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Post by Daniel Russow on Dec 1, 2019 20:13:53 GMT -5
This Is My Legacy
Chapter One - The Leaving Song Central Park - New York Monday, November 25th
(Our scene opens with Daniel Russow sitting on a bench in Central Park. It’s mid afternoon, as a bunch of people walk past him. After a few moments, an older gentleman sits down next to him.)
Man: Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Daniel.
Daniel Ruasow: You got five minutes starting now, so I suggest you speak quickly.
Man: Daniel, I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for years…
Daniel Ruasow: I’m in my thirties...you’ve had plenty of chances for this conversation...any time after you left me on the doorstep...father.
Father: Daniel, that’s not fair. I was just a kid! We both were, me and your mom. We were just teenagers, and then she died giving birth to you. What was I supposed to do!?
Daniel Ruasow: How about step the hell up and be a man? Not fair? Not fair!? You LEFT me on a doorstep when I was a baby! How’s THAT for fair!?
Father: I had no choice! I knew I couldn’t raise you by myself. I was just a teenager. When we found out your mom was pregnant, her parents kicked her out. We had nowhere to turn, and then she died giving birth to you, I was so lost. I had no idea how to deal with a baby.
Daniel Ruasow: So instead of sucking it up and being a man, you pawned me off on a stranger…what about your parents or your family?
Father: They wouldn’t help me.
Daniel Ruasow: Did you ask!?
Father: I didn’t have to!
Daniel Ruasow: Right, cause you were perfectly fine dropping me off in some stranger’s doorstep.
Father: I did my research. I knew it was an orphanage that would take care of you.
Daniel Ruasow: Right...take care of me.
Father: Did they not?
Daniel Ruasow: If by taking care of me you mean abusing me, starving me, then yes, they were fucking saints. Actually, you and that headmaster woulda gotten along just swimmingly, since it’s so easy for you to just...look away.
Father: I Daniel, you’re being unreasonable. thought you’d have a better life…
Daniel Ruasow: Well congrats! Cause my life has been hell up until about five or six years ago.
Father: I am sorry to hear that, but despite that, you’ve certainly made something of yourself, haven’t you?
Daniel Ruasow: No thanks to you. Hell, if it weren’t for my brothers and Audrey, I’d probably be dead.
Father: Brothers?
Daniel Ruasow: Don’t worry, your sperm didn’t help make them. But they are my real family. They have saved my life countless times.
Father: I’m your family too….
Daniel Ruasow: You are nothing to me. I’ve made it this far without you, I will make it the rest of my life without you.
Father: Daniel, why did you even agree to meet me if you were going to be like this?
Daniel Ruasow: Oh, I wasn’t going to. I was gonna tell you to piss off and never contact me again. Audrey is the one that convinced me to come. She’s the one that told me to come and hear what you have to say.
Father: I’ll have to thank her.
Daniel Ruasow: No you won’t. You’re not going to meet her. You see I did hear what you have to say, I just don’t give a damn.
Father: But don’t you want your child to know their grandfather?
Daniel Ruasow: I didn’t! Hell, at least my kid is gonna have their dad there for them, which is a hell of a lot more than I can say about my own childhood.
Father: Do you think I wanted to do that?
Daniel Ruasow: I wouldn’t know. I don’t know a damn thing about you.
Father: Well I’m here now…
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, a little over thirty years too late.
Father: Dan….
Daniel Ruasow: What do you even want? Nothing for thirty plus years. Why now?
Father: Cause I need your help…
Daniel Ruasow: ...with what?
Father: Money.
{Daniel rolls his eyes.)
Daniel Ruasow: Money for what?
Father: Rent.
Daniel Ruasow: And what makes you think I’d be willing to give you a dime?
Father: The fact you agreed to meet me gave me hope we could work things out. This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do is ask you for help…
Daniel Ruasow: Even harder than leaving me on a doorstep?
Father: Daniel…
{Daniel lets out a sigh.)
Daniel Ruasow: How much do you need?
Father: A thousand dollars will be enough for a couple of months until more work comes in.
Daniel Ruasow: What do you even do for work?
Father: Well, I used to own my own micro-brewery. But that fell through. Now I’m in between jobs, but have a lead on an exciting new opportunity.
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, best of luck with that, and the rest of your life.
Father: Dan-
{Daniel takes out his wallet, and starts writing out a check.)
Daniel Ruasow: I’m gonna give you this, on one condition.
Father: Anything.
{Daniel takes the check and goes to hand it to his father.)
Daniel Ruasow: If you take this, you disappear from my life again, forever. You won’t meet Audrey or my brothers. You won’t know your grandchild. You. Won’t. Exist.
{Daniel’s father hesitates for a second.)
Father: That’s incredibly harsh…
Daniel Ruasow: You manages the first time. Take it or leave it.
{Daniel’s father lets out a sigh, and takes the check.)
Father: If that’s what you truly want.
Daniel Ruasow: It’s for the best.
{Daniel’s father looks down at the check, then back up at Daniel with a quizzical expression on his face.)
Father: Daniel, this check is for ten thousand dollars…
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, luckily I’m in a position in life I can afford to do that...plus I figured that’d be more than enough to ensure you hold up your part of the deal. Have a nice life.
{Daniel gets up and walks away, with his father sitting there speechless. He can’t say anything as Daniel walks away. Then, with tears filling his eyes…)
Father: Y-you too...my son.
{We leave the scene with Daniel’s father slowly standing up and walking the other way.)
++++++++++++++++++++
This Is My Legacy
Chapter Two - The Russow Name Madison Household - New York Thanksgiving Day
{Our scene opens with the Russow brothers, all three of them, walking out to a car in the driveway at the Madison house.)
Jesse Russow: Of course they forget something and we have to go get it.
Levi Russow: Well, we wouldn’t but someone had to go and volunteer us…
Jesse Russow: Yeah, what gives Dan?
Daniel Ruasow: I thought it would give us some time together without the rest of the bullshit.
Levi Russow: …
Jesse Russow: …
Daniel Ruasow: What?
Jesse Russow: Shotgun, bitch.
Daniel Ruasow: Fine.
Levi Russow: What are we getting again?
Daniel Ruasow: Cranberriea.
Jesse Russow: Vodka.
Levi Russow: Both.
Jesse Russow: So what store are we gonna suffer through to get the stuff?
Daniel Ruasow: I saw a Walgreens a few blocks away.
Jesse Russow: Oh yeah, think it’s got a liquor store next to it.
Levi Russow: Cause that makes sense, liquor store next to a pharmacy…
Daniel Ruasow: For when the stuff next door doesn’t work?
Levi Russow: I guess. Get in.
{The three get in the car, with Levi getting in the driver’s seat, Jesse in the front passenger seat, and Daniel I’m the back. Levi starts the car and pulls out of the driveway.)
Daniel Ruasow: Plus, there’s something I wanted to talk to you two about without anyone else around.
Levi Russow: …
Jesse Russow: …
Levi Russow: Brother, if you’re about to say you have cancer or some shit…
Jesse Russow: Not cool.
Daniel Ruasow: What? No.
Jesse Russow: Then what is it?
Daniel Ruasow: ...I saw my dad.
Levi Russow: When?
Daniel Ruasow: Monday, met him at Central Park.
Jesse Russow: Wait, met him?
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, he emailed me a few times, his story checked out so I agreed to meet him.
Jesse Russow: What did he want?
Daniel Ruasow: In short, money and a second chance.
Levi Russow: And what did you say?
Daniel Ruasow: I wrote him a check for ten thousand dollars and told him to disappear from my life forever. Told him he wouldn’t meet you guys, Audrey, or his grandchild.
Jesse Russow: Why give him money?
Levi Russow: Incentive.
Daniel Ruasow: Exactly, to be sure he’ll hold up his part of the deal.
Jesse Russow: What if he doesn’t?
Daniel Ruasow: He will, or he’ll be dealt with.
Levi Russow: Exactly.
{Jesse leans over and turns on the radio.)
Jesse Russow: How bout some tunes?
Daniel Ruasow: Just no Disney or classical…
Levi Russow: …
Jesse Russow: …
Daniel Ruasow: Audrey is constantly playing either Disney or classical music, says its kid friendly and will help our child be cultured…
Levi Russow: Yyyyya know that’s bullshit, right?
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, but I’d rather not have a pregnant wife mad at me, so I go along with it.
Levi Russow: Smart kid.
Jesse Russow: You’ve learned well, young grasshoppah.
Levi Russow: You’re next, ya know.
Jesse Russow: Dude! I JUST got back from my honeymoon!
Daniel Ruasow: Slacker.
Jesse Russow: Th’hell!?
Levi Russow: Ah we’re just fuckin with ya. Now get out. We’re here.
{Levi parks the car in the Walgreens parking lot.)
Levi Russow: Dan and I will run into Walgreens. Jesse head into the liquor store and start picking stuff out and we’ll meet you there in a minute.
{The three start to get out, but Dan can’t open his door.)
Daniel Ruasow: Uh, guys? Little help here?
Levi Russow: Oh, right. Child lock.
Jesse Russow: Ha!
{Jesse gets out and opens Dan’s door so he can get out. Jesse heads into the liquor store, while Levi and Dan walk into the Walgreens.)
Daniel Ruasow: So I kinda got the sense you wanted to say something else when I was talking about my dad.
Levi Russow: Should have kicked him in the dick.
Daniel Ruasow: There is something he said that has got me thinking.
Levi Russow: What’s that?
Daniel Ruasow: WELL, he was telling me how my mom died while giving birth to me, and he had no one to turn to, that’s why he dropped me off.
Levi Russow: What a load of bullshit. Jacks mom died and I didn’t just give up on him. Real men never bail. Remember that.
Daniel Ruasow: Is it though? I mean think about it, if I didn’t have you and Jesse and the fam, and if something were to happen to Audrey? What would I do?
Levi Russow: Tjats not gonna happen. You’ve been with Audrey to every single doc appointment. Every time they have said everything is fine, her mom didn’t have any issues when she was pregnant with Audrey or her brother. And you guys are gonna have the entire family standing by you every step of the way.
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, I know. Guess I’m just nervous.
Levi Russow: Bro, totally normal. It’s your first kid. But you’re gonna be a great dad.
{Levi picks up a couple cans of cranberry sauce.)
Levi Russow: Think two is enough?
Daniel Ruasow: Depends, do we know if Slappy likes ‘em?
Levi Russow: Good point.
{Levi hands the two cans to Daniel and gets three more.)
Levi Russow: That should do it. Anything else?
Daniel Ruasow: That should do it.
{The two walk up to the counter and start the check our process. A younger woman is running the cash register. She looks to be in her mid twenties. She looks up and greets them with a smile.)
Cashier: Well my son will be very excited to know I got to meet two of his heroes today.
{Dan and Levi look at each other for a second.)
Daniel Ruasow: I’m not sure that would be the word of use to describe us.
Cashier: Oh, to him, there’s no better fit.
Levi Russow: How old is your boy?
Cashier: My kids are 9. Had triplets. Two girls and a boy, Charlie. He idolized you guys, really looks up to you.
Levi Tussow: Charlie, huh? Good name.
Daniel Ruasow: Three kids, must be rough being away from them today.
Cashier: My parents have them for the day until I get off. I’m having to pick up every shift I can to try and give them a good Christmas. It’s hard being a single mom some times.
Levi Russow: I’m sorry to hear that.
Cashier: Thanks.
{She rings them up, and starts bagging their stuff, when Dan notices something.)
Daniel Ruasow: athats a beautiful tattoo ya got there.
{He motions you a tattoo on her arm. She smiles sheepishly as she looks at it.)
Cashier: Oh, thank you. I got that in honor of my late husband. He died five years ago overseas serving in the Navy.
{This causes Dan and Levi to take a moment to look at each other, as Dan gives Levi a little nod. Levi pulls out a wad of money, along with his card.)
Levi Russow: You said you have three children?
Cashier: Yes sir.
Levi Russow: As do I. They’re my pride and joy. Danny boy here’s expecting his first.
Cashier: I heard! How’s the mama doing?
Daniel Ruasow: As to be expected for a pregnant woman haha.
Cashier: Ha, I bet.
Levi Russow: Well, the card will cover the cranberry sauce, and this…
{He starts flipping through the wad of cash, as the cashier’s eyes grow wide. He counts out a thousand dollars and places it on the counter.)
Levi Russow: This is for you to make sure those kids of yours have an amazing Christmas.
Cashier: Oh my God...I can’t…
Daniel Ruasow: Sure you can. We want you to.
Cashier: T-thank you...thank you so much! I...I don’t know how to thank you!
Levi Russow: In my experience, a hug works just fine.
{The cashier quickly walks from behind the counter and gives Levi a big hug, then gives one to Daniel.)
Cashier: Thank you so much, this just...oh wow it makes my year!
Levi Russow: Glad I could help. It was an honor to meet you…
Cashier: Oh, goodness me, sorry. My names Shana.
Daniel Ruasow: A pleasure to meet you Shana. Happy Thanksgiving.
Cashier: Thanks! It was amazing meeting the two of you as well. Happy Thanksgiving and have a merry Christmas!
{The guys get their bag and exit the store, starting to head over to join Jesse at the liquor store.)
Daniel Ruasow: That was nice.
Levi Russow: Yeah, yeah it was.
{They walk into the liquor store to find Jesse with his hands full.)
Daniel Ruasow: Jesus tots, you buying the whole store?
Jesse Russow: Well, it started out as one, but then I found the cranberry vodka...aaaand then I got to thinking we might need extra with both you and Mal being under one roof.
Daniel Ruasow: I already promised Audrey I wouldn’t start anything.
Levi Russow: We’re Russows. We don’t start shit…
Jesse Russow: We finish it.
Daniel Russow: Still...
Jesse Russow: Well then I’m getting the rest cause why not?
Levi Russow: Good enough reason for me. Go ahead and pay for it and we’ll meet you back in the car.
JesseRussow:: Why I gotta pat for it?
Daniel Ruasow: Cause shotgun, bitch.
{Dan and Levi laugh as they walk out of the store and head to the car, with Jesse coming out a moment later and getting in the back seat. The ride back is a lot quieter, as Dan really keeps to himself. Before they know it, they are back at the Madison house, and Daniel’s wife, Audrey, comes out to greet them.)
Audrey Russow: Did you boys have fun?
Jesse Russow: {from the back seat) We got alcohol!
Audrey Russow: Uhh
Daniel Ruasow: Don’t worry. We got cranberry sauce, too.
Levi Russow: He speaks…
Audrey Russow: Huh?
Levi Russow: Your boy didn’t say a single word on the way back. Just stared off into nothingness.
{Levi opens the back door for Jesse to get out.)
Levi Russow: Lets give the lovebirds a moment.
{Jesse and Levi head inside, as Daniel and Audrey lean against the car.)
Audrey Russow: Wanna talk about what’s goin on?
Daniel Ruasow: How do I know I’m doing the right thing here?
Audrey Russow: What do you mean?
Daniel Ruasow: This match...just...thinking about what we’ve got ahead of us, and the place I’m gonna have to go to for this match.
Audrey Russow: You’ve gone there and come back before. This time will be no different...other than this time you’ll be coming back with the world title.
Daniel Ruasow: That would be pretty kick ass, wouldn’t it?
Audrey Russow: The most epic of kickassness.
Daniel Ruasow: ...you just made that word up, didn’t you?
Audrey Russow: Maybe, now let’s forget about the match for the rest of the afternoon and enjoy some good food with our friends because your pregnant wife is getting hangry.
Daniel Russow: Yes ma’am!
Audrey Russow: You got this. After all, you’re Daniel flippin’ Russow!
Daniel Ruasow: Have I told you lately I love you?
Audrey Russow: Every day, and I love you too.
{The two embrace and make their way inside.)
++++++++++++++++++++
This Is My Legacy
Chapter Three - The Hell Within NYC Catholic Church Friday, November 29th
{The scene opens, as we see Daniel Russow walking into a local Catholic Church in NYC. He walks along the pews, running his fingers over them, as he makes his way down the aisle. He gets to the front of the pews, where he is approached by an older man in a prayer robe.)
Priest: Can I help you, son?
Daniel Ruasow: Uhh, well not really sure how to do this...I was wondering if it would be okay if I...prayed here.
Priest: Son, a child of the Lord is welcome to pray wherever he feels led to.
Daniel Ruasow: Gotcha. Not really one for prayer, so wasn’t sure.
Priest: What is it that brings you here now?
Daniel Ruasow: Fear...the future, financial security for my family...
{The man takes a moment and looks Dan up and down.)
Priest: Please forgive me, but have we met before?
Daniel Ruasow: I seriously doubt it, father. I’m just a kid from an orphanage on the other side of town a long time ago.
Priest: ...that’s it! Daniel?
Daniel Ruasow: Huh? Yes?
Priest: My goodness. It’s been over twenty years. How are you my boy?
Daniel Ruasow: Wait...Father Dominick?
Priest: It is I. Oh it is so good to see you. I trust you are doing well for yourself?
{Indeed it was the priest that was associated with the orphanage Dan, Levi, and Jesse were a part of for a short while all those years ago.)
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, manages to get out of that hell. Now I’m married with a kid o the way.
Priest: Oh praise the Lord. Do you still keep in touch with Jesse and Levi?
Daniel Ruasow: Ph yeah. We are still brothers. We actually are all pro wrestlers together. They are both married too. Levi has three kids.
Priest: Oh, the lost boys have been found.
Daniel Ruasow: Wow...lost boys...haven’t heard that one in years.
Priest: It broke my heart that I couldn’t help more. When I tried to speak up about what was going on in that place, I was threatened.
Daniel Ruasow: It’s okay father. You did what you could.
Priest: What can I do for you now?
Daniel Ruasow: Honesy? Pray for me. I’ve got this match coming up...it’s going to be filled with violence. If I want to come out on top, I’m going to have to go to a dark place.
Priest: And you fear the dark place?
Daniel Ruasow: Actually, the opposite. I feel at home in the dark place, I fear being able to come back after it’s over. But I have a child on the way, I have to be able to come back.
Priest: What is the reason you feel you need to go to the dark place?
Daniel Ruasow: It’s what everything has been leading to. My opponents...well, one of them and I have exchanged a war of words, we’ve never really gotten along. I just don’t really see eye to eye with her.
Priest: Her? You’re facing a woman?
Daniel Ruasow: Well...the match is for the championship she holds...it’s complicated. She puts herself into these situations. And the title also brings a whole other ideal into this. If I win the title, that’s a nice monetary bonus that could go towards the preparation for mine and Audrey’s child.
Priest: I see, and you have another opponent?
Daniel Ruasow: Yeah, Malachi. An Irish madman that is dating a good friend’s daughter.
Priest: I see, are you worried of the repercussions with that relationship from this battle?
Daniel Ruasow: Not really. Everyone knows what’s at stake. We are going into battle, both expected to give it our all.
Priest: And what of the match itself?
Daniel Ruasow: Well...I mean it literally had hell in the name. It’s a Hell in a Cell match.
Priest: I see. That sounds incredibly barbaric.
Daniel Ruasow: It is, and you see why I need to go to that place to be okay with it all.
Priest: The human mind can never be “okay” with something like that, Daniel. No matter what place you go to, you will have to live with whatever happens in a battle like this, the good and the brutal. The struggle will be to not lose the good in you through it all.
Daniel Russow: That’s why I’m here. To pray for the strength to not lose myself.
Priest: The lord will never betray or forsaken you. Put your faith in him, and you can always find your way home.
Daniel Ruasow: Thanks, father. Not sure he’s gonna approve of what’s ahead, though.
Priest: Mind if I pray with you?
Daniel Ruasow: I could use all the help I can get honestly.
{The two bow their heads, and the priest places his hands on Daniel’s shoulders.)
Priest: Lord, you are so strong and caring. Please protect Daniel from any harm that may come his way. Help him find the strength in you through his trials and tribulations. Let him not fall into the temptation of evil, and let him return to your light in the face of evil. When he is weak, I ask that you wrap your grace around him and his family. Help him see how amazing you are. I pray that you stand beside him and keep him safe. Help him be the man you need him to be. In your name I pray, Amen.
{The two look up, as Daniel smiles.)
Daniel Ruasow: Thanks for that, Father. I’m not sure how much it’ll help, but it means a lot to me.
Priest: I will continue to pray for you and your family. Will you come see me after it is done?
Daniel Ruasow: I will, and I’ll be sure to come by to introduce you to my wife and child once we have them.
Priest: I do look forward to that day.
Daniel Ruasow: I best get going. It was really good seeing you, Father.
Priest: You as well, always a blessing, Daniel.
{The scene fades with the two parting ways.)
++++++++++++++++++++
This Is My Legacy
Chapter Four - Dies Irae / Day of Wrath Tokyo Dome Day of Last Rites
{The scene opens with a shot of the Gell in a Cell structure as it surrounds the ring. We pan up the entrance ramp, and see Daniel Russow standing at the foot of the cell structure, looking up at it.)
Daniel Ruasow: Some legends are told...some turn to dust or to gold...but you’ll remember me…
{Daniel steps through the open door, and shuts it behind him.)
Daniel Ruasow:...for centuries.
{Daniel starts to run his fingers along the cell as he ealks.)
Daniel Ruasow: When we started this thing off, it was a one on one affair. Then suddenly, Irish madness was injected into the fray. I wish I could say i was surprised by everything, but it’s no secret management doesn’t want me to hold the title. I’m too much of a loose cannon. You see, when Mike has his title shot, he didn’t have to continuously go through hoops before hand. He just got a title match. When Jenn beat Alexis, it wasn’t for the title. Even leading up to this match, what challenges has Alexis had to face? Exactly, she is being protected. But now we get to the match, and because Mal got a victory over me, he gets thrown into this feud. Not so much to protect Alexis this time, as it is in hopes to keep me from winning the title. You see, management won’t give me a one on one match against Alexis because they know exactly what will happen. So no, they have to throw other people in the mix as collateral damage. It happened with Mike and Jenn the first go round, and now it’s Malachi this time.
{Daniel rolls into the ring, walking along the ropes.)
Daniel Ruasow: Hell, even the write up for this match is treating me like an afterthought, only talking about Malachi and Alexis. They are trying oh so desperately to keep me out of the picture. But try as they might, it’s not going to work.
{Daniel stands in the middle of the ring, looking around at the cell.)
Daniel Ruasow: The PWS World Title is a championship that has eluded me my entire career. I came this close years ago when I won the Destonation Next contract, but the company closed down before I could get my opportunity. Now, I get my shot, and they are trying to move heaven and earth to make sure I don’t succeed. But nothing, and no one, is stopping me.
{Daniel gets out of the ring and walks back over to the door to the cell.)
Daniel Ruasow: Lets go back, all the way back to January of this by ear. You remember what happened then, Alexis? When you had your freak out and blocked all of us for speaking a little bit of truth? You couldn’t handle the truth then, and you can’t handle it now. The truth is your title is living on borrowed time. You’ve lucked your way through a few months, but now it’s about to all come crashing down around you.
{Daniel walks out the door and starts to climb the outside of the cell. After a few moments, he’s at the top, looking down through the top of the cell.)
Daniel Ruasow: There’s been a lot said about the Russow family name - how I’m living in Levi’s shadow. There’s something you all need to understand. The Russow legacy doesn’t just apply to Levi. It applies to all of us, and on this night, you’re going to head with one hell of a motivated Russow.
{Daniel starts to walk around the top of the cell.)
Daniel Ruasow: I don’t care if Malachi is involved, I have never held a world title, and it’s high time I change that fact. Neither of you have the drive I have. Neither of you have the determination I have. NEITHER of you, no matter what you may think of yourselves, are willing to go as far as I am to come out on top of this war. Alexis might be an Aussie firecracker. Mal might be an Irish psychopath. But do either of you honestly think you have what it takes to stand to me to toe with the Rabid Deviant of PWS? I’ve made bitches cry, I’ve made bitches bleed, and tonight, no amount of blood, sweat, and tears is gonna Dave either of you from the inevitable, and that’s the show going off the air with me standing tall with the PWS a World Title held high over my head.
{Daniel stops at the edge of the cell, as he looks down.)
Daniel Ruasow: The Dies Irae...the day of wrath is upon us. In this structure, there will be nowhere for you to run. Nowhere for you to hide. Nowhere for you to escape the hell. I’m going to walk out of Last Rites with the World Title. Audrey and I are going to have a beautiful baby, and I’m going to be one HELL of a father. I have been waiting...salivating...for this opportunity. You can try and come up with some kind of last minute defense system. You can try to think of some last second distraction. You can try and stop me, but You. Will. Fail!
{Daniel looks fown at the camera with a look of intensity, that slowly turns into a wicked, twisted grin.)
Daniel Ruasow: You will remember me...for centuries.
{The scene fades to black with Daniel chuckling slowly and menacingly to himself.)
-END-
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Post by Malachi on Dec 1, 2019 23:24:11 GMT -5
Tokyo, Japan Saturday night
The bar was practically empty, save for a table of Japanese businessmen in the corner talking and laughing uproariously, and the lone figure of Malachi sitting at the end of the bar with a mug in his hand. Another round of raucous laughter from the corner had the Irishman glaring over his shoulder, but the men were either oblivious to him or blatantly ignoring him. The tired old bartender was wiping down a glass while he stared at the TV hanging in the corner, playing some wacky Japanese game show.
The door to the front of the bar opened up, the ambient noise from the street filling the room before the door closed. The bartender and Mal looked towards the door, but while the bartender looked back down at his glass, Mal raised a curious eyebrow as he was joined by none other than Mack McKane, who took the barstool next to him and signaled the bartender for a beer.
The two men didn’t say anything for a few moments, just sat and drank in companionable silence until Mal finished off his drink and put the glass back down on the bar. “Figured you’d be with your girl. Yunno, now that you’ve pulled your head out of your arse and fessed up to her,” he said, with a cheeky smirk.
Mack just laughed a bit. “Yeah, well...she’s having some girl time with the other two.”
“So how come you’re not with the little Russow prince then?”
“Cause you and I got a conversation to have.” Mack downed the last of his own drink, turning to look at Mal. “You’ve been about the only one in this whole damn company that hasn’t ignored the fact that I’ve been chasing that top spot since I got here. I know you’re tough enough to get the job done, and that’s exactly what I want you to do at Last Rites. I want you to tear through those two and I want YOU to win that bloody title. At least then I’ll know that I’ve got a champion in my sights that won’t duck and weave like bloody Ali.”
Before Mal can reply, a loud cheer comes from the group in the corner, as their attention is focused on the game show on TV. Both Mal and Mack glare at them before turning back in their seats to a couple of freshly poured beers. They look towards the bartender, who nods in their direction respectfully. The two men lift their glasses in appreciation and take a drink.
“You got nothing to worry about,” Mal said, a confident edge creeping into his voice. “Makarios talked a big game at that contract signing, but I saw the fear in her eyes. She’s seen what I’ve done in the ring, and she knows damn well that I’m the biggest threat to that title she’s ever had.” Another cheer from the corner had Mal gritting his teeth, but he continued on. “As for that pseudo-Russow joke, he’s a complete non-factor. I already beat him once before, and you can bet that I’m damn sure gonna do it again.”
When the next round of obnoxious cheers and laughter rose up, Mack slammed his hands down on the bar. “Alright, that does it.” He rose up from the barstool and whipped around to face the group of four men. “Listen, dunno if you’re gonna be able to understand me, but my mate and I are trying to have a conversation and we can barely hear ourselves over you laughing hyenas. So pipe down, will ya?”
The four men just stared at him drunkenly for a moment, before bursting out in another chorus of laughter and slurred Japanese.
“Well, I tried to be diplomatic about the whole thing. Guess I gotta use the universal language now,” Mack said, before grabbing one of the men by the lapels of his suit jacket and hauling him up and out of his seat. The man, possibly in a bit of drunken bravado, tried to swing a fist at Mack, who easily ducked it before landing one of his own across the man’s face, causing him to crumple to the floor holding his now bloodied nose. The three others were now infuriated and rose up to avenge their friend.
In a second, Mal was off his chair and at Mack’s side. “You really think this is a good idea?” he said.
“Think of it as training for your match,” Mack said, sidestepping as one of them charged him and promptly bashed his head into the bar, sliding down to the floor.
Mal shrugged his shoulders and squared up with one of the other two left, who seemed a bit more sober than his buddies. He swung a few good punches at Mal, who avoided them easily before sinking his own fists into the man’s midsection. Mal pulled the bottom of his dress shirt over his head and gave him a vicious uppercut to his stomach, which dropped the other man to his knees coughing and trying to catch his breath. Mal glanced over to see Mack with the last man in a headlock, before he viciously elbowed him straight in the temple. All four men were now down on the floor, groaning and clutching various injured body parts, as Mack and Mal stepped over them and went back to their seats at the bar. The bartender, to his credit, looked completely unbothered by the entire exchange.
“Uh, sorry about all that unpleasantness, chief,” Mack said.
The bartender waved a dismissive hand. “They assholes. Never leave tip,” he said in heavily accented English.
Mal and Mack looked at each other and laughed a bit, tapping their glasses together in a celebratory salute.
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Later That Morning Just outside the Tokyo Dome
Grey clouds hung low in the December sky, threatening the possibility of rain across Tokyo. And still, the city was a hive of activity as people came and went about their daily lives. The Tokyo Dome stood in the background of this particular scene, imposing in its sheer size and legacy. Staring up at it with something akin to awe, Malachi had his hands in the pockets of his grey coat to ward off the chilly morning air.
“So, this is the place, huh?” he said, his breath coming out in clouds as it hit the air. “I heard about this place so much from my brother. He always talked about it like it was the Holy Land, and I can say at the time I thought he was just bullshitting me. But now that I’m here, seeing it in person, and knowing that in a few days’ time I’ll be standing in the middle of that arena, holding the World title over my head...I think I can finally say that I get it. Being in Japan, seeing how wrestling is treated like a sacred religion, I can understand why so many wrestlers flock to this place. The feeling you get when people treat you with nothing but respect and admiration, even if you’re the most despised and hated person in the company...I can see how it could become addictive.”
He turned to look directly at the camera, his face a hardened mask of fierce determination. “Because at least here in Japan, people can actually get ahead in the business, instead of being glossed over for the company pets. The ones who put in the work, who shed their blood, sweat and tears for this business...they’re the ones that get rewarded. Not the pampered friends of the boss, or the tagalongs with a borrowed last name. Maybe I should think about just heading for greener pastures…” He looked over his shoulder at the Tokyo Dome, before turning back to the camera with his confident, cocky smirk in place. “Nah, you fuckers ain’t getting rid of me that easily. I’m not about to tuck tail and run, just because some people think I weaseled my way into this title shot. You can all think what you want about me, I couldn’t give two flying fucks what any of you think. Because when Wednesday night comes around, you won’t have any choice but to recognize me as the pinnacle in this company. Because I am walking into this building behind me, I am getting into that ring, and I am going to annihilate Alexis Makarios and Danny Russow. And then, Apex will finally have a champion worthy of holding that belt. They’ll have a champion that doesn’t ignore potential challengers. They’ll have a champion that won’t cling to his ill-gotten surname to try and build a sandcastle legacy. They’ll have a champion that will represent this company the way it deserves. One that won’t back down from anyone that steps up. Because trust me...I know the first person that’s going to step to me once I get that belt. And I’m looking forward to it.”
He paced a few steps, hands still in the pockets of his wool coat. “See, unlike you Alexis, I ain’t gonna duck and cover from Mack McKane. No, in fact I want him to be my first challenger. You know why? Because a champion is only as good as his competition. You keep saying you’ve been defending that belt at every pay-per-view, but really...what kind of competition have you had? Michael O’Neil? Your little bestie Jenn Carpenter? What the fuck have either one of those useless shitheels done around here besides take up space? Come to think of it, it all makes sense now as to why you’ve been ducking Mack all this time. Because you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would put you down in a second. So you just flat-out ignored him, hoping he’d go away like one of your STDs, is that it? Well, princess, you won’t have to worry about him for much longer anyways, seeing as you won’t be champion after Wednesday night. So, you’re welcome.”
He gave a mock bow, straightening up and putting his hands back in his pockets. “And as for the Boy Who Never Will Be, you shouldn’t have even been in this match to start with. See, in a perfect world, my kicking your ass should have secured me your spot in this match. But because by virtue of you being one of Star Stormz’s little pets from back in the good ol’ days, you got to keep your spot while I had to forcibly take what was rightfully mine in the first place. So you can be damn sure that I’ll be pulling the trigger on you as well. I could just make it easy on myself and kick your head off your shoulders and focus squarely on Ginger Spice, but that’s not what I’m about. I’m a fighter, and I’m out to prove to the world that I’m not some damn afterthought. I’m going to step up, and I’m going to TAKE what belongs to me. The Apex World Championship.”
Sliding one hand out of his pocket, Mal drew a thumb across his throat with a snarl, his intense blue eyes staring down the camera lens as it cut away to black, ending the scene.
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Post by Alexis Makarios on Dec 1, 2019 23:54:33 GMT -5
ooc: Sorry guys, got sick and yeah... good luck to you guys I'll be back for a rematch later *The scene fades up inside of the Lopez home. It was about 5PM on Thanksgiving Day, and it was quiet… almost too quiet…until...* Alexis: OH...MY...GOD… I am so full right now. Best part of Thanksgiving dinner is the pumpkin pie. *Alexis plopped down on the couch in the living room, hand on her stomach, and a grin on her face* Alexis: I’m gonna regret eating all this later, especially when I have to do triple shifts in the gym to burn it all off… but man was it worth it. *She was then joined by Jenn, who sat next to her.* Jenn: I know the feeling. Today has been so crazy. And to think, we don’t celebrate this back home. Alexis: I know! They are missing out. It’s my favorite American holiday. And I love that I have spent all but 1 Thanksgiving with this crazy ass family. Jenn: Yeah, they do have a way of making you feel at home. Alexis: Speaking of family… you and your sister seem to be getting along pretty good. Jenn: Yeah… she’s not as bad as I thought. I’m really glad you were here with me when I met her, took off a lot of the pressure. Alexis: She seems pretty cool. I haven’t had much chance to talk to her, but I will. We should all get together after Last Rites, have a celebration for when I win my match. Jenn: Oh that’s right… you got that big match coming up. With everything going on I was a bit sidetracked. You ready for it? Alexis: Of course I am. I’m not concerned about Dan. Jenn: But he is pissed and hates you… Alexis: And he has every right to hate me. I said something truly awful that I never should have said. Yes, I regret it. And I understand that he wants to hurt me. I would too, if the situation was reversed. See… i have this bad habit of saying things I don’t mean to hurt some one who has hurt or upset me… and I don’t even realize I say it until after. Jenn: Trust me… I know… Alexis: Yeah…. And then Malachi thinks he can weasel his way into my match because he beat Dan a few weeks ago? Jenn: I mean, it IS a legit call to the title. Can you HONESTLY say you wouldn’t have done the same if it was reversed? You beat the title contender, you would want a shot at the title, right? Alexis: You aren’t wrong… But he just really pissed me off the way he did it. Jenn: Understandable. So what are you gonna do about it? Alexis: I’l let you know when I can move… right now… I think I need a nap. Jenn: I told you not to have that 3rd piece of pumpkin pie Alexis: Worth it! *She leans back in the couch and gets comfortable.* Alexis: I’m just gonna nap here for a little bit… wake me up if anything interesting happens… *Alexis closed her eyes as Jenn laughed a bit. She wasted no time dozing off. Jenn covered her with a blanket before heading into the kitchen as the scene faded to black.*
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