Post by soulshadow on Nov 3, 2013 18:17:20 GMT -5
T-Minus six days Before MPW Reloaded in Minnesota
{Inside the gleaming gold faceplate of the MPW World Tag Team championship is the reflection of a face struck by wonder. Hunter, scion of the reigning titleholder Soul Shadow, stares in awe at the first genuine wrestling championship belt he has ever seen. His hands lovingly trace each letter, as if afraid the slightest touch will shatter it into tiny pieces. For him, being able to be so close to the gold is like Christmas, Halloween, and his birthday combined into one giant holiday.}
Hunter (in a whisper): It’s beautiful…
{Holding the belt in his hands, Soul Shadow smiles at his son’s reactions. People often say Hunter is a miniature version of him. Watching the boy at this moment, Soul wonders if this is how he looked after his first title victory, winning the CWF Tag Team Championship with his best friend Dread Saxon so long ago. He wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he did.}
Soul: It sure is, kiddo. One of the most beautiful things in the entire world.
{Hunter’s face shines with joy and excitement as he raises his eyes to meet his father’s.}
Hunter: You did it, dad! You and Aeryn, you did it!
{Beaming, Soul opens his arms wide. Hunter jumps forward into his father’s embrace.}
Soul: We absolutely did, son. And you know why?
{Hunter looks at his father, shaking his head negatively.}
Soul: Because of the belief you had in us, kiddo.
{Hunter’s grin nearly covers his entire face. He looks back to the title belt, then back at his father.}
Hunter: Dad, where’s Aeryn? I thought she might be coming back with you after your vacation. She seemed to have a lot of fun hanging out with us when she stayed earlier…
Soul: She had to head back to Chicago, kiddo. It had been too long since she had been home and she needed to take care of some business.
{Soul notes his son’s crestfallen expression.}
Hunter: I understand. Still, I was hoping to see her again. I like her a lot.
{Soul ruffles the boy’s curls at the comment. He’s extremely glad to see Hunter has some affection for Aeryn, who is starting to take on more significance to his life than he ever would have imagined when he first met her. For their relationship to reach the next level, his son’s friendship with his tag partner is essential.}
{He just wishes everyone important to him felt the same way.}
Soul: Don’t worry, son. She and I are the reigning World Tag Team Champions and intend to remain that way for quite some time. So you’re guaranteed to see a lot more of her in the future, whether you like it or not.
{Once more, those pearly whites of Soul’s child appear on the screen.}
Hunter: I’d like that very much.
{Soul smiles himself as he pulls his son into another embrace. The camera holds on the tender parent-child moment before the scene fades.}
T-Minus four days before MPW Reloaded in Minnesota
{In the Boston offices of Soul Connection, Soul Shadow has finally returned from his extended vacation with his tag partner Aeryn Ashfield. In many ways, he feels he could have been extremely happy to spend the rest of his life traversing around Western Canada with her. But his responsibilities to both his son, his family, and his business dictated his homecoming. He spent time with the former over the past couple of days, celebrating his first title in a decade. Now it is time to focus on his clients before leaving for Minneapolis and his first tag match as champion.}
{While shaking hands and accepting congratulations from several employees, he arrives at the door of one of the conferences. He has heard one of his clients, new WWO superstar La Diosa Alada, is inside, discussing her plans and possible future tag team scenarios with Shakira, his assistant and niece. He trusts Shakira to handle it, for she shares her aunt’s gifted mind for the talent management business. Still, as he personally signed the rising star to a contract, he feels it would be wise to maintain personal contact with her as he better than most understands what she possibly faces in her upcoming career.}
{However, as he turns the handle, he catches a few of the words being spoken between the two ladies. Gently, he opens the door a small crack, choosing to listen rather than make his presence known. The camera angle switches slightly, focusing through the tiny gap to catch slight profiles of the beauties inside as they converse.}
Shakira: I know I should be happy he finally achieved his dream, but the fact it was with her…
La Diosa: Why do you care so much about it? I thought his late wife was your blood relative…
Shakira: She was. My mother is her older sister. However, my mother and father… well, let’s just say they aren’t exactly the most affectionate people. Dad was trust-fund baby who preferred to jet-set around the world with Mom. I think they saw carrying a child with them on their adventures as a crimp in their style. So I found myself being raised by nannies more than my own parents.
La Diosa: I’m sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine that was an easy way to grow up, being taken care by people who were essentially hired strangers.
Shakira: No, it definitely wasn’t. But I will tell you something which may surprise you. I never lacked for love, solely because of my aunt. She always made time for me, be it just hanging out at her place, taking me out places, showing up to events at my school… whenever I needed her, she was always there. Because of that, I never viewed her as my aunt. Rather, I would think of her as my big sister.
La Diosa: I see. So when Soul Shadow came into the picture…
Shakira: …it was like I gained a big brother. I thought once they started dating, she would pull away and forget about me, much like my parents did. Instead, he welcomed me into his life with open arms, inviting me to family events, coming with my aunt to all of my school activities. He treated me like one of his own from the moment we met. I couldn’t have been happier my aunt had found such a man to share her life.
La Diosa: Now I see. Even though the two of you are not blood, you’ve had a sibling relationship from day one. And like any good sibling, you want to watch out for him.
Shakira: You know, when I first met Aeryn, I actually thought she would be good for Michael. Since my aunt died a decade ago, he hasn’t opened himself to anybody, focusing all his energy on his business and his son. Aeryn looked to be the one who could change all of that. She seemed personable, fun, exciting… in some ways, she reminded me of my aunt. There was no denying there was a spark between them, even though he didn’t realize it at first. Secretly, I hoped they would end up together.
La Diosa: But they have ended up together, at least from what I can see. What happened to change your opinion on that?
Shakira: The whole situation with the Damned when, rather than help him, she instead left him TWICE to receive a brutal beating at their hands. That bitch showed her true colors by choosing an improved chance in the Roll the Dice match with a weakened competitor over saving someone she claimed to be a friend.
La Diosa: It would appear Soul Shadow has moved past that situation, plus Aeryn has proven herself trustworthy with winning the belts…
Shakira: Oh, she doesn’t fool me. If it wasn’t for a chance to win the titles, I’m sure she would have pitched my uncle to the curb a while ago. The moment they lose those belts, or even perhaps when she has a chance to get another partner, Aeryn will stab him in the back with a moment’s hesitat…
La Diosa: You really think so little about him that you believe he would fall for such a trick?
Shakira: He’s blinded by love! He thinks she feels the same way when there is no way…
{Through the crack, Soul sees La Diosa raise her hand to cut Shakira off.}
La Diosa: Stop, Shakira. Your uncle is not an idiot. Yes, I do believe you are right that he has fallen for Aeryn. But from what I have seen, she cares for him equally as much. Not because of the championship they earned. It is because she loves and values him for the man he is.
Shakira: How could she? She’s a conniving little tramp while Michael is a good-hearted man…
La Diosa: Don’t try to understand what attracts to people to each other, Shakira. Believe me, two people who are polar opposites can find themselves drawn together and make it work against all odds, even when everyone else thinks they are crazy to even attempt it. And truthfully, Soul and Aeryn aren’t as far apart as you think. She’s a lot more honorable than you give her credit and he has way more steel in his teeth than most realize. So let them be to work it out themselves. They’ve already accomplished something extremely impressive by trusting and caring for each other, and I think it will only get better for them from here.
{Soul can almost physically feel the waves of frustration radiating from Shakira through the door. However, he can tell her emotions are receding in the face of La Diosa’s argument.}
Shakira: I guess you are right….
La Diosa: I know I am right. Now, let us get back to our business discussion. I have an idea for the WWO I’d like to bounce off of you…
{Soul listens for a little while longer, yet instead of entering the room, he turns to retreat down the hall. Smiling to himself, he makes a mental note to make sure La Diosa gets an upgrade to her hotel accommodations when the WWO tour arrives in Milwaukee the following week…}
T-Minus two Days before MPW Reloaded in Minnesota
{Sunset on a slightly chilly autumn day in Minneapolis. In Theodore Wirth Park, one of the most scenic lands in the entire Midwest, various people going through routines to either end their day or perhaps begin their nightlife and weekend. Some joggers are partaking in a late afternoon run in the brisk air. A few suited individuals are chatting on their cellphones, making last minute deals at conclusion of a busy week. Smiling parents watch their children enjoying one of the last outdoor days before the frigidness of the Minnesota winter arrives. Lastly, a few couples both old and young stroll casually along the paths, using the cool breeze as an excuse to cozily huddle together.}
{Seemingly weaving its way through the various throngs of people, the camera manages to find MPW star Soul Shadow sitting a park bench. Dressed in a light windbreaker, he stares at his MPW World Tag Team Championship belt which he holds in his hands. On his face is the same gaze of wonder his son wore four days ago.}
Soul: Over ten years. More than a decade since these hands last held a title belt. Many people, once I left the sport to take care of my son, believed beyond a shadow of a doubt they would never hold one again. Even when I resumed my wrestling career, people such as the Damned and Iconic Aggression tried everything in their power to keep such a dream out of my reach. But in the end, I would not be denied. In two days, just a few miles from this spot, I will enter the ring as a defending champion.
{Soul raises his head to look at the camera.}
Soul: Ironically, in a roundabout way I have one of my opponents to thank for this title. Given your long tenure in MPW, I doubt you would even remember a simple six-man tag team match on a Sunday Reloaded card just two weeks after you claimed your second Television title. The two top contenders for your belt, Emi Yamamoto and Taufik, were teamed with Chris Radke against you, me, and Aeryn Ashfield. As we were all unfamiliar with each other, especially as Aeryn and I have been part of MPW for less than a month, I invited you both to train with me in preparation for it. Aeryn accepted while you refused. It was during that time she and I laid the groundwork for Phoenix Rising and our eventual championship victory.
Soul: So for that, Jason X, I thank you.
{Soul straightens his back, pulling himself to his full sitting height.}
Soul: But don’t think for one second that means I have ANY intention of taking it easy on you.
{Burning embers of a growing fire start to light in Soul’s eyes.}
Soul: For I haven’t forgotten just how that match ended, Jason. Because you were upset I prevented you from breaking Taufik’s injured knee, you rewarded my pin of Radke by tattooing the back of my skull with your belt’s faceplate before running away like a bitch. As I soon found myself drawn into my war with the Damned leading into the Roll the Dice match, I never got a chance to pay you back for that cowardly stunt. But if finally getting a chance to avenge that insult in a SANCTIONED match is one of Bob Herman’s rewards for ending the reign of Trey and Jackass, well, his next Viagra prescription may be on me. Interest on this debt has been accruing since the moment you ran, Jason. I’m collecting in full on Sunday.
{Soul leans forward again, looking directly into the camera.}
Soul: And Zero, despite your name accurately representing your accomplishments in MPW, don’t think I’m overlooking you. For Aeryn and I, this is our first match as the reigning champions. Despite the belt not being on the line, we still have a lot to prove. To show what happened at Unsanctioned wasn’t a fluke. To serve notice we are going to be fighting champions whose reign will outstrip Iconic Aggression’s by a mile. Truth is, losing this match would be an enormous blow to our credibility. We have no intention of letting that happen, preacher man. None at all. So pray to whichever god you claim to worship for mercy. For Aeryn and I have none to give.
{Soul lifts himself from the bench, slinging the strap over his shoulder. He pats the faceplate before once again looking at the camera.}
Soul: To Aeryn and myself, these belts don’t represent the pinnacle of our journeys. Rather, they are a checkpoint on our ascents. We intend to hang on these belts for a long time, and perhaps add a couple more to go along with them. The Phoenix is going to rise over Minnesota Sunday night, fly onto Detroit next week, and then continue to fly ever higher till nothing is left in our wake. Be ready, Jason and Zero. Sunday night, you are going to be the next to be burned.
{With that, Soul swivels to his right and walks down the closest path, heading for the park’s exit. The camera watches him for a little while, then pans back out, once again viewing the interactions of the crowd before fading out.}
{Inside the gleaming gold faceplate of the MPW World Tag Team championship is the reflection of a face struck by wonder. Hunter, scion of the reigning titleholder Soul Shadow, stares in awe at the first genuine wrestling championship belt he has ever seen. His hands lovingly trace each letter, as if afraid the slightest touch will shatter it into tiny pieces. For him, being able to be so close to the gold is like Christmas, Halloween, and his birthday combined into one giant holiday.}
Hunter (in a whisper): It’s beautiful…
{Holding the belt in his hands, Soul Shadow smiles at his son’s reactions. People often say Hunter is a miniature version of him. Watching the boy at this moment, Soul wonders if this is how he looked after his first title victory, winning the CWF Tag Team Championship with his best friend Dread Saxon so long ago. He wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he did.}
Soul: It sure is, kiddo. One of the most beautiful things in the entire world.
{Hunter’s face shines with joy and excitement as he raises his eyes to meet his father’s.}
Hunter: You did it, dad! You and Aeryn, you did it!
{Beaming, Soul opens his arms wide. Hunter jumps forward into his father’s embrace.}
Soul: We absolutely did, son. And you know why?
{Hunter looks at his father, shaking his head negatively.}
Soul: Because of the belief you had in us, kiddo.
{Hunter’s grin nearly covers his entire face. He looks back to the title belt, then back at his father.}
Hunter: Dad, where’s Aeryn? I thought she might be coming back with you after your vacation. She seemed to have a lot of fun hanging out with us when she stayed earlier…
Soul: She had to head back to Chicago, kiddo. It had been too long since she had been home and she needed to take care of some business.
{Soul notes his son’s crestfallen expression.}
Hunter: I understand. Still, I was hoping to see her again. I like her a lot.
{Soul ruffles the boy’s curls at the comment. He’s extremely glad to see Hunter has some affection for Aeryn, who is starting to take on more significance to his life than he ever would have imagined when he first met her. For their relationship to reach the next level, his son’s friendship with his tag partner is essential.}
{He just wishes everyone important to him felt the same way.}
Soul: Don’t worry, son. She and I are the reigning World Tag Team Champions and intend to remain that way for quite some time. So you’re guaranteed to see a lot more of her in the future, whether you like it or not.
{Once more, those pearly whites of Soul’s child appear on the screen.}
Hunter: I’d like that very much.
{Soul smiles himself as he pulls his son into another embrace. The camera holds on the tender parent-child moment before the scene fades.}
T-Minus four days before MPW Reloaded in Minnesota
{In the Boston offices of Soul Connection, Soul Shadow has finally returned from his extended vacation with his tag partner Aeryn Ashfield. In many ways, he feels he could have been extremely happy to spend the rest of his life traversing around Western Canada with her. But his responsibilities to both his son, his family, and his business dictated his homecoming. He spent time with the former over the past couple of days, celebrating his first title in a decade. Now it is time to focus on his clients before leaving for Minneapolis and his first tag match as champion.}
{While shaking hands and accepting congratulations from several employees, he arrives at the door of one of the conferences. He has heard one of his clients, new WWO superstar La Diosa Alada, is inside, discussing her plans and possible future tag team scenarios with Shakira, his assistant and niece. He trusts Shakira to handle it, for she shares her aunt’s gifted mind for the talent management business. Still, as he personally signed the rising star to a contract, he feels it would be wise to maintain personal contact with her as he better than most understands what she possibly faces in her upcoming career.}
{However, as he turns the handle, he catches a few of the words being spoken between the two ladies. Gently, he opens the door a small crack, choosing to listen rather than make his presence known. The camera angle switches slightly, focusing through the tiny gap to catch slight profiles of the beauties inside as they converse.}
Shakira: I know I should be happy he finally achieved his dream, but the fact it was with her…
La Diosa: Why do you care so much about it? I thought his late wife was your blood relative…
Shakira: She was. My mother is her older sister. However, my mother and father… well, let’s just say they aren’t exactly the most affectionate people. Dad was trust-fund baby who preferred to jet-set around the world with Mom. I think they saw carrying a child with them on their adventures as a crimp in their style. So I found myself being raised by nannies more than my own parents.
La Diosa: I’m sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine that was an easy way to grow up, being taken care by people who were essentially hired strangers.
Shakira: No, it definitely wasn’t. But I will tell you something which may surprise you. I never lacked for love, solely because of my aunt. She always made time for me, be it just hanging out at her place, taking me out places, showing up to events at my school… whenever I needed her, she was always there. Because of that, I never viewed her as my aunt. Rather, I would think of her as my big sister.
La Diosa: I see. So when Soul Shadow came into the picture…
Shakira: …it was like I gained a big brother. I thought once they started dating, she would pull away and forget about me, much like my parents did. Instead, he welcomed me into his life with open arms, inviting me to family events, coming with my aunt to all of my school activities. He treated me like one of his own from the moment we met. I couldn’t have been happier my aunt had found such a man to share her life.
La Diosa: Now I see. Even though the two of you are not blood, you’ve had a sibling relationship from day one. And like any good sibling, you want to watch out for him.
Shakira: You know, when I first met Aeryn, I actually thought she would be good for Michael. Since my aunt died a decade ago, he hasn’t opened himself to anybody, focusing all his energy on his business and his son. Aeryn looked to be the one who could change all of that. She seemed personable, fun, exciting… in some ways, she reminded me of my aunt. There was no denying there was a spark between them, even though he didn’t realize it at first. Secretly, I hoped they would end up together.
La Diosa: But they have ended up together, at least from what I can see. What happened to change your opinion on that?
Shakira: The whole situation with the Damned when, rather than help him, she instead left him TWICE to receive a brutal beating at their hands. That bitch showed her true colors by choosing an improved chance in the Roll the Dice match with a weakened competitor over saving someone she claimed to be a friend.
La Diosa: It would appear Soul Shadow has moved past that situation, plus Aeryn has proven herself trustworthy with winning the belts…
Shakira: Oh, she doesn’t fool me. If it wasn’t for a chance to win the titles, I’m sure she would have pitched my uncle to the curb a while ago. The moment they lose those belts, or even perhaps when she has a chance to get another partner, Aeryn will stab him in the back with a moment’s hesitat…
La Diosa: You really think so little about him that you believe he would fall for such a trick?
Shakira: He’s blinded by love! He thinks she feels the same way when there is no way…
{Through the crack, Soul sees La Diosa raise her hand to cut Shakira off.}
La Diosa: Stop, Shakira. Your uncle is not an idiot. Yes, I do believe you are right that he has fallen for Aeryn. But from what I have seen, she cares for him equally as much. Not because of the championship they earned. It is because she loves and values him for the man he is.
Shakira: How could she? She’s a conniving little tramp while Michael is a good-hearted man…
La Diosa: Don’t try to understand what attracts to people to each other, Shakira. Believe me, two people who are polar opposites can find themselves drawn together and make it work against all odds, even when everyone else thinks they are crazy to even attempt it. And truthfully, Soul and Aeryn aren’t as far apart as you think. She’s a lot more honorable than you give her credit and he has way more steel in his teeth than most realize. So let them be to work it out themselves. They’ve already accomplished something extremely impressive by trusting and caring for each other, and I think it will only get better for them from here.
{Soul can almost physically feel the waves of frustration radiating from Shakira through the door. However, he can tell her emotions are receding in the face of La Diosa’s argument.}
Shakira: I guess you are right….
La Diosa: I know I am right. Now, let us get back to our business discussion. I have an idea for the WWO I’d like to bounce off of you…
{Soul listens for a little while longer, yet instead of entering the room, he turns to retreat down the hall. Smiling to himself, he makes a mental note to make sure La Diosa gets an upgrade to her hotel accommodations when the WWO tour arrives in Milwaukee the following week…}
T-Minus two Days before MPW Reloaded in Minnesota
{Sunset on a slightly chilly autumn day in Minneapolis. In Theodore Wirth Park, one of the most scenic lands in the entire Midwest, various people going through routines to either end their day or perhaps begin their nightlife and weekend. Some joggers are partaking in a late afternoon run in the brisk air. A few suited individuals are chatting on their cellphones, making last minute deals at conclusion of a busy week. Smiling parents watch their children enjoying one of the last outdoor days before the frigidness of the Minnesota winter arrives. Lastly, a few couples both old and young stroll casually along the paths, using the cool breeze as an excuse to cozily huddle together.}
{Seemingly weaving its way through the various throngs of people, the camera manages to find MPW star Soul Shadow sitting a park bench. Dressed in a light windbreaker, he stares at his MPW World Tag Team Championship belt which he holds in his hands. On his face is the same gaze of wonder his son wore four days ago.}
Soul: Over ten years. More than a decade since these hands last held a title belt. Many people, once I left the sport to take care of my son, believed beyond a shadow of a doubt they would never hold one again. Even when I resumed my wrestling career, people such as the Damned and Iconic Aggression tried everything in their power to keep such a dream out of my reach. But in the end, I would not be denied. In two days, just a few miles from this spot, I will enter the ring as a defending champion.
{Soul raises his head to look at the camera.}
Soul: Ironically, in a roundabout way I have one of my opponents to thank for this title. Given your long tenure in MPW, I doubt you would even remember a simple six-man tag team match on a Sunday Reloaded card just two weeks after you claimed your second Television title. The two top contenders for your belt, Emi Yamamoto and Taufik, were teamed with Chris Radke against you, me, and Aeryn Ashfield. As we were all unfamiliar with each other, especially as Aeryn and I have been part of MPW for less than a month, I invited you both to train with me in preparation for it. Aeryn accepted while you refused. It was during that time she and I laid the groundwork for Phoenix Rising and our eventual championship victory.
Soul: So for that, Jason X, I thank you.
{Soul straightens his back, pulling himself to his full sitting height.}
Soul: But don’t think for one second that means I have ANY intention of taking it easy on you.
{Burning embers of a growing fire start to light in Soul’s eyes.}
Soul: For I haven’t forgotten just how that match ended, Jason. Because you were upset I prevented you from breaking Taufik’s injured knee, you rewarded my pin of Radke by tattooing the back of my skull with your belt’s faceplate before running away like a bitch. As I soon found myself drawn into my war with the Damned leading into the Roll the Dice match, I never got a chance to pay you back for that cowardly stunt. But if finally getting a chance to avenge that insult in a SANCTIONED match is one of Bob Herman’s rewards for ending the reign of Trey and Jackass, well, his next Viagra prescription may be on me. Interest on this debt has been accruing since the moment you ran, Jason. I’m collecting in full on Sunday.
{Soul leans forward again, looking directly into the camera.}
Soul: And Zero, despite your name accurately representing your accomplishments in MPW, don’t think I’m overlooking you. For Aeryn and I, this is our first match as the reigning champions. Despite the belt not being on the line, we still have a lot to prove. To show what happened at Unsanctioned wasn’t a fluke. To serve notice we are going to be fighting champions whose reign will outstrip Iconic Aggression’s by a mile. Truth is, losing this match would be an enormous blow to our credibility. We have no intention of letting that happen, preacher man. None at all. So pray to whichever god you claim to worship for mercy. For Aeryn and I have none to give.
{Soul lifts himself from the bench, slinging the strap over his shoulder. He pats the faceplate before once again looking at the camera.}
Soul: To Aeryn and myself, these belts don’t represent the pinnacle of our journeys. Rather, they are a checkpoint on our ascents. We intend to hang on these belts for a long time, and perhaps add a couple more to go along with them. The Phoenix is going to rise over Minnesota Sunday night, fly onto Detroit next week, and then continue to fly ever higher till nothing is left in our wake. Be ready, Jason and Zero. Sunday night, you are going to be the next to be burned.
{With that, Soul swivels to his right and walks down the closest path, heading for the park’s exit. The camera watches him for a little while, then pans back out, once again viewing the interactions of the crowd before fading out.}
