HWA Message Board: Quelling the Rage, Part II

The HWA Academy - 6:30am, off-camera

Sean walked up to the main double-doors that would normally be locked at this time of the day. A hand-written note was wedged between the two handles. He pulled it out, unfurling it.

静かな部屋に来て。ドアを閉めて鍵をかけて

Sean read it out loud.

(Sean): Shizukana heya ni kite. Doa o shimete kagi o kakete. "Come to the quiet room. Lock the doors behind you.”

Things were getting curiouser and curiouser, Sean thought. Whilst he did feel a lot calmer on the back of Sensei’s impromptu trip back down memory lane, the truth was that it felt like merely nothing more than a band-aid. He didn’t like the feeling of bubbling anger lingering in the pit of his stomach and if Sensei had a lesson he had never gotten round to teaching him that could help him find that inner peace that had deserted him since Ring Master, he owed it to himself to do whatever it took. Besides, Sensei had never steered him wrong before.

After locking the doors as Sensei’s handwritten note had instructed, Sean walked through the main atrium of the Academy, towards the quiet room. It was deathly silent, save for the faint whisper of the morning breeze slipping through one of the opened windows. As he reached the room and stepped inside, there was a soft glow of flickering light from numerous lit candles all around. The lights created shadows that danced across the walls.

(Sean): Sensei?

(Red Dragon): Good morning, Sean-kun.

Red Dragon’s voice was softer than normal, as if conscious of the early morning time despite them being the only two inside he Academy. His voice grabbed Sean’s attention, his eyes drawing towards the center of the room where his Sensei sat cross-legged on a mat.

(Red Dragon): Did you lock the doors as I instructed?

Sean nodded. He replied to Red Dragon, matching his quietened tone.

(Sean): Hai. So what is the lesson, Sensei? Meditation?

Red Dragon didn’t reply at first, instead holding out a hand, beckoning Sean to sit in front of him. He duly did as he was instructed, sitting cross-legged too, his eyes taking in the room around him. He had only ever been in here once or twice for meditation sessions with Sensei. But the room felt different this morning; except he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

(Red Dragon): Sean-kun. I know these past few weeks have been tough for you. I know you’ve been battling an anger brewing inside you. You’ve been conflicted; at odds with yourself. And I’m sorry I haven’t been able to guide you better. But you’ve shown you’re willing to listen, to quieten your mind, to be mindful of the lessons you’ve been taught and I commend you for that.

Sean bowed his head slightly, acknowledging Red Dragon’s words.

(Sean): Thank you, Sensei. And I’m sorry for letting you down. I know I haven’t been the same since… since Ring Master. And making that crane the other day hit me hard. I remember sitting across the table from you all those years ago and how much I wanted to emulate you. Now, I’m afraid I’ll never regain that feeling I used to have.

Red Dragon shook his head.

(Red Dragon): You have nothing to apologize for, Sean-kun. It is I who must apologize again, Sean-kun. This is a lesson I have long wanted to teach you. Truth be told, I didn’t think you were ready for it-

(Sean): -I am ready, Sensei! I’m ready for anything!

Red Dragon smiled but held a calming hand up.

(Red Dragon): This is not a lesson to be taken lightly, Sean-kun. What I am about to show you has been passed down to me from my father, his father before him and beyond. This is a lesson that has been guarded by my family’s lineage for centuries. It is not merely a method of calming the mind, nor is it a simple exercise in concentration. What you are about to learn is a meditation that reaches beyond the confines of the physical world, allowing you to touch the very essence of your soul.

Sean’s expression morphed into one of both confusion and bewilderment.

(Sean): Passed down from generation to generation? Then why me? I’m not a Kiriyama. What about-

(Red Dragon): -That ship has long sailed, Sean-kun. There is only so many times you can lead a horse to water until you realize they are not willing to drink. You are who this was meant for, Sean-kun.

Sean couldn’t believe it. The honor Sensei was now bestowing on him was one not to be taken lightly. He held his arms out, one hand clenching into a fist and the other raised up. He pressed his fist into the palm of the other hand and bowed his head towards Red Dragon.

(Sean): You honor me, Sensei. Domo arigato.

Red Dragon reciprocated Sean’s bow with one of his own before placing the palms of his hands atop his knees.

(Red Dragon): Now, this meditation, Sean-kun, is much different than anything I’ve taught you before. It does more than just center you, to help you find inner peace. It is called, Kokoro no Michi. The Path to the-

(Sean): Heart…

Red Dragon nodded with a smile.

(Red Dragon): Hai. It is the culmination of years of discipline, both mental and spiritual. It was first taught by my great-great-great-great grandfather, Kenji Kiriyama, a master whose wisdom transcended the boundaries of this world. Through it, you will not only be able to find the innermost peace you can think of, you will learn to conjure a manifestation of your truest self, unburdened by the ego, fear, or doubt.

Sean couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His mind was now going at a million miles per hour, trying to digest what Sensei was telling him.

(Sean): You mean like…like a spirit guide?

Red Dragon nodded.

(Red Dragon): An oversimplification but, yes, for all intents and purposes, a spirit guide. It will offer you not only insight into your own nature but will also accompany you on your journey through life, helping you navigate the challenges that lie ahead. When you are struggling, at war with yourself, when the path splits and you do not know which way to go, it will help you.

Sean's heart quickened at the gravity of Red Dragon’s words. The idea of encountering a version of himself that was pure and untainted was both incredulous and daunting.

Michelle wouldn’t know what to think. Was he allowed to share this with anyone? Michelle, Jeremy, Matt, even Uncle Butch and Aunt Wisdom? Would they even believe him?

Sean then felt his Sensei’s strong azure eyes focus on him so much that he felt physically compelled to meet his gaze.

(Red Dragon): This manifestation is not an external force or some mystical being, Sean-kun. It is you…

He reached forward, gently pressing one of his palms against Sean’s chest.

(Red Dragon): … The core of who you are, distilled into its most potent and honest form. To summon it, you must journey deep within yourself, beyond the surface thoughts and emotions, and confront the truth of your existence. It is a path that requires utmost sincerity and courage, for what you will see may not always be what you wish to see. Do you understand?

Sean didn’t know what to think. Everything Sensei said always had meaning; purpose.

(Sean): I… I think so?

(Red Dragon): Good. Then let us begin.

Sean nodded, swallowing the lump of anticipation in his throat. Red Dragon’s voice maintained its softness, as if it were an anchor, holding Sean in place.

(Red Dragon): Close your eyes.

Sean did as instructed, his eyelids shutting.

(Red Dragon): Focus on your breath, but do not be trapped by it. Let it be a guide, not a chain. With each breath, release the thoughts that cling to your mind. All that anger; that hatred. All the negativity shrouding your mind. They are clouds passing through the sky of your consciousness. Acknowledge them, but do not grasp them. Let them drift away.

Sean did as he was told, closing his eyes and focusing on the ebb and flow of his breath. In his mind’s eye he saw himself fall at Ring Master, the pain of his wounds coming to the forefront of his mind. The blood dripping, mixing with the sweat, the tears stinging his eyes… the entire myriad of worries, all of them soon began to dissolve as he concentrated on the sensation of air filling and leaving his lungs.

Sean felt his body grow lighter, as if he were gently floating just above the mat. The boundaries of the physical world began to blur, and a profound sense of calm settled over him.

Red Dragon’s voice disrupted the silence, now deeper, more resonant and profound, as if it emanated from deep below the floor they sat on.

(Red Dragon): Now, Sean-kun, we move deeper. You must journey beyond the veil of the ordinary, into the realm where the soul resides. There, you will see the manifestation. Do not be afraid of what you find. Instead, embrace it.

The world around Sean began to recede further. The sounds of the quiet room all faded into silence. And in that silence, Sean felt the presence of something vast and timeless, like a void that was both comforting and terrifying in equal measure. It was as though he were standing at the edge of an abyss, one that beckoned him to leap, to surrender completely to the unknown.

He could then hear Red Dragon’s voice again, distant but getting closer.

(Red Dragon): Imagine yourself as a drop of water. A single drop, small and fragile, but when it merges with the ocean, it becomes infinite. Allow yourself to become that drop, Sean-kun. Let go of your form, your identity, and feel yourself becoming enveloped by that ocean.

Sean imagined the image, a drop of water suspended in mid-air. Slowly, it fell, merging into an endless ocean below. As he did, he felt a sensation, like warm water washing over him, cleansing him of all his worries and emotions. He was dissolving into the very depths of himself.

It was then that he saw it—a faint light in the distance. The light grew gradually, not in intensity but in presence, as if it were not simply approaching but also drawing Sean toward it. He could feel the connection between himself and the light, something he couldn’t explain.

The light then took shape, a form emerging from within it. Sean’s breath caught in his throat as the figure came into focus. It was a man, tall and lithe, his body shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. The man was Sean himself, but not as he appeared in a mirror. This version of him was unburdened by the weight of everything he was feeling. His face, calm and serene, held a wisdom that captivated him. The spirit’s gleaming emerald green eyes—Sean’s eyes—were deep, filled with a profound understanding and compassion that he had never seen in himself but always wished for.

Red Dragon’s voice could be heard again, though distant,and it reached him clearly through the void.

(Red Dragon): This is your guide, Sean-kun. It is the essence of who you are and who you can become. It reflects your highest potential, untainted by fear, doubt or illusions. This guide is here to assist you, to offer you counsel in your darkest moments, and to remind you of the strength that lies within.

The spectral figure stepped closer, its movements graceful and fluid, as if it were gliding through the air. Sean felt no fear, only an overwhelming sense of peace and familiarity. The spirit was him, yet more than him; it was the embodiment of his truest self, the self he had always aspired to be but had never fully known.

The spirit raised its hand, and without hesitation, Sean mirrored the gesture. As their hands met, a surge of energy passed through him—warm, comforting, yet exhilarating in its intensity. The connection was beyond words. Sean felt a rush of memories, emotions, and truths, some that he hadn’t even experienced yet, different versions of himself, holding championships outside of HWA, him taking a leap off what appeared to be Niagara Falls, a vision of him with someone else that wasn’t Michelle; blue-haired and a young baby in their arms… and then Michelle herself, a baby bump pronounced and snuggling into Sean… it was overwhelming.

Sean felt tears welling up in his eyes, not from sadness, but from the sheer depth of the connection. It was as if he had found a missing piece of himself, one that had been lost in the noise and confusion of the last few weeks. The spirit smiled—a small, serene smile that seemed to acknowledge what Sean was feeling.

(Red Dragon): Sean-kun…

Red Dragon’s voice came again, still soft and closer this time.

(Red Dragon): You have seen your guide. This is the true you, stripped of all pretense and fear. This guide will walk with you through your challenges, through your greatest tribulations, but only if you allow it. Trust in it, as you would in yourself.

As the words resonated through his being, Sean felt the void around him begin to shift. The spectral figure, still holding his hand, began to fade, its form dissolving back into the light from which it had come. But the connection, the warmth, remained within him.

Slowly, the room came back into focus. The soft glow of the candles, the sound of Sensei’s steady breathing—all returned to Sean’s awareness. He opened his eyes, his heart still thudding with the echoes of the experience. His hand was still outstretched, reaching for where the spirit guide had been, his own chest was heaving, Sean’s eyes were wide, tears streaking down his cheeks.

Red Dragon sat quietly, observing Sean with a knowing look in his eyes. There was a hint of pride there, mixed with the quiet understanding of a teacher who has guided many through such journeys. He reached across and placed a hand on Sean’s shoulder.

(Red Dragon): Breathe, Sean-kun. Slowly, steady breaths. I felt exactly the same when my own father showed me; it can take a lot to take in.

Sean tried his best to take Sensei’s advice but he was finding it hard. The images he had seen were struggling to make sense. Were they memories? A prelude for what was to become? Another woman that wasn’t Michelle? And then Michelle herself would be pregnant?! He had more questions than answers.

(Sean): I-I don’t know, Sensei… there was so much there…. So much I don’t understand… I thought I would…

(Red Dragon): I understand, Sean-kun… when I was first introduced to my guide, I saw many things that I couldn’t make sense of… but over time, it became clear. You have taken the first step, Sean. Your reaction, this, what you’re feeling, it’s natural.

Again, he placed a hand on Sea/ chest.

(Red Dragon): Remember this feeling, this connection. The guide you encountered is not something external; it is the truest part of yourself. Keep it close, listen to it, trust in it.

Sean nodded. He felt different, in a way that was difficult to articulate. The guide he had shared the experience with was more than a mere vision or a fleeting sensation.

Red Dragon rose from his seated position. He walked to the back of the room and lifted up one of the candles, staring into the mesmerizing dance of its flame. He spoke to Sean but didn’t turn his gaze.

(Red Dragon): Sean.. the guide is a powerful ally, but it can also be a stern teacher. It will not always tell you what you wish to hear, nor will it always lead you along the easiest path. You have to be ready and willing to accept that…

As Red Dragon continued to speak, Sean reflected on the moments when he had seen glimpses of his potential—times when he had pushed through fear, when he had acted with pure intention, when he had felt aligned with something greater than himself. He turned and faced Sean.

(Red Dragon): Now that you have seen your guide, the real work begins. You must learn to call upon it in times of need, to seek its counsel when you are lost, and to trust in its guidance when you are uncertain. Are you ready for this?

Sean looked into his Sensei’s eyes, feeling the weight of the question. There was no hesitation, only a quiet resolve.

(Sean): Yes, Sensei. I am ready.

Red Dragon nodded, a faint smile touching the corners of his lips.

(Red Dragon): The guide will visit you in your dreams, in moments of stillness, and even in your waking life. Pay attention to the signs, to the subtle shifts in your thoughts and feelings. The guide is always with you, but it is up to you to listen.

With those final words, Red Dragon stood and bowed deeply to Sean who returned the bow in kind. The bond between teacher and student had deepened profoundly; a notion not lost on either of them.

As Sean left the Academy and stepped out into the cool morning air, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He thought about Havoc, of facing Lunatik and Maniac alongside Jeremy. He thought about the HWA World Championship around Stu-E Price’s waist. He thought about all the memories and visions he’d seen. He cast aside the ones that didn’t make sense and focused on the ones that did.