Nogrick's Story

[Nogrick]

This is something that I had started a long time ago, but never got around to actually posting it. Maybe if I do, I can get to finish what I've started, and hopefully cameo a good deal of PO's as well. Anyway, Here goes...
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Nogrick's Story

Prologue

The Zanzibarbarian. Most Miniopians refered to him as the greatest pro wrestler in the world. He was loved by his fans and feared by his enemies. He holds the record for the world's longest championship reign. He was a master of submissions, and was practically impervious to pain. He still had one move that could even top those traits, the Zanzibuster. When he set his opponents up for this might move, the crowd knew it was the end. No one could stand the effects of this awesome finisher, and it led him to many victories in the squared circle. In fact, it was helping him to climb back up the championship ladder. But, an over zealous rookie tried to take him out. He became too injured to fight anymore and was forced to retire. Shortly after, the Zanzibarbarian died. Most say it was because he could no longer do what he loved, and it broke his heart. He left behind the two things he loved the most. The wrestling business and his only son.

That was 5 years ago. Now, a young man with a blue cap and a bag full of memories stands outside a familiar builing in the village square. The letters above the doors tell him that he's exactly where he needs to be. Pocket Otaku Wrestling Association Head Quarters (or just POWA for short). This was the beginning of a new story. One that would be filled with hardship and excitement. The young man knew that if he entered those doors, that his life would be captured in a world of warriors all competing to become POWA Champion. As he thought about it, a fire burned inside him yearning not only for that prize, but for the ability to make his father proud.

After taking a deep breath, the young man grabbed the duffle bag by his feet and pushed open the door. Let the new legend begin...

[Ultrawolf]

^__________________^
You have no idea how happy this makes me.
For reasons you can't possibly understand yet.
Bwahahaha *cloak and daggerness*

[Doot]

Nog! This is awesome. More more!

I can't wait to see what else you write. Do I detect some other wrestling folks in the mix?

[Nogrick]

Oh...You'll see!
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1. The Youth Vs. The Old Man: Part 1

It was two weeks ago when Nogrick had signed up for his training to become a POWA Pro. Two weeks of anticipation for the new grappler to hear back from the POWA Officials, telling him who his coach would be and where he would report to for training. He was hoping to go to some nice lookin, high tech training facility. Nogrick never thought he would be sent to one of the most barren places in all Miniopia.

Puerto Pequeno was a sad excuse for a "Gateway to the West". There was only one building in sight, sitting a few yards away from a rickety old dock. "What kind of training am I supposed to get here?" Nogrick thought to himself. He checked the directions a few times, just to make sure he didn't make a wrong turn somewhere. No, he was right were he was supposed to be. He let out a sigh as he approached the building, which looked only a slight bit sturdier than the dock. He pulled open the free swinging door and peaked his head inside.

"Hello?" Nogrick bellowed into the building. He looked around, but he couldn't see anyone. All he saw was a poorly stocked general store that mysteriously had a large selection of taffy. There didn't seem to be anyone around, so Nogrick walked over to the taffy bins and popped a few pieces into his mouth.

"The first one was free," a voice said, "But ye'll need to pay for the others." An old sun dried man appeared behind the counter and glared at the naive youngster.

"I'm sorry," Nog appologized, "But I was just looking for my coach." Nogrick figgeted as he spit out the taffy and tried to look presentable.

"Well, I be the only one round these parts, so I guess ye're lookin fer me." the old man responded as he walked out from behind the counter.

Nogrick chuckled to himself in disbelief. "Sorry to say old timer, but you don't look like a wrestling legend to me."

The old man grinned as he gestured to the back door. "Well then lad,
he began, "I might 'ave what ye're lookin' fer back here."

Nogrick stared at the old man for a moment. How could this weasly old codger be who he was looking for? The old man was stern in his look however, and gestured towards the door again, as if to say "go ahead." He slowly opened the door and peered inside, It was very dimly lit inside, and the only thing Nogrick could make out was a shabby ring made of wood, with twine ropes holding the abomination together. Nogrick slowly climbed into the tattered excuse for a ring and peered back at the door. The old man was standing in the doorway watching. "You must have stayed out on the beach too long." Nogrick said sarcastically, "Who in their right mind would train here?"

The old man ran his hand along the wall, and with a flick of a switch, the room burst into light. Nogrick was dumbfounded with what he saw. Old fliers from past main events littered the walls, so much so that you couldn't tell what the walls were made of. What little space there was left on the walls was taken up by autographed portraits of wrestlers. Nogrick hopped out of the ring, and studied each of the pictures along the wall.

"My Mod. That's Rich Guy, the first POWA Champ!" Nog joyfully spouted as he walked along the wall. "And there's the Sicilians, one of the greatest tag teams ever!" Each picture grew more familiar to the youth as he continued. "Drake the Dragonslayer. I met him once. Pretty cool guy. I remember how he used to..." It was the next portrait along the wall that captured him. It was of a tall muscular man, who had a slight tan glow to him. He wore black tights with blick and red boots. And then there was the mask. It was black with a great white bird stretched across the face, and red accents around the eyes and mouth.

Nogrick, without looking away reached into his bag and produced the same mask. He looked down at it and clutched it tightly before turning to the old man again. "You knew my dad?"

[Akanari]

Fabulous. :] I can't wait for the next update.

[Nogrick]

It may be a while before I post the next part. I already have it done, but I want to be able to have episode 3 in progress before I post 2. I'm gonna try for Friday for ep. 2.

[Nogrick]

Well, that plan was a bust! I have been really busy so I haven't had a whole lot of time to write, but Spring Break is coming up so hopefully I can knock out an ep or two.

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2. The Youth Vs. The Old Man: Part 2

The old man finally walked toward the now watery eyed youth. "Yup," he plainy said, "Zanzi were a great wrestler and a good man. He could always capture the crowd.." The old man seemed to get lost in a memory at that moment. He could picture the masked man playing to the crowd from the turnbuckle.

"Did he train here?" Nog blurted, breaking the old man's concentration.

"That 'e did," the old man replied, "He grappled in that very 'tatter' of a ring with the current champ." The old man nodded his head, gesturing that the youth should continue. Nog turned and walked by the next portrait. It was of the man who finally beat his father, ending his world record reign. The orange and black costume was very distinct as was his mask.

"Unastrike trained here too?" Nog asked.

"He were a real greenhorn back then, but the fans loved his charisma." the old man reported. "Even though it were for a short time, he sparred with yer dad a little here, 'n he prolly be the greatest wrestler in Miniopia today."

Nogrick turned back to the old man with a smirk upon his face. "Well," he boasted, "Miniopia hasn't met me."

The old man burst into laughter. "Har Har! That be a good one!" Nog just stood there and stared at the old man. After he came down from his laughing fit, the old man saw the serious look on Nog's face. He looked deep in to the young fighters eyes. "Ye've got the passion, lad," the old man explained, "But ye ain't got the skills. In fact, ye be so green that the grass be jealous of ye."

The young fighter was furious. This old man knew nothing about him. Nog stormed into the ring and glared across the room to the old man. "I'll show you 'no skills'!" He exploded. "Get in here and get ready to feel the pain!"

The old man shugged as he stepped up to the ring. He climbed onto the apron and stood outside for a moment, taking a few deep breaths. "Ok, It'll be yer funeral."

Enraged, Nogrick bulleted towards the old man. The old man just leaned back, grasping the ropes, causing the youth to fall out of the ring to the hard floor. The old man then used the ropes to launch himself into the ring. He was so agile for his age, Nog didn't know what to do. He looked up at the man again, who was now chuckling with a huge grin on his face. The youth quickly recovered and charged a second time. Soon he came crashing down face first to the mat, as he became the victim of a drop toe hold. The old man quickly pounced on the youth with a front head lock. "Come on lad," the old man taunted, "Ye'll ne'er got up off the mat."

The youth wouldn't yield. The taunt just made him more determined to prove this geezer wrong. He wiggled an arm free and wrapped it around the back of the old man's head. The two struggled to out power each other, and in an explosion of energy, Nogrick popped up to his feet, lifting the old man into the air and over his head. He stood there for a moment, letting the blood rush to the old man's head. The youthful warrior then fell backwards, delivering a hard and lethal suplex to the old one.

The youth had gained the advantage over his opponent. He continued his onslaught with more suplexes, powerslams, and hip tosses. It seemed the old man was on his last leg, and Nog was on the road to victory. Nogrick then threw the old man to the ropes, and when he returned, the youth picked up the old man onto his shoulders. "Sorry old man," the youth bragged, "But this is where it ends!" Just then, the old man shifted his weight and positioned the youth in a crucifix pin.

But it didn't end there. The old man scrambled through submission holds, from armbar to leglock, sleeper hold to backbreaker, again and again. Before the youth knew it, he was entangled in the same move that put his father on the shelf, the Crossbone Clutch. The old man tightened the hold as the youth let out a yelp of pain. "I GIVE UP!!!" Nog screamed.

The old man broke the hold and stood over the youth, who was grasping at his shoulder. "First lesson," the old man started, "Ne'er call me 'old man'. Me name's Swabby." Nogrick peered back up at Swabby, sitting crosslegged and still grasping his shoulder. "Second lesson, ne'er underestimate an opponent." Nogrick bowed his head down in shame. Swabby extended his hand out to the young warrior. Nog looked up and took it, rising to his feet.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, "I guess I was too cocky."

"Just a little," the old man said with a smile. Nogrick felt comforted by this. "Now, go get ye an ice pack and rest up a bit." Swabby said. "We got a lot o' work to do."

[Nogrick]

3. Homecoming

A few months had passed since Nogrick first arrived at Puerto Pequeno, training was going smoothly, and Nog was learning quickly. Still, Swabby came to realize that the youth had great talent. Nog really did have natural skill and determineation to become a great wrestler. Not only did he complete the tough chores given to him, such as rebuilding the docks and hand pulling taffy, but all the training exercises as well. Whether it was taking bumps in the ring or getting throw in torturous submission holds, Nog would over come each challenge brought forth. Soon, Swabby ran out of thing to challenge the youth. With nothing left to do, it was time to send Nog back to Miniopia and POWA HQ.

"Well lad," Swabby started, "It be time ye go back and do me proud."

"You can't come?" Nogrick asked.

"I could, but then there'd be no one to watch this 'ere port, not to mention me store." the old man explained. "Besides, ye can't 'ave me babysittin' yer sorry hide." Both men laughed hardily.

"There's only one thing left then." Nog said, "I don't have a gimmick."

"Bah," Swabby blurted, "Gimmicks er overrated. Just be yerself." The old sailor pulled out a package and handed it to his student. " 'Ere. Ye'll be needin some decent gear when ye go to wrestle in 'that' ring."

Nogrick took the package and smiled. "Thanks a lot." he said as he tucked it away in his bag. The eager youth the slung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed his cap from the counter. "Well then, I'll see you around Old Man." Nog turned and bolted out the door before Swabby could get a hold of him.

"That one were free!" Swabby shouted as he stood in the doorway. Nogrick, was was now halfway down the road, turned back and smiled. Swabby yelled, "And don't ye ferget to come back when ye're the champ! I be needin a new picture fer me wall!" Nog gave the old man a thumbs up, like he so often did in training, and then continued on his trek back to Miniopia...

...It was pouring down rain when Nog officially stepped foot into the Village Square, and the streets were empty. In his mind, he could picture happier times when he would take walks down these streets with his father. He continued to walk on and he passed a familiar site. Back then it had a different name, but the Kilted Wench was still standing. Nogrick peered inside, only to see a party going on. The highlander behind the bar was frantically pouring drinks, while a waitress wearing pink was rushing orders out accompanied by a small bear, who could hardly keep up. Then, out of no where, some punk rock looking girl jumped onto a table and began to sing. Everyone looked like they were having so much fun. It reminded Nog of the late nights in town with his dad, when they would stop in and get some root beer before heading home. He really wanted to join the party, be it was getting late. He fiddled with his cap and thought to himself, "I gotta get to POWA before they...

...close." The doors were already locked. He dropped his bag and slumped against the door, head first. What would he do now? He didn't really have anywhere else to go. Suddenly, a light appeared inside the building. Nog's spirits lifted. Someone had to be inside, and just maybe he could catch an official before they went home for the night. He just had to get their attention. Nogrick the took a little tour around the building, until he found a lit window.

Nog peered inside the room. It was a cafeteria of sorts, but it looked like it was all closed up, save for a bottle of water and a radio on the table. He then noticed a girl who was dancing about with a small panda bear. Nog pounded on the glass to try to get their attention, but it seemed like they couldn't hear him. The music was too loud for them to hear him. Nogrick turned away for a second, trying to think of a way to be noticed. Only one thing came to mind.

The girl inside the building danced her way over to the radio and turned it down a bit. She let out a sigh, "Oh man, what a workout!" She stared at the panda, who was still dancing about. "You sure do have a lot of energy, Bamboo." The girl grabbed the bottle and took a drink. "Hey, let's go over to the Wench. Maybe that party is still going on." The panda stopped dancing, curled up into a ball, and began rolling around. "Quit goofing off," the girl said. "We need to get going." But the little bear kept rolling until it hit the window. The girl turned to see if her friend was alright, only to be greated by a sopping wet face pressed against the window. She let out a scream of surprise and knocked the radio to the ground. Immediately, a cloud of smoke in a shirt and tie came running into the room.

"What the heck is going on in here?!" he shouted.

"That...that man at the window..." the girl stuttered.

The smokey being looked over to the window. "Holy Cow! That's my new talent! Let him inside, quickly!" he excitedly shouted.

Nogrick was given a towel and a hot cup of coffee. Soon after he was in the office of the smokey one, who was introduced as Mr. GAAZ, the POWA Talent Manager. "I was expecting you today," GAAZ started, "but it was getting late. I had to close up. I hope you weren't out there for too long."

"I'll be ok," Nog sniffled.

"Good. Now on to more important matters. It seems that Mr. Swabby thinks you're some sort of prodigy." GAAZ rattled off.

Nog replied, "Well, I wouldn't say..."

"Neither would I," GAAZ interrupted, "But that's no problem, as long as you're entertaining, right?"

"Sure, I gue..."

"Ok then, we agree. Now, you'll be an official POWA employee starting tomorrow, ok?" GAAZ said

"Ok."

"And since you're such the wrestler, we'll skip your training session and you'll have your first match next week. Sound good to you?"

Nog thought for a moment. "Sounds like..."

"Oh it doesn't matter what it sounds like. That's the way it's going to be, because I said so." GAAZ popped up from his chair. "Now let me be the first to welcome you to the POWA family. From here, you'll go to the Academy and await your match at the POWA Arena. You'll live, eat, and breathe wrestling, got it?"

"I think so," Nog finally got to answer, "But I just have one question. Who's going to be my opponent?"

"You'll find out soon enough."
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Sorry there hasn't been too much action yet, but I promise, things will pick up a bit.

[Nogrick]

3 Months later and I just got finished with the next part. Sometimes you just get blocks, you know?

I'll post it here when I have some time to sit down.

[Keslyn]

This is great!! I can't wait to read more!