The Ballad of Misery (Part 3)


These past few weeks have been something else. I'm not gonna lie - ever since the bell tolled; my dynasty as the Spartan's champion came to its conclusion, I've had to take a step back. Consider a lot of elements that I *never* thought I would have to even as much as look at. Reflect upon things, that had remained dormant. I don't blame Monolith for using Caspian as the avenue to winning the title. Not at all. That's just how it goes; I was fully aware that it was a very *real* possibility. That the inherent nature of the match, meant that I didn't have to be the one who fell, 

in order to watch it all be stripped away. To watch the belt that I had built the foundation for, be moved to its next host. For the indomitable shadow that I had cast over the belt, to be vanquished. It was inevitable, as much as I wished to deny it. As much as I wished to deny it. As much as I had allowed myself to believe that despite the belt *not* being my end game, that I still had a means for it. I still had a purpose, for it to continue elevating; enabling the greater cause to be served. 

So yes, the moments immediately after hearing the bell toll stung. They cut deep, I'm not gonna lie to you about that. More so because I knew that I was merely a microsecond away from keeping it all. From preventing, that outcome that occurred. That was designed to become. In the end, it all comes back to *me*. Just like every over failure in my career - no, in my life has. I don't run from that; I don't see the need to hide from that. Especially seeing as one of my core beliefs is having the sense of 'control'. Of being able, to manipulate every situation into something that I have designed. 

Just as it was when Joely was stripped away. Just like it was when Chili began her descent into madness. Into the isolation of her own prison; just as it was when Amelia was attacked. Even if she has now managed to persevere; find a way to subside the demons that lurk within her - to the point of possibly being able to come and visit with Jane in November, I know that can all change with a click of the fingers. 

A blink of an eye. 

It's all fleeting at the end of the day - you learn that when you've wandered this path as many times as I have. When you have witnessed the cruelty of the world we immerse ourselves within. Seen it for what it truly is - and not merely what you *wish* for it to be.

That is the problem many people have to confront.

Yet it is *not* something you can dwell on. It is not something that you can hope to change, no matter how much you might wish to. All you can do, is process it; figure out the course of action you should take next. A question, I have alluded to the answer of these past two weeks. Whether it be on social media, or even at Kingdom itself - I have planted the seeds for the next aim. The next passage that I shall transverse. 

One, that is cliche - I can admit that, but it is also the *natural* progression of the cause. It is the 'final frontier' that must be claimed, before the true reality. The truly purity this business craves, can be sought. That is, the world championship. The 'ultimate crown' as the vast majority of people would call it. To me, it is the plane that stands before the cliff. The passage, to unveiling the *mirror* that ascends the throne. 

Yes, this in turn means that I have *no* intent on pursuing Monolith. For now, the chapters are laid to rest, as he now has the airspace to carve out his own legacy. His own passage within the annuls of the Spartan's belt. An opportunity, that should he grasp it. Should he immerse himself within the legacy *I* created for it - will bring the belt once more into the heavens above. Will guide it, with the prestige of the Spartans that came before. 

Back to the world title; more specifically - Finnegan Wakefield. The 'mirror' is an apt way of describing us. He is my reflection, just as I am his. We are two beings, cut from the same cloth. Two personas, with the same core - even if he cannot truly comprehend that at this time. Even if he elects to deny it. He knows that everything he has done. 

His accolades, will always be stacked up against *mine*. That the foundation he built himself upon, was one that I crafted. A realm, that I devised. Which is why just as for me, he is the 'final frontier'. The final soul, that must be fed to the flame - I am his 'final frontier'. I am the singular being, who holds his very fate in my hands. 

Will he shed himself of the mirror? Of the eternal doubt; the lingering fear that his time. His reign, shall end at the hands of his own roots? Or shall he rise above; extinguish the flames? Vanquish the seeds of doubt that consume him?  The answer, is yours to reveal, Finn. Though I *think* I already know the path you wish to take.

That's okay, because when the time calls for your demise, it shall be delivered.

That isn't now though. I want you to let it all fester. Let it all seep into your deepest recesses. The portion of your mind, that you eternally flee from. Each and every waking moment. For it will be then, that it shall all come to pass. That you will hear the clock ticking away. Each tick, representing the countdown until your finality. Until you realise that the chronophobia you developed, was merely the reflection of what you held within. Of the mirror, shattering before your very eyes.

That the expiriation of all you hold, has cometh. 
---

Beyond that though, I *finally* managed to muster up the courage. The strength inside of me to *liberate* myself from the chains. From the anguish, of seeing Joely slip from my grasp. From the internal promise I had made, to never commit my soul to anyone again, the moment I asked Bianca if she would eternally be mine. If she wished, to affirm our dancing flames, in the 'sacred' pact of marriage. Something I was only able to convince myself was 'correct' once I received Joely's gift. 

Once she blessed me, with her will. She sensed that it had been eating away at me. The conflict between the desire to cement it all; the anchor of turning away from my promise, yet she smiled. She as much as anybody else, wished for me to do what made *me* happy. To fulfil the one desire I have eternally held. A desire, that rises beyond the scope of my career. No, of my own singular life.

That is, the desire to have children.

I know I am not immortal. That my span upon this world. My creed, is ultimately finite. That just like we all do, I shall ultimately end up six feet underground. Nothing more than a mere shell. Just like all those who came before me. No matter how much we talk about our desire to leave our impact on society - to embed our culture within the next generation. The ones, who come after us, we cannot do that alone. 

That is where our children come into play. *They* are the ones who can fill the void. The ones, who can further the cause when we ultimately 'meet our maker'. At 30 years of age, that might seem like an eon away, but in the grander scope of it all - it's sooner than we realise. Which is why the time comes for the seeds to disperse. For the plan to be enacted, for the next generation to rise. Asking Bianca, was merely stanza one of that occurrence. One, that shall be enacted when - just as it eternally is, the time calls for it to. When that will be, I do not know at this time. 

As for when the sealing of our flame. The final act of our combination - that will be on the 22nd of December. Back at our home; the place that moulded us until what we have become. Eltham. It is the *only* place that is right for the celebration. For it all to be wrapped up into a bow; secured within the annuls of time. It'll be the commencement of the bliss that I have forever sought - the bliss, that we both thought was only available within the lure of dreams.
---

Before then though, there are still affirmations that need to be sealed. Passages, that must be wandered upon. Some of them, pertaining to the OWA. To bringing about the end of the reign of the 'King'. The deconstruction, of everything that Finnegan has built for himself - just as I stated earlier: he knew that *I* was the only choice he could make. The only one, who offers him the 'validation' that he seeks. 

As much as he might wish to deny it. As much as he might wish to write it all off as 'hubris' - it is merely *reality*. It is merely each piece of the puzzle. Each hymn, coming into play. A portion, of the mirror that burns in front of our very eyes. 

I respect you, Finn. 

This occurrence is through no fault of your own - this *isn't* something that you could control. That was born from a hate. A jealously or even a lustful desire for what you hold. This is occurring because it is what *must* be. Just as I said earlier. Just know that, as the days. As the hours tick away inside of your mind. 

As paranoia, begins to consume you and you come to the realisation that the flames are waiting. The vultures are circling. Waiting to pick the remnants of your carcass. Waiting to strip your flesh from your bone, when it all crashes down around you. As you watch the final thing you cling to, dissipate into nothing more than ash - all at the hands of the fate you brought upon yourself. 

That *isn't* this week though. 

This week, we are a unified front. Two men, who shall step into the chambers of the Wolves; bring about their final breaths. Burn away, every last shred of their very beings - as their own gateway, is what shall bring about their demise. Fracture, the foundation on which they stand. Just as it must be done. Just as it has been called for. Their story, is one that is familiar - a refrain that is constantly played, yet merely ends up locking itself within the prison of its own anguish. The chapel, of the mire's deathly song. 

You see, the story of the militia - the supposedly 'unhinged', ruthless force who will take what they can get is one that I have seen. One, that has become nothing more than a projection of the insecurities. The doubts that languish deep within their minds. Pressing against their core; pleading for a way to escape. No matter how much they claim it is nothing more than an attempt to create doubt - all it is doing, is feeding off what already exists. 

Just as it is when they trumpet what they did to "Fight Club". What they did, when they 'broke' Pak Hoiro, in the aim of 'sending a message' to Heart and Seoul. To some, it might be enough to 'scare' them. To intimidate them into suppressing themselves to the whim. The claim that Wolvesden hold - but that isn't who *I* am. I see right through the games you wish to play. I see them, for the feeble attempts to retain the wool that has led you down this trail. 

You're scared.

Scared of what shall happen, when your little 'games' don't succeed. When the veil, is pierced and left to shatter before your very eyes. That's okay. It's only natural to fear what cannot be comprehended. To fear, everything that we have ever built, being taken away as we are helpless to prevent its occurrence. As all we can do, is meekly surrender to the reality we attempted to escape. To shunt away; lock within the darkest recesses of our mind.

Wishing to *never* have to confront it. Yet ultimately, it catches up to you. Your facade; your 'smoke and mirrors' crumbles when confronted with the weight. The ominous clouds that loom over your heads - just waiting for someone to enact your liberation. Don't worry, this week - you shall receive that liberation, I promise you that. 

It will all go up in flames.

You can try your 'numerical advantage' game, with those soldiers you hold. You can try to drive a wedge between Finn and I. Play off the fact that soon enough, we shall be roaming the depths together. Only next time, it shall be on opposing sides - yet that holds no weight here. 

This week, we *will* be a cohesive unit. He has my word. I have no need to commence the assault, until the time comes forth. You can even point to what you did to Russo and Hoiro, though all you will be doing, is affirming what I stated prior.

This week, you walk into a spider's web.

One, from which there is *no* escape.

I'll see you there, Nate and Kenny. Just know - the final supper awaits thee.

KINGDOM I: LA FIESTA DE ARIA'S DEAD CAREER.


Last week, I told you all.  The one person who can take me to the stars is now by my side.  While Vince and Castro will always be loyal to me, they make mistakes.  They’re not perfect human beings and sadly cost me my win at Boiling Point.  However, I’ve been hiding someone who is absolutely perfect from the trash keep in OWA.  Her presence has allowed me to rejuvenate myself after a bogus loss at Boiling Point. What you saw me do to Jeff X was because of her words and our dedication to my success.  It’s been a long time coming, but my Narcisa has finally arrived at OWA! The true Reina has arrived and has helped me begin the Kingdom Onslaught. I am not some pinche perra who complains; I out my frustrations with this racist compania and then kick some culo right after.  My successes come when I really want something; that’s why I’m one of the biggest kingpins in the world! By the time some people were barely wrestling, I was at the top, getting rid of my competition and risking my life, with a gun right on my head. Nobody else here could claim the same has happened to them and has gone through the shit I have.  I get called a coward, but I play the game smarter, not harder. Why is that such a disliked philosophy?! Anyone with a right mind would do the same as me, yet they hate me for using mi cerebro. Well, then again, we’re en los Estados Unidos, so I’m not surprised they’re a bunch of idiotas! At the end of the day, I don’t care about what people think of me after the disrespect these racist gringos have shown me and my amigos.  Like my people do, I do the work that sets the foundation for this country. In OWA’s case, I make Kingdom’s foundations phenomenal so every new white boy or girl can sit around and take advantage of that. However, since last week, I’ve been changing that. With a new mentality with Narcisa, I have one of the more interesting opponents in mi carrera and it’s none other than Aria Jaxon.

Who thought Oh, she is the desventurado this week, which doesn’t surprise me.  She sees how successful I am now and wants my fama to rub off on her. Then again, she is a part of the group who allow Vernon’s constant suppression of me every week!  Aria, how do you feel about the fact that you’re losing money every week by holding me down? You did invest in this place after all, so I’m sure you want to make more money.  Did you tell the viejo cagado to discriminate a minority?! Why haven’t you decided to do anything about that puto? If you really were a serious investor, you would allow me to be at the top, bringing you millions ever year.  Sure, you may have been a star at one point, but you’re not the one to put ass on seats anymore. You sure were a big star in that Land of Elite place but were you the main lady on the front? No, there were other bigger talents out there.  The one week where you get the main event match in OWA is against ME. What a surprise! My first main event match was against none other than ese gringo Nate Cage, who I defeated. I have wins against every significant champion here. Cage and Monolith have fallen to my feet and kissed them.  Bésalos perros!  Simply Aria, you are going to be looking up high to el capitan perfecto!  I am the leader de esta generacion whether you like that or not.  People can’t get over how I great I am and have put Kingdom on a level never seen before.  I’ve made masterpieces with the likes of Keelan and Scotty Adams. Both are insignificant now and I’m the man of the hour.  I’ve stayed strong and have only made my presence felt more and more every week. I’ve been on the spotlight everywhere while Aria Jaxon is trying to get popular overseas with a meaningless title.  

Hey, it’s a big deal over there that you’re a world champion, but surprisingly you haven’t done the same here, niña.  You may think I’m disrespectful to SSW and the work they do there, but I’m just being brutally honest with you. Mija, the only thing I care about is being a champion here in Omega.  As the name says, we’re the end all be all of this industry and that’s what I care about. What have you done of significance here Aria? I’d like you to tell me one thing besides beating HBG and Robbie V, two worn out veterans who have nothing to say about themselves now.  Maybe, just maybe, you’ve become just like them Aria. Just a few months ago, you were one of the biggest female talents in the business, but now, you’re just like any other woman. How does that make you feel? How do you go back to your familia every week and tell him that you’re on the decline?  It must be sad to be so miserable, but I wouldn’t know that. While you go down, I keep going up the card, preparing to be the most successful Latino in wrestling history. Soon enough I’ll be Spartan Champion y después I’ll be holding an Omega world title! Especially with my perla around, I’ll be winning matches más y más as time goes by.  What I did to that pendejo Jeff X is only a fraction of what will happen to those in my way, especially you Aria. I’m not afraid to hit a little stupid chica like you. I got many reasons to hit you after seeing you disrespect my name like every other authority figure in this pinche company! When you said, my focus on “the man holding me down” was useless, I grinned.  How surprising is that one of OWA’s authority figures tells me to stop blaming the authority for my issues? It’s really not. They all have an agenda against me and if I was in power, I’d give myself the opportunities that you and your friends have stolen from me. You may be an expert in the ring, but I don’t view the squared circle as a stunt show; I view it as a chess game.  I make my calculated moves and the prey moves accordingly. I may win in a controversial manner, but I will say it for the millionth time...A WIN IS A WIN! I have taken some of the best to their limits and I’m a man who is only starting his wrestling career really. You can say that you’re different and believe that you’re special Aria, but to me, you are spewing mierda from your mouth, perra.  

I’ve done something very few can do; I came into this industry and made it my bitch.  Just like my outside activities, I’ve accumulated clout with my determination of being the best in the ring.  I wrestle for the gloria y respeto, making the CASPIAN Empire one of the biggest phenomenon in history! Am I not the most trustworthy person?  Fuck yeah, puta! Am I someone who could be considered egotistical and selfish? Am I not captain obvio? You say that I’m not unique or especial Aria, but you have made yourself look like every single person I’ve faced up until this point.  You truly underestimate me in the ring and believe in your own ability instead of using advantages within your environments. The only thing I should pride you on is your insults! I’m so hurt mija, I should go cry like the rest of the white boys that your jokes are directed towards.  Your insults don’t rival the brunt force I can lay on your weak, inferior body. Your titles and former accolades will not help you from making me torture you. Hell, maybe even mi hermosa Narcisa will teach you a lesson about treating me the way you do. When you go back to Aren’s arms after tomorrow’s match, tell him that a real man just taught you a lesson.  You can get out of your despair afterward by bringing him to me, but the result will only be the same. I mean, you two overrated bitches are made for one another! But ignore what I’m saying because you think you’re so much better than me. But honestly, you can keep telling yourself that in the mirror and believe it, but the ring won’t tell you the same. After I make an excuse out of SSW’s world champion, you can go play with your friends in the league pequeños while I work my way up to be the best in a relevant show.  Oh did I hit a nerve? Sorry, not sorry.

Bring it, OWA!  Bring me your Aria Jaxons, Monoliths, Scott Oasis, Finnegan Wakefields, Kai Stevens.  I’ll do the job Aria pretends she can do and really make an impact.  She really thinks her small frame can do that?!  For that, I want to teach her something about dreaming too hard.  There’s nothing more that I wanna do right now; I want to beat Aria Jaxon until she can’t move anymore.  I want her to know that CASPIAN gave her the beating of a lifetime. When you’re in the ring with me, it isn’t just wrestling; you stepped into a determination-infested battlefield, where I will truly be the victor.  They don’t call me the King of Carnage para nada. Get your good night’s rest because you’re not gonna be sleeping soundly after tomorrow night, mija. Sweet eternal dreams.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The universe works in mysterious ways, maaaaaan.

The brightest star in the sky, it's the universal navigator, the guide in the never-ending adventure of the cosmos to find our place in the universe, to teach us a lesson so we can find the answer to the question; why are we here, man? Why are we on this earth? We may never know the answer but, if you're searching for the answer, you never leave knowing less than you already know, you don't leave empty-handed. I travelled from the east coast to the west in search of my meaning, of what my purpose in the universe is and, as I was stranded on the side of the road with nothing but the clothes on my back and my guitar, the universe gave me a sign in the form of an SUV. The man driving it was kind enough to take me, a shaggy looking stranger in and share with me his word of wisdom, man and do you know what he said? He said Professional Wrestling was his way of connecting with the people, to make them feel something, to make them happy. And my eyes were opened, man. Opened to the new possibilities that I could find my purpose, to spread my message of peace throughout the airwaves to the people so that war and an age of nuclear deterrents are a thing of the past. We, as people, have more power than we know, the power of words and thought, it could bring us to a better world if we let it. But there is always at least one buzzkill who doesn't see it that way, wanting to keep to the status quo of the fat cats sitting on their ivory towers as the police govern us into oppression and are the victims in otherwise victimless crimes. In that regard, we are a lot alike, Rashad. See, I am too unchained, man. Rather, I am uncaged, a bird that has spread its wings and took flight because I too was oppressed by a system that wanted to tell me how to live my life, to wear a suit and tie and work in an office from nine to five and be miserable but contempt. That's just not my style. I feel like one of you; protesting and rebelling against the system to give the people power. We have the same mission statement; to awaken the power in the people because the people aren't aware, like they're uneducated to realise that they have power, that they put the politicians in power so they can have a father that will solve all their problems for them but will only shake their fist at the problems. But you're angry, man. You and the rest of the Unchained, you're angry at the system and you're fighting oppression with oppression, you're fighting hate with hate and that only breeds more hate in this world. And we don't need any more hate in a world that craves peace. And so now you've become the thing you've been rebelling against, man. You have become the oppressors, and now you're oppressing me for the color of my skin and that isn't cool. Yeah, I love my music, my rock and roll that makes me feel alive and free, but I am no culture vulture, oh no. Jimi Hendrix is like my hero, man. And now I am thinking the universe brought me here to share my words of wisdom with you, man. To show you and the rest of the Unchained that you're going about this protest all the wrong way. That you can fight the power and bring love and peace by enlightening it, by showing it the ways that it oppresses and that it only breeds hate and maliciousness around them. So, Rashad, tomorrow night I am going to enlighten you, man. Enlighten you in the ways of the Space Cowboy, the man that wonders the cosmos in search of his purpose, finding it through being the Tie-Dye Wrestling Guy! And with a victory, I will set you free from your hateful ways, maaaaaaaaaan.

Oh My God, how long has it been since it has been since I talked in front of a camera? Right, I really miss these kind of moments where I can talk in front a recording camera to send my messages to everyone. I miss talking about how much I love my fans. I miss talking about how great all my opponents are. I love talking about pretty much everything.

And now, I will talk about how grateful I am to be in Omega Wrestling Alliance.

As you all knew, I made my first ever OWA appearance in Boiling Point. I wasn’t advertised for the show. I didn’t really expect for such a warm welcome but I’m glad that they never forget about me. Yes, I only took a hiatus for just a few months for filming a movie called The Navy buuuuuuutttttttt the moment I saw the fans exited to see me, the more I know that Wrestling is indeed my passion.
Please, don’t forget that I only won just one championship in my entire Wrestling career.

But it is something that I never got tired and bored to do.

It was really surprising for me that I actually can make it into Wrestling Business. It was really surprising for me that I was able to hang with some of the best in this business. The majority of Wrestling fans acknowledged me as The Ultimate Underdog back then and they probably still see me as one. It doesn’t really matter though because I’m back to this business and I’m ready to kick some assess and to kick more assess to make everyone happy.

Why OWA though?

This company is filled with a lot of talented people. I see some of the biggest names in the wrestling business and I see some of great young talents that I never heard off before. This company will be growing bigger and better and I want to be a part of the history of this company in the future.
Well then, I made my debut againts Judas last week. You know what? Judas and I were in a same room to disscuss our wrestling contracts with someone with a tie and we accepted the deal. He grew up as one of the fastest rising stars and won a championship much quicker than I did. I was exited to face him last week and I have to say, he still hasn’t lost a touch. As a matter of fact, he has stepped up even further to polish his wrestling skills. He’s truly a definition of an unstoppable beast. I’m not happy how it ended up anyway but damn man, I can’t help but feeling exited to face you again, Judas. This time is a Tag Team Wrestling match. It makes no different to me though because I’m really glad to face you and your partner this week.

More on him later though.

As for your personality, you are always known as someone who has a dark and mysterious aura. You are definitely deserved to be called The Agent of Chaos. I’m not judging you as a maniac or so, but more like your intensity and ferocity in the ring really makes you a beast in that square ring. I really hope you can show me and my partner what you are capable off once again Judas, otherwise me and my partner will win this week.

So, I wasn’t lying when I mentioned that this company has some of great young talents. You are obviously one of them as well, Miltiades. You are one of the reasons why I accepted the role of a referee at Boiling Point, so I can scout you and CM Nas very closely. You are really special and I can guaranteed you that you will change the game not only for this company, but for this business as well. Believe me when I say this, Militiades, you are definitely will win the big one. You can doubt me as much as you like by calling me not ruthless and all, l will let my fists do the talking to you. I have no grudges towards you after what you did to me but I wonder why did you attack me? Is it because you didn’t like the way I make decisions as the referee? Is it because you want to have a new competition in me? I don’t know, like I said, I have no grudges towards you, at least not yet, but you definitely has my attentions in good way.....for now.

A’right, I have addressed my opponents, let’s talk about my partner, Jacob Senn. Senn, I know about you and all. We never meet officially but I know how great you are. Thank you for saving me as well last week. I’m willing to work together with you, I hope you can trust me as your partner. If you want to be a lone wolf, that’s fine by me too because I will still make a statement that I’m indeed up for a challenge.

So yes, it’s good to be back. Late but better than never.

*The scene comes into view, as we see a faded red barn sat upon a plain in immaculate weather. Beautiful blue skies, two pine trees standing firm opposite one another, equidistant from a cobblestone walkway from behind the camera to the double doors of the barn in question.*


???: D'ya have the shot ya wanted? Y'do? Okay!


*Out from behind the camera walks a sultry, yet fit blonde bombshell, turning towards the camera with a wide grin and a glint in her eye.*


???: I jus' wanted to make sure 'fore I decided to come out here and say a word. Don' wanna look too stupid for these folks out ch'ere. Tryin' to put m' bimbo days behin' me. Speakin' o' behin' me . . .


*The young woman holds a hand up, perfectly placed underneath the middle of the double doors to the barn, presumably hers.*


???: This here is the Hughes' family barn, an' you c'n call me Belle.


*A smile on the young upstart's face appears.*


Belle Hughes: Now, y' might be wond'rin' what a li'l' farm girl from Arkansa' 's doin' on y'r teevee screen. Welp, I'm here to announce that, as a lifelong fan and admire' of the hard work y'all have been doin', I have signed from my trainin' facility and into Omega Wrestlin' Alliance. 'N' what a time to be doin' this for a livin' here, huh?


We got the start of new teevee program called Odyssey just for us ladies, and let me tell y' right now, I'm right excited to show you guys what I've been learnt in the past year. I don' have much else to say, but when you see me come to your ring for the firs' time, think of this barn. It's been 'round for over fifty years . . .


*A roll of the eyes, and Belle elaborates.*


Belle Hughes: What I'm tryin' to say is, we both have a good foundation. We can change over time, we can learn to adapt to what we need t' be, but the fabric of who we are . . . ain't goin' nowhere. Have a nice night, an' I'll be sure to see y'all soon.


*Fade.*

[size=16][size=16]DISCLAIMER: I typed this half-assed promo up Friday night/early Saturday morning when I got out of work. I told myself that I would post it when I woke up Saturday morning before going to work... yeah, that didn't happen. So, here it is! I know it won't be counted, but just wanted the management team to know that I DID promo, but just didn't get it in on time. Enjoy.. or not...[/size]

----------------------- 


[size=16]I know, I know... just what in the HELL is J.D. Damon doing in the Omega Wrestling Alliance? Wasn't I last seen on an episode of Voltage playing a horrible corporate version of myself? Yeah, let's just forget about that. Let's forget about all of that bullshit that happened with my previous employer; well, besides me being the GREATEST Pure Champion in the history of ever -- that is one of the few things we can remember. Anyways. The reason why I have decided to crawl out of my hole and grace every single one of you rejects with my presence is actually quite simple... the time was just right. Obviously Wolvesden didn't NEED me, they were doing perfectly fine on their own; I mean, they're the freakin' tag team champions, obviously they are doing fairly well. It was more or less that they wanted me around. What better way to complete our hostile takeover of not only this company, but the entire wrestling industry as a whole than to grow Wolvesden? Bring back one of its founding fathers and cause even more chaos and havoc -- two things that Wolvesden is very, VERY good at doing. By bringing me back in to the fold of things, makes Wolvesden stronger. It makes Wolvesden better. And it makes Wolvesden even more unstoppable! Need I continue? It seems that both Scott Oasis and Carlos Rosso finally understand that you don't underestimate Wolvesden. Sure, I got my ass beat last weekend at Boiling Point when I was out at ringside simply watching my teammates defend their tag team championship against those two MMA chumps, but in the end... who got the last laugh? In the end, who was standing victorious? Exactly![/size][/size]



[size=16]Two weeks ago, I made my in-ring debut against... wait, what was his name again? Actually to be completely honest with you, it doesn't actually matter. All that matters was that it was me standing over his lifeless body with my hand raised in victory. Much like how it is going to end for Jax Wylde this weekend. Jax, congratulations, my friend, you were able to secure yourself a contract with the greatest wrestling promotion on the face of this planet; for that, I applaud you. Unfortunately for you, though, your time here will be over in a blink of an eye. It's nothing personal, Jax, it's just something that has to be done. It NEEDS to be done. I am here in this company to rule it with an iron fuckin' fist. I am here to make sure that unworthy piles of trash such as yourself get nowhere near the top of that so-called "ladder of success" that everyone enjoys blabbing on about. But, yeah, that pretty much sums it up, Jax. Just show up for our little one-on-one Sunday night, get completely annihilated by yours truly, and then you can be on your way. Where to? I don't give a shit. The unemployment line? I mean, it's not like any other promotion will want to sign your ass. After your defeat, Jax, you and the rest of the locker room will realize that J.D. Damon is ICHIBAN! That Wolvesden is ICHIBAN! And you don't SCREW with either one![/size]

(The camera opens to a smiling Serenity Scorpio, sitting cross-legged on her bed before the camera. She’s dressed in an old, oversized AJ Marie shirt. The light in her hotel room is quite dim but lit well enough to see her face.)

“Thank you, Natalie Cage. Thank you for taking our future engagement as seriously as the wars you’ve fought. As I’ve mentioned before, this fight of ours isn’t war, and I’m not your first ‘kill.’ Who I am is someone who will put you to the test. Being trapped in the ring with me is more intense than any kind of trip through the desert. I sit here today, not as a hero, but a woman determined to take down the opposition and show the world that the Daughter of the Scorpion has risen. My life is not for forfeit - I’m not some helpless soul or unaware target you can execute. I’m right here “sweets.” And I ain’t going anywhere. Confidence is a weapon - deadly in the hands of those who know how to wield it. My confidence is a sharp blade ready to cleave through whoever steps in my path. It guides me - nurtures me along the way in my journey to the heavens. Fitting how our debut is on a show called Olympus, huh?”

(Serenity winks)

“The thing about looking the enemy in the eye is that you get a glimpse at what they’re thinking. When you look into my eyes Natty, you’ll see there’s no fear in my hurt. You got me f’ed up with that Big Bad Wolf/Little Red Riding Hood storybook bulls--t. It’s true I want to be someone little Afro-Latinas around the world can look up to - and the beauty about that is I don’t have to subscribe to your view of what a hero is. If you can’t look yourself in the mirror, that’s your problem, not mine. I love myself Natty, and I don’t feel sorry for the things you had to do. You made a choice when you signed that dotted line and enlisted. I get it - you’re the female Rambo, running around, blowing s--t up. You’re Solid Snake, Jason Bourne, and all three Charlie’s Angels rolled up in one neatly wrapped pasty package. My battlefield may have been different than yours, but a fight is a fight…”

(Serenity cracks her knuckles)

“Is a fight.”

(leans back)

It takes a village to raise a child, something I’ve experienced growing up. My mother was there for me, as was my mentor, little sister, and everyone from the NY wrestling scene. That’s what it means to have a community Natty - a band of like-minded people coming together to build something bigger than themselves. In a way the relationship you share with your brother is sweet - but he won’t be there when I’m kicking your ass all over that ring. Sensei has a saying - “kayfabe can’t save you.” This tough girl act is not going to stop me from showing you - no TEACH you how to fight like a wrestler. You’re in my domain, Natalie Cage. You’re standing in my comfort zone, a palce that feels like home to me. I know the ring like the back of my hand, I can attack you from any angle. Nate can help you prepare for what’s to come. Life comes at you with the swiftness; hell, even Nate will have difficulty with me in the ring. My father may be gone, but I’ve survived and powered through the pain. It made me a stronger person; I have a greater appreciation for life and its many gifts. That’s what it means to be a hero Natty - to overcome strife, to become a symbol of hope and change. You beat your chest like the gorilla you are and scream about how you don’t care about these things - which I respond in kind with a giggle and think to myself ‘why the hell is she here?’”

(shakes her head slightly)

“Why are you here Natty? And if you say to support your brother, then you already lost before the match has begun. I may carry a legacy on my back, but I LIVE for MYSELF. I FIGHT for MYSELF! Without Nate...what are you? Where do you belong? Will you devolve into a creature of mindless violence? Will you become a lost soul traversing the landscape of the unknown? Where will you go Natty? I’m not an isolated soul - I know who I am, and where my home is. You’re so desperate for me to fear you, that you’re THIRSTIN at the mere thought of me shaking in my boots! You’re psyching yourself out Natty! We not even in the arena yet and you’re already living in a delusion. Shoot, at least let me knock your ass out first!”

(Serenity laughs)

“Victory is never assured, but the more you doubt me, the more I feel its presence. I can see that proverbial ‘V’ coming up from the horizon; I just need to inch myself closer to the finish line. OWA is the place for me to continue my legacy and I intend on doing that, no matter how long it takes. One thing’s for certain - you’re not a roadblock. You’re a reminder of someone I would’ve become if I allowed the darkest parts of myself to fester. ‘What if I lose?’ Pfft, get rid of that wack ass reverse psychology. My mind is only winning at the moment, Natty. I’ll worry about the ramifications later. My goal is to win this match by pinfall or submission - nothing more, nothing less. My mission is simple and straight to the point. Call me a c--t, try and fail to get in my head, I know what the path to glory looks like. It’s too late for you to try and get psychological with me - you had your chance a few days ago and dropped the ball. Now here I am - the Lucy to your Charlie Brown. As you attempt to kick that football, you’re going to find I’m now in control of whether or not you can hit that field goal. As you lay on your back, staring up at me you’ll see that the Daughter of the Scorpion has become the master of your destiny.”

(A dark smile creeps on the side of Serenity’s mouth)

“I’m the tamer of the shrew, “sweets.” I’m the one teaching you how to cut an effective promo, how to analyze your opponent, how to get in their head. I’m pulling your strings and you barely even notice. In one exchange, I have dominated the conversation and have shown emotional superiority. I ain’t no bitch Natty - something you fail to get through your head. I may look adorable like a wide-eyed doe, but I will knuck if you BUCK for sure! I’m from the hood - something I’ve never shied away from. I don’t need a prophecy to help me take you down…”

(sighs)

“You already did that for me.”  

(looks away)

“I am selfish Natalie. I want to follow my own path while making my dead daddy proud. I want to surpass my mentors and win all the titles. I want to become a symbol while changing the industry itself. I have big dreams - hell, I call it being human. We all want to swing for the fences and aim for the big leagues. OWA is quickly becoming one of the biggest companies in the world and I want in on what they’re selling. The Goddess division may be ripe for the picking, but I’m the poisonous apple that’s going to put your ass to sleep. I’m the curse you won’t be able to shake, the itch you can’t scratch. I’m the harmless looking girl of color who belongs in a Gap commercial rather than a wrestling ring. One of my biggest strengths is how deceiving I can be. That’s what makes the Daughter of the Scorpion so dangerous - I am deadlier than I appear. Wolvesden can do whatever they want - either way, you lose to me. Your regime will be over before it will start, and the only new world you will see is one where the Wolvesden is a non-factor. You can claim to not care about women’s wrestling and that will be your downfall. I’m here because I give a damn, Natty. You’re only here because you can’t think for yourself.”

(Serenity moves towards the camera)

“You may be here to support the Wolvesden, but I’m here for myself. That drive, that will to succeed will manifest in our match. When it’s said and done, I will put the entire Goddess division on notice. I have no more to say - it’s not like it’s going to click with you anyway.”

(Serenity turns off the camera)

(The screen is black.  We can hear CASPIAN yelling behind a wall.  A camera opens the door and reveals that he’s yelling at Vince and Castro.)

Everywhere around me, all I hear are mentiras and fabricaciones….

“CASPIAN lost!  He failed! Why was he even a part of this match in the first place?”

No, I didn’t and HOW DARE YOU?!

All the stories you’re hearing are absolutely incorrect and defamatory!  

I....I didn’t lose at Boiling Point because of the toll I took in that match.  Those commentators mentirosos can say whatever they want, but they weren’t the ones who had a whale on top of them.  When that fool Monolith went for the pin, he took the air out of me, leaving me suffocating. I felt like I was going to die then and there, but after three seconds, I was able to breathe again.  Before I knew it, I could hear the bell ring and saw a referee hand Monolith a title that he DIDN’T RIGHTFULLY deserve. Everyone knows that this referee gringo doesn’t know how to do his job right; Americano typical, flojo y nada mas.  That perro Chet needs to get new eyeballs the next time he’s in a ring with me because if not, I’ll be more than glad to remove the ones he has now. Because of Monolith’s big boned body and Chet’s utter incompetence, I took a loss that should’ve never happened.  Once again, I am screwed over ese pinche puto Vernon Tressler and his antics! Nobody cares though since the crowd are obviously racist against Hispanos like me, saying that I deserve abuse from two white men. This crowd was chanting against the most deserving individual in this match, but then again all of them are 40 year old virgins who still live with their mothers and fathers.  I’m too busy here staying tranquilo with my several stacks of Benjamins to really care about their simple-minded opinions. Just because you see me from your basements doesn’t mean you’re experts at wrestling. Those amateur indy wrestlers are even worse in these cases, pretending as if they’ve made in any big wrestling promotion. A lot of them could never lace my boots and be as successful as me in the ring and life.  Those who criticize want to use my popularity and prestige to get their pathetic name ahead, but that will end when I set an example out of some loser tonight. Oh hey, look! A miserable gringo has caught my attention today and he may just ended his career prematurely.

(CASPIAN grabs a dart and throws it against a dart board, featuring Jeff X’s face.  He looks absolutely irritated. He tosses a chair around the room and continues to yell obscenities to himself.)

One of my biggest critics seems to be a newbie called Jeff X, who has done absolutely nothing of value in OWA, yet tries to talk big shit.  I don’t care about what you’ve accomplished before in other places because nobody knows who you even are. When people hear the name CASPIAN, they think about a success story in the making.  If I asked people what Jeff X has done, they would be clueless as to your accomplishments in this business. Every young guy who comes bursting through the doors in OWA has said the same thing, yet few have actually proved their worth.  I’ve been in so many high profile matches throughout my short time here and I’m the one featured on the Free Per View posters. As of this moment, Jeff is coming around like he owns this place, but that’s the wrong attitude to have son. Ese, you’re going to have to beat me to prove your worth here and if you really think I’m losing to someone like you, you must be on that American Kush.  When you’re in the ring with me, you’re going to have to learn a small word called respect, perro. I am El Capitan of OWA, fighting against the current white boy landscape and sadly, you’re just like every one of those generic white boys. If I put you in a line with every white talent in OWA, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between someone like you or Scotty Adams. My breed, however, is something you can’t replicate.  The best cientificos in the world have tried yet they can’t figure out the one thing that makes me unique over these low life neckbeards and real life stick figures. Now if you didn’t listen to the rest of this Jeff, be sure to read this. I know it’s hard to get past 1st grade in the stupid parts of North Carolina, but try your best here! I’m going to make you mi perra in this match, pinche pendejo. I’ve made it this far for a reason, so once I’m done with you, the bingo halls and gyms will be waiting for you.  

You may be 36 now, but if you weren’t in OWA, I don’t care about what you’ve done.  Nobody focuses on the past; everyone cares about your clout. I made my clout in life-risking heists and drug wars.  All you’ve had to suffer is losing a coupon at the local food market; basic ass shit you people try to make into a big deal.  I’ve had fully loaded gun at the side of my head, seeing the golden gates of hell, but where have you been? I’m not just a good wrestler in the ring, I’m a fucking cabron in the outside world.  I will not only outwrestle you, I will beat your ass like my tio did when I was a teenager. What you did in so many years, I did in a fraction of the time. Your Lou Thez Presses don’t scare me; this isn’t 1999 anymore.  When I take the win, you’ll know that you shouldn’t have taken those 10 years off, mijo. The wrestling landscape has changed drastically and I don’t think you and your 6 fans have been able to keep up with the amazing work I’ve done in OWA.  I may have lost my air at Boiling Point, but I’ll make sure the same doesn’t happen when I’m in the ring with you. CALL ME THE AMERICANO ASSKICKER BECAUSE THIS CATRACHO IS GONNA SET YOU IN YOUR GODDAMN PLACE, NINO! HELL, YOU CAN CALL ME EL DIABLO BECAUSE I’M GONNA DRAG YOU BACK IN YOUR FUCKING HELLHOLE CALLED THE INDY SCENE.  RESPECT THE NAME CASPIAN OR GET YOUR CULO BEATEN.

I know guys like Vernon want to hold me down here, but I’m not gonna prove him right.  I deserve to be in the main event scene and not against some newbie. I’m gonna make that racista a believer in Hispanic Pride and Drive.  I AM SOMEBODY AND ANY OTHER GM WOULD SAY THE SAME. THEY WOULD HAVE ME AT THE TOP OF THEIR CARDS, BUT YOU GOT SOMETHING AGAINST ME. YOU’VE SET JEFF X AGAINST ME, THE FANS AND THE REST OF THE LOCKER ROOM, VERNON.  I BET YOU’RE HAPPY ABOUT THAT, BUT I’M GONNA MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T. I’M TIRED OF YOU. YOU I’M COMING BACK FOR MY SPARTAN’S TITLE AND NOBODY WILL STOP ME. VINCE AND CASTRO MAY HAVE LET ME DOWN THIS WEEK, BUT THERE IS SOMEONE WHO I KNOW WON’T DO THE SAME.  I’M SURE YOU’D LOVE TO MEET THEM, BUT WATCH CASPIAN’S SHOW TOMORROW. THIS ISN’T THE END OF ME. OH NO. THIS IS GOING TO BE A NEW CASPIAN, READY TO SET THE PRECEDENT FOR KINGDOM ONCE AGAIN.

DON’T FORGET THE NAME CASPIAN BECAUSE THE WORLD WON’T.  EVER.

(CASPIAN laughs and walks out the door.  Vince and Castro are absolutely confused and try to follow him.  The scene ends here.)

 
Oh my dear, sweet, Serenity, you talk with such confidence and energy. Everything you say is designed to inspire hope, how lovely. You fancy yourself a hero? Interesting. I believed in heroes once, even believed that I was one. I was sent out into the middle of a desert with a gun and told I was a hero. Told by my family, my friends, my government. Do you know how I felt when I took my first life? I felt like a woman who was out of her depth, who wasn’t prepared for the hell she’d been dropped into.
 
Then I did it again, and again, and again. Each kill stripping away parts of my innocence as I was exposed to the harsh realities of the world. If there is such thing as a hero, I wasn’t one. I was shipped off to wreak havoc in the name of a lie…but I kept going back. I was drawn to it, fuelled by it. Just thinking about it now is making me feel happier than anything else possibly could. But you do not care, why would you? You haven’t seen that, you THINK you have, but you haven’t. Please do tell me more about your little borough in New York and how violent it was. I’d be so thrilled to hear about some coked up hoodlum with some cloth over his face who thinks he’s oh so scary. I’m quaking in my boots, Serenity. You command respect from gang members? That’s about as impressive to me as being the world’s most powerful termite. You cleaned up the streets and made them free of drug use? Where the fuck do you think the drugs come from? The places where people like me are sent. If you want to destroy a sickness, you strike at the source.
 
Having said that, I commend you for being a pillar of your community, it’s nice to see someone who actually believes that that is a substitute for a personality. You continue to define yourself by empty accomplishments and think that because of the company I keep, it means I am what I accuse you of being? My brother is my best friend, the one person who actually knows me, one cannot exist without the other. Our symbiotic relationship bothers you, doesn’t it? It bothers you because deep down, you’re lonely. You’re an isolated soul whose family has a habit of dying. You just resent the fact that I can refer to my brother in the present tense. You feel the weight on your shoulders of holding up the legacy of the Scorpion name and it’s come to be all you can be known for. How can one escape a shadow when they themselves form a part of it? You’re scared, terrified that the one thing you believe you’re destined to do could be your undoing.
 
You want to talk about the nature of wrestling? Let’s. I must say I’m amused at you feeling the need to explain the rules of wrestling to me and your listeners. I’m sure they appreciated the reminder, as to be a fan of yours, you’d probably need a short-term memory to constantly forget that you’re not even the best wrestler with your last name, something I’m sure you’ll be eager to repeat to me in your rebuttal – So I’ll just save you the effort. You talk about only needing three seconds to beat me, as well as your nervous tirade on submissions. Listening to you throw out blind jabs out of fear betrayed the confident woman that I initially thought you were. I know fear, I can smell it, taste it. You are reminding yourself at every turn that your only goal is to defeat me, that is your fatal error. Let’s consider a few scenarios: what if you lose in your OWA debut? Just think about that and how much it would shatter everything you’ve built up for your aura. The prodigal daughter, the Scorpion, being put down by the newcomer with nothing but a few meaningless medals to her name. That’s not to say it would be an upset…though I’m certain it would upset you to no end. You have fooled yourself into believing victory is assured, you have the inability to foresee any sort of variable.
 
But what if I do lose? What if your promise is kept? Oh no, the edgy little girl got snuffed out by the bad ghetto chick, the prophecy came true. Fuck off. If I lose, I lose, that is how life works, you braindead cunt. Why would I let a loss to you be anything more than you having the ability to pin my shoulders to the mat for three seconds? You said it yourself, winning is simply that easy. So following your logic, why would any win be an achievement? Why are you even in this business? You want to throw out your juvenile insults towards how I dress and how I talk because your words lack the substance to articulate why you’re even here. As luck would have it, I’m here to fill in the blanks.
 
You wrestle because you feel you have something to prove. You have people relying on you to continue carrying the Scorpion name into future generations. You have allowed yourself to become a symbol for something that isn’t exclusively yours, what you fight for is not even under your ownership. But yes, I’m the “unoriginal cliché” as you so dutifully labelled me. Tell me, how many fucking wrestlers come through the ranks who are motivated solely by doing other people proud? It’s a selfish display that puts more value into the relics of the past, it holds back everything that others are trying to do. Everything Wolvesden does is for Wolvesden. We have no dead daddies to impress, no doors opened for us because somebody won some belts 30 years ago. We come in and we conquer. Those are not hollow words, they are facts. Tag division? Conquered. Women’s division? Ripe for the picking. How long do you think my pack can be held back for? Diantha Moreau knew that we could instigate a new regime, and her training is going very well. You refuse to listen, you refuse to accept the new world. You’re so stuck in your old ways that all you can do is proclaim to be what’s best for women’s wrestling.
 
I don’t give a shit about women’s wrestling, that is as candid as I can be. I don’t want to “change” this division, I don’t want to be a badass woman who proves she can hang with the boys, what a pitiful position. I want to own this division, I want to own you and all of your peers. Why? Because I can. Because I’m the one who has the balls to actually take something that they want. Nate did it, and now I’m doing it. My brother and I do not see “divisions”, all we see are collective heaves of humanity who are all satisfied with just doing the best they can. There isn’t anyone who is seizing it by its throat, claiming it as their own. There are kingdoms to conquer and everybody’s focused on their in-ring performances or their image when they could have absolutely everything. I’m showing Diantha this philosophy and it’s already made her strong. Seeing as you apparently posses an inability to listen, the only way you’ll ever learn is first hand.
 
By all means, keep telling yourself that you just have to take it one match at a time. Tell yourself that all that matters is earning that hard fought victory and moving on to the next opponent. Because deep down, we both know the truth: what I have planned for you and for every other woman on the OWA roster is going to have you all trembling at the name of Natalie Cage. And as my teeth sink into your flesh, and the blood warms my mouth, you will realise as the life begins to leave you that you could have listened, you could have heeded my warning. Do not make any long-term plans, Serenity, because I plan on spoiling all of them.

The Floral Awakening Is Nigh

[Our setting opens to the 'Luxe City Center Hotel' Hotel. Room 330 to be exact. Which is the room that Kiara Roberson has booked for her stay here in Los Angeles. Or at least, for the build-up to this week's match against Kaleisha Williams. The room itself is actually quite modern in design, with its snow white painted walls; forty inch Television screen adorning the top of a caramel brown mahogany table; situated about three feet in front of a single sized bed. 

One, that has a slate white/azure blue diamond patterned blanket atop the bed. Which, as we can see when we pan to the bed, is covering the body of Kiara, who's eyes appear to be fixated on the movie playing upon the Television screen in front of her. Even if she 'paused' it upon our entry to the room. 

Knowing that we are here to acquire words from her in response to Kaleisha's last verbal assault directed at her. One, that much like her initial words did, cause a slight look of 'fear' to emit itself across the face of the young Gosford twenty year old.]

Kiara: [Calm yet nervous] "I get it. I haven't been through the turmoil you have. I cannot sit here and tell you that I've experienced the things that you have - as if I did, that would just be lying. I accept that; I know that this week, you *could* easily kill me in the middle of the ring - but as I stated back in my statement: I signed up, knowing this was a possibility."

[Feeling the knots from a few days manifest themselves some more inside of her, A gulp leaves her throat as she glances into our lens, attempting to maintain her composure. Taking deep breaths as she does.]

Kiara: [Softly] "I knew there was every chance that I would have to face you. That I would have to face up; overcome my fears. Overcome everything you might wish to throw at me, if I am to truly attain my 'bloom'; I'm glad that I get to do it this week. Even if it is just so I can show myself, that I am able to do this. 

That I can spread my wings; confront enemies that want nothing more than my head upon a skewer. That are going to put me in circumstances that I've never been in before."

[A soft shiver runs up and down her spine, as thoughts begin to radiate within her mind of just *what* awaits her in a matter of days at Olympus. The opposing force, that shall be staring dead into her eyes - baying for her blood to be strewn across the ring. Calling, for her to be the first messenger of the 'Bushmaster's' message to the OWA. The first 'toll' paid as Kaleisha ascends to the apex of the Goddess division. 

Yet it's as she has said since the match was set into motion. It's what she 'signed up for'. It's what she understood; accepted was a very real possibility - now that it has been sealed, she can only prepare herself in the best way she can.]

Kiara: [Breathing, calm] "Yet I plan on embracing that. For a flower cannot truly blossom, without nourishment. Without a source there, to enrich it. And Kaleisha, that is where you come in. You *are* my source of enrichment. 

You are the one, who has been assigned to embed me into the American culture, whilst you yourself, attempt to impart your own brand upon the industry. Whilst you do this, with the hopes of bringing glory to your homeland of Jamaica."

[Smiling, Kiara allows herself to ponder those words. To make a note, of them inside of her mind.]

Kiara: [smiling] "In that sense, we are actually alike. We *both* wish to bring adulation; glory to our respective homelands. To show, that we can thrive within the American climate. Even if we have vastly differing means in doing so. 

Whilst you go the more intimidation; based 'bullying' path. Feasting off fear and using your words to strike through the opponent, *I* plan on using my platform to sparkle. 

To show the fans that if you allow yourself to spread your wings. If you transverse upon a path with the means; intention of challenging yourself, you *will* shine. You will be able to rise above anything. Even if it *does* frighten you initially."

[Her body relaxing, the anxiety; the fear that had plagued Kiara before, appears to have disappeared now. Replaced by a calm confidence. A belief in herself; her ability to show just what she is capable of inside of the ring.]

Kiara: [calmly, reaching her left hand out to the remote] "Just like I have with you. I'm not afraid to step into that ring at Olympus. I'm not afraid to show you just why despite what you have presumed - this division isn't yours to take. Just watch, as the flower begins to blossom before your eyes."

[With those words, we fade - the final visual being that of Kiara using the remote to press 'play'; allow the movie she was watching to roll once more.]

The Flower Begins Its Bloom

"Allow us to introduce you to our greatest secret,"

[A gentle voice can be heard saying this, as our setting opens to the interior of a gym. Well, not *any* old gym - but rather, the 'Victorian Institute of Wrestling'. The 'training haven' for the vast majority of wrestlers that come out of the state; even out of the nation. We mean, the last year alone - there have been 129 graduates from this very academy who have made waves for themselves on the wrestling marker. Both in Australia and overseas. So, the credentials are there; the prestige of this facility is well-known in wrestling circles.

That's not the reason we're here today though, broadcasting the VIW to the world. You can find out more from most media outlets who have explored here; conducted interviews with the myriad of trainers. The reason why we're here, is because we have been requested to attain information on one of the OWA's newest signees to the goddess division; recent 'graduate' of the academy. That of course, being Kiara Roberson.

Or, as she was just called - the academy's greatest 'secret'. Panning towards the wrestling ring that is set up in the direct centre of the room, we can see the origin of the voice. One of the more notable trainers of the academy too - Frederica Stephens. Wearing a jet black 'VIW' shirt; denim jeans and white converse sneakers, she glances over to us, smiling before making her way over to the neon green; slate white ropes directly in front of her (and on the right hand side of the ring), as we slowly make our way towards her.]

Frederica: [gently] "You're the people here to do that documentary on Kiara, right?

[Nodding, we notice her smile as she rests her right arm atop the top rope.]

Frederica: [calm] "Alright. I'll be honest with you - when I found out she had been signed by OWA, I was both proud and surprised. Not because she's not talented - she is. But because she's ascended faster than the vast majority of wrestlers we have come through her.

Especially considering that just over a year ago, she had absolutely zero experience in wrestling. Like, literally. I still remember her first training session. Took her two hours to learn how to properly do an irish whip. [laughs] From there however, she picked up on everything else at meteoric speed. Almost as if she *had* experience in the industry, but didn't want to let the cat out of the bag or something."

[Stephens smiles at this, as we jot this all down, for the written transcription of this interview, whilst montage highlights of Kiara within her training begin to appear on the screen. First with the aforementioned learning how to do a proper Irish whip, then of her connecting with a myriad of moves. Some of them of course being executed more smoothly than others, seeing as she still isn't entirely 'polished' inside of the ring after all.

[It is then, that Frederica allows herself a beaming smile - each clip, reminding her of just how far she pushed Kiara. Just how much, she wanted to see her succeed.]

Frederica: [Calm, smile still plastered upon her face] "In a way, you could compare her to me - just as I know many have. But she's even more athletic than I was, especially considering her background in track and field. Something that I honestly never had going for me; a fact that I wanted her to work on specifically in the ring.

I know Emily was the same way with her - seeing as unlike me, she *did* have that athletic background so was more equipped to help her with transitioning that towards wrestling. Something that I hope she showcases to the world, the moment she steps between the ropes with the OWA."

[Extending her left hand out, she motions to one of the trainees that is approaching her that she is 'busy' right now; she'll attend to her as soon as this commitment is finished before turning back to us. Motioning again, this time behind her, we see the slender figure of Kiara herself slide under the bottom rope on the opposite side of the ring; begin her steady approach to where Frederica is standing. Wearing a tight fitting cherry red t-shirt with a obsidian love heart insignia atop the right chest, denim jeans and baby blue 'Reebok' athletic sneakers, akin to those you'd expect a track and field athlete to be wearing.]

Frederica: [To Kiara] "Tell them a little more about yourself. What they can expect from you, in the OWA."

Kiara: [softly smiling] "Okays."

[Kiara glances at us, slightly waving before gently laughing to herself before clearing her throat.]

Kiara: [cheerful] "Hello there. If you don't know who I am - My name is Kiara Roberson. The Sparkling Flower, who soon enough - you will get to see bloom. And I plan on blooming in the OWA. I know, I know. People might want to know why me, with as little experience as I have in the ring, would choose to 'spread my wings'; fly over to the wide world of American wrestling, without having an 'apprenticeship' here.

Frederica told me the same thing but I like to challenge myself. I like to explore the world; throw myself into new challenges. Into things that enable me to learn more about myself. Both as a person and as an athlete. Isn't that right, Ricki?"

[Frederica nods, remembering their conversations over the past few months. When Kiara first told her that she felt as if she was ready to make the jump into professional wrestling; just *where* she wished to make her 'official' debut in the ring.]

Frederica: [laughing] "Yeah. She was stubborn about it. I even told her that it was best if she signed up with the VWL, where I got *my* start. Just so that she could 'learn the ropes'. But I can applaud her confidence to make this jump early on in her career. I doubt I'd be able to do it myself."

[Kiara playfully punches Ricki on her right shoulder, causing a gentle smile to be exchanged between the two of them.]

Kiara: [playful] "I'm sure you could, Ricki. In fact, you're the main inspiration behind me spreading my wings and 'taking this plunge'. After all, you've helped me adapt to this climate, so I want to make sure I can show the world the secrets; the joys that this nation. This facility has to offer. The best way to do that, is to transverse the world; bring it to light via my sparkling ascent."

Frederica: [smiling, softly nodding] "Yep. And if there's anybody who I trust more than anything to do that - it's you."

[A soft tint of pink appears atop Kiara's cheeks, as she shyly smiles. She's never been one to come across as 'egotistical', nor has she been the best at taking praises. In fact, she was even reluctant to come; conduct this 'meet and greet' with her. Such is her humble; gentle-hearted nature.]

Cameraman: [interjecting] "Do you have any words for your opponent this week - the "Bushmaster" Kaleisha Williams? Especially after what she said about you earlier today?"

[Kiara feels a slight 'gulp' escape from her mouth at the sound of that name. A name, that she reacted to as if she saw a ghost when she saw it on the card. Especially after hearing the tales online; seeing the footage available of her in action. Noticing this, Ricki shoots her a re-assuring smile, before gently placing her left hand on Kiara's right shoulder.]

Kiara: [calm yet visibly nervous] "She's fierce. I'd be lying to you if I said I *wasn't* daunted by the prospect of having to face her in the ring. Especially in my debut. Knowing that I have to be the first one to step up to her; take her down honestly scares me. [Deeply breathing, feeling her stomach turning into knots] But I knew this was a risk that I was going to have to take. A 'fear' I would have to confront when I signed up for this - so I'm ready to enter the ring; face her head on.

I saw what she had to say and as much as I *am* fearful of her, I also know that if I am to allow my flower to sparkle. If I am to 'shine bright like a diamond' inside of the ring at Olympus, that I have to prove her wrong. That I have to show that that even though she claims the division to be hers, that *isn't* the case. That to count me out and claim that I will be ending up in a bodybag, is nothing more than a *lie*."

[Pausing, Kiara exhales deeply, as she glances at Ricki. The slight fear evident in her eyes at the prospect ahead of her.]

Kiara: [slightly more relaxed] "I expect her to be cold. I want her to be as ruthless as she can be - because just as it was in high school, I want to show people that I can overcome. That at the end of the day, the shine that I have shall pierce through anything that she can throw at me. Any claims that she can make about me. That I'm not solely the 'puzzle piece' that she wants me to be. Rather, I *will* be the one making a name for myself. Securing myself within a division that is about to flower. Blossom, just like I am."

[Smiling joyfully, those words are probably the 'closest' we'll ever get to 'arrogance' from Kiara. And even then, you can't really call it as such. Simply because it's the truth. The goddess division of the OWA *is* blooming; if Kiara wishes to attain any volume of success within it, she too must bloom.]

Kiara: [softly] "The division isn't yours, Kaleisha. It isn't even *mine* - it belongs to all of us. This week, you will realise that when a flower begins to bloom, it brings about a hymn. One, that shall lead to me blossoming as you're left to accept that heritage is merely a portion. That what matters, is what we do in the ring. I respect you, but this week - I'm planning on making sure you see just why my flower sparkles."

[With those words, we fade - the last visual being that of Kiara standing alongside Frederica, smiles across their faces. Awaiting the story, that begins on Olympus.]

GIA TALK PODCAST w/ Serenity Scorpio



(Generic pop music plays)

Announcer: You’re listening to the Gia Talk Podcast!

Gia Cervantes: Welcome back to Gia Talk! I’m of course your host Gia Cervantes, and sitting here with me is a lovely young lady I’ve had the pleasure to know both in this business and out! “The Daughter of the Scorpion” herself, Serenity Scorpio!

Serenity Scorpio: Thank you Gia and everything who’s listening in right now! You can’t see, but I’m waving to you all! (laughs)

Gia Cervantes: She actually is! Let me start off by saying - how quick was it to get to my place?

Serenity Scorpio: Like TWO seconds! Oh my god! I can’t believe I’m saying this - but it’s so much easier to drive around L.A. than it is in New York!

Gia Cervantes: Minus the freeways, though midday traffic is a death sentence!

Serenity Scorpio: That’s what I was told when I first came out here. This is such a different place than Brooklyn.

Gia Cervantes: You moved out here because of Lethal Angels of Wrestling right?

Serenity Scorpio: Yes as a matter of fact! When LAW isn’t on tour they film episodes out of the LAW Arena in Boyle Heights. So it’s a major commitment to everyone who’s signed full-time had to make some adjustments. Not all of the girls moved, but sometimes I do shows in Japan. In fact, I just got finished doing the RISE tournament with Joshi Extreme Takeover.

Gia Cervantes: Sounds like you’re a busy person!

Serenity Scorpio: Well Steph and dad said this was what the life was like - I’ve been experiencing it first-hand for the last two years.

Gia Cervantes: And now you’re in OWA.

Serenity Scorpio: That I am, Gia! It’s crazy though - originally they wanted to sign me from the jump, but I felt I wasn’t ready.

Gia Cervantes: Why not?

Serenity Scorpio: I think it was because I didn’t want to settle down yet. I’m not exclusive to OWA at the moment, but they will be taking up most of my time along with LAW. Stephanie told me to “shop around” before I made a final decision. I was thinking about going to where she was, but with her being a champion I would be living in her shadow.

Gia Cervantes: And what HUGE shadow she’s casting right now. You know who her next opponent is right?

Serenity Scorpio: Yep. Pretty big shoes to fill. But, Aria told me about OWA and introduced me to some people behind the scenes, and before I knew it I was signing the dotted line! 

Gia Cervantes: What would you saw was your reason for joining? 

Serenity Scorpio: I think it very much has to do with their Goddess Division being new to the scene. Here I have a place to develop and forge my own legacy. Everyone knows I’m my father’s daughter and who my “sister”/mentor is, but here it doesn’t matter. I can write the chapters to my own story. 

Gia Cervantes: That’s wonderful. Speaking of the Goddess Division, you’re having your first match this Sunday against Natalie Cage.

Serenity Scorpio: Yeah, she’s quite a character.

Gia Cervantes: Anything to say regarding your opponent?

Serenity Scorpio: (long sigh) To be frank, I’ve dealt with her kind before. Some edgelord who thinks the ring is some kind of battlefield in Afghanistan or something. In the War Room Dojo, you learn that ‘war’ is a multi-faceted engagement whose rules change depending on the setting. OWA is a PRO WRESTLING company. I’m a pro wrestler - trained by the best and raised by someone who was ten times the man her brother will ever be. Natalie Cage doesn’t scare me Gia. She thinks whatever she's learned in the field is going to translate in the ring. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But I was bred for this Gia; wrestling is in my blood, it’s the embodiment of my soul! When I was younger, I hated this business because I felt it tore my family apart. But, my father took responsibility for his faults. He didn’t want me to become a wrestler, for what it did to him. But I’m not him, Gia. My first sensei Reina Kenshin showed me that, as did Stephanie, and my sister from another mother Jocelyn. In fact - these Wolvesden guys remind me of Jocelyn’s old family. You remember those guys, right?

Gia Cervantes: Unfortunately, I do…

Serenity Scorpio: I know right? For a while they claimed to be the big bad wolves of the promotion they were in, and what happened? They went poof - just like every other so-called badass they stepped in my path bassing up with their chest out. Heck, wasn’t Wolvesden created in the same place? And what happened to them? They disappeared, just like all the other groups that claimed to change the world, and yet here they are in OWA. Why? Because it’s a new place and they figured everyone here would be easy prey.

(Serenity turns to the camera)

Serenity Scorpio: I’ll have you know Natalie Cage that I’m not easy prey. In fact, I’m going to be the toughest life of your life. “But I killed hundreds and thousands!” Look at my face, Natalie. Look. At. My. Face! Do I look impressed? Nah, I don’t shiver that easily. I’m from Brooklyn, so I ain’t shook. Entire street gangs would part ways when I walked the street because of who I was and where I come from. The entire Brooklyn wrestling scene is drug-free because of what my father and Steph did to clean things up. So tell me Natalie - what else makes you so dangerous? Saying you can’t be beaten is one thing, but putting it to action is another. While you’re trying to kill me, all I need to do is pin you uno, dos, tres. That’s it boo, that’s all I need to do to you! Or I could make you tap. Oh wait but “i’M sUcH a BaDaSs I dOn’T tAp!” Well, let me tell you something you twenty-something Rosemary’s baby…

(Serenity leans forward)

Serenity Scorpio: There’s no pain like being trapped in the Scorpio Deathlock. I could have you in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go, nobody to turn to. In fact, I hope your wolf pup friends are watching when that happens. In fact, I hope you’re too stubborn to tap so I can make you pass out in your opening match. You can come at me with any method you like, but you will lose all the same, Ms. Generic-Edgy-Last-Name. I’m unlike nobody you ever faced. And even though I use his name, I’m nothing like my father. Growing up without a dad in your teens...can make you a bit savage. She and her brother claim to have redefined this industry, but that’s what EVERYBODY says! I swear Gia it’s like everyone went to the same terrible acting school for super villains! What are you gonna do next Nat? (British accent) Twirl your mustache like some kind of dastardly knave? What’s next? Steal Mrs. Butterworth’s apple pie from out of the oven! Shall I call the inspector on you!?

(Serenity and Gia starts laughing for a moment)

Serenity Scorpio: Okay, okay I’ll be real for a moment. Of course, Natalie is going to come at me with everything she has. I’m sure she’ll give me a run for my money and I’ll wake up in pain the very next day. She’s already talking mess about my relationship with my dad - she’s trying to get in my head, but that poor man’s psychological warfare doesn’t work on me. From the second I had set foot in this business, I’ve heard it all! You weren’t the first woman who threatened to rip my head off my shoulders and you won’t be the last. Maybe I’ll bring bleach to the ring and ruin all that black you’re wearing. Or ya know, you could just do the world a favor and drink it. She talks about me riding the coattails of my father’s career, but yet she has yet to stop talking about her brother. If she fights as well as she argues, then I have nothing to worry about. It’ll be like watching my opponent punch herself in the face - I mean she has already. 

(Serenity leans back in her chair)

Serenity Scorpio: If everyone else in this division is just as unoriginal, then put the belt on me now and call it a day. I’m not trying to be arrogant, but damn! We’re building a revolution, right? Are we supposed to be evolving women’s wrestling? Then let’s do it already and stop the bulls--ting.

(Serenity stands out)

Serenity Scorpio: Wanna go to Roscoes? I’m hungry af right now.

Gia Cervantes: Yeah! Just let me pay the bills with these commercials right now.

Serenity Scorpio: Aight, bet.

???: You can take that off now.
 
 
???: Look familiar?
 
 
Diantha: Oh, God.
 
 
Natalie: There is only one God, child, and He can be found here. Do not worry…
 
 
Natalie: *Whispering* They won’t hurt you.
 
 
Natalie: I am so, so glad that you accepted my invitation, darling. You are a lost lamb who seeks salvation, that is something that I can provide.
 
 
Nate: Stop TRYING to hit me and just fucking hit me!
 
 
Nate: Ah, the newest one to take a leap of faith.
 
 
Natalie: Brother, Diantha here has lost her way. She is a person who I see such strength in, such fire. But she loses, SHE LOSES, BROTHER!
 
 
Natalie: One of us has to win one day, big brother.
 
Nate: *Chuckles* If WE can’t defeat each other, what chance do our enemies have?
 
 
Kenny: Those Korea loving freaks are in for a real shock this week…
 
 
Natalie What my brother and Kenny are planning is no concern of yours, do you understand? THAT is why you are yet to win a match in the OWA. You lack focus. You have all the tools, but you do not know how they are to be applied. Every part of your body is a weapon, you see.
 
 
Natalie: These hands, for example, these hands are my greatest weapon. Their applications in combat? Endless. If I want to knock somebody out, I punch them right in their fucking face.
 
 
But hands are so much more than that. Curl them up and swing them like hammers and that’s what they become. Objects of blunt force trauma that can ruin somebody’s day. A normal person would end their exploration of their hands right there, believing that a solid strike is enough. I do not believe in such a weak philosophy. Look.
 
 
Natalie: Point, and I will tell.
 
 
Natalie: *Laughs* Yes, that is the one that is usually the first to be mentioned. Operation Helmand, 2014, a year before we pulled out of Afghanistan. I was 19 years old at the time, not long into my first tour. I had never seen active combat before. I thought I was prepared, I thought I was ready to face a fight. I was a naïve little girl.
 
The British government will tell you that Operation Helmand was about restoring peace to the region, yet another smokescreen to hide what we were really up to. We were dropped into a village that had been engaged in a constant firefight for three days. Bodies were piling up and too many questions were being asked. Our mission? Extract a VIP before the all clear was given to carpet bomb that village to Hell. And it wasn’t just Taliban soldiers that would be caught in the blast. Women, children, even our own men and women who wouldn’t be able to make it out in time. It didn’t matter who was still on the ground, once that VIP was extracted, it was time to rain down a firestorm.
 
Through a chain of circumstances, I found myself separated from my team, I was making my way from building to building, walking past terrified families who thought I was there to kill them. They called me “Devil”, and they were right. In the third or fourth building, I was attacked by a civilian with a kitchen knife. I did what I’d been taught never to do and panicked. I instinctively put up my hands. The next thing I knew, there was a knife sticking through one of them. I dropped my rifle and screamed so loud that it could have brought down the building. The man just stood there, stunned. We had both acted on instinct and were now in unfamiliar territory.
 
Diantha: *Captivated* And then what happened?
 
Natalie: Legally, I’m not allowed to tell you, I will say that I doubt his family ever used that kitchen knife again…I also doubt any of them are alive to this day.
 
Diantha: Why are you telling me this, Nat?
 
Natalie: Because, my love, your story is one that is yet to be written. You believe your hands to be crude tools with which you can crunch your knuckles into a human skull and feel the bone splinter as it connects. And while they are excellent when applied in such a manner, they are so much more than that. My hands saved my life…my hands have took life away.
 
 
Natalie: This finger has squeezed the trigger on many a weapon, with death almost always following in its wake. With a mere pulling action, I have taken away God’s most precious gift from so many. I have made widows, I have made orphans, and I want to share my knowledge with you. When Nate brought me out to America, speaking of an army he had discovered that he needed me to craft and shape, I jumped at the opportunity. The living weapon that you see when you look at Nate Cage, what you are seeing is the result of almost 20 years of us pushing one another. That little scrap that we had when me and you came in here? We have done that every day since we were children. Neither of us have ever got the upper hand on the other. Two siblings, bonded by love and violence, in an eternal battle to discover the other’s weakness.
 
Tell me, Diantha, if the man who knows me better than anyone else alive cannot defeat me, how can a woman like Serenity Scorpio? I never intended to get involved in Wolvesden’s escapades in the wrestling world, that has always been my brother’s realm. But he begged and pleaded with me to step into the ring, because he knew that I would lay waste to any man or woman in my way. This week, I will make my debut in the OWA, and you will be there with me. You will stand at ringside and observe your very first lesson on your path to attaining success in your warrior’s journey. I know that you are not yet convinced of my methods, I can see it in your eyes. And that’s fine. You believe us to be a little mad, unstable, erratic. But you still accepted my invitation, which means you are eager to hear what I have to say.
 
Do you know what I see when I look at Serentiy Scorpio? I see a woman who coasts on the legacy of her name. Her father was a trailblazer who made history, so fucking what? Did that stop him from dying? No. Did it stop him from raising a daughter who thinks pimping out her father’s grave for support is how you build a career? No. I looked at the women of this company and realised that nothing was going to change unless I made my presence known. Nobody knew who Nate Cage was three years ago. Now he is the king of an entire division. He didn’t rest on legacies gone by, he forged his own and struck down all who stood before him. This is what I intend to do on Sunday. The world will watch on in horror as I rip Serenity Scorpio’s head from her shoulders and mount it as a trophy on my wall. They will helplessly observe the spurts of blood exiting her neck as I shower in it in wistful glee. That is what it takes, Diantha, and practical experience is the only way you can learn.
 
I didn’t have practical experience when I walked into that building and almost lost my hand, but I GAINED experience in the field through dealing with that attack. And now, I am affording you the opportunity to learn everything I have through years of never-ending battle. Come.
 
 
Natalie: This is your home now. You will sleep in this bunk and wear these clothes. You will do as I say and perform every task you are given to completion. If you do not do this, then you will be exposed to a side of me that has hitherto gone unexplored. If you’re lucky, you will not see this side until Sunday, when I send Serenity Scorpio to rest with her father. You will be awoken at 0600 hours, where we will begin your training. You are now nothing but a number, a face in the crowd, another cog in the intricate system of gears that is Wolvesden. If you want to stand out, if you want to get to where myself and my brother are, then I suggest that you prove yourself to be truly exceptional.
 
 
Natalie: *Presumably towards the camera operator* Now you get to explain to Kenny as to why there is a surplus in our finances for a new camera. Good luck.

The scene opens up to a small, single wide trailer.  While not necessarily trashy looking, it is definitely older and could use some maintenance.  Parked out front in the gravel driveway is an old, beat up, blue, late 90s model Chevrolet Silverado.  Right next to it sits a beautiful, relatively newer model, black Harley Davidson Sportster.  The grass in the yard looks like it probably should have been cut about a week ago.  The camera gets closer and closer to the trailer, eventually going up the four wooden steps that lead to the tiny front porch.  On the railing of the porch, a flagpole sticks out with an old, tattered American flag hanging straight down from it.  It hasn’t moved in the slightest revealing that there is no breeze to relieve anyone from the brutal, North Carolina summer sun.  Several empty Bud Light bottles litter the porch.  You can see the cameraman reach his arm out and knock on the front door, causing a dog to start barking loudly from inside.  You can hear someone shouting at the dog in an attempt to quiet it as the doorknob turns and opens.  Immediately a large Rottweiler comes pouncing out of the door which must have startled the cameraman because the camera instantly moves backwards several steps, even though the dog did nothing more than sniff at his feet slightly.
 
“Sasha, get on somewhere!!!”
 
The dog, Sasha, turns and leaps off the porch and into the yard, out of sight.  The camera turns back to the front door to reveal a man standing in the doorway, dressed only in an old, scuffed up pair of work boots and a faded pair of Levi’s jeans. He is none other than newly signed OWA talent, Jeff X.  His lack of a shirt reveals that his body is still toned and fit as it ever was.  The veins in his arms are clearly visible even under all the ink that covers them.  An old pair of dogtags hang from a chain around his neck.  His eyes are red with bags under them.  It’s obvious he either just woke up or hasn’t even been to bed yet.
 
“Fuck, I forgot you guys were supposed to come by today.  Come on in.”
 
He turns around and walks back into the house, with the camera following close behind.  He gestures towards the couch against the wall.
 
“Just have a seat and give me just a minute, alright?”
 
Jeff walks through the kitchen and disappears into what is presumably a back bedroom.  Despite Jeff’s order, the cameraman doesn’t sit but instead begins to look around the place.  It looks even smaller from the inside than it did out.  There’s not much furniture in the place, just an old couch and recliner, and it’s in dire need of a good cleaning.  The coffee table is cluttered with an ashtray, some Harley manuals, mail, and even a pistol.  There’s beer cans and bottles left out everywhere…all over the kitchen counters, a few sprinkled on the floor, and in various other places.  The camera turns towards the small entertainment center where the television plays SportsCenter in the background.  There’s a lone picture frame on top containing a photo of a younger, happier looking Jeff X, with one arm holding a newborn baby and the other wrapped around the shoulder of a pretty blonde girl.
 
“Sorry ‘bout that.”
 
The camera whips back around to see Jeff walking back into the kitchen.  This time he has a black “Carolina Rebellion” music festival t-shirt with the sleeves torn off covering his defined body and a camouflage Realtree hat perched atop his head.  He walks to the counter and grabs the half empty bottle of Jack Daniel’s that was sitting there.  He tips it up and takes a long swig of it, despite the clock above the stove clearly revealing that it’s only 10:23 am.  He grimaces slightly before going to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of Bud Light to chase the liquor down with.  He opens it as he walks back to the living room and has a seat in the recliner directly in front the cameraman, who has now had a seat on the couch.  It’s at this point we really can get a good look at his face.  Despite still having the body of a 23 year old, the lines in his face make him appear even older than his 36 years.  His cold blue eyes stare at the television, although you get the sense that he’s not actually watching it.  His hair and beard are trimmed very close, just slightly more than stubble.  He lights a Marlboro Red as he begins to speak to us now with a rough and raspy voice that contains the slightest bit of a southern accent.
 
“Why?  That’s what you want to know, right?  It’s what everyone wants to know.  Everywhere I’ve been over the last two weeks, that’s all I’ve been asked.  Why are you choosing now to make your return to the professional wrestling industry?  Why OWA?  What’s the point?  What do you have left to prove?”
 
He pauses momentarily to take another sip of his beer.
 
“If I’m being completely honest…I don’t really know.  What exactly would possess me to enter a life that in some way took everything from me?  Is it the fame?  No.  I have never enjoyed having people like you following me around every week sticking that fucking camera in my face.  Could it be the fans?  After all, I’ve received an endless stream of social media messages and letters from fans over the last several years, begging me to come back.  And while that’s very moving, I learned a long time ago not to concern myself with what the fans think.  There’s nothing they can do to help anyone succeed inside the ring.  They are strictly there to buy tickets and t-shirts.  Nothing more and nothing less.  If they choose to cheer for me on this latest journey of mine then great, but if not then it makes no real difference to me.  Maybe it’s the glory?  Maybe I’m seeking to jot my name down in the history books as one of the all-time greats?  No.  Eventually I’ll be dead and in the ground and at that point I will not care in the slightest about how anyone remembers me.  It won’t be my issue anymore.  Maybe it’s the money?  Wrong again.  I’ve made more than enough over the course of my career to keep up this…”
 
He gestures around his small living quarters as he puts his cigarette out in the ashtray next to him.
 
“…lavish lifestyle of mine.  Besides, wrestling isn’t my only skill.  I could easily go find a different occupation should I ever find myself in financial distress.  Maybe it’s the love of the sport?  While it is true that I once loved this sport more than anything on this Earth, save for my family, I fear those days are long gone.  If anything, I resent this entire industry.  In some way, I’ve found myself blaming it for the injustice in my life, whether that be fair or not.  So then maybe I’m returning for the thrill of competition?  That’s been my favorite reason that I’ve heard people mention so far.  What a joke.  I’ve seen the so-called ‘competition’ that OWA has to offer and, quite frankly, it leaves a lot to be desired, so no, that can’t be it either.  So then what is it?  What could possibly be the reason for my apparent sudden desire to jump back head first into a prominent wrestling organization at this point in my life?”
 
He pauses as if he’s gathering his thoughts and swigs several large gulps of Bud Light before continuing.
 
“When I was first contacted by the OWA, I told them no.  I wanted no part of this life again.  But as a few days passed, I realized that for over a decade now there has been this void in my life that I have unsuccessfully tried to fill with just about everything you can imagine.  My life hasn’t exactly been all rainbows since I left the wrestling world.  Hell, it’s been down-right difficult most days.  I haven’t felt true happiness in a long, long time.  So I began thinking…maybe...just maybe...this could be an opportunity for me.”
 
He chuckles to himself slightly as he drinks a bit more.
 
“No, not an opportunity to turn my life around.  Not an opportunity to finally be happy again and live out my dreams of being a champion.  Not an opportunity to show the world, and those that I love, that I can change and get my career, as well as my life, back on the track that it once was.  No…not that kind of opportunity.  I view this as an opportunity to make everyone else in this business’ life as miserable as mine has been.  To physically and emotionally destroy everyone and everything in this company.  I am in this now purely to cause pain to others.  As maniacal as that may sound, it’s the truth.  I have always prided myself on being a very honest person, and trust me when I tell you that, one by one, I am going to make the entire OWA roster hurt.  And it will start this Sunday with CASPIAN.”
 
Jeff stands and downs the rest of his bottle before just letting it fall to the floor amongst several others just like it.  He smiles and walks to the fridge once again, grabbing another and returning to his seat.
 
“I couldn’t ask for a more fitting choice to be my first opponent here in OWA.  CASPIAN…a man who thinks he has it all.  The power…the money...everything he could ever desire he has.  With the exception of two things…the Spartans Championship…and any talent whatsoever.  For the life of me I can’t figure out why this guy is so arrogant.  Just this past Sunday, he took on two men who had, by his own omission, been putting their bodies through hell for weeks against each other while he remained fresh and ready.  Not only that, but CASPIAN also had his two little trained dogs come out to ringside to try and help him be victorious.  So by my estimation, that’s three men fighting two men that were also, simultaneously, fighting each other…and somehow this complete disgrace to the sport and humanity in general still finds a way to be flat on his back getting pinned, 1-2-3, in the center of the ring.”
 
Jeff shakes his head in disgust of CASPIAN’s showing at Boiling Point and takes another drink of his Bud Light.
 
“I’m curious to see if he, for some reason, is still as confident in himself as he was prior to Boiling Point.  I hope that he is, for my own personal pleasure.  I hope he strolls to the ring expecting a real bounce back performance.  Because nothing would please me more than to dash all of those expectations and to wipe that silly, smug look off of his face.  You see, CASPIAN, after Kingdom, when you make your way back home to your little ‘cartel’, every single person that works for you, including your two little stooges, is going to question why they even do it anymore.  Is the money you pay them really worth the shame of being associated with such a failure?  After all this is going to make twice in a week’s time that you will be left utterly embarrassed and looking flat out pathetic.”
 
He smiles as he turns the bottle up again.  You can tell that, despite his cavalier attitude towards the wrestling business, he’s starting to get excited at the prospect of joining it once again.
 
“Honestly, in my younger and more naïve days, I would have pitied you.  But now, pity and compassion are things that I no longer feel…for anyone…especially a piece of scum like you.  CASPIAN, you are nothing.  Less than nothing.  Simply a piece of trash for me to dispose of upon my entry into this company.  And while my journey through the OWA may start with you this Sunday…I can assure you that yours will end with me.”
 
Jeff leans back in his chair as he lights another cigarette.  For the first time he stares directly into the camera, as if it will help CASPIAN hear him.
 
“Just because I’ve been out of the business for some time now, it doesn’t mean that I’ve stopped paying attention.  I’ve been keeping up with what’s going on.  It’s hard not to.  Especially when a promotion has gotten the national fanfare that OWA has thus far.  So I’ve been watching you, CASPIAN, not just at Boiling Point, but your entire tenure here. And honestly, I don’t even know how you’ve managed to keep your spot on the roster, let alone be given a title opportunity at one of their biggest Pay-Per-Views to date.  I suppose it’s not like it matters though.  It’s not as if you were capable of taking advantage of it.  Despite your irritating bravado, you failed and you will fail yet again this Sunday.”
 
Jeff takes a long drag off of his smoke and ponders his words carefully.
 
“CASPAIN, despite the fact that you stand for everything that I hate about wrestling and even this world in general, I don’t want you to think that our matchup Sunday is personal.  I do not care enough about you for this to be personal.  You are simply the first name on my list.  I don’t know why it has to be you.  You’ll have to take that up with the powers that be.  Perhaps they were just as disgusted with your performance this weekend as I was and they wanted to punish you by booking you into a match that you literally have no chance of winning.  But you see, CASPIAN, your punishment is going to be so much more than simply losing another match.  I’m not only going to beat you, CASPIAN…I’m going to hurt you.  I’m going to make you feel true pain and misery.  I’m going to make you question, like the rest of us already are, what you’re even doing here.”
 
Jeff sets his cigarette in the ashtray, stands up, and walks over to the window.  Peering outside at his dog playing in the tall grass, he drinks what looks to the last of his second beer of the day (that we know of anyway) and sets the bottle next to the picture frame on the entertainment center.
 
“I’m sure, in the days to come, that we’ll see CASPIAN come on TV and make excuses for Boiling Point.  Hell, he’ll probably blame those two leeches, Vince and Castro, for costing him the match, despite the fact that it was his own inability to get the job done that cost him.  Then, I expect him to make some kind of response to me.  Not that it matters.  There is literally nothing he can say or do that is going to prevent me from scoring my first victory in the OWA in convincing fashion.  I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long, long time…and nobody…especially not a fucking parasite like CASPIAN…is going to take it away from me.  Jeff X’s time has finally come once again and it all starts this Sunday at Kingdom.”
 
With that Jeff opens the front door and yells out for his dog to come inside.
 
“SASHA!!  Get in here!!!”
 
He then turns to the camera.
 
“And you…get the fuck out of here.  I’ve said all there is to say about that.”
 
He begins walking back towards the fridge again, as the scene fades to black.

OCC: The white translation is the actual promo, the green is the spoken but ebonic translation of it. Just for laughs. Had to replace a certain word that I can't say with another. Try to figure out which one. 


Yo Home on da range, where da deer an' da antelope plays. awww. yo Dustin. ah hear you don’t take kindly ta folk such as myself round deez parts here. ah mean, peep at me. It’s almost as if we's is two worlds apart. Yeah, let’s go ahead an' go into dat discussion an' address da big issue here. yo' problem, wif pimpz like me. You know? You, uh country boy from Georgia, an' me, an international sensation an' icon in da game. an' ah can already tell, it’s yo' values, dat makes pimpz like me, dem ‘Hollywood types’, ah suppose you might page dem, … an' da fact you’re racist, but dat’s uh jive fo' another tyme. But yeea , ah, da Goose iz what you despise, but if you ax me, you already signed on ta dis here company hating brothas you know das right!
 
(White Translation)
Home on the range, where the deer and the antelope plays. Oh. Hi Dustin. I hear you don’t take kindly to folk such as myself round these parts here. I mean, look at me. It’s almost as if we are two worlds apart. Yeah, let’s go ahead and go into that discussion and address the big issue here. Your problem, with guys like me. You know? You, a country boy from Georgia, and me, an international sensation and icon in the game. And I can already tell, it’s your values, that makes guys like me, them ‘Hollywood types’, I suppose you might call them, … and the fact you’re racist, but that’s a talk for another time. But yes, I, The Goose is what you despise, but if you ask me, you already signed on to this company hating everyone.  
 
Yo You’re prob'ly wondering why ah’m jivin' like dis here. Well, ah’m educating ya, cuz pimpz like me, we's’ve been everywhere. ah mean, ah’ve been all ova da United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Harlem. an' believe it or not, ah’m banned from Harlem. But Dustin Duke, ah be here ta open yo' peeps. afta all, dat iz da gift o' da Goose. ah mean, ah wuz just like you. ah wuz born an' raised in da souf west, though ah wuz uh military brat. Taught da value o' hard werk, focus, determination, an' ta live fearlessly an' confident. an' in uh way, iz dat not da American Dream dat you strive ta protect? is you one o' dem hicks dat thinks Murica’ iz 'boutshitty country rap an' da right ta be an asshole. You prob'ly looking at me like “dey took yer jerb!” an' you be gonna show me how ta “git er done.” But Son, ah’ve been around fo' so long, da things ah’ve seen an' done. da experience, iz exactly why ah’m gonna beat yo' ass, an' believe me, ah’ve had muh motha fuckin fair shares o' beating pimpz like you sho 'nuff!
 
(White Translation)
You’re probably wondering why I’m talking like this. Well, I’m educating ya, because guys like me, we’ve been everywhere. I mean, I’ve been all over the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Harlem. And believe it or not, I’m banned from Harlem. But Dustin Duke, I am here to open your eyes. After all, that is the gift of The Goose. I mean, I was just like you. I was born and raised in the south west, though I was a military brat. Taught the value of hard work, focus, determination, and to live fearlessly and confident. And in a way, is that not the American Dream that you strive to protect? Are you one of them hicks that thinks Murica’ is about shitty country music and the right to be an asshole. You probably looking at me like “they took yer jerb!” and you are gonna show me how to “git er done.” But Son, I’ve been around for so long, the things I’ve seen and done. The experience, is exactly why I’m gonna beat your ass, and believe me, I’ve had my fair shares of beating guys like you.
 
Yo Do you dig' what ah’m sayin`? Do you dig' da werdz coming out o' da Goose’s mouf? ah mean, wif all dis here jive o' dong gargling in da locker room an' you being around here longer than ah gots, ah’d like ta assume you know what ah’m sayin`. ah mean, da Goose isn’t fluent in dis here kind o' jive, but when you’re da Goose, you gotta be ready fo' just 'boutanythin`. an' Dustin, ah seen you at Boiling Point. ah watched you take on Jon McAdams, an' ah gotta say, ah ain’t impressed. dis here ain’t muh motha fuckin first rodeo, but watching you dis here weekend, ah can tell it’s yours. an' you gots not yet face anyone like me just yet. afta all you’re looking at uh brotha who iz truly, one o' uh kind. ah mean, if you don’t like anyone dat looks like you, then believe me, ta peep like dis here, dis here sculpted, chiseled, werk o' art dat iz me, you might as well page me an illegal. cuz dis here.. dis here right here, iz out o' dis here world. an' what can ah say, ah just gots uh knack fo' crossing into another brotha’s boundaries, an' just reaping from all dem benefits, an' you prob'ly right Dustin. ah done did took yer jerb! cuz if you aiming fo' da top, you bomb believe ah’m going ta smack you da hell down an' usurp dat spot from you. an' it’s not just you, it’s going ta be every single brotha and sis in da locker room. ah’m jivin' 'boutthat bloke, Finnegan Wakefield. ah’m jivin' 'boutthat otter carrying da Spartan Championship Gold. All da Alphas, an' heck, da Goddesses. Aria Jaxon bettah watch her steps, cuz da Goose iz here ta lay down da pecking order up in here as well! otay buh-weet
 
(White Translation)
Do you understand what I’m saying? Do you understand the words coming out of the Goose’s mouth? I mean, with all this talk of dick gargling in the locker room and you being around here longer than I have, I’d like to assume you know what I’m saying. I mean, The Goose isn’t fluent in this kind of talk, but when you’re the Goose, you gotta be ready for just about anything. And Dustin, I saw you at Boiling Point. I watched you take on Jon McAdams, and I gotta say, I ain’t impressed. This ain’t my first rodeo, but watching you this weekend, I can tell it’s yours. And you have not yet face anyone like me just yet. After all you’re looking at a man who is truly, one of a kind. I mean, if you don’t like anyone that looks like you, then believe me, to look like this, this sculpted, chiseled, work of art that is me, you might as well call me an illegal. Because this.. THIS right here, is out of this world. And what can I say, I just have a knack for crossing into people’s boundaries, and just reaping from all them benefits, and you probably right Dustin. I done did took yer jerb! Because if you aiming for the top, you best believe I’m going to smack you the hell down and usurp that spot from you. And it’s not just you, it’s going to be every single person in the locker room. I’m talking about that bloke, Finnegan Wakefield. I’m talking about that otter carrying the Spartan Championship Gold. All the Alphas, and heck, the Goddesses. Aria Jaxon better watch her steps, because the Goose is here to lay down the pecking order up in here as well!
 
Yo What’s da pecking order you say? Great queshun, you very convincing racist. aight maggots, listen up. da Goose 'boutto teach you da Pecking Order. It goes: you, da dirt, da worms inside o' da dirt, da Goose’s stool, Tarah (ah gotchu, Gurl), then da Goose. Any questions?...... TOO BAD, cuz da GOOSE AIN’T TAKING nahh mo' QUESTIONS! dis here ain’t an AMA, dis here iz verbal beatdown leading up ta uh literal beatdown, an' Dustin Duke? You know what you be? You uh nugget. ah ain’t jivin' 'bouta gold nugget. ah’m jivin' 'bouta McNugget, an' ah, da Goose, be da Burger King, an' ah’m 'boutto whopper yo' ass! Pennsylvania iz fine ass far from Georgia. Yeah, ah know you can just whip out yo' dong, an' place it on uh map, an' jive 'bouthow it’s approximately 5 dong widf from home. But believe it or not, “nahh, you can’t fuckin use yo' dong as yo' only tool.” dis here iz Omega Wrestling Alliance, an' ah’m going ta take dis here place ta new heights. ah’ve done it 'bfoe, an' you an' bet yo' country ass dat ah’m going ta do it ag'in, an' you ain’t down wif dat, then ah can send you an' da Law back ta wince you came. an' tell yo' motha ah said “yo.” cuz even da Goose knows uh bit or two 'boutSouthern hospitality, an' ah’m sho she Wants ta know who iz da brotha dat sent her baby Dusty boy home crying, an' if you wants, ah’ll give her muh motha fuckin number, so she can send me uh werds n shit an' tell me how she really feels.  ah mean, ah would just love ta speak wif da beotch dat raised dis here bigot, racist, son o' uh beotch, who prob'ly believes pimpz like me should be chained up. beotch, ah ain’t da Unchained. You can’t chain da Goose. da Goose be uh motha fuckin’peacock, an' he gotta fly. an' if you gots uh problem wif dat, well, ah suppose dis here iz how we's gonna do it. Wrassling. an' bro, you ain’t gonna beat me. You think you can take on da world an' change it, but dis here Saturday, you ain’t going ta just git uh taste o' da world. You getting da whole Cow, an' dis here Bull iz going squash you an' flatten you, an' bury you underground, an' put you in yo' place in da pecking order where you belong what 'chew thinkin' man?

(White Translation)


What’s the pecking order you say? Great question, you very convincing racist. Alright maggots, listen up. The Goose about to teach you the Pecking Order. It goes: you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, The Goose’s stool, Tarah (I gotchu, Gurl), then The Goose. Any questions?...... TOO BAD, BECAUSE THE GOOSE AIN’T TAKING NO MORE QUESTIONS! This ain’t an AMA, this is verbal beatdown leading up to a literal beatdown, and Dustin Duke? You know what you are? You a nugget. I ain’t talking about a gold nugget. I’m talking about a McNugget, and I, The Goose, am the Burger King, and I’m about to whopper your ass! Pennsylvania is pretty far from Georgia. Yeah, I know you can just whip out your dick, and place it on a map, and talk about how it’s approximately 5 dick width from home. But believe it or not, “No, you can’t fuckin use your dick as your only tool.” This is Omega Wrestling Alliance, and I’m going to take this place to new heights. I’ve done it before, and you and bet your country ass that I’m going to do it again, and you ain’t down with that, then I can send you and the Law back to wince you came. And tell your mother I said “Hi.” Because even the Goose knows a bit or two about Southern hospitality, and I’m sure she would like to know who is the man that sent her baby Dusty boy home crying, and if you want, I’ll give her my number, so she can send me a text and tell me how she really feels.  I mean, I would just love to speak with the woman that raised this bigot, racist, son of a bitch, who probably believes guys like me should be chained up. Bitch, I ain’t the Unchained. You can’t chain the Goose. The Goose is a mother fuckin’peacock, and he gotta fly. And if you got a problem with that, well, I suppose this is how we gonna do it. Wrassling. And bro, you ain’t gonna beat me. You think you can take on the world and change it, but this Saturday, you ain’t going to just get a taste of the world. You getting the whole Cow, and this Bull is going squash you and flatten you, and bury you underground, and put you in your place in the pecking order where you belong.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

The Ballad of Misery (Part 2)

Date: 27/7/2018
Time: 5:45pm
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
---

A picturesque sunset greets us, as we are surrounded by a typical Hawaiian beach setting - one of the few times that Scotty has actually afforded himself any real moments of relaxation ever since he returned to the ring. Actually, if we're being totally honest, it's the first time he has really *allowed* himself to relax since the middle of 2010. 

Aside from the fleeting moments where he would just 'zone out' from everything; allow himself to consume his surroundings. Forget about the myriad of anguish; the emotional and physical toll that wrestling - no, that life itself, takes upon him. Each and every second that he is awake. 

This time, he isn't alone, as Bianca is laid beside him - atop the golden silk towel that she purchased for herself before the two travelled here. Just like the baby blue cotton towel that Scotty lays atop - the two of them simply looking up at the sunset, mouths curled into almost synchronised smiles. Both, allowing their minds to simply absorb the moment; unhindered by any stress. Any external factors. Their minds liberated; awakened by the sense of calm washing over them. 

Softly sighing out of sheer relaxation, Scott tilts his head to the right, glancing over at the perfectly formed body; the gentle smile across Bianca's lips and remembering the moments they have shared together. The moments, when he knew that *she* would be the one to 'save' him. That she was the one, who would bring him back from the brink of his own destruction. From the passage, that solely led to him laying face down, nowhere to turn but the misery that had eaten him alive. 

This is all known - this is just as he confessed in 'Memoirs of an Icon'; if you were within his inner sanctum in those months after Joely was stripped away, or even if you know him now, you'd know just how that deeply affected him. On a level even greater than he had allowed to be exposed in the past. Yet Bianca had been the *sole* constant - she had been the one eternally by his side. She had been the one to truly cherish him. To see beyond the anguish, the distortion within his mind; understand that he was still the gentle, bubbly spirit he had *always* been. 

Even if more 'rugged' and oriented around the previously mentioned 'decimation' of those who brought about Joely's end, rather than seeing the world as a paradise. As a place to simply enjoy; immerse himself within as he had the years prior. His eyes running up and down her body, he allows a soft smile to curl up within the right hand side corner of his mouth, as Bianca slightly tilts her head to face him, her cheeks a slight shade of pink.

Bianca: *smiling, softly giggling* You know, no matter how long it's been - no matter how many times we do this, it *always* makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl again. I can't explain it, but it's almost a magnetising force that controls me. each time I stare into your eyes.

Scott can't help but smile at that. It was the same with Joely - they just 'clicked'. Just as Bianca and him have, which is exactly *why* he gravitated more towards her; finally took the passage of making her 'his' in 2013. Of setting about the course, that has led them to where they are today - to a passion, whose flame is simply undying. 

"I feel the same way about you, babe," He remarks, a soft laughter leaving his lips as he does, as a 'knot' like feeling begins to arise within his stomach - the exact same feeling Bianca has within her stomach. His breathing soft, he continues to stare deep into her eyes, feeling her radiant reflection embed itself within the chambers of his soul. Within the flame, that flickers within the irises of his own eyes.
---

Two sides of the same coin. 

It's a refrain that is all too common - much like the old adage of 'looking into the mirror', yet it resonates here with us, Monolith. I know that; I know that deep down, you do, too. That is why we are here. That is why you and I have walked this passage into the mire together. For we are the *very* same being, when one explores within our core. We are both machines, in our own ways. 

You, with how you conduct yourself - lacking any sense of human emotion or feeling. Detaching yourself from any circumstance; merely focusing on the task ahead of you. Me with my precision; my every movement being to advance my end game. My ability to decipher any situation; manipulate it in a manner that results in my advantage. My ruthless efficiency in doing so. My own detachment from all else, aside from bringing about the end that I seek. The flames, that suffocate those who fall before me. 

Yet there are also differences about us - there are symbolic; ideological differences that define just who we are. Just *why* it was always bound for us to roam the passage; commit to the dance that lays before us on Sunday. Just as it did when we met in Osaka.
---

Feeling Bianca slide her body atop of his, Scott cannot help but think back to when he was in the hospital in Osaka - laying there and barely able to move within a shooting pain rising throughout his core. To when she would sit by his bedside for twenty hours a day - even sacrificing eating anything more than the stream of hospital food that would come by thrice a day, all so she could be by his side. So that he knew that she *was* always there for him. Just as she had promised him she would. 

Just as he did for her back in 2015 after the attack. After she felt herself teetering on the verge of it all closing down upon her. Of her world, slowly fading into the nothingness from whence it had came - much like the assumption was with Scotty after the match with Monolith. 

Well, not in the same context, as Scott's injuries were *never* life, yet alone *career* threatening, but the principle remains the same. That is what matters most, here. Her skin gently brushing against his, Bianca allows a soft smile to curl across her lips, whilst she gently presses her hands against his shoulders.

Bianca: *playful* One - Two - Three. *Laughing* Guess this makes me Spartan's champion, doesn't it?

Laughing calmly, he replies with "I guess it does," as a wide, tooth-baring smirk crosses his face as Bianca slides her hands down his tender body. Feelings of passion rising within him as she does. A feeling, that he eternally channels. 

Raising himself about two feet off the towel, he gently places a kiss upon her lips, causing a soft glow to emit from deep within Bianca's eyes, a soft moan to leave her lips as her taste lingers atop his lips. Breaking away, he states "I'm always at peace when you're here - you truly do complete my core," as he gently closes his eyes, feeling the cornucopia of sunshine and rainbows that many talk about, but very few truly get to visualise.
---

It was there that for the first time, I had to truly look into the eyes of the cold. Deeply see, just what this world had designed for itself. The realm, that was laid before us. Manifested within you, Monolith. A man, devised from a shell. A man, who has shed the skin of what he used to be - who has completely detached himself, from the one who lays beyond the moniker. Yet at the same time, 

it is that which has allowed the facade to consume you. 

That has enabled the very seed of doubt, to crawl within your core. To cause the smallest fractures - nigh invisible to the naked eye, to appear within the machine you have built. I see them though; I see the conflict churning inside of you - the internal struggle to 'find your way'. To truly liberate yourself, from the past that you have kept within the shadows. 

I'm the same way - there are skeletons in my own past, that I have wished to remain hidden. I don't hide from that; it's only human nature for us to have them. It's how we *choose* to deal with said skeletons however, that defines us more than anything else in this world. 

Each step we take, fraught with danger. Almost as if one was following the old method of 'walking on eggshells', and whilst you have elected to hide them behind a disguise; a demeanour of a 'machine' - I embraced mine. I welcomed them in; built a chamber specifically for them. For as much as we don't wish to admit it. As much as we allow the wool to blind us, they *do* hold the key to our construction. To how we perceive reality.
---

Tilting his body to the right, Scotty feels Bianca slide across his skin, her body gently landing atop her towel just as two people stroll by them on route back to their hotel. Just as they themselves shall be doing in a short period of time. After all, their main purpose for coming onto the beach was to see the sunset; and now that darkness is beginning to arise, they may as well head back to their hotel for a little more 'relaxation' and sleep. 

At least until they are required to attend a formal "OWA Meet and Greet" being held at the Stan Sheriff arena tomorrow morning. Something that if you know Scotty well enough, you'll know he's *very* reluctant about doing - 'Meet and Greets', and well, anything media related is usually something he tends to avoid. 

With a few exceptions, though those are usually more under the banner of 'charity events' and not pertaining to the wrestling portion of his life. Signing gently, he shovels up some sand with his right hand, before watching as it runs through his fingers; drops down back to the earth harmlessly. 

"It's funny - one moment we can be here, without a singular care to what might become; the next, it can be all stripped away," he whispers gently - almost in more of a 'think out loud' sort of manner than anything else, yet enough to elicit a soft; understanding nod from Bianca in reply. 

"Almost as if we are trapped within one viscous cycle of life, waiting for our time to be called; our light, to be vanquished," Again softly whispering this, he allows himself to ponder those words. Just how the cycle, has influenced each and every step he has wandered down throughout the corridor of life. 

Throughout the thirty years he has been gracing this earth. There are obviously some things some might assume he 'regrets' - like how he has never been married, although that is by choice. 

He hasn't been able to bring himself to ask Bianca that question, for the nightmare of Joely still haunts him. *She* was the one he was planning on marrying; she was the one he planned to have birth his child, yet merely three weeks before the planned date of their matrimony, she was taken away. 

Feeling his breathing rise and fall, he allows that thought to fester in his mind. To him, it's not a matter of *if* Bianca is the one he wants to spend the rest of his existence with. For the answer is *yes*. It is more a case of 'when will he finally be able to commit to the deed?' - a question that to him, doesn't have a defined answer. At least, not yet. 

Watching as Bianca pushes herself to her feet, he ponders another one of his regrets - the decision to 'walk away' from the business the first time he did in 2013. A decision, that was out of his control, yet is still something he has openly confessed he wouldn't have done if he had the time again. 

Yes, to an extent: retiring back then is what ultimately enabled him to preserve his body; prevent himself from eventually breaking down, but he knew he was right in the midst of his prime. That his cause, was *finally* beginning to cement itself within the core of the realm. That him walking away, is what served as the catalyst to the decay to truly take hold. For the business, to wander deeper into the rabbit hole that has ensnared it.
---

It is those skeletons, that cause the cracks to appear with the surface of your machine. Cracks, that are naked to the invisible eye - yet I see them. Just waiting for the signal to burst. For the glass foundation on which you stand, to crumple. To bring you to your very knees - the 'wiring' within you undone by your own design. The very facade that has enabled your detachment, is what shall bring about your passage into the mire. You see, you're right: I am merely a human. A mortal entity, who holds emotions. Who holds his skeletons in the closet - embraces them. I've never denied that. For as much as we hold the same 'ideals'. 

The same machine like mannerisms, I *don't* use mine to try and mask my reality. I don't see the need to. I don't claim a masquerade, only to see it flash before my very eyes, as I'm lured into a maze where all I have become - all I am within the scope of this maze, is a marionette. Trapped; at the mercy of my own mind. Playing the game of fate, with the one person who has already manipulated everything I thought I knew. 

That is what I am to you, Monolith. You know deep down - you haven't figured it out yet. You haven't come to the realisation, that processing data; feeding yourself information built within a foundation of sand, only results in the end creeping ever so closer. For what you had assumed to be 'inevitable', to be foretold - has all been nothing more than a mirage. 

A method, to drive you even closer, all so that I could ensure that it all falls into place. And that the world learns that even the greatest of machines. Even those who have immersed themselves within the ideals; the methods of machinery, have peering flaws. Just crying out, for somebody to bring them to the surface. I just hope, you realise that before the time arises.
---

Walking throughout the beach with Bianca on his right hand side, Scotty ponders more about the decision to leave. About his regret, of not getting a second or even third opinion on the topic. Deep down, he knows that in hindsight: he probably should have. Yet there's no time to dwell on that past now. He knows that; he accepts that - and one could *easily* point to his two aborted returns prior to joining the OWA as adequate evidence to support the doctor's findings. 

That as much as he wished to deny it, at that time (just as it was in '16 and '17), his knee; his back just could not carry on with the rigours of wrestling. That even if he *could*, the risk was there that it would carry implications greater than the cause he seeks for the wrestling realm. That it could have brought about the end of his own existence. 

A soft sigh floats into the air, as the pair reach the beaches carpark, slightly glancing around; noticing that at least fifteen of the twenty-two cars that had been parked here merely an hour ago, have left. Whether that be to return to their respective hotels, or to their houses for the night. 

Smirking, the two head towards the golden 2009 model Mazda that Bianca hired for this trip; Bianca extracts the keys from the hip of her tights, before draping her towel atop the roof; opening the driver side door. Just as Scotty does on the passenger's side. The two, preparing to drive off ---.
---

Ah Caspian. It was quite funny hearing your little words - your supposed belief that I have 'lost my edge'; that I am no longer the 'flavour of the month', when you cannot even comprehend even the most simplistic of mind game. The very first step, of psychological warfare. 

"Never assume you have won, until all the cards have been laid atop the table,". Something you *probably* should have realised, yet allowed your own wool to suffocate you. To entice you, into buying in to the belief you were the one *winning*. That you had the edge in this triangular war.

Did it not strike you, that maybe this was the way I designed it?

That all you were doing, was leading yourself into the maze that was constructed? The prison, that has entrapped you? You see, you brought up last month as if it matters to me now - but if it's what you want, then thank you. 

Thank you for ensuring your own rest.

You see, the best scenario for you, was one where *Monolith* walked out with the belt. Where although he is a machine, you would have at least had a chance of getting within the scope of his mind. Keeping me as champion, has only served to play your hand for you. Has only served to show that you know I was *right*. 

It burns at you, that I don't need to throw around my money. That I don't need to cry about an apparent 'conspiracy' to cover my flaws. And it burns at you, that I can be at 75%; still be one of the most sublime talents to ever set foot within the ring. Come Sunday, you'll get your wish. You'll get me at 100%, but is it what you *truly* want? Is it what you *honestly* crave? 

Every act this month, has gone just as I devised it to.

And on Sunday, you will realise that, when you look right into the eyes of Terminus. 

It's upon you.

Just like it shall for Monolith, it shall be what brings about *your* demise.

See you then.