Post by legendlangston on Aug 10, 2019 17:11:56 GMT -5
I remember when my father finally went too far. When the police came and took him away, he couldn't depend on my mother defending him. She was unconscious at the time. We wouldn't see him again for a long time, and I'm happy to never be visited by the son of a bitch.
I sometimes sit up at night now, worried that I have too much of him in me.
I mean, look at my chosen profession. After leaving the armed forces, I now make a living pounding the snot out of young rookies and aged veterans alike. And I admit it, at least to myself, that I enjoy it. So does that make me like my father? Or just someone created by his actions?
And does this put my niece, Cassie, in danger?
If I self-analyze myself, I think that's the reason I'm requesting more matches. Maybe I tell myself that it's for the money. College will be expensive in the future, and I need to build up Cassie's fund now, since it's behind schedule. But I think the main reason for the bookings is because I want to make sure I let the rage out in the ring, so none of it comes home like it used to with my father.
That puts you in a bad place, Roach.
You see, I'm worried about my anger getting the best of me once again. But I can control it, by aiming it at a target like yourself. I sit here, and I can think about the pleasure of seeing Roach's blood flow from his nose and mouth, or dark red blood splattering from a cut on Roach's forehead and splashing down on the clean, white mat below. I think about locking in No Peace and making Roach scream in agony, or knocking him completely unconscious so the medics have to be called to the ring.
I really should take Zybala up on that offer of speaking to a therapist.
All that matters now is to keep my promise to Aimee and keep Cassie safe. Now and forever. To do that, I have to go through people like Roach, Grenier, and Vargas, and I need to work with people like Houston and Zybala. So that's what I'll do. Goodbye, Roach.
Current Day
~A bell can be heard, ringing inside the building, as Vincent Langston approaches it with his niece, Cassie. Both look a little nervous, for different reasons. But Langston is doing his best to cover his own nerves up, for Cassie's benefit. He takes a knee in front of her, checking her backpack.~
Vincent Langston - How are you feeling, kiddo?
Cassie - I miss my friends.
Vincent Langston - I know you do, Cassie. I'm sorry. You're living with me now, and this is the district they said you had to attend. But you're going to make lots of new friends this year, aren't you? And we can take visits to see your old friends whenever you like.
~Cassie sniffles a little bit, still unsure about what's to come. It's a new grade for her, and a brand new school, after all. Langston pats her arm, seemingly unsure of what to do, but Cassie solves it for him by quickly reaching up and hugging him around the neck. Langston, after a moment, returns the hug, then lets her back down.~
Vincent Langston - You can trust me, Cassie. This is going to be the start of a magnificent adventure. I'll be here to pick you up in a couple of hours, okay?
Cassie - .. Okay.
~Cassie slowly turns and walks towards the building, with Langston following. They go inside, around the corner, to the cafeteria, where orientation is going on. A woman with a clipboard comes forward and introduces herself to Cassie, smiling and taking her hand to walk her off. Langston watches, anxious for a moment, before turning to leave.~
Woman - Sir? Excuse me, sir?
~Langston turns back to the second woman approaching him.~
Vincent Langston - Yes?
Woman - I'm sorry, I just need to get your name for Cassie's records. You're Cassie's guardian, aren't you?
Vincent Langston - Yes, I am. Here's my license. So, how does this work? This.. orientation?
Woman - Oh, don't worry. Cassie will get to meet a lot of her classmates and teachers for the year. We start classes next week, so it's good to start acclimating now, especially for someone who's been through what she has.
Vincent Langston - You know about..
Woman - It's my job to know about everyone. I'm the principal here, Melissa Williams.
Vincent Langston - Nice to meet you, Principal Williams.
~Langston looks back at his niece, who is cautiously talking to a few of the people at her table.~
Vincent Langston - So you think.. you think she'll feel safe here?
Principal Williams - It's our job to make her feel safe, Mr. Langston. Just as it's your job to look out for her. We let out after lunch, so we'll see you here at 12?
Vincent Langston - Sure, sure. I'll be back to pick her up. Just got some errands to run.
Principal Williams - We'll see you then.. Legend.
~The principal smiles, hands Langston his license back, and walks off. Langston smiles as well, since his reputation preceeds him. He gives Cassie one more look, ensuring that she's in good hands, before departing.~
I wonder about Cassie no longer having a mother.
Is that something I should be concerned about? Should I be searching for someone, trying to 'find true love', in order to give her a stepmom? I have every plan to officially adopt Cassie, so there's less of a threat that the government will find a way to take her away. I'm working towards that now. But my odds would definitely be stronger if I had a wife by my side.
But is there a woman out there who would want to live life beside someone like me?
My business isn't the most pleasant of occupations. She'll have to see me come home, bruised and bloody, after entering the ring with someone like Roach. After all, I expect Roach to get off his ass and give me a fight. I don't want to just walk all over him. But part of that involves him getting his own shots in.
When I walk through the door fresh from more blood, sweat, & Roach's tears, would any woman want to see that?
Maybe I should be looking into the wrestling world. But after dealing with women like Melinda Rhodes, I'm not sure I can trust my opinions there. But who else would have someone like me? The groupies? They're always hyped up, and some of them probably would lick Roach's blood off me. A disgusting thought. Probably one that Roach would like.
He's just as sick as they are.
Maybe, for now, I'll table the thoughts of imminent matrimony and just concentrate on breaking Roach in two. It's a much more pleasant thought at the moment.
Current Day
~Langston steps into the conference room, where his lawyer, Mike Vendetts, is waiting. He turns and thanks the secretary before taking a seat.~
Mike Vendetts - Thanks for meeting me, Mr. Langston. I just wanted to give you an update.
Vincent Langston - I had nothing else going on after dropping Cassie off at her school. Orientation is today.
Mike Vendetts - Oh, good. You took her personally. That's a good visual, Mr. Langston.
Vincent Langston - It's Vincent. And I always take her everywhere. I don't quite have the money for a butler.
Mike Vendetts - I understand. I just meant that it's another story I can pass along to the judge during our sessions.
Vincent Langston - So is she still worried about me raising Cassie? I'm doing my best at it.
Mike Vendetts - I know you are, and the Commissioner position was a great step. The judge is relatively happy with your standing right now. Of course, she mentioned she's been seeing you wrestle, as well, and I don't think she's a fan.
Vincent Langston - I still have to earn my keep, beating up guys like Uchiha and Roach. But they're not any threat to badly injure me or anything, so it should be fine.
Mike Vendetts - And this tournament you've entered? The Margarita Mix? You'll be facing better talent there, more dangerous.
Vincent Langston - Again, I'm not worried. I won't let my niece's welfare be jeopardized.
Mike Vendetts - Okay, but keep in mind that every move you make is being watched. I'm working on filing the paperwork for the adoption, but this judge has definite concerns, and we need to not give her anything she can hang her hat on.
Vincent Langston - You've got it, Mr. Vendetts. You have nothing to worry about.
Mike Vendetts - It's not me that will be worrying. Here, I've got some more papers for you to sign.
~Langston sighs. He's got enough paperwork with OCW now to deal with. But it's all about Cassie, so he buckles down and starts reading the documents.~
I hate lawyers.
I think that's a pretty universal feeling out there. Except for lawyers themselves. Or maybe they do hate themselves. What do I know? But they're a necessary evil. I have to work with Vendetts if I want to ensure Cassie's well-being.
But I'm tired of signing papers and filling out forms. I do that as Commissioner of OCW just to earn that extra $4,000 a month. But I would much rather be punching someone's face in.
My match with Roach can't get here soon enough.
Current Day
~Langston pulls the truck around, parking it in front of the school. Cassie is already waiting, moving away from a group of friends that were gathered around her. She waves to them and hurries to the truck, getting in.~
Vincent Langston - So? How was it?
Cassie - It was fun. Clemmie and Ginny are funny.
Vincent Langston - I noticed you made some friends. I'm glad you had a good time.
Cassie - They kept asking about you.
Vincent Langston - About me? The girls or the boys?
Cassie - Both. They said it was cool to have a dad like you.
Vincent Langston - .. And what did you say?
Cassie - I said it was too.
~Cassie smiles and looks out the window as they drive off. Langston's smiling as well, as he drives off, feeling on top of the world. It's been a good week, and next week will be even better when he gets a winning streak going after Roach.~