As the morning sun rises above the horizon, it's rays penetrate the windows of a dance studio causing a reflection off the mirrors, almost blinding many who are partaking in a Yoga class. Those people have a lot of trouble concentrating at fulfilling their stretches. One person's positioning forces them to cover their eyes but in doing so, tangles themselves into an uncanny shape that human bodies weren't meant to do at an amateur level. She screams in pain and does her best to escape but a man rushes over to her, assisting her to get back to her normal self. She looks up at the man to see that her teacher, Dr. Steven Kurtesy, is smiling back at her and puts a hand on her head.
Do not let the roadblock prevent your from reaching your destination, my child. If there is doubt, there is always another route you can take.
The woman looks a little confused at first but re-attempts the stretch again, this time trying it from a different angle so the brightness does not affect her. This allows her to successfully perform the stretch and Kurtesy gives her student a nod of approval. At that moment, a loud yet slow clapping noise made by a single person can be heard. Kurtesy and his students turn around at the studio's door to see Stacey Madison there.
I see you've transitioned well into this whole Sage thing there, Kurtesy. What's your doctrine of choice, a tom-tom?
A few people in the room try holding their laughs whilst others remain silent. Kurtesy gives off a chuckle and turns to his students.
Okay everyone, I believe it's time we end our session for today. Thank you all for coming and remember, stay limber.
Everyone stops their stretches and proceeds to pack up their belongings whilst Kurtesy calls over Stacey to talk to him in his private office hidden behind the mirrors. As the two enter, Stacey notices it's a similar version of his old office, with the exception of the incense candles, multiple plants and various other spiritual items. Kurtesy grabs out two glasses.
Would you like a beverage?
I'm not allowed to drink on the job.
Oh...
Kurtesy pulls out a bottle of soy milk and pours it into the glasses. He skulls one of them and keeps the second to himself.
... then how do you replace your fluids?
Stacey goes to say something but has second thoughts on her statement, going for a more informative approach.
What happened to the liqueur?
A lot of things have changed, Stace. I like to keep myself clear of all bad omens, not only in the spiritual and mental sense but in the physical sense as well. In a way, you could say that I'm straight-edge when it comes to consumption.
Looks like we've got another Jordan Lights on our hands.
Ah... that brings back some memories. We had some battles in the past. Y'know, at one point I considered him my mortal enemy? It's crazy that I would even consider hating one person's soul.
Until Steven Holmes? After what he's done, you should be livid at his actions. He's the reason you've been losing all your matches since Redemption, attacking you from behind all because of revenge. You'd want to rip his heart out, especially considering the match that's ahead.
Steven ponders for a moment at Stacey's words.
No, not really.
Stacey looks at Steven in disbelief.
I have no anger towards that man at all. He's experiencing what every human being goes when they lose something huge in their lives. I can tell you not only because of the people I used to deal with on a day-to-day basis but of the experiences I've gone through. A long time ago, I lost someone who meant a whole deal to me and for a long time I could not reach that fifth step of acceptance, until recently when I began the changes in myself to make me a better person. I came to terms with my issues and they apologized for their actions... allowing me to forgive them. Ever since, I've been at peace with myself and I promised myself that nothing like this should destroy my psyche again. Lo and behold, a similar situation arises and I am not affected by it as I was.
Stacey's face is quite screwed up from the spirituality pep talk.
That still doesn't change the fact that you are still taking on Steven Holmes in a Submissions Count Anywhere match where your finisher is potentially being banned for the match. You might be spiritually cleared for the match but what are you going to do when the Apocalypse arrives? Hope your Yoga classes keeps you limber enough to withstand submissions?
Yes.
Steven has a completely serious face as Stacey realizes after a few seconds that he isn't joking.
So that's your plan? Stretching?
Well, for me being able to bend in all directions like a contortionist, Holmes could turn me into a pretzel and apply as much pressure as he wanted but it wouldn't hurt me one bit. I'll never submit.
Stacey looks at Steven as if he was an idiot until Steven begins cracking up laughing.
Ahaha... the look on your face... ah... *ahem*... in all seriousness, I've got a special consultant to help me out.
Oh God, please tell me it's not Sandy.
I've got some good news and some bad news.
A knock is heard at the door.
The good news is it isn't Sandy.
Steven gets up and goes over to the door.
The bad news is that it's...
Steven opens to door to reveal a man who's around the same build as Kurtesy, wearing skinny jeans and a very fashionable t-shirt, chewing gum with his mouth open. Stacey is horrified by the man who has walked in.
... William... Teach?
Hey Stace, what's happening?
Teach walks in and gives Stacey a big hug, something she tries desperately to fight out of.
The more you struggle, the more I'll squeeze.
Teach stops and Madison catches her breath.
I can't believe... it's like a blast from the past or something. Quick question Stace, why are you finishing that nerds' sentences over there and not mine? I thought we had something special when I was around?
Stacey sits very still in her chair and tries not to implode.
Hey Stacey? Stacey? Stacey? Stacey? Stacey? Stacey?
Stacey lets out a huge piercing scream and storms out of the room, leaving Teach and Kurtesy in the office. They look at each other and shrug before embracing each other and exchanging pleasantries.
Milk?
I'll pass. The doctor said if I have any more calcium, I'd be healthy. Wait... I thought you were lactose intoleran...
Kurtesy looks at Teach with a blank look.
Oh right... untrained rectum. Where's Sandy? It's not like the old days without me ogling her perfect... personality.
Well, her "personality" got ripped to shreds by Japan. She had surgery for it and is recovering. She's also dating some guy called Jax Sax.
Mr. Sax? Sounds like they'd roleplay a lot.
Nah, only once.
The two of them share a laugh. Kurtesy takes a sip of his milk and looks outside his window as Teach pulls out the gum and sticks it under the table, pulling out another packet and shoving the entire thing in his mouth, including the wrapping.
I never wanted this to happen, man.
I know Steve, I know. I didn't want to leave either but there was this girl and she was my everything at the time... you know the story. But what can you do? The past is history, it's been written and recorded. Nothing we can do about it now. You've got to focus on the future. You've got to focus on removing the final dagger... Sherlock Holmes.
You mean Steven?
This is exactly what I mean, Steve. I make one small and poorly executed insult, which I know I can do better, you know right... anyway, I make an insult about the man who hates you and you try to correct me? You still are holding onto something. I don't know what your feeling but you are going to get killed out there if you don't let go whatever your feeling. Maybe one day down the road you and Holmes will make nice but for now, he hates you with a passion. It's just like the rapture indicates Steven... the Apocalypse is the end.
Steven thinks about this for a moment.
You're right... this is the end of the line for me. This is the true end to my transformation in becoming a better and spiritually renewed person. I need to conquer this one last match for me to make any progress. I need to end this blood feud with Steven Holmes in a match that symbolically represents us as competitors. Like the end, it's going to be an epic battle and I must not stand down. Just because I do not feel hate for Holmes and still believe he is a good person doesn't mean I can't beat some sense into him. This entire match is the B all and end all for Holmes and by me taking away this victory from him means that the Circle of Karma will be complete. I must defeat Steven Holmes and I must end it with the move that he loathes so much, something that is the complete opposite of his character... Kommon Kurtesy.
Teach smiles at his former partner and starts nodding.
That's the sick and twisted Kurtesy I used to know... someone who is willing to do anything for the win just so we can watch it for our own amusement.
Well, I can't really do that any more. Changed person and all, remember?
Oh yeah, the spiritual thing. Sounds like you are losing your sense of humour. I hate boring people.
I'm still the same old Kurtesy, Teach.
Is that so? Want a scotch?
No thanks, I gave up alcohol to...
AWWW... boring.
Oh c'mon!
The two of them get up and exit the office with Teach putting an arm around the shoulder of Kurtesy, once again walking out closer than brothers... closer than Kurtesy and Holmes have ever been.