Post by Jack Diamond on Mar 14, 2024 22:09:39 GMT -5
March 11th, 2024
Jack Diamond's Estate - Las Vegas, NV
Dakota Diamond: "My trunk is gone, " said the tree. "You cannot climb - " "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something.... but I have nothing left.
Jack Diamond watches as his wife reads a bedtime story to his three year old son, Ace. He can't help but to tear up. Not far removed from a total Glossectomy, the endless hours of rehab and speech therapy (and that's before you take into consideration the mental anguish she's been through) has paid off. The fact that he and Dakota didn't even know if she would be able to fully talk again, makes these moments that much more special.
Dakota Diamond: "Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy" The End.
Dakota closes the book and bends down to give Ace, who has drifted to sleep, a kiss on his forehead. Jack stands there smiling. They may never truly know what, if any, residual affects the trauma that Ace experienced will have on his life. In this moment though, he knows that his little boy is well cared for and well loved. Dakota stands and notices Jack in the doorway and smiles. The two of them walk into the hallway.
Dakota Diamond: What?
Jack Diamond: Nothing. It just makes me happy seeing you with him.
She gives him another smile and they embrace. As they pull away, Jack looks into her eyes. For months, there was an icy depth behind her beautiful blue eyes, but in recent months it's warmed a bit.
Dakota Diamond: He's a handful but I wouldn't trade it for anything… buuuuttttt I'm worn out. I think I'm going to lay down. Are you coming up soon?
Jack Diamond: Yeah, I don't think I'll be much longer. Just need to go take care of some of the billing and payroll.
They hold hands, Jack giving hers a gentle squeeze. Dakota steps past him and heads towards the stairway on the way to their room. Jack steps back into Ace's room and walks over to his bed. He looks down at his son. A lot can be said about legacy and as a father, Jack stands there and hopes that one day his son will forge his own legacy in whatever he chooses to do in life. No matter what they may be, Jack has no doubt that he'll be just as proud of Ace as he is of Austin. Jack reaches down and pulls the blanket up a little further on his son before bending down and also kissing his forehead.
Jack Diamond: I love you, Son.
Jack exits the room and walks down the corridor to the opposite stairway, leading to the main floor. He descends it and walks across the foyer and turns down another hallway. At the end of the hallway, Jack enters his office. His head of security, Tug is standing over by a cluster of monitors, watching surveillance of the outside of Jack's estate. He looks up, the glow of the monitors reflecting in eye.
Tug Stephens: 'Evening.
Jack Diamond: What's up, Tug? All quiet tonight?
Tug scans a few of the screens and nods.
Tug Stephens: Yes sir. Very little movement out in the neighborhood tonight. I think it's this damn time change. I know it's got me all out of whack.
Jack sighs.
Jack Diamond: Yeah, I supposed it has messed me up too. That and all this sickness going around as of late. It seems like ever since New Years, one of us can't go more than a week without the sniffles, a sore throat, or cough.
Tug Stephens: I know what you mean.
Jack Diamond: Well, listen, I'm probably going to take care of some hotel business and then call it a night. Who's on tonight?
Tug Stephens: Jerry. He and his team have been doing a real phenomenal job lately over at the hotel. Putting them on gate duty tonight. I know they'll do great.
Jack nods. He trusts Tug when it comes to the security detail for not only his resorts but his own personal security. If Jerry Lancaster has Tug's approval, then Jack knows not to worry.
Jack Diamond: Good. Good. Well, just make sure they are briefed on the latest. I… I don't know how serious they are, but can't take any chances if they try to one up Po. Ya know?
Tug grunts an agreement.
Tug Stephens: I've shown Jerry and his team pictures of them. If they show up, Jerry will handle it. And if you need anything, I'll be down at the training facility.
Jack smiles.
Jack Diamond: Getting a late night workout in?
A laugh escapes his head of security.
Tug Stephens: Maybe. There is still some work to do on the basement over there after that werewolf guy. I want to check on that and then a few other things. May take a stroll through the casino floor and help out the team over there. Never can be too safe.
Jack smiles.
Jack Diamond: I hope you know how much I appreciate everything. To think, it was a few years ago you were driving on those short tracks in Alabama.
Tug Stephens: To think… sometimes I miss it…
Jack Diamond: You could always join CAR…
Tug ponders that for a moment before reaching up and adjusting his eye patch slightly. He shrugs.
Tug Stephens: My competitive driving days may be over. Hell of a blind spot, ya know.
He points to his covered eye and chuckles. Jack is amazed that Tug has been able to find levity in such a horrible situation. He walks over to his window and looks out as Tug gathers his things. Jack reaches over to his decanter and opens it, swirling around the scotch before grabbing a glass and pouring.
Jack Diamond: Heh. Maybe. But don't put your life on hold at my behest, Tug. While you have absolutely been my right hand man, you still have to find what fulfills you in this life and go after it.
Tug pauses and turns to Jack.
Tug Stephens: Yeah, and the most fulfilling thing I can think of is putting an end to that prick in the church.
Jack lifts his drink it agreement.
Jack Diamond: Cheers. It'll happen… 'Night, Tug.
Tug picks up his briefcase and nods.
Tug Stephens: 'Night.
As Tug exits the office and the large oak door slams shut behind him, Jack takes a sip before walking over and reaching for his humidor. With a gentle tug, he opens the lid, releasing a faint aroma of cedar and tobacco into the air. Jack's fingers hover over the selection, his eyes scanning the labels before finally choosing one. He takes a seat behind his desk before reaching for a silver lighter. With a flick of his thumb, a flame dances to life, casting a warm glow in the dimly lit room. Holding the cigar to the flame, Jack rotates it slowly, allowing the heat to evenly toast the foot, releasing a fragrant plume of smoke that curls upwards. Jack brings the cigar to his lips, drawing in a deep breath. As he exhales, a cloud of smoke billows forth as he closes his eyes.
Jack Diamond: Sammy, Sammy, Sammy.
Jack keeps his eyes closed, deep in thought. When he opens them, there is a fire in his eyes that burns brighter than the end of his cigar.
Jack Diamond: I think we need to talk. All of us need to talk. The entirety of the TapOut roster. The entirety of the XHF Network.
He circles his finger around the glass.
Jack Diamond: We need to talk about how a certain few of you have forgotten just who the hell I am. I am Jack Fucking Diamond. I am a two-time X*Crown Champion. I am a former XHF Tag Team Champion. The GFC Champion. And the first ever TapOut Openweight Champion.
He smiles thoughtfully for a moment.
Jack Diamond: But… you are aware of my accolades. Everyone is at this point. What we REALLY need to talk about, is this notion that I would bow down to anyone or anything.
He takes another puff from the cigar. A cloud of smoke billows forth, enveloping him. In that moment, there is only the cigar, the flame, and Jack, who is lost in contemplation.
Jack Diamond: I've been watching this free fall you are spiraling into. There are moments where I think "What are you doing, Jack? You should save them. They looked up to you, afterall." Then as that moment fades, I realize who you've aligned yourself with and realize it is probably not worth my time.
Jack stands up and paces a moment. He stops at the monitors and pushes a few keys, bringing up the baby monitor in Ace's room. Jack looks at the window in his son's room. Even with security being beefed up over the last year, you can't be too safe.
Jack Diamond: The moment you bought into what Poena preaches, it made me lose all respect for you. It's a pipe dream at best. At worst… it will consume your soul and life. I thought you were stronger than that.
Jack walks over to his table and twirls his cigar around to dump the ashes. He takes another draw before pointing it at the unseen camera.
Jack Diamond: I was wrong. Regardless, I need you to really focus on what I'm about to say.
He walks forward, expressionless. Cold.
Jack Diamond: I went through hell for over a year now. What was supposed to be a rejuvenated career to show my son my life's work, became nightmare after nightmare at the hands of Poena and the God you both choose to follow. But Sam, do you know WHY Poena's God wants me by His side so much?
The icy look softens into a small smile as Jack closes his eyes again and tilts his head to the side.
Jack Diamond: Do you know why, through all the pain and suffering I took at the hands of Poena, that I still stand to this day, stronger than ever?
He steps in even closer. His chest moving up and down in steady movements.
Jack Diamond: It's because I am His equal.
Jack lets the words hang in the air for a moment.
Jack Diamond: He is the voice in my head. I don't need to torture others, mutilate myself for His pleasure. It's His pleasure to occupy the space in my mind. To draw from my strength. It's He that idolizes me while you and Poena idolize a false prophet.
Jack scoffs.
Jack Diamond: It's time that you all realize I am Alpha and Omega. A Goddamned Icon. I am your savior. I am the mother fucking lamp unto your feet. And I have chosen to walk the path where I belong, once again. Right to the top of this industry. It's time that I reclaim what is mine. The TapOut Openweight Championship.
Jack walks over to the table and lays his cigar down, before sitting back down in his chair.
Jack Diamond: That starts at TapOut Twenty. Unfortunately for you, Sam, it starts with mine and Jason's match against you and Capone.
Jack cracks his knuckles.
Jack Diamond: Oh Wild one, I know you are conflicted right now. You are scared. You are thinking of your own mortality, and you join Sam in this quest to try and right whatever imagined wrongs are inside your smoke riddled mind. Allow me to apologize now. You are a casualty of this war. You are the "one less bitch" this company will have at the end of the night. You will fall to the Icons just like many before you.
He leans forward and snus out the cigar.
Jack Diamond: While we get stronger, you all will hear the whispers. You all will witness the glory. Of all things Jack Fucking Diamond.
He smiles one last sinister grin as the camera zooms in.
Jack Diamond: Bet on it.
Fade to black.