Christmas Day... one of the most cheerful and joyous days of the year...

But for all?

What about those who have no family with which to celebrate?  Those who have lost touch with their closest friends?  Those who are reminded of the things they have lost and left to contemplate how it is that they wound up where they are?

To the backdrop of Sum 41's "Perfect," we are left to ponder such questions while staring at a peculiarly dark and quiet place...


I tried to be perfect
But nothing was worth it
I don't believe it makes me real
I thought it'd be easy
But no one believes me
I meant all the things I said

If you believe it's in my soul
I'd say all the words that I know
Just to see if it would show
That I'm trying to let you know
That I'm better off on my own

This place is so empty
My thoughts are so tempting
I don't know how it got so bad
Sometimes it's so crazy
That nothing can save me
But it's the only thing that I have


The music cuts off and the camera now focuses in on the visage of the ELW Champion, Val Nedved.  The man briefly strokes his goateee before he begins to speak.


Growing up, I was just like all of you...

I was born into a family more fortunate than many of those around me - a strong, proud family who instructed me to resist giving into Communism at all costs, to value individuality and to work to be the best person that I could be...

There was something about the idea of being reduced into a robotic, faceless slave, subordinate to a larger group, that never did sit quite right with me.  As I have grown older and discovered the true nature of humanity, my disdain of forced equality has grown much more fervent.

Under certain economic and political systems, one is not an individual but apart of the whole.  Alas, the whole is blemished.  Humans are consumers; pollutants; crafty, conniving creatures who would think nothing of stabbing a neighbour in the back, stealing his property and raping his wife if given free reign to do so.  I find it troubling that we need laws prohibiting people from doing certain things.

My disgust with humanity is not based in resentment or malice.

In fact, I have never been bothered by another's success or jealous of anyone's ability.  I have never wanted any more than to have an opportunity to create and to transcend the limitations imposed upon many of my dearest friends.

Is it so wrong to have hopes... dreams... wishes... provided you're willing to work as diligently as you can to realize such things?

Imagine never being given that opportunity.

Furthermore, imagine having virtually everything you have ever earned in your life taken away out of spite, greed, jealousy...

It's such behavior that has caused my metamorphosis from a man innocently wanting to live a lifestyle very much in line with the idea of the American dream - that is, to be a man of good looks, athleticism, intelligence and ambition - into this abomination of strength and mystery who embodies disgust and indignation...

I can never be merry as long as I am affected by the innate fallability and weakness of man.

How many of us ever put ourselves in another man's shoes?  This may be the time of giving, but how often is it that we take... and take... and take?

I have become so very pale these days.  Over the years, countless parasites have drained my blood while my once youthful good looks have given way to a face of character and a body that is nearly indestructible.  All I wanted was to create.  Now all I do is create destruction. 


Val sighs and elects to pause briefly, bringing about a strange sort of silence.


I've seen the strongest of men crumble and splinter into empty shells.

Look at me, Asp.  What the hell am I now? I am about as far removed, in image, as one can be from, say, our esteemed Universal Champion.

I can take everything you hold dear away from you... like everything has been taken from me. But do not take me for a bitter, spiteful human being. I am a guide, Asp.  The path you are on will only lead to further misery and fear.  Please allow me to deliver you... either to a higher realm of existence or to your demise.  I give you my assurance that I will do all I can to ensure there is one less parasite on this wretched planet on ours.

All for one reason... the very reason I have become what it is that I am... I hate to indulge the lie.

I am well aware that at this point, you must be contemplating taking the easy way out... but consider this, Asp: How can you escape what it is that makes you who you are?

Popularity does not make a man.  Nor do friends.  Attachment leads to suffering, Asp.  I will zone in on your need for support like a shark that smells blood. The more you succumb to your cowardly instincts, the more determined I will become to exploit your lack of fortitude.

Thus, you will be shown the true meaning of dread... the realization of your personal inadequacy and the knowledge that you you can never truly escape it.

Is that how you want to live your life, Asp?  Constantly looking over your shoulder out of fear of finding yourself isolated from your companions?

I have grown, weary, Asp.  For far too long, I have waited for one strong enough to put an end to this dreadful post-human entity that I've become - a man who has had to fend for himself and has become more resourceful, cunning and fearless than perhaps any man ought to be..

Put faith in your allies if you feel it's the wisest thing you can do, Asp, but when you find I have plowed through each and every last one, you'll be wondering if I'm merciful or simply condemning you to the cruelest of all fates...


To be left a coward with no one left to hide behind.