Post by Sebastian Everett-Bryce on Jul 31, 2022 17:21:04 GMT -5
In the past month alone, Sebastian Everett-Bryce had beaten Dane Preston at Super Adventure Island, defended the UGWC Chaos Championship in the Sonoran desert against Montague Cervantes at UGWC Wrestlestock, competed in the Cannabis Cup presented by his friend and mentor Chris Page, announced that he and Sloane would be making their long awaited appearance in OCW by participating in the Margarita Mix tournament all whilst they moved their entire lives from Chicago to New York.
It had been something of a whirlwind.
In the days leading up to the Cannabis Cup, Sloane had been visited by his father’s stooge. The reptilian miscreant had managed to convince Sloane that her help was needed once more, but this time she wouldn’t have to pretend to be anyone she wasn’t. She could be Sloane Taylor - girlfriend of Sebastian Everett-Bryce. The flipside to this particular arrangement was that Sebastian would be forced to maintain a distance. No opportunity for him to protect her.
Or fuck things up like last time.
On this particular day, Seb found himself alone whilst his beloved was out exploring their new neighbourhood. She was looking for new opportunities to launch herself from high places, flying in the face of abject peril with outright disregard for physics. You know, Sloane things. Despite the initial interest in moving to New York, his grandfather had found his regular visits to Sloane’s mother’s home somewhat enticing and had for the short term at least, delayed his permanent move.
Though Seb guessed, he was worried about Nina being lonely.
That being said, they still visited most weeks with Synergy still taking place in Chicago, so there never was much time for Nina to miss her daughter. Sloane had finally given up the lease to her old apartment, given that the two of them would stay with Sloane’s mother when they visited. This wasn’t ideal, of course. Seb had never been used to close proximity with parents when sharing a bed with a woman. Even in his younger days at home, there were enough places to go where a young couple would never be discovered.
The Taylor household had no such hiding places.
One such visit was due this Monday, with Seb and Sloane flying out to Chicago on Saturday evening in order to spend Sunday and Monday with her, attending Synergy on Monday night where Seb would mix things up with Kyra Johnson, before they flew out to Wisconsin for Level Up on Tuesday night where his next challenge was Ziggy Morgan. Seb’s time in Level Up had been entirely positive thus far - Three matches, three wins. The defeat of Dane Preston at Super Adventure Island had felt something like redemption after the defeat in Fight. Seb had always known he was better than Dane, but one mistake was all it had taken.
Dane had gotten the win then, but Seb had won definitively this time out.
He could rejoice in the knowledge that Dane’s mouth had finally been shut. A rarity that’s for sure. Almost immediately following that victory, Seb had looked to the future. He still had targets that he wanted to cross off his list. Larry Tact. Duncan Shepard. But first he’d wanted to challenge himself with something new. And so, for the whole world to see, he’d opened up a challenge.
“So Level Up… I’ve got to ask… Who’s next?”
It hadn’t taken long - a matter of hours before one Catalina Cortes had answered his call in her own, emphatic way.
“Meet me at Combat Evolved you fancy bitch.”
Seb had chuckled at that - honestly, he chuckled at most things these days. Life was good - he and Sloane had moved into their dream home in their dream city even closer to their best friends. He was in demand across a number of promotions. He was a Champion in UGWC, a number one contender in Pro Wrestling Valor, a guest in OCW and of course… The stakes in his match at Combat Evolved were the highest - the winner would go on to face the Final Boss Champion at Triforce Heroes.
It was going to be epic.
Seb was busy sunning himself on their sun terrace when the call came. Seb’s lip curled as he saw the name on the display - Clemence Jessops. He rolled his eyes as he answered the phone.
“Clem.” Seb asked. “Can I call you Clem? I don’t care, I’m going to call you Clem anyway.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.” Replied Clemence from the other end of the phone. “Though I suspect that will merely indict you to carry on regardless.”
“Probably.” Said Seb with a smirk. “To what do I owe this oh so very certain displeasure.”
“I merely wanted to catch up with you - it’s been too long.” Clemence replied slickly. Horrible fuck was probably sat there in budgie smugglers and a silk housecoat.
“Not long enough, I can assure you.” Seb replied as he picked up one of the stone coasters Sloane had purchased for the outside of their home. He rolled it slowly back and forth across the table, keeping his finger on the outside edge.
“I assume Sloane has told you about our request.” Said Jessops. “The one made when I collected her laptop.”
“She did.” Said Seb with a smirk. “Oh and I apologise about all the pictures of my dick that were on there. I do hope you and my father weren’t caught off guard.”
“It took us some time to work out how to remove it as a screensaver, yes.” Said Jessops. “I can assure you it was only a… minor… Inconvenience.”
“Hilarious.” Seb snarled. “When can she have the laptop back?”
“When we’re finished with it.” Said Jessops snippily. “I can assure you, the details of your girlfriend’s sordid past are not…”
“Call it sordid again, and the next time I see you I’ll make sure you fully understand what it feels like to kiss a laptop at thirty miles per hour.” Seb said.
“Apologies…” Said Jessops, with no small hint of amusement. “The details of your girlfriend’s former employment, legitimate and very much above board, are of no interest to us. We’re more interested in…”
“I don’t care what you’re interested in. I care about when Sloane can get her property back.” Seb said. “And I care about when the two of you decide you’ve finished with your games.”
“There are no games, Sebastian.” Said Clemence. “Sloane is an asset to your family - and should she wish to remain a part of that family she will play her part, as will you. Don’t forget, Sebastian, everything you have is because your father allows it. One word from him and the two of you, not to mention her mother and your grandfather will…”
“Spare me the dramatics. I know what he could do.” Said Seb dropping the coaster hard upon the table. “I also know that the moment I walk away from this family again, everything he has goes down the shitter. So… Forgive me if your little threats fall off the mark.”
Seb paused, running his tongue over his teeth,
“I know what you’re trying to do.” He said.
“And what’s that?” Said Jessops.
“These little tasks may be beneficial for my father’s business, but I know that you’re trying your hardest to come between us - that little trick with the key at the dinner party? Don’t tell me he didn’t know anything about it.” Seb said. He fully expected Clemence to gloat, admit the truth, knowing full well that Seb could do nothing about it. Instead… He remained silent for a moment.
“That was just me.” Clemence said quietly. “I have a differing opinion on Sloane than your father does. I think she’s a risk, furthermore I think she’s damaging to our reputation, especially given the content of this laptop.”
“The content of that laptop tells you nothing - Sloane’s job was no different to the one that you’re asking her to do.” Seb said, his hand slamming on the table. “She didn’t do a single thing that she should ever be ashamed of.”
“Perhaps not.” Said Clemence quietly. “But perception is key.”
“Well your little stunt didn’t work.” Said Seb triumphantly, as he picked up the coaster again.
“Oh I’m not so sure about that.” Said Jessops. “Little by little I’m collecting more and more knowledge about the two of you. Your relationship. Your feelings. Your… Motives. And here is what I know - Sloane loves you, but she’s already shown that her head can be turned. Thaddeus? How long will it be before she gives into her temptations - and if not him, someone. Afterall, Sebastian, how long can she keep on her rose-tinted spectacles as it concerns you. A spoilt, entitled little bastard who has spent his entire life leeching off those around him. Honestly, Sebastian, how long do you think you can hide what an abject disappointment you are? Especially compared to all those smart, successful men who just so happen to be drawn to her.”
Seb’s fist clenched, as the coaster snapped in two. He dropped the pieces on the table with a thud.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Seb said, his breathing heavy as he held back his rage.
“No? Then how about this.” Clemence said quietly. “How many times have you thought about ending things with her already? Hmm? Not because you don’t love her, not because you don’t want to be with her but… Because you think she could do so much better than you. Or because you want to play the martyr and protect her from us? Hmm? Let’s face it, Sebastian - the writing is on the wall. One way another, your pathetic self-loathing is going to crush any hope that the two of you have of a happily ever after.”
“Get fucked, Clem.” Said Seb.
“Now, now, Sebastian - let’s not get too aggressive.” Clemence said quietly. “I just wanted to let you know I’ll be in touch with Sloane soon to let her know when she’ll be needed. Alone, of course. Have a wonderful evening.”
The call ended without another word from Seb, his fingers flexing over and over. He stared down at his phone, trying hard to dispel the urge to throw it from the terrace. In the end, he placed the phone down on the table and closed his eyes. Could he even tell Jessops he was wrong? He couldn’t answer the question.
And that burned harder than any insult that could have been sent his way.
Hello Ziggy. I’m Seb.
I’d offer further background, but I know it isn’t necessary. I’m sure of little about my place in the wider world of professional wrestling, but I know I need little introduction. I’ll admit, this past year has likely created more detractors than supporters, and yet here we are… Not three matches into my time here in Level Up wrestling and I’m preparing to yet again fight for the greatest opportunity there is - not, for the record, a place within the Game Changers.
Don’t take that as an insult, Zig. Can I call you Zig? I’m going to call you Zig. It’s not - you see some people are just born to follow. You can’t help it - you see the opportunity to fall in line and you grasp at it with both hands. Safe. Dependable. You get to blame all the poor decisions that come to pass on whoever it is that holds your reins. Not everyone is fit to take the bit between their teeth. Some are perfectly happy to take whatever their glorious leader wishes to slip between their lips.
That’s okay. You know your place in this world. That’s good.
Alas, I know it’s easy to look at my record this past year and assume the worst. I haven’t exactly been laden with honours. In fact, the one and only Championship I’ve held in the last year is the one I hold right now. That being said, those who look at my record and assume that I’m a big name with an easy target make that mistake at their own risk. Dane got lucky… Then he got found out. James Raven took my scalp, then found himself at my mercy. Twice. Ragdoll. Tempest. Cervantes. Every member of the terrifying and all together unstoppable Astro Creeps? Felled. By me. Alone. Christ, the Fight roster were so afraid to face me most of them just stopped turning up for a match.
I’m not what you expect me to be, Zig. Don’t be a fool. Don’t make the same mistake that they all did. And I know, you’ll point at one man - Knox. He’ll be the standard by which you judge my failures in this past eighteen months. But ask him and he’ll tell you - no-one came closer to taking that Valor World Title away from him than I did - I came closer than your illustrious leader. Though I’m sure he’ll find a way to tell you differently while you glance up into his eyes.
And let’s be clear here, Zig. No matter how hard you try - you’re no Matt Knox.
You're not capable of standing alone.
Harsh, maybe. But not a lie. If it was, you’d have made different choices. Honestly, I don't know what you think Tact offers that you can't gain alone. This is what makes me smirk when the uneducated lay claims about Chris Page and his Enterprise. He may have his preferences, but he expects nothing from any of us than to be as successful as we can be. Stables imply power structure, and an implication that one sits at the head of the table to reap the rewards. But at my table, there's no-one but me. And I'd turn my back on everyone else in the enterprise if Sloane needed me.
But what you are is a prospect - no doubt about it. Inconsistent as you are, you’re without doubt a potential superstar in this company. That is, if Tact doesn’t squeeze every last drop out of you in order to cement his own position. But this match isn’t about him, it’s about me and you. And whatever you think you know about me, isn’t enough for you to beat me. I’m undefeated here so far - and trust me when I say, beating Kat Jones and Dane Preston in your first two singles matches is no easy task.
But you know that already, because you’re not an idiot.
Trust me Zig, this isn't going to go how you think it is. I mean sure, your Game Changer brethren may slide into our contest and help you out, but that's about the only hope you have of beating me. If you go it alone, you've got no hope. I'm more experienced. Seasoned. Capable. As good as you are, I'm just… better. There's no shame in that. The better man wins all the time… And recently, the better man has been me.
So no, Zig. I won't waste time introducing myself.
You know exactly what you're in for.
And all the bravado in the world isn't going to save you.
No games will be changed in the wake of our meetings. But Empires will rise.
And your game will be over.
Can't wait, Zig. See you Tuesday.
The Dukes were in Rhode Island, which by the way for anyone who isn’t au fait with the geography of the United States, is not in New York. His gramps was in Chicago along with Sloane’s brother Kit. Page was travelling. For the first time since he’d left Chicago, Seb felt alone. He could have picked up the phone to anyone, but after speaking to Jessops the last thing Seb felt like doing was picking up a phone.
And so he sat on a bench in Central Park, sunglasses pulled over his face, with a flat cap pulled low. He wore a polo shirt, stone coloured chinos and brown sandals. Whilst it wasn’t his best look, it was certainly one he was happy to adopt given the warmth of the day. He leaned back watching the people walk by. One by one, they moved on with their day.
“‘Scuse me, son… Mind if I sit down here?” Asked an old man.
“What?” Asked Seb, looking down to the space beside him. “Oh, no - go ahead.”
“Thank you.” He said, groaning loudly as he slowly lowered himself into place. “Beautiful day.”
“Mmm.” Said Seb, absently.
“Something on your mind, son?” The old man asked.
“No, no.” Seb lied, before sinking back into something of a stupor.
“I love the park - it’s my favourite place in the entire city.” The old man said. “My wife loved it too. We would spend hours just walking the paths. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter - didn’t matter. We just dressed appropriately and out we went - the miles we must have clocked up. We knew this park better than most, I expect.”
“Your wife… You’re talking in the past tense. Did she… Pass?” Seb asked, trying to maintain conversation. He lifted the cup to his lips.
“Oh god no - she left me in 1992 for the builder who was installing her fucking walk in wardrobe.” The old man said bitterly. Seb spat the luke warm coffee over the shoes of a man walking past with a springer spaniel.
“Sorry…” Said Seb, before he chuckled. He turned to face the old man. “I’m… Sorry to hear that.”
“Oh it’s alright - that was thirty years ago.” The old man said quietly. “Was my own fault really - sometimes you just… manifest things into being.”
“What do you mean?” Seb asked, before chewing his tongue nervously. He had a feeling he knew the answer.
“I was jealous - she was truly beautiful, my wife. I never really thought I deserved her. So every time another man looked in her direction, I was suspicious. In the end, it pushed her that way.” Said the old man.
“Can’t exactly blame you - it’s hard to look past that kind of thing when you’re in love. They’re the most important thing in the world…” Seb said.
“Maybe.” Said the old man. “But I was blind to the truth. I just told you - we spent hours walking round this park talking, laughing. We even made love beneath that tree over there one night.”
“Alright, well, that might be a little bit of an overshare.” Seb said, clearing his throat.
“My point is - what did it matter if she was friendly? If she was attractive to other men - of course she was. She was stunningly beautiful. She didn’t do anything that she wasn’t supposed to.” He said.
“Until she did.” Said Seb quietly.
“You ever seen The Matrix, son?” Asked the old man.
“I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.” Said Seb. Of course he’d seen the Matrix.
“Remember the scene with The Oracle, where Neo broke the vase. And the question as to whether he broke it because he was always going to break it, or just because she told him he was going to break it?” The old man said.
“Yeah?” Said Seb. He paused for a second. “Oh… OH!”
“Exactly. Did she leave me because she was always going to leave me? Or did she leave me because I kept making her think I thought she was going to leave me?” Said the old man.
“Yeah…” Said Seb. “I guess you’ll never know.”
“Bullshit - she left me because that builder had a dick bigger than his bank account, and he worked construction in NYC.” Said the old man before descending into fits of laughter. Seb just stared at him awkwardly. “Christ son, it was a joke. Lighten up.”
Seb cleared his throat and climbed to his feet.
“Well… I… Uh… I have to go.” Seb said. “Pleasure meeting you… Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“I didn’t throw it, son.” Said the man with a smile. “But I’m here around this time most days. Come back again and maybe I’ll tell you.”
“Alright.” Said Seb, without any intention of ever going back. “See you round.”
“Not unless I see you first.” The old man said, before offering Seb a salute.
And Seb turned around, shaking his head before he walked off into the distance.
It had been something of a whirlwind.
In the days leading up to the Cannabis Cup, Sloane had been visited by his father’s stooge. The reptilian miscreant had managed to convince Sloane that her help was needed once more, but this time she wouldn’t have to pretend to be anyone she wasn’t. She could be Sloane Taylor - girlfriend of Sebastian Everett-Bryce. The flipside to this particular arrangement was that Sebastian would be forced to maintain a distance. No opportunity for him to protect her.
Or fuck things up like last time.
On this particular day, Seb found himself alone whilst his beloved was out exploring their new neighbourhood. She was looking for new opportunities to launch herself from high places, flying in the face of abject peril with outright disregard for physics. You know, Sloane things. Despite the initial interest in moving to New York, his grandfather had found his regular visits to Sloane’s mother’s home somewhat enticing and had for the short term at least, delayed his permanent move.
Though Seb guessed, he was worried about Nina being lonely.
That being said, they still visited most weeks with Synergy still taking place in Chicago, so there never was much time for Nina to miss her daughter. Sloane had finally given up the lease to her old apartment, given that the two of them would stay with Sloane’s mother when they visited. This wasn’t ideal, of course. Seb had never been used to close proximity with parents when sharing a bed with a woman. Even in his younger days at home, there were enough places to go where a young couple would never be discovered.
The Taylor household had no such hiding places.
One such visit was due this Monday, with Seb and Sloane flying out to Chicago on Saturday evening in order to spend Sunday and Monday with her, attending Synergy on Monday night where Seb would mix things up with Kyra Johnson, before they flew out to Wisconsin for Level Up on Tuesday night where his next challenge was Ziggy Morgan. Seb’s time in Level Up had been entirely positive thus far - Three matches, three wins. The defeat of Dane Preston at Super Adventure Island had felt something like redemption after the defeat in Fight. Seb had always known he was better than Dane, but one mistake was all it had taken.
Dane had gotten the win then, but Seb had won definitively this time out.
He could rejoice in the knowledge that Dane’s mouth had finally been shut. A rarity that’s for sure. Almost immediately following that victory, Seb had looked to the future. He still had targets that he wanted to cross off his list. Larry Tact. Duncan Shepard. But first he’d wanted to challenge himself with something new. And so, for the whole world to see, he’d opened up a challenge.
“So Level Up… I’ve got to ask… Who’s next?”
It hadn’t taken long - a matter of hours before one Catalina Cortes had answered his call in her own, emphatic way.
“Meet me at Combat Evolved you fancy bitch.”
Seb had chuckled at that - honestly, he chuckled at most things these days. Life was good - he and Sloane had moved into their dream home in their dream city even closer to their best friends. He was in demand across a number of promotions. He was a Champion in UGWC, a number one contender in Pro Wrestling Valor, a guest in OCW and of course… The stakes in his match at Combat Evolved were the highest - the winner would go on to face the Final Boss Champion at Triforce Heroes.
It was going to be epic.
Seb was busy sunning himself on their sun terrace when the call came. Seb’s lip curled as he saw the name on the display - Clemence Jessops. He rolled his eyes as he answered the phone.
“Clem.” Seb asked. “Can I call you Clem? I don’t care, I’m going to call you Clem anyway.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.” Replied Clemence from the other end of the phone. “Though I suspect that will merely indict you to carry on regardless.”
“Probably.” Said Seb with a smirk. “To what do I owe this oh so very certain displeasure.”
“I merely wanted to catch up with you - it’s been too long.” Clemence replied slickly. Horrible fuck was probably sat there in budgie smugglers and a silk housecoat.
“Not long enough, I can assure you.” Seb replied as he picked up one of the stone coasters Sloane had purchased for the outside of their home. He rolled it slowly back and forth across the table, keeping his finger on the outside edge.
“I assume Sloane has told you about our request.” Said Jessops. “The one made when I collected her laptop.”
“She did.” Said Seb with a smirk. “Oh and I apologise about all the pictures of my dick that were on there. I do hope you and my father weren’t caught off guard.”
“It took us some time to work out how to remove it as a screensaver, yes.” Said Jessops. “I can assure you it was only a… minor… Inconvenience.”
“Hilarious.” Seb snarled. “When can she have the laptop back?”
“When we’re finished with it.” Said Jessops snippily. “I can assure you, the details of your girlfriend’s sordid past are not…”
“Call it sordid again, and the next time I see you I’ll make sure you fully understand what it feels like to kiss a laptop at thirty miles per hour.” Seb said.
“Apologies…” Said Jessops, with no small hint of amusement. “The details of your girlfriend’s former employment, legitimate and very much above board, are of no interest to us. We’re more interested in…”
“I don’t care what you’re interested in. I care about when Sloane can get her property back.” Seb said. “And I care about when the two of you decide you’ve finished with your games.”
“There are no games, Sebastian.” Said Clemence. “Sloane is an asset to your family - and should she wish to remain a part of that family she will play her part, as will you. Don’t forget, Sebastian, everything you have is because your father allows it. One word from him and the two of you, not to mention her mother and your grandfather will…”
“Spare me the dramatics. I know what he could do.” Said Seb dropping the coaster hard upon the table. “I also know that the moment I walk away from this family again, everything he has goes down the shitter. So… Forgive me if your little threats fall off the mark.”
Seb paused, running his tongue over his teeth,
“I know what you’re trying to do.” He said.
“And what’s that?” Said Jessops.
“These little tasks may be beneficial for my father’s business, but I know that you’re trying your hardest to come between us - that little trick with the key at the dinner party? Don’t tell me he didn’t know anything about it.” Seb said. He fully expected Clemence to gloat, admit the truth, knowing full well that Seb could do nothing about it. Instead… He remained silent for a moment.
“That was just me.” Clemence said quietly. “I have a differing opinion on Sloane than your father does. I think she’s a risk, furthermore I think she’s damaging to our reputation, especially given the content of this laptop.”
“The content of that laptop tells you nothing - Sloane’s job was no different to the one that you’re asking her to do.” Seb said, his hand slamming on the table. “She didn’t do a single thing that she should ever be ashamed of.”
“Perhaps not.” Said Clemence quietly. “But perception is key.”
“Well your little stunt didn’t work.” Said Seb triumphantly, as he picked up the coaster again.
“Oh I’m not so sure about that.” Said Jessops. “Little by little I’m collecting more and more knowledge about the two of you. Your relationship. Your feelings. Your… Motives. And here is what I know - Sloane loves you, but she’s already shown that her head can be turned. Thaddeus? How long will it be before she gives into her temptations - and if not him, someone. Afterall, Sebastian, how long can she keep on her rose-tinted spectacles as it concerns you. A spoilt, entitled little bastard who has spent his entire life leeching off those around him. Honestly, Sebastian, how long do you think you can hide what an abject disappointment you are? Especially compared to all those smart, successful men who just so happen to be drawn to her.”
Seb’s fist clenched, as the coaster snapped in two. He dropped the pieces on the table with a thud.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Seb said, his breathing heavy as he held back his rage.
“No? Then how about this.” Clemence said quietly. “How many times have you thought about ending things with her already? Hmm? Not because you don’t love her, not because you don’t want to be with her but… Because you think she could do so much better than you. Or because you want to play the martyr and protect her from us? Hmm? Let’s face it, Sebastian - the writing is on the wall. One way another, your pathetic self-loathing is going to crush any hope that the two of you have of a happily ever after.”
“Get fucked, Clem.” Said Seb.
“Now, now, Sebastian - let’s not get too aggressive.” Clemence said quietly. “I just wanted to let you know I’ll be in touch with Sloane soon to let her know when she’ll be needed. Alone, of course. Have a wonderful evening.”
The call ended without another word from Seb, his fingers flexing over and over. He stared down at his phone, trying hard to dispel the urge to throw it from the terrace. In the end, he placed the phone down on the table and closed his eyes. Could he even tell Jessops he was wrong? He couldn’t answer the question.
And that burned harder than any insult that could have been sent his way.
Hello Ziggy. I’m Seb.
I’d offer further background, but I know it isn’t necessary. I’m sure of little about my place in the wider world of professional wrestling, but I know I need little introduction. I’ll admit, this past year has likely created more detractors than supporters, and yet here we are… Not three matches into my time here in Level Up wrestling and I’m preparing to yet again fight for the greatest opportunity there is - not, for the record, a place within the Game Changers.
Don’t take that as an insult, Zig. Can I call you Zig? I’m going to call you Zig. It’s not - you see some people are just born to follow. You can’t help it - you see the opportunity to fall in line and you grasp at it with both hands. Safe. Dependable. You get to blame all the poor decisions that come to pass on whoever it is that holds your reins. Not everyone is fit to take the bit between their teeth. Some are perfectly happy to take whatever their glorious leader wishes to slip between their lips.
That’s okay. You know your place in this world. That’s good.
Alas, I know it’s easy to look at my record this past year and assume the worst. I haven’t exactly been laden with honours. In fact, the one and only Championship I’ve held in the last year is the one I hold right now. That being said, those who look at my record and assume that I’m a big name with an easy target make that mistake at their own risk. Dane got lucky… Then he got found out. James Raven took my scalp, then found himself at my mercy. Twice. Ragdoll. Tempest. Cervantes. Every member of the terrifying and all together unstoppable Astro Creeps? Felled. By me. Alone. Christ, the Fight roster were so afraid to face me most of them just stopped turning up for a match.
I’m not what you expect me to be, Zig. Don’t be a fool. Don’t make the same mistake that they all did. And I know, you’ll point at one man - Knox. He’ll be the standard by which you judge my failures in this past eighteen months. But ask him and he’ll tell you - no-one came closer to taking that Valor World Title away from him than I did - I came closer than your illustrious leader. Though I’m sure he’ll find a way to tell you differently while you glance up into his eyes.
And let’s be clear here, Zig. No matter how hard you try - you’re no Matt Knox.
You're not capable of standing alone.
Harsh, maybe. But not a lie. If it was, you’d have made different choices. Honestly, I don't know what you think Tact offers that you can't gain alone. This is what makes me smirk when the uneducated lay claims about Chris Page and his Enterprise. He may have his preferences, but he expects nothing from any of us than to be as successful as we can be. Stables imply power structure, and an implication that one sits at the head of the table to reap the rewards. But at my table, there's no-one but me. And I'd turn my back on everyone else in the enterprise if Sloane needed me.
But what you are is a prospect - no doubt about it. Inconsistent as you are, you’re without doubt a potential superstar in this company. That is, if Tact doesn’t squeeze every last drop out of you in order to cement his own position. But this match isn’t about him, it’s about me and you. And whatever you think you know about me, isn’t enough for you to beat me. I’m undefeated here so far - and trust me when I say, beating Kat Jones and Dane Preston in your first two singles matches is no easy task.
But you know that already, because you’re not an idiot.
Trust me Zig, this isn't going to go how you think it is. I mean sure, your Game Changer brethren may slide into our contest and help you out, but that's about the only hope you have of beating me. If you go it alone, you've got no hope. I'm more experienced. Seasoned. Capable. As good as you are, I'm just… better. There's no shame in that. The better man wins all the time… And recently, the better man has been me.
So no, Zig. I won't waste time introducing myself.
You know exactly what you're in for.
And all the bravado in the world isn't going to save you.
No games will be changed in the wake of our meetings. But Empires will rise.
And your game will be over.
Can't wait, Zig. See you Tuesday.
The Dukes were in Rhode Island, which by the way for anyone who isn’t au fait with the geography of the United States, is not in New York. His gramps was in Chicago along with Sloane’s brother Kit. Page was travelling. For the first time since he’d left Chicago, Seb felt alone. He could have picked up the phone to anyone, but after speaking to Jessops the last thing Seb felt like doing was picking up a phone.
And so he sat on a bench in Central Park, sunglasses pulled over his face, with a flat cap pulled low. He wore a polo shirt, stone coloured chinos and brown sandals. Whilst it wasn’t his best look, it was certainly one he was happy to adopt given the warmth of the day. He leaned back watching the people walk by. One by one, they moved on with their day.
“‘Scuse me, son… Mind if I sit down here?” Asked an old man.
“What?” Asked Seb, looking down to the space beside him. “Oh, no - go ahead.”
“Thank you.” He said, groaning loudly as he slowly lowered himself into place. “Beautiful day.”
“Mmm.” Said Seb, absently.
“Something on your mind, son?” The old man asked.
“No, no.” Seb lied, before sinking back into something of a stupor.
“I love the park - it’s my favourite place in the entire city.” The old man said. “My wife loved it too. We would spend hours just walking the paths. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter - didn’t matter. We just dressed appropriately and out we went - the miles we must have clocked up. We knew this park better than most, I expect.”
“Your wife… You’re talking in the past tense. Did she… Pass?” Seb asked, trying to maintain conversation. He lifted the cup to his lips.
“Oh god no - she left me in 1992 for the builder who was installing her fucking walk in wardrobe.” The old man said bitterly. Seb spat the luke warm coffee over the shoes of a man walking past with a springer spaniel.
“Sorry…” Said Seb, before he chuckled. He turned to face the old man. “I’m… Sorry to hear that.”
“Oh it’s alright - that was thirty years ago.” The old man said quietly. “Was my own fault really - sometimes you just… manifest things into being.”
“What do you mean?” Seb asked, before chewing his tongue nervously. He had a feeling he knew the answer.
“I was jealous - she was truly beautiful, my wife. I never really thought I deserved her. So every time another man looked in her direction, I was suspicious. In the end, it pushed her that way.” Said the old man.
“Can’t exactly blame you - it’s hard to look past that kind of thing when you’re in love. They’re the most important thing in the world…” Seb said.
“Maybe.” Said the old man. “But I was blind to the truth. I just told you - we spent hours walking round this park talking, laughing. We even made love beneath that tree over there one night.”
“Alright, well, that might be a little bit of an overshare.” Seb said, clearing his throat.
“My point is - what did it matter if she was friendly? If she was attractive to other men - of course she was. She was stunningly beautiful. She didn’t do anything that she wasn’t supposed to.” He said.
“Until she did.” Said Seb quietly.
“You ever seen The Matrix, son?” Asked the old man.
“I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.” Said Seb. Of course he’d seen the Matrix.
“Remember the scene with The Oracle, where Neo broke the vase. And the question as to whether he broke it because he was always going to break it, or just because she told him he was going to break it?” The old man said.
“Yeah?” Said Seb. He paused for a second. “Oh… OH!”
“Exactly. Did she leave me because she was always going to leave me? Or did she leave me because I kept making her think I thought she was going to leave me?” Said the old man.
“Yeah…” Said Seb. “I guess you’ll never know.”
“Bullshit - she left me because that builder had a dick bigger than his bank account, and he worked construction in NYC.” Said the old man before descending into fits of laughter. Seb just stared at him awkwardly. “Christ son, it was a joke. Lighten up.”
Seb cleared his throat and climbed to his feet.
“Well… I… Uh… I have to go.” Seb said. “Pleasure meeting you… Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“I didn’t throw it, son.” Said the man with a smile. “But I’m here around this time most days. Come back again and maybe I’ll tell you.”
“Alright.” Said Seb, without any intention of ever going back. “See you round.”
“Not unless I see you first.” The old man said, before offering Seb a salute.
And Seb turned around, shaking his head before he walked off into the distance.
