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Date Posted: 21:32:50 09/24/01 Mon
Author: Dark Tiger
Subject: Just when you thought I fell off...





((( It has been a long trip... or at least it seems to be. Dark Tiger has travelled by air from Logan airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, but not without some nervousness that someone is going to hijack the plane with an exacto knife or what have you. It has not been a long trip, but it really seems to be. In fact, a lot of things are like that. When a kid gets homework, no matter how small, if it is a written assignment, it will seem like a lot. That's why it's always put off. That short amount of time turns into something more than it is... or at least by comparison of what we normally call a long while. To Tiger, many things seem long. Not everything is incredibly long, but it seems to be inconveniently lengthy for his patience. What really defines time and its meaning? Does time even really exist? In a way, it doesn't. It can change and bend depending on where you are and how you feel. Time seems to slow down or speed up in some cases. Does it just seem like it does, or does it really speed up and slow down? The world may never know... But people will continue to try. That's just the way humans are. Humans are always trying to be more then they are or should be... at least that's how others in the universe feel. But it's just jealousy. The same reason a bully picks on a kid who does well in school or the reason one kid might say to another kid, "That sucks!" when they listen to their band play. As the metal bird rips through the sky, the symbol of man's defiance against nature and "the way things are meant to be," Tiger wonders about this. Time can be extremely confusing and a great paradox that probably never will be understood. That is, if you meddle with it. If you let it alone and let it flow, things go smoothly. That is, until you try to twist it in ways it just doesn't want to go. There have have been so many stories and theories on this one topic of time travel. It seems impossible when you first think about it, but it's quite possible, actually. Scientists believe that black holes hold the secret to time travel.

Black holes have always been a great story element in many space stories and movies and whatnot. They are very interesting. They aren't just some force that rips everything apart, but much more. A sun is born, blazing with yellow, warm light, grabbing any rocks in its reach, swinging them around with its massive gravity. It lives and dies just like any living thing does, but it lives much longer... well, not really. All a matter of opinion. To us it would seem so, but to an atom? Well, atoms last forever, so maybe that wasn't the greatest example, but time is only an opinion. Anyway, this star grows. It grows and it burns and it glows. It gets larger and larger, but then its glow starts to dim, just like a fire. It begins to lose its yellow lumination and begins to glow a gloomy red. A red star, even warmer than its brighter past self, but it is dying. It darkens until finally it is hardly visible. It burns like the coals under the ashes of a long since burnt out camp fire... until suddenly...

BAM!



...and then a suction sound that cannot be expressed by onomatapia follows this loud explosion as the star finally collapses in on itself. This is called implosion. It is the reverse affect of an explosion and probably much worse. The force is so great that the star's gravity is now increased possibly millions of times and pulls everything in within reach. Its planets, any dust... even light. It pulls everything apart it is so incredibly strong. The only thing it can't pull apart are the atoms themselves which are the only thing that fill the black hole as that black hole tosses them to another area in the multiverse. Where? The destination is random. No human has ever gone to a black hole, or so we assume. This black hole... if it pulls in light, how can it be seen? Even the stars do not twinkle where there is a black hole... which is why it can be seen. The hole is so dark, how can it not be noticed? This... this is the key to time travel.

The black hole will send anything that comes close enough to anywhere. Maybe to the edge of another universe, maybe to your front door... anywhere... But it really poses not threat... a meteor wouldn't come crashing through your living room after appearing out of thin air. If it did it would only be a bunch of atoms floating through the air just anything else. That's the problem. Black holes are useful (or would be) for their power but they are also inconvienient. But if we could harness that power... If we could take that black hole and press it into a small cylinder (the smaller the better), and spin it very quickly we would have our very own black hole. A portal in which we could send things forward or backward in time. If we ever become successful in creating this... it will probably mean chaos. Time isn't something to be messed with and if we try to change things... weird things might happen, of course, then we'd never notice because it'd always be like that then.....

...it will probably never be reached, but Tiger can't help but think about the possiblities. Human probably wasn't meant to be much when it was first created... but their is little that keeps it down when it breaks the rules... )))

* * *


((( Tiger checks into the hotel of his choice, just like always. Money can do a lot of nice things for you like that. As usual, Tiger picks a hotel that isn't too busy, or too ritzy. Few people seem to recognize Tiger, which is a good thing, to Tiger. He doesn't have to be bothered by the crowd or sign autrographs everywhere he goes or feel guilty about walking through a mob ignoring some little boy's book and pen. This is why some wrestlers wear masks. The hotel Tiger checks into is three buildings. One building he is sure for the most expensive rooms. He got one of those on the top floor. Another is over on the East side of the complex on the East side of the swimming pool, olympic size. Tiger never uses the pools... only on vacation. And it's hard to get the full feel of vacation visiting some place now-a-days because this is just routine. When Tiger was in the indy feds he stayed at crappy motels, but now the hotel suites are hardly a luxury. Tiger always makes sure to get a room on the top... that way he can survey the city. The elevator has the same muzak any other place plays and the same smell in the halls that any other hotel has. Really, it's nothing new. The room is nothing new either, as you might have already guessed. The room's floor is covered wall-to-wall with a bland, sand colored carpet that lets your feet sink into it. Cheap copies of famous (and some not so famous) paintings hang on the walls in modern plastic frames. A small freezer that contains all sorts of candy (two dollars a bar, of course) with a larger fridge for someone who will plan on staying longer and cupboards full of glasses and bowls and silverwear. Aleather couch with leather (but very soft with cotton) pillows sits against the wall with a glass coffee table and an eighteen inch television on a larger table about ten feet away. On the table sits costers and a list of channels and a small TV guide for the week. Tiger takes a peek in the bath room. Typical. A nice, ivory looking sink with golden handles and faucets and a tub and a hot tub with numerous buttons and nobs. Tiger kicks off his boots and goes to the thing he even came up for. He pushes aside the glass sliding door and lets out a sigh that you give when a great amount of tension drains from your body as the cool air hits Tiger. Time for some observing. )))

* * *


((( Tiger has only been in North Carolina once before. He enjoyed it a little. He was visiting his great uncle who had served in World War Two. He was impressed with what his father told him about his great uncle. His great uncle Jhon was under age when America entered WWII. He was either sixteen or fourteen... Tiger doesn't remember. Jhon wanted bad to go and serve his country, so he lied about his age. Despite his size, they believed him to be of age and let him join the ranks. He joined the infantry. Tiger had always thought of joining the marines if he was ever to be in the army. It seemed like you had a better chance of living, being more covert, whereas plain ground troops would often get gunned down as soon as they set foot outside the tanks or whatever deployed. Anyway, Jhon was successful in the army. They were going to make him an officer, but they had to make a background check first. When they found he wasn't old enough, he was transfered to the Navy, where his grandfather was captain of a destroyer. Jhon then became an engineer that had to keep everything running. Tiger never really found out whether his ship had seen battle. Probably. Tiger had enjoyed the one week visit, but there were a few cons to it. First of all, he and his little brother Fred (otherwise known as Despair) had to share the same bed. Despair is a restless sleeper. Despair would constantly roll around rolling into Tiger who would always push him away, but a few moments later Despair would roll over again. Why Despair would not roll the other way and fall off the bed was beyond Tiger. One night he simply picked up Despair and put him on the floor with a pillow and that was the best night of rest he had their in North Carolina. Also, all of his cousins were in their thirties and their were no kids his age. Plus the fact his great uncle spent a lot of time watching court TV so Tiger had very few pleasures besides going to the museums. He even missed his birthday... but it didn't matter that much. He still got some money to spend after they got home. )))

* * *


((( Many times, Tiger does not take full advantage of the leasures in his hotel room. After all, it has all become nothing but a routine. Almost like something that he has in his own house (and he does). The freezer goes untouched (but those stupid candy bars are too expensive anyway), the hot tub goes without having its pipes drenched, and the room service phone goes untouched (to the disappointment of the manager who knows who he is and is expecting to make lots of extra cash tonight). All just a routine for Tiger. The only things on are a single table lamp and the television, which murmurs some violent movie on HBO and spreds its hypnotizing glow onto the rest of the dark room. Tiger never goes to the gym that the hotel has. It seems more effective in a quiet room without all the people showing off their bodies, not even trying to improve themselves. That's a bad atmosphere to work in. Tiger pumps out push ups as fast as he can. Up to one hundred a minute. This is the only time when Tiger enters that state of mind where time becomes what it really is. Nothing. It no longer exists as Tiger does push-ups. Of course, now that Tiger begins to slow ones, it comes ripping back to his mind. One, two, three.... only a third of the way up. Slow push ups are always so much faster than quick ones, especially after doing them quickly. His father's way of training almost took on a nature of taunting and torturing yourslef just beyond your limits and it sort of wore off on him. It's a good way. The only way to get better, really. Tiger realises why people like Jack fail sometimes. Of course everyone fails, but if you trick your mind into believing that everything is within grasp, it will be too far away to ever reach and it limits you as long as you cling to this state of mind. This.. this can be used to one's advantage. There are so many people in the GWA with big egos. If you can let go of your ego, then half of the battle is already won. Simple as that. )))

* * *


((( Tiger takes a lot of time in analysing his opponents. Whatever match, whoever he fights, he studies them. No matter how serious a match, or how weak the opposition. He studies their moves, their personality, their history... It's the only way he can have an idea of how to go about things. And that's one of the reasons why he's been so successful in the GWA. Tiger will have to defend the Olympic Championship against Chris Carpenter. A belt that he's held for a considerable while, comparing it to his other title reigns. But Tiger, as well as everyone else who's been in the GWA long enough knows that Tiger has a habit of losing gold fast or not winning it at all. But Chris Carpenter... his ego is too big. Tiger knows this. The way he acts... the way he is so long winded. He's like Jack in a way... This is great. Tiger knows Chris Carpenter has been shooting off his mouth about Tiger. Tiger still finds it amazing that people don't take him seriously... he thinks he remembers a time when they used to, but not any more... or did they? Probably not. But that's okay. He's not invicible, he knows that, but he has the will to be. And that will to always be better, rather than just assuming that he is better than whoever he faces will help him win, now. The more Chris Carpenter pumps himself up, the farther he will fall after their match. Tiger doesn't need to tell himself he will win or that he is better. All he needs to do is invision holding that belt to his waist after their match. Chris Carpenter really doesn't know what he's getting into. Tiger isn't just someone can push around. People seem to get that sort of idea when they face him. Is it because of his meek personality, or the fact that he's been beaten that gives wrestlers hope or builds their ego? Tiger will never know because he isn't like them. All he knows is that he has a will... a strong will... stronger than their's are. That's all he needs. )))

* * *


((( Any city is just like any other really. In school, when Tiger was bored, he would look at maps of America. Precise ones. Ones that listed small cities in those Mid Western states no one you knew ever visited. He always wondered as a kid what the places were like. Tiger, now travelling around the Us and Canada knows that it's pretty much the same except for the people. The buildings are the same, the commuting lines are the same. Sure some places may have newer stuff than others, but it has the same feel. It's a little warmer in Charlotte, but it just feels like a summer evening in Boston. Of course, it doesn't feel quite like home, but hey, no place is like Boston. Tiger walks down the sidewalk. He has no idea where he's heading, but he doesn't care. Walking has always helped him think and to clear his mind, especially if he doesn't have a clue or plan as of to where he is going. Of course, this has its downsides. He has lost himself for hours doing this, but that's okay. The sun slowly begins to set, melting the horizon, or at least turning it to a deep melow read that reminds Tiger of a candle. A red, melting candle. Most of the sky that meets the ground turns to a mellow orange as well. But higher in the sky is black. No stars because the lights are too bright to allow the stars to shine in the ebon void. Tiger takes a seat on an old bench by a small, quiet street. The bench's green paint is mostly chipped off and it is sinking into the earth after being he years, having its base soaked and resoaked. Tiger lets his head drop back and looks up into the sky. It's only a small glance though. He quickly closes his eyes and lets out a breath... )))

* * *


((( Tiger hates questions from strangers... he also hates questions that have answers that are being waited on by many people. It ticks him off when they ask questions that are meant to mess with his head. Meant for him to question his morals and send himinto a pit of worry and angst. Especially when they are waiting for a response to make hypocritical responses, mocking or being critical of the answer(s). That's probably why Tiger blocks out the first attempt made by Ross Bobby. Ross Bobby isn't sure if Tiger hears him and nudges him again. Tiger opens his eyes slowly. Tiger suddenly feels quite irratible and annoyed. He gives Ross a piercing glance and pulls himself up to a more upright sitting position where the air flows into his lungs more readily, waking him up some what. Tiger really hates interviewers... Tiger takes a look around. Things seem strange.... doesn't remember... )))

Ross: "Umm... excuse me? Dark Tiger... I hope I didn't bother you too much."

((( Oh no. Of course you're not. Why would you? Gee, I'm only lying here on this bench at dusk with my eyes closed. I think I heard myself snoring, too, but naw I wasn't sleeping or anything if that's what you were thinking. And , hell, why would I even sleep?! I don't need sleep! In fact, I live to be followed around by ninnies like you asking questions that I don't want to answer! No, no, no, you weren't disturbing me! But Tiger's eyes say yes. In fact, that whole bit was pure sarcasm. )))

Tiger: "Well?"

((( Ross lets out a breath held by tension. )))

Ross: "You're the current holder of the Olympic Championship, Dark Tiger, and I was sent to get your comments about the match you have with Chris Carpenter, a former Olympic Champion."

((( That is obvious, you dimwit. )))

Tiger: Duh. That's all ever you do."

((( Ross withdraws a little. Tiger lets out an angry sigh. )))

Tiger: "Chris Carpenter? Yeah, him. He was the Olympic Champion for a looong time. I remember. I kept sayin' to myself that I could beat him and take the belt any time. Well, y'know what? I already have th' belt. If it was up to me I'd never give him a chance in th' first place. He doesn't deserve it. He takes alotta shit but doesn't back it up. Sure, he beat Jack Otis, and Jack Otis is damn good, but y'know what? Jack lets his emotions get him off guard. If he didn't talk so big he woulda beaten the tar out of Chris Carpenter, no problem. Me? Well, I prove things in the ring, not by runnin' my gums. I'm just talkin' for th' sake of th' fans. That's what they wanna hear now-a-days."

((( Tiger sighs again. )))

Tiger: "That's all they want now-a-days. Talkin' and show. They don't care who's Champion, jus' as long as they talk a lot. That's why those guys get so much damn publicity. I'm th' Champion and y'know what? No one cares at all! When Chris Carpenter was champ, it was always such a big deal, but when I win it it's like the belt doesn't exist any more! Well fuck that! I'm gonna stay Olympic Champion 'till I die or it's takin' away from me like th' Maximus Championship was! Not only that, but I'll win some other stuff, too! Like th' respect of all th' guys on th' roster! Th' women, too! I'll teach them t' disrespect me! They can't step up t' Tiger and not expect a challenge and a good beatin'!"

((( Tiger grits his teeth. )))

Ross: "Do you plan on trying to win back the Gladiator Championship?"

((( Tiger looks at Ross sharply. )))

Tiger: "Of course I do! What th' hell is wrong with you?! It's all th' rage now-a-days, isn't it? Fools come in this federation all th' time talkin' about how they'll become Gladiator Champion, but few have what it really takes t' get there! and you know what it takes? It takes what I have! Will and skill, but mostly skill! I dunno how I let that belt slip through my fingers last time. Jhonny Storm can't hide forever and I promise him and everyone else that he won't have it for much longer! He thinks he's so great, well I'll knock him flat on his ass! It wasn't even his own doin' when he pinned me last time! Th' next time I face him better be a one on one, simple singles match! I swear I will rip him apart, because that's what I do! I rip people apart like a cold tiger! That's why they call me Dark Tiger! Did ya know that?!"

((( Things seem to fade away. Tiger can't remember where Ross goes or why he is feeling so angry at the moment. But this experience melts into another... )))

* * *


(((( This guy is just plain annoying. It's the guy Tiger tries to get rid of. This guy is the one that gives him the drive to succeed, in a way, but also the guy that makes him lose. A side of him that really surfaced after his wolfish experience. Franky stands there, smiling as usual. Not a warm grin that Tiger often gives to a friend or an old accquaintance, but one of his dark smiles. Nasty and smug. The wolfish creature stands like a human, his legs like a human, his arms, too. Covered with dark fur, hair on his head drapes onto his shoulders just like Tiger's hair. Franky's hiking boots hardly make a sound as he tries as hard as he can to catch up with Tiger as the both sprint down a sidewalk. Again, Tiger has no idea where he is or how Franky got out of his contience. )))

Franky: "You can't run forever, man! I'll catch you! You can't drive on without me!"

((( Tiger laughs nastily.)))

Tiger: "You wanna bet? You ain't that important, y'know! Yer more of a burden than an aid, Franky! You mess me up! Yer th' reason I lose! Yer th' reason I look down on so many other wrestlers! Look at me! I'm runnin' faster than you are, Franky! I don't need you to feed th' interest in this sport any longer! Yer just dead weight! Dead weight that'll shed off any day now! Yer just scared! I can beat Chris Carpenter without yer help! I can beat anyone without yer help!"

((( Franky growls angrily, hopping over a metal trash can Tiger throws in the way as they sprint down an alley way. )))

Franky: "Don't kid yerself, Tiger! I'm th' one that helps you win, not lose! Th' only time you lose is when you deny me! Yer th' one who's weak! I'm th' strong one! That time you lost to Jhonny Storm and th' rest of those bastards?! It's because it was only you and not both of us! You should have let me take over! I would've taken them all apart and we'd be livin' as Gladiator Champs instead of Olympic Chumps! That Olympic Championship is jus' a door prize, Tiger! Don't kid yerself!"

((( Tiger laughs as he hopes a nine foot fence. Franky easily bounds the fence as well, the dogs just nearly taking a chunk out of his tail. )))

Tiger: "Ha ha! Don't you kid yourself, Franky! you're th' weak one! Yer so damn cocky, that's why we lose! Sure, maybe you would've beaten Jhonny Storm and th' rest, but you'd probably skip out on pinnin' and do somethin' stupid and lose anyway! I'm better off without you! Like I said, yer just dead weight! And besides, I'll win th' Gladiator Championship without yer help! And this Olympic Championship isn;'t meaningless! I'm gonna hold onto this thing till I die as well as th' Gladiator Championship!"

((( Franky growls again and begins to feel winded. )))

Franky: "What makes you so damn sure you'll beat Chris Carpenter? He'll kick yer ass without my help! Has he done it before? Probably! Yer not gonna get away from me! You can't go on without me!"

((( Tiger luaghs loudly as Franky begins to fall back, wheezing. )))

Tiger: "Why am I so sure? 'Cause Chris Carpenter's just like you! Cocky and unreasonable! You've both got egos that slow you down and make you sluggish in mind! What's th' matter? You gettin' tired?! Ha! See? You're weak! I don't need you. You can go and die! No only will Chris Carpenter meet defeat, but so will you!"

((( Franky trips over his own feet and lands flat on his stomach. He lets out a violent "oof!" and just lies there, panting. Watching Tiger run into the distanse. )))

Franky: "Damn..."

((( Franky doesn't pick himself up. He just lies their and closes his eyes, breathing heavily. )))

* * *


((( Tiger pulls himself up from the workout mat. It is hard doing push ups on a soft rug. Tiger whipes the sleepiness from his eyes. He feels he's ready... not just for Carpenter, but for everyone... he's ready to become a winner again... )))


"You can't stop me as long as you remain the way you are. Deal with it" ----Dark Tiger



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