|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:13:11 GMT
|
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:14:04 GMT
Originally posted by Rosie.  143 days
The last time the Kitsune Warrior stepped into an FWA ring.
After an injury outside of the ring, the rising Joshi star remained out of action for any wrestling company, throwing plans for two companies into disarray, and leaving a third in question. As the year turned to 2024 and doctors gave her the all clear, Katsu has remained busy-
In her home country.
FWA has seemingly been a non-factor for her as she continues to wrestle for both her home promotion, COSMIC Joshi Wrestling, and a new company which has since become a 'sister' promotion in a way, Pro-Wrestling Kitsune. With the American based promotion landing in the land of the rising sun, her inclusion would appear to be a no-brainer. But despite appearing on promotional posters and advertisements up to the end of 2023, as the year rolled on, her signature mask was notably missing for FWA advertisements.
The only question, why?
That is what "expert" pro wrestling journalist, Shake Meltzer discussed on PWOutsider Radio Live with his co-host, Ryan Dalvarez on March 1st.Ryan Dalvarez: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are back on PWOutsider Radio, sponsored by Undisputed Appliances for all your blender needs. We’ve discussed some apparent backstage changes for Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, but this is all going on as the company is overseas now in Japan preparing for the key events of their Japanese tour. Coming up soon is a double billing of Fight Night in the legendary Korakuen Hall and King of the Deathmatch 3. What do you think of them booking a smaller venue?”
Shake Meltzer: “Well, I-uh, think it has to do with the number of events going on in Japan. It is about Sakura season there so there’s a lot of tourists, events, acts in and out of wrestling trying to capitalise on the increase in tourists. So I think they went with a more- uh, smaller venue to try not to compete. The sale numbers were not what they expected as well. But to spin it into a positive, I also know that some wrestlers in the company have expressed excitement competing in Korakuen since it is one of those bucket-list venues. But that’s just what my sources say. Then of course, King of the Deathmatch always is in unique venues so expect those two shows to have a different feel in comparison to the average FWA show.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “There we’ll see the Television title defended between Stiener and Gray, a trios title match, two matches with F1 implications, and a tag team title main event. We know that Xavien Marshall due to a legitimate injury, not storyline, that match has changed. But what I sort of want to get involved in is an omission from these shows. Home-country star, Katsu.”
Shake Meltzer: “Well she was hurt last year.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “Yeah, but she was healed by the new year, and in fact she has competed in several high profile matches since coming back. There was the Worlds Unite main event for PWK, her defeating Yuna Funanori in a match you rated… I believe, four stars?
Shake Meltzer: “Four and a Quarter.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “And then fought Queen Yoshida to win CJW’s Intergalactic COSMIC Championship. Their second biggest prize.”
Shake Meltzer: “Four and three quarter stars.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “Three quarters? Couldn’t you have given it the full five?”
Shake Meltzer: “I just feel as though it could have used a different venue, that’s all.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “Well, prior to injury, Katsu was seemingly placed in multiple high profile positions for the branding of the Japan tour, especially for the Tokyo and Osaka shows. She remained on the advertising until about mid January where they seemingly removed her, instead highlighting the returning Aka Manto.”
Shake Meltzer: “As I said, she was hurt last year and that threw a lot of plans into the loop. I think for two companies. The Trios Triple threat at the December show had to change to a two on two affair as CJW pulled the other YDS members, Cali Hayama and Ririko. Then CJW was initially going to have the match against Queen Yoshida at Galaxy Clash, their end of year show.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “But that was then and this is now. I imagine putting her on some of these shows could have maybe helped marketing a bit with some local fans potentially coming to see her. Aka Manto has filled that role somewhat and Yurei might be a sentimental favourite for King of the Deathmatch, but she also has not wrestled full time in Japan for some time.”
Shake Meltzer: “According to some of my sources for CJW, which I had to translate so take it with a grain of salt, they have some big plans for Katsu and the YOKAI Death Squad unit, led by her and Cali. Of course they put their secondary title on her.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “But not all of these shows overlap. I know the Fallout show was double booked with Katsu’s title win.”
Shake Meltzer: “But for Katsu’s CJW contract, the company has priority booking her in Japan. She’s been able to work some of the Pro-Wrestling Kitsune shows since I know there’s some overlap in management.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “So CJW and FWA would have to come to an agreement for her to appear?”
Shake Meltzer: “I uh, believe so yeah.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “And what’s the hold over?”
Shake Meltzer: “I think there might be some tension for the relationship between the two companies. I know Katsu was wrestling a lot in FWA, sort of working a double load between both singles and trios pursuits. I imagine [CJW] may blame FWA somewhat for her getting hurt?”
Ryan Dalvarez: “But didn’t Katsu get hurt out of the ring?”
Shake Meltzer: “All I do know is that CJW apparently tried to pull Cali Hayama out of the Triple Threat match but Cali requested to do it to honour her commitment. Just after she hasn’t shown interest in any return either. Any talks of anyone from YDS returning I haven’t heard much from. So now Katsu is in doubt for even appearing on an FWA show in Japan.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “And what sources told you that?”
Shake Meltzer: “It’s my hunch.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “So you’re reporting it as fact?”
Shake Meltzer: “This is wrestling journalism. Most reporting is just hunch guesses and rumours.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “Well, if you want to discuss theories, I have my own.”
Shake Meltzer: “But unfortunately it’s about time for another break. Just a reminder for fans, if you want to see Katsu in Japan. Next Friday she will be in Yoyogi National Gymnasium for Sakura Dream fighting Ashley Wilde, then the 9th, she’ll be in Korakuen Hall for PWK's “White Day Brawl” where they are having a night of mixed tag team matches where she teams with Tiger X against Rio Kobayashi and mystery partner.”
Ryan Dalvarez: “And we got viewer questions later on and I’ll teach you how… TO CALL IT IN THE RING-” |
As the clip shows, there's no confirmation as to WHY Katsu has been absent from FWA. The only assumption which can be made is her schedule along with title duties in Japan. But is there tension between the two companies the masked wrestler is contracted to?
Until that day will come, Katsu will be keeping herself busy. But little does she know that the world she has been distant from for months-
Is going to be keeping a close eye on her.
[/HR] -One Week Later-
[ATTACH type="full" width="260px" alt="COSMICLogoPurple-removebg-preview.png"]79409[/ATTACH]Presents...[MEDIA=youtube]r7Oih9Bcd-4[/MEDIA] Saturday… February 10th, 2024.
A woman finally absolved herself of the sins of her past.
English commentary plays with the voice of an Irishman, giving a prelude to the match. One masked woman makes her way down the ring, cape flowing behind her.
“Injury delayed this moment. After years of waiting, it is finally the time for Katsu to face off against her former ‘mentor,’ her abuser, in a championship match, one on one.”
A woman's voice on commentator continues
“Never has this woman been able to hold singles gold in CJW. Osaka, hometown crowd, can she finally get personal and professional validation that she has arrived?”
Walking down the aisle, the defending champion. A woman with a slender frame, a championship belt with a pure white strap around her waist, contrasting her dark frame. On her head, another mask. One with vampire fangs, and horns.
“Queen Yoshida, out to remind this young lady that ‘you can never get rid of me. You will ALWAYS be a step under me.’”
The look of the challenger’s face shows a mix of anger and nerves. Major match, personal stakes involved, as the champion enters the ring, removing the vampire mask and tossing it at her challenger’s feet.
The match begins and the two begin to fight with a rabid intensity from the start of the bell. The confident champion pushes the challenger in the corner and grabs her face. An image dissolves on half the screen, showing the challenger as a younger wrestler, with black gear, getting similar treatment as she does now. The champion is coaxing darkness out of her challenger as the masked wrestler fights back.
As the match goes on, their allies get involved, distractions, counters to distractions, the whole nine yards. Finally, a chair ends up in the hands of the masked wrestler, the champion with a wicked smirk on her face, begging her opponent to smash her over the head. After much deliberation she tosses the chair away and hits a Superkick! Finally, she ascends the top.
“Will Night fall on her past?”
Flipping through the air, the masked wrestler hits a Phoenix Splash and goes in for a deep cover. The official counts a dramatic.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE![MEDIA=youtube]BRIf6bWPm-Y[/MEDIA] “KATSU HAS DONE IT!”
“YEARS IN THE MAKING, FINALLY, A SINGLES CHAMPION IN CJW! YOUR NEW INTERGALACTIC COSMIC CHAMPION, KATSU!”
A tired and excited Katsu is handed her newly won championship title and a trophy as her teammates enter the ring, Ririko and Cali Hayama rush in first to give her a hug and Ririko picks her up on her shoulders, letting her celebrate the fact she’s just won the second biggest prize in their home company…
Until the ceremony is cut short as five people make their way out. Miho Watase… Miss Fuka, and the rest of Virtue. The tag team champions grab a microphone and give a sarcastic congratulation to the new champion before telling her “She’s slayed the demons of her past, so now it’s time for the demons of her present to come in.” They motion for one of their members to step forward and it’s a foreign talent. Dark hair, a cocky smirk a mile wide.
Ashley Wilde.
The foreign talent speaks to her in English, knowing full well Katsu understands.
“I’m here to save this championship from becoming a ‘part-time’ belt. Since coming to CJW, I have not been pinned, nobody has ever tapped me out, I’m going to do what it took years for you to do…”
Flashing forward to a press-conference just days ago. Ashley Wilde stands across from Katsu on the opposite table. The Champion speaks in English to her challenger so that she can understand.
“I don’t understand why you are with Virtue. I look at you with Watase and Fuka. While the others look up to them, you seem to push against them. I know personally, that one day, they will stab you in the back and you’ll have nothing.”
“You’re right. I’m not besties with them, so what?” The challenger says, shrugging. “I joined Virtue because I saw what was happening in your little dead group. You were breaking apart, and I hedged my bets and picked a side. We created a professional relationship and it’s working out. And now, I’m part of CJW. In fact… I’m part of CJW a hell of a lot more than you.”
The champion retorts.
“I’ve been here for years. This is, and always will be, my home company. The Intergalactic COSMIC Championship I have worked years to get.”
“But it isn’t your first piece of singles gold, ain’t that right, buddy?” Ashley smugly responds.
“FWA is going to call you again and you’re back losing in the main event overseas again for big paydays, and you’re not going to take that title with you. You’re the import, and I’m the CJW talent looking to defend this company from you. It’s only a matter of time before I beat your ass, take that title, and make you f--- off to America again. And that take… is Ice… Coooool-”
Katsu stands up and grabs the microphone.
“I am CJW through and through! No matter where I go, CJW is my home, the place that made me. Yes, I have wrestled internationally. I wrestled on bigger stages than you. And I’ll even go as far as being in FWA made me being champion here possible. I learned more there in one year than I did in six years here. But I am home again. We created YDS FOR CJW first and defending this championship IS my priority. Exposing you as a fake… Getting some revenge for what you and Virtue put us through…”
Going up to the face of Ashley、 Katsu has a small smirk under her mask and says…. “それはすべてボーナスです。。。bitch.”
The video package shows the final confrontation of Katsu raising her title belt high, face to mask with her challenger, as the match graphic appears.Yoyogi National Gymnasium
Tokyo, Japan {"Sakura || R3hab"}[MEDIA=youtube]w28bzYGEIO8:33[/MEDIA] 
The lights of the arena are mostly darkened with pink lights dancing to the music playing. The stage is raised and has the COSMIC logo in the middle of a metal frame. Above the entranceway are various LED screens with a stock motion background of Cherry blossoms falling with the show logo in the middle. The CJW ring has a white and pink canvas covered in advertisements with purple ropes along with the usual boxing style turnbuckle pads. The ringside area is set up with mats, thin steel barricades, and tables on the other side before it breaks into rows of chairs for the fans.
James O’Connell: “Match 7 of 8 tonight here for CJW Sakura Dream. Her first title defence, Katsu defends the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship against the unbeaten in CJW, Ashley Wilde.”
Stephanie Starr: “I’ve been surprised how quickly Ashley Wilde has taken to CJW. The gajin has adapted quickly to COSMIC’s style and hitching her bets to Virtue has been a boon.”
James O’Connell: “Her Virtue leaders just successfully defended their tag team titles against the dream team of Saori Suzuki and Rin Tsukiyama, and they’re looking to make it 2-0 for Virtue in title matches tonight.”
Stephanie Starr: “And interestingly, I have seen a few more foreign fans tonight, likely due in part due to another company’s Japanese tour ongoing, FWA. Thanks to Katsu’s international experience, her world-wide audience might just put her in the fan favourite seat tonight, as if she wasn’t already.”
CJW’s English announcer, Christopher Biggs stands alongside Yoko Arita who gives the Japanese introductions. They nod before Christopher speaks first.
Christopher Biggs: “Ladies and gentlemen, your next match is a singles match scheduled for one fall with a 60-minute time limit and it is for the Intergalactic COSMIC CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Yoko nods her head and does the Japanese introductions.
Yoko Arita: “次の試合は、銀河間コズミックチャンピオンシップのシングルマッチで、制限時間は60分で秋に予定されています！”
The fans clap and cheer as the lights which are a pink around begin to fade away.
{"Blasphemy || Bring me The Horizon"}[MEDIA=youtube]HYd9B6YvIHM[/MEDIA]
The opening to the Bring me the Horizon song plays as the screen shows a goddess on top of a mountain before the scene around her freezes in a blanket of ice and snow. The lights show a mix of gold and an icy blue as the text “Ice Cold Killa’” is shown on the screen along with Ashley Wilde’s name in both English and Japanese. Lights move around the arena in tune to the alt rock anthem.
After about 25 seconds, the challenger makes her way out. She has a light blue robe on with gold accents and a smug look on her face, drawing in jeers from the fans. Golden sparks of pyro shoot up from the sides as Wilde turns around, showing the text on her robe saying her nickname before turning around with a half bow pose. White sparkles of pyro shoot up on both sides of the stage. Then she flips off some of the fans as she begins to make the slow walk down the ramp.
Christopher Biggs: “Introducing first, the challenger, in the blue corner. Representing Virtue, from Winnipeg, Canada, she is the ICE COLD Killa, Ashley Wilde!”
James O’Connell: “Second generation wrestler, daughter of Canadian territory legend, ‘Wild Man’ George Pettipas, she has made it her mission to go beyond where her family went, become an international star.”
Stephanie Starr: “And with it comes a big chip on her shoulder, and a constant need to prove a point. Her association with the MAYHEM turncoats hasn’t made her a popular figure with the local fans, but her pedigree has taken her far in such a short time.”
Going down the ramp, two members of Virtue make their way behind her down the ramp. One is wearing a half mask and a cane in her hand, the other dark lipstick. YUNA, no relation to a certain Pirate, and Nanae Noa. Ashley Wilde turns back to acknowledge them before turning back towards the ring to make her entrance.
James O’Connell: “And, as agreed upon by the parties involved, a maximum of two people in each other’s corner. With Watase and Fuka only recently finishing their match, it’s up to YUNA and Noa to back Wilde.”
Stephanie Starr: “I just hope the interference is down to a minimum.”
Getting to ringside, Ashley Wilde unclips her rope and lets her teammates pull it off her, showing her ring gear. It is black with gold tinted icicle patterns on the bra and on her one-legged tights, Her kick boots have her last name and nickname on them. The challenger steps into the ring as Yoko introduces her in Japanese…
Yoko Arita: “「挑戦者紹介、青コーナーです。 Virtueを代表する「ICE COLD Killa'」。 。 ”
Ashley Widle goes to the hard camera side and leans on the middle rope.
Yoko Arita: “AASSSHHHLEEEEY WIIIIIIIIILLDE!”
The challenger winks and motions around her waist for a title belt. Her theme music fades away as she warms up in the middle of the ring, confident. The lights of Yoyogi National Gymnasium fade to black as the screen plays a scene.{"Cherry Blossoms"}[MEDIA=youtube]AK51LblcEOw[/MEDIA] A silhouette of a woman stands in the middle of an open field. She is surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. Wearing a white and pink kimono, she holds in her hands the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship title. She looks up at the trees above her before getting on her hands and knees, placing the championship title on the ground. In an almost prayer position, she speaks in Japanese.
“親愛なるサクラ様,”
“Dear Sakura,”
“この季節に新しい命を吹き込みましょう。私にとって新しい精神。”
“Breathe new life into this season. A new spirit for me.”
“私の精神、私の心を光が照らしますように。”
“May the light shine on my spirit and my heart.”
“この世界の美しさ、自分の成功、周りの人たちに感謝できますように…”
“May you be grateful for the beauty of this world, your successes, and those around you.”
The camera zooms in on the championship belt, the nameplate on it reading “KATSU” etched into the gold.
“なぜなら、この地球上のすべてのものは、非常に短い時間しか存在しないからです。私に力を与えます。私に美しさを祝福してください。暴力を祝福してください …”
“Because everything on this earth exists for only a very short time. Give me strength. bless me with beauty. Celebrate violence.”
A single cherry blossom falls, landing on the championship title plate.
“新生活”
“New Life”{"MEGITSUNE || Babymetal"}[MEDIA=youtube]cK3NMZAUKGw[/MEDIA] Drawing a positive reaction from the crowd is the theme music of the Champion as the lights begin to flash different shades of red and pink. Katsu appears on the stage, standing still, her arms crossed with two “fox head” hand gestures with the lights flashing to the beat of the music. Her white strapped championship belt is around her waist. After about twelve seconds, fire shoots up from the sides of the stage as Katsu opens her arms, tilting her head as she shows off a custom entrance mask with her attire being a mix of various shades of pink. She does a quick “slashing” gesture with her hand as she makes her way down the ramp.
Christopher Biggs: “And introducing, in the Red Corner. She is the reigning and defending Intergalactic COSMIC Champion, representing YOKAI Death Squad, from Osaka, the Kitsune Warrior… KAAAATSUUU!”
James O’Connell: “Co-Leader of YOKAI Death Squad, the 20th Intergalactic COSMIC Champion, after a night of firsts, she makes her first singles title defence in CJW and will try as she can to do something she hasn’t done in CJW or FWA.”
Stephanie Starr: “And that’s successfully defending a singles title. Her reign as FWA’s Television Champion late 2022 and early 2023, ending via a Fatal Four Way match, not pinned, but couldn’t secure the fall to keep her title. This time, one on one, she’s had big matches since then and has gotten better, but she’s fighting someone who hasn’t been beaten yet in Japan.”
As Katsu makes her way down the ramp, she moves her cape out of the way so that the camera can get a good look at her championship belt. Her chosen partners in her corner make their way down the ramp, Ririko and her younger sister, REO, both wearing YDS hoodies over their gear.
James O’Connell: “And not a surprise with Ririko and REO in her corner. Ririko the power of YDS and her longest friend and REO who in some ways has been taken under the wings of both Katsu and her older sister.”
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu was trusted twice to coach FWA’s hit series ‘Ground Zero,’ with Vengedor winning, but REO being part of an all women’s season, making it to the semi finals before returning from excursion. But now, there’s only one priority for Katsu, and that’s being the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion.”
Walking around the ring, Katsu heads to the hard camera side and catches a glance at Ashley Wilde, her challenger. The champion slides onto the apron and opens up her cape, showing her championship belt off. She splits her legs and drops, sliding into the ring. Unclipping the championship from her waist, Yoko introduces her.
Yoko Arita: “赤い隅にあります。彼女は第 20 代銀河間 COSMIC チャンピオンです。妖怪死隊代表、狐武者。。。”
Heading to the top turnbuckle, Katsu does a throat slashing gesture and holds up her championship belt.
Yoko Arita: “KAAAAAATSSUUUUUUUU!”
Jumping down, Katsu’s music fades as she unclips her cape. CJW co-owner, Yuria Anou, makes her way in the ring for the pre-match ceremony. She is wearing a traditional silk kimono for the night, but still stunning.
Katsu looks at her championship belt and gives it a pat on the main plate before handing it off to her. Champion and challenger stand on either side of Anou. Ashley does the Virtue pose, showing a confident look on her face while looking at the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship. Katsu puts one hand on her up with the other in a “fox head” gesture. Pictures are taken before the crowd claps.
James O’Connell: “Glad they could hold themselves back from tearing into each other-”
Stephanie Starr: “Yeah, remember Worlds Unite with Virtue and YDS?”
The two wrestlers head to their corners as Yuria exits the ring to hand the title to the time keeper. The assigned official checks both of them for any weapons with a quick pat down. With the all clear, he rings the bell for the match to begin. Champion and challenger circle in the ring. Katsu keeps low, light on her feet while Ashley Wilde keeps vertical. With a four inch height advantage, it’s clear she can toss the smaller, agile, Katsu, if needed. Ashley Wilde approaches first for a lock up, but Katsu quickly goes behind and trips her backwards, bridging across the legs for a unique roll-up pin-
ONE- Quick kick out from the Ice Cold Killa’
As Wilde attempts to roll over, Katsu hooks her arm and quickly goes into a La Magistral Cradle-
ONE… T- And another quick kick out!
And before Katsu can attempt a third, Ashley Wilde rolls away and quickly rushes back into an aggressive lock-up, pushing her back into the ropes. The official counts to force a break and on four, the Canadian does a disrespectful slap to the face of the champion, drawing a negative reaction from the Tokyo crowd.
James O’Connell: “Disrespect from the challenger.”
Stephanie Starr: “In her match against Yoshida, the former champion drew a lot of anger out of Katsu, I have to wonder if we can see that dark-side come out a bit tonight?”
Giving a cold glance towards Wilde, Katsu responds with a slap of her own which catches Ashley off guard! She follows with a forearm to the jaw of Wilde! The challenger throws a punch, but the champion ducks it and quickly drags her down to the mat with an arm drag. Ashley Wilde doesn’t even get to a vertical base before Katsu follows through with a knee lift!
James O’Connell: “And there it is a bit, the hard-hitting side of the champion, with her speed.”
The self-proclaimed “Killa’” of Virtue stumbles back into the ropes and Katsu decides to quicken the pace. She sends her across the ring with an Irish Whip. At first, she leapfrogs over Wilde on the bounce back, then drops down. Finally, she catches Ashley Wilde in the jaw with a single leg dropkick! The Intergalactic COSMIC Champion kips up to clapping from the crowd and Wilde immediately rolls to the outside.
Stephanie Starr: “The slap, turning out to not be a good idea from Ashley Wilde, that just fired up the champion and if she continues to build up the pace, Katsu may end up lapping her challenger.”
Clapping three times in rhythm, Katsu gets the crowd to chant “Y-D-S” in rhythm. Over the past few months especially, she has begun to get a stronger control of the crowd, rallying them behind her. She knows there’s some distance between her and Ashley Wilde, so she runs off the ropes. But before she can complete the dive, Nanae Noa jumps on the apron, stopping her dead in her tracks. For a moment, Katsu stops and there’s some anger in her eyes.
James O’Connell: “Nanae Noa coming to the defence of her Virtue stablemate, and is probably one of the few people who can stop Katsu dead in her tracks.”
Stephanie Starr: “A former member of SIN with Katsu, she’d often engage in the bullying and manipulation which still weighs heavy on Katsu before Noa left wrestling for three years only to return last year, siding with Virtue. No love lost between them.”
Nanae has a smirk on her face as she taunts the champion, trying to goad her into making a mistake. Katsu takes a deep breath before backing up. REO and Ririko look at ringside and see Ashley Wilde slide back in from the side. They try to warn Katsu, but it is too late as Ashley takes her down with a lariat!
James O’Connell: “Distraction pays off!”
Stephanie Starr: “Virtue said they’ll be here to haunt Katsu, and that’s true early on in this match.”
Ashley Wilde quickly picks Katsu up and follows through with a suplex, sending her overhead with a vicious snap! Floating over, Wilde goes into a pin, but only gets a one.
The challenger smirks and goes to her wheelhouse, hard strikes. She reels back a snapping European Uppercut on the champion! She clenches and nails her in the head with multiple fish hook knees before snapping back with a knife edge chop to the chest! Sending Katsu across the ring, she meets her in the middle of the ring and drives her into her knee with an STO Backbreaker!
Katsu lies on her knee, like she’s lying on the armrest of a bench and Ashley pushes her to a seated position. The Ice Cold Killa’ charges off the ropes and strikes her in the chest with a Penalty Kick! She goes for a cover on the champion but it is another quick kick out.
James O’Connell: “One strike, after another, then it is all topped off with a World class PK!”
Stephanie Starr: “She told me that she was a striker in high school for her school’s soccer team. Tell me, how would she do on the pitch?”
James O’Connell: “With how violent she is, I imagine a red card every other match.”
Mixing it up, Ashley Wilde drags Katsu into the corner and traps her with chops and shoulder thrusts to the ribcage. The Canadian is controlling the pace as she grabs the wrist and sends Katsu to the opposite corner like a hammer! Katsu doesn’t even stay standing as her back hits with a THUD into the boxing style turnbuckle pads! Ashley Wilde pulls her out and snapmares her into a cravat. She locks the fingers and twists the neck, keeping Katsu grounded.
James O’Connell: “And now the challenger is looking to wear the champion down early.
Stephanie Starr: “And interesting she decides to put her first submission on the neck. Two of her favourite ways to end a match target it. First her Ice Spike DDT. The Double Underhook into a snapping DDT, about as violent as they come. Then the Wilde Clutch, her twist on the Cobra Clutch passed down from her father.”
James O’Connell: “Of course, she changes it up with a bridge, getting the opponent grounded so it’s a hybrid between that and a Crossface. Several women in CJW have either tapped to that hold or were put to sleep.”
Ririko claps to get the crowd behind her friend as Katsu fights for position on the mat. The defending champion gets to a knee as Wilde continues the pressure, twisting her head. Just as Katsu gets to her feet, Ashley Wilde has the awareness to change it into an offensive move, snapping back with a Cravat Neckbreaker!
James O’Connell: “Neckbreaker!”
Stephanie Starr: “Showing some technique now, Ashley turns that into a neckbreaker and now Katsu’s fully on the back foot.
--5:34--
James O’Connell: “And Ashley Wilde, despite this being her first title match in Japan, showing that she can rise to the occasion early on.”
Stephanie Starr: “I question if she really needs the ‘presence’ of her Virtue teammates right now, but she’s still strong with or without them.”
Choking Katsu with her foot, Ashley Wilde shows a wide grin on her face as she wears down the champion. The referee gets to a four count before the member of Virtue finally lets go and soaks in the jeers. She mouths off in English to the crowd before charging back with a European uppercut in the corner on the champion! Ashley Wilde runs off the ropes and meets Katsu in the middle of the ring with a big boot to the-
No, Katsu counters with a Superkick that hooks to the jaw! Ashley Wilde remains on her feet, bouncing back with a hard forearm, but Katsu reels back with a SECOND superkick to the jaw, dropping Wilde to a knee!
James O’Connell: “But Ashley can’t keep Katsu down for long, perfectly time kicked!”
Stephanie Starr: “Few young wrestlers today embody a ‘fighting spirit’ like Katsu.”
Wrenching the arm, Katsu chops Ashley Wilde in the chest with her other hand and walks over to the ropes, keeping hold of the hand. She balances herself on the ropes. The fans gasp as Katsu leaps off with a rope assisted hurricanrana!
James O’Connell: “Unique Hurricanrana from the champion!”
Stephanie Star: “Guess I need to correct myself there. Fighting spirit with a sparkle of Lucha inspiration. As a proud Latin-American who’s been blessed to work in Mexico for parts of my career, I can’t help but smile seeing that.”
Ashley Wilde bounces off the mat and stumbles back to her feet as Katsu smirks, telling her to come at her. The challenger falls into the Intergalactic Champion’s trap and Katsu runs, springboarding off the middle rope and dropping her with a crossbody! She immediately goes into a cover.
One… Tw- and a kick out from the challenger!
Katsu rolls to her feet and catches the number one contender in the chin with a roundhouse! Then she dropkicks her in the back and she lands on the middle rope! Katsu runs for her Tiger Feint Kick, but Ashley Wilde quickly rolls to the outside again towards her teammates.
James O’Connell: “And we thought the Sakura kick was coming-”
But Katsu instead swings herself between the ropes and lands on the apron. Virtue only notice when it is too late as Katsu springboards off the middle rope with a Moonsault to the outside-
James O’Connell: “Moonsault to the outside!”
Stephanie Starr: “And all THREE of the members of Virtue got hit with it!”
With three people breaking her fall, Katsu gets up and lets out a shout. She focuses back on her opponent, pulling Wilde out of the rubble and getting her back into the ring. The Intergalactic COSMIC Champion gets on the apron and slaps the turnbuckle pad to get the fans behind her.
James O’Connell: “Ever since returning from America, Katsu has become more animated, and dare I say, more confident and comfortable.”
Stephanie Starr: “She’s said it, her run in America has made it possible for her to rise up the ranks here after Ririko and Cali held the fort for her in the meantime. Says a lot that both her and Cali Hayama agreed to be Equals as leaders of YDS and have gotten along since that.”
James O’Connell: “They both said it, they each see in each other traits the other lacks, they respect their skill, and trust each other as people.”
Katsu balances herself on the top rope and waits. She leaps through the air and lands on top of Ashley Wilde again with a top rope Crossbody! Another pin attempt is made.
ONE… TWO- And Ashley Wilde kicks out.
The defending champion rolls to her feet and is quick to try to put this match away now. She hooks the arm of Ashley Wilde and tries to sweep the leg for the Lightning Spiral, but Ashley Wilde side steps and does a backslide! There isn’t even a pin as Katsu rolls to her stomach. Ashley Wilde runs off the ropes and as Katsu gets up, she knees her in the back of the head!
James O’Connell” “Ashley nearly took Katsu’s head off!”
Stephanie Starr: “-No thank you to EVER taking that, I’m happily retired.”
Ashley has a, well, wild smirk on her face as she nearly takes the champion’s head off. She pulls Katsu to her feet and hooks her up, dropping her with a Falcon Arrow! She hooks both legs and goes for the cover.
James O’Connell: “Falcon Arrow! Ashley Wilde, looking for her first singles title in CJW-”
ONE… TWO… T- And Katsu keeps her title as she kicks out!
James O’Connell: “But Katsu keeps the Intergalactic title within her clutches!”
Stephanie Starr: “And notice Ashley Wilde is beginning to ramp up the intensity of her offence, going for bigger moves. With Katsu’s high flying, and even her going for the Lightning Spiral, it might have been a warning for her to pick things up before it is too late.”
--9:16--
Keeping control of the match, Ashley Wilde grabs the arm of Katsu and tosses her into the corner, with her landing with a thud! YUNA gets on the apron to get the official’s attention as Nanae Noa hits Katsu in the corner! The fans jeer.
James O’Connell: “And Katsu’s attempt to bounce back is stopped with her crashing into the corner and, of course, some outside interference.”
REO and Ririko, seeing Noa’s interference, shout at the official, but without him seeing it, he can’t do anything about it, so he has to tell the sisters to calm down. Ashley Wilde takes advantage and pulls Katsu back to her feet, raking the face while she does! The fans jeer as she bridges back into a German Suplex! The referee turns around in time to count the pin.
ONE… TWO… The champion kicks out but Ashley Wilde transitions and tries to get the Wilde Clutch in!
She tries to hook the arm and trap the head but Katsu rolls over in a side headlock. Both girls end up near the ropes and Ashley Wilde lifts the knee to catch Katsu on the chin. The Virtue member runs off the ropes and BOTH competitors fly over the top rope and to the outside with a clothesline!
James O’Connell: “Both ladies fall to the outside and I’m not sure who got the worst of it!”
Stephanie Starr: “Ashley Wilde with the offensive move, but I think the back of her head may have clipped the edge of the ring.”
The official looks over to check on both competitors and Ashley Wilde, indeed, grabs the back of her head, causing a brief pause to the match as the official checks on both of them. Ashley Wilde moves her hand as the referee checks the back of her head, putting on gloves and we can see on her hand a bit of red.
James O’Connell: “I think Ashley Wilde may have cut the back of her on the fall to the outside.”
Stephanie Starr: “Some of these ladies are the toughest around in the sport, but precaution is needed.”
The official bounces back and forth between Katsu and Ashley Wilde and even their seconds in their corners. The doctor has some gauze to help wipe some blood away to check the nature of the cut. He communicates with the official and gives a nod. It’s nothing serious. Katsu gets to her feet, still showing the effects of the fall. The referee gives her a “Wait one moment” gesture as he turns back to Ashley Wilde-
And YUNA runs in and kicks Katsu in the gut behind the official’s back!
James O’Connell: “Come on! Your teammate just got a nasty fall but you have to take advantage!”
Stephanie Starr: “Well, Ashley did say this relationship is ‘professional,’ so it doesn’t surprise me.”
REO and Ririko rush in and get in the faces of YUNA and Nanae Noa and the two sides even push and shove. The referee has to separate the two sides and even gives them each a warning to either back off or to get out. Katsu is even distracted by the scuffle and, with the green light from the doctor-
Ashley Wilde runs in and takes down Katsu, drawing massive jeers from the fans!
James O’Connell: “Crocodile tears from Ashley Wilde!”
Stephanie Starr: “I don’t doubt she got messed up a bit from the fall, she’s got a cut, but she’s taking advantage of a situation like a seasoned pro.”
Ashley Wilde grabs Katsu and throws her into the barricade! Then into the edge of the ring, before hucking her over the divider into the time-keeper’s area. The fans jeer as she gloats to the fans, even with some blood appearing on her hands. The teammates of each wrestler are finally separated, but REO and Ririko are helpless to watch. Ririko shouts towards her friend, trying to give her encouragement while REO gives a dark glare towards Wilde, trying to resist the urge to kick her head off. The count from the official begins.
James O’Connell: “YOKAI Death Squad are trying to be careful here. Remember, no ‘traditional’ champion’s advantage here in comparison to most American promotions. A title can change hands on a disqualification or count out, though CJW management can overturn it on occasion.”
Stephanie Starr: “Like the time we saw the short-lived Comet Division Title end in disqualification due to someone attacking their own partner. But I don’t think kicking Ashley Wilde’s head off over some trickery would give her sympathy.”
Ashley Wilde reaches over the barricade to grab Katsu, some of the blood on her hands rubbing off on the pink mask of Katsu. The challenger steps over and puts Katsu on the table. She joins her and tries to place her opponent’s head between her thighs-
James O’Connell: “Piledriver on the table-”
She tries to lift Katsu up, but the Kitsune Warrior blocks it and even grabs the barricade. Ashley clubs the back but Katsu begins to lift up Ashley Wilde-
And she backdrops her back over the barricade onto the outside floor!
James O’Connell: “Katsu avoids disaster as Ashley Wilde crashes onto the mats below!”
Stephanie Starr: “But both ladies need to get back into the ring.”
The count is nearing a 10, the half-way point, as Katsu remains standing on the time-keeper’s table. She looks as Ashley Wilde struggles to her feet, grabbing the back of her head. The champion runs across the tables and leaps, hitting a hurricanrana to the outside on the Ice Cold Killa’!
James O’Connell: “Hurricanrana to the outside!”
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu felt something similar at the ‘Worlds Unite’ event, but now she’s the one dishing it out!”
The referee’s count is at fifteen as Katsu finally drags Ashley Wilde off the floor and pushes her back into the ring. The challenger crawls to the middle of the ring and Katsu senses blood in the water. Katsu charges and drives both her knees in the back of the head of Ashley Wilde!
James O’Connell: “Burning Arrow!”
Katsu rolls Wilde over to her back for a pin.
ONE… TWO… THREE-
And Wilde kicks out!
Stephanie Starr: “Competing with a cut in the back of her head, double knees to the cut too, I’m going to give Ashley Wilde some props. First singles title match, rising to the occasion.”
Showing a surprising amount of poise, Katsu doesn’t appear frustrated from the kickout. Katsu simply puts her hand in a “Fox Head” gesture and then does a throat slash. She’s going to drain the Spirit out of this woman. Katsu runs off the ropes as Wilde gets to her feet and is about to go for a Frakenstiener but Ashley grabs the legs!
James O’Connell: “Frankenstiener, Katsu trying to roll through into a pin, or maybe a submission, but Wilde is holding on.”
Katsu elbows Wilde in the head, but the Canadian quickly drops her into the mat with a powerbomb! She crosses Katsu’s legs and rolls through with a Cloverleaf, adding a knee on the neck for good measure!
Stephanie Starr: “And right into a variation of the Cloverleaf with a knee to the skull. In some circles it is called the ‘Lasso from El Paso.’ Bending the spine and softening up the neck too with the legs. Smart hold."
James O’Connell: “Ashley Wilde, fighting for the submission win.”
Katsu lets out a yell as her back is bent and weight is on her head. Her arm flails around, reaching for something to grab onto, but her title reign may end up becoming another one defence run. Ashley Wilde’s footing slips slightly, so she needs to aim for the more balanced approach, sitting down. While the head isn’t targeted anymore, the spine has a sharper bend to it!
James O’Connell: “And the traditional cloverleaf now and Katsu’s being worn down!”
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu is a young lady full of heart and yet enough experience to make decisions that are wise beyond her age. She needs to find a way to crawl to the ropes or roll through. I see her pushing herself up off the mat with her elbows now. Great plan to reduce pressure. Still not an ideal position to be in though.”
James O’Connell: “There’s a real possibility that she may have to tap here, or this might be a detriment to her hopes as we get into the later stages of the match.”
Katsu crawls towards the ropes on the side of the ring where her friends are, knowing that being near Virtue’s side would be dangerous for her. Ririko jumps up and down in her hoodie, motioning for Katsu to get near them. Katsu begins the crawl and it helps her get pressure off as Ashley has to fight to keep the grip around her legs. Rather than wasting time, Katsu rolls over to her back and pulls Ashley Wilde in for a small package!
ONE.. TWO, kick out from Ashley Wilde.
Katsu gets to her feet and throws a forearm, catching Ashley Wilde in the jaw. The masked champion runs off the ropes but the Canadian catches her in a fireman’s carry. She places Katsu’s head under her arm and drops her with an Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker on the knee!
James O’Connell: “Air Raid Breaker from Ashley Wilde!”
Stephanie Starr: “Just as Katsu thought she had a way out, Ash was one step ahead."
Rolling to the apron, Ashley Wilde gives herself a moment to breathe as Katsu holds the neck after it was jammed on her opponent’s knee. Getting a smirk on her face, Ashley Wilde feels like taking a risk. She ascends the corner turnbuckle and tries to balance herself on the top rope.
James O’Connell: “Ashley Wilde going to the high risk district.”
Stephanie Starr: “She’s not afraid to go to the top or even springboard from now and then, but this isn’t exactly her bread and butter.”
Slowly getting up, Katsu is unaware of Ashley’s position as her challenger leaps through the air and drives the knee to the back of head of the Intergalactic COSMIC Champion.
James O’Connell: “Guillotine Knee! She has to be knocked out!”
Ashley Wilde rolls over to Katsu and puts her opponent in the pin.
ONE… TWO… THREE-
AND THE CHAMPION STILL KICKS OUT!
James O’Connell: “Katsu has no quit! This championship means a lot to her.”
Stephanie Starr: “Given the fact that she’s worked a pretty insane schedule prior to her injury, and wrestled hurt even when she beat Funanori, Katsu has a lot in the tank.”
Letting her hot headed nature get the best of her, Ashley pounds the mat with her fist. She’s growing impatient. But, for the time being, Katsu is keeping her title.
--16:28--
After kicking out of a bridging Dragon Suplex, Katsu rolls to the ropes as the frustration of the challenger continues to rise.
James O’Connell: “Katsu is fighting tooth and nail to successfully defend the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship.”
Stephanie Starr: “I talked to her and she said that her losing the FWA Television title was something which was hard on her mentally. But it was arguably what inspired her to reinvent herself and become a new woman. Now it’s about showing the world and herself that she’s grown from that.”
James O’Connell: “But I’d argue that Ashley Wilde is one move away from ending her title reign.”
Ready to put the fox to sleep, Ashley Wilde goes over and rakes the eyes of Katsu to a warning from the official. She hooks the arm and secures a Cobra Clutch, but struggles to drag Katsu to the mat, though Katsu’s already feeling the effects of it!
James O’Connell: “The Cobra Clutch is in and she’s trying to pull her down to fully secure the Wilde Clutch!”
Stephanie Starr: “Each time she’s dropped her on her head this match, she’s been softening up the neck to potentially use this hold.”
Katsu reaches for the ropes Ashley Wilde shakes her, continually trying to pull her to the canvas. Seeing the corner, Katsu gets an idea as she grabs the ropes and pulls herself up in the corner. Before the referee gets a chance to count for a break, Katsu flips back into a pin-
James O’Connell: “Katsu counters! Katsu counters!”
ONE… TWO-
And Ashley Wilde is forced to break the hold to kick out.
Ashley quickly goes to the corner, but Katsu follows with a HARD kick to the chest! The champion chops Ashley’s chest multiple times and adds an extra kick. The crowd rallies behind her as she lets out a yell and does one more big kick to the chest! Katsu attempts an Irish whip to the opposite corner, but Ashley reverses the momentum. This time, Katsu has the awareness to leap off the middle turnbuckle and over Ashley’s head! The challenger stops herself and quickly back elbows the defending champion. She gets on the second rope and Springboards-
James O’Connell: “The Slice-”
And Katsu ducks a Springboard enzuigiri!
James O’Connell: “And nobody in the pool!”
Ashley lands on one foot and stumbles back to a vertical base. Leaping up, the Kitsune Warrior hits an enzuigiri of her own, catching her in the back of the head!
Ashley Wilde face plants into the mat and holds the back of the head where the blood from her cut is beginning to soak in her hair a touch.
The referee does a quick check, but appears to give the green light quickly to continue.
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu has been on the back foot at multiple parts of the match. Whenever Ashley has been able to slow down the pace, Katsu has been forced to adjust. But as soon as the pace quickens, the champion finds herself at home."
James O’Connell: “And what do you think Katsu can do to win at this stage?”
Stephanie Starr: “Come in fast and hit some of her big moves NOW.”
Catching her breath, Katsu looks to see some of the blood stain parts of her gear. She pulls Ashley Wilde up and places her in the corner, chopping her in the chest again before sitting her on the top rope.
James O’Connell: “And Katsu, placing Ashley Wilde on top.”
Stephanie Starr: “We’ve seen her do the Spanish Fly, or even a Super Frakenstiener in a position like that. Hell, she’s even transitioned into the Spirit Drain before from there."
Katsu stands on the top turnbuckle and steadies her feet. Ashley, still having some fight in her, quickly headbutts the champion! She hits another and Katsu stumbles off the top rope. Ashley Wilde is on the turnbuckles alone now. She gets to the top rope, but is having a hard time balancing herself in this position. Katsu take advantage and leaps up-
Stephanie Starr: “Look out below-”
And she hits a top rope Spanish Fly!
James O’Connell: “SPANISH FLY!”
Katsu lands on top and hooks the leg for the pin.
ONE… TWO… THREE- Kickout!
James O’Connell: “But it isn’t enough. Ashley Wilde keeps her championship hopes alive!”
Stephanie Starr: “A fall like that can take a lot out of anyone, even the person on the offensive end of the move, but Katsu, landing on top, kept her damage to a minimum.”
Catching her breath on the canvas, the crowd claps and applaud her for the breathtaking move. Katsu slowly gets to a knee and looks around at the crowd. Ashley Wilde rolls on the canvas and where her head was, there’s a small red stain from her cut. The two competitors slowly get to a standing position with Katsu getting to her feet first. She smirks and KICKS Ashley Wilde in the chest! The gaijin smirks and unloads with a loud CHOP to her chest.
James O’Connell: “Back and forth, these ladies are hoping to finally chop down the other!”
Katsu returns the chop as the crowd, rallying behind her chants her name. Then a second, and third. Ashley Wilde responds with a forearm and she goes face to face with the champion. Ashley throws a punch which Katsu ducks under and she kicks her in the side of the leg multiple times! Running off the ropes the Kitsune Warrior hits a flying forearm smash, dropping the Virtue member! On the follow up Katsu catches her under the jaw with a calf kick! Disoriented, Ashley throws a clothesline which misses and Katsu runs off the ropes taking her to the mat with a headscissor takedown!
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu’s picking up the pace now, but she needs to give this an exclamation point now or never!”
Slapping the mat, Katsu feels a rush of momentum. She shouts in Japanese to rally the fans behind her as Ashley Wilde pulls herself up by the ropes. The masked champion unloads with a Superkick on her jaw and pulls her in. With a swift sweep of the leg, Katsu drops her on the back of her head with a vicious Lightning Spiral!
James O’Connell: “Lightning Spiral!”
Katsu goes for a pin by stacking Ashley where she lands, pulling the legs over her head and pulling her arm away from the ropes to avoid a rope break.
ONE… TWO… T-
And Nanae Noa pulls the referee out of the ring by the foot!
James O’Connell: “And Nanae Noa gets involved, pulling the official out, come on!”
Stephanie Starr: “Katsu was aware to keep her away from the ropes, but forgot about Virtue on the outside-”
The official shouts at Nanae Noa for her actions and he immediately motions to the back. She’s kicked out! The Virtue teammate of Ashley protests, so REO runs and decides to try to remove her personally. The Shadow Soul rushes and shoulder checks Noa and the two begin to fight!
James O’Connell: “And REO trying to play difference maker!”
Stephanie Starr: “But now the referee has to get BOTH of them out!”
Katsu looks on and has a small bit of frustration with the rookie member of the team, with her letting her emotions get the better of her. The defending champion tries to keep her focus on Ashley, prevent her from getting back in the match-
But she doesn’t see YUNA slide into the ring.
James O’Connell: “YUNA sliding in-”
And she cracks her signature cane over the back of the head of Katsu!
Stephanie Starr: “And that’s bullcrap!”
James O’Connell: “Behind the referee’s back as he’s handling the melee on the outside.”
The crowd erupt in a chorus of boos as YUNA gets involved physically. She goes over to Ashley Wilde who is still hurt after being dropped on the back of her head.
James O’Connell: “The cane given to her by her former mentor and self-proclaimed ‘Goddess,’ YUNA just used it to hand Ashley Wilde the Intergalactic COSMIC Cham-”
As James is mid-thought, Ririko rushes the ring and takes YUNA to the mat with a double leg takedown!
James O’Connell: “And Ririko playing the equaliser!”
She brawls with her and forces YUNA out of the ring! The official has both REO and Nao heading up the ramp, as Riirko chases YUNA with them! The official turns around and sees Ashley Wilde getting to her feet and trying to pick up the champion.
Stephanie Starr: “But Ashley Wilde is up, and she’s going to drive Katsu’s head into the mat for good.”
The referee gets in the ring and as Ashley hooks one arm-
The referee begins to shout at her. He looks and points, at her feet-
YUNA’s signature cane.
James O’Connell: “The cane is still in the ring and the referee sees it! He’s not blind, but he can put two and two together.”
Stephanie Starr: “REO rushing Nanae might have given YUNA the opportunity to strike, but Ririko tackling YUNA might have saved Katsu’s title.”
The official holds up the cane and with the little English he knows, is questioning Ashley with it. The Ice Cold Killa pleads her case, trying to explain she didn’t do it personally, but it is her teammate’s weapon. Someone used it from their side. The referee tosses it to the outside and gives Wilde a verbal warning. Katsu gets to her knees, coming to her senses. Before Ashley can notice, the Kitsune Warrior hooks both her arms behind and hits a bridging Tiger Suplex!
James O’Connell: “Tiger Suplex! Shades of the Grand Tiger!”
The official is caught by surprise but slides in to count the pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THRE- Kick Out from Ashley Wilde!
Katsu backs up, crawling on all fours, glaring at Wilde. She waits and dropkicks Ashley in the back, sending her onto the middle turnbuckle!
The Kitsune Warrior runs off the ropes and spins around with her Tiger Feint Kick!
James O’Connell: “Sakura kick!”
Stephanie Starr: “The prelude to the end.”
Ashley Wilde lands in the middle of the ring in a perfect position. Katsu is breathing heavily, but she climbs the top turnbuckles, standing so that her back is facing the ring. She gives one quick check back before she twists herself through the air for her Phoenix Splash!
James O’Connell: “Nightfall!”
Stephanie Starr: “And good night.”
Sitting on top of Ashley’s chest, Katsu pulls back both of her opponent’s legs for a deep cover as the referee makes the match winning-
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!{"Result:"}
Winner, Still Champion:
勝者、依然としてチャンピオン:
KATSU
Via Nightfall 20:19
[MEDIA=youtube]cK3NMZAUKGw[/MEDIA]
Rolling off of her opponent, Katsu has a sigh of relief as she manages to retain her Intergalactic COSMIC Championship. Some of her pink attire has light splotches of red from Ashley’s cut as doctors rush the ring to check it over, someone giving her a towel as she rolls out of the ring, going to a knee at ringside. The referee has her championship belt and a trophy as her hand is raised.
Christopher Biggs: “And winner, still your Intergalactic COSMIC Champion at 20:19, Katsu!”
Yoko Arita: “20:19のピンフォールで試合の勝者、そして銀河系COSMICチャンピオンである KATSU!!!”
The result is announced in both English and Japanese as Katsu drops to a knee and places her championship belt on her shoulder. A big grin is on the face of the champion as she holds up a “Fox Head” and gestures, celebrating her win.
James O’Connell: “The first defence is often the hardest for a champion, you can attest to that, Stephanie?”
Stephanie Starr: “Absolutely. Katsu learned that in FWA. Ashley Wilde has been one of the biggest names to keep track of since her arrival too and with Virtue on the outside, it was a mountain of an obstacle, but she stayed in it and retained.”
James O’Connell: “As for Ashley, think she’ll be back?”
Stephanie Starr: “It’s common for gaijin to come and go in Japanese promotions, so for one to stay and make a lasting impact would be huge. Ashley Wilde has a lot of the tools, it’ll be just a matter of time.”
Katsu briefly heads up to the top turnbuckles to raise the championship up high before she exits the ring, taking her trophy with her. Ashley Wilde has already gone to the back to get checked over. The Kistune Warrior heads up the ramp while both REO and Ririko return. Ririko puts Katsu on her shoulders to allow her to raise the title even higher.
James O’Connell: “We will eagerly await what’s next for both the champion and the beaten challenger, but next is our MAIN EVENT. Universe of COSMIC Championship on the line. Let’s go to the video package…”
[/HR] Backstage in the media area, the first to arrive is the challenger. There’s a backdrop with the usual pattern you’d see in sports with the company logo repeated along with the show logo and the various event sponsors. She has the towel given to her over the back of her head and some blood has already stained it. YUNA and Nanae Noa are talking to her in Japanese, upset with the result. Though Ashley doesn’t understand all of it, she gets the jist. In front of the screen is a table with cans of soft drink on it. Ashley grabs the end of the table and pushes it over. She shouts at her teammates.
Ashley Wilde: “I fucking get it, I LOST! OKAY!?”
She is breathing heavily through her nose, upset. Wilde turns to the media and shouts.
Ashley Wilde: “Alright everyone, laugh it up. Ashley Wilde lost. I’m not unbeatable. But guess what?”
She clenches the towel in her hand.
Ashley Wilde: “She needed help…”
Wilde tells herself, giving an excuse.
Ashley Wilde: “She needed her buddies in YDS to be at ringside to help her. So as far as I’m concerned, she’s never defended a title on her own in her life! I fucking took her to the limit with my head leaking like a faucet! This isn’t over. I hope, I fucking hope you back up what you say for once and don’t fuck off back to America because I need a rematch. If not me, SOMEONE from Virtue is going to rip your dreams from you.”
Going up to the camera, Ashley grits her teeth.
Ashley Wilde: “YOKAI Death Squad, we are going to make your life a living hell! This is just the start. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get my head stapled shut… FUCK!”
Ashley Wilde flips off the people near-by and she storms off, with YUNA and Nanae following.
Coming in from the side… YDS’s other co-leader, Cali Hayama. She’s got a YDS t-shirt with a personalised logo. Next to her is someone not seen by FWA yet. A newer face for YDS. She’s got blunt bangs which rest above her eyebrows and she’s of Japanese descent. Miyu Kawamato. Cali shakes her head watching Ashley walk away. A fellow Gaijin of her’s, a fellow Canadian even. But she’s off-put.
Miyu Kawamato (Translated): “What are you thinking?”
Cali Hayama: “Nothing, MKay’.”
Cali mutters in English before switching to Japanese.
Cali Hayama (Translated): “She just needs an attitude change, that’s all.”
Moments later, the winner makes her way back, meeting the rest of her stablemates. REO and Ririko smile seeing Cali and Miyu. The Gaijin-Joshi high fives Katsu before pulling her in and giving her co-leader a friendly pat on the back.
Cali Hayama: “One down girl. Knew you’d do it.”
Katsu: “Thank you. I thought I was finished when YUNA got involved… But it is over…”
Adjusting her championship belt, Katsu slights the championship with the beautiful white strap on her shoulder. She looks at the reporters and speaks Japanese. Her pace of speech is faster than it is in English
Katsu (Translated): “Ashley Wilde thought she could talk to me like that? ‘Part-time champion’ she said?”
The Kitsune Warrior raises the Intergalactic COSMIC Championship. She speaks with passion and a bit of extra speed and confidence in comparison to her English promos
Katsu (Translated): “I have been full time in two places the past year before I was injured! I wore my body down to the point where it broke and now I’m rested, I’m back better than ever and with one focus… I got this beautiful championship… For the first time in my career, and I’m not losing it. Not tonight anyways…”
She looks at her teammates to her side and all five of them practically line themselves up.
Katsu (Translated): “Us five, we are strong on our own, but together we can achieve new heights. REO… new graduate of our training program, natural talent. Even with her losing Ground Zero, she out performed dozens of more experienced wrestlers. We are glad to support her on her journey as she gets even better… And I know one day soon she might be winning this title herself.”
Katsu pats REO on the back before turning to the newest YDS member.
Katsu (Translated): “Miyu Kawamato. The Deathmatch Idol. Willing to bleed in a match and go to a dark place without losing herself. We are not Deathmatch wrestlers, but when others saw her as only such, we saw her for who she is. A well rounded wrestler, a good friend, who happens to thrive in Deathmatches. And something I learned travelling around the world is that there is no one true style for wrestling. All have merit. Kawamato has merit. I don’t partake in Deathmatches, but if I have to for you… I’m willing to take the cuts and bruises because you would for any of us.”
Katsu has a smile looking at YDS’ two new members. REO gives a nod while the bubbly Deathmatch artist grins and fist bumps her Unit co-leader.
Katsu (Translated): “But it all began with us original three. Ririko. A girl who despite our battles before accepted me and treated me like her second sister. She saved me and… And accepted me. I owe this championship to her especially. You have a heart of gold and I will always appreciate you. Then of course… The woman who did not want to lead alone. Cali.”
She smiles at the Gaijin while Ririko already has Katsu in a tight hug. Katsu composes herself and speaks English.
Katsu: “We knew that when YDS became its own unit that the leadership position had to fall to one of us. We couldn’t decide, so we decided to share it as equals. There’s no other person who could share the leadership spot with me than you. And if it wasn’t for you, I would not have been in America. You always have a place in Japan with us, a home here. So thank you.”
Cali Hayama: “Always, buddy.”
Cali Hayama nods as Katsu turns to the camera.
Katsu (Translated): “2024 YOKAI Death Squad is going to establish itself as a premier Unit in CJW! This championship is part of it. I will defend this regularly and make sure that no matter how long I am champion, this reign means something to its legacy! So determine who will step up next. I welcome all challengers! Control… Alt… Delete-”
???: “Excuse me, Katsu. Been a while.”
Katsu turns around and sees someone she hasn’t talked to in a while. The “Managerial Consortium's Public Face” of FWA.
Jon Russnow.
Katsu’s body language changes. Before she was confident, but now she feels a tightness in her chest, a chill down her spine. Jon clears his throat.
Jon Russnow: “I know you’ve been busy. CJW commitments, PWK, all that, and I get it. But since we’re in the country right now, I think it’s about time for us to catch up a bit. So, how about you shower, get changed, and we can-”
??? (Translated): “Excuse me?”
A voice is heard in Japanese as two people walk into frame. The first is an older man with a unique and lovely hat. PWK owner, Takaaki Kojima. Second, the person who spoke up, a Japanese man with a beard and shaved head. He has a suit on and stands above Jon in height. His suit has a pin of the CJW logo on it. The husband of Yuria Anou, Shigeki Anou. Shigeki clears his throat.
Shigeki Anou (Translated): “If you wish to speak to one of CJW’s Champions, we recommend you set an appointment.”
Jon blinks. He taps Cali on the shoulder.
Jon Russnow: “-Can you translate for me?”
Cali turns her head. Something seems off about the feelings between YDS and FWA. Jon looks perplexed.
Jon Russnow: “What’s that about?”
Shigeki Anou speaks to Katsu.
Shigeki Anou (Translated): “Katsu, do you mind going into our office after the show, Yuria and myself want to discuss your next title defence and Mr. Kojima wants to make sure everything is in place for their show tomorrow.”
Katsu looks back and forth between Russnow and the owners of her two main ‘homes’ in Japan. Stuck between two worlds. Taking a glance at her Intergalactic COSMIC Championship, Katsu takes a deep breath and goes up to Jon.
Katsu: “Sorry. Not a good time. Maybe another.”
The Kitsune Warrior walks the other way with Miyu and REO quickly following. Ririko and Cali stay a second, with Ririko following first. Cali’s the last to stay. Russnow has a look on his face of uncertainty. It is only added to when Cali whispers something in his ear and turns away, not even looking back at the man who runs the ship in FWA.
Jon blinks. He looks confused as he just mutters to himself.Jon Russnow: “-What did we do?”
[ATTACH type="full" width="296px" alt="KitsuneRender.png"]79411[/ATTACH]{"Is this a sign I am coming back?"}  [/CENTER] |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:14:38 GMT
Originally posted by Dubb. PRESS RELEASE: Fantasy Wrestling Alliance Announces Vacancy of FWA Television Title
Fantasy Wrestling Alliance (FWA) regrets to announce the vacating of the FWA Television Title due to unforeseen circumstances. The highly anticipated championship match between reigning champion Brooklyn Steiner and challenger Madison Gray, scheduled for Fight Night, has been canceled.
Both competitors, Brooklyn Steiner and Madison Gray, have unfortunately not been medically cleared to compete, leading to the unavoidable decision to vacate the FWA Television Title.
In light of this development, a new FWA Television will determined on the next episode of Fallout. Stay tuned as more information on this match to determine a new Television Champion could be announced as soon as Fight Night. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:15:06 GMT
the FWA proudly presents
FIGHT NIGHT.
only on the WCNetwork.
Friday 15th March, 2024.
Live from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
FIRST MATCH | 1/20.
Big Bryan Bastard vs. Chris Peacock.
Singles Match (F1 Climaxxx Pool B 1st/2nd Play-Off).
Match Writer: Dubb.
With the sudden and unexpected shelving of Xavien Marshall, Pool B and indeed the F1 as a whole was cast into turmoil late last week. It was announced on Fallout 038 that this scheduled match between Baxter and Peacock would now decide the positioning of the two atop the pool, with both having defeated Halloween Knight earlier in the competition. It is understood that a tie here would hand first place to Baxter, with the FWA North American Championship having accrued one extra point over his campaign thanks to a tie with Marshall against Peacock's loss. The runner-up of Pool B will face Michelle von Horrowitz in the semi-finals, whilst the winner will have to wait for the outcome of the evening's main event. Although both are already through to Meltdown XXXIX’s Final 4, a lot is still to play for in this rematch from 2023’s F1, with pride amongst the trophies up for grabs.
SECOND MATCH | 1/20.
The Coven (Trixie Bordeaux, Blair Ravenwood, and Celestia Ravenwood) [c] vs. Tr1ck or Tr4sh (Juan Tothrefor, Halloween Knight, and Trash Mammal).
Trios Match for the FWA Trios Championships.
Match Writer: Man.
Trash Mammal of Tr1ck or Tr4sh was able to secure this shot at the FWA Trios Championships by retrieving a present in the Secular Spectacular match on A Very Crossfire Christmas. The Coven, and specifically the team of Trixie and the Ravenwood sisters, have held the belts in question since they were inaugurated in July of last year. They have already successfully defended them in matches against the YOKAI Death Squad and the Undisputed Xperienx, and will be looking to add another scalp to that collection at Korakuen Hall.
MOD NOTE: A 3000 word limit is in play for Trios Championship matches, including all words used in titles, images, quotes, etc. For promos submitted by PDF, only words in the PDF will be counted and therefore graded.
THIRD MATCH | 1/∞.
Konchu Hao vs. Mike Parr.
Singles Match (F1 Climaxxx Pool A 2nd/3rd Play-Off).
Match Writer: Tommy.
The knock-on effects of Xavien Marshall’s departure from the F1 Climaxxx tournament on pool A - the group that Xavien was not a part of - mean that this singles match up between Mike Parr and Konchu Hao is now for a spot in the semi-finals. Michelle von Horrowitz, Big Bryan Bastard, and Chris Peacock have already secured their spots in Osaka’s Final 4, but ‘the Prodigy’ and ‘’the Mad Wizard’ thus far boast identical records. They each have a loss to the aforementioned Dreamer, whilst also possessing a victory over Xperienx Xtacee, meaning this contest - which must go to a finish, regardless of time limit - will decide who faces the winner of Bryan Bastard and Chris Peacock in the semi-final stage.
FOURTH MATCH | 1/30.
Brooklyn Steiner [c] vs. Madison Gray.
Singles Match for the FWA Television Championship.
Match Writer: Jimmy.
At A Very Crossfire Christmas, Madison Gray was able to secure one of four presents, and inside was a plane ticket to Tokyo, symbolising that she would get the opportunity to challenge for the FWA Television Championship on this show. Brooklyn Steiner, a relative newcomer to the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance, has gone from strength to strength since claiming that championship against Kleio De Santos back at Winter Wasteland in a triple threat match also involving Jack the Clipper. This defense will be Steiner’s very first of his Television Championship reign, with Madison Gray hoping she can turn some of her recent momentum into her first taste of FWA gold.
FIFTH MATCH | MAIN EVENT | 1/60.
Jay Kenny and Donny Toner [c] vs. Randy Ramon and Chris Crowe.
Tag Team Match for the FWA World Tag Team Championships.
Match Writer: Man.
The tag team division was thrown into turmoil this week when Xavien Marshall relinquished his half of the FWA World Tag Team Championships ahead of Fallout 038. He, along with partner Jay Kenny, were due to defend those belts on Fight Night against Randy Ramon and Chris Crowe, the winners of December's Buddy Bowl tag tournament. Ramon and Crowe were thrown together by chance, and managed to outlast nine other randomly assigned tandems to earn this shot at the champions. It was announced on Fallout 038 that Kenny would be joined in this defense and hypothetical future defenses by Donny Toner, who steps in for Xavien at the eleventh hour to ensure this tag team main event goes ahead, even if not quite as planned.
and
KODM3.
only on the WCNetwork.
Sunday 17th March, 2024.
From an Undisclosed Location in Japan.
The King of the Deathmatch tournament returns for its third installment, with FWA X Champion Tommy Bedlam hoping the defend his prize against fifteen competitors. The FWA descends on an undisclosed location in Japan to see who will take home the X Championship and the Crown of Thorns (if, of course, it's reclaimed from inaugural winner Thomas West in time for the tournament), with ‘blind bracketing’ in play, meaning we won't know who will be facing who in any of the rounds until the participants’ entrance themes hit. The KODM tournament will be filmed over the course of Saturday and then released on the WCNetwork on Sunday evening.
The sixteen FWA stars descending upon this unnamed island for KODM3 are:
FWA X Champion Tommy Bedlam.
Aka Yurei.
Alyster Black.
Anzu Kurosawa.
Colby Sol.
Jack the Clipper.
Jason Randall.
Jeffry Mason.
Johnny Johnson.
Kleio De Santos.
Leafdom.
Sawyer Xavier.
Trixie Bordeaux.
Vengador.
Xperienx Xtacee.
XYZ.
The structure of the tournament is as follows:
FIRST ROUND | CAGE OF DEATH 8x1v1 MATCH.
In this unique match, two rings will be in play, with one large open-topped cage around them both. All sixteen competitors will start in the ring, but each of them is assigned a specific opponent that they have to overcome to qualify for the second round, but we won't find out who that opponent is until directly before the opening bell. Eight wrestlers will survive the Cage of Death opener, due to begin at 12:00 local time, to progress to the quarter finals singles matches.
SECOND ROUND | FANS BRING THE WEAPONS ISLAND DEATHMATCHES.
In the first two editions of the King of the Deathmatch, one of the quarter finals was a Lumber-Nephews Fans Bring the Weapons Deathmatch, and half of that stipulation survives into the third instalment. The Nephews may be AWOL, but the FWA fans in attendance are invited to bring along weapons of their own choosing to go along with whatever tournament organisers have packed around and beneath the ring. These four quarter finals matches are due to begin at 14:00 local time and will decide who makes the final four.
SEMI-FINALS | 10,000 LIGHT TUBES CAN'T BE WRONG DEATHMATCH // CLOCKWORK ORANGE HOUSE OF FUN DEATHMATCH.
These two stalwart match types, both featuring in the first two King of the Deathmatch tournaments, make their return as part of KODM3. The four remaining participants will be randomly drawn into these semi-finals matches, due to begin at 17:00 local time.
FINAL | TEXAS^2: TEXAS BULLROPE TEXAS DEATHMATCH.
This year's final seems to have been constructed with current FWA X Champion in mind. ‘The Cowboy' Tommy Bedlam would no doubt feel at home in this Texas Bullrope Texas Deathmatch, where the only way to win is by pinfall or submission, but there is no guarantee that Bedlam will even make this grand final. All sixteen KODM hopefuls will be targeting a place in the TEXAS^2 match, due to start at 20:00 local time.
Promo deadlines:
Sunday 3rd March at 23:59PM Pacific.
Monday 4th March at 03:00AM Eastern.
Monday 4th March at 08:00AM UK.
Monday 4th March at 19:00PM Melbourne.
No extensions.
GLHF. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:15:35 GMT
Originally posted by Shawn.  feat. The Rock Show
[/HR] Chapter 1
[/HR] {"Play Me!"}[MEDIA=youtube]_fL5vnAOCfc[/MEDIA]
[/HR]
“Randy…”
…
“Randy?”
…
“Randy, where are you?”
Well, he’s in a moderately sized, modestly decorated office. The walls are a light shade of pink, the couch is light gray, the carpet is a darker shade. Sunlight crashes through the open shades and reflects off the mirrored top of the coffee table. There are of course other decorations strewn about - photo frames filled with certificates of completion, an ancient looking vase, a dog statue - but that’s not what the question meant.
“Are you even there?”
Randy sits cross legged on the aforementioned couch, staring down at his phone and paying no attention to his surroundings.
“Where are you?”
This question barely registers to him as he continues swiping away on his phone. Hard to tell from this angle if it’s the right to left swipes of the dating scene or the up and down of flipping through memes, but it’s clear that his mind is somewhere else at the moment.
“When are you?”
This one draws his attention - and why wouldn’t it? The man spent days (or minutes if you happened to be staring at that river at the right time) barreling through time, which definitely isn’t possible. Or, wasn’t? See, that’s where it gets confusing for him. Not only did he accidentally do something completely unheard of, but all it did was create more questions and confusion.
Questions about his own destiny.
Questions about his apparently intertwined history with Chris Crowe (and his family, I guess).
Just more and more questions.
He looks up from his phone and makes eye contact with her, Doctor Jill he calls her, though he’s not sure she’s actually a doctor. Call it a term of endearment.
“There you are.”
He’s making eye contact with her, but he’s still not there. His eyes are glazed over, clearly still focused on something else. It could be any number of things - a lot has changed for him lately. The time travel thing. The trident. Winning the Buddy Bowl. The upcoming Tag Title shot. “Donny” Toner coming back into his life. It’s a lot, all over the place, all at the same time.
“Randy, we’ve been through this before. I can’t help you if you don’t work with me. You scheduled this appointment, remember? No one is forcing you to be here…”
He did schedule it, though he can’t remember why. Something has been nagging at him, though he hasn’t been able to put a finger on what. It’s not the time thing. a Toner wouldn’t cause this reaction (in fact it’s much more likely THAT would be a blind rage after everything they went through together). It’s not the weight of another Tag Title match.
Honestly, he’s not really sure why he even came today. He doesn’t feel like talking.
“See Randy, this is what you do. You always do this. You make an appointment, you come in here, you diddle on your phone a bit, and you leave, without ever saying a word. You leave, I get paid anyway… why do you do this? You just sit there, acting like a…”
Don’t say it, doc.
“...like a…”
Please don’t press this button.
“...acting like a zombie.”
Oh shit, she said it. He snaps back to reality. His eyes are suddenly clear and lucid.
“So that’s it then, huh?”
He exhales deeply, but still doesn’t say a word.
“Is that what you want to talk about then?”
Still nothing. He crosses his arms and adjusts his position on the couch.
“Should we take it back to the beginning?”
[/HR] Chapter 2
[/HR]
“So tell me then. You guys were partners for a long time - how did you do it?”
The scene shifts to a beat-up room, likely a garage from the looks of it, that has definitely seen better days. There are paint cans in one corner, empty beer cans in another. A wooden ladder hangs on the rear wall.
Chris Crowe sits on an upside-down bucket, guitar in his hand. This is the “magical” guitar that, the last time he played it, reached across time and space to help Randy uncover the hiding place of the Trident that brought him back to this time.
Across from him on a beat-up lawn chair sits Randy’s oldest friend, Chris Palmer. The two have been fiddling with the guitar for a while to see if they could figure out how to use it in any way OTHER than a guitar. So far? No luck. They’ve played “Freebird” six ways from Sunday, but that’s it. No time travel, no interdimensional connections as best they can tell, nothing.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you know, he doesn’t seem to be the most level headed guy. Never seem to know if he’s coming or going. On top of that, me and Tommy have been having issues for weeks with Black and that other Chris P., and even after saying he’d be there if I needed him, it took him until JUST THIS PAST WEEK to show up and have my back.”
The original Chris P. nods along in agreement.
“So, was he there to protect his Tag Title shot, or was he there for me? You know what I mean?”
Palmer sighs.
“Yeah, I don’t really have answers for you on that one. Can’t it be both?”
Crowe is skeptical.
“He’s kind of always been that way. For all of the success he’s had with me, Ayla, Danny… there’s only been one person who could ever really rein him in.”
“...and I’m not him.”
“No one is, man. He’s one of a kind. The two of them had some otherworldly connection. Don’t take it personally...
…it’s a lot easier that way.”
Crowe strums a few notes on the guitar. Nothing happens beyond a sick riff breaking awkward silence.
“So my advice? Worry about yourself. Ignore his ego-centric, bird-brained shit, and get yourself ready. Don’t worry about any of that shit, because one way or the other, he’ll have himself ready when the bell rings. You need to be ready too. That’s what matters, isn’t it?”
Crowe nods with agreement. His mind wanders back to Switzerland in 2016. Zero chance Randy would remember it, but he and Randy actually crossed paths. That was a very different Randy than the one he teams with on Fight Night. He absent-mindedly strums on the guitar while lost in thought, and then something magical happens: a blue light starts to emanate from its end.
“Wait, did you see that?”
“See what?”
“That… that glow!”
Crowe looks to the guitar but doesn’t see anything.
“Do it again! Whatever you did, do it again!”
Crowe does his best to strum the same strings and play the same notes in the same order that he did a few moments ago, but nothing happens.
“It’s not working!”
“Here, let me try!”
Palmer takes the guitar and does the same, but also to no avail.
“Shit!”
…
“Shit…”
The two share a dejected but hopeful glance.
“I hope we didn’t just blow up some temple or cause a flood or something…”
[/HR] Chapter 3
[/HR] {"Now, play me!"}[MEDIA=youtube]V_iTMPqtMA8[/MEDIA]
[/HR]
“So then, what’s up? What’s going on?”
“I guess I’m feeling a bit… lost? Ironic, I know, since I was just literally lost in time… but, you know, mentally lost.”
“How so?”
“It’s no secret that I was a fuckin’ mess before Golden Rock. I mean, I was all over the place. Sporadic. Everyone knows that… but then teaming with Devin unlocked something in me. I became the person that I wanted to be when I first got into this business. The championships were cool and all, but I mean who I really was.”
“Are you not still that person?”
“Right now? No. I haven’t been for a while. Ever since I Remixed him and tried to snap him out of that solip- whatever trance he was in… ever since then, I’ve felt myself slowly unraveling... spiraling… reaching but there’s nothing to grab on to, if that makes any sense?”
“It does.”
“So then, I guess, I’m afraid of what happens if I keep going down. I don’t want to become that person again doc’. Ever since that first match together, singing to the crowd after the win… that changed me. I’m afraid that if I keep going down, that I’m not going to get out again. Because, like it or not, Devin Golden’s not walking through that door to lift my ass up again.”
“He’s not.”
“...and then if you add in all of this ‘time and space’ mumbo jumbo, there’s a lot on my plate right now, and I don’t know how to handle it.”
“Well, let me ask you this question. You specifically mentioned the Remix to Golden as the moment that you felt yourself start to slip. But, you also noted that you did it to help him out of the state he was stuck in. Is that correct?”
“Right. I wanted the titles, but honestly, I wanted our friendship more.”
“Let’s rewind that back then. When did you start to question your friendship?”
“Probably about the time he started to think I was a dream. Or whatever the fuck he was thinking?”
“So, long before the Remix.”
“I guess so. More than a few months.”
“Would you say that when he became - confused - he became less of a mentor to you?”
“Well, sure. Hard to mentor someone when you don’t believe they exist, isn’t it?”
“It seems to me that there was a functional shift in your relationship at that point. He was your mentor, but then things changed and all of the sudden, you were the one helping him. I’d say that you were the one holding it all together.”
“...”
“...and one step further. Sure, kicking him in the face might make him realize that you’re very real, but it also could be seen as a moment of unburdening, right?”
“I suppose.”
“I would argue that you entered the relationship as the one who needed guidance, and by the end, you were the one guiding the ship.”
“The student became the master…”
“Not my words, but if that’s how you want to phrase it, then alright.”
“So, then the spiraling feeling after?”
“It could be as simple as a fear of change. We can unpack that, for sure, but I think it’s more important that we stay on track. You were like a newborn walking for the first time without holding someone’s hand. It takes some getting used to. There’s some anxiety attached to that for sure. I’d worry about you if you didn’t feel that way.”
“What do I do with that? We lost the titles, we split, I tried to kill Krash but apparently failed, jumped through time, came back… and you’re saying that was all me?”
“I’m absolutely not saying that. Are you?”
“Yes? I mean, no?”
A longer pause than you’d expect.
“Chris…”
“From what you’ve told me, there’s no way you’d even be sitting here with me if it hadn’t been for him.”
“I mean, he did do the thing that led directly to me finding the trident, which is the thing that literally brought me back, so I’d say that’s accurate.”
“I’d wager to guess that these emotions are pushing through now because of your big match coming up.”
“With Chris, right.”
“If I can go a step further, I’d wager to guess that you’re afraid that you’re not as good of a partner to him as Devin was to you…”
“Oh boy…”
“Should we take that mask off?”
“Do we have to?”
[/HR] Chapter 4
[/HR]
“How the fuck did that happen?”
“Man, I don’t know!”
Chris Crowe and Chris Palmer are still sitting in the shitty garage and trying to figure out what made the guitar start to glow a short time ago. Between them they have played basically every common riff known to man, and nothing has happened.
Enter Sandman? Exit stage left.
Back in Black? More like Fade to Black.
Smoke on the Water? Idiots in the Garage.
Nothing is working. They’re on the verge of giving up.
“So, let’s recap, what were we doing?”
“I was mindlessly strumming. That’s it.”
“Mindlessly? Why?”
“I don’t know, I was deep in thought.”
“Okay, maybe that’s the trick. Maybe we have to think really hard about something while we do it… let me try.”
Palmer does just that, focusing on dinner as he plays.
“Cheeseburger… cheeseburger… cheeseburger…”
Nothing.
“Cheeseburger? What, were you hoping a fuckin’ burger would just appear?”
“You never know…”
And then.
“Maybe it just doesn’t like food? Or doesn’t know modern food? The thing is likely thousands of years old, after all.”
“I doubt it’s that. No, Randy said he thought really hard about getting back here when he used the trident in the future. Is it a place? Or a time?”
Palmer tries again.
“Disney Land… Disney Land… Disney Land…”
Still nothing.
“Damn, I could really go for one of those turkey legs…”
“Are you just… hungry?"
Palmer shrugs knowingly.
“Alright… let me try this… I’m going to think about an hour ago, right when we sat down. Maybe you have to, like, visualize the exact moment or something…”
He does this. Again, nothing happens.
“Damnit! This doesn’t make any sense. How the hell did it work one minute and won’t work again?”
“We’re obviously missing something…”
Crowe takes the guitar back and lays it across his lap.
“When it happened, I was recalling a specific memory. A specific memory with feelings and emotions attached. Maybe that’s it? Like… strong emotions or something?”
He brushes his hair from his face and lifts the guitar. He thinks for a second, and then again plucks some strings.
“Hey, what are you thinking of?”
Crowe continues playing, not responding to Palmer, and focusing all of his attention on some emotional memory.
“Chris?”
Suddenly a tealish blue light starts to emanate from the tip of the guitar. It grows bigger and brighter until the room is completely engulfed in the light.
[/HR] Chapter 5
[/HR] {"Finally, play me!"}[MEDIA=youtube]0i0ytwzBvAo[/MEDIA]
[/HR]
“So, let’s rip it off. I’m going to be blunt here. For most of Golden Rock’s time together, you were the young one. You were the one learning the ropes, so to speak. You learned from Devin, and eventually you were taking the lead, and it didn’t end well. Correct?”
He nods.
“Is it possible that what you’re feeling is fear?”
“Fear?”
“I don’t know… fear of failure? Fear that you won’t be as good for Chris as Devin was for you? Fear that even though you walked away from Golden Rock as a grown man, you didn’t actually learn anything, and that teaming with someone new… someone who is currently where you were before… will prove that? Fear that maybe you’re a fraud?”
“Ouch, doc.”
“I’m not saying you’re a fraud Randy, I’m suggesting that deep down you feel like you are.”
He doesn’t say anything for a long, long moment.
“I guess you could be on to something…”
He stands up in front of the couch.
“That’s not something new, you know. I’ve always had that nagging feeling in my gut that I was in over my head. That I didn’t belong. Even as World Champion - I had just beaten Danny Toner and Chris Kennedy at the same time… and I had to beat four other guys just to get into that match. I sure as shit earned it, but the whole time, all I could think was… this is an illusion. The bottom is going to drop out any day now. I don’t belong here!”
He starts pacing in the office.
“Even as Tag Champions with Devin, even though he constantly pushed me into the limelight, I always felt like I belonged in the shadows. Sure, I enjoyed the success and the glory and all that, but… I never felt like I truly deserved it.”
“You did.”
“I mean, I know that. But knowing it and believing it are two different things, aren’t they? So yeah, how can I push Chris into the limelight… how can I help him the same way that Devin helped me, when I don’t fully believe that I belong there in the first place? You hit the nail on the head doc. That’s the million-dollar question.”
He stops and stares out the window for a minute.
“So, what’s the answer?”
She laughs.
“You know I can’t tell you that. You need to figure it out for yourself.”
He nods.
“Thanks again doc. This was helpful. I know what I need to do now.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Same thing I always do. Get myself together and…”
{"Now click me!"} 
[/HR] Epilogue
[/HR]
After leaving his session, Randy rushes back to the garage where Chris and Chris have been playing with the guitar. He feels lighter; relieved. He’s finally cracked the code and can’t wait to share his breakthrough with Chris Crowe. He bursts through the door like the Kool-Aid Man.
“Chris! I figured it out! Chris!”
“I’m here Randy! What’s up?”
“Oh, sorry, I meant Crowe.”
Palmer has a guilty look on his face.
“Where is he?”
Palmer hesitates.
“Well, uh, you see… we were playing the guitar and… hey… the good news is, we figured out how it works!”
“That’s awesome! This unlocks a lot of adventures for us!”
“Yeah… about that…”
“So then where is Crowe?”
“Uh… I... lost him…”
Randy’s jaw hits the floor.
“YOU LOST HIM?!”
Chris takes a half step back.
“I mean he thought really hard about something, strummed, and then a whirlwind showed up and sucked him right up. He dropped the guitar on the way through, and I have no idea where he went. He's gone - and I don't think he'll be back any time soon. Gone gone. Not like 'ha ha this is a joke' gone... more like 'he'll no longer be able to participate at Fight Night' levels of gone.”
“...”
“...”
“So, obviously we need to figure this out and get him back… but… also, what do I do now? I need a partner for this match…”
“That’s your firs- wait, never mind. I mean you’ll just call him, right?”
“I mean I could… fifty-fifty whether he’d even answer at this point, but…”
The wheels in his head are turning.
“I’ve got a better idea… and you’re going to love it!”
Randy is confident. Palmer is not. Toners everywhere shake in their boots. Still, no one knows who Kay Jenny even is.
The cursed match shall be put out of its misery. This should be fun. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:16:34 GMT
Originally posted by Cyrus.  “The Ebb and Flow of Fortune! The Dangerous Swing of the Pendulum!!!”Well. That didn’t go the way The Mad Wizard expected. Deep in a secret chamber nestled within the famed Catacombs of Paris, hidden from all but the most astute practitioners of the Dark Arts, we find Konchu Hao resting in a cozy, Victorian-esque study. This appears to be one of many safe rooms for mages and other denizens of the world of shadows, a place of respite away from prying eyes where one can focus on work that the world of dawn need not see. Konchu is certainly here, working on something. As Epsilon remains posted by a series of beakers and boiler vials, dutifully stirring some kind of potion or tonic with a somewhat comically oversized spoon, Konchu is seated at a small round table, a massive tome that, upon closer examination, appears to be some kind of ancient cookbook for tinctures and tonics. It’s impossible to read, of course…whatever language was used to write this tome is not anything remotely commonplace and is likely a long dead dialect. But it’s nothing so complicated for the Mad Wizard. After all, the secrets of the world and uncovering forgotten lore and legends are what drives Konchu when he’s not in the middle of a wrestling ring. When he is, however… With the cookbook to his left, Konchu’s game board is to his right. The figurines of the F1 Climaxxx competitors set up, with the Pool B participants set off to the far end, while Konchu’s figure and the remaining three members of Pool A nearer to the Mad Wizard’s right hand. The Gerald Grayson figure that has served as Xtacee’s stand-in has been knocked to its side. Frustratingly, Michelle von Horrowitz’s figure remains standing. The match in Seoul has been a source of frustration for the Mad Wizard since the final bell rang and Michelle’s hand was raised in victory. All things considered? Konchu feels like he really should’ve won that one. Konchu fought as hard as he ever has, knowing that beating Michelle would’ve all but guaranteed his entry into the finals and paved the way to the ultimate prize of the Climaxxx’s crown. And yet, she won. Konchu can’t even find a spot where she utilized nefarious tactics in order to achieve that victory. Yet…something feels off about how that match ended. Michelle competed and fought, but…the passion, the desire…was it there? For Konchu, the desire is always evident when he competes, especially when the prize is so great. After all, why wrestle if you don’t find some kind of enjoyment out of the struggle? Why bother stepping into the ring if you don’t love the thrill of the contest. But it just seemed like Michelle was going through the motions, as if she knew she was going to win and simply decided to follow through with something predestined. And frustratingly, she did win. No desire, no passion, nothing save for spiteful resolution and a hunger for avenues to flaunt her supposed superiority so that she doesn’t have to dwell in her own insecurities. Hells, the Grand Slam is something to aspire to…but it seems as if that objective is simply to bit the nose of another. Hmm…maybe that’s why Cyrus always found Dreamer so damn frustrating. Regardless, what’s done is done. Dwelling on the loss accomplishes nothing and the path to the finals of the tournament is still relatively simple, if still somewhat difficult. Besides, far more interesting events have happened since then. And while there could be an argument that Xtacee bowing out of the tournament and allowing Michelle to simply move on without having to wrestle a third grueling match like Konchu is now forced to, and Xavien’s thuggish acts finally catching up to him are something worth discussing? They’re irrelevant compared to the FWA North American Championship. Konchu wasn’t present backstage for the North American Showdown Special. He instead found himself watching the event like most fans via the FWA Network. While one could argue that Konchu had a vested interest given the stakes, but…no, not really. Whether Mike Parr or Bryan Baxter ended up being the victor doesn’t change the fact that Konchu doesn’t get to become the North American Champion unless he wins out through the rest of the Climaxxx. Still, whoever DID win would somewhat change the makeup of the match Konchu DOES have to win in order to get to that point. It was a brutal fight between the man looking to be the longest reigning FWA North American Champion and the man who held that record. And in the end? Mike Parr would win…and Bryan Baxter would still end up tying Parr’s record. As Konchu moves his figurine in front of the Mike Parr effigy, he pauses for a minute as his hawkish gaze from behind his mask focuses in. Mike Parr is the one. The man that stood between him and leaving Pool A to head into the finals of the tournament. And despite Parr’s past being linked and intertwined with so many other wrestlers like Truth, Krash, and even Michelle… It would be foolish to ignore that Parr’s journey in FWA hasn’t crossed Konchu’s time and again. From teaming together early on during Konchu’s chase for the X Division Championship to facing off against one another on several occasions, with Parr’s return match to FWA being against Konchu when Chris Peacock decided to no-show simply being the most recent chapter, “The Prodigy” has been crossing paths with the denizen of the shadows throughout all of Konchu’s time in FWA. Sure, the Mad Wizard has been the victor more times than not whenever the two had faced off head-to-head. But in the end, the past is a fragment of the whole story behind this one, upcoming conflict. To think he’s simply going to roll Mike Parr is foolish, especially at this late stage of the game. Konchu’s shoulders drop, tension released with a deep exhale. “Epsilon? Is the mixture ready?”
“Yekal!”
“Good. Ignis isn’t one to trade from his private collection of ancient druidic artifacts often, so we must complete this brew of mind reading potions. There’s several objects I’ve had my eyes on for some time, and I’m not about to let this opportunity pass me by.”
“Guzaki, Jubaraka! Ilo polzevakzi.”
“My gratitude, dear friend. Well, then…”Konchu rises from the table. He leaves the game board alone, his figure standing nose-to-nose with Parr’s. He takes the alchemical cookbook and tucks it under his arm as he approaches the bubbling liquids in the vials and beakers. With a knowing grin and fierce, determined look in his eyes, Konchu simply says: “Let us not waste this opportunity.”******* We find ourselves inside of a massive clock tower, an immense space with giant clocks on all four walls, ticking down with the aid of massive gears and cogs. Timers click with an almost rhythmic cadence as the hands of the clock slowly, methodically tick to keep time, to ensure that any who would look upon them would know the exact hour, minute, and second. There’s a small platform accessible by a floor hatch below the timing mechanisms and whirring gears, furnished with velvet chairs, a small bookshelf, and a writing desk. Dangling above in the center of this configuration of cogs is a swinging, blade-like pendulum, swaying back and forth in time with the ticking of the clock. And sitting in a chair, right underneath the pendulum, is Konchu Hao, sipping tea from a cup while holding a saucer with his free hand. He’s dressed in his usual ring attire, but it is ornamented with sigils and markings of ancient arcane means. Total gibberish for any not in the know…but powerful wards and enhancements to bring out the very best of whoever wears it. After taking his sip, The Mad Wizard puts the cup and saucer down on the floor at his feet. He leans forward with his arms crossed on his knees, looking forward into the camera with an almost unsettling look of utter seriousness. “Michael. So, it comes to this, doesn’t it? While Michelle von Horrowitz gets to take a week off from the tournament, we end up coming to the crossroads for either of our F1 Climaxxx aspirations. How utterly poetic, if it wasn’t for the fact that two of the eight competitors either bowed out due to their own ineptitude or were forced out when they messed around and found out that their actions have consequences.
“Regardless, I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate you for your record-setting fifth reign as FWA North American Champion and felling the giant that is Bryan Baxter. Well done, Michael. You’re returned to familiar waters and preserved…somewhat…your reputation as the most dominant and prolific FWA North American Champion in the history of the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance.
“But now…what?”Tick. Tock. The pendulum continues to swing as the clock continues to wind. We see from the interior of the clock tower as we see that it’s twelve minutes to midnight. Twelve minutes to the beginning of a new day. “Unless you’ve decided to abstain from the wager that Baxter put forward when this tournament started, your newly-won prize is still up for grabs in the F1 Climaxxx, yes? You fought so damn hard during the North American Showdown to ensure that your record was not eclipsed, and even then? You could only ensure that you share the record for longest reign with the man you liberated the title from. And now? You stand one loss away from going down in history for what might well be the title’s shortest reign.“I imagine that must weigh heavily on you, Michael. That feeling of ecstasy in reclaiming the title you’ve, more or less, embodied in your tenure in FWA and proving that even the seemingly unstoppable are not quite so implacable…but now? It’s very possible that you’ll lose that title so quickly. And the worst thing? Your title could be held up while four other wrestlers compete to claim it, and you are incapable of doing anything about it.”Konchu stands up and smooths out the creases in his robes. Without raising his voice, without even a hint of anger or rage, he tosses the chair he was sitting on out of the way. He does not need it anymore. And he’s not about to share center stage with anyone or anything. The Mad Wizard looks up. The clocks? Nine minutes to midnight. “Michael, we’ve done this dance of suplexes and knife-edge chops before, haven’t we? Whether it’s teaming together against our mutual rivals, or a bludgeoning after my good friends, Powerwolf gave me a hero’s welcome in Germany. And lest we forget our most recent contest that heralded your return after Chris Peacock decided that the risk of being embarrassed by me was too high after I had taken his Tag Team Championship. That one has stuck with me for some time. After all, while I won as I had previously against you? It was a close thing. Too close. You were quite rude after my victory, and at the time I thought it was absolutely uncalled for.
“But I think I understand now. You’re aware, aren’t you? You know full well that time is not on your side to achieve what you’ve failed to time and time again. While five reigns and a record length tenure with the FWA North American Championship is worthy of praise and an eventual induction into the Hall of Fame…there’s always this sense, isn’t there? This feeling that everything you’ve done, everything you’ve accomplished and all the magnificent rivalries and matches you’ve had…
“All of it, every single bit of it won’t mean a damned thing if you stumble again to rise to the top.”Back and forth. Back and forth. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Five minutes to midnight. “What you’ve failed to understand, and admittedly what took me far too long to realize, is that our lives are in a constant state of flux. A pendulum of success and failure that continues to swing back and forth. Sometimes, the arc of the swing is a short one, with quick peaks and valleys. Other times, it’s a much longer swing. Your failures pile one after another until it seems like that’s all you have…but given enough patience and time, the pendulum will always swing back if you dedicate your heart and fight like a devil long enough.“Your career, Michael…you’ve experienced the swing of the pendulum again and again. Moments of brilliance, incredible runs of excellence…and periods of ruination and utter loss. And through it all, through all the peaks of the pendulum’s swing, when it seemed like you’d finally, FINALLY reach the pinnacle of this industry…what has happened? How many times have the so-called “experts” claimed that you were destined for the throne, only for you to fall short and return to damnation?”Konchu is standing just underneath the pendulum, eyes burning like smouldering coals, stance tight like a coiled viper. There is a look of gravitas, of utter and complete focus in Konchu’s body language as the pendulum continues to swing and the clock continues to tick down. Two minutes to midnight. “It’s not so different for me, admittedly. But the most important distinction is that I understand how the world works, Michael. How one must and always be aware of where the arc of the pendulum is. And that in spite of one’s failings, it is always possible to find the path back to redemption.
“But in your case? It is obvious to me that your victory against Baxter was the peak of your arc. You preserved your North American Championship legacy and built upon it in a magnificent match. And I don’t begrudge you that, Michael. However…that is where this ends.
“I have fought too damn hard and suffered too much indignity to let my journey in the F1 Climaxxx end with you securing the last spot in the Final Four. So congratulations on defeating Baxter, Michael. My sincerest respect for you becoming a five time North American Champion.
“And thank you…thank you for delivering me this opportunity. This chance to end your reign in magnificent fashion. In glorious combat. And show those wretches that I will face to secure the F1 Climaxxx victory just who it is that will dictate the future of this company.
“Your peak of the arc is over, Michael. There will be no more glories for you to achieve. And your time…is up.”*GONG*
*GONG*
*GONG*Midnight has come. The day has ended. The victories of yesterday washed clean. And now a new day has come. The pendulum has had its final swing, as the connective arm has shattered, sending the sharpened point down towards the Mad Wizard. But Konchu does not move. This pendulum, this sword? It’s not the Sword of Damocles hanging over him. This blade was meant for someone else. The pendulum crashed down behind Konchu Hao, missing him by inches and crashing through the floor. All of the furniture, all of the flooring gives way…but Konchu remains in place, standing on a piece of floor bolted to a support beam. The clock continues to chime, heralding in the change of days and a new dawn that will eventually come. Konchu straightens up as he stretches out his arms in an almost angelic pose. A herald of the new dawn, but a shadow of death that threatens to swallow the world whole. The Mad Wizard is gritted. Determined. And merciless. “You stand between me and victory. Between me and the opportunity that I’ve hungered for. Between ME…and redemption. Revel in your victory against Baxter, Michael. Because on Fight Night? I’m coming for your head. You will taste no more victory in the F1 Climaxxx. And your title reign will come to an end…a long, agonizing end that you will have no recourse for.“You have never, NEVER beaten me, Michael. And on Fight Night? With my spot in the finals in the balance? That will not change. And the pendulum of my destiny? It will swing the way it must to bring about the victory I desire…and DESERVE.”The clock has not stopped chiming. Something is broken. Something is shattered. Time itself seems to be off-balance. No…it’s not that. Konchu cackles, madly…but as he stands among the wreckage brought about by the fall of the pendulum, the incessant gonging of the clock tower is the rhapsody of Konchu’s future. Mike Parr might be the champion. May have something resembling momentum. But Konchu Hao is where momentum goes to die. The Mad Wizard is the master of his fate. Time itself bends to his will. And it’s long past time for Konchu to achieve what he’s fought too hard to claim… |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:20:28 GMT
Originally posted by Nostradamus. [ATTACH type="full"]79467[/ATTACH]
“Alright babes, we’re right here in the back, row 18 and seats E-F-G. X gets the end seat like always. Antonio, you and your sensitive stomach can get the window seat."
“Whaaat, it helps keep my mind off of vomiting.”
“You would think that for someone without a gag reflex, you wouldn’t throw up so easily.”
“That only applies to things going in, Monica. Coming out is an entirely different thing.”
Antonio puts the trio’s bags in the overhead compartment and shimmies his way into the window seat, followed by Monica, who sits in the middle seat, and lastly by Xperienx Xtacee who sits in the aisle seat.
“It’s always so nice being between the two of you.”
Antonio chuckles at Monica.
“I mean sitting between the two of you, silly, hahaha.”
“My loves… why did I agree to this? What am I even doing on this plane? We used to ride on private jets every time we traveled, and now we’re on a commercial flight? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the way all these people travel is a bad thing, but this has never been our thing.”
Monica and Antonio look at each other with concerned looks on their faces. They both turn their attention to look at Xtacee, who is just leaned back into his chair and staring straight up. Monica places a hand on Xtacee’s leg.
“Baby, it’s ok. Everyone has a rough patch-"
“Monica, please.”
“X, no, really. You don’t need to get in your own head. Sure, maybe things didn’t work out with the Undisputed Xperienx, and maybe stuff got a little out of control with Silenx-“
“Huh, with who?”
“Monica…”
“Oh, nevermind. Point is, everyone has bad days, babe. Your in-ring performance isn’t always going to match your… other performance.”
“I love you both… but how can you two just completely ignore that I’ve been nothing but a loser since I’ve come here?”
“You’ve always put on a spectacular show though, X!”
“Yeah, and everyone loves seeing you, you’re a fan-favorite!”
Xtacee moves Monica’s hand off of his leg.
“Alright, so I’m a flashy loser. I’ve let my teammates down. I’ve let our friends back home down. I’ve let you down, even if you won’t say it… and I’ve let myself down.”
“Baby, it’s going to be alright, you’ll bounce-“
“Don’t you fucking tell me it’s going to be alright! You’re not the one getting pinned in the ring all the time! Neither of you know what it’s like to lose out there! Sure, everyone loves me, but what happens when all this losing turns that love in laughs and I’m nothing more than a novelty? A comedy act!”
Xtacee is standing out of his seat and yelling at Monica. Everyone on the plane is staring at the "throuple" as this argument happens. Antonio slowly rises out of his seat to respond to Xtacee.
“X, sit down. You’re acting-“
“Crazy? I know that’s what you’re going to say, Antonio. You both know I’m crazy…”
Monica grabs Xtacee’s hand and gently tugs on his arm to lower him down to his seat. She reaches into her handbag and pulls out a pill bottle.
“Are those the meds, Monica?...”
“No, not the usual ones. This’ll help you sleep on the plane until we get to Japan.”
“Ok… and I’m sorry…”
“We all get frustrated sometimes. It’s ok, baby.”
Monica hands the sleeping medication to Xtacee and he proceeds to gulp it down with a sip from a bottle of water they have. After a few minutes, Xperienx Xtacee is fast asleep. After a few more minutes, and a couple of delays, the plane takes off from the runway.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Th-thump*The plane hits a minor amount of turbulence and jostles Xtacee awake in seat 18-E at the back of the plane. He is snug in his dark brown, almost black, suit and his black raincoat that is shielding him from the cold atmosphere of the plane. While he was asleep, Monica and Antonio must’ve ordered him drinks, because sitting on his tray in front of him are a bourbon and a 7-Up. “Wait, where did they get off to? Ah, what’s it matter anyway. They probably changed their seats… They don’t want to sit with a loser.”Xtacee grabs his drinks and mixes them together before taking a sip… then another sip… then gulping it down completely before placing it down on the tray with a thud. “I need to show them I’m a winner… I need to show them that their love is for something.”
“Sir, are you alright? Do you need anything? You seem upset.”Overhearing his mumblings, a flight attendant walked over to check up on Xtacee. He stares at the woman, admiring her curly hair, sweet demeanor, and small frame. She places her hand on his shoulder, and he places his hand on her hand out of appreciation. “I’m doing great, darling. Actually, you have perfect timing, I’m trying to prove to my lovers that I’m a winner. That I’m worthy of their love. Do you think you can help me with that?”
“How can I be of service, sir?”Reaching in his pocket, Xtacee pulls out a note and hands it to the flight attendant. “If you could please read that note yourself and then hand it to the pilot, I would appreciate it very much.”Quizzically, the flight attendant opens the note and begins to read it. Her puzzled face quickly turns to terror as she looks back up at Xtacee, who now has a comically large briefcase in his lap. “Miss – I have light tubes in my briefcase.”Xtacee opens it slightly to reveal several light tubes to the flight attendant. She folds the note back up and flashes him a nervous smile. “I’ll get your message to our pilot right away, sir.”
“Thank you, ma’am, you’ve been lovely.”The flight attendant quickly shuffles her way into the cockpit to relay Xtacee’s message. After a short while, the pilot can be heard speaking to the passengers over the intercom of the plane. “Ladies and gentlemen, I would first like to thank you for flying Northwest Airlines today. Due to a sudden and unforeseen mechanical issue, we will be making an emergency landing in Seattle. Upon landing, you will receive further instructions from our flight crew. Thank you for your time, enjoy the remainder of our flight.”After about an hour or so, the plane makes a smooth landing at an airport in Seattle. Flight crew begins to shuffle passengers off of the plane, except for Xtacee, who looks through the crowd for Monica and Antonio. “Where the heck did those two go? Did they jump off the plane or something? Are they really that ashamed of being with a loser? Hey, Miss Flight Attendant, come sit with me while all of my demands are met.”
“Yes, sir, of course. I’ll have you know that the parachutes are on their way to you now and the $200,000 worth of glass panes, pizza cutters, and wooden tables are being loaded onto the plane as we speak.”
“Perfect, you’re wonderful, such a doll. And it’s just one employee bringing the parachutes, correct, baby?”
“Yup, sure is. Actually, I think that’s him now.”Coming through the main door of the plane, having to duck down because of their height, is a person holding four parachutes – two front ones and two back ones. As this person gets closer, Xtacee’s face fills with a smile and he stands out of his seat to greet the man. “Bubbles! Hey buddy, I never thought I’d see you again. Wow, they really went above and beyond to make me comfortable and meet my demands. How did you get here anyway, I thought you were with the UA?”Bubbles simply shrugs and does a “crazy in the head” motion with his finger. “Yeah, this is all really cray-cray. I guess I’ll be using the second parachute after all. Miss, you’re free to go now, I have my clown friend here with me now.”
“Very well, thank you sir… Actually, can I have an autograph before I go, I absolutely LOVE you in the FWA!”
“Sure!”Xtacee reaches into his comically large briefcase and retrieves both a light tube and a black sharpie. He hands the light tube to Bubbles so he can hold it as Xtacee applies his signature topped off with a heart. After he signs it, Bubbles hands it off to the flight attendant who happily skips away off of the plane without a care in the world. “Ok Bubbles, I need you to go fly the plane now.”Bubbles stares at Xtacee as if to say, “what about the pilot?” “Oh, the pilot can go into the luggage bay with the glass panes, pizza cutters, and wooden tables.”Bubbles gives a lazy thumbs-up and goes about his business as instructed by Xperienx Xtacee. “Welp, to Japan we go!”With Bubbles flying the plane, and the pilot’s screams being heard from the luggage bay, Xtacee gets up from his seat and starts to look out all the windows. Out of each one he begins to see different scenes, and they disturb him. Normally, seeing himself flat on his back is a blessing and something he smiles at, but these scenes are not the kind filled with orgasmic pleasure; these scenes are filled with agonizing defeat. Each window on the plane gives him a glimpse of every time he has lost in the FWA. Every opportunity he has failed to capitalize on, every big moment that his light didn’t shine, and every disappointment he has experienced and put all his people through. Xtacee’s eyes bounce around in their sockets, his head pounds, and his breathing begins to pick up pace. He suddenly makes the decision to slam his fist as hard as he can into the small window of the plane… and within the blink of an eye, he is hurtling through the rainclouds. The entire side and bottom of the plane exploded, sending debris, glass, pizza cutters, and wooden tables out into the sky. There is no fire or smoke, and although the plane is in a visible state of destruction, Bubbles is still flying perfectly through the sky. “I deserve this. Spiraling down and becoming nothing, with nobody by my side. Alone, scared, cold, and broken. Nothing but the sound of the wind going by my ears. I… I… why is everything pink?Pink everything is. The clouds around Xtacee have taken a new shape and everything feels much calmer. The environment is no longer cold and wet, but warm and welcoming. Xtacee feels like he is now floating in the air instead of cutting through it. He is among millions, perhaps billions, of cherry blossom petals. As he glides through them, they make all sorts of familiar shapes in front of him. Some are the shapes of the aforementioned glass panes, pizza cutters, and wooden tables. Other shapes include kendo sticks, trashcans, fire extinguishers, heart shaped chocolate boxes, fuzzy handcuffs, a bull rope, some metal wiring, and the FWA X Championship. “Mine! Mineminemineminemineminemine!”Xtacee repeats the word ad nauseum and reaches out for the cherry blossoms in the shape of the FWA X championship. And then his body slams into the ocean, practically exploding on impact and spreading bits of his DNA everywhere, but not in the way it usually is. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xperienx Xtacee jolts awake in seat 18-E at the back of the plane, accidentally kneeing the tray in front of him and spilling his Starry soda all over himself and the floor. Monica and Antonio also jump as they are startled by the way Xtacee abruptly awoke. Antonio reaches up to hit the light above them, signaling they need a flight attendant.
“Oh baby, it’s ok! Relax, I think you had a nightmare. We definitely need to tell the doctor about that. This medication probably gave you a weird side effect.”
“I’m on the plane? I’m still on the plane? Monica, I was falling. Monica, I WAS FALLING!... When did I order a Starry?”
“Yes, you’re on the plane. Everything’s alright, my love. And you ordered the Starry right before you fell asleep.”
A flight attendant walks over and places her hand on Xtacee’s shoulder.
“Oh, sir, don’t worry, a lot of people have unforeseen reactions to flying. I’ll help get you all cleaned up. We wouldn’t want that Starry running your fancy clothes.”
“Thank you! We all appreciate it.”
“Are we almost to Japan?”
“Look at the screen, my love. We’re more than halfway there, not too much longer.”
Monica holds Xtacee’s head close to her chest and comforts him. Antonio helps the flight attendant clean up the mess of Starry on Xtacee and the floor as the flight continues on its way to Japan where Xperienx Xtacee will compete in his first ever King of the Deathmatch Tournament. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:20:50 GMT
Originally posted by Jimmy. Redemption Tour
Fallout 038
The Island of Tsushima in Japan
02/12/24
“I don’t think you should compete in the King of the Deathmatch. It is in your best interest to take some time off and let your knee heal before it worsens.”
That was not what The Wildcard wanted to hear from Dr. Smith, FWA’s resident doctor. Randall knew it was coming after his knee flared up on him again during his match with Kleio De Santos, but he didn’t want to hear that.
“Fuck.”
That’s all Randall can say at that moment.
This was his shot at redeeming himself after last year’s showing in King of the Deathmatch. It was a match that is still discussed a year later, and he takes great pride in that, even though he did not come out on top.
This year was going to be different. This was going to be his redemption tour.
Fuck it.
It’s still going to be his redemption tour. He won’t let a bum knee stop him from doing what he wants.
He’s the goddamn Wildcard. He can fight through the pain. He’s been through worse, and he’s still here.
“I see that look and know what you’re thinking, but I think you should reconsider.”
“Doc, with all due respect, but I don’t give a fuck what you think.”
Dr. Smith lets out a sigh and shrugs. He exits the medical area and leaves Randall alone to think.
Now comes the hard part.
Telling Penny he’s still going through with it.
********************
“Are you sure you still want to do this?”
Penny asked Randall, even though she knew the answer already.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
They were sitting outside on the deck of their beach house in San Diego. The sound of waves crashing is their soundtrack amongst the silence between them.
Randall knew Penny didn’t want to hear that, and he understood her worries, but he knew she knew there was no talking him out.
Of course, that won’t stop her from trying.
“How many more years of this do you think you have left?”
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t think I can watch you put yourself through that again. You’re still recovering from last year’s match with Jeffry Mason.”
Randall remembers the match. He remembers the hell that he and Mason put each other through.
He remembers giving up. He remembers submitting and allowing Mason to win.
He won’t do that this time. He won’t give up.
“I know, I get it. I know why you don’t want me to do this, but I need to do this. I understand you don’t want to see it, but I need this.”
Penny nods in understanding.
She knows how much this means to him and understands that he wants to redeem himself. She doesn’t like it, but she knows that there is no talking him out of it. No matter how much she tried, she’d be wasting her breath.
“Promise me to come back in one piece.”
Randall doesn’t know if he can make good on that promise. He knows he’ll come out a different man than before he walked in, but this time, he won’t be walking out of it a loser.
Quitting is not an option.
He won’t stay down no matter what is thrown at him. He’ll keep on fighting till his very last breath.
The only way he can lose this is if they kill him.
They just might have to kill him. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:21:16 GMT
Originally posted by AON.
JTC: HOW ABOUT A LITTLE OFF THE TOP?!
|
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:22:49 GMT
Originally posted by TGO. Despite the secession of Wild Jerry from The Menage and PacMan Bert's apparent sojourn away from the group, the vibes in the group are high. Yes, the Magic School Bus has yet to be fixed -- it is being repaired in an automobile shop in south Texas -- but the group has cobbled together enough money to travel via public transportation and hitchhiking. Also, the last time the FWA world saw XYZ, he was ending his losing streak with a career-defining win against FWA Hall of Famer Gabrielle Montgomery, then doing as close to a verbal clap-back as he is capable of to Kleio de Santos.
Now, at this specific moment on the third day of March, some two weeks prior to King of the Deathmatch, the group of five strong are in the back of a Peace Corps van. They are somewhere through the rural terrain of Japan, which is a step of progress for The Menage, who usually are never even in the proper nation of the next FWA show up until the day of the event. The King of the Deathmatch is being held at an undisclosed location in Japan, like always, so being "in Japan" is good. Considering Japan is not a large country in terms of mass, it shouldn't be an issue to make it wherever they must.
XYZ also has ... experience in the King of the Deathmatch. He made it to the finals in the first iteration. He has not, however, won it all. Will this year be different? He cannot say, and he will not say, but he has as much if not more experience than pretty much everyone in the tournament. The only who may have him matched is the man who stymied him in the finals two years ago: Alyster Black.
XYZ isn't thinking about Alyster yet. He may have a long trek before he stands across from the masked man while fans bring the weapons. He also isn't thinking about the X Champion, Tommy Bedlam. Or, as he calls him, "Bedlam of the Tommies."
He's thinking about other people, specifically those whom he met today, because the Menage are not alone in the Peace Corps van, nor are they handling it.
The driver, a Caucasian man named Clint, has mostly kept to himself. He wears large-frame glasses and has long, messy blonde hair, the appearance of a person who has not showered in weeks. His partner, a young Asian woman named Daiyu, is twig-sized skinny, with frail arms. She wears something on her head resembling a shower cap, but it's not. Sierra believes Daiyu has cancer and has lost or is losing her hair, but they do not feel comfortable to approach the subject.
Clint and Daiyu are driving the fivesome from South Korea to Japan, specifically the town of Hakone and its 11,000 habitants below mountain ranges, within a national park, and looking up at the iconic and monstrous Mount Fuji volcano. From there, they will figure out where to go for King of the Deathmatch, and they have two weeks to prepare and relax. Japan is an experience fitting for relaxation, especially outside of the metropolitans such as Tokyo.
"X, did you think you'd ever have a chance again?" asks Frank, who's sitting in one of the uncomfortable, ripped-apart seats in the back of the Peace Corps van, which is painted white naturally but has some colorful paint of peace signs resembling a 1970s drug group or a 1960s Charles Manson recruitment caravan. It's certainly out of place in 2024. And Japan. But no one is asking questions.
"What chance?" X asks.
"The X Championship. You were not supposed to have a title match ever again after you lost to Tommy Bedlam the second time."
XYZ smiles.
"I believe ... things are easily forgotten. The makers of the matches in the FWA ... they have short-term memories."
"It's an opportunity," says Christian Howard, who's sitting next to Frank, to X's right. Across from them is Sierra and her daughter, Lizzy Golden.
The van hits a bump in the road, sending the five of them up into the air for a half second. They land roughly on the poorly furnished and cushioned seats. Lizzy even comes up rubbing her right thigh.
"It's an opportunity to finally win, to finally take the X Championship," Christian continues. "Everyone will focus on the champ, Tommy. Then there's Alyster Black. They are destined to face at the end, in the minds of most. But what about XYZ, the man who has quested a long way through the King of the Deathmatch tournament before? You are a wild card."
"There is also an actual wild card in the tournament," says Frank.
"The man who coins himself 'The Wild Card,'" X says. "We know of one another well enough."
X doesn't need to go on a soliloquy about Jason Randall. He looks out the window at the beautiful snow-white top of Mount Fuji, which has not erupted since 1707. Three hundred years is a long time, but X knows from experience that these deathmatches sometimes feel like 300 or more years.
Much of the drive has presented picturesque views and landscapes, such as a bright blue lake fitting neatly in a national park and rolling hills just above tree lines. The van has passed quite a few people along the gravel and dirt roads they've taken from the cities to the small outskirt towns. Most are hiking, but a few have needed rides. Clint hasn't stopped for anyone, though, mostly due to lack of space. There are six seats in the back, and The Menage occupy five.
"We're nearly there," says Clint, who looks back briefly through the purple curtains separating the back of the van and the front where he and Daiyu sit.
"Maybe 10 more minutes."
Lizzy looks to Sierra and with a load of sass says, "He said that 10 minutes ago."
Clint hears this, and Sierra offers a soft-spoken apology for her 11-year-old daughter's ways.
[HEADING=3]
[/HR][/HEADING]
XYZ focuses through the van window on the ever-closer Mount Fuji, which is now so close than he cannot see the snow tips at the top. Eventually, it becomes covered by trees as the road narrows and the scenic view is blocked. X accepts this.
No one in the group has asked yet what they're doing, or why they're traveling to Hakone. The town's center is small, something X knows well as he's been here before. He visited Hakone with Big Al a couple of years ago for the inaugural King of the Deathmatch tournament. Then again, anyone will tell him Big Al was not real, so X was actually alone. But it was Big Al and his lung cancer battle that held X back from venturing out of the town's center in the few days they were stationed here.
He does not feel the same restraint this time, yet he has no real plan for what he'll do.
"Just up ahead. You have a place to stay?"
X affirms to Clint and avoids eye contact with everyone else in the group.
"Do you think Wild Jerry will watch?" Christian asks. "King of the Deathmatch?"
"I do not know. I believe so. I've been told he watched the match against Gabrielle."
"I hope he watches," Christian says.
"I only hope he is finding what he needs to find, and that he is being who he feels he must be."
"They won't let me go through the town," Clint says. "So I have to stop the van here. All the hotels are in the middle on the left, but you said you've been here before. So you know that."
"I came here last time via a Magic School Bus, so we were airborne through the clouds and I was driving. I didn't get to enjoy the scenery from the ground. Thank you, Clint. You gave me quite the perspective."
X and the other Menage members exit the van with their bags and take in the mostly desolate town center. Very few cars are parked along the sides or even driving. This fazes Christian, Frank, and Sierra, but it's no bother to X or Lizzy.
X walks around to the driver's side window and offers a handshake to Clint.
"Where will you two go now?" he asks the duo.
"Yamankako. It's northwest of here, near the base of Fuji. We have no desire to climb it, but there is a path for people to go up quite a ways. Just saying in case you're interested."
"And how far is that?" X asks, intrigued at Clint and Daiyu's next steps on their life journeys.
"Maybe an hour. You might find someone around here to bring you, if you're interested. Or we could carry you all along the way. But you'd have to come now."
"I wish we had known your plans earlier, or we had discussed more on our ride together. Such is life. We have one room for the five of us while we're here. Tight fit, but we're a merry traveling band. We will make it work."
"Well ... you said it, friend. Such is life. But nothing is forever, my friend."
A bit nonsensical, but X allows for it to be the conversation-ender. He shakes Clint's hand once more and leaves him and his partner. Quickly, X leads the way down the side of the road to the lodging he has reserved. Lizzy follows quickly, excited at the spookiness of the town. The other three keep pace out of nervousness rather than positivity.
[HEADING=3]
[/HR][/HEADING]
As the group sits in the lodging room -- two queen-size beds in one small 30-by-20 space with an adjacent bathroom and shower -- the moon hangs high in the night sky. The day's witching hour is upon, and the fivesome are prepared for sleep after a lengthy travel day through Japan's rural landscape.
XYZ lays on the ground, having given up the beds to the others -- Sierra and Lizzy to one, and Christian and Frank to the other.
“If anything has been revealed from Wild Jerry," XYZ says, laying on the uncomfortable wooden floor with nothing but a thin blanket between him and the cold wood, "it is that … maybe … this venture is not the desire of … everyone in The Menage. Maybe there are … other interests, goals, hopes, and dreams."
XYZ has been feeling introspective since Wild Jerry refuted his attempts to return to the group, staying in Mexico City park to fail at soccer.
"So I open the floor, the door, and the boar to you all … to tell me. What is it that you want to do with your life? With your souls? With your time on this circular rock amid a vast galaxy of light pebbles?”
The group is silent. No one seems keen to give an answer. Everyone is either sitting or laying, their eyes possibly even closed in an attempt to end the day and fastforward to the next sunrise.
Then …
“I want to learn how to wrestle,” says now-11-year-old Lizzy Golden, whose rapid-pace aging is the unspoken mystery of the group. “But as far as personal growth, I want to show more empathy.”
There is no light. No one sits up. It's a scene out of a children's campsite where they stay up all night in their beds talking to one another. You see nothing but hear Liz's voice plainly.
Her answer uncorks the rest of the group’s wishes for themselves. Liz’s mother, the soft-spoken Sierra, speaks up next amid the dark room.
“I’d love to settle down in a nice town along the East Coast of the U.S. and just enjoy the beach," Sierra says
XYZ continues looking at Sierra, who twirls her fingers through her long black hair. She then looks down at her daughter.
“Maybe … grow the courage to let Liz go on her own … when she’s old enough and the time is right.”
XYZ nods his head and then looks to the other two, spanning his eyes from Frank to Christian Howard and back to Frank.
“I’d like to sing karaoke,” Frank shouts.
The rest of the group is stunned, and the answer garners a cackle from Lizzy. Even Frank can chuckle at himself.
“Do you sing?” Sierra asks.
“Quite well, actually. I just … have stage fright.”
X smiles warmly from the ground, even allowing himself a humorous thought of the large 280-pound black man up on stage singing to a room of strangers.
"Will you sing for us one day?" X asks.
"One day. I have to practice with someone, so you all will do," Frank says.
"Can we pick the song?" X again asks, this time amid a chuckle.
"Sure, X. Sure. Just no Britney Spears."
Then silence. Only one more person to go.
“Um … maybe start my own business," Christian Howard says, his voice sounding unnerved and his confidence lacking.
“What type of business? Being boring?” Lizzy asks, chuckling. Then she remembers her desire for growth.
“Sorry. Um … what type of business? Something … interesting?”
Lizzy mutters under her breath how difficult that was, and Christian ignores it.
“Marketing. I don’t know yet.”
“Well … I want all of you to get what you want from this life. Don’t just follow me. I want to help you go where you need to go next.”
“What about you, X?” Frank asks.
“Yeah, what do you want for yourself in the future?”
“I …” X thinks about it longer.
“I think … I just want … to help people and lead them from the da…”
“No, X. What do you want for yourself?” Sierra sternly asks.
[HEADING=3]
[/HR][/HEADING]
It's not important yet whether or not XYZ answered Sierra's question, or what he said. What's important is the question was asked. The next thing XYZ knows, he's standing outside in the dark of night, at least a few hours before the sky changes to a light orange with the sun's rise. The street remains desolate, yet X knows someone will come to pick him up.
Sure enough, a van approaches him. In the passenger-side window, he sees Clint with a smile. The van passed through the town in the opposite direction from where it dropped X off, which makes little sense since Clint said he wasn't able to pass fully through the town earlier. Either way, X enters the van without a word.
Clint, now sitting in the driver's seat, looks back at him. X takes a spot on one of the uncomfortable seats in the back, and Clint asks where he's headed. Clint looks different than he did earlier, but X still knows him to be Clint. He can tell by the voice.
"I'm going where everyone else is going."
"Mount Fuji then."
X looks to his left and sees a large black man sitting next to him. It's not Frank, and the man coughs violently. X is unfazed. Then he looks to his right and sees Daiyu. She hasn't looked X's way once, and has a general aura as if she's upset with him.
"She's not angry with you," Big Al says. "She's angry you are here again."
"Are you angry with me?" X asks somehow.
"No. I'm happy you're here again."
Next to Daiyu sits a little girl, maybe 8 years old. She has dark hair, almost a gothic look to her, and has her arms folded in a huff.
"And her?"
"She's here specifically because you'd be here," Big Al says. "She knew you'd be going up Fuji and wanted to follow."
The van trudges along through Japan's terrain, moving through some of the trees. Their shadows cast haunting figures amid the dark blue sky, which is slowly changing to early morning.
"Do you think there's any chance I will be here again?"
"Next time?" Big Al asks, and knows the answer to the question right away. "Only if they forget again."
"Is that why she's mad? Because they forgot?"
"Yes. She's mad you snuck in. She knows what you're capable of, and she's did a lot to make it where you shouldn't be here."
Daiyu momentarily glances sideways toward X and Big Al, but she quickly looks back to the front.
"Is he also mad I snuck in?" X asks, nodding his head toward Clint, the driver.
"Not mad. He respects you."
A pause.
"They both do. But one has more to lose," Big Al continues, looking at Daiyu as he says the last part. "She's also mad she isn't driving the van."
"She thinks she should be the driver?"
"Wouldn't you?" Daiyu barks, speaking for the first time.
X looks to the little girl sitting next to Daiyu. He thinks about asking Big Al whether she respects him, but X believes he knows the answer already.
Within what feels like a few seconds, the van stops.
"We're here," Big Al says.
It did not feel like an hour-long trek, but X quickly gets out of the van and looks up at the towering Mount Fuji. Suddenly, he notices there is no more Big Al, no more Daiyu, and no more Clint. Behind him is nothing but ... nothingness. Maybe some trees in the distance, but the black void is too dark to tell.
A sign greets him at the bottom of the volcano: "Can you climb over the dragon horns amid the hurricane winds of fire?"
X takes a few steps and notices loose pebbles beneath his bare feet. How did he forget to bring shoes? What kind of superhero is he to forget shoes for a climb up a volcano?
X then notices he is without his green cape, the cloth he ties around his neck. He cannot fly to make the climb easier. He is essentially naked. This is one of those nighttime experiences.
The shivering cold of March in Japan causes X to wrap his arms around his chest for the slightest edge of warmth. He continues to walk up the volcano. Up ahead, he sees Daiyu standing near the top, holding what appears to be a championship belt.
Approaching her is Clint. Is he now wearing a mask? It's too difficult to tell, as X is so far behind. Then he looks behind him and sees the young girl, following exactly in X's own path. She's mirroring him and X can tell it's an attempt to catch up. Somehow he has eclipsed a few hundred feet of the mountain in just a few steps.
After a few more seconds, X reaches a plateau. It's sort of a break spot up the volcano. Big Al stands there.
"Kleio is watching," he says, and X looks back down to see the girl with an old lady, seemingly her grandmother.
"She is watching," Big Al says.
"Kleio?"
"No. She."
Somehow, X knows exactly who "she" is. He looks up once more and sees Clint and Daiyu, level with one another, trying to tough out the steep slope to the volcano's peak. X has closed the distance, but he is not quite caught up.
"Remember what we said," Big Al says softly, as X passes him.
"Remember what we always said."
[HEADING=3]
[/HR][/HEADING]
The issue with dreams is they usually do not end with complete fulfillment or satisfaction. The notion that they do -- with a triumphant victory -- is nonsense spewed for the furthering of art, for the telling of stories. In truth, a triumphant victory to the top of Mount Fuji would be quite the anomaly of a dream.
Clarity is different than victory. It is different than satisfaction, even, because clarity might not be the clarity we hoped for.
Did X have clarity when he woke up in the Hakone lodging room to the bright sunlight coming through the window?
Sierra is the only other in the group who's awake, tiptoeing from the bathroom in hopes of not disturbing the sleep of her pre-teen daughter. She sees XYZ's eyes open and crouches down next to him, trying to get as close as possible to whisper but not too close to make it weird. It's probably still weird, but X, per usual, isn't fazed.
"Your answer last night. Is that how you really feel?"
X remembers back to the conversation they all had at the night's end, and Sierra's question about what X wants for himself. Then he remembers his answer.
"Yes. I bel... I believe it is. I do want tha ... I think ... I'd ... yes ... I'd really like that."
Sierra smiles, not in her usual soft-but-possibly-fake way but in a motherly way. A kind way. A genuine way.
"I think so, too. Can I try to look for her for you?"
"Oh, no. I don't want you to do anythi..."
"X. Please."
Sierra puts her hand on X's wrist. Not a romantic gesture, but one of friendship. Of pure friendship.
"If your mom is out there, let me try to find her."
X nods his head, accepting Sierra's persistence.
"I just don't know ..." X's voice cracks, thinking back to the struggles he remembers his mom facing when he was just a child, the struggles that led her to giving him up to the night.
"I don't know if she's out there."
"I understand. But what do we say?"
X looks at Sierra, his eyes a bit wide now.
"What do we always say?"
X takes a breath -- a calming breath -- and gently smiles back.
"The dream never dies."
|
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:23:19 GMT
Originally posted by Sully. All's Blair in Love and War
Blair couldn't even remember who told her the news.
All she knew was that Kleio De Santos, her fearless leader, was no longer competing in the King of the Deathmatch tournament. She knows that she didn't hear it from Kleio. Why would Kleio De Santos communicate anything to her? It's not like they were part of a team or anything. That's been the status quo for some time. Communication, or lacktherof.
Kleio competed in the first two King of the Deathmatch tournaments. In the first one, she had run the tables to the finals where she lost to a Nephew whose name escapes her. There were so many of them, it was hard to keep track. It was irrelevant though by the next year, when Kleio had competed again and again made quite the run, falling just short of the finals that go around as she lost in the semi finals to another wrestler who yet again disappeared shortly after. Had it been Blair, she might have resented the fact that people enjoy signing up for these types of things despite not being committed to actually competing on other shows.
But Kleio held her tounge instead. Another example of a fault in her leadership.
When Blair takes over The Coven, she will not sit back and let people who compete on a part time basis...if that...continue to show up when they feel like it and win. The entire Coven would probably be just as successful if they sparred their bodies from the show to show carange.
Yes, Blair's coup was still very much on her mind.
And this was the perfect opportunity. She had been looking for leverage against Kleio for some time. Blair had wicked smile on her face as she walked into Russnow's office.
"I want in the King of the Deathmatch tournament" she had told him.
And just like that.
She was in.
It was almost too easy.
Blair began to consider why Kleio had withdrawn in the first place. When she first heard, she hadn't even begun to consider that aspect. All that went through her head was just how advantageous it would be for her to take Kleio's spot. This was a politics game, and Kleio didn't even know she was playing it yet. For the Witch Queen, someone who prides herself on being hardcore, someone who has prided herself on her performances in the Deathmatch tournament...for her to just...withdraw...it definitely made Kleio look weak.
So for Blair to scoop in?
Prove unlike Kleio, she has nothing to be fear, it would be a huge momentum gain.
It didn't even matter if Blair won one round. Would she to go on and win the whole tournament she'd probably be able to overthrow Kleio as leader right then and there. But Blair wasn't expecting that.
No.
All this was about, was to get one up on Kleio.
Once this civil war kicks off, it's going to get ugly, and Blair needs to build up her resume. She also needs to tear Kleio's apart.
This all made sense. And it's the reason why Blair went to Russnow and asked to take Kleio's spot. That she knows. What she doesn't know, however, is why Kleio isn't competing. Again, Kleio had talked non stop about the Deathmatch tournament. She prided herself on it, and just a show ago she was talking about how she was going to win it yet again as she was distracting herself with XYZ.
So what changed?
That is what worried Blair.
Did Kleio know already that Blair is planning a coup? Was she withdrawing as some sort of counter intelligence super move? Or did she have a better opportunity? Both situations worried Blair. This entire plan is so she can get one over on Kleio. If Kleio ends up doing the same to her, intentional or not, this could all be for naught.
Blair had to be careful.
One thing is for sure. This is Blair's opportunity to take a shot. To gain an advantage for the first time in this war, one Kleio shouldn't know anything about yet. She had the element of surprise. For the first time ever, Kleio's chances at Queen of the Deathmatch are null. By withdrawing from the tournament, she withdraws herself from hardcore consideration entirely. Instead, Blair takes her place.
Blair takes her place in the tournament.
Blair takes her place as the most hardcore member of The Coven.
Blair takes her place as leader and Witch Queen.
And it will all be done before Kleio even knows what hit her. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:23:48 GMT
Originally posted by Blaine.
FOR HANK
A soft, somber wind spreads over the Okoyama prefecture. A simple lead brushed across the sky, following nothing. It was carefree, without any sort of struggle in the world. It floated across the roads, climbing up into the smell of the sea. The leaf slowly drifted downwards, falling towards the water. In that very moment, it hit the sea, stagnant, one with the ocean for eternity.
It was a beautiful reminder that nothing could fly forever. Somedays, we hit the bottom and we drift off to become one with the sea. No matter what, the ocean will outlive us all. So, does it matter? Does what we do matter? Is anything we accomplish at all important in the grand scheme of the world?
Sure doesn’t seem like it for one man. On the Great Seto Bridge, a man sat on the ledge. His hand grasped the railing, his feet shakingly planted on a slim, narrow margin separating the vastness of the world from the material bridge. His hair swayed in the air, as he took a few deep, raspy breaths.
“Holy shit.”
Sawyer’s voice rang out into emptiness. He shook, frozen against the pull. The wind was pushing and pulling him both ways. He had sat on the idea for years at this point. The simple nagging question of “What if” always lingered in his brain. What if one day, he stopped caring and simply let go.
Sawyer’s grip only tightened on the railing. He couldn’t cry. Tears wouldn’t come out. Was it fear that kept him stoic? Or, was it the anger that everything he tried amounted to nothing? Was it sadness that it couldn’t be more? Or, was it happiness that it could be over?
“Ok … what now.”
What a dumb question. Sawyer crouched slightly, smelling the sea breeze. He thought he could hear voices in it, but they were conflicting. He heard “let go,” then “hold on”. The world seemed to be conflicted in what he had to do anyways. It was almost if the world didn’t know what to do.
Why was he doing this anyways? Why now? What made now the moment? Sawyer didn’t know himself, but he could only speculate.
MARCH 24, 2010
The sounds of rubber pressed against a dirt road, as a beat-up truck shined dimly in the night. The truck pulled into a driveway, making its way down towards a small, quaint little house. The car stopped, and a figure stepped out of it. A teenage Sawyer. He made his way past the porch, slipping around to the back of the house. Using a small platform of wooden pallets, Sawyer slid open his window. He quickly climbed into it, quietly shutting the window behind him.
His alarm clock read 11:12 PM, as Sawyer slowly opened the door to his room. The house was dark, silent. Sawyer made his way towards the kitchen, as he opened up the fridge. However, he stopped as he heard the sound of creaking before light illuminated the room. His heart dropped, as he turned around, seeing two figures in the room.
“Uhh, hey dad … what’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you what’s going on. Where the fuck were you?”
“I was … out with Hank.”
Sawyer’s dad clapped a few times, before giving out a loud, mocking laugh.
“Hank ... HAH! You’re always around that boy. I don’t know why I even bother letting you go with him. He’s a bad influence on you.”
“Don’t say shit like that! You don’t know him, he’s my best friend.”
“Don’t go defending your boyfriend. He’s corrupted your mind. If I had the right mind, I’d ship you off to one of those Christian wilderness camps. Maybe they’d pray the homosexuality out of you.”
“One, he’s not my boyfriend. Besides, what would be the issue with that? I’d at least be happier with him than I ever was here.”
“Sure you are. I’ve spent the past 16 years dealing with your bullshit and this is how you pay me?! I’m not going to have a son who is a-”
A woman, who can only be assumed as Sawyer’s mother grabbed on his dad’s arm.
“Don’t say that honey! He’s your son.”
“I’ll say whatever the hell I want about him. Sawyer, you’re out. You don’t bother to come home for supper. You leave me and your mom worried every single night! So, I’ll remove that worry. Pack your shit up, you’re out of this house.”
Sawyer gripped his fist. He slammed the door of the fridge shut, getting into the face of his dad. The two stared each other down a few moments as his mom got in between them.
“Honey stop! He’s a boy, he’s not ready!”
“No, I think I’m ready. I’ll pack my shit and you won’t ever have to hear from me again.”
“Do it then. You’ll be out in the real world and you’re going to fail because that’s all you’ve ever been your entire life. A fucking failure.”
Sawyer pushed his father to the side, storming towards his room. His father huffed off as well, as his mom made his way to his room. Sawyer had already slammed the door and began to pack his stuff. He shoved clothes into a container in his room, ignoring the rising knocks on his door and his mom’s pleas.
After fully packing up a good chunk of his stuff into various containers and bags. Meanwhile, his door shook each knock. Eventually, he zipped up the final bag. He opened up the window but stopped himself before he could place his stuff outside. A hesitant sigh followed before he opened up the door. He found his mom, her face stained with tears, as she lunged forward and hugged Sawyer.
For a few minutes, they stood there. Sawyer never hugged back though, his hands clenched with nothing. Soon enough, he would peel his moms grip apart. Without a second word, he shut the door.
MODERN DAY
The sound of cars rushing by took over Sawyer’s eardrums. The voices of the wind fell silent as he hung over the water. If there was one regret he had, it was never talking to his mom again. He wanted to wonder how his mom would feel. Yet, she never bothered talking to him after the fact. Nothing close to an ominous text message or a friend request on Facebook.
He could care less about his dad though. His old man always wanted more from Sawyer than Sawyer was willing to give. Baseball, Football, Soccer, all sports that he was forced into because his dad didn’t want to raise a failure. But, if he jumps, does that make him a failure? Would this be the biggest middle finger he could give, never giving his dad the satisfaction of raising him properly?
Sawyer watched as more and more cars drove by. Nobody was bothering to stop or give him a look of any remorse. He wasn’t desperate for it, was he? He didn’t know if he was hoping someone would reach out and give him a brand new lease on life. Nobody would be there to help him … except one man.
“Hank …”
The one man who’s stood with him his entire life. The man he entered this industry with. He was owed a goodbye, and Sawyer never gave him it. He sighed, pressing his face against the railing. Second thoughts pressed through his mind as he stared out into the street. Was it worth it?
SEPTEMBER, 2020
Cans clinked together as we now see two individuals sitting on a couch together. We see a younger Sawyer Xavier, a mere month before his official FWA debut. To the side of him is a newer figure. His hair shorter and more blonde. He had much more muscle mass to him than Sawyer. Without a doubt, this was his closest friend, Hank.
“This is to your success. I’m proud of you man. You finally accomplished your dream. I’d say I’m jealous but, you were always one for the limelight.”
“Oh, hush. I legitimately would not be here if it wasn’t for you. So, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t make this about me. This is your night. You’re about to go set the world ablaze and that’s all I want as your friend. Someone needs to stand atop the independents, and I’d rather bear that torch.”
“I know, but. Thank you. You were there for me when I needed you the most and … I don’t know how to appreciate that enough.”
“Well, you’re welcome. Don’t be getting all sentimental though. Loosen up tonight. We’ll watch some old matches and make this your last night as a ‘free agent.’”
Hank took a sip of the beer, as did Sawyer. He had spent many nights on this very couch, including the night he left home. Hank welcomed him in with open arms and he never could repay that act of niceness. As the hours went by and cans were drank, Sawyer had sunk into the couch. The night was getting dull until Hank spoke up again.
“Hey, Sawyer. When you make it big and take home gold, I want to buy you a drink for that. It’ll be completely on me. Doesn’t matter how expensive it is or where, just know that that drink is on me.”
“Umm, okay? Any reason for this?”
“Just figured I’d give you something to look forward to celebrating. You’re a good kid, you just need the proper motivation.”
“Well then, I’ll make sure to drain your account. Before you know it, we’ll both be on the top of our worlds. That’s a promise.”
Sawyer held out his fist, to which Hank smirked and bumped his fist against Sawyer’s. This moment would be ingrained in Sawyer’s mind, the final time they met.
MODERN DAY
They barely spoke now. Of course, they’re both busy and Hank has admitted it over texts. Somedays, he wishes they spoke more. But, that recollection of events in Hank’s house left a smile on his face. The promise of a free drink, that seemed to help him stabilize.
How could he let Hank down and never fulfill that promise. If he needed something to grab him and pull him back over the edge, that was it. How could he end everything right in this instant, and not even give Hank anything as simple as a goodbye.
He came out onto this bridge, without much of a plan. Every day, the idea of letting go lingered in his brain, becoming louder and louder. He kept ignoring Kemp’s calls, he didn’t think about the tournament. But, he didn’t know what was keeping him from falling.
After around ten minutes, of nothing but silence. No thoughts, no cares, no ideas, nothing at all, Sawyer climbed over the railing. He shakingly planted his foot on the side of the bridge, finally letting out a well needed breath.
“Fuck. What am I doing.”
He muttered, before stumbling his way down the bridge. His brain spiraled with some regret, as the sea breeze slowly started to fade away as he closed into the mainland. He finally made land and didn’t look back. Every step he made along the way was filled with dread.
The tournament finally clicked for him.
Sawyer has to win this for Hank.
Hank saved him whenever he needed it. When he left his parents, Hank housed him. At his lowest hours, Hank was there for him.
And when he was nearing the end of the road, Hank inadvertently paved a new one for him.
So the King of Deathmatch isn’t a prize for him.
It’s going to be a statement of promise.
He’ll win this tournament, then he’ll take the drink.
Sawyer took out his phone, shakingly opening his contacts list. He stared at Hank’s contact for a few minutes, before pressing it with his thumb. This is who he was fighting for. This is why he was going to continue to fight.
For Hank.
|
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:24:38 GMT
Originally posted by Gurry. [MEDIA=youtube]FJt7gNi3Nr4[/MEDIA]
[[ << AT DEATH'S DOOR >> ]]
Another Fallout, another victory for Colby. Madison Gray fell just as La Sombra Filosa did, both becoming victims of Colby’s powerbomb-backbreaker, the Sol Reaper. It’s a fantastic way to start his career in the FWA, sure, but more importantly it shows that he isn’t like the rest of these rookies. While the newcomers to the FWA are looking for a spot on the card, some prestige, hell, a whiff at championship gold… Colby’s already done it twice. LSF, Madison Gray, all of these chumps on the lower card aren’t even in Colby’s league. They offer subpar fighting spirit and a lack of respect for what Colby’s trying to do. While they were practicing their chain wrestling, Colby was fighting in chain matches! The audacity of these suckers! Here, the FWA has a perfectly capable, strong, and deserving star, and he’s being put on display like some kind of bear in a zoo. But at KODM? It’ll be time to unleash the beast. While the Television Championship looks ripe for the picking, after Colby put down the number one contender Madison Gray and name dropped the champ, the aspect of winning the King of The Deathmatch’s third event and continuing his winning ways was hard to ignore.
But fifteen other dickheads stand in his way.
Finally, this was a chance for Colby to let loose and go balls out. He can finally get a taste of what this company really has to offer by being thrown right into the fire against accomplished, meaningful, and strong fighters all looking to take Colby out. The odds were stacked, as they usually are, but Colby’s in the zone. He’s got the will to fight and a warrior’s might. The people entering this match, they know the danger, they know what they may lose here, but they don’t know that Colby’s hoping for disaster in this competition. He wants to suffer, he wants to bleed, he wants to have his life beaten out of his broken body, just to take all of you suckers with him.
Tommy Bedlam’s chances are already low in the King of The Deathmatch, but when Colby Sol’s eyes met with the sign advertising this event, the X Champion’s fate had already been sealed.
So champ, you can chuck that championship into the ocean.
Because The Conjurer’s trophy is a blood soaked crown of thorns crafted from the entire bracket’s flesh.
>> Island of Tsushima, Japan - February 14th, 2024
COLBY SOL: I’m not afraid of dying.
Standing near the cliff looking out to the blue sea, fresh off a win against Madison Gray, Colby’s eyes were reflective of his state of mind. He inhaled the deep sea salt air and let his body absorb the skin tingling sensation of this peace and quiet. For too long his body ached with physical and emotional pain, and his mind ran a constant marathon that no one could see. As the sun began to slowly creep downwards from the world, Colby stood there wearing only shorts, sweating from a workout in preparation for King of The Deathmatch. His body was obscured from the sunset’s shadow, but his voice was loud and bold.
COLBY SOL: Death is a concept created by the old to scare the young. They tell us that we have these goals to accomplish, the same goals they wished to complete before their bodies gave up on them. It’s the dread, the fear, the anxiety coming from the fact that when our soul ceases to exist, we’re only remembered by only a few people.
Colby looked down at the rocks beneath him, letting his blood stained hands go limp, and watching as the waves crashed against the cliff.
COLBY SOL: But I don’t risk my life for the nostalgia of others. People see death as the end, as the final chapter… but again… I don’t fear it. I use death as a weapon.
The light from the camera illuminated his body, and the punctures all over his torso and back raised questions in the minds of the viewers. These wounds were fresh, all over his body, but his spirit remained in tact as he wiped a drizzle of his life essence from his mouth with his bruised forearm. His body had punctures that were small, but deliberate, making him look like some kind of spotted wallpaper. His hair had changed, no longer white, but rather a deep brown, similar to his brothers. But unlike his brother, he remains. Unlike his brother, he has a date with destiny.
COLBY SOL: I’ve waited weeks for this moment, weeks to finally be unleashed on this company like a bat out of hell. I’ve trained so fucking hard that I can’t even feel the pain and aches in my body anymore, and now I finally get to dish out some serious pain to those than are UNWORTHY of lacing a pair of boots! See, I’m rewarded for the fruits of my labor, I’ve established myself as a man who goes above the average newcomer, and I’m getting what is rightfully MINE. Don’t get it twisted, I fully intended to snap Brooklyn Steiner and his red-hot momentum in two, but for now, the X-Championship is just too fuckin’ hot for anyone but me to handle.
Colby’s arms stretched out side to side, his fists clenched, his black and purple knuckles begged for air, and his veins began to pop out like they were trying to escape his vessel. The anger, the pain, the absolute rage he had felt against the entire world began to build up, and he finally has the opportunity to let it all out.
COLBY SOL: Years of work, years of improving my game, YEARS of playing someone I’m not… it finally comes to ahead. I finally get to sink my teeth into something worth chewing on. See, awhile ago, I couldn’t be a goody-two-shoes when I started wrestling in the US, I couldn't become a pro boxer when I was a kid... shit, I couldn’t even be the underling of a psychopathic cult leader… but since I've joined the FWA, since I've cut the bullshit out of my life, I've been proving everyone that's ever doubted me wrong. I've made good on every single promise since joining the FWA... I've beaten everyone put in my way, and now, at King of The Deathmatch… I finally get to rule as king. Tommy Bedlam isn’t going to stop me. XYZ isn’t going to stop me. Johnny fuckin’ Johnson? He sure as SHIT isn’t going to stop ME. I become the king of my world, the king of the hardcore world… the king of the FW-fuckin’-A… I rule as the ultimate survivor. I RULE, AS THE X-CHAMP…I….
Colby swallowed his breath, shut his eyes, and bellowed out a grueling scream and finishing the word "CHAMPION". The torment The Great Oxen, his teacher, had been on the mind and soul of Colby. Beatings were nothing new, fighting for your life was a daily chore, but he had done something new. He had awoken the spirit of The Right Hand, harnessed it's corruption, and has allowed Colby to use that hatred as a tool of his own brand of justice. To prepare for a tournament such as this, one must be willing to sacrifice their oath and devotion for a chance at eternal glory. Colby has taken that step, and he plans to leave Japan as a champion. Tommy Bedlam? Count your fuckin' days.
?: How have you enjoyed your time on our island, sir?
Colby's attempt at getting some rest was useless. His eyes snapped open as his body jolted backwards into the car seat. A quick sniffle and rub of the eyes got him back into the mood for socializing. As he looked around, he could see out of the dark tint of his window the moving road and buildings of the Shimoagata district. He turned his eyes towards the uber driver in front of him, somewhat suprised to hear his English.
COLBY SOL: It's been fine. It's good to come back when I can.
He smirked, readjusting himself in his seat.
COLBY SOL: You speak English pretty well. You from around here?
The driver seemed giddy, looking around at the little bit of traffic in his way before taking a slow left.
UBER: I was born in Chicago, actually, but my family comes from Tsushima. You don't look like most of the people here. Business trip?
COLBY SOL: Business trip.
Colby reflected on his words. His current attire consisted of a sleeveless leather jacket with the collar up, his hair slicked back, and sunglasses preventing direct eye-contact. The tattoos made him stand out like a sore thumb, but his energy, that was what made him different. King of The Deathmatch lll was just days away, and he's rolling into this thing with his confidence at an all time high. He leaned forward, putting his head down and rubbing his hands together in thought.
UBER: Actually, I'm a bit of a sports fan so...
Oh no.
COLBY SOL: Yeah? And what sports are you into?
The driver smiled ear to ear.
UBER: Professional wrestling of course! It's the most exciting thing going on right now!
COLBY SOL: Interesting...is that why you picked me up?
UBER: Well uh... y'know... I'm not one of those fans. I didn't even know it was you until I pulled up a few minutes ago but, hey, that's pretty lucky, right?
Colby laid back in his seat, looking at the rear view mirror with a smile and a nod.
COLBY SOL: Oh you're very lucky, friend, lucky that I'm in a good mood. This is my stop, pull up to this curb on the right, will 'ya?
The driver did as he was instructed, but his smile had faded a bit, feeling uneasy and awkward as Colby stepped out of the car and whipped out his phone. There's a few moments of silence at this empty alleyway between two buildings.
UBER: G-good luck though! I'll be rooting for you in the tournament from home!
Colby looked over and smiled, this time removing his sunglasses and storing them in his shirt.
COLBY SOL: Guess I can't lose now then, right?
Colby took a moment after rolling his eyes, tapping a big fat zero star review before making his way. His eyes locked on with the building on the left, a small café, with coffee you could smell just by standing in front of it. As the car drove away, Colby was met with his destination. Tea Plaza, a beautiful little shop in this district, ran by an old friend of Colby's. The crack of Colby's knuckles was just the prelude of what kind of "reunion' this would be.
***!~~Ring-Ring~!!***
Looking up from the counter was an older man, about in his forties, going over his menu with a sweet young couple. His mouth was agape, making the gray hairs on the side of his head and beard stand up.
COLBY SOL: << Arata-san. >>
Colby's eyes focused on Arata directly, gently brushing past the couple. They wanted no part in this, and abruptly left the building.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Colby-kun... what a surprise... what can I help you with? >>
Colby's mouth soured a bit and his attitude was on full display.
COLBY SOL: << You already know what you can help with, your debt. Okkusu-san has been owed this for over a year now. >>
Arata scoffed.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Okkusu? That psychopath? I'm not in the wrestling business anymore Colby, my debts are GONE! My training camp has nothing to do with what The Great Oxen oversees now! Okkusu knows this! >>
Colby looked around the tea room, seeing a few young men in a corner enjoying a meal, but all looking towards Colby.
COLBY SOL: << Lots changed since you've been out of the biz, Arata. Okkusu's mind changed the same way. So cough up what you owe him so I can get outta here. >>
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Why do you care about what Okkusu is owed? You're a signed man, you don't belong here doing his dirty work again! >>
COLBY SOL: << I said I want to get out of here. >>
Arata pauses, thinks, and comes to a realization.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Okkusu has never lied to me. Okkusu has no need for more of me... Colby... what are you doing here? >>
COLBY SOL: << Arata... >>
The jacket comes off.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << You... >>
The trainees get up from their table and approach.
COLBY SOL: << Arata! >>
A chair was aimed for Colby's head.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << WHAT DID YOU DO?! >>
A well timed hit, but not for Arata's young lions. Colby had heard the clatter of the chair and ducked it, showing the young gun some of his boxing prowess, knocking him out with a quick one-two combination. The others prepare a fighting stance, leaving Colby to toss his top to the side, and the horrific wounds he had sustained days earlier were on display, as Colby's demonic-like back stared at Arata.
COLBY SOL: << I did what had to be done. >>
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Huh?! >>
COLBY SOL: << You fucked me over big time. >>
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << How?! After all I've done for you! I gave you a chance to get to the FWA in the first place when no one wanted you! >>
COLBY SOL: << Stevey's money, you fucked with it for years. You took advantage of his good worker mentality and stiffed him. I know he doesn't give a shit about it now... but I do. Consider this the final favor I do for Okkusu. >>
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Bullshit! When Okkusu hears this, you're done. >>
Colby looked around the room, three more trainees, but no real back up. He shrugs at Arata before cracking his knuckles and taking a step forward.
COLBY SOL: << I'm far from done, I'm just getting started. I plan on walking into King of The Deathmatch a guilt-free man.>>
Arata in a panic grabbed a pen and thrusts forward, but Colby grabs the wrist and Arata by the throat before lifting him up with ease, choking the life out of him with the leverage.
ARATA YAMAGUCHI: << Dis*ACK*respectful br-AUGGGHHH! >>
Tighter.
COLBY SOL: << A pen? You're tried stabbing me with a fucking pen? >>
Colby was getting nowhere with this. There weren't any customers here, but these trainees? They could be an issue. The shit talk kept Colby looking like a force of nature, but the Yamaguchi Technical Style is no joke. They all ease back in fighting stances, but their belief in themselves began to dwindle. Colby scowled, before shoving Yamaguchi back first through one of the tables! Plates and silverware go everywhere as Colby presses down on his former employer's throat.
COLBY SOL: << You're a scummy businessman, and an average sensei. I came here to say farewell in the only way a real warrior can; by having the last word. I worked day and night to make your promotion the best it fuckin' could be, and you turned my gold into SHIT! The reality is Okkusu's not in this game anymore, Stevey wouldn't be a fan of what I'm doin', and... I can't stand you. Your pupils see you as an elder, a guru who's here to shape and form their young minds, but you know that's all a load of bullshit. Damn your traditional conman scheme, damn Full Force Pro for letting you take over... and damn you for what you put my brother through, you heartless son of a bitch. >>
With a flick of his wrist, Arata was knocked out. He breathed, but his pride had been cut deep. As Colby raised himself to his feet, wiping the blood from Arata's nose on his pantleg.
COLBY SOL: << Now... for the goods. >>
His eyes wandered, peering over the dining room. The damage was done, but his reward? His reward came crawling over towards him like a pathetic worm. In a mess of black hair came one of Arata's students. A young man... an ugly, young man, but one with some kind of undying spirit. A spirit Colby could respect. With a look of dissatisfaction, he kneeled down, looking this blubbering, beaten mess of a man with pity... then curiosity.
COLBY SOL: << You... you've got something. >>
He peered closer.
COLBY SOL: << Something I could use. >>
Colby's words pierced the young man's ears. The young lion's heart had been swayed and lied to, but his eyes yearned for a clear path. Colby's presence was that path, and the hand he extended to the pupil was his ticket to freedom. Where this road would lead him was to be seen, as the footage stutters into a mess of static.
A cool wind, a mellow peace, and an exhausted body illuminate the scene. Resting his body on the wooden floor in a seated position, Colby's eyes softly open up to the scene he had caused. Steam practically flew off of the heated body of The Conjurer as he looked down to see his handiwork, the beaten, bloodied body of the man he once called his superior, Okkusu-san, also known as The Great Oxen. Not only had he defied the old veteran, but Colby had worked his body to it's limit to defeat him.
THE GREAT OXEN: << You... >>
COLBY SOL: << Yes, Okkusu... me. Colby Sol. I did this to you. >>
Colby looked down at his right hand, the one he favors to knock his opponents out.
COLBY SOL: << You played your part. You put me through the toughest training I could go through one last time in preparation for King of The Deathmatch... and betrayal was your award. >>
He stood tall and mighty, looking down at his teacher with disdain. The punctures on his body were fresh, and from the looks of it, the intense points of a bed of nails placed against the wooden wall of this old wooden shack near the cliffside were the culprits. Colby would do anything to go the distance in KODM, even if it meant pushing his body to the max.
COLBY SOL: << After retiring La Sombra Filosa... I couldn't help but scratch the itch of taking out another legend. With your help, I demolished Madison Gray. Now? I demolish the entire X-Championship division in one sweep. My time in Tsushima again has been enlightening. >>
Okkusu gritted his teeth, but his old, tall, broken body couldn't even garner the strength to pick itself up anymore. The man who trained Colby's brother, Steven, and refined Colby's style laid powerless to his pupil.
COLBY SOL: << You've given me much... but your lessons dictate power, not unity. You were a fool to help me, and your legacy will forever be nothing more then a footnote in my legacy. >>
Colby's foot pressed against the back of his head, keeping him against the ground.
COLBY SOL: << The Oxen Style is mine to conquer the wrestling world with now, and I plan on utilizing it to it's true potential. While I dine like the king that I'm soon meant to be, you'll be left in the dark to starve. >>
Colby let his foot up, turned around, and began to make a slow, pain filled walk out of the shack, only for Okkusu to lift his head up with a weak breath.
THE GREAT OXEN: << You... you're doing this all wrong... again... >>
The words tangled the mind and heart of Colby, but he wouldn't allow himself to show weakness, and kept moving forward. Okkusu could choke on those words for all Colby cared. It wasn't going to stop him for what he had done, how he had beaten the snot out of Okkusu out of pure spite, and it wouldn't stop him on his road towards King of The Deathmatch. Unrestricted by the morals of his teacher, fresh off of a two match winning streak, and gaining unrestricted access to complete and utter mayhem, Colby was about to walk into the mouth of hell equipped with only his fists. Nothing would stop him, not even death itself, making him THE man to target.
So check those scopes, because you sure as shit don't wanna miss this target. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:25:59 GMT
Originally posted by Sully. One is the Loneliest Number
 Celestia found herself all alone. One-third of the Trios Championship title holders, a title built around being a team, and she was all alone. Kleio was MIA. She wasn't competing apparently on either show anymore, and she wasn't around to help prepare the trio for their title match either. Trixie meanwhile was 100% focused on winning the King of the Deathmatch tournament, and Blair? Well apparently she was doing the same. Then, you had Ethel who was passed out in a recliner somewhere watching reruns of Family Feud. To Celestia, it seemed like the end of The Coven as she knew it. Which, to be fair, was a strong likelihood with what Blair has been planning. Th esad part is, the rest of The Coven has no idea. But still, they're more fractured than ever before. The fact that Blair had tasked her with getting Trixie and Ethel on their side for the coup had been weighing on her, but now as she sits here...alone, grasping that Trios title they won so happily quite some time ago now...it seemed...easier. And yet, Celestia didn't want to let it go. Part of that fact was the opponents she was facing. She had it in her head that she was going to go out there and call them all jobbers. There were a ton of different cheap shots she could've taken at them. Some of them would've been below the belt, and some of them quite frankly would've been digging in deep into some drama that had no business being brought up again. Would it have been worth it? Maybe. Most of the shots and digs would've been worth it. They would've been a bad look though, they would've probably been frowned upon, but it'd have been worth it. And yet, Celestia sits here alone. With no motivation to not only take those shots, but to take any whatsoever. It seemed like this team of afterthought jobbers was being primed to take their titles for the entire cycle now, like we've seen so many times before with similar competitors. And at this stage? With the amount of enthusiasm and energy Celestia, and the rest of her team has...maybe they can have them. Let them add another notch to the bedpost, brag about winning the belts with yet another name, and use those bragging rights as some sort of serotonin enhancer. The Coven did it themselves. They had a solid run. But now? There was more important shit to care about, and a bunch of jobbers were not on that list. So GG, and congrats. For Celestia though? She had a goal. It wasn't to keep the titles any longer. They're past that point. No, she needed to keep The Coven together. Unfortunately, she didn't know if that was by siding with her sister Blair...or with Kleio. Or neither? She took a deep breath. That's when suddenly, she was joined by Blair and Celestia. "You ready for this?" Blair said, putting her hand on Celestia's shoulder. Trixie jumped in with a smile. "We got this Celerey!" she said. Celestia felt joy, as perhaps she was all wrong...she wasn't alone! But then she opened her eyes. "Oh..." she said...as she realized that neither of those two were actually in the room. Maybe this is it. |
|
|
Post by supinesnake on May 29, 2024 15:26:19 GMT
Originally posted by SJW. HALLOWEEN KNIGHT
AND
TRASH MAMMAL
AND
JUAN TOTHREFOR
ARE
TR1CK OR TR4SH
IN
You Should Try Grindr
-=-=-=-=- ???: So, what exactly are we doing here, again????: Ain’t that the question of my life.???: Hush, amigos. Trust me, I have a plan.???: Famous last words.It’s a pale afternoon amongst the fairgrounds, as our intrepid heroes stride - one confidently, the other two less so - across the well-kept grass and fields of a local park in a mostly unimportant town. The dazzling and undefeated trio of Tr1ck or Tr4sh, led by the ever numerical Juan Tothrefor, sauntered through the grass, as Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal glanced quizzically at their surroundings. Tents, stalls, booths and attractions, dressed in flowery streamers and banners. Signs with words with unnecessary Es at the tail end - Trash Mammal wondered how to steal them all. People everywhere, dressed in their finest medieval cosplay garbs, from the knights in shining, if slightly rusted, armor, to the buxom wenches serving what generously passed for ale and mead, to king and queens and dukes and jesters and one guy in a dragon onesie. Yes, it was Ye Olde Renaissance Faire, a shining beacon of cosplay enthusiasts and curiosities of a highly specific fantasy timeframe. Pausing before his friends, Juan Tothrefor spread his arms out, gesturing thematically and dramatically to his surroundings. Tothrefor: Amigos, I present to you - The Local Renaissance Faire! Now, I bet you’re wondering why we’re here today.Knight: We literally told you that exact thing not thirty seconds ago.Mammal: I mean, we can kinda connect the dots, I suppose.Knight: Yeah. Is this some sort of ‘The Coven Are Cosplay Witches’ kinda thing?Tothrefor: Nope! Even better! You there, jester!A man in a jingly jangly jester outfit, with more bells than stitches in his outfit, shambled towards them, with the kind of jig one has upon realizing there were ants in their pants and they had the taste of human flesh. Tothrefor: Could you direct myself and my friends towards Booth 13?Jester: Hark! Ye curiosities, with ye exotic garments, fair tidings to ye and merriment! The foundation of which you seek may be located a mere journey down yonder, down the cobbled path. Tis in the same direction of Ye Olde Gentlemen’s Clubbe, a lark’s cry past the medical tent. Verily, if ye have met the stables and the mighty steeds within, then forsooth, ye have gone too far, and must turn back, lest ye wish to embark on a crusade with the mighty Paladins of Yore.Mammal: Why’s he speaking like an asshole?Knight: It’s a thing here, don’t worry.Mammal: I’m worryin’, Knoight.Nevertheless, the less enthusiastic members of TxT followed Juan deeper into the fair, carefully stepping past the crowds of cosplayers and fairgoers, as they approached Booth 13. Juan paused before it as he waited for his fellows to catch up, though Knight was somewhat distracted by a fairgoer assuming he was a rather casual Lich and wanting a selfie, and Mammal was somewhat distracted by not really wanting to be here. Shortly, they joined Juan outside of Booth 13, where they gazed at the dangling sign, and let out a sigh. YE OLDE BLACKE SMITHE’SE Knight: It’s the extra Es that get me. It’s just- Mammal, can you steal some of those superfluous Es or something?Mammal: Way ahead of you.Knight: Juan, why are we outside of a blacksmiths booth?Tothrefor: Because! You, me, us all… We have an axe to grind.Juan gestured to the booth again, to the signage, to the hanging weaponry, making several ‘eh??? EH????’ vocal noises in some vain attempt to seek approval on the wordplay.
Knight: … I don’t get it.Tothrefor: An axe to grind! Like, complaints to make, fits to throw! It’s wordplay!Knight: Yeah, I get that, but… I don’t get it. Trash?Mammal: Y’know, there’s nothing in the Secular Spectacular rulebook that says I have to keep you two as partners for the trios title shot. I’m jus’ sayin’, I could make some phone calls and team with… I dunno, Undisputed Alliance instead.Tothrefor: They won’t take you and you know it. C’mon, guys, just follow my lead and hear me out. I think this’ll be a good way to bring the team together and really bring out the validation.Knight: Are we not already validated?Mammal: I don’t think our parking is validated.Knight: Shit.Tothrefor: Never mind that! Just follow me in and hear me out.With a sigh and a groan, Halloween Knight and Trash Mammal nevertheless followed Juan Tothrefor into Booth 13, whereupon they immediately felt intimidated by the strong, burly blacksmith, slamming at a sheet of metal with a hammer. Mammal: Fuck, that’s intimidatin’.Tothrefour: Now, here me out-Mammal: No, what is this? An axe to grind? Seriously? Did you drag us here to create an entire backdrop over a pun? Is the entire basis of your idea revolving around wordplay? Christ, Juan. We have a trios title match coming up, I risked my ass to secure it for us, and this is your big fuckin’ plan?With a loud bang, the surly blacksmith slammed his hammer on his desk, narrowly missing crushing Mammal’s fingers. Blacksmith: You.Mammal: Me? Or the royal ‘you’?Blacksmith: You protest. You grumble. You moan. Despite everything going your way, you do nothing but complain. When you’re not needlessly inserting yourself into things that do not concern you, when you’re not dragging attention to yourself like a narcissistic primadonna, you’re complaining. Knight: Sounds like someone we know.Mammal: Yeah this feels like the royal ‘you.’ I’m this close to calling up Men Out Of Time, Juan, I bet Stu knows how to count.The blacksmith grabbed a trio of blunt handaxes, sliding them pointedly towards the trio with a grunt. Blacksmith: You have an axe to grind.Tothrefor: See, he gets it.Blacksmith: Get grinding.Tothrefor: That’s what I like about you, amigo, y-Blacksmith: Get. Grinding.Tothrefor: Yes sir.With varying levels of enthusiasm, the trio each collected a handaxe, and approached a set of bench grinders. As the blacksmith supervised, quietly assisting them in getting in position and angle, TxT leaned into their axes, grinding away, as their minds began to wander. Juan pressed his axe down on the grinder rhythmically. He thought about his main connection to the FWA other than his partners - Johnny Johnson. He had been waiting for months for a chance to stand up to him and prove his worth. When the time finally came, he was unable to overcome ‘The Legend’. It was because of this disappointment he felt that he needed to bring his amigos to a place like this, where they could work out their worries and concerns. He knew that it was important not to let these things fester inside of you. Someone else that Juan knew subscribed to that same philosophy was Trixie Bordeaux. Like Juan, she had also recently suffered a devastating setback. Her loss in the #1 Contender’s Match had hit her hard, and she made sure to let everyone know that she was not pleased about it. Allowing oneself to express disappointment was something that Juan believed to be a good thing if done in a healthy manner. But shouting, swearing and blaming others? That’s a sign of weakness as far as Juan Tothrefor was concerned. Juan knew that he needed to improve for the next time he stood face to face with Johnny Johnson. If Trixie would rather dwell on defeats and refuse to accept her own faults instead of looking at herself in the mirror to identify areas for self improvement, Juan knew that she would never get to where she wanted to be. Juan was going to show his growth, when he and his amigos win championship gold. That’ll give Trixie something to actually moan about. Halloween Knight - the masked man of the macabre - looked at his axe, a frown forming on his face as he examined it, wondering what the hell he was doing. Don’t get him wrong, he enjoyed pointless things, he believed stupid meaningless things is what gave life meaning in a strange round about silly way. But this? Quite honestly, He didn’t need all this; He didn't have an axe. He didn’t need an axe. Why would he need an axe to grind? People don't need axes, and they certainly don't need to grind them, and they didn’t need to get into why their axes are different or what the best way to grind them is. They needed to get into what brings them together. They all love wrestling, and the love of wrestling is the most powerful force in the known universe. Passion fuels Halloween Knight. He got hit, hurt and knocked down, but again and again, passion is what keeps him coming back. And his friends? His weird, smelly, trashy lucha friends? His passion is what's going to lead us to the trio's title. Because that’s what they had; the Coven can never understand. A point to prove, particularly Halloween Knight… The man who had been wrestling for longer then his two partners have been alive… and things have been great up until this point… but then the questions started coming… saying that he was old… he was past it… Saying that he couldn’t go anymore, because he had nothing of value anymore….. and there there was Coven, young and brash and got the world at their feet… yes he was feeling bitter, and yes he was envious of The Coven, but this team? Those titles? That was his shot… to show the world he wasn’t finished yet… That they were all wrong. The Coven? They were going to find that out first hand. And as for Trash Mammal, his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t have much in the way of grievances - He was undefeated on FWA television, with a title shot lined up. He had more than enough to be happy about, and he didn’t care much what others thought about him. He knew his partners held their own inner turmoil, and resolved to be there for them, knowing for certain they’d be here for him when the tides turned. Unlike The Coven, for example. For Trash Mammal, despite what one would assume, wasn’t dumb. He had a degree, for fucks sake, but you didn’t need a degree to spot the daggered glares Blair Ravenwood shot into Kleio De Santos’ back when she thought nobody was watching. You didn’t need a degree to overhear the hushed whispers, plotting against a confidant. You didn’t need to be a prophet, a soothsayer, or even a witch to see that Blair was itching to leave Kleio at the stake to be burned. The fact that Kleio alone couldn’t see it only made it more cruel. She was more than your leader, she was a loved one. A partner. A friend. And The Coven - at least Blair - could tell her heart was elsewhere, and rather than be there for her friend, her ally, her partner, the one who plucked her out of irrelevance after Ground Zero gave her the boot and after nGw equally said ‘no thanks’, Blair simply sharpened the knife and waited for the day Celestia nodded. And that day would come, sooner rather than later. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, but unfortunately for Kleio the relationship between Blair and Celestia hit both of those factors. To be so willing to ditch someone who loved them, the same way they once loved her, is a cruel, heartless thing. And why? Because she’s going through a rough time, and the thirty year old child they adopted is looking like the next big deal? Petty. Surely even Trixie would realize once her train derailed, Blair would look for the next wagon to attach her and her sister to. Surely. Trash only hoped that, by beating The Coven and taking what mattered most, they’d force Blair to look into the mirror and realize what she came so close to throwing away before it happened. Force her to admit she was blinded by the trios titles, and that the ‘weak link’ was the only thing keeping the chain together. Despite himself, Trash Mammal felt a smile crawl across his face. For everything that his friends where, and weren’t, he knew from the bottom of his heart that he could rely on them. He could trust them. And he could get through anything, as long as they were by his side. Blacksmith: Enough.Blinking, the trio glanced at their handaxes, as they leaned away from the grinders. The formerly blunt weapons were now sharp, the blade liable to cut and slice with a mere swing. Halloween Knight experimentally swung his axe, and tore a hole through the wall. He pretended it was like that when he got there. Knight: So… Now what?Pulling aside one of the tent flaps, the blacksmith nodded towards a range behind his booth, wherein several targets stood, most in the shape of an oddly familiar person. Blacksmith: Your anger. Your fear. Your grievances.The blacksmith gently wrapped his large, calloused man hand around Juan’s, cradling Juan’s grip on his handaxe. Blacksmith: The axe is a symbol of rage. Of barbarism. Of those who wish to destroy without finesse. That is a tactic that works. But, left unbridled, it is a fire that can burn you from the inside. Those who rely merely on rage, on impotence, rarely live a long life. Diving headfirst into that which troubles them so, ends with your head on a pike.The blacksmith stared pointedly at Juan, until he nodded. The blacksmith then moved on to Halloween Knight, gripping his hand in his own and staring into his eyes. Blacksmith: Do not misconstrue my words. Your rage is a step away from your drive, and your drive can be a gift. Too, your rage can be a gift. But what separates your rage from your drive is that one is a power, and the other is a tool. And much like all tools, the success is reliant on how the warrior wields it.Halloween Knight stared, then swallowed once, looking away. The blacksmith then moved on to Trash Mammal, who squirmed beneath his intense gaze, as the blacksmith crushed Trash’s hands against the handle of his axe. Blacksmith: You can let your grievances consume you, and swing wildly into the void. Or, you can utilize it, let you control your anger rather than the other way around, and use your anger, your rage, your grievances, with finesse.The blacksmith peeled the handaxe out of Trash Mammal’s grasp, balancing it on his own palm expertly, before swinging it idly as if he were carving down a foe. Blacksmith: You can hold it forever…Suddenly, the blacksmith turned, and threw the handaxe at one of the targets, where the blade buried itself into the chest of one with a thick THUNK. He blinked, slowly exhaling, as he approached the target. Blacksmith: Or, you can cast it away when your rival least expects it, allowing you to catch them by surprise with a clear mind…The blacksmith ripped the handaxe out of the target, studying it carefully. Blacksmith: Then, when you need it again, you can retrieve it, call back your rage… And control it, as you should.He handed the handaxe back to Trash Mammal. Blacksmith: You control the axe. The axe, and everything it symbolizes, does not control you. Do you understand?The trio exchanged glances. Juan: … Yeah. I… I think we get it.Blacksmith: Prove it. Channel everything that is weighing down on your soul… Aim it at those who cause you to feel this way… And throw. Juan hitched a breath, stepping forward. The target stood, some meters away. The handaxe felt heavy in his hand, and the weight of exactly why he had come here bore down on him. He didn’t know it then, but he knew it now. It was more than a pun. More than wordplay. It was a burning drive within him, something that disguised itself as a chuckle when his knuckles whitened. Juan raised his arm, his grip tightening- When he felt another being walk and stand next to him. Knight: We do it together.Halloween Knight stared in determination, before Juan nodded grimly. Knight: Juan, you were right. This dissatisfaction, it’s something we all share. Your woes, my grievances, Trash’s… stuff. It’s something we must wield together, control and leave aside together, as we do. All three of us.There was a long pause. Halloween Knight glanced beside himself, at the pointedly empty space. He cleared his throat. Knight: All three of us.Trash Mammal sighed. Mammal: I wonder if Blair an’ Celestia would be open to ditching Trixie fer me. They’re already planning to ditch Kleio, so fuck it, why not. Picture it, Trash Mammal featuring The Coven, defeat The Coven feat Trixie. What a thought, huh? I could talk ‘em into it.Knight: Trash-Mammal: A’ight, I’m comin’. Gawd.The three stood together, probably too close for regulated axe throwing. But this was the end result of their axe grinding. An acknowledgement that, despite appearances, they weren’t the happy-go-lucky saps one would assume. They had their own worries and grievances, for one reason or another. And they’d overcome them together, starting by winning the Trios titles. Together, Tr1ck or Tr4ash raised their handaxes high, poised and ready. They collectively took a breath, focusing on the target in front of them. Time slowed to a standstill. All other sounds and appearances faded to nothing. It was just them, and the target in front of them. Simultaneously, Juan, Trash, and Knight took a singular step forward, and threw their handaxes. A trio of THUNKS answered them. |
|
