Post by biggs on Dec 22, 2012 5:07:54 GMT -4
”Sir, we haven't had but one visitor all day, and 'twas your nephew delivering a Christmas Wreath. Considering that it is Christmas Chaos Eve, and that Tiny Mr. Dangerous is quite ill, I was wondering if 'twas possible for me to leave early to spend the holiday with my family,” C.J. Cratchett asks me, wringing his hands nervously.
”Today is a holiday? I hadn't noticed...” I reply without looking up from my paperwork.
”I'm sorry for asking, Mr. Biggs.”
”That's Mr. Ebeneezer Biggs to you, Cratchett. But considering that we've had but one visitor to the bank today, and that your employ is costing me regardless of the number of customers who walk through the bank doors, I will permit you to leave five minutes early today, but not a second before. As for it being Christmas Chaos Eve, ba humbug!”
We sit in silence for the next several hours, me, working on balancing the books, while Cratchett makes sure the bank is spic and span. It's a dark, almost dreary building, devoid of color save for the graying wood used to construct the building. There's a small coal furnace in the center to warm the entire bank. I haven't bothered putting up any decorations or pleasantries, because the bank is a business first and foremost, with no need for extravagances. With about two more hours left in the work day, Cratchett approaches my desk once more.
”Sir, if I may ask one more question, it is starting to become quite chilly. May I please put another coal upon the fire?”
”What, and drive up the heating costs!? Need I remind you that it was I, and my poor deceased partner, Cyrus Marley, who built the APW Bank into the powerhouse institution that it is today? And need I remind you that I didn't get to where I am today by being compassionate, giving, nor kind? No, you may not! And for the matter of fact, you may take your leave right now, minus the pay for the two hours of work you will not be doing for me tonight!”
Rather than despair, C.J. Cratchett does the most odd thing of showing me gratitude for sending him home early. ”Oh, most thank you, Mr. Ebeneezer Biggs!” he exclaims as he gathers his coat and hat. ”This will most certainly be Tiny Mr. Dangerous' last Christmas Chaos, and even though the loss of pay will hurt, the joy of getting to spend what little time we have left with him will more than make up for it. Merry Christmas Chaos, sir!”
”BA HUMBUG!” I yell after him as he rushes out the front door.
Two hours pass without any other visitors, and it is dark as I take my leave. The wind is cold and biting, almost like it has real teeth, and there are brief flurries of snow dusted up by the wind as I head home to my manor. It is dark and uninviting, just the way I like it. Nobody bothers me at home, and that suits me. I've had no heart for visitors since the passing of my dear friend Cyrus. As I slide the key into a key hole, I can swear I hear an ominous voice in the wind, whispering, ”Beware...”
”You're just hearing things, ol' Ebeneezer..” I tell myself as I shake my head.
I fumble around with the lock a bit, again, hearing the wind moan, ”Beware...” This prompts me to hurry even more, and once inside my house, I slam the door shot and lock it tight.
”There's nobody here, and if there was, they could not make it past the locked door.” I tell myself, talking to no one in particular. After a light supper with no incident, I make my way up the stairs to my bed chamber, and slip into my gown and cap before settling in for a good night's slumber.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
A few hours later, I'm not sure how many, I am awakened by the loud clattering that seems to be coming from downstairs.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
The clattering seems to coming closer and closer.
”Who's there?” I call out, hoping in some part of my mind that nobody will respond, that the terrible noises are all just a figment of my imagination.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
The sounds stop right outside my door. I burst from my bed, stumbling in the dark as I head to the door, trying to make sure that it's locked tight. As I reach the nob, I hear a ghastly moaning, and see an eerie glow begin to pass through the one thing that should keep anyone, or anything, out of my bedroom. I back away, shaking in pure terror as the light begins to take the form of a man. A man whom I immediately recognize.
”Cyrus...”
I reach out to touch him, and my hands pass right through him. As he stands before me, Cyrus glows a dim blue, with tattered clothes, and what appears to be miles and miles of chains, weighed down with huge weights at the end. His features are twisted, almost beyond recognition, and he appears to be tired, oh so tired.
It breaks my heart to see my good friend in such a state.
”But you're d-d-de...
”Deceased. Dead. Passed on. Pushing up daisies. Well yes sir, yes sir I am. But I'm not here to talk about me, Ebeneezer Biggs, I'm here to talk about you. You may want to take a seat.”
I follow his command, and sit down on the edge of my bed. I still can't believe what is before my eyes. Cyrus stands before me, pulling at the chains a bit as he speaks.
”You're probably wondering what all of these chains are about, questioning how and why I'm able to appear before you tonight. The how is not important, but the why certainly is. You see, Biggs, you and I did a lot of bad, horrible things together, and each of these links in the chain are my penance for my self centered actions that harmed others, while only benefiting myself. As you know, since I've been gone, I've been remembered, but not in a particularly positive light. Nobody remembers that I held the APW Xtreme Championship for one day short of a year. Nobody remembers that all I needed to complete the Grand Slam was to win a World Championship. They don't even remember how great I was, just that I happened to be an APW Original. I carry the weight of not only my sins, but knowing that it's my own darn fault that I'm not remembered more fondly.”
”But you're one of the all-time greats.”
”You're one of the few, my friend. But heed my warning, if you do not change, your chains will certainly be longer and heavier than mine.”
”Change. But how? How can I change so close to Christmas Chaos?”
”Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past, Present, and Future. Heed their warnings, or your fate will no doubt be worse than my own. Good luck, my friend...”
With that, he lets out an otherworldly scream that chills me to the bones, and there's a huge flash, and a strange sucking sound as he disappears into nothing. My room is darkened once more. I sit there in silence, not sure whether what I have just seen is real or just a dream.
”It can't be real. I must be imagining things. I'm just tired....”
I fall back into a restless slumber.
I am awakened once more, I'm not certain of how much later, by a luminous flash encompassing my bed chamber. The light is blinding, and as my vision begins to return to me, I see a bright figure standing before me. It takes me a moment or two to make out who it is, thanks to the brightness of it all, but once I see who it is, I shake my head in disgust.
”Pence Weatherlight, you bum...”
There is a glow around Pence, to where he appears to be pure white. He wears long, flowing robes, that seem to be billowing in a non-existent wind.
”I wouldn't be so hasty to dismiss me, Ebeneezer Biggs, for I am here to help you.”
”I would never want, nor seek, the help from somebody the likes of you, Weatherlight!”
Again, there is a bright flash, and I am temporarily blinded once more.
”That is quite enough from you, Biggs! I am the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past, here to try and help you change your ways! I did not come here lightly, nor am I to be trifled with! I'm here to help!”
”What Cyrus was saying was true. And he really did appear before me...” I mumble to myself as Pence reaches his hand out towards me.
”Come with me, I have much to show you, and not much time, for it is almost Christmas Chaos.”
Reluctantly, I accept his offer, and grab a hold of his hand. All of a sudden, I begin to hover as he is, and we burst out my window, into yet another flash of light! As the light fades once more, we appear outside of a lively tavern. Snow is falling around us, and the light, warmth and laughter of the tavern seems most inviting.
”It is freezing out here, and I am still in my gown and cap. Might we go inside to warm up a bit?” I ask of the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past. Pence shakes his head no, and points to the door, where out walks a younger version of myself, and a stunning young woman. It doesn't even take a millisecond for me to recognize her, the only woman whom I have ever loved in my life, Ellie.
She looks absolutely radiant, even more so than the spirit that has brought me into the past. I try to call out to her, but there's no response.
”She can't here you, Ebeneezer Biggs. We are not here to change the past, simply to observe it, and learn what we may.”
I sulk at this news, and watch as the younger me and Ellie interact right in front of me.
”Thank you, kind sir, for walking me home at this late hour,” Ellie tells the younger version of me.
”'Tis no trouble at all, m'lady. I am happy to do it...” the younger me responds. He offers his arm to Ellie, which she gladly accepts. They begin to walk off in the direction of her house.
”I remember this night. But this was years ago. Why, Pence, have you brought me back to see this again?” I ask of the spirit.
”It shall all make sense. Come, we have more to see.”
There's another flash of light, and we find ourselves inside the APW Bank, where we see myself and Cyrus Marley hard at work. It's a lot more colorful than I remember it being, and there was some attempt at decorating for the holiday. Still, at the present, or rather, the past, Pence Weatherlight stands before the younger me, pleading for help.
”Please, sirs, offer me some mercy. 'Tis nearly Christmas Chaos, and I haven't the means right now to take care of my debts. Please, I beg of you...”
”I don't care if you break you neck! You shall receive no sort of help from us! Now begone!” the younger me snaps.
Weatherlight leaves in a huff, walking right past the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past and myself.
”It wasn't long after that night that I passed on, and became this Ghost...” he explains.
”Well, it's not my fault that weren't able to keep up with your commitments! You can't blame me for you becoming a ghost!”
”I do not. But we aren't here to bring up how you've wronged me. Watch...”
As the living Pence makes his leave, Cyrus Marley and myself have a laugh, though the laughter is cut short as Ellie comes into the bank with a worried look on her face.
”Ebeneezer Biggs, we need to talk...”
”What is there to discuss, my beloved? I have much work to get done before we close for the night, and much to prepare for when we reopen tomorrow morning.”
”That's the thing, Biggs, is that you're always working, more worried about your profession, more worried about your wealth, than you are about our relationship.”
The younger me rolls his eyes at Ellie, which she doesn't take kindly to at all.
”I rarely see you anymore, and in the rare moments we do get to spend together, you're more concerned with what others think of you, keeping yourself at a distance. Why can't you only care of what I think of you?” she asks, longingly.
I can only stand there and watch, reliving the biggest mistake I ever made in my entire life.
”Do you not know who I am, woman? I am but one of the most powerful, influential men in this town, because I run this bank. I'm working hard to provide for you, for us!”
”Yes, but must you work on Christmas Chaos!? Who is going to come in and ask for a loan, or pay of their debt on Christmas Chaos? Nobody, they'll simply spend time with their families! Please, Ebeneezer Biggs, please say you'll keep the bank closed tomorrow, and spend Christmas Chaos with me...”
The younger me furrows his brows. I remember this day like it was yesterday, I know exactly the thoughts that are going through his head right now. How he, how I had considered Ellie's proposal. How I almost said yes, until Cyrus Marley butts in.
”That is not a chance that we can take, miss. After all, it would be worth it to be open for just one customer, am I right, Ebeneezer?”
All of a sudden, the younger me's expression changes. He looks more annoyed, angry even.
”Cyrus is right, Ellie. I would love to spend Christmas Chaos with you, but there is simply too much important work to be done. No other bank will be open tomorrow, which gives us an opportunity to grow our business. Surely, you understand...”
Tears begin to well up in Ellie's eyes, and mine as well, as I watch her rush out of the bank. I didn't know it at the time, but that was the last moment I ever saw her in my life. The younger me and Cyrus get back to their paperwork, as though nothing had happened. I turn back towards the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past. I can feel my face heating up, and my blood is boiling.
”Why, cruel spirit, have you brought me here tonight, to relive this horrible memory? Why are you punishing me like this!?”
”As I said before, Ebeneezer Biggs, I am not here to punish you, but rather, to help. Ask yourself, what can you learn from what you've just witnessed? What can you change in yourself to become a better person this Christmas Chaos?”
”You must tell me, spirit! You must!”
”I cannot. For it is up to you to make the changes yourself. How can you truly change if it doesn't come from within you?”
There's another flash of light, and once again, I am in bed chamber, and the Ghost of Christmas Chaos past is nowhere to be seen.
”BA HUMBUG! That wretched spirit was of no help to me! Why am I going through this!? What does this all mean!?”
I sit back on my bed disgruntled, frustrated, while getting under the covers, and dream of Ellie as I fade back into sleep.
Depeche Mode's “Spacewalker” plays as the words FIRST CONTACT flash across the starry background in big, bold blue letters. The video transitions to Biggs seated on a steel folding chair in the middle of the ring, inside an empty Madison Square Garden. He's in jeans and a t-shirt.
”Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Biggs' First Contact! I am your host, Biggs, and in just a few short days, in this very ring, in this very arena, I will fight Terry Marvin for the APW Undisputed Championship in the main event of Christmas Chaos. This marks the second year in a row that I've challenged for the title at Christmas Chaos, however, the circumstances couldn't be any more different.”
“The most obvious difference is the fact that I am heading into Christmas Chaos as the decided fan favorite, although, I got to be honest, I think it's more so due to the fact that Terry is so hated rather than me being particularly beloved. While I have been making some changes in my demeanor, namely being a more trusting individual, and trying my darnedest to not back-stab people, the fact of the matter is that I'm still as brash, arrogant, and confident as I've ever been. I'm really trying to be a better person, but there's no doubt that if the opportunity, or need, to cheat arises, I'll probably still take that opportunity. And yet despite this, when we walk into this arena on Sunday, Terry, the fans will be chanting my name, while reviling yours. I'm still not sure how I feel about this, although I'm not going to try and over think it. I'm simply going to accept it, and enjoy the ride.”
“You see, Terry, a funny thing happened on the way to Christmas Chaos. Before you blindsided me with that chair a few weeks back, you had the fans eating out of your hands. They loved you, adored you, even. I'd heard that a few people even considered naming their first born children after you. But after the chair shot heard round the world, or at the very least, round APW, they turned on you quicker than a hiccup. Because, Terry Marvin, even though just a few scant weeks earlier, I had been public enemy numero uno by the simple virtue that I was the next challenger in line for your title, the people didn't take to kindly to turning their backs on them, lying to them for the last few months, and showing your true colors. I didn't take to kindly to it either, but unlike the fans in the crowd, I actually get to do something about it!”
“Now don't get me wrong, Terry, I realize exactly what I'm going up against when I face off against you one-on-one for the APW Undisputed Championship just a few short nights from tonight. I'm stepping into the ring with the man who has undoubtedly been on the biggest roll of any wrestler in this year, or perhaps any year of APW's existence! In 2012, you've held the Overdrive Championship, a title near and dear to my heart. You won the Test for the Best Tournament. You reached the absolute pinnacle of our sport, defeating Kurt Noble for the belt at Shockwave. And then, at One Night in Hell, you successfully defended that championship in the biggest Undisputed Title Match in APW history when you defeated myself, Kurt Noble, Chris Hart, C.J. Gates, and Level-One inside the Elimination Chamber! It's not hyperbole to say that 2012 has been the Year of Terry Marvin.”
“So the motivation is certainly there for you to go full tilt this Sunday, Terry. I know that you won't be holding anything back. After all, 2012 can't truly be the Year of Terry Marvin if you don't finish the year still in possession of the precious title around your waist. You've shown that you're willing to beg, borrow, cheat and steal to make sure that you hold onto your title, and while you think this may give you the advantage, just remember who you're stepping in the ring with! While I may be in the middle of trying to turn over a new leaf personally and professionally, if there's anyone in APW who understands what it means to beg, borrow, cheat and steal, it's me! Like I said earlier, Terry, you played your hand way too early. You've given me time to not only expect your treachery, but also to prepare for it! By choosing to reveal your alliance with Level-One over three weeks before our match, by showing yourself to be the jerk I knew you to be as early as you did, well, you've only hurt your chances against me, Terry! Nobody in this business, and I mean nobody prepares for a match more thoroughly or extensively than I do, and by giving me more information to work with, you've taken away any chance you may have had to surprise me.”
“Although to be fair, I always suspected Terry, that your supposed change was disingenuous. I told you as much on several occasions that I thought you were lying, leading the fans along by the nose, telling them what they wanted to hear, so that they would cheer you, acting how they wanted you to act, so that they would trust you. Even though I had suspected foul play on your part for several weeks, in fact months before your sudden and inevitable betrayal, I was more than happy to step in for you after you set it up to look like Level-One took you out backstage. When you feigned a concussion, I was all too happy to take your place, knowing what it was like to miss ring time due to that specific injury. Even though it went against my better judgment, Terry, I decided for once, to trust somebody besides myself. And even thought it came back to bite me in the behind in a big way, I do not regret the decision I made to sub in for you one bit. Because knowledge is power, Terry Marvin, and by stepping into the trap you laid out for me, well, quite frankly, I trapped you as well, because you played your hand. You put all your cards on the table for me to read as plain as day. So thank you, Terry, for attacking me with that chair, thanking you for turning your back on me and all the folks that have supported you the past few months. Because now, you cannot surprise me at Christmas Chaos.”
“Now 2012 may have been the Year of Terry Marvin, but if there's one thing 2012 has decidedly not been, that's been the Year of Biggs. I started this year on the injured reserve, due to a concussion suffered at the Christmas Chaos pay-per-view last year. When I came back at Test for the Best to try and get my revenge on C.J. Gates, he defeated me, and started me off on the worst slump of my career, in which I lost matches to people like A.C. Smith, Slade Craven, and most embarrassingly of all, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. I can't stand that guy! And on a personal note, I drove my wife away, bringing about a sad divorce. At the time, I blamed her for the ultimatum, where she told me to choose between her and professional wrestling. I can see now that the fact that it took me over a month to make that decision for myself told her that a decision had already been made, and not necessarily the one I told her at Shockwave.”
“They say Hindsight is 20/20, Terry, and looking back, I can now understand clearly how my actions inside and out of the ring have alienated me from all of my friends and family. I understand now why the fans have consistently decried me, despite my considerable in ring talent. The fact is, what you let come out of you is what you attract. My negative attitude and selfishness only drove those around me to be negative towards me. Well, Terry, this upcoming match is my first real chance to prove that I'm a changed man, and that unlike you, I'm not just doing it for show. Because unlike you, Terry, even though I've mostly been a bad man, I've been honest about it. You played the hero for a few months, Terry, key word played, but in the end, Terry, all your dishonesty and deceit has gotten you is the ire of the fans and has clued me into your game-plan for our match. Had you just gone about things honestly from the get go, at least you could call yourself a man of principle, put you can't even call yourself that.”
Biggs pauses for a moment, flashing his trademark smirk as he continues to speak.
”You know what, Terry, it's almost funny thinking about how you hand-picked me to be your opponent for Christmas Chaos. We all know that you want to headline RassleMania against Level-One. You've made no secret about it. I know that you think my performance inside the Elimination Chamber was a fluke, that it was supposed to come down to you versus Lester. But it didn't, Terry, and you versus Level-One at RassleMania is not a sure thing, either. For his part, Level-One has to defeat C.J. Gates to earn the #1 Contendership, and you also have to beat me. The fact is, Terry, you versus Level-One is only one of the four possible match ups for Undisputed Belt based on these two matches, and despite what you and Level-One may think, neither match is a done deal. But explain this to me, Terry, if you wanted so bad to fight Level-One, why didn't you pick him to be your opponent at Christmas Chaos?”
“I have a theory, Terry, and it goes a bit something like this. I think you're afraid to step in the ring with Level-One. Because while this year has undoubtedly been the Year of Terry Marvin, when you talk about the greatest champions in APW history, Level-One is right up there on the list. I'm your out, Terry. If you face me, and I defeat you, then you do not have to put your title up against Level-One. There will still be some room for debate as to whom the better wrestler between the two of you is, rather than having it definitively proven by having to actually face him! I know that the two of you are running buddies in the Sindicate, and that you've been playing this whole mutual respect angle between the two of you, but let's be honest here, Terry, your attempts at being buddy buddy with Level-One are more transparent than your hack job imitation of a good guy!”
“But if you want an out, Terry, and it certainly seems that you do, than I'll be more than happy to take the APW Undisputed Championship off of your hands! You know as well as anyone, Terry, that once you get a hold of the Undisputed Championship, you never want to let it go. And you'll soon find out that once you lose it, you want to get it back as soon as possible!”
“Terry, simply put, I want that belt back. You have something that I desperately want, something which I believe I have the means to claim. The fact of the matter is that whomever leaves Christmas Chaos as the APW Undisputed Champion has a great chance of walking into RassleMania as the the Undisputed Champ, and will wrestle in the Main Event of the biggest show of the year not just in APW, but in all of professional wrestling! Terry, opportunities to main event RassleMania don't come along often. After all, there's only one RassleMania Main Event a year. Last year, I was forced to watch from the sidelines due to my concussion. The year before, you and I were involved in the Overdrive Scramble Match that started the show. The fact is, Terry, this could be your best chance to ever get the opportunity to headline RassleMania, but it's also the best chance for me. I want the APW Undisputed Championship. I want to wrestle in the Main Event of RassleMania. The only thing standing between me and these goals is you, Terry.”
“You like to talk about how every match is 'Showtime,' and in the case of our upcoming match, it's quite appropriate. This Sunday is indeed showtime, Terry, when you and I show each other and the world what we are made of! This Sunday is when we show who wants it more! This Sunday is when we show who is truly the better man, and who is worthy of not only being called the Undisputed Champion, but also who is worthy of being on the marquee for the biggest show of the year, RassleMania!”
“2012 may have been the Year of Terry Marvin thus far, but I'm looking to make 2013 the Year of Biggs! For you, Terry, this match is simply about you holding onto your title. For me, it's my chance at redemption. After spending half a year out on injury, after suffering through the absolute worst losing streak of my career this past summer, to be able to cap off the year with an Undisputed Championship victory would be oh so sweet, Terry. I know I'm going to have to work for it in order to achieve my dream, Terry, but you can be sure you're have to work just as darn well hard to keep your title, if not more! And what's more, Terry, for once in my life, I've got the fans on my side. Believe me, I know that once that bell rings, it's my skill versus yours, and that ultimately, it's up to me to win the match, but it certainly won't hurt my chances to have the crowd cheering me on the whole time. We're in for a fight this Sunday, Terry, one that is just like me, OUT OF THIS WORLD!”
First Contact fades to black.
”Today is a holiday? I hadn't noticed...” I reply without looking up from my paperwork.
”I'm sorry for asking, Mr. Biggs.”
”That's Mr. Ebeneezer Biggs to you, Cratchett. But considering that we've had but one visitor to the bank today, and that your employ is costing me regardless of the number of customers who walk through the bank doors, I will permit you to leave five minutes early today, but not a second before. As for it being Christmas Chaos Eve, ba humbug!”
We sit in silence for the next several hours, me, working on balancing the books, while Cratchett makes sure the bank is spic and span. It's a dark, almost dreary building, devoid of color save for the graying wood used to construct the building. There's a small coal furnace in the center to warm the entire bank. I haven't bothered putting up any decorations or pleasantries, because the bank is a business first and foremost, with no need for extravagances. With about two more hours left in the work day, Cratchett approaches my desk once more.
”Sir, if I may ask one more question, it is starting to become quite chilly. May I please put another coal upon the fire?”
”What, and drive up the heating costs!? Need I remind you that it was I, and my poor deceased partner, Cyrus Marley, who built the APW Bank into the powerhouse institution that it is today? And need I remind you that I didn't get to where I am today by being compassionate, giving, nor kind? No, you may not! And for the matter of fact, you may take your leave right now, minus the pay for the two hours of work you will not be doing for me tonight!”
Rather than despair, C.J. Cratchett does the most odd thing of showing me gratitude for sending him home early. ”Oh, most thank you, Mr. Ebeneezer Biggs!” he exclaims as he gathers his coat and hat. ”This will most certainly be Tiny Mr. Dangerous' last Christmas Chaos, and even though the loss of pay will hurt, the joy of getting to spend what little time we have left with him will more than make up for it. Merry Christmas Chaos, sir!”
”BA HUMBUG!” I yell after him as he rushes out the front door.
Two hours pass without any other visitors, and it is dark as I take my leave. The wind is cold and biting, almost like it has real teeth, and there are brief flurries of snow dusted up by the wind as I head home to my manor. It is dark and uninviting, just the way I like it. Nobody bothers me at home, and that suits me. I've had no heart for visitors since the passing of my dear friend Cyrus. As I slide the key into a key hole, I can swear I hear an ominous voice in the wind, whispering, ”Beware...”
”You're just hearing things, ol' Ebeneezer..” I tell myself as I shake my head.
I fumble around with the lock a bit, again, hearing the wind moan, ”Beware...” This prompts me to hurry even more, and once inside my house, I slam the door shot and lock it tight.
”There's nobody here, and if there was, they could not make it past the locked door.” I tell myself, talking to no one in particular. After a light supper with no incident, I make my way up the stairs to my bed chamber, and slip into my gown and cap before settling in for a good night's slumber.
*~*~*
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
A few hours later, I'm not sure how many, I am awakened by the loud clattering that seems to be coming from downstairs.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
The clattering seems to coming closer and closer.
”Who's there?” I call out, hoping in some part of my mind that nobody will respond, that the terrible noises are all just a figment of my imagination.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
The sounds stop right outside my door. I burst from my bed, stumbling in the dark as I head to the door, trying to make sure that it's locked tight. As I reach the nob, I hear a ghastly moaning, and see an eerie glow begin to pass through the one thing that should keep anyone, or anything, out of my bedroom. I back away, shaking in pure terror as the light begins to take the form of a man. A man whom I immediately recognize.
”Cyrus...”
I reach out to touch him, and my hands pass right through him. As he stands before me, Cyrus glows a dim blue, with tattered clothes, and what appears to be miles and miles of chains, weighed down with huge weights at the end. His features are twisted, almost beyond recognition, and he appears to be tired, oh so tired.
It breaks my heart to see my good friend in such a state.
”But you're d-d-de...
”Deceased. Dead. Passed on. Pushing up daisies. Well yes sir, yes sir I am. But I'm not here to talk about me, Ebeneezer Biggs, I'm here to talk about you. You may want to take a seat.”
I follow his command, and sit down on the edge of my bed. I still can't believe what is before my eyes. Cyrus stands before me, pulling at the chains a bit as he speaks.
”You're probably wondering what all of these chains are about, questioning how and why I'm able to appear before you tonight. The how is not important, but the why certainly is. You see, Biggs, you and I did a lot of bad, horrible things together, and each of these links in the chain are my penance for my self centered actions that harmed others, while only benefiting myself. As you know, since I've been gone, I've been remembered, but not in a particularly positive light. Nobody remembers that I held the APW Xtreme Championship for one day short of a year. Nobody remembers that all I needed to complete the Grand Slam was to win a World Championship. They don't even remember how great I was, just that I happened to be an APW Original. I carry the weight of not only my sins, but knowing that it's my own darn fault that I'm not remembered more fondly.”
”But you're one of the all-time greats.”
”You're one of the few, my friend. But heed my warning, if you do not change, your chains will certainly be longer and heavier than mine.”
”Change. But how? How can I change so close to Christmas Chaos?”
”Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past, Present, and Future. Heed their warnings, or your fate will no doubt be worse than my own. Good luck, my friend...”
With that, he lets out an otherworldly scream that chills me to the bones, and there's a huge flash, and a strange sucking sound as he disappears into nothing. My room is darkened once more. I sit there in silence, not sure whether what I have just seen is real or just a dream.
”It can't be real. I must be imagining things. I'm just tired....”
I fall back into a restless slumber.
*~*~*
I am awakened once more, I'm not certain of how much later, by a luminous flash encompassing my bed chamber. The light is blinding, and as my vision begins to return to me, I see a bright figure standing before me. It takes me a moment or two to make out who it is, thanks to the brightness of it all, but once I see who it is, I shake my head in disgust.
”Pence Weatherlight, you bum...”
There is a glow around Pence, to where he appears to be pure white. He wears long, flowing robes, that seem to be billowing in a non-existent wind.
”I wouldn't be so hasty to dismiss me, Ebeneezer Biggs, for I am here to help you.”
”I would never want, nor seek, the help from somebody the likes of you, Weatherlight!”
Again, there is a bright flash, and I am temporarily blinded once more.
”That is quite enough from you, Biggs! I am the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past, here to try and help you change your ways! I did not come here lightly, nor am I to be trifled with! I'm here to help!”
”What Cyrus was saying was true. And he really did appear before me...” I mumble to myself as Pence reaches his hand out towards me.
”Come with me, I have much to show you, and not much time, for it is almost Christmas Chaos.”
Reluctantly, I accept his offer, and grab a hold of his hand. All of a sudden, I begin to hover as he is, and we burst out my window, into yet another flash of light! As the light fades once more, we appear outside of a lively tavern. Snow is falling around us, and the light, warmth and laughter of the tavern seems most inviting.
”It is freezing out here, and I am still in my gown and cap. Might we go inside to warm up a bit?” I ask of the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past. Pence shakes his head no, and points to the door, where out walks a younger version of myself, and a stunning young woman. It doesn't even take a millisecond for me to recognize her, the only woman whom I have ever loved in my life, Ellie.
She looks absolutely radiant, even more so than the spirit that has brought me into the past. I try to call out to her, but there's no response.
”She can't here you, Ebeneezer Biggs. We are not here to change the past, simply to observe it, and learn what we may.”
I sulk at this news, and watch as the younger me and Ellie interact right in front of me.
”Thank you, kind sir, for walking me home at this late hour,” Ellie tells the younger version of me.
”'Tis no trouble at all, m'lady. I am happy to do it...” the younger me responds. He offers his arm to Ellie, which she gladly accepts. They begin to walk off in the direction of her house.
”I remember this night. But this was years ago. Why, Pence, have you brought me back to see this again?” I ask of the spirit.
”It shall all make sense. Come, we have more to see.”
There's another flash of light, and we find ourselves inside the APW Bank, where we see myself and Cyrus Marley hard at work. It's a lot more colorful than I remember it being, and there was some attempt at decorating for the holiday. Still, at the present, or rather, the past, Pence Weatherlight stands before the younger me, pleading for help.
”Please, sirs, offer me some mercy. 'Tis nearly Christmas Chaos, and I haven't the means right now to take care of my debts. Please, I beg of you...”
”I don't care if you break you neck! You shall receive no sort of help from us! Now begone!” the younger me snaps.
Weatherlight leaves in a huff, walking right past the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past and myself.
”It wasn't long after that night that I passed on, and became this Ghost...” he explains.
”Well, it's not my fault that weren't able to keep up with your commitments! You can't blame me for you becoming a ghost!”
”I do not. But we aren't here to bring up how you've wronged me. Watch...”
As the living Pence makes his leave, Cyrus Marley and myself have a laugh, though the laughter is cut short as Ellie comes into the bank with a worried look on her face.
”Ebeneezer Biggs, we need to talk...”
”What is there to discuss, my beloved? I have much work to get done before we close for the night, and much to prepare for when we reopen tomorrow morning.”
”That's the thing, Biggs, is that you're always working, more worried about your profession, more worried about your wealth, than you are about our relationship.”
The younger me rolls his eyes at Ellie, which she doesn't take kindly to at all.
”I rarely see you anymore, and in the rare moments we do get to spend together, you're more concerned with what others think of you, keeping yourself at a distance. Why can't you only care of what I think of you?” she asks, longingly.
I can only stand there and watch, reliving the biggest mistake I ever made in my entire life.
”Do you not know who I am, woman? I am but one of the most powerful, influential men in this town, because I run this bank. I'm working hard to provide for you, for us!”
”Yes, but must you work on Christmas Chaos!? Who is going to come in and ask for a loan, or pay of their debt on Christmas Chaos? Nobody, they'll simply spend time with their families! Please, Ebeneezer Biggs, please say you'll keep the bank closed tomorrow, and spend Christmas Chaos with me...”
The younger me furrows his brows. I remember this day like it was yesterday, I know exactly the thoughts that are going through his head right now. How he, how I had considered Ellie's proposal. How I almost said yes, until Cyrus Marley butts in.
”That is not a chance that we can take, miss. After all, it would be worth it to be open for just one customer, am I right, Ebeneezer?”
All of a sudden, the younger me's expression changes. He looks more annoyed, angry even.
”Cyrus is right, Ellie. I would love to spend Christmas Chaos with you, but there is simply too much important work to be done. No other bank will be open tomorrow, which gives us an opportunity to grow our business. Surely, you understand...”
Tears begin to well up in Ellie's eyes, and mine as well, as I watch her rush out of the bank. I didn't know it at the time, but that was the last moment I ever saw her in my life. The younger me and Cyrus get back to their paperwork, as though nothing had happened. I turn back towards the Ghost of Christmas Chaos Past. I can feel my face heating up, and my blood is boiling.
”Why, cruel spirit, have you brought me here tonight, to relive this horrible memory? Why are you punishing me like this!?”
”As I said before, Ebeneezer Biggs, I am not here to punish you, but rather, to help. Ask yourself, what can you learn from what you've just witnessed? What can you change in yourself to become a better person this Christmas Chaos?”
”You must tell me, spirit! You must!”
”I cannot. For it is up to you to make the changes yourself. How can you truly change if it doesn't come from within you?”
There's another flash of light, and once again, I am in bed chamber, and the Ghost of Christmas Chaos past is nowhere to be seen.
”BA HUMBUG! That wretched spirit was of no help to me! Why am I going through this!? What does this all mean!?”
I sit back on my bed disgruntled, frustrated, while getting under the covers, and dream of Ellie as I fade back into sleep.
***
Depeche Mode's “Spacewalker” plays as the words FIRST CONTACT flash across the starry background in big, bold blue letters. The video transitions to Biggs seated on a steel folding chair in the middle of the ring, inside an empty Madison Square Garden. He's in jeans and a t-shirt.
”Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Biggs' First Contact! I am your host, Biggs, and in just a few short days, in this very ring, in this very arena, I will fight Terry Marvin for the APW Undisputed Championship in the main event of Christmas Chaos. This marks the second year in a row that I've challenged for the title at Christmas Chaos, however, the circumstances couldn't be any more different.”
“The most obvious difference is the fact that I am heading into Christmas Chaos as the decided fan favorite, although, I got to be honest, I think it's more so due to the fact that Terry is so hated rather than me being particularly beloved. While I have been making some changes in my demeanor, namely being a more trusting individual, and trying my darnedest to not back-stab people, the fact of the matter is that I'm still as brash, arrogant, and confident as I've ever been. I'm really trying to be a better person, but there's no doubt that if the opportunity, or need, to cheat arises, I'll probably still take that opportunity. And yet despite this, when we walk into this arena on Sunday, Terry, the fans will be chanting my name, while reviling yours. I'm still not sure how I feel about this, although I'm not going to try and over think it. I'm simply going to accept it, and enjoy the ride.”
“You see, Terry, a funny thing happened on the way to Christmas Chaos. Before you blindsided me with that chair a few weeks back, you had the fans eating out of your hands. They loved you, adored you, even. I'd heard that a few people even considered naming their first born children after you. But after the chair shot heard round the world, or at the very least, round APW, they turned on you quicker than a hiccup. Because, Terry Marvin, even though just a few scant weeks earlier, I had been public enemy numero uno by the simple virtue that I was the next challenger in line for your title, the people didn't take to kindly to turning their backs on them, lying to them for the last few months, and showing your true colors. I didn't take to kindly to it either, but unlike the fans in the crowd, I actually get to do something about it!”
“Now don't get me wrong, Terry, I realize exactly what I'm going up against when I face off against you one-on-one for the APW Undisputed Championship just a few short nights from tonight. I'm stepping into the ring with the man who has undoubtedly been on the biggest roll of any wrestler in this year, or perhaps any year of APW's existence! In 2012, you've held the Overdrive Championship, a title near and dear to my heart. You won the Test for the Best Tournament. You reached the absolute pinnacle of our sport, defeating Kurt Noble for the belt at Shockwave. And then, at One Night in Hell, you successfully defended that championship in the biggest Undisputed Title Match in APW history when you defeated myself, Kurt Noble, Chris Hart, C.J. Gates, and Level-One inside the Elimination Chamber! It's not hyperbole to say that 2012 has been the Year of Terry Marvin.”
“So the motivation is certainly there for you to go full tilt this Sunday, Terry. I know that you won't be holding anything back. After all, 2012 can't truly be the Year of Terry Marvin if you don't finish the year still in possession of the precious title around your waist. You've shown that you're willing to beg, borrow, cheat and steal to make sure that you hold onto your title, and while you think this may give you the advantage, just remember who you're stepping in the ring with! While I may be in the middle of trying to turn over a new leaf personally and professionally, if there's anyone in APW who understands what it means to beg, borrow, cheat and steal, it's me! Like I said earlier, Terry, you played your hand way too early. You've given me time to not only expect your treachery, but also to prepare for it! By choosing to reveal your alliance with Level-One over three weeks before our match, by showing yourself to be the jerk I knew you to be as early as you did, well, you've only hurt your chances against me, Terry! Nobody in this business, and I mean nobody prepares for a match more thoroughly or extensively than I do, and by giving me more information to work with, you've taken away any chance you may have had to surprise me.”
“Although to be fair, I always suspected Terry, that your supposed change was disingenuous. I told you as much on several occasions that I thought you were lying, leading the fans along by the nose, telling them what they wanted to hear, so that they would cheer you, acting how they wanted you to act, so that they would trust you. Even though I had suspected foul play on your part for several weeks, in fact months before your sudden and inevitable betrayal, I was more than happy to step in for you after you set it up to look like Level-One took you out backstage. When you feigned a concussion, I was all too happy to take your place, knowing what it was like to miss ring time due to that specific injury. Even though it went against my better judgment, Terry, I decided for once, to trust somebody besides myself. And even thought it came back to bite me in the behind in a big way, I do not regret the decision I made to sub in for you one bit. Because knowledge is power, Terry Marvin, and by stepping into the trap you laid out for me, well, quite frankly, I trapped you as well, because you played your hand. You put all your cards on the table for me to read as plain as day. So thank you, Terry, for attacking me with that chair, thanking you for turning your back on me and all the folks that have supported you the past few months. Because now, you cannot surprise me at Christmas Chaos.”
“Now 2012 may have been the Year of Terry Marvin, but if there's one thing 2012 has decidedly not been, that's been the Year of Biggs. I started this year on the injured reserve, due to a concussion suffered at the Christmas Chaos pay-per-view last year. When I came back at Test for the Best to try and get my revenge on C.J. Gates, he defeated me, and started me off on the worst slump of my career, in which I lost matches to people like A.C. Smith, Slade Craven, and most embarrassingly of all, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. I can't stand that guy! And on a personal note, I drove my wife away, bringing about a sad divorce. At the time, I blamed her for the ultimatum, where she told me to choose between her and professional wrestling. I can see now that the fact that it took me over a month to make that decision for myself told her that a decision had already been made, and not necessarily the one I told her at Shockwave.”
“They say Hindsight is 20/20, Terry, and looking back, I can now understand clearly how my actions inside and out of the ring have alienated me from all of my friends and family. I understand now why the fans have consistently decried me, despite my considerable in ring talent. The fact is, what you let come out of you is what you attract. My negative attitude and selfishness only drove those around me to be negative towards me. Well, Terry, this upcoming match is my first real chance to prove that I'm a changed man, and that unlike you, I'm not just doing it for show. Because unlike you, Terry, even though I've mostly been a bad man, I've been honest about it. You played the hero for a few months, Terry, key word played, but in the end, Terry, all your dishonesty and deceit has gotten you is the ire of the fans and has clued me into your game-plan for our match. Had you just gone about things honestly from the get go, at least you could call yourself a man of principle, put you can't even call yourself that.”
Biggs pauses for a moment, flashing his trademark smirk as he continues to speak.
”You know what, Terry, it's almost funny thinking about how you hand-picked me to be your opponent for Christmas Chaos. We all know that you want to headline RassleMania against Level-One. You've made no secret about it. I know that you think my performance inside the Elimination Chamber was a fluke, that it was supposed to come down to you versus Lester. But it didn't, Terry, and you versus Level-One at RassleMania is not a sure thing, either. For his part, Level-One has to defeat C.J. Gates to earn the #1 Contendership, and you also have to beat me. The fact is, Terry, you versus Level-One is only one of the four possible match ups for Undisputed Belt based on these two matches, and despite what you and Level-One may think, neither match is a done deal. But explain this to me, Terry, if you wanted so bad to fight Level-One, why didn't you pick him to be your opponent at Christmas Chaos?”
“I have a theory, Terry, and it goes a bit something like this. I think you're afraid to step in the ring with Level-One. Because while this year has undoubtedly been the Year of Terry Marvin, when you talk about the greatest champions in APW history, Level-One is right up there on the list. I'm your out, Terry. If you face me, and I defeat you, then you do not have to put your title up against Level-One. There will still be some room for debate as to whom the better wrestler between the two of you is, rather than having it definitively proven by having to actually face him! I know that the two of you are running buddies in the Sindicate, and that you've been playing this whole mutual respect angle between the two of you, but let's be honest here, Terry, your attempts at being buddy buddy with Level-One are more transparent than your hack job imitation of a good guy!”
“But if you want an out, Terry, and it certainly seems that you do, than I'll be more than happy to take the APW Undisputed Championship off of your hands! You know as well as anyone, Terry, that once you get a hold of the Undisputed Championship, you never want to let it go. And you'll soon find out that once you lose it, you want to get it back as soon as possible!”
“Terry, simply put, I want that belt back. You have something that I desperately want, something which I believe I have the means to claim. The fact of the matter is that whomever leaves Christmas Chaos as the APW Undisputed Champion has a great chance of walking into RassleMania as the the Undisputed Champ, and will wrestle in the Main Event of the biggest show of the year not just in APW, but in all of professional wrestling! Terry, opportunities to main event RassleMania don't come along often. After all, there's only one RassleMania Main Event a year. Last year, I was forced to watch from the sidelines due to my concussion. The year before, you and I were involved in the Overdrive Scramble Match that started the show. The fact is, Terry, this could be your best chance to ever get the opportunity to headline RassleMania, but it's also the best chance for me. I want the APW Undisputed Championship. I want to wrestle in the Main Event of RassleMania. The only thing standing between me and these goals is you, Terry.”
“You like to talk about how every match is 'Showtime,' and in the case of our upcoming match, it's quite appropriate. This Sunday is indeed showtime, Terry, when you and I show each other and the world what we are made of! This Sunday is when we show who wants it more! This Sunday is when we show who is truly the better man, and who is worthy of not only being called the Undisputed Champion, but also who is worthy of being on the marquee for the biggest show of the year, RassleMania!”
“2012 may have been the Year of Terry Marvin thus far, but I'm looking to make 2013 the Year of Biggs! For you, Terry, this match is simply about you holding onto your title. For me, it's my chance at redemption. After spending half a year out on injury, after suffering through the absolute worst losing streak of my career this past summer, to be able to cap off the year with an Undisputed Championship victory would be oh so sweet, Terry. I know I'm going to have to work for it in order to achieve my dream, Terry, but you can be sure you're have to work just as darn well hard to keep your title, if not more! And what's more, Terry, for once in my life, I've got the fans on my side. Believe me, I know that once that bell rings, it's my skill versus yours, and that ultimately, it's up to me to win the match, but it certainly won't hurt my chances to have the crowd cheering me on the whole time. We're in for a fight this Sunday, Terry, one that is just like me, OUT OF THIS WORLD!”
First Contact fades to black.
