Weighing the World

[Jackal]

::Off Air::
::Seeking Those for Guidance::

A veil of grey seemed to obscure the day's light as clouds hung together like restraints on the sun itself. Lingering in the air after a sudden but short rain leaving the ground wet and the wind chilled. Jackal flipped up his hood and buried his hands into his chest pocket letting out a breath that could be seen. Even with the bit of a chill this time was always a bit of his favorite with the coming of Halloween but this year he had something more to do then admire the day. Though the time gave him a bit of an option as the line between realms was stretched taunt letting each interact with much ease.

With his fame on the rise he could see the face or more so the mask within his daily life. Those of the pack watching and waiting as if a beacon of hope or change. Hoping for something even though he had little to give. All he could do was give them an enlightenment a style of life different then what was use to that mindless phase that most seemed so deeply rooted to believe. Watching the world even know seep with live the bit of water on the streets mirroring the actions within their windows another perspective as he watched the light change from the small crater of water in front of him then took across the street in a small jog till he pressed on a door of a tucked away little shop in the city even having the ding of bell to alert his presence to the proprietor as he slipped off his hood and brought up his hands in his fingerless gloves giving a breath and rubbing them together. "Anastasia are you around?" Calling out to the store as he took a few steps in looking around the place and it was easy to tell it's connection to the occult.

Bringing up his hand to closer inspect a hanging pendulum as it reflected the room in the soft purple color polished to a shine with little to no flaws in the stone itself. "Tonight out on the streets I'm gonna follow you. Tell you all about a scene that you would kill for. You're gonna love what's burning right in front of you, but you won't see it by the light of the sun." Jackal had to suppress a bit of his want to chuckle at the nice scene unfolding at the shop. Much like the place that contained a little of everything the owner was full of life and vibrancy as she started singing the next part of the song as she swayed and moved to the rhythm in her head unable to see him as her eyes were closed and lost in the music coming from her headphones. She was a bit of a sight maybe the one many looked past for not being perfect or having that back breaking bust that always seemed of little use. Her hair splaying about as she moved obscuring her face a soft complexion as it was framed by those same dark amber threads. It's was a simple beauty a kind and inviting type that had that spark of life and curiosity but that flair of originality as well. "I know you better than this, I could be here when you call. I'll make you top of the list, and in the crush of the dark, I'll be your light in the mist. I can see you burning with desire for a kiss. Psychobabble all upon your lips." Clinks of chains and trinkets seemed to echo the tune in a way with her movement from the many treasure draped along her neck. Attire a mix of old and new the top almost like a modern day gypsy with a little more covered but still flowing like the wind joining her with simple acid wash jeans covering to her bare feet walking across the ground.

Simply waiting and watching with a bit of amusement and fascination enjoying that people still could enjoy the small things and be enamored with things such as music. Though in time she would spot him as she spoke the course and soon nearly fell back against her spot cursing a bit at the surprise clutching her chest like a normal reaction of many. "Shit.... Don't do that." Giving out a breath and blowing her hair back some though it simply fell back against her face cascading against her skin some as she took off her headphones and simply let them rest. Hiding a bit of a blush of embarrassment for her actions but otherwise not effected by her show even humming a bit of the tune to herself again. "Besides trying to scare me to death was there something you needed Jackal?"

Tapping the pendulum once to make it fall and catch it between his fingers at the end of it's chain as he tenderly lays it onto the counter looking around softly making it spin a bit on it's tip. "Taking time to try and clear my mind in a sense. Seems all the work and effort catches up with you and then you forget the smaller things. Is a rather interesting match coming up with a interesting position to those who win. For me it gives me another view one that allows me to watch and learn. Rather then the one trying to climb higher or searching for some grip. I wonder if anyone think of after they have something like that in their care rather then just wanting what everyone else wants and an ability to claim greatness. The target you bare is like Atlas holding the world across his shoulders imagine what you see the peoples wants and desires but you would see them at their core." So much had to be thought over in just a short time he was in reach of something that would help him greatly in his work something he had been lacking in actually accomplishing even though there was no lacking of available beings that would tip the scales against the feather. Shaking his head some with a bit of a laugh knowing he was rambling with his own personal thoughts. "My apologies Anastasia maybe I should take a bit of time to reflect. Mind picking some incense out for me?"

Having known him for awhile it did not phase or confuse her as it may others. Possible some things did not make much sense for her but it was not hard to see he had something to face internally before he could be ready for his battle. "Though there is something to be said on how people seem to tune to your ideas like an answer to their inability to have the strength, power, cunning, will, or even just heart that they lack. I can't fully grasp what your trying to do but it seems like many are believing in it and waiting for the moment you prove yourself. I don't think they would simply leave just because of one loss. Not ever battle was won in a victory of a war." She cast a bit of a smile that did seem to brighten his thoughts some as she place three packets of incense into a bag with the pendulum and one other gift that reflected his history. "Egyptian Musk, Lavender and Dragon's Blood and a little something from home for luck." The last item was a metal ankh as a gift and hopefully something that would help in guidance. With a nod as he paid for what he had gotten and stepped back outside to retire to his mind and prepare.

Trails of fading smoke forming from the tips of each lit incense stick placed around him as he sat still, trance like, against the dancing flames of other lit lights. Nothing else left on to interrupt his thought as he breathed softly speaking against soft sounds of distant music that seems to lull the listener into a peace or calmness. It was here he could reflect on the day his own person demons and life without ridicule or thought. A place or more so an oasis to vent and learn his emotions so he can remain quick witted within the world. Lost to all around him as his chest had a subtle rise and fall to each breath long from this plain of existence as his mind was far from the confines of his form.

::Meditation View Beginning::

Here his mind fit the part of his persona as a hand ran through his hair as it caught a bit of the wind carrying the warm heat of the sands around him and a trace of the flowing water of the river. It was here he felt a grasp to his appearance his mask no longer fabric and well done craftsmanship but real able to move his jaw and turn his ears to hear a real head of the beast upon his shoulders as he stretched looking much the part in clothing as well with the traditional old Egyptian garb. "I believed I would be seeing.......you here soon with what has transpired." The voice came from off in the distance as Jackal looked up and over the river of the Nile seeing a cropping of green breaking past the bright sands and a figure in the shadow looking like a man as he seemed to pause in midst of his conversation while he spoke. Stepping out a foot into the water a stone raised and another rose once he moved the other crafting a raising walkway as he ventured towards the man but the closer he became the image started to break and bend to that of a collage of plants and trees that only appeared to be human but what sat or rather hung from the branches was a snake that bore two heads and spoke in turn of each. Now on the sands further into the grove of sorts he simple chuckled lightly and sat adjacent on a fallen down log looking to the viper.

"Have I become that transparent my old friend? indeed though he did feel like he was easier to read if not easier to forget with the fame. It had been years since he had to deal with a growing mass that looked to him and even then they did not expect what they did now. "Afraid many already knew something was coming even if not what, it's in the air that charge to start a change or better to be described as an awakening." That sounded better in his mind rather then keeping complacent like gears in a machine to start working independently to notice the world the good and the bad and the grey between. Not everything has to be the doom or gloom even the news uses this fear to get a response and viewers but hardly shows the decency or small things that have been done. Even then some of the darker motives have yet to be cleansed and judged. This match could be the scales he needed.

The twin headed snake sat knowing Jackal was in his thoughts always analyzing trying to think ahead but rather then for glory it had a reason. he was not after the gold simply to claim he was better but to take on the responsibility and the target it came wit it. It's tongues flicked out tasting the air and the moment in time before speaking one head before the other sharing their sentences once again. "I believe I have little to inform you with. As you already know and have come to learned you know the power that can be within something so symbolic. Many things would have no power if they did not have a story or legend behind it, or someone always searching for it like the Holy Grail to the knights. Though...........beware that something like this can change a person it has been shown in history even within this federation people speak of those who treat it like a woman or a prize and covet it as if only they know what is good for it. Do not become obsessed in your endeavor or it will devour you like the jaws Ammit." Withing their eyes it had wisdom and knowledge as if once it saw this in person or time itself. A warning to any such relic was needed for what the task that could be done offered many more trials and failing the first by simple greed or ego would only prove he was the wrong choice.

"I will still need more pieces but this is the first thread that needs to be placed. I won't allow myself to fall as other victims have poor souls caught up in dreams and titles. The constant reminder of those following my each move bares a conscious thought as if a shadow is waiting for me to fall to the side of the damned. I did need this reminder from a source that knew more about this and I thank you for your wisdom. It was a grave loss to have lost you. Many would have learned much from your tales." Shifting his weight to stand once again feeling a bit rejuvenated even if it was from things he already knew it was nice not to be alone in his thought but to have a kind reminder to keep his focus on the task to come. Once again his feet lifted against the water the stones giving him a path once again to follow as he could here a final farewell.

"Even so I think I prefer to stay here where I know those spoken to.........will listen and put to heart what has been shown." With that the two seemed to vanish and the world seem to shake and move a bit forcing Jackal to lose his grip within his mind a constant tug to open his eyes.

::Meditation View End::

Taking a few minuets he had to adjust now seeing lights where suddenly flipped on causing his vision to blur even more as he shielded his face with an upturned palm making out at least two shadows wearing mask of the pack the one closets that of a grinning timber wolf it seemed as his other hand clenched a bit into a fist glad to have restraint or it would have been an innocent strike from just being rudely interrupted. "Jackal you need to come with us." Before he could say more he tried to speak but the body language of the man made him relax he was terrified and seemed to have run here frantically making him wonder what was going on and what had he missed. "She said..... No I mean we saw... She's hurt. While walking we spotted her being put into an ambulance. I dunno what happened no one will say." Still jumbled and a mess looking over to the other man in some sort of reptilian like cover and back to the other as his mind tried to click the pieces together then his eyes shot open not worried about the light.

Moving to his feet in just a few moment almost toppled the stranger back in fear or surprise as he stood taking some time to take the lights of the candles and snuff out their flames till he pulled on a jacket. "Show me" Using his arms to direct them to the door and take off in a bit of a sprint to the garage knowing only one that the Pack looked to that connected him to them. It seemed sirens were in the distance as the scene dissolves into black as his car pulls out picking up speed as he is directed were to go.

::On Air::
::Time of Reflection::

Lights seemed to flicker on dim as the camera broke lightly like old film trying to catch up as white noise spread over the scene till righted and leveled. A few voices, although undefinable to their owners as the view remained squared and a lone chair sitting in the library of a familiar place. Soon that very owner of the literature could be seen as his back faced the screen till he reached the chair spinning it lightly to turn it backwards as he took a see his arms folded across the back of the chair looking to the camera and to the fans and more importantly his opponents. "Can't say I am one for a visual presentation to what is to pass. As others have given their own view and word I feel I should do the same at least if not for respect." One did seem absent from this frame one that was always around near him and that was the lioness. Bringing up a hand he rubbed a bit at the underside of his mask of what would be the chin on canine in thought.

"As most could assume I am not originally from this country, much like you Mufasa. Even if I can speak a variety of languages I know an action can say much more. Your a man of great stature and even if many will not say so for your lack in language you are wise in your abilities turning your size into a strength and power into a force to be reasoned with. Even have backing with your family and I do respect how well you show your devotion even more then your master. You have no ill will from me as you have not called anyone out or spoke unjust, it's a rare sight." Giving a soft chuckle a bit as he stood again not one to be as patient with an active form as he tried to not sound like some fan or a simple I will win speech finding it increasingly hard in all actuality when a person had done him no wrong but he had his one needs for this belt as well. "You are right though Electra as I am sure you will see this to. I have never faced a person such as your brother so in a way it is as you speak a bit of an honor. Another test of my will and strength possibly even faith just like it is all of our goals to reach for that gold. I have my own reasons to be going for this title as we all do and will not simply give up my chance."

Walking a bit the sound of his feet touching the ground with low audible hits of each connecting step as a shadow is castes from the window across the ground framing him in the light as he turned catching the source. "Ah the moon, how often it will make most think of the wolf of legends. More of a guide in my view something that many used to find their way and their path to possibly even return home and to a future." Turning back to the camera as he let out a breath shaking his head some. "Afraid I am rambling at this point but it reminds me. Dresden you view yourself with such conviction on your goals and your skill. Much like history has taught us to act as such can cost the victory is to sure of ones self. I can't say I am a fan but you have done no wrong by me either but the way you treat others leaves something to be desired. Even a pack if lead by force can cause a revolt it's those that involve them selves with the lower ranks and join them on their battlefields that are viewed as leaders. Anyone can mark their territory but unlike the wolf the jackal is known for being seen with the dead as a scavenger using what it can to survive but even more so is there connection to another existence that symbolized rebirth."

"Seems one can not be mentioned without the other.I have not seen much of Shane in the ring but only have heard from many the ties to others. Also at one point being Barbarian of the year. It almost seems you would be the one to defeat in this match or the one most seem to think has the best shot with a run like that. Your a strong opponent but from how people talk you would treat a friend wrong just to get another step. Having a history with Dresden lets me to think if both will be focused or possibly planning something for an edge. Without much to go with I can only ask for a good match and hope the talk is true and you really are one to face. No challenge should be easy or the victory will be less meaningful, and don't want to forget our fans who really control our fate." Even most in this line up he could not find to many faults in their skills. That was not to be questioned all had the ability to fight and the experience of being in this ring except one.

Jackal new well the thought that went into the first match, that rush of the fans as the stage lit up. The arena of fate and history where legends are born and can die. It was a rush of adrenalin not like many other things to have that sanctuary of power around you the hum of life around him. No not a hum but thunder the powerful energy of devotion to ones self to become victor each with their own way. Rubbing the back of his neck under his long hair as he chuckled some in his thought of just a few short weeks ago. "James or the Prince of Peace as I have heard you called. I know the feeling of first stepping in that ring having only felt it a few short weeks ago in my debut to IWS. To have the chance to feel that spark is envious as you only can get it once but you even get to top that by just in one match you could become a beacon in winning the championship. So many are chasing after it and I will not deny I have my own want to win to drive me to go in with all I can. Enjoy the feel and that pumping in your veins and welcome to IWS." A fleeting thought lost in time of how he started this climb that first rung bringing on so many emotions and thoughts coming to this point now.

Two left now to speak to about the match that would test much more then simple strength. With so many your wit would be constantly being used as the ability to be attacked from any side and any person in the ring. "Raven we have been in three matches now which leaves an advantage and a disadvantage with our knowledge of one another. I can't find much more to say that has not been said in our other matches I faced you as an enemy and then had you as a partner and now back to being against." His actions always seemed to hide a darker intent while trying to behave as something of a hero or a redeemer it did not settle with him as well as it did with others. This match though was not meant for the deep discussion on ones views or others action as it was not simply just one vs one.

With a bit of a sigh and taking his seat once again laying his chin against his arms as they settled on the back of the chair. One final person though he could not find any glimpse to work from. "Ali. I know you have interaction with Mufasa being from the same lands. Unlike him though you seem to have little to any redeeming qualities. So quick to claim lies of simple truths because of something so trivial as origin. Everyone has the ability to lie and with it you cast judgment on the innocent. Even heard rumors of your own pupils starting to disagree with you. Maybe this match will enlighten you some." Not one for such confrontation attitudes it did make his blood simmer at the thought of even containing and punishing those that he works for as simple call and amusement. Believing he took the title of Prince to think to highly of himself, but without followers what is a Prince really in control over?

Standing up once again as he started to walk towards the camera showing he was under control of it's use. Before becoming out of view he did speak a final few words. "Lets not disappoint the people who came to watch such a match and to us all I will give my wish to luck to see who the victor is on Hollowicked." Now taking the last few steps and with a button pressed the screen goes out leaving nothing but silence until next time.