Post by Alex Kiseragi on Feb 5, 2010 19:53:46 GMT -5
We’ve been here before, once, but without a clear memory of the places previous state as well as it’s proprietors description of it’s plans you’d never have guessed it was the same. The large old warehouse is now home to three brand new, shiny clean wrestling rings that dominate it’s centre. The ground all around them is covered with blue crash mats that don’t have as much as a scuffed corner. At the far end of the room are two deep pits filled with soft green foam blocks. Beside them are a pair of lone standing turnbuckles and one side of tort elasticised ropes. Along one side is a row of heavy and speed bags and a little further still an array of strength and conditioning apparatus. The high walls are adorned sparsely with long rolling banners replicating the promotional material from Distant Whispers and Horizons 2008 and No Holds Barred 2009.
As we pan outside we find quite the media hubbub. A group of journalists huddle in front of a line of loose red ropes being held up by a series of gold support posts. Behind the barrier are a line of suited men and women. At the end of their line is a wooden podium stood upon a small makeshift pedestal.
They’ve been here for a little while now, about fifteen minutes, give or take. Finally the man they’re all waiting for appears. From round a corner, the unusually well dressed Alex Kiseragi appears, clad in a black suit, white shirt and striped pale blue tie. There is a enthused yet polite round of applause as he makes his way forward and takes a place stood behind the podium. He looks first along the line of men and women beside him, then out to the crowd before allowing a proud smile to cross his face.
“Thank you all for coming.” he says. “This is a proud day for not just myself…” he gestures along the line beside him. “…but for my colleagues too and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you.”
“Many years ago, a good man taught me how to fight. But so much more than that he taught me virtues. He taught me about honour. He taught me discipline. He taught me control and restraint. He taught me to be a man.
We live in dark times. Every day there are more reports of crime, theft, assault, murder. It saddens me to see this attributed so much to the youth of our nation. It saddens me that so many are allowed to go astray and fall by the wayside when no more than direction and guidance could make such a difference.
This is my motivation. This is why we are here today. Behind me stands the Dragon’s Cave Wrestling Academy. Through this building I hope to provide for the youth of this city in the same way I was provided for all those years ago. Through this building I hope to pass on the virtues of discipline and honour and through this building we will give guidance and direction to those so close to falling forever by the wayside.
That is the pledge we all have made and with that I declare this school…”
Alex gestures to one of the men in the line beside him who turns and grabs hold of a long cord hanging behind them. With a sharp tug the rolled up banner hanging over the Academy entrance unfurls.
“…open!” Alex finally declares.
All those gathered applaud once more as they look up at it. The left side of the banner is a arch of jagged rocks. Within that is the open flame breathing jaws of a Dragon. Within that, a wrestling ring. The words Dragon’s Cave Wrestling Academy stand in bold red letters against a black background on the right hand side, surrounded by the swirling forms of more oriental styled creatures.
Alex raises a hand which quickly draws the crowd to silence. “Now I’m sure you all have questions so I’ll endeavour to answer some before we head inside.”
Nearly the entire crowd raise their hands and with practised precision Alex starts to pick them out of the crowd.
“Why did you decide on the name the Dragon’s Cave?” the first asked.
“When it was first suggested to me I hated it. No Holds Barred last year isn’t something I’d say I was proud of. I did some things that I regret and my first reaction was to avoid it at all costs. I realised though that you can’t run from your problems. You can’t run from the past and that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. That why I decided to name the gym as I did. It’s a reminder to me of the mistakes of the past so that neither I or anyone else who trains here will repeat them.”
There is a small round of applause from those around in appreciation for Alex’s open response.
“I think it sounds pretty badass too.” he adds.
A small ripple of laughter runs through the crowd as Alex picks out the next question.
“How’re you feeling after the Covenant attack on you a couple of weeks ago?”
Alex ran his hand across his chest and sternum. Beneath the smart shirt and jacket remained the a wrapping on bandaging. “I’m doing ok. I sustained some pretty heavy bruising and a slightly cracked rib but I should be ready to return to in-ring action after Infinity.”
“Do you have any comments regarding the attack on GIW’s Senior Enforcer Ms. Levene last week?”
“The Covenant are the most depraved reprehensible beings ever to step foot in a GIW ring. Attacking the likes of myself is one thing. It’s something we resign ourselves to when we embark on this career. That does not mean that everyone related to the company is an open target. The violent assault of a defenceless elderly lady is neither impressive or forgivable and one day not far from now I will be happy to send The Covenant back to whatever hole in the ground they dragged themselves from.”
Anger is clearly visible upon the Dragon’s face and everyone jumps slightly as his fist hammers into the podium. Quickly regaining his composure Alex straightens up and reapplies his proud smile. “I think that’s enough questioning for now. You are all now free to explore the facility yourselves.”
On cue the large double doors at the front the building slowly draw open as Alex steps off the pedestal. The lined up coaches unhook several of the red ropes that had previously barred the journalists path and they make their way into the building, camera’s flashing wildly. As the last have made their way inside the coaches follow. At the back of the crowd is Alex now standing side by side with the equally unusually smartly dressed Katie Piper. She seems uncomfortable in a black pencil skirt, blouse and high heels though she scrubs up particularly well. With only a brief look and a smile she gently reaches for his hand, their fingers interlocking effortlessly. A simple understated gesture of affection that isn’t even worth the notice of anyone around them.
Yasutoki Kiseragi stands a few steps in front of the couple. He wears a traditional black Japanese suit and has been accosted by a young journalist seemingly looking for more insight into Alex’s childhood. The two of them can’t help smiling at The Elder Dragon’s discomfort with being the centre of media attention but soon feel obliged to help him.
“Sorry.” Alex says as he gets between the two of them. “I just need to borrow my Father for a minute.” The journalist nods and moves on to the next nearest coach giving a tour of the Academy.
“Thank you.” Yasutoki says with a shallow bow of the head.
“Anytime. I actually wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. You never gave me an answer from before.”
Yasutoki folded his arms, one hand rising up to touch his chin. “Well, I discussed it with your Mother and we decided that we are not ready to move up here.”
“Oh.” Alex replied, clearly disappointed.
“I do think however that I could work with you…part time.”
Alex’s face lit up again. “Yeah? That’d be great! We’ll have special striking workshops and…”
We fade away as Alex, flanked by Yasutoki and Katie continues what appears to be an enthusiastic rant as the three of them head into the crowd.
As we pan outside we find quite the media hubbub. A group of journalists huddle in front of a line of loose red ropes being held up by a series of gold support posts. Behind the barrier are a line of suited men and women. At the end of their line is a wooden podium stood upon a small makeshift pedestal.
They’ve been here for a little while now, about fifteen minutes, give or take. Finally the man they’re all waiting for appears. From round a corner, the unusually well dressed Alex Kiseragi appears, clad in a black suit, white shirt and striped pale blue tie. There is a enthused yet polite round of applause as he makes his way forward and takes a place stood behind the podium. He looks first along the line of men and women beside him, then out to the crowd before allowing a proud smile to cross his face.
“Thank you all for coming.” he says. “This is a proud day for not just myself…” he gestures along the line beside him. “…but for my colleagues too and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you.”
“Many years ago, a good man taught me how to fight. But so much more than that he taught me virtues. He taught me about honour. He taught me discipline. He taught me control and restraint. He taught me to be a man.
We live in dark times. Every day there are more reports of crime, theft, assault, murder. It saddens me to see this attributed so much to the youth of our nation. It saddens me that so many are allowed to go astray and fall by the wayside when no more than direction and guidance could make such a difference.
This is my motivation. This is why we are here today. Behind me stands the Dragon’s Cave Wrestling Academy. Through this building I hope to provide for the youth of this city in the same way I was provided for all those years ago. Through this building I hope to pass on the virtues of discipline and honour and through this building we will give guidance and direction to those so close to falling forever by the wayside.
That is the pledge we all have made and with that I declare this school…”
Alex gestures to one of the men in the line beside him who turns and grabs hold of a long cord hanging behind them. With a sharp tug the rolled up banner hanging over the Academy entrance unfurls.
“…open!” Alex finally declares.
All those gathered applaud once more as they look up at it. The left side of the banner is a arch of jagged rocks. Within that is the open flame breathing jaws of a Dragon. Within that, a wrestling ring. The words Dragon’s Cave Wrestling Academy stand in bold red letters against a black background on the right hand side, surrounded by the swirling forms of more oriental styled creatures.
Alex raises a hand which quickly draws the crowd to silence. “Now I’m sure you all have questions so I’ll endeavour to answer some before we head inside.”
Nearly the entire crowd raise their hands and with practised precision Alex starts to pick them out of the crowd.
“Why did you decide on the name the Dragon’s Cave?” the first asked.
“When it was first suggested to me I hated it. No Holds Barred last year isn’t something I’d say I was proud of. I did some things that I regret and my first reaction was to avoid it at all costs. I realised though that you can’t run from your problems. You can’t run from the past and that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. That why I decided to name the gym as I did. It’s a reminder to me of the mistakes of the past so that neither I or anyone else who trains here will repeat them.”
There is a small round of applause from those around in appreciation for Alex’s open response.
“I think it sounds pretty badass too.” he adds.
A small ripple of laughter runs through the crowd as Alex picks out the next question.
“How’re you feeling after the Covenant attack on you a couple of weeks ago?”
Alex ran his hand across his chest and sternum. Beneath the smart shirt and jacket remained the a wrapping on bandaging. “I’m doing ok. I sustained some pretty heavy bruising and a slightly cracked rib but I should be ready to return to in-ring action after Infinity.”
“Do you have any comments regarding the attack on GIW’s Senior Enforcer Ms. Levene last week?”
“The Covenant are the most depraved reprehensible beings ever to step foot in a GIW ring. Attacking the likes of myself is one thing. It’s something we resign ourselves to when we embark on this career. That does not mean that everyone related to the company is an open target. The violent assault of a defenceless elderly lady is neither impressive or forgivable and one day not far from now I will be happy to send The Covenant back to whatever hole in the ground they dragged themselves from.”
Anger is clearly visible upon the Dragon’s face and everyone jumps slightly as his fist hammers into the podium. Quickly regaining his composure Alex straightens up and reapplies his proud smile. “I think that’s enough questioning for now. You are all now free to explore the facility yourselves.”
On cue the large double doors at the front the building slowly draw open as Alex steps off the pedestal. The lined up coaches unhook several of the red ropes that had previously barred the journalists path and they make their way into the building, camera’s flashing wildly. As the last have made their way inside the coaches follow. At the back of the crowd is Alex now standing side by side with the equally unusually smartly dressed Katie Piper. She seems uncomfortable in a black pencil skirt, blouse and high heels though she scrubs up particularly well. With only a brief look and a smile she gently reaches for his hand, their fingers interlocking effortlessly. A simple understated gesture of affection that isn’t even worth the notice of anyone around them.
Yasutoki Kiseragi stands a few steps in front of the couple. He wears a traditional black Japanese suit and has been accosted by a young journalist seemingly looking for more insight into Alex’s childhood. The two of them can’t help smiling at The Elder Dragon’s discomfort with being the centre of media attention but soon feel obliged to help him.
“Sorry.” Alex says as he gets between the two of them. “I just need to borrow my Father for a minute.” The journalist nods and moves on to the next nearest coach giving a tour of the Academy.
“Thank you.” Yasutoki says with a shallow bow of the head.
“Anytime. I actually wanted to speak with you anyway.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. You never gave me an answer from before.”
Yasutoki folded his arms, one hand rising up to touch his chin. “Well, I discussed it with your Mother and we decided that we are not ready to move up here.”
“Oh.” Alex replied, clearly disappointed.
“I do think however that I could work with you…part time.”
Alex’s face lit up again. “Yeah? That’d be great! We’ll have special striking workshops and…”
We fade away as Alex, flanked by Yasutoki and Katie continues what appears to be an enthusiastic rant as the three of them head into the crowd.
x2
