Post by Chris Ravenna on May 28, 2019 17:33:38 GMT -5
May 21, 2019
Somewhere in Roscoe, Oklahoma
7:30 pm
Max Eldritch hosted a dinner for his seven friends in an exquisite restaurant. They were expected to wear proper and delicate clothes to show respect to the guests invited. The purpose was to advertise his favorite fighter, Chris Ravenna. The Filipino boy didn’t like the investor before, so Max volunteered to be his representative or a spokesperson like Shinjiro Nakama’s manager, Arnold Cunningham.
In an elegant room, the highlight was an expensive looking dining table that covered with a golden-trimmed red-linen table cloth. The theme of the space described as Victorian close to Max’s preference and heritage. True to its style, the room adorned with Classical paintings, wall lights on its room columns, a Classical molding and pillar stand of flowers encircling the room.
Eldritch came into the scene wearing a three-piece suit. He welcomed first his wealthy friends in the room where his paid servants for tonight assisted them to their seats. As they sat on their luxurious dining chair, Max placed himself in front of them. "Good evening, gentlemen," Max greeted. "I bid you welcome.”
“Let me the first person to thank all of you for accepting my invitation for this banquet. As you read my letter, you’ve already known why I called you for this meeting. Let me assure you that your time here in this feast will be well-spent.”
Max’s guests were stoic and didn’t show body language in response. But Max knew that they acknowledged it. So he proceeded in saying, “Let me introduce to you my friends joining us for our dinner.”
“Terrenia Black.”
Terrenia Black which everyone called her as Black Onyx came out into the room wearing a blue gown. It was the opposite of what she typically wore. She accompanied a little child, Angelina like she was Onyx's little sister. With that, Max added. “Of course, we have the adorable Angelina for this occasion.”
Max began to sense that he was a fool for he forgot that a child was coming for dinner. He hoped that he made a good impression for his guest which they seemed to be fine by it.
“Next, some of our Filipino friends. We have Mariano Anastacio accompanied by his daughter, Isidra Anastacio.”
Next was Mariano Anastacio, also known as Lolo Tasyo. He wore a Barong Tagalog being true to his nationality. As for his daughter, Isidra, she had a violet gown as her dress for she never put expensive clothes on. It was a great experience for her since she lived in local life. Since Lolo Tasyo and Isidra displayed good virtue towards the guests, they received a good reception.
“Next, we have Paco Santiago.”
Paco came out in somewhat an unpleasant fashion. He sweated nervously knowing that he entered an extravagant dinner. Paco needed to behave in the best manner as possible. He did put his three-piece suit on, but he felt some itch while wearing it. Max worried that Chris’ brother will do something stupid anything now. And he did for he got tripped as he reached to his seat! Lolo Tasyo restrained himself from scolding him out of respect for Max’s wealthy visit. While Max feared that Paco’s conduct could give his guest a bad impression, they looked at Max’s ditzy friend funny. But they were lenient in the end.
“Sorry about that,” Max expressed relief hoping that he’ll never see that. “Next, we have the beautiful Marina Magbanua.”
And Marina was beautiful indeed. She wore a blue cocktail dress with make-up on her face. Her appearance delighted wealthy visitors. Her charm could make them forget about the embarrassing moment occurred earlier. With her presence, their time was not wasted.
Max was happy seeing his guest’s impression. “And lastly, we got the main attraction for this night. You know him as MAX-Japan Junior Heavyweight Champion, Chris Ravenna.”
And here it is!
Wait a second. He didn’t come out.
Max ordered one of his paid servants to check on Ravenna. They found out that he was not here. He didn’t come from this occasion. It looked like someone added to Lolo Tasyo’s scolding list. Max started to get worried about the main attraction wasn’t present. Where could Ravenna be?
The Next Day
A Local Hotel Room in Oklahoma
10:57 am
SMACK!
“Di ka ba nahiya sa kaibigan mo?” (Are you not ashamed to your friend?) A sharp but old voice erupted from a hotel room. It revealed that inside the room, Ravenna was on the floor with two bottles of booze. Facing Ravenna was Lolo Tasyo holding a baton stick. Usually, the old trainer would use it on Chris during his training. But it seemed the role was to impose discipline. Lolo Tasyo acted not only as a stern disciplinarian but for Ravenna as an abusive father.
Lolo Tasyo was angry when Ravenna embarrassed Max. He didn't attend the occasion especially he invited some wealthy investors. But his anger made worse when Lolo Tasyo saw the liquor lying on the floor. It gave him an idea that Ravenna ditched Max to have fun and drink alcohol instead. For both of them, drinking those kinds of beverages was a sin since it affected Ravenna’s performance in the ring.
Ravenna didn’t say anything behind the bottle. He knew that his reasoning wouldn't be enough for Lolo Tasyo.
SMACK!
Lolo Tasyo went for another shot using his weapon on his right hand. Normally, Ravenna would flip out and fight back for it would be too much for him. But it seemed that Ravenna tolerated it. He kept his head down in shame.
After minutes of lecture, Lolo Tasyo stepped out of his room. He then made a statement for Ravenna, “Namumuro na ang mga kaibigan mo sa kayabangan mo. Naiinis sila sa iyo! Bente-kwarto anyos ka na pero hindi ka pa nagbago. Umayos ka na sa susunod!” (Your friends are getting tired of your arrogance. They’re sick of it. You’re twenty-four years old, but you didn’t change. Be in your best behavior next time!)
The door shut and yet no explanation from Ravenna. A couple of minutes of Ravenna sitting on the floor, he locked himself into his room. He covered his face with his hand and sighed. He then touched the bruises of his face to remind himself how painful it was.
Later, Ravenna decided to go to the washroom and clean his face. As he finished rinsing his face with water, he finally realized the transformation of his being. He pondered about it from the time when he was an Average Joe returning to the world of professional wrestling. Now he became a broken man, and his face was the testimony for it. And now Ravenna longed for something.
“I need escape.”
May 28, 2019
MAX-Japan Dojo
8:45 am
Ravenna had his first steps in the MAX-Japan dojo, where he met some of the students in training. Chris noticed that they were exceptional to showcase their dedication to Japanese pro wrestling. Ravenna wished that he would be one of the pupils there.
"Ravenna?”
Chris began to find someone calling his name. It revealed to be a Japanese girl for Chris seemed to be familiar if it wasn’t for the shades she’s wearing.
“Welcome to MAX-Japan Dojo. Are you Chris Ravenna?” The girl asked as Chris nodded.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Hikari Yoshino.” The girl extended her hand for a handshake which Ravenna gave it to her. She explained, “MAX-Japan assigned me to be your Nihonggo teacher while working as a translator for MAX-Japan interview.”
Ravenna responded, “That was nice.”
Hikari was happy for it. She added, “Someone expected to meet you. Can you please follow me?”
Ravenna agreed as Hikari led the way. After Chris passed through the room in the hallway, he finally arrived at a facility where MAX-Japan stars trained usually for the match. Ravenna took a moment to amaze at the training hall, which he thought to be better than his previous gym, the Household Dungeon.
“Ravenna!” Hikari called him out.
Chris sauntered towards her then looked at the person besides her. He remarked, “Well this is a surprise.”
“I see that you noticed. You met Shigeru Toyama before, right?”
Chris recalled, “March 23, SEMPTER INVICTUS. That was in Sports-form rules match, am I right?”
A luchador named Toyama nodded as Hikari went on asking, “And you recall that he would be your partner in Toukon Tag Tournament, right?”
Chris acknowledged it, then Hikari explained. “The reason why MAX-Japan paired you with him because he loved shoot wrestling as much as you are. The executives wanted you to learn from him as he will teach you some Judo techniques that will benefit from your MMA matches.”
Ravenna looked at the Japanese girl, “You mean that…”
Hikari nodded, “Ravenna, meet your new sensei.”
Shigeru Toyama lowered his head as a sign of respect. Ravenna did the same and uttered, “This is going to be interesting.”
