Post by soulshadow on Nov 24, 2013 22:43:34 GMT -5
PHILADELPHIA, PA NOVEMBER 18, 2013
{Underneath the crack of a doorway shines the filtered hallway light, providing the only illumination to a darkened room. In the background, the muffled sound of voices grows ever louder as it approaches. Just as the growing crescendo peaks outside the entrance, there is the additional sound of a keycard being slammed into its slot. Suddenly, the door is opened, allowing a flood of radiance to fill the room.}
Aeryn: …I’m just saying tonight’s show was the worst one we’ve had since we teamed together. It was bad enough to get pinned by that damn rookie, but then for Carter and Newman to assault you and then get the jump on me when I tried to help…
{Leaning against the open door is one-half of the MPW World Tag Team champions, Aeryn Ashfield. Clad in a tight t-shirt emboldened with the British flag and form-fitting blue jeans, at first glance she looks somewhat relaxed from the busy night. However, lines of anger mar her normally beautiful face. By contrast, her tag team partner Soul Shadow looks extremely amused at her reaction. Also dressed in blue jeans and a Five Finger Death Punch concert shirt, his well-built form casts in impressive silhouette in the doorway.}
Soul: I was there, love, so no need to recap it. Second time in three weeks you’ve been beaned over the head trying to save me. If that keeps up, you’ll go back to the days when you left me take the beatdown by myself.
Aeryn: Don’t think I hadn’t thought about it…
{Soul casts a wary glance in her direction out of the corner of his eye. She gives a little smirk while placing her hand on his shoulder, flipping her ponytail of her own with a casual flick of her head.}
Aeryn: You ought to know me better by now, Soul. That’s never going to happen again…
{Soul’s arm wraps around her slim waist, pulling her tighter to him.}
Soul: I do know you, Aeryn. I know you’ve got my back no matter how bad it gets out there. Just know I will always have yours as well, babe. I appreciate it too much…
{Soul’s hand slips down slightly to the curve of Aeryn’s bottom, giving it soft squeeze. Her smirk spreads across her attractive features as she stretches her neck upwards. A long kiss steals her partner’s breath away. When finally they part, desires shines within Aeryn’s eyes.}
Aeryn: You know, I’m not very tired yet. If you want to hang out for a while…
{Aeryn steps back, indicating with a subtle tilt of her head for Soul to enter the room. He notices the invitation, yet doesn’t move to take advantage of it.}
Soul: Thanks, but I’m driving back to Boston tomorrow morning. Didn’t want to fly since it wasn’t too bad a trip. If I’m gonna be in any shape to make my afternoon appointments and meet Hunter after-school, I better hit the hay.
Aeryn: Oh…
{The disappointment in her voice catches Soul’s ear. Pain moves swiftly into his face. He reaches out to his tag partner, hoping he hasn’t hurt her deeply.}
Soul: Aeryn, I…
Aeryn: No, it’s okay. It’s about a six-hour drive, right? If you want to get back in one piece, you’re gonna need your sleep. I can understand that.
{She looks up at him with an obviously forced smile. Soul opens his mouth to say something, but the words die on his lips. Sheepishly, he steps a little closer.}
Soul: Good night, Aeryn. Sweet dreams.
Aeryn: You too, Michael. Good night.
{The two kiss again, though the passion from the first one has noticeably cooled. Soul steps into the hallway as Aeryn closes the door behind him. Sighing with frustration, she places her back against it. Fuck! she thinks. Aeryn could feel his desire, both spiritually and even physically, during their embrace. And God knows she has dropped every hint imaginable to him about her readiness. Still, despite the depth of their feelings towards each other, something keep holding him back. The ghost of her. The loss of her continues to haunt him at some level.}
{And Aeryn does not know if she will ever be able to compete against that.}
{Anger and annoyance bubbling inside her, the tag champion slams her fists once more into the door before walking further into the room. As she pulls her luxurious tresses free of the ponytail, she pauses. Turning around, she realizes someone is pounding steadily on the door. Quickly, she peers through the peephole. Outside, Soul Shadow is rapping his fist repeatedly, increasing his pace slightly with each hit. Wondering if something is wrong, she turns the handle and flings the entrance open.}
Aeryn: Mike, what….
{Before she realizes what is happening, Soul enfold his arms around her waist and lifts her up in an impressive feat of strength. Her lips connect with his, enthusiastically being sealed together in an embrace. Instinctively, her legs wrap around his lower torso while her hands caress his curly hair and strong neck. It seems the pair might suffocate themselves with how long they remain like this, but finally they come up for air. Aeryn’s face is flush with a mix of surprise, elation, and questioning. Soul’s eyes stare deeply into hers.}
Soul: I’ve decided to cancel my appointments tomorrow. They don’t matter to me as much as this night does. As much as you do.
Aeryn: Michael…
{The door is kicked shut as they kiss once more. Still holding his lover in his arms, Soul walks over to the bed. From the entrance hallway, the camera angle only catches the edge of the bed as he sits down on it, Aeryn straddling his lap. She reaches down to his waist, lifts his shirt over his head, and tosses it casually across the room. She then places her hands on his well-developed chest and gives a shove, sending him back onto the bed. He catches her arms and drags her down with him, eliciting a loud laugh from his partner. The shot only allows for a view of their lower legs, but within moments Aeryn’s tee flies through the air, landing on a nearby lounge chair. Before anything more can be seen or heard, the room’s light is suddenly extinguished, plunging the scene into darkness…}
ROUTE 84 IN CONNECTICUT NOVEMBER 18, 2013
{Soul Shadow maneuvers his jet black Lexus into a parking spot located in rest stop just off of the highway. Though he is only about two hours out from his destination, he finds himself barely able to hold his eyes open. Leaning back in his seat, Soul closes his eyes to the midday sun. However, instead of sleep, his mind once again drifts to the previous night.
It finally happened. After waiting for so very long, we finally made love. I’d had almost forgotten just how sweet and satisfying the experience can be. And last night was far better than I ever imagined. The way Aeryn’s body moved… her sounds… her reactions… She didn’t even mind how vigorous it was considering I had a decade of built-up energy to work through. What the hell held me back from this for so long?
{Soul’s eyes slowly open to narrow slits. He watches various people, mostly parents bringing their young kids into the large building for a mid-travel snack or potty break and a few people just stretching their legs and back, walking around the area. His introspection keeps his mind alert, warding off the slumber he desperately craves.}
No, I know what held me back. Same thing that held me back when I first met my wife so many years ago. For all my confidence in the wrestling and business worlds, I’ve never been truly comfortable when it came to personal relationships. Maybe it is because my experiences in my life have made me always slightly wary of people, even those who have never given me any reason to doubt their loyalty. Maybe it is because I’m afraid of committing myself to someone so I won’t feel the sting of the inevitable hurt I feel will inevitable when we either have a falling out or perhaps even a betrayal.
Truthfully, though, it is because deep in my heart I don’t believe I am worthy of it. And because of that, it takes me a long time to truly accept it is real.
{With his right hand, Soul gently lifts a thin silver chain resting around his neck, pulling it completely free from underneath his shirt. Hung on it are two golden rings, each with a small band of tiny diamonds on the top of them. Looking at them, he realizes for the first time that despite her having seen the jewelry before, Aeryn has never once asked him about it. While part of the reason for that surely is because it is the story behind it is blatantly obvious, he appreciates her respecting his privacy and finds himself loving her even more for that. Clutching the ring tightly in his hands, he leans back in his seat, eyes closed while face titled to the sky.}
I’m finally moving on, hun. It may have taken a decade, but I am finally there. You will always remain in my heart. After all, I can’t help but think of you every single time I look at our son. But as you yourself told me, while I would be hurting my life wasn’t ending. I don’t ever thing I’ll be completely free of the pain of your loss. But when I’m with Aeryn… she makes it disappear. She makes me feel happy, energetic, light, loved, comfortable... In fact, she gives me a feeling I never thought I would ever experience again.
Aeryn makes me feel complete.
{Soul lifts the rings to his lips, giving them a kiss.}
I appreciate all you have done for me, love. If not for knowing you, I would probably not be the man I am today. The one I am now sure Aeryn loves. Thank you for teaching me how to accept that. And know that a piece of my heart will always belong to you, no matter where you are.
{Soul places the rings back inside his shirt with a sigh. A peaceful smile spread across his features as he adjusts himself slightly to be more comfortable. In a few quick seconds, his breathing becomes regular as he passes into a contented deep sleep just as the scene fades.}
COLUMBUS, OH NOVEMBER 23, 2013
{On a very cool late November day, the entire city of Columbus seems eerily quiet despite the picturesque weather. However, when passing a local bar, one just needs to take a look at the television screens through the windows to realize the Ohio State Buckeyes facing, and whipping, the Indiana Hoosiers is occupying the attention of everyone in this college football crazed city. As a result, the city streets, normally reasonably busy on such a weekend, are almost devoid of life, much like the aftermath of an apocalyptic event in a big budget disaster movie.}
{However, the camera manages to spy a lone sign of life. Walking alongside the main street which runs just outside of the Nationwide Arena is one-half of the MPW World Tag Team Champions, Soul Shadow. He is dressed in a warm, navy blue pea coat to protect himself from the chilly air. Despite a decent breeze blowing his face, he calmly walks forward, only moving his head to take a casual glance inside a nearby pub at the individuals bellied up to the bar. Looking at one of them raise a full pint to his lips, he pauses mid-stride. Watching the mug swiftly being drained of its liquid, he shakes his head sadly as it brings forth a sad remembrance. Wistfully he returns to his walk.}
Soul: Last week, I did something I have never done even once during my long career. I found myself facing an opponent I pitied. I saw him unable to escape his personal demons and felt sorry for the damage it had caused. And, in response to this, I felt compelled to give him a lifeline. I offered him my own helping hand to assist him in trying to recover from his terrible addiction and finally set his life on the right path.
{Soul lets out a long sigh, tendrils of mist snaking from his mouth into the brisk air.}
Soul: You want to know something that may surprise you, Christian Carter? Despite what you tried to do to me during the match, despite your attempt to brain me with that kendo stick, my offer would have still stood. I was completely ready to chalk up your underhanded tactic to a poor decision driven by your problems. Hell, you had such a sloppy execution it was childishly easy for me to turn the tables on you. It actually made me feel even sorrier for you as the drink had robbed your ability so completely that you couldn’t even CHEAT correctly.
{Soul hardening eyes bore a hole into the camera, which is moving backwards in front of him.}
Soul: However, that offer went immediately off the table once your new best buddy Kurt Newman decided to join the apparent new weekly game of “Tattoo Soul Shadow on the back of the skull”. Instead of trying to assist, you decided it would be a wonderful idea to nail Aeryn with your Twisted Chaos and declare your allegiance to him. At that moment, you made it crystal clear you had no intention of ever beating your demons. Instead, you revealed your choice to embrace them completely.
{Soul looks slightly off to the side for a few moments.}
Soul: Fortunately for you, Carter, our paths will temporarily diverge this week. You have an upcoming match against our reigning World champion Roxi Johnson. I will admit, I don’t completely get this “superhero” persona she insists on portraying. In spite of that, I do realize she is someone who believes in justice above all other values. In her mind, she probably sees defeating you as a perfect retribution for your recent misdeeds.
(Soul’s focus returns fully to the fore.}
Soul: It won’t be, Christian. Payback won’t be fully met until you and I are in the ring once more against each other. You are escaping it this week. You might even escape it next week. But don’t ever think for one second we are done with each other, my friend. Your day of reckoning will be coming. And I’m not so sure you’ll be looking forward to it, especially after this little preview you are going to privy to this week. For tomorrow night I get to face your new best friend.
{The tag champion stops his walk, hands in his pockets.}
Soul: You know, Kurt Newman, when I first heard out this match during last week’s Reloaded, I must admit I was actually looking forward to a competitive match. You and I have a few things somewhat in common. You have been through the hell of cancer, something which I am intimately associated with thanks to watching my late wife’s life fade before my own eyes. You banished Crow, my first real rival here and one who tried a couple of times to end my career, from MPW for good. In fact, those two things alone made me respect you, to speak nothing of your great wrestling ability and abundant talent.
{Soul removes his hands, encased in black leather gloves, from his pockets and clasps them together.}
Soul: Of course, that evaporated the second you decided to get the jump on me with your so-called “Awesome” title belt. Despite all of those positive things you’ve done in the past few months, you showed yourself to be nothing more than Carter… a whiny bitch who believes this fed owes him success simply because he is who he is rather than working on his own to earn it. In the long run, I suppose it isn’t surprising. Proudly displaying a title personally made to satisfy your own autoerotic desires is a blazing neon sign for your issues that even Stevie Wonder could see.
{Soul release his hands, letting them drop by his sides.}
Soul: With such arrogance coursing through your veins, I imagine you see this match as not being a problem for you, even if you didn’t feel the need to sneak in your title shot. After all, you are awesome compared to me, are you not? You hook up with ladies, to use the word loosely, left and right while I tend to be a one-woman sort of guy. You are still young and vibrant while I am, according to several MPW followers, an old grizzled veteran at the wrong end of my career. Your aerial abilities enable you to put on a dazzling show for the fans while my more mat-based technical game is so last decade. You probably are making a side-bet with your friends you won’t even need a shower after this game.
{His arms fold across his chest as, for the first time this promo, he smiles.}
Soul: Your old friend Crow made the exact same bet, believing his dark and violent nature would scare me into cowering submission to him and his cronies. Trey Baxter and Jackass Blaze, several MPW championships to their credit, viewed Aeryn and myself as barely being a speed bump in their continued greatness. Even your new drinking buddy, Mr. Carter, thought so little of us he figured he could pick anybody out of the back and easily rip the tag team gold from our waists. Four guys, all of whom believed me, and Aeryn as well, were no threat to their rising and continuing dominance of the federation.
{Soul leans ever so slightly forward.}
Soul: Ask each of them how well their assumptions worked out for them.
{The tag champion starts walking again, striding down the sidewalk with an impressive confidence.}
Soul: Kurt, you can disrespect me all you want. You can call me old, you can piss on my ring work, you can even question my manhood. Every single one of my competitors since I joined MPW has done it before you. And in the end, every single one of them ended up on their back counting the arena’s ceiling tiles as the ref counted to three. I THRIVE when my opponent makes the fatal mistake of underestimating me, Kurt. They never imagine my age belies a wealth of experience in the ring few can match. They never think through hard work my technique has been honed to perfection to counter a vast array of opposing styles. And for some reason they think I’m insecure with my personal life, which has always brought me happiness…
{The left corner of his mouth rises in a smirk.}
Soul: …especially now that it is merging with my professional life thanks to Aeryn.
{Finally, he has arrived at his destination, the Nationwide Arena. Standing before the glass doors, he turns to the camera once again.}
Soul: Tomorrow night, Kurt, come into the ring with all of your usual bravado, swagger, and all-around… “awesomeness". Me, I’m just going to bring my veteran experience, masterful skills, and solid ring technique, just like I do to every time I step through the ropes. And just like all those times, I suspect once again I am going to prove to the entire locker room why this “old” man has earned every single accolade over his career, and why I continue to be one of the top stars in this business despite a parade of younger athletes betting I am past my prime. Sadly, Kurt, all of your promise and talent just won’t be enough. In the end, just like all the MPW talent I have faced before you, you are going to find yourself watching my hand raised in victory. But don’t feel too bad, Kurt…
{Soul opens the door to the building, but pauses before heading inside.}
Soul: … for I guarantee it will be an “awesome” time.
{The door closes shut with a slight clang as Soul enters the arena and disappears into its depths. After watching him disappear into the distance, the camera angles upwards to view a huge banner occupied with pictures of various MPW stars promoting tomorrow night’s Reloaded. The camera slowly zooms on the images of Soul and Kurt next to each other before slowly fading to black…}
{Underneath the crack of a doorway shines the filtered hallway light, providing the only illumination to a darkened room. In the background, the muffled sound of voices grows ever louder as it approaches. Just as the growing crescendo peaks outside the entrance, there is the additional sound of a keycard being slammed into its slot. Suddenly, the door is opened, allowing a flood of radiance to fill the room.}
Aeryn: …I’m just saying tonight’s show was the worst one we’ve had since we teamed together. It was bad enough to get pinned by that damn rookie, but then for Carter and Newman to assault you and then get the jump on me when I tried to help…
{Leaning against the open door is one-half of the MPW World Tag Team champions, Aeryn Ashfield. Clad in a tight t-shirt emboldened with the British flag and form-fitting blue jeans, at first glance she looks somewhat relaxed from the busy night. However, lines of anger mar her normally beautiful face. By contrast, her tag team partner Soul Shadow looks extremely amused at her reaction. Also dressed in blue jeans and a Five Finger Death Punch concert shirt, his well-built form casts in impressive silhouette in the doorway.}
Soul: I was there, love, so no need to recap it. Second time in three weeks you’ve been beaned over the head trying to save me. If that keeps up, you’ll go back to the days when you left me take the beatdown by myself.
Aeryn: Don’t think I hadn’t thought about it…
{Soul casts a wary glance in her direction out of the corner of his eye. She gives a little smirk while placing her hand on his shoulder, flipping her ponytail of her own with a casual flick of her head.}
Aeryn: You ought to know me better by now, Soul. That’s never going to happen again…
{Soul’s arm wraps around her slim waist, pulling her tighter to him.}
Soul: I do know you, Aeryn. I know you’ve got my back no matter how bad it gets out there. Just know I will always have yours as well, babe. I appreciate it too much…
{Soul’s hand slips down slightly to the curve of Aeryn’s bottom, giving it soft squeeze. Her smirk spreads across her attractive features as she stretches her neck upwards. A long kiss steals her partner’s breath away. When finally they part, desires shines within Aeryn’s eyes.}
Aeryn: You know, I’m not very tired yet. If you want to hang out for a while…
{Aeryn steps back, indicating with a subtle tilt of her head for Soul to enter the room. He notices the invitation, yet doesn’t move to take advantage of it.}
Soul: Thanks, but I’m driving back to Boston tomorrow morning. Didn’t want to fly since it wasn’t too bad a trip. If I’m gonna be in any shape to make my afternoon appointments and meet Hunter after-school, I better hit the hay.
Aeryn: Oh…
{The disappointment in her voice catches Soul’s ear. Pain moves swiftly into his face. He reaches out to his tag partner, hoping he hasn’t hurt her deeply.}
Soul: Aeryn, I…
Aeryn: No, it’s okay. It’s about a six-hour drive, right? If you want to get back in one piece, you’re gonna need your sleep. I can understand that.
{She looks up at him with an obviously forced smile. Soul opens his mouth to say something, but the words die on his lips. Sheepishly, he steps a little closer.}
Soul: Good night, Aeryn. Sweet dreams.
Aeryn: You too, Michael. Good night.
{The two kiss again, though the passion from the first one has noticeably cooled. Soul steps into the hallway as Aeryn closes the door behind him. Sighing with frustration, she places her back against it. Fuck! she thinks. Aeryn could feel his desire, both spiritually and even physically, during their embrace. And God knows she has dropped every hint imaginable to him about her readiness. Still, despite the depth of their feelings towards each other, something keep holding him back. The ghost of her. The loss of her continues to haunt him at some level.}
{And Aeryn does not know if she will ever be able to compete against that.}
{Anger and annoyance bubbling inside her, the tag champion slams her fists once more into the door before walking further into the room. As she pulls her luxurious tresses free of the ponytail, she pauses. Turning around, she realizes someone is pounding steadily on the door. Quickly, she peers through the peephole. Outside, Soul Shadow is rapping his fist repeatedly, increasing his pace slightly with each hit. Wondering if something is wrong, she turns the handle and flings the entrance open.}
Aeryn: Mike, what….
{Before she realizes what is happening, Soul enfold his arms around her waist and lifts her up in an impressive feat of strength. Her lips connect with his, enthusiastically being sealed together in an embrace. Instinctively, her legs wrap around his lower torso while her hands caress his curly hair and strong neck. It seems the pair might suffocate themselves with how long they remain like this, but finally they come up for air. Aeryn’s face is flush with a mix of surprise, elation, and questioning. Soul’s eyes stare deeply into hers.}
Soul: I’ve decided to cancel my appointments tomorrow. They don’t matter to me as much as this night does. As much as you do.
Aeryn: Michael…
{The door is kicked shut as they kiss once more. Still holding his lover in his arms, Soul walks over to the bed. From the entrance hallway, the camera angle only catches the edge of the bed as he sits down on it, Aeryn straddling his lap. She reaches down to his waist, lifts his shirt over his head, and tosses it casually across the room. She then places her hands on his well-developed chest and gives a shove, sending him back onto the bed. He catches her arms and drags her down with him, eliciting a loud laugh from his partner. The shot only allows for a view of their lower legs, but within moments Aeryn’s tee flies through the air, landing on a nearby lounge chair. Before anything more can be seen or heard, the room’s light is suddenly extinguished, plunging the scene into darkness…}
ROUTE 84 IN CONNECTICUT NOVEMBER 18, 2013
{Soul Shadow maneuvers his jet black Lexus into a parking spot located in rest stop just off of the highway. Though he is only about two hours out from his destination, he finds himself barely able to hold his eyes open. Leaning back in his seat, Soul closes his eyes to the midday sun. However, instead of sleep, his mind once again drifts to the previous night.
It finally happened. After waiting for so very long, we finally made love. I’d had almost forgotten just how sweet and satisfying the experience can be. And last night was far better than I ever imagined. The way Aeryn’s body moved… her sounds… her reactions… She didn’t even mind how vigorous it was considering I had a decade of built-up energy to work through. What the hell held me back from this for so long?
{Soul’s eyes slowly open to narrow slits. He watches various people, mostly parents bringing their young kids into the large building for a mid-travel snack or potty break and a few people just stretching their legs and back, walking around the area. His introspection keeps his mind alert, warding off the slumber he desperately craves.}
No, I know what held me back. Same thing that held me back when I first met my wife so many years ago. For all my confidence in the wrestling and business worlds, I’ve never been truly comfortable when it came to personal relationships. Maybe it is because my experiences in my life have made me always slightly wary of people, even those who have never given me any reason to doubt their loyalty. Maybe it is because I’m afraid of committing myself to someone so I won’t feel the sting of the inevitable hurt I feel will inevitable when we either have a falling out or perhaps even a betrayal.
Truthfully, though, it is because deep in my heart I don’t believe I am worthy of it. And because of that, it takes me a long time to truly accept it is real.
{With his right hand, Soul gently lifts a thin silver chain resting around his neck, pulling it completely free from underneath his shirt. Hung on it are two golden rings, each with a small band of tiny diamonds on the top of them. Looking at them, he realizes for the first time that despite her having seen the jewelry before, Aeryn has never once asked him about it. While part of the reason for that surely is because it is the story behind it is blatantly obvious, he appreciates her respecting his privacy and finds himself loving her even more for that. Clutching the ring tightly in his hands, he leans back in his seat, eyes closed while face titled to the sky.}
I’m finally moving on, hun. It may have taken a decade, but I am finally there. You will always remain in my heart. After all, I can’t help but think of you every single time I look at our son. But as you yourself told me, while I would be hurting my life wasn’t ending. I don’t ever thing I’ll be completely free of the pain of your loss. But when I’m with Aeryn… she makes it disappear. She makes me feel happy, energetic, light, loved, comfortable... In fact, she gives me a feeling I never thought I would ever experience again.
Aeryn makes me feel complete.
{Soul lifts the rings to his lips, giving them a kiss.}
I appreciate all you have done for me, love. If not for knowing you, I would probably not be the man I am today. The one I am now sure Aeryn loves. Thank you for teaching me how to accept that. And know that a piece of my heart will always belong to you, no matter where you are.
{Soul places the rings back inside his shirt with a sigh. A peaceful smile spread across his features as he adjusts himself slightly to be more comfortable. In a few quick seconds, his breathing becomes regular as he passes into a contented deep sleep just as the scene fades.}
COLUMBUS, OH NOVEMBER 23, 2013
{On a very cool late November day, the entire city of Columbus seems eerily quiet despite the picturesque weather. However, when passing a local bar, one just needs to take a look at the television screens through the windows to realize the Ohio State Buckeyes facing, and whipping, the Indiana Hoosiers is occupying the attention of everyone in this college football crazed city. As a result, the city streets, normally reasonably busy on such a weekend, are almost devoid of life, much like the aftermath of an apocalyptic event in a big budget disaster movie.}
{However, the camera manages to spy a lone sign of life. Walking alongside the main street which runs just outside of the Nationwide Arena is one-half of the MPW World Tag Team Champions, Soul Shadow. He is dressed in a warm, navy blue pea coat to protect himself from the chilly air. Despite a decent breeze blowing his face, he calmly walks forward, only moving his head to take a casual glance inside a nearby pub at the individuals bellied up to the bar. Looking at one of them raise a full pint to his lips, he pauses mid-stride. Watching the mug swiftly being drained of its liquid, he shakes his head sadly as it brings forth a sad remembrance. Wistfully he returns to his walk.}
Soul: Last week, I did something I have never done even once during my long career. I found myself facing an opponent I pitied. I saw him unable to escape his personal demons and felt sorry for the damage it had caused. And, in response to this, I felt compelled to give him a lifeline. I offered him my own helping hand to assist him in trying to recover from his terrible addiction and finally set his life on the right path.
{Soul lets out a long sigh, tendrils of mist snaking from his mouth into the brisk air.}
Soul: You want to know something that may surprise you, Christian Carter? Despite what you tried to do to me during the match, despite your attempt to brain me with that kendo stick, my offer would have still stood. I was completely ready to chalk up your underhanded tactic to a poor decision driven by your problems. Hell, you had such a sloppy execution it was childishly easy for me to turn the tables on you. It actually made me feel even sorrier for you as the drink had robbed your ability so completely that you couldn’t even CHEAT correctly.
{Soul hardening eyes bore a hole into the camera, which is moving backwards in front of him.}
Soul: However, that offer went immediately off the table once your new best buddy Kurt Newman decided to join the apparent new weekly game of “Tattoo Soul Shadow on the back of the skull”. Instead of trying to assist, you decided it would be a wonderful idea to nail Aeryn with your Twisted Chaos and declare your allegiance to him. At that moment, you made it crystal clear you had no intention of ever beating your demons. Instead, you revealed your choice to embrace them completely.
{Soul looks slightly off to the side for a few moments.}
Soul: Fortunately for you, Carter, our paths will temporarily diverge this week. You have an upcoming match against our reigning World champion Roxi Johnson. I will admit, I don’t completely get this “superhero” persona she insists on portraying. In spite of that, I do realize she is someone who believes in justice above all other values. In her mind, she probably sees defeating you as a perfect retribution for your recent misdeeds.
(Soul’s focus returns fully to the fore.}
Soul: It won’t be, Christian. Payback won’t be fully met until you and I are in the ring once more against each other. You are escaping it this week. You might even escape it next week. But don’t ever think for one second we are done with each other, my friend. Your day of reckoning will be coming. And I’m not so sure you’ll be looking forward to it, especially after this little preview you are going to privy to this week. For tomorrow night I get to face your new best friend.
{The tag champion stops his walk, hands in his pockets.}
Soul: You know, Kurt Newman, when I first heard out this match during last week’s Reloaded, I must admit I was actually looking forward to a competitive match. You and I have a few things somewhat in common. You have been through the hell of cancer, something which I am intimately associated with thanks to watching my late wife’s life fade before my own eyes. You banished Crow, my first real rival here and one who tried a couple of times to end my career, from MPW for good. In fact, those two things alone made me respect you, to speak nothing of your great wrestling ability and abundant talent.
{Soul removes his hands, encased in black leather gloves, from his pockets and clasps them together.}
Soul: Of course, that evaporated the second you decided to get the jump on me with your so-called “Awesome” title belt. Despite all of those positive things you’ve done in the past few months, you showed yourself to be nothing more than Carter… a whiny bitch who believes this fed owes him success simply because he is who he is rather than working on his own to earn it. In the long run, I suppose it isn’t surprising. Proudly displaying a title personally made to satisfy your own autoerotic desires is a blazing neon sign for your issues that even Stevie Wonder could see.
{Soul release his hands, letting them drop by his sides.}
Soul: With such arrogance coursing through your veins, I imagine you see this match as not being a problem for you, even if you didn’t feel the need to sneak in your title shot. After all, you are awesome compared to me, are you not? You hook up with ladies, to use the word loosely, left and right while I tend to be a one-woman sort of guy. You are still young and vibrant while I am, according to several MPW followers, an old grizzled veteran at the wrong end of my career. Your aerial abilities enable you to put on a dazzling show for the fans while my more mat-based technical game is so last decade. You probably are making a side-bet with your friends you won’t even need a shower after this game.
{His arms fold across his chest as, for the first time this promo, he smiles.}
Soul: Your old friend Crow made the exact same bet, believing his dark and violent nature would scare me into cowering submission to him and his cronies. Trey Baxter and Jackass Blaze, several MPW championships to their credit, viewed Aeryn and myself as barely being a speed bump in their continued greatness. Even your new drinking buddy, Mr. Carter, thought so little of us he figured he could pick anybody out of the back and easily rip the tag team gold from our waists. Four guys, all of whom believed me, and Aeryn as well, were no threat to their rising and continuing dominance of the federation.
{Soul leans ever so slightly forward.}
Soul: Ask each of them how well their assumptions worked out for them.
{The tag champion starts walking again, striding down the sidewalk with an impressive confidence.}
Soul: Kurt, you can disrespect me all you want. You can call me old, you can piss on my ring work, you can even question my manhood. Every single one of my competitors since I joined MPW has done it before you. And in the end, every single one of them ended up on their back counting the arena’s ceiling tiles as the ref counted to three. I THRIVE when my opponent makes the fatal mistake of underestimating me, Kurt. They never imagine my age belies a wealth of experience in the ring few can match. They never think through hard work my technique has been honed to perfection to counter a vast array of opposing styles. And for some reason they think I’m insecure with my personal life, which has always brought me happiness…
{The left corner of his mouth rises in a smirk.}
Soul: …especially now that it is merging with my professional life thanks to Aeryn.
{Finally, he has arrived at his destination, the Nationwide Arena. Standing before the glass doors, he turns to the camera once again.}
Soul: Tomorrow night, Kurt, come into the ring with all of your usual bravado, swagger, and all-around… “awesomeness". Me, I’m just going to bring my veteran experience, masterful skills, and solid ring technique, just like I do to every time I step through the ropes. And just like all those times, I suspect once again I am going to prove to the entire locker room why this “old” man has earned every single accolade over his career, and why I continue to be one of the top stars in this business despite a parade of younger athletes betting I am past my prime. Sadly, Kurt, all of your promise and talent just won’t be enough. In the end, just like all the MPW talent I have faced before you, you are going to find yourself watching my hand raised in victory. But don’t feel too bad, Kurt…
{Soul opens the door to the building, but pauses before heading inside.}
Soul: … for I guarantee it will be an “awesome” time.
{The door closes shut with a slight clang as Soul enters the arena and disappears into its depths. After watching him disappear into the distance, the camera angles upwards to view a huge banner occupied with pictures of various MPW stars promoting tomorrow night’s Reloaded. The camera slowly zooms on the images of Soul and Kurt next to each other before slowly fading to black…}
