
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A slight chuckle slips out from the mouth of Mark, the Priest's eyes widen and this second story…..
“Did you….”
“Kill him? Oh no I have never killed anyone before Padre, well at least not intentionally. He was so scared of me when they found him that he made up a lie, he then chose never to interfere in my affairs again, a very smart guy may I add. Don’t you see what I am trying to tell you? Even the kindest of souls will try to take what you want, driven by pure envy and even wrath. I could have done so many things to him but elected to show mercy for trifling in my affairs. Thou shall not covet right? That’s the problem these days’ father, everyone wants what you have. I’ve even tried to be nice, a bird named Elena started on my show, I tried to be inviting and she blew me off like I was beneath her. These are the same people YOU want to save? Why? They don’t deserve that father; they instead need to learn through punishment, you are so afraid while the God you worship has destroyed civilizations and allowed more people to die in his name than any other way of death. She deserved to be removed, I dealt with it.”
“You can be saved; all you have to do is believe. There are good people out there in this world, those that do want to see you succeed, that care for what happens. It is the love we all share under his rule no matter the wars and death sensationalized on television. This is the first step of many my child on the road to Salvation.”
“I have tried father. When does the fairy tale simply end?”
“It is not a fairy tale. Your friends care about you, that child shows the power of God and the love his children have for one another.”
Again Mark lets out a slight chuckle…..
“Lust, padre. Lust and gluttony. Why? It isn’t always something we consume, it is something we want and I really want it all. My family makes me feel alive but I want more….so much more. See Father, I remember almost a few months ago…..”
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The Priest simply shakes his head upon hearing Mark who chuckles in his self satisfied manner…
“There is a devil in all of us Father, oh yes there is and it’s our own personal hell that these devils desire and rule over. Can’t we all accept that life just isn’t always fair, the remnants of this dogma only serves a purpose of filling those of false hope, the wandering souls lost are given a small representation of a belief they are supposed to buy into, commit their lives and souls for. They come to this confession booth as weaklings searching for the answers to the questions that are feared to be asked. Penance is only a feel good excuse to exonerate a sinner that will continue to perpetrate the actions that keep you occupied inside this little chamber... I don’t need penance.”
“We all need forgiveness.”
“Why? Only for me to continue being a repeat offender? Say my “Our Father’s” and my “Hail Mary’s”? No padre, instead I’m going to do you a favor. You can’t save this world or the people in it. We roam like cattle waiting for the next slaughter and you allow it to happen. Sins are vices, a way of life that has become modern in its own mundane existence. I came here to see if you could help me, grab my hand and guide the way to immortality…… into the warm light of heaven…..but I see that Hell needs me more…”
“That is not true….”
“Oh it is, so go back to your simple life Father, a place where the illusion is living in the love of the God that has allowed this world to be broken, falling apart. They are the unsuspecting and as they do not see what faith has created through your teachings and words, they will be lost because God never showed them enough….”
There is a slight pause before Mark whispers to the Priest…..
“…..while God has shown me too much…”
He starts to grin before standing up and making the signal of the cross…..
“Amen.”
The condescending and sadistic Mark walks out of the Confession Chamber, hands in pockets, he starts to walk away, the Priest comes out and looks as the young man disappears, almost frightened he realizes….
Devils do exist.
“Logic is what the devil likes most.” - Kelly Braffet
Aired Footage
Cathedral of St. Johns - Albuquerque, New Mexico
A Few Days Ago
The Cathedral Church of St. John is an Episcopal cathedral located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of the Rio Grande The first service in the stone and brick structure was held in November 1882. This is where we find the obnoxious and talented “Straight Shooter” Mark Hunter, the man that shocked the world in his very first match back in Project Honor by defeating main event stars. Since then he has quite possibly ended the career of the company’s greatest ever champion, and played a massive role in picking the direction of the legacy championship. For now, though, he looks to show the world Havoc is not the untouchable champion people portray him as. Mark is a very interesting man, one that will question social norms, never going with the flow and constantly challenging the stance of those who support it…..
For now though, he prepares for his match against Havoc…
His blue eyes glance over at the camera…
Mark starts to speak in his matter of fact tone with the slight British accent…
“If Aesop’s Fables taught us anything it was that liars are never rewarded. When the boy cried wolf repeatedly to trick the surrounding populous over and over again by stating a wolf was attacking his herd, the villagers would come running with pitchforks in hand ready to kill that said wolf but when they arrived there was nothing. This happened repeatedly until one day there was indeed a wolf that ravaged that poor herd, however as the boy continued to cry for help the villagers ignored him and the deceitful young shepherd was not rewarded… instead that boy became a victim of his own lies.”
“How much longer are you going to lie to the fans of this sport?”
“How much longer are the sycophants of Project Honor going to fill the ears of the viewers with their defamation, falsification and fraudulent cries of hyperbole at the expense of people like me? After two return matches in this company have I come out here and drivelled in some mindless banter and not back up those words? Do I live in a delusional world like these cosplayers thinking I’m cute, cuddly and funny? Or maybe the vets that continue to lie to themselves that they still mean something in the big picture when that ship has long sailed? Have I disrespected ANY opponent I have faced by not taking the time to learn who they are, see what they have done and even credit them in their accomplishments?”
“Why would I not because by doing so I make that match and win relevant. Wrestlers, self-proclaimed superstars like Havoc have neglected to do just that over and over again, for a multiple time champion of this sport it’s both a shame and a mockery of what or who we are. Also consider the fact Havoc, you called me “damaged goods” yet had the nerve to reach out to me for help as Billy beat you.”
“The “scary” and “talented” tough guy isn’t so tough after all, calling for my help, jumping people from behind in the dark, dismissing people that mean more to the company than he ever has… You said I wasn’t a threat last time out, I then laughed in your face as you begged me, you’ll probably be unoriginal and say the same this time as well, again I’ll end up laughing in your face, but this time I’ll hold the belt high too.”
“He’s not the only one, there are others that sit on top of their “spots” waiting for that rub, the ego boosts to allow them to think they still matter in the story I am writing. It’s what I like to call “Smoke and Mirrors”. Don’t you see, you can go through life’s challenges being nescient and obtuse but it will only lead to failure. Havoc, how does it feel to know that you lost to Billy because I took the time to scout, study and learn your every strength and weakness? The battle cries were nothing more than a mere whimper when you got found out.”
Looking a little annoyed, Mark turns to look up at the Cathedral for a moment before cracking a smile. He is taking each match one step at a time since returning. His way of thinking has been in question this week, hence why he’s at the Cathedral, once again searching for answers but the straight shooter has always had a talent for finding out his own truths and you can be sure he’s ready to share them…..never biting his silver tongue. He continues to speak….
“The obvious philistinism of this sport and those athletes that occupy a spot of employment in this company amongst both Fallout and Proving Ground is an embarrassment to me as a competitor. If ignorance was bliss most of you would be the happiest people alive, it’s that same attitude that means you didn’t see someone like me coming, people didn’t see me coming before the tag match, people didn’t see me coming and effectively choose the winner of the legacy title. I’ve instantly perched myself at the top of the ladder in Project Honor all over again and yet Havoc will sum you all up, he’ll not have learned from previous mistakes. Oh no, instead I'm expected to tremble in fear and fall to my knees praying for mercy and forgiveness like a sinner in front of this church, I’m expected to be begging for penance.”
“Do I look like I fear Havoc or any of you?”
“Would I ever beg for Mercy?”
“Can you see me get down on my knees for prayer and nothing more fun?”
“Are any of you, the populous in this great company of ours, looking for something to believe in? Do you yearn for hope and progress by having blind faith in something you have no proof ever existed? Have your lives improved every single time you prayed? Did you get that massive win or get to date a beautiful person because you took the time to pray?”
“I’ll pause for a moment and allow you to come up with that answer….”
He stands there staring at the camera for a brief moment, allowing for the viewer to contemplate the answer to the question, waiting patiently before he addresses the camera again…..
“So now I ask, were they ever answered?
“Every single night I would drop to my knees and pray, hoping that one day they would be acknowledged by the higher power but they were not. For years I waited and waited yet I got given a great load of nothing. So many athletes when they are victorious thank “Jesus” or God for helping them win. Did the almighty throw that touchdown or hit that homerun? Did God slap shot to Jesus, shooting the puck to score the winning goal or drop the three-point shot to advance in the tournament?”
“No, one person's skill did. And here we are in this day and age where you litter your car with bumper stickers and slogans such as…”
“I Brake for Jesus?”
“Maybe the cool little “fish” decal while weaving all over the road and showing me the true face of fear, someone that has no clue how to drive and uses their belief as an excuse to pardon them of the faults that get those who do believe in life as a whole killed without reasoning? So easily this dogma can be advertised and used as a merchandise machine while the sycophants eat it up without a second glance. Why society is so easily persuaded perplexes me to no end. Is there a heaven? Is there a hell? The masses will say we’re all god's children… but I, Mark Hunter, am not god's child.”
“I’ve embraced my belief, I’ve accepted my role on this planet to bring a little chaos. For the rest of you, something has to be given as an incentive because you KNOW they LIE to you… why tell the man in the cloth you seek salvation?”
“You don’t, you seek compensation.”
“Look around you, living in this little bubble like the wrestlers of Project Honor that refuse to peek outside and see the truth. For fuck sake, turn on a television and there is the indicator that no matter what you believe in, the true nature of the Hell we live in is playing twenty four seven in front of your face, that’s reality. Those that continue to live in poverty, starving and being murdered by warlords every single day, the abadoned world, they are supposed to have hope?”
Hunter raises an eyebrow, making an obvious statement of sorts. Is he a bit aggravated by the face he must look at in consecutive matches? After taking a cycle off and simply playing spectator does he want Havoc? He wants the belt… but does he want Havoc?
“There is no hope, abandon it now and live in reality. No more cosplays, no more comics and no stupid paint on the face of someone who wants to “wrassle”? Havoc, don’t you see it? Can’t you feel it? Your imaginary world is free from all those crimes of humanity, the crimes created by the same people who claim to save others from sin through salvation. I’ve been taught to take off the shackles and live free of any design created by man himself. Their words and scriptures have no meaning here. Jesus and God will not even be able to help you win this match. People will continue to insult me with their ideals; it doesn’t surprise me that religious hypocrites persecute in such a manner.”
“Should I now call them Pontius Pilate?”
“Will they crown me with thorns while thumping their bible and serenading gospel scriptures to justify their actions? You’re probably wondering Havoc, how does this have any relevance to you or our match, while they use religion to mask their flaws and their shortcomings, you instead play dress up, you perform and look ridiculous doing it because this sir is a wrestling match… why do I have to once again fight a clown? A pretend “Demon”.”
“I get it, I’m special, I’m charismatic and I truly do march to the beat of my own drum but are you seriously thinking I’ll be acting like I’m honored to fight against a man like you?”
“Where have the real men gone?”
“There is no misinterpretation here Havoc, there are no alternatives, no forgeries for the reality is what it states, that you now face me at Public Execution in a cell and with it, another chance for me to showcase exactly why I’m the Devil from hell that can’t be touched.”
He breaks out into a little chuckle before the smile wipes from his face entirely and he looks back at the camera with his mesmerizing blue eyes…..
“I’ve come back to take over Fallout, you Havoc are in the way, you’re another stepping stone and please, don’t take insult to that, you are secondary in this match, I’ve been there in the past. Now it is your chance to score the upset, let the world watch your talents and allow them to come up with their own conclusions as to where you fit into this vicious cycle.”
“However, I come to win.”
“The world is rolling it’s eyes right now at a grown man painted like a demon? Havoc, I find it very hard to take you seriously and normally I would be all for dress-up but I leave that to the Comic-Con’s and Halloween Parties. I’m a man that enjoys a good time and having fun, let’s have fun Havoc, yes? My fun though is not the same, I’m having problems relating, please make me understand, enlighten me just a little, help me delve into your world just a little further to see exactly if I can comprehend why a grown man….. Plays pretend.”
“In a land where I demand center stage, all eyes are on you. Project Honor are in hopes that they have found the next long term gem on their roster. For every Elena DeDraca, Dickie Watson and Billy Bennett… you get a Lil Petey, Brandon Hendrix and Matt Knox among the hundred other hopefuls that now lie in the unmarked graves of those to fail in Project Honor. The question now is, are you part of that list or will the demon “Rise” against the best in the business and make a statement?”
“I think you can’t.”
“You will have to put your beliefs to the test, that belief will in the end only serve to disappoint you. They may want to push you, they did it to me and soon learned that nothing will stop me from reaching my goals. Now, please don’t think I’m some mean spirited man trying to suck the fun out of this, I just want to be truthful with you. Ask anyone that’s gone before, ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you that I’m pleasant to be around… but unlike you, unlike so many others that want to simply use my ring… that want to use my sport as a platform for their mundane entertainment….”
Hunter lets out a chuckle and brushes a hand through his short hair. He cracks a smile before his matter of fact tone and British voice continues to speak, hopefully captivating the audience….
“I like to entertain Havoc, though you may find my definition of that a little different than yours. The question you ask, what is it exactly that brings me joy and are you really ready for the answer?”
“Havoc, you are that answer. You are the itch that needs to be scratched, you are the stain that needs to be cleansed, you are a sore that needs to be iced, and a mere man that needs to be hurt. In our course we live to see another day, we go through our lives committing acts without really ever stopping to consider the consequences.”
“Pain? Pleasure? Is there really a difference?”
“It’s all “Euphoric” to say the least. Thank you to my past opponents or maybe victims for the enlightened experience. Thank you for trying to beat me in the ring. Why? You all forgot to do one little thing, pay attention Havoc because this is also aimed at you….
“They couldn’t or can’t reach those limits necessary in order to succeed.”
“I can see it, hear it….”
“Crying in a little bed. Fearing the boogeyman. Just like the rest of the innocent when they were born and now they will witness what awaits them, first hand they will know fear and they will know pain. Look behind me at this church, this is their absolution? Their protection? PH has lied to you Havoc, the mere fact they presented this as an opportunity and put you up against me? Do as the children did lad, run out screaming from a room into your parents bed scared, begging them to protect you. I wish I had that option, I wish I had my parent’s bed to jump in when I was scared. This life can be cruel to a child, it will change them, and it will make them into Martyr’s, Leaders or Monsters. The monsters we fear are those we create, isn’t that true?”
“Most could see me as a monster, yet I believe in love and murder…”
“It’s what makes me human.”
His eyes narrow, staring right into the camera while biting down on his jaw.
“Havoc, as the night ends, you’ll take back with you a lesson of life that you were never taught, it is not who you believe in…”
“It’s not what you believe in…”
“It’s who you are that makes the difference.”
“So I leave you with this… Who I am, can’t lose to who you are.”
Scene fades and the smirk drifts away with it.