Post by Bear Reynolds on Sept 17, 2016 21:00:36 GMT
(OFF CAMERA)
The San Francisco skyline wasn't as beautiful as New York's, but it was still good to see. Bear had arrived at the hotel around midday, and spent the last few hours settling in. He flew in early, but it was good to be ahead of schedule so that matters such as the directions to the arena could be sorted out. Though right now, Bear needed to confront another issue entirely.
“Trent, this is no laughing matter. I need to know how to set the camera up properly,” Bear chastised his apprentice as he stared out the balcony window of his room, able to see his distraught reflection in the glass.
“Didn't we go through it?” Trent replied after another short outburst of laughter. “Make sure the camera is on the 'video' setting, hit the button on the top, and do your thing.”
Bear rolled his eyes. This must have been hilarious for Trent, but for someone who was jet-lagged and already technologically inept, it became a frustrating task. For a moment, as Bear watched the evening traffic pass by, he remembered how easy this was with him around. No instructions were needed back then – Bear just let his former partner do everything. But before Bear could think too much, he caught himself and turned away from the window.
“Fine. I'll call you if I need any more help.” Bear could hear the exhaustion lacing his words, though whether it had come from being tired or due to the camera situation was up for debate. After saying their goodbyes for the day, he looked over to the camera once more. Nothing would hold him back.
(ON CAMERA)
Bear adjusts the camera just a bit, tilting it into a better position. With everything in order, he sits back on the bed, ready to address ZERO.
“ZERO. I know you don't talk much, probably because you don't feel the need to. For starters, you have Mr. Larsen doing your talking for you; and second, you seem like a man of action rather than words. I've met people like you before – people who don't need to back up their skills with words, people who are happy to stay silent during the build-up to a match just so they can remain unpredictable in the ring. I admire that. In this sport, I've seen so many people put on a grandiose display to try and intimidate their opponents.There are even a few of those people here in RSW. And if I didn't feel the need to prove myself in this company, then perhaps I would do what you do and stay quiet most of the time.”
“Unfortunately, I do have this need to prove my legitimacy here. I may be an accomplished wrestler, but RSW is a very different climate, and I have to make a statement. I need to show everyone that I can adapt to, and eventually change, RSW. How do I do that? It's simple: I'll put on a great match with you, ZERO.”
“Unexpected? With how some people in this company have gotten noticed, I imagine you were expecting me to brag about how I'll tear you apart with my technical skills, or how I'll wait until you make a mistake so that I can take advantage in the best and worst ways. Well...I will play it safe and try to find your weaknesses, but I won't go out of my way to 'destroy' you. The way I'm going to prove myself is by putting on a good, clean match. And if some people criticise me for that, then that's just a shame. But I don't want to sink to dark depths – I want to rise. Some may have already written me off. Perhaps you've written me off, ZERO. I don't mean to accuse you of anything, but maybe you and Larsen International are pulling some strings behind the scenes, fighting against the fact you have to fight through more contenders, despite earning your stripes. However, if you really want to fight Bryce, then you'll work for it. I don't want you to take the easy way out. Hit me with everything you've got, ZERO, because I will do the same. If you deserve this shot, then you'll show you're above letting someone else take control. I know you're better than that – you just have to prove it to everyone else.”
Bear gives the camera a half-smile, visibly tired as he tries to remain serious. Fade to black.
