Richard Blonoff
Make America Rassle Again
Deadline is Wednesday, July 6th, 11:59PM. Extensions available upon request.
Unscripted: Justin Cooper(c) vs. Vis Imperium - Tag Team Championship
- Thread starter Richard Blonoff
- Start date
- Status
Da Prophet
Mid-Card Championship Winner
Are you sure? Justin asked, his face glistening with sweat. Theyd been training for at least three hours. It may have been more but time had escaped Justin, the blue mats of the jujitsu gym often did that. Justin had walked into the gym at dawn and without hesitation would find himself walking out into the cold moonlight.
It was still a fair way away from moonlight. The sun outside shone brightly but it was cold. Australias climate was famous for shifting from one extreme, the ever intensifying heat of the outback, to a freezing cold of the Blue Mountains. Within the warehouse the temperature was mild, a collection of heaters and fans scattered across the building. Justin stood up, his tattered ebony training gi roughed up, his black belt sliding to one side. He adjusted himself and walked towards the bench against the cold steel wall, pictures of the students from the gym hanging proudly above, a mix of championships and awards displayed alongside. While impressive it was not the accolades Justin sought. Instead his mind was focused on his drink bottle filled with the finest tap water money could buy.
Come on, a voice shouted from across the gym, One more round and Ill prove that I can put you on your prissy lil ass.
Justin laughed, the water he was drinking nearly spilling out from his mouth. Fine. One more round but after that its time to hit the showers and well go get something to eat. I dont want to push your knee farther than we need. Justin threw his bottle down into a pile of clothes, his own of course, a pair of jeans, a blue button up shirt and a pair of Nike track shoes. Prepared for the final round Justin turned and was immediately knocked to the ground by the wild eyed Mark Keaton. Mark was inexperienced at jujitsu and truth be told this was likely the first time hed ever stepped inside a gym like this before. Hed never admit such a thing, even to Justin but the sly veteran had dealt with men of falsehood before, men much more talented at the art of lies than Mark.
Hours earlier when they first arrived Justin welcomed Mark into the warehouse and was not surprised by the response he got. This it? Mark was cutting at the best of times. His knee still healing did very little to make him warm and fuzzy. Yeah, this is it. My home away from home. When my knee was hurt the first time this is where I came. You can work on the ground and test it out without putting too much pressure on the joint. I shouldve brought you here sooner but now is as good a time as ever. Well get you geared up and start some exercises to make sure youre ready for the physical with the doctor on Sunday morning. You pass that and Vance Bateman has assured me youll be cleared to compete at Unscripted.
The physical on Sunday morning was a task Mark Keaton dreaded more than most. He had been slack with every form of rehabilitation doctors had given him. Ill be fine. Im sure Ill be cleared. Mark said, for the past month, each time with less and less conviction. With the event just a few days away Justin was pushing Mark towards the end goal harder than ever; its time to cut the crap and train.
After hours of training Justin had relaxed. We might be able to make it work after all, he thought to himself whilst Mark struggled to adjust his newly acquired gi. They had pushed Mark throughout the training session. Justin and his two trainers, Harry, a man of twenty, rather short but built like a brick house with arms and legs looking like they were chiseled out of stone and Robert, an older man, the head trainer at the gym who rarely rolled anymore. Robert had much more value sitting on the bench and observing split second decisions made in the heat of battle and pointing out where a vital mistake was made. Justin had contacted him specifically for the upcoming match against Abel Hunnicutt and John Constantine. After being out for so long the split second decisions during the tag title match were going to be the difference maker and Mark needed someone to make sure his were not rusty.
It had been hours since they started, they competed against each other several times, Justin always coming out the victor. Mark grew restless... he grew careless. His quick attack on Justin got the veteran to the ground but Mark overshot the takedown and allowed Justin to switch, transition to the back and get both hooks in before Mark could say, Oops. Only a few seconds later Justin had his arm underneath Marks chin and choked him out... for the fifth time that day.
The pair separated, Justin rolled towards Robert and tapped the old man on the shoulder. Go, show him what he did wrong. Robert gingerly stood up from the bench, he sat down on the blue training mats and grabbed Mark Keaton by the arm.You see this? Keep this on your opponent. If you can't stretch your arm forward and touch them, well, youre likely in some shit.
Laughter filled the warehouse however none of it came from Mark Keaton. A distinct look of embarrassment came over his face. Justin looked over at the man he described as brother and knew what was coming. Mark stood up and tossed the top half of his gi to the ground, spitting a mixture of sweat, blood and saliva.
I hope youre going to pick that up? Justin said, leaning back against the wall, once again drinking from his water bottle.
Mark looked angrily at Justin and Robert, ignoring Harry altogether, and stormed off into the bathroom. Justin couldnt help but chuckle. Im sick of this training! Take me to some gym, put me in a stupid outfit and make me roll around for hours. Nope, Mark Keaton will not be made a fool of, you hear me! No, no fool.
He felt embarrassed having lost every encounter and that was something the brash rookie was not accustomed to after achieving championship gold so early into his career. The training area was soon left to Justin and Robert. The sound of the shower turning on alerted everyone that Mark was indeed done for the day and Harry went up to the front of the gym, Justin was unsure what for since he had paid for a private session but alas he did nothing to stop Harry from leaving. Robert remained, he began clearing up the mats to be washed and while doing so caught Justin smirking. It was a cheeky smirk, hidden away from the common eye but Robert had trained Justin for years, since his first major injury back in 2011, he knew how to read Justin. You enjoy that did you? Robert shouted out to Justin from halfway across the gym. No pride in beating up an unarmed man. Make no mistake about it, that boy was unarmed, he could barely get the gi on let alone roll with you. No pride in that. Nothing to be smiling about, okay.
Its not that. I was thinking about our match on Sunday with John Constantine and Abel Hunnicutt. You know, jujitsu has always been able to clear my mind. Really let me think clearly and comprehend situations better. Justin stood up and untied his black belt, folding it up and placed it on the bench neatly next to his ruffled clothes.
Your friend will hardly think the same. Robert replied, scratching at his thin grey beard which travelled halfway down his neck. I doubt hell be in any hurry to come back here after what you did to him.
Nothing that wasnt done to me hundreds of times over when I was starting out. Itll be good for him. Hes been out of the ring for nearly a month and while hes told me that hes been doing what the doctors tell him...
Robert laughed loudly, Doctors orders? You complaining about somebody not following doctors orders. Tell me, is this the same Justin who walked into my gym with a beard covering his entire face, the smell of alcohol burning through his clothes and his feet bare and smelly as rotten garbage? Did the doctor tell you to get like that before or after you had to retire... the first time?
Fair play, old man. I was young. Hes young, I get it but I look back at that period of my life and think about all the things I threw away because I was so pigheaded to not listen. Six years Ive competed in this business, six years and Ive competed at Kingdom Come once. Now I havent missed the show because of performance, I missed the show because my body couldnt hold up. Thats a pain worse than anything you can think of, being right there, the biggest stage of the year in sight and you get told that your body isnt going to make it. Ive made the phone more than once to tell the company Im out and last time I thought it was for good. I dont want Mark to go through that. I dont want him to have to sit on the sidelines and watch his career pass him by.
Robert looked up at Justin and smiled. Youre a good man. A fool sometimes but a man with a good heart. That kid needs someone like you. I see a lot of potential in him, hes got the fire that you had as a youngster, you beat him every single time and yet he still asked for another shot. He didnt think he could win but in his eyes, it was something more, it wasnt about beating you, it was about proving to himself that he could still try. That boy may not realise it yet but you may have done something good for him today. Dont give up on him just yet, if I had given up on you... well maybe my life wouldve been a bit easier. Ha! Robert laughed again, his cheeky old smile evading Justins glance. Justin shook his head, chuckling to himself and then collected his things.
Justin walked forward... and stopped. Ouch. It was a sudden pain that Justin hadnt felt for years. His right knee shook and he collapsed to the hard ground below, his belongings scattered across the ground, his voice echoing in the warehouse as he screamed in pain. Argh! Shit, my knee! Its my knee, Robert. The old man hurried over to his fallen student, they locked eyes, and it was not the first time they had been in this position. However they both believed, as did the doctors, that this was long since conquered. The right knee of Justin Cooper which forced him into retirement in 2011, it had been all cleared by multiple doctors and surgeons across the globe. It hurts, Justin yelled, God, damn it!
Robert sat Justin up against the wall as Harry rushed over with two ice packs. They covered the knee as best they could, Justin could barely contain himself. Thump. Justin punched the wall in frustration. Not again, no, not now. Robert pleaded with him to claim down but Justin continued to slam his fist against the hard steel wall of the warehouse. It was only the sound of the shower turning off which finally quieted Justin. Listen, hes coming back this way now. Ive seen the way he looks at you. This kid, he believes in you. Now hes struggling with his own demons and he doesnt... he cant deal with yours too. You gotta stay strong. You cant let this kid see you like this.
Justin shook his head fiercely as tears streamed down his face. I-I-I-I cant. It hurts. Argh! Its wrecked again, I cant move. Robert suddenly grabbed the knee, pushed hard on either side as Justin let out an almighty roar. ARRRRGH!
The pain was intense but time was quickly slipping away. Robert grabbed Justin by the chin, slapping him, the veteran breathing heavily. Youre a champion. You been through more than this before. Right now we cant worry about this. Hes coming back and he needs to see that the guy he believes in, his mentor, is one hundred percent ready to lead him into battle. You understand? Come on, Harry, help me stand him up. They pulled Justin to his feet, the ice packs following away as Robert and Harry leaned Justin up against the wall. He was standing... barely. By the time he was stable, the pain was still like a fire burning down his entire leg. Something is wrong.
Mark Keaton emerged from the bathroom preaching at the top of his lungs, a pair of pants on, no shirt, a towel instead hanging over his shoulders. And then Ill drop an elbow on Constantine, slap Abel across that scruffy looking beard of his and show them both that I can jump off the couch after partying wild style and still be better than them. Hey, Coops you ready to go eat or what?
Justin arched his back a little to try and ease the pain. It was no good. He avoided eye contact as Mark approached, Um, I need to take a shower first. It might be best if you go without me, I need to go home and rest up.
Mark waved his hands up and down, Go home? No way, Coops. Weve got to go out and have a few drinks as champions.
Not tonight, Mark. Justin muttered, his voice cracking from the pain.
Why not? You worried about Constantine and Hunnicutt or something? Mark asked, They arent nothing to worry about. You and I, were the best tag team in the world. Weve beaten everybody in the division and what, these two meatheads are going to join forces and try take us on. Come on, with you leading the charge and me being the clutch performer were locked to retain our titles.
Try as he might Justin couldnt escaped the pain. He punched the wall one more time to try and distract himself. Woah, brother relax. I get that youre tense but Constantine and Hunnicutt? Is it me? You think that because Ive been injured that Im weak now. Im the weak link thats dragging you down. You dont trust me anymore. Is that it? If so, tell me now and Ill walk. I dont want a partner that sees me as some weak link. Ive given everything to this team. I jumped off the damn titantron for this team and I damn sure am not going to be called the weak link! Mark threw up his arms and jumped in the air, landing on the cement floor below and doing so without a problem.
Im no weak link. You think that I can't stand with you against Constantine and Hunnicutt? Both of them don't have the hunger that I do. I want this, I want to stand with you and fight for what we earned. Constantine can group all his buddies together and hold parties on weekends for all I care but that doesn't give them the right to our championships. Abel is one mean dude but do you remember who the hell we are? We took down Ty Burna. We slayed the beast that they said couldn't be beaten. We marched to the top of the mountain and spat in the face of a titan and walked out with their most prized possession. We're the titans now! Us, you and I, together, stand at the top of this mountain and I'm not walking down for nobody. If someone wants to take the championship from me, I'll stand and fight, hurt or healthy, because the only way I'm coming down off this mountain is by being thrown off.
I dont doubt you, Justin said clenching his fist, John and Hunnicutt are dangerous. Theyre a tough team and you and I are going to need to be fully focused against them. This group theyve put together is strong. They seek us out because they think they can beat us. He was still feeling the pain but he had to be the mentor Mark needed, not the walking wounded that was hiding in plain sight. They didnt come after Mikey or Titus. They came after us, thats because they see us as easy pickings. Were not championship material in their eyes but to hell with that. We fought the best to be recognized as tag champions and if they want to take that from us, well bring it!
Mark nodded in agreement. He tossed his towel to the ground and pointed towards Justin. Ten percent, twenty percent, fifty percent or one hundred percent it doesnt matter. Ill be standing beside you, I dont care if they clear me or not, Ill jump the bloody barricade in jeans and hoodie before I let some doctor take what we earned.
Ive broken bread with John before, I fought alongside him, Ive fought his battles for him and Ive seen what he will do to get what he wants. Its not going to be easy. I need you. I need you to show me the fire that made me pick you as my tag team partner. When Abel has his big oaf hands around your throat I want to see that kid from Detroit who will spit, kick and claw his way to safety when everything is on the line.
Mark cheered, Let em try. Let those bastards send all four of them at us. Were Cooper and Keaton, the reigning, defending, undisputed tag team champions and were never giving up. Abel may be a big old fella but it still only takes three seconds for him to lose just like any other man. It could be a tables match for all we know and then, well then we dont even need to pin them. Just send them furniture shopping, Detroit city style!
The room grew quiet. Justin had convinced Mark that he didnt see him as the weak link. That wasnt what Justin was fighting with. His knee was causing in serious pain. He looked up at Mark and got a slight reprieve from the agony he was feeling. Did you notice? Justin asked, the look in his eyes hopeful and with a smile on his face as wide not seen since he and Mark became number one contenders.
Notice? Notice what?" Mark replied, shrugging his shoulders.
The pain in his own knee stung like a dagger being shoved into the joint. He dare not grimace or show the faintest sight of pain. Be strong, I need to be strong for the team. Justin swallowed hard, gritted his teeth together and looked directly into his brothers eyes.
You havent limped since youve been here.
It was still a fair way away from moonlight. The sun outside shone brightly but it was cold. Australias climate was famous for shifting from one extreme, the ever intensifying heat of the outback, to a freezing cold of the Blue Mountains. Within the warehouse the temperature was mild, a collection of heaters and fans scattered across the building. Justin stood up, his tattered ebony training gi roughed up, his black belt sliding to one side. He adjusted himself and walked towards the bench against the cold steel wall, pictures of the students from the gym hanging proudly above, a mix of championships and awards displayed alongside. While impressive it was not the accolades Justin sought. Instead his mind was focused on his drink bottle filled with the finest tap water money could buy.
Come on, a voice shouted from across the gym, One more round and Ill prove that I can put you on your prissy lil ass.
Justin laughed, the water he was drinking nearly spilling out from his mouth. Fine. One more round but after that its time to hit the showers and well go get something to eat. I dont want to push your knee farther than we need. Justin threw his bottle down into a pile of clothes, his own of course, a pair of jeans, a blue button up shirt and a pair of Nike track shoes. Prepared for the final round Justin turned and was immediately knocked to the ground by the wild eyed Mark Keaton. Mark was inexperienced at jujitsu and truth be told this was likely the first time hed ever stepped inside a gym like this before. Hed never admit such a thing, even to Justin but the sly veteran had dealt with men of falsehood before, men much more talented at the art of lies than Mark.
Hours earlier when they first arrived Justin welcomed Mark into the warehouse and was not surprised by the response he got. This it? Mark was cutting at the best of times. His knee still healing did very little to make him warm and fuzzy. Yeah, this is it. My home away from home. When my knee was hurt the first time this is where I came. You can work on the ground and test it out without putting too much pressure on the joint. I shouldve brought you here sooner but now is as good a time as ever. Well get you geared up and start some exercises to make sure youre ready for the physical with the doctor on Sunday morning. You pass that and Vance Bateman has assured me youll be cleared to compete at Unscripted.
The physical on Sunday morning was a task Mark Keaton dreaded more than most. He had been slack with every form of rehabilitation doctors had given him. Ill be fine. Im sure Ill be cleared. Mark said, for the past month, each time with less and less conviction. With the event just a few days away Justin was pushing Mark towards the end goal harder than ever; its time to cut the crap and train.
After hours of training Justin had relaxed. We might be able to make it work after all, he thought to himself whilst Mark struggled to adjust his newly acquired gi. They had pushed Mark throughout the training session. Justin and his two trainers, Harry, a man of twenty, rather short but built like a brick house with arms and legs looking like they were chiseled out of stone and Robert, an older man, the head trainer at the gym who rarely rolled anymore. Robert had much more value sitting on the bench and observing split second decisions made in the heat of battle and pointing out where a vital mistake was made. Justin had contacted him specifically for the upcoming match against Abel Hunnicutt and John Constantine. After being out for so long the split second decisions during the tag title match were going to be the difference maker and Mark needed someone to make sure his were not rusty.
It had been hours since they started, they competed against each other several times, Justin always coming out the victor. Mark grew restless... he grew careless. His quick attack on Justin got the veteran to the ground but Mark overshot the takedown and allowed Justin to switch, transition to the back and get both hooks in before Mark could say, Oops. Only a few seconds later Justin had his arm underneath Marks chin and choked him out... for the fifth time that day.
The pair separated, Justin rolled towards Robert and tapped the old man on the shoulder. Go, show him what he did wrong. Robert gingerly stood up from the bench, he sat down on the blue training mats and grabbed Mark Keaton by the arm.You see this? Keep this on your opponent. If you can't stretch your arm forward and touch them, well, youre likely in some shit.
Laughter filled the warehouse however none of it came from Mark Keaton. A distinct look of embarrassment came over his face. Justin looked over at the man he described as brother and knew what was coming. Mark stood up and tossed the top half of his gi to the ground, spitting a mixture of sweat, blood and saliva.
I hope youre going to pick that up? Justin said, leaning back against the wall, once again drinking from his water bottle.
Mark looked angrily at Justin and Robert, ignoring Harry altogether, and stormed off into the bathroom. Justin couldnt help but chuckle. Im sick of this training! Take me to some gym, put me in a stupid outfit and make me roll around for hours. Nope, Mark Keaton will not be made a fool of, you hear me! No, no fool.
He felt embarrassed having lost every encounter and that was something the brash rookie was not accustomed to after achieving championship gold so early into his career. The training area was soon left to Justin and Robert. The sound of the shower turning on alerted everyone that Mark was indeed done for the day and Harry went up to the front of the gym, Justin was unsure what for since he had paid for a private session but alas he did nothing to stop Harry from leaving. Robert remained, he began clearing up the mats to be washed and while doing so caught Justin smirking. It was a cheeky smirk, hidden away from the common eye but Robert had trained Justin for years, since his first major injury back in 2011, he knew how to read Justin. You enjoy that did you? Robert shouted out to Justin from halfway across the gym. No pride in beating up an unarmed man. Make no mistake about it, that boy was unarmed, he could barely get the gi on let alone roll with you. No pride in that. Nothing to be smiling about, okay.
Its not that. I was thinking about our match on Sunday with John Constantine and Abel Hunnicutt. You know, jujitsu has always been able to clear my mind. Really let me think clearly and comprehend situations better. Justin stood up and untied his black belt, folding it up and placed it on the bench neatly next to his ruffled clothes.
Your friend will hardly think the same. Robert replied, scratching at his thin grey beard which travelled halfway down his neck. I doubt hell be in any hurry to come back here after what you did to him.
Nothing that wasnt done to me hundreds of times over when I was starting out. Itll be good for him. Hes been out of the ring for nearly a month and while hes told me that hes been doing what the doctors tell him...
Robert laughed loudly, Doctors orders? You complaining about somebody not following doctors orders. Tell me, is this the same Justin who walked into my gym with a beard covering his entire face, the smell of alcohol burning through his clothes and his feet bare and smelly as rotten garbage? Did the doctor tell you to get like that before or after you had to retire... the first time?
Fair play, old man. I was young. Hes young, I get it but I look back at that period of my life and think about all the things I threw away because I was so pigheaded to not listen. Six years Ive competed in this business, six years and Ive competed at Kingdom Come once. Now I havent missed the show because of performance, I missed the show because my body couldnt hold up. Thats a pain worse than anything you can think of, being right there, the biggest stage of the year in sight and you get told that your body isnt going to make it. Ive made the phone more than once to tell the company Im out and last time I thought it was for good. I dont want Mark to go through that. I dont want him to have to sit on the sidelines and watch his career pass him by.
Robert looked up at Justin and smiled. Youre a good man. A fool sometimes but a man with a good heart. That kid needs someone like you. I see a lot of potential in him, hes got the fire that you had as a youngster, you beat him every single time and yet he still asked for another shot. He didnt think he could win but in his eyes, it was something more, it wasnt about beating you, it was about proving to himself that he could still try. That boy may not realise it yet but you may have done something good for him today. Dont give up on him just yet, if I had given up on you... well maybe my life wouldve been a bit easier. Ha! Robert laughed again, his cheeky old smile evading Justins glance. Justin shook his head, chuckling to himself and then collected his things.
Justin walked forward... and stopped. Ouch. It was a sudden pain that Justin hadnt felt for years. His right knee shook and he collapsed to the hard ground below, his belongings scattered across the ground, his voice echoing in the warehouse as he screamed in pain. Argh! Shit, my knee! Its my knee, Robert. The old man hurried over to his fallen student, they locked eyes, and it was not the first time they had been in this position. However they both believed, as did the doctors, that this was long since conquered. The right knee of Justin Cooper which forced him into retirement in 2011, it had been all cleared by multiple doctors and surgeons across the globe. It hurts, Justin yelled, God, damn it!
Robert sat Justin up against the wall as Harry rushed over with two ice packs. They covered the knee as best they could, Justin could barely contain himself. Thump. Justin punched the wall in frustration. Not again, no, not now. Robert pleaded with him to claim down but Justin continued to slam his fist against the hard steel wall of the warehouse. It was only the sound of the shower turning off which finally quieted Justin. Listen, hes coming back this way now. Ive seen the way he looks at you. This kid, he believes in you. Now hes struggling with his own demons and he doesnt... he cant deal with yours too. You gotta stay strong. You cant let this kid see you like this.
Justin shook his head fiercely as tears streamed down his face. I-I-I-I cant. It hurts. Argh! Its wrecked again, I cant move. Robert suddenly grabbed the knee, pushed hard on either side as Justin let out an almighty roar. ARRRRGH!
The pain was intense but time was quickly slipping away. Robert grabbed Justin by the chin, slapping him, the veteran breathing heavily. Youre a champion. You been through more than this before. Right now we cant worry about this. Hes coming back and he needs to see that the guy he believes in, his mentor, is one hundred percent ready to lead him into battle. You understand? Come on, Harry, help me stand him up. They pulled Justin to his feet, the ice packs following away as Robert and Harry leaned Justin up against the wall. He was standing... barely. By the time he was stable, the pain was still like a fire burning down his entire leg. Something is wrong.
Mark Keaton emerged from the bathroom preaching at the top of his lungs, a pair of pants on, no shirt, a towel instead hanging over his shoulders. And then Ill drop an elbow on Constantine, slap Abel across that scruffy looking beard of his and show them both that I can jump off the couch after partying wild style and still be better than them. Hey, Coops you ready to go eat or what?
Justin arched his back a little to try and ease the pain. It was no good. He avoided eye contact as Mark approached, Um, I need to take a shower first. It might be best if you go without me, I need to go home and rest up.
Mark waved his hands up and down, Go home? No way, Coops. Weve got to go out and have a few drinks as champions.
Not tonight, Mark. Justin muttered, his voice cracking from the pain.
Why not? You worried about Constantine and Hunnicutt or something? Mark asked, They arent nothing to worry about. You and I, were the best tag team in the world. Weve beaten everybody in the division and what, these two meatheads are going to join forces and try take us on. Come on, with you leading the charge and me being the clutch performer were locked to retain our titles.
Try as he might Justin couldnt escaped the pain. He punched the wall one more time to try and distract himself. Woah, brother relax. I get that youre tense but Constantine and Hunnicutt? Is it me? You think that because Ive been injured that Im weak now. Im the weak link thats dragging you down. You dont trust me anymore. Is that it? If so, tell me now and Ill walk. I dont want a partner that sees me as some weak link. Ive given everything to this team. I jumped off the damn titantron for this team and I damn sure am not going to be called the weak link! Mark threw up his arms and jumped in the air, landing on the cement floor below and doing so without a problem.
Im no weak link. You think that I can't stand with you against Constantine and Hunnicutt? Both of them don't have the hunger that I do. I want this, I want to stand with you and fight for what we earned. Constantine can group all his buddies together and hold parties on weekends for all I care but that doesn't give them the right to our championships. Abel is one mean dude but do you remember who the hell we are? We took down Ty Burna. We slayed the beast that they said couldn't be beaten. We marched to the top of the mountain and spat in the face of a titan and walked out with their most prized possession. We're the titans now! Us, you and I, together, stand at the top of this mountain and I'm not walking down for nobody. If someone wants to take the championship from me, I'll stand and fight, hurt or healthy, because the only way I'm coming down off this mountain is by being thrown off.
I dont doubt you, Justin said clenching his fist, John and Hunnicutt are dangerous. Theyre a tough team and you and I are going to need to be fully focused against them. This group theyve put together is strong. They seek us out because they think they can beat us. He was still feeling the pain but he had to be the mentor Mark needed, not the walking wounded that was hiding in plain sight. They didnt come after Mikey or Titus. They came after us, thats because they see us as easy pickings. Were not championship material in their eyes but to hell with that. We fought the best to be recognized as tag champions and if they want to take that from us, well bring it!
Mark nodded in agreement. He tossed his towel to the ground and pointed towards Justin. Ten percent, twenty percent, fifty percent or one hundred percent it doesnt matter. Ill be standing beside you, I dont care if they clear me or not, Ill jump the bloody barricade in jeans and hoodie before I let some doctor take what we earned.
Ive broken bread with John before, I fought alongside him, Ive fought his battles for him and Ive seen what he will do to get what he wants. Its not going to be easy. I need you. I need you to show me the fire that made me pick you as my tag team partner. When Abel has his big oaf hands around your throat I want to see that kid from Detroit who will spit, kick and claw his way to safety when everything is on the line.
Mark cheered, Let em try. Let those bastards send all four of them at us. Were Cooper and Keaton, the reigning, defending, undisputed tag team champions and were never giving up. Abel may be a big old fella but it still only takes three seconds for him to lose just like any other man. It could be a tables match for all we know and then, well then we dont even need to pin them. Just send them furniture shopping, Detroit city style!
The room grew quiet. Justin had convinced Mark that he didnt see him as the weak link. That wasnt what Justin was fighting with. His knee was causing in serious pain. He looked up at Mark and got a slight reprieve from the agony he was feeling. Did you notice? Justin asked, the look in his eyes hopeful and with a smile on his face as wide not seen since he and Mark became number one contenders.
Notice? Notice what?" Mark replied, shrugging his shoulders.
The pain in his own knee stung like a dagger being shoved into the joint. He dare not grimace or show the faintest sight of pain. Be strong, I need to be strong for the team. Justin swallowed hard, gritted his teeth together and looked directly into his brothers eyes.
You havent limped since youve been here.
Deadline has been extended 24 hours.
In the bright lights of sunny Chicago, a black limousine pulls up to a stop. Behind rusted metal barricades, people begins screaming in appreciation for the mystery person. After a moment or two of serenity amongst the chaos, The Power Trip; John Constantine, steps out of the car and onto the busy streets of the Windy City. With a massive smile on his face, Constantine moves into the crowd and begins mercilessly shaking hands, almost as if every single hands he shakes is a victory in itself. Behind him, from where the limousine just pulled up, an advertising vehicle arrives with images of the masterful campaign video recently crafted by John Constantine being blared to the public.
Constantine: Thank you everyone! Thank you for your support!
The cheers from the fans, although somewhat alien within WZCW, were of no surprise to the Power Trip. On the campaign trail, Constantine had always proven to be very popular. Constantine had always told people what they wanted to hear more than anything, even if his actions had sometimes fallen short of the mark. And whilst the fourth wall of wrestling had been build astutely over the years, people would often see through it.
Constantine: Wonderful to meet you all, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you once more.
Constantine continues to make his way through the crowd of people, shaking their hands as he does. Once through the main cluster of people, The Power Trip turns to the fans with a smile on his features. He nods his head in appreciation of the great reaction before offering a wave in either direction.
Constantine: You people give me the heart to go on, every single one of you. And I stand as a representation that, no matter how busy life gets or how chaotic life can be, we can always turn to our Lord and saviour to guide us through.
A massive applause thunders as Constantine offers one more wave to his fans and turns away. Almost immediately, the smile on his face disappears as he walks over the lush green grass and into the beautiful building. The sign to the right of the door reads Willow Creek Community Church. Constantine continues through the halls of the massive church until he enters the main hall. On the stage, the pastor stands alone; almost as if he is in silent contemplation. Constantine allows a soft smile to appear before he makes his way down the aisle and to the bottom of the stage. The pastor opens his eyes as Constantine arrives and mirrors the smile of the Power Trip.
Pastor: John, so good of you to come by.
Constantine: You didn't think I could come through Chicago and not swing by here, did you, Erik?
The pastor lets out a small sigh before he makes his way down the steps in front of him and embraces Constantine on the floor. As the two men finish their short hug, Erik looks Constantine in the eye as a curious look crosses his features now.
Erik: I never thought I would see you back in a place like this, never mind this place.
Constantine chooses not to answer but instead offers another smile to Erik as they finally part. Erik pats Constantine on the shoulder as both men turn to one side and walk towards the closest seats. Both men take a seat in silence as Constantine opens his suit jacket and continues his silence.
Erik: Of course, I don't need to tell you that the Lord has a plan for all of us. And you being here is a part of that plan.
Constantine: Spare me.
Erik: I thought you might say that. You were never like your Dad, I'll give you that much.
Constantine raises his eyebrows and averts his gaze as Erik begins laughing.
Constantine: I remember coming to this place every single Sunday with my mother and father, Erik. Every single Sunday I would watch you on that pedestal talking about how we should love thy father and mother. Every Sunday I would listen to you preach about the great and good of the Bible.
Suddenly, Constantine stops.
Constantine: And every Sunday when I got home my father would take off the belt from his church pants and strike me down with it for one reason or another. Throughout that whole period of my life, I used to remember those sermons about loving thy father and mother. I tried to keep it in my head that The Lord would punish him for everything he did to me. I used to keep my mind focussed on the great tales of those who had come from nothing t achieve greatness...
The words of The Power Trip trail off as he loses himself in sheer nostalgia. Erik, realising that conversation has soured and that it possibly isn't the best subject of speech, pats Constantine on the shoulder one more time.
Erik: What's done is done, my son. As much as we condemn those who have wronged us in the past, we must make the most of the hand we are given. And by all accounts, that is exactly what you have been doing recently. The same thing you have done all of your life. Those same horrible memories of your father have inspired you onto great things, I can see it.
Constantine lowers his head as Erik tries to soothe the long established ache of the past.
Erik: Everything happens for a reason, John. I don't need to tell you that. Your father was one of my dearest friends and I wish I could have stopped all of those ghastly beatings that you went through. But looking at you now, I can see that it has made you twice the man that your father ever was.
Constantine lets out a sigh as he finally raises his eyes from the floor.
Constantine: Maybe.
With that, a tall and shadowy figure lurches down the aisle towards the two seated men. Realising who it is, Erik places his hand on the shoulder of The Power Trip and steadies him for what is to come. As the figure continues down the aisle, the mystery person is revealed to be Abel Hunnicutt.
Erik: Strength, my son. Your biggest challenges are yet to come...
Erik offers Constantine one final smile before moving up the aisle and passes Abel. Abel dips his head in appreciation of the Pastor and continues moving. Constantine gets up from his seat and allows a dutiful smile to appear on his features.
Abel: Ah was wonderin' when you might want tah meet with me, Con-stan-tine. With Unscripted only a couple ah days away, we need to get all our ducks in a row.
Constantine nods his head in agreement as he puts a hand on the arm of the towering beast of a man and ushers him towards the same empty seats that he and the pastor just sat in. Abel allows a strange look to cross his features as he begrudgingly accepts the invitation to sit down and face the massive crucifix on the nearby stage. In silence, Constantine and Abel sit together. Abel turns his head to take in the massive scale of the church he finds himself in but Constantine remains motionless. Finally, The Power Trip finds his words.
Constantine: This was my church, Abel. I grew up not far from here in a house far too big for three people. Every Sunday I would find myself sitting in chairs just like this one and looking onto that stage just like we are now. Not much has changed in the years that I left this city to pursue a political career, and that includes the way I feel as I look onto that stage.
Abel: Beggin' yah pardon, Con-stan-tine. But what's that gotta do with Unscripted. More to the point, where's Mr. Holmes?
Constantine: Terrified, Abel. I am terrified every time I see that stage and what it represented when I was young. And what it represents now.
Abel continues to look very curiously at Constantine as the two men sit side by side together in the sea of chair; Abel hanging over Constantine with ease. But the admission of any hint of fear from The Power Trip seems to have hushed the questions of the scraggly giant; at least for now. Abel notices the col look in the eyes of the Power Trip as he presses on.
Constantine: It used to be the leather belt and the fists of my father that I feared when I was a boy, Abel. But now, it is nothing more than failure that terrifies me. Here we are on the eve of one of the biggest nights in our careers and nerves have taken over me.
Abel laughs softly.
Abel: Ain't nothin' that the Tag Team Champ gone throw at us that we can't handle, Con-stan-tine. We're the most deadly force in the business, no doubt o' that. Me, you, Mr Holmes; we gone tear it up one more time and leave a sea o' bodies behind us as we do.
Abel looked pleased with himself as he turns his head away from Constantine and back towards the crucifix on the stage.
Constantine: You truly are a fine specimen of a beast, Abel, I'll give you that much. And since the moment I met you, I knew that something was different about you than all of the rest of the mindless drones that comes through those doors. You aren't in this business for anything fancy. You aren't here to win Championships or put on technical wrestling master-classes. You are here to destroy and therein lies the terror that I have in the pit of my stomach.
Abel looks even more confused as Constantine gets to his feet suddenly and rounds on the massive beast.
Constantine: You may not want to hear this, Abel, but Steven Holmes is no good for you.
Abel gets to his feet suddenly and allows a look of pure anger to cross his features.
Constantine: I've said it once before and I will say it again, Abel, he is doing nothing but holding you back when you are worth so much more.
Abel: Stop!
Constantine continues, moving closer to Abel as he does.
Constantine: He has betrayed me once in the past and he will do it to you, Abel. Once you outlive your usefulness to the man he will cast you aside to be disposed of. Never to be thought about again and-
Suddenly, Abel lashes out at Constantine and catches him with a right hook to the jaw. Constantine staggers back with a look of dizziness in his eyes and on unstable legs.
Abel: You don't get it, Con-stan-tine. Mr Holmes, he was the one who plucked me outta nothin', ya hear? He ain't perfect, Con-stan-tine but he ain't as bad as you make him out to be.
Abel staggers backwards, taking his eyes off of his team mate, Constantine. Constantine allows the fury of being hit in the face subside as Abel shows a softer side to him in those couple of moments. Stumbling backwards and back into his chair, Abel sprawls out. Constantine moves his jaw around as Abel sits in silence.
Abel: It ain't always been rosy for me, Con-stan-tine. Time heals a lot o' wounds but ain't all wounds that can be cured...
Abel continues to sit in silence as Constantine pulls up the seat beside him; choosing not to make eye contact with his giant tag team partner.
Constantine: I know, Abel... I know.
With that, the massive room falls silent again.
Constantine: I've learned a lot in my time here, Abel. And one those things is that the massive wounds never truly heal. I guess that is part of the reason that I have never really trusted Steven Holmes. He and I have gone through so much together and apart that I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye.
Abel continues to sit in silence, almost with a look of deep contemplation upon his features. Unsure if Abel is even listening to him, Constantine continues nonetheless.
Constantine: I don't blame you for lashing out at me, Abel. I really don't. All that time ago, when I was first coming into this business, I would have given anything for someone to reach out to me and show me the way. But life is never that simple for people like me. In some ways, you've been very lucky that someone like Steven Holmes has taken a shine to you, I suppose.
Constantine goes silent again as he finally admits the benefits of Abel's relationship with Abel.
Constantine: Much in the same way as Justin Cooper reached out to Mark Keaton too, I guess.
Abel finally turns his head in Constantine's direction with a stunned look on his stoic features.
Constantine: It must be a great feeling, Abel. Knowing that someone believes in you more than you believe in yourself. I've never had that in my entire life, Abel. I look deep into my daughter's eyes every single night as I put her down to sleep and promise to her in silence that I would be a better father than I ever had. I promise to her that I will be the person that believes in her the most in the entire world. I promise that she will never question just how much I love her.
Constantine continues to look away from Abel in silent contemplation this time.
Constantine: But like you said, Abel, not all wounds can be healed. My father was a horrible man. He gave me every advantage in life that most, probably including yourself at some point, could only have dreamed of. Everything, that is, except for a loving home and some faith in who I could have become. He beat me more times than I could even count. He left marks on me more times than I could possible count, too.
Abel continues to stare through Constantine as he is regaled by the tales of Constantine as a young boy.
Constantine: He was a bastard, Abel, there is no doubt. But he instilled in me a desire and a faith that this company will never come across again. I think of him every single time I win a match or a championship in this company. I think of him every time I lose and am just as hard on myself at every loss as he would have been on me. That's why it is so important to me that we win at Unscripted, Abel.
Constantine suddenly wakes from his melancholy slumber with a shake of his head in defiance.
Constantine: With a win at Unscripted, Vis Imperium finally takes the lead at the forefront of shaping this company. And what's more, I finally become a triple crown Champion in this industry. Not many people have accomplished what I have but, finally, I will be able to prove without any shadow a doubt that I am amongst the very best that there ever has been in this company. And to do that, I need your help, Abel. Justin Cooper and Mark Keaton have been able champions and will prove to be a stern test in the ring at Unscripted. Do you know why that is?
Abel shakes his head slightly.
Constantine: Because they trust each other. Whether Mark Keaton decides to rear his head or not, the fact remains that their bond is truly unbreakable. From that moment that Justin Cooper reached out to Mark Keaton very early on in his career, there has been a bond between them. The same bond that Steven Holmes still occupies with you now. How can I truly trust you when Holmes holds such power!? This is the reason that I am so adamant that you break your ties with him.
Constantine gets to his feet and adjusts his suit and tie; some swelling beginning to appear on his jaw over time.
Constantine: How can we be expected to go into battle with such a bond when you don't trust me, Abel? How can we do this when I know nothing about you?
Constantine waits for Abel's reply but nothing comes from the man giant. Shaking his head in disappointment, Constantine leaves Abel in his seat and begins walking up the aisle and towards the exits. Suddenly, a booming voice comes after him.
Abel: Like I said, Con-stan-tine... It ain't always been so easy for me...
Constantine: Thank you everyone! Thank you for your support!
The cheers from the fans, although somewhat alien within WZCW, were of no surprise to the Power Trip. On the campaign trail, Constantine had always proven to be very popular. Constantine had always told people what they wanted to hear more than anything, even if his actions had sometimes fallen short of the mark. And whilst the fourth wall of wrestling had been build astutely over the years, people would often see through it.
Constantine: Wonderful to meet you all, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you once more.
Constantine continues to make his way through the crowd of people, shaking their hands as he does. Once through the main cluster of people, The Power Trip turns to the fans with a smile on his features. He nods his head in appreciation of the great reaction before offering a wave in either direction.
Constantine: You people give me the heart to go on, every single one of you. And I stand as a representation that, no matter how busy life gets or how chaotic life can be, we can always turn to our Lord and saviour to guide us through.
A massive applause thunders as Constantine offers one more wave to his fans and turns away. Almost immediately, the smile on his face disappears as he walks over the lush green grass and into the beautiful building. The sign to the right of the door reads Willow Creek Community Church. Constantine continues through the halls of the massive church until he enters the main hall. On the stage, the pastor stands alone; almost as if he is in silent contemplation. Constantine allows a soft smile to appear before he makes his way down the aisle and to the bottom of the stage. The pastor opens his eyes as Constantine arrives and mirrors the smile of the Power Trip.
Pastor: John, so good of you to come by.
Constantine: You didn't think I could come through Chicago and not swing by here, did you, Erik?
The pastor lets out a small sigh before he makes his way down the steps in front of him and embraces Constantine on the floor. As the two men finish their short hug, Erik looks Constantine in the eye as a curious look crosses his features now.
Erik: I never thought I would see you back in a place like this, never mind this place.
Constantine chooses not to answer but instead offers another smile to Erik as they finally part. Erik pats Constantine on the shoulder as both men turn to one side and walk towards the closest seats. Both men take a seat in silence as Constantine opens his suit jacket and continues his silence.
Erik: Of course, I don't need to tell you that the Lord has a plan for all of us. And you being here is a part of that plan.
Constantine: Spare me.
Erik: I thought you might say that. You were never like your Dad, I'll give you that much.
Constantine raises his eyebrows and averts his gaze as Erik begins laughing.
Constantine: I remember coming to this place every single Sunday with my mother and father, Erik. Every single Sunday I would watch you on that pedestal talking about how we should love thy father and mother. Every Sunday I would listen to you preach about the great and good of the Bible.
Suddenly, Constantine stops.
Constantine: And every Sunday when I got home my father would take off the belt from his church pants and strike me down with it for one reason or another. Throughout that whole period of my life, I used to remember those sermons about loving thy father and mother. I tried to keep it in my head that The Lord would punish him for everything he did to me. I used to keep my mind focussed on the great tales of those who had come from nothing t achieve greatness...
The words of The Power Trip trail off as he loses himself in sheer nostalgia. Erik, realising that conversation has soured and that it possibly isn't the best subject of speech, pats Constantine on the shoulder one more time.
Erik: What's done is done, my son. As much as we condemn those who have wronged us in the past, we must make the most of the hand we are given. And by all accounts, that is exactly what you have been doing recently. The same thing you have done all of your life. Those same horrible memories of your father have inspired you onto great things, I can see it.
Constantine lowers his head as Erik tries to soothe the long established ache of the past.
Erik: Everything happens for a reason, John. I don't need to tell you that. Your father was one of my dearest friends and I wish I could have stopped all of those ghastly beatings that you went through. But looking at you now, I can see that it has made you twice the man that your father ever was.
Constantine lets out a sigh as he finally raises his eyes from the floor.
Constantine: Maybe.
With that, a tall and shadowy figure lurches down the aisle towards the two seated men. Realising who it is, Erik places his hand on the shoulder of The Power Trip and steadies him for what is to come. As the figure continues down the aisle, the mystery person is revealed to be Abel Hunnicutt.
Erik: Strength, my son. Your biggest challenges are yet to come...
Erik offers Constantine one final smile before moving up the aisle and passes Abel. Abel dips his head in appreciation of the Pastor and continues moving. Constantine gets up from his seat and allows a dutiful smile to appear on his features.
Abel: Ah was wonderin' when you might want tah meet with me, Con-stan-tine. With Unscripted only a couple ah days away, we need to get all our ducks in a row.
Constantine nods his head in agreement as he puts a hand on the arm of the towering beast of a man and ushers him towards the same empty seats that he and the pastor just sat in. Abel allows a strange look to cross his features as he begrudgingly accepts the invitation to sit down and face the massive crucifix on the nearby stage. In silence, Constantine and Abel sit together. Abel turns his head to take in the massive scale of the church he finds himself in but Constantine remains motionless. Finally, The Power Trip finds his words.
Constantine: This was my church, Abel. I grew up not far from here in a house far too big for three people. Every Sunday I would find myself sitting in chairs just like this one and looking onto that stage just like we are now. Not much has changed in the years that I left this city to pursue a political career, and that includes the way I feel as I look onto that stage.
Abel: Beggin' yah pardon, Con-stan-tine. But what's that gotta do with Unscripted. More to the point, where's Mr. Holmes?
Constantine: Terrified, Abel. I am terrified every time I see that stage and what it represented when I was young. And what it represents now.
Abel continues to look very curiously at Constantine as the two men sit side by side together in the sea of chair; Abel hanging over Constantine with ease. But the admission of any hint of fear from The Power Trip seems to have hushed the questions of the scraggly giant; at least for now. Abel notices the col look in the eyes of the Power Trip as he presses on.
Constantine: It used to be the leather belt and the fists of my father that I feared when I was a boy, Abel. But now, it is nothing more than failure that terrifies me. Here we are on the eve of one of the biggest nights in our careers and nerves have taken over me.
Abel laughs softly.
Abel: Ain't nothin' that the Tag Team Champ gone throw at us that we can't handle, Con-stan-tine. We're the most deadly force in the business, no doubt o' that. Me, you, Mr Holmes; we gone tear it up one more time and leave a sea o' bodies behind us as we do.
Abel looked pleased with himself as he turns his head away from Constantine and back towards the crucifix on the stage.
Constantine: You truly are a fine specimen of a beast, Abel, I'll give you that much. And since the moment I met you, I knew that something was different about you than all of the rest of the mindless drones that comes through those doors. You aren't in this business for anything fancy. You aren't here to win Championships or put on technical wrestling master-classes. You are here to destroy and therein lies the terror that I have in the pit of my stomach.
Abel looks even more confused as Constantine gets to his feet suddenly and rounds on the massive beast.
Constantine: You may not want to hear this, Abel, but Steven Holmes is no good for you.
Abel gets to his feet suddenly and allows a look of pure anger to cross his features.
Constantine: I've said it once before and I will say it again, Abel, he is doing nothing but holding you back when you are worth so much more.
Abel: Stop!
Constantine continues, moving closer to Abel as he does.
Constantine: He has betrayed me once in the past and he will do it to you, Abel. Once you outlive your usefulness to the man he will cast you aside to be disposed of. Never to be thought about again and-
Suddenly, Abel lashes out at Constantine and catches him with a right hook to the jaw. Constantine staggers back with a look of dizziness in his eyes and on unstable legs.
Abel: You don't get it, Con-stan-tine. Mr Holmes, he was the one who plucked me outta nothin', ya hear? He ain't perfect, Con-stan-tine but he ain't as bad as you make him out to be.
Abel staggers backwards, taking his eyes off of his team mate, Constantine. Constantine allows the fury of being hit in the face subside as Abel shows a softer side to him in those couple of moments. Stumbling backwards and back into his chair, Abel sprawls out. Constantine moves his jaw around as Abel sits in silence.
Abel: It ain't always been rosy for me, Con-stan-tine. Time heals a lot o' wounds but ain't all wounds that can be cured...
Abel continues to sit in silence as Constantine pulls up the seat beside him; choosing not to make eye contact with his giant tag team partner.
Constantine: I know, Abel... I know.
With that, the massive room falls silent again.
Constantine: I've learned a lot in my time here, Abel. And one those things is that the massive wounds never truly heal. I guess that is part of the reason that I have never really trusted Steven Holmes. He and I have gone through so much together and apart that I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye.
Abel continues to sit in silence, almost with a look of deep contemplation upon his features. Unsure if Abel is even listening to him, Constantine continues nonetheless.
Constantine: I don't blame you for lashing out at me, Abel. I really don't. All that time ago, when I was first coming into this business, I would have given anything for someone to reach out to me and show me the way. But life is never that simple for people like me. In some ways, you've been very lucky that someone like Steven Holmes has taken a shine to you, I suppose.
Constantine goes silent again as he finally admits the benefits of Abel's relationship with Abel.
Constantine: Much in the same way as Justin Cooper reached out to Mark Keaton too, I guess.
Abel finally turns his head in Constantine's direction with a stunned look on his stoic features.
Constantine: It must be a great feeling, Abel. Knowing that someone believes in you more than you believe in yourself. I've never had that in my entire life, Abel. I look deep into my daughter's eyes every single night as I put her down to sleep and promise to her in silence that I would be a better father than I ever had. I promise to her that I will be the person that believes in her the most in the entire world. I promise that she will never question just how much I love her.
Constantine continues to look away from Abel in silent contemplation this time.
Constantine: But like you said, Abel, not all wounds can be healed. My father was a horrible man. He gave me every advantage in life that most, probably including yourself at some point, could only have dreamed of. Everything, that is, except for a loving home and some faith in who I could have become. He beat me more times than I could even count. He left marks on me more times than I could possible count, too.
Abel continues to stare through Constantine as he is regaled by the tales of Constantine as a young boy.
Constantine: He was a bastard, Abel, there is no doubt. But he instilled in me a desire and a faith that this company will never come across again. I think of him every single time I win a match or a championship in this company. I think of him every time I lose and am just as hard on myself at every loss as he would have been on me. That's why it is so important to me that we win at Unscripted, Abel.
Constantine suddenly wakes from his melancholy slumber with a shake of his head in defiance.
Constantine: With a win at Unscripted, Vis Imperium finally takes the lead at the forefront of shaping this company. And what's more, I finally become a triple crown Champion in this industry. Not many people have accomplished what I have but, finally, I will be able to prove without any shadow a doubt that I am amongst the very best that there ever has been in this company. And to do that, I need your help, Abel. Justin Cooper and Mark Keaton have been able champions and will prove to be a stern test in the ring at Unscripted. Do you know why that is?
Abel shakes his head slightly.
Constantine: Because they trust each other. Whether Mark Keaton decides to rear his head or not, the fact remains that their bond is truly unbreakable. From that moment that Justin Cooper reached out to Mark Keaton very early on in his career, there has been a bond between them. The same bond that Steven Holmes still occupies with you now. How can I truly trust you when Holmes holds such power!? This is the reason that I am so adamant that you break your ties with him.
Constantine gets to his feet and adjusts his suit and tie; some swelling beginning to appear on his jaw over time.
Constantine: How can we be expected to go into battle with such a bond when you don't trust me, Abel? How can we do this when I know nothing about you?
Constantine waits for Abel's reply but nothing comes from the man giant. Shaking his head in disappointment, Constantine leaves Abel in his seat and begins walking up the aisle and towards the exits. Suddenly, a booming voice comes after him.
Abel: Like I said, Con-stan-tine... It ain't always been so easy for me...
FunKay the Inevitable
People Like Me, We Don't Play
Abel: Like ah said, Con-stan-tine... It ain't always been so easy for me...
Those words echo around the chambers and halls of the Willow Creek Community Church. A pause in the topic as John Constantine ponders those words, lets them sink in, absorbs these truths that have come before, and those that will follow. He has revealed details, intimate details, about a life he once lived, one he hadnt dared to revisit nor ever wanted to. Now, he sits as Abel Hunnicutt prepares to reveal his own past.
Abel: Mah daddeh, he was no ordinarah soul. He went ta war, man, an foun his true self there. The mili-tary was his home. It fed him. It cleansed him. It gave him an outlet, a struc-ture, in which to slay and slaughter an rise up above it all under an id-eo-lo-gy. He fought fo his country, but he relished it, he wanted it, he needed it. It fuelled him, fulfilled him. llowed him to lead a good, honou-rable life. People would stop an salute him. A God-damned hero, yknow
Listening intently, Constantine nods, thinking back to his own father, a hero in the community, but with something hiding underneath, bubbling beneath that surface.
Abel: An fo a good while, it was all good. Then ah came. Or ah should say; we came. Ysee, there aint no Abel without a Cain an there were one fo us dear Hunnicutts. Twins, two boys brought out into the open, but only one was bestowed the miracle o life. That was me. The other, mah brother he aint ever see the light o day. An that broke us all. Maybe not me at the time, but oer the years man, its rotted me away. Im named after the good brother in biblical terms, but man, ah always felt like the bad one an mah daddeh always let me know it.
No baby brother, no mother, an fo him, no military no more. Jus me an him. At times it were good. We would hunt together, fish together, play together, yknow real father son stuff. But there was always that monkey on his back. Naggin an tauntin im. That nast-i-ness huggin tight to his soul, not lettin go until he unleashed it. An usually it was on me. Ah was conditioned to take it, to embrace it, to understan that though we were kin, that didn mean he like me. Nah man, if anythin it don made him hate me.
We were too alike. Im a monstah, look at me. Ah was born one. An so was he. He was a vile, angry man toward the end an he drove me away because I ran away from that reflection he bestowed upon me. Ah refused to acknowledge that monster, because the one time ah let it out in full, ah done near put the kibosh on him. There was so much blood. Ah only heard through nthe grapevine that ah handt finished im fo good. Ah ran so hard an so fast, an never saw the man livin or breathin again. From the plains o Sweetwater to the snow o Deadhorse ah went an ah never wanted to look back, never wanted to unleash that demon again.
Constantine: But you did and why? Why submit such a volatile part of yourself to Steven Holmes, why allow him to control what you yourself say is such a poisonous and potent weapon. Why allow that genie out of the bottle? Why?
Stroking his beard and sucking in air with short sharp squeals as he giggles, Abel disturbs the tranquillity and serenity of this holy local. The sounds that come from him are more akin to those found in slaughterhouses and foothills in deep redneck territory. They are warped and disturbed, not unlike Hunnicutt himself.
Abel: Yall don git it? Its who ah am. Who ah truly am. I am ah monstah. Mr. Holmes made me realise that. Ah shouldn run away from that; ah should embrace it. True ah should temper it, restrain it, control it, but I shouldn lock it up. Ah mus let in out, o risk rottin mah-self inside out. I was dyin slowly in Deadhorse, commitin slow suicide. Lettin oblivion sink its oh so deathly claws into me. An ah escaped that. Mr. Holmes was mah salvation. He showed me the path, the truth, an now, ah I see it, the real light.
Constantine: You sound like hes your salvation. Almost your messiah.
???: And why not John?
The oh so familiar dulcet tones of one Steven Holmes reverberate, his appearance obscured, but his presence no doubt felt.
Constantine: Steven where are you?
Holmes: Why Johnny boy, I am everywhere. I am omnipotent, remember? I am the be all and the end all. The alpha and the omega. It is I who stand at the crossroads of history and dictate its path. This you should know. Hell, this you do know. You cannot deny it. And nor can anyone else. Abel has embraced it, so should you.
As Holmes diatribe rolls off his venomous tongue, Constantine grows more and more frustrated, twisting and turning, trying to find the source of the sound. It is difficult given the current acoustic situation. A foul look fills his face as he calls out.
Constantine: Enough of these games Holmes. Reveal yourself.
Slowly the clinking sound of Holmes cane gives away his position as he emerges from behind a pillar, sadistic and malevolent smirk firmly etched across his craw. He moves closer toward the PowerTrip and Hunnicutt.
Holmes: Vis Imperium is about evolution. Survival of the fittest. The time has come for you to rise with us and fall by the wayside. Cooper presents the final test in this either you ride to the mountaintop alongside me and Abel and hoist above all the glistening gold of the world, or you sink to your lowest ebb, even greater than when I demolished you all those years ago after you firmly implanted your dagger in my back.
Constantine: Heh. So the truth rears its ugly head. History has not been kind to you and I when we are together
Holmes: Oh contraire, history has been most kind to you when we are aligned. No alliance between the two of us, no King for a Day briefcase. No Elite, no World heavyweight Championship. It is I who has suffered for it. And yet out of the generosity of my heart
It is here that Constantine explodes, Holmes perceived false bravado tipping the former politician over the edge.
Constantine: Generosity? GENEROSITY?!?! You call our previous alliances generous? I have had to sit there and listen to you pontificate and indulge in the greatest of ego stroking. You talk about your own greatness as if no one else would believe it. For a man who has held practically all the gold on offer in this industry you act like someone famished of it. You act like this world owes you and yet you talk as if you own it. You cannot have both Steven. I learned that a long time ago.
Holmes: Why not? I am owed a pound of flesh for that which was taken from me and yet I still hold considerable influence. You have seen the impact I have had on dearest Abel here and the impact I hold over your career. Indeed the impact I hold aloft over Austin Reynolds head. I am a man of plenty who always hungers for more as I must as I need. I am always eating and yet never full. One can be full and yet famished.
Constantine: And so the meat of the situation; youre broken and your gluttony wont stop, so you put someone just as broken as you in your place to act as a surrogate.
Now it is Holmes who is livid, his face contorted into all sorts of strange and unusual grimaces, turning a variety of shades of purple, mumbling under his breath words one dare not repeat before finally, ultimately, he decides to end this. He casts his stick aside and wobbles slightly. Abel reaches out to catch him, to hold him steady, but Holmes tells him to leave off, standing on his own two feet. He proceeds to very gingerly hobble over toward Constantine.
Holmes: Youre bloody right Im broken. Im broken because of you. I was brutalised and battered at Big Daves hands in a match that shaved years off my life, let alone my career and you assisted in that. I was abandoned, left in a crippled heap in Tokyo by you and Tyrone Burna after my encounter with Chris K.O. You did not assist me or try to help me. You left me to die effectively. You were my comrade John. My brother. I trusted you. And I forgave you and what did that do? You slit my throat to get to the top.
Constantine: Yes. Yes I did. And you wouldve done the same to me. I merely acted before you could.
The two men are practically nose to nose now, staring each other down. Tension is palpable, filling the air thick and fast. But then, Abel Hunnicutts presence looms up again. He drives his paws between the two, kindly forcing them to step back and allow for some breathing room.
Abel: Genteel-men, please. We aint in no civil war. We in a co-a-li-tion. We together, ready for the impendin moment o judgment. Like you said Mr. Holmes, theres a great wave comin to sweep us all up an we are gonna be there to survive it an build the next generation. We gotta ensure not only our survival though, but that we help that flood on its way. We gotta contribute. Justin Cooper an those fine lookin tag team champion-ships, those gonna be jus the first step.
Thats the marker fo all the res to sit up an take notice. Those title an Coopers bravado, it gonna be lain bare fo all to see. His anger that we took him down, it gonna only fuel our fire, it only gonna set our cause alight. We gonna rise together, gold a shimmerin an glimmerin on our shoulders. We gonna be monsters, not mas-que-ra-din as somethin we aint, but embracin it. We are monsters, we are cut-thoats, an we are better because we were born that way, intentionally, or otherwise.
This is our destiny. We must seize it. But first, yall gotta bury whatever you got here an accept, you two sides o the same coin. One born to be great, the other strivin to be it whatever the cost. Together you are greater than the sum o your parts, an am here to ensure that goes off without a hitch. That greatness comes. Thats what Mr. Reynolds is here for too. Ya feel me?
The question hangs there, neither Steven, nor John taking their eyes off the other. Abels face is serious and determined, prepared for the consequences his words may drub up, but then both men extend their hands at the same. The leviathan Hunnicutt smirks and realises that this could very well be destiny. The men lock hands and shake, their faces still like thunder.
Holmes: Comrades.
Constantine: Comrades.
Those words echo around the chambers and halls of the Willow Creek Community Church. A pause in the topic as John Constantine ponders those words, lets them sink in, absorbs these truths that have come before, and those that will follow. He has revealed details, intimate details, about a life he once lived, one he hadnt dared to revisit nor ever wanted to. Now, he sits as Abel Hunnicutt prepares to reveal his own past.
Abel: Mah daddeh, he was no ordinarah soul. He went ta war, man, an foun his true self there. The mili-tary was his home. It fed him. It cleansed him. It gave him an outlet, a struc-ture, in which to slay and slaughter an rise up above it all under an id-eo-lo-gy. He fought fo his country, but he relished it, he wanted it, he needed it. It fuelled him, fulfilled him. llowed him to lead a good, honou-rable life. People would stop an salute him. A God-damned hero, yknow
Listening intently, Constantine nods, thinking back to his own father, a hero in the community, but with something hiding underneath, bubbling beneath that surface.
Abel: An fo a good while, it was all good. Then ah came. Or ah should say; we came. Ysee, there aint no Abel without a Cain an there were one fo us dear Hunnicutts. Twins, two boys brought out into the open, but only one was bestowed the miracle o life. That was me. The other, mah brother he aint ever see the light o day. An that broke us all. Maybe not me at the time, but oer the years man, its rotted me away. Im named after the good brother in biblical terms, but man, ah always felt like the bad one an mah daddeh always let me know it.
No baby brother, no mother, an fo him, no military no more. Jus me an him. At times it were good. We would hunt together, fish together, play together, yknow real father son stuff. But there was always that monkey on his back. Naggin an tauntin im. That nast-i-ness huggin tight to his soul, not lettin go until he unleashed it. An usually it was on me. Ah was conditioned to take it, to embrace it, to understan that though we were kin, that didn mean he like me. Nah man, if anythin it don made him hate me.
We were too alike. Im a monstah, look at me. Ah was born one. An so was he. He was a vile, angry man toward the end an he drove me away because I ran away from that reflection he bestowed upon me. Ah refused to acknowledge that monster, because the one time ah let it out in full, ah done near put the kibosh on him. There was so much blood. Ah only heard through nthe grapevine that ah handt finished im fo good. Ah ran so hard an so fast, an never saw the man livin or breathin again. From the plains o Sweetwater to the snow o Deadhorse ah went an ah never wanted to look back, never wanted to unleash that demon again.
Constantine: But you did and why? Why submit such a volatile part of yourself to Steven Holmes, why allow him to control what you yourself say is such a poisonous and potent weapon. Why allow that genie out of the bottle? Why?
Stroking his beard and sucking in air with short sharp squeals as he giggles, Abel disturbs the tranquillity and serenity of this holy local. The sounds that come from him are more akin to those found in slaughterhouses and foothills in deep redneck territory. They are warped and disturbed, not unlike Hunnicutt himself.
Abel: Yall don git it? Its who ah am. Who ah truly am. I am ah monstah. Mr. Holmes made me realise that. Ah shouldn run away from that; ah should embrace it. True ah should temper it, restrain it, control it, but I shouldn lock it up. Ah mus let in out, o risk rottin mah-self inside out. I was dyin slowly in Deadhorse, commitin slow suicide. Lettin oblivion sink its oh so deathly claws into me. An ah escaped that. Mr. Holmes was mah salvation. He showed me the path, the truth, an now, ah I see it, the real light.
Constantine: You sound like hes your salvation. Almost your messiah.
???: And why not John?
The oh so familiar dulcet tones of one Steven Holmes reverberate, his appearance obscured, but his presence no doubt felt.
Constantine: Steven where are you?
Holmes: Why Johnny boy, I am everywhere. I am omnipotent, remember? I am the be all and the end all. The alpha and the omega. It is I who stand at the crossroads of history and dictate its path. This you should know. Hell, this you do know. You cannot deny it. And nor can anyone else. Abel has embraced it, so should you.
As Holmes diatribe rolls off his venomous tongue, Constantine grows more and more frustrated, twisting and turning, trying to find the source of the sound. It is difficult given the current acoustic situation. A foul look fills his face as he calls out.
Constantine: Enough of these games Holmes. Reveal yourself.
Slowly the clinking sound of Holmes cane gives away his position as he emerges from behind a pillar, sadistic and malevolent smirk firmly etched across his craw. He moves closer toward the PowerTrip and Hunnicutt.
Holmes: Vis Imperium is about evolution. Survival of the fittest. The time has come for you to rise with us and fall by the wayside. Cooper presents the final test in this either you ride to the mountaintop alongside me and Abel and hoist above all the glistening gold of the world, or you sink to your lowest ebb, even greater than when I demolished you all those years ago after you firmly implanted your dagger in my back.
Constantine: Heh. So the truth rears its ugly head. History has not been kind to you and I when we are together
Holmes: Oh contraire, history has been most kind to you when we are aligned. No alliance between the two of us, no King for a Day briefcase. No Elite, no World heavyweight Championship. It is I who has suffered for it. And yet out of the generosity of my heart
It is here that Constantine explodes, Holmes perceived false bravado tipping the former politician over the edge.
Constantine: Generosity? GENEROSITY?!?! You call our previous alliances generous? I have had to sit there and listen to you pontificate and indulge in the greatest of ego stroking. You talk about your own greatness as if no one else would believe it. For a man who has held practically all the gold on offer in this industry you act like someone famished of it. You act like this world owes you and yet you talk as if you own it. You cannot have both Steven. I learned that a long time ago.
Holmes: Why not? I am owed a pound of flesh for that which was taken from me and yet I still hold considerable influence. You have seen the impact I have had on dearest Abel here and the impact I hold over your career. Indeed the impact I hold aloft over Austin Reynolds head. I am a man of plenty who always hungers for more as I must as I need. I am always eating and yet never full. One can be full and yet famished.
Constantine: And so the meat of the situation; youre broken and your gluttony wont stop, so you put someone just as broken as you in your place to act as a surrogate.
Now it is Holmes who is livid, his face contorted into all sorts of strange and unusual grimaces, turning a variety of shades of purple, mumbling under his breath words one dare not repeat before finally, ultimately, he decides to end this. He casts his stick aside and wobbles slightly. Abel reaches out to catch him, to hold him steady, but Holmes tells him to leave off, standing on his own two feet. He proceeds to very gingerly hobble over toward Constantine.
Holmes: Youre bloody right Im broken. Im broken because of you. I was brutalised and battered at Big Daves hands in a match that shaved years off my life, let alone my career and you assisted in that. I was abandoned, left in a crippled heap in Tokyo by you and Tyrone Burna after my encounter with Chris K.O. You did not assist me or try to help me. You left me to die effectively. You were my comrade John. My brother. I trusted you. And I forgave you and what did that do? You slit my throat to get to the top.
Constantine: Yes. Yes I did. And you wouldve done the same to me. I merely acted before you could.
The two men are practically nose to nose now, staring each other down. Tension is palpable, filling the air thick and fast. But then, Abel Hunnicutts presence looms up again. He drives his paws between the two, kindly forcing them to step back and allow for some breathing room.
Abel: Genteel-men, please. We aint in no civil war. We in a co-a-li-tion. We together, ready for the impendin moment o judgment. Like you said Mr. Holmes, theres a great wave comin to sweep us all up an we are gonna be there to survive it an build the next generation. We gotta ensure not only our survival though, but that we help that flood on its way. We gotta contribute. Justin Cooper an those fine lookin tag team champion-ships, those gonna be jus the first step.
Thats the marker fo all the res to sit up an take notice. Those title an Coopers bravado, it gonna be lain bare fo all to see. His anger that we took him down, it gonna only fuel our fire, it only gonna set our cause alight. We gonna rise together, gold a shimmerin an glimmerin on our shoulders. We gonna be monsters, not mas-que-ra-din as somethin we aint, but embracin it. We are monsters, we are cut-thoats, an we are better because we were born that way, intentionally, or otherwise.
This is our destiny. We must seize it. But first, yall gotta bury whatever you got here an accept, you two sides o the same coin. One born to be great, the other strivin to be it whatever the cost. Together you are greater than the sum o your parts, an am here to ensure that goes off without a hitch. That greatness comes. Thats what Mr. Reynolds is here for too. Ya feel me?
The question hangs there, neither Steven, nor John taking their eyes off the other. Abels face is serious and determined, prepared for the consequences his words may drub up, but then both men extend their hands at the same. The leviathan Hunnicutt smirks and realises that this could very well be destiny. The men lock hands and shake, their faces still like thunder.
Holmes: Comrades.
Constantine: Comrades.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked
- Locked
