Post by Mac on Aug 29, 2022 18:26:52 GMT -5
The Final Obstacle Part 2
“You’re either first, or you’re last ” - Ricky Bobby
The sound of my starched jeans rubbing together is heard long before my visage is captured by the camera. With a tip of my black stetson to speak to the people all watching from home.
Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it? One day you’re the top dog in a company and the next? You’re barely relevant. Thing is, I like Bert. I get it, he’s brash and obnoxious as hell. Those are actually his good qualities. In all the years I’ve known Bert, I’ve never had a real problem with him. Recently though, he’s gotten too caught up in the battle between two companies. The banter or arguments between Chris and Johnny, I know makes some people angry. It’s between them though, has zero to do with the rest of us. People keep trying to make it about the talent and keep trying to drag us into that argument. So, I’ve done my best to keep my nose out of it. Bert even apologized last time for his verbal attack on me, and I accepted that apology, so I thought we were good. Yet, here we are, while he’s launching a one-man crusade against CCPE, while we’re out here winning titles and cementing legacies. He’s so worried about whether we’ll stick around or not, that he’s taken his eyes off the prize. My unsolicited advice is to do what you have to do, but don’t get caught up in that.
I give the camera a quick wink as I continue.
Now, then with that out of the way. We move on to things that matter to us. Round one of this event was a no-brainer, anyone who thought we weren’t going to dominate that match just hasn’t been paying attention. Round two, we were actually considered underdogs? The rookies had bested two of the best in this business. In the end, it was simply the same. See my note about round one? Good, I’m glad you understand. It’s not rocket science folks, our goals were clear-cut from the beginning. We told you this is where we would be from the beginning. Our being in the finals should not shock anyone. We are here to take those gloves home, against not just any team. The team we are facing is an amazing pairing. Make no mistakes about it, Avalon has taken the wrestling world by storm. She is that damn good and we’ve noticed. Shane is performing in his first pay-per-view in a decade. Imagine how they must feel right now. They are confident, especially Ava, I know who her mentor was. I know there is bad blood there, that is however their issue to sort out. To intervene in that would be the same as punching your way into a hornet's nest and expecting not to get stung.
I shame my head in dismay.
No thanks. I digress, imagine it though. You’re a rookie competing in your first title match. You are a veteran competing for a title for the first time in ten years. There’s no pressure there, right? Riiiighhhht. The pressure would be immense for anyone. It would be huge for any active competitor who hadn’t spent time away. Don’t think for a minute that we don’t feel it as much as you do. Hell, we probably feel it more than you do. We are expected to win this match, let’s not beat around the bush okay? As good as you both are, you’re not me and you’re not Chris Page. Neither of you has the reputation that we have. Avalon is still trying to find her way and Shane is trying to recapture that fire he once had. Where Chris is running an enterprise, a collection of talent, the likes of which has never been seen before. Me? I just continue to roll, collecting titles where I feel like it. I realize that things accomplished elsewhere probably don’t mean much to either of you, and that’s fine. Duly noted, but I’m going to toot my own horn for a minute anyway. The fact is this, I just started my third reign as the Sin City World Champion. I’ve held virtually every title that they have. Do you think I’m not ready for anything you can throw at me? Do you think a guy like Chris who has done it all and seen it all can be surprised? We are always ready folks, you can bet the ranch on that shit. I have no particular dislike for either of you, but it doesn’t change how I approach a match of this magnitude. I’m a wrecker, always have been, and will be until my career comes to a close.
The starched button-down complained slightly as I moved my arms up with my left hand balled in a fist and my right hand closing it over the top.
It’s a long way from that time. The two of you have had a hell of a run in this tournament, there is no doubt about that. I’ll even throw out the obvious about you “beating” The Royals. That was a pretty timely arrival by Raab, wasn’t it? Not that I blame him, I would have handled that differently myself. That is neither here nor there. What matters is you guys got the job done right. Yes indeed, you did exactly that. The methods don’t matter, only results, that is the bottom line in this business. I’m not judging or condemning, I’ve always been a by any means necessary guy as well. I know Chris would agree that you do what you have to do. As for your team, I’m sure by now that Avalon is feeling much more comfortable in the ring. She’s gaining confidence every time out.
I give her a nod of respect and a half bow.
That’s a good thing, I’m glad about that. I don’t have to tell her, she already knows that I’ve been one of her biggest fans since she debuted. It goes beyond the fact that she was my wife’s protege. That is like a one percent factor in this. She has more raw talent and potential than any rookie I’ve seen in a decade. The only thing I question about Avalon is her luck or decision-making ability when it comes to Shane Donavan as a tag team partner or as he believes a mentor. She initially started out training with my wife several years ago. When she came back to try again, she signed up with Matt Knox and now you have this guy mentoring you. What the fuck, Ava? If you continue down this road with someone like that, he’ll use you until the point that he has no use for you. Then he’ll throw you away as easily as he tosses a soft drink bottle away. I hope you don’t allow him to turn you into his sidekick or side chick as the case may be. I know what I just said will fall on deaf ears, but I had to speak my peace. She’s hungry for her first title, he’s hungry for relevance. Shane believes that he gain that through Avalon. My guess is she’s been terrified of letting him down and she hangs on those words of acceptance and “fatherly” pride. Avalon, the people in this company were well aware of who you were, you shouldn’t need his approval to know that.
Cracking my knuckles, I get ready to dig into Shane Donavan. I had watched his promo but I was leaving that in the back of my brain.
I saved you for last Shane. Not because you’re the best, but simply because I wanted to wait and address the worst of the team last. So, this is your first pay-per-view in a decade. To be honest, I had never heard of you until you addressed me about Amber. You wondered how that could happen, how I could marry her. It’s really not that fucking difficult. Think about the kind of people Amber is normally associated with. Her friends are all people who are of a like mind. She and I are far more alike than we are different. Like her, when someone is standing across that ring from me, they are not a friend of mine. They are simply the next person to feel my power, my technique, and my ambition. To your point though, we were the paradox of power couples in this business. The combination that wasn’t supposed to work. We were too much alike and should clash at every turn, but we don’t because we get each other. I don’t think you really understand that because from what I’ve been told, you simply have never had that connection with anyone. I’m assuming you were successful at some point in your career, so what drives a man out of the business for a decade?
Taking the Stetson off, I move my head to the left and then the right and am rewarded with a popping of vertebrae.
I cannot imagine what might make a person be gone for the length of time unless it was jail time. Maybe drug addiction? Baby mamma issues? No spine? No balls? Fear of commitment? It simply doesn’t matter, because none of that is relevant to the current situation. You’re here now and you’re in my fucking light. Only one way to fix that. I realize that you likely don’t know anything about me, other than who my wife is. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Mac Bane, I’ve gone by many names over the years. Heh, I remember when that used to matter. These days, the only thing that matters is that you have joined the fuck around and find out club. The only thing you need to know about me is that with every punch, maneuver, and breath, I’m trying to end a fight. Where you’ll be trying to end a wrestling match, I’m winning a fight. Every move is inflicted with maximum impact and malicious intent. We will not be denied, and I doubt you’ll be able to remember any of it when it’s done.
{The Bane Home - Las Vegas NV - “Rut Roh Raggy”}
Sitting on the back porch with coffee in hand, I take a long sip from the cup of magic and sigh contentedly. I lit a cigarette just as Amber was coming outside with her own cup of coffee with an amused smile. “What’s got you so tickled?” She took a sip of coffee before sitting down next to me with only a small table between us. Our Italian Mastiff, Kuyon closely followed her and sat in the small place between us just in front of the table. He looked back and forth between us with that lolling smile of contentment and happiness. Amber holds up her phone and laughs that silvery laugh of hers. With her close by now, the full effects of that cinnamon perfume slap me in the face and bring a smile to mine as well. “Okay, something about your phone has made you chipper?” She snorted a laugh and nodded. She continued to laugh and was having trouble catching her breath. She handed me the phone because she just couldn’t at this moment.
I looked down at the message, it was from the yuppy neighbor a few doors down. I cringed as I looked at the message. “Your dog has ruined my champion, Great Dane! You can expect me shortly!!!!!” I laugh and I look down at Kuyon and his reaction just then made me laugh some more. “Quite the whoredog aren’t ya pal?” He gave me a soft woof in response. I reach up into the bag with a drawstring that I kept with us when we were outside. Digging out a treat for him, “Good boy.” He woofed at me again in appreciation of my condoning his bad behavior. I scrolled further down and there was a picture of nine new puppies with a message embedded in them. “Your fault!” Amber with tears rolling down her face accepted the phone back. I handed her a tissue from the sealed box on the table. I smiled at her as she wiped the tears away from her face and did her best to regain her composure. I could see the neighbor storming his way across our yard to the door of our screened-in porch. He carried with him a wicker basket and I could hear whimpering puppies in that basket. Amber opened the door for him so he could set the basket down inside.
The screen froze at that point and I looked over at the camera, Have I ever mentioned to y’all how much Kuyon hates yuppies?
we return to a normal screen
“Yep, those are puppies,” I quipped at the package on my back porch. He glared at me as he entered my back porch. “She was a champion, now her blood is mingled with his. I was setting up appointments to have her breed with other champions, and now I can’t do that.” I was keeping an eye on Kuyon, and a hand on his collar. “Easy Kuyon, I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it.” Then looking over at this prince of a guy I asked a question, “How much do you want for her?” He raised his hand but then saw the quivering jowls of Kuyon as he growled in such a way I was sure he’d kill that guy. “Axel, be real careful how you speak, let’s keep this as civil as possible. I don’t want any accidental blood letting on my property.” He softened his stance and his facial features. “Of course Mr. Bane, you were saying?” He took a step back but kept an eye on our dog. I look at the viewers again.
The frame freezes again.,I named him Kuyon for a reason, he’s fucking crazy. That is the cajun word for it.
we return once again to normal
“What I said was how much do you want for the Great Dane? I’m not kidding, you name your price and I’ll pay it.” He looked lost in thought for a moment. “Take your time, figure in the cost of how many litters she may have provided and the money made off of that into the price.” Amber started to interject but I gave her a pleading look and she stopped. She crossed her arms in a defensive gesture. Axel finally returned to us and spoke, “Thirty thousand dollars.” I nodded, “Easy mode,” I said as I pulled out my phone. “Should I pay you in crypto, personal check, cashier's check?” He looked stunned that I agreed to pay that amount. “You…have…that kind of money?” He said it in the most amusing way. “Yes, Axel, and a lot more than that. Oh, I also have cash as an option for you.” That made Amber shake her head in amusement. He shrugged, “Cash is fine, I guess….” I looked over at Amber and she went to retrieve it, coming back a short time later she handed him a wad of one hundred dollar bills. “Let me know when you are done counting it and we’ll draw up a bill of sale.” He started thumbing through it, “I trust you….I think.” I chuckled, and let go of Kuyon, “Okay bud, go get your girl and bring her back to her new home.”
I looked at my phone, and pulled up an application, with a few swipes there was a bill of sale waiting to be signed. “Did your dog just take off for my home? I don’t mind but I don’t think he’ll be able to get to her.” Amber, “Never underestimate that doggo, he’s smarter than most.” I worked on the bill of sale while she spoke to him and signed my side of it. I handed him a pen and he glanced down at it. He quickly signed his name to it. “Axel, we’ve only ever spoken on the phone and this is our first face-to-face meeting, in person, anyway.” I stood up to my full height, and as expected his eyes followed mine upward. This guy was only roughly five foot three and a hundred and twenty pounds soaking wet. “In the future, I would suggest a less dramatic entrance when going to someone’s home. Other people in this neighborhood are less accommodating to people yelling at them on their own property.” He nodded dumbly and I heard the jingling of a chain as Kuyon returned with a metal stake in his mouth and his new girlfriend in tow. Amber, “You had this beautiful girl chained up in your backyard?” Her eyes flashed dangerously as she stepped towards the door.
Axel didn’t say a word as Amber stepped out to introduce herself. Kuyon came and stood by Amber and licked her hand. The Great Dane came over slowly. Amber slowly stuck her hand out for her to sniff. “What’s her name,” I asked him. He looked over at me, “Because I’m French, I named her Sher.” That’s when it hit me that we were supposed to meet this asshole if for no other reason than to save this dog. “And no, Mrs. Bane, I did not chain her up in the backyard. I suspect that one of the handlers did and I will deal with that once I get back home.” She nodded but kept her focus on Sher. Great Danes are usually pretty thick dogs but she was on the skinny side. Not skin and bones but too thin for our liking. “Should you need help, dealing with the handler, let me know. I’m a problem solver by trade and I don’t like people who are mean to animals.” He nodded, clutching the money in one hand and the bill of sale in the other he made his escape.
Watching him go, I stepped outside where Amber and the dogs were getting to know each other. I squatted down and called her over, “Sher, I’m so glad to meet you.” I said as she approached slowly to sniff my outstretched hand.” She licked my hand after a few minutes of trying to be sure of her new surroundings. It would take some time but she would be fine. We coaxed her inside the screened-in porch where her puppies were.
The scene fades to black as we made busy getting her set up. She needed food, water, and probably a trip to the vet.
Continued from: levelupwrestling.freeforums.net/thread/1120/final-obstacle-full-collaboration-bane
[/center] Level Up Multi-Player Finals Part 2 [/center]
Princess Blackthorn continued to pull away after causing me to spin out, along with her partner Koopa Donavan, as they barreled around turn number three of lap two, I could feel the rumble of Chris’ cart as he passed me while I was working on getting the Kart going again. I heard the headset click as I got the kart started and pulled away from the wall. “She got that ass, Mac,” Chris said into the microphone. I chuckled, “Shut your face,” I responded as I continued to laugh. I was gaining on Bowser Page but he was still charging hard towards the opposition.
Chris crossed over the finish line as I was entering turn number three. He evidently noticed an icon on his heads-up display. “What the hell does a ghost do?”, was the question coming from my headset. It was Mario Vaughn who responded quickly, “Ah shit! You gotta use that, but hold one second and let them run over the question marks and you’ll steal their stuff!” Page, “Nice!” Vaughn was still issuing instructions, “Hold… hold…” Mario Vaughn watches on with binoculars as both Princess Blackthorn and Koopa Donovan come around the corner one running over the question mark pad. “Hold…” Suddenly Marion Vaughn exclaims, “NOW!” Bowser Page initiates ghost mode and immediately as he disappears on the track Luigi Mac has a bomb appear in the upper left corner of his screen. I woot into the microphone, I got a bomb!” Bowser Page responds, “I got the Squirrel Tail.” I come around the corner one still trailing but making up some ground while Bowser Page is still on ghost mode as he is gaining on Koopa Donovan when he reappears.
Chris informs us that he has come out of ghost mode, “No more sneaky, sneaky.” I respond to him, “At least for now.” A question comes to my mind and so I key up Vaughn, “Mario, where is a good location to drop this bomb?” He responds quickly as we start trying to put a plan together, “Strategically speaking I’d unload it on the home stretch before starting the final lap. Better odds of an impact on the corner turn itself.” I give him two clicks on the microphone to acknowledge the suggestion. Bowser Page then is heard over the radio while I come around corner number two on the track trailing Bowser Page. A question comes over the radio from Chris, “Should I use this tail?” Vaughn responded quickly again, Use it as you’re coming up on the next corner, it should put you ahead of Koopa Donovan.” Page confirmed the instructions, “Bet.” Bowser Page comes up on corner three where he taps the boxed screen immediately sending him shooting up in the air like a rocket.
“HOLY SHIT!!” Page exclaimed as his kart took off into the air. Bowser Page’s kart sails in the air as he maneuvers it as best he can to keep it over the track. Bower Page’s kart starts its downward trajectory back toward the track from the heavens above. I thought to myself, that’s gonna leave a mark. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” He screamed as the kart dove towards the track. Bowser Page crashes back down upon the track two kart lengths ahead of Koopa Donovan. Overjoyed with the results Page says in a voice that is adrenaline filled, “Ha Ha! I can’t believe that worked!” I responded to him, “Of course it worked, it’s Vaughn we’re talking about.” Bowser Page checks his rearview seeing Koopa behind him before we switch to Luigi Mac who is trailing a kart length behind Koopa Donovan. “I’ve got a line on Koopa Donovan to drift around him on curve four.” Vaughn, “You guys need to take out Princess Blackthorn’s Koopa, he’s her only defense that stands in your way.” I chimed in, “I got him.”
I came in hard and fast around corner number three of the track as the pixelated crowd cheered loudly. I manage to drift around Koopa Donovan securing the third-place spot. That’s when I spot the arrows, and I run over them, which are pointed upward which gives me a burst of acceleration that sends me blowing past Bowser Page as he nears Princess Blackthorn. Page, “What the hell?!?” It causes me to laugh as I say to him, “See Ya!” Page makes sure that I know his thoughts on that maneuver, “That’s not fair!” My response is simple and to the point, “If you’re not first you’re last!” Page, “Are you channeling your inner Ricky Bobby?!?!” Vaughn breaks in, “Shake and Bake baby! Shake and bake!” Page gets in on that act, I’m all JACKED UP on Mountain Dew!” I start to approach corner number four when I check my rearview seeing Bowser Page and Koopa Donovan a kart and a half behind. I let him know what I plan to do, “Watch yourself I’m about to drop a bomb.” I keep an eye on the rearview seeing Bowser Page drift to the free lane on the track. “Bombs away!” as I’m coming around the corner I shit out a bomb from the kart in the attempt to blow Koopa Donovan off the track. Vaughn, “Miss! Koopa Donovan is still in play.”
Page, “Fuck! He’s like an angry ankle bitter that you just have to kick in the face.” Princess Blackthorn is nearing the starting point of Lap Four with me hot on her tailpipe. Princess Blackthorn crosses over what will be the finish line.
Vaughn, “This is it, guys! Now you put it all together and take them out! This is where you dig deep, this is where you take the chances, this is where you lay it all on the line for the Gloves.” Page responds, “ This is our redemption, Mac. This is what I’ve been wanting to do for such a long time. Let’s rock!” I clicked the microphone, “Let’s fucking go!” Princess Blackthorn runs over one of the remaining question marks while I narrowly miss one of the few remaining! “Fuck me! I missed it!” I growled into the microphone. Page was quick to put my mind at ease, “I got you, Goose!” Bowser Page lines himself up for the last remaining question mark when he’s bumped from behind by Koopa Donovan trying to spin him out! Bowser Page acts quick and slams on his breaks causing Koopa Donovan to slam into his back end which propels him forward and over the last remaining question mark on the track. Vaughn shouts into the mic with excitement, “Smart thinking Bowser!” Bowser Page responds to Mario Vaughn, “It’s not like outsmarting these fools has been difficult thus far. Mac, how you looking?” I was coming around corner number two where the princess and I were running side by side.
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Bowser Page comes around corner number two just a few kart lengths behind where he looks in his rearview seeing Koopa Donovan coming up on his six. He takes notice of another red turtle shell causing him to mutter under his breath. “Fuck,” is all Page says as Koopa Donvoan attempts to smash into the side of him as they come around corner two only to see Bowser Page evade it and send Donovan Koopa running over a Banana Peel! Koopa Donovan peels out with his kart stalling! The elation coming from the microphone courtesy brings a brief smile to my face, “KOOPA IS DOWN! KOOPA IS DOWN!” It was brief because I knew that the princess couldn’t be out of tricks just yet. Princess Blackthorn had drifted in front of me giving me the number one spot. “I got the lead on the Princess!” The kart’s are going top speed with Princess Blackthorn on my tail coming down the stretch leading toward corner number three. “Bowser, where ya at?” Page responds, “I’m here brother, I got you. I’ve got a red turtle shell and Princess Blackthorn is in my sights.” Bowser Page sizes up his shot on Princess Blackthorn which would no doubt lead to the success of Page and myself. Bowser is about to click his fire button when Princess Blackthorn reveals her special by flying up in the air over me as we come around corner number three! There it was, the special she was holding in reserve.
I growl into the microphone, “She’s airborne! She’s going to take my spot!” “Not if I have anything to say about it.” Came the quick reply from Page. Bowser Page has his eyes on Princess Blackthorn as she lands on the track. Bowser shifts his eyes to the bomb that was laid one lap prior. Princess Blackthorn lands in front of Luigi Mac with Bowser Page coming around the final corner as well. “Mac, do you trust me?” As if that was in question, With my life.” Vaughn chimes in, “What are you thinking? Bowser?” Chris quick to respond, “We got one shot at this right here, right now. Your bomb up ahead. You need to force her towards it while I line up my shot. If this is going to work you have to know that she is going to swerve and you will hit your own trap. When she swerves she’s in my sights and I’ll take my shot.” Vaughn gives his approval, It tracks.” I chuckled thinking, why the hell not?!. I quipped at him through the radio, “For a stoner, you sure do deliver when it’s clutch.” Page, “What the fuck are you talking about, I deliver always in all ways.” Vaughn breaks the banter up, “Guys get ready to execute.”
I make my move on the Princess to shift her trajectory toward the bomb we are coming up on, and as predicted Princess Blackthorn swerves out of the way avoiding the bomb, as she swerves she sends me into the bomb blowing my kart up but puts herself in harm's way for Bowser Page to fire his red turtle shell out of the front of his kart while they are coming down the home stretch! The turtle shell smashes into the back of Princess Blackthorn’s kart sending her spinning out of control wildly and allowing Bowser Page to blow past her and cross the finish line securing the checkered flag!
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Bowser Page stands on the number one spot, myself on the number two spot, and Mario Vaughn on the third spot. Bowser Page pops a bottle of champagne as it flows down the bottle upon shooting up in the air. He is fond of that stuff, “A little bit of the bubbly!” Bowser Page takes a huge gulp out of the bottle as confetti falls down upon them from the skies above with a formal announcement being made. “The winners of the Race for the Gloves; BOWSER PAGE and LUIGI MAC representing team CCPE Racing!” Mario Vaughn hops off the third position on the podium where he walks over to the prize.
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Mario Vaughn presents Bowser Page with a glove, he presents its match to me with the second glove. The Multiplayers look over at each other with smirks on their faces. They each put on their gloves and throw their arm up in the air. “How does it fit?” I ask in jest and Page responds as expected, “Like a GLLLLOVVVVVVE.” Mario Vaughn has a microphone appear in his right hand from out of thin air. “Bowser Page and Luigi Vaughn, you two ran one hell of a race here today and have successfully captured the Multiplayer Gloves. Tell the world how you’re feeling. Bowser Page steps forward off his first-place spot with his Multiplayer Glove on his left hand. “I knew that when we elected to take part in this that we not only had the tools but the drive to buckle down and make shit happen. We took the preliminaries without breaking a sweat to get here today, and goddamn if we didn’t work together if we didn’t allow fear of the unknown to creep inside our heads. Bowser Page stops as he looks off toward me. “None of this could be possible without the selflessness my partner showed when it came down to nut-cutting time on that last lap. Luigi Mac sacrificed what he needed to sacrifice to clutch the victory for the team; and ultimately that’s what all this is about right, being a team that works as a singular unit?”
Bowser redirects back towards Mario Vaughn and the microphone. “We’ve just secured ourselves a spot in the history books, and unlike our predecessors, we will not walk out on this circuit leaving it hanging. Instead, we are going to Level Up the entire goddamn ballgame.” Vaughn, “How do you plan on doing that? “ Page continues, “The TriForce Title is set to be decided here shortly. All Mac and I have to do to secure our spot are hold onto these Gloves against any and all challengers for a few months. Consider that the endgame.” Mario Vaughn turns his attention to me as I step forward and continue on where Bowser Page left off. “This is all so surreal to be standing here alongside my partner knowing that we set out with one goal in mind and that is to be the best. Take what we had here today as an example; four quality teams that did the work to belong on this track but when push came to shove there are those that are just better on the tracks than others.” I take a moment before I continue. “I don’t take anything away from Princess Blackthorn and Koopa Donovan. They had one hell of a race but their lack of being able to commit to each other over their own individual needs is exactly a piece of what cost them this race here today. We can only hope they learn the errors of their ways and get back out on the tracks because I can speak for my partner when I say that we would love to see them again.” Page cuts in, “When it comes to who is next the simple answer is it doesn’t matter because from this moment forward you have your eyes locked on the keepers of the Gloves, and we can give two shits about who or what is put in front of us. Part of being the best is proving it.”
I rock back on my heels briefly, “We couldn’t have done this without the best damn pit crew leader of all time, Mr. Mario Vaughn, thank you for being our eyes on the track, guiding us to this victory on behalf of CCPE racing. “ Vaughn responds a bit bashfully, “ Awe shucks, I do the best that I can where ever I can contribute.” I smiled patting the man on the shoulder, “You certainly did fantastically today.” Page, “Another level conquered, more accolades brought into the CCPE family, and a road of redemption successfully completed. The only thing left to say…Bowser Page points over at me, “If you’re not first you’re last!” I hold up my right hand which has his glove on it while Bowser Page crosses over the top of my right gloved hand with his left gloved hand forming an X.
BOWSER PAGE: It’s not personal. It’s just business.
The screen goes pitch black. Through the darkness, we can hear a name being called.
“Mac?” The tone of the voice is female as we hear it being called again. “Mac, wake up.” Slowly the fluttering of eyes. “I can’t believe you went to sleep.” I kinda remember where I am then, and realize it’s Amber talking to me. My eyes begin to open as he is laying on a massage table looking across at Amber who is laying on a table looking back over at him. “I did?” I said in response. Rubbing my eyes with the heels of my hands I look over at her. No shame showing, just a lopsided grin. “ You sure did. Chris and Candice got us this couples massage and you didn’t even enjoy it. You slept through it.” She said it, not really in an annoyed voice but more amused than anything. “Wow,” I stated upon hearing the sound of his cell phone ringing on the side table next to his massage table. He turns his head over and grabs his phone. I answer the call putting it on speaker. Seeing it’s Chris’ number, “Chris.” The voice of Chris Page is heard on the other end. Page, “I hope you and Amber enjoyed the gift.” Of course, I did, well from what I actually remembered of it. “Yeah man, it was fantastic” Chris continued, “I had one for Candice and me as well, listen this might sound weird as fuck but while I was getting mine I drifted off to sleep and had the craziest fucking dream that we were…” Before Chris can continue I cut him off. “Super Mario Kart…” There’s nothing heard from Chris as shock starts to set in. “I had the same dream.”
Page, “I gotta know how it ends, dude. I woke up halfway through. Which part of the dream did you see?” Amber’s eyebrows raise up as I begin explaining, “Mine started in progress and it was the second half.” “Did we win?” as if that was in doubt. I quickly respond,” Of course we did. We won the race and claimed the gloves just like we’re going to do at Combat Evolved.”
Chris, “I can’t wait to cram this win down the throats of Level Up resident fat ass ole Berty Boop. Haters will always hate without reason or cause when they feel threatened by someone far superior. The tournament has just been the first step in a bigger picture that all of you are far too stupid to see because your own selfish agendas or disdain blinds you for guys like us who are called upon to save YOUR playground because none of you are talented enough to do it on your own. Mac Bane and Chris Page will be leaving Combat Evolved with the Multiplayer Gloves, Sebastian Everett-Bryce will be leaving as the number one contender for the Final Boss Championship, and Peter Vaughn will be hurling a bunch of chodes into a pool of cheese apparently.
We are CCPE.
We are here because you lack the ability to do it on your own.
Don’t blame us.
Blame yourselves and do better.
The pleasure has been all yours.”
Fade
“You’re either first, or you’re last ” - Ricky Bobby
The Soft Intro
{In-Studio - Unnamed Location - “Point of View”}
The sound of my starched jeans rubbing together is heard long before my visage is captured by the camera. With a tip of my black stetson to speak to the people all watching from home.
Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it? One day you’re the top dog in a company and the next? You’re barely relevant. Thing is, I like Bert. I get it, he’s brash and obnoxious as hell. Those are actually his good qualities. In all the years I’ve known Bert, I’ve never had a real problem with him. Recently though, he’s gotten too caught up in the battle between two companies. The banter or arguments between Chris and Johnny, I know makes some people angry. It’s between them though, has zero to do with the rest of us. People keep trying to make it about the talent and keep trying to drag us into that argument. So, I’ve done my best to keep my nose out of it. Bert even apologized last time for his verbal attack on me, and I accepted that apology, so I thought we were good. Yet, here we are, while he’s launching a one-man crusade against CCPE, while we’re out here winning titles and cementing legacies. He’s so worried about whether we’ll stick around or not, that he’s taken his eyes off the prize. My unsolicited advice is to do what you have to do, but don’t get caught up in that.
I give the camera a quick wink as I continue.
Now, then with that out of the way. We move on to things that matter to us. Round one of this event was a no-brainer, anyone who thought we weren’t going to dominate that match just hasn’t been paying attention. Round two, we were actually considered underdogs? The rookies had bested two of the best in this business. In the end, it was simply the same. See my note about round one? Good, I’m glad you understand. It’s not rocket science folks, our goals were clear-cut from the beginning. We told you this is where we would be from the beginning. Our being in the finals should not shock anyone. We are here to take those gloves home, against not just any team. The team we are facing is an amazing pairing. Make no mistakes about it, Avalon has taken the wrestling world by storm. She is that damn good and we’ve noticed. Shane is performing in his first pay-per-view in a decade. Imagine how they must feel right now. They are confident, especially Ava, I know who her mentor was. I know there is bad blood there, that is however their issue to sort out. To intervene in that would be the same as punching your way into a hornet's nest and expecting not to get stung.
I shame my head in dismay.
No thanks. I digress, imagine it though. You’re a rookie competing in your first title match. You are a veteran competing for a title for the first time in ten years. There’s no pressure there, right? Riiiighhhht. The pressure would be immense for anyone. It would be huge for any active competitor who hadn’t spent time away. Don’t think for a minute that we don’t feel it as much as you do. Hell, we probably feel it more than you do. We are expected to win this match, let’s not beat around the bush okay? As good as you both are, you’re not me and you’re not Chris Page. Neither of you has the reputation that we have. Avalon is still trying to find her way and Shane is trying to recapture that fire he once had. Where Chris is running an enterprise, a collection of talent, the likes of which has never been seen before. Me? I just continue to roll, collecting titles where I feel like it. I realize that things accomplished elsewhere probably don’t mean much to either of you, and that’s fine. Duly noted, but I’m going to toot my own horn for a minute anyway. The fact is this, I just started my third reign as the Sin City World Champion. I’ve held virtually every title that they have. Do you think I’m not ready for anything you can throw at me? Do you think a guy like Chris who has done it all and seen it all can be surprised? We are always ready folks, you can bet the ranch on that shit. I have no particular dislike for either of you, but it doesn’t change how I approach a match of this magnitude. I’m a wrecker, always have been, and will be until my career comes to a close.
The starched button-down complained slightly as I moved my arms up with my left hand balled in a fist and my right hand closing it over the top.
It’s a long way from that time. The two of you have had a hell of a run in this tournament, there is no doubt about that. I’ll even throw out the obvious about you “beating” The Royals. That was a pretty timely arrival by Raab, wasn’t it? Not that I blame him, I would have handled that differently myself. That is neither here nor there. What matters is you guys got the job done right. Yes indeed, you did exactly that. The methods don’t matter, only results, that is the bottom line in this business. I’m not judging or condemning, I’ve always been a by any means necessary guy as well. I know Chris would agree that you do what you have to do. As for your team, I’m sure by now that Avalon is feeling much more comfortable in the ring. She’s gaining confidence every time out.
I give her a nod of respect and a half bow.
That’s a good thing, I’m glad about that. I don’t have to tell her, she already knows that I’ve been one of her biggest fans since she debuted. It goes beyond the fact that she was my wife’s protege. That is like a one percent factor in this. She has more raw talent and potential than any rookie I’ve seen in a decade. The only thing I question about Avalon is her luck or decision-making ability when it comes to Shane Donavan as a tag team partner or as he believes a mentor. She initially started out training with my wife several years ago. When she came back to try again, she signed up with Matt Knox and now you have this guy mentoring you. What the fuck, Ava? If you continue down this road with someone like that, he’ll use you until the point that he has no use for you. Then he’ll throw you away as easily as he tosses a soft drink bottle away. I hope you don’t allow him to turn you into his sidekick or side chick as the case may be. I know what I just said will fall on deaf ears, but I had to speak my peace. She’s hungry for her first title, he’s hungry for relevance. Shane believes that he gain that through Avalon. My guess is she’s been terrified of letting him down and she hangs on those words of acceptance and “fatherly” pride. Avalon, the people in this company were well aware of who you were, you shouldn’t need his approval to know that.
Cracking my knuckles, I get ready to dig into Shane Donavan. I had watched his promo but I was leaving that in the back of my brain.
I saved you for last Shane. Not because you’re the best, but simply because I wanted to wait and address the worst of the team last. So, this is your first pay-per-view in a decade. To be honest, I had never heard of you until you addressed me about Amber. You wondered how that could happen, how I could marry her. It’s really not that fucking difficult. Think about the kind of people Amber is normally associated with. Her friends are all people who are of a like mind. She and I are far more alike than we are different. Like her, when someone is standing across that ring from me, they are not a friend of mine. They are simply the next person to feel my power, my technique, and my ambition. To your point though, we were the paradox of power couples in this business. The combination that wasn’t supposed to work. We were too much alike and should clash at every turn, but we don’t because we get each other. I don’t think you really understand that because from what I’ve been told, you simply have never had that connection with anyone. I’m assuming you were successful at some point in your career, so what drives a man out of the business for a decade?
Taking the Stetson off, I move my head to the left and then the right and am rewarded with a popping of vertebrae.
I cannot imagine what might make a person be gone for the length of time unless it was jail time. Maybe drug addiction? Baby mamma issues? No spine? No balls? Fear of commitment? It simply doesn’t matter, because none of that is relevant to the current situation. You’re here now and you’re in my fucking light. Only one way to fix that. I realize that you likely don’t know anything about me, other than who my wife is. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Mac Bane, I’ve gone by many names over the years. Heh, I remember when that used to matter. These days, the only thing that matters is that you have joined the fuck around and find out club. The only thing you need to know about me is that with every punch, maneuver, and breath, I’m trying to end a fight. Where you’ll be trying to end a wrestling match, I’m winning a fight. Every move is inflicted with maximum impact and malicious intent. We will not be denied, and I doubt you’ll be able to remember any of it when it’s done.
{The Bane Home - Las Vegas NV - “Rut Roh Raggy”}
Sitting on the back porch with coffee in hand, I take a long sip from the cup of magic and sigh contentedly. I lit a cigarette just as Amber was coming outside with her own cup of coffee with an amused smile. “What’s got you so tickled?” She took a sip of coffee before sitting down next to me with only a small table between us. Our Italian Mastiff, Kuyon closely followed her and sat in the small place between us just in front of the table. He looked back and forth between us with that lolling smile of contentment and happiness. Amber holds up her phone and laughs that silvery laugh of hers. With her close by now, the full effects of that cinnamon perfume slap me in the face and bring a smile to mine as well. “Okay, something about your phone has made you chipper?” She snorted a laugh and nodded. She continued to laugh and was having trouble catching her breath. She handed me the phone because she just couldn’t at this moment.
I looked down at the message, it was from the yuppy neighbor a few doors down. I cringed as I looked at the message. “Your dog has ruined my champion, Great Dane! You can expect me shortly!!!!!” I laugh and I look down at Kuyon and his reaction just then made me laugh some more. “Quite the whoredog aren’t ya pal?” He gave me a soft woof in response. I reach up into the bag with a drawstring that I kept with us when we were outside. Digging out a treat for him, “Good boy.” He woofed at me again in appreciation of my condoning his bad behavior. I scrolled further down and there was a picture of nine new puppies with a message embedded in them. “Your fault!” Amber with tears rolling down her face accepted the phone back. I handed her a tissue from the sealed box on the table. I smiled at her as she wiped the tears away from her face and did her best to regain her composure. I could see the neighbor storming his way across our yard to the door of our screened-in porch. He carried with him a wicker basket and I could hear whimpering puppies in that basket. Amber opened the door for him so he could set the basket down inside.
The screen froze at that point and I looked over at the camera, Have I ever mentioned to y’all how much Kuyon hates yuppies?
we return to a normal screen
“Yep, those are puppies,” I quipped at the package on my back porch. He glared at me as he entered my back porch. “She was a champion, now her blood is mingled with his. I was setting up appointments to have her breed with other champions, and now I can’t do that.” I was keeping an eye on Kuyon, and a hand on his collar. “Easy Kuyon, I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it.” Then looking over at this prince of a guy I asked a question, “How much do you want for her?” He raised his hand but then saw the quivering jowls of Kuyon as he growled in such a way I was sure he’d kill that guy. “Axel, be real careful how you speak, let’s keep this as civil as possible. I don’t want any accidental blood letting on my property.” He softened his stance and his facial features. “Of course Mr. Bane, you were saying?” He took a step back but kept an eye on our dog. I look at the viewers again.
The frame freezes again.,I named him Kuyon for a reason, he’s fucking crazy. That is the cajun word for it.
we return once again to normal
“What I said was how much do you want for the Great Dane? I’m not kidding, you name your price and I’ll pay it.” He looked lost in thought for a moment. “Take your time, figure in the cost of how many litters she may have provided and the money made off of that into the price.” Amber started to interject but I gave her a pleading look and she stopped. She crossed her arms in a defensive gesture. Axel finally returned to us and spoke, “Thirty thousand dollars.” I nodded, “Easy mode,” I said as I pulled out my phone. “Should I pay you in crypto, personal check, cashier's check?” He looked stunned that I agreed to pay that amount. “You…have…that kind of money?” He said it in the most amusing way. “Yes, Axel, and a lot more than that. Oh, I also have cash as an option for you.” That made Amber shake her head in amusement. He shrugged, “Cash is fine, I guess….” I looked over at Amber and she went to retrieve it, coming back a short time later she handed him a wad of one hundred dollar bills. “Let me know when you are done counting it and we’ll draw up a bill of sale.” He started thumbing through it, “I trust you….I think.” I chuckled, and let go of Kuyon, “Okay bud, go get your girl and bring her back to her new home.”
I looked at my phone, and pulled up an application, with a few swipes there was a bill of sale waiting to be signed. “Did your dog just take off for my home? I don’t mind but I don’t think he’ll be able to get to her.” Amber, “Never underestimate that doggo, he’s smarter than most.” I worked on the bill of sale while she spoke to him and signed my side of it. I handed him a pen and he glanced down at it. He quickly signed his name to it. “Axel, we’ve only ever spoken on the phone and this is our first face-to-face meeting, in person, anyway.” I stood up to my full height, and as expected his eyes followed mine upward. This guy was only roughly five foot three and a hundred and twenty pounds soaking wet. “In the future, I would suggest a less dramatic entrance when going to someone’s home. Other people in this neighborhood are less accommodating to people yelling at them on their own property.” He nodded dumbly and I heard the jingling of a chain as Kuyon returned with a metal stake in his mouth and his new girlfriend in tow. Amber, “You had this beautiful girl chained up in your backyard?” Her eyes flashed dangerously as she stepped towards the door.
Axel didn’t say a word as Amber stepped out to introduce herself. Kuyon came and stood by Amber and licked her hand. The Great Dane came over slowly. Amber slowly stuck her hand out for her to sniff. “What’s her name,” I asked him. He looked over at me, “Because I’m French, I named her Sher.” That’s when it hit me that we were supposed to meet this asshole if for no other reason than to save this dog. “And no, Mrs. Bane, I did not chain her up in the backyard. I suspect that one of the handlers did and I will deal with that once I get back home.” She nodded but kept her focus on Sher. Great Danes are usually pretty thick dogs but she was on the skinny side. Not skin and bones but too thin for our liking. “Should you need help, dealing with the handler, let me know. I’m a problem solver by trade and I don’t like people who are mean to animals.” He nodded, clutching the money in one hand and the bill of sale in the other he made his escape.
Watching him go, I stepped outside where Amber and the dogs were getting to know each other. I squatted down and called her over, “Sher, I’m so glad to meet you.” I said as she approached slowly to sniff my outstretched hand.” She licked my hand after a few minutes of trying to be sure of her new surroundings. It would take some time but she would be fine. We coaxed her inside the screened-in porch where her puppies were.
The scene fades to black as we made busy getting her set up. She needed food, water, and probably a trip to the vet.
Continued from: levelupwrestling.freeforums.net/thread/1120/final-obstacle-full-collaboration-bane
[/center] Level Up Multi-Player Finals Part 2 [/center]
Princess Blackthorn continued to pull away after causing me to spin out, along with her partner Koopa Donavan, as they barreled around turn number three of lap two, I could feel the rumble of Chris’ cart as he passed me while I was working on getting the Kart going again. I heard the headset click as I got the kart started and pulled away from the wall. “She got that ass, Mac,” Chris said into the microphone. I chuckled, “Shut your face,” I responded as I continued to laugh. I was gaining on Bowser Page but he was still charging hard towards the opposition.
Chris crossed over the finish line as I was entering turn number three. He evidently noticed an icon on his heads-up display. “What the hell does a ghost do?”, was the question coming from my headset. It was Mario Vaughn who responded quickly, “Ah shit! You gotta use that, but hold one second and let them run over the question marks and you’ll steal their stuff!” Page, “Nice!” Vaughn was still issuing instructions, “Hold… hold…” Mario Vaughn watches on with binoculars as both Princess Blackthorn and Koopa Donovan come around the corner one running over the question mark pad. “Hold…” Suddenly Marion Vaughn exclaims, “NOW!” Bowser Page initiates ghost mode and immediately as he disappears on the track Luigi Mac has a bomb appear in the upper left corner of his screen. I woot into the microphone, I got a bomb!” Bowser Page responds, “I got the Squirrel Tail.” I come around the corner one still trailing but making up some ground while Bowser Page is still on ghost mode as he is gaining on Koopa Donovan when he reappears.
Chris informs us that he has come out of ghost mode, “No more sneaky, sneaky.” I respond to him, “At least for now.” A question comes to my mind and so I key up Vaughn, “Mario, where is a good location to drop this bomb?” He responds quickly as we start trying to put a plan together, “Strategically speaking I’d unload it on the home stretch before starting the final lap. Better odds of an impact on the corner turn itself.” I give him two clicks on the microphone to acknowledge the suggestion. Bowser Page then is heard over the radio while I come around corner number two on the track trailing Bowser Page. A question comes over the radio from Chris, “Should I use this tail?” Vaughn responded quickly again, Use it as you’re coming up on the next corner, it should put you ahead of Koopa Donovan.” Page confirmed the instructions, “Bet.” Bowser Page comes up on corner three where he taps the boxed screen immediately sending him shooting up in the air like a rocket.
“HOLY SHIT!!” Page exclaimed as his kart took off into the air. Bowser Page’s kart sails in the air as he maneuvers it as best he can to keep it over the track. Bower Page’s kart starts its downward trajectory back toward the track from the heavens above. I thought to myself, that’s gonna leave a mark. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” He screamed as the kart dove towards the track. Bowser Page crashes back down upon the track two kart lengths ahead of Koopa Donovan. Overjoyed with the results Page says in a voice that is adrenaline filled, “Ha Ha! I can’t believe that worked!” I responded to him, “Of course it worked, it’s Vaughn we’re talking about.” Bowser Page checks his rearview seeing Koopa behind him before we switch to Luigi Mac who is trailing a kart length behind Koopa Donovan. “I’ve got a line on Koopa Donovan to drift around him on curve four.” Vaughn, “You guys need to take out Princess Blackthorn’s Koopa, he’s her only defense that stands in your way.” I chimed in, “I got him.”
I came in hard and fast around corner number three of the track as the pixelated crowd cheered loudly. I manage to drift around Koopa Donovan securing the third-place spot. That’s when I spot the arrows, and I run over them, which are pointed upward which gives me a burst of acceleration that sends me blowing past Bowser Page as he nears Princess Blackthorn. Page, “What the hell?!?” It causes me to laugh as I say to him, “See Ya!” Page makes sure that I know his thoughts on that maneuver, “That’s not fair!” My response is simple and to the point, “If you’re not first you’re last!” Page, “Are you channeling your inner Ricky Bobby?!?!” Vaughn breaks in, “Shake and Bake baby! Shake and bake!” Page gets in on that act, I’m all JACKED UP on Mountain Dew!” I start to approach corner number four when I check my rearview seeing Bowser Page and Koopa Donovan a kart and a half behind. I let him know what I plan to do, “Watch yourself I’m about to drop a bomb.” I keep an eye on the rearview seeing Bowser Page drift to the free lane on the track. “Bombs away!” as I’m coming around the corner I shit out a bomb from the kart in the attempt to blow Koopa Donovan off the track. Vaughn, “Miss! Koopa Donovan is still in play.”
Page, “Fuck! He’s like an angry ankle bitter that you just have to kick in the face.” Princess Blackthorn is nearing the starting point of Lap Four with me hot on her tailpipe. Princess Blackthorn crosses over what will be the finish line.
Vaughn, “This is it, guys! Now you put it all together and take them out! This is where you dig deep, this is where you take the chances, this is where you lay it all on the line for the Gloves.” Page responds, “ This is our redemption, Mac. This is what I’ve been wanting to do for such a long time. Let’s rock!” I clicked the microphone, “Let’s fucking go!” Princess Blackthorn runs over one of the remaining question marks while I narrowly miss one of the few remaining! “Fuck me! I missed it!” I growled into the microphone. Page was quick to put my mind at ease, “I got you, Goose!” Bowser Page lines himself up for the last remaining question mark when he’s bumped from behind by Koopa Donovan trying to spin him out! Bowser Page acts quick and slams on his breaks causing Koopa Donovan to slam into his back end which propels him forward and over the last remaining question mark on the track. Vaughn shouts into the mic with excitement, “Smart thinking Bowser!” Bowser Page responds to Mario Vaughn, “It’s not like outsmarting these fools has been difficult thus far. Mac, how you looking?” I was coming around corner number two where the princess and I were running side by side.
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Bowser Page comes around corner number two just a few kart lengths behind where he looks in his rearview seeing Koopa Donovan coming up on his six. He takes notice of another red turtle shell causing him to mutter under his breath. “Fuck,” is all Page says as Koopa Donvoan attempts to smash into the side of him as they come around corner two only to see Bowser Page evade it and send Donovan Koopa running over a Banana Peel! Koopa Donovan peels out with his kart stalling! The elation coming from the microphone courtesy brings a brief smile to my face, “KOOPA IS DOWN! KOOPA IS DOWN!” It was brief because I knew that the princess couldn’t be out of tricks just yet. Princess Blackthorn had drifted in front of me giving me the number one spot. “I got the lead on the Princess!” The kart’s are going top speed with Princess Blackthorn on my tail coming down the stretch leading toward corner number three. “Bowser, where ya at?” Page responds, “I’m here brother, I got you. I’ve got a red turtle shell and Princess Blackthorn is in my sights.” Bowser Page sizes up his shot on Princess Blackthorn which would no doubt lead to the success of Page and myself. Bowser is about to click his fire button when Princess Blackthorn reveals her special by flying up in the air over me as we come around corner number three! There it was, the special she was holding in reserve.
I growl into the microphone, “She’s airborne! She’s going to take my spot!” “Not if I have anything to say about it.” Came the quick reply from Page. Bowser Page has his eyes on Princess Blackthorn as she lands on the track. Bowser shifts his eyes to the bomb that was laid one lap prior. Princess Blackthorn lands in front of Luigi Mac with Bowser Page coming around the final corner as well. “Mac, do you trust me?” As if that was in question, With my life.” Vaughn chimes in, “What are you thinking? Bowser?” Chris quick to respond, “We got one shot at this right here, right now. Your bomb up ahead. You need to force her towards it while I line up my shot. If this is going to work you have to know that she is going to swerve and you will hit your own trap. When she swerves she’s in my sights and I’ll take my shot.” Vaughn gives his approval, It tracks.” I chuckled thinking, why the hell not?!. I quipped at him through the radio, “For a stoner, you sure do deliver when it’s clutch.” Page, “What the fuck are you talking about, I deliver always in all ways.” Vaughn breaks the banter up, “Guys get ready to execute.”
I make my move on the Princess to shift her trajectory toward the bomb we are coming up on, and as predicted Princess Blackthorn swerves out of the way avoiding the bomb, as she swerves she sends me into the bomb blowing my kart up but puts herself in harm's way for Bowser Page to fire his red turtle shell out of the front of his kart while they are coming down the home stretch! The turtle shell smashes into the back of Princess Blackthorn’s kart sending her spinning out of control wildly and allowing Bowser Page to blow past her and cross the finish line securing the checkered flag!
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Bowser Page stands on the number one spot, myself on the number two spot, and Mario Vaughn on the third spot. Bowser Page pops a bottle of champagne as it flows down the bottle upon shooting up in the air. He is fond of that stuff, “A little bit of the bubbly!” Bowser Page takes a huge gulp out of the bottle as confetti falls down upon them from the skies above with a formal announcement being made. “The winners of the Race for the Gloves; BOWSER PAGE and LUIGI MAC representing team CCPE Racing!” Mario Vaughn hops off the third position on the podium where he walks over to the prize.
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Mario Vaughn presents Bowser Page with a glove, he presents its match to me with the second glove. The Multiplayers look over at each other with smirks on their faces. They each put on their gloves and throw their arm up in the air. “How does it fit?” I ask in jest and Page responds as expected, “Like a GLLLLOVVVVVVE.” Mario Vaughn has a microphone appear in his right hand from out of thin air. “Bowser Page and Luigi Vaughn, you two ran one hell of a race here today and have successfully captured the Multiplayer Gloves. Tell the world how you’re feeling. Bowser Page steps forward off his first-place spot with his Multiplayer Glove on his left hand. “I knew that when we elected to take part in this that we not only had the tools but the drive to buckle down and make shit happen. We took the preliminaries without breaking a sweat to get here today, and goddamn if we didn’t work together if we didn’t allow fear of the unknown to creep inside our heads. Bowser Page stops as he looks off toward me. “None of this could be possible without the selflessness my partner showed when it came down to nut-cutting time on that last lap. Luigi Mac sacrificed what he needed to sacrifice to clutch the victory for the team; and ultimately that’s what all this is about right, being a team that works as a singular unit?”
Bowser redirects back towards Mario Vaughn and the microphone. “We’ve just secured ourselves a spot in the history books, and unlike our predecessors, we will not walk out on this circuit leaving it hanging. Instead, we are going to Level Up the entire goddamn ballgame.” Vaughn, “How do you plan on doing that? “ Page continues, “The TriForce Title is set to be decided here shortly. All Mac and I have to do to secure our spot are hold onto these Gloves against any and all challengers for a few months. Consider that the endgame.” Mario Vaughn turns his attention to me as I step forward and continue on where Bowser Page left off. “This is all so surreal to be standing here alongside my partner knowing that we set out with one goal in mind and that is to be the best. Take what we had here today as an example; four quality teams that did the work to belong on this track but when push came to shove there are those that are just better on the tracks than others.” I take a moment before I continue. “I don’t take anything away from Princess Blackthorn and Koopa Donovan. They had one hell of a race but their lack of being able to commit to each other over their own individual needs is exactly a piece of what cost them this race here today. We can only hope they learn the errors of their ways and get back out on the tracks because I can speak for my partner when I say that we would love to see them again.” Page cuts in, “When it comes to who is next the simple answer is it doesn’t matter because from this moment forward you have your eyes locked on the keepers of the Gloves, and we can give two shits about who or what is put in front of us. Part of being the best is proving it.”
I rock back on my heels briefly, “We couldn’t have done this without the best damn pit crew leader of all time, Mr. Mario Vaughn, thank you for being our eyes on the track, guiding us to this victory on behalf of CCPE racing. “ Vaughn responds a bit bashfully, “ Awe shucks, I do the best that I can where ever I can contribute.” I smiled patting the man on the shoulder, “You certainly did fantastically today.” Page, “Another level conquered, more accolades brought into the CCPE family, and a road of redemption successfully completed. The only thing left to say…Bowser Page points over at me, “If you’re not first you’re last!” I hold up my right hand which has his glove on it while Bowser Page crosses over the top of my right gloved hand with his left gloved hand forming an X.
BOWSER PAGE: It’s not personal. It’s just business.
The screen goes pitch black. Through the darkness, we can hear a name being called.
“Mac?” The tone of the voice is female as we hear it being called again. “Mac, wake up.” Slowly the fluttering of eyes. “I can’t believe you went to sleep.” I kinda remember where I am then, and realize it’s Amber talking to me. My eyes begin to open as he is laying on a massage table looking across at Amber who is laying on a table looking back over at him. “I did?” I said in response. Rubbing my eyes with the heels of my hands I look over at her. No shame showing, just a lopsided grin. “ You sure did. Chris and Candice got us this couples massage and you didn’t even enjoy it. You slept through it.” She said it, not really in an annoyed voice but more amused than anything. “Wow,” I stated upon hearing the sound of his cell phone ringing on the side table next to his massage table. He turns his head over and grabs his phone. I answer the call putting it on speaker. Seeing it’s Chris’ number, “Chris.” The voice of Chris Page is heard on the other end. Page, “I hope you and Amber enjoyed the gift.” Of course, I did, well from what I actually remembered of it. “Yeah man, it was fantastic” Chris continued, “I had one for Candice and me as well, listen this might sound weird as fuck but while I was getting mine I drifted off to sleep and had the craziest fucking dream that we were…” Before Chris can continue I cut him off. “Super Mario Kart…” There’s nothing heard from Chris as shock starts to set in. “I had the same dream.”
Page, “I gotta know how it ends, dude. I woke up halfway through. Which part of the dream did you see?” Amber’s eyebrows raise up as I begin explaining, “Mine started in progress and it was the second half.” “Did we win?” as if that was in doubt. I quickly respond,” Of course we did. We won the race and claimed the gloves just like we’re going to do at Combat Evolved.”
Chris, “I can’t wait to cram this win down the throats of Level Up resident fat ass ole Berty Boop. Haters will always hate without reason or cause when they feel threatened by someone far superior. The tournament has just been the first step in a bigger picture that all of you are far too stupid to see because your own selfish agendas or disdain blinds you for guys like us who are called upon to save YOUR playground because none of you are talented enough to do it on your own. Mac Bane and Chris Page will be leaving Combat Evolved with the Multiplayer Gloves, Sebastian Everett-Bryce will be leaving as the number one contender for the Final Boss Championship, and Peter Vaughn will be hurling a bunch of chodes into a pool of cheese apparently.
We are CCPE.
We are here because you lack the ability to do it on your own.
Don’t blame us.
Blame yourselves and do better.
The pleasure has been all yours.”
Fade
