Making It Personal [Guardians vs. Crinkly Bottom Boys]
Nov 25, 2021 16:30:00 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Drag, and 2 more like this
Post by Kris on Nov 25, 2021 16:30:00 GMT -5
"Would you like a water?"
Adrien Cochrane glances from his small beverage center near the backdoor of his Louisiana home, offering his longtime friend and tag team partner something to drink as she looks out over the backyard. It's rather nice, she has to admit--a pool, a fire pit, and a rather large building that Natalie Burrows suspects has a practice ring in it. His question has her looking over her shoulder.
"Yes, please."
Cochrane doesn't say a word, simply grabbing two bottles of water before taking a seat across from Natalie and twisting off the cap of his own water. He points the bottom of the bottle towards Natalie.
"Cheers."
Accepting her bottle from the Original Guardian, the newest member of the stable removes the cap and raises it in kind before taking a swig. Settling back in her seat, the Southern Belle lets out a sigh.
"Have you informed the other Guardians that I've joined the team?"
"Told them before I actually gave you the shirt. Adam was the most excited since he is the one most familiar with you. The others are definitely curious. Jessica actually wants to drag everyone down here for Thanksgiving and have you be a part of it."
"I reckon someone let it slip that I can cook, huh?"
The chuckle that leaves her is genuine, but there's an off note to it--one that Adrien recognizes as being distracted. Adrien lowers one of his eyebrows.
"You'll have to fight off the wife to run the kitchen, but that's neither here nor there. What's on your mind?"
And busted. There's a quirk of her own brow, and for a moment, the Southern Belle considers pretending that nothing is amiss... but there's no way that the Dropkick King wouldn't see through it, not as well as he knows her.
"It's just the normal... jitters, I suppose? I'm familiar with pressure, but it's a whole different ball game when it's not just myself that I don't want to let down. I know you're undefeated in New Orleans, and I know how prestigious the Guardians are as a group. It's a lot to live up to."
A pause; she takes a swig of her water.
"And as much as I don't want to admit it, even if I retained the FIRESIDE Championship, I... MAJESTY's still trapped, you know? Even if I was literally dragged out of their realm, it doesn't change the fact that I failed to get them out."
Cochrane takes a sip of his water before placing the bottle on the table.
"Did you do your best?"
"When don't I put my all into a match?"
"The mission of the Guardians is simple: we help when we are present and able. If you did everything to the best of your ability, then you can't blame yourself for MAJESTY's predicament. You did your best, and I believe you when you say it. And that applies to this tag team match too."
Knowing that he isn't going to be taking a sip for a moment, Cochrane places the cap back on his water bottle.
"This isn't about me being undefeated in New Orleans. This isn't about tarnishing a group reputation. This is an opportunity. For you, for me, and for the other four too. I'm not going to suddenly shift my belief in your ability if we don't pull this off. I mean, Adam and Solomon gave it a shot at the Tag Team Annihilator. But now it's our turn. The Crinkly Bottom Boys... they are going to say things that will try to color your perspective on things. Well... Noel will. He's going to twist facts and try to get inside your head. Look at the things he said about me. Does it bother me? No, because I know he's a desperate, delusional, geriatic man who thinks that being the biggest dick in the room makes him more important than he actually is."
Natalie chuckles to herself, shaking her head. She can appreciate her partner's insight, certainly--especially when it brings something to light that she can capitalize on.
"You're talking like I'm not familiar with how this song and dance goes, sugah. I know full well what kind of men we're dealing with here... but they don't have a clue about what makes either of us tick. Reminding me of my past failures might get under my skin, but it's not a bad thing. At least, not in my case."
A final swig of her water and she puts it aside, her expression growing serious as she leans forward, elbows taking up residence on her knees.
"Not when I know how to turn that sort of... of bullshit into motivation. You remember what I did to Santana the night he tried to go after Will and I with that knife, right?"
Adrien winces, nodding.
"Poor dude had no idea what hit him."
"That's what we're going to do to the Crinkly Bottom Boys. They want to make this personal? Fine."
Natalie's eyes burn into her partner's own, the FIRESIDE World Champion's intensity echoing in the gaze of the Original Guardian--that feeling spreading like flames overtaking kindling.
"Let's make it personal... and then we'll make them pay for it."
Adrien's nod is all the more confirmation she needs, his smirk inspiring one of her own.
"I'd apologize for being blunt, Crinkly Bottom Boys... but I'm not remotely sorry for what I am about to say. Not with how angry I am."
Natalie Burrows' expression is almost predatory as she regards the camera's lens, blond hair left loose to do as it will and the FIRESIDE World Championship in place upon her shoulder. Dressed otherwise in a charcoal gray pants suit with a coral-colored silk blouse beneath the blazer, the Southern Belle stands in front of a simple white wall. There's no sets, no antics... no bells and whistles. Simply a reigning champion, ready to rip her opponents to shreds in the name of capturing the XHF Tag Team Championships with her partner and long-time ally, Adrien Cochrane.
"I'm sure that you're pleased to hear that, Noel, because that's what you live for, isn't it--getting a reaction from people one way or the other. You've carved out a space in television history alongside Mr. Blobby by doing exactly that. However, in your decision to be a sanctimonious and self-righteous jerk, you've made things personal. And unfortunately for you, when things get personal for the Guardians... it only makes us stronger. Such is especially true of me, much to your detriment. Anger doesn't blind me, gentlemen--it sharpens my senses, dulls the pain my opponents put me through, and ultimately? It makes me unstoppable. That's just how I'm built, and Adrien's the same way--though, of course, you chose to focus on anything and everything but how much of a threat we are to your fledgeling title reign."
The Southern Belle's eyes narrow into a glare, her expression growing even less amused than before.
"You may be a veteran of show business, but the ring is our realm regardless of what's been thrown in it. I cannot speak for Adrien as to exactly how his career began, but mine started in the chaos of Hardkore World back in 2009, Noel--and it thrived in VWA, FCW, PW, EXODUS Pro, and numerous others that were all murderer's rows much like FIRESIDE is now. But by all means, underestimate me because of a singular performance in a sixteen-person battle royale for the XFX Junior Heavyweight Championship. Go ahead and underestimate Adrien for losing the X*Crown under similar circumstances, too. In fact, I cordially invite you to make all the wrong assumptions you like because that means it'll be all the easier for us to beat you and your partner from pillar to post. And while you're at it, please regale us with your knowledge on other matters that you've got zero experience with. You know... like title defenses. Remind me how many of those you've had again? No, really--go on. I'll wait."
The pause that the Southern Belle allows stretches on just long enough to support her point before she's scoffing to herself, shaking her head.
"And while we're at it, you want to pass judgment on me for how I defended the FIRESIDE World Championship in an untraditional match that I won when we're... literally going into an untraditional match at Homecoming II like it's some kind of point against me? If anything, I've proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am not only able to adapt to the circumstances around me, but I'm able to overcome them. And if you think that Adrien is incapable of doing the same, then your reign as the XHF Tag Team Champions is going to end even faster on November 27th than you thought."
A pause; Natalie's lips tug into a smile, but it's absolutely bereft of humor. If anything, it's reminiscent of the look a predator has when eyeing up a particularly obnoxious target--of which Noel Edmonds is definitely one of those.
"Oh, and in case it wasn't clear by now? I don't need weapons to get the job done when I've got a long-standing history of walking into no disqualification matches and coming out the victor as I have time and time again. I carry the scars of barbed wire ropes, exploding boards, more falls from high places than I can count, innumerable chair and ladder and cane shots not to mention other weapons along those lines ... Heck, I've even got the scar of surviving an actual attempt on my life by a knife-wielding ex-convict right here where God and everyone can see."
Natalie points at the long scar that curves along her left cheek.
"And you know what? Darn near every time I was in those circumstances, I came out the victor without needing a weapon to compensate for what I was up against. I got through it with guts and determination. Considering how I've not only won and defended championships but ended careers with nothing but the goodie two-shoes you did your best to be condescending about, I will take great, great pleasure in teaching you both how wrong you are about how I'm not a threat to your reign, gentlemen... and that applies to Noel in particular."
Another glare... and then the FIRESIDE World Champion is sighing to herself. She needs to remember that the Crinkly Bottom Boys are comprised of more than just a washed-up TV show host that needs a kick to the head (or ten!) to adjust his attitude. That fury softens just a hair.
"No matter how easily you allow yourself to be misled by your partner, Mister Blobby--and I'm sorry that your partner's decided to provoke me into ripping your team to shreds since, beyond your abuse of sherbert, you seem to be the far more upstanding half of the Crinkly Bottom Boys--the simple reality is this. It doesn't matter what kind of match your partner has chosen because Adrien and I have long since learned to adapt to whatever we're faced with. There are no advantages for you here to exploit because, as I've said, any imaginary faults your, ah, esteemed partner decided to create to sell you on his plan simply do not exist. You're both outstripped in experience, guts, and adaptability--and soon, the Guardians will be stripping you both of the XHF Tag Team Championship. You're a talented competitor, Mister Blobby, and I hope the day comes where you find a partner worthy of you. But until then? You're just going to have to take solace in making history by having the shortest reign as XHF Tag Team Champions."
Natalie's expression hardens, determination and conviction both making themselves abundantly clear as she allows a confident smile to grace her lips.
"Don't worry, Mister Blobby. We'll treat the titles with more respect than Noel Edmonds has ever shown them, not to mention better than he's ever treated you."
Fade.
Adrien Cochrane glances from his small beverage center near the backdoor of his Louisiana home, offering his longtime friend and tag team partner something to drink as she looks out over the backyard. It's rather nice, she has to admit--a pool, a fire pit, and a rather large building that Natalie Burrows suspects has a practice ring in it. His question has her looking over her shoulder.
"Yes, please."
Cochrane doesn't say a word, simply grabbing two bottles of water before taking a seat across from Natalie and twisting off the cap of his own water. He points the bottom of the bottle towards Natalie.
"Cheers."
Accepting her bottle from the Original Guardian, the newest member of the stable removes the cap and raises it in kind before taking a swig. Settling back in her seat, the Southern Belle lets out a sigh.
"Have you informed the other Guardians that I've joined the team?"
"Told them before I actually gave you the shirt. Adam was the most excited since he is the one most familiar with you. The others are definitely curious. Jessica actually wants to drag everyone down here for Thanksgiving and have you be a part of it."
"I reckon someone let it slip that I can cook, huh?"
The chuckle that leaves her is genuine, but there's an off note to it--one that Adrien recognizes as being distracted. Adrien lowers one of his eyebrows.
"You'll have to fight off the wife to run the kitchen, but that's neither here nor there. What's on your mind?"
And busted. There's a quirk of her own brow, and for a moment, the Southern Belle considers pretending that nothing is amiss... but there's no way that the Dropkick King wouldn't see through it, not as well as he knows her.
"It's just the normal... jitters, I suppose? I'm familiar with pressure, but it's a whole different ball game when it's not just myself that I don't want to let down. I know you're undefeated in New Orleans, and I know how prestigious the Guardians are as a group. It's a lot to live up to."
A pause; she takes a swig of her water.
"And as much as I don't want to admit it, even if I retained the FIRESIDE Championship, I... MAJESTY's still trapped, you know? Even if I was literally dragged out of their realm, it doesn't change the fact that I failed to get them out."
Cochrane takes a sip of his water before placing the bottle on the table.
"Did you do your best?"
"When don't I put my all into a match?"
"The mission of the Guardians is simple: we help when we are present and able. If you did everything to the best of your ability, then you can't blame yourself for MAJESTY's predicament. You did your best, and I believe you when you say it. And that applies to this tag team match too."
Knowing that he isn't going to be taking a sip for a moment, Cochrane places the cap back on his water bottle.
"This isn't about me being undefeated in New Orleans. This isn't about tarnishing a group reputation. This is an opportunity. For you, for me, and for the other four too. I'm not going to suddenly shift my belief in your ability if we don't pull this off. I mean, Adam and Solomon gave it a shot at the Tag Team Annihilator. But now it's our turn. The Crinkly Bottom Boys... they are going to say things that will try to color your perspective on things. Well... Noel will. He's going to twist facts and try to get inside your head. Look at the things he said about me. Does it bother me? No, because I know he's a desperate, delusional, geriatic man who thinks that being the biggest dick in the room makes him more important than he actually is."
Natalie chuckles to herself, shaking her head. She can appreciate her partner's insight, certainly--especially when it brings something to light that she can capitalize on.
"You're talking like I'm not familiar with how this song and dance goes, sugah. I know full well what kind of men we're dealing with here... but they don't have a clue about what makes either of us tick. Reminding me of my past failures might get under my skin, but it's not a bad thing. At least, not in my case."
A final swig of her water and she puts it aside, her expression growing serious as she leans forward, elbows taking up residence on her knees.
"Not when I know how to turn that sort of... of bullshit into motivation. You remember what I did to Santana the night he tried to go after Will and I with that knife, right?"
Adrien winces, nodding.
"Poor dude had no idea what hit him."
"That's what we're going to do to the Crinkly Bottom Boys. They want to make this personal? Fine."
Natalie's eyes burn into her partner's own, the FIRESIDE World Champion's intensity echoing in the gaze of the Original Guardian--that feeling spreading like flames overtaking kindling.
"Let's make it personal... and then we'll make them pay for it."
Adrien's nod is all the more confirmation she needs, his smirk inspiring one of her own.
"I'd apologize for being blunt, Crinkly Bottom Boys... but I'm not remotely sorry for what I am about to say. Not with how angry I am."
Natalie Burrows' expression is almost predatory as she regards the camera's lens, blond hair left loose to do as it will and the FIRESIDE World Championship in place upon her shoulder. Dressed otherwise in a charcoal gray pants suit with a coral-colored silk blouse beneath the blazer, the Southern Belle stands in front of a simple white wall. There's no sets, no antics... no bells and whistles. Simply a reigning champion, ready to rip her opponents to shreds in the name of capturing the XHF Tag Team Championships with her partner and long-time ally, Adrien Cochrane.
"I'm sure that you're pleased to hear that, Noel, because that's what you live for, isn't it--getting a reaction from people one way or the other. You've carved out a space in television history alongside Mr. Blobby by doing exactly that. However, in your decision to be a sanctimonious and self-righteous jerk, you've made things personal. And unfortunately for you, when things get personal for the Guardians... it only makes us stronger. Such is especially true of me, much to your detriment. Anger doesn't blind me, gentlemen--it sharpens my senses, dulls the pain my opponents put me through, and ultimately? It makes me unstoppable. That's just how I'm built, and Adrien's the same way--though, of course, you chose to focus on anything and everything but how much of a threat we are to your fledgeling title reign."
The Southern Belle's eyes narrow into a glare, her expression growing even less amused than before.
"You may be a veteran of show business, but the ring is our realm regardless of what's been thrown in it. I cannot speak for Adrien as to exactly how his career began, but mine started in the chaos of Hardkore World back in 2009, Noel--and it thrived in VWA, FCW, PW, EXODUS Pro, and numerous others that were all murderer's rows much like FIRESIDE is now. But by all means, underestimate me because of a singular performance in a sixteen-person battle royale for the XFX Junior Heavyweight Championship. Go ahead and underestimate Adrien for losing the X*Crown under similar circumstances, too. In fact, I cordially invite you to make all the wrong assumptions you like because that means it'll be all the easier for us to beat you and your partner from pillar to post. And while you're at it, please regale us with your knowledge on other matters that you've got zero experience with. You know... like title defenses. Remind me how many of those you've had again? No, really--go on. I'll wait."
The pause that the Southern Belle allows stretches on just long enough to support her point before she's scoffing to herself, shaking her head.
"And while we're at it, you want to pass judgment on me for how I defended the FIRESIDE World Championship in an untraditional match that I won when we're... literally going into an untraditional match at Homecoming II like it's some kind of point against me? If anything, I've proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am not only able to adapt to the circumstances around me, but I'm able to overcome them. And if you think that Adrien is incapable of doing the same, then your reign as the XHF Tag Team Champions is going to end even faster on November 27th than you thought."
A pause; Natalie's lips tug into a smile, but it's absolutely bereft of humor. If anything, it's reminiscent of the look a predator has when eyeing up a particularly obnoxious target--of which Noel Edmonds is definitely one of those.
"Oh, and in case it wasn't clear by now? I don't need weapons to get the job done when I've got a long-standing history of walking into no disqualification matches and coming out the victor as I have time and time again. I carry the scars of barbed wire ropes, exploding boards, more falls from high places than I can count, innumerable chair and ladder and cane shots not to mention other weapons along those lines ... Heck, I've even got the scar of surviving an actual attempt on my life by a knife-wielding ex-convict right here where God and everyone can see."
Natalie points at the long scar that curves along her left cheek.
"And you know what? Darn near every time I was in those circumstances, I came out the victor without needing a weapon to compensate for what I was up against. I got through it with guts and determination. Considering how I've not only won and defended championships but ended careers with nothing but the goodie two-shoes you did your best to be condescending about, I will take great, great pleasure in teaching you both how wrong you are about how I'm not a threat to your reign, gentlemen... and that applies to Noel in particular."
Another glare... and then the FIRESIDE World Champion is sighing to herself. She needs to remember that the Crinkly Bottom Boys are comprised of more than just a washed-up TV show host that needs a kick to the head (or ten!) to adjust his attitude. That fury softens just a hair.
"No matter how easily you allow yourself to be misled by your partner, Mister Blobby--and I'm sorry that your partner's decided to provoke me into ripping your team to shreds since, beyond your abuse of sherbert, you seem to be the far more upstanding half of the Crinkly Bottom Boys--the simple reality is this. It doesn't matter what kind of match your partner has chosen because Adrien and I have long since learned to adapt to whatever we're faced with. There are no advantages for you here to exploit because, as I've said, any imaginary faults your, ah, esteemed partner decided to create to sell you on his plan simply do not exist. You're both outstripped in experience, guts, and adaptability--and soon, the Guardians will be stripping you both of the XHF Tag Team Championship. You're a talented competitor, Mister Blobby, and I hope the day comes where you find a partner worthy of you. But until then? You're just going to have to take solace in making history by having the shortest reign as XHF Tag Team Champions."
Natalie's expression hardens, determination and conviction both making themselves abundantly clear as she allows a confident smile to grace her lips.
"Don't worry, Mister Blobby. We'll treat the titles with more respect than Noel Edmonds has ever shown them, not to mention better than he's ever treated you."
Fade.
