Post by Sentinel on Dec 1, 2014 13:38:36 GMT -6
From the other side of the curtains, the roar of fans inside The Pit in Albuquerque is deafening. For the fans that turned in to Mayhem last week, they can pick out the goings-on almost moment to moment: the cheers that erupted Sentinel narrowly defeating Silver Baron in his return match. The resounding boos brought on by Joshua McBride’s appearance and subsequent shenanigans. The chorus of ‘ohhhhhh’s when McBride’s faux Talon was laid out viciously by a perturbed Sentinel. And the vocalized trepidation when it appeared as though McBride would actually assault Talon whilst the Silent Destroyer was incapacitated.
What’s seen now is a few minutes after the key was placed in Talon’s hand. The tension is palpable.
The curtain is thrown back moments later with the fire-haired Angel of Sin and the Silent Destroyer in her wake. They’re emanating the kind of aura that gives folks pause and the kind of body language that makes them move aside without prompting. It isn’t until the couple reaches the end of the hallway that someone actually declines to get out of the way, though considering the people in question, they can probably get away with it. Sentinel and Talon turn the corner and come face-to-face with the Dead Men who, to their credit, look equally disgusted by what went down minutes ago. The seven of them exchange looks before the MC falls into step with them, the whole group heading down the hall together.
Shawn Crowe: ”What the hell was that about? I thought this shit between you and them was over.”
Talon: ”It was.”
Talon’s response is cold and clipped, but Shawn is sharp enough to know that the edge isn’t directed at drawing his proverbial blood.
Talon: ”And by the time we’re finished, he’s going to wish he’d left it alone.”
Shawn Crowe: ”If he were anything close to normal I’d agree with that sentiment, Talon, but he ain’t. Sentinel may beat the fuck out of him, but he’s had that happen before and he’s still up to the same bullshit.”
At Shawn’s brief dissertation on the mindset of the Dark Messiah, Talon smiles thinly with a particularly pronounced glint in her green eyes.
Talon: ”He’s never had to deal with us, though. Sentinel has a gift for getting a point across.”
She passes a glance the Destroyer’s way but his gray eyes are forward and his jaw is set. Five bucks says that he’s already feeling the phantom sensation of McBride’s pulse against his palms and fingers as he squeezes his throat like a tube of toothpaste. Rory pipes up at this point, clapping Sentinel on the shoulder and speaking in a tone perhaps too jovial for the mood at hand.
Rory McCall: ”Ain’t tellin’ us anything we don’t already know there, sis! You should’ve seen him the other day when we ran down those assholes in the middle of the highway!”
Five sets of eyes suddenly lock laser-like on Rory. The four pairs belonging to the Dead Men are stares of varying levels of chilly irritation. The other two belong to Talon, whose own harsh glare suddenly becomes inquisitive. Sentinel himself stops in his tracks and looks to Rory several inches below him. Quite suddenly, he realizes that he said something he shouldn’t have but it’s too late to take it back now.
Talon: ”…what exactly do you mean by that?”
Shawn Crowe: ”Yeah, Rory…”
Shawn speaks with great restraint considering the change in mood, saying plenty with just a few words directed at one of his brothers.
Shawn Crowe: ”…what DO you mean by that?”
Rory McCall: ”Well, ah… I mean… They took one look at this guy and practically crapped their pants. Not that I blame ‘em. Sure as hell made our work easier, right?”
Antonio’s hand goes to his face but both of Darius’s reach his. Frederick lifts a brow, staring at Rory incredulously while Shawn seems to be mentally deciding whether to drop the topic or go upside his brother’s head. Talon from the looks of her smells the exaggeration all over that story but shrugs and keeps walking.
Talon: ”Sometimes, Rory, you’re so full of crap it defies description.”
Rory McCall: ”What?! They did!”
The president’s choice is the latter. As the group starts walking again, he swats the back of Rory’s head like a father would to a kid acting up in church. It’s a token swat to let him know that he’d just dodged a bullet. But considering that Talon had let it drop, nothing more is said on the matter.
Talon: ”So, what’s your plans for the holiday, guys? Some family of mine returned from abroad recently and they love nothing more than to cook massive meals during the holidays. In fact, they actually requested that you join us if you’ve nothing else going on.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Is it who I’m thinking of?”
Talon: ”The very same.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Then I’m sure we’ll find time to stop by…”
There was more to be said, but the chime of a cell phone interrupts the change in topic. Antonio pulls the phone from his pocket and answers it, the conversation kept low while the rest of the group continued their conversation.
Talon: ”I’d suggest bringing an appetite. They tend to cook enough to feed an army and you’re going to want to sample everything at the very least.”
Shawn Crowe: ”I’ve heard the stories. Y’all go way back, don’t you?”
Talon: ”Pretty far. I’ve known him almost as long as I’ve known Sentinel.”
Antonio Murond: ”Yo, boss…you oughta take this.”
Talon and Shawn both look to Antonio, as does Sentinel. The Dead Men VP has an intense look on his face that does a good job of masking the chaos going on in his brain. Shawn sees through it but makes no indication.
Talon: ”Go ahead. We’ve got to grab our things. We’ll meet you at the hotel in a few hours.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Sure thing.”
Talon and Sentinel disappear into the locker room and Shawn turns back to Antonio, gesturing for the phone.
Shawn Crowe: ”Yeah? Speaking.”
The tone changes within moments of Shawn taking the call.
Shawn Crowe: ”…Robert?”
The mention of the name has the rest of the club fixing their stare on Shawn. He gestures for them to start moving as they continue their trek to the parking lot.
Shawn Crowe: ”Three days, but we have a prior engagement. It’s going to have to wait till after the holiday.”
Whispers pass between the other club members but Shawn is oblivious.
Shawn Crowe: ”What makes you think that place is up and running again? Fine, fine… Noon at the shop. This had better be important, Kage.”
Closing the phone, Shawn tossing it back to Antonio, who pockets it. He alone carries the same serious look at Shawn while the rest hover between curiosity and confusion. The president is aware of their eyes boring into him and shakes his head slowly.
Shawn Crowe: ”Sounds like someone’s been doing some digging while we were gone. Rory, are there any messages?”
Rory McCall: ”Aside from that bodyguard detail, nothin’. You expecting somethin’?”
Shawn stops before the doors, staring past the glass for a few moments in silence. Shaking his head, he looks over his shoulder toward his brethren.
Shawn Crowe: ”I don’t know yet. For the time being it’s business as usual. And let’s keep this call between us, shall we? Our brother’s got enough on his plate for the time being.”
The rest of the group nods in acquiescence before heading out the door toward the parking garage. Not long after the unmistakable roar of their Milwaukee hogs echo in the underground area and they tear out. About a week removed from Mayhem, most of America is taking advantage of Cyber Monday since Black Friday didn’t do enough damage to their credit rating.
Most of them.
At the Valley Forge home of Sentinel and Talon, there’s a different tradition taking place. Or at least it’s about to in the woods surrounding it anyway. A group of three comprised of the Angel of Sin, the Silent Destroyer and a young girl of around two perched on the latter’s shoulder beneath a large, protective hand. The other two people know on sight, obviously, but the dark-haired child is being seen for the first time. And from the looks of things, she’s having quite the time getting a bird’s-eye view of the woods. Talon stays close to Sentinel’s side, a large plastic pot cradled in her arms bearing an evergreen sapling while the man himself has both a shovel and an axe resting against his other shoulder.
They’ve been on the move for a bit it appears for it isn’t long before they come to a stop at a fair-sized pine, perhaps six or seven feet in height, that makes the young lady perched on the Silent Destroyer’s shoulder quite pleased. Letting her down first into her mother’s arms, whereupon she’s lowered to the ground, she’s led a little ways off by the aforementioned who brings the sapling and the shovel along with them. And while the ladies see about planting the new tree, Sentinel takes axe in hand to bring down the one they’d traveled to. He makes quick work of it, bringing the tree down away from the women-folk and proceeding to wrap it for easier carrying. Talon and the young lady carefully remove the sapling from the pot and place it in the hole, proceeding to pat the dirt down around it as Sentinel comes back over to them, tree over his shoulder as he watches them with an expression of contentment.
Talon (voice-over): ”This rare glimpse into the personal life of the most dangerous man in the UWA is not meant to warm hearts or give false impressions. It is, in fact, very real. This is a ritual that we have practiced for years, only recently bringing a new member of the family along to participate with us. As a whole, we are giving people and seek a balance in our lives between the glamour and violence of wrestling and satisfaction with the life that it helps us provide for those we treasure.”
The girl is even more ready to see the tree ready to take back home, clasping Talon’s hand as the trio walks back the way they came, Talon bearing the tools this time. It’s such a rare thing to see these two in such a pleasant state even when moods are riding high. As Talon stated not moments before, this is indeed a rare glimpse. And there is far more to it than the warm and fuzzies.
Talon (voice-over): ”What we give, however, can easily be taken away. Such as respect, patience and mercy. That certain people who have wronged us still walk under their own power is a blessing they should treasure, yet they exploit our kindness. If they desire, nay, crave to be an example of the other side that thoroughly…”
The scene pauses with them in mid-stride…then snaps to black.
Talon (voice-over): ”…we shall be happy to oblige.”
After a brief bit of silence, the view opens up again, this time on Sentinel’s deck. Night has fallen yet the Silent Destroyer sits back on one of the hand-made chairs, rolling a small, shiny object around in his palm. It catches the dim glow from within the house, within which we can see the upper portion of the previously-acquired tree which has already been decorated since the last time we saw it. After a little while, the camera only moving from Sentinel once for the aforementioned view, he puts the ocarina he’d been idly rolling about in his hand to his lips and starts to play a haunting yet soothing song.
He’s not long into it before the sliding glass door leading into the house is pushed open and soft footsteps carry another familiar face into view. Talon comes up behind his chair and sets her hands on his shoulders, closing her eyes as she revels in the soft music. After the song is finished, Sentinel lowers the instrument and Talon’s eyes open.
Talon: ”Are you a believer yet, Baron? Forgive us our brief moment of arrogance, but you know what they say: it’s not cocky if you say it and you back it up.”
It would have been appropriate for either of them to smile right there, maybe lighten the force of their words. It doesn’t happen.
Talon: ”And out of the two of us, you talked louder, longer and a hell of a lot bigger than we did. Yes, you gave my Destroyer a hell of a fight, but the nature of this all but expunges such things from its history and the minds of the fans. They only care about the end result, which didn’t go in your favor. Respect is, nonetheless, earned in some small fashion for the effort you put forth. Sentinel will not soon forget the battle you introduced him to. Next time, though…you’ll know better, won’t you?”
We can see easily that Talon’s still on edge just a little. Anger still courses through her despite the wonderfully pleasant day she had leading up to this point. Situations such as the one at the end of the previous Monday’s Mayhem, as should be expected, tend to stick in someone’s gut like swallowed bubblegum.
Getting out a few words in Baron’s general direction, however, offers some catharsis. After a moment to take in a few gulps of clean, mountain air to cleanse herself, Talon’s back on point.
Talon: ”My Destroyer has taken another step toward to his goal thanks to his recent victory. Day by day, match by match, that golden strap becomes closer and soon it will be within reach. It will only become more difficult as we go, though. When the points start stacking up, those in the lead will fight more tenaciously to maintain their edge while those without shall become ever more desperate to reach the same heights.
The former champion no doubt feels both the pressure to be champion again and the emptiness that comes when the title is wrenched from one’s possession. Those that have vied for the title in the past see opportunity before them yet again, except this time they’re on level ground with everyone else. It makes for a chaotic, challenging and entertaining situation. Yet our champion still sits on the sidelines, a non-factor thanks to the intrepid Olivier Georgio. Yes, my Destroyer and I still find that part of the whole tableau distasteful.”
Her expression shows as much while Sentinel remains as neutral as ever.
Talon: ”The pressure, too, has increased. Though his shoulders do not slump under its weight, and though our words in his direction were on the sharp side, we admit that the victory over Baron this past Mayhem was not only close but one that opened eyes. Unlike my Destroyer, Baron has held gold here even if the reign was brief. Beating a champion, former or otherwise, puts future opponents on notice. Those that already knew my Destroyer’s name were reminded of how dangerous he was while the new blood are all of a sudden quite interested in his exploits. The target already on his back thanks to his momentous return has only gotten bigger.
But he wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially considering what awaits in barely a week. This time around, we’ve a blast from the past waiting for us in that ring, don’t we, my Destroyer?”
Sentinel nods once, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Talon’s expression soon matches.
Talon: ”How have you been, Pauly? Word is you took some time off for your own reasons and returned recently. I trust that you, like us, settled your business while not under the wrestling world’s prying eye?”
She turns to look at the camera, an amusedly questioning expression curling her smooth features.
Talon: ”Almost eleven months ago it was when this place had its very first Mayhem. You and my Destroyer went at it one-on-one at that show in a hell of a match. Both of you, hiatuses aside, have been here since the start and not many folks on the roster can make that grand claim. Since then we’ve watched would-be heroes and wannabe superstars come and go, most of them showing but a brief flicker of greatness before they fell through the cracks, usually due to their own mistakes. One such person, whose name doesn’t deserve the leave the lips of either of us, fought along with you, Sentinel and Aerynn to determine this company’s first champion.
Shortly after that you disappeared but not before taking a crack at Aerynn for her newly-won belt. You can thank Sentinel and Broderick Montgomery for that opportunity, even if you didn’t make the most of it. Not that we hold that against you since Aerynn continued to prove her resilience long after that match had ended. And now here we are once again in roughly the same situation: two UWA Originals who are on a path with the rest of the roster toward earning a championship opportunity. Just like that first match way back in January, my Destroyer is looking forward to making yet another impact.”
Staring forward again, Talon takes a moment to look up at the starry sky as the view swings around, taking in both her and Sentinel from a more frontal perspective.
Talon: ”You’re a different man this time around, Pauly. You’ve a harder edge though your choice in company hasn’t shifted much save for a new addition to the clan. There’s more snap in your strikes and more spring in your step if I may be so cliché. And we consider that a good thing. Sometimes all it takes is a change in attitude and perspective to make life a little clearer.
My Destroyer has been through the same, looking within himself and finding something he had long thought lost. Paradigm and philosophy alike underwent a shift during the process of him and I preparing ourselves to return. The success we’ve enjoyed since that night weeks ago proves, at least to us, that the changes made were for the better. You could say the same for yourself, and that’s what makes this so interesting.”
Her musing gaze returns to the camera and Sentinel’s stare follows suit.
Talon: ”I hope for your sake you’re prepared for what you’re getting into Monday night. As far as the totem pole of success around here stands, you’re a few steps below the man Sentinel just defeated. We know that, at this point, the pressure on your end is starting to build and probably weighing you down just a bit, so we’re going to make this easy for you:”
She moves a few strands of red behind her ear.
Talon: ”Spare us any of your contrived bullshit or bragging about how things are going to be different this time and how Sentinel won’t embarrass you. Yeah, that probably sounds a lot like the old us but that’s probably the only thing that will penetrate your thick Irish skull. We have no beef, Pauly. Despite the battles you’ve had with Sentinel in the past, there was always a little understanding because both of you are warriors, not shy about delivering a beating and spilling a little blood, be it yours, your opponent’s or both. Being Irish myself, I get the draw and the allure.
Ours isn’t a past laden with strife despite the harsh words that were passed back and forth once upon a time. In fact, based on what we’ve seen and heard as of late, our thoughts on certain things here in the UWA are rather similar. But you are, nevertheless, my Destroyer’s opponent once again. He already knows how you operate and to us, not much has changed in that regard even if the way you approach your fights has.”
Sentinel taps his temple lightly as if to emphasize that point, to let Pauly know that he remembers clearly what’s passed before and what he intends to have repeat itself.
Talon: ”Unless there’s more to you than a healthier body and a darker attitude, you don’t have the luxury of getting bold where this match is concerned. The odds are even less in your favor than they were in Baron’s and while you can counter with the claim that you know my Destroyer and his ways between those ropes, I think it’s been shown already how far such knowledge has gotten you before now.
So don’t, Pauly. Don’t come at us both barrels with a half-empty bottle of false courage in your gut. Don’t draw upon a past that doesn’t paint you in the best of lights as inspiration. The only way you’re stepping out of that ring as a victor against my Destroyer when that final bell rings is by bringing your best and then some. Sentinel is not the same warrior he was months ago and neither are you, but there’s such a thing as changing your mind and changing your life. You’ve done the former.
I’ll tell you right now what you already know: that alone will never be enough to stop Sentinel.”
At those words Sentinel rises, taking Talon’s arm in his and walking her back inside the house. Fade to black
What’s seen now is a few minutes after the key was placed in Talon’s hand. The tension is palpable.
The curtain is thrown back moments later with the fire-haired Angel of Sin and the Silent Destroyer in her wake. They’re emanating the kind of aura that gives folks pause and the kind of body language that makes them move aside without prompting. It isn’t until the couple reaches the end of the hallway that someone actually declines to get out of the way, though considering the people in question, they can probably get away with it. Sentinel and Talon turn the corner and come face-to-face with the Dead Men who, to their credit, look equally disgusted by what went down minutes ago. The seven of them exchange looks before the MC falls into step with them, the whole group heading down the hall together.
Shawn Crowe: ”What the hell was that about? I thought this shit between you and them was over.”
Talon: ”It was.”
Talon’s response is cold and clipped, but Shawn is sharp enough to know that the edge isn’t directed at drawing his proverbial blood.
Talon: ”And by the time we’re finished, he’s going to wish he’d left it alone.”
Shawn Crowe: ”If he were anything close to normal I’d agree with that sentiment, Talon, but he ain’t. Sentinel may beat the fuck out of him, but he’s had that happen before and he’s still up to the same bullshit.”
At Shawn’s brief dissertation on the mindset of the Dark Messiah, Talon smiles thinly with a particularly pronounced glint in her green eyes.
Talon: ”He’s never had to deal with us, though. Sentinel has a gift for getting a point across.”
She passes a glance the Destroyer’s way but his gray eyes are forward and his jaw is set. Five bucks says that he’s already feeling the phantom sensation of McBride’s pulse against his palms and fingers as he squeezes his throat like a tube of toothpaste. Rory pipes up at this point, clapping Sentinel on the shoulder and speaking in a tone perhaps too jovial for the mood at hand.
Rory McCall: ”Ain’t tellin’ us anything we don’t already know there, sis! You should’ve seen him the other day when we ran down those assholes in the middle of the highway!”
Five sets of eyes suddenly lock laser-like on Rory. The four pairs belonging to the Dead Men are stares of varying levels of chilly irritation. The other two belong to Talon, whose own harsh glare suddenly becomes inquisitive. Sentinel himself stops in his tracks and looks to Rory several inches below him. Quite suddenly, he realizes that he said something he shouldn’t have but it’s too late to take it back now.
Talon: ”…what exactly do you mean by that?”
Shawn Crowe: ”Yeah, Rory…”
Shawn speaks with great restraint considering the change in mood, saying plenty with just a few words directed at one of his brothers.
Shawn Crowe: ”…what DO you mean by that?”
Rory McCall: ”Well, ah… I mean… They took one look at this guy and practically crapped their pants. Not that I blame ‘em. Sure as hell made our work easier, right?”
Antonio’s hand goes to his face but both of Darius’s reach his. Frederick lifts a brow, staring at Rory incredulously while Shawn seems to be mentally deciding whether to drop the topic or go upside his brother’s head. Talon from the looks of her smells the exaggeration all over that story but shrugs and keeps walking.
Talon: ”Sometimes, Rory, you’re so full of crap it defies description.”
Rory McCall: ”What?! They did!”
The president’s choice is the latter. As the group starts walking again, he swats the back of Rory’s head like a father would to a kid acting up in church. It’s a token swat to let him know that he’d just dodged a bullet. But considering that Talon had let it drop, nothing more is said on the matter.
Talon: ”So, what’s your plans for the holiday, guys? Some family of mine returned from abroad recently and they love nothing more than to cook massive meals during the holidays. In fact, they actually requested that you join us if you’ve nothing else going on.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Is it who I’m thinking of?”
Talon: ”The very same.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Then I’m sure we’ll find time to stop by…”
There was more to be said, but the chime of a cell phone interrupts the change in topic. Antonio pulls the phone from his pocket and answers it, the conversation kept low while the rest of the group continued their conversation.
Talon: ”I’d suggest bringing an appetite. They tend to cook enough to feed an army and you’re going to want to sample everything at the very least.”
Shawn Crowe: ”I’ve heard the stories. Y’all go way back, don’t you?”
Talon: ”Pretty far. I’ve known him almost as long as I’ve known Sentinel.”
Antonio Murond: ”Yo, boss…you oughta take this.”
Talon and Shawn both look to Antonio, as does Sentinel. The Dead Men VP has an intense look on his face that does a good job of masking the chaos going on in his brain. Shawn sees through it but makes no indication.
Talon: ”Go ahead. We’ve got to grab our things. We’ll meet you at the hotel in a few hours.”
Shawn Crowe: ”Sure thing.”
Talon and Sentinel disappear into the locker room and Shawn turns back to Antonio, gesturing for the phone.
Shawn Crowe: ”Yeah? Speaking.”
The tone changes within moments of Shawn taking the call.
Shawn Crowe: ”…Robert?”
The mention of the name has the rest of the club fixing their stare on Shawn. He gestures for them to start moving as they continue their trek to the parking lot.
Shawn Crowe: ”Three days, but we have a prior engagement. It’s going to have to wait till after the holiday.”
Whispers pass between the other club members but Shawn is oblivious.
Shawn Crowe: ”What makes you think that place is up and running again? Fine, fine… Noon at the shop. This had better be important, Kage.”
Closing the phone, Shawn tossing it back to Antonio, who pockets it. He alone carries the same serious look at Shawn while the rest hover between curiosity and confusion. The president is aware of their eyes boring into him and shakes his head slowly.
Shawn Crowe: ”Sounds like someone’s been doing some digging while we were gone. Rory, are there any messages?”
Rory McCall: ”Aside from that bodyguard detail, nothin’. You expecting somethin’?”
Shawn stops before the doors, staring past the glass for a few moments in silence. Shaking his head, he looks over his shoulder toward his brethren.
Shawn Crowe: ”I don’t know yet. For the time being it’s business as usual. And let’s keep this call between us, shall we? Our brother’s got enough on his plate for the time being.”
The rest of the group nods in acquiescence before heading out the door toward the parking garage. Not long after the unmistakable roar of their Milwaukee hogs echo in the underground area and they tear out. About a week removed from Mayhem, most of America is taking advantage of Cyber Monday since Black Friday didn’t do enough damage to their credit rating.
Most of them.
At the Valley Forge home of Sentinel and Talon, there’s a different tradition taking place. Or at least it’s about to in the woods surrounding it anyway. A group of three comprised of the Angel of Sin, the Silent Destroyer and a young girl of around two perched on the latter’s shoulder beneath a large, protective hand. The other two people know on sight, obviously, but the dark-haired child is being seen for the first time. And from the looks of things, she’s having quite the time getting a bird’s-eye view of the woods. Talon stays close to Sentinel’s side, a large plastic pot cradled in her arms bearing an evergreen sapling while the man himself has both a shovel and an axe resting against his other shoulder.
They’ve been on the move for a bit it appears for it isn’t long before they come to a stop at a fair-sized pine, perhaps six or seven feet in height, that makes the young lady perched on the Silent Destroyer’s shoulder quite pleased. Letting her down first into her mother’s arms, whereupon she’s lowered to the ground, she’s led a little ways off by the aforementioned who brings the sapling and the shovel along with them. And while the ladies see about planting the new tree, Sentinel takes axe in hand to bring down the one they’d traveled to. He makes quick work of it, bringing the tree down away from the women-folk and proceeding to wrap it for easier carrying. Talon and the young lady carefully remove the sapling from the pot and place it in the hole, proceeding to pat the dirt down around it as Sentinel comes back over to them, tree over his shoulder as he watches them with an expression of contentment.
Talon (voice-over): ”This rare glimpse into the personal life of the most dangerous man in the UWA is not meant to warm hearts or give false impressions. It is, in fact, very real. This is a ritual that we have practiced for years, only recently bringing a new member of the family along to participate with us. As a whole, we are giving people and seek a balance in our lives between the glamour and violence of wrestling and satisfaction with the life that it helps us provide for those we treasure.”
The girl is even more ready to see the tree ready to take back home, clasping Talon’s hand as the trio walks back the way they came, Talon bearing the tools this time. It’s such a rare thing to see these two in such a pleasant state even when moods are riding high. As Talon stated not moments before, this is indeed a rare glimpse. And there is far more to it than the warm and fuzzies.
Talon (voice-over): ”What we give, however, can easily be taken away. Such as respect, patience and mercy. That certain people who have wronged us still walk under their own power is a blessing they should treasure, yet they exploit our kindness. If they desire, nay, crave to be an example of the other side that thoroughly…”
The scene pauses with them in mid-stride…then snaps to black.
Talon (voice-over): ”…we shall be happy to oblige.”
After a brief bit of silence, the view opens up again, this time on Sentinel’s deck. Night has fallen yet the Silent Destroyer sits back on one of the hand-made chairs, rolling a small, shiny object around in his palm. It catches the dim glow from within the house, within which we can see the upper portion of the previously-acquired tree which has already been decorated since the last time we saw it. After a little while, the camera only moving from Sentinel once for the aforementioned view, he puts the ocarina he’d been idly rolling about in his hand to his lips and starts to play a haunting yet soothing song.
He’s not long into it before the sliding glass door leading into the house is pushed open and soft footsteps carry another familiar face into view. Talon comes up behind his chair and sets her hands on his shoulders, closing her eyes as she revels in the soft music. After the song is finished, Sentinel lowers the instrument and Talon’s eyes open.
Talon: ”Are you a believer yet, Baron? Forgive us our brief moment of arrogance, but you know what they say: it’s not cocky if you say it and you back it up.”
It would have been appropriate for either of them to smile right there, maybe lighten the force of their words. It doesn’t happen.
Talon: ”And out of the two of us, you talked louder, longer and a hell of a lot bigger than we did. Yes, you gave my Destroyer a hell of a fight, but the nature of this all but expunges such things from its history and the minds of the fans. They only care about the end result, which didn’t go in your favor. Respect is, nonetheless, earned in some small fashion for the effort you put forth. Sentinel will not soon forget the battle you introduced him to. Next time, though…you’ll know better, won’t you?”
We can see easily that Talon’s still on edge just a little. Anger still courses through her despite the wonderfully pleasant day she had leading up to this point. Situations such as the one at the end of the previous Monday’s Mayhem, as should be expected, tend to stick in someone’s gut like swallowed bubblegum.
Getting out a few words in Baron’s general direction, however, offers some catharsis. After a moment to take in a few gulps of clean, mountain air to cleanse herself, Talon’s back on point.
Talon: ”My Destroyer has taken another step toward to his goal thanks to his recent victory. Day by day, match by match, that golden strap becomes closer and soon it will be within reach. It will only become more difficult as we go, though. When the points start stacking up, those in the lead will fight more tenaciously to maintain their edge while those without shall become ever more desperate to reach the same heights.
The former champion no doubt feels both the pressure to be champion again and the emptiness that comes when the title is wrenched from one’s possession. Those that have vied for the title in the past see opportunity before them yet again, except this time they’re on level ground with everyone else. It makes for a chaotic, challenging and entertaining situation. Yet our champion still sits on the sidelines, a non-factor thanks to the intrepid Olivier Georgio. Yes, my Destroyer and I still find that part of the whole tableau distasteful.”
Her expression shows as much while Sentinel remains as neutral as ever.
Talon: ”The pressure, too, has increased. Though his shoulders do not slump under its weight, and though our words in his direction were on the sharp side, we admit that the victory over Baron this past Mayhem was not only close but one that opened eyes. Unlike my Destroyer, Baron has held gold here even if the reign was brief. Beating a champion, former or otherwise, puts future opponents on notice. Those that already knew my Destroyer’s name were reminded of how dangerous he was while the new blood are all of a sudden quite interested in his exploits. The target already on his back thanks to his momentous return has only gotten bigger.
But he wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially considering what awaits in barely a week. This time around, we’ve a blast from the past waiting for us in that ring, don’t we, my Destroyer?”
Sentinel nods once, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Talon’s expression soon matches.
Talon: ”How have you been, Pauly? Word is you took some time off for your own reasons and returned recently. I trust that you, like us, settled your business while not under the wrestling world’s prying eye?”
She turns to look at the camera, an amusedly questioning expression curling her smooth features.
Talon: ”Almost eleven months ago it was when this place had its very first Mayhem. You and my Destroyer went at it one-on-one at that show in a hell of a match. Both of you, hiatuses aside, have been here since the start and not many folks on the roster can make that grand claim. Since then we’ve watched would-be heroes and wannabe superstars come and go, most of them showing but a brief flicker of greatness before they fell through the cracks, usually due to their own mistakes. One such person, whose name doesn’t deserve the leave the lips of either of us, fought along with you, Sentinel and Aerynn to determine this company’s first champion.
Shortly after that you disappeared but not before taking a crack at Aerynn for her newly-won belt. You can thank Sentinel and Broderick Montgomery for that opportunity, even if you didn’t make the most of it. Not that we hold that against you since Aerynn continued to prove her resilience long after that match had ended. And now here we are once again in roughly the same situation: two UWA Originals who are on a path with the rest of the roster toward earning a championship opportunity. Just like that first match way back in January, my Destroyer is looking forward to making yet another impact.”
Staring forward again, Talon takes a moment to look up at the starry sky as the view swings around, taking in both her and Sentinel from a more frontal perspective.
Talon: ”You’re a different man this time around, Pauly. You’ve a harder edge though your choice in company hasn’t shifted much save for a new addition to the clan. There’s more snap in your strikes and more spring in your step if I may be so cliché. And we consider that a good thing. Sometimes all it takes is a change in attitude and perspective to make life a little clearer.
My Destroyer has been through the same, looking within himself and finding something he had long thought lost. Paradigm and philosophy alike underwent a shift during the process of him and I preparing ourselves to return. The success we’ve enjoyed since that night weeks ago proves, at least to us, that the changes made were for the better. You could say the same for yourself, and that’s what makes this so interesting.”
Her musing gaze returns to the camera and Sentinel’s stare follows suit.
Talon: ”I hope for your sake you’re prepared for what you’re getting into Monday night. As far as the totem pole of success around here stands, you’re a few steps below the man Sentinel just defeated. We know that, at this point, the pressure on your end is starting to build and probably weighing you down just a bit, so we’re going to make this easy for you:”
She moves a few strands of red behind her ear.
Talon: ”Spare us any of your contrived bullshit or bragging about how things are going to be different this time and how Sentinel won’t embarrass you. Yeah, that probably sounds a lot like the old us but that’s probably the only thing that will penetrate your thick Irish skull. We have no beef, Pauly. Despite the battles you’ve had with Sentinel in the past, there was always a little understanding because both of you are warriors, not shy about delivering a beating and spilling a little blood, be it yours, your opponent’s or both. Being Irish myself, I get the draw and the allure.
Ours isn’t a past laden with strife despite the harsh words that were passed back and forth once upon a time. In fact, based on what we’ve seen and heard as of late, our thoughts on certain things here in the UWA are rather similar. But you are, nevertheless, my Destroyer’s opponent once again. He already knows how you operate and to us, not much has changed in that regard even if the way you approach your fights has.”
Sentinel taps his temple lightly as if to emphasize that point, to let Pauly know that he remembers clearly what’s passed before and what he intends to have repeat itself.
Talon: ”Unless there’s more to you than a healthier body and a darker attitude, you don’t have the luxury of getting bold where this match is concerned. The odds are even less in your favor than they were in Baron’s and while you can counter with the claim that you know my Destroyer and his ways between those ropes, I think it’s been shown already how far such knowledge has gotten you before now.
So don’t, Pauly. Don’t come at us both barrels with a half-empty bottle of false courage in your gut. Don’t draw upon a past that doesn’t paint you in the best of lights as inspiration. The only way you’re stepping out of that ring as a victor against my Destroyer when that final bell rings is by bringing your best and then some. Sentinel is not the same warrior he was months ago and neither are you, but there’s such a thing as changing your mind and changing your life. You’ve done the former.
I’ll tell you right now what you already know: that alone will never be enough to stop Sentinel.”
At those words Sentinel rises, taking Talon’s arm in his and walking her back inside the house. Fade to black
