AS76: Amber Warren vs. Triple X
- Thread starter Ty Burna
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The scene opens to a punching bag being punched and kicked at at various spots. When the cameras zoom out, it reveals that Amber Warren is the culprit. She is intense with every punch she throws and even more aggressive in every kick she lands. She throws out a punching combination so fast that she does it a bunch of times but the cameras still cant memorize her punching combination.
Nate: Whoa, slow down there sis. What did the punching bag ever do to you?
Amber continues on ignoring her brother but this time, she focuses more on landing kicks on the punching bag. She rotates using her right and left leg to kick the poor punching bag which has gone further than it has because of the intensity of the kicks thrown by the young dragon. By the time she was done with it, it had almost reached the end of the zip line that the punching bag was attached to.
Nate: I see youve gotten way stronger sis. You need to lighten up though. Any more of that and were going to have to get a new punching bag.
El Califa then approaches the two Warren siblings. He pats Nate on the back for the good job hes been doing to maintain El Califas gym. El Califa looks over to his partner and sees her breathing hard while also looking at how far the punching bag has come.
El Califa: Whoa.
Nate does nothing but nod and chuckle a little.
Nate: Yup. Who knew such strength could come from a small girl like that?
Amber: Hey, who you calling small!?
Amber shoots her brother a look of anger before El Califa steps in to break up the friendly sibling argument.
El Califa: So El Califa has a friend who just opened a new restaurant and has asked for us to be in attendance. Are you both available?
Nate: More food? I feel like Ive been eating like a cow lately. Just look at this gut Ive got now. I gotta get back into shape especially since you put me in charge of this gym. Im gonna have to pass El Califa, sorry.
El Califa: No need to be sorry Nate. How about you Amber? Care to join El Califa in tackling some of the most delicious tacos El Califa has ever eaten?
Amber: Oh you can count me in! Where theres food, you can bet your bottom dollar that Ill be there.
Nate: Why am I not surprised?
Again Amber looks at her brother with a furrowed brow forming. Instead of continuing this though, she just sticks her tongue out towards her brother which gets a chuckle out of El Califa.
Nate: Oh really mature Amber.
--
The scene re-opens as we see Amber combing her long, dark brown hair in front of the mirror. In her reflection, we see how beautiful Amber really is. Her long, dark brown hair parted to the side while her outfit consists of a midnight dark blue sleeveless blouse that glistens when the light touches it. She has on one of those floral tight jeans that seem to be in style now too as white, red, and pink fill the colors in. She puts on the final touches of mascara before stepping back and looking at herself. After a few moments, she smiles at her reflection. As she does so, she sees something behind her sitting on the edge of her bed right next to her purse.
Of course, she was going to reveal the mask she got herself to El Califa tonight. Amber was excited to reveal this to El Califa because she had wanted to get a mask of her own for a while now. Now that she has one custom made for her, she was hoping that El Califa would be impressed with this as well. The young dragon takes the mask in her hand and puts it on. She again looks at herself in the mirror nodding in agreement of how beautiful her mask looks. She takes it off rather quickly because of how giddy she becomes as she puts it back into her purse.
Amber: El Califa is gonna love it!
She takes her purse and puts it over her shoulder before looking at her reflection once more just to make sure she looks the part of someone professional. As she does so, a smile creeps up on her face completely satisfied with the way she looks. The scene fades out.
--
The scene fades back in and the setting has completely changed. With the cameras scanning the restaurant, we see that the place is colored a bright yellow mixed in with some white and red. The room is so bright that the lights dont help the cause, making the room brighter than it should be. In the background, we hear some Mexican music, slow and fast that a few people are dancing to on the dance floor. The cameras finally pick up on the dragons who are seated near the stage enjoying the dancing that is going on.
On their table, a plate full of tacos has been placed and of course, Amber has the edge on tacos eaten compared to El Califa. Everyone around them seems to be having a great time, the dragons included. El Califa is dressed in a nice button up shirt and it looks like he brought his dancing shoes.
El Califa: Amber Warren, the dragons need to light up this dance floor. Join me?
Amber: Oh Im not sure thats a good idea. Especially after all these tacos Ive eaten.
Amber tries this excuse but El Califa isnt buying it. He is already on his feet asking for Ambers hand to get on the dance floor. Amber smiles and shakes her head but El Califa insists on this. However, Amber is saved when El Califas friend, Javier, the owner of the restaurant checks on the two dragons.
Javier: Hola amigo, ¿cómo te gusto el restaurante? ¿Cómo son los tacos? Espero que les gusten. (Hello friend, how you liking the restaurant? How are the tacos? Hope you like them.)
Amber gives out a big sigh of relief which El Califa spots. Amber is a little embarrassed but is happy that Javier appeared when he did. Javier and El Califa share a hug while Javier goes on to kiss Amber on the hand.
El Califa: Sí, los tacos son geniales. Este es un muy buen restaurante que tiene aquí, Javier. Estamos contentos de estar aquí. Yo estaba a punto de mostrar mi compañero de equipo, Amber Warren, a la pista de baile, así que todos ustedes podemos mostrar cómo se hace. (Yes, the tacos are great. This is a really nice restaurant you have here, Javier. We're glad to be here. I was just about to show my tag team partner, Amber Warren, to the dance floor so we can show you all how it's done.)
Javier: ¿Es así? Bueno, me alegro de que ustedes pueden hacerlo. Si necesita alguna más tacos, ven a mí y preguntar. Es un placer tener a Los Magníficos Dragones en mi restaurante. Vamos de nuevo en cualquier momento. (Is that so? Well, I'm glad you guys can make it. If you need any more tacos, just come over to me and ask. It's a pleasure to have Los Magnificos Dragones in my restaurant. Come again any time.)
El Califa: Sí, gracias Javier. Esta no será la última vez que veas a los dragones en su restaurante. Además, mire la placa de Amber, ella casi terminado todos los tacos que nos diste. La única razón por la que no he comido tanto es porque no quiere tener un malestar estomacal porque voy a estar en la pista de baile toda la noche. (Yes, thank you Javier. This won't be the last time you see the dragons in your restaurant. Plus, look at Amber's plate, she almost finished all the tacos you gave us. The only reason I haven't eaten as much is because I don't want to have an upset stomach because I'll be on the dance floor all night.)
The two friends laugh while Amber is just there trying to understand what the two are saying but slightly laughing as well.
Javier: Say, son ustedes un artículo? No me refiero a preguntar directamente hacia arriba, pero esta es la única manera que sé cómo hacer. (Say, are you guys an item? I don't mean to ask you straight up, but this is the only way I know how to ask.)
El Califa laughs with a little embarrassment evident in that laugh of his. He looks over to Amber who doesnt know whats been said and looks back to his friend, Javier.
El Califa: No, lo que El Califa y Amber Warren tienen es estrictamente profesional. Somos compañeros de equipo de la etiqueta, somos los mejores amigos. Eso es todo lo que hay que hacer. (No, what El Califa and Amber Warren have is strictly professional. We're tag team partners, we're best friends. That's all there is to it.)
El Califa looks a little worried that Javier might not buy what he just said but all he does is laugh which prompts both El Califa and Amber to laugh once more. Looks like he bought it though. Javier exchanges handshakes with both El Califa and Amber before leaving to attend to other important guests this fine evening.
Amber: Hey, what did he say?
El Califa: Nothing. Javier just wanted to know who ate more tacos tonight, El Califa or Amber Warren.
Amber looks a little embarrassed again because of what Javier might think of her.
El Califa: Dont worry, El Califa took the fall.
Amber lets out a sigh of relief before giggling at her partner. She motions him over to sit back down as she is about to reveal her new mask.
Amber: El Califa, have a seat, theres something I want to show you.
El Califa does as instructed as he takes his seat. He leans forward a little clearly interested at what Amber has in store for him. Slowly, Amber reaches into her purse and takes out her mask. You could see it shining from a mile away because of the cool blue that is shaped around the mouth and eye area with the whole mask having a base of black. Its a pretty impressive mask to say the least.
Amber: El Califa, I wanted to show you this mask. I had it custom made for me about a week ago when we were at the mall. I wanted to show you how committed I am to this team since I plan to wear this to our tag team matches from now on.
El Califa just sits there stoic, not giving out any reaction to Ambers surprise reveal.
Amber: Nice right? I chose everything myself. The colors, the design, everything about it. Its a beauty isnt it?
Just then, El Califa stands from his chair and seems to be exiting the restaurant. Amber is shocked at El Califas reaction, not knowing what to make of all of this. She runs after her partner and takes his hand to stop him. The music is so loud in the restaurant that the audio cant be heard by anyone else unless theyre standing right next to both Amber and El Califa.
Amber: Hey, whats your deal? Did I do something wrong?
El Califa: You have a mask made as if it isnt important. One does not just have a mask made, wear it immediately, and be expected to be taken seriously. Do you not know how important a mask is to a luchador Amber Warren? Not just anyone can wear a mask, its something that is earned, something that is passed down to you.
Amber has a confused look on her face. Not knowing how to feel, a furrowed brow forms right above her eyes.
El Califa: Do you realize the traditions youve broken Amber Warren? El Califa thought you would know that wearing a mask is the biggest honor a wrestler here can ever do but what you did Amber Warren was not honorable at all. As if anyone can just don a mask while they wrestle, well they cant! Do you not know how one receives a mask? El Califa is extremely disappointed in you Amber Warren. Not only have you disrespected El Califa, but youve disrespected all those that don a luchador mask.
Ambers lower lip quivers as it looks like shes about to let out a few tears.
El Califa: If your patience allowed you to, El Califa was ready to bestow upon you a mask that was perfect for you Amber Warren until you took matters into your own hands. It seems Amber Warren still has much to learn.
El Califa storms out of the restaurant leaving Amber Warren in complete shock. What she thought would impress El Califa has turned around and disappointed him instead. Through the clear door, El Califa is seen calling for a cab, but not before he leaves his driver to drive Amber Warren home.
--
That same night, the scene opens back up to Amber Warrens bedroom as she looks at herself in the mirror once again. Tears fall down her cheeks, clearly apologetic for what she had done. But nothing can be done to erase the past, whats done is done. She takes out the mask she had made for her from her purse and stares at it. The tears multiply as she continues to weep.
Out of nowhere, she puts the mask on and looks at herself in the mirror. Her crying has stopped, the sounds of someone who weeps has stopped. Its as if all is well with the world. She tilts her head to the side just staring at herself.
Amber: My my my, look what we have here. I sure wouldnt want to be my next opponent, who happens to be Triple X. Poor guy wont know what hit him.
She touches her mask, feeling every part of it as if she adored herself. But later on, she turns up the intensity as her eyes flare up almost in the blink of an eye.
Amber: Triple X! Oh boy, I wouldnt want to be you right now. With all thats gone on in my life, you have the audacity to think that youve been wronged by people? If theres anyone that has ever been wronged by anyone, its me!
She looks straight into the mirror talking to herself but she isnt slowing down at all.
Amber: Youre not just whats wrong with WZCW, youre whats wrong with the world. You think that these people owe you anything? Why would they after the way youve acted since you came back to WZCW?
Its as if the mask has created a new persona of Amber that weve never seen before.
Amber: I was wronged by many people but did I complain? Did I bitch about it like you did!? No, I did not! You know what I did? I sucked it up and continued forward. I guess that makes me more of a man than you ever will be. Sure, call me emotionless, but sometimes you have to just move on because youre not going to get anywhere in life if you just stay in one place. Its not the easiest thing to do but who said life was ever easy huh?
The young dragon takes a break but continues on again. She grabs her head as if she has a headache, as if this isnt her talking, its the mask. But when she looks at herself in the mirror again, this new persona comes out.
Amber: Be a man Triple X. Be a man, suck it up, and move on. If not, Ill gladly take your spot. You can stay right where you are, in an area of nothingness while I climb my way to the top and show you how someone works hard to achieve their greatest feat.
Amber again tilts her head to the side seemingly admiring the mask that she has on.
Amber: So let this be a warning Triple X. I fully expect you to come at me with your best shot because you better believe that Im coming at you with my best shot. Ill keep going into my matches with my best shot. Once that shot of mine pays off, all of WZCW will bow down to the dragon queen.
On that note, Amber balls her hand into a fist. In a fit of rage, she punches the mirror as hard as she can, shattering the mirror into pieces. The glass pieces fall to the ground and the mirror is now a wreck. Through the cracks, what can now be seen is the young Amber Warren still looking at her reflection, her hands clutching at her mask. She lets out a maniacal laugh adding to this new persona that the young dragon has seemingly found before the scene finally fades to black for the final time.
Nate: Whoa, slow down there sis. What did the punching bag ever do to you?
Amber continues on ignoring her brother but this time, she focuses more on landing kicks on the punching bag. She rotates using her right and left leg to kick the poor punching bag which has gone further than it has because of the intensity of the kicks thrown by the young dragon. By the time she was done with it, it had almost reached the end of the zip line that the punching bag was attached to.
Nate: I see youve gotten way stronger sis. You need to lighten up though. Any more of that and were going to have to get a new punching bag.
El Califa then approaches the two Warren siblings. He pats Nate on the back for the good job hes been doing to maintain El Califas gym. El Califa looks over to his partner and sees her breathing hard while also looking at how far the punching bag has come.
El Califa: Whoa.
Nate does nothing but nod and chuckle a little.
Nate: Yup. Who knew such strength could come from a small girl like that?
Amber: Hey, who you calling small!?
Amber shoots her brother a look of anger before El Califa steps in to break up the friendly sibling argument.
El Califa: So El Califa has a friend who just opened a new restaurant and has asked for us to be in attendance. Are you both available?
Nate: More food? I feel like Ive been eating like a cow lately. Just look at this gut Ive got now. I gotta get back into shape especially since you put me in charge of this gym. Im gonna have to pass El Califa, sorry.
El Califa: No need to be sorry Nate. How about you Amber? Care to join El Califa in tackling some of the most delicious tacos El Califa has ever eaten?
Amber: Oh you can count me in! Where theres food, you can bet your bottom dollar that Ill be there.
Nate: Why am I not surprised?
Again Amber looks at her brother with a furrowed brow forming. Instead of continuing this though, she just sticks her tongue out towards her brother which gets a chuckle out of El Califa.
Nate: Oh really mature Amber.
--
The scene re-opens as we see Amber combing her long, dark brown hair in front of the mirror. In her reflection, we see how beautiful Amber really is. Her long, dark brown hair parted to the side while her outfit consists of a midnight dark blue sleeveless blouse that glistens when the light touches it. She has on one of those floral tight jeans that seem to be in style now too as white, red, and pink fill the colors in. She puts on the final touches of mascara before stepping back and looking at herself. After a few moments, she smiles at her reflection. As she does so, she sees something behind her sitting on the edge of her bed right next to her purse.
Of course, she was going to reveal the mask she got herself to El Califa tonight. Amber was excited to reveal this to El Califa because she had wanted to get a mask of her own for a while now. Now that she has one custom made for her, she was hoping that El Califa would be impressed with this as well. The young dragon takes the mask in her hand and puts it on. She again looks at herself in the mirror nodding in agreement of how beautiful her mask looks. She takes it off rather quickly because of how giddy she becomes as she puts it back into her purse.
Amber: El Califa is gonna love it!
She takes her purse and puts it over her shoulder before looking at her reflection once more just to make sure she looks the part of someone professional. As she does so, a smile creeps up on her face completely satisfied with the way she looks. The scene fades out.
--
The scene fades back in and the setting has completely changed. With the cameras scanning the restaurant, we see that the place is colored a bright yellow mixed in with some white and red. The room is so bright that the lights dont help the cause, making the room brighter than it should be. In the background, we hear some Mexican music, slow and fast that a few people are dancing to on the dance floor. The cameras finally pick up on the dragons who are seated near the stage enjoying the dancing that is going on.
On their table, a plate full of tacos has been placed and of course, Amber has the edge on tacos eaten compared to El Califa. Everyone around them seems to be having a great time, the dragons included. El Califa is dressed in a nice button up shirt and it looks like he brought his dancing shoes.
El Califa: Amber Warren, the dragons need to light up this dance floor. Join me?
Amber: Oh Im not sure thats a good idea. Especially after all these tacos Ive eaten.
Amber tries this excuse but El Califa isnt buying it. He is already on his feet asking for Ambers hand to get on the dance floor. Amber smiles and shakes her head but El Califa insists on this. However, Amber is saved when El Califas friend, Javier, the owner of the restaurant checks on the two dragons.
Javier: Hola amigo, ¿cómo te gusto el restaurante? ¿Cómo son los tacos? Espero que les gusten. (Hello friend, how you liking the restaurant? How are the tacos? Hope you like them.)
Amber gives out a big sigh of relief which El Califa spots. Amber is a little embarrassed but is happy that Javier appeared when he did. Javier and El Califa share a hug while Javier goes on to kiss Amber on the hand.
El Califa: Sí, los tacos son geniales. Este es un muy buen restaurante que tiene aquí, Javier. Estamos contentos de estar aquí. Yo estaba a punto de mostrar mi compañero de equipo, Amber Warren, a la pista de baile, así que todos ustedes podemos mostrar cómo se hace. (Yes, the tacos are great. This is a really nice restaurant you have here, Javier. We're glad to be here. I was just about to show my tag team partner, Amber Warren, to the dance floor so we can show you all how it's done.)
Javier: ¿Es así? Bueno, me alegro de que ustedes pueden hacerlo. Si necesita alguna más tacos, ven a mí y preguntar. Es un placer tener a Los Magníficos Dragones en mi restaurante. Vamos de nuevo en cualquier momento. (Is that so? Well, I'm glad you guys can make it. If you need any more tacos, just come over to me and ask. It's a pleasure to have Los Magnificos Dragones in my restaurant. Come again any time.)
El Califa: Sí, gracias Javier. Esta no será la última vez que veas a los dragones en su restaurante. Además, mire la placa de Amber, ella casi terminado todos los tacos que nos diste. La única razón por la que no he comido tanto es porque no quiere tener un malestar estomacal porque voy a estar en la pista de baile toda la noche. (Yes, thank you Javier. This won't be the last time you see the dragons in your restaurant. Plus, look at Amber's plate, she almost finished all the tacos you gave us. The only reason I haven't eaten as much is because I don't want to have an upset stomach because I'll be on the dance floor all night.)
The two friends laugh while Amber is just there trying to understand what the two are saying but slightly laughing as well.
Javier: Say, son ustedes un artículo? No me refiero a preguntar directamente hacia arriba, pero esta es la única manera que sé cómo hacer. (Say, are you guys an item? I don't mean to ask you straight up, but this is the only way I know how to ask.)
El Califa laughs with a little embarrassment evident in that laugh of his. He looks over to Amber who doesnt know whats been said and looks back to his friend, Javier.
El Califa: No, lo que El Califa y Amber Warren tienen es estrictamente profesional. Somos compañeros de equipo de la etiqueta, somos los mejores amigos. Eso es todo lo que hay que hacer. (No, what El Califa and Amber Warren have is strictly professional. We're tag team partners, we're best friends. That's all there is to it.)
El Califa looks a little worried that Javier might not buy what he just said but all he does is laugh which prompts both El Califa and Amber to laugh once more. Looks like he bought it though. Javier exchanges handshakes with both El Califa and Amber before leaving to attend to other important guests this fine evening.
Amber: Hey, what did he say?
El Califa: Nothing. Javier just wanted to know who ate more tacos tonight, El Califa or Amber Warren.
Amber looks a little embarrassed again because of what Javier might think of her.
El Califa: Dont worry, El Califa took the fall.
Amber lets out a sigh of relief before giggling at her partner. She motions him over to sit back down as she is about to reveal her new mask.
Amber: El Califa, have a seat, theres something I want to show you.
El Califa does as instructed as he takes his seat. He leans forward a little clearly interested at what Amber has in store for him. Slowly, Amber reaches into her purse and takes out her mask. You could see it shining from a mile away because of the cool blue that is shaped around the mouth and eye area with the whole mask having a base of black. Its a pretty impressive mask to say the least.
Amber: El Califa, I wanted to show you this mask. I had it custom made for me about a week ago when we were at the mall. I wanted to show you how committed I am to this team since I plan to wear this to our tag team matches from now on.
El Califa just sits there stoic, not giving out any reaction to Ambers surprise reveal.
Amber: Nice right? I chose everything myself. The colors, the design, everything about it. Its a beauty isnt it?
Just then, El Califa stands from his chair and seems to be exiting the restaurant. Amber is shocked at El Califas reaction, not knowing what to make of all of this. She runs after her partner and takes his hand to stop him. The music is so loud in the restaurant that the audio cant be heard by anyone else unless theyre standing right next to both Amber and El Califa.
Amber: Hey, whats your deal? Did I do something wrong?
El Califa: You have a mask made as if it isnt important. One does not just have a mask made, wear it immediately, and be expected to be taken seriously. Do you not know how important a mask is to a luchador Amber Warren? Not just anyone can wear a mask, its something that is earned, something that is passed down to you.
Amber has a confused look on her face. Not knowing how to feel, a furrowed brow forms right above her eyes.
El Califa: Do you realize the traditions youve broken Amber Warren? El Califa thought you would know that wearing a mask is the biggest honor a wrestler here can ever do but what you did Amber Warren was not honorable at all. As if anyone can just don a mask while they wrestle, well they cant! Do you not know how one receives a mask? El Califa is extremely disappointed in you Amber Warren. Not only have you disrespected El Califa, but youve disrespected all those that don a luchador mask.
Ambers lower lip quivers as it looks like shes about to let out a few tears.
El Califa: If your patience allowed you to, El Califa was ready to bestow upon you a mask that was perfect for you Amber Warren until you took matters into your own hands. It seems Amber Warren still has much to learn.
El Califa storms out of the restaurant leaving Amber Warren in complete shock. What she thought would impress El Califa has turned around and disappointed him instead. Through the clear door, El Califa is seen calling for a cab, but not before he leaves his driver to drive Amber Warren home.
--
That same night, the scene opens back up to Amber Warrens bedroom as she looks at herself in the mirror once again. Tears fall down her cheeks, clearly apologetic for what she had done. But nothing can be done to erase the past, whats done is done. She takes out the mask she had made for her from her purse and stares at it. The tears multiply as she continues to weep.
Out of nowhere, she puts the mask on and looks at herself in the mirror. Her crying has stopped, the sounds of someone who weeps has stopped. Its as if all is well with the world. She tilts her head to the side just staring at herself.
Amber: My my my, look what we have here. I sure wouldnt want to be my next opponent, who happens to be Triple X. Poor guy wont know what hit him.
She touches her mask, feeling every part of it as if she adored herself. But later on, she turns up the intensity as her eyes flare up almost in the blink of an eye.
Amber: Triple X! Oh boy, I wouldnt want to be you right now. With all thats gone on in my life, you have the audacity to think that youve been wronged by people? If theres anyone that has ever been wronged by anyone, its me!
She looks straight into the mirror talking to herself but she isnt slowing down at all.
Amber: Youre not just whats wrong with WZCW, youre whats wrong with the world. You think that these people owe you anything? Why would they after the way youve acted since you came back to WZCW?
Its as if the mask has created a new persona of Amber that weve never seen before.
Amber: I was wronged by many people but did I complain? Did I bitch about it like you did!? No, I did not! You know what I did? I sucked it up and continued forward. I guess that makes me more of a man than you ever will be. Sure, call me emotionless, but sometimes you have to just move on because youre not going to get anywhere in life if you just stay in one place. Its not the easiest thing to do but who said life was ever easy huh?
The young dragon takes a break but continues on again. She grabs her head as if she has a headache, as if this isnt her talking, its the mask. But when she looks at herself in the mirror again, this new persona comes out.
Amber: Be a man Triple X. Be a man, suck it up, and move on. If not, Ill gladly take your spot. You can stay right where you are, in an area of nothingness while I climb my way to the top and show you how someone works hard to achieve their greatest feat.
Amber again tilts her head to the side seemingly admiring the mask that she has on.
Amber: So let this be a warning Triple X. I fully expect you to come at me with your best shot because you better believe that Im coming at you with my best shot. Ill keep going into my matches with my best shot. Once that shot of mine pays off, all of WZCW will bow down to the dragon queen.
On that note, Amber balls her hand into a fist. In a fit of rage, she punches the mirror as hard as she can, shattering the mirror into pieces. The glass pieces fall to the ground and the mirror is now a wreck. Through the cracks, what can now be seen is the young Amber Warren still looking at her reflection, her hands clutching at her mask. She lets out a maniacal laugh adding to this new persona that the young dragon has seemingly found before the scene finally fades to black for the final time.
BK Styles
Certified Nerd
Unscripted...
I stagger through the locker room door and slump into my chair with great difficulty. The number that Blade did on my back was certainly a good one, amplified by the damage of falling through tables. I lean forward so my back doesnt touch the cold, hard steel of the folding chair.
The trainer has seen to me, and given me the good news; no real damage other than some cuts and bruises. And yet, they dont even give me pain. As I touch the cut on my lip with my hand, I smile. For the first time in months, I feel completely content.
Blade was a worthy opponent. I may dislike him, but I cant lie about the mans abilities. He gave it his all, and on another night he could have beaten me. But he didnt. Instead I achieved my goal and sent him to the hospital. And in the process I proved a valuable point.
No matter who you are, or whatever you think you are, you will eventually fall to the feet of Triple X.
I reach down for the scissors and prepare to cut through the bloodied tape around my hands and wrists, just as Bob, a backstage worker, walks in.
Triple X! You need to come with me.
Tell your boss that Blade signed the contract for the match, just like I did. He wanted to hurt me, I wanted to hurt him. I dont care how serious hes hurt, if they wanna point fingers around-
No, thats not it. You need to come right now. Mr Banks wants you in his office, and he wants you there yesterday.
I slowly pull myself up. Why?
He will tell you himself. And trust me, youll want it from him.
Bob was right. A while later, my music is playing again and Im walking out to the biggest match of my life. My chance, my first chance, delivered to me at the hands of a walkout from Barbosa. For reasons known only to WZCW management, they decided that rather than turn the match into a triple threat, they wanna take a guy who has already competed in one hellacious match, and stick him in another one with three men who are fresh, and have yet to compete tonight.
Well hell, I sure dont like doing things easy.
The match goes by and, to be completely honest, most of it is a blur. I get my shots in, get the tar beaten out of me, and by all accounts Im doing pretty well out there. And then there it is. Vega turns to face Runn, and I kick the bastard square in the face. He falls like a ton of bricks. As he falls, my body fills with elation. Im going to be the World Heavyweight Champion. Me. A former junkie from Phoenix. A guy with multi-coloured hair and an odd fashion sense. Im going to be the face of the company
...the best in the world...
...the World Heavyweight Champion...
think again.
As it turns out, Im not. I feel Ricky grab me, but I feel completely powerless to stop it. Im out of the ring before I can register being thrown, but by that time its too late. The bell has rung, and Ricky Runn is still the World Heavyweight Champion. My heart sinks, and the elation turns to despair, before a hollow emptiness creeps over, filled with nothing but vague disappointment. I sit there for a moment, as I hear the jubilant champion celebrate, chastising myself for not being aware of my surroundings. If I had of done, I could have been the new World Champion.
Some things just arent meant to be.
As the fans leave, I head back to the locker room, throw my gear into a bag, and exit the arena for the hotel Im stopping at. My body isnt even racked with pain that much, so overwhelming is my sense of discontent. I reach the hotel and despite the best efforts of Talia to console me, I throw my stuff down as soon as I walk in, strip off and go straight to bed. No words, just my solemn expression. Because no matter what anyone says to me, two words stick in my head.
I've failed.
A Few Days Before Ascension 76
Its mid-morning, as the sun peaks through clouds just enough to beam into the window, casting my shadow over the notebook Im trying to write in. Im sitting in my penthouse, with a DVD of Amber Warren playing on my television. My next opponent. A Tag Team Champion, Warren is a fierce competitor. Watching the tapes, I know itll take a lot to overcome the young Dragon.
I begin to make a note of her agility as Talia walks in, perching on the sofa beside me and resting her head on my shoulder.
Im pretty sure I should feel bad when youre spending your time watching DVDs of other girls.
Please. Shes like twelve. I prefer my girls to be a bit more-
-legal?
I laugh at the quickness of the reply. Not what I was shooting for, but yeah, as it happens.
As I finish speaking, the video shows Warren executing a dragonwhip kick. I immediately note it down, thinking of ways I could counter it, what I could turn it into, and how I could avoid it.
She worries you.
What makes you think that?
I dunno. But Ive never seen you do so much research into one person before. Especially someone who hasnt been around for very long.
I suppose I am a little. Shes a champion; a good one at that. El Califa has unquestionably helped her improve.
but?
I sigh, drop the notebook and lean back.
Shes naive. I look at her, and I see myself breaking into the business. She wants the glory, she wants the cheers, she wants it all. She has no idea what the fans will do to her.
You feel sorry for her.
I suppose so, yeah. The fans will chew her up and spit her out. And she has no idea. And El Califa wont wise her up. Hell, he probably doesnt even know the right English to do so.
So what are you going to do?
Give her an important lesson. That once you lose, the fans will turn on you in an instant. Once that happens, youre on your own, and then and only then can you find out what youre really made of.
Talia smiles, and stand back up, running her hands through my hair as she stands before me. Thats what I love about you. Always so giving.
Its a service I have to provide for these people.
She smiles, and goes to walk away. She stops just as she reaches the door, and turns back.
You are okay, right?
I look up, half paying attention. Yeah, why wouldnt I be?
Just not winning. The second match. You were real torn up about it and then, all of a sudden you were fine. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.
I smile, hit the pause button, and walk over to her, placing my arms around her waist. She looks up at me and smiles, as I plant a kiss on her forehead.
My move ended a match where I went the distance with three of the best in this company after Id already competed in a gruelling match earlier than evening. Not Ricky Runns move. No. Triple Xs. And even though Blade beat the living shit out of me, I still hung in there with all of them. So while I may be a bit despondent at the result, it does bring to light one thing.
And whats that?
I smile, and lay a real kiss on her. Her hand runs up my spine as mine navigates itself up and down her spine. I pull away and look into her eyes and smile again.
Next time, when Im at my best, no-one will be able to stop me.
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