Punishment for my ignorance. - vs RD3

31.05.20 Wrestleworld Arena

*Chapter 15 completely didn't go like a young Japanese wanted it to be. Not only the match itself was a disaster for his team, but he also began to feel uncomfortable again after Dampshaw and Jacob Senn demolished his already injured knee. Initially, he was worried whether it would be an obstacle for him to appear at Kingdom Come, but after the doctors' verdict, he could breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the damage wasn't that big, so he should be ready for his upcoming title defense. However, listening to their recommendations, he decided to give his leg some rest. Therefore, instead of going to have a shower immediately, first he sat on the bench in the locker room, holding the ice pack in a sore spot. This moment was not only beneficial for his knee, but also Arata could calmly think about what he should do in case of Dampshaw. However, this moment of loneliness didn't last for a long time, as he heard someone knocking at the door. The current champion without hesitation allowed his unexpected guest to enter the room. However, when the young Japanese saw, who decided to visit him, he began to behave a little offensive.*

“My knee is fine! If you came here to tell me, that you won't let me fight at Kingdom Come, better leave immediately! The match is official, so I don't care what you have to say! “

*Arata with his arms put in crossed-arms position, leaned his back against the wall while, surprised by this behavior, Jaydayne Pendragon began walking slowly toward him. The man coming there didn't have bad intentions, but seeing Arata's attitude, he immediately began to speak with a little raised tone.*

“Does my mere view make you start growling, Arata? You know, that I have never been against you, so think a little, before you start yelling at me.” Jaydayne grabbed the steel chair and sat down in front of Arata, slouching slightly. Earlier, the young Japanese did not notice what Shogun Architect brought with him, namely the championship, which is representing their division, which Dampshaw stole during the match. Arata immediately reached out to take what was his, but Pendragon stopped him. As you can guess, this provoked some objection from the blond man, but his Architect immediately silenced him, and then combed partly black and red strands of hair, that fell on his forehead. A moment later, he returned to the topic they started at the beginning “I won't give it to you until you listen to me. So, like I said...I didn't come here to stop you from participating in this match. To be honest, this situation shouldn't take place at all, because Dampshaw shouldn't be your challenge. I don't know about others, but I don't reward such bad acts with a title shot. However, I know that you will not leave me alone until I agree, because you are stubborn as a donkey, and in this case I have two of you. As long as, I can still talk to you, despite your arrogance, I don't trust Dampshaw. Let's just say, that I prefer not to risk the title being vacated, because seeing his behavior, I can expect even such consequences of this conflict. That's why I want you to…”

*The younger Japanese kept himself quiet for a longer moment, but at one point he began to get fed up with this lecture, so he interrupted his Architect.*

“You want me to do what? You want me to forfeit this title match, huh? No! How many times I have to ask you not to interfere? Do you even understand, that I don't need you to babysit me? You make me look like a jerk in the eyes of other people.”

*Hearing what his interlocutor said, Jaydayne shook his head in disapproval. The man had the impression, that his champion didn't listen to him at all.*

“What are you even talking about, Arata? The problem is not in me, but in you. Look, I know you had a hard childhood, but stop fighting everyone, who tries to reach out hand to you. These times are behind you, you are different person, so stop thinking, that the whole world is against you. You know, that this approach only harms you...I think we talked about controlling emotions before Hardcore Havoc, so why can't I see any progress? Why are you so aggressive towards me? Because I had something to say about Shogun Title? Arata, you probably forget that this is not ALPHA or OWA...We are in Wrestleworld, where I am Shogun Architect...where I am your boss and you should accept my decisions. To be honest, you should be glad that treat you so well. All the time I've been ignoring your bad behavior, I was actually doing what you wanted, but if you don't respect me as I respect you, then it will end. Learn to cooperate with me, because, as long as, we both agree that the behavior of some people is not good here, you start to go the wrong way, and as your Architect, I want the best for you. It's not even about whether I like you or not, it's important to me that you represent my division, and the Shogun Championship is all about honor and prestige. That's why you probably understand, that I demand the same from you. You are not only holding title belt, but you are also supposed to be unity with you championship.” Seeing, that Arata had nothing to say, Pendragon took a deep breath and continued “Speaking of good behavior...I think you should thank Raoul. Regardless of your relations, he protected you from being hit with the title, so I believe it would be good thing to repay him somehow. “

*Arata snorted after hearing the last words of his Architect, then stood up and with his back turned to him, finally answered. For some reason he preferred to avoid eye contact with Jaydayne.*

“I owe him nothing, Jaydayne. I have been saying for weeks, that he should leave me alone, but he clearly doesn't understand. He can only blame himself for what happened. Before you start giving me another lecture...I said what I said. I don't think there's any point in continuing this, so if you have nothing to add, give me the title and leave.” Jaydayne stood up and pulled out the Shogun Championship towards Arata, but when the other man wanted to take it, Pendragon still had his hand clenched on one part of the belt. As a result, both the Architect and the current champion stood in front of each other, holding the championship “What?”

“Stop disrespecting me, Arata. And yes, I have something to add. I don't want to see such behavior at Kingdom Come. What I want to see is the face of my division, not an arrogant egoist. That's why the only thing, I am asking you for is to make me proud.”

*After these words, Jaydayne Pendragon releases his hold on the title and leaves the room. It can be noticed, that both he and Arata are annoyed by this conversation, even if in two different ways. However, there is something that unites them, namely  they both want the best for the Shogun Championship, and Arata will do everything to achieve it.*

02.06.20 Miami, Florida

*No matter how much Arata wanted to focus on his upcoming title defense against Reginald Dampshaw III, he still had to deal with a lot of responsibilities. However, even in Miami, his thoughts were around this match. Someone might wonder why it bothers him so much, because it's actually just one of many title defenses. However, in this case it is more than just a fight for the championship, it can be even said that it is a personal conflict, that arose at the least expected moment. Actually, it started in completely different circumstances than Arata thought at first. But should the Japanese man care so much about the reasons of Dampshaw? Is it so important since the main object in this conflict became the Shogun Championship? Or at least officially. Apparently yes and no, but somehow Arata tried to explain this obsession of Reginald about him, because sometimes he had the impression, that it was never even about what happened with the Spartan Championship a few weeks ago. Something was wrong with this guy, but Arata wasn't sure what. However, everything is known over time, and Asakura, despite the fact that he did not want it, he had no choice, but to get to know Dampshaw anyway. The only question is whether it would be better to stay away? However, looking at all recent events, it can be said that this is not possible. Regardless of the lack of trust and negative feelings for this man, Arata has to face his destiny, and in this case, it is Dampshaw.*

*The video takes place in one of the elegant restaurants on the top level of the skyscraper. The first shot shows a man with blond hair, who is sitting on a black suede sofa, in front of which stands a table made of dark wood. On its surface lies a glass of red wine and two title belts - Wrestleworld Shogun Championship and OWA Spartan Championship. Their owner is none other than Arata Asakura, who is wearing a black shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, dark gray suit pants and black leather shoes. His outfit is complemented by a gold watch and sunglasses with a golden frame. The man sits in such a way, that he leans his forearms against the surface of the table, slouching a little. Looking at his body language, it can be even said that he is quite relaxed, which is also confirmed by the smirk on his face. However, before Arata utters the first words, he bites his lip slightly, but the gentle smile still doesn't disappear from his face. After a moment he sighs and begins his message to the man, whom he has had a chance to face in the past.*

As much as I hate to say it, I must admit that I was wrong. I was wrong thinking, that this whole story with Reggie had its beginning at Final Destination II, when I took the title from him. In fact, the first flashes of this conflict took place much earlier, but it was only my fault, that I was ignorant enough not to notice it. If I were smarter then, I would take what he said seriously and I don't mean these empty threats regarding my decision what to do with Keys to the Kingdom. To be honest, I never cared about the insults, that Dampshaw threw at me, when I even mentioned the Spartan Title. The bigger problem was that I didn't listen to him carefully. I didn't listen carefully, when he started talking about my legacy in Wrestleworld. In fact, it was a while before our paths crossed. It may sound quite absurd, but it all had its beginning at Clash of the Titans, where for some reason, despite the presence of 28 other people, both me and Reggie directed our eyes at each other. What was the reason for this? I have no idea, maybe our conflict of views or even origin has attracted us so much, but what is the most important in this story is that, Dampshaw started talking about the Shogun Championship at that time. At first I took it as a joke, which was supposed to scare me, but then it happened again and again. And finally it led to the point when he appeared on my territory, trying to execute his own justice. Did Reggie act like a total jerk? Yes, it can't be hidden, but he is not the only person guilty in this case. It is me who is partly to blame, not because I was better than him at Final Destination II, but because I was too arrogant to realize that he can really fulfill his threats. Therefore, the situation in which I am right now, is nothing more than a punishment for my ignorance.

*Arata takes a break to take a breath and think about something. He moves his thumb over the lip for a moment, then returns to what he was talking about. However, this time the tone of his voice seems to be much more serious.*

However, even if I see my mistake in this situation, I don't intend to take the whole flogging. The truth is, my stupidity doesn't justify all the nasty things, that Damshaw has been doing to me for weeks. The list is so long, that I don't even know where to start, but what I want to say is that he also has to take responsibility for his action. The problem is, Reggie will never do it, because he's the type of man, who is looking for excuses just to feel untouchable. What else can I call all these whims? No one, who has a moral backbone is insolent enough to attack people for no reason, and I'm not just talking about myself, but half of OWA's roster. No one, who has any rules would go to my friend's house, just to play with my feelings. No one, who knows what honor mean, would have to use such a cheap shots. I think you know what I'm talking about, Reggie. Apart from this whole bullshit with my loved ones, didn't you say that your bodyguard will be away from the ringside in April? I mean, I can only blame myself for believing in it, but it doesn't change the fact, that how you tried to defend the title at all cost, showed not only that you are a cheater, but also a coward. Coward is a word that perfectly describes, who Reginald Dampshaw III is. Actually, everything you do always leads to this one term, even if you deny it. However, Reggie, even if you pretend that you don't see it, people are not blind. Do you think, that sooner or later, you will not get a label of the coward, who we have already established that you are? Someone, who needs to attack me from behind just to be in the title picture will definitely not be treated differently. But you know what puzzles me the most?...What did you try to prove in this way, Reggie? Was it your brilliant plan to show everyone, that you are able to destroy a man, who hurt you so much? Or maybe you wanted to prove, that this one time was a mistake and you can beat me? You see Dampshaw, apart from the fact, that neither your puppet, nor you, nor fucking both of you at once, were able to beat me, by attacking me from behind, you just confirmed that I am better than you. You showed the world, that your only way to beat Arata Asakura is to take advantage of the moment when I was defenseless...because I was then. My knee hurt like hell, I could barely walk after Havoc corrected what Tristan did at KOTW. However, as you can see, it is better now, or actually it was, because you decided to finish what you started when you arrived here. But didn't you think that playing fucking hopscotch on my leg is moving you away from your sick goal? Oh, please, since you're here for revenge for not being a Spartan Champion anymore, because of me...since you're here to do to me what I did to you, why strive for the title to be vacated? Because I have the impression, that at some point you started to go for it. I don't know if you are aware, but I'm a human and my body can't survive all these damage. It seemed to me, that a relatively intelligent man like you realizes it, but maybe you were too blinded by aggression to think logically. I mean, it is such a your thing, that you are both a genius and an idiot in the same time. Don't get me wrong, because I've been watching you for a long time, I see you are a smart guy. After all, effective cheating is not so simple, but your madness sometimes makes you lose touch with reality. Has it crossed the line? I will say more, it all has gone so far, that you can't even see this line, Dampshaw.

*The young Japanese stops looking straight at the camera and directs his eyes at the titles in front of him. As his gaze returns to where it was before, he is already beginning to speak.*

I think you realize what these two titles are doing here. It is true that, at least in theory, our match at Kingdom Come has nothing to do with the Spartan Championship, but I brought it with me to remind you what happened last time, when we were alone in the ring. And no...I don't mean the mess you made in Wrestleworld. I mean the moment when I beat you for Spartan Title between the ropes, and this is proof. However, it is also a warning of what will happen if you try to take away the Shogun Championship from me. I will be completely honest with you, Reggie, I do not underestimate you, because I know that different things happen in the ring, but I also know that you don't have what it takes to beat me. Of course, you are great, you wouldn't go so far only because of cheating, but there were always good and better competitors, and I definitely belong to this second category. You see, even if you were right in saying that certain things change, you have to remember that not in every case. I don't want to sound like an arrogant asshole, but you can see that the circumstances are not in your favor, Reggie. It is not just about, who I am or who you are, but that we are not in OWA, where I am still a pretty new kid. No, when it comes to Wrestleworld, I am here from the very beginning...I am one of the people, who helped build this place. That's why you should understand, that you are on my territory, and here it is probably even harder to beat me. I think I should tell you to ask around, but the only person who did it for over half a year was Tristan Killebrew. But you're not on his level, Reggie, so why am I talking about it at all? This is one of the many questions I am asking myself. Perhaps it is pointless to many, but I am sure, that alongside with Kingdom Come everything will be clear. Not only fans will find out again, that I am undisputed Shogun Champion, but maybe Dampshaw will finally understand, that his revenge is not perfect. Just because I took his title doesn't mean that he can do it to me as well. There is no fucking 'eye for an eye' rule in this industry. However, as you can see, some people have to find out about it in their own way, in which I'm going to help him. I don't do it to change his personality, because he can't be changed. I only do it so that he can pack up and leave as far as possible, because in my division there is no room for someone, who doesn't know what respect and honor is...in my division there is no room for such trash.

*Along with these words the recording ends and screen fades black. A moment later, Arata is still looking at the Shogun Championship, thinking of what Jaydayne Pendragon said a few days ago. Even if his pride was hurt at this point, he had to admit, that understanding his Architect's approach can help him a lot at Kingdom Come.*