Post by Jack Diamond on Oct 25, 2018 17:41:40 GMT -5
October 23rd 2018
Jack Diamond: Shit. How is he?
The scene begins where we last left off. Jack slumps into Maverick's blacked out Audi and closes the door as his Icon brethren rolls up the tinted window so that no onlookers can see inside. As Maverick takes off he looks at Jack and sees the look of distraught cover his face.
Maverick: You don't know? You haven't checked your emails?
Jack Diamond: Emails? No, dude, I told you... I literally left my phone laying on a mountainside in Cherokee. I was handling the stuff with my grandma and see the breaking news and peeled the fuck out of there. How bad is it?
Jack skirts in the passenger seat waiting for the bad news but Maverick just stares ahead as a smile creeps onto his face and a small chuckle escapes him.
Jack Diamond: What the hell is so funny man? Bobby?
Maverick: Is.. fine.
Jack tries to process what Maverick just said. All of the worry in the last day... it has really taken its toll on the X*Crown champion. Jack falls as far down in the seat as he can, almost becoming one with the leather.
Jack Diamond: Fine? Bobby is fine? But Icon-1...
Maverick: Is fooked.
Jack Diamond: What the hell happened then?
Maverick: I think it's best we get inside the lounge first and I'll explain everything to you. Speaking of which... we have to sneak in through the service entrance. Your place is absolutely swarming with media right now. It's a damn parade of news vans.
Jack Diamond: Great...
Jack tries to calm down a bit as what he feared was the worse is not so. Maverick cuts down a back alley that leads behind the mecca that is The Diamond Lounge. Through the trees, Jack can see all of the towers of light that countless news vehicles emit on the main side of the hotel and casino. Maverick pulls up to the curb of the service entrance and the two Icons exit the car. Mav tosses the keys to one of the workers.
Maverick: Please park this away from the new crews. Thanks. Let's get in, Jack.
The two of then head in through the back of the building. Workers are busy preparing items for the various kitchens on the casino floor. They walk by security who are all monitoring the action of the games. Maverick points in the direction of the VIP.
Maverick: Here let's go this way.
The head off to the right and Maverick and Jack open a door that leads behind the VIP bar. No one will see them enter their secluded fortress this way. Jack stops and leans against the bar. He grabs a glass and turns it over before opening one of his best bottles of scotch and pouring himself a drink. He needs something to calm all of the nerves that has wreaked havoc as of late. He raises the glass to his lips...
Bobby Barratt: BOO!
Bobby Barratt jumps out of the dark corner... and scares the shit out of Jack who dumps the drink over his chin and chest. He catches the cup before it crashes down and shakily sets it down on the bar, trying to choke down the scotch that managed to make it in his mouth and down his windpipe. As he coughs, Bobby and Maverick break out into a fit of laughter
Jack Diamond: WHAT THE cough Fuck man...cough Bobby!
Jack shockingly looks at Bobby and gives him a huge bro hug before grabbing his shoulders and inspecting him for damage...
Jack Diamond: Dude, I thought you were...
Bobby Barratt: Dead? Ease up mate, save that for romance shit for Dakota
Mav begins to laugh again
Jack Diamond: Fuck off... what the hell happened?
Bobby joins in on the laughter and brushes his shoulders off as Jack let's go. He picks up the bottle of scotch and repours Jack's drink before making one for him a Maverick as well.
Bobby Barratt: I sent you guys an email.
Jack Diamond: So I heard. I don't have my phone. Dropped it when I got the alert...
Bobby Barratt: Yeah, shit... sorry about that. I fucked up and left mine behind in the chopper. I didn't mean for you to get the news like that, I know you were seeing family. Speaking of which... I'm really sorry about your granny... that sucks man.
Jack Diamond: Thanks man... I'm at peace with that... but you? Why the fuck are you lurking in the shadows?
Bobby Barratt: Ha, yeah sorry. When Mav told me you didn't know, I thought I'd have a little fun with it. Funny you mention "lurking in the shadows." I just seen some shit that Raiden guy was talking shit to you about.
Jack Diamond: Raiden? Yeah fuck him.. I haven't checked up on all that... we can get to that in a minute. What the hell happened out there?
Jack points to the televisions hanging around the VIP that are all tuned into various news channels. Local news, CNN, BBC... they all are showing scenes of the fiery wreckage of Icon-1. All of them are proclaiming Bobby is dead.
Bobby Barratt: Yeah... that's a clusterfuck. So there I was... I figured how hard could it be to fly the helicopter...right? I mean I've watched the pilot plenty of times. How cool would it be of I could just start flying us everywhere. Maverick even threw out the idea that I should fly it myself.
Jack cuts his eyes at Mav. He didn't... Maverick almost chokes on his drink this time
Maverick: I meant you should take classes you ass. Not DIY vids on YouTube.
Bobby Barratt: Yeah, yeah... so I was watching a tutorial...taking notes... and then what do you know? Fucking technical difficulties. Story of our life right now isn't it? Anyways... I gave it a shot....
Jack Diamond: Wait a minute. Fucking YouTube? Dude... use that to find out how to change a taillight... how to do some plumbing or some shit... build a birdhouse. Not FLY A FUCKING HELICOPTER...
Bobby Barratt: I GOT I UP!
Maverick: Don't let Ember Ferrari hear you say that...
Bobby Barratt: Fuck you, that's Jack's girl...
Jack Diamond: Hey fuck you...
Dakota Paige: Who is Jack's girl?
The Icons stop their banter briefly as Dakota walks in. Jack, seeing her, walks over and gives her a big hug.
Bobby Barratt: Just teasing him about Ember. Thank you again for running point on the media out there. I want to keep things the way they are at the moment.
Dakota nods at Bobby
Dakota Paige: Sure... I'm a little uneasy lying like that but I know the heat you guys have right now. We can make this work in all of our favor
Jack looks back and forth from Bobby, Maverick and Dakota. He really is out of the loop. Bobby continues
Bobby Barratt: So anyways, I was in the air. A little shaky but I thought I was doing alright. I was just planning on flying here and then back home. Quick, easy. Well... shit went wrong. Damn thing starter beeping at me and I bailed. Left my phone, luckily figured out how to release the 'chute... but I've never done that before. Couldn't control myself and ended up on a damn tree... like that wedding episode of Full House with Uncle Jesse... just dangling there. Took me forever to get down.
Jack just stands there, trying to process all of this. Fucking amazing. Only Bobby could do something like this and talk about it so nonchalantly.
Jack Diamond: Damn man... I'm glad you are ok... but holy shit brother.... And you were FLYING HERE?! You could have sent that thing right into the building!
Bobby Barratt: Yeah... sorry... I didn't though.
Jack Diamond: Whatever... wow. So... everyone thinks you are dead? How the hell does that work for Sunday?
Bobby Barratt: Well, you know that bullshit NDA that Mongo wanted us to sign? Not talking about our tag match? I signed it...
Jack Diamond: You signed it?!
Bobby Barratt: Yeah... I laid it out like this... we would sign the stupid agreement and keep Mango's secret under the condition that he keeps my secret. He was reluctant at first but he REALLY doesn't want the results of that match getting out...especially now. So he agreed. He knows I'll be there to fight Kai.
Jack Diamond: Wow, I can't believe he went for that. Imagine the look on everyone's faces when they find out.
Bobby Barratt: Precisely. So Dakota has been handling the media. They are all over the place, thinking I'm dead and wanting to hear from you.
Dakota Paige: I just came from out there and told them you were on your way home from a personal matter and would address the media tomorrow morning.
Bobby Barratt: No more "silent Jack" I need you to drive this one home.
Jack Diamond: Yeah, I've got this... so I guess we chill for now eh? What's this about Raiden talking trash?
Bobby grabs a remote and turns one of the televisions over to a clip of one of Jack's opponents this Sunday, Raiden Ishimori. The kid went hard at Jack, no doubt... bringing up the fact that Jack has to spend money to feel relevant and respected...afraid of things that like in the shadows. Jack watches through clenched teeth, slightly amused yet slightly annoyed. Bobby and Mav look for a reaction and Jack just pours another drink.
Jack Diamond: Aw, that's cute. So... what's going on with the media tomorrow?
Dakota Paige: Right, well they expect to hear from you tomorrow about Bobby. We have to give them something if we are going to keep Bobby hidden. It can't be another press event like the other day...which we see still getting a lot of flak for.
Bobby and Mav chuckle to themselves. That was classic Jack antics
Jack Diamond: I made my point. No, if they want a story... we'll give it to them.
The three of them look at Jack... this is going to be interesting. The scene fades to black as they all have a drink and continue discussing the details.
October 24th 2018
The scene picks back up the next morning outside of The Diamond Lounge. Quite the crowd has formed around a stage where a podium and microphone stand. The amount of new outlets in attendance is ridiculous. Jack, Maverick and Dakota stand out of sight from the crowd and the cameras. Maverick is looking nervous but Jack is calm and collected.
Dakota Paige: Ok, so as we went over last night... they expect to hear from you two. Are you guys ready?
Maverick: Fucking hell... there are a lot of people out there... I'm not sure I can do this..
Dakota Paige: This is no different than what you do every week.
Maverick: I have to go out there and act like one of my best friends is dead when he's not? I... I can't..
Jack Diamond: Don't worry Mav, I'll handle the media and the questions. Here put a couple drops of this in your eyes?
Jack hands a bottle of visine to Maverick and he drops a couple of drops in the corner of each eye and goes to hand it back to Jack before immediately reaching up to his eyes.
Maverick: Oh what the hell is this? It is burning a bit...
Jack takes the bottle and drops one drop in each of his eyes before he puts it back into his breast pocket and let's out a little laugh as he watches his fellow Icon rub at his eyes.
Jack Diamond: Don't worry man, it'll stop burning in a bit and isn't anything harmful..just a little acting trick. It'll puff up your eyes a bit and allow you to look the part. Now, just follow my lead.
Jack dabs his eyes a bit and waits a few moments for the burn to die down a bit. He looks at Maverick, they both look like they have been crying. Jack nods and leads the way out onto stage where they are met by the instantaneous flashing of bulbs. Jack walks up to the microphone with Maverick just off to his right. He pauses and looks down before looking out across the now hushed crowd. Jack clears his throat
Jack Diamond: Thank you all for being here today. As you all know, our friend... our brother, Bobby Barratt was in a horrible aircraft accident earlier this week. Jack pauses to sniffle and swallow the nonexistent lump in his throat It is with sorrow that I am here today to inform you and confirm that Bobby Barratt lost his life in the accident.
Jack puts his head down into his hands and Maverick looks off to the left with sadness in his eyes. Jack tries to gather himself before speaking again.
Jack Diamond: We are heartbroken and crushed by this tragedy. As you can imagine, we can not even begin to imagine what this will mean in our industry in the days, months and years to come and honestly we are not ready to discuss that too much today. Right now we are more concerned with carrying out Bobby's wishes and getting him back home. I've been told that there will be a service held for him later this week but that's all I know right now. We ask that you, the media as well as the fans around the world to please respect our privacy in our moment of grieving.
Jack looks at Mav whose eyes are really puffy. He fights the urge to smile as he places his left hand on Mavs shoulder to "console" his friend.
Jack Diamond: Unfortunately I don't have much time right now but as promised I will field a couple of questions.
Reporter One: Jack, let me start by saying that I'm terribly sorry for your loss. With the End of Days show coming up where your last match teaming with Bobby is supposed to be aired, have you been told what this means for that as well as the End of Days final round?
Jack Diamond: From what I'm hearing, the XHF still plans on airing our tag team match in its entirety not only as a tribute to Bobby but for the great fans of our company. Unfortunately that is all I can say concerning that match. As far as the finals of the Tournament... your guess is as good as mine. Bobby showed that he was on top of the game with his path to this final match against Kai. I... I just don't know what the XHF has planned other than knowing the show will he held as scheduled.
Another reporter steps up to ask the next question
Reporter Two: Jack, how does this tragedy affect your match this Sunday? You are slated to defend your X*Crown championship in the main event of the show. Will you be able to compete after this?
Jack rubs his eye. He did so because it still was burning a bit but on camera it looks as if he is wiping away a tear. He allows his voice to break a bit as he goes to answer
Jack Diamond: I fully believe with all my heart that Bobby would want the show to go on. No one in this company has supported my rise as champion as much as Bobby. He would want me to go out there and prove to the world that I am the best... that the Icons are the best. That is exactly what I will do.
Another reporter walks up and Jack actually recognizes them as being one of the reporters from his press event the other day. Fucking great. Jack nods at them to ask away
Reporter Three: Jack, there is no doubt you have had a rough week. After you went silent earlier in the week you have lost two people you are very fond of. How can you stay focused on the match emotionally and are you worried that your opponents will use that against you to try and get an advantage in your match?
Fuck this guy... this question visibly pisses Jack off and he quickly tries to calm himself down. It's go-time...
Jack Diamond: Yeah, it has been a rough week. How do I stay focused? Well, it's simple. This is my job. We all signed on for this job and sometimes life sucks. You know what you do? You put on your boots and you keep going. As I've said, I'm heartbroken but I'm going out there Sunday to put on a clinic and will do so in Bobby's memory. In my grandmother's memory. For your second question... I don't give a damn what my opponents try to say. Will I let them get in my head? No. They can try. Hell, they've already tried. You've got people like Raiden Ishimori spouting off the mouth that I am living a lie. That I hide behind my money for fear that I will be found out. He wants you to believe that I've bought my legacy in this industry, that I've bought my respect. He is entitled to his opinion. The truth is I've earned everything I've ever won, made, and spent. It was Raiden, the "lone wolf" as he calls himself, that didn't have what it took to come out on top at Night of Champions. If he thinks End of Days will be any different than he is more foolish than I thought. As a matter of fact, I fully expect Raiden to hear this message... so listen closely. This is Jack Diamond, the man, speaking directly to you Raiden, the man. I had a lot of fun at your expense leading up to Night of Champions. I started the whole "Mortal Kombat" craze that has taken off since. I'm not doing that here. The truth... you impress me. I could even see you being X*Crown champion one day. One day. That day will not be Sunday however. That day will not be while I hold those titles. For you, as well as the other five people in this match... you will simply go home empty handed. Now, if you will excuse us, that is all we have time for today. Thank you.
With that, Jack turns and motions for Maverick who follows him off stage and back inside the Diamond Lounge. Hidden from everyone, Bobby is there waiting.
Bobby Barratt: Cheers gentlemen. Damn Mav, you look like hell...
Maverick: Fucking dicks...
The three of them have a good laugh together as the scene comes to an end
