A Cold War Is Coming... RP 1

[Deleted]

~~ST. PETERSBURG~~



*Sat in a St. Petersburg diner, late into the evening, the heat is rising between two young admirers. The air outside is already dropping fast, cold front warnings have been the focus is the weather reports for the past two weeks. An ice storm, ravaging the East is slowly making its way west, to hit St. Petersburg any day now. Inside the diner, it looks to be mid-summer in Hawaii. Sat at the counter, a mug of coffee in his hand and wide-smile on his face, a handsome young man works his magic on the only waitress on duty, an independent coffee-angel. His floral patterned shirt would look out of place on the Miami boardwalk, not to mention at the Metro Diner…*


“...come on, you can’t say that. Toy Story 3 was so so much better than the original!”


“You are so silly Ivan, arguing with me over cartoons.”


“Anna, these are not cartoons. These are stories that last forever….just how I can never forget your laughter.”


*Giggling, the waitress flicks her hand at the boy, making her blush and flush red. He is sat on the edge of his stool, perched forward, trying to get as close to the girl as possible. Her white apron is soiled from various dropped foods, spilled coffee, and general grubbiness of the diner. He looks her up and down, still showing off his pearly whites.*


“Not many women can make an outfit glow like you Anna, but you make me look differently at aprons now.”


“You cheesy boy. I am covered in all kinds of filth, and yet you oogle me. If it’s not Toy Story disagreements, it's complimenting my working clothes. Such a silly boy Ivan!”


“What can I say, it's the best of both worlds here, I get my Buzz from your coffee, and my Woody from...maybe I won't say much more.”


*Blushing hard at the crappy chat-up lines, the waitress starts flicking her towel at the boy, joking about with him. She walks into the back of the diner, to the kitchen area, as Ivan sits at the counter, sipping his coffee and smiling widely. He picks up his phone and starts playing with it, distracting himself into his own world. At this time of night, not many people come by the diner, so they have the privacy of the entire restaurant to themselves, apart from the kitchen crew in the back. With the encroaching storm, and the seasons rapidly changing, it has been getting dark outside earlier and earlier. The large neon sign outside glows brightly, like a beacon in the night, illuminating the area, drawing people to it like moths to a flame. Invested in his game, Ivan pays no attention to the sound of the bell, chiming the arrival of a new customer to the diner.*


“I’ll be with you in a moment!”


*From the back, a polite yell letting the newcomer know that service is on its way. The footsteps of the approaching person draws Ivan’s attention finally, the heavy boots thudding as the man nears. Ivan looks up from his phone, still grinning foolishly, but his reaction changes immediately when he notices who is by him now….a giant of a man, muscles bulking through a heavy black coat. He is covered in dirt, mud, from the black boots on his feet, to halfway up his body. Ivan looks him from toe to head, as the man turns to face him. Sweat appears on Ivan’s face, as he sees the man’s face finally- a black mask covering the lower half of his face, only two beady eyes looking back at him.*


“Finally, I got your pancakes read-”


*Anna emerges from the back, a plate loaded with a stack of pancakes on it. She stops in her tracks when she sees the big man, shocked and horrified by his masked appearance and filthy-clothing. Her eyes dart from him to Ivan, back and forth. Ivan widens his eyes, an unspoken conversation, and Anna approaches him. She places the pancakes down in front of Ivan, her hand shaking.*


“H-here you go…..h-hello there, good evening...can I get you anything? Some...c-coffee maybe?”


*The masked man, still standing, nods to Anna, before removing his coat. Underneath, he is only wearing a bulletproof vest, and he hangs his coat on the chair next to him. He takes a seat beside Ivan, still looking down at the man. Disturbed, Ivan cannot move, he doesn't look at the man directly, only through his peripheral. Anna returns and gives the man a mug, and fills it with coffee. She turns to walk away, but the masked man speaks, his voice sounding metallic and robotic through the mask.*


“A straw, please.”


*Anna, looking at the man's mask for longer than she should, picks up a straw from under the counter and walks back. She hands him the straw, and turns.*


“Leave the pot.”


*Frozen, Anna looks at the man and then to Ivan, who nods for her to obey. She places the half full coffee pot on the counter, as the masked man works a straw under his mask, and into the cup. He slurps the coffee from the mug, maintaining eye contact with one person then switching. A TV behind the counter is showing the 9pm news.*


“Turn that TV up.”


*Anna obliges, and presses the volume on the TV. She quickly moves away, into the back. The current report is talking about crops, and how the poor weather is affecting the yield this year. Ivan watches the TV too, his breathing sharper, heavier. The masked man notices this, and turns to him.*


“Do I frighten you?”


*Ivan’s face almost turns white, his body tenses up. The man asks the question again.*


“I asked you a question….“


“....y-y-yes…..”


“What frightens you about me?”


“....l-look sir, I didn’t mean any offense…..I...I’m sorry, I-”


“Do I look offended?”


“I….I…..I can't tell….”


“So, the mask discomforts you?”


*Remaining silent, the masked man nods, confirming his suspicious. He pulls the straw out from the mask, and fiddles with the sides of the latch. He unlocks something, and removes the bottom half of the mask, revealing his face to Ivan. Ivan remains stunned, staring unabashedly at the man's exposed face. The masked man reaches over, and grabs one of Ivan’s pancakes, shoving the whole thing into his mouth at once. Ivan stares in horror, as his meal is devoured before him. The masked man continues, staring into Ivan’s eyes constantly as he eats. He finishes up, gulps down the rest of his coffee, and replaces his mask, concealing his identity again. The news report changes….*

~....and in other news, the police are still on the lookout for a man in Yakutsk believe to be an agent of terrorism. Strelka Bar, in the city center was the scene of a vicious attack, in which 17 people lost their lives from an explosion. Police believe the man to be responsible for the deaths of two police officers earlier in the evening also. Sources identified the man as 6 and a half feet tall, and possibly wearing a black mask. His identity is still unknown, police are urging those with information to please come forward….~

*Sipping his coffee through the straw, the masked man watches the news report, detailing the crimes he committed a couple of weeks prior. Ivan, now terrified, sits so rigidly still, he starts to tremble. The masked man chuckles at this. The next news headline plays…*

~....and in other news, Butyrka prison will be home to the FireStorm Wrestling Alliance this weekend, as Duke Kosloff, owner, brings his bi-weekly show on November 3rd….tickets are on sale online, but the event is expected to sell out fast…..buy your tickets soon!....~

*The masked man’s eyes perk up at this news, a revelation for him almost. He turns to Ivan beside him…*


“Ivan, do you have a vehicle?”


*Petrified, Ivan can only nod, now fully aware of the danger sitting beside him.*


“Good, then you will gift this to me.”


*Ivan remains motionless, fear-stricken.*


“You appear terrified of my appearance. Or is it more my presence? I have crossed your country by car, train and now foot…”


*He indicates the mud and soil covering his lower half.*


“...I must admit I am tired of your landscape and terrain. Your law enforcers have chased me from town, from bus, and tonight, from train. I have seen more of your country-side than you I believe? Alas, I grow weary of it. I am within a day's travel of my destination, and you have helped me cross the finish line. So, I commend you for your help Ivan!”


*Confused, Ivan remains still, listening.*


“You have fed me, gave me a vehicle, and you have given me all the money in your pocket too. How noble! And your friend, what is her name?”


“....An….Anna…..”


*The masked man calls Anna out from the back of the restaurant.*


“Anna, what a delightful name. Anna, if you would be so kind as to empty that register for me.”


*Confused also, Anna stands in place.*


“Does my mask blur my words? Do you not interpret me correctly? Anna, empty the register now, or you will be a witness to the very imminent yet very painful murder of young Ivan here.”


*Her eyes flashing with terror, Ivan noticeably sweating and shaking, Anna quickly runs to the counter, empties all the money in the register, and returns. The masked man motions for Ivan to offer his car keys and wallet. The masked man takes everything, puts back on his coat, and fills his pockets. Ivan points out the window to his car, as the masked man turns to leave.*


“Where are my manners...Anna, please give my commendations to the cook, his pancakes were delicious. And Ivan….you should not fear me because of my mask. It is what lies beneath that is truly horrifying. A horror that never forgets a face….Remember this, both of you, should the police ask you anything.”


*The masked man takes his leave, and crosses the car park to his new ride. He jumps in, starts the engine, and pulls out, looking back into the diner one last time. The bright lights inside reveal all in its glory, the scene of two terrified admirers, embraced together, tearful and thankful that tonight their lives were spared.*



~~MOSCOW~~



~It has been a long drive, the dark night concealing the world around him as he drove. The journey, lasting more than one third of a day, has finally ended. The masked man has crossed the country, by train, bus, car and land. He has fled detection from police, and from his own pursuers. His own private militant group. The drive, the passion for keeping him on track, on target, was his only goal- completing his mission, and enacting his final plan. Part of a 5 man infiltration unit, now only 3 remain alive...and 2 are imprisoned in Butyrka prison. Victims of internal espionage, criminals caught abroad without means, nameless soldiers, on an unknown mission. Left unclaimed, the Russians would surely execute them. Under duress however, they might release information. And that is too costly to risk. The mission is simple- the world needs to change, to wake up, the powers that run the population must fall, and a new power must rise. The goal is clear, obvious….the world as we know it must die.~


*Arriving in Moscow, the masked man circles the town, seeking his destination- Butyrka Prison. Home to convicts and criminals of all degrees. What happened behind closed doors is Russia’s business, but for two lives within those walls….their reckoning is upon them. The last living witnesses, the final link to the chain that can break him, the final piece of music before the fat lady sings. Our masked man has made his way to Moscow, with one agenda on his mind...He has located the prison, but cannot seem to find a suitable entrance. He has circled the premises, observed the patrol patterns, made note of the surveillance...it seems impossible. An aged building, and collapsed justice system… He is down to his last option, one that he had never expected….*


“State your business.”


“Levi Kosloff.”


“And your name is…?”


“....Ozymandias….”


“Ah yes, we’ve been….expecting you….”


*The check-in lady escorts ‘Ozymandias’ into the building, leading him casually into the one place he has been fighting to get to. They walk through the halls of the prison, fortified and guarded at every corner, every doorway. He receives a number of stares, some onlookers looking him over suspiciously. In the company of the guide, he is safe at least. For now….*


“Ah, you have arrived! I had wondered if you would make it here….Galina, you may go.”


*Standing in his office, located within the prisons confines, Levi Kosloff approaches Ozymandias, and looks him up and down, sizing him. Contemplating what could happen next.*


“You truly are terrifying, aren’t you? One big behemoth of raw fury and rage. And now you are here, to show the world what you are capable of in the ring, and to work your way through the ranks to become our FireStorm Champion…”


*Ozymandias remains silent, his expression hidden behind his mask. Levi smirks, a malicious look in his eye.*


“.... don’t take me for being a fool. I know who you are...WHAT you are...you are not here to compete, you are not here to take orders, or follow scripts...I have seen the headlines, the recent news reports. Whatever brings you to Butyrka, I assume you will be out that door once you are done….”


*Ozymandias smirks, the sound distorted.*


“However, I do have a proposition….you complete your dealings here in Moscow. You finish what you need to do...and then you work for me….”


“A proposition!….But if you know me like you say, then you already know my answer…”


“I do. I also know that it is only a matter of time before the local authorities find out who they have in their midst. I know what they do to agents of espionage in Russia….your end will not be quick.”


“Are you threatening me, Kosloff?”


“Threat? Simply telling you what you already know....”


*Ozymandias walks up to Levi, standing tall over him, broad as a bear. Levi stands firm, fearless. Ozymandias eyes up Levi with careful suspicion in his eyes.*


“Fight for the FWA, and you WILL become a Champion.”


“It is not a shiny belt I seek, I desire-”


“Power!….and you can have it. Fight for me, show these people what it means to be unstoppable. I have seen monsters before, my own cousin is no ordinary man….but even he will see your worth.”


“I do not follow orders, nor do I wish to lead. I exist to show the world what it means to take power for themselves, and break down those that would deny them their rights, their freedom, their potential…”


“...and with a televised audience, your word will reach further than ever! Under my roof, I can protect you, keep you out of the electric chair….but you must fight for me. For Duke. For FireStorm.”


*Levi picks up a folder from his desk, and hands it to Ozymandias. He opens the folder, to show pictures and information about a man named Jackson Grace.*


“What is this?”


“....your first target…”


*Ozymandias scans through the folder, looking at stats, billed height/ weight, known move styles, known techniques etc. He reads through, and looks back to Levi.*


"This man is a entertainer. A man of theatrics. Not a fighter."


"Jackson Grace is one of the hottest rising stars, he has developed quite a following in the indie circuit. And from what I hear, he likes to take matters of the law into his own hands too...."


*Levi points to the newspaper clipping, the article entitle "The Vigilante saves again!"*


"So my first match is to be against a superhero....a part-time vigilante..."


*Ozymandias grunts, the noise sounding like scraping wires. He scans through the folder again, and looks back at Levi. He is holding his hand outstretched, looking for Ozymandias to accept...and he does. The two shake hands, then Levi leads him out of the office, and deeper into the prison. His agenda has been simple; to make it to Moscow and end that which he had started. However, his path following has always been uncertain….until now. With the protection on an international organization, his life will be spared, his crimes waived. With the power of television, his power, his fury, can be shown to the world, to inspire those that lack. With the means of travel, he can spread his maxim, open the eyes of the world to the oppression they have endured. With his fists, he can paint a bloody scene to show all that what is rightfully his is only what he can take by force. Jackson Grace might be a name and a face on paper, but he will be very real once stepping into the ring. Rules and gimmicks aside, stepping into a fight opposite a man as deadly as Ozymandias will be a grave error, one that he hopes to prove. FireStorm Wrestling Alliance may be glad of the growing roster, but what they don't realize is that a virus has entered their system. A decaying, malicious rot. For now, the power rests in the hands of the Kosloff’s. But in time, an army can be recruited. Trained. And power can be overthrown. Their empire will be the beginning, the stand of the anarchy. FireStorm will burn, as the entire world watches…..*