A set of eyelids fell over a set of eyes, as the man's hand gently clutched the small box in his hand, a smile wide on his face as a single tear trickled down...the emotion of the decision he'd made truly getting to him. He wiped at his eyes with his free hand, a soft sigh escaping his lips. He wondered how Toya would feel when he asked her, how his father would feel when he heard...the one true hero he'd always had--how would he feel about all of this, after everything that'd happened?
Carefully, Ronnie pulled out his wallet and opened it, thumbing through to an old picture sitting in one of the pockets. It was a picture of himself as a child, sitting by his father on the couch as they watched wrestling together on television. He was about six at that time, as memories of that period in his life wandered aimlessly through his mind. There was one which was standing out, however, one memory that would not settle for getting pulled into the fast-moving current of his mind, sped on by emotions that it was a memory that never came to be, only a dream.
His father's words would still sound clear to his mind, words which were repeated to him throughout all his life. Words that he knew, even when his father found out of Ronnie's decision, he would hear. He knew his father would be happy for them, but he also knew of what might happen due to the stress caused on the road. However, his father always gave him the best advice, and this was one of the best things he'd ever told Ronnie throughout his life...
"Whatever you become, I'll always be proud of you. Whatever you try to be...I want you to remember this; never let yourself fall short, and always shoot for the highest point you can. Sure, you might not touch the moon...but if you aim for it, you might just reach the stars."
Though it was not quite the same phrase the man had heard so many times in the past, he knew that it was close enough for him to use the words wisely. Ronnie McNeil would make sure that he never let his father down, that he never fall short on his dreams.
Ronnie's facial expression soon changed at this thought, however, as a deep scowl formed on his face and his once happy eyes suddenly darkened and iced over. He had a revelation the night prior...he'd been failing his own ideals. He knew to never underestimate an opponent--something that Hans was guilty of when they'd faced the first time--and what he’s admitted of doing here again.
Honestly, he did have every right to. Ronnie did take a little license with Hans in the last dream of mine. But it was just a dream, not some acted out sketch for the world. Nor was it some horribly paraphrased response where only a small part of the story was picked out and horribly overemphasized to make a talking point. Sure, Hans has defended the title, but has he really been challenged for it? Most of these guys are the bum of the month type challengers, whom would have never on their own merit earned a shot, and were dispatched just as easy as you please. I guess that's where his confidence comes from...and he's entitled to that.
"I will make him pay for underestimating and overlooking me..." Ronnie whispered to himself through shaky breaths, the rain coming down harder onto the empty, lifeless domain that had held him and Toya for that brief period of time they stayed within it, "If I fall into the same trap I set for myself towards the end of Acadian, I could never forgive myself. I can't let this attitude change my decisions...I know Hans's reputation, and I know even after beating him twice, he wont be a walk in the park"
Not wishing to throw his wallet in frustration and potentially knock something the motel owned over, Ronnie carefully pocketed it. He stood from couch, looking back down at the other object he held carefully in his hand. His anger was melting...he knew that when it came to her, nothing else mattered. Wrestling made him who he was...but emotions was what he ran on--emotions and dreams. Lyntoria Evans had everything of both.
And as much as he truly loved wrestling...he loved her more.
"Hans may think he can overlook me, that my affiliations only demean me...but even if he does manage to win, even if David can beat Goliath again...it won't matter to me. It's just a speedbump, isn't it? Another obstacle to overcome...and so long as I have Toya there to back me up, I'll never falter again."
Ronnie walked across the room to the door, remembering in his mind the directions Toya gave him to the shopping center she went to today. He was to pick her up on the way, which really he was perfectly fine with. Much as gas prices had risen over time...he could still easily afford the side-trip. The only reason either of them were staying in a motel was because they'd rather not spend too much on a temporary place of living while their home was being renovated.
They were saving up the money he'd earned for a better future...rather then a luxurious present.
Ronnie took hold of the doorknob, letting a sigh escape once again--the smile on his face returning. He turned and took one last look into the room, knowing that one day the travels would be over...that when he was done fighting for his dreams--once they'd been accomplished and he'd lived it out long enough--they could live together in a beautiful home, they could start a family...everything would be perfect.
He turned his back, however, on these future possibilities...for he needed to focus on the present to get there. Staring towards the door which would take him to his future, he smiled once again...because he knew, win or lose at The Other Side, his career in the HWA would remain one of the best anyone had ever had...and it would lead him to a brighter future after wrestling then ever before. With a turn of a doorknob, he would be soon be gone. With a turn of the doorknob, he would soon be on his way to prepare for The Other Side...and round three against Hans von Richtoven.
It was his shot at another step up the ladder, another shot at redemption...Ronnie had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"No matter what happens, no matter what Hans may think of me..." he muttered to himself, the doorknob now turning, "I'll always be myself, and nothing can change that. I'm Ronnie McNeil...and I've got an amazing future ahead of me as the HWA World Heavyweight Champion."
Message Thread
« Back to index