Post by oldprydeaccountdoesnotwork on Apr 18, 2014 15:57:11 GMT -5
Where is the edge
Of your darkest emotions?
Why does it all survive?
Where is the light
Of your deepest devotions?
I pray that it's still alive.
Once upon a time, there was a great and glorious champion. A wrestler whom all could be proud of. A man who could always be counted on to be trustworthy, loyal, and brave.
He went by a single name, one that was recognized the world over after he became a champion. People bought his t-shirts and other merchandise and chanted his name at every event.
Dean. Dean. Dean.
From the stories that have been told, Dean was one of the greatest wrestlers in the world in his time. He was victorious everywhere he went, and once he retired, he turned that winning style into a powerful wrestling organization: Online Championship Wrestling. Could you think of a better man to be put in charge of such a place? Someone who was the idol of millions of fans? Someone who would always be looking out for the people’s best interests?
They say power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Dean is the perfect example of this. He has been corrupted by the power of the presidency.
I know some don’t believe this. They still believe in Dean the icon, Dean the noble, Dean the benevolent. They think his battles with Mario Maurako, Gavin, and others show that he’s still the ‘good guy’ at heart. Those people are still blind to the truth. Dean has truly been changed from the noble warrior to the paper-pushing weasel he has become, always looking for another way to boost up the bottom line.
When Scott Syren and I began to confront him on these issues, he decided to make us a target. His first attempt against me and my allies was to ignore us, to try and make the public forget about us by either having us fight in scrub matches or leaving us off the card. But Operation Zero will not be ignored. We made ourselves heard. His second attempt was to work on shutting down our recruiting efforts, taking out Zeus and firing him just because he had an interest in joining us. He wanted to send a message to the rest of OCW. Message received. But our force still grows strong.
So now Dean has decided that if he can’t ignore us and can’t cut us off, now he will attempt to punish us. He tells me either I fight one of his new golden boys, Kenshin Takemura, at the pay-per-view, or I will be stripped of the Southern Title. This does not bother me. I always seek to fight the greatest of adversaries; it’s the only way to continue to redeem myself.
But that’s not enough for Dean. He wants me softened up before the match, putting me into a Triple Threat bout where both wrestlers have major incentive to destroy me. If either wrestler manages to pin me, they earn a championship match after Total Demolition. Why would Ana Archia try to pin MJ Bell? Or the other way around? Both will see the carrot that puppet master Dean is dangling, and they’ll want that opportunity at my title. And you don’t have to be a mind reader to know that Bell will have additional motivation to injure me. She would love to break a bone or two to give her ‘friend’ Kenshin an advantage.
But here’s the problem with your plan, Dean. I am no longer alone. I have my supporters and I have my own fans rooting for me, giving me the energy I need to keep fighting. You can stack the odds against me any way you wish. I will not go away. I will not let your power-mad schemes continue.
You have betrayed me, Dean. The one man I thought I could trust.
Let the war commence.
~We come into view of a dark room, possibly a basement of some kind due to the lack of windows. A few hanging lights are the only illumination, at least the bulbs that haven’t burned out yet. The view moves around to the side, where another glow can be seen: the glow of multiple computer screens. It’s a setup that any evil genius would love. Sitting in front of the half-dozen monitors is a figure in the darkness. He or she has a hooded jacket on, preventing us from seeing any features. The person is busy typing away, when they stop and stare at the monitor on the far left. In the view, we can see a commercial for the next OCW Monday Night Massacre playing.~
Announcer Voice: Don’t miss your chance to see Online Championship Wrestling live and in person here at the Truth or Consequences Municipal Airport! Come see all your favorite superstars in action, including the OCW Internet Champion, Kobra, defending against newcomer Jason Xavier! Also, the OCW Southern Champion, Pryde, will be fighting against the odds in a Triple Threat match! We’ll see you Monday night!
~The clip stops. It was a commercial that was on the OCW website. The mysterious figure is quiet for a minute. On another monitor, you can see Google Maps has been pulled up. It’s positioned on Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. A perfect name for what is to come. Another monitor has a montage of different shots of Pryde in action, from his teaming with Maurako to his winning the Southern Championship. In each picture, Pryde’s mask has been circled. The unknown figure moves to a fourth monitor and types into an e-mail box. It’s a short e-mail, with only one word in the body. “Begin”. The mouse arrow moves over to the button and clicks, sending the e-mail on its way. A small laugh is heard, as the camera moves back and away from the computer terminals.~
~We are now in a very different location. The sun is brightly shining through the windows of the tour bus, as Pryde looks out onto the dusty landscape. Sitting next to him and looking out as well is his ex-wife, Crystal. Behind them, looking like he’s taking a nap, is Crystal’s brother and Pryde’s ally, Grant. The mood is quiet as the view spreads out before them.~
Crystal: I can’t say this is very scenic. You know there were other things we could have done in Truth or Consequences.
Pryde: From what I’ve seen, there’s not much more.
Crystal: You do know it used to be called “Hot Springs” for a reason, don’t you? We never did get a chance to find the ones near Palisades Falls.
~Pryde doesn’t answer, so Crystal lowers her head for a moment, knowing that there is a wall there that she has not figured a way around yet. Pryde knows that his ex now has feelings for him again. She wants to give things another chance. But is she the right one for him? What about Trix, who even now is getting herself cleaned up in rehab and seems interested as well? Complications are just the thing that Pryde doesn’t want right now, but sometimes they become unavoidable~
Crystal: So how are you feeling about this Monday? I know there are things that are bothering you.
Pryde: Dean seems determined to stop my redemption from becoming a reality. I never knew that he would be the one working against me. But his decisions lately show the truth.
Crystal: I know, putting you in a match where a title shot is on the line, and where you face a crazy loon and the lover of your opponent at Total Demolition, does seem like a plan.
Pryde: I don’t know if MJ Bell is Kenshin’s lover. I know there is something there, but I have only seen her kiss Bishop.
Crystal: The girl’s going around kissing and flirting with everyone. Don’t let her get into your head, too.
Pryde: No, I don’t need another one getting in.
Crystal: What?
Pryde: Nothing. She’s a real threat to my undefeated record. I have had great respect for her in the past. But now her ‘friend’ is doing the President’s dirty work, which might mean he’s gotten to her too. I definitely cannot trust her.
~The bus hits a few bumps in the road, causing Grant to slide out of sight. His snores still continue, as he’s just sleeping on his side now. The person in the seat next to him, an older lady, looks very confused at the young man with his head in her lap. She pushes back from gray hairs and looks around for a little help. Neither Crystal nor Pryde notice~
Crystal: Do you think she’ll try to get revenge for what happened to Kenshin?
Pryde: It is possible. It was a case of mistaken identity, but that doesn’t change what happened. When I saw that mask, all my rage boiled up to the surface. I wasn’t seeing black or white. I was seeing red. Maybe I went too far. Maybe MJ would like to injure me to even things up. But she’s also got to deal with her own rage. The anger can power you, but as I’ve already seen, it can distract you as well. If MJ is not completely focused, she will leave an opening for me.
~Behind them, the older lady is trying to readjust where Grant is sleeping. Grant reaches up as if fluffing up a pillow. His hand starts to go in an unplanned direction, as the woman is wearing a skirt. The older lady stops trying to move him, apparently interested in where things are going to go next. She starts scooting herself forward, trying to re-position his hand. It has been a long time for her~
Crystal: And what about that Ana Archia chick? She’s the crazy one who has a thing for ravioli?
Pryde: I know very little about her, other than that she’s going to be unpredictable. Anything and everything could happen in this one with her involved.
Crystal: What’s your strategy for a match like this? You don’t have to get pinned to lose, do you?
Pryde: No, but I don’t think I will have to worry about that. Both will be trying to pin me only. They want that title shot. It’s so bad that they are both underestimating the other. That will be my window of opportunity. If I can get them fighting each other enough, I’ll only need three seconds to take advantage of it.
~Behind them, there is a gasp, followed by a mad scramble. Grant has finally woken up. He is standing now in the aisle, looking badly flustered. The older lady is just smiling at him, giving him a sultry stare, with whatever sultriness she’s got left in her~
Grant: Shit! I’m sorry, lady!
Lady: Don’t be sorry. Sit down, we’re almost there. And if you’re tired on the way back, I’ll be right here.
~Pryde and Crystal are staring back now, confused at what is happening. The older lady throws a wink Grant’s way, and he goes a shade whiter than normal. The tour guide’s voice can suddenly be heard coming through the speakers, distracting the lady and allowing Grant to move to another seat, ducking down as if hiding will help him~
Tour Guide: We’re coming up on our destination, so if any of you want to get your first glimpse, it is coming up~
~ Everyone in the bus leans forward to take a look. Everyone except the older lady, who is still trying to figure out where Grant went, and Grant, who is busy taking cover. The camera moves to show us what we’re approaching~
Tour Guide: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Spaceport America, the site of the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport!
~The people on the bus get excited at the sight ahead of them. Even Pryde seems to be entranced by the approaching airfield, although as always his mask makes it hard to tell his mood~
Pryde: I may have a lot of problems with President Dean, but he has chosen some enjoyable places to have cards.
We keep getting to visit places like this.
Crystal: Are you kidding me? You’re wrestling in a fucking hanger Monday! At least before it was a gymnasium. This is ridiculous.
Pryde: I have wrestled in worse places.
Crystal: Yes, but those worse places were in OCW as well. You would think as well as Dean is doing now, he would find better locations. Ruidoso or Albuquerque aren’t that far away.
Pryde: The man got used to holding onto every penny that came his way. He may have rich friends now but Dean still can’t let go of his small-group mentality.
~The older lady is now walking down the aisle of the bus, to go and check the restrooms. Maybe she thinks Grant will be waiting there for her, and something else can happen. Grant, peeking around the edge of his new seat, is glad to see her choosing the wrong direction. He looks forward, willing the bus to come to a stop and let him out~
Crystal: I just hope the ring will be built securely enough to keep you from getting injured. Who knows where else he cuts corners.
Pryde: If Dean had his way, I’m sure he would rig the ring to have me break something.
Crystal: Are you sure he’s out to get you? I know things are tense between you, but I’m not sure it’s as extreme as you think it is.
Pryde: You don’t know him like I do, Crystal. He can be ruthless. It would not surprise me if he paid off the referee to count faster on the pin attempts of MJ or Ana and not to let me win. I really might not have a chance this week if that happens, but I’m not going to let Dean sneak that under the rug. If he wants to cheat to hand me my first loss, he’ll have to be blatant about it, so that the whole world can see what he’s up to.
Crystal: Or you can just knock out both women, cover them, and force the count.
Pryde: That could happen too. I have beaten everyone that has been put in my face so far, from lousy rappers-turned-wrestlers to Hall of Famers. If I have any say in it, the streak will continue this week, and either MJ or Ana is going down.
~The bus comes to a stop in the parking lot, out front of the main terminal. The group gets out, with Grant pushing in front of Crystal and Pryde to stay ahead of the older lady, who has managed to spot him. They all exit, heading to the first tourist spot. At the back of the bus, the final two people stand up. Both are wearing all black outfits and sunglasses. They nod to each other as they head forward, departing the bus. One moves behind the trio, while the other walks to the right, taking advantage of the temporary confusion to head through a side door into the building. No one else notices his departure~
Pryde: This is an amazing location. I wonder if White Knight Two is here right now.
Crystal: It would be wonderful to see such a man like Sir Richard Branson. Would he be on the tour?
Pryde: I would doubt that. I am sure he has better places to be. Grant, are you doing okay?
Grant: I’m fine. Just had, a nightmare, yes, that’s it, that’s all it was. Don’t lose track of me, ok? Can I stay with you guys?
Pryde: We’re all part of the same tour group, I don’t see anything happening with that.
Grant: Good, good. Just protect me, okay?
Crystal: Protect you?
Grant: Nevermind. So did you two have a good ride?
~Pryde nods, not saying anything else. Crystal smiles at Grant, who gives her a smile back. At least something's going right, he seems to be thinking~
Grant: Glad to hear it, but can I sit with Pryde on the way back?
Crystal: Why? You need to talk about next week’s match strategy?
Grant: Yes, that’s exactly the reason why I need to sit with him. Please?
~ Crystal looks her brother over again, shakes her head, and gets next to Pryde again. They move to the front entrance, where the tour guide is already going on about a spiel about Branson getting laws in place allowing for this facility to be built, and what the facility is made for. Crystal reaches out and takes Pryde’s hand, smiling as they stand there together, almost like a real couple again. Pryde doesn’t react. The older lady, seeing this, steps forward quickly and grabs Grant’s hand as well. He flinches, looking down at the hand and then looking at her, grinning at him. He tries to pry his hand free, but the lady has a surprisingly good grip. The group moves off, heading for the entrance. The man in the back of the pack turns away for a moment, showing that he’s wearing a Bluetooth in one ear. He speaks softly into it, away from the crowd~
Sunglasses #1: They’re all here. Once we’re able to get them separated, it’s just a matter of time. Yes, sir, I understand.
~The man clicks the Bluetooth to change the call~
Sunglasses #1: The mission is a go, repeat mission is a go. Be ready.
~The man clicks off the phone again and hurries to catch up to the group. The other man is still nowhere to be found, as he’s now somewhere in the building, in wait. To Pryde, this is just another vacation day, a way to relax from the stress that he’s been under. For Crystal, it’s another chance to reconnect with her ex-husband. For Grant, it’s gone from a boring trip to a razor-wire threat of an amorous elderly woman. But none of them sense the threat that is now behind them, nor the plans that are now in place. Fade out~
Operation Zero has been a thrilling change for me. Allies who believe in me, men who I can trust to support me. We’re always looking for more recruits. Maybe MJ Bell or Ana Archia would have been candidates in another life. MJ seems to have a good head on her shoulders, but she’s joined up with part of the problem, the Brianna faction. I don’t know if she realizes that she’s being used by them. Or maybe she’s not. Maybe she’s one of them as well.
As for Ana, she’s crazy enough that Scott would probably like to date her. That would make for a fun sitcom. Scott would wear her out, though, I have no doubt. But it would be fun while it lasted, if she could be trusted in a group. I’m not so sure she would be, and us fighting this week doesn’t always lead to friendships being formed. I have the allies I need now anyway.
I am proud of what Operation Zero has done in such a short amount of time. We have caused ripples in the machine, disturbances that let Dean know we are not going anywhere. But I know the fight is just beginning. And I know that there are forces out there that would like nothing more than to remove me from the business. I know they are out there right now, waiting for me, wondering when I’ll slip up and lose control. But I can see him. I always see them.
Paranoia can be a great ally as well.