The scene opens in a dark room. It looks like an interrogation room youd see on television, down to the dangling light illuminating only a table and two chairs. Sat on one side is a bald, heavily muscled gentleman wearing a tight white shirt, on the other is The Elite Steven Holmes; he is on the hunt for a new bodyguard. Holmes is dressed in a suit and has his tag team championship nestling on his lap. His hands are clasped together and he has an intense look on his face as we listen in mid conversation.
Muscle Man: So like I said, I think you should hire me. I can not only protect you but also come up with a really cool work-out programme. You could stand to add some muscle bulk.
Holmes looks at the man with a disturbed look on his face as he analyses the obviously unnaturally large muscles and bulging veins. Holmes feels a cold shiver up his spine, as if imagining how he would look with his head on that body. He quickly regains his composure before standing up.
Holmes: Yes well, I think were done here. Ill let you know.
The muscled up man stands up and offers to shake Holmes hand who hesitates before cautiously shaking it. The man then slides a file from his side of the table to Holmes.
Muscle Man: Dont forget to read it.
Holmes picks it up.
Holmes: Of course not.
The man exits and shuts the door. Almost as soon as he hears the door click, he tosses the file in the out of shot trash can. Holmes readjusts himself, fixing his tie and hair.
Holmes: (Calling) NEXT!
There is a pause before the door slowly begins to open and a figure dressed in black slowly enters. Due to the poor light, Holmes cant quite make him out.
Holmes: Welcome.
Holmes extends his hand to give a welcoming handshake. There is a brief pause before the man steps into the light, Holmes is surprised by the gentlemans appearance. He is significantly different looking to most of the cast of characters who have entered before, either being roided up hot heads or professional bodyguards. This man is dressed all in black with only his dark brown trench coat being slightly different. He has a moustache and is wearing a bolero hat, also black. He appears to be chewing also. His age is also significantly different. His hair is jet black, with a hint of grey, suggesting his mid 40s. Most startling however are his cold, remorseless eyes which stare directly at Holmes own eyes. Holmes begins to sweat slightly before a smirk breaks across this mans face and he accepts the handshake. Holmes breaks it off and turns around quickly to wipe his brow of sweat before turning back to greet his latest interviewee.
Holmes: Please sit down.
The man looks at the seat before sitting, leaning back in his chair, crossing his legs. There is a pause for a moment as Holmes waits expecting this latest interviewee to burst into speech about why he should be chosen. Instead, there is silence. Holmes expression changes to one of confusion. Noticing this, the gentlemans grin rows wider as his eyes get narrower. He licks his lips before leaning forward.
Gentleman: I suppose youre wondering why Im not firing out point after point on why you should pick me?
Holmes: The thought had crossed my mind.
Gentleman: Well, heres why Im not; because I know that you need me.
Holmes is taken aback for a few moments before bursting into laughter.
Holmes: Thats very funny; you have a good sense of humour.
The gentlemans grin has disappeared. Holmes abruptly stops laughing when he notices this.
Holmes: Youre serious, arent you?
Gentleman: Very serious. You wouldnt happen to have a bin would you?
Holmes: Why yes.
Holmes holds it up for the gentleman to see. The gentleman then spits into the bin. His spit is thick and black. Holmes is disgusted and drops the bin, luckily it lands the right way up.
Holmes: What was that?
Gentleman: Chewing tobacco. A disgusting habit yes, but better than actually smoking.
Holmes regains his composure.
Holmes: Very well, shall we return to the matter at hand.
Gentleman: Yes, sorry. I see a lot of muscled up idiots come here today. Fitness obsessed fools who think that by bulking up that theyll look intimidating, and impress ladies & employers. The fact is theyre wrong.
What intimidates, and what impresses is the eyes. You looked deep into my eyes and I saw you were scared. Youd never admit that, but I know you were. I could see the sweat on your brow. Thats why Im known as La Oscuridad Observó a Diablo; The Dark Eyed Devil.
Holmes is impressed but his outward appearance does not reflect this.
Gentleman: I also know that you need personal guidance. You look to your partner for this, but he thinks youre mad for following your heart, and these fools queuing out the door will do nothing but add to your problems. I on the other hand am a man of the world, someone whos been around for many years.
For years, Ive travelled this great land, Ive come across good fortune and bad fortune, and Ive always wanted to acquire more knowledge. However, theres little more for me to learn, and I can only learn now from teaching others, and you Mr. Holmes shall be my first student.
Holmes leans forward.
Holmes: No man is my teacher, I am my own man. I am someone who knows everything there is to about ones self.
Gentleman: And yet you seek guidance?
Holmes is silent and embarrassed.
Gentleman: Its so apparent from the look on your face that you are in uncharted territory. Im aware of the incident between yourself & Big Dave. You were easily manipulated. That shall change as soon as you hire me.
Holmes rubs his chin and weighs the offer up.
Holmes: What about the safety of myself and my love?
Gentleman: I guarantee you safety. You see, people look into my eyes, they experience fear, and they withdraw any hope. That is something that will happen often with me as your bodyguard. I may seem like just a mere vagabond, but I have so much to offer you and you have much to gain. On top of that, Ill guard you with my life.
Holmes hesitates.
Gentleman: Dont hesitate. Its that same hesitation that cost you your match at Ascension. You had Everest right where you wanted him, and yet you failed to capitalise on the situation and you lost. Sure there was a distraction in Brothers in Arms, but thats merely an excuse for you to use. You know, deep down that your loss was your fault and yours alone. This is something that will happen to you time & time again, starting with Meltdown.
Holmes: No it wont. At Meltdown, I will avenge my previous losses by defeating Jordan Lights. I will beat him both in the ring and mentally and I will use him to send a message to both Brothers in Arms & The Motor City Psychos. Ive been in that ring with Lights before, and I defeated him.
Gentleman: Yes, but the roles were reversed then. Lights was distracted while you had a single focus. That has changed and along with it your focus has splintered. You lack the focus you once had. With my guidance, you will repeat your previous success against Jordan Lights and you will defeat him.
Holmes ponders the offer.
Gentleman: You know, deep down, that its true. Accept it and allow me to guide you.
Holmes: Very well, its a done deal.
He extends his hand and the men shake hands.
Holmes: By the way, what is your name?
The gentleman laughs.
Gentleman: I never did tell you. Its Ojos Sandaza.
