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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:09:47 GMT -5
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:11:18 GMT -5
Written by Valora
Friends of Valora
UOW Presents Tournament of Fortune; Las Vegas, Nevada:
It’s post match and Valora’s search is interrupted by Rose Johnston. Rose has had experience with Valora before and knows how volatile the latina icon can be and thus approaches cautiously, eager not to provoke her.
Rose Johnston: “Valora? I..I was wondering if you had time for an interview…”
Valora turns and stares the woman down, taking a step forward. “Does it look like I fuckin’ have time for an interview?!” Valora ends her sharp remark with a flurry of Spanish swearing Rose clears her throat.
“I know...I’m sorry but...Mr. Mudcock ordered that all winners had to give an backstage interview… get some face time, help the fed and let the fans see who they are…”
Valora rolled her eyes. “Right… have us dance on camera, put on a little show, raise his ratings and profit margins a bit...I’m gonna assume this order was given pre-show?”
Rose nodded and Valora opens her mouth to retort then pauses. A smirk slowly crossing her face as an idea comes into her head. This was, after all, an opportunity.
“Alright chica...I’ll do this… go get your fuckin’ camera and we’ll get this show on the road.” Rose darts off and a few moments later returns with a cameraman…A few moments later, the camera comes to life and the crowd watching the pay per view is treated to Valora standing next to Rose Johnston.
“Rose Johnston here backstage with Valora Salinas, who just moments ago defeated Johnny Melange to advance to round 2 of the tournament to crown our very first Franchise Champion! Valora.. First off, what are your thoughts here.. Your run in the last company you competed for ended with whispers that you were passed your prime, that your fighting style had caught up with you and there were concerns you wouldn’t be able to keep up with someone as talented as-”
Rose is cut off as Valora grabs the mic and smirks. “Well chica….I’d say the rumors of my demise seem to have been premature, wouldn’t you? As for Melange...I’ll give Mudcock credit. He picked a good athlete. But a good athlete isn’t always enough. He has potential… but he’s still a rookie. I fuckin live inside this ring, chica… this business has been my whole goddamn life! I have bled buckets of sweat, blood and tears building feds… building a legacy. In the end… a veteran always has the edge over a rookie. Melange learned that the hard way tonight. Better luck next time, kid.”
Rose nods and lets out a breath as if relieved that Valora actually complemented Johnny Melange, “Do you think you have what it takes to go all the way? Is there anyone in the competition that you have your eye on?”
Valora sighs. “Jeremiah Vastrix and I have fought before… maybe he’ll have a new mask for me to break. Takuma Sato. The kid looks promising. I watch him and I get this weird sense of deja Vu..anyways..I think we’re starting to see the elite talent rise and I think we can safely say whoever wins this tournament will deserve to be the first Franchise Champion…”
Rose nods. “Your protege, Abbigail Dresden was kidnapped during the match by Pelagius… has UOW security helped you with that?”
Valora smirks. “I don’t need them. But no.. they haven’t done shit. Expected I guess, given who I am but I’m glad I make Mudcock uncomfortable… tonight is just the start and Pelagius….”
Valora grabs the mic and looks into the camera. “You made a mistake tonight, bandejo...you got my attention. Most people..most smart people… they don’t want my attention. You got it… and I hope for your sake Obamacare sticks around cause you’ll gonna need a lot of medical care when I’m done with you!”
Rose nods, retaking the mic. “Ummm and rumors about UOW in talks to bring Kronin in? He has been a bitter rival of yours…”
Valora smirks. “He went back to Germany, didn’t he? I suppose the fascist squad would have to let him back into the country...so I’ll comment when it’s announced Kronin is here… I don’t have time for rumors and gossip now. Excuse me, I have a hunt I need to get back to...” With that Valora heads off…
Valora’s Hotel Room, Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas Nevada:
Heh.. It’s funny.. When I came into the business, I was the loud mouthed cocky rookie. Belittling the veterans… dismissing the ‘experience edge’ Now.. heh, now I’m the quote-unquote wily veteran. My speed and agility were there and my experience.. My ring sense.. It allowed me to do what I needed. Control the match, stay one step ahead and that led to me winning. It showcased some good news… now I have ability and experience… that equals a dangerous prospect for my opponents to deal with..as Mudcock’s golden boy learned tonight.
Satisfying as tonight’s win was, however.. There is something more important than matches or titles. Pelagius took Abbigail. That demands a response. The response I have in mind just might reduce the size of UOW’s roster by one.
Valora thinks for a moment and takes out her cell phone rattling off a text message and nods to herself as she grabs a bottle of tequila and takes a big drink. The text message she sent was the beginning. Friends and contacts in the shadows. Soon they would tell her where Pelagius was. Abbigail might even help… if her smartphone was still on.. Abbigail had another GPS device that could let Valora know where she was. Of course, those plans relied on Abbigail being able to reach said device and turn it on…
Still, not a lot of place Pelagius could go without attracting notice...Valora left her room and spent a bit of time wandering the hotel. She did some gambling, she visited the bar. She took in the sights. To the untrained eye, she was unwinding. Relaxing.. Wandering about and taking in the sights… In reality… Valora was doing what she needed to do. Some money here. A favor there. A nice word or friendly ear. One by one talking to the people who would let her know everything she needed. The security guard on duty in the casino.; A man who knew where everyone was at any time in his casino. The bartender. A woman who saw and heard everything.. The housekeeping staff and room service staff.. People who knew their hotel inside and out.
And all it took… was treating them with some fucking respect and dignity. Treating them like human beings. Some money for the poker dealer… she’s got a sick mom and is a single mom trying to put her daughter through school. The bartender… saving her money...has dreams of getting her own bar some day.. Gave her some money. Not a bribe.. An investment. Housekeepers and Room service? Spread some of my ‘friends and family’ tickets around… they get to come and see the event for once.l.. They’re useful friends… thanks to minimum effort, reminding them that I’m one of them, treating them like human beings instead of like servants… thanks to that I know where Mudcock himself is staying. Useful tidbit…
One of the Room service people, a young hispanic man walks over to Valora. “Ms. Salinas?” Valora smiles and shakes her head. “Call me Val or Valora, Javier… you’re a friend of mine.. No need to be formal.. I’m not better than you.. And neither are the rich white elitist asses you wait on hand and foot. Whatcha need?”
Javier smiles a bit and steps forward. “I… noticed you like tequila… we had a bottle of the best tequila we have sent to your room… I think billing made a mistake and it will show up on senior Mudcock’s account. We sent you something to eat too.. On the house.”
Valora smirked and nodded. “Gracias, Amigo. Oh get me a list of names of people who wanted tickets to the show but didn’t get one before my allotted number ran out. I should be able to buy some of them tickets.” Javier shakes his head. “We’ll find ways to watch, Val… we always do.. Speaking of which, I was bringing Senorita Mudcock more champagne when you beat his boy.. He was not happy at all.”
Valora smirked. “Kid… I’ve had the deck stacked against me, my whole life. Still, in this business.. It’s important the people in power know your name. Whether he likes me or hates me...Mudcock knows who I am.. When he sees how much merch sales and my match performances brought in.. he’ll get ready to tolerate me…”
“You think he’ll give you a fair shot at the belt?” Javier asked, Valora laughed. “Nope. He’s gonna try to screw me… Pelagius might even be his doing.,. Get me distracted on Abbigail and lose focus for the match… where did you say Mudcock was again?” Javier sighed. “He reserved an entire floor just for him and his people. He’s got a whole list of people he doesn’t want around him and his wife…”
Valora nods. “I need a favor… next time you or your friends are up there.. Try and see if Pelagius is up there hiding somewhere.,.. Maybe talk to the front desk staff see if Mudcock booked anywhere else…” Javier nods. “Will do.” He says before turning to leave and Valora makes her way back to the bar, taking a seat and ordering another drink.
To Be Continued...
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:14:22 GMT -5
Written by Valora
Friends of Valora Part - 2
Someone little always hates someone big and unless you don’t eat, sleep or piss, you’re never far away from someone little.
Truer words were never spoken. It came from a friend of mine, she used to like her clever little sayings like that. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.. And the more I saw the potential in making friends in low places.
Valora sits at the bar and takes another drink of her mojito. Samantha walks up to her and nods. “We should talk. I reviewed the video of your next opponent’s last match..You should see it.”
Valora nods, finishes her mojito and turns to Samantha, following her upstairs to her room. Once there, they watch the video and Valora tilts her head slightly to the side and watches the attack on Dwight Couch’s shoulder and nods.
Blood in the water. Dwight Couch is injured. The question now is two fold. How bad is the injury, and do I want to know how bad the injury is?
Samantha looks at Valora and nods. “What are you thinking?” Valora nods. “So many, many things. What I’m going to do to Pelagius when I find him. The next middle finger I can give Mudcock. That one is easy.. Just win baby.” Samantha looked at Valora. “Dwight Couch. His injury.”
Earlier in my career, the answer to this was easy. Find out the injury, the severity and attack it ruthlessly. But I think I saw a glimpse of him with his family backstage. His wife seems worried about something.
Valora shrugs. “If he chooses to step into the ring, he knows the risk he’s taking. If I damage his shoulder… well, just business. It’s how things go.”
Samantha leans against the wall and studies her friend. “You know… I could hack into the UOW servers, see what the medical staff says on Dwight Couch. If he’s injured and if so how badly. Course it will be in medical jargon.”
Not an obstacle for me. People like to view me as some dumb thug from the streets… if they only knew…
Valora took a drink of her tequila bottle and glanced at Samantha. “Has Mudcock and his minions run any kind of a background check on me?” Samantha gets on her computer and with a few keystrokes, she’s looking over information. “They haven’t checked education.. They seem more interested in criminal record and job history. The Mexican Government refused their inquiry about your time with Mexican Federal Police.”
Heh, not surprising. President Vicente Fox was careful to ensure my activities were classified. The current Mexican government would just assume pretend it never happened.
Samantha continues. “Warhammer Corporation also refuses to discuss your employment with them other than to list you as a ‘Security Consultant.’
Translation: Mercenary and Corporate Spy and Assassin. Jeremiah likely has access to my records, if he cares. Will have to be careful on that front.
Valora glances at Samantha and she nods. “So that’s that. What about the education?” Valora frowns and nods. “Lead them in the wrong direction. I don’t want people to know my education history and what I’m educated in.”
Samantha nods. “Same school you went to?” Valora nods. “Yeah.. on athletic scholarship. Let them think I only went to college because of athletic skill. Hmm major in Linguistics.. Need some legitimate explanation for the languages I know.” Samantha makes a few clicks and nods. “Done. Even if they figure out the record has been altered, they won’t know what was there.” Valora nods taking another drink and sighs. “With Abbigail...in trouble… I can’t afford to be tied up in a long battle with Couch… what’s the story on his shoulder?”
Samantha hesitates and looks at her before sighing and shaking her head. A few clicks later, she nods, “Official report that is available for us to see is there is an injury to the shoulder… he is cleared to fight though… there is a recommendation that he take time to recover ie miss this show, but they are letting him fight.”
Valora takes another big drink of her tequila and nods. “Then what happens to him won’t be my fault. I’m going into that match to win and to get the match over and done with so I can help Abbigail…”
Sorry Duncan, but there’s a limit to the number of things I can afford to give a shit about at the moment. I don’t know. I don’t know or care if you’re a good person. Maybe you pay your taxes, drink your milk, always kiss your little girl on the forehead before tucking her in night. I don’t know and I don’t care. Right now, you stand in the way of two things I want. One, my protege was taken from me. I think of her as my little sister… mi familia. The one who took her will pay in blood for it. But before I beat him bloody and get her back… I have a match with you. Two. I want that fuckin’ belt. You’re in my way. I will remove you from my way as quickly as possible. How much pain you endure, how injured you are at the end… that is entirely up to you, amigo.
Samantha looks at Valora. “Are you sure you’re not forgetting something perhaps?” Valora lets out a small laugh. “Fuck’s sake, I’m not taking him for granted. You wanted me to fuckin’ care about something. This is me caring. I don’t care if he was the best fighter whoever fuckin’ lived! I will beat him and I will beat him for one simple reason. I don’t have a choice. I need to beat him. I need to get Abby back and I need to win and advance in the tournament to do that. If I get my ass kicked, I can’t help her.”
Samantha nods. “True… but you’re forgetting another option. Ignore the match. You’ll lose by count out, but it would buy you valuable time…”
Valora smirked and shook her head. “No. attractive as that offer is, I can’t send that message to the roster. They can’t know exactly how important this is to me or I’ll be dealing with this shit every week. I will give Dwight Couch the fight he deserves, I’ll beat him. Then I will beat Pelagius bloody. The things I can and just might do that man... “
Samantha smirks. “You really are just like Kirk or something… no such thing as a no win scenario for you?” Valora smirks. “Except that… I don’t… talk like….I’m a moron.” She said, in her best Captain Kirk impression. “Also...I’ve done the job that requires a uniform before… too restricting.. Too many fuckin’ rules. And… I don’t have a cool spaceship… but no… there is no thing as a no win scenario. Simple logic tells us for every problem there must be a solution. If you find yourself in a no-win scenario., You either can’t see the solution, are unwilling to achieve that solution, or you fucked up and failed to solve the problem and thus ended up in a bad end.”
I have the solution to my problem, and come the next round of competition, the world will see that solution play out.
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:16:14 GMT -5
Written by Vastrix
Nightmare in a Strange Town
At the Aurora, "God's Gift" Jeremiah Vastrix sits at the bar with a drink in his hand and a dozen women around him hanging on every word that comes from his mouth.
He drinks in every bit of attention, but those who know Jeremiah and are observant will notice that when he looks at these women, he is looking to their eyes. Not a single stray glance anywhere else. Not a single leading comment either along with deflections away from "going someplace more private". Could it be that Jeremiah Vastrix was becoming a one woman man? Olivia Cooke was away someplace in the filming of a movie.
The women part and Johnny Melange steps through with a beer in his hand.
JOHNNY MELANGE: Hey, you're that guy who beat Jordan Shadows.
Jeremiah looks at Johnny for a moment before smiling.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: You're the guy who lost to Valora Salinas. Don't sweat it. We've all been there at one point or another. You face Kronin next? Maybe you'll actually face him in the ring. The last time I depended on him do anything...yeah. If he does show up, good luck.
Jeremiah looks around at the women around him with a winning smile.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Ladies, I'm going to need to have a chat with my friend here. Do you mind giving us some privacy?
The women give their goodbyes and leave. Jeremiah motions to an empty barstool which Johnny sits down at.
JOHNNY MELANGE: What do you need to talk about?
Jeremiah takes a sip of his drink and sets it down.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: I'm going to be in control of the largest corporation in the entire world one day. I have learned to be able to read people. You need something.
Johnny nods with a sigh.
JOHNNY MELANGE: Are you a religious man?
Jeremiah shakes his head.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: I have seen enough with the Warhammer Corporation to feel that a God would not allow such evil to exist.
Johnny sets an iphone down on the bar, showing an area map. North of Las Vegas, the town of Sharnwick is marked.
JOHNNY MELANGE: At the town of Sharnwick there is the legend of a God. He comes into the town once a year. Anyone who pays ten thousand dollars can challenge him to a wrestling match. If they defeat this God, then they will win a fortune. If they lose, they can try again next year. That is, if they bring another ten thousand dollars. This God has been doing this for over a century and-
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: This God is due to arrive soon and you don't have the money to face him. What is this God called?
JOHNNY MELANGE: Tisturkzerd the Wretched is the name of this God.
Jeremiah pulls out a Diamond card with a laugh.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: I have to get ready to face Takuma Sato. Since, you know, I didn't lose in the first round like a bitch. Let's go fuck up a God!
Town Square at Sharnwick.
Jeremiah Vastrix and Johnny Melange sit a Warhammer Corporate limo. The annual arrival of the Wrestling God had been turned into a festival. People from around the world who wanted a chance at fame and fortune have come. Vendor booths have been set up around the square to try to trap a bit of excess tourist bucks before they all get drained by the Wrestling God.
Jeremiah and Johnny have registered and are simply waiting for the God's arrival, watching as potential challengers wrestle each other in the ring to prove their dominance to each other.
At the stroke of noon, the wrestling ring is vacated as it begins to fill with a thick red mist. When this clears an eight foot beast of a man stands in the middle of the ring. His skin seems to be tinged a steel grey color that's stretched too tight over massive bundles of muscles. His scarred, bald head looks around at his challengers with heavy disdain. When he speaks, his voice is like boulders being ground together.
TISTURKZERD: Who has come to face the Wretched for a chance at fortune?
Jeremiah and Johnny exit the limo as challengers around the ring begin cheering.
JOHNNY MELANGE: I'm number thirty-four.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Thirty-five here, but I don't expect to face him. He's rumored to stop after one person defeats him?
JOHNNY MELANGE: Though no one has done this...
Tisturkzerd the Wretched stomps one massive foot inside the ring with a growl.
TISTURKZERD: Let the slaughter...begin!
Jeremiah looks to Johnny with an eyebrow raised.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Slaughter?
The old bloodstains on the ring mat that no amount of bleaching will get out start to stand out. Johnny laughs nervously.
JOHNNY MELANGE: Did I forget to mention that Tisturkzerd kills the ones he defeats? You just have to make him submit or pin him.
The first opponent steps into the ring. A bodybuilder that flexes his overdeveloped muscles while shouting that everyone else could just go home.
The Mayor of Sharnwick rings the bell to start the match and the bodybuilder begins with a challenge to a test of strength that the God quickly accepts.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: This God stands about fifty percent taller than his challenger. Leverage alone will-
JOHNNY MELANGE: Doesn't account for human willpower. Watch!
The bodybuilder appears to be winning the challenge for maybe ten seconds before being forced to his knees by the God. The bodybuilder begins to scream in pain as his arms begin to bend the wrong way and then snap.
Tisturkzerd rips the bodybuilder's arms off at the elbows and tosses them into the crowd. The bodybuilder falls to the mat while screaming in agony and spraying blood across the mat. It's over in seconds as the God stomps on his head and crushes it.
What follows is like a mash up scene of Mortal Kombat where Goro begins defeating all opponents with the brutality of the deaths in the Hatchet horror movies.
Johnny watches with increasing expression of dread. Jeremiah remains impassive, his blue glowing cybernetic eye the only thing in motion.
The wrestling ring has become slicked with a coating of blood and other unmentionable fluids. More than a few challengers have simply walked away, leaving behind their ten thousand dollar fees behind.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: This God is a fraud.
Johnny flinches as Tisturkzerd tears a mean in half over his head.
JOHNNY MELANGE: What now? He's a God, not a fraud.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: No, I mean fraud. You see the skin? It's vat grown. There's a Warhammer member company in Northern California that produces that. Below that is essentially a mechanical suit over the space for a short man. I'm trying to see who that is.
Johnny looks at Jeremiah, curiously studying the cybernetic eye.
JOHNNY MELANGE: You can see all that? Is there some kind of emergency eject that can be done from the outside?
Jeremiah points to the monster as he slowly twists off the head of another opponent.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: You see his belly button? It goes in quite a distance to a hidden button. You may have to sink in your arm to the elbow, but it will take him out of his suit for the world to see, just don't die.
Johnny just laughs with his hands on his hips.
JOHNNY MELANGE: Ha! Dying is my middle name!
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Johnny? Maybe try "Not Dying" as your middle name.
JOHNNY MELANGE: What? Oh yeah. That. I'm next! Wish me luck!
Jeremiah watches as Johnny climbs into the ring while on the other end, the headless body of the last challenger is being pushed out. Johnny ducks down to make himself shorter as he begins to circle around the ring with the Wrestling God.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Good luck!
As the bell rings, Tisturkzerd reaches down for Johnny, but he rolls between the monster's legs. He tries to grab around Tisturkzerd's waist for a German suplex, but can't lift the God even a bit off of the ground.
Tisturkzerd throws back an elbow that Johnny ducks under. He slips around the God's waist and is caught by the God, who tosses him like a ping pong ball across the ring. Johnny rolls to his feet, landing against the ropes for support.
Johnny comes at Tisturkzerd again, but is kicked in the chest! Johnny lays on the mat to try to catch his breath as the God walks over to finish him. Jeremiah focuses himself, sending a blue laser from his cybernetic eye to hit the God right between the eyes.
The God pauses long enough for Johnny to stand up and plunge his arm into the deep belly button and hit the eject button.
With a great gush of blood, the back portion of the God tears open to send a short man falling to the mat. He stands up and looks around the ring at the now quite angry crowd.
Johnny grabs him from behind and hits a bridging German suplex. A ref slides into the ring to count for the pinfall.
One
Two
Three!
Johnny Melange stands up with his arms raised in the air in victory. Jeremiah rolls into the ring, pressing a foot to the man's chest as he tries to stand up. Jeremiah pulls his hand away from his own cybernetic eye to reveal that he had broken it to fire the laser. Sparks fly from the device as he looks down with his one good eye.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Gencer Atalar of Atalar Robotics. Your father owns the company?
Gencer looks up at Jeremiah with a sneer.
GENCER ATALAR: You mean Sebastian Jalabert owns the company, who is owned by Warhammer! Fucking pigs! We need to make money too!
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: And so you have been fleecing this town for more than a century? I will have to visit with your father about this.
Gencer laughs changing swiftly to a groan of pain as Jeremiah increases the pressure to his chest.
GENCER ATALAR: You have no power over us! You have not taken over yet!
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: I speak with Micheal's voice. I speak with Micheal's authority. I execute actions and fools in his name and for justice.
GENCER ATALAR: You can't! I'm a-
A single gunshot silences the Turkish man forever. Jeremiah looks to the crowd that has begun to cheer for him and Johnny. Jeremiah raises Johnny's hand.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Here is your new God of Wrestling! If you can defeat him in this ring next year, you will become the new God of Wrestling, and earn a King's Ransom that I will pay for! The fee will remain the same!
Johnny smiles in his victory, but then notices the broken cybernetic eye. His expression becomes worry.
JOHNNY MELANGE: We have to be in the ring tomorrow! Can you get your eye fixed by then?
Jeremiah touches his cybernetic eye, feeling the hole that the laser had burned before a spark shocks him.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: No. I will have to face Takuma Sato without it and hope that I can still win without my depth perception.
JOHNNY MELANGE: Good luck.
JEREMIAH VASTRIX: Thank you.
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:24:09 GMT -5
Written by MoonChild
The Strings of Fate and Fortune The Takuma Sato Story: Chapter 2
Takuma Sato sits on a bench inside the Luxor hotel arena’s male locker room. He has a white towel over his head as he stares down at the ground. Sweat drips down from his forehead to the floor as his new manager Ivan Stricker walks up to him with a pleased look on his face. It’s only been 10 minutes since his first U.O.W victory but already Sticker is talking championship aspirations for his young client.
Ivan Stricker: You did a fucking fantastic job out their kid! I never thought you’d be able to pull it off lacking a real wrestling background, but that karate shit really works! You really laid into that Kickstand goon good!
Sato lifts his head stares at his manager puzzled by his ignorance in his fighting style.
Takuma Sato: Tae Kwon Do….
Ivan Stricker: Whatever… Like I said, you really proved yourself and your fighting style out their tonight. You’re a force to be reckoned with now and there isn’t a man or woman on this roster that won’t take a fight with you serious from here on out! I mean kid, you are two matches away from winning the Franchise championship! You’re the Cinderella story of this tournament and I plan to use that to our advantage! I’ve already called for a press conference tomorrow night here at the stadium. I want the whole world to know about Takuma Sato and his honorable quest to save his mother’s home. The media will go crazy over a story like that!
Takuma Sato shakes his head frustrated with the thought of having to share his personal life with the rest of the world. He pulls the towel off of his head and then looks straight at Ivan while squinting his eyes.
Takuma Sato: Where is the money Ivan? I need to wire it to my mother tomorrow morning if she is going to have any time to make the payment we owe to Lightning Loans in time.
Ivan Stricker hands Sato an envelope before giving him a pat on the back. It’s clear that he very proud of what Sato accomplished.
Ivan Stricker: That’s the whole $5’000 right there my friend. I didn’t take my cut this week for a manager fee. I know your family needs the money and you need a little bit of cash for yourself so you can find a place to rent around here. I hope you take it as a sign of good faith and keep me around as your manager. I really believe you’re the next big thing to hit this sport kid.
Takuma stands up and gives Ivan a hug before shaking his hand. It clear that a big weight has been lifted from his shoulders. That stress of what had transpired before he left Detroit constantly at the forefront of his mind.
Takuma Sato: Thank you Mr. Stricker. You’ve already helped me more than you can ever know. I’m lucky my father had such a great connection to such a caring person.
Ivan Stricker: Just hang in there Sato… the next to matches pay out $30’000 each if you win and $10’000 just for showing up. From what your father told me, that should cover the loan he took out against your families’ house in Detroit.)
Takuma Sato: Well then I just have to win then…
Scene fades to black.
The scene opens back up early the following morning on a bright sunny August day where we see Takuma Sato at a Western Union. Sato has just finished up wiring $4’000 U.S. dollars to his mother in Detroit and he is currently on the phone with his furiously angry mother.
Meiko Sato: How dare you leave home without telling me! I was worried sick about you!
Takuma Sato: I apologize mother, but it was the only way I could save us from ending up on the street. I just sent you 4’000 dollars which should be enough to cover our next loan payment and allow you to pay the rest of bills.
Meiko Sato: Takuma, I don’t want you fighting and risking your health for our home. Please come home and we will find another way to pay back the money we owe to Lightning Loans.
Takuma Sato: I’m sorry mother. I can’t do that, I’m staying here in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future. This first match has rekindled my desire for the sport of combat and I intend to use my “talents” to ensure we never have financial problems again. It’s time we cashed in on father’s grueling training.
Meiko Sato: …. Just please promise me you’ll come and visit me soon.
Takuma Sato: I will mother, don’t worry, you will see that this is not only for the best, but really our only option at this moment in time. I’m 19 year’s old, it’s time I became a man and made my way into this world.
Takuma ends the call on his ancient flip phone before walking outside of the Western Union. Ivan Stricker is waiting for him in front of the building leaning up against a parked white 1987 Chrysler Labaron convertible. The vehicle looks nearly mint and well taken care of and stands out amongst the other vehicles parked around it. It’s obvious that Ivan takes great pride in his automobile.
Ivan Stricker: Everything okay?
Sato nods assertively and hops into the front passenger side seat of the vehicle without even opening the door. Ivan opens his door and steps inside the car before firing up the old 2.5 liter Turbo Charged engine. As Ivan pulls out into traffic the two begin to spark up a conversation.
Takuma Sato: So what kind of a place do you think I can rent with a thousand dollars?
Ivan Stricker: Vegas isn’t exactly the cheapest city in America to live in kid. I’m sure rent prices are going to seem quite a bit higher than what you’re used to in Detroit. I’m not going to lie to you it’s going to be a rough community outside of the strip but keep in mind it’s only temporary. I’m setting you up over in old north Vegas and I got a few places lined up for us to see priced at around $850 dollars a month. It should leave you with enough money to buy some groceries so you can keep your strength up for your next match against Jerimiah Vastrix
Takuma Sato: Alright… sounds like a plan. I’m not really worried about how crap of an area it is. Keep in mind I’m from the most dangerous city in America, so I’m used to this type of environment.
Ivan Stricker: I never really thought about it but probably nothing I’ll show you today will shock you in the slightest. Sorry no offense Takuma…
Takuma Sato: No offense taken Ivan, times are tough and Detroit is an example of what this country has to look forward too if our leaders continue to take us down the path that were on. Maybe one day I’ll take you there when we’ve cleared this family debt of mine.
Ivan Stricker: I’d like that, I’ve always felt to truly understand this world and grow as a person you need to travel and see how other people live their lives.
Sato smiles and nods his head.
Takuma Sato: Wise words indeed.
A few hours later we see the Labaron pull up to a rundown looking house in an extremely rough looking neighborhood. Many of the houses have graffiti on them or have been burned slightly from fires set by arsonist and seem deserted. Sato and Ivan exit his vehicle and make their way up to small house where an old Hispanic woman stands waiting to show them the house. After exchanging pleasantries she brings them into the run down old house. The small house is in poor shape and has clearly been neglected for many years. Ivan assures Sato that for the price he won’t be able to find anything better. After signing a month to month lease and parting ways with the landlord, Ivan Stricker pops open the trunk of his car and hands Sato a sleeping bag. The scene ends with the two partners saying goodbye and Sato entering his new home away from home.
The scene flashes forward to the next day at Luxor hotel lobby. A cluster of sports reporters from MOX Sports and the Vegas Times are huddled in together to try to get a good seating in order to get their questions answered. Eventually after a few minutes Ivan Stricker walks up to a wooden podium and speaks to the crowd assembled.
Ivan Stricker: I’ve arranged this press conference tonight because I believe I have come across a talent that is very unique and has a story worth telling the American people. So without further delay I’d like to welcome Takuma Sato to the stage.)
Sato’s entrance music begins to play and he makes his way to the podium. The young 19 year old seems hesitant to speak into the large microphone at first but eventually starts to address the media after pulling out a notecard and overcoming his wariness.
Takuma Sato: I joined the Ultimate Wrestling Federation for one reason and one reason only and that was to pay a debt my family owes. My reasons were strictly financial and I had never fought in a wrestling ring before last week. However fighting competitively for the first time in over two years has sparked my desire pursue a livelihood in the sport of professional fighting. So with that said I’d like to open the forum for any questions you all may have.
The reporters begin firing questions rapid fire and Sato tries to keep up with them.
Reporter # 1: Takuma, is it true that your father took his own life before you coming to Last Vegas to compete in the Tournament of Fortune?
Takuma Sato: My father was an honorable man! He attempted to open a school for martial art’s training in Detroit to help underprivileged children and we went bankrupt due to the economic collapse of the city. He was a good man who loved the city of Detroit and this country and sadly they let him down. So to answer your extremely personal question… yes my father committed Seppuku.
Reporter # 1: Seppuku?
Takuma Sato: Hai, It was an honor suicide. It’s not something I would expect someone without Japanese background to understand. My father wished to escape the shame of his financial shortcomings and disgracing his family. It was a tragedy and I will miss my father greatly…I dedicate my performance last week to him.
Reporter # 2: Sato what is it about your heart punch that makes it so unique and powerful?
Takuma Sato: Over the course of many years of dedicated meditation training I have learned to harness my body’s chakra energies. This ability has allowed for me to focus that Chakra into one part of my body which I can unleash with deadly force. Only the most skilled fighters can I achieve this through immense concentration.
Reporter # 3: You actually want us to believe that hippie yoga bullshit? Come on man, tell us the truth!
The reporters all start to laugh and Sato continues to grow more uncomfortable and agitated at the podium. The reporters seem to have no respect or care for his wellbeing and are only there for a good story to help boost ratings and sales.
Reporter # 1: Sato is it true that you’re broke and currently homeless?
Takuma Sato: Yes, I was up until yesterday. I’ve just moved into rental house and will be working to pay of my father’s debt off and put food on my plate at the same time. These are difficult times we live in and I, like many Americans, have been struggling to get by and make ends meet.
Reporter # 2: Do you feel cheated by your financial woes?
Takuma Sato: We can’t help the financial class we are born in or the debts we inherit from our parents. All we can do is continue to fight and do the right thing. We as American citizens have been put in a difficult place by our government and there are corrupt forces that continue to allow for congress and government officials to work in the best interest of Corporations and not the people. So we the people must work together to change the government and to help each other in our times of need. I want to be a positive example to this state and to the rest of the country.
Reporter # 3: How do you think you will fair against Vastrix this week in the tournament?
Takuma Sato: I plan to bring everything I have to beat Jerimiah because I desperately need the prize money. Winning this match will allow me to fully pay off the debt my father owes to that corrupt garbage mortgage lender Lightning Loans! As of right now I am in a win at all cost situation and I can’t make a mistake. Mark my words I will be firing on all cylinders when I enter that ring this Wednesday. Vastrix better be ready because I plan to give him on heart stopping fight if you catch my drift…
Ivan walks over and cuts Takuma off and brings the press conference to a close.
Ivan Stricker: I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen but my fighter needs time to rest and train for his match.
Takuma’s music begins to play as both Ivan and Takuma walk of stage. The scene fades to black with the reporters leaving as they talk among themselves. In the background you can see Stricker apologizing to Sato for the reporters offensive tone.
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:26:23 GMT -5
Written by Dwight Couch A new attitude; Old School in a new era! The Legend Dwight Couch is a fictional persona for an online wrestling role play group called the UOW, to lean more click the link below or ask! Hope you enjoy the continuation of the story! To learn more about UOW check out: www.efedzone.com/fed/115Opening: (Set directly after The Butcher took his championship title) The florescent lights of the white hospital room are half off, the thick cheap curtains hang slightly open. Despite the room being on the 4th floor outside you can hear the bustle of the interstate traffic buzz by. The light in the far corner flickers on and off, Dwight groans as he adjusts his shoulder, looking around the room his thoughts begin to get the best of him. Should I still be doing this? I still have no feeling in my arm, what if that was the last time I got to preform? he thought to himself as his eyes widened and tears swelled up and his eye lids began to flutter. Just at that time the door flew open and three men rushed in the room each one speaking over one another. "What happened out there" the first one asked "I am sorry, I did not mean to!" exclaimed the larger guy "Who the hell gave you permission to call that ending Couch?" the shorter guy wearing a suit yelled. Dwight instantly knew who all three men were without being able to see them through the tears he held back, especially now that they were here. "I hope you are ok?" the first one asked Dwight instantly knew it was Larry Peace JR. " I am alright my friend, just a little sore" obviously lying to Larry about the extent of the pain. The shorter guy pipped in "Who cares! Explain why this oaf is holding my championship belt hot shot!" Dwight instantly knew that to be Vinnie BoomBoks a short portly fellow who wore cheap suits and strong perfume. He also owned the Rassle Union Federation of which Couch headlined the main event for tonight and subsequently is now laying in the hospital questioning his career choices. Dwight interjects over the high pitched screaming "Boss, Butcher can take the fall on the next match, he is more than capable and the crowd buys him as a legit threat" The Butcher whom is standing in the corner just nods in Dwight's direction. The small rotund man turns around and screams "It is not the fact that that big oaf is not a believable champion its just that he stares at me with the stupid look on his face, LOOK AT HIM" he points "He is just staring at me now" Vinnie walks over to Butcher punching him in the gut "See, he can take that and give it, he just has no charisma and you took it upon yourself to crown him MY NEW CHAMPION!" he pauses Dwight begins to open his mouth "My shoulder has lost...." but is interrupted by Vinnie "You only had 3 more dates on your current contract anyways, consider your arm injury there breach of contract. I will have Larry bring your stuff from the locker room to you" He flips Dwight the bird as he storms out of the room. Dwight stares at the wall dazed and confused, the pain making his face grimace and twitch. His eyes welled up again and he sees nothing. "I will bring your gear and stuff by latter Dwight" Larry says as he walks from the room "I am sorry" The Butcher walks over to the bed, taps Dwight on the shoulder leans over and gives a small hug. "Get better my friend, and thank you" Larry and the Butcher walk out of the room. The tears flow down Dwight's face after the door shuts, it was not just the room door shutting it was the door shutting on his career, his life and his family's income source. At that very moment Dwight's phone began to ring "Hello" he answered. "What? ............ When?..................... How? ................Are you sure?................. I love you too, yes I am excited I am just .... well I am shocked honey. I will be home in a little while..... Yes I promise we will celebrate ..... I love you too...bye." Before he could even digest what he had just heard the Doctor bursts through the door and throws a couple X-rays on the projector. He begins to talk and point at various circles he has made on the X-ray. Dwight hears nothing at this moment just the thoughts running around in his head. "Why me and why now? Am I ready for this? What will I do for income now?" The Dr taps him on the shoulder, "Mr Couch, Mr. Couch can you hear me? I said you probably won't be able to do any of that stuff anymore, you will never wrestle again." The Dr looks into his eyes "Do you understand, you may never be able to use your right shoulder and arm again?" Dwight pauses, and looks up at the Dr. "Will I be able to pick up my daughter when she arrives?" Scene fades from Dwight's memory back to ringside of the Tournament of Fortune......... Couch lays on the outside of the ring as "Come with me now" by the Kongos continues to play he rolls around in pain trying to catch his breath. The medical crew scurries down to his side as the music stops. They attempt to help Couch up but he refuses "I am fine". He glares angrily up the ramp and pounds his fist on the floor and screams "GET YOU'RE PUNK ASS BACK DOWN HERE AND FIGHT" shoving the medical staff away. Couch gets up still waiving off the medical staff. The crowd begins to cheer and "Couch, Couch, Couch" chants fill the arena as he limps to the ramp catching his breath. He holds his fists in the air as the crowd erupts in cheers as he walks back to the back through all the pain and the fact he is still trying to catch his breath a smile comes across his face. The crowds reaction in that moment was music to his ears and at that moment he was glad he left that stupid desk. As Couch walks through the back stage area where he is greeted by the big blue eyes of his one year old daughter. She stumbles towards him with her arms in the air screaming "DADA". Couch bends over lifting her high in the air then kissing her little cheek. Another set of blue eyes walks over, this one however taller and is flanked by his 16 year old son, its Dwight's wife she walks over slowly clapping. Dwight smiles and hugs them both saying "Did you all hear that crowd cheering? It was amazing." "I did" She reply's and hugs Dwight and says "The Dr's all said you could not do it again after that injury, and yet here we are and you just did." Dwight replies "I know, I had no trouble lifting her at all!" his wife smiles and rubs his back "You are silly, You always find a way to beat the odds honey, you always find a way."
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Post by moonchild on Oct 14, 2019 16:27:55 GMT -5
Written by Kronin
Getting Back in the Game
Berlin, Germany
Kronin sat in his booth in the nightclub his fiance, Lilly owned and took a drink of his beer. Next to him sat his twin sister, Kara and on the other side of him, his good friend, Nathan. Nathan, like Kronin was a wrestler. Like Kronin, he had been known for technically sound wrestling and, also like Kronin, he was now retired. The two men had established training schools, which now had two places open. One in Berlin, Germany, one in Belfast, Northern Ireland where Nathan lived. At the moment, the two men were discussing their soccer careers. Nathan had played in England, as a Goalkeeper. Kronin was a striker, who had spent his playing career in the German Bundesliga.
Kronin was enjoying life, it was a rarity for him and he was enjoying it. He glanced over at Kara, She had followed in her brother’s footsteps. She enlisted in the German Military. She became the first woman to successfully complete KSK training and enter the unit like Kronin had. She was still with the unit, though mostly in a reserve capacity and had spent some time in the German GSG-9.. An elite counter-terrorist unit. She had also, like her twin brother, enter the world of professional fighting, though mostly the MMA style. She had also spent some time in Kronin’s school working on her skills.
Kronin took another drink and leaned back in his seat. Nathan chimed in. ‘“So.. any idea why Lilly asked us here tonight?” Kronin shook his head. “Nope.. we spend a lot of time here anyways…” Lilly walked in and smiled. How these two hooked up was a real mystery to most people who knew them. Lilly was the exact opposite of Kronin. Kronin was mr. law and order. Lilly was a Romany Gypsy who was more...flexible. She sat down and glanced at Kronin. “Sooo babe… you ever think about getting back into the game?”
Kronin laughed. “I’m retired. I haven’t wrestled competitively in…. Shit I think it could be measured in years now.. Why would you think I’d want to-”
Lilly sets down a laptop and showcases the first part of the UOW show. “Rupert Mudcock owns the place. They got Val.”
Nathan sighs. “Didn’t take long for her to get into trouble…” Kara turns and nudges her twin brother. “We can do this. This might even solve some problems.” Kronin raises an eyebrow and Kara sighs. “Mudcock is close to McStrump. McStrump has… well been working overtime to piss off our country and government. Last few meetings we were discussing ways to keep an eye on things.. Determine if action needs to be taken… it’s been determined that we need to protect the Americans from themselves.” Lilly adds in. “You know what McStrump is trying to be.” Nathan shrugs. “No one will think a professional fighter is anything but a fighter… it could work… They came to you, Lilly?” Lilly nods. “They wanted Kronin.. I think they might be interested in Kara too. I’m sure they’d be interested in Nathan if he wants back in too.” Nathan shrugs. “Maybe later for right now, If Kronin and Kara are going to the States...well someone will need to look after the schools.”
Kronin turns to Lilly and nods. “Tell them I’m in… when do they want me?”
Lilly smirks. “ASAP. Mudcock already has his posterchild… Johnny Melange.” Kronin raises an eyebrow. Kara turned to her brother. “You know him?” Kronin nods. “Benefit of my old amatuer wrestling days. Like me he was set to rep his country in the Olympics. All-American NCAA athlete. Banned from the sport. I saw an interview he gave once when he was a promising up and comer. Educated man. Views pro wrestling the same way I used to. Likely won’t think highly of people like Valora. Matching us up… someone at UOW knows our backgrounds.They want a classic match of technical skill and prowess. So bright side, someone at this fed knows how to book.”
Las Vegas, Nevada:
Kronin, Kara and Lilly walked through the customs area of the airport and Kronin checked the area out and made his way towards the baggage claim area. Glancing over his shoulder at Lilly. “We staying at the Luxor or somewhere else?” Lilly shrugged. “Luxor.. We can afford it. You were very successful as a pro wrestler, after all.” Kronin smirked. “Yeah… and now, I’m making another run. Why isn’t Melange in the tournament?” Lilly smirked. “Valora. Baited him out to ringside… took him into the crowd, dropped him on his head with a brainbuster.. Slid into the ring and Val won by countout.”
Kronin’s face was stoic, as he took in the information and sighed. “So he’ll be...perturbed. I can use that. Combined with him still being a rookie. I’ll have an edge. Not that I’ll be able to slack off. This guy is good. He could have brought the U.S. a gold medal good. Let’s get to our room and start working on a gameplan for the match.”
A couple hours later saw the trio sitting in Kronin’s room. Lilly has clips of the match Melange and Valora had as well as clips of him wrestling in the ‘real wrestling’ world before he was banned. Kara was on the phone trying to dig up information. Kronin himself was jotting down notes. Every so often he closed his eyes. The old method came back to him as if his last match was yesterday. To the observer he just closed his eyes and was maybe thinking or trying to focus. The latter was closer to what he was actually doing. He was seeing the upcoming match in his head. Working on a plan of attack. What Melange would likely try., What the best counter would be. Kronin liked to map out the entire match in his head. When Kronin was on his game, the match was over before it began, Kronin knowing the result before the fight even started.
Kronin was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. “Valora is in trouble. Abbigail got taken. Pelagius ran off with her.” Kronin sighed. “She’ll be on the warpath then.. Distracted.. Won’t be focused on the match… which is what someone wants…” Lilly smirks. “Want me to ensure she wins?” Kronin narrows his eyes. “I don’t break the rules, Lil.” Lilly shrugs. “They stack the deck. Us bending the rules isn’t cheating… it’s counterbalance.”
Kronin shakes his head. “You don’t beat the enemy by becoming the enemy. We play this straight.” Kara nods. “Well whether I walk out with you or not, I’m watching your back.. Someone tries to mess with you…”
Kronin grins and nods. “Alright.. Maybe you and Lil should stay backstage to start. Valet/manager seems to be a dangerous job in this fed.”
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