Post by soulshadow on Dec 22, 2013 18:55:52 GMT -5
Sunday, December 15, after Reloaded[/i]
{In the heart of Nashville, most of the bars are dedicated exclusively to country music. A times it seems cowboy boots and gallon hats are the only proper dress code for the entire city. However, with some diligent searching, one can find a few bars and clubs which cater to other genres of music. Right now, the scene is focused on one where a cover band is playing through a series of hard rock classics. Songs from the likes of Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Anthrax, and others delight the patrons with their notes. Though not a packed house by any stretch of the imagination, the crowd is very happy and entertained.}
{However, in one corner, the mood is considerably different from the others. Sharing a few beers at a secluded table are the reigning MPW Tag Team champions Phoenix Rising. Aeryn Ashfield’s look very dark as she steadily drains her mug of the frothy liquid. Next to her, her partner Soul Shadow looks considerably less somber as he watches the band play. Every now and then his eyes shift towards Aeryn’s face, yet her stoic expression causes him to return his attention to the stage. After many years of dealing with various personalities in his agency business, he realizes it is best to waiter to make the first comment. After a few minutes, his patience is rewarded.}
Aeryn: Balls! I can’t believe we lost to those two wankers!
{Soul nods as he sips his drink.}
Soul: It’s disappointing, yes. They are both tough competitors given their title history in the league, but they don’t have quite the experience together we do. We should have beaten them. Yet if we were going to lose a match, a non-title match is the one to do it.
{Aeryn slams her mug on the table, causing a few patrons to glance her way. Soul is unmoved by her reaction.}
Aeryn: Damn it, Michael, it isn’t just this match! We’ve both been off since the pay-per-view! That damned rookie Valentina scored an upset victory over me, and then during the rematch we both were viciously attacked. You were defeated by Kurt Newman, who normally wouldn’t be able to touch you. Ever since our first successful defense, we’ve lost our mojo!
{Soul opens his mouth to reply, only for Aeryn to keep going as she never notices. He calmly decides to remain quiet than risk her wrath by interrupting her.}
Aeryn: I dunno, maybe I have become too nice. Earlier in my career, I was a… well, to be quite honest… a raging bitch. I brought fire, attitude, and anger to the ring every single time I stepped through the ropes. Nearly everyone in my former federations quaked with fear when they realized I was going to be their opponent. They knew I wouldn’t hesitate to leave broken bones and shredded skin as I did whatever it took to secure a victory.
{Aeryn releases a loud sigh as she cradles her chin in her hand.}
Aeryn: Yet ever since joining MPW, I feel I’ve lost that edge. It’s almost like my bitchy side has gone on vacation. I just don’t… feel I have that brimstone I previously had. That’s not to say I don’t go all out in my matches. I absolutely do. I’m just missing some of viciousness which helped define me over the years. And over the past month, it’s been costing me… both of us… big time.
{With one solitary finger, she traces the lip of the glass. Soul waits a heartbeat to make sure she is finished, then he speaks.}
Soul: You said since you joined MPW. Sure you don’t mean since you started teaming with me?
{Aeryn’s eyes open with surprise as she turns to look at her partner.}
Aeryn: What? No! That’s not what I mean…
{Soul gives a faint smirk.}
Soul: I think you do, though you might not be admitting it to yourself. I still have some of the scars from those beatings from the Damned that you left me to take which would beg to differ.
Aeryn: Wait a minute, I apologized…
Soul (holding up a hand): And I told you after you won the Roll the Dice match there was nothing for which to apologize. But I would argue it would take a person with some bitchiness still remaining in them to do what you did at that point. It really wasn’t until after you pledged your loyalty to our team you began to change.
Aeryn: Oh, come on. That’s not… I mean…
{Aeryn looks into Soul’s patient eyes, then lowers her own.}
Aeryn (sighing): You may be right. Since we teamed together… since we started dating… I’ve felt a change inside of me. That anger, the callousness, the rule-breaking tendencies… they all seem to have been muted, if not disappeared altogether. Don’t get me wrong, hun, I definitely enjoy the changes. But perhaps they aren’t the best for my career…
{Soul gives a little chuckle while placing his arms around her. He pulls her close to place a kiss on her forehead.}
Soul: You didn’t have to change for me, hun. I was attracted to you and loved you just the way you were, bitchiness and all. If you had remained that way, my feelings for you would not have lessened even one tiny bit.
(Aeryn leans into his shoulder.}
Aeryn: I know, hun, I know. But I couldn’t help myself. You’re such… a good person and different from what I am used to being with. I surprised myself a little bit with my attraction to you. Maybe… just maybe… I’ve subconsciously made these changes as I feel you couldn’t truly love some who was how I used to be…
Soul: You have to know me well enough by now to know that certainly isn’t the case…
Aeryn (looking up at her lover): I do, luv. Still, when we are together, sometimes I find myself holding back, not wanting to jeopardize what we have.
Soul: You could never do that, Aeryn. No matter what you do.
{Aeryn nods, smiling as she closes her eyes while just staying against him. Soul strokes her hair gently, thinking for a moment.}
Soul: Tell you what, hun. If being with me is giving you some trouble finding your bitchy side, then perhaps you need a little alone time. This week, once we leave Nashville to head to our respective homes, we won’t have any contact with each other this week. No calls, no texts, no Facebook, no Twitter, no Skype, no anything. We won’t even share a hotel room in Orleans this week. The first time we’ll see each other will be the night of the show.
Aeryn (pulling away slightly): What the…? Are you breaking up with me?
Soul: Oh hell no, hun. You are way too important a part of my life for me to want you out of it forever. But if being with me is keeping you from connecting with that part of you which made you the fiery competitor who surprised nearly everyone by winning the Roll the Dice match, then perhaps you need a little alone time in order to rediscover it.
{Both arms wrap around Aeryn as Soul gives her a strong hug.}
Soul: Believe me, Aeryn, I’m going to miss you terribly during this week. But it will be worth it if you are able to find that lost part of you. I fell in love with you knowing it is there. I don’t want to be the reason it is now gone.
{Aeryn holds his arms close to her as she weighs his words.}
Aeryn: Are you sure, hun?
Soul: Yeah, I am. Know I will still be here when you come back, whether you find it or not.
Aeryn (patting his arms): Thanks, Mike. I love you…
Soul: I love you too, babe.
{Aeryn gently pulls herself from his arms and waves for the waiter.}
Aeryn: Check, please!
Soul: What, ready to leave already? It is still early…
Aeryn: Oh, I know that, Mr. Johnson. However, you said we wouldn’t say bye to each other until we left Nashville, which isn’t until tomorrow morning. So until then…
{She grabs his head in both hands and pulls him into a deep, passionate kiss.}
Aeryn: …I think it would be best for us to return to our hotel and make the most of our time together.
{Soul’s eyes shine with lust and desire as he meets Aeryn’s playful gaze. As the waiter approaches, Soul pulls out a Ben Franklin and hands it to him.}
Soul: Keep the change.
{The waiter, shocked at what is obviously an enormous tip, stammers out thanks, but neither Phoenix Rising member notices. Giggling, Aeryn grabs her coat and races for the door, Soul hot on her heels. He catches her just as they exit the door. The duo lock lips once more as the camera fades to black…}
December 17, Boston[/I]
{The Boston offices of the Soul Connection Talent Agency. Soul Shadow, looking extremely handsome in a custom-fitted suit is sitting at a conference room table, perusing a couple of manila folders. Sitting across from him is his niece and trusted assistant, Shakira. She also has several sheets of paper in front of her, though she is ignoring them at the moment. Instead, her gaze is keenly focused on her uncle. It is so intense, one would wonder if she is even aware there is anything aside from the two of them inside the room.}
Soul: Nice to see Wolf has finally gotten himself inserted into a title feud with this Northern title run. Dave Dreadful will be a tough opponent, but I think the kid is ready. And I see La Diosa Alada ran afoul of Avalon. I hope she heeded my advice when facing him…
{Soul glances up, noticing his niece’s expression for the first time.}
Soul: Shakira? Hello? You here?
Shakira: Did you really do it?
Soul: Do what?
Shakira: Did you finally break up with that whore?
Soul (blinking): Excuse me?
Shakira: That British skank, Aeryn. Did you finally dump her like the street trash she is?
Soul (with a slight smirk): I think they call them “harlots” over there. Aeryn is constantly correcting my British slang…
Shakira: Don’t change the subject…
Soul: Then don’t you dare insult my partner in such a manner. I give you a lot of leeway as you’ve been family since before your teen years, but there is a line and you are coming dangerous close to crossing it.
{The heat of her rage radiates in waves off of her body. Soul stands his ground, his measured gaze barely concealing the growing impatience underneath. Realizing how close she is coming to feeling his wrath, Shakira slowly manages to get herself under control.}
Shakira: I… apologize for my harsh words. However, I heard rumor that you had cut off contact with her…
Soul: Just for the week, Shakira. Definitely not forever. Given our recent lack of wrestling form, both individually and as a unit, we figured a little alone time for the both of us would be best. Trust me, we still care deeply about each other. But she’s been having a little trouble finding the meanness which made her so successful in her previous run. And I could use a little refocus as well.
Shakira: She can’t find the meanness? I wasn’t aware she lost…
{Soul’s withering glare cuts her off.}
Shakira: …though I can understand where Aeryn is coming from. Still, why do you feel you need to recharge? Granted, you lost your match this past weekend, but it wasn’t you who got pinned. And your only other recent loss was to Newman, a long-time veteran. This week you have that rookie Valentina. Shouldn’t be a problem…
Soul: Yeah, and I am sure that is what many veterans of the CWF and NWC said about me, yet ended up with two World Heavyweight titles and two World Tag Team titles within the first year of my career.
Shakira: But that wasn’t a surprise to anyone who saw you. You are a special kind of talent in this business.
Soul: So is Valentina Madison, Shakira. She’s only been wrestling for a couple of months, and already she has turned heads for her amazing ability. If she had better representation, she absolutely would have gotten a Television title shot, if not a chance for the Sin City title.
Shakira: Perhaps we should have signed her.
Soul: Believe me, I had been thinking about it. I even considered making her an offer, but then the whole situation surrounding our first title defense derailed that plan somewhat. And unfortunately, from her recent comments it looks like that door is closed.
Shakira: No kidding. She was really pissed you never sent her anything during her recovery from the assault.
Soul: Because she views it as a lack of respect. It’s understandable. As I said, she has racked up some impressive victories during her brief run. But she has been left adrift by the powers that be. No direction given to her career. Her only title shot being for the tag titles, and she had to latch onto Carter’s open request to get that. It is almost like everything she has accomplished up to now is all meaningless.
Shakira: You sound almost sorry for her.
Soul: In a way, I am. She has done everything right in her career up to this point. She deserves a better reward than her only title shot relying on a miserable drunk and being nearly killed by some crazed driver.
Shakira: So does that mean you are going to take it easy on her?
Soul: Oh, fuck no. I’m gonna beat that little girl from pillar to post, only this time I’ll remember to send a get-well card afterwards.
{Shakira’s shocked expression brings a smile to Soul’s face. He tries to compose himself, only to lose his self-control and laugh uproariously. Shakira quickly follows suit, tears streaming from her eyes. After several minutes, the giggles begin to subside.}
Shakira (wiping her face): Well, I didn’t expect that.
Soul (still tittering as the humor slowly subsides): Her plight does earn my sympathy. And I am truly apologetic for not checking on her during her hospital stay. Despite all that, though, this upcoming match won’t be a pity fest. I can’t allow it to be.
{Soul closes the folder in his hand and pushes it onto the table.}
Soul: As I said, I haven’t been having the best run of form lately. Losses to Kurt Newman and the team of Jason X and Chris Cable were recent unexpected setbacks. As such, my rising star, as well as Aeryn’s, has been fading a little bit. The tag team slip-up opens us up to more people thinking they can easily defeat us by finding a partner on the street. Newman’s defeat of me sends me down the ladder a few rungs in my pursuit of singles gold. I can’t afford another one, or before I know it will be removed from the title picture completely.
{Soul places both elbows on the solid oak top.}
Soul: Counter that with what is at stake for Valentina. She already has a victory over one tag team champion. She had an impressive main event match in Nashville against the World champion. Another victory over the other half of the tag champions, and the competition committee can no longer ignore her. A loss won’t really affect her since it almost impossible for her to become more invisible. But a win? The world is her oyster.
Shakira (nodding): I see what you mean. You have everything to lose in this match, while she has everything to gain.
Soul: Exactly. She is way too talented for me to dismiss as an unlearned rookie. Hell, I know that from personal experience at the pay-per-view. It is going to take everything in my considerable arsenal to make sure I keep one step ahead of her. But I am prepared to do it. I have to do it. For I must not… CANNOT… lose this match. It means way too much for me.
{Soul leans back in his chair, placing his elbows on the arm rest so he can hook his thumbs under his chin.}
Soul: So, though I feel bad for injuries, I am going to have to test her entire body to see how much she has recovered. I will target every single limb I heard was nearly broken in the impact. I will focus on her neck and head, exploiting their potential weakness from the assault. There will be no mercy from me as I will do EVERY single thing I have to do in order to win the match. And if Valentina ends up being hurt from it, so be it. I won’t feel bad and I won’t feel sorry.
{Shakira looks back at her uncle, a wry grin crossing her face.}
Shakira: Looks like Aeryn isn’t the only one who went searching for her mean streak.
{Soul returns the grin.}
Soul: Maybe so, Shakira. Maybe so. But I don’t think I ever lost mine. I just needed the right opportunity to bring it to the fore. Unfortunately for Valentina, that time is going to be this Sunday.
{Soul reaches forward and grabs one of the folders.}
Soul: Now let’s get back to work. I have a lot of stuff to do to prepare for New Orleans, and it would be best if we get this stuff taking care as soon as possible.
{Shakira nods as she grabs a folder of her own. The camera pulls back as the pair continue to examine their information on their various clients before it slowly fades to black.}
{In the heart of Nashville, most of the bars are dedicated exclusively to country music. A times it seems cowboy boots and gallon hats are the only proper dress code for the entire city. However, with some diligent searching, one can find a few bars and clubs which cater to other genres of music. Right now, the scene is focused on one where a cover band is playing through a series of hard rock classics. Songs from the likes of Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Anthrax, and others delight the patrons with their notes. Though not a packed house by any stretch of the imagination, the crowd is very happy and entertained.}
{However, in one corner, the mood is considerably different from the others. Sharing a few beers at a secluded table are the reigning MPW Tag Team champions Phoenix Rising. Aeryn Ashfield’s look very dark as she steadily drains her mug of the frothy liquid. Next to her, her partner Soul Shadow looks considerably less somber as he watches the band play. Every now and then his eyes shift towards Aeryn’s face, yet her stoic expression causes him to return his attention to the stage. After many years of dealing with various personalities in his agency business, he realizes it is best to waiter to make the first comment. After a few minutes, his patience is rewarded.}
Aeryn: Balls! I can’t believe we lost to those two wankers!
{Soul nods as he sips his drink.}
Soul: It’s disappointing, yes. They are both tough competitors given their title history in the league, but they don’t have quite the experience together we do. We should have beaten them. Yet if we were going to lose a match, a non-title match is the one to do it.
{Aeryn slams her mug on the table, causing a few patrons to glance her way. Soul is unmoved by her reaction.}
Aeryn: Damn it, Michael, it isn’t just this match! We’ve both been off since the pay-per-view! That damned rookie Valentina scored an upset victory over me, and then during the rematch we both were viciously attacked. You were defeated by Kurt Newman, who normally wouldn’t be able to touch you. Ever since our first successful defense, we’ve lost our mojo!
{Soul opens his mouth to reply, only for Aeryn to keep going as she never notices. He calmly decides to remain quiet than risk her wrath by interrupting her.}
Aeryn: I dunno, maybe I have become too nice. Earlier in my career, I was a… well, to be quite honest… a raging bitch. I brought fire, attitude, and anger to the ring every single time I stepped through the ropes. Nearly everyone in my former federations quaked with fear when they realized I was going to be their opponent. They knew I wouldn’t hesitate to leave broken bones and shredded skin as I did whatever it took to secure a victory.
{Aeryn releases a loud sigh as she cradles her chin in her hand.}
Aeryn: Yet ever since joining MPW, I feel I’ve lost that edge. It’s almost like my bitchy side has gone on vacation. I just don’t… feel I have that brimstone I previously had. That’s not to say I don’t go all out in my matches. I absolutely do. I’m just missing some of viciousness which helped define me over the years. And over the past month, it’s been costing me… both of us… big time.
{With one solitary finger, she traces the lip of the glass. Soul waits a heartbeat to make sure she is finished, then he speaks.}
Soul: You said since you joined MPW. Sure you don’t mean since you started teaming with me?
{Aeryn’s eyes open with surprise as she turns to look at her partner.}
Aeryn: What? No! That’s not what I mean…
{Soul gives a faint smirk.}
Soul: I think you do, though you might not be admitting it to yourself. I still have some of the scars from those beatings from the Damned that you left me to take which would beg to differ.
Aeryn: Wait a minute, I apologized…
Soul (holding up a hand): And I told you after you won the Roll the Dice match there was nothing for which to apologize. But I would argue it would take a person with some bitchiness still remaining in them to do what you did at that point. It really wasn’t until after you pledged your loyalty to our team you began to change.
Aeryn: Oh, come on. That’s not… I mean…
{Aeryn looks into Soul’s patient eyes, then lowers her own.}
Aeryn (sighing): You may be right. Since we teamed together… since we started dating… I’ve felt a change inside of me. That anger, the callousness, the rule-breaking tendencies… they all seem to have been muted, if not disappeared altogether. Don’t get me wrong, hun, I definitely enjoy the changes. But perhaps they aren’t the best for my career…
{Soul gives a little chuckle while placing his arms around her. He pulls her close to place a kiss on her forehead.}
Soul: You didn’t have to change for me, hun. I was attracted to you and loved you just the way you were, bitchiness and all. If you had remained that way, my feelings for you would not have lessened even one tiny bit.
(Aeryn leans into his shoulder.}
Aeryn: I know, hun, I know. But I couldn’t help myself. You’re such… a good person and different from what I am used to being with. I surprised myself a little bit with my attraction to you. Maybe… just maybe… I’ve subconsciously made these changes as I feel you couldn’t truly love some who was how I used to be…
Soul: You have to know me well enough by now to know that certainly isn’t the case…
Aeryn (looking up at her lover): I do, luv. Still, when we are together, sometimes I find myself holding back, not wanting to jeopardize what we have.
Soul: You could never do that, Aeryn. No matter what you do.
{Aeryn nods, smiling as she closes her eyes while just staying against him. Soul strokes her hair gently, thinking for a moment.}
Soul: Tell you what, hun. If being with me is giving you some trouble finding your bitchy side, then perhaps you need a little alone time. This week, once we leave Nashville to head to our respective homes, we won’t have any contact with each other this week. No calls, no texts, no Facebook, no Twitter, no Skype, no anything. We won’t even share a hotel room in Orleans this week. The first time we’ll see each other will be the night of the show.
Aeryn (pulling away slightly): What the…? Are you breaking up with me?
Soul: Oh hell no, hun. You are way too important a part of my life for me to want you out of it forever. But if being with me is keeping you from connecting with that part of you which made you the fiery competitor who surprised nearly everyone by winning the Roll the Dice match, then perhaps you need a little alone time in order to rediscover it.
{Both arms wrap around Aeryn as Soul gives her a strong hug.}
Soul: Believe me, Aeryn, I’m going to miss you terribly during this week. But it will be worth it if you are able to find that lost part of you. I fell in love with you knowing it is there. I don’t want to be the reason it is now gone.
{Aeryn holds his arms close to her as she weighs his words.}
Aeryn: Are you sure, hun?
Soul: Yeah, I am. Know I will still be here when you come back, whether you find it or not.
Aeryn (patting his arms): Thanks, Mike. I love you…
Soul: I love you too, babe.
{Aeryn gently pulls herself from his arms and waves for the waiter.}
Aeryn: Check, please!
Soul: What, ready to leave already? It is still early…
Aeryn: Oh, I know that, Mr. Johnson. However, you said we wouldn’t say bye to each other until we left Nashville, which isn’t until tomorrow morning. So until then…
{She grabs his head in both hands and pulls him into a deep, passionate kiss.}
Aeryn: …I think it would be best for us to return to our hotel and make the most of our time together.
{Soul’s eyes shine with lust and desire as he meets Aeryn’s playful gaze. As the waiter approaches, Soul pulls out a Ben Franklin and hands it to him.}
Soul: Keep the change.
{The waiter, shocked at what is obviously an enormous tip, stammers out thanks, but neither Phoenix Rising member notices. Giggling, Aeryn grabs her coat and races for the door, Soul hot on her heels. He catches her just as they exit the door. The duo lock lips once more as the camera fades to black…}
December 17, Boston[/I]
{The Boston offices of the Soul Connection Talent Agency. Soul Shadow, looking extremely handsome in a custom-fitted suit is sitting at a conference room table, perusing a couple of manila folders. Sitting across from him is his niece and trusted assistant, Shakira. She also has several sheets of paper in front of her, though she is ignoring them at the moment. Instead, her gaze is keenly focused on her uncle. It is so intense, one would wonder if she is even aware there is anything aside from the two of them inside the room.}
Soul: Nice to see Wolf has finally gotten himself inserted into a title feud with this Northern title run. Dave Dreadful will be a tough opponent, but I think the kid is ready. And I see La Diosa Alada ran afoul of Avalon. I hope she heeded my advice when facing him…
{Soul glances up, noticing his niece’s expression for the first time.}
Soul: Shakira? Hello? You here?
Shakira: Did you really do it?
Soul: Do what?
Shakira: Did you finally break up with that whore?
Soul (blinking): Excuse me?
Shakira: That British skank, Aeryn. Did you finally dump her like the street trash she is?
Soul (with a slight smirk): I think they call them “harlots” over there. Aeryn is constantly correcting my British slang…
Shakira: Don’t change the subject…
Soul: Then don’t you dare insult my partner in such a manner. I give you a lot of leeway as you’ve been family since before your teen years, but there is a line and you are coming dangerous close to crossing it.
{The heat of her rage radiates in waves off of her body. Soul stands his ground, his measured gaze barely concealing the growing impatience underneath. Realizing how close she is coming to feeling his wrath, Shakira slowly manages to get herself under control.}
Shakira: I… apologize for my harsh words. However, I heard rumor that you had cut off contact with her…
Soul: Just for the week, Shakira. Definitely not forever. Given our recent lack of wrestling form, both individually and as a unit, we figured a little alone time for the both of us would be best. Trust me, we still care deeply about each other. But she’s been having a little trouble finding the meanness which made her so successful in her previous run. And I could use a little refocus as well.
Shakira: She can’t find the meanness? I wasn’t aware she lost…
{Soul’s withering glare cuts her off.}
Shakira: …though I can understand where Aeryn is coming from. Still, why do you feel you need to recharge? Granted, you lost your match this past weekend, but it wasn’t you who got pinned. And your only other recent loss was to Newman, a long-time veteran. This week you have that rookie Valentina. Shouldn’t be a problem…
Soul: Yeah, and I am sure that is what many veterans of the CWF and NWC said about me, yet ended up with two World Heavyweight titles and two World Tag Team titles within the first year of my career.
Shakira: But that wasn’t a surprise to anyone who saw you. You are a special kind of talent in this business.
Soul: So is Valentina Madison, Shakira. She’s only been wrestling for a couple of months, and already she has turned heads for her amazing ability. If she had better representation, she absolutely would have gotten a Television title shot, if not a chance for the Sin City title.
Shakira: Perhaps we should have signed her.
Soul: Believe me, I had been thinking about it. I even considered making her an offer, but then the whole situation surrounding our first title defense derailed that plan somewhat. And unfortunately, from her recent comments it looks like that door is closed.
Shakira: No kidding. She was really pissed you never sent her anything during her recovery from the assault.
Soul: Because she views it as a lack of respect. It’s understandable. As I said, she has racked up some impressive victories during her brief run. But she has been left adrift by the powers that be. No direction given to her career. Her only title shot being for the tag titles, and she had to latch onto Carter’s open request to get that. It is almost like everything she has accomplished up to now is all meaningless.
Shakira: You sound almost sorry for her.
Soul: In a way, I am. She has done everything right in her career up to this point. She deserves a better reward than her only title shot relying on a miserable drunk and being nearly killed by some crazed driver.
Shakira: So does that mean you are going to take it easy on her?
Soul: Oh, fuck no. I’m gonna beat that little girl from pillar to post, only this time I’ll remember to send a get-well card afterwards.
{Shakira’s shocked expression brings a smile to Soul’s face. He tries to compose himself, only to lose his self-control and laugh uproariously. Shakira quickly follows suit, tears streaming from her eyes. After several minutes, the giggles begin to subside.}
Shakira (wiping her face): Well, I didn’t expect that.
Soul (still tittering as the humor slowly subsides): Her plight does earn my sympathy. And I am truly apologetic for not checking on her during her hospital stay. Despite all that, though, this upcoming match won’t be a pity fest. I can’t allow it to be.
{Soul closes the folder in his hand and pushes it onto the table.}
Soul: As I said, I haven’t been having the best run of form lately. Losses to Kurt Newman and the team of Jason X and Chris Cable were recent unexpected setbacks. As such, my rising star, as well as Aeryn’s, has been fading a little bit. The tag team slip-up opens us up to more people thinking they can easily defeat us by finding a partner on the street. Newman’s defeat of me sends me down the ladder a few rungs in my pursuit of singles gold. I can’t afford another one, or before I know it will be removed from the title picture completely.
{Soul places both elbows on the solid oak top.}
Soul: Counter that with what is at stake for Valentina. She already has a victory over one tag team champion. She had an impressive main event match in Nashville against the World champion. Another victory over the other half of the tag champions, and the competition committee can no longer ignore her. A loss won’t really affect her since it almost impossible for her to become more invisible. But a win? The world is her oyster.
Shakira (nodding): I see what you mean. You have everything to lose in this match, while she has everything to gain.
Soul: Exactly. She is way too talented for me to dismiss as an unlearned rookie. Hell, I know that from personal experience at the pay-per-view. It is going to take everything in my considerable arsenal to make sure I keep one step ahead of her. But I am prepared to do it. I have to do it. For I must not… CANNOT… lose this match. It means way too much for me.
{Soul leans back in his chair, placing his elbows on the arm rest so he can hook his thumbs under his chin.}
Soul: So, though I feel bad for injuries, I am going to have to test her entire body to see how much she has recovered. I will target every single limb I heard was nearly broken in the impact. I will focus on her neck and head, exploiting their potential weakness from the assault. There will be no mercy from me as I will do EVERY single thing I have to do in order to win the match. And if Valentina ends up being hurt from it, so be it. I won’t feel bad and I won’t feel sorry.
{Shakira looks back at her uncle, a wry grin crossing her face.}
Shakira: Looks like Aeryn isn’t the only one who went searching for her mean streak.
{Soul returns the grin.}
Soul: Maybe so, Shakira. Maybe so. But I don’t think I ever lost mine. I just needed the right opportunity to bring it to the fore. Unfortunately for Valentina, that time is going to be this Sunday.
{Soul reaches forward and grabs one of the folders.}
Soul: Now let’s get back to work. I have a lot of stuff to do to prepare for New Orleans, and it would be best if we get this stuff taking care as soon as possible.
{Shakira nods as she grabs a folder of her own. The camera pulls back as the pair continue to examine their information on their various clients before it slowly fades to black.}
