Eve Taylor grew impatient. She had been waiting at the agreed upon location for her tag team partner. Eve knew that Yemrez Reqonic would be eager to meet up and discuss strategy for the upcoming match on Ascension. As much as Eve Taylor understood, from hearing through the grapevine, Yemrez... Reqonic... loved the idea of sharing the ring with the Fabulous One. She saw Eve Taylor as a person who wished to test herself against or even someone she could see as a future tag team partner. Eve was flattered by this idea that someone wanted to be a partner of hers. She felt it to be a rarity, considering how Eve was still on the path of turning everyone's heads around from the whole "Eve is a choker" just moniker. Having someone like... uh... her around would do well for Eve's sanity. Plus, Eve really needed to start communicating with her tag team partners more often. She had been apart of many tag matches recently and she thought it best to begin creating bonds. She can't be the lone wolf forever. So, she would start with someone as excited as Y̴̡̒ē̷̺͓̜̳̔͠m̶̢̱͕̩̑̑̓r̴̦̯̔̈́̄͠e̷̛͕̯̟͐̇̽ź̸̝͉͒̚ ̶̖̾́͆̌R̶͇̹̲͖̐͛̚͜ę̵̤̉́̑̋̇q̷̫̗̥͔̈́̆̔͘o̵̪̯̲̝̦̅͑n̷̢͐̄̆͛i̵͙͆̉̈́͗c̵͙̊̕ and go from there... and whilst they were talking strategy, they could have some fun too!
Eve had a big day planned out with Y-mre- Req--ic! They would begin with a warm-up run from the station, head over to the GYM, do a work-out, go out and have some brunch, shower and get changed, then head out to the shopping mall for a little bit before ending the day with a nice caramel latte. After going through all that as well as discussions about their match, Eve felt it best to reward herself. She was sure Remzey would not mind... Yemmi would not mind? Um... yeah, that was indeed the plan. Maybe, just maybe, to end the night, she might go to a nightclub of some description. She knew Stacey Madison was going and she wanted to catch up with her there. It all depended on how tired Eve was after this meeting today. It is a good thing Eve was woken by her alarm at a time that would delete nightclubbing from the schedule. She wondered if ________ _________ ever went out to nightclubs? Did Olympic gold medallists do that sort of thing? Eve did it when she was a supermodel and that was considered Olympic-tier status in the fashion industry. Surely it'd be the same for... &#(@@^ )$^##)(
Eve's thought was interrupted as the train pulled up at the station. She looked down at her running shoes and made sure they were properly fastened. She did not want to fall over again! Once she was finished, she stood up and waited for the doors to open. She had a big smile on her face as she watched the people pour out until finally, her partner emerged from the carriage. Eve walked up to her and greeted her.
"Hey!"
"&$^ #&#@( _____^#(#"!!"
"I'm sorry, what?"
"@$!#@%!"
"I don't understand. What are you saying?"
Eve's head began to hurt. Something was overcoming her. She had no idea what it was but it felt like the worst migraine she had ever experienced. Eve instinctively placed her hand on her forehead as she tried to stay vertical. She had a lot of difficulty standing up. She attempted to lean on her partner for support but as she looked up, she did not see her partner. In fact, she saw a blurry mess. She reached out and tried to grab her but there was nothing. Eve fell into the nothingness. She hit the ground.
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Searching for yemrezreqonic.char.
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yemrezreqonic.char file is no longer working.
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Story.txt file corrupted.
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Unable to repair file. Did you wish to reboot [y/n]?
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"Y"
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Restarting RP.
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Eve woke up. She found herself in the back of a car laying across the backseat. She wiped away the sleep from the eyes and slowly rose into a seated position. She noticed that they were moving still. She looked around out the window to discern if she could recognise the area she was in but there wasn't anything that was familiar. Before she could fully wake up, Selena Anderson popped up in her vision. She had come very close to her face with a big ol' smile.
"Hey Evie!"
Eve was startled by this and almost jumped out of her seat. She was definitely awake now as Selena, in the passenger seat, began laughing along with Stacey Madison, who was driving the vehicle. Eve, slightly annoyed at this, let her head relax on the backseat looking up to the car roof. In spite of this, Selena was still in her face as best as she could from the front seat and offered up a coffee.
"You look like you might need some of this. We grabbed you one a few minutes ago. We thought you'd wake up when we were in the drive-thru but... well, it's no irish coffee but it'll hit the spot."
Eve looked directly at Selena before taking the coffee, mumbling a thank you to her. She took a sip. It was a nice vanilla latte. It was something Eve drank to reward herself when she felt accomplished or to lift her spirits when she was down. This definitely was hitting the spot.
"Where are we?"
"Wow, you serious? This is Honolulu. We're here for the upcoming shows. You must've been jetlagged something chronic. Are you okay?"
Eve attempted to recall what happened previously but nothing was coming to mind.
"I believe so. Sorry, I just couldn't sleep much."
"Don't worry, me too. As soon as we check into our hotel, wherever the bloody hell that is, I'm going straight to sleep. Only for a few hours, though. I want to hit up some of the night life here."
"Yeah, samesies! I lobbied for a pub but I haven't hit up a club in ages. Not because I hate the music but the alcohol is so expensive. So when we check in, I'm going to the local store, pick up some liquor and get some pre-drinks before we head out. Should be fun! You in, Eve?"
"Sure, why not? I could use with a little break. I might join the both of you in those activities. I need some sleep AND some alcohol. Where we going?"
"Some place called the Doki Doki Nightclub. Seems to have a rapid growing fan-base. People are giving it raving reviews. Free entry, too! Some of the other people on the WZCW payroll are heading there to check it out. I can't wait! I've got a new outfit to wear for tonight."
"Hope you like changing in the car. My phone GPS is not co-operating and I cannot find this damned hotel. I had to ask Bob for directions whilst you were asleep. I honestly have no idea what he attempted to describe to me. Last time I ask him for any help."
Eve continued to drink the coffee. It soothed her throat and pierced her soul. Whatever headache or sleepiness or annoyance she had previously was no longer present. She was awake and relaxed.
"Speaking of breaks, I cannot believe you have to go up against Logan McAllister once again this week! After everything the two of you put each other through at Unscripted, you somehow have to face him again. I'd understand if it were a Last Man Standing or I quit match but regular rules? What's with that?"
"McAllister isn't the only opponent she is facing, you know."
"I know, Miss Investigative Journalist. I'm just saying why McAllister again?"
Eve took another gulp of her coffee before responding.
"Maybe McAllister feels like he still has something to prove against me? Perhaps he really doesn't fancy the idea of losing to a choker multiple times. Or he possibly had no hand in the decision of making the match and this new WZCW management shake-up felt it was best to revisit an old feud as we head into the Lethal Lottery, a time when everything gets shaken up before heading into Kingdom Come. Anybody could win the Lottery and that screws up so many potential plans and dream matches. Might as well stick with what we've got before it gets thrown out the window by the Lottery winner, y'know?"
"Are you suggesting that you'll be winning the Lottery?"
Eve chuckles. "I've grown since the last Lottery. I'm not saying I will win the Lottery this time. I was over-confident last time in saying that and it cost me. I'm just keeping an open mind. Maybe I do win it this year and regain the redemption I so seek. Logan McAllister could surprise us all and win it... or anybody else on the roster. I do not know who will win; it is anybody's game! I have to accept the reality that I will most likely not win. Statistically, it is not in my favour. Why bank on such a victory occurring?"
"That's a good mindset to have but what's that got to do with facing Logan McAllister again?"
"Not much, although I hope he realises the same reality could occur for him. It's the exact same situation for him. He is not guaranteed to win just as it is not a guarantee he will beat me this week. For that man to have any chance of guaranteeing victory, he needs a bloody attitude change. Whatever he has done for the past few months every time we have met inside the ring - and outside the ring - has not helped him at all. His manager, his attitude and his fighting from the shadows is simply not working. Yet, that is all he has right now. He's got his manager and the honeyed words whispered into his ear that suggest the pastures will be greener on the other side if he continues down this path. As long as I stand here, I'm a roadblock for Logan McAllister to get to the other side. If he wants there, I'll let him pass but he's got to prove to me that he is not the same person I faced the last few times. He needs to change and until he does, Logan McAllister is going to have a very difficult time with me in the ring. The halted momentum, constant losses and mental psyche of that man will just keep railroading him. It is a shame, too. I once saw potential in Logan as a good wrestler but all he has amounted to is a record-holding Elite champion... for the shortest reign in history."
"Maybe that's why they keep pairing the two of you together. Shortest reigning Elite champion versus the longest reigning Elite champion. It's got a cool hook to it."
"Yeah, I guess."
Eve did not really think of it that way. Sure, there is something to promote the matches on the business end but Eve knew it was mostly on the side of Logan attempting to showcase himself as a worthy competitor. He felt Eve was not deserving of her position. It was something Eve thought he still felt. Despite the various wins against Logan, she would still remain on her game. It was Lottery season after all; she needs to do well. That and her other opponent was going to be tough challenge.
"However, I think the better hook would be myself taking on Justin Cooper. The man nobody suspected to be World champion against the woman everybody expected to be World champion. The person who took the Lethal Lottery victory when it was predicted by everyone and their mothers that I would win it. The competitor who capitalised on my failures and became the centrepiece fixture of the entire company. The main event."
Eve took a moment to let that thought sink in. She took another sip of her coffee.
"Now I know how Logan McAllister feels about me; I feel the same way towards Justin Cooper. I'd love any chance I can get to prove my worth against him. I know he isn't World champion any more but I still value a victory over him just as much. I have a lot of respect for him."
"Wait, really? You do realise what that man did to WZCW and to Mikey Stormrage, right? The two things you love?"
"Loved."
"What?"
"One of those things I loved. I did love Mikey Stormrage. I loved him so much that I let him go so he could focus on his match against Justin Cooper at Kingdom Come for the title. I could not get in his way."
"That was a long time ago, Eve."
"I know. I know... but when Mikey lost, he initially did not make any contact with me. I gave him space and waited for him to come to me. He did not come to me. I tried to contact him but I did not get much. That's when I knew my love for Mikey became past-tense."
Selena & Stacey did not have a real answer to give. The three remained in silence for a moment as Eve finished the rest of her coffee. Eve felt seemingly unfazed by the conversation, though.
"This is the first time I have admitted it but this is how I have felt for a while. As much as I would love Mikey to be in my arms once more, I know from past experiences that I can't hang onto possibilities. I can't force Mikey to come back if he does not want to so I won't and I shall move on. The same thing happened with Aubrey. I loved her, too... but just like Mikey, she did not want me so I kept going. I can't keep holding onto the past. Which is why I am looking at this upcoming Lottery with a different perspective and why I am looking at Justin Cooper as a challenge to test my skills rather than a personal vendetta to gain my revenge for the horribly year Cooper put me through with just one single victory I thought I deserved. Just because Cooper won the Lottery that I believed I should've won does not mean I have the right to call him out, suggest that he was a con artist and how I deserve his spot. I will not shoot on him with a Logan promo. In fact, I'd rather sing his praises.
"Cooper was midcard guy who floundered for many years, coming in and out of WZCW. A title win here. A big match victory here. Never much consistency until he started teaming with Mark Keaton. Quite remarkable how that sparked the fire in Cooper. I never saw him winning the Lottery but somehow, he managed to do it. He won the Lottery, made the Kingdom Come main event and won the title. He did it. He also became the leader of Vis Imperium that dramatically shifted the company for a while. He kicked the trash out and brought in his own crew... and despite their morally questionable decisions, at least Vis Imperium brought in young and fresh talent. Cooper was refreshing to the World title scene. Mark Keaton is a great wrestler. Xander LeBelle was amazing, too. Something new was great. I appreciated that. I did not appreciate men like Tyrone Blades, Titus Avison & Constantine claiming to be the people who represent WZCW. Sure, they probably fought on the righteous side of history but bloody hell, they're old news. Legends with storied careers. They've had their time in the spotlight. I'd much rather Justin Cooper than any of them."
"You respect him for how accomplished he is as a wrestler?"
"Right. Whatever his morals or motives are, I don't care. What he did for the past year was impressive. If I want to be a World champion like Justin Cooper, I have to set aside morals and motives. When you are at the top, everybody is after you and will come at you from all different angles. You have to be prepared to fight back and flank them. Cooper surprised many people with how horrible he can be; there was no line Cooper wouldn't cross to get into the head of his opponents. I think that's amazing. This is the sort of information I will carry heading into our match and I'll look to surprise him, too. As of right now, Cooper really doesn't care for me or Logan for that matter. All he wants is the World champion and someone like me, a choker, is not going to disturb his plans. This is the perfect time to surprise Cooper with a Cooper-style surprise. Whilst he is distracted elsewhere, I'll smack him so hard in the fact that he will have no choice but to pay attention to me; to focus all his efforts in defeating me."
"I don't know how you'll fair in this match, though. You have a tag team partner and might not be on the same wavelength."
"I thought I was in a triple threat?"
"I heard it was a handicap match."
"Either way, doesn't matter what match eventually happens. Doesn't matter who shows up for the contest. Justin Cooper will be on the opposite corner to me and he will be my opponent. This is the same for Logan McAllister. As far as I am concerned, this is Eve Taylor against everybody... much like the upcoming Lethal Lottery match. It'll be great practice to go fight against someone who hates my guts to do anything to eliminate me and someone who was at the pinnacle of the company for a long time in the same match at the same time. So, I'll walk into Ascension prepared for anything and ready for a fight. I'll put me fists up, strike hard and keep on swinging. If I go down, I'll go down swinging and I'll get up again ready for more because there is no damn way I am quitting. I've felt the pain of one loss before. I've felt the pain of many losses. What's adding one more to the list? There will always be another opportunity to prove myself in the future. Winning this match is merely a bonus for me... but just because it's a bonus doesn't mean I won't be shooting for it. Don't mistake me: I am going for the victory. I want that momentum heading into the Lottery. I still want the World championship and this match is but another stepping stone."
"Well, that's good, Eve. I'm glad you're okay!"
"Oh c'mon, Selena. You never have to worry about me. It's you who we should worry about!"
"Me? What did I do?"
"It's not what you did. It's what you could do. We just had a massive flight with delays upon sleepless delays... and instead of sleeping, you want to consume massive amounts of depressants that'll make you drowsy and then party for hours into the night."
"When you put it like that, you make it sound bad. It's almost like you're depicting me as a alcoholic party girl."
"But you are, Selena. You have a problem."
"We are here for you, girl."
"Get lost, you two. There is nothing wrong with my consumption of alcohol. There is just something wrong with the two of you not being able to drink as much. You guys should do better."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Yes it is, Evie... and just like last year's Lethal Lottery, you won't win."
"Oh it is on!"
And with that, the girls were excited to go out and have some fun in Honolulu before the shows. Eve would enjoy the company of her friends before setting out on a big match for Ascension. It was going to be a crazy match, she felt... and for some reason, she felt something was missing. She could not shake the feeling something about this match was not right but an opportunity to defeat the most recent World champion and gain some steam for the Lottery was too good to pass up. She wasn't going to quit. She was going to press on. Win or lose.