AS84: ElegAnt vs. Lexi Hayes - Eurasian Qualifier

[Ty Burna]

Deadline is Wednesday, September 10th at 11:59 PM Central Time.

 

[Richard Blonoff]

Deadline has been extended by 24 hours.

 

[Skairipa Matrix]

The Adventures of Lexi Hayes: Going To The Ball Game​

Three Days Before Ascension 84: ​

We see a navy blue pick up truck going down the New York highway, windows down and country music blaring loud enough for cars passing them to hear. Hanging out the passenger side window, we see a woman's hand with sparkly blue nail polish on the nails, as we get closer we can see the hand belongs to none other than Lexi Hayes. While she has her right arm out the window, her left arm is held tight against her with an ice pack taped against it. We can also see Lexi's sister, Jessica driving the truck and when she reaches her exit, she turns towards her sister and smiles to herself as she watches her relax and sing along, out of tune to the music on the radio before turning off the highway and slowly heading down the road.

How's your shoulder Lex?

Jess gives a concerned look at her sister but Lexi shrugs it off and slides the ice pack up to check for a bruise on her shoulder but luckily there isn't one.

I reckon I'll be fine. I just wish I had beaten Eve, that girl has some serious issues!

Lexi shakes her head and slides the ice pack back into place.

Yeah she does, I'm glad Aubrey Sloan came out to help you though, we need you to be 100% in time for your huge match with ElegANT! Speaking of which, what do ya know about him? He seems like quite the oddball.

You make it sound like I can't fight my own battles and need someone to protect me...

Lexi frowns as Jess quickly shakes her head in disagreement to try and cover her tracks.

I'm not saying you can't fight your own battles, I'm just saying I'm glad Aubrey came out to help ya! She could be a good ally for you down the road. But hey lets focus on the upcoming match shall we? What do you know about ElegANT?

Well, I know he's super nice and he must be darn good if he could beat Ramparte last week! I also know the feller thinks he's an ant. What should my plan be to beat him?

Jess thinks for a minute while going through a high traffic area and she begins seeing a bunch of signs to let her know she's entered The Bronx. As she's thinking, Lexi looks at her sister for guidance and finally, Jess speaks up.

Well from what I saw this week, he's a high flyer like you are. He's also a gentleman so at least you won't have to worry about him fighting dirty like Eve did. You could try to out fly him or you could use your striking skills to your advantage. Maybe a little of both.

Lexi nods in agreement while looking at the buildings they pass out the window.

So I reckon we got a lot in common, but one way we're different is he's rich and was raised that way. I've had to bust my butt to realize my dream, do ya think that gives me any sorta advantage?

I'd think so. Having to work for everything in life means you have determination.

Lexi nods and turns in her seat to face her sister.

That's true. Heck being born rich means he probably never worked a day in his life, I reckon i'm tougher than him and I bet he can't hit as hard as me.

Jess nods in agreement and the two stay silent for a minute and just enjoy the wind flowing through their hair before Lexi speaks up again.

What do ya think his weakness is?

Honestly? Probably the same as yours, mat wrestling. So while it doesn't give ya a ton to plan for there, just pretend you're taking down one of the pigs on the farm again.

The two chuckle at that while Jess continues to drive and after stopping the laughter, Lexi looks at her big sister seriously.

I reckon I could do that, do ya think I could win this match? That'd be super cool, heck if I win all I gotta do is climb a ladder at Kingdom Come and I could be EurAsian Champion! How cool would that be!?

Lexi begins to get excited but Jess puts a hand out to try to calm her down.

Whoa girl, one match at a time! Let's get you past ElegANT first and then we can worry about Kingdom Come!

Jess chuckles and Lexi rolls her eyes as they pull into the parking lot for Yankee Stadium.

I trust you to be able to pull this off, just remember to use your striking to your advantage and keep things fast paced, if you get grounded just try to get to the ropes or use your arm strength to avoid being on your back too much.

Lexi nods as the two step out of the car and Jess pulls the two tickets to the game out of her pocket and hands one to Lexi as the two head for the gates to the stadium along with a huge group of people. The only difference being that Lexi and Jess stick out like sore thumbs in the group as they're the only two wearing red Texas Rangers shirts instead of New York Yankees clothing. As the two sisters walk through the stadium they stop for a moment to check their tickets to see what section they're sitting in. After doing so, they keep walking until they reach their section and walk up ramp into the stadium and soak in the atmosphere. The smell of the fresh cut grass, the sound of kids standing at the fences yelling at the players who are warming up on the field to throw them a ball, and the sight of families talking about the game and who will win. As the two walk up the steps towards their seats above the outfield fence, they notice rude glares from the New York fans who don't seem to appreciate the girls being Rangers fans. But none the less, the girls keep walking and take their seats in the 7th row up in seats one and 2.

A Hour Later.... ​

After watching the first three innings of the game mostly in silence besides some causal small talk, Lexi and Jess jump out of their seats cheering when the Rangers get out of a jam by turning a double play to keep their 1-0 lead. As many fans start heading down the stairs to get some refreshments, Jess turns to Lexi.

I'm gonna grab some nachos. Do ya want anything?

Hmm nachos sound pretty darn good. Will ya get me a coke too?

Sure.

Jess nods and walks down the stairs as Lexi sits back down and puts her feet up on the seat in front of her. As she watches the grounds crew clean up the field, she slowly zones out.

We get an image of a new scene now, we're inside The Ballpark at Arlington and sitting in the outfield, ironically in about the same spot Lexi and Jess currently sit in Yankee Stadium sits a young blonde girl and her father. Both are wearing Rangers shirts and hats while the little girl has a kids sized globe on her right hand. As we get closer to these two people, we can hear a conversation between them.

Daddy, will I get a homerun ball?

Well, I'm not sure darlin' but I'll tell ya what I bet if one comes this way you'll catch it in that there glove of yours. Just pay attention Lexi, don't wanna get hit with one of them balls.

The young girl, who we now know is a young Lexi Hayes nods her head in excitement and understanding. The next batter steps up to the plate and after watching a couple pitches go by him, he connects with a loud "SMACK" on the ball and sends it flying towards the outfield! The ball is sailing towards the fence as everybody in the stands rises to their feet to watch it go, everybody but Lexi that is as she gets distracted by a butterfly fluttering past her as the ball goes over the fence and is heading right for her! A couple fans try to jump for the ball as it flies over their heads with no luck and the ball is about to smack Lexi right in the face when her father notices and stands in front of her, making the bare handed catch of the ball much to the relief of every fan in the area who looked at the little girl with a helpless worry in their eyes.

Here ya go Lexi.

Lexi's father now sticks out his left hand to her, the homerun ball in hand and the biggest smile he's ever seen her flash crosses her face as she takes the ball before giving him a big hug, which in turn makes him smile.

Thank ya daddy! This is the best day ever!

Lexi holds the ball close to her chest as she stares at her new prized possession as they continue to watch the game, and the scene fades out and we go back to the present day at Yankee Stadium.

It's now a full inning later in the game, making it the bottom of the 4th. Lexi has begun playing with her phone as she still waits for her sister to come back with the nachos and coke. Upon seeing her phone screen, she can be seen looking at ElegANT's roster page, more so his moveset as she thinks of ways to counter anything he may throw at her. While doing this though, she doesn't notice her sister slowly making her way up the steps with her hands full and also doesn't notice the loud "SMACK!" as the batter sends the ball flying quickly towards the outfield wall! The fans hold their breath as they watch the ball sailing towards the fence and it goes flying over and is heading right for Lexi! Lexi puts her phone down and looks up just as the ball is almost to her and Jess looks on with a helpless horror in her eyes as she can't protect her sister from being hit with the ball....but Lexi catches it!

Jess lets out a deep sigh of relief as her sister holds up the ball and smiles at her catch while the idiot fans around her high five one another over the home team homerun. A minute later, Jess walks up the steps and hands her sister a plastic container full of nachos and cheese along with a big cup of coke before sitting down with her own nachos and soda.

I saw that catch you made Lex, I was worried that ball was gonna hit you in the head!

Lexi raises an eyebrow to her sister at that statement.

Why the heck would ya be worried bout that?

Because when you were a kid, Daddy had to catch the ball for you all the time.

I was a kid Jess!

Lexi kind of chuckles but also gives her sister an angry look.

I'm grown up Jess, I can protect myself. I don't need nobody to protect me but me no more. That includes you and Aubrey Sloan.

Lexi nods with a bit of attitude behind her words as Jess slowly nods in understanding, seemingly caught off guard by the tone of her sisters voice.

Plus even if I got hurt, I'm tough and always have been, ya know that. But if ya need a reminder, I'll prove it at Ascension this week when I leave ElegANT in a Hayes!

Lexi nods with confidence and Jess apologizes to her sister for doubting her and the two turn their focus back to watching the rest of the game. The scene now fades out.

 

[Thriller Ant]

The scene opens with Leon Kensworth and elegANT sitting on opposite sides of a gorgeous outdoor table on the expansive veranda of elegANT’s home with picturesque green grass and trees stretching as far as the eye can see. One of elegANT’s workers brings a pitcher of watch and a glass for each as they begin talking.

Ladies and gentlemen, my guest is coming off a successful WZCW singles debut this past week and is in a qualifying match for the Eurasian Title Super Ladder Match Melee, elegANT.

elegANT reaches across the table to shake Leon's hand.

It is so fantastic to host you in my home, Leon.

The pleasure is mine. I had heard plenty about this place, and it has exceeded all of them.

I’m quite flattered to hear that, thank you.

Leon nods and takes a sip of water before speaking again.

Let’s get down to business. First, may I have your thoughts on your WZCW debut at the Lethal Lottery?

elegANT inhales deeply and looks into the distance, reminiscing.

It was so much more wonderful than I ever could have imagined. I have had my fair share of large gatherings here, but it was nothing compared to that crowd. I live to bring others delight, and I’d wager that there’s no match that WZCW fans revel in more than the Lethal Lottery. Mikey Stormrage made sure I wasn’t there for too terribly long, but being able to partake in that match is a fond memory I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

Is it safe to assume you feel the same way about your singles debut last week?

Very much so, and against a champion, no less! I had many dreams about that match, and none of those dreams went as well as the actual match went. Ramparte was quite the adversary and I do feel fortunate to have come out triumphant. I was so happy after the match that I procured gifts for both myself and Ramparte. For Ramparte, I ordered a lovely fruit basket to be delivered to Cerberus headquarters. For myself, I have commissioned a painting of the finish of the match to hang near my bed. I will be sure to share a snapshot with you when it is completed.

I look forward to seeing it. As I mentioned earlier, you are in a qualifying match for the Eurasian Title Super Ladder Match Melee and your opponent is Lexi Hayes. Would you care to comment on both Lexi and this opportunity to earn a trip to Kingdom Come?

elegANT pauses, takes a drink of water, and briefly strokes his one of his antennae before he answers.

Lexi is an exceptional competitor. I admire her spirit and the way she goes about her business. I admit that I was a bit unsure about stepping into a ring with a female. As a gentlemant, I have always done my best to respect women, but I was assured that this was an exception. I was glad I cleared that up, because whichever of us comes out victorious will get quite the recompense: a place on the largest show of the year, in a match for the Eurasian Title, nonetheless. Performing on Kingdom Come would be an unimaginable honor, but I would be shocked if Lexi didn’t feel the same way. She will bring her best, as will I.

Thank you for your time and hospitality, elegANT. Good luck in your match.

No, thank you, Leon. If I am fortunate enough to win, I will be sure to make sure you get an invite to the party to celebrate.

The two men stand and shake hands as the scene fades to black.