Post by Sebastian Everett-Bryce on Aug 14, 2022 18:24:37 GMT -5
The trip to Colorado had taken Sebastian Everett-Bryce’s mind off the disappointment of losing the Conquest Championship match the previous Monday. It had taken time - his immediate reaction to the loss had been less than positive. Despite his well-wishing hat tip that he’d tweeted the following morning, Seb had been less than pleased with the outcome of his match with Rogan MacLean.
Another opportunity to fight for the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship had come and gone. Much like it had in Fight when he’d lost to Dane Preston just before the company closed its doors forever. And now, just weeks away from the chance to fight for yet another opportunity and he couldn’t help but feel as though he was cursed to be close, but never quite make it back to the top of the mountain.
Maybe Bert had a point.
If McAlroy won the Final Boss Championship at Combat Evolved, he would have already achieved what Seb had failed to do for almost two years - regain a World Championship. But for now he had to push aside all thoughts of the Final Boss Championship - he wouldn’t make it there if he underestimated Catalina during their number one contenders match. This hadn’t been Seb’s intent, by the way. To walk in and find himself on the cusp of opportunity this quickly. Despite what everyone seemed to assume about him, he rarely felt entitled to anything.
Granted his start in Level Up had been promising - victories against The Warios, Kat Jones, Dane Preston and Ziggy Morgan had provided him with arguably his best run of form since he’d joined the business - better than the run in Pro Wrestling Valor that saw him avoid defeat almost entirely save for the loss to Matt Knox. Better than his current run in UGWC given that he had most recently tasted defeat to Rogan MacLean.
Level Up was, as things stood, his most successful period in any promotion since he’d arrived in the United States. And despite himself, he couldn’t help but feel a growing excitement in the build up to his match against Catalina. But before that, the two of them and Sloane had the Game Changers to deal with. It was only ever a matter of time before he and Larry Tact were back in the same ring together. Given that Seb’s previous victory in Level Up had come at the hands of the newest member of the Game Changers, not to mention Sloane’s upcoming shot at his Power Championship, it was no surprise that it was Tact and his minions that stood against them this week.
It was a bright sunny day in Central Park. Seb had arrived to his usual place and sat down. He had his sunglasses pulled over his eyes and had made the rare choice to wear actual shorts. The combination of a regular, every day t-shirt had created the illusion that Seb was no more than a mere mortal, enjoying the sun.
Seb leaned back to take in the sun as he held out one of the two cups he held in his hand. As he felt the fingers wrap around it, he turned his head slightly to face the Old Man he’d met almost every time he’d ventured into the park.
“Almost didn’t recognise you there.” Said the old man. “What with you wearing clothes a normal person would wear in the summer.”
“Hilarious.” Said Seb. “You sure you should be out in this weather - wouldn’t want you to keel over. There’s no way I’m giving you mouth to mouth.”
“You wish, kid.” Said the old man as he groaned and sat down. He lifted the cup to his mouth and then spluttered. “It’s fucking freezing.”
“It’s a frappuccino.” Said Seb.
“Who asked you to get me a frappuccino?” The old man asked.
“Who asked me to get you anything you ungrateful old goat.” Said Seb shaking his head. “It’s thirty degrees out.”
“Thirty degrees is freezing, this isn’t freezing.” Said the old man taking another sip having decided that actually, the frozen treat wasn’t so bad afterall.
“Thirty degrees in celsius.” Said Seb, rolling his eyes beneath the sunglasses. “You know, the temperature scale that makes actual sense.”
“Says who?” Asked the old man.
“Says anyone who looks at the scale!” Said Seb. “Zero is freezing, one hundred is boiling.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Fahrenheit makes complete sense. 32 degrees is freezing and 212 degrees is boiling.” Said the old man, before pausing for a second and clearing his throat. “Okay, fine, I heard it.”
“Thank you.” Said Seb. “The point is that it’s very hot and therefore I got you a cold coffee. You could at least try and be grateful.”
“I’m fucking drinking it aren’t I?” The old man said. “Fucking millennials.”
“Oh my god, how many times, I’m not a millennial!” Snapped Seb.
“What year were you born in again?” Asked the old man.
“I’m not defined by the arbitrary boundaries set upon me by society, okay? I’m a human being, with thoughts and feelings. If I say I identify as Gen X, then I identify as Gen X. There’s nothing that you can say to stop…” Seb began.
“You were born in 1993, yes?” Asked the old man.
“... Yes.” Said Seb.
“You’re a millennial.” Said the old man before taking a long drink from his Frap. Seb took a deep breath and decided moving on was entirely the right course of action.
“How’s the gout?” Seb asked.
“Painful.” Said the old man. “Not sure the frappuchini is helping.”
“Frappuchino.” Said Seb.
“Just what a Millenial would say.” The old man added. Seb snapped his head around, to find him smirking.
“Hilarious.” Said Seb. “Please, tell me more about your constant pain in your feet.”
“Want me to slip off my shoes and you can rub them for me?” The old man said.
“Oh my god no.” Said Seb. “Literally the last thing I would ever want to do.”
The old man let out a small chuckle.
“How’s Sloane?” He asked.
“She’s good.” Said Seb thinking about Sloane getting ready to head to meet Thad for her ballet lesson. “She’s starting ballet lessons with Thad.”
“Thad?” Asked the old man. Seb chuckled - he’d assumed that everyone knew who Thaddeus Leander Duke was by now.
“Yeah, sorry - he’s my best friend.” Said Seb.
“And he’s teaching your girlfriend to dance ballet?” The old man asked with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, he is.” Said Seb with an air of finality. The old man held his hands up as if to say “okay, fine.” For a second, Seb’s mind drifted to Sloane. She’d be on her way to the studio now. She’d asked Seb if he’d come and support - he’d agreed, but hadn’t wanted to miss his catch up with the old man. Seb chuckled at the idea of that. “The old man” knew the names and dates from his life, while as of yet Seb still hadn’t even managed to find out what his name was. It was a challenge now - something he needed to see out no matter what. He wouldn’t rest until he finally got…
“The name’s Charlie by the way.” Said the old man. “Figure next time I’ll get the coffees and they’ll write my name on the side and you’d find out anyway.”
“Not so sure about that.” Seb said, pointing at the side of his cup which read “Jeb”. The old man let out a chuckle.
“Why’d you keep coming down here to see me, kid?” Asked the old man.
“Not sure really.” Seb lied. He knew why - he missed his grandfather, and despite being in a city he loved, he couldn’t help but feel a little homesick. It was crazy, he didn’t even see his gramps all the time, in fact now he was travelling back to Chicago every couple of weeks, he was seeing him more than ever. But leaving was hard, and meeting Charlie in the park and arguing back and forth made him feel like he had more people.
Thad and Lauren were great, but they were spending their summer in Rhode Island (still not part of New York) and so it would mean one or both of them travelling to meet. And while neither Seb nor Thad had a problem with that, it wasn’t what he’d expected when he’d moved to the same city that Thad already lived in.
Because Seb hadn’t had a best friend in a long time - not since Ollie had died. It took Seb a few moments to notice he was running his fingers over the date tattooed on his wrist.
“What’s that?” Asked the old man with a nod.
“Oh. It’s uh…” Said Seb as he realised he was running his fingers over the numbers and cleared his throat. “It’s the date my… I guess, my last best friend died.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Said Charlie, pausing for a second before reaching down and before pulling up the leg of his trousers to reveal the words ‘Chip n’ Dale’ and a pair of Chipmunks. Seb looked down at the tattoo and up at the old man. “I’m Chip, and my best friend was called Dale.”
“Oh… Well at least there’s a reasonable explanation.” Said Seb.
“For years our friends used to sing that fucking theme song at us. We’d hate it. We’d walk into a bar or party and people would shout ‘Hey, it’s the Rescue Rangers’.” Charlie said shaking his head. “Then he died. About ten years ago. And when I’d turn up to parties I started to notice no-one called me Chip anymore. No-one sung that song. No-one called me a Rescue Ranger and… turns out I fucking missed it!”
Charlie let out a burst of laughter and rubbed his top lip.
“So I decided I wanted something to remember him by - I went to the tattoo place and would you believe it? Some kid was sat there watching old cartoons. That damn song was playing - it was a sign. I knew what I wanted to get there and then. All because of that damn song. Think I missed him more than I missed the song though.” Said Charlie, running his thumb over the lid of the cup. “After he died, I didn’t have much left. The wife was long gone and I’d refused to try and find love again. When Dale was gone, I didn’t look for a new friend either - I just… Started coming here.”
“Then I show up.” Said Seb, turning to face Charlie with a sentimental smile upon his face. “Does that make me your best friend now?”
“If it does, I hope I trip and fall in front of a Subway car.” Said Charlie, draining the remnants of his frap from his cup and holding out his hand to pass it back to Seb.
“Wow.” Said Seb, blinking rapidly, before snatching the cup out of his hand. “Well… This has been great.”
“Same time next week?” Charlie asked.
“Sure, I guess.” Said Seb. “Let me get your number in case one of us is going to be missing.”
“Maybe next time.” Said Charlie. Seb rolled his eyes, starting to realise that getting information from this guy was going to be like getting blood from a stone. “Oh and, kid? If you’ve managed to find yourself a new best friend after you lost your old one, maybe try and keep him close. Not so sure you’ll find a third one.”
“Yeah.” Said Seb, with a small smile. “See you next week Charlie.”
“Not if I see you first.” He said, offering his now usual salute in Seb’s direction. Seb chuckled and shook his head. Charlie was certainly growing on him.
Since I arrived in Level Up, all I’ve heard about is the Game Changers - the unstoppable force that has been slowly working its way through the competition here. At the helm, the undeniable Larry Tact - a man entrenched in the Championship picture here in Level Up and, until very recently, a shoe-in for Triforce Heroes come October. That is, until he came face to face with the Sky Queen. He’ll never admit it, but Larry has to be worried. Having only lost twice this year, one of those losses came at the hands of the next challenger to his championship.
But it’s not just about Larry - some would argue, despite his position of leadership, it’s those around him that have truly shone recently. Ziggy, the most recent addition to the Game Changers came closer than most to handing me my first defeat since signing for Level Up this past June. ISSAC was the Game Changer representative in the World Title. Even now, looking at the match I’m faced with this week, it’s not Larry Tact who I’ve got my eye on. EA Blizzard is a new face for me to get accustomed with - and if I beat him, well… That’ll be three Game Changers I’ve pinned this year already.
Suddenly you have to question which Game they’re supposedly changing.
Given that I would expect Sloane to repeat her victory from a few weeks ago to become the new Power Champion, and not to mention that Bert, Joey, Catalina and I are all currently deemed to be more worthy of an opportunity at the Final Boss Championship than any member of the Game Changers right now… Well… The question has to be asked, what in god’s name have they been doing this year? What have any of them really done that has had any real impact upon Level Up since their arrival?
Or is it all just more Larry Tact spin?
I was hoping for better when I faced Larry one on one earlier this year. I was hoping for better when I faced him again when we were both challenging for the Valor World Title. I was hoping for better when I faced Ziggy Morgan two weeks ago. Over and again, I hope for better from a group whose name epitomises their mission statement, and yet the game hasn’t changed one iota. Those they decry - the Bert’s, the Duncan’s… They’re still the ones sitting atop of of the Level Up Achievement boards while Larry Tact and his merry band of mercenaries flatter to deceive no matter what they do.
And now? Now they have to face three of the fastest rising stars in Level Up Wrestling.
Catalina Cortes. Sloane Taylor. Sebastian Everett-Bryce.
No matter what happens in the future, that trio right there? That’s a real Triforce.
And it’s the closest any of the Game Changers will ever get to greatness.
In the hours that followed Sloane’s lesson and the repercussions of said session, Sebastian had been forced to do his utmost not to sulk. Instead, he had focused his efforts on research. He’d chosen multiple subjects, including but not limited to the other participants in the Margarita Mix, the Game Changers and… Of course… Catalina Cortes. He would liked to have suggested that his research had been bountiful and plentiful and all manner of things that mean productive, but instead he’d found himself staring at a blank screen while his mind wandered back to…
“Enough, Sebastian.” He said to himself through gritted teeth.
“Ohhhh are you done?!” Asked Sloane, as she stepped off the stairs and dropped into a chair at the dining table. “Whatcha find out?”
“Hmm?” Asked Seb, scrambling for time. Honestly, he knew little more than he had when he’d started. It had just been an excuse not to have to talk. “Oh, uh…”
“Wait! This isn’t going to work.” Sloane said. Seb smirked, the potential of a reprieve having dragged him out of what would have likely been certain doom. “We’re missing someone.”
“We are?” Seb asked, furrowing his brow. Sloane was already busying herself with her phone.
“Of course!” She said, before turning her phone towards him to show a dialling. “Catalina!”
“Wait… Sloane… No, let’s…” Seb began before the image on the screen changed to Catalina Cortes - not only one third of their anti-Game Changer experience, but Seb’s upcoming opponent. “... not.”
“Not what?” Asked Catalina, as Sloane turned the phone back towards herself.
“Hey!” She said with a beaming smile and a wave. “Sorry for calling you out of the blue, but Seb’s been doing some opposition research and we wanted to talk through it together. You know, like a team.”
“Really?” Asked Catalina, sagely. Seemingly, she had less faith in Seb than Sloane did. And despite her being absolutely correct, Seb was still offended.
“Yes…” He said. “Really.”
“Alright… Well let’s…” Catalina said before the image started to pixelate, before the screen showed up ‘Call failed’.
“Oh shoot!” Said Sloane. “Hold on, let me get her back.”
“I wouldn’t worry, she probably has sketchy signal.” Seb said.
“Nothing wrong with my signal, pretty boy.” Came Catalina’s voice. “I’ve got full bars.”
“Be that as it may, it’s evident there’s some kind of connection issue.” Seb said.
“If there’s a problem here then it’s…” Catalina began, but once more she began to buffer before finally the call failed again.
“Oh my god this is so frustrating!” Said Sloane. “Let me restart my phone.”
“Ahhh the old, turn it off and on again. Tech support agents around the world rejoice.” Said Seb mockingly. Sloane pulled her tongue at him. He chuckled. “You know, it’s probably not worth all this - she’s been in Level Up much longer than us, so she probably knows everything she needs to know.”
“No-one knows everything, Seb. You might have some unique insight that she’s never considered before.” Said Sloane, staring at her screen.
“I doubt I have any ‘unique insight’.” Said Seb, modestly. And also, in full knowledge that he actually had little to no insight.
“I doubt it too, but let’s hear it anyway.” Came a voice from the phone. One more time, Sloane set up the phone on the table between them. Seb cleared his throat.
“Well, obviously, our opponents are the Game Changers. Specifically, Larry, Ziggy and Blizzard. Which, if you ask me, sounds more like the Lame Changers… Am I right? Am I right?!” Seb said, looking pleased with himself.
“I’m… Sorry about that…” Said Sloane looking at Catalina, before turning to face Seb. “How about some of what you’ve actually found out?”
“Yeah, let’s hear it, Richie Rich.” Said Catalina, before she started buffering one more time. Sloane started tapping her phone screen, before finally the call disconnected one more time.
“Oh no! Again?!” Said Seb. “You know, sometimes you have to just bow to fate who clearly doesn’t want us to have this conversation right now. Probably a high traffic moment or some kind of network glitch. We should reschedule for tomorrow.”
“We’re flying out tomorrow, Seb. We need to do this now while we can.” Said Sloane, looking determined. “Do you think I need to set up a VPN? That might help.”
“A… VPN?” Said Seb. “Have you been talking to Cypher?”
“What? No - it’s just an option on my phone.” Sloane said, before her eyes widened. “OH! Cypher! That’s an amazing idea, he might be able to help us!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea… Do you really want him looking at our personal network?” Seb asked.
“Do you honestly think he hasn’t been poking around in there already? I have nothing to hide. My laptop isn’t even here anyway.” Said Sloane. Seb did his best not to look shifty. He was failing rapidly. “Sebastian Everett-Bryce do you have something to hide?”
Seb opened his mouth to speak, without any idea about what would come next.
“Oh look! It’s Catalina! Catalina’s calling!” Said Seb. Sloane turned and looked at her phone and let out a little eek. She answered the phone, but as soon as she did… Call failed.
“Oh my god this is so frustrating.” Said Sloane, shaking her phone like that was going to make any difference at all. “Oh Cypher just messaged me back…”
Sloane paused to read the message. Her eyes widened and she snapped a look in Seb’s direction.
“Sebastian Everett-Bryce!!!” She said.
“Oh god what did he find?” Seb asked, before Sloane turned the phone to face him.
‘Ur net is fine. Seb just keeps turning the wifi off x’
“Oh…” Said Seb, making a mental note to punish Cypher later. He looked down at his own phone, a message of his own.
‘lol. Thats 4 the sex robot tweets.’
“Damn you, Cypher.” Said Seb, staring off into the middle distance. “Damn you…”
And as Sloane’s phone began to ring one more time with Catalina Cortes’ image on the screen, Seb lowered his head down onto the table in front of him. This was a terrible, Terrible day.
Another opportunity to fight for the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship had come and gone. Much like it had in Fight when he’d lost to Dane Preston just before the company closed its doors forever. And now, just weeks away from the chance to fight for yet another opportunity and he couldn’t help but feel as though he was cursed to be close, but never quite make it back to the top of the mountain.
Maybe Bert had a point.
If McAlroy won the Final Boss Championship at Combat Evolved, he would have already achieved what Seb had failed to do for almost two years - regain a World Championship. But for now he had to push aside all thoughts of the Final Boss Championship - he wouldn’t make it there if he underestimated Catalina during their number one contenders match. This hadn’t been Seb’s intent, by the way. To walk in and find himself on the cusp of opportunity this quickly. Despite what everyone seemed to assume about him, he rarely felt entitled to anything.
Granted his start in Level Up had been promising - victories against The Warios, Kat Jones, Dane Preston and Ziggy Morgan had provided him with arguably his best run of form since he’d joined the business - better than the run in Pro Wrestling Valor that saw him avoid defeat almost entirely save for the loss to Matt Knox. Better than his current run in UGWC given that he had most recently tasted defeat to Rogan MacLean.
Level Up was, as things stood, his most successful period in any promotion since he’d arrived in the United States. And despite himself, he couldn’t help but feel a growing excitement in the build up to his match against Catalina. But before that, the two of them and Sloane had the Game Changers to deal with. It was only ever a matter of time before he and Larry Tact were back in the same ring together. Given that Seb’s previous victory in Level Up had come at the hands of the newest member of the Game Changers, not to mention Sloane’s upcoming shot at his Power Championship, it was no surprise that it was Tact and his minions that stood against them this week.
It was a bright sunny day in Central Park. Seb had arrived to his usual place and sat down. He had his sunglasses pulled over his eyes and had made the rare choice to wear actual shorts. The combination of a regular, every day t-shirt had created the illusion that Seb was no more than a mere mortal, enjoying the sun.
Seb leaned back to take in the sun as he held out one of the two cups he held in his hand. As he felt the fingers wrap around it, he turned his head slightly to face the Old Man he’d met almost every time he’d ventured into the park.
“Almost didn’t recognise you there.” Said the old man. “What with you wearing clothes a normal person would wear in the summer.”
“Hilarious.” Said Seb. “You sure you should be out in this weather - wouldn’t want you to keel over. There’s no way I’m giving you mouth to mouth.”
“You wish, kid.” Said the old man as he groaned and sat down. He lifted the cup to his mouth and then spluttered. “It’s fucking freezing.”
“It’s a frappuccino.” Said Seb.
“Who asked you to get me a frappuccino?” The old man asked.
“Who asked me to get you anything you ungrateful old goat.” Said Seb shaking his head. “It’s thirty degrees out.”
“Thirty degrees is freezing, this isn’t freezing.” Said the old man taking another sip having decided that actually, the frozen treat wasn’t so bad afterall.
“Thirty degrees in celsius.” Said Seb, rolling his eyes beneath the sunglasses. “You know, the temperature scale that makes actual sense.”
“Says who?” Asked the old man.
“Says anyone who looks at the scale!” Said Seb. “Zero is freezing, one hundred is boiling.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Fahrenheit makes complete sense. 32 degrees is freezing and 212 degrees is boiling.” Said the old man, before pausing for a second and clearing his throat. “Okay, fine, I heard it.”
“Thank you.” Said Seb. “The point is that it’s very hot and therefore I got you a cold coffee. You could at least try and be grateful.”
“I’m fucking drinking it aren’t I?” The old man said. “Fucking millennials.”
“Oh my god, how many times, I’m not a millennial!” Snapped Seb.
“What year were you born in again?” Asked the old man.
“I’m not defined by the arbitrary boundaries set upon me by society, okay? I’m a human being, with thoughts and feelings. If I say I identify as Gen X, then I identify as Gen X. There’s nothing that you can say to stop…” Seb began.
“You were born in 1993, yes?” Asked the old man.
“... Yes.” Said Seb.
“You’re a millennial.” Said the old man before taking a long drink from his Frap. Seb took a deep breath and decided moving on was entirely the right course of action.
“How’s the gout?” Seb asked.
“Painful.” Said the old man. “Not sure the frappuchini is helping.”
“Frappuchino.” Said Seb.
“Just what a Millenial would say.” The old man added. Seb snapped his head around, to find him smirking.
“Hilarious.” Said Seb. “Please, tell me more about your constant pain in your feet.”
“Want me to slip off my shoes and you can rub them for me?” The old man said.
“Oh my god no.” Said Seb. “Literally the last thing I would ever want to do.”
The old man let out a small chuckle.
“How’s Sloane?” He asked.
“She’s good.” Said Seb thinking about Sloane getting ready to head to meet Thad for her ballet lesson. “She’s starting ballet lessons with Thad.”
“Thad?” Asked the old man. Seb chuckled - he’d assumed that everyone knew who Thaddeus Leander Duke was by now.
“Yeah, sorry - he’s my best friend.” Said Seb.
“And he’s teaching your girlfriend to dance ballet?” The old man asked with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, he is.” Said Seb with an air of finality. The old man held his hands up as if to say “okay, fine.” For a second, Seb’s mind drifted to Sloane. She’d be on her way to the studio now. She’d asked Seb if he’d come and support - he’d agreed, but hadn’t wanted to miss his catch up with the old man. Seb chuckled at the idea of that. “The old man” knew the names and dates from his life, while as of yet Seb still hadn’t even managed to find out what his name was. It was a challenge now - something he needed to see out no matter what. He wouldn’t rest until he finally got…
“The name’s Charlie by the way.” Said the old man. “Figure next time I’ll get the coffees and they’ll write my name on the side and you’d find out anyway.”
“Not so sure about that.” Seb said, pointing at the side of his cup which read “Jeb”. The old man let out a chuckle.
“Why’d you keep coming down here to see me, kid?” Asked the old man.
“Not sure really.” Seb lied. He knew why - he missed his grandfather, and despite being in a city he loved, he couldn’t help but feel a little homesick. It was crazy, he didn’t even see his gramps all the time, in fact now he was travelling back to Chicago every couple of weeks, he was seeing him more than ever. But leaving was hard, and meeting Charlie in the park and arguing back and forth made him feel like he had more people.
Thad and Lauren were great, but they were spending their summer in Rhode Island (still not part of New York) and so it would mean one or both of them travelling to meet. And while neither Seb nor Thad had a problem with that, it wasn’t what he’d expected when he’d moved to the same city that Thad already lived in.
Because Seb hadn’t had a best friend in a long time - not since Ollie had died. It took Seb a few moments to notice he was running his fingers over the date tattooed on his wrist.
“What’s that?” Asked the old man with a nod.
“Oh. It’s uh…” Said Seb as he realised he was running his fingers over the numbers and cleared his throat. “It’s the date my… I guess, my last best friend died.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Said Charlie, pausing for a second before reaching down and before pulling up the leg of his trousers to reveal the words ‘Chip n’ Dale’ and a pair of Chipmunks. Seb looked down at the tattoo and up at the old man. “I’m Chip, and my best friend was called Dale.”
“Oh… Well at least there’s a reasonable explanation.” Said Seb.
“For years our friends used to sing that fucking theme song at us. We’d hate it. We’d walk into a bar or party and people would shout ‘Hey, it’s the Rescue Rangers’.” Charlie said shaking his head. “Then he died. About ten years ago. And when I’d turn up to parties I started to notice no-one called me Chip anymore. No-one sung that song. No-one called me a Rescue Ranger and… turns out I fucking missed it!”
Charlie let out a burst of laughter and rubbed his top lip.
“So I decided I wanted something to remember him by - I went to the tattoo place and would you believe it? Some kid was sat there watching old cartoons. That damn song was playing - it was a sign. I knew what I wanted to get there and then. All because of that damn song. Think I missed him more than I missed the song though.” Said Charlie, running his thumb over the lid of the cup. “After he died, I didn’t have much left. The wife was long gone and I’d refused to try and find love again. When Dale was gone, I didn’t look for a new friend either - I just… Started coming here.”
“Then I show up.” Said Seb, turning to face Charlie with a sentimental smile upon his face. “Does that make me your best friend now?”
“If it does, I hope I trip and fall in front of a Subway car.” Said Charlie, draining the remnants of his frap from his cup and holding out his hand to pass it back to Seb.
“Wow.” Said Seb, blinking rapidly, before snatching the cup out of his hand. “Well… This has been great.”
“Same time next week?” Charlie asked.
“Sure, I guess.” Said Seb. “Let me get your number in case one of us is going to be missing.”
“Maybe next time.” Said Charlie. Seb rolled his eyes, starting to realise that getting information from this guy was going to be like getting blood from a stone. “Oh and, kid? If you’ve managed to find yourself a new best friend after you lost your old one, maybe try and keep him close. Not so sure you’ll find a third one.”
“Yeah.” Said Seb, with a small smile. “See you next week Charlie.”
“Not if I see you first.” He said, offering his now usual salute in Seb’s direction. Seb chuckled and shook his head. Charlie was certainly growing on him.
Since I arrived in Level Up, all I’ve heard about is the Game Changers - the unstoppable force that has been slowly working its way through the competition here. At the helm, the undeniable Larry Tact - a man entrenched in the Championship picture here in Level Up and, until very recently, a shoe-in for Triforce Heroes come October. That is, until he came face to face with the Sky Queen. He’ll never admit it, but Larry has to be worried. Having only lost twice this year, one of those losses came at the hands of the next challenger to his championship.
But it’s not just about Larry - some would argue, despite his position of leadership, it’s those around him that have truly shone recently. Ziggy, the most recent addition to the Game Changers came closer than most to handing me my first defeat since signing for Level Up this past June. ISSAC was the Game Changer representative in the World Title. Even now, looking at the match I’m faced with this week, it’s not Larry Tact who I’ve got my eye on. EA Blizzard is a new face for me to get accustomed with - and if I beat him, well… That’ll be three Game Changers I’ve pinned this year already.
Suddenly you have to question which Game they’re supposedly changing.
Given that I would expect Sloane to repeat her victory from a few weeks ago to become the new Power Champion, and not to mention that Bert, Joey, Catalina and I are all currently deemed to be more worthy of an opportunity at the Final Boss Championship than any member of the Game Changers right now… Well… The question has to be asked, what in god’s name have they been doing this year? What have any of them really done that has had any real impact upon Level Up since their arrival?
Or is it all just more Larry Tact spin?
I was hoping for better when I faced Larry one on one earlier this year. I was hoping for better when I faced him again when we were both challenging for the Valor World Title. I was hoping for better when I faced Ziggy Morgan two weeks ago. Over and again, I hope for better from a group whose name epitomises their mission statement, and yet the game hasn’t changed one iota. Those they decry - the Bert’s, the Duncan’s… They’re still the ones sitting atop of of the Level Up Achievement boards while Larry Tact and his merry band of mercenaries flatter to deceive no matter what they do.
And now? Now they have to face three of the fastest rising stars in Level Up Wrestling.
Catalina Cortes. Sloane Taylor. Sebastian Everett-Bryce.
No matter what happens in the future, that trio right there? That’s a real Triforce.
And it’s the closest any of the Game Changers will ever get to greatness.
In the hours that followed Sloane’s lesson and the repercussions of said session, Sebastian had been forced to do his utmost not to sulk. Instead, he had focused his efforts on research. He’d chosen multiple subjects, including but not limited to the other participants in the Margarita Mix, the Game Changers and… Of course… Catalina Cortes. He would liked to have suggested that his research had been bountiful and plentiful and all manner of things that mean productive, but instead he’d found himself staring at a blank screen while his mind wandered back to…
“Enough, Sebastian.” He said to himself through gritted teeth.
“Ohhhh are you done?!” Asked Sloane, as she stepped off the stairs and dropped into a chair at the dining table. “Whatcha find out?”
“Hmm?” Asked Seb, scrambling for time. Honestly, he knew little more than he had when he’d started. It had just been an excuse not to have to talk. “Oh, uh…”
“Wait! This isn’t going to work.” Sloane said. Seb smirked, the potential of a reprieve having dragged him out of what would have likely been certain doom. “We’re missing someone.”
“We are?” Seb asked, furrowing his brow. Sloane was already busying herself with her phone.
“Of course!” She said, before turning her phone towards him to show a dialling. “Catalina!”
“Wait… Sloane… No, let’s…” Seb began before the image on the screen changed to Catalina Cortes - not only one third of their anti-Game Changer experience, but Seb’s upcoming opponent. “... not.”
“Not what?” Asked Catalina, as Sloane turned the phone back towards herself.
“Hey!” She said with a beaming smile and a wave. “Sorry for calling you out of the blue, but Seb’s been doing some opposition research and we wanted to talk through it together. You know, like a team.”
“Really?” Asked Catalina, sagely. Seemingly, she had less faith in Seb than Sloane did. And despite her being absolutely correct, Seb was still offended.
“Yes…” He said. “Really.”
“Alright… Well let’s…” Catalina said before the image started to pixelate, before the screen showed up ‘Call failed’.
“Oh shoot!” Said Sloane. “Hold on, let me get her back.”
“I wouldn’t worry, she probably has sketchy signal.” Seb said.
“Nothing wrong with my signal, pretty boy.” Came Catalina’s voice. “I’ve got full bars.”
“Be that as it may, it’s evident there’s some kind of connection issue.” Seb said.
“If there’s a problem here then it’s…” Catalina began, but once more she began to buffer before finally the call failed again.
“Oh my god this is so frustrating!” Said Sloane. “Let me restart my phone.”
“Ahhh the old, turn it off and on again. Tech support agents around the world rejoice.” Said Seb mockingly. Sloane pulled her tongue at him. He chuckled. “You know, it’s probably not worth all this - she’s been in Level Up much longer than us, so she probably knows everything she needs to know.”
“No-one knows everything, Seb. You might have some unique insight that she’s never considered before.” Said Sloane, staring at her screen.
“I doubt I have any ‘unique insight’.” Said Seb, modestly. And also, in full knowledge that he actually had little to no insight.
“I doubt it too, but let’s hear it anyway.” Came a voice from the phone. One more time, Sloane set up the phone on the table between them. Seb cleared his throat.
“Well, obviously, our opponents are the Game Changers. Specifically, Larry, Ziggy and Blizzard. Which, if you ask me, sounds more like the Lame Changers… Am I right? Am I right?!” Seb said, looking pleased with himself.
“I’m… Sorry about that…” Said Sloane looking at Catalina, before turning to face Seb. “How about some of what you’ve actually found out?”
“Yeah, let’s hear it, Richie Rich.” Said Catalina, before she started buffering one more time. Sloane started tapping her phone screen, before finally the call disconnected one more time.
“Oh no! Again?!” Said Seb. “You know, sometimes you have to just bow to fate who clearly doesn’t want us to have this conversation right now. Probably a high traffic moment or some kind of network glitch. We should reschedule for tomorrow.”
“We’re flying out tomorrow, Seb. We need to do this now while we can.” Said Sloane, looking determined. “Do you think I need to set up a VPN? That might help.”
“A… VPN?” Said Seb. “Have you been talking to Cypher?”
“What? No - it’s just an option on my phone.” Sloane said, before her eyes widened. “OH! Cypher! That’s an amazing idea, he might be able to help us!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea… Do you really want him looking at our personal network?” Seb asked.
“Do you honestly think he hasn’t been poking around in there already? I have nothing to hide. My laptop isn’t even here anyway.” Said Sloane. Seb did his best not to look shifty. He was failing rapidly. “Sebastian Everett-Bryce do you have something to hide?”
Seb opened his mouth to speak, without any idea about what would come next.
“Oh look! It’s Catalina! Catalina’s calling!” Said Seb. Sloane turned and looked at her phone and let out a little eek. She answered the phone, but as soon as she did… Call failed.
“Oh my god this is so frustrating.” Said Sloane, shaking her phone like that was going to make any difference at all. “Oh Cypher just messaged me back…”
Sloane paused to read the message. Her eyes widened and she snapped a look in Seb’s direction.
“Sebastian Everett-Bryce!!!” She said.
“Oh god what did he find?” Seb asked, before Sloane turned the phone to face him.
‘Ur net is fine. Seb just keeps turning the wifi off x’
“Oh…” Said Seb, making a mental note to punish Cypher later. He looked down at his own phone, a message of his own.
‘lol. Thats 4 the sex robot tweets.’
“Damn you, Cypher.” Said Seb, staring off into the middle distance. “Damn you…”
And as Sloane’s phone began to ring one more time with Catalina Cortes’ image on the screen, Seb lowered his head down onto the table in front of him. This was a terrible, Terrible day.
