Prompt: The Dialogue exercise. (and my first attempt EVER at creative writing. I was a math major. Thanks BS, see what you do to people?
)
Title: "Mixed Martial Arts!!??"
Author: Randall Henderson
“So…you made up your mind then, finally?”
“Mixed martial arts, definitely.”
“Really? Come on, I thought we talked about this. You agreed there are better uses than for your own vanity, I can think of 10 right off--.”
“It’s not about vanity man! It’s about a place to begin. If you expect me to actually make a real difference in the world, then part of that is building a brand, you know, so people will know who I am. Also, I need to know the extent of what I can do in a controlled environment. It’s not like I can practice at the gym!”
“Okay, but you honestly feel good about that? You could really hurt someone.”
“Look at it this way: I will have no idea what I am doing against a highly trained athlete who expects to get punched and kicked. Man, why did I even tell you about what I can do, you’re worse than my mom sometimes.”
“That’s an easy one, because you were scared out of your mind the first time it happened, and I AM your best friend. But seriously, if you go into the octagon, there is no way you can hide it.”
“Dude, I told you about the ghost image, no one will know anything.”
“Ah, is that what you’re calling it? By the way, did you figure out how long it lasts?”
“Well, I haven’t really needed it for more than a couple of minutes at a time, but no, not yet. I can’t see a reason for pushing it further, what if other things get out of sync?”
“True, one screw up and you’re done, especially if it’s live on Pay-Per-View with millions watching.”
“I know man, but unless I get out there and start doing something bigger then I’ll just be the guy who helped his friends not get run over when they are drunk. Like I told you, it only works when it’s real.
“Okay, but what happens when you start actually knocking people out. It will be a little suspicious. I mean, you’re not exactly George St. Pierre physically.”
“Man, give me some credit, I was a college athlete.”
“Dude. You rode the pine at a community college. But okay you brought it up, why not basketball? ”
“I don’t think it will work as well for b-ball. It won’t improve my jumpshot, I know that much. A few more steals and blocks per game aren’t going to help me get there. Plus Ultimate Fighting is hot right now, it’s an individual sport, and I can move up the ranks fast.”
“Okay, so let’s say that does happen. What then? You have the light heavyweight belt, so what?”
“You’re thinking too small. I will be the only fighter not only undefeated, but also untouched, the greatest champion ever, boxing or otherwise.”
“No, no vanity there…”
“Look, if I want to actually start to influence people, I need to be known by people outside of MMA. I have to turn heads from all directions. If I can build an image, I can start to get my message out. People will care about what I say and do.”
“No, people will care about you knocking out the next fighter. They won’t look at your values or your personal life just because you’re the champ.”
“Oh really? What about Lance Armstrong? Tiger Woods? Magic Johnson? You don’t think people were influenced by their values? Dude, it’s not just about image, I will be able to start to make a real difference with money too. We’ve talked about it, micro-lending, scholarships, special needs gyms.”
“I know I know. But with what you can do, there are other ways to get money.”
“Well to me, this is one of the more honest ways. Also, can you think of a better way to test the extent of my gift? What the hell am I supposed to do, get a police scanner and start speeding around in the Civic trying to get to the next hostage situation before the police do? It’s BS man, that stuff just doesn’t happen.
“Yeah, just pull up and yell, ‘Don’t worry guys, I got this one. No, really, trust me.’”
“I know right? Look man, MMA makes sense. I’m already interested in it, so my fam and friends won’t freak. I’ll get a couple tattoos to round out the picture.”
“Bad-Ass Whitey?”
“DUDE, you just gave me my nickname! B. A. W.!!!”
“Alright man, I’m in. But we have to be careful every step of the way. First and foremost at least make it look like you’re occasionally in danger.”
“Will do. I will definitely need you to help, especially when the money and fame start rolling in.”
“Yeah, and the ladies too. You have always needed help in that department.”
“That’s not what your mom said last night.”
“Nice, thanks for that. Once again, you’re all class. Ok, so I’m in. What do we do first?”