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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:12:16 GMT
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:12:50 GMT
the FANTASY WRESTLING ALLIANCE proudly presents…  The 2023 ‘Hall of Fame’ Ceremony.
Live on the WCNetwork.
From the Sandpiper Hotel in Holetown, Barbados. Saturday 2nd September.After the show’s title-card, we open up in a lavishly decorated convention room inside the Sandpiper Hotel in Holetwon, Barbados. A simple stage is set up at one end of the room, currently empty but for the pulpit, microphone, and large screen that will provide a backdrop for tonight’s host. Sat upon small tables are past and current faces from the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, dressed accordingly in their finest tuxedos and cocktail dresses and clapping to herald the start of the show. The lights dim in preparation for this impending beginning. Kurt Harrington: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome at this time your host for the 2023 FWA Hall of Fame ceremony… Anzu… KUROSAWA!!"The Meltdown commentator walks out onto the stage to a round of applause from the assembled audience. She takes up her position at a podium that is set up on the stage. Anzu Kurosawa: "Thank you, and welcome to this, the ceremony where we celebrate the careers of the three FWA legends chosen as part of the FWA Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2023’. We’re here in the Sandpiper Hotel in Holetown, Barbados, and I’m surrounded by familiar faces - both past and present - who have assembled in honour of Gabrielle Montgomery, Nova Diamond, and Randy Ramon. They join an elite group of FWA icons - thirty three in total - recognised as having careers deemed worthy of this accolade, who have reached the very top of this company and indeed this profession, and who have lingered in the hearts and minds of the FWA fans. We will hear from each of the inductees over the course of tonight, starting with the man they call 24K…"-*-*-*-*- The feed cuts to a montage of some of Nova Diamond’s career-defining moments, including him winning the Carnal Contendership in 2019 as well as the Golden Opportunity match in 2021. The footage culminates in clips from his successful cash-in on Meltdown XII, where Diamond overthrew Devin Golden to claim his FWA World Championship. Talking head footage from some of his most prominent allies and adversaries plays amidst his highlight reel. Kevin Cromwell: "I ain't going to lie. Andy's a wanker. but we grew up in the same town, and we were trained in the same place. I Remember the first day I walked into training. It was just a bunch of kids who were only there for something to do; no one took it seriously, and I was about to walk out when I noticed the only other person in training gear, and I thought, ‘thank God, someone else whose not fucking around’. That was the first time I met Nova Diamond....Course he'll always be Andy to me. We fought together. We fought against each other. We ain't ever going to be best mates. Hell, he probably hates me, and sometimes the feeling is mutual, but even knowing that. If I called him up and said I needed backup, he'd be on the first plane, and I know he'll do the same for me. When you find a brother in this business. That's a bond for life. Even if you don't like the guy. I think if you want to talk about desire? About sheer force of will to win? No one tops Nova… Still a wanker though."Saint Sully: “Nova Diamond? Let me tell you something about Nova Diamond. My historic FWA World Championship run, out of all the matches I had, do you know which one I came the closest to losing? Not Alyster Black, not Gabrielle, and definitely not Mike Garcia. No, it was my first one...in the main event of Back in Business XIV. Here I was, a guy who took 7 years to win his first World Title, and this young Nova Diamond kid did what I never did, and wins the Carnal Contendership match to face me in the main event of the biggest show in the world. Even if you rewatch that match today, you'll have no idea how close I came to losing the title to Nova. When I tell you I had nothing left to give, I mean it. One split second is all it would've taken to have the King's reign usurped before it ever got off the ground running. That's how good Nova Diamond is."Danny Toner: ”You know I can count on one hand the amount of friends I’ve made in this business. It ain’t a business for making friends. It’s a fucking business. There’s a pretty clear indicator of what it is to rise to the top of this business and really? It doesn’t matter a damn iota how you get there, once you get there. You know who taught me that? A guy that makes it onto that very short list of people I’d actually consider a friend in this business: Nova Diamond. Nova didn’t need to flaunt around and flash that friendship all over television, Nova didn’t need to flaunt or flash at all. There was no gimmick needed for Nova Diamond: he was just the best. I think very few, if any, can compare to Nova Diamond at his best. He just brings out greatness in people and then tops it himself. He brought out that greatness any time he stepped between those ropes. Name a bad Nova Diamond match? You can’t, can you? His performance in the Golden Opportunity in 2021 was hands down the single greatest performance in the history of professional wrestling. That’s the match all aspiring wrestlers should be watching. That’s how you do it. He’s a special talent, a once in a life time sort of guy, and it speaks volumes that he was able to come in, tear it up for three years, and then leave with a more glorious career than anybody could ever wish for. There ain’t ever been a natural-born talent like Nova Diamond in the FWA, and there won’t ever be another. At his best, he’s the best ever. And you got his best a hell of a lot of the time. You take this moment, brother, and you don’t downplay it. You deserve it more than anyone, pal. I love you."-*-*-*-*- We return to the Sandpiper Hotel as the audience claps, Anzu smiling behind her podium. Anzu Kurosawa: "Please welcome to the stage: 2019 Carnal Contendership winner, 2021 Golden Opportunity winner, Back in Business XIV main eventer, former FWA World Champion, and FWA Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2023’ Inductee… ‘24K’ Nova Diamond!!"A round of applause blends in with the low tones of ‘Comfortably Numb’ as Nova Diamond takes the stage. The camera cuts to some figures like Kevin Cromwell and Chris Peacock as Nova walks up. He’s wearing a neat burgundy suit that is complemented with a black bowtie and he does seem … well, happy. He does a little shimmy as he approaches the stand and then, he’s facing the audience of his fellow workers, journalists, fans and many more. Nova waits for the applause to die down a bit and after it does, he takes a moment to look at his Hall of Fame ring. After that, he leans into the microphone and off we go. Nova Diamond: "Well, this is a thing that I’ll only have to show up once for my entire life so of course, here I am."A little quip about his part-time nature to start things off in a humorous tone. There are laughs, some genuine, some out of courtesy. But the ambiance is very sufficient. Nova Diamond: "And my Starfield streams will be starting next week on Friday, 8 PM BST. It’s ‘novaDiamoND’ at Twitch, no space, the initial D and the last two letters of ‘diamond’ are uppercase, the rest are lower case. Thank you very much."After the quick plug of his Twitch channel, Nova starts coughing, indicating that he’s about to start taking this a bit more seriously now. Nova Diamond: "More than one and less than two years ago … in Chicago, I told you to remember. I told you to remember … that I lived. I remember it vividly. I wanted all of you to remember me, who I was, what I’ve done and accomplished because I could never forget the reasons behind all of that. To make everything I put myself through both physically and mentally … mostly mentally … worth it, I needed to make sure to immortalize the results. I’ve won the Carnal Contendership, I main evented Back In Business, I won the Golden Opportunity and cashed it in on Devin to become the World Champion."His resume, honestly, isn’t that impressive compared to, well, every other Hall of Famer that this company has to offer. But still, his list of accomplishments gets a light round of applause. Nova Diamond: "But beyond all of that, I wanted all of you to remember me and my journey because the way they got imprinted on your minds now officially means that I’m able to stand here as a fellow Hall of Famer to the greats of the past and most importantly, my own friends."He raises his hand, slightly raises his ring finger and taps his Hall of Fame ring a bunch of times to emphasise it. Nova Diamond: "And this is the greatest token of remembrance that I could’ve ever gotten."Yet another round of applause, a bigger and louder one than the one he’d just got. Nova Diamond: "During that night in Chicago, I also said this one thing … that I wasn’t supposed to be there. I had a briefcase that granted me a title shot at literally any time and place I wanted … but still, I was more worried about if I could make it to tomorrow before worrying about getting back to the ring, let alone becoming the World Champion. I didn’t have the easiest time with myself, honestly, that was the case through my whole life. As a kid, as that cocky upstart who won the CC in his fifth match and even as the seemingly calm and composed man who had the golden briefcase. As a professional wrestler, you can come to this ring, have your match and eventually win or lose within an hour on most occasions. Wrestling with … depression … isn’t that simple. So yes, I was not supposed to win that battle. I was not supposed to stand there as the World Champion. But I did that. I was no-"Nova’s speech grinds to a halt as there seems to be a weird expression on his face at the same time as there are sounds of commotion heard from the back of the crowd. The cameras do not cut to whatever chaos is going on, they remain on Nova, who is taking a sip from a bottle that he took from the HoF stand. Nova Diamond: "Good to see you here, boys."He laughs to himself, still waiting. Eventually, he raises his hand in a thumbs up, asking for permission if it’s good to continue. When he gets the confirmation, he nods and continues. Nova Diamond: "And honestly … I wasn’t supposed to be here as a Hall of Famer either. My list of accomplishments definitely falters compared to everyone who had gotten here before. It’s not like I was a very respected workhorse either, I was flat-out a part timer for the more important part of my career."His words put this speech in a very weird tone for sure. It’s not until he clarifies things a bit that this weird tone changes into a more proper one. Nova Diamond: "Mine wasn’t a long and winding road, as much as I respect those who walk that road. I didn’t take many steps … but I made each and every single of those steps count. Everything that I did was impactful and important. I wasn’t here for a long time … but heh, for a goooood time."He’s seemingly back in a cheerful and jovial mode for now. Nova Diamond: "I still do feel a bit hurt that they didn’t see me fit to be inducted last year when all the boys were being inducted, but hey, a ring is a ring nonetheless."Then back to a serious one, a tonal whiplash. Nova Diamond: "This was one strange journey. One that … took its toll. But by paying that toll, I also got to be a member of this … beautiful family. And hey, can you really call that a family without receiving a little bit of emotional damage from them, eh?"Yes, a tonal whiplash. Nova Diamond: "I’ll keep this real as always. If you asked me if I’d change anything if I got to do this all over again … then yes, I probably would. Trust me, all wrestlers will have thoughts like that, from the most successful ones to the least. Sometimes, when I put my head into the pillow, I think about things that I could’ve done differently. I think about how I could’ve won more. But at the end of the day, I could only get here by doing what I did and I refuse to abuse myself about wouldas and couldas and shouldas anymore. When I look back, I don’t look at it with hatred or self-loathing or regrets anymore. For the first time in my life, I am … at peace."Not only does that get another loud round of applause, but a small ‘NOVA-DIA-MOND’ chant breaks out while the camera once again shows some of the audience members that are chanting it, including Kevin Cromwell, of course. Nova Diamond: "I am remembered. I am here. Despite everything. Despite myself. And that … ladies and gentlemen … is the greatest wrestling match I could ever win. Thank you."He raises his fist and highlights the Hall of Fame ring before patting his chest to show his gratitude for all the applause and support. And soon, he’s off the stage. Anzu Kurosawa: "Now, moving on with proceedings to our second inductee as part of the FWA Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2023’. And, contrary to what was thought would be the case when this induction was first announced, he will be here - live and kicking - to acknowledge it in person. This year, the Hall of Fame adds a Rockstar to its ranks…"-*-*-*-*- We cut to a video package highlighting Randy Ramon’s greatest accomplishments within an FWA ring. First, we see clips from his five FWA World Tag Team Championship winning matches, as well as him with teammates Ayla El, Danny Toner, and Randy Ramon. We flash forward to November 2021, where the Rockstar triumphs over Danny Toner and then-champion Chris Kennedy in a triple threat match on Fallout 007. Again, talking heads discuss the Rockstar’s career whilst the clips play. (Speaking in February 2021) Chris Peacock: ”Randy Ramon is the one that brought me to this dance in the first place. He set me off on the trajectory I am on by showing faith in me when no one else would. I fully believe that one day he will be recognised as one of the greats of this business and I truly hope that we get to share that distinction together."Danny Toner: ”You gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me, right? You want me to say somethin’ about Randy Ramon? You seriously sit here and expect me to praise that motherfucker? What do you want me to freakin’ say? You want me to talk? Then I’ll talk. I’ve a six inch scar on my back from when he fucked me down a damn escalator at Back in Business XI. I’ve an FWA Tag Team Championship in the books from when he dragged me to them the very next night. I’ve a cut that never healed right across my damn chest from when he dipped his hands in shards of glass and lit me up at Back in Business XV and took my belts away. Belts that I only won because he stoked a fire under me by coming back and winnin’ em first. I’ve to live with sure-fire lifelong trauma from when he stole the FWA World Heavyweight Championship from under my nose at Fallout 007. But I also get to live with the fact that in doing so, he pushed me on to the best damn run of my life and my own World Heavyweight Championship. Scars and successes. They’re the two things that are synonymous with Rockstar. Would my career have been better without him? Fuck yeah. Would it have been bigger? Hell no. The kindest thing I can say about Randy is that that ain’t true just for me. Would it have been better for all those involved with the FWA if Randy never laced up them boots against Meth-Head Matt all those years ago? Obviously. Would the FWA have been bigger? Definitely not. Take that whatever way you want but don’t give that fucker a ring without lettin’ me last say that I wish you were still dead, dickhead. I hate you."‘The Rotten Gold’ Devin Golden was unable to attend the Anniversary Show and ‘Rockstar’ Randy Ramon's Hall of Fame ceremony in person, but he was able to deliver a letter from ‘his world’ through the comatose channels into the FWA world. This hand-written letter is confirmed to be from the now-retired Golden, a three-time FWA Tag Team Champion with ‘Rockstar’ in a team that competed from 2020-2022. Devin Golden: ”Randy Ramon always intrigued, even early on when he was inconsistent but exciting. But upon getting up close and learning more about him, and seeing him grow, I could tell there was something here -- something different and unique and more than almost anyone else. I've been around a bit, seen a lot of people come through with high ceilings and lots of potential yet flame out within three matches. I've seen people come in and hold their own for a bit before hitting their ceiling and deciding it ain't worth it. And I've seen very very good people come through, make a mark, become legitimate stars, and become names that people go, 'Oh, yeah, I remember him. He was good.'
Randy was better than all of those groups. I could see it. He had something that a very very very small percentage of people in the FWA have. That's why I loved being in Golden Rock -- because it was so damn easy. It was so easy to be successful, and it was so fun to watch Ramon go to the very top heights.
I'm happy for Randy. It's an honor you get in a comatose dream world, and some might not say it means much of anything, but it does mean something. Even in a dream world, these things are cool."-*-*-*-*- Back in the Sandpiper Hotel, the audience is clapping freely, although a brief shot of the current world champion shows him sitting with his hands clasped together, as Anzu introduces the second inductee. Anzu Kurosawa: "Welcome to the stage: Back in Business XV main eventer, former five-time FWA World Tag Team Champion, former FWA World Champion, and FWA Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2023’ Inductee… ‘Rockstar’ Randy Ramon!!"‘Rise’ plays as the Rockstar appears on stage, more applause raining down onto him from (most of) the audience as he approaches the podium and the microphone. Randy Ramon: "Well, this is awkward, huh?"Awkward pause. Randy Ramon: "I mean, I don’t even know where to start. Do I start with the ‘thank yous’? Or the ‘holy shits’? I guess the smartest thing to do would be to start by addressing the elephants in the room.
First, yes, I am very much alive. You all deserve a valid explanation as to how that came to be, and you will get one, but not tonight. Because tonight is not about who did or did not drown.
Second, yes, it was me who kicked Chris Peacock’s mustache so hard that Krash’s mustache felt it, but that’s for another time. Because tonight is not about who is or isn’t a little bitch or a shit friend.
No, tonight is a celebration."He surveys the audience. Randy Ramon: "Tonight, is a celebration of the road less travelled. Boy, I really took that one, didn’t I? I mean, I’ve got it all. You want random tag team partners? I’ve got ‘em…
Drafted into the Tag Team Carousel with Ayla El. Never met her before our first title match.
Forced to team with Danny Toner. I don’t think I need to remind any of you of that history.
Then I was blessed by the gods and destined to team with Devin Golden.
Sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Other times you are the lesser of the two parts, and you fly by the seat of your pants and try to keep up the whole time."He lets a smile slip. Randy Ramon: "Thank you, Ayla.
Thank you, Danny.
Thank you, Devin.
Without you three, there is no way I’m standing here today.
There is no Randy Ramon without Ayla El, Danny Toner, and Devin Golden."He pantomimes applause, bringing the crowd to a standing ovation for the three parties mentioned. Randy Ramon: "How about moments, are those important to you?
How about the TnT Trilogy and LITERALLY shutting the lights off?
How about winning the Elite Division Tournament?
How about Back in Business 2021, covered in blood and sweat at the top of the ladder, pulling the Tag Titles down?
How about pinning Chris Kennedy at Fallout 7 for the World Championship?
How about when I tried so hard to kick my own partner in the face that we accidentally won the Tag Team Titles?
Who can forget Osos Locos?
Oh, and crossing streams in Belgium?"A 'GOLDEN SHOWERS' chant breaks out in the crowd. Randy Ramon: "I couldn’t have done any of that without you all. Everyone in this crowd, everyone watching at home, everyone in the locker room. Thank you.
Thank you to Chris Palmer, my best friend, for always being there, every step of the way. I literally owe you my life, brother.
Thank you, Saint Sully, for setting an example for every wrestler to strive to be… and for that open challenge. That was the first time I truly felt like I not only belonged, but could keep up with the big boys, on my own.
Thank you, Reagan Cole, for setting an example for every wrestler to strive to not be. Occisor will have his revenge. One day.
Thank you, Krash, for pushing me to be my very best. I’m sure we’re not done with each other yet, since we’re apparently both alive and all, but every time our paths cross, I find another gear I didn’t know I had. It doesn’t usually end well for me, but it’s always an honor.
Except for that whole pipe-to-the-knee situation. That sucked balls. Can I say balls here? Oh well, I’ve said it twice now. Might as well make it three. Balls.
Thank you, Ryan Rondo, for… well, most of the same reasons I thanked Krash, except you didn’t actually try to kill me. So, thanks for that too, I guess?"The crowd laughs. Randy Ramon: "I know he won’t see this, but I also need to thank a guy who most of you don’t know and probably even fewer remember: Syn. Syn was a friend from the old world who convinced me to sign with FWA in the first place. He didn’t stick around long, but after tonight, his FWA legacy is set in stone. Applesauce, bitch!"An 'SYN' chant follows the earlier, dirtier chant. Randy Ramon: "If I didn’t thank you, please don’t think I forgot you. I’m just not very good at all of this emotional shit, at least not without a half a bottle of bourbon in me!"He chuckles to himself, getting back on track. Randy Ramon: "I’ve always done things the hard way. It’s never been easy. From childhood, to school, to my music career, to the FWA, and each and every stop along the way.
I’ve always taken the road less traveled, but each day I have sworn to Choose My Own Adventure, and I have scratched, and clawed, and fought tooth and nail to earn every single thing I’ve accomplished. You don’t learn that sort of resilience on your own. You don’t just wake up one day and have it all figured out.
No, that starts at home. And they say that your parents are your first teachers.
Well, I had the best first teacher."Tears roll down his cheek as he looks upwards. Randy Ramon: "I love you, Mom. Your boy did it. I did it for you, Mom, and they can never take it away!"He wipes tears from his eyes and gathers himself. Randy Ramon: "Thank you all. Truly. I cannot overstate how honored I am to be inducted in to the FWA Hall of Fame. This is the peak right here. It does not get better than this. Thank you all. Goodnight."The Rockstar takes a bow on the stage to rapturous applause before vacating it, allowing Anzu to resume hosting duties. Anzu Kurosawa: "Onto our third and final induction of the night, to a woman who truly has no equal in the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, or in professional wrestling in general. She paved the way for many that followed, including myself, by forcing through the glass ceiling and becoming the first female tag champion and the first multiple-time female world champion in FWA history. I’m talking, of course, about the incomparable and irreplaceable Caramel Goddess…"-*-*-*-*- A video package plays introducing the third and final inductee of the evening, chronicling the career highlights of Gabrielle Montgomery. We see her victorious in two Back in Business main events, and then clips from her numerous championship wins. She is the first woman to lift the FWA Women’s Championship, and then does so for a second time over Jenny Ignito, before showcasing her two reigns as FWA World Tag Team Champion with this adversary. We see snippets of her lifting the same belts with Daniella Kennedy and Kayden Knox, and then extended footage of her two FWA World Championship victories. The first comes at the expense of Rocky Creed all the way back in November 2010, whilst the second sees her overcoming Phillip A. Jackson in September 2014. Whilst this montage plays, we hear interviews from some of the figures closest to her within the FWA. Cyrus Truth: ”Love her or hate her, you can't deny that she believed she was something special. And she spend her entire career throwing herself into the fire to prove it."(Speaking in January 2023) Lizzie Rose: ”Look, I think it's fair to say that there are bad feelings between me and Gabby, and I'll be lying if I thought Gabby was a good person, but it would be criminal to deny her achievements and what she has done to change the game. Without her, you don't see all the great female wrestlers that has come in in the last ten years. It's as simple as that. I'm not the only one that owes her my career."Saint Sully: ”Gabrielle Montgomery. How do I describe her? My kyptonite? My arch rival? A friend? She was one of the first people who talked to me back when I debuted in 2012. Maybe she just wanted to write my name in her little black book, or I don't know...maybe she has an eye for talent. She definitely has enough of it. Arguably the greatest female wrestler the FWA has ever seen. She has the longest FWA World Championship out of any woman with 363 days. And I mean, she was the first ever woman's champion. But I think we're probably going to hear about her vast list of accomplishments all night. I think what we're not going to hear enough about...is her dedication. Her longevity. I mean, she has been the longest tenured FWA member that we've had. She came in two decades ago with Jack Severino, and the surpassed everything he ever did...and that guy is a Hall of Famer himself. She is one last connection we have to some of the most prehistoric times in FWA history. How many others can say they've wrestled with G-Rich, or Matt Boudreau, or Jenny Ignito? Gabrielle can. Most of us have short shelf lives, but the difference between most of us and Gabrielle is...Gabrielle will never be forgotten."-*-*-*-*- Anzu Kurosawa: "Please welcome to the stage: 2019 Golden Opportunity Winner, Back in Business VI and Back in Business X main eventer, former two-time FWA Women’s Champion, former four-time FWA World Tag Team Champion, former two-time FWA World Champion, and FWA Hall of Fame ‘Class of 2023’ Inductee… ‘the Caramel Goddess’... Gabrielle Montgomery!!"‘Hard’ by Rihanna plays over the loudspeakers and the assembled crowd of Wrestlers past and present are on their feet applauding as Gabrielle Montgomery walks out on stage. A long flowing full length silver dress draped across her body and sparking under the lights as she reaches the podium and gazes out upon all the familiar faces with a huge smile upon her face as she collects herself and gathers her thoughts in this moment. Gabrielle: "I…I don’t even know what to say…
This is a moment I’ve thought about for so very long. A moment that I’ve waited for, wondering what it would feel like to be able to call myself a Hall of Famer. A moment long overdue, and one that I’ve wondered at times if it would ever come.
The last few years of my life have been the most challenging years of my life full of so many lows and not nearly enough highs. I’ve had to roll with so many punches, and try and pick myself up time after time. I’ve done things I never wanted to think I’d ever do. And now standing on this stage surrounded by my peers it all feels worth it.
I know you’re all probably sick of hearing this story, but let me tell it one final time.
I left everything I knew with nothing but a dream in my heart of being just like Kerry Kennedy. Travelling to the other side of the World chasing that dream. I got to America and all anyone saw was just a pretty face, just another pretty face. I was told to my face I would never amount to anything.
But all the naysayers words did was light a fire under me to make me want to prove them wrong. I worked harder than everyone else around me. I came to the FWA when Women had no division and no real career prospects going forward. The great Jillian de Silva was an anomaly, the rest of us would have to be happy just having a match here and there. But then as the number of women signed to the FWA swelled, the number of World class female Wrestlers grew we got our own Championship, and I was the first to ever be FWA Women’s Champion.
I look back now, and that first Championship win might be my favourite. Its where everything changed, where everyone who had doubted me was proven wrong and where I knew that I was capable of great things. I remember holding that Title for the first time and wondering if I’d ever be a Hall of Famer.
Now…I can proudly say that yes, I am a Hall of Famer!"Gabrielle wipes a solitary tear from her eye as she steps back from the podium and is handed her HOF plaque which she then proudly holds above her head as everyone cheers for her. As Gabrielle is presented with flowers to go with her plaque by Anzu on the stage, a wide-shot is shown of the Hotel, those in attendance - FWA wrestlers and staffers, past and present - on their feet again to show their admiration of the Goddess. We fade out on this shot, a vibrant and smiling Gabrielle joined on stage by the other 2023 inductees as the show goes off the air. … … …
{AFTER THE SHOW …}
… the director thanks the writers for their work on what was a successful Hall of Fame ceremony, and indeed the planning that has gone into the Anniversary Show the next night. He tells them to get a good night’s rest, but reminds them that their presence is first required in the writer’s room for one final presentation.
Begrudgingly through their fatigue, the writers file into their office and find it already full with recognisable faces. Some of them are those responsible for handling the on-air talent that were currently winding down in their tuxedos and cocktail dresses following the lavish ceremony. Others are those that occupied this very writer’s office (or the adjacent one belonging to the director) in times gone by.
The current crop of writers file into the room, occupying whatever spots they can find, except for the one appointed with the task of introducing the meeting. They take up position at the head of the writer’s table, which forms a makeshift pulpit for their address.
As one writer leaves their spot at the head of the table, another approaches to follow up with their own thoughts…
Congratulations, and thank you, to the 39th inductee to the FWA Hall of Fame, and the 3rd ‘handler inductee’, The Golden One! |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:13:17 GMT
Originally posted by TGO.
A major, huge, massive congratulations to the three newest inductees of the HOF: Nova Diamond, my tag team partner "Rockstar" Randy Ramon, and one of the GOATs, Gabrielle. Each induction is deserved. You could not find a better combination of character work, creativity, and overall writing chops from these three. They all deserve the light.
I said a variation of this in Discord and will say it here.
The FWA is one of my favorite things in the world, and it has been in that group since I joined 15 years ago. Even when I stop being a mod (I've stopped 3 times), I cannot give it up. Even when I actually do give it up as a promo'er, I can't completely quit it as a reader or reviewer. It is truly one of my greatest loves, and it's difficult to explain to anyone who isn't in this coma escape from the real world with us, but that's OK because we all get it and that's why this is a community that has built and persisted and survived and thrived for 18 years.
Side note: My best friend of 19 years understands it. My wife sort of understands.
So when I read the honor, I got choked up, and as I've read more and more of what people have said, I just got more and more choked up. I had to stop twice. I'm an emotional person, so it's par the course, but it hits home in the most immense of ways. This is a place with people whom I've invited to my wedding (lost invites are still on their way, Shake and Kai), a place where I announced the coming of me and my wife's first child before I announced it on any other public forum, and a place of people who would make me feel immensely honored in my cremated ashy form if they came to my funeral.
So I just want you all to know that I really appreciate this. It is an honor to be in a group with Matty Rob and Chris Stallings. That alone moves me in a way I have a difficult time explaining.
However, you all in the e-fed currently should not sell yourselves short. It is an honor to continue to be in the fed with all of you, and I mean that. There are a lot of new people, and I just want to fit in with the lot of you and continue to be part of the community, this comatose dream world that gives us an escape from the pitfalls of real life, the work, school, bills, broken relationships, family issues, arguments, headaches, physical illnesses, mental illnesses, lost loved ones, etc. It has always been that for me, a place I can turn to when I need something to distract me, or a place I can simply enjoy no matter what else is happening.
But it is a comatose dream world we all have built. For some, it might mean 5 hours a day. For others, it might mean 5 minutes a day. But we all play a role in helping it survive and thrive. We are all pillars, blocks, and stones, and I am immensely happy and proud to be one of those with the rest of you. If that means 15 more years, then nothing would make me happier, and I mean that. There are many Goldensiblings who can come through the FWA.
I'll be speaking 1v1 with everyone who wrote something, but thank you to the e-fed for this recognition. I have a difficult time putting into words what this means. Just know it is the greatest achievement of mine in this e-fed, greater than any of the 14 title reigns or any of the character HOF inductions, because it means that the work I did for you all was successful and purposeful in making this place something you would want to be in and something you would be proud of. This is a coma world we all had a part in building. I just love everything I've done in it, everyone who I've met in it, and that I get to continue to do more. Thank you all. Siempre, and the dream never dies.
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:13:39 GMT
the FANTASY WRESTLING ALLIANCE
proudly presents
Live from the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Sunday 3rd September, 2023.
Only on the WCNetwork.
FIRST MATCH | 1/30.
Aka Manto [Aka Yurei and Keiko Hirabayashi] vs. Cyrus Truth and Konchu Hao.
Tag Team Match.
Match writer: Man.
The anniversary show will kick off with this tag team match-up, featuring Aka Yurei and Keiko Hirabayashi, who have twice came close to dethroning current champions since Back in Business. On both occasions, though, Aka Manto came up short, with Chris Peacock and Alyster Black of FTN retaining their belts, with Yurei and Hirabayashi hoping for a much-needed boost in momentum heading towards Lights Out. Their opposition, though, is made up of Konchu Hao and Cyrus Truth, the latter of which has also clashed with one half of the champions repeatedly since the Grand March. Truth was unsuccessful in his challenge of Chris Peacock's FWA World Championship in the main event of Back in Business, and has enlisted the help of an old friend, perhaps in a continuation of his quest to take some gold from around Peacock's waist.
SECOND MATCH | 1/20.
Sawyer Xavier vs. Simon Smythe.
Singles Match.
Match writer: SS.
Sawyer Xavier returned to FWA screens on Meltdown XXXII, where he was unsuccessful in his attempt to overcome Trixie Bordeaux in singles competition. Xavier did, however, impress during that fifteen minute match, often taking the FWA Trios Champion to her limit and showing patches of the potential displayed throughout his FWA runs. He has an immediate chance for redemption as he takes on the debuting Simon Smythe, the surgeon having signed his own contract with the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance only a month before this show is due to take place.
THIRD MATCH | 1/20.
El Vengador vs. Al Blizzard vs. Kleio De Santos.
Triple Threat Match - winner qualifies for the TV Championship match at Lights Out.
Match writer: Dubb.
On Meltdown XXXII in Havana, Cuba, we saw three different wrestlers march on the office of Jon Russnow and demand to be booked as part of the 18th Anniversary Show. Those three wrestlers were Kleio De Santos, El Vengador, and Al Blizzard, and although Russnow was initially elusive in Havana, he announced that these three would face off against one another at the Barbados supershow. To add some flavour to the mix, Russnow also announced that the winner of this match would compete for the FWA Television Championship at Lights Out in Kinshasa, a belt currently vacant after the retirement of former champion Shawn Summers.
FOURTH MATCH | 1/20.
YOKAI Death Squad [Katsu, Ririko, and Cali Hayama] vs. The Menage [Christian Howard, Wild Jerry, and Sierra].
Trios Match - Eliminator Tournament semi-final.
Match writer: SS.
The FWA Trios Eliminator Tournament got underway last week on Meltdown XXXII and Fallout 032, with the YOKAI Death Squad triumphing over the Bad Boys Boy Band in Havana and the Ménage defeating Triple J Security in Jamaica. Now, those two teams will face off in the semi-final stage at the Anniversary Show. Both went close to victory in the recent battle royale at Back in Business, but were eventually outlasted by Trixie Bordeaux of the Coven. YDS and the Ménage will be hoping for a shot at that particular trio in Kinshasa, with the prize for winning this tournament being a shot at those trios titles at Light Out.
MOD NOTE: there is a 3000 word limit on promos in this match. This includes all words posted as part of the promo (including images), or all words included in your PDF submission.
FIFTH MATCH | 1/20.
Chris Crowe vs. Trixie Bordeaux.
Singles Match.
Match writer: Dubb.
Chris Crowe made his surprise return to the FWA at Back in Business, realigning with Tommy Bedlam in a partial reunion of Deathswitch Initiative. This tandem managed to overcome Celestia and Blair Ravenwood of the Coven, and now Crowe will return to singles action against the third member of the current FWA Trios Champions in Bellatrix Bordeaux. Trixie has had a spate of victories as of late, including on Meltdown XXXII against Sawyer Xavier, and will hope to continue that good fortune in Bridgetown at the Showman's expense.
SIXTH MATCH | 1/20.
The Undisputed Xperienx [Jackson Fenix, Nate Savage, and Xperienx Xtacee] vs. The Lumberjacks [Doug LuPone, Dan LuPone, and Lucy LuPone].
Trios Match - Eliminator Tournament semi-final.
Match writer: Jimmy.
As part of the Trios Eliminator Tournament, the Undisputed Xperienx saw off the challenge of debuting LCW threesome Midnight Train on Fallout 032, whilst two days earlier on Meltdown XXXII the Lumberjacks ensure their own progress with victory over PONI-BOI. That sets up this semi final match, with both teams looking to book their place in XXXIII's final. The Undisputed Xperienx went closer to victory in Back in Business' battle royale, but the LuPone siblings will hope to cause an upset here in Barbados. A chance to challenge the Coven for the Trios Championships at Lights Out awaits the tournament's eventual winners.
MOD NOTE: there is a 3000 word limit on promos in this match. This includes all words posted as part of the promo (including images), or all words included in your PDF submission.
SEVENTH MATCH | 1/60.
Tommy Bedlam [c] vs. XYZ.
X Rules Match for the FWA X Championship.
Match writer: Tommy.
Tommy Bedlam defeated Shawn Summers 2-1 in Mexico City's Three Stages of Hell match, and for his victory in the second fall he became the new holder of the illustrious FWA X Championship. Meanwhile, XYZ was busy in constant conflict with Death Walker, surviving the battle at Back in Business and then overcoming Walker inside a steel cage on Meltdown XXXII. This didn't stop XYZ from finding time to lay down this challenge to the Cowboy, which Bedlam promptly accepted, the match made official before Back in Business' second night was even off the air. The Cowboy had a front row view of XYZ's victory in the cage on XXXII, and the two traded words on 032 in Jamaica, setting up this anything goes encounter on the Anniversary Show.
EIGHTH MATCH | 1/20.
Blake Taylor vs. Jack the Clipper vs. Madison Gray.
Triple Threat Match - winner qualifies for the TV Championship match at Lights Out.
Match writer: Jimmy.
Following Jack the Clipper's victory over Derrick Hunter in his debut match at Fallout 032, we saw a verbal back-and-forth between him, the returning Madison Gray, and the debuting Blake Taylor. It seemed clear from this interaction that all three relished the chance to get their hands on one another, and Jon Russnow didn't take long in making this triple threat match official. In addition to settling the barbs thrown on Fallout's post-match diatribe, the three also have the opportunity to challenge for the vacant FWA Television Championship at Lights Out, should they triumph in this three-way in Barbados.
NINTH MATCH | MAIN EVENT | 5/-.
Chris Peacock [c] vs. Alyster Black vs. Katsu vs. Reagan Cole vs. Death Walker vs. Jackson Fenix.
Steel Roulette Match for the FWA World Championship.
Match writer: Man.
Over the course of its history, the Steel Roulette match - where six people enter a chamber and only one emerges as victor - has been used to decide the owner of the Golden Opportunity briefcase for the next year. Usually, those finishing between second and seventh in the Spring's Carnal Contendership would earn their spot in the chamber, and that appeared to be the case this year, too. That was until the injuries sustained by weaselperson in his match against Alyster Black in Mexico City. weaselperson was the first runner up in the Carnal Contendership, and his sudden absence had many asking who would take his place in the chamber. This question was answered by Chris Peacock, who announced on Meltdown XXXII that he himself - as the FWA World Champion - would take weaselperson's place in the Steel Roulette match… and put his belt on the line, too.
The Golden Opportunity match already constituted the biggest, ahem, opportunity in the FWA careers of Reagan Cole, Death Walker, Jackson Fenix, and Katsu, offering them the chance to catapult themselves into the main event scene. Now, it has a very different complexion for this quartet, who now find themselves challenging for the most prestigious prize in professional wrestling in the main event of the 18th Anniversary Show. Meanwhile, Chris Peacock - who is incidentally also looking to win his second consecutive annual Steel Roulette match - will also have to deal with the challenge of his tag team partner (and the other half of the FWA World Tag Team Champions) in Alyster Black. Tensions were stirred at Back in Business, particularly when Black Jesus seemingly prioritized the tag titles over his partner's wellbeing. It will be interesting to see if their apparent truce will sustain throughout this barbaric match-up.
PLUS!
The FWA Hall of Fame Ceremony, 2023.
Live from the Sandpiper Hotel in Holetown, Barbados. Saturday 2nd September.
Only on the WCNetwork.
The "Class of '23":
Nova Diamond.
Gabrielle Montgomery.
Randy Ramon.
*****
Promo Deadlines:
Sunday 27th August, 23:59 Pacific Time.
Monday 28th August, 03:00AM Eastern.
Monday 28th August, 08:00AM UK.
Monday 28th August, 17:00PM Melbourne.
No extensions. Good luck! |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:14:43 GMT
TRUE NORTH [MEDIA=youtube]FDF0Y9KOloY[/MEDIA] Chapter One: Battle Rope
Madison was drenched in her own sweat, and there was no doubt that the cardio workout she was currently undergoing was one of the most challenging sessions of her entire life. The Young Lioness was dressed from head to toe in Under Armour training gear, so much so that you would assume she had some sort of sponsorship deal, but considering her current position it was more likely that she was simply just a fan of the product and what it provided to her.
Sydney Northstar
“Push! Keep pushing Madison! This is not the time to stop, push through the pain and don’t stop till the timer runs out.”
Sydney had not been Madison's personal hiring choice. Instead, she had been chosen by the head office to motivate Madison in enhancing her performance and reaching a level where she could compete more effectively. Despite being just over twice Madison's age, Sydney was in incredible shape and served as a prime example for her client. In a matter of days, she demonstrated her commitment by adopting a relentless and rigorous approach to help Madison get back on track.
Madison's arms were growing increasingly heavy, yet she summoned all her stamina and strength to conquer the Battle Rope workout. With each passing second, it seemed as if a demonic hand were clawing up from the depths of hell, relentlessly striving to drag her into the underworld. Despite the timer displaying all zeros, Madison continued to push forward, as if awaiting permission to stop.
Sydney Northstar
Drop the rope Madison, you’re done! Take on some fluids and take a well earned rest.
As Madison lowered herself onto the mat and began rehydrating, the camera continued to capture her exhausted and thoroughly soaked appearance. Madison would proceed to deliver a narrator’s monologue, one that had undoubtedly been recorded at a later date.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"To put it frankly, my first few months working with FWA had proven to be massively disappointing. Despite my anticipation of a challenging transition from Karate and Taekwondo to professional wrestling, to be blunt, I was thoroughly beaten up before being thrown down a flight of stairs. With each step, the pain increased, becoming not just a physical ordeal but also a blow to my ego.
Portsmouth is where I grew up; it's where I learned everything that shaped me into the person I am today. Without the love of Nanny Pam and the guidance of Sensei Nakajima, I would never have encountered this life-changing opportunity. To stumble off track so swiftly and leave hardly any impression at all, I couldn't help but feel disheartened and disappointed in myself. Each time I looked in the mirror, a sense of embarrassment washed over me. I had never felt like such a loser before, and when I injured my ankle, a peculiar sense of relief washed over me. I had been handed an escape route; an excuse to exit stage right without actually quitting. I could attribute my shortcomings to a medical injury and never confront my failures again.
Then the guilt took over. Night after night, the nightmares arrived, making it evident that I would inflict endless torment on myself if I opted for the coward's escape. It dawned on me that I had to return from injury with an entirely new attitude and a genuine hunger for success. It also became evident that management desired my success as well. If I were to attend a Thanksgiving Dinner this year, I already know what I would be thankful for. I am thankful for this second chance."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The narrative monologue came to an end as Sydney concluded her stretches. Meanwhile, Madison polished off the remaining contents of her water bottle before grabbing a fresh, crisp white towel. She draped the towel over her head, using it to mop up the excess sweat that had pooled there. In a state of complete exhaustion, the sound of Sydney's voice acted like a key turning a lock, snapping Madison out of a trance-like state that had resulted from her energy levels being utterly depleted.
Sydney Northstar
So Madison, I’ve not worked with a wrestler before - so I was curious. Why did you decide to go down this route, considering your fighting skill set, couldn't you have pursued the more traditional fighting route and made a name for yourself on the continent?
Madison Gray
Honestly - I need to escape. I need to take myself somewhere completely different, with a totally different environment. As much as I loved everything I learned from my Sensei, I really felt that this line of work would really offer me a challenge. Maybe there is something wrong with me, but swimming in shark infested waters just seemed like the best option. Jumping in the deep end without even knowing how to really swim.
Sydney Northstar
Sounds brave.
Madison Gray
Or stupid
Sydney Northstar
Not what I was thinking at all.
Madison Gray
Professional or polite, you can lower the veil when you feel more comfortable. I know I’m young, but I’d rather you just give it to be blunt and brutal. Otherwise, I might have to talk to the head office and find myself a better trainer.
Sydney Northstar
You cheeky bitch!
Madison Gray
There you go! There you go!
Madison had developed a genuine comfort level with Sydney. Her past experiences with trainers had been awkward and ill-fitting, but this new partnership was showing immense promise. Surprisingly, this second attempt at training was turning out to be significantly better, even before stepping back into the ring. Just a few days of training, and with her live television appearance still pending, Madison was already sensing a marked improvement. Content with her progress, she felt she was in a much better place.
Sydney Northstar
So the real question I suppose is, what made you want to come back?
Madison Gray
Well that - that all started with a great journey.
+ + + + + + +
Chapter Two: Starting The Great Journey
Madison had grown to value that which was not fully understood, and not rely on the hopeful explanations that science was only able to offer theory rather than a definitive answer. The view that there was only one understanding of life had always seemed close minded and that if but one wild belief was real then the whole world around her could scatter like a deck of cards being thrown off a building at a great height, scattering like butterflies upon a spring breeze.
Sensei Nakajima had opened a window in Madison's mind, creating a mental clearing that allowed her to center herself and find a focus that others often lacked. However, despite the strength in her character, she struggled when it came to choosing her company. So far, she had felt lost and isolated as a member of the traveling wrestling circus. After her most recent loss, Madison decided to disappear into the nearest dive bar. Amidst the sea of bodies, she woke up with two new friends she had no recollection of meeting.
The woman roused her with a gentle pat on the head, then extended a glass of scotch. She remarked that there was no better remedy than 'the hair of the dog,' before strolling off to the kitchen. She hummed a nondescript 80s pop song while exuding an air of confident coolness. Madison took a moment to sit up and realized she had slept on a bear rug with her head resting on a soft, red pillow. Before dwelling on the events of the previous night, she decided to take a hearty sip, embracing the natural herbal benefits that the grain-based drink offered.
Madison: Any chances of finding out where exactly I am?
The woman lifted a steaming kettle off the stove and poured the piping-hot water into a large mug, her humming continuing as she looked directly into Madison’s eyes. With the scotch beginning to work its magic, the song became more recognizable. Instead of what Madison initially thought, it was actually 'Wine, Beer, Whiskey' by Little Big Town. This realization brought a sense of comfort, even though she knew very little about country music. As a concept, country music seemed to offer solace, despite its unfamiliarity at its core.
Woman: Seems you don’t remember much of last night then. I would have thought you would have been able to handle your drink a little bit better, especially considering how tough you were talking last night.
Madison: I don’t suppose you are actually going to give me an actual answer then?
Woman: You really don’t remember at all do you? That just makes this situation that much more cuter considering where we are or rather what we are on.
The woman walked over to one of the curtains and pulled it apart, revealing a scenic landscape that sped past at a considerable pace. As Madison approached for a closer look, the surrounding sounds and vibrations began to make sense. It dawned on her that she wasn't inside a house at all; instead, she appeared to be traveling on a train. Gazing toward the train's front and observing a bend in the tracks, she noticed steam billowing out from the locomotive's engine. This sight indicated that she was aboard a classic steam locomotive.
For some inexplicable reason, this view triggered a memory that had been obscured by last night's drunken haze. The name 'Horatia' resurfaced in her mind."
Madison: Horatia.
Horatia: Seems you’ve remembered my name.
Madison found herself being handed a large mug of black coffee.
Horatia: But I don’t think I am the best person to explain your own plan to you. You would be best drinking the rest of your coffee and then waiting for Drusthalva to wake up.
Madison: Drusthalva?
Horatia’s laugh was beautiful and to Madison’s ear she imagined this would be a similar sound to that made by sirens tempting sailors to step off their ships and explore undiscovered coves. Perhaps patience was the best option. Certainly considering the only other option to her involved jumping off a moving train at high speed and if video games alone had taught her anything it was fall damage that hurt a lot more in real life.
Horatia: Why don’t we reintroduce ourselves to each other first. Drusthalva will enjoy doing this dance a second time much more than me I feel.
+ + + + + + +
Chapter Three: Reaching For The LightsMadison stood outside the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, sporting a smile on her face and a pair of stylish shades to shield her eyes from the intense sun. The Anniversary Show was still a few days away, but Gray had arrived early to grant herself ample time for preparation ahead of what would be the most significant wrestling match of her career.
Madison Gray: In a few days time, I am going to find myself walking into the Kensington Oval knowing that the difference between winning and losing is a chance of challenging for title gold. An actual championship belt that could be in my grasp, that I would be able to present to the world and be given complete validation that taking this direction was the correct and that coming back from injury was the correct choice. But, I have got to be realistic and realize that just because I have the potential of becoming a champion, that doesn’t mean I am going to become one. And it doesn’t mean that I am even the person most deserving of the belt, but I am slowly starting to learn that in this industry. It doesn’t matter how much work you put in beforehand and that a perfect training regime is irrelevant. All that matters is ‘the here’. All that matters is ‘the now’. When I step into the ring, I have to wrestle like it is the last night on this planet and there will be nothing more important than my performance. This isn’t just the anniversary for the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, this is going to become the anniversary for the first victory in my career.
The scene shifts abruptly in a swift screen wipe. Madison is now seated on the ring apron of the same ring used during the Beach Brawl event. In the background, the FWA backstage crew is dismantling the makeshift facilities that were set up for the show held at Hellshire Beach in Kingston, Jamaica.
Madison Gray: I must admit when I had made my way from the back earlier tonight - I hadn’t even been looking for a fight. I hadn’t been looking to create a violent situation for myself, but rather I just saw an opportunity present itself and I thought that perhaps some sort of program with myself and Jack the Clipper would tickle the interest of management and perhaps earn myself a future card. On the advice of my new trainer, if I want something I need to go out of my comfort zone and actually take control of a situation and make it my own. And that is exactly what I did. I didn’t come out with the intention of starting a fight with The Scissor Sisters, but when Barbara and Dyeanne charged at me I had no option left but to defend myself. I try to avoid violence, but I will use it if it means the difference between me remaining on my feet or having the absolute shit kicked out of me and being left with the taste of my own blood in my mouth. That was the moment when it became personal. That is when I knew that this Lioness wanted nothing more than to crunch that old London Bastard and deliver The Disappointed Master and bring some finality to this situation.
The scene transitions to a replay from the night when Jack the Clipper delivered a double sledgehammer strike squarely to Madison's back, catching her completely off guard. Following this, Jack shoved Madison into Blake Taylor and then exited the ring. This action sparked a brawl between Taylor and Gray, prompting backstage officials to intervene and prevent the altercation from escalating further. As the replay concludes, we return to the scene of Madison standing outside the Kensington Oval once more.
Madison Gray: Blake you were an accident. You were never someone I planned to be involved in my story with Jack - but just like The Witcher, I suppose you are sort of a gift of surprise. We never envisaged you being part of this journey, but the powers that be have drawn you into this triangle and now I know that I need to get past yourself and Jack to be handed the opportunity of a lifetime. Heed by words. Even though I love the fans and I fight with nothing but honour, I am not going to allow anyone to steal this opportunity. This is my time. This is the era of the Young Lioness.
Madison makes a cheeky “GRRRRR” sound at the camera, before there is a fade to black. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:16:01 GMT
Originally posted by AON. Static.
Darkness.
It's a cold summer's night in a vast, empty and dilapidating park in the east end of London, England; the grass sways with the chilling breeze that floats through the air, with the vibrant sounds of owls hooting and cicadas chirping, ringing throughout, the air whilst the light from the moon and stars shines from above. In the middle of one of the many open spaces within the park stands a man, surrounded only by the swaying grass and staring straight forward into the night. A large, heavyset fellow that stares down at us with a piercing stare that lingers on us for a little bit too long, unblinking... It's actually a little bit uncomfortable, actually.
"My name is Jack Anthony Noble, and all my life, I wanted to be famous."
The scene cuts abruptly to fan footage at a short-time British independent show, circa 2011; a much younger and clean-shaven looking Jack, Noble battered and bruised, stands in the middle of the ring, with his hands raised in victory, waiting for the adoration of his home town crowd.
Instead, he gets something altogether different.
A chant, loud and mocking and more than anything else-haunting. It's the type of ridicule that would follow any pro wrestler around for years like a bad smell...
"CLIPPER!"
"CLIPPER!"
"CLIPPER!"
We hear Jack's hardened, grizzled voice as we seem to flash forward through a decade and a half worth of Jack the Clipper's UK wrestling career. He walks down the ramp with comically oversized clippers and brightly coloured wrestling tights as he does a variety of fun little comedy spots.
"I knew I was made for better things. I had a calling; I just didn't know what as....it wasn't singing, can't fucking act....kind of running out of choices, ain't we?"
Suddenly, the bright, colourful, playful montage becomes a lot darker a lot faster, and the picture starts to turn black and white as the smiles on the crowd's faces at the fan-friendly antics of a fun-loving barber...quickly turn into horror at Jack's antics.
"OH MY GOD, JACK, NO DON'T-!"
"JACK THE CLIPPER HAS LOST HIS BLOODY MIND! SOMEONE TAKE THOSE SCISSORS OFF HIM"
"THIS MAN IS A VIOLENT LUNATIC! HE NEEDS TO BE LOCKED UP!"
As you can imagine, the clips have gotten more and more brutal as Jack the Clipper unleashes all his pent-up shame and humiliation on the wrestling world...before we go back to the park where we see Jack sitting on a graffiti-filled bench, he feels the air brushing against his clothing, consisting of a black leather jacket with a black t-shirt underneath, denim jeans with a metallic silver belt around his waist and black leather boots. She continues staring forward, her lips slightly curling upward into a smile as he runs a hand through his clearly thinning hair.
"Wrong Place. Wrong Time"
Jack growls those words into the camera, which is almost shoved into his face, the low volume of his voice not matching the aggression.
"But maybe I need to take a step back for a moment; maybe I need you fuckers to know where I'm coming from."
Jack pauses, sits back, and growls once again.
"Fifteen years. Fifteen. Shagging. Years.Fifteen years I've spent years hustling, Fifteen years of car trips, and thousands of rings I've helped set up in small bingo halls all around the world have paid off. Fifteen years of being made a FUCKING jokes. Fifteen years of hearing you wankers chant "CLIPPER. CLIPPER. CLIPPER" everywhere I go. Fifteen years, I've spent every morning of my life standing at the foot of the stairs leading up to my apartment, dreading the climb, knowing that every single step is going to be a record of my struggle, that every single time I move my legs, I'm going to get a sharp, painful reminder of what this industry is doing to me. And I climb... and I cl]imb... and I climb... and I feel like I'm eighty years old, and my legs are already broken and worn down, and my body is screaming at me with every movement, "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ALL FOR!?..." and I honestly thought it was for, this? An FWA contract....because that's what everyone wants, isn't it? FWA? The glitz and glamour? The big money? All that shit?
Jack leans back in his chair and rubs his face.
"Every time I went up and down those stairs, my body told me what this industry is doing to me. But what I kept telling myself is that I'm doing this because I have to make a mark. A mark that FWA couldn't ignore. And it may have taken years - goddamn years - to even be a small blip on this company's radar, but it's gonna all pay off because I'm here now, and I paid my dues. Now FWA and its fans are the ones paying for Jack The Clipper., and we're going to make sure they get their money's worth."
Jack seems to bitterly smirk to himself as he chuckles and shakes his head as if he can't believe how stupid that thought was...
So I finally get to Fight Night...Roll on to Jamaica, and when I get there, I notice something... I see all these punks bragging about their good looks and all the women they get and how rich they are....and then after I have my match...after all is said and done...I have my match..my big debut...my big moment. The moment I've been working for a decade and a half...and what happens? Two snot-nosed little punks come down to the ring and call ME out. Try to take MY moment...
Jack the Clipper practically snarls the words out as he leans forward in place.
"Like...I said...Wrong place...Wrong...time. See Blake fucking Taylor. Maddy, Fucking Gray.... you've become a victim of the 'wrong place, wrong time' saying because look at where you're endin' up this week? And it's not just because you both had the balls to try and trample over my debut and try to make your names on Jack the Clipper's head. That would be bad enough. You're standing between me and an opportunity….A SHOT. At the Television title. A chance at gold ! And trust me when I say: That's NOT a spot you want to be standing. You've both pulled the short straw; I guess management was playing Russian roulette. Who's gonna face Jack The Clipper for the chance at the big dance?' he said. So he was linin' up pictures of the roster on the wall, and I want you to imagine this with me- "
Jack The Clipper leans forward again and waves his hand around as if setting up the scene in front of us before
"A headshot of each FWA roster member sittin' 'round the locker room, trying to figure out who was due a trip to the Clipper's shop...Who they wanted to try and topple-"
Jack stopped mid-sentence, stopping himself and shaking his head as he reached into his leather jacket, pulled out a pair of scissors and started spinning them around and around on his forefingers...round and round faster and faster as he spoke.
"Wait, no, no, no. That's not the question they were asking. There was no 'Who do I want to try and stop Jack The Clipper?'; it was more like 'Who do I sacrifice? and the scissors?"
In one smooth, well-practised flick of the wrist, He stopped the scissors, leaving them to stop facing right at the camera.
They pointed towards you two...
He jabs the sharp and rusty point of the scissors at the camera to underline his point.
"Madison Grey, Blake Taylor. You were involved in a game of Russian Roulette that you didn't even know about, and you lost. Your life was put on the line, and now you both get tossed into the pit with the lion that's gonna rip you apart. You're gonna be lucky to just survive the pain I'm bringing your way because you need to understand, when you walk down that ramp come show time…. You're not walking into a ring where you've been honing your craft for the last year. Instead? You're walking into my house. My moment. That I've been working years to get to..and you think in one night either of you can take this moment from me? See ya gotta understand, both of ya think you're ya going be in for a fight, but you're not stepping into the ring; at the anniversary show, that ring is gonna turn into a place like this"
Jack motions around him and his surroundings, a broken-down street void of any and all light.
" And in places like these. it's where I was raised. Where girls and boys like Grey and Taylor don't go unless they're looking for a bad time, places just like this are what made me the way I am today. See, I was born on the streets of East London. I'm not like most people who got into this industry. I never got to be on TV because I had a supermodel's face and looked like I belonged on some billboard, and I never got to fall down to the ground on some padding whenever I got knocked down, breaking in. I ain't gotta be as looking as Maddie or Blake Taylor. No. No. Growing up, I got to hang around in barber shops and bars because people knew that alcohol and hair ran in the family's bloodstream. True story; I once saw my father get cracked upside the skull with a damn bat. When he ran into the wrong people-"
Her voice cracks; clearly, this reminiscing of her times back in Lonon isn't the most heartwarming thing for Jack to be doing in an alleyway that looks like it belongs in London, nonetheless. Jack's eyes are half open, his anger once again rearing its ugly head when he's supposed to be relaxed. He takes a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. He prided himself on being a levelheaded spearhead of war. But that's not the Jack The Clipper he can be. Taylor and Maddie are going to find that out first-hand. Holding a hand over his mouth to try to calm herself, He would point directly at the camera as she spoke, only briefly.
" You either die in the gutter, or you fight and claw your way out. So that's what I did. But please believe me when I say I'm not bragging about how I deserve this, and I deserve that just because I survived the streets, the dirt and grim. There's no reason for me to try and let people know just how dangerous I am, or how much damage it takes to put me out. I couldn't even if I wanted to because nobody on the FWA roster can outfight me. Again. That is not bragging. It's a fact. It's a fact that I will back up again and again….So what makes you think you're different from the rest of them, Taylor? Maddie?"
Her razor-sharp eyes twitch in the direction of the camera. You could practically feel the heart bubbling from the fire burning in her eyes as you could just tell he was staring right at his opponents.
"Maddie Grey, You come out to the ring, playing dress up, in ya little karate gi. Do you think this is a game?! Listen to me, Maddy, loud and clear because I want something that isn't my fist to go through your head. This is not an anime. This is not a game. This is MY life. I don't play games. People like me have been through hell and back, not only in this business but in life. Why? After doing this since I was 15 years old. why? After all the janky promotors cheatin' me out of my money, why? After spending a decade getting slammed on broken glass and hit by chairs. Why do I keep doing this? I do it because it's not about the money or fame. It's about believing in pro wrestling. It's about my lifework. It's about keeping the respect and respect in this business. Don't you DARE make a game out of that, Maddy Grey? Do you think you can just skip on down to the ring after getting your ass kicked for months and disrespect me?! "So help me God, if you try any of that Judo shit. I will grab your arm, tear your arm out of your socket and BEAT you with it."
Jack pauses to make sure those words are empathized….Yeah, this bitch is scary... Jack's tone was somewhat chilling in a very matter-of-fact way. Like he was describing the weather, it was clear that he was not a fan of his opponents.
"But please don't misunderstand me…. That's just the side of you I DON'T like; I gotta admit, taking all those hits in the first year of your career and picking yourself back up? I see a lot of myself in that. We've both fighters; I've seen you the last few weeks; there's been a fire lit under you. I saw it when you stomped down to the ring and challenged me….You have PASSION. You have a point to prove. You're a fighter. Just like me….and with stakes like these. With a potential SHOT at the TV title hanging in the balance….A fight is what it's going to be. You're a girl on a mission. You're looking for redemption. To prove yourself...but at my expense……"
Jack frowns just a little and shakes his head at the mere thought of that before turning his face back to the camera, jabbing his hands towards the camera in rhythm with the words coming out of his mouth.
"I refuse to be a stepping stone for your quest for atonement. Not now. Not ever. Not when I have my own quest...My journey to glory…..And there's not a man walking the earth that can say that The Clipper never let an opportunity pass him by…..because who knows when I'll get this kind of shot again?"
Jack rubs his hands through his hair and takes a deep breath, not wanting to entertain the prospect of losing.
" Maddy, you may be a fighter….But you don't know the first thing about a real war 'cause you never got to fight a real warrior.But that changes this week because it's not just any warrior you get to go to battle with. I'm not just somebody they found on the streets; I'M JACK THE FUCKING CLIPPER. Winning the TV TILES means EVERYTHING to me. EVERYTHING-EVERYTHING-EVERYTHING! Because. No one is more passionate about wrestling than me! No one loves it more than me! And when the pressure is on when the stakes are high….I DON'T make mistakes."
Jack explodes with those last few words, no longer being able to contain this angry excitement he felt. His face slowly turned red with sheer passion, and his voice became nothing more than a Primal roar that would be enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. Eventually, he lapsed into silence, getting his breath back, his voice regaining its calm edge.
"But hey, I believe it or not, Maddie, I don't hate ya. I don't, hell I like you a lot more than that other wanker. Blake, what's his face..."
Jack trails off, and his brow furries just a little bit as he looks confusingly at the camera.
"Who the fuck is Blake Taylor? No, really, I want to know, who the hell are you? No one I've ever heard of, that's for damn certain, and it's not like I don't keep my ear to the ground; I know a lot of them bullshit wrestling schools, two-bit promotions and ass-hole trainers. I haven't heard any one of them ever say the name Blake Taylor. I never heard any tell of you cutting your teeth in some shitty bingo hall. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this triple threat match. That's your first match ever. But that CAN'T be the case because I know for a FACT no one in their right mind would try and cut their teeth at MY expense?"
Jack the Clipper can't help but laugh; he might not like Taylor Blake, but he is amused by his ego.
"You know, I should hate your kind Blake. I really should; some big dick from the world of boxing and MMA comes swaggering into the world of pro wrestling and expect to just dominate from jump street. That should really piss me off, but it doesn't...It makes me laugh. You ain't the first, and you ain't the last who thinks that just because they're fast with their fists and slapped around a few pinheads on Vegas. They can do what I can do better than I can. Here's the thing, though: In case you didn't notice, I ain't some brain-dead prick who paid six figures to dance around a ring once every nine months trying to avoid getting hit. I'm a goddamn pro wrestler. I don't come into your world looking for a payday. I don't fly down to Vegas, knock on Dana White's door, cap in hand, and say, "Golly Gee, Mr. White, can I be an MMA fighter? I promise to go on on all the shitty podcasts and listen to the host's stupid opinions like I give a shit about how much Joe Rogan hunts. I stay out of your world, but apparently, you ain't smart enough to stay out of my world. I get it; you're top of the world right now. Thinking you can just tap me with one of those lethal right hands, and I'll be down for the count, but let me tell ya something for nothing. You slap me, I'm going to slap you back...TWICE as hard, sunshine."
Jack growls those words out, a savage little smirk on his face as he squares his shoulders and grips his hands together.
" So I guess... It all comes down to whether Maddy wants her redemption more than I want my glory. Does Black Taylor need to feed her ego more than I need to prove myself? See, I feel like that's a misconception about me. People think I go out of my way to hurt people and cut hair. That I'm cold and heartless. No, I'm just willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I'm the one with my hand raised. In the heart of battle, I have no mercy….And Taylor and Maddie have to ask themself, are they willing to go as far as I am?"
Jack stands up in place and calmly walks forward and, without breaking eye contact with the camera, drags his foot horizontally in front of him….Before he leans forward toward the camera sharply and grabs it with two hands until his entire face fills the screen
"THERE'S THE LINE IN THE SAND YA MUGS! CROSS IT! STEP OVER IT! GIVE ME A BATTLE! MAKE YOURSELF FAMOUS! YOU WANNA CALL ME OUT? YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR NAME ON ME?! THEN DON'T JUST TALK ABOUT IT. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PUNCH ME IN THE EYE. MAE ME BLEED. BREAK MY NOSE. GIVE ME A WAR! BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T?! THEN I'LL DO THE SAME TO YOU. I WILL PUT YOU IN MY BARBER CHAIR, CUT YOU DOWN AND MAKE YOU HUMBLE TO THE CLIPPER."
…..And just like that, like someone had just flipped a switch in his brain, his face suddenly goes eerily calm, his eyes tranquil…..and his parting words barely rise above a whisper
"....And I WILL get MY shot at the television title."
Jack shoots a devilish look into the camera as his upper lip curls and his teeth become barred like an angry hound straining to get off her leash.
" Wrong place….Wrong time…."
With those final words, Jack puts his hand over the camera lens to end the video. Spine-tingling words to end it as well, Jack was looking to send a verbal message to his opponents before he delivered the physical one this week. Who will prevail and move on to the number one contender triple threat? |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:18:15 GMT
Originally posted by Jimmy. My Own Worst Enemy
Fallout 032: "BEACH BRAWL"
Hellshire Beach in Kingston, Jamaica
Saturday August 12th, 2023
Another episode of Fallout is in the books, and it's another win for the trio known as The Undisputed Xperienx. The trio had suffered a setback at Back in Business XVII when they came up short in the trios battle royal. That's in the rearview for them, and now they have their sights set on becoming the second-ever FWA Trios Champions.
It's a time for celebration after a triumphant win over a trio of Longhorn Championship Wrestling stars. Nate Savage, Xperienx Xtacee, Monica, Antonio, and Bubbles the Clown are having a good time in their locker room. Sure, it's just a win over some nobodies from another promotion, but after their setback at BIB, a win feels good for the group. It's good vibes all around.
One person is conspicuous by their absence from the pleasantries. One man that's usually the life of the party whenever he's around.
Jackson Fenix.
Jackson Fenix had excused himself from the party, and he had gone into the bathroom attached to the locker room. Everyone was having a good time except for Jackson. Jackson was doing his best to decompress, but he was a bundle of nerves and couldn't find a way to relax. Jackson had the biggest match of his FWA career coming up at the 18th Anniversary Show at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Jackson earned the right to be in the Golden Opportunity after coming in fifth at the Carnal Contendership. He had thoughts telling him he didn't deserve it, but he did his best to block those out. As if that wasn't enough pressure on him, now the stakes have been raised after the FWA World Champion, Chris Peacock's announcement that he'd be competing in the Golden Opportunity and defending his world championship.
Jackson is plagued with more thoughts about whether he deserves a world championship opportunity. He would tell himself he did deserve it, but the trouble in saying that is that he couldn't find a way to bring himself to believe that. No matter what he told himself as reassurance, he didn't think he had any right to be in this match. Everyone else in this match deserves to be there, but not Jackson Fenix. At least, that's what he thinks.
Jackson is in the bathroom attached to the locker room, standing at the sink, looking at himself in the mirror. He's wearing a sleeveless Undisputed Xperienx shirt while remaining clothed in his wrestling trunks and boots. His long hair is wet from all the sweat he had from his match just moments prior, and some of his hair is hanging in his face. His hands are firmly gripped on the sides of the sink. He brings one hand up and brushes his hair from his face.
Jackson Fenix: "You deserve this."
He uttered to himself in the mirror.
Jackson Fenix: "You deserve this."
He could tell himself this all he wanted to, but he didn't believe it.
Jackson Fenix: "You deserve this."
"You can do it."
"FWA World Champion, Jackson Fenix."
"That has a nice ring to it. Yeah, I like that. See? You deserve this."
Jackson looks down in the sink before splashing cold water on his face. He looks back at the mirror, but what he sees looking back at him is not what he expected.
"Did you miss me, Jackie boy?"
It was his past self. The Jackson Fenix of old. The man who did unthinkable things with no regret for his actions. This version of Jackson had his hair slicked back and tied up in a ponytail, and he wore a shit-eating grin on his face as he stared back at present-day Jackson Fenix. Present-day Jackson's expression was fraught with shock. As if he didn't have enough stuff on his mind troubling him, now he has to contend with this.
"What are you doing here?" Jackson queried. He stared at his past self stoically.
"Aww, come on now. Is that any way to greet an old friend?" Bad Fenix said with a smirk.
Jackson Fenix: "You're no friend of mine. You're not real. This is my mind playing tricks on me when I already have a lot on my plate."
Bad Fenix: "Oh, but I am real. I'm as real as they come. You can't escape me, and you can't forget about me. Especially after all we've been through."
Jackson Fenix: "That's not me anymore, I'm not that person. I'm not you anymore."
Bad Fenix: "Yeah, yeah. You're different now. You're trying to atone for your past mistakes, but haven't you grown bored with the goody-two-shoes act? It can't be THAT great. Don't act like we didn't have fun times."
Jackson Fenix: "No, that's not me anymore. I'm trying to tell you that's who I am anymore. I don't want to be that person. I don't like who I was when I was…you."
Past Jackson feigns a look of shock and sadness. He clutches at his heart with his hands and pretends to cry.
Jackson Fenix: "You can make fun of me all you want, but it's true. I'm a good person now."
Bad Fenix: "Oh yeah, what's that got you?"
Jackson Fenix: "I have a world championship opportunity now. I never had something like that when I was you. I never got close to something like that."
Bad Fenix: "Oh yeah, that thing. The thing you stabbed a man in the back for. A man that just wanted to be your friend, but you repaid him with a kick to the face."
Present Jackson needs to learn what his past self is talking about.
Bad Fenix: "You look confused; I forgot how dense you are. I'm talking about Jeremy Best. Do you remember him? The man that you kicked in the face and that drove him so far over the brink of insanity that he kidnapped a man he idolized."
Jackson Fenix: "That… wasn't my fault."
Present Jackson stuttered before he completed that sentence. This is another instance where he didn't honestly believe the words coming out of his mouth.
Bad Fenix: "Keep telling yourself that it may be true one day! Now you get a title shot while Jeremy is six feet deep while worms feast on his corpse. All is right in the world. It's all hunky dory, right?"
Jackson Fenix: "I didn't ask for this title shot. All I wanted was the golden opportunity where I would've earned the shot fair and square."
Bad Fenix: "Yeah, you didn't ask, but it was handed to you thanks to Alyster Black exterminating the weasel, which allowed Chris Peacock to throw his name in the hat, and now he's defending his title in the very same match that he earned the opportunity for that title a year prior. If I were you, I'd be thanking Alyster Black for ridding FWA of the weasel because now you have this big title shot, but I don't think he'll be clamoring to speak to you because the man you drove insane affected him, too. That man kidnapped Alyster's best friend, so he'd every right to knock your teeth down your throat for what you did."
Jackson Fenix: "That… wasn't…my…fault."
Bad Fenix: "Repeat it, louder this time. Let the world know it wasn't your fault; maybe they'll believe you too. I know you don't believe what you're saying, like I know you don't feel like you deserve this opportunity."
Present Jackson was slowly starting to shake with rage. His fists were balled up, and his face turned red with anger.
Jackson Fenix: "I…deserve…this."
Bad Fenix: "Do you, though? Honestly, do you believe that? Even if you did, you probably won't be able to get the job done and win the big one. Everyone knows that when Jackson Fenix has the deck stacked against him and has a world of pressure on him, he'll fail just like he always does. That's all you've ever been good at. That's all you'll ever be is a failure…"
Jackson had enough, and he lashes out and smashes the mirror with his fist. The mirror shatters into tiny pieces now scattered on the bathroom floor. Jackson has blood dripping from his knuckles and punches the mirror again.
Jackson Fenix: "I DESERVE THIS! I AM NOT A FAILURE! WHAT HAPPENED BACK THEN WASN'T MY FAULT!"
Jackson hangs his head, and his eyes start tearing up.
Jackson Fenix: “I…deserve this…I am not a failure…what happened to…”
Before he can finish, there's a knock on the door, but Jackson doesn't answer. The door opens, and Xperienx Xtacee pokes his head in.
Xperienx Xtacee: "Is everything okay here?"
He notices the broken mirror, shattered glass, and blood dripping from Jackson's hand to the floor. Jackson looks over his shoulder at Xtacee. Jackson's eyes tell the whole story and all Xtacee needs to know. Xtacee enters the room, shuts the door behind him, and approaches Jackson. He rubs Jackson's back, and Jackson looks at Xtacee again before Xtacee motions for him to come in close. Xtacee wraps his arms around Jackson, and Jackson starts to sob. Xtacee hugs Jackson and holds him close while Jackson's head rests on his shoulder.
Jackson Fenix: "I…deserve…this."
*****
A few days have passed since Fallout and since the "incident" with Jackson Fenix. Not many folks are privy about what happened with him that day except those closest to him. He didn't tell them but didn't have to say anything. They can tell that something is off with him because he's usually boisterous and full of life and energy, but lately, that hasn't been the case. Jackson has tried to hide it, but he's never been the best at that kind of thing.
His closest friend, the man he shares the ring with, is like a brother to him, Nate Savage, who has become especially concerned for his friend. Nate had traveled back home stateside for a week or two before flying out again to Barbados for the anniversary show. Nate invited Jackson out so he could speak with him. Nate set up the meeting at Jackson's favorite fast-food restaurant, McDonald's. Nate arrived before Jackson and ordered Jackson's favorite items: McNuggets with/ BBQ sauce, french fries, and a Hi-C orange drink. Nate also ordered his own food and sat down at a booth with the food, and a few minutes later, Jackson arrived. He was wearing his usual Britney Spears t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. His long hair is usually tied back, but Jackson is letting it flow today. He looks like he hasn't slept in days, but other than that, he seems okay.
Jackson silently sits at the booth across from Nate, glances down at the food, then looks up at Nate.
Nate Savage: "I hope you don't mind, but since I know what you like, I figured I'd surprise you with it."
Jackson Fenix: "Thanks."
Nate sees that Jackson's hand is still bandaged from his incident a few days prior. Jackson sips from his drink and dunks a nugget in the sauce.
"What's this all about?" Jackson says before he takes a bite of his nugget.
Nate Savage: "What do you mean?"
"This," Jackson motions around the table. Nate finishes off his burger and washes it down with some Diet Coke.
Nate Savage: "What? I can't treat my friend to a meal? Does there have to be something?"
Jackson doesn't respond and takes a bite of another nugget. Nate sighs, and he leans forward.
Nate Savage: "Jack, I'm worried about you."
Jackson looks confused at this statement.
Jackson Fenix: "Why are you worried about me?"
Nate points at Jackson's bandaged hand, and Jackson looks down at it and shrugs.
Jackson Fenix: “This? I told you it was from our match when that guy kicked my hand. I'm telling you, there was a lot of force behind that kick."
Nate finishes off his french fries and shakes his head. He takes another sip of his drink and leans back in his seat.
Nate Savage: "Jackson, you have never been a good liar, you know that, right? How long have I known you now? Ten years, maybe longer than that. I know by now when you're not being honest, and right now is one of those instances."
Jackson doesn't look at Nate but looks down at his food on the table. He knows what Nate is talking about but has yet to want to speak about it with anyone.
Nate Savage: "Jackson, I know what you did in that bathroom in our locker room that night. I saw the shattered mirror, and I saw the blood on the floor…"
Jackson Fenix: "Yeah, so?"
Nate Savage: "So, I'm worried about you."
Jackson Fenix: "Why?"
Nate Savage: "What are you talking about? I'm worried about you because you're my best friend. You've been my tag team partner for years in two different promotions. You and I have been through a lot together. We've had our ups and downs, and you've been there for me as I have for you, and I want to be there for you right now."
"Look, I know you're scared. You're nervous about this match. Yeah, the Golden Opportunity itself was one thing, but now the added caveat of the FWA World Championship is on the line in the Steel Roulette. I get that it's a daunting task, but Jackson, do you realize how big of an opportunity you have? You have a chance to become the FWA World Champion. This shot was handed to you by the champ himself."
Jackson holds his hand up and motions for Nate to stop.
Jackson Fenix: "You don't think I understand that?"
Nate Savage: "That's not what I'm saying, Jax. I'm trying to say that no matter how much pressure you're feeling right now, know that I believe in you. Xtacee, Monica, Antonio, Hazel, the fans, hell, even that clown believes in you. What I'm saying is that I want you to believe in yourself as much as we do. Grab this opportunity by the balls, and don't let go."
"I get that you're nervous, that's completely understandable, I get that. I've been in that spot when my nerves got the better of me, but you know what I did? I fought through that and did my damnedest to fight for what I had earned. I didn't win, but that didn't matter. I was pissed off about it, but I was still grateful for the opportunity I was granted. The opportunity that I earned. No matter what you believe, you deserve this, Jackson. Don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. Not even yourself. Anyone that says you don't deserve this is full of shit, and they're just jealous. Prove those people wrong."
Jackson had sat there and digested what Nate had said to him. He knew that Nate was right. He did deserve this, and he knows he can do this, but for some reason, he can't find a way to believe that, honestly, even when it's coming from Nate, his best friend. Jackson knows that Nate cares, and he's only doing what he thinks is best and looking out for Jackson.
Nate Savage: "Look, I'm sorry. I just wanted to bring you here today because I was concerned, that's all. I know you have a lot on your plate, but I hope you listened to what I said because I meant every word. You can do this, Jax, believe."
Jackson had finished his food and was sitting there in silence. He nods in acknowledgment toward his friend.
Jackson Fenix: "Thank you, Nate, thank you for everything. I get that you're just looking out for me. I appreciate everything you said to me, and I appreciate that you believe in me. I appreciate that everyone I've surrounded myself with believes in me. Now, if only I can find a way to believe in myself and believe that I truly deserve this. I think I can only do that by figuring it out on my own. Whatever that means, I don't know, but I have to do this myself."
Nate nods in silent acknowledgment, and the two of them sit in silence for a brief moment before Jackson breaks it up.
Jackson Fenix: "Hey, this will probably sound weird, but have you ever had…have you ever…has there ever been a time when…"
Jackson wants to express to Nate many things, including a particular dream he's been having as of late and him blaming himself for what happened to Jeremy.
Nate Savage: "What are you trying to say, Jax?"
Jackson Fenix: "Oh, uh, it's nothing. Forget it."
*****
The 18th Anniversary Show
Kingston Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados
Sunday September 3rd, 2023
Jackson Fenix is backstage with backstage correspondent Katie Baxter for an exclusive FWA.com interview just hours before the show commences. Katie is dressed to the nines in a beautiful dress to commemorate the evening's festivities, while Fenix is in his special gear for tonight's event with matching trunks, boots, and knee pads donning the Undisputed Alliance colors of blue and maroon, as well as the new Undisputed Xperienx t-shirt that can be found on ShopFWA.com.
Katie Baxter: "Jackson Fenix, you have a busy night ahead of you with not only a trios match, but you're also in tonight's main event in the Steel Roulette match where Chris Peacock will defend his FWA World Championship. You requested this time just by yourself because you'd like to address that match in particular, correct?"
Jackson Fenix: "That's right, Katie, and before I go any further, I know how important that trios match is for myself, Nate, and Xtacee, and I know that we will go out there and beat The Lumberjacks, but right now, my mind is on the Steel Roulette match. I know we learned not too long ago about Peacock putting his title on the line in this match, thus replacing weaselperson, and I know there have been weeks for me to prepare for this not only physically but mentally…as much as I've tried I can't seem to wrap my head around this and focus…"
"That's because you're weak!"
Jackson stops what he's saying and hears that voice but tries to ignore it.
Jackson Fenix: "Sorry, I lost track of what I was talking about…where was I? Right, the Steel Roulette…at first, it was a Golden Opportunity match, which was pressuring enough, but now the world title is on the line…I haven't been able to bring myself to focus…"
"That's because you know you don't deserve this, and you know that you have hope of winning!"
Jackson Fenix: "Shut up!"
Jackson's sudden outburst causes Katie to jump, and she looks petrified.
Jackson Fenix: "Not you, Katie, I'm so sorry…"
"You're sorry? What about you being sorry for what you did to Jeremy Best? He's worm food now, and it's ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Jackson does his best to fight back the urge to yell and to further prevent himself from looking like a crazy person.
Jackson Fenix: "Katie, I can't do this right now… I'm sorry…"
Jackson leaves the interview area and makes his way through the stadium halls. He finds an exit door, and he quickly leaves the stadium. He's outside for a breather and to collect himself.
"You think it's that easy to escape me? You can't escape me, Jackie!"
Jackson closes his eyes and holds his hands over his ears.
Jackson Fenix: "I'm not listening; I can't hear you!"
Jackson opens his eyes, and Bad Fenix stands in front of him.
Bad Fenix: "You can't run away from me because I am YOU, Jackson!"
Jackson furiously shakes his head, turns around, and heads toward the door to re-enter the building. Once inside, he sees that the place is empty. The halls were brimming with people just moments ago, but now they're all gone.
Jackson Fenix: "What's going on? Where is everyone?"
Bad Fenix: "No one can help you, Jackie."
Jackson runs to his shared locker room with Nate and Xtacee, but once he's there, he sees no one.
Bad Fenix: "Your friends can't help you, Jackie. You have no one left but yourself."
Jackson Fenix: "No, this can't be real! This has to be a dream!"
Bad Fenix: "Afraid not, haha!"
Jackson runs down the hall and sees the interview area from before is empty. He runs past that until he reaches the outer space of the stadium where the show will take place. The place is deserted except for a wrestling ring set up squarely in the stadium's center.
Jackson slowly approaches the ring and enters it through the ropes. He walks around it for a bit before pausing in the center.
Jackson Fenix: "What's going on? What does this mean?"
Bad Fenix: "It means that you must stop being a coward and trying to escape your problems!"
His evil past self is standing in front of him in the ring. Jackson takes a few steps back and shakes his head.
Jackson Fenix: "No, this can't be happening!"
Bad Fenix: "Oh, it's happening alright, and there's no escape!"
Jackson Fenix: "I can't do this! I have matches tonight! People are depending on me!"
Bad Fenix: "Do you mean your friends Nate and Xtacee? You'll just let them down like you always do. Do you remember what happened at Back in Business? You'll let them down again just like you did there."
Jackson Fenix: "No, that won't happen!"
Bad Fenix: "Speaking of stuff that won't happen, you winning the Steel Roulette match and walking out of Barbados with the FWA World Championship! What makes you think you have a hope in winning when you can't even face your problems like a grown-up instead of running away from them?"
Jackson Fenix: "That's what this is about. Me facing my problems and sorting them out."
Bad Fenix: "Oh, look who has finally caught up!"
Jackson Fenix: "I can't keep going on like this, thinking running away will help. All that does is make it worse."
Bad Fenix: "You're not as dense as I thought you were!"
Jackson approaches his past self and slaps him across the face. Bad Fenix holds his cheek and smiles.
Bad Fenix: "Oh, you've got some fight in you after all!"
Jackson Fenix: "That's right, and I'm going to end this right now by putting a stop to you. It's about time I face my problem head-on before I can focus on what is in front of me."
Jackson locks up with his past self, and right away, there's a standstill in their grapple. Neither one of them will budge.
Bad Fenix: "Are you sure you want to proceed with this? Do you think you have what it takes? Do you believe it?"
Before Jackson can answer, he's pushed back into a corner, and Bad Fenix releases himself from the grapple.
Bad Fenix: "Hesitation will get you nowhere!"
Bad Fenix starts to drill Jackson with rights and lefts. Then he lays into him with stomps and kicks.
Bad Fenix: "This is too easy!"
Bad Fenix takes Jackson by the hand, and he looks to send toward the opposite corner, but Jackson counters with an Irish whip and sends Bad Fenix into the corner. Jackson charges forward and nails a corner clothesline on Bad Fenix!
Jackson Fenix: "Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?"
Jackson remains where he's at and starts to drill Bad Fenix with repeated elbows to the head.
Jackson Fenix: "Being cocky can only get you so far! Sometimes, you have to step back and change things up!"
Jackson drags Bad Fenix away from the corner and looks for a suplex, but Bad Fenix blocks that.
Bad Fenix: "I think YOU talk too much!"
Bad Fenix lifts Jackson, but instead of a suplex, he sends him crashing down on his head with a brainbuster!
Bad Fenix: "You called me cocky! Huh, that's rich coming from you!"
Jackson holds his head and rolls to his side on the mat.
Jackson Fenix: "That's the thing though…"
Jackson brings himself back to his feet and stands toe-to-toe with himself.
Jackson Fenix: “I am you.”
Bad Fenix: "Oh, so you finally admit it, huh? Took you long enough!"
Bad Fenix drives a boot to Jackson's midsection and then plants him face-first with a DDT!
Bad Fenix: "I'm glad you're starting to come around and see things our way. How things should always be."
Bad Fenix drives home some vicious stomps to Jackson's back, which causes Jackson to roll over, and Bad Fenix stomps away on his chest.
Bad Fenix: "I really didn't think you had it in you to see the light and come back around. I knew you wouldn't be able to get the job done in the Steel Roulette because you know you don't deserve it. You also know that what happened to Jeremy is your fault. You're the reason he's gone now."
"You're the reason he kidnapped Krash and held him hostage. Do you think Alyster Black will let that slide and forget you had a hand in that? It's all over for you once he gets his hands on you inside that chamber!"
Jackson starts to rise, but Bad Fenix sends him crashing back down with a curb stomp to the mat.
Bad Fenix: "Do you think that Katsu has problems believing in herself? What about Death Walker? Reagan Cole? Do you think they deal with the same issues you have? The difference between you and them is that they're not cowards. They don't run away from their problems like you. They have what it takes!"
"Do you see Chris Peacock running away? No, because he's the world champ, and he's not some bitch like you! You've gone soft, Jackson! It's time you realize that. Being a good guy will get you nowhere. Chris Peacock knew that, and look at him now, he's the world champ. He has what it takes to succeed. He has that killer mentality, unlike you."
"You run away and hide behind this facade that you've changed. You think that will help you, but it won't. Your past will always be there. I will always be a part of you, Jackson, whether you like it or not…"
Bad Fenix kneels close to Jackson, who is trying to get up.
"I AM YOU!"
Bad Fenix backs away and sizes up Jackson for a superkick.
Bad Fenix: "Come on, it's time. It's time to put this good guy schtick to rest, and you return to where you belong."
Jackson Fenix: "No…"
Bad Fenix: "Excuse me, what did you say?"
Jackson Fenix: “No…I won’t do that…that’s not me anymore…”
Bad Fenix: "Here I thought you had finally embraced it, but here comes your stubbornness rearing its ugly head! Tell me, why do you do it? Why do you pretend to be someone that you're not, huh? Come on, spit it out!"
Jackson Fenix: "I didn't like who I was…I didn't like who I had become…I wanted to change for…my Mom…my Meemaw…for the fans…for Nate…for myself…”
Bad Fenix: "That's it? Did you want to change for them? What a crock of shit! Newsflash: Nate doesn't care what you do, and neither do the fans. Your Mom and Meemaw, hate to break it to you, but what they think doesn't matter."
"As for yourself, I don't know what to make of that. You can try to change all you want, but it won't make a difference."
Jackson has since risen, and he's staring down his past self.
Jackson Fenix: "Do it…kick me…"
Bad Fenix: "You don't have to ask me twice!"
Bad Fenix goes for a superkick, but Jackson catches him by the boot, and Bad Fenix looks surprised.
Jackson Fenix: "Remember, hesitation will get you nowhere."
Before Bad Fenix can retort, Jackson spins him around, and he drops Bad Fenix with a dragon suplex! Jackson quickly follows up with a bicycle knee to the face!
Jackson Fenix: "You know what I hate to break to you? Nate and the fans, they do care. I know for a fact that they care…"
Jackson says with a stomp.
Jackson Fenix: "What my Mom and my Meemaw think does matter. Don't you ever say a bad thing about them ever again!"
More stomps until Jackson feels like he's had enough. Jackson then backs away and sizes him up.
Jackson Fenix: "As for me…I will make a difference…"
SUPERKICK ME BABY ONE MORE TIME TO BAD FENIX!
Bad Fenix is about to drop, but Jackson lifts him…
Jackson Fenix: "I believe in myself…"
SIN CITY HANGOVER!
A crowd is heard counting the one, two, three. Jackson stands tall over his bad self. There's no one there, but Jackson hears the crowd roar.
*****
Jackson looks up in the mirror and sees his reflection this time. No one else is there this time. It's just him. He smiles at himself and leaves the bathroom.
He enters the locker room and finds his crew waiting by the door. Jackson can hear the crowd's roar as they wait in anticipation of the main event.
Jackson approaches Bubbles the Clown, and he gives his clown friend a big hug. Bubbles let go and started to wipe away nonexistent tears.
Jackson shares a hug with Monica and Antonio. Then he finds Xtacee and gives Xtacee a big hug, and Xtacee also plants a kiss on Jackson's forehead.
Then Jackson meets Nate at the end and the two look at each other. No words are said, and they hug. It's a long embrace and becomes a group hug with everyone surrounding Jackson. Everyone then breaks up, and Nate has his head pressed against Jackson's head.
Nate Savage: "You got this man. This is your moment. You deserve this."
Jackson hugs Nate one more time before heading out. The group watches him as he walks toward the entrance area and waits for his music to hit.
Jackson does deserve this. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:18:37 GMT
Originally posted by AON. I'M LUCY LUPONE, AND I AM THE LIZARD QUEEN!
Lucy burst back out of the wardrobe, crashing into the lumberjack locker room almost nose-to-floor. He had run frantically back through all the clothes, though the weird humming light, as far away from those two men as he could.
Her moose antler hat had fallen off, but she was in such a panic that she didn't even notice. She slammed the doors of her wardrobe shut, grabbed one of her feather boas, and tied the handles together to stop anyone from getting out if they came through to the locker room. She got another boat and wrapped that around, too. Another, another, until all the boys were wrapped around the door handles. But Lucy still didn't feel safe.
She rushed out of her locker room. She didn't want to be in there and be reminded of what she'd heard.
It was dark in the wood cabin. Lucy slammed the door of her bedroom and then sprinted to the giant shared bedroom of her twin brothers. She sprinted there. She had run faster than she had ever had before. She burst into her brother's room. "GUYS. GUYS. GUYS. GUYS. GUYS. GUYS." She threw herself into the middle of the room and started hitting her brother's shared homemade bunk bed.
The brothers Lumberjack had been dreaming. Dan was a world-famous jazz musician...who also lumberjacked on the side...Doug was a superhero...when he could find the time to do his lumberjack business. Really, it was more of a side gig from lumberjacking. Which he did frequently with his twin brother, the famous jazz musician. Yes, of course, they shared dreams; they were linked by their psychic powers. Their mother called it their shining, and it's a part of their reach and layered backstory between the two that they would have loved to bring up to make them seem more well-rounded and interesting...but they were too busy being Lumberjacks, in any case, their shared dreams were broken up by pillows being thrown in their faces.
"GUYS!"
"LUCY" in perfect union, the lumberjacks leapt up from under the covers and leapt down from their bunk bed,
"Lucy, what are you doing? It's-"
Doug checked the sundial they had in the corner; the sundial he carved himself for that was something a lumberjack would do, and he was, in fact, a lumberjack.
"Three-thirty in the morning! Three-thirty in the morning!"
"Yeah! Why didn't you wake us up a little earlier? We have lumberjack stuff to do!"
"Yes, General Lumberjack business, that we know a lot about because we are, in fact, lumberjacks, and we therefore know a lot about the job!"
"Thank you for clarifying that we are, in fact, Lumberjacks Doug,"
"You're welcome, Dan."
"They're trying to kill us!" Lucy cried, struggling up and clutching at the neckline of her brother's denim plaid pyjamas.
"Lucy, have you been dreaming?"
"No! It's real! Honest! I heard them!" Lucy's voice was rapidly increasing in pitch, in danger of getting so high only dogs could hear it. "They're trying to kill us."
"Who?"
"The Undisputed Xperienx! They're hiding in our wardrobe."
"The Undisputed-what?-"
"They're hiding in your wardrobe? What are you talking about? There's no one hiding in your wardrobe!"
"But there are! "Lucy wailed, and the brother's lumberjack could feel she was shaking, possibly even harder than before.
"What would The undisputed xperience be doing in your wardrobe?"
"I mean, for one thing, they wouldn't have the same appreciation we do for fine wooden cabinets!"
"They were in there, trying to lure me inside with their sexy, sexy ways. They kept saying they love hardwood."
"....."
"....."
"....I don't get it."
"Yeah, doesn't that go without saying?"
"What's not to love about good old-fashioned reinforced lumber."
"Yeah. doesn't everyone love hard wood?"
"I know I do."
"I think they were making a joke, or maybe some kind of pun."
"WHAT?!"
"THE HELL YOU SAY?!"
"They can mock us, make all the jokes they want about us, but to mock wood?! To not respect wood?! That's a line you don't cross."
"Should we get together and discuss why we're going to beat them and how we're better to them in a meaningful yet entertaining way?"
"Naa, screw that; let's go chop up the wardrobe with axes." |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:18:59 GMT
Originally posted by Cyrus. Night has fallen.
Wrought-iron fences surround a massive field of overgrown grass and rampant weeds. Large gates swing open by a massive gust of wind. Gas lanterns illuminate walkways through the brush and shattered cobblestone paths.
Amongst the weeds, we see stones.
Tombstones.
An endless field of granite, marble, and slate monuments to the fallen, many of them nondescript and faded with time and neglect. But not all of them, as our gaze starts to focus on a central hill that juts out amongst the field of graves.
Through the gates, we see two figures enter the graveyard. Dressed entirely in matching black coats, faces completely obscured by drawn-up hoods, these two men take the first steps through this monument, this sanctuary of the fallen and the forgotten, their boots echoing on the stone.
“Eighteen years have come and gone…”
“Eighteen years of conflict, struggle, triumphs, and failures…”
“A time of great champions, immortal legends…”
“...and the shattered spirits they’ve left behind them in their wake.”
As the two figures continue to walk down the pathway, approaching the hill in the middle of this cemetery…we hear it first.
Baleful screams.
Tormented moaning.
The haunting cacophony of the dead and forgotten.
And as the duo start to get closer and closer to the hill that almost towers over the rest of the graveyard, we start to see the faded names on those headstones start to be less and less worn out.
More importantly? We see that each of these headstones has not just one name…but two. All of them do.
The duo of black-cloaked intruders continue their slow, purposeful march towards the hill, as just beyond the gaslight? We see shadows stirring. The sound of broken, lost, and forgotten souls is now accompanied by movement in the dark, irritated and riled.
But…is it because of these invaders coming into this space, this place where they were left behind by time and the machinations of man?
Or perhaps it’s something else…
Regardless, the duo continue their march, undeterred and unfettered.
And as they do? As they get closer and closer to the mountain, the names on the tombstones become legible.
The Friendship Wrestling Alliance.
dayspring/nightfall.
The Nephews.
The Lumberjacks.
And at the tombstone with the names of Aka Yurei and Keiko Hirabayashi, the duo of haunting joshi known as Aka Manto, the two men in black stop briefly, paying no heed to the sounds of the damned around them.
“It’s a shame, really. To know that so many over the course of history had the talent, the desire, and the temperament needed to assert themselves as champions, as legends.”
“We’ve seen them come in droves, seeking the adulation of the crowds and the prestige that comes with chasing and achieving glory.”
“But…no glory is ever achieved without sacrifice. Not just personal sacrifice either.”
“Because those who chase glory? They must try and take it from those who seek it as well.”
“And history has shown one universal Truth.”
“Not everybody who chases glory does so in a way that honors the sacrifices made.”
Movement in the shadows. Shambling shades start to draw close. The sounds, the wailing and fury of the forgotten becomes a chorus of sound and rancor that surrounds our two interlopers.
But…the two intruders in black aren’t the target of their ire..
It’s the hill.
As the two men continue walking towards the hill, the names continue to get clearer and clearer. Name of duos from FWA’s past, legendary tandems that challenged for the championships, and many that did.
It starts with duos that reigned for a short period of time. But then, markers denoting the more reputable tandems and champions are passed by as the duo in black start to make their trek up the hill.
Aut Pax Aut Bellum.
Vodka and Venom.
Sunrise Sunset.
Golden Rock.
The Gang Stars.
The Grayson-Horrowitz Connection.
Countless other championship pairs have their monuments on the hill, as the restless, bitter souls of those teams that had their aspirations for championship glory continue to shamble up the hill.
But there is one that approaches the monument at the top. Ghastly, haunting specters resembling two young women, feverishly clawing at that tombstone that has been planted atop the others.
It’s all for naught, though.
No matter how much they claw, no matter how much they scream in anger? They cannot shatter the stone, mar the monument. As the duo finishes their climb, the two specters turn to face them, their once human faces twisted into a contorted amalgamation of monstrous fury and indignation.
“It’s almost pitiable, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t change the facts.”
“No, I suppose it doesn’t. They failed in the end. Not once, but twice.”
“They were humiliated, and when they had the chance to get their revenge? They failed then, too.”
“Because they underestimated the depths their targets would sink to in order to cling to the dying embers of their ill-deserved glory. Their willingness to have others preserve their claims to the top.”
“And in the end, they condemned themselves to join the rest of the fallen and forgotten. Just another soul to the call and another body in the ground.”
“A truly tragic end to such a bright, prospective tandem. But, nothing for it. They’ve had their chances."
“But those chances are now lost. Vengeance will no longer be theirs to taste. And now? It’s our turn to set things right.”
The two specters scream like banshees as they see this defiance, this dismissal from the living…this utter disinterest in their suffering. They lunge at the figures, presumably to condemn them to the same torment that they have endured.
The spirits of Aka Manto don’t get that chance.
With the ease one swats away a pesky fly, both figures in black swipe at them with a wave of their hands. They cut through the ethereal ghosts like a burning sword through butter. With no effort, no hesitation, the men in black cast these spirits back to the depths of their unrest, their forms scattered to the winds.
The other spirits that haunt this ground back away. The sound of distant thunder rumbles as rain starts to fall. The intruders in this space, the sole living figures in this graveyard of tag teams past and present, of the legends who achieved their glory and the poor, unfortunate souls they crushed on their path there, reach the peak of the hill as they stand on either side of the tombstone that stands above them all.
This marker is newer than the others, clearly freshly carved and placed. However, the light from the gas lanterns doesn’t reach this high, and we can’t quite read the names carved on this tombstone.
“Eighteen years of strife and conflict. Of camaderie and duplicity. Bonds of blood and iron, acts of treachery and arrogance.”
“It’s almost incredible just how many have made their names by the most deplorable of actions, truly. I’m almost impressed.”
“But there’s nothing to admire about the ones who now stand at the top of the mountain.”
“Indeed…a trio of figures committed to the constant, persistent stroking of their own egos at the expense of their dignity and the prestige of the titles they hold.”
“If you’re going to be arrogant, you’d best not be so comfortable with your victories being so tainted, nor revel in triumphs not earned with your own power.”
“If you’re going to be duplicitous? Then do it under your own power, instead of relying on feeble-minded sheep ready to throw themselves upon your altar as a willing sacrifice.”
“It’s been too long since FWA has had Tag Team Champions that understand the weight that comes from being the best of the best.”
“Truly, yes. Too long has the throne of kings been occupied by jesters, pretenders, and cowards. Shall we remedy that?”
“Nothing would make me happier.”
The thunder grows louder…louder…LOUDER as lightning starts to streak across the sky, giving us brief flashes of light that almost reveal the faces under the hoods, and the names etched on the tombstone that had been placed above the others.
“We will storm the battlefields, whether we’re welcomed as heroes or decried as invaders.”
“To the false kings who demand loyalty and eschew respect in turn? We’ll break your crowns and condemn you to execution.”
“To the charlatans who think their actions will have no consequences? We shall expose you for the frauds that you are and leave you with NOTHING.”
“And to the two men who have allowed their arrogance to fester and boil over into delusions of grandeur and divinity?”
“To the would-be gods who think their bonds are unbreakable, unassailable?”
“The Dark Roads Alliance will rise up, and become the God-Shattering Star…”
BOOM!
A deafening crack of thunder. A streak of lightning strikes at the headstone between the duo, splintering it into pieces.
But neither man is harmed.
The same cannot be said for the tombstone.
And as lightning continues to crackle and flash around them, striking at more and more headstones throughout the graveyard, it’s finally enough to see things clearly.
The manic, mirthful grin of the Mad Wizard.
The stoic, determined countenance of The Exile.
And what remains of the tombstone bearing the names of the reigning Tag Team Champions between them…
Cyrus Truth and Konchu Hao Presents…
The Dark Roads Alliance in…
“The Rising of the Shadows That Devour The Condemned” |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:19:18 GMT
Originally posted by Jimmy. Undisputed Xperienx
"Everything will be okay."
Xtacee says as he cradles Jackson Fenix close to his chest after Jackson's sudden outburst. The shards of glass from the broken mirror and blood from Jackson's knuckles remain on the floor. Xtacee releases Jackson, gently placing his hand underneath Jackson's chin and looking at him.
Xtacee: "You do deserve this, baby. You'll knock 'em dead in that chamber."
Xtacee takes Jackson's bloodied hand and holds it in his hand.
Xtacee: "We can't have this."
Jackson looks down at his bloodied hand.
Xtacee: "We need you at one hundred percent if we want to beat those Lumberjacks."
Jackson: "I'm…sorry."
Xtacee: "Don't apologize, baby, you're okay. I can take care of this for you."
Xtacee gently touches Jackson's cheek to reassure him it's okay. Xtacee wipes away a tear from Jackson's cheek.
Xtacee gets up and finds something to wrap up Fenix's hand with. Xtacee cleans up the wound and bandages it up nicely. Afterward, Xtacee embraces Jackson again. The two remain embraced in a hug for what seems like an eternity. Xtacee takes Jackson by the hand and leads him out of the room.
Jackson and Xtacee rejoin their friends, who seem to be sharing laughs, but they stop when Jackson and Xtacee return. Monica sees Jackson's hand and is about to say something, but Xtacee calmly motions for her to shush. Jackson sits next to Nate, who looks concerned for his friend but doesn't say anything. Bubbles is on the other side of Jackson and hugs him at his side. Xtacee sits with Monica and Antonio, and the friends go back to sharing stories and having a good time.
From an outsider's perspective, everything seemed okay within the group, but not everything is as it seems. It's okay; they'll get through this.
The Lumberjacks will Xperienx the Xtacee, which is Undisputed. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:20:29 GMT
Originally posted by Blizz. ————————
“Would you believe me if I told you there was a place where we stay, an infinite loop with no night or day. We act at the forefront of his mind, we have become the embodiment of evil and kind. We are stuck in the imagination of a lost soul, we exist only to keep him whole. Only scraping at the walls, only watching when he falls. We are the past, watch.. as we forever last.”
Suddenly, we see Al Blizzard, jolt out of a deep sleep. Next to him, his girlfriend wakes up and places her hand on his chest. “Are you ok hun?”
Al heavily breathes. “Yeah.. yeah I’m fine. I think.”
Sophie adjusts herself, she wraps her arms around him. “Another nightmare?”
“Yeah.. just, that voice again.” Al’s breathing slows down.
Sophie kisses him on the cheek. “It's just a voice, it's only in your mind.”
“I just can’t escape it, it’s always talking to me.” Al wipes sweat from his brow.
“I’m sure there’s someone who can help. Maybe go visit some sort of.. psychiatrist?” Sophie cuddles closely into her partner. Al leans his head into hers and they both close their eyes.
————————
[11 hours later]
———————— We see Al Blizzard walking toward a very modern house. White clad walls, large panes of glass and a large black door. He gets up to the door, takes a deep breath and knocks on the door.
The door opens to reveal a middle-aged man. Short dark grey hair, a moustache and a goatee. “Ah, my favourite Tea drinker!”
Al smiles at the individual. “My favourite weird uncle.”
The two embrace each other.
“What can I do for you, my old friend?” The man joyfully asks Al.
Al takes a deep breath. “Well Simon, I’ve been having these very real and very mentally destructive nightmares.”
Simon frowns at this information. “Well, come on in and I’ll see what I can do for you, Alex.”
Al enters the house and the door closes behind him.
“So tell me, what’s been happening in your life?” Simon asks as the two walk down a corridor
Al smiles slightly. “Yeah I’m okay, I went through a divorce. I got severely injured. Had a kid. Retired. Found out the injury wasn’t as bad as expected. Went through rehab. Returned to in-ring competition. Lost to my brother in the most brutal match I’ve ever competed in. And now.. now I roam with my brother and best friend on a path unknown to us. But I’m still, I still feel lost.”
“A rollercoaster shall we call it.” Simon smiles at Al as they approach a large door. Simon grabs the handle and pushes the door open to reveal a fairly empty room. Inside it is inhabited by two chairs and some bookshelves. “Please, take a seat.” Simon points to a long angled seat, the type you’d see in a dentist's practice. Al sits on the seat and in front of him, Simon sits on the other.
“Al I want you to take this.” Simon hands Al some pills. “These pills will slow your heart rate and calm your mind, allowing you to open your mind up so that I can see everything.”
Al takes the pills off Simon and throws them down his throat, swallowing them. “How long will they take to kick in?”
Simon grabs a book from the bookshelf and turns to Al. “It depends on the person, 5.. 10 minutes?”
Al nods as he lays his head back onto the chair. Simon sits on his respective chair. “Now Alex, I just need you to close your eyes.”
Al closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I’m ready..”
“Alright. Imagine you’re in the place you hate the most.” Simon flicks across a page in his book.
“I’m in.. that house, the playground.” Al twitches slightly.
“Good, we have to find the root of these nightmares. Tell me who is in this ‘playground’?”
“Myself and Robert.”
“So who is the root? Yourself or your lifelong buddy?” Simon flicks across another page in his book.
“Robert's fading out, just leaving me. Me, it’s me. It’s always been me.” Al twitched some more.
“Good. So you are the root.” Simon flicks across another page.
“It’s always been me... I’ve been the problem. Controlled by my own mind, it’s always been me.” Al says in a distressed tone of voice.
“Al, you may open your eyes.” Simon slams the book shut.
Al opens his eyes, but Simon is nowhere to be seen.
“Hello? Simon?!” Al yells out. He tries to get up but can’t, he is somehow tied to the chair.
“Simon can’t pick up the phone right now, he’s busy.” We hear an unknown voice, similar to Al’s but seemingly more sinister.
“It’s you... You’re the voice I’ve been hearing!?” Al attempts to free himself but can’t.
In front of Al we see someone phase into existence. First, we see black work boots and a long brown trench coat. Then as we get to the head we finally see a masked man. "I guess I have been..."
“You?! How the fu-“
“Ah ah ah, watch your language. We don’t want Father hearing it, he’ll punish us.” The masked man says.
“But, the mask. I.. I ripped it. I despelled you for good. How did you-“
“Oh, you poor naive little boy. He hides it from you, the real me. The real... Blackjack.” Blackjack smirks at Al as he gets really close to him.
“What do you mean he hides it?!” Al says angrily.
“Why should I tell you that? Defeats the whole point of what I’m trying to do.” Blackjack disappears after saying this. “I’m trying to get you to find the truth, our truth. You need to understand it.”
“Understand what? What do I need to understand?!” Al shouts angrily.
“Your purpose Al. You need to understand your purpose.” Blackjack says in a sinister way.
“What do you mean purpose?” Al tries to sit up but is still held down to the chair.
“Your purpose is to embrace me. Become Him. They didn’t tell you, did they? Put on the mask… become him. The him is me. I am Blackjack, the psycho king. The true heir to the Quinn throne. Blackjack is not you, blackjack is anyone. I am the mask, and the mask is me.”
“I can’t do it. I cannot do that. For my safety, for my family's safety. Hell, for the other competitor's safety. I’ll kill them if I become you.” Blizzard cautiously says whilst still struggling.
“Listen to me, win the opportunity to fight for the TV Championship. With the victory, you can finally break me free.” Blackjack reappears and smirks as he kneels next to Al.
“Why would winning a title grant you power?” Al stops struggling and looks at Blackjack.
“It doesn’t. But it gives us reason to go at it alone. No Jason, no Robert. Just us. Just me and you Alex. We have never needed anyone else. We never ran away from anyone when it was just us. We fought the world. But whenever you had anyone by your side, you became soft.” Blackjack stands back up and turns away from Al.
“I... I don’t know what you mean. Maybe you are right. Maybe I did go soft. And I am soft, you think I want to run around being Jason’s lapdog?” Al frowns at Blackjack.
“You don’t even know what he is doing to you. The mask you ripped up, wasn’t the real one. The real one is hidden, away from everyone. Why do you think Robert turned on you so easily?” Blackjack crossed his arms as he walks toward the other side of the room, toward a window.
Al stutters for a moment, thinking. “How… why would he do that?”
“Because he wants this power. He always has.” Blackjack puts one hand up against the window. “They’ve arrived.” Blackjack clicks his fingers.
Al is suddenly released and sits up. He stands out of the chair and walks toward Blackjack. “Who’s arrived?” Al pushes past Blackjack slightly.
“You have.” Blackjack says as we peer out the window to see the old incarnations of Al Blizzard.
“Where the fuck are we?” Al asks as he turns toward his masked memory.
“You’ve gotten so naive with age. We’re in your mind. This is the prison as I like to call it. Why do you think we reside here? Because you’re still stuck with the past. Burning that place down made it worse, it was a strong attempt but.. something more dire is needed.” Blackjack says whilst not looking at Blizzard
Al turns, with a slightly quizzed look on his face. “What do you mean, something more dire? What do you think I’m going to do? Sacrifice myself? Sacrifice someone else? You’d be mistaken.”
“No, don’t be outrageous. You just need to let go.”
“Well, that’s easier said than done, like c’mo-'” As Al turns around, we see that Blackjack is no longer present. “Hello? Blackjack?” Al looks around the room with no Blackjack in sight.
“Alex Quinn, the bearer of the Quinn Legacy. A mantle bestowed upon you with no choice in the matter. We do feel awfully sorry for you.”
“Who the fuck are you?” Al looks around the room but once again no one is around.
“We overlook everything you do. We’re the watchers. We’re the observers. We are You. To put it simply, we’re the fragments of your past Al. Piece together the puzzle, and you may free us.”
A bright white light flashes and before long we see Al waking up in the chair.
We see Simon approaching Al in the chair. “Hey, you’re finally awake!”
Al rubs his eyes. “What happened, how long was I out?”
Simon takes off his glasses. “Well Alex, you were out for a good two days..”
Al looks at Simon, incredibly confused. “Two fucking days?! What kind of pills did you give me?!”
Simon turns to him and chuckles. “Well, the same pills I give all of my clients. But you... You’re harrowed. You’re dark. You’re very different from everyone else. Whatever is in your head, maybe listening will be smart. He is the only one who can help you now, I’ve reached my ceiling.”
Al stands up and looks at Simon kind of angrily. “So you’re just saying I should listen to my nightmares?”
Simon smirks. “In basic terms yes. But listening may be a good thing in your case. You need help… and it sounds like he is offering.”
“I... I’ve got to go.” Al says as he picks up his jacket and storms toward the door.
Before Al can leave Simon halts him. “Before you leave, just remember. Trust yourself.”
Simon allows Al to leave and Al storms out of the door, leaving Simon to pick up a book and go back to reading.————————
[3 days later]
———————— We see Al, Jason and Robert all in a room with a large table.
“Right Al, I’ve prepared something for you. It’ll be crucial for you to take notes okay?” Jason says gleefully as he holds a remote control and looks toward a monitor. He clicks a button on the controller and the screen turns on.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! This is your oh-so-important KNOW YOUR OPPONENT podcast. Hosted by yours truly, Jason Quinn! On today's episode, we have a double header! First off, the awfully ominous and, well, quite dull... EL VENGADOR! So this guy is just.. well I don’t know he’s kinda-“ Jason on the monitor pauses for a second and looks to the right as if he is being spoken to.
He looks back at the camera. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce the second person. Uhh… It’s Kleio De Santos, everyone! Uh yeah, that’s it.” Jason looks to the right again. “Well I’m sorry but do I look like fucking Nardwuar? I don't know everything about these fools!”
Jason looks back toward the camera. “Ok sorry about that. But uhh… yeah I don’t know FUCK ALL about this Kleio person. I don’t know if I’m just not looking in the right places or if they’re some sort of enigma. Spooky..”
The screen flickers for a second, seemingly skipping some of the video but whilst it flickers, we see Blackjack front and centre.
“Piece of shit thing..” Jason exclaims as he hits the controller on the table.
“Did you two see that?” Al says as he stands to attention.
“See what?” Jason asks as he turns around, a little concerned for his brother.
“N... nothing. Don’t worry.” Al shakes his head as he sits back down.
“So listen to this, someone told me that Mr Vengador is hunting for someone that killed a family member or something. My source has no clue who did it, or if he ever found them. But ya know, if Vengador would hunt himself some bitches then we wouldn’t have to deal with his edginess. Am I right or am I right?” The monitor Jason awkwardly pauses before continuing.
“Enough about this edgy skull dude who is a worse hunter than Locke.” Jason winks. “Listen, this is my advice to you Al. You’re the underdog. You go out there. You bide your time. This is YOUR time to prove what you are. Time to put a strap around that waist. We’ll all be cheering you on. Remember, the favourites aren’t necessarily our favourites. We love a good underdog story.” The monitor then shuts off.
“Soo… what do you think?” Jason turns to Al looking hopeful.
“I think it was the perfect thing, brother. Thank you. Time to prove what I’ve been trying to do for years.” Al stands up and hugs his brother.———————— |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:21:21 GMT
Originally posted by TDH. A cameraman in the Kensington Oval, in Bridgetown Barbados, shows Blake Taylor sitting at table ready to make a huge announcement regarding his career, reporters from all over including FWA are there to ask the newest acquisition questions. Before questions commence Blake Taylor Begins to speak.
Blake Taylor-The Prodigal Son
“ Tonight I come before you, to make a announcement regarding my MMA and Boxing career, and say after winning 2 titles in each sport, I am retiring from boxing and MMA, FWA wrestling gave me the biggest contract Ive ever seen and I took it and ran with it. I have broken so many souls in those rings, and now its time I become the top dog in another avenue of sports and that’s pro wrestling, as I seek to become the first man, ever to win a title in Boxing, MMA, and Pro Wrestling, its never been done before and wont ever be done again after I get my hands on the Vacant Television Title. In FWA. I try to always tell you people nobody, can fight like me, talk like me or even back it up like me. Im ready for questions, you filthy neanderthals. I just wanted it to be know that, the greatest attraction boxing and MMA has ever seen is done and is onto greener pastures.
A News Reporter Stands up to ask Blake Taylor a question.
Shake Meltzer : PWoutsider
“ Blake you’re a champion where ever you have been, what makes you think that you can beat 2 great adversaries like Madison Gray and Jack the Clipper?
Blake Taylor-The Prodigal Son
“I grew up fighting as a young boy I had to fight to get what ever I wanted as I grew up from poverty and never had anything growing up, I know what its like to have nothing, so the fact that I come in this match hungry tells you all you need to know, Ive never lost a championship fight, this makes it know different at the anniversary show Ill win the triple threat and do what ive done all my life and that’s fight, Jack and Madison cant beat someone like me they have never faced someone like me, Im more hungry then Ive ever been In my life, they cant talk like me, they don’t walk like me and they most certainly cant fight like me. At the anniversary show they just become 2 more wankers in the foot prints of professional wrestling that Ill once again prove isn’t enough for the Prodgical Son Blake Taylor.”
Blake Taylor sets the mic down as he prepares for another question from these inbread reporters.
A reporter stands up as he begins to ask a question he is cut off, by Blake Taylor
Blake Taylor: The Prodigcal Son
“All you people will bend the knee at the greatest athlete to ever grace this company. Before I got here, Madison and Jack was wrestling in small town gymnasiums trying to make a name for themselves meanwhile, I was in MMA selling out arenas, and beating Legendary fighter after Legendary fighter, when, I was in boxing it was the same thing, Ive touched gold where ever I went this isn’t the story that these 2 wanted, and because of me, they are now Co Main Eventing one of the biggest shows this company has, Your Welcome Jack and Madison its just to bad your parade will be short lived after I the most decorated combat athlete ever wins the Triple Threat match and goes on to become the Television champion of the world, and theres not a damn thing anyone in that god damn locker room can do about it. Now the soon to be champ will take more questions”
A reporter stands up and prepares to ask a question
Ty Johnson: Nuances of Wrestling
“I just want to ask what kind of training have you been doing for this upcoming triple threat match as Im sure the action is a lot different from pro boxing and MMA? “
Blake Taylor: The Prodigcal Son
“The training I have done hasn’t changed, I still train as I always do, I normally train for 12 round, or 5 round master classes, and those go up to a hour long or so at times, So my training is better then anything these 2 have seen or done, can I also point out how much of a chicken shit, Jack the Clipper is the moment he seen me he ran, like the coward he is, but come this Sunday Jack you cant run, and win I get my hands on you it might be the last time your ever allowed to wrestle in a ring again, and Madison Im going to show you exactly what happen when you put your hands on me. You got away with it before you wont get away with it again Ill promise you that. My debut was incredible and it should tell you, how much faith this company has in me, a man of my stature was given a opportunity to be world TV champion in their first match, Madison and Jack are getting their biggest pay day ever because of me, and that’s a co main event spot in one of the biggest shows, they both need to be kissing my ass right now and just giving me that title shot because of this opportunity.”
Blake sets the mic, down and quickly picks it up again,
Blake Taylor: The Prodigal Son
“Is there anymore questions, from any of you filthy wankers? Or are we finished because I am a very busy man, I got woman to do, money to make and film to watch. Its like I said Ive spent my whole life fighting I grew up in a broken home, and the only way that I was going to get by was fighting when I had nothing else. So I fear no man, nor woman walking this earth, as my whole life Ive been doing this, its called humble beginnings and learning to have survival instincts to make it in life something none of you people have or Jack or Madison have. They don’t have that do or die attitude willing to do wha”t ever it takes at all cost. And after I win the triple threat match you will see exactly what Im made of when I go on to become television champion of the world.”
Blake quickly slams the mic down in frustration as he relives his rough up brining of having to fight to get what ever he needed in life.
Another report slowly stand up nervously to ask a question as they can tell, that Blake is clearly frustrated, they hesitantly ask their question.
Katie Baxter: FWA Backstage Commentator
“Blake how did all this come about, how did it come about you being signed by FWA and being booked in the Co-Main event to potentially determine who will become the new TV champ? Care to elaborate more with us on the process of all this?”
Blake Taylor: The Prodigal Son
“How do you think it happened Katie? The needed me to come and sell out some shows and to line his pockets with money, so of course he reached out to sign me, John Russnow knows my value he has seen my highlight tapes he reached out because he knew my MMA contract was coming to a halt and he offered me a deal I couldn’t turn down even if I didn’t want to be here. What led to me coming here? The fact that I was bord I was tired of dominating both boxing and MMA, and Movies couldn’t afford me or the roles they would offer was garbage Hi production companys who I turned down to be here. What lead up to me co-main eventing the show? Well John said he needed someone who can sell tickets because, obviously the shmucks in the main event and Jack and Madison couldn’t do it with out me, they needed that money maker on the card with them, now this is the biggest show the company has had because I was able to actually add something to it, other then the same talk in dance, the best talker, and most charismatic superstar on this entire card, if these other losers did their jobs right, I wouldn’t of had to be here, to sell this show out, but because Im already a house hold name it sold out the moment I was announced for the Card, Your Welcome FWA, my check better be in the mail.
Blake chuckles into the microphone with a huge cocky grin on his face as he sets the mic down and gets-ready to ansewer another question from a reporter.
Another Reporter stands up
Jim Kratz: With the Wrestling Journal
“Blake what do you think of your 2 opponents? Madison and Jack The Clipper are both very successful in the werestling world while you are having your first wrestling match tonight, does that make you nervous at all?”
Blake Taylor: The Prodigal Son
"Jack and Madison are just that opponents Im going to do what I've always done win and control the pace of the match, I don’t care that this is my first time in a wrestling ring, because I know nobody can do what I can do in this company that’s finish matches, when I put my hands on Madison and Jack it might be the last time they ever compete again in a ring. Im tired of being humble its time for me to start kicking ass and taking names, Jack and Madison and the rest of the FWA roster remember this when your scared at night, remember the thing that’s going to haunt you the most is going to be that you couldn’t achieve the greatness you seek but was only able to nibble at mediocrity. Im done with these questions I have a match to prepare for"
Blake sets the mic down and as he stands up, he lifts him arms up, and tells the world that hes going to fulfill his prophecy
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:21:44 GMT
Originally posted by Blaine. "You lost. We all lose, sometimes."
This time, we catch up to Sawyer, sitting on a couch of a hotel room alongside the coast of the beach. His hands were shaking slightly, as he viciously clicked a pen he had on his person. Oliver Kemp, the FWA Official who (for some unknown reason) took a gamble on him, was sitting at a desk, watching Sawyer's movements. He had tried to get the FWA Ministar to cheer up over these past few weeks. Sawyer, never seemed to be phased by these attempts.
His mind was deadset on the prospect that he lost. When he went to the gym, he exercised with the mindset that he failed and there's nothing he can do to even make that loss up. Kemp's short brushed attempts to bring up his moral were met with disgust and a vile look from the underdog who could never play his cards right.
"I mean, so what? You lost, big fucking deal. You got your nuts kicked in, we all get our nuts kicked in at time."
"Not funny Kemp. You can't be talking anyways, it's not like your career relies on my success."
Sawyer had chucked the pen at the face of Kemp, letting some ink dampen around his nose and cheekbones. Sawyer stood up, walking over to the window, viewing the beautiful ocean in his sights. It was a moment he wished he could cherish. Yet, enjoyment is for winners. If you can't win, who says you deserve happiness? If you don't win, why should anyone let you enjoy the luxuries of life.
"Besides, Kemp, you put your bet on a guy who's not even liked by a single piece of shit in that audience. You know how TAXING it is to go out and just hear radio silence? That fucks your head up, knowing that no matter what you do, it'll never be enough."
At this point, Sawyer had gotten up close in Kemp's face, a scowl dressed on his face. Kemp backed up slightly, not wanting to be on the recieving end of a potential assault from his crackbag of emotions he decided to take in. After a few seconds of tense silence, Sawyer backed away from Kemp, sitting down on the side of the bed.
"I'm stuck fighting this wannabe surgeon. Do you think this is the 90s anymore, Kemp? The days of evil cashiers and evil surgeons are over. That's the level of SHIT I'm stuck with? I'm having to put my body on the line to fight this kid who wasted thousands of dollars just to steal MY MOMENT? Hell fucking no I'm not."
Sawyer walks over to Kemp, grabbing him by his short stub of beard-hair, forcing him to look directly in Sawyer's eyes, full of hatred and disdain.
"Kemp, I want you to look at me. I want you to tell all your little buddies in the back, Smythe is my chewtoy. I will BREAK him down and make him regret at least THINKING he can stand in my path. I don't care about the lines anymore. If nobody wants to appreciate me, I won't let them appreciate me. I'll rip anyone I can to shreds, because I'm DONE being an underdog. Kemp, welcome to the new era of Malice. Take a good look at me, because if you're gonna bet on me, you better get ready to watch me rip open anyone who even THINKS of taking my spot."
Kemp would nod, shakingly, as Sawyer pushes him back down into the chair at the desk. Sawyer gives him a smile, but it was irregular. It was, dirty, it was the one of a man who's lost everything. Why should he care about what he does anymore. There's no more consequences. If there's nobody to lose, why worry about the brutality of his actions? He's not anyone's friend or ally anymore. He's only got himself, and that's ok. Himself is the only man alive that can contain the true malice boiling to the surface. And when he finally shatters that glass, he'll make sure everyone rues the day that the former Sawyer Xavier died. |
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:22:17 GMT
Originally posted by TGO. It is space. Space it is. The blackness surrounding the sparkling silver of stars is quite the scene. And amid all of this gloriousness, chugging along is the Magic School Bus, with its very light yellow color and chipped paint and black exhaust smoke obnoxiously pumping out of the back in loud moments.
“Ya’ know … the wild thing about the Magic School Bus is … ‘ole XYZ’s escapades with Big Al and then The Menage was not the first time the Magic School Bus was in space!”
Like a children’s movie, the scene shifts to a wide shot of Earth. Yes, planet earth, in all its green and blue beauty. And as earth moves closer and closer – the green and blue giving way to white clouds – the zoom-in feature eventually focuses on a man with a cowboy hat and a handlebar mustache standing on his ranch with a telescope pointed to the sky – presumably up at the bus scurrying along in the deep oasis of space.
“Do y’all remember when Miss Frizzle and her class traveled through space – from the sun all the way to damn Pluto? All because the local planetarium was closed? That was some wild stuff, I’m tellin’ ya’. Or when they traveled into space to destroy a meteor that was headed for their school building? Those damn kids saved their town!
Anyways, seems to this ‘ole cowboy like space is like a second home to the Magic School Bus. And hell, those were just the televised trips for the magical automobile. Who knows what other side quests Miss Frizzle took the bus along when the cameras weren’t rolling, eh?”
This slender-build man has a toothpick in his mouth – doesn’t he know that’s slightly dangerous?! – and chews away in between his monologues.
“Side quests is the name of the game in this ‘ole tale. XYZ and his Menage are off on a side quest on the eves of the Anniversary Show – on the eves of his X Championship match against Tommy Bedlam! What kinda’ mess has he gotten him and his friends into this time? Well, ‘ole X usually has an ace up his sleeve – or at least a jack to fill out a straight – so let’s see what he’s up to this time, eh?”
The cowboy looks back into his hyper-powerful telescope, which is capable of seeing well into space enough to follow the Magic School Bus from down on earth, and we zoom back up through and out of earth’s atmosphere into the black mass that is the world beyond our sight.
[/HR]
But rather than zooming all the way inside of the bus, the darkness of space seems to have overrun everything. We see nothing. There is nothing. Only the sound of what we can assume from our memory banks is the Magic School Bus wheezing through a gravity-less existence.
But this white noise is intercepted with a low-tone conversation amid the night.
“Hey. Pssst. Christian.”
“Yeah?”
“You awake?”
“I don’t think I’ve slept properly since I joined The Menage.”
“No, I mean … are you awake?”
“Yes, X. I’m awake.”
The recognizable voice of XYZ and the less-recognizable voice of Christian Howard creep through the pitch blackness of the Magic School Bus with all lights turned out and shades covering the windows.
“I hope we don’t wake anyone.”
“We’re in the front two rows. Frank, Wild Jerry, and PacMan Bert are like 10 rows back. And you know Sierra and Lizzy stay in the very back.”
“Ah. The psychology of bus seating. This means we aren’t cool, huh?”
A pause as Christian Howard sighs, unsure of if he will ever get to return to a good night’s sleep.
“It feels like … I’ve done this before. Like … deja vu?” XYZ says, with an unsuredness at the end.
“What?” Christian asks, always a perfect confidant for these one-on-one conversations because he’s discreet enough but also aloof enough about specifics to ask the best and easiest-to-answer questions.
“Breaking a meteor the size of Alaska from hitting Mars and potentially disrupting the entire complex ecosystem and gravitational pull of the Milky Way galaxy?”
Apparently, this is the side quest our narrator was talking about: breaking apart a meteor before it hits Mars.
“No, not this … but … the other stuff.”
“Oh, you mean when we traveled to Pluto last week to see if there really were dwarfs living there since it’s called a ‘dwarf planet.’”
“No, no. Not that. I’ve never done that before. No … I mean …”
A pause.
“The X," he whispers
“The X?”
“Yes. The X. You know …” he whispers again.
“Oooooooooooh … the X Championship.”
“YES!”
XYZ realizes he shouted that part and then looks around sheepishly to make sure he did not wake anyone up. He probably did, but no one says anything.
“The X," whispers.
“Why are you whispering?”
“Because … the X must be talked about … with reverence. There’s something … magical about it.”
“About the FWA X Championship?”
“The XYZ Championship! Say it with reverence, too, or you’ll be tossed into the meteor shower!”
“Okay, okay! I … I didn’t know," Christian whispers.
“You’re right. I overreacted. The whispering is also weird. We can talk in a normal voice.”
A pause.
“I … it’s all this gnawing feeling that I’ve been here before.”
“The deja vu you mentioned is about the X … sorry … the XYZ Championship. Okay then. You’ve never won it before.”
“I know. I know that. I had two chances and … lost them both … to Alyster Black."
“Maybe that’s the deja vu.”
“No, no. It isn’t that. There are other names popping into my head when I have this … feeling … that I’ve been here before.”
“What names?”
“I don’t know! That’s the thing. I can only sense like … the possibility of letters. Or syllables. A ‘Moi’? Then a ‘Daem’ maybe?
I don’t know. Those don’t mean anything to me.”
“They might mean something to someone, though.”
“Everything means something to someone, Christian.”
“I know. I know. But … they might mean something to someone … connected to you.”
“Connected to me?”
“You know what I’m talking about. What everyone talks about.”
“Oh, yes. Him. Well … maybe, but I don’t have the full career history of the one of rotting gold in front of me.”
XYZ thinks about the idea of just holding the X Championship, which would be his first in the FWA. He has only ever been a FWA Tag Team Champion – with Lord Dog, many years ago – and has always been close-but-no-cigar to winning an individual, singles championship.
He has been long-seeking such affirmation of his heroism, his mission, and his quest in this world. He has felt it is only a matter of time, yet at times he has also felt it is such a difficult accomplishment that maybe he’d never quite get there.
Maybe … if he just can hold it once, he will have that abstract breakthrough that he seeks.
“Maybe once I hold it … I’ll have a clearer picture.”
“Well, you haven’t won it yet. Let’s hold off on assuming you will!”
“You’re right. You’re so right, Christian of the Howard Clan!”
XYZ’s exclamation for “Christian of the Howard Clan” gets a nameless “shhhhh” from the back of the bus. XYZ mumbles a whispered “thank you” before rolling back over to try and sleep.
[/HR]
The next day, a few minutes after XYZ and The Menage successfully destroy the meteor, they are leaving the general atmosphere of Mars when a ship speeds by the Magic School Bus at 0.24 lightyears per hour faster, which is obviously breaking many space travel violations.
Everyone in the group is alerted to the whizzing-by spacecraft, but only XYZ knows exactly what is happening. He can tell from the skull and dagger bumper sticker, along with the yellow Pittsburgh Pirates flag flying high above.
“Space pirates,” XYZ says in a menacing whisper.
“Why did you say it like that?” Frank asks.
“Like what?”
“You whispered it.”
“I am whispering a lot these days.”
XYZ ponders the situation for a few more seconds.
“It seems those space pirates are heading towards earth, which is never a good thing.”
“Seems like it ain’t none of our damn business,” Wild Jerry interjects. “We got matches to prep for. Let’s head to earth, grab some KFC, and …”
“No KFC. Only Popeyes. And while I'm not inclined to agree with your stances because of what happened on Fallout with you getting me punched in the jaw, I agree. We should head to earth, Wild Jerry.”
XYZ’s response gets a hopeful, glowing grin from Wild Jerry, but it’s for naught.
“And since earth … is the same direction as those damn space pirates, we can just … see what they’re up to.”
"Damn, man. This gringo got us runnin' 'round the damn galaxy and he all uptight 'cause I got someone a little mad at him."
XYZ looks around to the group, who are unnerved by the new side quest, but XYZ seems to have a boost of energy.
[/HR]
Minutes pass into hours, and suddenly it’s the afternoon and the group hasn’t had lunch. So they stop at a Space Subway for subs. That delays them, but it also leads to a nugget of information.
As Frank returns from the Space Subway with a bag full of 6-inch and footlong subs, he quickly goes to XYZ positioned in the driver’s seat.
“X … I heard something.”
“What’d you hear, my loyal-and-kind-yet-otherwise-undeveloped friend who happens to also be black?”
“Well, I was inside, and there were some worfos talking.”
“Worfos. All the way from Jupiter to here? That’s peculiar."
"What are worfos?" asks Christian.
"Little sealion creatures. Nothing more to it than that."
“Yep. And they said they heard that the space cowboys we are tracking … are going to some zone to steal a tentacle. The worfos said they were thinking about joining in but then they got hungry.”
“Wait. Which tentacle?”
“You know enough about this tentacle to know there are multiple?” Christian asks.
“Of course. The tentacles of the Cosmic Discord Wrestling. Which tentacle, Frank?”
“The Tentacle of Knowledge.”
XYZ puts his hand over his mouth and gasps, a reaction fit for two occasions: someone using an egregiously inappropriate and derogatory word; and someone trying to steal the Tentacle of Knowledge. XYZ lowers his hand and shows his mouth open in disbelief.
“I can’t believe it. I cannot believe these space pirates would stoop this low. Do you know what they’re doing?”
No one in the group answers.
“They are going to the COSMIC! Zone aboard the Kibo module of the International Space Station!”
Wild Jerry, who is eating his sub this entire time, chimes in with a “lots of big words that we don’t know nothin’ about, X.”
“Why specify those parts of the International Space Station?” asks Sierra, always one to prefer brevity. “Why not just say we’re going to the International Space Station?”
“Because the COSMIC! Zone aboard the Kibo module is unlike any other part of the International Space Station. To find it … you must have been there … before.”
“When was the last time you were there?” Sierra asks. “At the COSMIC! Zone aboard the Kibo module?”
“A couple of months ago … for T.M.N.;D.R.”
“I think it is T.L.;D.R.,” Frank says.
“No … no. It is T.M.N.;D.R.”
“And did you read it?”
“I did not.”
“So it was T.L.;D.R. then,” Lizzy Golden quips, getting some laughs from the others, but not from stone-faced XYZ.
“Sure.”
“Too many Nephews?”
“No. … I had to watch the finale of ‘Ted Lasso’ that day.”
“You watch Ted Lasso and haven’t told me?! We could’ve watched it together!” Frank shouts.
“Hey! We are getting distracted,” Christian retorts bluntly, putting Frank back into silence.
“What is the Tentacle of Knowledge? What does it do?”
“I don’t know, but I imagine possessing the Tentacle of Knowledge provides you with … knowledge.”
“Aye, and we need some of that in this group. Bunch’a idiotas,” Wild Jerry says in between the final bites of his meatball marinara sub.
“Speaking of the Nephews … should we alert them?”
“There is no time! This is something The Menage must handle. No one can possess one of the tentacles without earning it! You must win … a battle … to be a holder of a tentacle. And we definitely cannot let SPAAAACE PIIIIIIRAAAAAAAATES … hold them.”
“Did you yell it that time to offset whispering it earlier?”
“That I did, Christian of the Howard Clan. That I did.”
[/HR]
There is no point in describing how The Menage got aboard the International Space Station or into the COSMIC! Zone aboard the Kibo module. Plus, you'd have to already have been there before to see it and know how The Menage accessed everything, and we have to keep the guest list a little tight for budgetary reasons, so just assume it all worked out.
However, we can assure everyone who has followed along in this incredible space journey that XYZ and his merry band of misfits defeated the space pirates and preserved the Tentacle of Knowledge. However, the tentacle did slip into multiple people's hands before it reached XYZ's ... and something very interesting happened.
Our caped hero -- while standing inside the COSMIC ZONE! of the International Space Station -- considered for a few seconds just taking the Tentacle of Knowledge for himself. It's no secret XYZ has been close to winning a Tentacle, yet he has not. It's no secret XYZ has been close to winning the X Championship, yet ...
As XYZ holds the Tentacle in his grip -- debating internally what to do -- a tiny wave of knowledge … rushes through his body and into his brain.
“The deja vu. I know those names. Daemon Inferno. Moira Crawford.”
“Those are previous holders of the X Cha …”
XYZ glares at Christian Howard, who is standing next to XYZ and wondering why his fearless leader had not returned the Tentacle to the enclosed glass case where it was previously stored and should remain until someone actually wins it.
“Previous holders of the XYZ … Championship.”
“But there are many previous holders. Why do those names come to my mind? Why do I feel like … I stood eye to eye … against them … and a man named … Wolf … the same way I stood eye to eye against Alyster Black and Harry the Sane Wiz-aaaard … a year ago?”
“More questions than answers in this wacky world you’ve built for yourself, X.”
“Me? The builder? Oh no. I’m no builder. Just a mere warrior of the light.”
XYZ puts the tentacle back in the glass casing, finally saying, “It’s not mine … yet.”
XYZ looks at Christian Howard and thinks back to their conversation the night before -- while everyone else was trying to sleep.
"I've cobbled together my own band of space pirates -- a band of pirates meant for good and virtuousness -- and have stormed the galaxy's gates in search of a symbol of success. This symbol is, to me, a sign that we are not standing still. WE ARE NOT IN THE MUD! We are moving, up the hill, up the ladder, up the mountain. We are thriving beyond our self-perceived limitations, beyond the ceiling that the world set for us, and beyond the grim reaper around every corner who wants us to stumble and fall.
This symbol could be a tentacle necklace. It could be a championship belt. IT COULD BE A PIECE OF PAPER! It means what you wish for it to mean.
I promise that we will ride into the arena on our sea horses of destiny and take the fight TO the Bedlam of the Tommies. He is a noble champion, and he is a noble person. Sure, he did not understand what I was trying to tell him on Fallout. I know my way of speaking can be ... a challenge for the layperson ... and I commend him for trying. But Wild Jerry's one quip did get an overreaction, and an overreaction is a sign ... it's a hole to press on. There's a level of pride and defensiveness from the Bedlam of the Tommies that can be a vehicle for both his successes and his downfalls.
But beyond those flaws, the Bedlam of the Tommies would make a fine XYZite. I hope he shows up for the Open Tryouts! That is then. That's long after the moon crows to the eagle's foot. At the Anniversary Show, the Bedlam of the Tommies is just in the way of the attainment, of the plight's climax. He is an unfortunate foot soldier in this grand arc.
The Bedlam of the Tommies is a worthy opponent, and he may win. We may fail. I may fail. But I will not give up, no matter what happens at the Anniversary Show. The shadows of this world try to take away our motivation, our determination, and our willingness to continue swatting back all the darkness. The light of the night sky leads us to where we must go. Look to the stars, as always. They will keep your eyes open."
XYZ nods his head as he stands within the ISS and takes one last look at the Tentacle of Knowledge.
"The dream never dies, Christian. It hasn't died before, it won't die now."
With that, it's time to leave the ISS and return to the Magic School Bus. Imagine Sierra wrote this part. She's one for brevity above all else.
[/HR]
“So … do you think … he planned it all out … or just makes it up as he goes along?” Christian Howard asks.
“Who? X?” Frank replies.
“No, not X.”
“Oh … him.”
Frank and Christian, sitting in the Magic School Bus while on their way to actual mainland earth, glance over to Sierra and, more specifically, Lizzy. It’s a brief glance, albeit an empathetic one, before returning to their own eye contact in case they are caught.
“I don’t know. Feels like a stretch to say he planned it all out.”
“Really? ‘The dream never dies’? Note the word of emphasis.”
Wild Jerry jumps in, sitting one row of seats behind Frank and Christian.
"What we talkin' 'bout, puntas?"
"Suit over here thinks he is still at the wheel and always has been."
"Psh. Yeah, okay," Wild Jerry says before rolling his eyes.
“So you’re saying … way back in 2016 or 2017 … whenever XYZ first started saying that phrase … it was all part of some elaborate plan to call this place for what it truly is?”
A pause.
“Feels like a big coincidence.”
Christian sits back, thinking he has made his case. Wild Jerry smiles at him and shakes his head while eating a tortilla chip. Frank stares blankly back at Christian.
“And I think that’s all it was. Lucky over good. So, yes, I think he was just making it up as he goes along.
I love X, but don't give him more credit than he deserves. He is just piecing together some meaning to all of this for himself and -- admirably -- for us as well. It's not part of some bigger plan. We aren't being maneuvered around a chess board by a higher being. There is no creator with his hand on the wheel. We're all just floating through space, Christian. Just trying to find a meaning.
Does that answer you?”
A pause.
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Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 11:22:47 GMT
Originally posted by Man.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Chris’s knuckles rapped on the door of the ground floor apartment, causing an echo down the street. It was eerily quiet for Brooklyn, even at almost midnight. He looked around for a moment as he waited for it to open and saw the hallway light flick on before the door swung open and he was greeted with a visage which matched his own.
“Knock, knock! A Golden Opportunity awaits!” It was uncharacteristic of Drew Peacock to be in such a chipper mood, especially at this time, but the waft of liquor hit Chris like a train as soon as he laid eyes on his brother in the doorway. Drew’s enthusiasm dimmed as he pointed a finger at his twin and narrowed his eyes. “Although, there isn’t a Golden Opportunity this year, is there? You smart son of a bitch! Although, five people at once, Chris… tha- that’s a lot to deal with.”
Drew was right. It was a lot to deal with. Preparing for his upcoming Steel Roulette Match definitely fit the bill of ‘having better things to do than this’ in Chris’s mind, so he was unwilling to entertain his brother’s latest fall off of the wagon. He definitely did not appreciate being woken up on one of the nights he had specifically decided not to go out in favour of getting an early night.
Therefore, upon seeing Drew in that state, he promptly turned around and walked back down the steps from the porch down onto the pavement below. It was a waste of time trying to deal with Drew when he was like this and Chris - as already established - had better things to do.
“Hey, get back here! It- Um- Max! Max needs your help, Chris! He- he- he…”
Chris stopped. Drew had neglected to inform him that this matter involved his nephew when he sent forth an unsolicited text message half an hour earlier.
“You… you’ve walked out on me enough times… you fuckin’ bastard… don- don’t you give up on my kid! He don’t deserve it!”
Again, Drew was right. With an exasperated grunt, Chris turned around and then barged past his brother into the apartment.
It was a mess. Pizza boxes and beer bottles were strewn across the floor as evidence for just how long Drew’s latest bender had lasted. It was an infuriating sight for Chris, given that this was their father’s old apartment. It was left to Chris in Dave’s will but Chris allowed Drew to move in so Max had more space when he was with his father. To see how Drew has defiled and disrespected it made his blood boil.
However, this was not the time to scald his brother about his poor housekeeping and alcoholism. Drew limped into the room behind Chris, “Like what I’ve done with the place?”
“Shut up.” Chris was short and blunt. The fact Drew could make jokes about this made him sick. “Just tell me where Max is.”
“Spare room.” Drew gestures towards it with his bottle-holding hand, spilling beer on the carpet as he did so. Not wanting to engage his brother any further, Chris made his way towards the spare room. “Wait!”
“Wait… you… asshole. Something’s not right with the kid. You’ll see for yourself… but I should warn you, it’s… kind of fucked up.”
Chris removed his hand from the knob and walked back towards Drew, who backed off slightly. “This is your job, Drew. You’re his dad. Take some fucking responsibility.”
“Oh… you’re some sort of fuckin’ expert now, huh? Mr Big Shit travelling around the world… the rest of us live in the real world, Chris. It’s HARD. Our dad did nothing for me… I don’t know how to be a good dad, Chris. What example did I have to follow?”
“You figure it out for yourself! You just push yourself past it and get your fucking shit together! That’s what people do!”
As Chris went once again to see Max, he stopped when he heard Drew laughing behind him.
“You mean… you mean, like you have? You’re in control of everything right now? HA! Give me a fuckin’ break, dude.”
Chris didn’t answer. For once, he actually did feel in control of his anxieties and his anger and he wasn’t going to let a drunk idiot try to convince him otherwise, even if it was his brother. It was because everything was going well and to plan.
He left Drew, who returned to watching television, and entered the spare room. It was illuminated by the desk lamp in the corner of the room, and it was here that Chris noticed his nephew hunched over something on the desk.
The poor lighting did not afford much visibility, but Chris was able to make out outlines of newspaper clippings and sheets of paper stuck to the wall. Some had images on them, but most were covered in messy scrawls which he could not decipher. He cleared his throat, but Max did not move. Max was clearly working on something as his hands were frantically moving around and Chris could hear a few quiet clicks of a mechanism.
“Hey, Max. How are you doin’, bud?” Chris asked with a tinge of false excitement in his voice, hiding the fact that he was very creeped out by the scene that he had walked in on. There was no response from Max. He’s shown no indication that he knew that Chris was in the room with him. “It’s uh, me. Uncle Chris. What are you workin’ on there-”
“Huh?” Max recoiled as Chris put a hand on his shoulder, jumpscaring him. “Uncle Chris? What are you doing here?”
“Your dad asked me to come and see you… he’s worried about you, kid. What’s all this you’ve got going on in here?”
Max rose from the chair and angled the desk lamp so more of the room was visible, “It’s research, Uncle Chris. My research.”
Chris used the improved lighting situation to examine some of the newspaper clippings and notes that Max had made and was dumbstruck by what he saw. “These are all about me… but none of these things happened to me? Did you make these, Max?”
“No, I collected them. Uncle Chris, do you remember two years ago? We were all at a party before your first Golden Opportunity match and you tried rolling a die and I said how that could have created six alternative timelines?” Max paused for a moment and Chris nodded, vaguely remembering. “Well, I stopped you because I felt that chaos controlled enough of our lives and we didn’t need to make it any worse.”
“Yeah, I remember, Max. What does all of this have to do with that, though?”
“Since that night, I always wondered what would have happened in all of those other timelines, as well as the ones that were not even dependent on the roll of a die. There are infinite timelines and universes which store them… I wanted to see how they were different from ours. I wondered what all of our lives were like and maybe there’d be a timeline where I didn’t have an alcoholic deadbeat for a dad, or maybe one where I could find what I needed to help him.”
Max took a deep breath and turned around to the desk and he picked up what he had been working on when Chris entered his room. Chris was still unsure whether he should call a psychiatric ward about his nephew’s apparent obsession. He looked down into the palm of Max’s hand and saw what appeared to be a regular white six-sided die. However on closer inspection, there was a faint blue glow around each of the twenty-one black circles.
“I found a way to visit these other timelines and universes, Uncle Chris. I used this. You roll it and depending on what number it lands on… that’s where you go.”
“Max… I’ve got an important match to prepare for. I don’t think this is really the best use of my time. I want to help you out of whatever you’re going through-”
“There’s nothing wrong with me, Uncle Chris.” Max said, staring straight into Chris’s eyes, “My dad doesn’t understand for obvious reasons… but with everything you’ve seen, I don’t think anything can surprise you. Try it out, Uncle Chris.”
Chris paused for a moment. Max was stubborn and persistent, a trait which was common in all Peacock men, himself definitely included. Thanks to this, he knew that there was no way that Max was going to let this go. “Look, I’ll try this out once. But afterwards, you’re going to bed. I know you’re eighteen now, but you still need proper sleep and not to be up all night working on all of this. What do I need to do?”
Retrieving a headset from the desk, which Chris believed to look like something called ‘VR’, Max then placed it atop his uncle’s head, covering his eyes.
“I can’t see.”
“You’re not supposed to see anything yet, Uncle Chris. Here.”
Chris felt the die being placed in his hand and he rolled it onto the desk in front of him and it settled on FIVE.
Civilisation had completely gone to ruin. Chris Peacock had thrown himself from the faltering helicopter and landed in a lake on the outskirts of Denver. A loud explosion almost deafened him and he watched as the helicopter burst into flames on the bank of the lake. Chris ducked his head under the water to avoid the incoming inferno coming towards him and he could feel himself cooking due to the heat of the water surrounding him.
Chris swam away from the wreckage and resurfaced with some difficulty, as the FWA World Championship was weighing him down somewhat. However, even though the world was never going to be the same again, there was something about the status which came from being the one who possessed the title which prevented him from discarding it.
When Chris reached the other side of the lake, he exhaled deeply and spat out some water which had found its way into his lungs. His respite was short-lived, though, as he saw them advancing towards the helicopter. Hundreds of the undead specimens Chris saw at the Ball Arena were here, too. It probably would not be long before they noticed him and came for him. Although he saw many of the zombies aimlessly walk towards the blazing helicopter and then perish for a second time after getting too close to the flames.
The splashing and sloshing sounds of Peacock exiting the water attracted some attention from some of the dead that were congregated around the lake. He ran, carrying the championship by his side.
Then Chris Peacock watched on for months as the world fell further into despair and destruction as the dead took over. Other survivors came and went, some alliances lasted and some didn’t. Chris did what he had had to do to keep on surviving. Even though in this new world, holding the FWA World Championship was less and less important, Chris retained the title as his most prized possession.
As the world fell around him, he stood up as its champion. No one else could stake that claim. Where others would have fallen, he didn’t. Vagrants, vagabonds and cultists all attempted to strip him of what worth he had left but all failed. He had manage to carve out a piece of the new world for himself. A safe place he had created where the dead would not be able to touch him.
They lacked the basic cognitive functions they would have possessed before they turned. It was not possible for them to operate on the same plane of intellect as Chris or any other survivor he would encounter along the way. Their hive mind was disorganised.
There was one that was rumoured to be able to control the herds. All Chris had heard of him was passing tales of his exploits elsewhere, but he had no reason to believe them to be true. This was until one fateful day as Chris was skirting the fence around the home he had created that the most unbelievable thing happened.
After skewering the heads off several zombies through the fence with his modified staff, Chris watched their bodies limply fall to the ground. He saw a zombie which was snarling far louder than the rest. Its movements seemed less like the others as well; more erratic. As unnatural all of this was, this particular walker was even more so.
Like with all of the others, Chris attempted to drive his staff into the zombie’s head to put it down, but to his surprise, the reanimated corpse grabbed his wood through the fence with one hand and used it to pull Chris towards the fence. As Chris’s body made contact with it, he felt something sharp in his stomach. He fell down, away from the fence and saw blood seeping through his shirt.
In his panic, he looked up at the walker, who was now grinning at him. “What are you? Zombies aren’t supposed to be able to do that! FUCK!”
“I am no zombie, nor am I dead or alive. I am merely a guardian; a conduit. Your claim over this land is over. From now until the end of these dark days, I decree this land as part of the dominion of the Death Walker!”
As Chris felt himself bleeding out, he saw numerous other ‘alive’ zombies reveal themselves and together they brought down his fence and led the crowd into Chris’s base. Chris backed away from the actual zombies as quickly as he could but from inside he heard a loud cackle.
The guardian emerged with Chris’s championship in his hand and raised it aloft. “Put that down! I’ll kill you!”
“Yes… this will make a fine trophy for the dark master. Please, Death Walker, accept this as a token of your conquest!”
Chris was unsure who the person that the guardian was talking to was, until he saw the final figure to walk through the fence and through the herd. An impressive physical specimen the likes of which Chris had never seen. The Death Walker wore a human skull over his head like a mask. Chris took one look at this towering figure and then lost all feeling in his arm after the Death Walker stomped on it, snapping it with ease.
The last thing Chris saw before he felt the first bite from the walkers was the Death Walker standing tall, holding his championship.
Chris swiped the headset from his face and dropped it down onto the desk, causing a loud crash and he stepped away from it. His finger lingered in the direction of the desk and Max stood up with some concern on his face.
“Max… what the hell was that?”
“What happened, Uncle Chris?”
“Allen told me that he had this idea for a movie. There were going to be zombies and it would be set around Back in Town. You know, Devin Golden and his music. Krash coming back from the dead. It was like I was in that movie that he’d told me he was going to write, Max. How did you do that?”
Max spoke whilst examining the headset for damage after Chris had tossed it, “Well, it looks like that in one of those alternate universes what Allen is planning to write about actually happened. What freaked you out about it so much, though? I didn’t think you were afraid of zombies.”
“No, it can’t be that, Max. It all felt real… but what happened was not. There’s no chance that there’s a world out there where zombies are fucking real, dude. Why was Death Walker there, anyway?”
“Well, he’s in your match, Uncle Chris. It could have something to do with that.”
How ridiculous all of this was was not something that was lost on the FWA World Champion. Death Walker was in the match at the Anniversary Show, but in total honesty, Chris had forgotten that was the case.
“Maybe, that timeline was representative of one where Death Walker wins the Steel Roulette match. I mean, he’s a pretty violent guy and it is a pretty violent match-”
“Woah, woah, woah. Let me stop you right there, Maxie.” Chris was curt in cutting his nephew off; but his frustration upon hearing that comment caused him to interrupt. “You’re looking at the only person in that match that has won it before. Shit, I’m the only person in that match that’s even been in one of these before!”
“Death Walker is a mean dude… so? He came onto the scene not too long before Back in Town in Denver. That was the beginning of his journey in the FWA - I don’t give a fuck where he’s been before. Back in Town was the beginning of my journey, Max. When I beat Devin Golden and sent his ass to the shadow realm or wherever the fuck, that began the reign which has made every single one in the two and a half years pale in comparison. What has Death Walker done?”
“He beat Cyrus Truth.”
“HA!” Chris cackled as Max sat at the desk, confused. “You think that means anything to me? I’ve beaten Truth’s grumpy old ass like six times or whatever it is now. That’s not the achievement people like to think it is, kid.”
In between bursts of laughter and giggles, Chris thought about what he had seen through the headset and what it represented. Was Death Walker the real underdog in the match? The person that everyone presumed Chris to be in his first Golden Opportunity match two years ago? Well, if that was true then maybe Death Walker could be a surprise package and someone not to be underestimated. After all, a huge devil-worshipping lunatic inside of the Steel Roulette was a dangerous prospect.
But does Death Walker have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? He understands the weight of being the champion now and getting the important victories. Death Walker beat Cyrus Truth - big whoop - when has he won when it actually mattered?
“Hey Uncle Chris… why did you want to put your title up in this match?”
There was no need for Chris to answer, because whether it was one or five or even fifty, Chris was more than confident that in this timeline, he will be the one walking away unscathed. “You know what, Max? That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Let me have another go with it.”
Before Max could object, Chris had already applied the headset and he rolled the die once more, rolling a ONE.
“It was time for the Worldwide Grand Showcase in Lumiose City and our heroes Christopher Pecorn and his partner Oricorio were set to do battle in the Grand Showcase final!”
The crowd greeted the reigning Pokemon World Champion as he walked out through one of the tunnels onto the battlefield. Christopher waved at them and they returned his pleasantries in kind. He reached down and held one of his PokeBalls in front of his face.
“Okay, Oricorio. We’ve done this dance before and this is going to be like every other time. We’re the champions for a reason and it doesn’t matter who is up against us, we’re going to win. We should probably try our best as well, but whatever happens I know that after this we’re still going to be the best in the world!”
The confidence of the champion was evident as he looked across the battlefield and watched as his challenger emerged. It was a young girl, who was flanked by another two young girls. The three had matching outfits on, as if they belonged to some sort of club together. Christopher scoffed upon seeing them; he felt fully assured that he would be able to emerge victorious from this battle as he had all others.
“The challenger… representing Team YOKAI, Katsu!”
This was a new challenger that Christopher had not even heard of before, let alone battled. Katsu shared some last minute words with her Team YOKAI teammates and then both of the competitors looked to the official and listened to the instructions for the battle that were announced over the speaker system inside the stadium. Whilst Katsu intently absorbed all of the information that was dispersed to her, Christopher nonchalantly nodded along, not really paying much attention. It was then time for the battle to begin!
“GO! ORICORIO!”
The crowd cheered as Christopher sent out his famed Oricorio who he had battled many foes with, and Oricorio danced along with its trainer to the vibes that were present. Katsu nodded her head and pulled out a PokeBall of her own.
“Oricorio, huh? Well, I think I have something for that. I CHOOSE YOU!”
Katsu threw the ball up into the air and it opened to reveal a Crobat! The crowd marvelled at the bat-like creature as it flapped its wings over the battlefield. “Hmm. Crobat and I have maximised our friendship level, so Crobat is in the top percentage of Crobats! I ensured that this Crobat had perfect IVs before training it in effort values which focused on its attack and speed stats.”
As Katsu reeled off the technical information about her Pokemon, Chris looked on incredulously. “What is she talking about? I’ve never heard of any of that… Anyway, let’s battle! Oricorio - use High Jump Kick!”
With a burst of energy, Oricorio leapt into the air and extended its foot, looking to connect with Katsu’s Crobat. However, Katsu acted fast in response, “Crobat, use Double Team!”
Crobat multiplied in front of everyone’s eyes until there were roughly two dozen of the large purple bats circling around Oricorio. Oricorio continued to throw out kicks as quickly as it could, but each one only hit a Double Team clone, causing it to vanish. Whilst Chris noticed that Oricorio was getting tired, he did not order it to stop.
After much exhaustion on the poor bird’s part, Oricorio finally landed a kick on the real Crobat, knocking it back slightly. However, it seemed that it took very little damage. “Crobat is a Poison and Flying type; a Fighting type move like High Jump Kick is not going to do much damage - Crobat quad resists it!”
Oricorio lands on its feet and it seems extremely worn out from the repeated kicks it was throwing out at all of the Crobats, real or otherwise.
“Now, Crobat! Get it whilst its weak! Use Air Cutter!”
Rearing its wings back, Crobat then unleashed a powerful blast of energy towards Oricoriom who was too tired out to dodge it in time. The Air Cutter collided with Oricorio, sending it upwards into the air and it then landed flat on its back, fainted. The referee pointed his flag in Katsu’s direction.
“Oricorio is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner is Katsu of Team YOKAI!”
Christopher was shocked at what he was seeing, and Katsu celebrated with her friends. From across the battlefield, Katsu winked at Chris.
With a perplexed expression on his face, Chris lowered the headset back down onto the desk and found his nephew staring at him, blankly. “Uncle Chris, everything okay?”
“Max, I truly have no idea what the fuck just happened.” Chris said, blankly. “I have no idea where I was, why I was a cartoon and what all of these weird creatures were. But what struck me as odd is that I was defeated, again. Again, by someone who has no right defeating me.”
“Who was it this time?”
“Katsu.”
“There’s not much shame in that, though-”
“Max, there’s shame in losing to almost everyone else in this match. It didn’t feel right. She was there, using all of these technical terms and stuff I didn’t understand about other stuff I didn’t understand. I don’t know how to explain it, but it all felt forced.”
There was a silence for a few moments as Chris considered what he had just witnessed. He saw a driven and determined challenger outclass and outmanoeuvre him because they had planned better for the battle of the weird little birds and other creatures. Like Death Walker, perhaps Katsu was not someone worth looking over in a match like this?
There’s no doubt that her counterpart that Chris will be facing inside the Steel Roulette will have definitely done her homework on each of her opponents, Chris thought. She probably also considered Death Walker to be one of the most dangerous people in the match. Chris pondered what Katsu must think of him; whether she was in the camp that believed Chris to be the best FWA World Champion since 2020, or did she, like many others, believe that Chris was not worthy of his position at the top of the company?
“I don’t know what you mean, Uncle Chris. What felt forced about it?”
“Like she had planned every minute detail and it had to be a certain way. It’s not dissimilar to what I understand of her; she meticulously curates her schedule to accommodate for her FWA appearances as well as fighting over in Japan. She had her support there with her, they all had a specific role to play, too. I can’t help but wonder, though…”
Chris snapped his fingers and began to pace around the room. He ran his hand across some of Max’s papers, not paying attention to what it was he was actually touching. “What if things just don’t go to plan for her?”
“Look at the F1 Climaxxx… she jumped straight into that off the rip and quickly learned her place in the pecking order here. That experience made her reevaluate her entire life and change her entire persona. I know I don’t take losses well, but come on!”
“Yeah, she won the TV title by beating Jackson, but that’s not much of an accomplishment. I kicked his ass so badly in the Climaxxx that no one has seen him anywhere since! Then she lost the belt to Summers, who I beat.”[/color] “She lost to Cyrus Truth, too.”“SHE DID! She lost to that miserable fuck just before I beat him for the eighth time or whatever it was at Back in Business…”[/b] Does Katsu have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? Every time she has had the opportunity to burst through the glass ceiling, she has just concussed herself on it, instead. All of the planning in the world could not prepare her for what was waiting for her inside the Steel Roulette structure. Not only that, but she had another match earlier in the night to boot. With his two championships intact coming out of Back in Business, Chris Peacock had set the standard for what is expected from a double champion. Not only was Katsu in contention for the FWA World Championship, she was also wasting her time, energy and efforts trying for the Trios titles as well. The student of the game had clearly failed to learn about the consequences of spreading herself too thin. “A plan is only as good as the person executing it, Max.”
“Uncle Chris, there may be some truth in these timelines. Making this match could have been a bit of a mistake-”
“Enough with that Max, please. I want another shot at this. It can’t have me lose in all of them, surely?”Headset on. Die rolled. TWO.  The booming music playing inside Castle Boogie could be heard for miles around. There was a reason for this, though. The owner of the castle, Dr. Chris-P-Cock, was hosting an important summit. A famed scientist and experimentalist in his own right, CPC was looking for others like him. He sought those who were also capable of creating life that was beautiful and hideous at the same time. Chris’s own creation, Knocky Horror, was his pride and joy. He was incredibly proud of his role in bringing Knocky to life and helping him to become his true self when they worked together to rid the castle of the awful couple who had visited it. Now, Chris and Knocky stood side by side as all guests - those invited and not - filed into the castle through the main front door. As they all entered, they passed the beaming Chris and the subservient Knocky. Chris was awestruck at what his contemporaries had accomplished. However, despite all of the different shapes, sizes and species of monster that was being brought into the castle, none compared to what Chris had formed when it came to Knocky. As long as Knocky was with Chris and Chris could continue to perfect his perfect creation, nothing would compare. Once all of the guests had arrived, CPC instructed them to congregate in the main ballroom inside the castle. He looked around proudly at the community that he had assembled and projected his voice to ensure that he could be heard by all present. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome one and all to Castle Boogie! I am of course your host with the most, the elegant and timeless Chris-P-Cock. Charmed, one and all, I am sure.”With a suggestive smirk, Chris laughed and was joined in doing so by most of the attendees. He noticed that one of his guests did not seem particularly amused or entertained by the entire occasion. Chris gestured towards Knocky, “Then, I am sure you all know who this fabulous specimen is. My Knocky Horror… look at him! Show us your love!”
“That will not be necessary.” A voice called out loudly, diverting all of the attention away from Chris and Knocky. Chris looked out at the crowd in disgust that someone would dare put any sort of dampener on his evening. “Who said that?”A hand confidently rose up from the crowd, and the interruptor identified themselves as the same guest that Chris had noticed did not seem that impressed with the night’s proceedings. “You?” Chris asked, taking a moment to acknowledge the man who had called out to spoil his party. “I know you… Jeffry Mason, is it not?” “It is.” The man who now identified himself as Jeffry Mason answered. “You do not deserve the praise you think you do. Where has your suffering been?”
“Suffering? Oh dear friend, I have truly suffered and you have no idea. My pain and suffering went into making Knocky here stronger. My pain is his and his is mine.”
“Shared pain is a pathetic concept. That’s not how you build strength in one individual. No, you must break a man down to his very core to unleash the true strength and potential.”
“I suppose you have an example to show us, Jeffry, my dear?”Without saying a word, Mason clapped his hands and all of a sudden all of the eyes in the room were on him. The door to the hall swung open once more and the guests quivered and cowered as lightning struck behind outside, silhouetting a giant figure in the doorway. The brutish creature stepped forward, almost causing the ground to shake. Everyone gave this thing a wide berth, not wanting to get caught in its path. “I present to you, The Reagmaster! Like nothing you have ever seen before and nothing you will ever see again! I have sculpted this unbeatable machine of a man through arduous trials, both physical and mental. Quite simply, no one has suffered like The Reagmaster and now he is ready to unleash all of that hatred and suffering on anyone who stands in our path. It is time to show everyone what you are truly capable of, Reagmaster…” Another clap of the hands by Mason and The Reagmaster immediately smushed the man standing next to him into the ground which rendered him as nothing more than a bloody stain on the floor. Guests screamed and attempted to escape, but it was futile in most of their cases. The Reagmaster tore limbs, ripped ribs apart and pulverised anything he could. Chris looked on, worried but not offended by the gory display being presented to him. “Knocky, go! Stop him!”Dutifully, Knocky set about sparing his creator’s honour against The Reagmaster, but whilst Knocky did get some good shots in and seemed to draw a drop of blood from The Reagmaster, he found his head caught between the hands of the large creature. The Reagmaster quickly and very unceremoniously crushed Knocky’s head with his bare hands. Chris-P-Cock let out a high-pitched yelp in shock at what he had just seen. As Jeffry Mason continued to instruct The Reagmaster to attack guests. Chris cowered in fear… realising that his status as the greatest scientist in the world was no more. “Come on, Max.” Chris laughed incredulously as he removed the headset for a third time. He chuckled under his breath and then ran his hand down his face. “That’s some sort of joke, right? Like, Death Walker and Katsu I can kind of see, but Reagan Cole? There’s a world out there where Reagan Cole beats Chris Peacock?”There was a moment of silence as Max considered what Chris said, which made Chris feel slightly nervous. Chris believed that his brother and nephew were playing some kind of sick joke on him. Had Drew been faking alcoholism for the best part of a decade for this? It simply just did not compute for Chris that this was even a possibility. “Well, if that’s what you saw, then the answer is yes. Uncle Chris, when you put yourself in this match, what were you expecting? Why did you do it in the first place?”
“Never mind why I did it, Max.” Chris stood up and kicked an empty cup that was on the floor across the room. He turned back to Max, almost unable to talk. “Wha- why- the fuc- HOW?! How does that happen, Max?!”
“There’s a five sixths probability-”
“I don’t give a FUCK about probability, kid! I’m fuckin’ Chris Peacock! Do you understand what that means? That means that I don’t lose to the likes of Reagan Cole. We had a match and I wiped the floor with him!”
“I seem to remember him almost taking you to a time limit draw, Uncle Chris.”Immediately, Max realised that he probably should not have said that as he saw a look in his uncle’s eyes that many of Chris’s opponents will be intimately familiar with. A look of unbridled anger. The same kind of anger that drove Chris to defeat Cole when they had a match prior to The Grand March. It was ostensibly a match which arose due to Cole and Mason’s mistreatment of poor little Trixie Bordeaux, but in actuality it was due to the resentment Peacock held for Cole for his repeated disparaging of the Nephews. Of course, Chris did not care for the Nephews and never had, but he was their quintessential rival, the one that people will always associate them with and not some jabroni that had lost one match to them. It took Chris a few seconds to realise just who he was giving his death stare to and with it being the one person he loved unconditionally in the entire world, he snapped out of it and then sat down opposite Max. “I’m sorry, Max. It’s just… this isn’t how things are supposed to happen, you know? Especially not like that. Mason has been doing everything he can to unlock something inside of Cole and shit, that might be the kick up the ass Reagan actually needs… win the World Championship, though?”
“That’s a pretty fuckin’ big ask if you ask me.”Does Reagan Cole have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? Almost every success that Reagan has experienced in the FWA has been due to someone else. Spirit Walkers - Aka Yurei. Necessary Evil - Jeffry Mason. Chris Peacock and Reagan Cole broke into the FWA at the same time through Ground Zero. Compare what they have both done in that time. Chris knew that there was just not a comparison that could be made between them. Every time Chris had been under someone’s thumb, he fought back out and in a couple of cases took the thumb for himself. Yet still, Cole lingered in the grasp of Jeffry Mason. Mason could create Reagan Cole in his image, prepare him to become the ultimate competitor who was trained to kill if the situation called for it. But when that door slid shut, Reagan was going to be all on his own. The biggest match of Cole’s career is not the time for a test flight. The apprentice should have acquired all of the skills he needs by the time the Anniversary Show rolls around. Daddy Mason would not be there to hold his hand through it in his own sick and twisted way. Chris would be his new daddy inside the Steel Roulette. But despite all of that, there was apparently a world where Reagan Cole did have what it takes, regardless of how it manifested. Despite his affirmations to himself, this still lingered in the back of his mind. He reached for the headset again, and then took the die another time. “There’s got to be one of these timelines where I actually win, right?”Roll. THREE.  People screamed as they ran away from the Gotham Central Bank, as inside there was yet another robbery. These were commonplace for the seediest city in the world, but this one was strange in the sense that it was being perpetrated by someone once considered and revered as the greatest hero that Gotham could produce; its sworn protector. Whilst Chris Peacock was once Birdman, the dark knight which operated in the shadows of Gotham to bring villains to justice, he was now widely known as The Boogie Man. The Boogie Man specialised in that he was able to influence the minds and bodies of whoever he wished with his words and music. He had used this tactic to hold up convenience stores, banks or whatever took his fancy on a particular day. It was at play again on this day as he was making all of the bank employees dance the Macarena as his accomplices/henchmen relieved the bank of various money stores and gold deposits as they could. Whilst the score was reason enough for The Boogie Man to commit such crimes, he also enjoyed watching the helpless victims suffer as they struggled to control their functions and faculties. It was a power that he was able to brandish over them. “Dance my pretties, dance! EY MACAREN-HUH?”The Boogie Man did not react in time to stop himself from receiving an uppercut directly to the face which knocked him down onto the floor in the bank. This also broke his control over the people inside, who made a point to run away and escape his torture as soon as they were able to. The Boogie Man sat up and saw his assailant, and was outraged when they were wearing a costume which was clearly inspired by Birdman, who Chris had vowed would never return as he was now The Boogie Man. Birdman’s outfit was black all over, but the person who attacked The Boogie Man was dressed in the same style of outfit with the upper half of his face covered by the mask he wore. The hero looked at one of the gold bars on the floor and considered taking it for a moment, and he threw the bar at The Boogie Man’s head, knocking him down for a second time. “That wasn’t very nice, was it? Are you going to tell me who you are, or should I just guess? If anyone knows about keeping a good secret identity and hiding things about themselves, it is me!”Despite the blood falling from his forehead, The Boogie Man stood up and took the opportunity to look closer at the man who had confronted him. “I know who you are - Jackson Fenix! Ah, I see that your costume is supposed to be flames. Very smart. Rising like a phoenix and all.”
“I had to think for a moment why you’d need to be reborn like a phoenix, but I remember that there was once a time when these people did not want to see you or care if you were the one who came to their rescue.”
“I’m trying to do better, Boogie Man. The same cannot be said for you! Now, we have the bank surrounded, so it would be better if you came quietly.”The Boogie Man shook his head and the Phoenix took this as a sign that he was willing to engage in a fight. The musical powers did not work as the Phoenix wore headphones which played early 2000’s pop music. It was a short fight, and it ended with Chris Peacock having handcuffs slapped around his wrist as the people rejoiced. The only sound that could be heard in Max’s bedroom was a heavy sigh from the FWA World Champion, and he rubbed his hand against his forehead with enough force he could actually feel some of the skin flaking from it. He was so frustrated that he couldn’t even talk. All of the love and adoration that he saw Jackson Fenix receive made him feel sick. Whilst FWA World Champion Chris Peacock did not care what the people thought about him, it didn’t mean that he wouldn’t have loved it if the people adored him and supported him. “FUCKING ASSHOLES!”Chris was seething. Not only was it yet another timeline and yet another defeat, but this one stung him harder than the others for some reason. For almost as long as he could remember, the fans had despised Jackson Fenix. Jackson was the sleazy, immature and cocky weaker cog of The Undisputed Alliance. Jackson never cared about the fans; actively teasing them, belittling them and attacking their heroes. Now, he shows a shred of humility and he’s all of a sudden the fan favourite to win the FWA World Championship? What is more, that he actually used that support as a way to actually do it in one of these timelines? “Are you okay, Uncle Chris?” Max asked, concerned for his uncle’s feelings. “Look, I don’t know what you saw in there, but it is going to be okay. It is just one of infinite possibilities.”
“I saw… I saw what I used to think I needed. I just wanted people to like me, man. I didn’t ask for any of this. It is fucking bullshit that Jackson fucking Fenix can just decide he’s not a total dickhead anymore and those fucks in the crowd - those SHEEP - just go along with it. I don’t want to be one of those “you people” guys, but holy shit that one sucked.”As Chris attempted to prevent a tear falling from his eye, he shook his head. “It got to a point where I decided that I have to focus on myself and what I need and what I want. Trying to appeal to the people is a waste of time. So if Jackson Fenix wants to waste his time doing that, he can be my fucking guest.” Does Jackson Fenix have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? Well, whilst it must feel great for Jackson that he has a bit of fan support for once in his career, what he probably doesn’t realise is the regret that he should have been feeling. As soon as Jackson started being the ‘Nice’ to Nate Savage’s ‘Nasty’, his fortunes started to turn around. The question that bounced around Chris’s head was “What took him so long?” The Undisputed Alliance have not held the FWA World Tag Team Championships in almost four years. Their only gold in the interim was Nate’s brief run with the X Championship which preceded Alyster Black’s record-breaking run. So Jackson Fenix allowed himself to endure almost four years of title poverty before he decided to actually do something about it. “That’s not what a champion does.” Chris said to himself, realising that Fenix was only making this push because of the people now supporting him. “A real champion - me - doesn’t give a flying fuck what people think as long as he has that belt around his waist. It’s been a long time since Jackson felt that sensation so I don’t blame him for forgetting. He allowed himself to play second fiddle to the fucking first reserve fiddle player watching from the side of the stage.”
“How shit of a friend is Nate Savage as well? Holding him back like that? Allowing that creepy bastard Best to sink his claws into him? I wouldn’t let something like that happen to Alyster, nor him me. In fact, if I rolled his die again now, we’ll probably see Alyster, if that’s how this thing is working by going through it one prick at a time. You’ll see, Alyster won’t fuck me over, he’s happy as long as one of us is the champion.”Despite what he was saying, there was a clear lack of conviction in Chris’s voice. Chris knew he was speaking a falsehood, and Max did, too. Chris paused as he shuffled the die around in his hand a few times and then flicked it onto the desk. It showed SIX.  Christopher of Lynbrook was enjoying his life. His golden sword remained in his possession, and it was hung carefully and proudly above the fire in the house that he shared with no one. Despite his living situation suggesting a life of solitude, he was actually not alone. Because as well as the golden sword, Christopher owned another trinket in the form of the golden necklace he wore around his neck. His closest friend and ally Akyster Black possessed the other and despite attempts to disparage their pairing and create friction, they were as strong as ever. It was with Alyster that Christopher entered his house on this particular day. Seeing it every day, the golden sword whilst precious to him did not draw much allure. The same cannot be said for Christopher’s partner in crime, though. Alyster was immediately fixated on the sword above the fireplace. It is a sword he has had claim to before and he listened closely with his eyes shut to see whether it was still calling to him after all this time. It did not. Alyster’s fawning over the sword was unnoticed by Christopher, who was busy removing his shoes and then went about preparing something for them to eat together. “Eggs, Alyster?”
“That sounds great.”There were two reasons that Christopher immediately had reason to wonder what Alyster’s true intentions were. Not only was he visibly paying little attention to what was being spoken to him, but his pride and stubbornness would usually not allow Christopher to prepare the food for the due when together. The fact that Alyster would relinquish small control even for something like breakfast, signified that he was not properly paying attention. “Alyster!” Chris called, not long before Black jumped out of his daydream where he imagined himself once again holding the golden sword and defeating enemies with it. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on? You’re not taking your eyes off of that sword.”No answer and both partners then spent some time not talking to each other and doing their own things. Black decided that it would be best if he decided to just go for a walk, and Christopher decided that he would join him for this escapade. The two walked through the nearby forest without any real incident, however they found themselves at the edge of a cliff and it was clear to both that one of them was going to be taking a dive from the cliff. It was something that neither of them wanted or actually felt comfortable talking to each other about. Whilst as partners working together they could and had taken down multiple targets at the same time and even faced the same adversaries together more than once and still won each time. Despite all of that, only one of them could be recognised as the greatest champion in the world and the owner of the sword. Unsure of when Alyster would want to shove him from the cliff, Christopher looked forwards and closed his eyes. He was expecting to feel one or two hands firmly pressed against his back which shoved him forward, but it did not happen. In fact, despite there being ample opportunity for Black to slay Christopher and take the sword for his own. Alternatively, Christopher could either attempt to counter an attempt to throw him over the edge and make sure that Alyster was permanently out of the picture. However in doing so, he would break their bond potentially irreparably. The truth was, neither of them had the courage to send the other to their demise. Any upcoming battle between them could ruin everything they had built together. What Chris saw did not come as a surprise to him. Despite how close they have become, and how much adversity they had already overcome as a team, Chris knew that Alyster wanted to be the FWA World Champion more than anything else in the world. If it was any other circumstance, Chris would be wholeheartedly supporting his best friend in this match. Alas, FTN were set to do battle against each other in the Steel Roulette at the Anniversary Show. It was no secret to Chris or Alyster that many wished for their downfall as a team - purely because there was no one on the horizon who could dethrone them as the FWA World Tag Team Champions - and many believed that the only thing that could cause the crack in the team was the FWA World Championship. Not Allen Price’s annoying goofiness, Krash’s existence or even the massive egos possessed by both FTN members. It was the fact that only one of them could ever be able to call themselves the best in the world. If they could’ve shared the championship, they probably would’ve, but they couldn’t. There could only be one. Chris had considered that Alyster being in the match with him would work in his favour; FTN would easily be able to work their way through the other four until there were just the two of them left. It is what would have to come afterwards that Chris had failed to properly appreciate when he volunteered to take weaselperson’s place. Keeping his championship meant destroying his best friend’s dream. The conundrum played so heavily on Chris’s mind that he had been sat almost catatonically in his seat after his glimpse into the timeline where Alsyter bested him in combat for several minutes. “Uncle Chris, I’m getting kind of worried. Shall I get my dad?” “No… you don’t have to do that, Max.” Chris said in a quiet tone. “I think… I’ve made a mistake. I’m not sure I have it in me to do this to him, but I know that I have to. I… can’t lose him, though.”
“Alyster?”Chris nodded. “Why did you make the match, Uncle Chris?”This time, Chris did not acknowledge Max’s question. He was becoming slightly irritated that Max was asking him the same question over and over again. However, the gloom hanging over him when confronted with the fact that he would have to dash Alyster’s aspirations prevented him from acting upon his annoyance. “Look, I don’t know Alyster very well. I don’t know whether to say to you that I think he’ll be happy for you if you walk out of this match as the winner. He might not be. This is really your area of expertise, Uncle Chris, but I think what you need to do is view him like anyone else. You have to.”A beam of pride for his nephew’s level headedness cut through the dismay that Chris was feeling. “You’re a smart kid. Must be from your mother’s side because there’s no way a Peacock man is going to be able to think with a clear head like that.”Does Alyster Black have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? Chris felt that this question was easier to answer for Black than it was for any of the others. The obvious answer was yes, as Alyster is the only other person in the match to have been the FWA World Champion. The person he beat to win the title was of course Chris Peacock himself, putting Black as also the only person in the match to hold a victory over the current FWA World Champion. Chris could feel the pulses of anxiety trying to break through the casing that he had put around them internally. The fact that he had opened up so much to Alyster had equipped his partner with everything that he needed to defeat him. Alyster knew how Chris operated and how he ticked. Forget Truth, forget von Horrowitz… this was the biggest threat he had faced. But, even if he forgets Cyrus and Michelle… there was a time when Chris believed those two were going to rip his title away. He weathered those storms, against all expectations and wishes of those watching. Why should this be any different? Anyway, Alyster may have known all about Chris’s inner workings and how to beat him using them, but it worked both ways. “I know he has regrets about what happened last time he was the champion. Losing to Devin hit him like a fucking train. That’s not how it was supposed to go down but luckily I was there to put that crazy bastard out to pasture.” Chris slowly nodded his head as he rationalised his thoughts. “Everyone is saying that I’m the one that’s skipped the curse that has been over that title for the last few years. It got Alyster, Max. I may not feel great and maybe even a bit nervous about facing him, but I know he feels the same about me. Even if he won’t admit it, deep down he knows that I’m someone who knows what they’re doing. He knows I am the one standing in his way.”
“I’m not the same guy who he beat in that Battle Royal, either. That Chris Peacock - not a different timeline, but me - didn’t properly appreciate what it means to be at the top. That was me with my insurance policy still intact. So, sure, we can sweep through the competition together, but when it comes down to just me and him… I’ll do everything that I have to do to beat him.”Chris cast his eye to the clock on the wall above the desk and realised that he had been viewing all of the other timelines and talking to Max for over two hours. “I should probably get going, Max… and you need to go to sleep.”
“Wait… aren’t you going to roll again? You’ve been through scenarios where all five of your opponents win. You’ve gotta think this last one will have you winning?”
“Max, it doesn’t matter what happens in those timelines or dimensions. What matters to me is this one that we’re in right now. This is the one where I win. That’s all I need to know.”
“Uncle Chris… before you go?”
“Yeah?”
“Will you tell me why? Why did you enter yourself into this match in the first place?”Chris placed a comforting hand on Max’s shoulder and then got up to leave. “Why don’t you roll that thing again? Maybe you’ll go to a universe where I have to explain myself to you.”The two shared a knowing laugh and Chris left the bedroom, feeling just as confident about his chances of victory in the Steel Roulette as he did when he entered it, now that he had had an opportunity to consider and dissect each of his scheduled opponents. Once Chris had gently closed the door behind him, Max turned back to his desk and looked at the die. “Maybe he was right?” The younger Peacock put the headset on and rolled the die, and it landed on a FOUR.  Chris Peacock whistled as the EE compound burned behind him following the explosion he had caused after clearing it of all of the traitors and conspirators that lived there. He had never felt so alive; the greatest bounty hunter alive. In the following months and years, everything went to plan for Chris. He expanded his farm and was able to offer more produce to the local population. One such newly-grown vegetable was carrots. It was tending to his carrots that Chris met his untimely end which no one expected to see. Chris hunched over the carrot patch as he pulled one out… and from this position it was easy to shoot him from behind in the head. The victim slumped to the ground, dead, and Randy Ramon - famous outlaw - stood over him. Chris’s shoes slapped down onto the pavement on the deserted street and the noise bounced off of the nearby buildings. It did not dawn on him that he had been called to his brother’s apartment to check on his nephew and in actuality he had spent over two hours talking about himself and his own problems heading into his third defence of the FWA World Championship. Assessing each of his opponents in turn was a useful exercise, Chris felt. Because in doing so, he was able to answer an important question. Does Chris Peacock have what Chris knows it takes to be the one? The answer, of course, is absolutely he does. Chris Peacock has learned to win when it matters. Chris Peacock has learned to break through the glass ceiling. Chris Peacock has learned to stand on his own two feet. Chris Peacock has learned to appeal to himself, not others. Chris Peacock has learned to deal with pressure. Chaos controls so much in our lives. The only way for one to use that to their advantage is to become the constant. I think you are all starting to understand what that constant is. Chris Peacock wins. As Chris walked home, he passed an apartment where the lights were still on and suddenly a loud electric guitar riff filled the air, causing him a sudden - but painful - fright. [/font][/center] |
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