Martin Karloff- The Three Movements

We open on Martin in the home he shares with his wife Xaria and their children. He is dressed plainly in a black t-shirt, seated at a piano. He begins to play a familiar piece. Beethoven's Piano Sonata #14, more widely known as the 'Moonlight Sonata'.

“Labels are an interesting thing” Martin says, his fingers effortlessly finding the keys as if he has done this a million times before.

“This piece... I find it so beautiful. Beethoven however often grumbled about the obsession with this work and how often his students would dote on it, claiming he had written so many better things. He also was not actually fond of the term 'Moonlight Sonata' which is a title the public had given this song. There are nuances to this piece that you would not believe. The original sheet music begins with the instructions that this piece is to be played without dampers and almost nobody follows that instruction. In fact, many are only familiar with the beginning. The Adagio sostenuto. It is used in many pieces of entertainment but it is only the first of many layers. After the funeral march-esque Adagio there is the second movement, the Allegretto. Known as the 'flower between two chasms' for it's overwhelming happiness.” Martin says as he shifts into that section of the piece. It has an uplifting cheer to it.

“From there, we move into the Final Movement... the Presto agitato. It requires the most skill as it has a series of complex arpeggios. There is unbridled emotion and ferocity in this movement.” Martin says as he transitions into that movement. He actually has to stop speaking to play this part as it requires even more of his focus. He finishes and slams the fall board on his piano enthusiastically an inhales and exhales with an eery smile.

“I imagine many of you are wondering what has brought me to speak on this piece, aside from the desire to educate the wrestling fans of the world.” Martin says, taking a moment to regain some of his composure.

“I have my own titles for these movements. The first Movement. Slow, calculating... I call it 'Martin'. The third movement is unflinching and unyielding aggression. I call it 'The Monster'. The second movement... the uplifting and positive one that holds the first and third together... I call it Xaria.” Martin says.

“I bring this up because it does not surprise me that the nuances of individuality are lost on a man who in the face of anything he doesn't understand simply shrugs, says 'I'm a Superhero', and decalres himself superior to it for that reason alone. I knew you before you claimed to be a Superhero, Joshua. Just as you knew me before I had become a Monster. We were and are two very different people.” Martin says.

“The first thing I thought about you when I saw you was that you were a sensitive flower and not at all fit for the Wrestling ring. You have made great strides in changing that opinion but... As I watch you weep over the misfortune of your friends and your lover I can't help but wonder when you will crack, Joshua. Will it be the dog? I certainly hope not, as Phorry seems to be the brains of your household. Perhaps someone could break your lovers other leg?” Martin says, raising an eyebrow.

“I would never actually do that, but I imagine that upset you, Joshua. That is precisely my point. You are far too sensitive for this. Your emotions could be a strength but so long as you act on them in the manner you have they will be your weakness. How did destroying the Black Light District go? You had a huge hand in that? Oh you didn't? You have floundered and it ahs been taken advantage of. Any chance you have of being truly great you urinate down your leg every time. For all of your bravado about tag team excellence you now stand alone. A frightened little boy with no more big scary friends to help you. Is that why you're so attached to Johnathan lately? Are you so afraid of being alone?” Martin asks, raising an eyebrow.

“I may not typically play well with others, but I'm certain my views can align with Corey Bulls for one night. We may both be Alpha males but that doesn't mean we can't focus on a goal so long as that goal is the destruction of our opponents. Xaria has assured me I will be allowed to get a small dog of my own but rest assured Joshua that in the event of your death I will take care of Phorry.” Martin says as he opens up the fall board of the piano and starts playing the Moonlight Sonata once more.

“You may continue to call me what you wish, Joshua. The fact of the matter is that some of your labels have merit....but it is the sum of all of those parts you should fear. The Monster, The Madman, The Mastermind...they are all capable of existing in the same mind. What is your second movement? What is there besides a lost Mel Brooks superhero parody character along with his new hipster friend? Perhaps you should take a look in a mirror before you mock my growth as an individual. I am fluid. I am adaptable. You think throwing in a few lucha libre moves is growth? You have a lot of growing to do and it isn't going to involve throwing an extra flip into your offense. Maybe you'll be facing one me. Maybe you'll be facing another. I know exactly who I am going to be facing... and he nor his partner stand a chance.” Martin says.

“Do not get me wrong, I still consider you a dear friend Joshua... but I have yet to see you taste your own blood... I will make this happen. See you in the ring, my friend.” Martin says. The camera fades on him as he plays.