Post by Peter Vaughn on Aug 29, 2022 16:57:58 GMT -5
The Road So Far:
The Search For A Mother Figure, Finale
Trying To Be Family Again, For The First Time...
A Day On The Ranch...
It's been rather quiet for Peter Vaughn lately in his Level Up duties. Once his mother was rescued from the pursuit of the Society, there have mainly just been awkward family gatherings. Reconciliation between Peter and his mother has been, shall we say, unsuccessful. For now, Ms. Angela Hill is giving her son some space, allowing him to focus on his wrestling career. She hopes that she can maintain a connection with Peter through her other son, Vaughn's half-brother, Thomas. For now, she's content to not cause her son any extra trauma.
But anxiety and stress have a way of finding other ways to come to the surface, space or not. Lately, for Vaughn, it's been at nighttime when the issues have been most prominent, as he prepares for another Level Up Pay-Per-View.
August 28th, 2022
~The picture comes up on a small kitchen setting. We can see a sunny day through the nearby window, as we take in the perspective of the cameraman. Suddenly, Peter Vaughn appears, dashing into the room. He looks towards the camera, racing towards it.~
Peter: Run, man! RUN!!!!
~Vaughn races past the cameraman, who tries to refocus... as they suddenly realize what's coming towards them.~
~As one camera falls, we cut to a side view of Vaughn running through the building, trying to stay ahead of the wave of yellow cheese. He spins through one doorway, leaping over a couch in one bound and charging past a television screen, which is just full of static. Vaughn continues frantically moving, slipping around to another doorway. He darts through it... and stops, realizing that he's reached a dead end. There are no doors or windows in this last room: just a picture of his mother, smiling, on the wall. Vaughn starts to double back, but it's too late, as the wave of cheese... is there. Vaughn raises his arms across his face, yelling out, as the hot cheese splashes down on top of him... ~
~And Vaughn comes awake, still shouting, bringing his arms up in real life to fend off the dreamed threat. After a few seconds, Vaughn recovers, lowering his arms and glancing around his bedroom. He then slowly lays back on the bed, shaking his head.~
Peter: Damn it. This has got to stop...
~Vaughn lays there in bed, unable to find his way back to sleep, as the hours quickly tick by. There is no rest for the Mechanic tonight.~
August 28th, 2022
~The camera focuses on the sunlight entering through the nearby window for a moment, before swiveling to the right to show Vaughn seated at a small dining table. He reaches forward, grabbing the newly filled mug of coffee with both hands. He nods gratefully to the waitress as she walks away, before taking a long drink. Across from him, his half-brother, Thomas Hill, watches him drink down the coffee.~
Thomas: You're really hitting the caffeine this morning, aren't you?
Peter: Have to. Got too much to do today. Need to stay awake.
~Vaughn continues to nurse the cup of coffee. If it wasn't steaming hot, he'd probably have already downed it by now. Thomas shakes his head.~
Thomas: So what's going on, Peter? I don't think I've ever seen you like this.
Peter: I... it's nothing for you to worry about, brother. I've just been having... a few issues getting my sleep at night.
Thomas: Uh huh. The way you're acting, you'd think a guy with a bladed glove has been chasing you in your sleep.
Peter: ... If only...
Thomas: Okay, seriously, Peter, I'm a little worried about you right now. You've been through a hell of a lot this year, after all. Is it something to do with Mom?
Peter: No!!
~Vaughn's reaction is instantaneous and loud. A few people sitting nearby glance over, with Thomas waving at them, while Vaughn works to control himself. It's not easy when you have a lot of caffeine in your system.~
Peter: It's... it's not about her. At least... I don't think it is. Honestly, I guess I don't know for sure. I just keep having these dreams...
Thomas: So, talk to me. I'm good at interpreting dreams. That's what my girl says, anyways...
Peter: It's... well... in my dreams, I find myself running from something. Every time. And once it starts, I just, I never find a way to escape it...
Thomas: Escape what?
Peter: A wave... of cheese...
~Thomas is quiet for a moment. He seems to be fighting off his natural, gut-wrench reaction of pure laughter. Vaughn sees right through it.~
Peter: I knew you wouldn't take it seriously.
Thomas: No, no, I get i! Seriously! But I'd say it's pretty obvious what's going on.
Peter: Really? What?
Thomas: You're worried about the Extra Lives Battle Royal you've got next week in Level Up! Didn't you tell me you'll be above a vat of cheese?
~Vaughn looks at Thomas, a little confused.~
Peter: You think that match is worrying me? Please. I've got everything under control there, trust me.
Thomas: So the cheese is just a coincidence, then?
Peter: Yes! I mean, maybe... I don't know...
Thomas: If you want to win that match, brother, you're going to need to confront your fear of cheddar.
Peter: I'm not afraid of anything, Thomas. You should know that.
~Vaughn looks annoyed at the mere suggestion of fear, but Thomas just shrugs. Two plates get put in front of them by the waitress. Thomas has a hamburger steak with mashed potatoes. Vaughn, meanwhile, apparently ordered a Philly Cheese Steak and a side of Mac & Cheese. He stares at both items, a little thrown off, having not realized what he did. After a few seconds, he pushes the plate away from him.~
Peter: Excuse me, Miss? I've lost my appetite... can I get a to-go box? Thanks.
~Thomas nods knowingly, smirking as Vaughn looks over at him.~
Peter: Not a word.
Thomas: Sure, Peter. Look, I've got a couple of ideas how I can help. We'll work on this together... like a family...
~Vaughn looks even less thrilled by that comment, as the waitress brings him over a box. He dumps the meal into it, as Thomas gleefully cuts into his steak.~
Thomas: It's all about control, Pete. Anything can be controlled. Even your dreams.
Peter: Easy for you to say.
~Vaughn begins to get out some cash to pay for his missed meal, even as Thomas continues to dig in.~
You never get to pick what haunts you.
Take wrestlers like Paul Montuori and Miss Michelle Riggs. They really didn't expect to be haunted by The Mechanic these past few months. They lost a Multiplayer match to Buster & I at EXP 26. I helped cost Montuori a shot at the Skeleton Key at EXP 27. I team up with Paul Freedom & Alix Mayne to be Montuori, Riggs, & Cypher at Super Adventure Island. Really, when you think about it, there is probably nobody else in Level Up who shudders at seeing me like Montuori & Riggs do.
Well, sorry, boyos, it appears we get to meet up one more time.
And just because the three of us have gotten in many battles in Level Up, don't expect me to go easy on either of you. I'm quite willing and excited to be able to dip both of you head-first into the cheese in order to move forward. I know, you probably hate me, and I'm sorry to say I don't hate you back. I really don't. You have to win more against me in order for me to hate you.
Which brings me to my former partner, Paul Freedom.
You know, Paulie, I'm still not happy with how our tournament match went down. Sure, you got the victory, and there's not much I can say about it, but it still does smart a tad bit. You know what would help finally put that loss behind me? Watching you plunge into the pit of cheese after you feel the Revenged. I'm not really looking to make things personal in Level Up, but y'know, there's always the exceptions to the rules, right?
You cost Bam & I a chance to move towards a championship. I'd love to be able to return the favor and deny you an opportunity as well. Plus, Freedom Cheese has a nice ring to it. You can act all patriotic while covered in goop, it'll be amazing. "Make America Cheesy Again!"
You see, I tend to excel at this style of match. I can hang around a long, long time, biding my moments until the opportunity arises for ultimate victory. I'll shove my own mother off that platform if it means earning myself another championship shot to go with the Game Genie. Maybe, by the end of the year, I'll hold all the title shots. Then I can cash them in, one after the other, taking every piece of the Tri-Force into my possession.
Wouldn't that be glorious?
August 29th, 2022
~We return to find Peter Vaughn exiting a parked car out front of what appears to be a small factory. In fact, the sign on the door proclaims it as the Watonga Cheese Factory. Vaughn stares at the logo, a strange look on his face. He glances over at Thomas, who is getting out of the driver's side.~
Peter: I thought you said you were taking me to a training ground?
Thomas: Exactly. And here we are.
Peter: We drove all the way out here for this? Damn it, Thomas.
~Vaughn starts to head back to the car, pulling on the door, but Thomas has already locked it up tight.~
Thomas: C'mon, Peter. Where else would you go to fight a cheese phobia than a cheese factory?
Peter: Once again, I'm not afraid of cheese, Thomas, so stop saying that.
Thomas: Sure, Peter. Sure. Let's go inside. My friend's waiting for us.
~The two men head inside, making their way through the administrative section of the factory. Thomas, seemingly knowing where he's going, leads them to one particular office, knocking on the door. It swings open, with a jolly, heavyset man stepping out and shaking his hand.~
Man: Thomas! You made it!
Thomas: Good to see you again, Jimmy! This is the guy I was telling you about, my half-brother, Peter Vaughn. Peter, this is my old friend, Jimmy Dean.
~Vaughn pauses while shaking Jimmy's hand, glancing over at Thomas before focusing back on the man in front of him. Jimmy nods, as if he knows what's coming.~
Jimmy Dean: No relation to that other guy, I assure you.
Peter: ... uh-huh...
Jimmy Dean: I'm glad you were able to make it today. Thomas tells me you're terrified of some taleggio? Panicky about some parmesan? Shitting bricks about brie? Sorry, that last one was probably too vulgar...
Peter: I... am not... afraid!!
~Vaughn growls this sentence, but Jimmy seems to take no notice of the rise in hostility. He just laughs.~
Jimmy Dean: Well, once I show you around this factory, you'll see you have nothing to worry about. C'mon, let's take the tour!
~Jimmy Dean moves off, with an excited Thomas following behind. Vaughn, knowing that he needs to be on his best behavior for his brother, nonetheless lashes out with a punch into the nearby picture frame on the wall. He breaks the glass, walking away from it, as we see that he smashed a "Employee of the Month" shot of Jimmy's face. They walk into the main factory, where there appear to be conveyor belts moving in multiple directions, each carrying a different type of cheese to a unique destination.~
Jimmy Dean: Here at Watonga, we do our best to bring the highest-quality cheeses to the public! It takes a lot of hard work, let me tell you! As you can see, we've got several styles on their way to market right now. They've all been made with precise care... and none of them are particularly lethal to someone like you, Peter. Well, maybe the Limburger. Hah!
~Vaughn appears to be grinding his teeth as he walks behind the two men, with Jimmy showing off some more of the equipment to Thomas, who is taking it all in like a nerdy kid on a science tour. They move on to a special processing area of the factory, where they can see below, into the basement area below. There appear to be various chutes set up to transfer the processed cheeses into their specific molds.~
Thomas: Man, this is incredible, isn't it, Peter?
Peter: ... I have no words...
Thomas: Yeah, I understand! I always wanted to know how the cheese got shaped and molded! Thanks for this, Jimmy!
Jimmy Dean: Would you like to take a closer look, Thomas?
Thomas: Boy, would I!
~Jimmy opens up one of the chutes, gesturing for Thomas to move in and peer inside. Thomas does so, his eyes bright with interest, as Vaughn just disgustedly shakes his head. He looks at his watch, wondering how much longer this is going to take. In the meantime, Jimmy happily pats Thomas on the shoulder... and then shoves him into the chute!~
Thomas: HEY!!! AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......
~Vaughn, stunned, spins and faces where his brother was just a moment ago.~
Peter: What the hell?? THOMAS!!
~Vaughn starts to jump forward, but Jimmy Dean steps right in front of him, still smiling, his eyes wider than before.~
Sometimes you just can't predict what's going to happen next.
The perfect example of that is the fact that I'm going to be in a match with Ataxia. ATAXIA!! I remember that masked weirdo from the GCWA and other feds, but I really thought he had passed away. I mean, he may have. Maybe it's someone else wearing that mask, right? Or maybe not, maybe he's the same old guy I remember. I wonder if he remembers me?
If he does, he's definitely remembering the wrong Peter Vaughn. After all, in the GCWA, I was nobody. I was a rookie in every sense of the word, and a few new ones, as well. But a lot of time has passed, Tax. And look at me now, a top contender pretty much everywhere I go. I'm now in my prime. You, unfortunately, really can't claim the same, can you?
Unless you're a new wrestler. And if so, good to meet you! Peter Vaughn. I'll make your acquaintance by launching you into the vat with no chance of swimming back to the top. Hope you can breathe in that thing when it's coated in cheese.
Who else should we talk about? Oh, I know, how about Chelsea Skye? We've met a few times in the past, haven't we, Skye? You could probably be considered the dark horse of this event, if, y'know, I wasn't in it. But I'm not sure this is your type of match. You won't have any allies helping you out. You won't be able to just pull off any highlight reel moves to survive. And let's face it, you may call yourself the Nightmare Angel, but it's not like you're going to be able to fly away when I toss you over towards your end.
Now, Vhodka Black? THAT'S a lady that might be at home in a match like this.
I've heard so much about Vhodka over the last year, and to be honest, I'm thrilled at the chance of competing against her. If anyone's going to make this more of a bloody affair, it'll be Black. It'll probably add a nice color to the cheese, giving us a yellow-and-red swirl on the bottom there. I'll have my eyes on you, Vods, I guarantee that.
Still, it's going to end the same for her, just like everyone else. She may be like the Camembert Queen, but in the end, she'll be dethroned as she falls into the milky lava, swallowing her whole.
Too suggestive? Sometimes I can't help myself.
Things just... happen. Just like they'll happen at Combat Evolved.
~Stunned, Vaughn takes an angry step towards Jimmy Dean, who raises a quick hand.~
Jimmy Dean: Hold it, son! You want your chance to save your brother? Think wisely.
~For a second, it seems like Vaughn is going to jump Jimmy Dean anyway, but somehow he manages to control his rage. He steps back, swallowing as if holding it back. Jimmy Dean grins again.~
Jimmy Dean: That's more like it.
Peter: What... do you want?
Jimmy Dean: I'm just here for your fear, Peter. Nothing more, nothing less.
Peter: For the LAST time, I'm not afraid!!
Jimmy Dean: You need to stop lying to yourself, Peter. Everyone fears something, even someone like you. So, shall we get down to it? Your brother is currently trapped above one of our vats of boiling cheese. He could technically be dropped at any moment, although it usually takes a while to finish processing. Your best chance to save him? It's with that release valve right down there.
~Jimmy points downwards, with Peter glancing at the valve down below. He also takes note of a few workers milling around down there, doing their jobs. Something looks off about them, but Vaughn can't quite lock onto what it is. He looks back at Jimmy.~
Peter: So what, you just want me to run down and turn that valve?
Jimmy Dean: Well, no, Peter. Actually, I'm planning on stopping you.
Peter: What? I have NO idea who you are! Why are you doing this??
Jimmy Dean: I told you, Peter. It's all about your fear. Good luck getting through the family, my friend. You've noticed, of course, that they're not what you would deem... natural?
~Vaughn looks over the side again, this time trying hard to focus on the workers... and he starts to realize something. While they're wearing lab coats, glasses, and helmets... they're also sporting hooves and long snouts. One of the 'workers' looks up at him, snarling... and we realize that all the workers are actually cows in disguise!!! Vaughn, stunned, slowly turns to Jimmy Dean, who continues to smile... even as he begins to pull his mask off of his face! We get a horrifying close-up, as the mask falls away, showing underneath... another cow! Vaughn, stunned, staggers backwards, nearly backing himself off the platform. More cows appear, marching towards him, mooing as they walk. Vaughn stumbles away, running for the nearby hallway. He begins to race down the hall, trying to get away. He turns a corner and swings open a door... and sees a wall of cheese coming towards him!~
Peter: FUCK!! NOT AGAIN!!!!
~Vaughn spins on his heels and races away up the hall, as the stream of cheese seemingly turns in pursuit, gaining on him. Vaughn runs straight at a door marked "Exit", planning to ram into it and try and escape. However, a new thought suddenly comes to him, bringing him skidding to a stop.~
Peter: Wait a second... the only way this is happening here... is because... this is a dream...
~Vaughn slowly turns, seeing the cheese making its way up the hallway.~
Peter: And even dreams... can be controlled...
~Vaughn raises up a hand, pointing it at the oncoming wave.~
Peter: There is no spoon...
~He shifts his fingers, and the cheese suddenly splits into two channels, flowing all around him, but not touching him. It disappears behind him into nothingness, as Vaughn puts on a grim smile. He walks forward, seeing the disguised cows marching up the stairs, heading towards him. He waves his other hand in the air... and suddenly a lightsaber appears in his grasp! He triggers the switch, bringing the electric blade into being. The first d-cows stop in their tracks, suddenly scared, as Vaughn turns towards them.~
Peter: Looks like hamburger's back on the menu, boys!
~With a yell, Vaughn charges forward, bringing the lightsaber upwards for a downwards thrust into the first cow. We cut away.~
With knowledge, comes control.
Unfortunately, a lot of you other a-holes are unknowns to me.
I mean, sure, I know of Dane Preston, and his run in Fight. I know he's been struggling as of late. I can even emphasize a little with him, as I've been there. It's not easy to go into a fed and not immediately be the top star like you once were. I mean, it happened to be in Pro Wrestling Valor. And sure, it's not quite the same, because I still won the World Title there, but I certainly didn't have the run I was hoping for there.
You keep working at it, Dane. After the PPV, of course. But I have faith that you can get it turned around. Eventually.
Now these other wrestlers... Jana Emily? Two first names? Plus, nicknaming yourself "The Palmetto Peach"? Don't you have any pride, to avoid calling yourself a piece of fruit??
Then there's Impact. Simply... Impact. Well, your name will work beautifully when you impact the cheese pool. It's really not possible to take a guy like you seriously, though. I mean, are you related to the WaLuigis? They keep ducking a fight with me, you know...
Kennedy Matthews, hey, we've got someone with two last names to go with Jana Emily's first names! So, let's see... I'll call you Jana Matthews, and you Emily Kennedy, how's that work? No? Party pooper. Hey, Kennedy, Kennedy, I heard you were in a psych ward. So, you're a nutter? Welcome to wrestling, you'll fit right in with us.
I could talk about that Drake Wilcox guy, but I believe I've beaten him before, and that puts him on the back burner for me. Oh, wait, that wasn't Wilcox, that was Watson. Wait, so who the hell is Drake Wilcox?
*Shuffling sounds, looking through papers*
Eh, I guess he doesn't matter. He'll just be another will-call victim, won't he?
Really, I look at the field in the Extra Credits Battle Royale, and I'm truly not that impressed. I think the contenders will be obvious, the few of us who make it a true fight all the way to the end. For those that actually mean something, I look forward to facing off with you... and burning your face off by giving all of you a Plunge into the bubbling cheddar... or brie... or whatever they're cooking down there.
You don't think they'd seriously dip you guys in mozzarella, would they? Well, hell, the cheesier the better, since I have no plans of testing it.
I'll be walking out clean, victorious, and on my way to another guaranteed title shot.
Believe it. The fix is in, and the Mechanic is here.
~The camera cuts back in, showing a cow scrambling away. It's not easy for them to run in large shoes, and there's no time to take them off. The lightsaber flies through the cow's back, slashing him apart. The cow screams... then falls to the ground in a pile of Happy Meals, ready for sale to the young ones out there. Vaughn leaps past the meals, rolling himself down the stairs. He somehow spirals the blade on the way down, cutting the legs off of two more charging attackers. These two collapse forward, each forming into a pile of Big Mac's. Vaughn looks back at them, smiling to himself.~
Peter: Something tells me I'm going to wake up wanting some McDonald's...
~Vaughn continues on his path, gleefully cutting through anyone in his path. He's almost to the chute, where we can see, through a small window, Thomas watching him and cheering him on. He's still positioned above a bubbling cauldron of cheese, but he doesn't seem concerned at all. In fact, he's quite enjoying himself. Vaughn still is ready to rescue him, doing a double leap on his way to the release valve... ~
Jimmy Dean: Hold it right there, son!!
~Vaughn stops, inches from the release, as he looks back over his shoulder. Rising out of the cauldron, shockingly, is the man/cow introduced as Jimmy Dean. We can almost see his facial expressions from earlier, only in cow form. It's pretty strange, trust me. Jimmy points a hoof towards Vaughn, laughing.~
Jimmy Dean: Did you think it would be that easy?
Peter: You know, actually, for a minute there? Yeah, I thought it would be.
Jimmy Dean: You have chosen the style of battle. It is time you meet the true me, Vaughn!
~A dark hood suddenly flows upwards, covering over the majority of Jimmy Dean. The hoof suddenly seems larger, holding its own weapon. A red lightsaber blade pops out into the air, sizzling. Vaughn takes a step back.~
Jimmy Dean: I am no longer Jimmy Dean... face your fear, Vaughn! Face... DARTH ASIAGO!!!
Peter: You've gotta be freakin' kidding me...
~Darth Asiago leaps forward, doing an incredible spin for, y'know, a cow. The blade flies forward, with Vaughn barely able to block it. The two begin striking back and forth against each other, battling as an epic theme song begins to play around them. You know the one. It's in your head right now. The lightsabers crash against each other in rapid snaps, slicing through the air. Vaughn does a backflip, avoiding one swing, which cuts partially through a support beam. He lands, then rebounds, right at Dark Asiago, twirling forward. But Darth Asiago lashes out unexpectedly, sending a barrel of milk flying into Vaughn's face!! He sputters, landing awkwardly as he rolls away, trying to clear his vision. The momentary distraction is enough, as Darth Asiago's power rips the lightsaber away from Vaughn, sending it flying off into the distance. Darth Asiago laughs bitterly as he steps forward, prepared to end the fight once and for all.~
Darth Asiago: You have failed the master your fear, Peter Vaughn. And now, you shall drown!
~Darth Asiago rears back, prepared to cut not Vaughn, but the container of cheese behind him. But to Darth Asiago's shock, Vaughn begins to laugh. It's an uncontrollable chuckle, echoing throughout the factory, and it's enough to stop Darth Asiago in his tracks.~
Darth Asiago: What... what do you have to laugh about, Vaughn? You have lost! I must understand... what's so FUCKING FUNNY??
~Vaughn finally slows down, managing to catch his breath after laughing so hard. He turns to the hooded man-cow, smirking at him.~
Peter: Sorry... I couldn't help myself. You forgot the truth of where we are, "Darth"... this is STILL... MY... DREAM...
~Beginning to laugh again, Vaughn gestures in front of him... at the large cannon that has seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Shocked, Darth Asiago gasps as the cannon's fuse is almost completely gone already. He starts to jump, but it's too late. The cannon goes off, sending a huge, rounded cheese wheel right into him!!! He goes flying backwards, out of control, and lands right back into the cheese vat!! He disappears from view, as Vaughn gets to his feet. Thomas can be seen applauding from above.~
Thomas: Awesome!! Sensational!!! That's why you'll always be the better brother, Peter!!
~Suddenly, the container releases, sending Thomas dropping downwards. He yells, but lands on a sealed vat, courtesy of Vaughn's dream powers. He looks over at Vaughn, who shrugs.~
Peter: What, you thought I'd get rid of you, even in a dream? Not a chance. We're family, after all.
~Vaughn gives Thomas a hand off the vat, getting down to floor level. As the two brothers nod to each other, there's the sound of clapping. Vaughn slowly turns, peering off into the darkness, as a woman's figure can be seen, stepping forward.~
Peter: ... Mom?
~As Vaughn takes a step, there's suddenly the sound of a phone ringing... ~
~And Peter Vaughn wakes up in his own bed once again, blinking his eyes at the brightness coming through the window. Apparently, he's slept the night through this time. Yawning, Vaughn rolls over and grabs his phone, answering it.~
Peter: Four-Time World Champion Peter Vaughn here.
Thomas: You know, you answer that way every time, and it still doesn't stop coming off extremely conceited.
Peter: What can I say? It's my thing.
~Vaughn gets up, walking down the hall to the kitchen.~
Thomas: So I had another thought about the nightmares you've been having. I happen to have a friend who works in a factory up north... he might be able to help you.
Peter: Yeah, well, I don't really need that anymore, Thomas. But thanks for thinking of me.
~Vaughn leans over at the refrigerator, digging through it, looking for something.~
Thomas: What? You mean you've gotten through it? The problem you were having?
Peter: Yeah, Thomas. Trust me, it's all under control now. You just wait until Combat Evolved.
Thomas: Cool. You know Mom and I will be watching.
Peter: I wouldn't have it any other way.
~Vaughn hangs up the phone, then pulls out what he was looking for. It's a pack of string cheese. Vaughn considers it for a moment, then pulls one out, slowly peeling away a good chunk. He munches on the stringy piece, while bringing the rest of the bar up in the air. Smiling, he begins to swing it back and forth like a lightsaber, as the picture slowly fades out.~
