Execution [Burrows RP for WOTW Penalty Box]
Mar 5, 2022 20:40:27 GMT -5
anthonycaffrey and bloodiedfox like this
Post by Kris on Mar 5, 2022 20:40:27 GMT -5
2021 FIRESIDE Wrestler of the Year.
It was meant to be chosen by the true lifeblood of FIRESIDE--the fans who support us in so, so many ways. Their passion, their enthusiasm... without that, this company wouldn't exist. For them to bestow the honor of who they view as deserving of it would have made it special in the same way as the ones that were bestowed upon the others. You know, the ones our egotistical boss didn't see the need to interfere with. But since his name wasn't included, now he's gone and stolen the opportunity for the fans' voices to be heard away from them, instead doing his darndest to stick his undeserving name into that award slot rather than listening to the wishes of the people who make FIRESIDE possible in the first place.
It's a shame, isn't it?
It's a shame that the first time I am facing Mx. MYOJIN and Mister Constantine, it's not in the one-on-one matches that I'd prefer--but there will be other opportunities, other chances to truly test myself against two of the most fearsome talents to walk through FIRESIDE's doors. Whether or not I am the FIRESIDE World Champion when it happens, I know that you both will be incredible talents to test myself against, both here and beyond, and I look forward to doing so without the presence of someone who isn't remotely worthy of the honor that is up for grabs.
It's also a shame that, ahead of Voddy facing me for my FIRESIDE World Championship, that I've got to do battle with him before that. I've got no issue defending my title against the man I love--not when I know that our relationship will survive such, as much as it has been tested already in the short time it's been official. When the time comes, I know we will do the title that I, MAJESTY, and Mister Constantine and Mister Esmurr have given our blood, sweat, tears, and souls to elevate. I know that the Heart of FIRESIDE is worthy of following in those illustrious footsteps should he win that match, and he knows I will continue to uphold its virtues should I retain.
It's a right and proper shame that Anthony Caffrey's in a position of power over the clearly superior talent that he's belittled and condescended to in spite of how successful we have made his company, that he's failed on varying levels--from literally robbing MYOJIN of a shot at the -name here- Championship only to be the one to get pinned to
...but then again, thinking about it, it's not such a shame after all.
Not when, in his infinite arrogance and conceit that he's mistaken for wisdom... Anthony's gone and put himself into a no-win situation.
Of course, he doesn't see it like that--why would he? He's not living in reality, not since it won't cater to his self-importance. But let's go over the list of the people in this match one more time, shall we?
Mister Constantine has loathed Anthony since before I came around--and with good reason. His perceptiveness meant that he was able to tell that our employer wasn't as nice as he seemed, that the old Caffrey was lurking behind the smile. Many thought him to be unable to move on from the past, but now that he knows he's right? Call it a hunch, but I'm fairly certain that for all that he pretends to be unbothered by being doubted, the opportunity to take it out on Caffrey will be one he doesn't want to let slip through his fingers.
Mx. MYOJIN... his issues are far more personal, aren't they? Considering how they were robbed of championship gold not just once, but twice. First they were literally robbed of their opportunity to compete for the Wildfire Championship so they could partner with Anthony for the FIRESIDE Tag Team Titles, and then that opportunity was ruined not by Mx. MYOJIN, but by the man that forced him into that situation to begin with. There's no denying that wound has been festering since, that Caffrey's blatant avoidance of taking accountability for that has spread through the Shining Star--and they're going to want to take the pound of flesh they're owed right out of Caffrey's hide.
Voddy? As well as I know the man that I love, I know that he feels much the same that I do--that Anthony has overstepped in trying to claim credit for his success. The lion's heart that beats within Voddy's chest is why he succeeded both in being the first to cash in the Spark Championship and, admittedly, in being the only person to pin me in FIRESIDE thusfar. His connection to the fans rivals my own, and the disrespect you've shown them, shown his hard work, and shown me? I know he will want to win the most pinfalls and submissions the same as just about everyone else in this match, but he'll happily take Caffrey's head off if given the chance.
And then... then there's me.
The longest-reigning FIRESIDE World Champion who took the opportunity given to me from a fluke during my debut match and ran with it to heights that no one else has come close to reaching. The woman who was mistaken for a manager the first time I was on FIRESIDE television, the one that everyone overlooked right up until they couldn't anymore. I am the knight that slew the dragon and ended MAJESTY's reign of terror, the one who survived the literal nightmare that I was plunged into in an attempt to save the aspect of them that I consider to be a friend. I'm the woman that put down both the past of wrestling's greatness in Miss Apathy and the future in Miss Brookes.
And in none of those instances was Anthony Caffrey involved in my success.
He wasn't in the ring at all during that ladder match, nor was he anywhere near either of my encounters with MAJESTY--Heck, he cowered in their presence every time he had the chance to even speak with them, much less compete with them. He was back in his office when I faced Miss Apathy and Miss Brookes, not lifting a single finger to get directly involved. And I can say for absolute certainty that he never set foot in Mister Morgan's training schools or a single solitary show from Hardkore World or VWA or FCW or any of the other places where I fought like the devil himself was on my heels to succeed without giving up my soul.
He didn't make a single solitary ounce of me.
I--and my parents, technically--made me, and there's not a single thing he can say to change that fact.
Oh, I'm also the Guardian who has the opportunity to make things right for what he did to one of my nearest and dearest friends.
So at this episode of Inferno? I'm not setting out to win the title of the Wrestler of the Year--I don't need it, not when I feel the support of the fans in how loud they cheer for me and support me the moment I step through that curtain. No, my goal going into this is simple, and it's a cause that I know the fans will fully support me in since they understand how it feels to want to make those who hurt the people they care about pay, and pay dearly. I have Adrien's blessing to lay you to waste for what you've done, Anthony--and I have sworn to do exactly that.
And we both know that I always, always keep my word.
So Caffrey? You have been found guilty of the crimes of grand larceny, assault, and the murder of that which is most precious--the voice of our fans, all in service of soothing your wounded ego.
This isn't just a Penalty Box match... oh, no. This is your execution.
Rest in pieces, Anthony Caffrey.
You will not be missed.
The silence in the Burrows household was total, absolute... peaceful.
All three of the children were asleep in their beds--she had checked on each of them on her silent pilgrimage downstairs. She also knew that Vodka was snoring away quietly in her... no, their bed, laying sprawled out amidst the covers. Getting free of his grasp without alerting him to her departure had been difficult, to say the least, but she had managed it with the help of one of the throw pillows and patience. Part of her wished that she had just cuddled back in against his warmth and let sleep take her, but there was no way she could've done that.
Not when she was so restless.
The tillings and killings of the wildlife beyond the plantation mansion that Natalie had bought and renovated after winning Hardkore Helloween 2008 were barely noticed by the Southern Belle as she slowly opened the back door, stepping barefoot onto the dew-damp wood of the deck. It was only animal instinct that had her pulling the brightly-colored button down she had, ah, borrowed from her boyfriend around herself as she descended the stairs and walked, without hesitation, into the woods.
Woods that welcomed her with the tender embrace of a family member.
...or, perhaps, that of a friend.
Go to them, Natalie. Go to them.
By now, she knew the way there by heart even in the dark--and even if she hadn't, the path smoothed itself out for her, tree roots retreating and rocks sinking into the ground lest they interfere with her pilgrimage. Before too long, she was striding into a clearing ringed with ebonwood, not a leaf to be seen amidst the jagged branches that surrounded the space. A throne of black marble sat in the middle of the clearing, and who was it that sat upon that royal seat?
MAJESTY, dressed in bloodied finery.
An alabaster hand extended itself to bid their knight forward--and Natalie came forward as bid, the bright colors of Vodka's shirt shifting and darkening until they became a suit of black armor. Eventually, she found herself kneeling at the feet of the dragon and resting her head upon their lap. The dragon's bloodied lips split into a garish smile as fingers became talons, burying themselves possessively into the lioness' mane. Black ichor poured forth from the gaping voids where Natalie's eyes used to be.
This was where she was meant to be, this was home--
"Nat? Nat!" Vodka's worry was clear as she felt his fingers dig into her upper arms, the combination of his voice and the almost frantic grip he had on her as he gently shook her bringing her back to the waking world.
"--mmhuh?" Her eyes slowly flickered open as the fog of sleep--of nightmare--left her, the sight of her boyfriend's features initially a pleasing thing. Once she was aware of the terrified expression writ large upon them, though... a calloused hand reached up, resting on his cheek. "What's wrong, sugah?"
"I should be asking you that question." The serious look on the lovable rogue's face was uncomfortable there, anathema--but he forced himself to smile for her benefit, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "The way you were thrashing around and screaming, Nat... I'm just glad it didn't wake the kids. What were you dreaming about? Was it a nightmare or something?"
"I--" Something in the deeps of her mind wrenched, denying her the chance of revealing the truth to the man she loved. The pain that resulted had her wincing a little, the hand that was not upon Vodka's cheek moving to rest on her forehead. What she said next tasted of copper and ash, the lie leaving a roiling feeling in her stomach. She couldn't tell him, not now. Not when it could endanger him. "Sorry, I... I don't remember."
The doubt that Vodka felt revealed itself in how he frowned, his eyes searching over her features as if they could somehow find the truth so she wouldn't have to say it... but ultimately?
"If you say so, Nat." The sigh that left him was reluctant, but the way he flopped back onto his back was all the more she needed to know that he had dropped the subject for the time being--though she should've known that he'd gather her up and haul her atop him, wrapping arms and legs both around her to trap her against his frame. "Either way, you are now spending the rest of the night in Fort Vodka. Nightmares won't dare come get you now that you're my guest, y'know."
In spite of the hollowness in her chest, Natalie couldn't help the laugh that bubbled free of her lips nor the fierce warmth of her affection for him. Settling in against his chest, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I love you, Voddy."
"And I love you too. Now get some sleep, okay?" Even in the dark, she could sense the rakish smirk that graced his lips. "I wanna beat you at your best."
"Hah... in your dreams." Dreams she hoped would never be like her own. Closing her eyes, she forced herself to focus on the thundering of his heart, the rhythm of his breath, and it wasn't too long before slumber took her anew, this time to more pleasant fields...not that the presence within her minded. The longer she went without revealing it, after all, the further it would have the chance to spread. And it could be patient.
Oh, it could be patient for however long it took.
Soon enough... the knight would be theirs.
It was meant to be chosen by the true lifeblood of FIRESIDE--the fans who support us in so, so many ways. Their passion, their enthusiasm... without that, this company wouldn't exist. For them to bestow the honor of who they view as deserving of it would have made it special in the same way as the ones that were bestowed upon the others. You know, the ones our egotistical boss didn't see the need to interfere with. But since his name wasn't included, now he's gone and stolen the opportunity for the fans' voices to be heard away from them, instead doing his darndest to stick his undeserving name into that award slot rather than listening to the wishes of the people who make FIRESIDE possible in the first place.
It's a shame, isn't it?
It's a shame that the first time I am facing Mx. MYOJIN and Mister Constantine, it's not in the one-on-one matches that I'd prefer--but there will be other opportunities, other chances to truly test myself against two of the most fearsome talents to walk through FIRESIDE's doors. Whether or not I am the FIRESIDE World Champion when it happens, I know that you both will be incredible talents to test myself against, both here and beyond, and I look forward to doing so without the presence of someone who isn't remotely worthy of the honor that is up for grabs.
It's also a shame that, ahead of Voddy facing me for my FIRESIDE World Championship, that I've got to do battle with him before that. I've got no issue defending my title against the man I love--not when I know that our relationship will survive such, as much as it has been tested already in the short time it's been official. When the time comes, I know we will do the title that I, MAJESTY, and Mister Constantine and Mister Esmurr have given our blood, sweat, tears, and souls to elevate. I know that the Heart of FIRESIDE is worthy of following in those illustrious footsteps should he win that match, and he knows I will continue to uphold its virtues should I retain.
It's a right and proper shame that Anthony Caffrey's in a position of power over the clearly superior talent that he's belittled and condescended to in spite of how successful we have made his company, that he's failed on varying levels--from literally robbing MYOJIN of a shot at the -name here- Championship only to be the one to get pinned to
...but then again, thinking about it, it's not such a shame after all.
Not when, in his infinite arrogance and conceit that he's mistaken for wisdom... Anthony's gone and put himself into a no-win situation.
Of course, he doesn't see it like that--why would he? He's not living in reality, not since it won't cater to his self-importance. But let's go over the list of the people in this match one more time, shall we?
Mister Constantine has loathed Anthony since before I came around--and with good reason. His perceptiveness meant that he was able to tell that our employer wasn't as nice as he seemed, that the old Caffrey was lurking behind the smile. Many thought him to be unable to move on from the past, but now that he knows he's right? Call it a hunch, but I'm fairly certain that for all that he pretends to be unbothered by being doubted, the opportunity to take it out on Caffrey will be one he doesn't want to let slip through his fingers.
Mx. MYOJIN... his issues are far more personal, aren't they? Considering how they were robbed of championship gold not just once, but twice. First they were literally robbed of their opportunity to compete for the Wildfire Championship so they could partner with Anthony for the FIRESIDE Tag Team Titles, and then that opportunity was ruined not by Mx. MYOJIN, but by the man that forced him into that situation to begin with. There's no denying that wound has been festering since, that Caffrey's blatant avoidance of taking accountability for that has spread through the Shining Star--and they're going to want to take the pound of flesh they're owed right out of Caffrey's hide.
Voddy? As well as I know the man that I love, I know that he feels much the same that I do--that Anthony has overstepped in trying to claim credit for his success. The lion's heart that beats within Voddy's chest is why he succeeded both in being the first to cash in the Spark Championship and, admittedly, in being the only person to pin me in FIRESIDE thusfar. His connection to the fans rivals my own, and the disrespect you've shown them, shown his hard work, and shown me? I know he will want to win the most pinfalls and submissions the same as just about everyone else in this match, but he'll happily take Caffrey's head off if given the chance.
And then... then there's me.
The longest-reigning FIRESIDE World Champion who took the opportunity given to me from a fluke during my debut match and ran with it to heights that no one else has come close to reaching. The woman who was mistaken for a manager the first time I was on FIRESIDE television, the one that everyone overlooked right up until they couldn't anymore. I am the knight that slew the dragon and ended MAJESTY's reign of terror, the one who survived the literal nightmare that I was plunged into in an attempt to save the aspect of them that I consider to be a friend. I'm the woman that put down both the past of wrestling's greatness in Miss Apathy and the future in Miss Brookes.
And in none of those instances was Anthony Caffrey involved in my success.
He wasn't in the ring at all during that ladder match, nor was he anywhere near either of my encounters with MAJESTY--Heck, he cowered in their presence every time he had the chance to even speak with them, much less compete with them. He was back in his office when I faced Miss Apathy and Miss Brookes, not lifting a single finger to get directly involved. And I can say for absolute certainty that he never set foot in Mister Morgan's training schools or a single solitary show from Hardkore World or VWA or FCW or any of the other places where I fought like the devil himself was on my heels to succeed without giving up my soul.
He didn't make a single solitary ounce of me.
I--and my parents, technically--made me, and there's not a single thing he can say to change that fact.
Oh, I'm also the Guardian who has the opportunity to make things right for what he did to one of my nearest and dearest friends.
So at this episode of Inferno? I'm not setting out to win the title of the Wrestler of the Year--I don't need it, not when I feel the support of the fans in how loud they cheer for me and support me the moment I step through that curtain. No, my goal going into this is simple, and it's a cause that I know the fans will fully support me in since they understand how it feels to want to make those who hurt the people they care about pay, and pay dearly. I have Adrien's blessing to lay you to waste for what you've done, Anthony--and I have sworn to do exactly that.
And we both know that I always, always keep my word.
So Caffrey? You have been found guilty of the crimes of grand larceny, assault, and the murder of that which is most precious--the voice of our fans, all in service of soothing your wounded ego.
This isn't just a Penalty Box match... oh, no. This is your execution.
Rest in pieces, Anthony Caffrey.
You will not be missed.
The silence in the Burrows household was total, absolute... peaceful.
All three of the children were asleep in their beds--she had checked on each of them on her silent pilgrimage downstairs. She also knew that Vodka was snoring away quietly in her... no, their bed, laying sprawled out amidst the covers. Getting free of his grasp without alerting him to her departure had been difficult, to say the least, but she had managed it with the help of one of the throw pillows and patience. Part of her wished that she had just cuddled back in against his warmth and let sleep take her, but there was no way she could've done that.
Not when she was so restless.
The tillings and killings of the wildlife beyond the plantation mansion that Natalie had bought and renovated after winning Hardkore Helloween 2008 were barely noticed by the Southern Belle as she slowly opened the back door, stepping barefoot onto the dew-damp wood of the deck. It was only animal instinct that had her pulling the brightly-colored button down she had, ah, borrowed from her boyfriend around herself as she descended the stairs and walked, without hesitation, into the woods.
Woods that welcomed her with the tender embrace of a family member.
...or, perhaps, that of a friend.
Go to them, Natalie. Go to them.
By now, she knew the way there by heart even in the dark--and even if she hadn't, the path smoothed itself out for her, tree roots retreating and rocks sinking into the ground lest they interfere with her pilgrimage. Before too long, she was striding into a clearing ringed with ebonwood, not a leaf to be seen amidst the jagged branches that surrounded the space. A throne of black marble sat in the middle of the clearing, and who was it that sat upon that royal seat?
MAJESTY, dressed in bloodied finery.
An alabaster hand extended itself to bid their knight forward--and Natalie came forward as bid, the bright colors of Vodka's shirt shifting and darkening until they became a suit of black armor. Eventually, she found herself kneeling at the feet of the dragon and resting her head upon their lap. The dragon's bloodied lips split into a garish smile as fingers became talons, burying themselves possessively into the lioness' mane. Black ichor poured forth from the gaping voids where Natalie's eyes used to be.
This was where she was meant to be, this was home--
"Nat? Nat!" Vodka's worry was clear as she felt his fingers dig into her upper arms, the combination of his voice and the almost frantic grip he had on her as he gently shook her bringing her back to the waking world.
"--mmhuh?" Her eyes slowly flickered open as the fog of sleep--of nightmare--left her, the sight of her boyfriend's features initially a pleasing thing. Once she was aware of the terrified expression writ large upon them, though... a calloused hand reached up, resting on his cheek. "What's wrong, sugah?"
"I should be asking you that question." The serious look on the lovable rogue's face was uncomfortable there, anathema--but he forced himself to smile for her benefit, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "The way you were thrashing around and screaming, Nat... I'm just glad it didn't wake the kids. What were you dreaming about? Was it a nightmare or something?"
"I--" Something in the deeps of her mind wrenched, denying her the chance of revealing the truth to the man she loved. The pain that resulted had her wincing a little, the hand that was not upon Vodka's cheek moving to rest on her forehead. What she said next tasted of copper and ash, the lie leaving a roiling feeling in her stomach. She couldn't tell him, not now. Not when it could endanger him. "Sorry, I... I don't remember."
The doubt that Vodka felt revealed itself in how he frowned, his eyes searching over her features as if they could somehow find the truth so she wouldn't have to say it... but ultimately?
"If you say so, Nat." The sigh that left him was reluctant, but the way he flopped back onto his back was all the more she needed to know that he had dropped the subject for the time being--though she should've known that he'd gather her up and haul her atop him, wrapping arms and legs both around her to trap her against his frame. "Either way, you are now spending the rest of the night in Fort Vodka. Nightmares won't dare come get you now that you're my guest, y'know."
In spite of the hollowness in her chest, Natalie couldn't help the laugh that bubbled free of her lips nor the fierce warmth of her affection for him. Settling in against his chest, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I love you, Voddy."
"And I love you too. Now get some sleep, okay?" Even in the dark, she could sense the rakish smirk that graced his lips. "I wanna beat you at your best."
"Hah... in your dreams." Dreams she hoped would never be like her own. Closing her eyes, she forced herself to focus on the thundering of his heart, the rhythm of his breath, and it wasn't too long before slumber took her anew, this time to more pleasant fields...not that the presence within her minded. The longer she went without revealing it, after all, the further it would have the chance to spread. And it could be patient.
Oh, it could be patient for however long it took.
Soon enough... the knight would be theirs.