One Last Stand: Total Mayhem - Vega (c) vs. Red Mask (Steel Cage for Mayhem Title)
- Thread starter Harthan
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Lee
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's Supermod!
Backstage we're stood with Johnny Klamor and Red Mask.
Klamor: The word Hero is something that is branded about more than it should be. For every man given the mantle there's another ten that should have it. For every ten with the title nine of them don't deserve it. It depends who you ask on this one. To the residents of Keystone City in Kansas he's definitely one. To the adults in the rest of the world they may disagree. I am, of course, joined by Red Mask.
Red Mask: Thanks Johnny, it's a pleasure as always.
Klamor: One Last Stand marks a huge match for you where you will face Vega for the Mayhem championship. Before we get on to that I'm aware that a lot of our new viewers may not know who Red Mask is. We all know Titus but I want to find out some more about Red Mask.
Red Mask: Sure thing, fire away.
Klamor: So how did you go from Oscar winning extraordinaire to essentially fighting on the streets? What makes a man do this?
Red Mask: It was the right way to control my pent up rage. If you remember Titus was really going places with WZCW and he made a poor choice, he turned on Everest. Within a week Titus had found out he was double crossed and was forced out of the company. For most of my life I knew success but at this moment I felt alone, so I went to the place that I knew I could just hide.
Klamor: Keystone?
Red Mask: Exactly. This was a place I'd settled in for years, I had a home there and the Keystonians loved me. They just let me get on with my day to day business but it was crying out for a hero. It came to head one Thanksgiving evening which was incidentally my birthday.
The camera cuts to Titus in Keystone. It's dark and there's minimal activity on the street.
Red Mask: I walked down the street and someone recognised me. They told me that I was their sons hero and asked for my autograph. I obliged as the guy was just finishing work to go see his family. Imagine working on Thanksgiving? The guy smiled, shook my hand and went on his way.
Titus carries on walking down the street but this time he pulls his hood over his face.
Red Mask: I always prefer to spend my birthday by myself. I'm thankful for all that God has given me and how well known I am but sometimes I need peace. I hid myself for that very reason, I wanted to shut off society and enjoy the stillness of life.
A different man approaches Titus. He's thin, gaunt, white and has messy hair.
Red Mask: Tonight would not be one of those nights.
Man:Hey brah, can you spare any change.
Red Mask: As I said, I was not in the mood. Being a rich four time Oscar winner, I don't carry my wallet on me. Change is not something I carry so I just told him no and started walking away.
Titus walks off pretty quickly as the man walks on to the Dad who had asked for the autograph earlier.
Red Mask: I have many moments that define my life. Getting my first acting break, winning my first Oscar, signing up to WZCW, winning the Lethal Lottery and beating Everest to capture the world title.
You can hear an argument break out between the two.
Red Mask: This moment trumps them all.
The argument gets louder.
Red Mask: They say before you die your life flashes before your eyes. I always wondered how the brain could think so fast. My head was on overdrive and there was only one thing I could do.
The man punches the Dad clean on the floor.
Red Mask: I ran the fastest I ever could.
Titus, still with hood up, runs towards the man. He grabs the hands of the attacker and kicks him to the mid section. The man grabs a bottle that was lying on the side of the road and swings it at Titus' face. Titus is busted open and his face is covered in blood. Titus smacks the man in the face and eventually pins him down. This struggle goes on for some time as the Police and Ambulance finally arrive. The ambulance sees to the Dad as the police nab the man. Titus sprints leaving a trail of blood behind him.
The camera cuts back to Red Mask and Klamor.
Red Mask: I had to get out of there. I nipped in to a local McDonalds and cleaned myself up in the bathroom. I slowly walked home and the thoughts went through my head: I could be a superhero. I had the money to do it, I had the physical prowess and I had the desire. Then I thought that would be stupid. Who am I to save a city?
Klamor: Well obviously you did.
Red Mask: I got in, I sat down. I switched on TV and the original Batman film was on. I'd always wanted to star in a superhero movie but never got the chance. Maybe I could.
Klamor: Then what happened.
Red Mask: I went to sleep.
Klamor: Something must have changed your mind then. Also why did you opt for the colour red?
Red Mask: The next morning I got a text: You're on the news. I groaned because I thought it would be about last nights incident. It was, but not as I expected. On the station was the Dad.
It now cuts to the news report.
Dad: Yeah the dude is a hero. I bumped in to my sons hero Titus Avison who chatted and gave me an autograph yet he wasn't the one who had the most impact. Five minutes later a man saves my life. I have no idea who he was but I want to thank him, I could only see his red mask. So to my hero the Red Mask, thank you.
The camera cuts back.
Red Mask: He thought I was wearing a red mask when actually it was
Klamor: The blood?
Red Mask: Exactly. I had to do something, so I did.
Klamor: You made your return to WZCW appearing as Red Mask. Why?
Red Mask: I had unfinished business. There was an evil that forced me out of the company and the same evil was running wild. It was time to remove them.
Klamor: Which you did.
Red Mask: I returned to WZCW to remove the evil of Dynasty. The fact that most people watching this have no idea who they are shows you that I succeeded.
Klamor: So why did you throw down the mantle.
Red Mask: I was unmasked. Once you're unmasked then you lost a lot of the appeal. At the same time Keystone had their crime drop by 75% and the law enforcement agencies really were doing a great job. WZCW was the place for Titus and Titus won the plaudits.
Klamor: Why come back as Red Mask?
Red Mask: That's the beauty of it. I never went away. Copycat vigilantes sprung up around the world. What that meant for me is I could be in any place, be used and no one would suspect a thing.
Klamor: Yes but why to WZCW. Why can't Titus seal the deal?
Red Mask: As I said Titus has won the plaudits. Two world titles, Elite X and the Lethal Lottery. Fame. Honour. Glory. Titus is a superstar yet sometimes you need a bit of Mayhem.
Red Mask pauses.
Red Mask: I can offer that. I have fought off all comers in my quest to eradicate evil. This isn't a game, this is real life. Vega is without a doubt the most evil person in the company right now. If I don't step in then who will?
Red Mask takes a deep breath.
Red Mask: That's why Titus failed. Titus saw Vega as a man holding a belt. He saw the belt as the prize. Titus has being pursuing the Mayhem title, not the man behind it. He knew what Vega was capable of but that was all lip service, that was obvious. For me though it's not about the belt but about destroying evil. I, Red Mask, will thrive.
Klamor: How can you say that? How can you say it's not the belt when you specifically wanted the belt on the line? This will be the final Mayhem match.
Red Mask: It makes perfect sense. What is the best way to destroy the person of Vega? The man stepped in to this fine company deciding that he was above gold. It wasn't too long until he was Mayhem champion and he has destroyed all comers. A year he has held that belt and holding it for him is like breathing for you. If I were to take the belt from him he could fight back again and win it back so it has to be this time. I win the match, I win the belt and the Mayhem division is no more.
Klamor: It's easier said than done.
Red Mask: Titus tried to outsmart Vega. He failed. Just look at him cutting the ropes, that was a genius move. Yet Titus failed. I need to overcome that and use sheer brute force. Strategy does have some place though.
Klamor: Hence the steel cage?
Red Mask gives a thumbs up to Johnny.
Red Mask: Spot on. Two caged animals to stop outside influence. Good against evil. Light against darkness. Red Mask against Vega. In a cage. Why do animals react like that in a cage? They're not supposed to be caged is why. Set a lion against a bear in a cage and it will be chaos. Throw in some weapons and you will have Mayhem.
Klamor: Any words for Vega?
Red Mask looks directly at the camera which cuts out Klamor. Despite his face hidden by a mask of red you can tell how intense he is.
Red Mask: Game over. The end. Finito. This stops now Vega. At One Last Stand I will make you feel sorry for everything you've ever done. You will understand that good always triumphs over evil. When I win that match and end the division your oxygen supply will be cut off. It's not you choosing to stop breathing, nor is it the doctors making the decision....it's me. I am ending this.
Red Mask breathes loudly as the camera is cut.
Klamor: The word Hero is something that is branded about more than it should be. For every man given the mantle there's another ten that should have it. For every ten with the title nine of them don't deserve it. It depends who you ask on this one. To the residents of Keystone City in Kansas he's definitely one. To the adults in the rest of the world they may disagree. I am, of course, joined by Red Mask.
Red Mask: Thanks Johnny, it's a pleasure as always.
Klamor: One Last Stand marks a huge match for you where you will face Vega for the Mayhem championship. Before we get on to that I'm aware that a lot of our new viewers may not know who Red Mask is. We all know Titus but I want to find out some more about Red Mask.
Red Mask: Sure thing, fire away.
Klamor: So how did you go from Oscar winning extraordinaire to essentially fighting on the streets? What makes a man do this?
Red Mask: It was the right way to control my pent up rage. If you remember Titus was really going places with WZCW and he made a poor choice, he turned on Everest. Within a week Titus had found out he was double crossed and was forced out of the company. For most of my life I knew success but at this moment I felt alone, so I went to the place that I knew I could just hide.
Klamor: Keystone?
Red Mask: Exactly. This was a place I'd settled in for years, I had a home there and the Keystonians loved me. They just let me get on with my day to day business but it was crying out for a hero. It came to head one Thanksgiving evening which was incidentally my birthday.
The camera cuts to Titus in Keystone. It's dark and there's minimal activity on the street.
Red Mask: I walked down the street and someone recognised me. They told me that I was their sons hero and asked for my autograph. I obliged as the guy was just finishing work to go see his family. Imagine working on Thanksgiving? The guy smiled, shook my hand and went on his way.
Titus carries on walking down the street but this time he pulls his hood over his face.
Red Mask: I always prefer to spend my birthday by myself. I'm thankful for all that God has given me and how well known I am but sometimes I need peace. I hid myself for that very reason, I wanted to shut off society and enjoy the stillness of life.
A different man approaches Titus. He's thin, gaunt, white and has messy hair.
Red Mask: Tonight would not be one of those nights.
Man:Hey brah, can you spare any change.
Red Mask: As I said, I was not in the mood. Being a rich four time Oscar winner, I don't carry my wallet on me. Change is not something I carry so I just told him no and started walking away.
Titus walks off pretty quickly as the man walks on to the Dad who had asked for the autograph earlier.
Red Mask: I have many moments that define my life. Getting my first acting break, winning my first Oscar, signing up to WZCW, winning the Lethal Lottery and beating Everest to capture the world title.
You can hear an argument break out between the two.
Red Mask: This moment trumps them all.
The argument gets louder.
Red Mask: They say before you die your life flashes before your eyes. I always wondered how the brain could think so fast. My head was on overdrive and there was only one thing I could do.
The man punches the Dad clean on the floor.
Red Mask: I ran the fastest I ever could.
Titus, still with hood up, runs towards the man. He grabs the hands of the attacker and kicks him to the mid section. The man grabs a bottle that was lying on the side of the road and swings it at Titus' face. Titus is busted open and his face is covered in blood. Titus smacks the man in the face and eventually pins him down. This struggle goes on for some time as the Police and Ambulance finally arrive. The ambulance sees to the Dad as the police nab the man. Titus sprints leaving a trail of blood behind him.
The camera cuts back to Red Mask and Klamor.
Red Mask: I had to get out of there. I nipped in to a local McDonalds and cleaned myself up in the bathroom. I slowly walked home and the thoughts went through my head: I could be a superhero. I had the money to do it, I had the physical prowess and I had the desire. Then I thought that would be stupid. Who am I to save a city?
Klamor: Well obviously you did.
Red Mask: I got in, I sat down. I switched on TV and the original Batman film was on. I'd always wanted to star in a superhero movie but never got the chance. Maybe I could.
Klamor: Then what happened.
Red Mask: I went to sleep.
Klamor: Something must have changed your mind then. Also why did you opt for the colour red?
Red Mask: The next morning I got a text: You're on the news. I groaned because I thought it would be about last nights incident. It was, but not as I expected. On the station was the Dad.
It now cuts to the news report.
Dad: Yeah the dude is a hero. I bumped in to my sons hero Titus Avison who chatted and gave me an autograph yet he wasn't the one who had the most impact. Five minutes later a man saves my life. I have no idea who he was but I want to thank him, I could only see his red mask. So to my hero the Red Mask, thank you.
The camera cuts back.
Red Mask: He thought I was wearing a red mask when actually it was
Klamor: The blood?
Red Mask: Exactly. I had to do something, so I did.
Klamor: You made your return to WZCW appearing as Red Mask. Why?
Red Mask: I had unfinished business. There was an evil that forced me out of the company and the same evil was running wild. It was time to remove them.
Klamor: Which you did.
Red Mask: I returned to WZCW to remove the evil of Dynasty. The fact that most people watching this have no idea who they are shows you that I succeeded.
Klamor: So why did you throw down the mantle.
Red Mask: I was unmasked. Once you're unmasked then you lost a lot of the appeal. At the same time Keystone had their crime drop by 75% and the law enforcement agencies really were doing a great job. WZCW was the place for Titus and Titus won the plaudits.
Klamor: Why come back as Red Mask?
Red Mask: That's the beauty of it. I never went away. Copycat vigilantes sprung up around the world. What that meant for me is I could be in any place, be used and no one would suspect a thing.
Klamor: Yes but why to WZCW. Why can't Titus seal the deal?
Red Mask: As I said Titus has won the plaudits. Two world titles, Elite X and the Lethal Lottery. Fame. Honour. Glory. Titus is a superstar yet sometimes you need a bit of Mayhem.
Red Mask pauses.
Red Mask: I can offer that. I have fought off all comers in my quest to eradicate evil. This isn't a game, this is real life. Vega is without a doubt the most evil person in the company right now. If I don't step in then who will?
Red Mask takes a deep breath.
Red Mask: That's why Titus failed. Titus saw Vega as a man holding a belt. He saw the belt as the prize. Titus has being pursuing the Mayhem title, not the man behind it. He knew what Vega was capable of but that was all lip service, that was obvious. For me though it's not about the belt but about destroying evil. I, Red Mask, will thrive.
Klamor: How can you say that? How can you say it's not the belt when you specifically wanted the belt on the line? This will be the final Mayhem match.
Red Mask: It makes perfect sense. What is the best way to destroy the person of Vega? The man stepped in to this fine company deciding that he was above gold. It wasn't too long until he was Mayhem champion and he has destroyed all comers. A year he has held that belt and holding it for him is like breathing for you. If I were to take the belt from him he could fight back again and win it back so it has to be this time. I win the match, I win the belt and the Mayhem division is no more.
Klamor: It's easier said than done.
Red Mask: Titus tried to outsmart Vega. He failed. Just look at him cutting the ropes, that was a genius move. Yet Titus failed. I need to overcome that and use sheer brute force. Strategy does have some place though.
Klamor: Hence the steel cage?
Red Mask gives a thumbs up to Johnny.
Red Mask: Spot on. Two caged animals to stop outside influence. Good against evil. Light against darkness. Red Mask against Vega. In a cage. Why do animals react like that in a cage? They're not supposed to be caged is why. Set a lion against a bear in a cage and it will be chaos. Throw in some weapons and you will have Mayhem.
Klamor: Any words for Vega?
Red Mask looks directly at the camera which cuts out Klamor. Despite his face hidden by a mask of red you can tell how intense he is.
Red Mask: Game over. The end. Finito. This stops now Vega. At One Last Stand I will make you feel sorry for everything you've ever done. You will understand that good always triumphs over evil. When I win that match and end the division your oxygen supply will be cut off. It's not you choosing to stop breathing, nor is it the doctors making the decision....it's me. I am ending this.
Red Mask breathes loudly as the camera is cut.
Infinity
Starving (Martial) Artist
-Open-
--------------------------------
Cologne University Hospital
Cologne, Germany
November 11th, 2013
--------------------------------
Two Interpol agents stand at a cross section in a hallway. They look like they're in a rush to see someone.
What room is he in?
Room 1221, all the way down at the end of the hall.
And why the hell is he in here again?
Apparently he's some wrestler. Got beat up pretty bad at tonight's show.
And we think this is the real Vega?
He shrugs.
Hewitt and Donovan are with the woman.
Alexis Escobar?
I think so.
The two begin walking down the hallway towards room 1221. Two more men stand there guarding the door.
Nobody has come in our out, sir. He's been handcuffed to the bed.
Good.
They walk in to find an empty room. The handcuffs have been picked, and a large window pane sits there empty with no glass.
Dammit.
The two men who were guarding the door walk in.
What the hell? These windows aren't built to be opened.
They all approach the open window pane and look out.
We're on the 23rd freaking floor. Where did he go!?
--------------------------------
Interpol Building
Berlin, Germany
3 Hours Later
--------------------------------
Alexis is sitting in an interrogation room alone. Her hands are not handcuffed, and she looks relaxed. The shot pans back to reveal that we are on the other side of a one way mirror. On this side of the mirror, in a separate room adjacent to the interrogation room stand two men wearing dress pants and shoes with white collared shirts with the sleeves rolled up. They've both loosened up their ties and unbuttoned their top buttons, wearing stressful looks upon their fatigued faces.
It's her. I swear, it's her. I recognize her.
Well everything we've checked says it's not.
What the hell are you talking about?
Her ID, her passport, even her damn finger prints, Hewitt... none of it matches.
But he's a master at creating these fake identities. He can do it with his damn eyes closed.
Maybe so, but how do you explain the damn fingerprints?
I... I have no idea. But if there's a way, I guarantee you that Vega knows how.
The last picture on file we have of Alexis Escobar does bare some resemblance to this woman... but these pictures are from 1994 and before. Nearly 20 years, Hewitt... you know that we have nothing on her legally. This is all on your gut hunch that an anonymous tip is actually true for once... and that's not enough. I've got no choice but to let her go.
Defeated, the agent identified as Hewitt lowers his head as the other agent heads towards the door.
Donovan, Wait!
Hewitt looks up stopping the other agent, Donovan, in his tracks.
Let me talk to her alone.
Come on, it's over.
Just 5 more minutes.
5 minutes?
Hewitt looks through the glass... towards Alexis.
5 minutes.
Donovan looks at his watch.
And not a second more.
Hewitt exits this room and we follow him into the interrogation room. Alexis looks up with a smile.
So, Mrs. Santana... just for the last time, you're sure you've never heard of Alexis Escobar?
Alexis sighs.
For the hundreth time... no.
Okay, okay. Just being thorough, I suppose. Because, I used to know Alexis... and I have some information I've always thought she's wanted. I know she left behind a mother and father, a couple of brothers and sisters even.
Hewitt begins slowly walking behind Alexis as she remains seated. He slowly paces back and forth as he continues.
I believe two younger brothers, and a younger sister. Right?
No response.
What am I thinking, why would you know that. You're not Alexis Escobar... no, you're Katherine Santana.
That's right.
And Katherine Santana would have no desire to know what ever happened to her family. I heard Colombia was a real dangerous places during the 90's. I know Alexis would love to know what ever happened to them. You know?
Alexis looks straight towards the mirror in front of her, not responding to any of it.
She'd want to know... her her parents died.
Alexis eyes grow every so slightly smaller, as she try to keep from squinting fully.
How her brothers died.
Her eye lids begin to shake slightly, almost pulsating.
How her sister died.
Alexis eyes remain fixated in the mirror. She is staring at her reflection as if watching a dormant volcano that has just produced it's first rumble in centuries.
I heard that one got raped by the Guerilla soldiers before they offed her.
Alexis' fists begin to clench. Her eyes, as strong as they've ever tried to be, can't help but begin to water.
No arrests though. Nobody gives a shit about a drug muling ****.
Alexis erupts. She stands up without hesitation plants her right fist squarely on the jaw of Agent Hewitt. His head whiplashes to his right as stumbles back a few steps. Agent Donovan barges into the room with his gun drawn and aimed at Alexis. Already knowing whats coming, Alexis raises her hands into the air giving herself up. Hewitt slowly walks up to Alexis with a pair of handcuffs.
You're under arrest, Katherine Santos, for assaulting an Interpol Agent.
--------------------------------
Cathedrale Notre Dame
Paris, France
Present Day
--------------------------------
There stands Vega at the steps of Notre Dame. He's wearing a black suit, with white collared shirt, and black skinny tie. He stares up at this massive, amazing, and awe-inspiring display of French Gothic architecture as it's beauty towers over him. He look somewhat unmoved before walking up the steps ahead of him. A good amount of people are walking up and down these stairs around him. Vega reaches the top of the stairs and enters the double doors into the church. Immediately, he looks to his right and sees a gift shot tucked away in the corner. He can vaguely make out tee shirts with pictures of the church printed on them, and small church statue souvenirs to take home, along with some statues of random saints and religious iconography. Vega continues in a couple of more steps and sees a stand to his left. In big letters a sign reads:
Guided Audio Tour Head Set: 15
He walks passed the small crowd of people gathered around the cashiers at the guided tour booth. He sees a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary to his right with an array of candles placed in front of her waiting to be lit. Each candle has a button directly in front of it that you can press. In front of these candles is a sign which reads:
Minimum Donation to Light Candle: 5
Vega continues down and finally seems to arrive at the main part of the church. He walks directly down the center aisle as a sea of wooden pews randomly peppered with church parishioners surrounds him. He doesn't stop, just keeps walking forward toward the front. Eventually, he arrives at a couple of more steps that lead up to the altar. Without hesitation, he starts walking up, step by step. Other tourists and parishioners start looking towards Vega as he slowly saunters around the altar. He looks at it, specifically the open bible laying on it's surface, and a golden chalice sitting to it's left.
Off to the side we can see two security guards beginning to approach Vega, but he pays them no mind. Seemingly out of nowhere, a priest walks out in front of the security guards and softly raises his hand to call them off, wanting to pursue the situation in a much gentler way. The guards have no problem with it and oblige. The priest then slowly walks over to Vega, who is now standing at the altar, looking down at the open Bible.
For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
John 3:20.
The priest speaks up as if Vega's apparent recital of a bible passage was a trivia question waiting to be answered. He walks up to Vega, who seems unresponsive at first. The priest peaks over at the open bible.
That's not opened to John.
He looks back to Vega, who still has his eyes locked on the book.
Why did you just quote that passage my son?
Vega doesn't respond.
I'm Father Michael. What is your name?
He extends his hand to Vega. Vega doesn't move an inch. Father Michael retrieves his hand with a slight look of disappointment on his face.
How did you know?
The priest seems taken back a bit, but responds with a question.
Know what?
That you were right? That this... all... was right?
You mean this church?
Not this church. The church.
I'm not sure I understand, son.
The church, the religion, the ideology. How did you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that believing in that man-
Vega turns around a points a subtle finger at a giant stone statue of Jesus Christ nailed onto the cross above them as the center piece of the church.
-was the right way to go? Why not Judaism, or Hinduism, or Buddhism, or even Scientology? Why Christianity? Why Catholicism?
It's quite simple son...
Faith.
Father Michael smiles.
That's right.
Vega shakes his head.
What is it with you people and faith?
I'm sorry?
Damn right you're sorry. Your all sorry.
Please my son, we're in the house of the Lord.
It's sad really... faith.
The priest seems confused by Vega thus far, and tries to gain some clarity.
Before, why did you quote John 3:20?
Seemed appropriate.
Appropriate for what?
Vega smiles.
The battle of good versus evil I'm about to embark on.
I see. This battle... is it some metaphorical battle, or a real one?
Oh, this is very real, Father. As real as it gets.
Are you a soldier?
A soldier? No. I don't take well to authority. That's probably why me and that guy don't get along.
Vega nods his head back towards Jesus crucified on the cross behind him.
So... wait, on this battle... you're-
Evil.
Evil?
I'm always evil, Father.
I don't believe that. I believe there is good in you.
You believe there is good in everyone.
It's true.
Vega simply shakes his head while holding back laughter.
People like you are why people like me love being like me.
Why do you say that?
Well, to put it in your language... Romans Chapter 1, verses 28 through 32.
The priest furrows his eyebrows.
I don't think I recall that specific passage.
Vega begins reciting it on cue.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents. Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. People Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in doing them.
Vega looks over to the altar and instead of the bible, this time his eyes are fixated on the golden chalice next to it.
You know, that guy behind me... he did that whole getting nailed to the cross thing because he believed that same thing too. He gathered his closest friends around the table, fed them bread and said "take this all of you and eat it for it will be given up for you."
Vega grabs the chalice with both hands...
And then... the wine.
He looks inside of the empty vessel with a deep stare, getting lost in it.
Take this all of you and drink from it, The chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many... for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.
Vega smiles that sinister smile he always flashes as he continues, Father Michael just continues to listen, stunned by Vega's knowledge of the religion.
He did this because he believed what you believed. That there's good in everyone. He believed the very people killing him had good in them. "Forgive them father for they know not what they are doing." I mean, really? Come on now... that whole "turn the other cheek" stuff doesn't work in real life. That's why I believe the opposite. I believe there is evil in all of us. Even you Father.
Well, we all sin.
Oh, and how good some of us are at it. You, you guys... you guys might be the best though.
What do you mean?
This, all of this.
He points out towards the crowd.
Selling false idols in the gift shop, charging money to learn about the house of God from an audio cassette player, mandating a minimum amount to donate if you want to light a candle for your cause. You don't see anything wrong with this?
Vega cuts the priest off before he can reply.
And people say I'm the twisted one... it's beautiful how we all wear masks in this society, all afraid to expose their true faces for the world to see.. for the world to judge. That passage I quoted earlier... "everyone who does evil hates the light?" That's not true. I don't hate the light at all. I want the light. I need the light, Father. The spotlight deserves to be on nobody but me... and it's my evil ways that will get me there.
In that passage, I believe by Light, they mean The Lord our God, my son... not an actual light.
Oh, trust me Father... I'm aware. See, it's actually grown. A malicious metamorphism of the situation has taken place. See what was once simply about Good vs Evil... has no become about Heroes and Villains.
Villains?
And if it takes killing their savior...
Vega looks up towards the sculpture of Jesus Christ nailed the cross.
...so be it. The savior, the light, the hope... the hero... I will sacrifice his body. I will sacrifice his blood. I will present them to the people as a new and eternal covenant, for the embracing of sin... the embracing of evil. The evil I know lives inside of all of us.
Vega reverts his eyes back to the chalice.
As a symbol of the Darkness engulfing the Light... I will drink his blood, the blood I will have spilled... and get drunk as if it were wine. Drunk with the glory. Drunk with the spoils. Drunk, in victory.
Now, he looks deep into Father Michael's eyes.
Because you see father... this is more then just good and evil. It goes beyond heroes and villains. This is something bigger... and if it is their God I must kill...
Vega simply smiles.
Well then I guess that makes me the Devil.
-Close-
--------------------------------
Cologne University Hospital
Cologne, Germany
November 11th, 2013
--------------------------------
Two Interpol agents stand at a cross section in a hallway. They look like they're in a rush to see someone.
What room is he in?
Room 1221, all the way down at the end of the hall.
And why the hell is he in here again?
Apparently he's some wrestler. Got beat up pretty bad at tonight's show.
And we think this is the real Vega?
He shrugs.
Hewitt and Donovan are with the woman.
Alexis Escobar?
I think so.
The two begin walking down the hallway towards room 1221. Two more men stand there guarding the door.
Nobody has come in our out, sir. He's been handcuffed to the bed.
Good.
They walk in to find an empty room. The handcuffs have been picked, and a large window pane sits there empty with no glass.
Dammit.
The two men who were guarding the door walk in.
What the hell? These windows aren't built to be opened.
They all approach the open window pane and look out.
We're on the 23rd freaking floor. Where did he go!?
--------------------------------
Interpol Building
Berlin, Germany
3 Hours Later
--------------------------------
Alexis is sitting in an interrogation room alone. Her hands are not handcuffed, and she looks relaxed. The shot pans back to reveal that we are on the other side of a one way mirror. On this side of the mirror, in a separate room adjacent to the interrogation room stand two men wearing dress pants and shoes with white collared shirts with the sleeves rolled up. They've both loosened up their ties and unbuttoned their top buttons, wearing stressful looks upon their fatigued faces.
It's her. I swear, it's her. I recognize her.
Well everything we've checked says it's not.
What the hell are you talking about?
Her ID, her passport, even her damn finger prints, Hewitt... none of it matches.
But he's a master at creating these fake identities. He can do it with his damn eyes closed.
Maybe so, but how do you explain the damn fingerprints?
I... I have no idea. But if there's a way, I guarantee you that Vega knows how.
The last picture on file we have of Alexis Escobar does bare some resemblance to this woman... but these pictures are from 1994 and before. Nearly 20 years, Hewitt... you know that we have nothing on her legally. This is all on your gut hunch that an anonymous tip is actually true for once... and that's not enough. I've got no choice but to let her go.
Defeated, the agent identified as Hewitt lowers his head as the other agent heads towards the door.
Donovan, Wait!
Hewitt looks up stopping the other agent, Donovan, in his tracks.
Let me talk to her alone.
Come on, it's over.
Just 5 more minutes.
5 minutes?
Hewitt looks through the glass... towards Alexis.
5 minutes.
Donovan looks at his watch.
And not a second more.
Hewitt exits this room and we follow him into the interrogation room. Alexis looks up with a smile.
So, Mrs. Santana... just for the last time, you're sure you've never heard of Alexis Escobar?
Alexis sighs.
For the hundreth time... no.
Okay, okay. Just being thorough, I suppose. Because, I used to know Alexis... and I have some information I've always thought she's wanted. I know she left behind a mother and father, a couple of brothers and sisters even.
Hewitt begins slowly walking behind Alexis as she remains seated. He slowly paces back and forth as he continues.
I believe two younger brothers, and a younger sister. Right?
No response.
What am I thinking, why would you know that. You're not Alexis Escobar... no, you're Katherine Santana.
That's right.
And Katherine Santana would have no desire to know what ever happened to her family. I heard Colombia was a real dangerous places during the 90's. I know Alexis would love to know what ever happened to them. You know?
Alexis looks straight towards the mirror in front of her, not responding to any of it.
She'd want to know... her her parents died.
Alexis eyes grow every so slightly smaller, as she try to keep from squinting fully.
How her brothers died.
Her eye lids begin to shake slightly, almost pulsating.
How her sister died.
Alexis eyes remain fixated in the mirror. She is staring at her reflection as if watching a dormant volcano that has just produced it's first rumble in centuries.
I heard that one got raped by the Guerilla soldiers before they offed her.
Alexis' fists begin to clench. Her eyes, as strong as they've ever tried to be, can't help but begin to water.
No arrests though. Nobody gives a shit about a drug muling ****.
Alexis erupts. She stands up without hesitation plants her right fist squarely on the jaw of Agent Hewitt. His head whiplashes to his right as stumbles back a few steps. Agent Donovan barges into the room with his gun drawn and aimed at Alexis. Already knowing whats coming, Alexis raises her hands into the air giving herself up. Hewitt slowly walks up to Alexis with a pair of handcuffs.
You're under arrest, Katherine Santos, for assaulting an Interpol Agent.
--------------------------------
Cathedrale Notre Dame
Paris, France
Present Day
--------------------------------
There stands Vega at the steps of Notre Dame. He's wearing a black suit, with white collared shirt, and black skinny tie. He stares up at this massive, amazing, and awe-inspiring display of French Gothic architecture as it's beauty towers over him. He look somewhat unmoved before walking up the steps ahead of him. A good amount of people are walking up and down these stairs around him. Vega reaches the top of the stairs and enters the double doors into the church. Immediately, he looks to his right and sees a gift shot tucked away in the corner. He can vaguely make out tee shirts with pictures of the church printed on them, and small church statue souvenirs to take home, along with some statues of random saints and religious iconography. Vega continues in a couple of more steps and sees a stand to his left. In big letters a sign reads:
Guided Audio Tour Head Set: 15
He walks passed the small crowd of people gathered around the cashiers at the guided tour booth. He sees a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary to his right with an array of candles placed in front of her waiting to be lit. Each candle has a button directly in front of it that you can press. In front of these candles is a sign which reads:
Minimum Donation to Light Candle: 5
Vega continues down and finally seems to arrive at the main part of the church. He walks directly down the center aisle as a sea of wooden pews randomly peppered with church parishioners surrounds him. He doesn't stop, just keeps walking forward toward the front. Eventually, he arrives at a couple of more steps that lead up to the altar. Without hesitation, he starts walking up, step by step. Other tourists and parishioners start looking towards Vega as he slowly saunters around the altar. He looks at it, specifically the open bible laying on it's surface, and a golden chalice sitting to it's left.
Off to the side we can see two security guards beginning to approach Vega, but he pays them no mind. Seemingly out of nowhere, a priest walks out in front of the security guards and softly raises his hand to call them off, wanting to pursue the situation in a much gentler way. The guards have no problem with it and oblige. The priest then slowly walks over to Vega, who is now standing at the altar, looking down at the open Bible.
For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
John 3:20.
The priest speaks up as if Vega's apparent recital of a bible passage was a trivia question waiting to be answered. He walks up to Vega, who seems unresponsive at first. The priest peaks over at the open bible.
That's not opened to John.
He looks back to Vega, who still has his eyes locked on the book.
Why did you just quote that passage my son?
Vega doesn't respond.
I'm Father Michael. What is your name?
He extends his hand to Vega. Vega doesn't move an inch. Father Michael retrieves his hand with a slight look of disappointment on his face.
How did you know?
The priest seems taken back a bit, but responds with a question.
Know what?
That you were right? That this... all... was right?
You mean this church?
Not this church. The church.
I'm not sure I understand, son.
The church, the religion, the ideology. How did you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that believing in that man-
Vega turns around a points a subtle finger at a giant stone statue of Jesus Christ nailed onto the cross above them as the center piece of the church.
-was the right way to go? Why not Judaism, or Hinduism, or Buddhism, or even Scientology? Why Christianity? Why Catholicism?
It's quite simple son...
Faith.
Father Michael smiles.
That's right.
Vega shakes his head.
What is it with you people and faith?
I'm sorry?
Damn right you're sorry. Your all sorry.
Please my son, we're in the house of the Lord.
It's sad really... faith.
The priest seems confused by Vega thus far, and tries to gain some clarity.
Before, why did you quote John 3:20?
Seemed appropriate.
Appropriate for what?
Vega smiles.
The battle of good versus evil I'm about to embark on.
I see. This battle... is it some metaphorical battle, or a real one?
Oh, this is very real, Father. As real as it gets.
Are you a soldier?
A soldier? No. I don't take well to authority. That's probably why me and that guy don't get along.
Vega nods his head back towards Jesus crucified on the cross behind him.
So... wait, on this battle... you're-
Evil.
Evil?
I'm always evil, Father.
I don't believe that. I believe there is good in you.
You believe there is good in everyone.
It's true.
Vega simply shakes his head while holding back laughter.
People like you are why people like me love being like me.
Why do you say that?
Well, to put it in your language... Romans Chapter 1, verses 28 through 32.
The priest furrows his eyebrows.
I don't think I recall that specific passage.
Vega begins reciting it on cue.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents. Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. People Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in doing them.
Vega looks over to the altar and instead of the bible, this time his eyes are fixated on the golden chalice next to it.
You know, that guy behind me... he did that whole getting nailed to the cross thing because he believed that same thing too. He gathered his closest friends around the table, fed them bread and said "take this all of you and eat it for it will be given up for you."
Vega grabs the chalice with both hands...
And then... the wine.
He looks inside of the empty vessel with a deep stare, getting lost in it.
Take this all of you and drink from it, The chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many... for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.
Vega smiles that sinister smile he always flashes as he continues, Father Michael just continues to listen, stunned by Vega's knowledge of the religion.
He did this because he believed what you believed. That there's good in everyone. He believed the very people killing him had good in them. "Forgive them father for they know not what they are doing." I mean, really? Come on now... that whole "turn the other cheek" stuff doesn't work in real life. That's why I believe the opposite. I believe there is evil in all of us. Even you Father.
Well, we all sin.
Oh, and how good some of us are at it. You, you guys... you guys might be the best though.
What do you mean?
This, all of this.
He points out towards the crowd.
Selling false idols in the gift shop, charging money to learn about the house of God from an audio cassette player, mandating a minimum amount to donate if you want to light a candle for your cause. You don't see anything wrong with this?
Vega cuts the priest off before he can reply.
And people say I'm the twisted one... it's beautiful how we all wear masks in this society, all afraid to expose their true faces for the world to see.. for the world to judge. That passage I quoted earlier... "everyone who does evil hates the light?" That's not true. I don't hate the light at all. I want the light. I need the light, Father. The spotlight deserves to be on nobody but me... and it's my evil ways that will get me there.
In that passage, I believe by Light, they mean The Lord our God, my son... not an actual light.
Oh, trust me Father... I'm aware. See, it's actually grown. A malicious metamorphism of the situation has taken place. See what was once simply about Good vs Evil... has no become about Heroes and Villains.
Villains?
And if it takes killing their savior...
Vega looks up towards the sculpture of Jesus Christ nailed the cross.
...so be it. The savior, the light, the hope... the hero... I will sacrifice his body. I will sacrifice his blood. I will present them to the people as a new and eternal covenant, for the embracing of sin... the embracing of evil. The evil I know lives inside of all of us.
Vega reverts his eyes back to the chalice.
As a symbol of the Darkness engulfing the Light... I will drink his blood, the blood I will have spilled... and get drunk as if it were wine. Drunk with the glory. Drunk with the spoils. Drunk, in victory.
Now, he looks deep into Father Michael's eyes.
Because you see father... this is more then just good and evil. It goes beyond heroes and villains. This is something bigger... and if it is their God I must kill...
Vega simply smiles.
Well then I guess that makes me the Devil.
-Close-
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