Post by Fiona McFly on Oct 26, 2015 2:35:03 GMT
It has been very difficult for me to describe my feelings in regards to my Imperial return.
For a simple woman like myself to think that the last two weeks have come to pass rather quickly would be a massive understatement. Time has, indeed, flown by since I made my return on the Open Fight Night forum, but the scars in my head—horrific memories of a childhood filled with senseless violene and never-ending strife—have taken more time to heal than I previously thought. I figured purging myself of whatever pain I might have was going to solve everything. But I was wrong—and as a consequence, I've made lots of terrible mistakes ever since coming back. Yet there will be no mistaking the fact that I feel like I'm ready for anything—including a three-way match that could propel the likes of myself, Emma Danielson, or Esperanza Serranto to potentially becoming the next Shieldmaidon.
Ms. Danielson, darling, have you and I met before?
Hrmmm...a part of me wishes that I could remember a moment in time in which we did compete against each other in the ring. Then again, I cannot assume anything at this juncture. With that in mind, all I can say—at least, for the moment—is that you have managed to mave a little wave for yourselve with you unique blend of brawling and risk-taking abilities. It is not very often—with certain exceptions, perhaps—that I find myself somewhat overmatch against a pure fighter like yourself. Yet you have always been quite resilient and, thus, are fully capable of succeeding where others might try.
Except...it won't happen love.
I despise the need of senseless violence and weaponry, often prefererring a more simple approach to competition. To me, 'tis a very unsporting act to use anything other than your wits and determination to win a match. Whilst I wasn't personally taken out with a weapon, my fiancee Jack was—and having to watch that awful sight gives me the chills. In the end, it's going to be a battle between a thinker and a doer.
And the thinker always wins, babe.
**********
For a simple woman like myself to think that the last two weeks have come to pass rather quickly would be a massive understatement. Time has, indeed, flown by since I made my return on the Open Fight Night forum, but the scars in my head—horrific memories of a childhood filled with senseless violene and never-ending strife—have taken more time to heal than I previously thought. I figured purging myself of whatever pain I might have was going to solve everything. But I was wrong—and as a consequence, I've made lots of terrible mistakes ever since coming back. Yet there will be no mistaking the fact that I feel like I'm ready for anything—including a three-way match that could propel the likes of myself, Emma Danielson, or Esperanza Serranto to potentially becoming the next Shieldmaidon.
Ms. Danielson, darling, have you and I met before?
Hrmmm...a part of me wishes that I could remember a moment in time in which we did compete against each other in the ring. Then again, I cannot assume anything at this juncture. With that in mind, all I can say—at least, for the moment—is that you have managed to mave a little wave for yourselve with you unique blend of brawling and risk-taking abilities. It is not very often—with certain exceptions, perhaps—that I find myself somewhat overmatch against a pure fighter like yourself. Yet you have always been quite resilient and, thus, are fully capable of succeeding where others might try.
Except...it won't happen love.
I despise the need of senseless violence and weaponry, often prefererring a more simple approach to competition. To me, 'tis a very unsporting act to use anything other than your wits and determination to win a match. Whilst I wasn't personally taken out with a weapon, my fiancee Jack was—and having to watch that awful sight gives me the chills. In the end, it's going to be a battle between a thinker and a doer.
And the thinker always wins, babe.
**********
Episode III
“FREE MINDS”
“FREE MINDS”
September 24, 2015 – 2200 (GMT)
It was shortly after 11:00 local time, and I needed to find a place where I would feel most...comfortable.
'Twas a rather damp and cool early autumnal evening on my family's ancestral farm, where I stood out towards the west, gazing upon the nighttime sky and hoping to catch a glimpse of any meteors passing overhead. Alas, the heavens above me were blanketed by cloud cover and a hazy mist was beginning to settle into the picture.
I had spent the past few weeks or so tending to the farm, which has stood for centuries. Yet on this rather miserable night, I never realised that the world--at least, the world as I knew it--was about to be turned on its ear. I turned my head slightly to the right, gazing my eyes upon a mysterious hooded figure sporting white attire and carrying a crucifix. The man spoke to me with a very heavy, almost God-like, voice.
STRANGER: What a miserable night to be outdoors...isn't it?
FIONA MCFLY: Indeed, it is.
My mind began to speed up just a bit as the man drew closer and closer to me; I flinched as he put a single, solitary hand on the back of my neck.
STRANGER: Your pain runs deep into your soul...
His cold demeanor sent a chill down my spine, causing me to tremble slightly as I stumbled through my words.
FIONA: What do you know about my pain?!
STRANGER: Let us explore it...together. Each soul of this earth—man, woman, or child—hides a secret pain. It must be exposed and reckoned with...
The man placed his free hand on the top of my head--and the trembling I was experiencing turned into a violent quiver.
STRANGER: ...it must be taken from the darkness and forced into the light. Share your pain! Share your pain with me...and gain strength from the sharing.
Feeling a bitterly cold wind at my back, I had no choice but to close my eyes and relive the nightmare that had haunted me ever since I was a child--the attack on my father twenty-five years ago on this night.
I shook my head as the images from the most fateful evening became more pronounced--from a mobster slamming me into the pub's main bar to another unzipping my father's Royal Navy uniform trousers. Tears of sorrow began to trickle down as I was legitimately terrified beyond any capacity for rational thought. I saw myself in my mind--that scared little girl who was powerless to stop that angry mob before opening my eyes...
...and just like that, it was all over.
The sounds of screams and cries for help were replaced with a gentle breeze, the sights of fear and anguished replaced by the man's calm visage. I stopped quivering as he took his hands off me and started to walk away.
STRANGER: How do you feel?
I spoke to the figure with a somewhat enlightened tone of voice--it was as if I had finally found what I had been searching for yet still had more questions.
FIONA: I feel as if a weight's been lifted from my soul! How can I ever repay you?!
The man turned his head slightly towards me.
STRANGER: It's real simple—you must return to the place where your greatest nightmare became harvested. Then--and only then--will you find peace.
FIONA: But how—?
Before I could utter another syllable, the man was gone.
I sighed to myself before gazing upon the skies above me once more. Yet I couldn't help but nod my head warmly as the clouds above me parted ever so slightly, and as I watched a meteor shoot across heaven, I soon realised that there was one thing that I needed to do.
I had to go back--back to the place where my childhood was torn away from me.
**********
Ms. Serranto, 'tis a crying shame that I barely know you—much less faced you in competition.
Darling, I am fully aware of and understand what you have been through. Having to witness a violent act against a family member is something I've had to experience as well in my homeland, and I'm quite sure that the memories of your most tragic night remain fresh in your mind. I have memories of the morning my father was attacked at a pub that now ceases to exist, and it is those horrific mental images that have continued to scar my mind to this very day. In the end, however, how you manage to overcome your turbulent past and make headway within the Imperial world is completely up to you. Whilst I cannot personally be a guide to you, I can give you this rather simplistic message:
Just be yourself. Just have fun.
I can see that you once were a fan favourite throughout the Diamonds Search competition, emphasising quickness that matches your boxing prowess. I like boxing—as a matter of fact, my favourite boxer has got to be Lucia Rijker from the Netherlands. You are a streetwise young lass who doesn't know the meaning of the word “quit,” and you ought to be applauded for your efforts.
But let's be honest sweetheart.
You don't like to think at times, which often resorts in you becoming outstrategised and prone to anger. I've been found guilty myself of those things, so I can fully relate to you on that; in fact, 'tis a flaw I find more commonplace in this sport than anywhere else. Yet you should learn to trust other people—for they're not there to hurt you for the sole reason of hurting you...of course, I hear Eternity is an exception to the rule. For the most part, let the other people guide you, get to know them better, and you'll have a jolly good time out there.
Unfortunately for you and Ms. Danielson, happy times won't come to you on this night.
Although it has been very difficult for me to regain my footing since I returned to IWF, I...I feel humbled at the support I've been receiving as of late. I have waited MONTHS for this honour—a chance to prove to the IWF universe that a simple Irishgirl from a formerly war-town city can accomplish something very special. Whilst a part of me wishes that I didn't want to experience my horrific visions all over again, I understand that my pain is what makes me human. If I were to lose that, I'd lose my very soul. In the end, pain and suffering won't matter anymore.
For I plan to keep on smiling—all the way towards the Shieldmaidon.
I guarantee it.
Ms. Serranto, 'tis a crying shame that I barely know you—much less faced you in competition.
Darling, I am fully aware of and understand what you have been through. Having to witness a violent act against a family member is something I've had to experience as well in my homeland, and I'm quite sure that the memories of your most tragic night remain fresh in your mind. I have memories of the morning my father was attacked at a pub that now ceases to exist, and it is those horrific mental images that have continued to scar my mind to this very day. In the end, however, how you manage to overcome your turbulent past and make headway within the Imperial world is completely up to you. Whilst I cannot personally be a guide to you, I can give you this rather simplistic message:
Just be yourself. Just have fun.
I can see that you once were a fan favourite throughout the Diamonds Search competition, emphasising quickness that matches your boxing prowess. I like boxing—as a matter of fact, my favourite boxer has got to be Lucia Rijker from the Netherlands. You are a streetwise young lass who doesn't know the meaning of the word “quit,” and you ought to be applauded for your efforts.
But let's be honest sweetheart.
You don't like to think at times, which often resorts in you becoming outstrategised and prone to anger. I've been found guilty myself of those things, so I can fully relate to you on that; in fact, 'tis a flaw I find more commonplace in this sport than anywhere else. Yet you should learn to trust other people—for they're not there to hurt you for the sole reason of hurting you...of course, I hear Eternity is an exception to the rule. For the most part, let the other people guide you, get to know them better, and you'll have a jolly good time out there.
Unfortunately for you and Ms. Danielson, happy times won't come to you on this night.
Although it has been very difficult for me to regain my footing since I returned to IWF, I...I feel humbled at the support I've been receiving as of late. I have waited MONTHS for this honour—a chance to prove to the IWF universe that a simple Irishgirl from a formerly war-town city can accomplish something very special. Whilst a part of me wishes that I didn't want to experience my horrific visions all over again, I understand that my pain is what makes me human. If I were to lose that, I'd lose my very soul. In the end, pain and suffering won't matter anymore.
For I plan to keep on smiling—all the way towards the Shieldmaidon.
I guarantee it.
Well howdy there pardner.