MD 131 - Veejay versus Xander LeBelle
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A gorgeous luxury aircraft roared through the sky above the Indian Ocean, casting a shadow on the choppy waves below. However, what was impressive about this craft was not its size, nor its destination, nor the amount of money that changed hands behind closed doors for it to become a reality. No, the truly impressive part about this jet was the two men on board who sat in soft and grand seats sipping their drinks of choice and discussing business.
"It still disgusts me to think about how that walking anti-steroid advertisement laid his filthy hands on my cane. I had to have it washed thoroughly, you know," the aristocratic and charismatic blonde-haired gentlemen said, wine glass in one hand, cane in the other which he stared at. "Still, he wound up being all guff and just did not have the skills to succeed. Ah, the endless struggle between brawn and intellect. Once more, intellect triumphs again. Did anyone ever doubt that result, Andrew, my friend?"
Xander LeBelle swished around the red wine, before taking just a taste, and then resting the glass to his side once again. Across from him, the glamorous agent sipped his Bacardi and Coke.
"Never for a second, kid," Andrew Adonis replied. "We did what we said we'd do. You did what I knew you could do. And kid, what you did is working. Bribes? Brilliant!"
The agent took another drink.
"Kid, I know how tempting it can be to think about what happened especially when the whole damn world of social media is blowing up about it, but in today's age we gotta start looking forward as soon as possible. Mancini is history, buddy. Finito. Gonezo. All that matters is the next guy on your list."
"Oh, absolutely. My apologies if I seemed stuck in the past. I assure you, you may not see my eyes through these glasses, but understand when I say I see only forward. After all, you know why we made this trip in the first place." Xander pointed to a standard suitcase, behind him. "My sole priority is Veejay, that second rate star of a third rate Hollywood. He will not be the one to get the better of me, I assure you."
"I know he won't, buddy," Adonis replied. He snorted with derisive laughter. "I mean, what is he gonna do? Sing showtunes at you?"
LeBelle chuckled wickedly. the two sharing a moment of mirth at the expense of another. "Speaking of..."
Xander checked his watch.
"Yes, it is about the time we get to using it. I have paid a hefty sum for a live feed to be broadcast to India on three major networks, with a stream on the internet. Adonis, have them bring out the camera, it is time for my statement on Veejay."
With a hand signal from Adonis, a harried-looking worker pushed a large camera down the aisle and trained it on Xander sitting in his chair, cozy and sipping his glass of wine.
The following is a message from Xander LeBelle, French ambassador, WZCW superstar, and class act.
All across televisions and computers in India, a translator repeated the message in Hindi, and began following Xander's dialogue.
"Good evening, India. As mentioned, my name is Xander LeBelle, and I am a part of WZCW, a wrestling federation that has been shown across the world for nearly ten years. I am their former tag team champion a man whose global significance could only be compared to perhaps the most important members of the Brahmin caste within your country. Although I take it that should you recognize the name, it is not me who you care about. More than likely, if you are at all familiar with the federation, you are likely concerned with my next opponent, the former actor for the films of Bollywood, Veejay."
Xander paused to take another sip of his wine, letting those watching at home cheer pointlessly at the tv at their hometown hero having his name mentioned. Xander did not have to be 'The World's Greatest Mind' to predict the actions of the average Indian citizen. He was not going to waste a single precious breath on words that would be unheard, especially towards those who did not deserve a second of it.
"I may not be engrossed in your culture, however your treatment of him is completely undeserved, should you ask me. You celebrate him for being smart enough to rise up and make it from your country to becoming a gloabal name. How utterly selfish and closeminded."
Once again, he paused to let them scream their heads off at a man who could not understand what they were saying while he enjoyed his wine.
"What has he done to earn any respect whatsoever? It took less than a year for me to become a tag team champion in WZCW. Meanwhile, Veejay has existed in WZCW for nearly two years, and he still has nothing to show for it. The closest he has ever come to acheiving anything of value is becoming second best to Dorian Slaughter at last year's Gold Rush." Xander scoffed. "Is this what deserves praise in your eyes? An A minus for effort?"
Xander took one more long pause, this time not because he thought anyone was yelling at the televison, but to let his question sink in.
"Until he reaches a level I have, what separates him from you apart from geography? Put aside his acting career for a short while, because I assure you no single person outside of your country cares, and this is a fact your hero learned when he first stepped out of that unhealthy dome and joined the rest of the world. He is you, but on television, and trust me, although you may think of it as such, that is no accomplishment worth bragging about. Any single person with the right amount of money and the right situation can be on television. Why, look at me right now. The reason I am airing on three separate channels to broadcast a message for Veejay is because I paid a meager amount of money. Any single person can be on television, it is what they do that makes them worth anything, but trust me, what I do tonight may be secluded to your television screens at the moment, but soon it will be the talk of every newspaper, every television station, perhaps even crossing over to the rest of the world. That is what you should consider to be an acomplishment worth talking about. Oh, but do not feel a stranger to cheering me, after all, we are on the same mass of land. Sure I may be a slightly farther away, but ultimately, Europe is still right next to Asia, so why not be on my side, rather than Veejay's, anyways? Someone who is worth attention?"
He placed a white gloved hand over his heart.
"It is because they are slightly farther away? What kind of an excuse is that, anyways? Do you not have people you dislike who are physically closer to you than people you do? Between a proven past success, and a fairly unimportant supposed hometown 'hero', if you are to support a man who cannot rise above mediocrity, then you are responsible for Veejay thinking his status is anything but laughable. If so, you should all feel ashamed of yourself for holding him down from perhaps making something of himself. If you want a demonstration, and less talk from a man I am sure that you still distrust and for doing what is right, and stating the fact to him, cold and simple, he never has and may never acheive what I have...I only request a few more moments of your time to make my point."
Xander snapped his fingers and Adonis walked across the field of view with a sharp, sinister laugh. A few moments later, he returned with the suitcase.
"As of now, Bollywood may or may not have realized that the original cut for a Veejay classic has gone missing overnight. I can now exclusively tell you that I have procured it while on official business for France in India."
Unzipping the suitcase, he pulled out the film to rest in his lap, but not before showing off the Bollywood blockbuster's official film reel sticker to the camera to get a closer view. The logo of Pruthvi Cinemahouse can be seen embossed onto the canister. Behind LeBelle, Adonis mouths the word "connections".
"For some, this was the first time they had ever seen Veejay's work, and it was thanks to the camera that captured it that the film that many even knew his existence. But ultimately, it is as meaningless as Veejay's career has been, so I will do him the honors of doing what I did to my old mask, and allow him a chance to start anew as I did. No thanks will be necessary."
Reaching into his suit pocket, Xander pulled out the lighter used for his cigars and set the tip of the reel on fire. Gripping the metal part of the reel, he handed the lighter over to Adonis, who pocketed it before grinning and applauding the show. As he spoke, the flames danced across the celluloid, turning what was once a beloved motion picture into ashes on the wind.
"Consider what I said, and do not see me as anything more than a man offering pity on another man he sees as held down. Veejay, you are free to never rely on your pointless false accomplishments, and if you do, perhaps one day you will be worthy of their praise. Until then, your next big role is a cameo in a feature presentation starring a Class Act, and someone far more worthy of attention than you are. Our scene together goes thusly: we brawl, your face meets my boot with The Rose's Thorn, and you stay down for the three count before you consider that you should have taken the advice of someone who calls himself 'The World's Greatest Mind', and perhaps, if there is any part of you that is tired of being bridesmaid, but never the bride, you will. This has been the one and only rational voice you have heard in ages, Veejay. Adieu."
The feed terminated. Adonis clapped his client on the back, his gold sunglasses catching the rays of the setting sun.
"Got 'em in one," he said.
"It still disgusts me to think about how that walking anti-steroid advertisement laid his filthy hands on my cane. I had to have it washed thoroughly, you know," the aristocratic and charismatic blonde-haired gentlemen said, wine glass in one hand, cane in the other which he stared at. "Still, he wound up being all guff and just did not have the skills to succeed. Ah, the endless struggle between brawn and intellect. Once more, intellect triumphs again. Did anyone ever doubt that result, Andrew, my friend?"
Xander LeBelle swished around the red wine, before taking just a taste, and then resting the glass to his side once again. Across from him, the glamorous agent sipped his Bacardi and Coke.
"Never for a second, kid," Andrew Adonis replied. "We did what we said we'd do. You did what I knew you could do. And kid, what you did is working. Bribes? Brilliant!"
The agent took another drink.
"Kid, I know how tempting it can be to think about what happened especially when the whole damn world of social media is blowing up about it, but in today's age we gotta start looking forward as soon as possible. Mancini is history, buddy. Finito. Gonezo. All that matters is the next guy on your list."
"Oh, absolutely. My apologies if I seemed stuck in the past. I assure you, you may not see my eyes through these glasses, but understand when I say I see only forward. After all, you know why we made this trip in the first place." Xander pointed to a standard suitcase, behind him. "My sole priority is Veejay, that second rate star of a third rate Hollywood. He will not be the one to get the better of me, I assure you."
"I know he won't, buddy," Adonis replied. He snorted with derisive laughter. "I mean, what is he gonna do? Sing showtunes at you?"
LeBelle chuckled wickedly. the two sharing a moment of mirth at the expense of another. "Speaking of..."
Xander checked his watch.
"Yes, it is about the time we get to using it. I have paid a hefty sum for a live feed to be broadcast to India on three major networks, with a stream on the internet. Adonis, have them bring out the camera, it is time for my statement on Veejay."
With a hand signal from Adonis, a harried-looking worker pushed a large camera down the aisle and trained it on Xander sitting in his chair, cozy and sipping his glass of wine.
The following is a message from Xander LeBelle, French ambassador, WZCW superstar, and class act.
All across televisions and computers in India, a translator repeated the message in Hindi, and began following Xander's dialogue.
"Good evening, India. As mentioned, my name is Xander LeBelle, and I am a part of WZCW, a wrestling federation that has been shown across the world for nearly ten years. I am their former tag team champion a man whose global significance could only be compared to perhaps the most important members of the Brahmin caste within your country. Although I take it that should you recognize the name, it is not me who you care about. More than likely, if you are at all familiar with the federation, you are likely concerned with my next opponent, the former actor for the films of Bollywood, Veejay."
Xander paused to take another sip of his wine, letting those watching at home cheer pointlessly at the tv at their hometown hero having his name mentioned. Xander did not have to be 'The World's Greatest Mind' to predict the actions of the average Indian citizen. He was not going to waste a single precious breath on words that would be unheard, especially towards those who did not deserve a second of it.
"I may not be engrossed in your culture, however your treatment of him is completely undeserved, should you ask me. You celebrate him for being smart enough to rise up and make it from your country to becoming a gloabal name. How utterly selfish and closeminded."
Once again, he paused to let them scream their heads off at a man who could not understand what they were saying while he enjoyed his wine.
"What has he done to earn any respect whatsoever? It took less than a year for me to become a tag team champion in WZCW. Meanwhile, Veejay has existed in WZCW for nearly two years, and he still has nothing to show for it. The closest he has ever come to acheiving anything of value is becoming second best to Dorian Slaughter at last year's Gold Rush." Xander scoffed. "Is this what deserves praise in your eyes? An A minus for effort?"
Xander took one more long pause, this time not because he thought anyone was yelling at the televison, but to let his question sink in.
"Until he reaches a level I have, what separates him from you apart from geography? Put aside his acting career for a short while, because I assure you no single person outside of your country cares, and this is a fact your hero learned when he first stepped out of that unhealthy dome and joined the rest of the world. He is you, but on television, and trust me, although you may think of it as such, that is no accomplishment worth bragging about. Any single person with the right amount of money and the right situation can be on television. Why, look at me right now. The reason I am airing on three separate channels to broadcast a message for Veejay is because I paid a meager amount of money. Any single person can be on television, it is what they do that makes them worth anything, but trust me, what I do tonight may be secluded to your television screens at the moment, but soon it will be the talk of every newspaper, every television station, perhaps even crossing over to the rest of the world. That is what you should consider to be an acomplishment worth talking about. Oh, but do not feel a stranger to cheering me, after all, we are on the same mass of land. Sure I may be a slightly farther away, but ultimately, Europe is still right next to Asia, so why not be on my side, rather than Veejay's, anyways? Someone who is worth attention?"
He placed a white gloved hand over his heart.
"It is because they are slightly farther away? What kind of an excuse is that, anyways? Do you not have people you dislike who are physically closer to you than people you do? Between a proven past success, and a fairly unimportant supposed hometown 'hero', if you are to support a man who cannot rise above mediocrity, then you are responsible for Veejay thinking his status is anything but laughable. If so, you should all feel ashamed of yourself for holding him down from perhaps making something of himself. If you want a demonstration, and less talk from a man I am sure that you still distrust and for doing what is right, and stating the fact to him, cold and simple, he never has and may never acheive what I have...I only request a few more moments of your time to make my point."
Xander snapped his fingers and Adonis walked across the field of view with a sharp, sinister laugh. A few moments later, he returned with the suitcase.
"As of now, Bollywood may or may not have realized that the original cut for a Veejay classic has gone missing overnight. I can now exclusively tell you that I have procured it while on official business for France in India."
Unzipping the suitcase, he pulled out the film to rest in his lap, but not before showing off the Bollywood blockbuster's official film reel sticker to the camera to get a closer view. The logo of Pruthvi Cinemahouse can be seen embossed onto the canister. Behind LeBelle, Adonis mouths the word "connections".
"For some, this was the first time they had ever seen Veejay's work, and it was thanks to the camera that captured it that the film that many even knew his existence. But ultimately, it is as meaningless as Veejay's career has been, so I will do him the honors of doing what I did to my old mask, and allow him a chance to start anew as I did. No thanks will be necessary."
Reaching into his suit pocket, Xander pulled out the lighter used for his cigars and set the tip of the reel on fire. Gripping the metal part of the reel, he handed the lighter over to Adonis, who pocketed it before grinning and applauding the show. As he spoke, the flames danced across the celluloid, turning what was once a beloved motion picture into ashes on the wind.
"Consider what I said, and do not see me as anything more than a man offering pity on another man he sees as held down. Veejay, you are free to never rely on your pointless false accomplishments, and if you do, perhaps one day you will be worthy of their praise. Until then, your next big role is a cameo in a feature presentation starring a Class Act, and someone far more worthy of attention than you are. Our scene together goes thusly: we brawl, your face meets my boot with The Rose's Thorn, and you stay down for the three count before you consider that you should have taken the advice of someone who calls himself 'The World's Greatest Mind', and perhaps, if there is any part of you that is tired of being bridesmaid, but never the bride, you will. This has been the one and only rational voice you have heard in ages, Veejay. Adieu."
The preceding was a message from Xander LeBelle, French ambassador, WZCW superstar, and class act.
The feed terminated. Adonis clapped his client on the back, his gold sunglasses catching the rays of the setting sun.
"Got 'em in one," he said.
CyberPunk
The Show himself
The hospital
Veejay peeks into the ward Saffron is in. Saffron doesnt notice him, so he comes from behind and closes her eyes.
Veejay: Guess whos back!
Saffron: No! Dont scare me like that!
Veejay takes his hands off her eyes.
Veejay: Hey hey hey! Why are you so jumpy?
Saffron: I I
Before she can finish, a voice interrupts them.
Mikey: Woah! Hey! Youre back!
Veejay: Mikey! Whatre you doing here?
Mikey: What do I always do here? I came here to see my favorite actor of all time, Saffron! How are you doing now?
Saffron just gives a wry smile but doesnt say anything.
Veejay: So how is our newest WZCW world heavyweight champion doing? How does it feel being a champion?
Mikey: Honestly, it feels really weird. This whole champion gig isnt the easiest one.
Veejay: No one said it was gonna be easy. You have a target on your back. Everyones gunning for you, including me.
Mikey: Yeah, I get that. Its just By the way, Ive brought something for my dear Saffron. A bouquet of her favorite flowers!
Veejay: And whats in that bag?
Mikey: Thats for me. You know driving all the way here, coming through the legion of reporters whore waiting for a glimpse of Saffron and you, I get hungry.
Veejay: Of course, of course!
At that time, they hear a knock on the door. Its Matt Tastic.
Matt: Hey Vee Jesus fucking Christ!
Matt just walks out the door. Veejay follows him out.
Veejay: What happened, Matt? Is something wrong?
Matt: Ill come some other time.
Veejay: Wait! Whats going on? What am I missing here?
Matt: Did you not watch last weeks Meltdown and Ascension?
Veejay: I couldnt. I was back in India for some promotional work. What happened?
Mikey comes out the room as well.
Mikey: Matt! Come on man! This is not the place.
Matt: Thats why I am outta here. Veejay, Ill come some other time.
Veejay: Will someone tell me what happened?
Matt: Catch up on last weeks tapings. Youll find out about all the fuckery that happened.
Matt walks away. Veejay stands there bewildered with Mikey behind him looking on.
Mikey: I should go. I didnt mean for this to happen.
Veejay: I am kinda lost! Whats going on between two of you? I hope its not the world championship.
Mikey: No, its more than that this time. Anyway, you two take care. Ill see you at the show.
Mikey bids adieu. Veejay wonders for a few moments before going back to Saffron.
Veejay: Wow! Something terrible must have happened between these two.
Before he can say anything more, Dilip interrupts.
Dilip: Hey, youre back! How was India?
Veejay: Freaking hot! Just like my Saff So what have you got for me?
Dilip: Well, no commitments other than your match.
Veejay: God, its been one week and it seems like Ive been completely knocked off the loop. Who am I facing this week?
Dilip: You are facing Xander LeBelle.
Veejay: Xander, Xander. Is he that new guy?
Dilip: Dont mistake him for just another rookie. Hes a French ambassador, bills himself as the smartest man, and quite frankly, I see a mean streak in him.
Veejay: This is WZCW, man. I dont expect anything less. You see, its a very dangerous world there in WZCW. I see friends turning against each other. Tension building all around. If I have to build my legacy, Ive got to go through all kinds of challenges. Just part of the job.
Dilip: But theres something about him. Something secretive. It isnt right. Please keep your guard up.
Veejay: Dont worry. Ill be careful.
Veejay turns his attention towards Saffron who hasnt spoken anything for a long time. She seems tense, lost in her own world.
Veejay: Youve been awfully quiet. Whats bothering you?
Saffron: Nothing, nothing.
She seems startled.
Veejay: Tell me. You were saying something before Mikey and Matt came.
Saffron takes a deep breath.
Saffron: There is something I need to tell you ..
Veejay peeks into the ward Saffron is in. Saffron doesnt notice him, so he comes from behind and closes her eyes.
Veejay: Guess whos back!
Saffron: No! Dont scare me like that!
Veejay takes his hands off her eyes.
Veejay: Hey hey hey! Why are you so jumpy?
Saffron: I I
Before she can finish, a voice interrupts them.
Mikey: Woah! Hey! Youre back!
Veejay: Mikey! Whatre you doing here?
Mikey: What do I always do here? I came here to see my favorite actor of all time, Saffron! How are you doing now?
Saffron just gives a wry smile but doesnt say anything.
Veejay: So how is our newest WZCW world heavyweight champion doing? How does it feel being a champion?
Mikey: Honestly, it feels really weird. This whole champion gig isnt the easiest one.
Veejay: No one said it was gonna be easy. You have a target on your back. Everyones gunning for you, including me.
Mikey: Yeah, I get that. Its just By the way, Ive brought something for my dear Saffron. A bouquet of her favorite flowers!
Veejay: And whats in that bag?
Mikey: Thats for me. You know driving all the way here, coming through the legion of reporters whore waiting for a glimpse of Saffron and you, I get hungry.
Veejay: Of course, of course!
At that time, they hear a knock on the door. Its Matt Tastic.
Matt: Hey Vee Jesus fucking Christ!
Matt just walks out the door. Veejay follows him out.
Veejay: What happened, Matt? Is something wrong?
Matt: Ill come some other time.
Veejay: Wait! Whats going on? What am I missing here?
Matt: Did you not watch last weeks Meltdown and Ascension?
Veejay: I couldnt. I was back in India for some promotional work. What happened?
Mikey comes out the room as well.
Mikey: Matt! Come on man! This is not the place.
Matt: Thats why I am outta here. Veejay, Ill come some other time.
Veejay: Will someone tell me what happened?
Matt: Catch up on last weeks tapings. Youll find out about all the fuckery that happened.
Matt walks away. Veejay stands there bewildered with Mikey behind him looking on.
Mikey: I should go. I didnt mean for this to happen.
Veejay: I am kinda lost! Whats going on between two of you? I hope its not the world championship.
Mikey: No, its more than that this time. Anyway, you two take care. Ill see you at the show.
Mikey bids adieu. Veejay wonders for a few moments before going back to Saffron.
Veejay: Wow! Something terrible must have happened between these two.
Before he can say anything more, Dilip interrupts.
Dilip: Hey, youre back! How was India?
Veejay: Freaking hot! Just like my Saff So what have you got for me?
Dilip: Well, no commitments other than your match.
Veejay: God, its been one week and it seems like Ive been completely knocked off the loop. Who am I facing this week?
Dilip: You are facing Xander LeBelle.
Veejay: Xander, Xander. Is he that new guy?
Dilip: Dont mistake him for just another rookie. Hes a French ambassador, bills himself as the smartest man, and quite frankly, I see a mean streak in him.
Veejay: This is WZCW, man. I dont expect anything less. You see, its a very dangerous world there in WZCW. I see friends turning against each other. Tension building all around. If I have to build my legacy, Ive got to go through all kinds of challenges. Just part of the job.
Dilip: But theres something about him. Something secretive. It isnt right. Please keep your guard up.
Veejay: Dont worry. Ill be careful.
Veejay turns his attention towards Saffron who hasnt spoken anything for a long time. She seems tense, lost in her own world.
Veejay: Youve been awfully quiet. Whats bothering you?
Saffron: Nothing, nothing.
She seems startled.
Veejay: Tell me. You were saying something before Mikey and Matt came.
Saffron takes a deep breath.
Saffron: There is something I need to tell you ..
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