Post by Alix Mayne on Jul 17, 2022 22:18:36 GMT -5
Super Adventure Island seemingly served its purpose enough. Alix Mayne was part of a team who came out victorious, she scored the winning pinfall and following the match she was booked in her first singles match at the next EXP. On paper everything was fine. However, life isn’t a piece of paper and nothing is 100% black and white. While she will always carry gratitude for every new experience, there was a lingering thought of wanting more. Needing more. The foundation was being left in her hands and she needed to prove herself capable. So there had to be more.
Still.. she couldn’t simply scoff at what was presented despite the inner feelings of being discredited and disregarded. Normally such acts would be committed by the opponent. Someone looking to further paint the portrait of themself being the best by downplaying who they are up against. It was a moronic practice but a common one.
However, that wasn’t the case.
Alix Mayne was facing Catalina Cortes and unless something drastically changed on the lead up to their match, she hasn’t said a negative thing about her. If anything, during a brief exchange she stated that she wasn’t taking her lightly and told the young woman to not be discouraged by an announcement that clearly irritated her.
So that’s what she did her best to focus on, though it was far easier said than done and with her issues communicating, that’s very telling.
She did what any troubled child would begrudgingly do at a time like this and called for assistance, though the meeting would take place on somewhat neutral ground. Of course punctuality was the strong suit of only one of them so Alix sat, patiently waiting and staring off into the distance. Hopefully this would give her the clarity she needed in order to proceed without the other causing problems.
“Alix Mayne?”
The unfamiliar voice startled her, though one wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at her. Instead she offered a simple nod as a response, locking eyes so that the individual knows they may continue. “Thank you, Alix. Now before we get started with a couple questions I have for you today, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is William and I’m here to talk to you today about your parents. Is that okay?” The introduction seemed rather odd to Alix who simply tilted her head a small bit, her response coming in the form of a stare once again rather than words.
Though it appeared his reaction was one of annoyance, after looking at what appeared to be a small notepad, his expression lightened up a bit. Almost like a lightbulb went on upstairs. “Ahh right.. right. Now look Ms. Mayne, while I won’t be able to do it right at this moment, when you have someone to assist in mediating things I’d like to talk to you about your relationship with your parents and what you recall from the last time you spoke with them. So what I will do is leave you with my number. Yours is on file so I’ll know when it’s you reaching out. We’ll schedule a better time from this and go from there, okay?” She still didn’t manage any words, but the message was received and she took the card with no hesitation, placing it in the front left pocket of her jeans. “Look, I know this is a difficult matter to process emotionally so if there’s anyone you feel you can openly communicate with, however way possible, I think that would be the best thing for you, alright?” There was a brief pause as he began to turn himself away from her. “Take care of yourself.. and I’m sorry for your loss.” Giving one last nod, she watched as the man left, eyes not breaking contact with the direction even after he left her field of vision.
“…My loss?”
The distant glare in the direction from which the alarming stranger had walked away remained for some time. The closest thing to an emote presented from Alix being a slight movement of her head to the side. No words were shared, only the gaze. It wasn’t until she heard the voice of another that she returned to reality, immediately turning towards the direction of the sound though her face did not showcase the shock that most would feel when their zoning out is disrupted.
“Do not be distracted, Odd Duck.. Not in the face of such a challenge.” The velvety monotone of her father rang out accompanied by the soft click of the ceramic teapot being set down. He offered her the small cup, steam rising from it. “It only has the power you give it after all…” he adds with a small smile. She carefully examined his movements before setting her sights on the teapot. “You have presented tea as a method to initiate conversation. I offer apologies for my mind entering a state of distraction. The appearance of the stranger led to rather troubling thoughts. I am unsure how to proceed. Did you not see the person, pater?”
Matthew Knox lifted his own cup, shaking his head softly to answer her question before taking one long drink of his beverage. He exhaled slowly, considering.
“No, but I saw your eyes see them…” he answered honestly, shifting and leaning forward. “We tend only to be able to see our own ghosts, my dear Alix..” a small pause before he added “I have been very distant lately, and I wanted to apologize for that.”
“You have been attending to matters both personally and professionally. It is the purpose and there is no reason to offer an apology. Tasks must be completed, this is knowledge you bestowed upon me and others utilizing you as a teacher.” Slowly reaching for her own beverage, she looked back at him. “The individual you believe to be an apparition is unfamiliar. If this were a spirit wishing to haunt me, would they not be or take the form of someone I committed a terrible act against? Why would a stranger seek to lead me astray?”
“Perhaps cruelty. Perhaps it only appears as a stranger to lull you into a calm that it is able to strike upon…” a pause, a quirk of an eyebrow. “Have you been taking your medicine as Dr. Littlefield prescribed? I'd hate to give Anton reason to lecture either of us.” Alix tilted her head slightly, the first bit of expression present as she eyes her father quizzically. “I do not recall being given the medication or instructions. The only memory I have of visiting the aforementioned doctor was the gentleman beginning to describe my ailments. What happened? Why is there a lapse in my memory banks?”
He couldn't help the chuckle at her phrasing, shaking his head. “Memory banks…” he repeated softly while reaching across the table to place a large hand over one of her own deceivingly dainty ones. “Worry not my odd duck, we kept a journal of the day just in case such a thing occurred.” He paid her hand a squeeze.
“Now. Focus. Tell me, why do you believe you've been lost in the shuffle in Indianapolis despite your immaculate record?” Alix did her best to practice breathing techniques taught to her in order to focus on the subject of conversation given to her. “The venture into that company was done as a result of a personal favor presented to me. Following this, I have had minimal interaction with the one who gave the request and the times that are spent lack depth due to that individual being distracted by another circulating within their mind. Along with this, my previous encounters have had me partaking in team matches when I specified that I was a solo competitor. Now while this latest showcase has me featured in a singles contest, again the narrative presented is one that shows favor to the opposition. It is as if any matter of canonical events not dictated by their hand or the hands of their colleagues are irrelevant. Pater, I am the equivalent of a world champion in two companies and this is not recognized. My opponent has even been granted a future contest for championship contendership, further signifying that the match against me is meaningless and will not serve to progress my career. This company is a dead end as others would state.”
“We do not put stock in what others state though, do we my odd duck?” He countered sharply but with enough care for the edge to not break skin. “It is to be expected, given her shared history with Trent Steel, that she be showcased. Your titles are current and as valid as the skill it took to win them…”
Now, he placed his cup back into the saucer and leaned in over the table.
“But they're not widely known. They don't sell, per se. You will no doubt build them up along with the young companies they represent in time but as it stands? What's happening to you is as natural as it is unfair…” his eyes narrowed. “However, my darling Alix.. my Odd duck.. apple of my eye.. I ask you: When they will not give the due respect, what do we do?”
“When their arrogance stops them from treating us as the threats we are, what then?”
“When they do not submit to our wrath.. what do we do?”
The eyes of Alix narrowed to mimic the expression shown to her. “We force them to gaze upon the truth through action and pain they brought to themselves.”
“Exactly. So will you allow them to simply have this bad faith narrative? No. You'll go out there and you will prove yourself to be all I know you to be, and all that they will come to fear…”
Long, pale digits took firmer hold of her hand and gave an encouraging squeeze.
“Because you are my daughter, and I believe in you and your terrible wrath.” All Alix used as a response for a while was a simple nod, her gaze drifted to their hands. She watched them carefully before offering her free one to be placed on top, now squeezing his. “I will complete this task, pater. I will continue to oppose their narrative. I offer gratitude for your assistance in realigning my thoughts.”
The remainder of their time spent shifted away from the subject of her current situation with Level Up, and was as pleasant as it could be considering the underlying issues. After they parted ways, Alix knew it would be the best time for her to address the masses. Otherwise, she could possibly find herself in a situation where she would lose her voice and more importantly the message she had to send to both her opponent and the company itself. So with as much of a sigh as you’ll get out of her, Alix waited for the red light to flash on and began expressing her thoughts.
Breathe.
Maintain focus.
Stick to the points.
Failure is not an option.
“Greetings to those who have chosen the option to watch this video in preparation for the latest episode of Level Up Wrestling’s programming EXP. For the twenty eighth edition of the broadcast, I will be featured in my first singles contest following my victory at their Super Adventure Island event. My opponent will be Catalina Cortes and while I am entering this match following victory, in her last encounter she suffered a hard fought defeat having failed in her conquest to obtain the status of Final Boss Champion. Some would believe that she would be at a psychological disadvantage while others venture to suggest the opposite. No matter her state entering this match, I will prepare for the best she has to offer. I am under the impression based on footage obtained that she will do the same. However, prior to this, there is a matter that I wish to address with the company itself and the narrative they are presenting leading into this event that I find erroneous and negligent in nature.” Taking a deep breath at this point, Alix did her best to imitate techniques bestowed upon her by her pater before continuing. Her hopes were that through this she would have her accomplishments taking into consideration during future promotional pieces.
Now let’s just hope she conveys this without alarming those around her or causing anyone else into thinking she wasn’t human.
“In their canon I am an underdog facing a former World Champion, a final champion of a company. Someone they have so openly positioned for a potential championship match without factoring in my threat to their already tarnished record. Beyond the scope of their limited vision this champion is facing someone in me who with less than a year experience has become a World Champion in two separate companies. I understand the difficulty I am faced with. However, it would be foolish to not recognize my capabilities as well.” There was a brief pause as Alix contemplated her next words. “I do wish to clarify that my statements were solely regarding the company and not the individual I am set to compete against. While our interactions have been brief, there does appears to be a mutual respect forged. For this reason I find it necessary to approach my overall statements and the one specifically targeted at her separately. I will begin that portion shortly following another meditative exhale.”
Oh, Alix..
As she stated, Alix did go through with that exhale, and while her facial expression did not change one could tell if around her that she was calmer. Sort of. “Catalina Cortes and I, if one were to examine us on the surface, we have a decent amount in common. While my lineage was unknown until recently, she and I both have a family history within this profession. For this reason, there is an additional pressure for success and all shortcomings are magnified. However, like myself she has taken this pressure and turned it into motivation though her approach is smoother on a social level. Through practice, I will obtain this skill in the same manner as I will gain experience alongside victory. Not many may believe in my chances but I don’t harbor any animosity for this based on what they were presented. If anything, I anticipate proving them wrong. It will come at the expense of Catalina, but she will still have her upcoming number one contendership to look forward to..” There was another brief pause, this time with Alix showing an uncharacteristic expression.
One in general..
“Unless of course I decide to interject.. and if I acted on such an impulse, it leads to another very prominent question.”
Now, she actually managed a small smirk.
“Can you stop me?”
With those final words spoken, she returned to her neutral expression in time for the camera to stop recording her. While she wasn’t sure what her future in the company would be, she did know that she had to make the most of it and also carry the banner of her other places of employment. As a champion with so much more to earn, so much more to give, she couldn’t afford any hiccups now. No slips, no falls. Forge ahead, no matter what madness or carnage surrounds her. It was time to further prove her worth, no matter the cost.
Still.. she couldn’t simply scoff at what was presented despite the inner feelings of being discredited and disregarded. Normally such acts would be committed by the opponent. Someone looking to further paint the portrait of themself being the best by downplaying who they are up against. It was a moronic practice but a common one.
However, that wasn’t the case.
Alix Mayne was facing Catalina Cortes and unless something drastically changed on the lead up to their match, she hasn’t said a negative thing about her. If anything, during a brief exchange she stated that she wasn’t taking her lightly and told the young woman to not be discouraged by an announcement that clearly irritated her.
So that’s what she did her best to focus on, though it was far easier said than done and with her issues communicating, that’s very telling.
She did what any troubled child would begrudgingly do at a time like this and called for assistance, though the meeting would take place on somewhat neutral ground. Of course punctuality was the strong suit of only one of them so Alix sat, patiently waiting and staring off into the distance. Hopefully this would give her the clarity she needed in order to proceed without the other causing problems.
“Alix Mayne?”
The unfamiliar voice startled her, though one wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at her. Instead she offered a simple nod as a response, locking eyes so that the individual knows they may continue. “Thank you, Alix. Now before we get started with a couple questions I have for you today, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is William and I’m here to talk to you today about your parents. Is that okay?” The introduction seemed rather odd to Alix who simply tilted her head a small bit, her response coming in the form of a stare once again rather than words.
Though it appeared his reaction was one of annoyance, after looking at what appeared to be a small notepad, his expression lightened up a bit. Almost like a lightbulb went on upstairs. “Ahh right.. right. Now look Ms. Mayne, while I won’t be able to do it right at this moment, when you have someone to assist in mediating things I’d like to talk to you about your relationship with your parents and what you recall from the last time you spoke with them. So what I will do is leave you with my number. Yours is on file so I’ll know when it’s you reaching out. We’ll schedule a better time from this and go from there, okay?” She still didn’t manage any words, but the message was received and she took the card with no hesitation, placing it in the front left pocket of her jeans. “Look, I know this is a difficult matter to process emotionally so if there’s anyone you feel you can openly communicate with, however way possible, I think that would be the best thing for you, alright?” There was a brief pause as he began to turn himself away from her. “Take care of yourself.. and I’m sorry for your loss.” Giving one last nod, she watched as the man left, eyes not breaking contact with the direction even after he left her field of vision.
“…My loss?”
The distant glare in the direction from which the alarming stranger had walked away remained for some time. The closest thing to an emote presented from Alix being a slight movement of her head to the side. No words were shared, only the gaze. It wasn’t until she heard the voice of another that she returned to reality, immediately turning towards the direction of the sound though her face did not showcase the shock that most would feel when their zoning out is disrupted.
“Do not be distracted, Odd Duck.. Not in the face of such a challenge.” The velvety monotone of her father rang out accompanied by the soft click of the ceramic teapot being set down. He offered her the small cup, steam rising from it. “It only has the power you give it after all…” he adds with a small smile. She carefully examined his movements before setting her sights on the teapot. “You have presented tea as a method to initiate conversation. I offer apologies for my mind entering a state of distraction. The appearance of the stranger led to rather troubling thoughts. I am unsure how to proceed. Did you not see the person, pater?”
Matthew Knox lifted his own cup, shaking his head softly to answer her question before taking one long drink of his beverage. He exhaled slowly, considering.
“No, but I saw your eyes see them…” he answered honestly, shifting and leaning forward. “We tend only to be able to see our own ghosts, my dear Alix..” a small pause before he added “I have been very distant lately, and I wanted to apologize for that.”
“You have been attending to matters both personally and professionally. It is the purpose and there is no reason to offer an apology. Tasks must be completed, this is knowledge you bestowed upon me and others utilizing you as a teacher.” Slowly reaching for her own beverage, she looked back at him. “The individual you believe to be an apparition is unfamiliar. If this were a spirit wishing to haunt me, would they not be or take the form of someone I committed a terrible act against? Why would a stranger seek to lead me astray?”
“Perhaps cruelty. Perhaps it only appears as a stranger to lull you into a calm that it is able to strike upon…” a pause, a quirk of an eyebrow. “Have you been taking your medicine as Dr. Littlefield prescribed? I'd hate to give Anton reason to lecture either of us.” Alix tilted her head slightly, the first bit of expression present as she eyes her father quizzically. “I do not recall being given the medication or instructions. The only memory I have of visiting the aforementioned doctor was the gentleman beginning to describe my ailments. What happened? Why is there a lapse in my memory banks?”
He couldn't help the chuckle at her phrasing, shaking his head. “Memory banks…” he repeated softly while reaching across the table to place a large hand over one of her own deceivingly dainty ones. “Worry not my odd duck, we kept a journal of the day just in case such a thing occurred.” He paid her hand a squeeze.
“Now. Focus. Tell me, why do you believe you've been lost in the shuffle in Indianapolis despite your immaculate record?” Alix did her best to practice breathing techniques taught to her in order to focus on the subject of conversation given to her. “The venture into that company was done as a result of a personal favor presented to me. Following this, I have had minimal interaction with the one who gave the request and the times that are spent lack depth due to that individual being distracted by another circulating within their mind. Along with this, my previous encounters have had me partaking in team matches when I specified that I was a solo competitor. Now while this latest showcase has me featured in a singles contest, again the narrative presented is one that shows favor to the opposition. It is as if any matter of canonical events not dictated by their hand or the hands of their colleagues are irrelevant. Pater, I am the equivalent of a world champion in two companies and this is not recognized. My opponent has even been granted a future contest for championship contendership, further signifying that the match against me is meaningless and will not serve to progress my career. This company is a dead end as others would state.”
“We do not put stock in what others state though, do we my odd duck?” He countered sharply but with enough care for the edge to not break skin. “It is to be expected, given her shared history with Trent Steel, that she be showcased. Your titles are current and as valid as the skill it took to win them…”
Now, he placed his cup back into the saucer and leaned in over the table.
“But they're not widely known. They don't sell, per se. You will no doubt build them up along with the young companies they represent in time but as it stands? What's happening to you is as natural as it is unfair…” his eyes narrowed. “However, my darling Alix.. my Odd duck.. apple of my eye.. I ask you: When they will not give the due respect, what do we do?”
“When their arrogance stops them from treating us as the threats we are, what then?”
“When they do not submit to our wrath.. what do we do?”
The eyes of Alix narrowed to mimic the expression shown to her. “We force them to gaze upon the truth through action and pain they brought to themselves.”
“Exactly. So will you allow them to simply have this bad faith narrative? No. You'll go out there and you will prove yourself to be all I know you to be, and all that they will come to fear…”
Long, pale digits took firmer hold of her hand and gave an encouraging squeeze.
“Because you are my daughter, and I believe in you and your terrible wrath.” All Alix used as a response for a while was a simple nod, her gaze drifted to their hands. She watched them carefully before offering her free one to be placed on top, now squeezing his. “I will complete this task, pater. I will continue to oppose their narrative. I offer gratitude for your assistance in realigning my thoughts.”
The remainder of their time spent shifted away from the subject of her current situation with Level Up, and was as pleasant as it could be considering the underlying issues. After they parted ways, Alix knew it would be the best time for her to address the masses. Otherwise, she could possibly find herself in a situation where she would lose her voice and more importantly the message she had to send to both her opponent and the company itself. So with as much of a sigh as you’ll get out of her, Alix waited for the red light to flash on and began expressing her thoughts.
Breathe.
Maintain focus.
Stick to the points.
Failure is not an option.
“Greetings to those who have chosen the option to watch this video in preparation for the latest episode of Level Up Wrestling’s programming EXP. For the twenty eighth edition of the broadcast, I will be featured in my first singles contest following my victory at their Super Adventure Island event. My opponent will be Catalina Cortes and while I am entering this match following victory, in her last encounter she suffered a hard fought defeat having failed in her conquest to obtain the status of Final Boss Champion. Some would believe that she would be at a psychological disadvantage while others venture to suggest the opposite. No matter her state entering this match, I will prepare for the best she has to offer. I am under the impression based on footage obtained that she will do the same. However, prior to this, there is a matter that I wish to address with the company itself and the narrative they are presenting leading into this event that I find erroneous and negligent in nature.” Taking a deep breath at this point, Alix did her best to imitate techniques bestowed upon her by her pater before continuing. Her hopes were that through this she would have her accomplishments taking into consideration during future promotional pieces.
Now let’s just hope she conveys this without alarming those around her or causing anyone else into thinking she wasn’t human.
“In their canon I am an underdog facing a former World Champion, a final champion of a company. Someone they have so openly positioned for a potential championship match without factoring in my threat to their already tarnished record. Beyond the scope of their limited vision this champion is facing someone in me who with less than a year experience has become a World Champion in two separate companies. I understand the difficulty I am faced with. However, it would be foolish to not recognize my capabilities as well.” There was a brief pause as Alix contemplated her next words. “I do wish to clarify that my statements were solely regarding the company and not the individual I am set to compete against. While our interactions have been brief, there does appears to be a mutual respect forged. For this reason I find it necessary to approach my overall statements and the one specifically targeted at her separately. I will begin that portion shortly following another meditative exhale.”
Oh, Alix..
As she stated, Alix did go through with that exhale, and while her facial expression did not change one could tell if around her that she was calmer. Sort of. “Catalina Cortes and I, if one were to examine us on the surface, we have a decent amount in common. While my lineage was unknown until recently, she and I both have a family history within this profession. For this reason, there is an additional pressure for success and all shortcomings are magnified. However, like myself she has taken this pressure and turned it into motivation though her approach is smoother on a social level. Through practice, I will obtain this skill in the same manner as I will gain experience alongside victory. Not many may believe in my chances but I don’t harbor any animosity for this based on what they were presented. If anything, I anticipate proving them wrong. It will come at the expense of Catalina, but she will still have her upcoming number one contendership to look forward to..” There was another brief pause, this time with Alix showing an uncharacteristic expression.
One in general..
“Unless of course I decide to interject.. and if I acted on such an impulse, it leads to another very prominent question.”
Now, she actually managed a small smirk.
“Can you stop me?”
With those final words spoken, she returned to her neutral expression in time for the camera to stop recording her. While she wasn’t sure what her future in the company would be, she did know that she had to make the most of it and also carry the banner of her other places of employment. As a champion with so much more to earn, so much more to give, she couldn’t afford any hiccups now. No slips, no falls. Forge ahead, no matter what madness or carnage surrounds her. It was time to further prove her worth, no matter the cost.
