The answer...(Rasputin)

[simon]

The lights in the arena dim to the ominus hue of purple. The stage begins to fill with smoke as the opening chord of Type O Negative's "Blood & Fire" sounds on the PA. The crowd explodes as "The Immortal" Simon Fierhart makes his 1st ever entrance on XWA TV. He pauses to admire the adoration of the fans, who despite his past, seem to have embraced him. He begins his walk to the ring. Upon entering, he's handed a mic by the time keeper. Taking in the cheers of the fans, he begins...

It's been a long time since I've done this, folks. So bare with me here. Last week, a man by the name of Vasily Rasputin made an interesting challenge to me. He claimed that he was going to "hunt the hunter" if you will. Now...I know as much about him as any of you. But He's russian, which means his words do have some weight to them. I've danced with a few ruskies in my day, and I know from experience that they don't joke around...

He points to the scar on his face.

...as it was a russian who gave me this. But I say to you, Mr. Rasputin. You want your stake to fame built on you beating me? Well I say, if that's what you want, let's do it right. You get your pale ass down to this ring. You stare me in the eye, and you challenge me face to face, MAN to MAN.

Simon lowers his mic awaiting Vasily's arrival.

[vasily]

Vasily enters the stage area. Walking own the ramp he stops half way, shooting Simon a haunting gaze. He continues into the ring, pulling a mic from his trenchcoat.

[glow=red,2,300]So, it appears you ARE a man of action after all. An here i was begining to think you were...AVOIDING me. You want me to stare you eye to eye an issue my challenge? Very well. I challenge YOU, Simon Fierhart, to a match at the Takedown premiere. A regular 1 on 1 exchange of course. I want to test you. To see if you are still the warrior you once were, or a mere mortal after all.[/glow]

He stares into the eyes of Simon awaiting his response.

[simon]

Simon could see the eyes of his woul be opponent. It was a look he was all to familiar with. A man consume by the lust for combat. It was the same lust that nearly rove him to madness. To challenge Vasily woul be to face what he once was. There was no denying that.

Allow me to satify your curiosity then, Rasputin. I'm NOT that "warrior" you've sought to fight. I'm something much worse. A man with a purpose, not a mission. I'll fight you. And I'll beat you, just to show you that the way of TRUE power is not gained by fear, but by respect. So you've got you match. No bones about it.

[vasily]

Vasily steps back from Simon. He leaves him with these parting words.

[glow=red,2,300]Save your preachings for the weak. You'll find I'm not so easily convinced. Be ready, Fierhart.[/glow]

Vasily exits the ring an slowly walks back up the ramp.

[simon]

As Vasily leaves the ringside area, Simon is left with a feeling of joy. It's been a while since he's had a true challenge, an Vasily indeed represented exactly that. He nos in approval before leaving the ring himself.

FIN