AF29: Demon Foreigners vs. Grizzly Bob & Haven
- Thread starter Kermit
- Start date
- Status
Richard Blonoff
Make America Rassle Again
Deadline has been extended 24 hours via a request from Haven.
January 4th 2013
Birth of the Shadow Warrior
Birth of the Shadow Warrior
The scene opens with fast paced wrestling action inside the gigantic Tokyo Dome. Six man tag team action with Antonio Mera, his brother Atsushi and Antonio's protege Kotetsu Kido. Their opponents are the masked Mega Destructor's I, II and III.
Mega Destructor II is in control of Atsushi Mera dropping him vicious looking savat kick.. Antonio Mera is trying to pump up the crowd from the apron, Mega Destructor II drags Atsushi to his tries to hook him up for a suplex, but Atsushi swivels in mid air and lands on his feet. Mega Destructor II goes to club Atsushi but he ducks spinning back round with a discus lariat... This evokes a huge roar from the Tokyo Dome faithful as a chant of AT-SUSHI... AT-SUSHI starts ringing out.
Both competitors start crawling to their corners, the crowd getting even more amped up as Atsushi makes the tag to his brother Antonio. Mega Destructor II makes the tag to Mega Destructor I, as Antonio springs boards from the top rope taking Mega Destructor I down with a missile dropkick. Mega Destructor III comes in the ring but is put down with a vicious lariat and rolls to the outside. Mega Destructor I returns to his feet and is met with a buzzsaw kick from Antonio. Mega Destructor II re-enters the fray but is sent back outside with a dropkick.
Mega Destructor I once again comes back for more driving Antonio into Antonio's corner. Kotetsu Kido manages to slap Antonio's back for the tag blindsiding Mega Destructor I and dropping him with a DDT. Kido quickly follows up dragging Mega Destructor I to his feet and nail him with a Cradle Piledriver.... 1....2....3
The ring announcer calls the result of the match in Japanese, as Atsushi Mera and Kotetsu Kido celebrate the victory, Antonio Mera takes the microphone from the ring announcer.
何、勝利、また、このマッチに照らして、私は新しいタッグチーム・パートナーを発表したい。
(What a win and in light of this match I would like to announce my new tag team partner)
KIDO KOTETSU!!!!
(What a win and in light of this match I would like to announce my new tag team partner)
KIDO KOTETSU!!!!
The eyes of Atsushi Mera light up staring at his brother in complete disbelief. Atsushi begins shouting at his older brother. Kido tries to get between the two brothers, Atsushi snaps though and knocks Antonio down with a lariat. Kido grabs hold of Atsushi trying to restrain him but is taken down with a Inverted Powerslam. Atsushi notices his brother stirring Atsushi charges at Antonio BUSAIKU KNEE KICK!!!!
**SCENE FADES TO BLACK**
Jigokumon ~ Gates of Hell
A shaky handheld camera in a grainy grey shot shows the face in full focus of Atsushi Kiriyama. There is a howling wind and a rumble of thunder as flecks of rain spatter the lens of the camera. The sounds of nocturnal animals are rife, Kiriyama seems unaffected by his surroundings.
So I've landed in America, the capital of western civilization. I've answered the call of WZCW, walking into the gates of hell with the fire licking at my heels.
Between the idea of walking into the unknown, and the reality of embracing the fear that encapsulates. Between the motion of cowering in the darkness. And the act of banishing the fear and walking into the light.
Falls the Shadow Warrior
Between the desire to succeed, and the spasm of failure. Between the potency of the ecstasy that success brings, and the existence of the possibility of failure.Between the essence of light, and the descent into darkness.
Falls the Shadow Warrior
I walk into the gates of hell with a man that I have no compassion for. I have two competitors across the ring that I have no regard for. Grizzly Bob and Haven you may see this as a walkover, myself and perhaps even the dissident Russian, we have seen your flaws and foibles. I have seen everything you can possibly throw at me. What is there to fear?
When I walk to the ring to the panpipes of Zamfir, from the dark to the light The Shadow Warrior comes for you. When you face the unknown foreign demon, what can you summon up from the depths of your being? To conquer the fear any rational man would have, of what stand to face you 20 feet across the ring.
*********
Between the idea of walking into the unknown, and the reality of embracing the fear that encapsulates. Between the motion of cowering in the darkness. And the act of banishing the fear and walking into the light.
Falls the Shadow Warrior
Between the desire to succeed, and the spasm of failure. Between the potency of the ecstasy that success brings, and the existence of the possibility of failure.Between the essence of light, and the descent into darkness.
Falls the Shadow Warrior
I walk into the gates of hell with a man that I have no compassion for. I have two competitors across the ring that I have no regard for. Grizzly Bob and Haven you may see this as a walkover, myself and perhaps even the dissident Russian, we have seen your flaws and foibles. I have seen everything you can possibly throw at me. What is there to fear?
When I walk to the ring to the panpipes of Zamfir, from the dark to the light The Shadow Warrior comes for you. When you face the unknown foreign demon, what can you summon up from the depths of your being? To conquer the fear any rational man would have, of what stand to face you 20 feet across the ring.
*********
The scene suddenly cuts to a plain white wall in the shot, in the centre of which hangs a picture frame that houses a proverb in bold black writing.
When a character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
I've signed the contract given my consent. I want the spotlight for myself not to share it with anyone else, especially not some Russian dissident. A dissident with a limited understanding of Dostoyevsky, despite seeming to peddle his philsophies. What you don't seem to understand LeQuint is I don't want any allies, I don't need any friends. They breed weakness and I have no time to carry the load of some misanthropic faux dissident, who is probably too worried about the keeping the Kuril Islands.
I've signed the contract given my consent. I want the spotlight for myself not to share it with anyone else, especially not some Russian dissident. A dissident with a limited understanding of Dostoyevsky, despite seeming to peddle his philsophies. What you don't seem to understand LeQuint is I don't want any allies, I don't need any friends. They breed weakness and I have no time to carry the load of some misanthropic faux dissident, who is probably too worried about the keeping the Kuril Islands.
The voice of the man is a vehement roar, with no break in his tone of speech. There is a noise indicating a shuffling movement behind the camera, the camera swings round and catches sight of a man, clad in a black leather jacket and stone wash jeans. From this angle nothing else is noticeable about the man's appearance.
The man is rifling through a mess of documents on a large oak table, which seems to have seen better days. The varnish is tarnished and faded, while the wood is scratched and chunks of exposing unvarnished wood. The table is next to a window looking out on an overgrown exterior. Two white lace curtains billow gracefully, from a breeze passing through the cracked panes of a casement window.
The man lets out an audible 'ah-ha' as he grasps a piece of paper, turning to face the camera showing himself to be LeQuint Brown, the executive consultant of Atsushi Kiriyama. LeQuint's eyes are trained on something outside the camera's field of vision, his demeanour confident as he walks out of the camera shot, slowly the camera pans back revealing Atsushi Kiriyama. Kiriyama takes the document from LeQuint taking a cursory glance at the information it holds.
This is the contract you signed Atsushi look at the figures! Did you see half that much carrying your brothers bags? Cuba is an means to an end for you, you want success? You want that spotlight shining on you? This is the way to prove yourself to these people, they don't see your families legacy, they don't see you as the brother of Antonio Mera. This is a clean slate for you to write your own legacy.
Kiriyama lifts his gaze from the piece of paper he holds in his hand, shooting a scathing look at LeQuint for the reference to his superstar brother Antonio.
Atsushi you have the wrestling skill...
Don't talk to me about my wrestling skill LeQuint. Meeting you has not made me a better wrestler, it just made me more appealing to those mesmerized by your eloquent tongue. Don't forget your purpose LeQuint, you are for one reason and one reason only. That is to put me in the position so that I can win your precious money with my wrestling skill!
In that case Atsushi, Cuba is the quickest way I can offer to use your wrestling skill. Not to mention I shall of course spend the money you win for me very wisely.
I'm not just winning you money though, am I Lequint? You have obviously struck a deal with Cuba, and when we walk through that curtain it is like walking into a hell itself. A visceral cauldron THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT! Thousands of people baying for blood. This isn't fun and games, this is blood and war.
The simple truth is I don't need or want anybody to watch my back. Because if Cuba is with me, what happens when it's not in Cuba's best interest to stand beside me? I would quite happily drop him with the Black Saviour before shaking his hand.
You might be right Atsushi, I just had a vision of untold carnage. Bring violence and destruction to an organisation that is expecting comic book characters or ethnic steretypes. I want to put the world on edge, it doesn't matter if you care for Cuba, it doesn't matter if Cuba might one day stab you in the back. Because at this very precise moment in time Cuba needs us.
A man in his situation is an ally, it makes him dangerous to anyone put in our way. You know we have the power of the unknown in our corner, which is a very real threat to the philosophy of the west. If we have double that exuding from the very mention of what the Demon Foreigners stand for, it is a death nail in the coffin of whomever steps in the ring with you.
Don't talk to me about my wrestling skill LeQuint. Meeting you has not made me a better wrestler, it just made me more appealing to those mesmerized by your eloquent tongue. Don't forget your purpose LeQuint, you are for one reason and one reason only. That is to put me in the position so that I can win your precious money with my wrestling skill!
In that case Atsushi, Cuba is the quickest way I can offer to use your wrestling skill. Not to mention I shall of course spend the money you win for me very wisely.
I'm not just winning you money though, am I Lequint? You have obviously struck a deal with Cuba, and when we walk through that curtain it is like walking into a hell itself. A visceral cauldron THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT! Thousands of people baying for blood. This isn't fun and games, this is blood and war.
The simple truth is I don't need or want anybody to watch my back. Because if Cuba is with me, what happens when it's not in Cuba's best interest to stand beside me? I would quite happily drop him with the Black Saviour before shaking his hand.
You might be right Atsushi, I just had a vision of untold carnage. Bring violence and destruction to an organisation that is expecting comic book characters or ethnic steretypes. I want to put the world on edge, it doesn't matter if you care for Cuba, it doesn't matter if Cuba might one day stab you in the back. Because at this very precise moment in time Cuba needs us.
A man in his situation is an ally, it makes him dangerous to anyone put in our way. You know we have the power of the unknown in our corner, which is a very real threat to the philosophy of the west. If we have double that exuding from the very mention of what the Demon Foreigners stand for, it is a death nail in the coffin of whomever steps in the ring with you.
Kiriyama sweeps his hand through his mangle of hair away from his eyes, the scar by the corner of his right glinting in the sunlight that from nowhere bursts through the window. The look on his face seems warped with ecstasy from the mention of LeQuint's vision. Kiriyama grabs LeQuint by the back of the head drawing his face nose to nose, then in whisper barely audible but eerily sadistic in a breathless tone.
If this leads to me standing alone in the middle of a WZCW ring, in the spotlight that I deserve. I will carry the dissident Russian for the time being. Believe me though LeQuint, if this backfires you will pay just as dearly in any revenge that I may have to exact.
A broad smile crosses the face of Lequint as Kiriyama releases him from his grasp.
**Scene Fades To Black!**
The Japanese General Nabunaga decided to attack even though he had only one soldier to the enemys ten.
He was sure he would win, but his soldiers were full of fear.
On the way to battle they stopped at a Shinto shrine.
After praying in the shrine Nabunaga came out and said,
I shall now toss a coin. If it is heads, we shall win. If tails, we shall lose. Destiny will now reveal herself.
He tossed the coin.
It was heads.
The soldiers were so keyed up for the fight that they wiped out the enemy.
The next day an aide said to Nabunaga,
No one can change destiny.
Right, said Nabunaga, showing him a doubled coin that was heads on both sides.
Who makes Destiny?
He was sure he would win, but his soldiers were full of fear.
On the way to battle they stopped at a Shinto shrine.
After praying in the shrine Nabunaga came out and said,
I shall now toss a coin. If it is heads, we shall win. If tails, we shall lose. Destiny will now reveal herself.
He tossed the coin.
It was heads.
The soldiers were so keyed up for the fight that they wiped out the enemy.
The next day an aide said to Nabunaga,
No one can change destiny.
Right, said Nabunaga, showing him a doubled coin that was heads on both sides.
Who makes Destiny?
**********
Raleigh, North Carolina
Is he a patriotic man?
What?
What?
We fade in from black to see Aleksandr Cuba sitting in the corner of a room reading. The room is big, barren and lacking any furniture. Instead, dozens and dozens of books of all various sizes lie scattered across the wooden flooring. Some are piled up high in stacks, other strewn with little care for their well-being. Aleksandr himself is perched on top of a small pile of about seven books.
To the left of the room a figure looms in the doorway, just out of sight of the scene. Aleksandrs eyes are transfixed upon the book as he continues.
To the left of the room a figure looms in the doorway, just out of sight of the scene. Aleksandrs eyes are transfixed upon the book as he continues.
Your business partner, or client or whatever, is he patriotic? Does he have a profound love for his country? I mean the Japanese are a fairly patriotic people right?
I dont see how this matters.
Well last year in a survey, 72% of Japanese people said they view Russia unfavourably, making Japan the most anti-Russian nation in the world. So I ask you again, how patriotic is Atsushi? Is his overbearing sense of nationalistic pride going to kick in at some point and I end up all the worse for it?
Look, youve signed the contract, I even gave you time to do the due diligence you requested. I merely came here to let you know we were good for Aftershock. I dont have time for your insecurities.
Well last year in a survey, 72% of Japanese people said they view Russia unfavourably, making Japan the most anti-Russian nation in the world. So I ask you again, how patriotic is Atsushi? Is his overbearing sense of nationalistic pride going to kick in at some point and I end up all the worse for it?
Look, youve signed the contract, I even gave you time to do the due diligence you requested. I merely came here to let you know we were good for Aftershock. I dont have time for your insecurities.
Aleksandr stops reading and looks at the person in the doorway with a look of bewilderment on his face.
Whilst I fully appreciate you dropping by unannounced to let me know something Id already seen in my e-mails, I just want you to answer the question. Then youre free to go waste some other poor sods time.
The figure in the doorway lets out an audible sigh. They are seemingly becoming irritated by the conversation in flow. Their tone does little to convince otherwise
I can think of a dozen reasons why hed drop you to the mat ahead of your nationality. Plus youre about as Russian as vodka. I hardly feel Russo-Japanese relations is something that weighs too heavy on your mind.
A big smile emerges on Aleksandrs face as the person continues.
Like you, Atsushi is man of great intelligence. Hes fully aware that you bear no love towards your home country. He knows youve not been back there since you were three years old. He sees the hammer and sickle on your shorts and understands the charade behind it. You do him and me a great disservice by wasting OUR time posing questions you already know the answer to.
A hushed silence takes over for a few seconds; Aleksandr seemingly running what he just heard over in his head. Aleksandr closes the book in his hands and places it down beside him. He glares at the figure across the room.
Im fully aware of Atsushis credentials, just as Im fully aware that he hates this little arrangement just as much as I. But whilst I imagine hes been spouting quasi-philosophical BS about being a lone wolf, and kicking up a fuss about not seeing the need for us teaming, I get it.
People are afraid of change, they dont like the new and that especially counts for wrestlers. Everyone of those guys and girls in the locker room will try to put us down, hold us back, tell us were not worthy of their prestigious company.
Individually we may succumb, but together, well be unstoppable.
Im an impatient man; I wont jump through their hoops and play nice.
This company deserves a better class of tag team, and were going to give it to them.
But please dont for one second take me for a fool. I signed your contract knowing full well what I was getting into. Youre using him just as much as Im using the both of you. Hes right not to trust me, the longer he keeps his guard up, the more we will succeed.
But you tell him from me, if he ever decides that this little partnership isnt for him anymore, if the thought of turning on me ever stirs up in that broken little mind of his, I will be ready and I will break him into tiny little pieces.
So you go now and tell him that LeQuint.
You got it?
Individually we may succumb, but together, well be unstoppable.
Im an impatient man; I wont jump through their hoops and play nice.
This company deserves a better class of tag team, and were going to give it to them.
But please dont for one second take me for a fool. I signed your contract knowing full well what I was getting into. Youre using him just as much as Im using the both of you. Hes right not to trust me, the longer he keeps his guard up, the more we will succeed.
But you tell him from me, if he ever decides that this little partnership isnt for him anymore, if the thought of turning on me ever stirs up in that broken little mind of his, I will be ready and I will break him into tiny little pieces.
So you go now and tell him that LeQuint.
You got it?
Aleksandr finally breaks his stare as the person in the doorway steps forward into the scene.
Clad in a black leather jacket and stone wash jeans, LeQuint Brown emerges sporting a smirk of his own. He stands over Aleksandr and offers his hand. Aleksandr looks at him with confusion for a few seconds before reluctantly shaking it.
Clad in a black leather jacket and stone wash jeans, LeQuint Brown emerges sporting a smirk of his own. He stands over Aleksandr and offers his hand. Aleksandr looks at him with confusion for a few seconds before reluctantly shaking it.
Ill see you at Aftershock.
********
LATER ON
Ive always like that story about the Japanese General, so simple yet so profound. Destiny is about choice, not chance.
Ive made my choice.
By aligning myself with Atsushi Kiriyama and LeQuint Brown, the Demon Foreigners are born. What happens next is all on me.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Winston Churchill once said in support of British aid to Soviet forces during World War II, if Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons.
Atsushi and I will never be friends, that much is a given, but we will be partners. Through gritted teeth and awkward conversations, we will work together and we will smash through every glass ceiling WZCW puts before us. We are the big bad wolf and not even WZCWs own woodsman Grizzly Bob can stop us.
Poor old Bob is rooted, stuck and stagnating.
Will he be the one to stand before the Demon Foreigners, axe in hand, and cut us open?
How about Haven?
How apt that our first match involves a superhero. Its such an American ideology that by hiding behind something youre not, you can wipe away your mediocrity.
Well the eyes are the windows to the soul and behind Havens mask is a man out of his depth and frozen in fear when standing across the ring from us.
The Demon Foreigners are here and well be blowing down everyone before us.
время уходит
Ive made my choice.
By aligning myself with Atsushi Kiriyama and LeQuint Brown, the Demon Foreigners are born. What happens next is all on me.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Winston Churchill once said in support of British aid to Soviet forces during World War II, if Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons.
Atsushi and I will never be friends, that much is a given, but we will be partners. Through gritted teeth and awkward conversations, we will work together and we will smash through every glass ceiling WZCW puts before us. We are the big bad wolf and not even WZCWs own woodsman Grizzly Bob can stop us.
Poor old Bob is rooted, stuck and stagnating.
Will he be the one to stand before the Demon Foreigners, axe in hand, and cut us open?
How about Haven?
How apt that our first match involves a superhero. Its such an American ideology that by hiding behind something youre not, you can wipe away your mediocrity.
Well the eyes are the windows to the soul and behind Havens mask is a man out of his depth and frozen in fear when standing across the ring from us.
The Demon Foreigners are here and well be blowing down everyone before us.
время уходит
*******
Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. Malvolio (Shakespeare, Twelfth Night Act II, Scene V)
Grizzly Bob eyed the grey lettering on the smooth and glossy plastic.
Sure is an awflly peculiar bumper sticker...
Out of the tiny green (yet tastefully decorated) 63 Volkswagen Beetle stepped an energetic young man with wild emerald hair, even wilder eyes and a face partially covered by a jet black bandanna.
Allow me to introduce myself, my feral friend!
For a moment, Haven cloaked his green costume by swooping his dark cape over himself.
I am...
Much to Grizzlys surprise and amusement, Haven leapt four feet into the air and burst out of his cover-up.
...the one called Haven!
Grizzly extended his arm and Haven eagerly accepted, shaking it vigorously with both hands.
Its a... pleasure to meet you... The... names... Grizzly!
Grizzly had some difficulty in getting the words out, as his arm was being trembled all the way into his shoulder socket. The parking lots gravel crunched under his boot as he took a step backwards. Haven finally let go and the two were officially acquainted.
Did he at least tell you why he wanted to meet with us?
All he told me was hes got sumthin extra special lined up for us.
Haven motioned towards the shadowy back alley.
Shall we?
Lets!
As they made their way past garbage cans, stray cats and the occasional unfettered hobo, a man in an extra long trench-coat and an eye-patch awaited them. He was smoking a cigar with the side of his mouth and the other corner of it formed a smile when he saw his troops.
Mr Myles! What happened to your eye?
Chuck Myles brushed off the comment.
Eye-infection, but itll heal up soon enough.
Myles reached inside his coat and handed the wrestlers each a folder, containing a photo of a little boy, some pages of illegible handwriting and a few unrelated newspaper clippings. The slightly confused duo looked up at Myles.
Gentlemen, as you know, WZCW does not only employ wrestlers the company is proud to associate itself with the Wishful Thinking Foundation, or the WTF. You two know the WTF?
Im not sure of the context...
Haven gave Grizzly a playful punch to the ribs.
Of course we have, silly! When I was in the hospital on my eleventh birthday, Rush visited me as a representative of WZCW and WTF to wish me well. I mean, he throttled one of the orderlies, but I enjoyed it.
What?
Gentlemen, your attention, please! I apologise for the secrecy, but I cannot have anybody jeopardise this assignment. In addition to the visit, WZCW has decided to make a sizable donation to help cover little Joeys medical expenses.
Joey who?
The blonde boy in the folder! Now where was I? Oh yes...
Myles held a manila envelope towards Grizzly.
I can trust you guys. I want you to give this to Joey.
Haven snatches the envelope, earning himself two stern downward looks from Grizzly and Myles. Obliviously, he hid the envelope in one of his costumes many secret pockets.
Good day, gentlemen.
Grizzly and Haven shot each other an intrigued look, but when they returned their gaze, Myles was gone.
Well, lets head on out, pardner!
As long as evil is afoot, we dont have a moment to lose!
Plus I think I stepped in sumthin...
To the Ha-Vehicle!
Haven noticed Grizzly blank stare and offered an explanation.
Its like... Haven and vehicle. Im still trying it out.
Grizzly stroked his bearded chin.
I like it!
They ran back to the parking lot. Grizzly wasnt in a running mood, but Havens enthusiasm was positively contagious. Warily, Grizzly gauged the size of the Beetle.
Tell you what... Ill drive.
With that, the duo left the deserted, dingy and anonymous parking lot behind in search of the hospital.
*
Underneath his green gloves, Havens knuckles were a rosy white as he held onto his seat-belt for dear life. Grizzly, being from the country, took them on an eventful drive through Smogtown up and down the pavement, through one-ways in the wrong direction and narrowly missing a municipal worker emerging from a manhole. They had made it, however.
Looks like we got here in one piece...
Haven was eager to exit the rusty red truck and forget the experience associated with it..
Each moment we waste is a victory for the forces of evil! Up, up, up and away!
That third up?
Trademark reasons...
They got out of the truck and entered the dazzlingly white halls of Smogtown Medical Centre. On his way out, a man in a grey and black pinstripe suit collided with Haven, but kept on walking.
Eh, wiseguy, watch it! Doity rat...
Hey, asshole!
No need for name-calling, friend. Lets focus on the task at hand.
Haven consulted his folder.
According to this, Joey Ross is on the third floor in Ward E.
In true heroic fashion, they set off towards a child in need.
Grizzly Bob eyed the grey lettering on the smooth and glossy plastic.
Sure is an awflly peculiar bumper sticker...
Out of the tiny green (yet tastefully decorated) 63 Volkswagen Beetle stepped an energetic young man with wild emerald hair, even wilder eyes and a face partially covered by a jet black bandanna.
Allow me to introduce myself, my feral friend!
For a moment, Haven cloaked his green costume by swooping his dark cape over himself.
I am...
Much to Grizzlys surprise and amusement, Haven leapt four feet into the air and burst out of his cover-up.
...the one called Haven!
Grizzly extended his arm and Haven eagerly accepted, shaking it vigorously with both hands.
Its a... pleasure to meet you... The... names... Grizzly!
Grizzly had some difficulty in getting the words out, as his arm was being trembled all the way into his shoulder socket. The parking lots gravel crunched under his boot as he took a step backwards. Haven finally let go and the two were officially acquainted.
Did he at least tell you why he wanted to meet with us?
All he told me was hes got sumthin extra special lined up for us.
Haven motioned towards the shadowy back alley.
Shall we?
Lets!
As they made their way past garbage cans, stray cats and the occasional unfettered hobo, a man in an extra long trench-coat and an eye-patch awaited them. He was smoking a cigar with the side of his mouth and the other corner of it formed a smile when he saw his troops.
Mr Myles! What happened to your eye?
Chuck Myles brushed off the comment.
Eye-infection, but itll heal up soon enough.
Myles reached inside his coat and handed the wrestlers each a folder, containing a photo of a little boy, some pages of illegible handwriting and a few unrelated newspaper clippings. The slightly confused duo looked up at Myles.
Gentlemen, as you know, WZCW does not only employ wrestlers the company is proud to associate itself with the Wishful Thinking Foundation, or the WTF. You two know the WTF?
Im not sure of the context...
Haven gave Grizzly a playful punch to the ribs.
Of course we have, silly! When I was in the hospital on my eleventh birthday, Rush visited me as a representative of WZCW and WTF to wish me well. I mean, he throttled one of the orderlies, but I enjoyed it.
What?
Gentlemen, your attention, please! I apologise for the secrecy, but I cannot have anybody jeopardise this assignment. In addition to the visit, WZCW has decided to make a sizable donation to help cover little Joeys medical expenses.
Joey who?
The blonde boy in the folder! Now where was I? Oh yes...
Myles held a manila envelope towards Grizzly.
I can trust you guys. I want you to give this to Joey.
Haven snatches the envelope, earning himself two stern downward looks from Grizzly and Myles. Obliviously, he hid the envelope in one of his costumes many secret pockets.
Good day, gentlemen.
Grizzly and Haven shot each other an intrigued look, but when they returned their gaze, Myles was gone.
Well, lets head on out, pardner!
As long as evil is afoot, we dont have a moment to lose!
Plus I think I stepped in sumthin...
To the Ha-Vehicle!
Haven noticed Grizzly blank stare and offered an explanation.
Its like... Haven and vehicle. Im still trying it out.
Grizzly stroked his bearded chin.
I like it!
They ran back to the parking lot. Grizzly wasnt in a running mood, but Havens enthusiasm was positively contagious. Warily, Grizzly gauged the size of the Beetle.
Tell you what... Ill drive.
With that, the duo left the deserted, dingy and anonymous parking lot behind in search of the hospital.
*
Underneath his green gloves, Havens knuckles were a rosy white as he held onto his seat-belt for dear life. Grizzly, being from the country, took them on an eventful drive through Smogtown up and down the pavement, through one-ways in the wrong direction and narrowly missing a municipal worker emerging from a manhole. They had made it, however.
Looks like we got here in one piece...
Haven was eager to exit the rusty red truck and forget the experience associated with it..
Each moment we waste is a victory for the forces of evil! Up, up, up and away!
That third up?
Trademark reasons...
They got out of the truck and entered the dazzlingly white halls of Smogtown Medical Centre. On his way out, a man in a grey and black pinstripe suit collided with Haven, but kept on walking.
Eh, wiseguy, watch it! Doity rat...
Hey, asshole!
No need for name-calling, friend. Lets focus on the task at hand.
Haven consulted his folder.
According to this, Joey Ross is on the third floor in Ward E.
In true heroic fashion, they set off towards a child in need.
The freckled face of Joey Ross nearly brought a tear to Havens eye. He saw Grizzly run a finger across his eyelid as well.
Damn New York air... bad for my allergies.
The gap between Joeys front teeth enhanced his expression of joy as the two WZCW stars made their way toward his bed.
How are you doing, little man?
Gosh, Mithter! Itth really you!
I am Haven and this is Grizzly Bob.
I know! Im tho happy right now.
Pleased to meet you, son. You must be little Joey.
Grizzly held out his hand, but realised the folly of his action. The little boys body was completely encased in a plaster cast, except for his face. Grizzly retracted his arm. The wrestlers grabbed themselves a chair each and plonked down next to Joey.
So how does a feisty young tyke end up in a cast like this?
I wanted to be like my heroeth on WZCW! A friend of mine had me in a lock-up and I wath about to reverthe it into an inverted corkthcrew 450 DDT, when all of a thudden I hit the playground thand, breaking my armth, legth and ribth. The Doctor thayth Ill be able to walk within a year, tho Im thtaying pothitive, Thir.
The thing you have to remember, young man, is that we on WZCW are trained professional athletes and entertainers. The moves you see in the ring should not be emulated or imitated by you at home, school or anywhere! Got it?
Whatth emulated mean, Haven?
I think Im beginnin to see a fatal flaw in that message...
Joey started to yawn.
Im thorry, thirs. Doctor thays itth the medicine thatth making me tho thleepy.
We completely understand, friend. Before we go, however, we would like to...
Haven freezes, then starts a frantic search of his cape. Grizzly observes his anxiety and pulls him closer. A conversation in harsh whispers took place.
Whats wrong, fella?
The envelope!
Oh crap...
What now?
Stall Joey, I have a plan!
Returning to his rich, normal speaking voice, Haven addressed Joey.
So... Joey...
Grizzly got up from his chair and started to squeeze the drip on Joeys catheter. Before Joey could answer, his eyes fell shut.
That should buy us some time. Have you checked your pockets?
Haven beamed.
All 127 of them! You know what, I think Ive been pickpocketed!
Yeah, I bet it was that pinstriped guy from the lobby!
Out, out and away!
*
Haven and Grizzly had seen The Godfather enough times to know that New York criminals love Italian restaurants. Lo and behold, inside the very first bistro they searched, they found the pinstriped man!
Hey! Motherf-
Haven held a gloved finger to his partners lips.
Maybe I should do the talking, seeing as were ambassadors of goodwill here.
Suit yourself.
Haven turned his attention to the pinstriped man.
Criminal! Fiend of injustice! Wearer of stylish dress shirts! It is I, Haven and my companion, Grizzly Bob! We are going to put an end to your villainy!
Within seconds, the restaurant clears and only the duo and the thief remain. The pinstriped man did a spit-take, resulting in risotto flying everywhere. After that, he started a sarcastic slow-clap.
Well, well... You caught me. Tell me something, though...
The clap stops and his hands disappear underneath the tablecloth.
Whaddaya gonna do, when I pump you fulla holes?
The pinstriped mans eyes glazed over as he jumped to his feet and produced a tommy-gun from under his table and sprayed bullets everywhere. Grizzly overturned a table, taking cover behind it, while Haven ducked in behind the counter.
Youll never take me alive!
Oh, evildoer! Soon youll see that the forces of evil will never prevail!
Just give us back the envelope, ********!
Dammit, Grizz!
Sorry!
Suddenly, the room filled with a deafening silence the tommy-gun jammed! Not liking the odds, the pinstriped man decided to make a run for it. Haven and Grizzly exited the bistro, only to see the man sprint along the pavement.
Holy inconvenient escape, Haven!
Hes getting away!
Oh no, he isnt! Let me show you something The Beard and Armando Paradyse taught me.
Grizzly grabbed Haven by his ankles and swung him around, like an athlete throwing hammer. When they built some good momentum, he released Haven. Flying through the air as forcefully as a hurricane, Haven hit the pinstriped man with a Final Splash, knocking the wind out of him!
Bullseye!
Haven searched the pinstriped man and yanked the manila envelope out of his pocket.
Let that be a lesson to you, fiend!
Grizzly jogged closer.
Did you get the cheque?
No WE got the cheque.
Haven gave Grizzly a sly wink.
Well, lets mosey on down to the hospital. I figure wes got about five minutes before Joey wakes up!
*
At the very last second, the duo crashed through the door. Joeys eyes were starting the open. Before he regained his senses, Haven and Grizzly took in their positions.
So anyway, Joey, on behalf of WZCW, I would like to hand this cheque over to you to help with your medical bills.
Joey opened his mouth and Haven didnt have much choice other than to insert the envelope between Joeys teeth. The wrestlers bade him farewell and Grizzly gave Haven a lift back to the Ha-Vehicle. Haven opened the Beetles door, but hesitated before getting in.
Grizzly...
Yep?
I have to tell you something.
Sure... lay it on me.
Haven looked down at the parking lot as the autumn leaves blew across it.
Im going to quit WZCW.
Grizzlys eyebrows drew closer together.
Hey, I still need you for our match against the Demon Foreigners!
Oh, dont you worry about that. With your dependable strength and my dazzling speed, they dont stand a chance against our heroic resolve.
Damn straight!
But after that I think its time for me to go out into the real world. Ill fulfil my obligation and give it my all, send a message to the opponents of justice that Im coming for them, but after that Im going to be a full-time hero!
What about your fans, though?
Haven took a while to consider this.
A true hero doesnt need the adoration of the world. A real hero does good because he knows it has to be done.
Grizzly watched as Havens little car sped off into the sunset. A bittersweet smile spread across his face.
There goes the one called Haven... a true hero.
Damn New York air... bad for my allergies.
The gap between Joeys front teeth enhanced his expression of joy as the two WZCW stars made their way toward his bed.
How are you doing, little man?
Gosh, Mithter! Itth really you!
I am Haven and this is Grizzly Bob.
I know! Im tho happy right now.
Pleased to meet you, son. You must be little Joey.
Grizzly held out his hand, but realised the folly of his action. The little boys body was completely encased in a plaster cast, except for his face. Grizzly retracted his arm. The wrestlers grabbed themselves a chair each and plonked down next to Joey.
So how does a feisty young tyke end up in a cast like this?
I wanted to be like my heroeth on WZCW! A friend of mine had me in a lock-up and I wath about to reverthe it into an inverted corkthcrew 450 DDT, when all of a thudden I hit the playground thand, breaking my armth, legth and ribth. The Doctor thayth Ill be able to walk within a year, tho Im thtaying pothitive, Thir.
The thing you have to remember, young man, is that we on WZCW are trained professional athletes and entertainers. The moves you see in the ring should not be emulated or imitated by you at home, school or anywhere! Got it?
Whatth emulated mean, Haven?
I think Im beginnin to see a fatal flaw in that message...
Joey started to yawn.
Im thorry, thirs. Doctor thays itth the medicine thatth making me tho thleepy.
We completely understand, friend. Before we go, however, we would like to...
Haven freezes, then starts a frantic search of his cape. Grizzly observes his anxiety and pulls him closer. A conversation in harsh whispers took place.
Whats wrong, fella?
The envelope!
Oh crap...
What now?
Stall Joey, I have a plan!
Returning to his rich, normal speaking voice, Haven addressed Joey.
So... Joey...
Grizzly got up from his chair and started to squeeze the drip on Joeys catheter. Before Joey could answer, his eyes fell shut.
That should buy us some time. Have you checked your pockets?
Haven beamed.
All 127 of them! You know what, I think Ive been pickpocketed!
Yeah, I bet it was that pinstriped guy from the lobby!
Out, out and away!
*
Haven and Grizzly had seen The Godfather enough times to know that New York criminals love Italian restaurants. Lo and behold, inside the very first bistro they searched, they found the pinstriped man!
Hey! Motherf-
Haven held a gloved finger to his partners lips.
Maybe I should do the talking, seeing as were ambassadors of goodwill here.
Suit yourself.
Haven turned his attention to the pinstriped man.
Criminal! Fiend of injustice! Wearer of stylish dress shirts! It is I, Haven and my companion, Grizzly Bob! We are going to put an end to your villainy!
Within seconds, the restaurant clears and only the duo and the thief remain. The pinstriped man did a spit-take, resulting in risotto flying everywhere. After that, he started a sarcastic slow-clap.
Well, well... You caught me. Tell me something, though...
The clap stops and his hands disappear underneath the tablecloth.
Whaddaya gonna do, when I pump you fulla holes?
The pinstriped mans eyes glazed over as he jumped to his feet and produced a tommy-gun from under his table and sprayed bullets everywhere. Grizzly overturned a table, taking cover behind it, while Haven ducked in behind the counter.
Youll never take me alive!
Oh, evildoer! Soon youll see that the forces of evil will never prevail!
Just give us back the envelope, ********!
Dammit, Grizz!
Sorry!
Suddenly, the room filled with a deafening silence the tommy-gun jammed! Not liking the odds, the pinstriped man decided to make a run for it. Haven and Grizzly exited the bistro, only to see the man sprint along the pavement.
Holy inconvenient escape, Haven!
Hes getting away!
Oh no, he isnt! Let me show you something The Beard and Armando Paradyse taught me.
Grizzly grabbed Haven by his ankles and swung him around, like an athlete throwing hammer. When they built some good momentum, he released Haven. Flying through the air as forcefully as a hurricane, Haven hit the pinstriped man with a Final Splash, knocking the wind out of him!
Bullseye!
Haven searched the pinstriped man and yanked the manila envelope out of his pocket.
Let that be a lesson to you, fiend!
Grizzly jogged closer.
Did you get the cheque?
No WE got the cheque.
Haven gave Grizzly a sly wink.
Well, lets mosey on down to the hospital. I figure wes got about five minutes before Joey wakes up!
*
At the very last second, the duo crashed through the door. Joeys eyes were starting the open. Before he regained his senses, Haven and Grizzly took in their positions.
So anyway, Joey, on behalf of WZCW, I would like to hand this cheque over to you to help with your medical bills.
Joey opened his mouth and Haven didnt have much choice other than to insert the envelope between Joeys teeth. The wrestlers bade him farewell and Grizzly gave Haven a lift back to the Ha-Vehicle. Haven opened the Beetles door, but hesitated before getting in.
Grizzly...
Yep?
I have to tell you something.
Sure... lay it on me.
Haven looked down at the parking lot as the autumn leaves blew across it.
Im going to quit WZCW.
Grizzlys eyebrows drew closer together.
Hey, I still need you for our match against the Demon Foreigners!
Oh, dont you worry about that. With your dependable strength and my dazzling speed, they dont stand a chance against our heroic resolve.
Damn straight!
But after that I think its time for me to go out into the real world. Ill fulfil my obligation and give it my all, send a message to the opponents of justice that Im coming for them, but after that Im going to be a full-time hero!
What about your fans, though?
Haven took a while to consider this.
A true hero doesnt need the adoration of the world. A real hero does good because he knows it has to be done.
Grizzly watched as Havens little car sped off into the sunset. A bittersweet smile spread across his face.
There goes the one called Haven... a true hero.
- Status
