Richard Blonoff
Make America Rassle Again
Deadline is Tuesday, July 21st at 11:59PM CST. Extensions available upon request.
MD 120: Cerberus(c) vs. elegANT & Eve Taylor - Tag Team Titles
- Thread starter Richard Blonoff
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Richard Blonoff
Make America Rassle Again
Deadline has been extended by 24 hours.
Viola Moonlight
I'm Literally Just Here for WZCW
The last few days became quite depressing for Eve Taylor. Any activity she geared herself up in an attempt to forget her betrayal towards those who she considered her own kin (Cerberus) failed miserably. Her high pressure and strenuous lifestyle she led as one of the world's best supermodels made her accustom to thinking about personal matters whilst she was intensely busy on shoots and catwalks. It was a great skill to acquire but these days it was proving to be less fruitful. She knew she couldn't distract herself from the problem and she had to tell someone. However, the short list of Eve's friends grew even shorter after issuing a challenge for her partners' Tag Team championships. She tried contacting Flex & Ramparte but they didn't answer or return any of Eve's calls or texts. Normally, it was the other way around and only until now did Eve realise her constant avoidance of Flex & Ramparte. The time she needed them the most and they weren't there for her. Eve didn't know whether to feel regretful or angry but she knew it was one of the many issues she needed to resolve once Flex & Ramparte were back on talking terms with her.
"You've really done it this time..." she whispered to herself under her breath.
She shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts from her head but it was useless. Like a moth to a flame, they just kept coming back to her. For a brief moment before the thoughts flooded her mind once more, she was able to gain her bearings again. She was inside a shopping mall - specifically inside a very expensive clothing store - with both Stacey Madison & Selena Anderson, two girls she never imagined would be out and about with on a "girls day out."
"First Mentor Rosa, then Aubrey & Maggie and now Flex & Ramparte?" Eve whispered again, pausing for a moment, "Why do you keep pushing people away?"
Eve caught herself in a mirror, seeing that she sat with a slouching posture and with a mopping expression on her face. Luckily, Madison was turning her nose up at most of the dresses, flicking through the racks without much care whilst Anderson shuffled about in the changing room; neither of them noticing Eve wallowing in the corner. Even though the two argued with each other and were opposite people, Selena & Stacey found a way to manage between the two of them. Eve felt apathetic for them, wishing she could do the same.
"Now you're trying to do the same to them? Why do you keep trying to find happiness?"
The store began to feel a little claustrophobic for Eve. Her chest felt tighter than usual and she had to think about breathing as if it were a chore. She started inhaling and exhaling deeply, becoming very audible for others. Eve did her best to remain calm.
"Face it, Eve... you're meant to be alone."
As Eve was about to hyperventilate, Selena Anderson barging through the changing room door snapped her out of the oncoming episode. She was clanking in heels two sizes two small for her feet and a dress not properly fitted to her body, unable to be zipped up. Selena had all eyes on her from making loud noises, keeping people from gazing their attention on Eve. As Selena fixed up her hair and tugged down at her dress, Eve felt relieved and began breathing normally.
"Seriously, Selena?" Stacey questioned with a snobby attitude. "I told you it wouldn't fit."
"I'm not leaving until I get this damn dress on." Selena retorted. "This is the dress I'm announcing with on Ascension."
Stacey rolled her eyes. "You're a ring announcer, not a famous actress. People won't notice what you wear. It's only your voice that counts."
"Appearance is everything, Stacey! If I show some initiative and present myself excellently each night, I'll rise the ranks just like Becky."
Stacey let out a laugh. "Just be glad you've got a spot. I didn't do one interview for the Roulette shows. Not one... and as you & I both know, I'm very good looking... so what does that tell you?"
Selena doesn't respond, turning towards Eve.
"What do you think, Eve?" She asked, catching Eve off-guard. "You're the fashion expert. I can fit in this dress and look great, right?"
Eve looks up, seeing both Selena and Stacey waiting impatiently for a response, almost as if they expected Eve to be the problem solver between the two. It felt good for Eve on the inside to know that others still valued her & her input and normally, she jump at the chance to take control but she had no answer.
"I can't believe I put myself in this situation."
Selena & Stacey both looked at each other, realising the conversation has taken a detour. Almost instantly, they drop the argument.
"Why did I have to panic in the ring? I could've contested the decision or just let it slide & not bother to participate in the match but instead, I panicked and requested that my friends' Tag Team championships be defended against myself?"
Selena walks over to Eve as best as possible and sits down awkwardly, doing her best not to rip the dress or crush her body.
"Don't worry about, Eve. Spur of the moment can catch the best of us."
"But it was almost as if I knew what I was doing!"
"Maybe it's what you wanted to do." Eve looks up at Stacey. "You've been searching for the chance to become champion again and you'll take anything to get it. You fought Kagura for one and now you've got this."
"Against my friends, though? And to make matters worse, my partner is that damn prissy ant-man!"
"Well..." Selena ponders for a second, "... the most dysfunctional pairings have been known to work well together. I mean, look at Stacey & I. You'd never think we would be the way we are: maybe elegANT and yourself could find a common ground."
Eve has a look on shock on her face.
"I can't believe the two of you! I'm having a dilemma about facing my friends for their titles and you two are talking about me actually winning the championships!"
"Have you tried to contact them about this?"
"Yes but they won't answer me."
"If Flex & Ramparte are the friends you say they are, wouldn't you think they'd do their best to reach out to you?"
Eve again had no answer; Stacey had a good point. Eve panicked and made a mistake. She shouldn't crucify only herself for her actions. She tried correcting the mistake but Flex & Ramparte ignored her attempts.
"Look: keep trying to reach them but it wouldn't hurt to go talk to elegANT. He's very nice and a gentlemen; he's not going to bite, Eve. You might find that the two of you have something in common."
"And if your friends cared about you, they'd want you to be happy. Championships make you happy, Eve. Don't you think they'd be proud of you if you beat them? Better someone you trust than someone you don't, right?"
It took a moment for Eve to process, weighing out her options. Eventually, she made her decision.
"Give me elegANT's number, Stacey."
***************************************
Just outside the shopping mall, Eve Taylor stands on the sidewalk waiting and watching the roads carefully underneath the sunglasses and head scarf covering the majority of her face. He keeps another eye out for people who pass by, making sure they aren't watching her.
"I haven't got all day." She mumbles.
A minute passes until a black limousine pulls up, right next to Eve. The door opens from the inside. Nobody exits the vehicle. Eve quickly enters the limousine and shuts the door, immediately removing her head scarf and sunglasses. She feels relieved to remove the accessories from her head as she turns to elegANT, sitting perfectly in the back of the limo.
"An odd choice to meet up, Miss Taylor." elegANT remarks.
Eve checks out the window. "I didn't want to anyone to know we were meeting."
"Embarrassed?" The ant-man asked.
Eve rolls her eyes. 'What does he take me for, a child?'
"No," she responded, matter-o-factly, "I'd rather not have people talking... about us. It's already bad enough people are talking about how I'm betraying my Cerberus stablemates for this title opportunity."
Saying this sentence ate away inside of Eve once more.
"So you don't want to capture the World Tag Team championships?" elegANT asked politely.
Eve became a little annoyed at elegANT's positive attitude.
"I do..." Eve paused. "... but not with you and not against my friends."
Eve had no idea what she was doing in this limo with elegANT. Two work colleagues convinced her this was a good idea but Eve was starting to regret this decision. She just wanted to have this ride in peace and keep the conversation to a bare minimum, saying anything she could to quiet elegANT.
"I completely understand and I appreciate the honesty, Miss Taylor."
She became more annoyed. "Do you really or are you just living up to your gentlemanly persona? You can drop the act when you're with me."
"I assure you it is no act." elegANT smiled. "I was sincere in my response and I am sincere when I say I too would like to capture the World Tag Team championships. You may not be the nicest person in the world but I am excited to be teaming with you."
Eve shot a look of death towards elegANT, not believing what he just said.
"At least I'm not faking being nice!"
"As I said, it is not an act."
Eve wanted to put elegANT down. How can anyone be this nice?
"I've never met someone rich and high-class be a nice person because that's who they are; people such as yourself only look out for themselves and will do anything they can to stay rich even if that means being nice to people. As much as you want people to accept you as a man of the people and a gentleman, you'll always be better than everyone else."
"Excuse me, Miss Taylor." elegANT retorted. "I've never proclaimed to be better than my fellow ant. I don't know why you keep insisting I am someone I am not but I would be grateful if you could keep your negativity and obsessions with other people to yourself. You may not like the way I present myself against the norm you are accustom to but that does not give you the right to criticise me, my fair lady."
Eve folder her arms and turned away from elegANT. She couldn't believe the hide and the nerve of this man. A very stubborn individual hiding behind a mask, wanting the world to see them for something completely different than what they are. No matter what Eve tried, elegANT remained sturdy and wouldn't budge... and it reminded her of herself.
Eve went into deep thought before elegANT broke the silence. "I apologise for yelling and getting emotional, Miss Taylor. I did not mean to start a heated argument."
Eve accepted the apology to herself but she didn't want to show any mercy towards elegANT.
"Clearly, we are two completely different people."
"Ah! But we have the same objective: winning the titles and becoming the World Tag Team championships. Is this something we can agree on?"
Eve thought about it before turning to elegANT, seeing that he was quite serious on the question. She couldn't fault his logic. She did want the titles, even if she couldn't pick her partner. But with all the broken bridges she's created with her past friendships, what other choice did she have?
"Yes."
"Splendid! Now, let's talk strategy."
Not wanting any more of this conversation, Eve pointed outside. "Actually, just pull up here."
"Oh... as you wish."
The limousine pulls up to the sidewalk, allowing Eve to exit. She dons her sunglasses and the head scarf once more before leaving the vehicle and shutting the door behind. The limo drove off as Eve walked down the street, wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible before anyone saw her. Plus, she needed to get prepared. She crossed the line when she requested for the Tag Titles to be on the line; she might as well go the distance. It would be a tough challenge but Eve had to give it her best shot to become champion again...
... and if she lost, Cerberus still held the titles and she had an Elite X title shot awaiting her in the future: a win-win situation for Eve. What could possibly go wrong?
"You've really done it this time..." she whispered to herself under her breath.
She shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts from her head but it was useless. Like a moth to a flame, they just kept coming back to her. For a brief moment before the thoughts flooded her mind once more, she was able to gain her bearings again. She was inside a shopping mall - specifically inside a very expensive clothing store - with both Stacey Madison & Selena Anderson, two girls she never imagined would be out and about with on a "girls day out."
"First Mentor Rosa, then Aubrey & Maggie and now Flex & Ramparte?" Eve whispered again, pausing for a moment, "Why do you keep pushing people away?"
Eve caught herself in a mirror, seeing that she sat with a slouching posture and with a mopping expression on her face. Luckily, Madison was turning her nose up at most of the dresses, flicking through the racks without much care whilst Anderson shuffled about in the changing room; neither of them noticing Eve wallowing in the corner. Even though the two argued with each other and were opposite people, Selena & Stacey found a way to manage between the two of them. Eve felt apathetic for them, wishing she could do the same.
"Now you're trying to do the same to them? Why do you keep trying to find happiness?"
The store began to feel a little claustrophobic for Eve. Her chest felt tighter than usual and she had to think about breathing as if it were a chore. She started inhaling and exhaling deeply, becoming very audible for others. Eve did her best to remain calm.
"Face it, Eve... you're meant to be alone."
As Eve was about to hyperventilate, Selena Anderson barging through the changing room door snapped her out of the oncoming episode. She was clanking in heels two sizes two small for her feet and a dress not properly fitted to her body, unable to be zipped up. Selena had all eyes on her from making loud noises, keeping people from gazing their attention on Eve. As Selena fixed up her hair and tugged down at her dress, Eve felt relieved and began breathing normally.
"Seriously, Selena?" Stacey questioned with a snobby attitude. "I told you it wouldn't fit."
"I'm not leaving until I get this damn dress on." Selena retorted. "This is the dress I'm announcing with on Ascension."
Stacey rolled her eyes. "You're a ring announcer, not a famous actress. People won't notice what you wear. It's only your voice that counts."
"Appearance is everything, Stacey! If I show some initiative and present myself excellently each night, I'll rise the ranks just like Becky."
Stacey let out a laugh. "Just be glad you've got a spot. I didn't do one interview for the Roulette shows. Not one... and as you & I both know, I'm very good looking... so what does that tell you?"
Selena doesn't respond, turning towards Eve.
"What do you think, Eve?" She asked, catching Eve off-guard. "You're the fashion expert. I can fit in this dress and look great, right?"
Eve looks up, seeing both Selena and Stacey waiting impatiently for a response, almost as if they expected Eve to be the problem solver between the two. It felt good for Eve on the inside to know that others still valued her & her input and normally, she jump at the chance to take control but she had no answer.
"I can't believe I put myself in this situation."
Selena & Stacey both looked at each other, realising the conversation has taken a detour. Almost instantly, they drop the argument.
"Why did I have to panic in the ring? I could've contested the decision or just let it slide & not bother to participate in the match but instead, I panicked and requested that my friends' Tag Team championships be defended against myself?"
Selena walks over to Eve as best as possible and sits down awkwardly, doing her best not to rip the dress or crush her body.
"Don't worry about, Eve. Spur of the moment can catch the best of us."
"But it was almost as if I knew what I was doing!"
"Maybe it's what you wanted to do." Eve looks up at Stacey. "You've been searching for the chance to become champion again and you'll take anything to get it. You fought Kagura for one and now you've got this."
"Against my friends, though? And to make matters worse, my partner is that damn prissy ant-man!"
"Well..." Selena ponders for a second, "... the most dysfunctional pairings have been known to work well together. I mean, look at Stacey & I. You'd never think we would be the way we are: maybe elegANT and yourself could find a common ground."
Eve has a look on shock on her face.
"I can't believe the two of you! I'm having a dilemma about facing my friends for their titles and you two are talking about me actually winning the championships!"
"Have you tried to contact them about this?"
"Yes but they won't answer me."
"If Flex & Ramparte are the friends you say they are, wouldn't you think they'd do their best to reach out to you?"
Eve again had no answer; Stacey had a good point. Eve panicked and made a mistake. She shouldn't crucify only herself for her actions. She tried correcting the mistake but Flex & Ramparte ignored her attempts.
"Look: keep trying to reach them but it wouldn't hurt to go talk to elegANT. He's very nice and a gentlemen; he's not going to bite, Eve. You might find that the two of you have something in common."
"And if your friends cared about you, they'd want you to be happy. Championships make you happy, Eve. Don't you think they'd be proud of you if you beat them? Better someone you trust than someone you don't, right?"
It took a moment for Eve to process, weighing out her options. Eventually, she made her decision.
"Give me elegANT's number, Stacey."
***************************************
Just outside the shopping mall, Eve Taylor stands on the sidewalk waiting and watching the roads carefully underneath the sunglasses and head scarf covering the majority of her face. He keeps another eye out for people who pass by, making sure they aren't watching her.
"I haven't got all day." She mumbles.
A minute passes until a black limousine pulls up, right next to Eve. The door opens from the inside. Nobody exits the vehicle. Eve quickly enters the limousine and shuts the door, immediately removing her head scarf and sunglasses. She feels relieved to remove the accessories from her head as she turns to elegANT, sitting perfectly in the back of the limo.
"An odd choice to meet up, Miss Taylor." elegANT remarks.
Eve checks out the window. "I didn't want to anyone to know we were meeting."
"Embarrassed?" The ant-man asked.
Eve rolls her eyes. 'What does he take me for, a child?'
"No," she responded, matter-o-factly, "I'd rather not have people talking... about us. It's already bad enough people are talking about how I'm betraying my Cerberus stablemates for this title opportunity."
Saying this sentence ate away inside of Eve once more.
"So you don't want to capture the World Tag Team championships?" elegANT asked politely.
Eve became a little annoyed at elegANT's positive attitude.
"I do..." Eve paused. "... but not with you and not against my friends."
Eve had no idea what she was doing in this limo with elegANT. Two work colleagues convinced her this was a good idea but Eve was starting to regret this decision. She just wanted to have this ride in peace and keep the conversation to a bare minimum, saying anything she could to quiet elegANT.
"I completely understand and I appreciate the honesty, Miss Taylor."
She became more annoyed. "Do you really or are you just living up to your gentlemanly persona? You can drop the act when you're with me."
"I assure you it is no act." elegANT smiled. "I was sincere in my response and I am sincere when I say I too would like to capture the World Tag Team championships. You may not be the nicest person in the world but I am excited to be teaming with you."
Eve shot a look of death towards elegANT, not believing what he just said.
"At least I'm not faking being nice!"
"As I said, it is not an act."
Eve wanted to put elegANT down. How can anyone be this nice?
"I've never met someone rich and high-class be a nice person because that's who they are; people such as yourself only look out for themselves and will do anything they can to stay rich even if that means being nice to people. As much as you want people to accept you as a man of the people and a gentleman, you'll always be better than everyone else."
"Excuse me, Miss Taylor." elegANT retorted. "I've never proclaimed to be better than my fellow ant. I don't know why you keep insisting I am someone I am not but I would be grateful if you could keep your negativity and obsessions with other people to yourself. You may not like the way I present myself against the norm you are accustom to but that does not give you the right to criticise me, my fair lady."
Eve folder her arms and turned away from elegANT. She couldn't believe the hide and the nerve of this man. A very stubborn individual hiding behind a mask, wanting the world to see them for something completely different than what they are. No matter what Eve tried, elegANT remained sturdy and wouldn't budge... and it reminded her of herself.
Eve went into deep thought before elegANT broke the silence. "I apologise for yelling and getting emotional, Miss Taylor. I did not mean to start a heated argument."
Eve accepted the apology to herself but she didn't want to show any mercy towards elegANT.
"Clearly, we are two completely different people."
"Ah! But we have the same objective: winning the titles and becoming the World Tag Team championships. Is this something we can agree on?"
Eve thought about it before turning to elegANT, seeing that he was quite serious on the question. She couldn't fault his logic. She did want the titles, even if she couldn't pick her partner. But with all the broken bridges she's created with her past friendships, what other choice did she have?
"Yes."
"Splendid! Now, let's talk strategy."
Not wanting any more of this conversation, Eve pointed outside. "Actually, just pull up here."
"Oh... as you wish."
The limousine pulls up to the sidewalk, allowing Eve to exit. She dons her sunglasses and the head scarf once more before leaving the vehicle and shutting the door behind. The limo drove off as Eve walked down the street, wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible before anyone saw her. Plus, she needed to get prepared. She crossed the line when she requested for the Tag Titles to be on the line; she might as well go the distance. It would be a tough challenge but Eve had to give it her best shot to become champion again...
... and if she lost, Cerberus still held the titles and she had an Elite X title shot awaiting her in the future: a win-win situation for Eve. What could possibly go wrong?
Thriller Ant
Beep Bop Boop
It wasnt often that I found myself nervous for a meeting. Due to my many philanthropic interests, I find myself attending business meetings quite a bit, many times with large sums of money on the line. This was completely different, however.
Last week, the roulette put myself and Eve Taylor together as a tag team and by virtue of winning our match, we were given the ability to choose what match we competed in as a team this week. My first instinct was, of course, to face the WZCW Tag Team Champions, Cerberus. I know that Eve has been affiliated with Flex and Ramparte, but I believed that she would understand and agree with the logic behind my choice. At first, it seemed as though she hadnt. In fact, she reacted quite angrily . until she asked Ms. Serra to make our match for the titles.
That takes me to now. I contacted Eve so that we could meet to discuss strategy before the title match. We won last week, but we didnt win as a team. Eve is a former Eurasian Champion. I am a former Elite X Champion. That alone makes us a formidable pair, and it was enough to defeat John Doe and Armando Paradyse. It would probably be enough for us to beat a significant number of tag teams. Flex and Ramparte are not one of those teams. They have cemented themselves as one of the best team in WZCW history. Luckily for me, no one knows the champs better than my partner. I just need to make sure I can trust her.
Were pulling up to the building now, sir.
My driver snapped me out of my thoughts, which was probably a good thing. I didnt want to get my mind too set before I talked to Eve.
Thank you very much.
I looked out the window and a woman wearing a fashionable head scarf. She climbs in the car and takes it off to reveal herself as Eve Taylor.
An odd choice to meet up, Miss Taylor.
I didn't want to anyone to know we were meeting.
As much as I expected this kind of reaction, it still stung.
Embarrassed?
No, I'd rather not have people talking... about us. It's already bad enough people are talking about how I'm betraying my Cerberus stablemates for this title opportunity.
So you don't want to capture the World Tag Team championships?
I do... but not with you and not against my friends.
This was not the most pleasant response I couldve gotten, but, I must admit, it was nice to hear her say that she wanted to win against Cerberus. The thought of her not being committed had crossed my mind.
I completely understand and I appreciate the honesty, Miss Taylor.
Do you really or are you just living up to your gentlemanly persona? You can drop the act when you're with me.
I heard this quite a bit, unfortunately.
I assure you it is no act. I was sincere in my response and I am sincere when I say I too would like to capture the World Tag Team championships. You may not be the nicest person in the world but I am excited to be teaming with you.
At least I'm not faking being nice.
As I said, it is not an act.
Despite my best efforts, her prodding was getting under my exoskeleton.
I've never met someone rich and high-class be a nice person because that's who they are; people such as yourself only look out for themselves and will do anything they can to stay rich even if that means being nice to people. As much as you want people to accept you as a man of the people and a gentleman, you'll always be better than everyone else.
Excuse me, Miss Taylor. I've never proclaimed to be better than my fellow ant. I don't know why you keep insisting I am someone I am not but I would be grateful if you could keep your negativity and obsessions with other people to yourself. You may not like the way I present myself against the norm you are accustom to but that does not give you the right to criticize me, my fair lady.
We both sat in silence. I was ashamed for losing my temper in such a way. I believe my frustration was justified, but I strive to hold myself to a higher standard and failed. I needed to try and salvage this meeting.
I apologize for yelling and getting emotional, Miss Taylor. I did not mean to start a heated argument.
Clearly, we are two completely different people.
Ah! But we have the same objective: winning the titles and becoming the World Tag Team championships. Is this something we can agree on?
Waiting for her response feels like an eternity. What Eve said next would decide if there was any chance for us to become Tag Team Champions.
Yes.
Relief swept over my body.
Splendid! Now, let's talk strategy.
Actually, just pull up here.
Oh... as you wish.
As quickly as it came, the relief was gone. Without saying a word, Eve puts the headscarf back on and climbs out of the car. If I am to be honest with myself, the meeting didnt go as I had hoped. One big question was answered, though. Eve wanted to win the Tag Team Titles. I wasnt her ideal partner, and she wasnt happy that her teammates are the opponents, but the fact that she wants to win eases my nerves quite a bit. We both want to hold again. Why cant we be the ones to dethrone the longest reigning champions in WZCW? Its time for new Tag Team Champions.
Last week, the roulette put myself and Eve Taylor together as a tag team and by virtue of winning our match, we were given the ability to choose what match we competed in as a team this week. My first instinct was, of course, to face the WZCW Tag Team Champions, Cerberus. I know that Eve has been affiliated with Flex and Ramparte, but I believed that she would understand and agree with the logic behind my choice. At first, it seemed as though she hadnt. In fact, she reacted quite angrily . until she asked Ms. Serra to make our match for the titles.
That takes me to now. I contacted Eve so that we could meet to discuss strategy before the title match. We won last week, but we didnt win as a team. Eve is a former Eurasian Champion. I am a former Elite X Champion. That alone makes us a formidable pair, and it was enough to defeat John Doe and Armando Paradyse. It would probably be enough for us to beat a significant number of tag teams. Flex and Ramparte are not one of those teams. They have cemented themselves as one of the best team in WZCW history. Luckily for me, no one knows the champs better than my partner. I just need to make sure I can trust her.
Were pulling up to the building now, sir.
My driver snapped me out of my thoughts, which was probably a good thing. I didnt want to get my mind too set before I talked to Eve.
Thank you very much.
I looked out the window and a woman wearing a fashionable head scarf. She climbs in the car and takes it off to reveal herself as Eve Taylor.
An odd choice to meet up, Miss Taylor.
I didn't want to anyone to know we were meeting.
As much as I expected this kind of reaction, it still stung.
Embarrassed?
No, I'd rather not have people talking... about us. It's already bad enough people are talking about how I'm betraying my Cerberus stablemates for this title opportunity.
So you don't want to capture the World Tag Team championships?
I do... but not with you and not against my friends.
This was not the most pleasant response I couldve gotten, but, I must admit, it was nice to hear her say that she wanted to win against Cerberus. The thought of her not being committed had crossed my mind.
I completely understand and I appreciate the honesty, Miss Taylor.
Do you really or are you just living up to your gentlemanly persona? You can drop the act when you're with me.
I heard this quite a bit, unfortunately.
I assure you it is no act. I was sincere in my response and I am sincere when I say I too would like to capture the World Tag Team championships. You may not be the nicest person in the world but I am excited to be teaming with you.
At least I'm not faking being nice.
As I said, it is not an act.
Despite my best efforts, her prodding was getting under my exoskeleton.
I've never met someone rich and high-class be a nice person because that's who they are; people such as yourself only look out for themselves and will do anything they can to stay rich even if that means being nice to people. As much as you want people to accept you as a man of the people and a gentleman, you'll always be better than everyone else.
Excuse me, Miss Taylor. I've never proclaimed to be better than my fellow ant. I don't know why you keep insisting I am someone I am not but I would be grateful if you could keep your negativity and obsessions with other people to yourself. You may not like the way I present myself against the norm you are accustom to but that does not give you the right to criticize me, my fair lady.
We both sat in silence. I was ashamed for losing my temper in such a way. I believe my frustration was justified, but I strive to hold myself to a higher standard and failed. I needed to try and salvage this meeting.
I apologize for yelling and getting emotional, Miss Taylor. I did not mean to start a heated argument.
Clearly, we are two completely different people.
Ah! But we have the same objective: winning the titles and becoming the World Tag Team championships. Is this something we can agree on?
Waiting for her response feels like an eternity. What Eve said next would decide if there was any chance for us to become Tag Team Champions.
Yes.
Relief swept over my body.
Splendid! Now, let's talk strategy.
Actually, just pull up here.
Oh... as you wish.
As quickly as it came, the relief was gone. Without saying a word, Eve puts the headscarf back on and climbs out of the car. If I am to be honest with myself, the meeting didnt go as I had hoped. One big question was answered, though. Eve wanted to win the Tag Team Titles. I wasnt her ideal partner, and she wasnt happy that her teammates are the opponents, but the fact that she wants to win eases my nerves quite a bit. We both want to hold again. Why cant we be the ones to dethrone the longest reigning champions in WZCW? Its time for new Tag Team Champions.
FlexAmerican Dynamite
WZCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
Flex: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?
Ramparte: Comedy has never exactly ben my forte Flex. Eve Taylor and elegANT will be facing us on Meltdown 120; and thanks to Eve it will be for our tag team titles.
The tag team champions Cerberus can be seen in the back seat of an expensive rental car as Ramparte attempts to catch up Flex on what he missed while in Russia. Morley intently listens to their conversation in the driver seat while simultaneously staying focused on the road.
Flex: Why would she want to make the match for our titles? Why would she even agree to team with elegANT?!
Ramparte: I honestly couldnt tell why Eves reasoning for anything shes done the past few weeks; the communication between her and us has been minimal at best. However, word has it she might not exactly have been fond of the extra time you spent in Moscow with your old Russian flame.
The Catalyst looks over to the body builder hoping his words would goat out a response as hes interested in the romantic status of both Flex and Eve but the monsieur of muscle stays quiet. He instead opts to intently look out the window deep into his own thought rather than play into Rampartes game of gossip.
Flex: (So much has changed, not only has Ramparte possibly attracted the attention of Live Mas but Eve has seemingly made it her mission to take away the titles that brought us all closer together and originally gave us a purpose. Is she really mad about me staying longer in Russia? I gave Svetlana my word Id at least hear her out after she helped us prepare for Unscripted. However, I didnt anticipate things going the way they did )
Ramparte: FLEX!!!
Flex: Wha whats up?
Ramparte: Ive been calling your name for the last three minutes while youve just been glaring out the window. Are you going to tell me how things went with Svetlana?
Flex: It was you know the usual
Ramparte: Interesting .
The Catalyst intends to question his partner further but upon looking out the window next to Flex he cant help but notice he is not familiar with where Morley is driving them.
Ramparte: Morley where are we?
Morley: In a car on a street sir.
Ramparte: Location wise smart ass, this is not the way to my mansion.
Morley: Indeed it is not sir; during our time in Russia I received specific instructions from Ms. Svetlana to take you two to a secret location if Eve were to ever betray you.
Ramparte: Since when do you take instructions from Svetlana?!
Flex: Since when did Eve betray us?!
Morley: As much as I valued the days when Ms. Taylor was on the same page as you two her motivations seem questionable as of late, so I agreed with Ms. Svetlana when we decided it was in your best interest to set up a secret base of operations away from the mansion where she has easy access.
Ramparte: And where exactly would that be?!
Morley: I believe we are pulling up to it now.
Morley stops the car in front of a building set in a very remote area yet the building looks both modern a bit eerie from an outside perspective. It looks like a strange mix of the Grand Budapest Hotel and Stephen Kings 1408.
Flex: What is this place Bates Motel?
Morley: I believe it is called The Fabergé. Its one of the many properties Ms. Svetlana has own her payroll due to its Russian ties. And you two will be staying here until further notice until this situation with Ms. Taylor is sorted out.
Despite usually being the ones in charge both Flex and Ramparte can tell Morley will not budge in his decision making and instead of arguing opt to leave the car and inspect their new home. They order Morley to handle their luggage as they walk in the front door.
Ramparte: Why would elegANT even challenge us knowing his partner would be the third head of Cerberus?
Flex: Maybe Eve and the insect know each other better than we think.
Ramparte: By god do you think shes been inside his mansion?
Flex: Relax Ram; you know youre the only megalomaniacal aristocrat Eve cares about.
Ramparte: But what if thats the entire problem, what if my personality is the thing that drove Eve away into the arms of a seemingly much nicer playboy philanthropist?
Flex: One, I highly doubt elegANT is Eves new lover. Two, theres no way you of all people would drive her away.
Ramparte: Oh, so youre saying youre the only one that can affect her emotions?
Flex: Thats not what I mean, but its obvious that me staying longer with Svetlana has caused some sort of friction between us.
Ramparte: There would be no friction unless something happened with you and her right?
Flex: Shes just a distant acquaintance, nothing more and nothing less.
Ramparte: Yes, because distant acquaintances practically give hotels away right?
Flex: Well I guess shes just generous with her wealth, which is more than I could ever say for you. Maybe thats why Eve is so fond of elegANT, hes generous with his money instead of using it to become a reclusive literature freak.
A silence invades the conversation as the bodybuilders words seemingly cut deep with Ramparte as Flex can tell just by the look on his face. Morley hands the luggage off the help and tries to quickly defuse the situation.
Morley: Maybe it is best you two share separate rooms for the night, we wouldnt want to cause a public scene so soon before your title defense.
Ramparte quickly secures his room key at the front desk and makes his way to the elevator without saying a word to Flex and Morley follows. Soon enough the bodybuilder acquires his keys and heads to his own room. He begins to unpack slowly trying to recount the past couple of days and how things went from being so good for Cerberus to then so confusing.
???: So its finally happening I see.
The imaginary motivator and plastic mask known as Masquer can be seen lying on Flexs bed as one of the many things he carelessly chucked out from his bag.
Flex: I know exactly what youre going to say and I dont want to hear it.
Masquer: Ive been saying the same thing since day one Flex, Cerberus has been a distraction but at least it got you to the point youre at now. And no pun intended but on the eve of you and Ramparte becoming the longest reigning tag team champions in history the apparent love of your life threatens to take away all that youve worked for.
Flex: There has to be some reason shes doing this, something that Im not thinking of.
Masquer: The only thing youre not thinking of is the consequences of a woman such as that playing with your emotions. Shes the first woman in WZCW history to hold a singles title and not just any but the Eurasian championship. She may be on her way soon enough to become Elite X champion. And its not like her partner is a slouch by any means, elegANT is a former Elite X champion with one of the brightest futures of any star in the company. Not to mention hes got just as much money as your bookworm best friend who youve just happened to piss off. Eve hasnt said so much as two sentences to you in the last few weeks and shes already bringing your world down around you.
Flex: Without her Ram and I wouldnt have had our first tag team title reign.
Masquer: And her usefulness came in handy then but where was she when you two lost the belts to Hard Metal Penetration at Kingdom Come? Was she instrumental you two regaining the belts in that I Quit war? No, it was you who single handedly made the mechanical monster known as S.H.I.T. give up. Did she help you two retain the belts in the ladder match at Gold Rush? No, she was too busy wallowing in her own inability to defeat Theron and save her title. Where was she when you defeated countless other teams such as the Elite and Team Russia? Nowhere to be seen because both you and Ram have evolved past needing her help. She realizes shes outlived her usefulness and instead wants to bring you down before you overtake her. She knows that the only person that can truly destroy Cerberus is someone on the inside, which is why she wants to take the titles away from you.
Flex picks up his championship belt off the night stand and stares deeply at himself in the reflection. Almost as if he fears it will be one of the last times he sees it.
Flex: I cant lose this now, not when were so close to being able to truly call ourselves the greatest tag team in WZCW history. Not after all weve been through the last year. I cant let her and that insect take this away from us.
Masquer: Then you know what you have to do.
Before Flex can respond he hears a sudden knock on the door. He quickly opens to find Ramparte in the door way. He makes his way inside the room with his championship belt in hand lays it right beside Flexs.
Ramparte: I dont normally like to this but I have to admit youre right, Im a stingy, reclusive, and selfish individual in all things not concerning Cerberus and elegANT is a much more charitable and likeable person than I am, which is why Ive come to the decision that I will be donating the mansion.
Flex: Ram thats not necessary.
Ramparte: No it is; this place will become our new home and I need to show Eve I can be a good person to so she can trust and come back to us.
Flex: I fear that after Meltdown Eve might never come back to us.
Ramparte: What are you talking about?
Flex: As much as we both care for Eve she hasnt had our best interests in mind for weeks now. She aims to take away the belts weve worked so hard to gain and shes willing to partner up with someone she cares nothing to about to do just that. Weve done whatever it takes to keep these belts in the past but never have we had to go up against someone we consider family before.
Ramparte: So will we be living up to our moniker of team killers?
Flex: Eve and elegANT arent a team. Eve is an irrational woman scorned and elegANT is a warm body shes using to take out her anger on us. It wont be easy but well need to beat elegANT, Eve on the other hand we may need to do something much worse.
Ramparte: How much worse are we talking?
Flex: Almost breaking S.H.I.T. in half on a ladder worse, ending Amber Warrens career worse, to ensure she doesnt come back at us with everything she has we may need to end Eve Taylor completely. I love Eve but the truth is she has become a burden to us and our championships mean more than whatever feelings I have.
Ramparte: I take it this isnt a time to Hail Cerberus .
Flex: Three is becoming crowd Ram; after Meltdown three heads may become two, and when people Hail Cerberus they wont be pledging their loyalties to the fashion model, but instead to the Catalyst and Monsieur.
Ramparte: Comedy has never exactly ben my forte Flex. Eve Taylor and elegANT will be facing us on Meltdown 120; and thanks to Eve it will be for our tag team titles.
The tag team champions Cerberus can be seen in the back seat of an expensive rental car as Ramparte attempts to catch up Flex on what he missed while in Russia. Morley intently listens to their conversation in the driver seat while simultaneously staying focused on the road.
Flex: Why would she want to make the match for our titles? Why would she even agree to team with elegANT?!
Ramparte: I honestly couldnt tell why Eves reasoning for anything shes done the past few weeks; the communication between her and us has been minimal at best. However, word has it she might not exactly have been fond of the extra time you spent in Moscow with your old Russian flame.
The Catalyst looks over to the body builder hoping his words would goat out a response as hes interested in the romantic status of both Flex and Eve but the monsieur of muscle stays quiet. He instead opts to intently look out the window deep into his own thought rather than play into Rampartes game of gossip.
Flex: (So much has changed, not only has Ramparte possibly attracted the attention of Live Mas but Eve has seemingly made it her mission to take away the titles that brought us all closer together and originally gave us a purpose. Is she really mad about me staying longer in Russia? I gave Svetlana my word Id at least hear her out after she helped us prepare for Unscripted. However, I didnt anticipate things going the way they did )
Ramparte: FLEX!!!
Flex: Wha whats up?
Ramparte: Ive been calling your name for the last three minutes while youve just been glaring out the window. Are you going to tell me how things went with Svetlana?
Flex: It was you know the usual
Ramparte: Interesting .
The Catalyst intends to question his partner further but upon looking out the window next to Flex he cant help but notice he is not familiar with where Morley is driving them.
Ramparte: Morley where are we?
Morley: In a car on a street sir.
Ramparte: Location wise smart ass, this is not the way to my mansion.
Morley: Indeed it is not sir; during our time in Russia I received specific instructions from Ms. Svetlana to take you two to a secret location if Eve were to ever betray you.
Ramparte: Since when do you take instructions from Svetlana?!
Flex: Since when did Eve betray us?!
Morley: As much as I valued the days when Ms. Taylor was on the same page as you two her motivations seem questionable as of late, so I agreed with Ms. Svetlana when we decided it was in your best interest to set up a secret base of operations away from the mansion where she has easy access.
Ramparte: And where exactly would that be?!
Morley: I believe we are pulling up to it now.
Morley stops the car in front of a building set in a very remote area yet the building looks both modern a bit eerie from an outside perspective. It looks like a strange mix of the Grand Budapest Hotel and Stephen Kings 1408.
Flex: What is this place Bates Motel?
Morley: I believe it is called The Fabergé. Its one of the many properties Ms. Svetlana has own her payroll due to its Russian ties. And you two will be staying here until further notice until this situation with Ms. Taylor is sorted out.
Despite usually being the ones in charge both Flex and Ramparte can tell Morley will not budge in his decision making and instead of arguing opt to leave the car and inspect their new home. They order Morley to handle their luggage as they walk in the front door.
Ramparte: Why would elegANT even challenge us knowing his partner would be the third head of Cerberus?
Flex: Maybe Eve and the insect know each other better than we think.
Ramparte: By god do you think shes been inside his mansion?
Flex: Relax Ram; you know youre the only megalomaniacal aristocrat Eve cares about.
Ramparte: But what if thats the entire problem, what if my personality is the thing that drove Eve away into the arms of a seemingly much nicer playboy philanthropist?
Flex: One, I highly doubt elegANT is Eves new lover. Two, theres no way you of all people would drive her away.
Ramparte: Oh, so youre saying youre the only one that can affect her emotions?
Flex: Thats not what I mean, but its obvious that me staying longer with Svetlana has caused some sort of friction between us.
Ramparte: There would be no friction unless something happened with you and her right?
Flex: Shes just a distant acquaintance, nothing more and nothing less.
Ramparte: Yes, because distant acquaintances practically give hotels away right?
Flex: Well I guess shes just generous with her wealth, which is more than I could ever say for you. Maybe thats why Eve is so fond of elegANT, hes generous with his money instead of using it to become a reclusive literature freak.
A silence invades the conversation as the bodybuilders words seemingly cut deep with Ramparte as Flex can tell just by the look on his face. Morley hands the luggage off the help and tries to quickly defuse the situation.
Morley: Maybe it is best you two share separate rooms for the night, we wouldnt want to cause a public scene so soon before your title defense.
Ramparte quickly secures his room key at the front desk and makes his way to the elevator without saying a word to Flex and Morley follows. Soon enough the bodybuilder acquires his keys and heads to his own room. He begins to unpack slowly trying to recount the past couple of days and how things went from being so good for Cerberus to then so confusing.
???: So its finally happening I see.
The imaginary motivator and plastic mask known as Masquer can be seen lying on Flexs bed as one of the many things he carelessly chucked out from his bag.
Flex: I know exactly what youre going to say and I dont want to hear it.
Masquer: Ive been saying the same thing since day one Flex, Cerberus has been a distraction but at least it got you to the point youre at now. And no pun intended but on the eve of you and Ramparte becoming the longest reigning tag team champions in history the apparent love of your life threatens to take away all that youve worked for.
Flex: There has to be some reason shes doing this, something that Im not thinking of.
Masquer: The only thing youre not thinking of is the consequences of a woman such as that playing with your emotions. Shes the first woman in WZCW history to hold a singles title and not just any but the Eurasian championship. She may be on her way soon enough to become Elite X champion. And its not like her partner is a slouch by any means, elegANT is a former Elite X champion with one of the brightest futures of any star in the company. Not to mention hes got just as much money as your bookworm best friend who youve just happened to piss off. Eve hasnt said so much as two sentences to you in the last few weeks and shes already bringing your world down around you.
Flex: Without her Ram and I wouldnt have had our first tag team title reign.
Masquer: And her usefulness came in handy then but where was she when you two lost the belts to Hard Metal Penetration at Kingdom Come? Was she instrumental you two regaining the belts in that I Quit war? No, it was you who single handedly made the mechanical monster known as S.H.I.T. give up. Did she help you two retain the belts in the ladder match at Gold Rush? No, she was too busy wallowing in her own inability to defeat Theron and save her title. Where was she when you defeated countless other teams such as the Elite and Team Russia? Nowhere to be seen because both you and Ram have evolved past needing her help. She realizes shes outlived her usefulness and instead wants to bring you down before you overtake her. She knows that the only person that can truly destroy Cerberus is someone on the inside, which is why she wants to take the titles away from you.
Flex picks up his championship belt off the night stand and stares deeply at himself in the reflection. Almost as if he fears it will be one of the last times he sees it.
Flex: I cant lose this now, not when were so close to being able to truly call ourselves the greatest tag team in WZCW history. Not after all weve been through the last year. I cant let her and that insect take this away from us.
Masquer: Then you know what you have to do.
Before Flex can respond he hears a sudden knock on the door. He quickly opens to find Ramparte in the door way. He makes his way inside the room with his championship belt in hand lays it right beside Flexs.
Ramparte: I dont normally like to this but I have to admit youre right, Im a stingy, reclusive, and selfish individual in all things not concerning Cerberus and elegANT is a much more charitable and likeable person than I am, which is why Ive come to the decision that I will be donating the mansion.
Flex: Ram thats not necessary.
Ramparte: No it is; this place will become our new home and I need to show Eve I can be a good person to so she can trust and come back to us.
Flex: I fear that after Meltdown Eve might never come back to us.
Ramparte: What are you talking about?
Flex: As much as we both care for Eve she hasnt had our best interests in mind for weeks now. She aims to take away the belts weve worked so hard to gain and shes willing to partner up with someone she cares nothing to about to do just that. Weve done whatever it takes to keep these belts in the past but never have we had to go up against someone we consider family before.
Ramparte: So will we be living up to our moniker of team killers?
Flex: Eve and elegANT arent a team. Eve is an irrational woman scorned and elegANT is a warm body shes using to take out her anger on us. It wont be easy but well need to beat elegANT, Eve on the other hand we may need to do something much worse.
Ramparte: How much worse are we talking?
Flex: Almost breaking S.H.I.T. in half on a ladder worse, ending Amber Warrens career worse, to ensure she doesnt come back at us with everything she has we may need to end Eve Taylor completely. I love Eve but the truth is she has become a burden to us and our championships mean more than whatever feelings I have.
Ramparte: I take it this isnt a time to Hail Cerberus .
Flex: Three is becoming crowd Ram; after Meltdown three heads may become two, and when people Hail Cerberus they wont be pledging their loyalties to the fashion model, but instead to the Catalyst and Monsieur.
FlexAmerican Dynamite
WZCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
Ramparte: "Ramparte here."
The champion flashed a dazzling smile at the cameras. He sat straight in an old bearskin chair; his signature cane in one hand and in the other a sheet of paper. Ramparte looked fondly at the paper before returning to the cameras.
Ramparte: "Now you WZCW fans have said some pretty mean things about me. Some of which are true. No denying anyone's point of view here. I am a bit theatrical. I've stepped on a few toes but then again who hasn't? I'm here to give you all the best show you've ever seen, and what's better than seeing people at their best...and their worst?"
Another toothy grin escapes the bookworm. His eyes a hellish glow.
Ramparte: "I'm a lover of Literature after all. Gotta love the bad guy now and then, can't you? But let's take a break from the name calling for a moment. I have something to share with all of you."
He unrolled the sheet of paper. It was a deed.
Ramparte: "One thing I am not is a greedy man. You won't see me sitting on a fortune like elegAnt. I won't use my affluence as a weapon like that masked insect could. No sir. It's just not in my nature...so with that in mind...at this very moment I am donating the Ramparte Mansion, the Ramparte Estate itself! It will be destroyed and re-designed into a shelter for the mentally ill."
The Catalyst breathed in the air, letting the words sink in for the people sitting at home.
Ramparte: "Cerberus is here to do the world a service. That has been our mantra since last July. Can any of you honestly say a team like Live Mas could show such charity? Do you see elegAnt signing off on his own Mansion? Of course not. And if you're concerned about me, please don't be. WZCW has treated me kindly and I will have my own little place to call home."
"Let them play into your hands. Become the true Third Head of Cerberus."
Ramparte glared down at his wolfheaded cane. The smile left for a moment and within that second he was annoyed. He pulled himself together to end his airtime.
Ramparte: "Thank you for sharing this moment with me."
The recording stopped, the tripods folded, and the vans left. From several stories high, Ramparte and his elderly butler stared out through the library window. A silence fell on them both, a calm reverence. After a long spell, it was broken by the champion.
Ramparte: "Start the car. This place has grown boring."
Hours later, Flex Mussel and Ramparte can be seen at the official demolition of Ramparte's estate. Construction crews can be seen putting the finishing touches on the explosives as the Catalyst looks to hit the trigger from a safe distance away.
Flex: A lot of memories in that place, your really going to give it all up?
Ramparte: It's a symbol of what Cerberus use to be, but obviously after Meltdown we won't be the same anymore.
Flex: Look I wish thing were different but I honestly see no other way. You know how she is. If we beat her she'll just try to find other ways to destroy us.
Ramparte: That I don't disagree with but I just wonder how you came to the conclusion so quickly that we needed to destroy her first. No diplomacy, no peaceful revolution, I don't think you even tried to call her on the phone.
Flex: You think I want to do this?
Ramparte: If you really loved her, if she was really the only one for you, then you wouldn't be so quick to take her out of your life.
Flex: What are you trying to say?
Ramparte: That you didn't love her I loved her.
The tone of the conversation becomes awkward as Ramparte finally admits his love of the woman Flex has been romantically linked to for months.
Flex: So he was right....
Ramparte: Who?
Flex: Masquer, he said you liked her.
Ramparte: Great, so it was obvious to even the plastic mask but not you?
Flex: I guess I was too wrapped up in myself to come to that conclusion.
Ramparte: Well it doesn't matter anyway, she never liked me like she did with you. She wouldn't personally answer my phone calls. She never joked with me like she did with you. Sure we were close as friends but with you two it was different.
Flex: Look Ram-
Ramparte: No! Let me finish! For months I watched you two grow closer and closer and I realized that the one woman I loved was going to end up with the person I could call a friend. A lot of people think I have no soul but it was at that realization that I truly died inside. I'm not mad and I hold no anger towards you but I needed you to know. It pains me deep inside but I do agree that we have to end her. Whatever feelings she had for you are seemingly gone and if I can't have her I'm damn sure not letting go of you or the tag team titles. We earned these for the second time without her and now she wants to use someone else to take them away from us. elegANT defeated me once the week after we first one the tag titles for the first time and it has irked me ever since, I will not be embarrassed at the hands of him again. Both of them are going to learn why we've held these belts so long and why regardless of personal opinion people respect us a competitors and fear us as people.
Flex: This is much more personal to you than I imagined.
Ramparte: Of course it is, I invited her to my home, I brought her into my life, she was one of my confidants and after all that she becomes a traitor to us. It's going to pain me deep inside but blowing the mansion sky high is the only way I know that I can truly begin to accept that part of my life is over.
Flex: You know this may be the wrong time to bring this up but how I ironic is it that you're opening up a mental institution when we ourselves talk to inanimate objects?
Flex's attempt at humor does not lighten up the mood as Ramparte ignores him and takes one last look as manor, this time remembering the night he invited Eve and Flex for dinner to discuss her joining Cerberus.
Flex: Ram!
Ramparte: Please stop with your yelling.
Flex: Then hit the explosives, they're ready to demolish the manor.
Ramparte focuses after his daydream and detonates the explosives causing the manor to implode. The estate crumbles into rubble and dust as Flex and Ramparte silently Hail Cerberus in their heads. Almost as if they're saying their final goodbyes to Eve Taylor.
The champion flashed a dazzling smile at the cameras. He sat straight in an old bearskin chair; his signature cane in one hand and in the other a sheet of paper. Ramparte looked fondly at the paper before returning to the cameras.
Ramparte: "Now you WZCW fans have said some pretty mean things about me. Some of which are true. No denying anyone's point of view here. I am a bit theatrical. I've stepped on a few toes but then again who hasn't? I'm here to give you all the best show you've ever seen, and what's better than seeing people at their best...and their worst?"
Another toothy grin escapes the bookworm. His eyes a hellish glow.
Ramparte: "I'm a lover of Literature after all. Gotta love the bad guy now and then, can't you? But let's take a break from the name calling for a moment. I have something to share with all of you."
He unrolled the sheet of paper. It was a deed.
Ramparte: "One thing I am not is a greedy man. You won't see me sitting on a fortune like elegAnt. I won't use my affluence as a weapon like that masked insect could. No sir. It's just not in my nature...so with that in mind...at this very moment I am donating the Ramparte Mansion, the Ramparte Estate itself! It will be destroyed and re-designed into a shelter for the mentally ill."
The Catalyst breathed in the air, letting the words sink in for the people sitting at home.
Ramparte: "Cerberus is here to do the world a service. That has been our mantra since last July. Can any of you honestly say a team like Live Mas could show such charity? Do you see elegAnt signing off on his own Mansion? Of course not. And if you're concerned about me, please don't be. WZCW has treated me kindly and I will have my own little place to call home."
"Let them play into your hands. Become the true Third Head of Cerberus."
Ramparte glared down at his wolfheaded cane. The smile left for a moment and within that second he was annoyed. He pulled himself together to end his airtime.
Ramparte: "Thank you for sharing this moment with me."
The recording stopped, the tripods folded, and the vans left. From several stories high, Ramparte and his elderly butler stared out through the library window. A silence fell on them both, a calm reverence. After a long spell, it was broken by the champion.
Ramparte: "Start the car. This place has grown boring."
_________________________________________________
Hours later, Flex Mussel and Ramparte can be seen at the official demolition of Ramparte's estate. Construction crews can be seen putting the finishing touches on the explosives as the Catalyst looks to hit the trigger from a safe distance away.
Flex: A lot of memories in that place, your really going to give it all up?
Ramparte: It's a symbol of what Cerberus use to be, but obviously after Meltdown we won't be the same anymore.
Flex: Look I wish thing were different but I honestly see no other way. You know how she is. If we beat her she'll just try to find other ways to destroy us.
Ramparte: That I don't disagree with but I just wonder how you came to the conclusion so quickly that we needed to destroy her first. No diplomacy, no peaceful revolution, I don't think you even tried to call her on the phone.
Flex: You think I want to do this?
Ramparte: If you really loved her, if she was really the only one for you, then you wouldn't be so quick to take her out of your life.
Flex: What are you trying to say?
Ramparte: That you didn't love her I loved her.
The tone of the conversation becomes awkward as Ramparte finally admits his love of the woman Flex has been romantically linked to for months.
Flex: So he was right....
Ramparte: Who?
Flex: Masquer, he said you liked her.
Ramparte: Great, so it was obvious to even the plastic mask but not you?
Flex: I guess I was too wrapped up in myself to come to that conclusion.
Ramparte: Well it doesn't matter anyway, she never liked me like she did with you. She wouldn't personally answer my phone calls. She never joked with me like she did with you. Sure we were close as friends but with you two it was different.
Flex: Look Ram-
Ramparte: No! Let me finish! For months I watched you two grow closer and closer and I realized that the one woman I loved was going to end up with the person I could call a friend. A lot of people think I have no soul but it was at that realization that I truly died inside. I'm not mad and I hold no anger towards you but I needed you to know. It pains me deep inside but I do agree that we have to end her. Whatever feelings she had for you are seemingly gone and if I can't have her I'm damn sure not letting go of you or the tag team titles. We earned these for the second time without her and now she wants to use someone else to take them away from us. elegANT defeated me once the week after we first one the tag titles for the first time and it has irked me ever since, I will not be embarrassed at the hands of him again. Both of them are going to learn why we've held these belts so long and why regardless of personal opinion people respect us a competitors and fear us as people.
Flex: This is much more personal to you than I imagined.
Ramparte: Of course it is, I invited her to my home, I brought her into my life, she was one of my confidants and after all that she becomes a traitor to us. It's going to pain me deep inside but blowing the mansion sky high is the only way I know that I can truly begin to accept that part of my life is over.
Flex: You know this may be the wrong time to bring this up but how I ironic is it that you're opening up a mental institution when we ourselves talk to inanimate objects?
Flex's attempt at humor does not lighten up the mood as Ramparte ignores him and takes one last look as manor, this time remembering the night he invited Eve and Flex for dinner to discuss her joining Cerberus.
Flex: Ram!
Ramparte: Please stop with your yelling.
Flex: Then hit the explosives, they're ready to demolish the manor.
Ramparte focuses after his daydream and detonates the explosives causing the manor to implode. The estate crumbles into rubble and dust as Flex and Ramparte silently Hail Cerberus in their heads. Almost as if they're saying their final goodbyes to Eve Taylor.
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