Post by Avery Miles III on Dec 23, 2017 11:10:12 GMT -5
The scene opens up inside of Avery and Serenity Miles home. Serenity was relaxing on the couch, as she looks down at her stomach smiling. She places her hands on it, as she was thinking. She didn’t even hear Avery come into the room, as she was looking down. The Christmas Tree was lit up and the lights were down low. The room had a glow to it, adding to the glow of the newly expecting mother. Avery walks quietly watching as Serenity keeps her hand on her stomach and he hears her talking to their child.
Serenity: You are going to be so loved when you come out of Mommy’s belly Peanut. Grandma is already buying you tons of presents.
Avery smiles as he approaches the couch. Some Christmas music plays in the background lightly as Avery was wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. There was a small get together earlier in the day at his wrestling school. He rounds the couch.as he slides into the spot next to her.
Avery: And mommy is going to be so excited when you arrive. We are growing our own family. A growing, loving family.
He places his hand on her stomach as well, looking over to his beautiful wife.
Serenity: Yeah I will, I won’t be all big, and uncomfortable.
She laughs lightly, as she looks over at her husband.
Serenity: Was wondering when you would pop in here… everything alright?
He shrugs, playing it off and not answering the question. There was a lot on his mind but he did not want to worry her. Two years ago, losing Zoe was something that took a toll on him. It was not too long ago that he was alone and unable to find himself. That did not mean that 2018 was not going to be another stellar year.
Avery: Make that doc appointment, Missy? Hmm?
He looks at her, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.
Serenity: I did. No worries baby, everything will be fine with Peanut.
Serenity though could tell something was wrong with him. She could tell he was worried, as she sighs softly.
Serenity: Well anymore from Alechs?
Avery: No. Nothing more, yet. It was good to hear from him though. I am not sure what I should say to Honey. I mean, it sounds like she’s sort of moved forward. And he has, too.
Avery shrugs. The song changes as another Christmas song begins to play lightly.
Serenity: Honestly babe, I wouldn’t. I would let ones like Adrien know, and ones who has shown they are worried, but Honey hasn’t even asked, or shown she misses him.
She looks at him, as she could tell there was more.
Serenity: You worried about Peanut babe?
He takes her hand and slowly brings it to his mouth. He kisses her hand as he looks to her. Avery offers a smile, trying to mask some of the worry in his mind.
Avery: No. I mean, I will feel better after a few appointments. But just trying to get through the Holidays with a positive mood and happily. I love you, Serenity. You know that, right?
He slowly kissed her hand again, holding it to his face.
Serenity: I know you do Avery, as I love you too. What’s going on? I can tell something is wrong, just tell me.
She looks at him with concern. Avery lowers his head and exhales, slowly.
Avery: Two years ago was the accident. The 17th of December. I remember the call like it was yesterday. I try to put forth as positive of an effort during the Holidays as I can to just get through it.
Serenity looks down, before she reaches over to lift his head.
Serenity: Baby, why didn’t you tell me the date? I am so sorry you have to go through it, but you have me, and Peanut soon, we will help you get through this anyway we can.
He nods his head. Avery looks around at the photos on the table. A collection of photos from Avery growing up, going through school, and even prom. More recent photos with Serenity and their wedding. His eyes scan and stop at a picture of Avery and Zoe at Graduation. His eyes stop, and he goes silent. She notices as she wraps her arms around him, pulling him to her.
Serenity: It’s okay to miss her baby. I’m here, let it out.
Avery nods his head as if to thank her for being there for him. He was not going to let his mood ruin things. Days before Christmas, and it was important for him to look towards the future.
Avery: We’ve been through a lot in a short time. Traveling all over. Getting married so quickly. You riding with me to matches in WWH and UCI, not to mention NGW. And now I am back in Guerreros of Lucha and fighting for the title that I was cheated out of? 2018 is going to be another great year for me. I saw that I was not voted Guerrero of the Year, but knowing that I am still recognized as one of the best is a great feeling.
Serenity: You are one of the greats, rather you win, or not. I wouldn't want to be anywhere but with you traveling, and just being your support. It may of all happened fast, but babe it works for us which is what matters the most.
Avery: Homecoming for NGW. This match coming up with Roxi. There is a lot going on, but I am glad. It keeps me busy. Plus it will make June come much faster.
He smiles at her.
Avery: I have to be confident in myself. I can do it. I know that.
She nods her head.
Serenity: You are right, June, when Peanut joins us. I hope you will be able take a show or two off for it. I would hate to be here alone with Peanut, and you off alone.
Avery: I will make sure to take the necessary time off. For now, let’s focus on Christmas. And the New Year. Okay?
Serenity: Alright, Christmas at your parents, what are we doing for New Years?
Avery: They usually do something at the square. I mean, it’s not New York City. But it’s home?
He says in a question form.
Serenity: I like that, besides New York City is cliche, I rather be home. Makes it better, more so for our first one.
She smiles at him, as she liked that more. Avery leans over to kiss her, and then kisses her stomach as well.
Avery: I love you both.
Serenity: We love you too Devil.
Serenity smiles, as she was happy she met him, and everything was going on. She looks at him as she lightly laughs.
Serenity: Peanut is hungry….
Avery: Well, let’s go and get something from the kitchen.
Avery stands up and offers a hand to help her up as they head into the kitchen for something to eat.
A couple of days later, Avery Miles III parks his truck in front of his Peach State Wrestling School. The school was inside of an old historic building in the town square of Macon, Georgia. It was just a short twenty minute drive from his home in Dry Branch. Small town living was always the preferred style of Miles. He locks the truck, grabbing his container of hot coffee. He was the first into the door in the morning, and the last one out. Heading inside, he flips the lights on as they illuminate the school. A fairly newer setup, it was a contrast to see the new equipment and ring against a backdrop of old red brick.
It would be a couple of hours before the first students would head inside. This time was Avery’s to relax, find his head, and enjoy some hot coffee and silence. He loved being with Serenity, but even she knew that the days leading to a match, he needed to center himself. He did this best alone.
Avery walks down the middle of the room as he slides his bag off of his shoulder and sends it flying through the air. It thuds on the laminate floor and slides off in the direction of the ring. He has a small Bluetooth speaker setup and puts some music on. He puts it on low enough to be able to not feel alone, but to still enjoy the feeling is silence within reason.
Avery heads inside of the ring, and stretches his body out on the canvas. Reaching out and grabbing his toes, he slowly builds up to his workout. It takes a little more time to stretch his legs and knee out from the injury earlier in the year; though he feels healthier than he has in a long time.
“It is easy to get caught up in a moment. In a moment’s time, things can change. The flash of a light. The snap of a finger. And in that time, I lost the Rey de Reyes Championship. My first ever heavyweight championship, and I held it proudly to the fullest of my ability. I represented this company as it’s top champion. I did it the way it should have been done, as well. I won the Super Falcon Cup. Earned my place. And beat the champion. I did not cut corners or use cheapshots to catch the champion off guard. As Roxi has stated before, she is ready for whatever comes towards her. She is ready for any sort of surprises. I guess that is a mentality that a champion needs to have. It was my first reign as a heavyweight champion, and I learned my lesson. I had a huge target on my back, and I took it for granted that people would earn their shot at me and the title properly. Fool me once, shame on me. But there will be no more fooling when I win back my Rey de Reyes Championship.”
Avery reaches and rotates his midsection to the right, turning it as far as he can. He then turns to the left, again pushing his body to the limits,
“Roxi Johnson, you have been a great champion. And I know that you made it known that you are happy to defend the title to whomever is in line. Envy. Myself.”
He pauses.
“Well, here I am. Ready and willing. I earned my spot, and here we are. Main Event. The last show of the year. And either you go undefeated in 2017 or I ruined your run and become a two-time champion. History is going to be made, and I am excited to be a part of it. You and I seem to be two respectable competitors, and I am honored to be matching up with you inside of the ring. I’ve done some catching up on your resume. You are known entity in this industry. Champion. Hall of Famer. Those are not things to just blink at. It takes hard work and dedication to earn high accolades. And I would expect no less of myself as well. This match? It is going to be a match for the ages. And if I get my way, it will be the best to date in Guerreros of Lucha history.”
Avery grabs the ropes and pulls up to his feet. Pulling on the ropes, he stretches his arms and upper body.
“A Superhero? That is something I am somewhat familiar with. I’ve wrestled another superhero, and I know that power to never give up or give in is a hard one to counter. I can respect that drive. A never say die attitude is something I pride myself on, as well. I never know when to stop fighting. It looks like we both might be in for one hell of a fight. They better have plenty of water and oxygen tanks for us when we are finished because we both won’t know when to quit. We both love to take risks, and it may come down to who will make good on the other’s mistake. Whether it is a top rope risk, or hurling our body over the ropes and to the outside… it is going to be one match for the fans. An epic battle of sorts. Though I have the feeling that his battle will just be one in a much larger war.”
Avery releases the ropes, and nods to himself. He facial expressions turn serious as he maintains a sense of confidence about himself.
“Goodluck Roxi. This is going to be a highlight of my career.”
With that Avery sees the door to the school open as a couple of trainees show up early as the video comes to an end.
FLASHBACK - 2011
Middle Georgia State University - Human Services Department
A college-aged Avery Miles III is sitting in class.He seems disinterested as the classroom was half empty. The professor standing in front of the class seemed to be triple the age of the average student age. White hair. White beard. Glasses that dates him to the Gettysburg address perhaps. The professor goes on a long diatribe.
Professor: Albert Einstein once said “There lies before us, if we choose, continued progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? We appeal, as human beings, to human beings: Remember your humanity and forget the rest.” What did Einstein mean? Was he talking directly to us individually, or perhaps as a society of people? A world of various cultures?
The class stares at the professor. Some take notes. Other stare blankly. Some even swipe away on their phones at whatever the game of the day were to them. The professor clears his throat as a Avery looks around to the room. Finally, Avery raises his hand.
Professor: Ahh, Mr. Miles.
Avery: Einstein was discussing World War II in the quote, but it can apply however small or large of a group you would like. Us, as a society, are living in a world where technology is more readily available. You can use a computer, a smartphone, a tablet… these screens hide us from the world. We can interact with giving as much or as little detail as possible. We can put ourselves out there, or hide become an egg or a shadow on the screen. We are in a world where people are more increasingly able to say whatever comes to their mind without fear of being called out for it. A culture of sheep that hide among the shadows. If we interacted in person, they would not act this way. But the anonymity of being able to address someone halfway across the world that they will never meet gives them a sense of confidence and power that they would not already have. Instead of interacting face to face, we read and see text with no tone or background to it. We read “LOL” instead of hearing laughter. We take a person’s literal words for granted instead of seeing the emotions on their face. We live in a world where a person can run a war without ever seeing a dead body or a physical consequence of that world. We are fighting a losing battle as people try to remain happy when they are essentially trying to be themselves in a world of people coming at you all from different places. Social media is a haven for these people. And that is just one place they come from. These people that you would never interact with ever before.
Long Winded, Avery ends his response as the professor stands astounded. The rest of the class look at Avery as he turns somewhat red, realizing that he took over the floor Stunned, the professor answers back.
Professor: Well then, Mr. Miles. A man that has remained quiet most of the class, and yet seems to have some of the more insight. Bravo. Good to know that you have been paying attention. With that, I want five thousand words on my desk in the morning on your thoughts of human interaction, technology, and if it’s impact has pros that outweigh the cons or if we are all doomed as a society.
The professor chuckles.
Professor: See you all later.
The class gets their stuff together. Some have tablets or laptops, and toss them into their bags. Avery was old school; a solid number two pencil and a yellow legal pad. He tossed them in his bag and proceeded towards the front of the class for the door.
Professor: Mr. Miles. A word, please?
Avery: Sure. Something the issue?
Professor: Issue? No. Not at all.
The professor begins to wipe down the chalkboard.
Professor: That was great insight. I was not expecting that, and I was pleasantly surprised. Your attention in the class seems to often be distracted. Why exactly did you choose this path?
Avery: You mean college?
Professor: Yes. Exactly. What is your outcome? What is your future? What are in the cards for yourself?
Avery: Well I just got married. Stability is important. And I want to do something with my life to earn a solid living. I am good with people. So here we are.
Professor: Well, what sort of occupation are you hoping for? Some sort of guidance counselor? Perhaps working with the public in a public servant sort of setup?
Avery scratches his head, unsure of it.
Professor: Undecided, hmm? What does your father do?
Avery: Well, he is a rancher and wrestled.
Professor: Amateur?
Avery lowers his head.
Avery: Professional wrestling.
Professor: Gotcha. Rasslin?
Avery nods his head.
Avery: Yeah. Him and my grandfather. I am trying to do my own thing. Something stable. Wrestling is not my love. It was their love.
Professor: What is your love?
Avery thinks it over for a few seconds.
Professor: That is taking a long time to answer. Is college really what you want?
Avery shrugs.
Avery: I don’t really know. People said after school you go to college. So I did.
Professor: And if they said jump off of a bridge. Let me give you a little insight. Don’t waste your money unless you have a goal in mind. You need to be you. Whatever and whoever that is. You need to know what you want. Not society. You have a great mind. Do not waste it. Just keep that in mind.
This made Avery think. What did he want? What was his love in life? What made him happy? He did not know at the time. But in time? He would definitely learn.
Avery: Thanks.
With that, Avery left the class and never once returned. The professor knew that he had gotten through to the student. Not everyone was cut out for being in a classroom and being stifled with the heavy load of just earning a paycheck. Life had bigger plans for Avery. And he would learn in time.
Avery Miles III is standing just outside of the doorway leading into his wrestling school. It is getting into the evening as the sun begins to set. The wind kicks up as the tree sway with it. Days before Christmas, the town square was decorated and people were making their ways from store to store on the square. Avery pulls out his phone and records himself selfie style as the video starts abruptly.
Avery: Vindication. One of the definitions is “proof that someone or something is right, reasonable, or justified.” I lost the very title you hold, Roxi. Cheated. Beaten..Taken. It was not fairly earned like I had earned it. You were not the party involved, and I have no need to take my own aggression out on you. Though, winning back the title that was MY title for a long period of time will be vindication. Becoming the first ever two time champion in Guerreros of Lucha will be vindication. Putting to rest all of the chatter that I choke when expectations are high… will be vindication. I have a chip on my shoulder, and a point to prove. Fair and square, I WILL earn MY title back. I will put you down for a three count on the canvas. I will be leaving 2017 as the Rey de Reyes Champion and entering 2018… which will become a career year for me. I have an agenda to serve, and I will not allow myself to come up short. Risk and reward. Give and take. I know what needs to be done to win. And I will accomplish my goals.
A couple with a small daughter walk by them as they exchange smiles. Avery sees the smile on the little girl, and offers back a smile of his own. In just a few months, he would be a father himself. As they walk by and head into a candy store on the corner, Avery continues to speak into the camera.
Avery: Wrestling was not my first love, I confess. I went to college. I tried to get a degree. But it was not who I was meant to be. I bucked the trend to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather and father. And yet, fate found a way. I can remember the specific moment in which I realized that I need to not fight to figure out what I should be. I let my natural abilities lend the way and guide me. I came to this very building, and started to work out. I was trained and the rest is history. I could be sitting behind a desk right now working a nine to five, stifled by life. I made the choice to embrace who I am. A third generation wrestler. A man that takes pride in the honor and respect that some people choose to share. A former champion that is ready to take the reigns and be the face of the company again. There is a reason why I was a Guerrero of the Year. There is a reason I was the runner up this year… a year in which I was off for some time due to an injury. And the winner, Honey, is a student of mine. Guerreros of Lucha has become the place the Avery Miles calls his own. I am not being cocky, I know that other names have done huge here, Tiger Mask Red being one of those names. The same man that has yet to win against me. Fate has it, and I am here and ready. I live and breathe this sport. And my gift this season is to return back home with the Rey de Reyes Championship around my waist.
The camera continues to roll as Avery says nothing more. The video goes on for thirty more seconds. The wind blows as it is heard on the video before the scene fades out to an ending.
