Post by L Verez {L-7} on Sept 26, 2019 12:04:05 GMT -6
United… Championship… Infinite.
I never thought I would hear, or see those three words uttered accordingly ever again. UCI was my home away from home. It was, in an odd way, my safe haven. UCI created a name for me more so than even protecting the Universe ever did. Once the UCI Championship was essentially buried six feet deep in Action Wrestling, I found no reason to be a part of the federation any longer. Why should I be a part of a promotion that threw away the namesake of my second home? Where else would I go? No other place felt the same. It's almost like an obsession to be back in a place like UCI. Action never felt that way. Not in the slightest. NBW didn't either, but I at least had my familiar friends. Not in Action. No, they all left… one… by one… by one. Damian, Alex, Bonnie, and the Wade I thought I knew. They all left.
Not even the Guardians were the same. We never hit the same stride as we once did in UCI. I tried to recover that. I tried to make it my own. It never worked. Nothing ever worked. Admittedly, with the clashing personalities of Jaice, Claire, and Samuel, I should have known that it was all in vain. Especially after driving Zima away. That should've been what drove me to realizing that my priorities were not in the right place. I was just too stubborn to realize it. I was never supposed to be the leader of the Guardians. The Guardians should never have even stepped foot in Action Wrestling. I even considered joining Wade. I never felt respected as the leader of the Guardians. So, maybe doing the unthinkable… joining Wade and #beachkrew… maybe that would have given me that satisfaction of the essence of UCI.
That's what it was always about. UCI. It never steered from my mind. Even when I fought for the Action Wrestling titles… I only ever truly wanted the UCI Championship, even if its legacy was moot. Nevertheless, I could never take it off the hands of Casey Holliday. No one could. I definitely couldn't, with my lack of drive. I lost 90% of the matches that mattered because of my clouded mindset. Spencer, Sidney, Casey, Andre… I was lucky to defeat Roy Speede when I did. The only ones I ever gave their due comeuppance were Claire and Corey. Corey gave me that essence that I missed so dearly. He was my greatest rival, and to this day, he still has never been able to defeat me. Claire gave me a similar sense of drive that Karlie once did, but on another level. She knew exactly how to push my buttons. Although my paranoia after what she did to Zima may have been what sent a crack through our relationship. But I oddly grew respect for Claire. Maybe that's why I brought her into the Guardians.
It was just never going to be the same. But now… now there may be a chance. The UCI Reunion. I'm sitting here in the tech room that Vincent Walker recorded my first promo in as I'm reading the news for the umpteenth time on my Holo. I still can't believe what I'm reading. I'm torn to shreds after my last mission. My old friend N-8 hasn't given me much time to breath. She's been causing havoc ever since I returned to the Quartex. Now I hear she's in EWC to try and taint my name. She's as obsessed with ruining my legacy as I am to be back in UCI. Nevertheless, it isn't much matter to me. I can deal with her as I have before. My main concern now is the match Spencer gave me. One I never thought would happen.
L Verez vs Bonnie Blue. It's rather fitting, honestly. She once told me that I would be the downfall of the Guardians. In a way, she was right. I always looked up to her. The moment I saw her match back in Lazarus of 2017 against Kevin Bishop for the UCI World Heavyweight Championship. Maybe her joining #beachkrew then was what almost led me to doing the same. I'm not sure. In the end, she included me into the ranks, thanks to Alex Richards. Someone that became a dear friend of mine. Another one that turned away… it seems like almost every one of my Guardian friends did so. I see this match as a homecoming, in a sense. Maybe this show is what will bring UCI back to life, as I feel it should be. I hope so… but until then, at least, for one night… it's time to return home.
Zima'Ion: L? What are you doing back here? You need to be in the med bay.
I should have known Zima would be here. Still, she has a point. I know I heal more quickly than humans and Quarians, but I should still make sure nothing dire happens.
L Verez: I'll be there in a bit, love. I was just… reminiscing, in a sense.
Zima'Ion: About UCI?
L Verez: Yes… I'm still taken aback. As much as I always wanted it to, I never thought UCI would ever have another show again.
Zima gives me a regretful look. I believe I know where this is going.
Zima'Ion: Look, L. I know you're excited for this reunion show. I am too, honestly, even though I won't be in your corner like I used to be. I just don't want you to get your hopes up about a UCI return. It's a reunion show, nothing more.
I hate when she's right… but she is. I have to remember not to get too hopeful about this.
L Verez: I understand that, Zima. I'll weigh my options out after the reunion show. For now, I need to recover. I'm just glad I can count on you to keep hold of Quasana, in case N-8 tries to wreak havoc once more.
Zima'Ion: Come on. Let's go to the medbay.
L Verez: Lead the way.
Getting up was more difficult than I expected it to me. Who knew N-8 would get the best of me like this? I can still manage to stand, which is what truly matters. She may have won the battle, but she won't win this war. The same goes for Bonnie. She was my friend at one point, but right now, she's my target. I won't let her get the best of me like I did with N-8, and like I did back in Action Wrestling. Finally, we both make it to the medbay. Immediately, I have to lay on the medical platform. Zima looks concerned.
Zima'Ion: Are you sure you can heal fast enough for the event?
L Verez: After all the damage and near injuries I have dealt, whether they were from otherworldly incidents or from wrestling matches and feuds… I've never backed down from a fight, one hundred percent or not.
Zima'Ion: I just don't want anything happening to you, my love.
Hearing her speak that way towards me still has me relieved. It wasn't too long ago that she wouldn't even speak to me.
L Verez: I understand. That's how I felt about you for too long. So while I appreciate the sentiment, I want you to know that you don't need to worry so much.
She smiles, but before she could say anything, Polonium enters the room.
Polonium: NEWS OF N-8 HAVE EMERGED, PROTECTOR. SHE HAS ENTERED THE PROMOTION KNOWN AS TRINITY WRESTLING.
The Holo Sphere on his chest projects the inside of the Staples Center within Los Angeles, California. In it, my entrance music plays, along with very loud cheers. I can hear the roar of the crowd dissipate once the music stops. Then different music plays, and N-8 appears on the stage.
L Verez: She wants my attention.
Zima'Ion: She did the same in EWC PRIME.
L Verez: This is different. Now she's using me for her own benefit. It's a blatant call-out.
Zima'Ion: What are you going to do about it?
Should I do anything? On one hand, I don't want her to achieve the goal of sending me to Earth. On the other, the fans expected me there… I don't want to let them down.
L Verez: For now, I'll leave her be. Let us wait and see what she does next. Dismissed, Polonium.
Polonium: AS YOU WISH, PROTECTOR.
Polonium exits the room, leaving the two of us at our lonesome once more. I'm nearing my resting phase, but I have one more thing to say before then.
L Verez: I won't let N-8's tactics distract me from my match against Bonnie. This match is going to make or break me. If I am to return into the professional wrestling landscape, I have to do something huge, in order for people to truly believe that I'm still capable of making history. So I'll make that history by beating Bonnie… and showing, not just the world… but the entire Universe… that I am better than Bonnie Blue.
~~~~~~~
It isn't long before my match against Bonnie. I'm not fully healed, but I'm moving well. Nevertheless, we've made it to Earth… Boulder City, Nevada, specifically. I wanted to come back to the bunker and see if everything was still intact. Not many people, outside of the Action Guardians, knew of this place. Going in, it's still a far cry from the deserted, thin aired disaster that it once was. Although, without the presence of Jaice, Claire, and Samuel, it does feel quite empty. Still, I am proud of all the technological advances I was able to bring about this place. It's quite a site seeing all the similar setups and wirings. The lighting is still a bit dim, with the lack of windows, but that was needed to keep this place hidden from the masses. However, I can let one person know of this place… with the Holo Sphere ready, I can record for a bit and send a message directly to Bonnie Blue herself.
L Verez: It's been a long time, Bonnie. Things aren't like they used to be, are they? Before I came here, I was with you in Chicago, at the Drunken Dragon. I was a Guardian along with Alex, Damian, Wade, etc. In the end, you shunned me. Left me to fend for myself in Action Wrestling. The very person I looked up to was the one to leave me behind. I can't say I blame you entirely. Action Wrestling was never a home for you. Not like WCF was. I could never truly call Action home for me either, but I'm not the type of being to jump ship when the chips are down. That's exactly what you and Alex did. As soon as you lost the UCI Championship to Anton, you fled. I had to be the one to pick up the pieces. One can never truly fix a broken mirror, though, can they? You were the one that told me that I would fail as a leader. In a sense, you were right… but were you much better? While I had my Guardians in Action, you had yours in WCF. My firing is what undid the Guardians on my end, but you still had a chance to continue the legacy.
That isn't what you did. After WCF closed its doors, you disappeared. I had other duties that kept me busy. Meanwhile, you went off on vacation with John Rabid. You even let him turn you into his kind. For what purpose? Power? Longevity? Depedency? I'll never know. What I do know is that you aren't the legend that I once looked up to. When I first joined UCI, you were at the top of the mountain. I was just the weirdo trans alien that wasn't supposed to get anywhere. Alex saw more in me, and honestly, he was right to have. The three of us held onto our gold before UCI closed its doors. I, to this day, carry the Hypermedia Championship with pride. You and Alex had your tag titles. Not only that, but I was one of two top contenders for the UCI World Championship. We were at our peak… but once you reach that peak, you have nowhere to go but down. That's what happened when the Guardians landed in Action Wrestling. We struggled. Even after you won the UCI Title, your spirit was gone. You lost to Anton Chase… of all people. You basically gave up. Not just on yourself, but on the Guardians as a whole.
The reason I became the leader and made the Guardians my own was because I had your blessing. At least, I thought I did. Maybe Wade was just wanting to build animosity between us. If that's the case, then he succeeded, because the person I thought was my friend ended up breaking into my ship, shunning me out of the group, and called me a failure. That isn't the sign of a leader, Bonnie. That's the sign of a traitor. That is someone that has abandoned her legacy, and has turned into a renegade. Nevertheless, you found greener pastures. Wrestling Championship Federation… that was your real home, wasn't it? A place filled with more toxicity than Action Wrestling could even fathom. You gave it your all over there. You even won the top prize. You couldn't keep for long, though, could you? Not with Noble Savage around. I can't take anything away from you, however, because you defeated Odin Balfore. One of the biggest legends known on Earth!
It's too bad you had to sacrifice your integrity to get there. Where did all that get you, in the end? Has it all been worth it? Maybe you never were as integral as I pictured. I mean, the first time you won the UCI World Heavyweight Championship, you joined #beachkrew. Of course, Wade and Rabid had your backs, because they knew they had you behind closed doors. So, maybe you never really changed. Maybe you just showed everyone your true colors. I used to want to be like Bonnie Blue. I looked up to you more than anyone else in the Professional Wrestling Universe. Now I know better. Why try and be like someone else, when you can make your own mark? I'm nothing like you, Bonnie. I never want to be anything like you. I'm going to stay true to myself, and true to everyone on Earth. You can continue to hide, and lie, and live your comfortable life with John Rabid.
I bet this match doesn't even mean anything to you. Why should it? Who the hell was L Verez to you, really? Did I ever mean anything to you, or was I just a part of your chess game this whole time? You've gotten everything you've wanted. You got your group, you got the title, and you got the man of your wicked dreams. Time Witch… how much did you really manipulate time to get to this point? How badly did you screw with the timeline for your own selfish gain? I suppose it doesn't matter now. You're not even a witch anymore. You're worse. The Vampiress of Time… goodness. Maybe people were right all along. "Never meet your heroes. They'll only disappoint you." That's what you were to me, Bonnie. Now you're the villain. I have to be the hero. I have to be the one to let everyone know the truth about you. Just as my old friend N-8 is trying to do to me, except I have good reason… and I won't try to pry myself into your life to do it. I don't need to. I don't even want to.
It has honestly come to the point where I want nothing to do with you after this match is through. I just want to win. I want to prove why integrity wins over manipulation. I want everyone to know that you don't have to break the trust of your peers for your own sick, ulterior motives. Besides, you have nothing left. After this match, you'll go back to Rabid, and live whatever gruesome life you're living. You're not a professional wrestler anymore. That isn't your life. You've grown tired of it. Not me. No, this isn't my end… not in the slightest. This is my return to the fold. It all started with you, Bonnie. Now I get to begin my return by dethroning you, and ousting you for what you really are. Then, I'll continue my legacy. I don't know where my next destination is, but my journey isn't over. Not by a long shot. I will find a new home, and I will make my mark. No Guardians this time. I'll do this on my own. I don't need to place my trust incorrectly any longer.
So, have a nice retirement, Bonnie. Do whatever it is that you, Rabid, and whatever other vile creatures like you do. I won't stop you. I don't even want to know. All that matters is that you're comfortable. No longer striving. No longer hungry… at least, not in the healthy way. As I said, Bonnie, I'm not the only failure here. The difference is that you're comfortable with your failure. You're okay with the fact that you left the Guardians, and that WCF is dead. You're fine with not staying a champion. I'm not. I have to be better than what I was. I have to become more. I have to become stronger, faster, and more capable than ever before. Meanwhile… you don't need, or want, to do any of that. That's why I'm going to win. I'm still climbing, while you're meagerly sliding down. You don't have the fight that I have. You definitely don't have the heart either. If I'm the one to put you down, it'll be the match that will steal the show… so long as you give it your best. I'm not sure if you will. I'm not even sure if you still have it in you. You're not the best anymore. You're not a legend. You're just… retired.
Off, the Holo goes. Not like I haven't said enough anyhow. Almost right on queue, Zima makes her way into the base. She has so much pride in her step these days. She isn't nearly as finicky as she once was.
Zima'Ion: Why did you turn it off? You still have something you need to do.
L Verez: Oh? What would that be, exactly?
She rolls her eyes at me, as if it should be obvious.
Zima'Ion: What else would it be? You have to find your next destination.
Of course. It was obvious. I said I was going to go back into the fold. If UCI isn't going to continue after this show, I need a place that will strive. So, I turn on the Holo, and look at my options.
L Verez: Well… this isn't as disheartening as it once was.
Zima'Ion: You mean back when WCF closed down and you were left with two viable options?
L Verez: Yes… I wasn't going to stay in Action, and honestly, that still isn't an option for me. They're doing quite well for themselves, I'll give them that. Honestly, though, it isn't the home I hoped it would be.
Zima'Ion: There's still EWC. N-8 didn't make the mark she meant to. Your name isn't tarnished over there.
L Verez: I'm not sure… it's a very large promotion. Look, there's basically promotions within the promotion.
Zima'Ion: I think there's an Earth joke for that. There's Trinity Wrestling. That's where N-8 is now. Maybe you can stop her tyranny.
L Verez: It's an option… this place is quite new, isn't it?
Zima'Ion: Yes. A whole new landscape for you to venture within. That isn't the only one either.
L Verez: There's another?
Zima'Ion: Yes, there is. Your Security Unit friends are there. It's called Alpha Pro Wrestling.
L Verez: Is that right?...
Zima'Ion: It's said that Damian was there at one point, but left for personal matters.
L Verez: Interesting… let's see…
Action is out of the question. That leaves me with three options. A large, legendary federation, or one of two new federations. One with friendly faces. Another with my rival. My old friend…
L Verez: … I think I've made my decision, Zima.
~~~~~~~
