Post by Sebastian Everett-Bryce on Oct 11, 2022 19:00:22 GMT -5
“There’s a saying, one very dear to me and my family - falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living,” said Sloane Taylor, a half-smile upon her face as she leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “My dad told me that when I was really small - I remember it like it was yesterday. I’d started to understand that I liked to climb and that with climbing, there were tumbles. He’d wipe away the tears I tried to hide and say that to me. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.”
“And I know - we didn’t fall, so much as we were pushed, but the sentiment remains the same. Less than two weeks ago, we could have walked out of EXP 31 as the Level Up Wrestling Multiplayer Champions. It was close - oh so very close. And yet, here we are before you all, devoid of those accolades, no matter how hard we tried.” Added Sebastian Everett-Bryce. The camera panned to see him leaning against a desk, his hands in his pockets. While Sloane faced the camera dead on, he looked down at the ground, at ninety degrees to his audience.
“Victory wasn’t enough - it came with a heavy toll for me. This is my third chance at winning Championship gold, and so far I’ve fallen short. I work and I work, and that moment… That shining moment keeps slipping just out of reach.” Sloane said, her staring eyes looking past the camera. “But this was worse because this wasn’t just me, this was Seb too. The man who in another two weeks time steps into Combat Evolved to take his chance at the Final Boss Championship. This hurt more, because it was us.”
Sloane turned her head and looked towards Seb who smiled. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“We stand together, we fall together…” He turned his head to look into the camera finally. “We rise together, and I would hate to be the duo that has to stand in our way this week.”
“Hey there, ISAAC. Drake. Looks like the two of you drew the short straws - you see, people tend to not want to face me and Seb. We’re talented on our own, but we’re dangerous together. Don’t believe me? Just ask Shane and Ava - they noped their way out of their defence last week rather than try and beat us legitimately. The best… team… in… this… company.” Said Sloane, punctuating each word with a jab of her finger into her thigh. “And they decided that they’d rather take the easy way out than try and beat us fair and square.”
“And that’s the cruel truth that the two of you find yourselves facing. That nothing you can do in preparation for this contest will change the fact that when that bell rings on Tuesday, you’re not just facing a Seb and Sloane that have something to win - you’re facing a Seb and Sloane that are hurting after what happened last week. And if you think we were dangerous before, gentlemen, what you’re on the cusp of facing is so much more than that.” Said Seb with a smirk. “An angry Sky Queen, with a point to prove, and a will to get back in the ring with our Multiplayer Champions.”
“A furious Arsonist, willing to burn it all down to maintain his momentum before Combat Evolved and a need to get even with those who ran from us last week.” Added Sloane, not just a little darkly.
“Wrong place, wrong time, lads.” Said Seb.
“Sorry, not sorry.” Said Sloane.
“I think I like him. David, I mean.” Sloane Taylor tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she took a seat beside her mother on the steps of her porch.
“Hmm?” her mother responded a touch absently, her fingers holding a glass of moscato, the only kind of wine she would drink, as she lifted her other hand to wave off the car currently backing out of the driveway into the main road. Seeing the wave, the man in the car gave a brief honk, causing Sloane to wave to him as well, a smile on her face.
“Someone’s twitterpated,” Sloane joked, brushing her shoulder lightly against her mom’s, enjoying the pink flush that briefly stained her mother’s cheeks.
“It’s only been a month, stop that,” Nina Taylor scolded her daughter, though there was nothing behind the words, and the smile that tugged at her lips… “I’m glad you like him. I was hoping you would. Kit seems to like him too, but you never can tell with him sometimes.”
“Yeah, I know. Where’s he at, anyway?” Sloane asked, pulling her phone out to text her brother.
“Oh, he must’ve gotten held up at work,” their mother said, taking a sip of the sweet wine. “Speaking of… how are things going in Level Up?”
Sloane’s mouth quirked in annoyance and she sighed.
“They’re… going. I guess. I mean… I’m doing well, well, on the EXP shows, but when it comes to the big ones, to the matches that really matter, I’m just…” she sighed again and placed her phone on the step between them. “And then with EXP 31, I mean, we won, but we lost, but we won–”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Sloane. You’re still learning at this, and where you are now, you got yourself there through your determination and your love for doing what you do. I’m proud of you,” Nina said, slipping an arm around Sloane’s shoulders and pulling her sulking daughter’s head closer so she could kiss the top of it.
Sloane wrapped her arms around her mother, turning the hold into a hug.
“Thanks, Mom,” she said and then sighed again. “I wish Seb could’ve met David.”
“Plenty of chances for that. I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” her mother said with a smile.
“Yeah, I guess there will be,” Sloane said, though she still found herself wishing Seb had been there with her. It was purely selfish, especially considering she knew he would have rather been with her as well instead of the meetings with lawyers that were filling his schedule. Thoughts of Seb led to thoughts of his grandfather, and she giggled. “I’ll see Bastian before my flight back to New York,” she decided aloud.
“Well until then, I’ve got something for you in the guest bedroom–” her mom began, cut off by Sloane’s squeal of excitement as she sat straight up, clapping her hands.
“Oooo, what is it, what is it?!” Sloane asked.
“Why don’t you go see yourself?” Nina responded with a twinkle in her eye. Sloane was up and off the step before she’d even finished, lurching through the front door to the house, her footsteps sounding as she ran to the bedroom.
“3…2…1…” Nina counted down, grinning when she heard the sharp shriek of happiness from her daughter. With a chuckle, she sipped some more wine, glancing down as Sloane’s phone started to vibrate on the step beside her. “Sloane! Your phone! It’s Seb!” she shouted back into the house.
“You can talk to him, I’m trying it on!” Sloane shouted back.
Nina reached over and picked up the phone flashing the words “Honey Bunny” on the screen with little hearts. She rolled her eyes and then answered, placing it on speaker and resting it on her thigh.
“Hello Sebastian,” she said.
“Not the Taylor I expected to answer, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. How are you?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m just wonderful, sitting out here on the porch in my bare feet, waiting for a fashion show from Sloane,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at the door, knowing it would open any minute.
“A fashion show?” Seb inquired.
“I may have gotten her a little something for Halloween. You know how she is about it.”
“I’m aware. She’s been changing her mind daily as to her costume choice,” Seb said with a groan. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there this time.”
“Oh, stop it. Like I told Sloane, David isn’t going anywhere–” she trailed off as a swishing sound was heard and the door flew open. A blur of red shot across the porch and down the stairs, and then… Sloane Taylor was running around in the front yard in an inflatable Among Us costume.
“OHMYGODTHISISTHEBESTTHINGEVERRRRR!!!” her voice came out muffled from the motor keeping the costume inflated.
“Do I want to know?” Seb asked Nina.
“Don’t worry, you will. I would show you now, but that would ruin the surprise,” she said with a laugh, pausing as her own phone started to vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out with a frown, not recognizing the number. In the background, Sloane tripped over her own inflated feet and fell over, laughing as she realized how impossible it would be to get back up again.
“Mom! HEEEEEELP!” she cried.
“Hey Seb, we’ll call you back, I’ve got another call coming through and Sloane just fell down,” she said, smiling at the bark of laughter from her daughter’s boyfriend.
“Alright. Speak soon,” he said, and the call ended as she answered her phone. “Hello? Yes, this is Nina Taylor….. What?! Oh my god, I’ll be right there. SLOANE!” she shouted, getting quickly to her feet and spilling the glass of wine all over the steps.
“What’s wrong?” Sloane called from flat on her back in the grass.
“It’s Kit! He’s at the hospital!”
Sloane found a way to her feet instantly.
“Progress has stalled.” Said Sebastian Everett-Bryce II, father of the Seb we know and love. The elder Everett-Bryce leaned back in his leather seat, his fingers entwined. “The Taylor girl should be within our grasp by now.”
“Your son is a hindrance.” Said Clemence, checking his phone periodically. “She’s willing to help us, but only so far as not to upset him. She’s doing this for him. What’s the point if it drives him away?”
“That is precisely what we’re trying to accomplish.” Said Sebastian, a look of frustration on his face.
“I know that, and you know that - but it’s been rather clear at this point that she doesn’t want to play along with our version of events.” Said Clemence, looking down at his phone again.
Sebastian Snr. glanced up.
“Am I keeping you from something?” He asked.
“I’m waiting for an update - apparently they’re not together. Sloane is in Chicago and Seb is in New York finalising the details of the Veneras acquisition.” Said Clemence.
Sebastian tsked loudly.
“And that’s another thing - how have we allowed a situation in which he has that much independence?” Asked Sebastian.
“We have other considerations when it comes to causing problems for your son, sir.” Said Clemence.
“Such as?” Asked Sebastian snr.
“Such as your wife, sir.” Said Clemence quietly. His employer’s lip curled slightly at the inference that any of them should be afraid of Sofia Everett-Bryce and yet…
“She wants him home as much as I do - she’s constantly terrified. That fucking nonsense on the roof almost gave her a heart attack.” Said Sebastian.
“Be that as it may…” Said Clemence.
“Oh spit it out, Jessops.” Barked Sebastian Snr.
“She’s unwilling to risk driving him away for good. She won’t stand by idly if you risk another rift. And let’s not forget…” Said Jessops as Sebastian cast him another look. “She has a fondness for the Taylor girl.”
“It’s ridiculous. What could she possibly have to like about a girl like Sloane?” Asked Sebastian.
“I expect she sees something of herself in her.” Said Jessops, knowingly.
Sebastian turned slowly in his seat, and extended a long finger.
“Watch your tongue. Men have lost more for saying less.” Said Sebastian. “Now get out of my sight. And don’t come back unless you have news.”
“As you wish, sir.” Said Jessops, pulling a cigarette case from his pocket as he turned and left the office.
In the wake of his conversation with Nina Taylor coming to an abrupt end, Sebastian found himself waiting for a call that took longer than expected to come. The news of Kit’s accident was still relatively fresh and despite his entire being wanting to drop everything and fly to Chicago, the reality was that he’d be of little use when he arrived. Of course he could support Sloane, but their future was tied to the work he was doing back in New York.
They were in the final furlong towards the completion of a deal that had taken three months to finalize in which Sebastian and Sloane would become the owners of Veneras - the Private Security firm that had once belonged to the father of Thaddeus Duke. In working through the agreement, it had become apparent that Sebastian was in need of legal representation - and through Thad’s connections he’d been offered the details of the woman he was now due to meet. Maria Richards was a young lawyer, and Seb surmised that the suggestion had been made as an attempt to help her get a firm legal footing. Seb was fine with that - everyone needed an opportunity.
Taking a sip from his coffee, Seb noticed the door of the coffee shop open and a woman stepped inside - she was dressed in a suit with shirt and tie. Completing the look was a leather briefcase and a phone that, having met his father’s lawyers before, was likely stitched to her hand. She glanced around the shop and spotted Seb who climbed to his feet.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce.” She said, extending her hand.
Seb took it and shook it with a smile.
“Seb, please. Mr. Everett-Bryce is my grandfather. Or a cunt, whichever way you wish to take it.” He said.
Maria barely blinked at his graphic language. He thought he liked that.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Maria said. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thank you. I have a coffee and if I drink more than one without at least two cups of tea to balance it out I think I lose my passport.” Seb said with a smile. Maria pulled out the seat and went to sit down. “You’re not getting one?”
“No, I’m good.” She said, placing her briefcase on the seat to the side of them.
“Alright… Well… I suppose I should start by giving you some background on me…” Seb said.
“Your name is Sebastian Everett-Bryce - formerly the third, but more recently you’ve decided to shed the generational numbering because of the difficult relationship you have with your father. You’re a professional wrestler, and the current reigning UGWC Chaos Champion - almost two hundred days now. You’re also the number one contender to the Level Up Wrestling Final Boss Championship. And in a few weeks time you’ll face Duncan Ryder for that Championship. You’re in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Sloane Taylor, and you’ve both recently moved to New York City. Chelsea to be more specific.” Said Maria with a smile. “I’m not sure I need the background.”
“... Well…” Said Seb, clearing his throat. “Alright.”
“I’m not here to waste your time, Seb. I’m a good lawyer, I assume you were given my credentials.” She said. It wasn’t a question so much as a statement.
“Maria Emily Richards, born in in Dayton, Ohio. Raised by your mother and grandmother. Rejected the chance to attend Harvard, Yale, Stanford in order to live closer to home to help your mother look after your grandmother through her illness. You graduated third in your class, but the reality is that you were most definitely top of your class you had… Distractions. You lost your mother four years ago, and since you’ve been bouncing from firm to firm not quite able to rise up the ladder quite as fast as you’d like. You were recommended by an associate of Thaddeus Duke who worked with you just after graduation. It’s a favour.” Said Seb with a smirk. “It’s not my time you’re worried about wasting. It’s your own. If this isn’t real, then you need to move on to the next thing before what little capital you have left runs out and you end up working pro-bono just for reputation's sake.”
It was Maria’s turn to be caught off guard. She took a deep breath as if trying to steady herself before she continued.
“Well…” She said. “Thank you for meeting with me, at least.”
“You’re talking as though the meeting is over.” Said Seb with a smile, leaning back in his seat. “Have you changed your mind about potentially working for me?”
“No… But I just thought…” Maria began.
“For the record, that display of knowledge was little more than me reading a script that was prepared for me by Thad. You see, he and I share the opinion that sometimes people need an opportunity. But he’s not about to let me sleepwalk into a problem. So, he helped me to get some background on you in order for Sloane and I to make an informed decision.” Seb said with a smirk.
“And that decision is?” Maria asked.
“We would be happy to give you a chance.” Seb said with an assured nod. “God knows I wouldn’t be sat here having this conversation with you if someone hadn’t done the same for me.”
“Thank you…” Maria said, and Seb could have sworn he saw tears in her eyes for just a moment. “I promise I won’t let any of you down.”
Seb nodded as his phone began to vibrate.
“I’m sorry, I just need to take this.” Seb said, lifting the phone to his ear. “Hey, baby - how’s Kit?”
”We’re waiting to find out. He’s in surgery now.” Sloane said. “I just wanted to let you know that I might have to fly directly into Indianapolis. I don’t want to leave my mom for too long. She donated blood, and depending how things go she might need to donate more.”
“Of course not - look, I can cancel these meetings - they can wait a week. I can fly out to Chicago and then…” Seb began.
“I love you for offering, Seb, but there’s no point in you flying out here just to wait around.” Sloane said.
“I could make tea…” Seb said quietly.
“The hospital has machines. It’s free.” She added.
“Never say anything like that to me again - good lord, Sloane, at least take a flask or something.” Seb said.
“Okay, okay.” She replied. Seb was happy to hear a small chuckle despite her worry.
“I’m surprised you let Nina take the hit. I’d have imagined they’d have had to stop you donating all of your blood.” He said, smiling at a confused looking Maria.
“I’m not a match.” Said Sloane. “Mom said that she must have gotten confused about dad’s type or something. But at least she could donate.”
“Yeah…” Said Seb quietly.
“Just… Close off the deal. That way we have one less thing to worry about.” Sloane added.
“Alright… I’m just meeting with Maria.” Said Seb smiling and nodding at the lawyer, not just a little awkwardly.
“Oh! What’s she like? Is she pretty?” Sloane asked.
“What part of “just meeting with Maria” didn’t you understand?” Seb asked.
“Like… right now? Oof. Then fine. Don’t answer that question.” Sloane said. “Is she wearing a suit? No, sorry, don’t answer that either. I’m going to let you get back to it - I’ll call you later?”
“Looking forward to it.” Seb said with a smile. “I love you, Taylor.”
“I love you too, Seb.” Sloane replied. Seb pulled the phone away from his ear. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.” Said Maria, looking up at him mischievously. “Should I be offended that you didn’t answer the question about whether I’m pretty?”
“Oh god…” Seb said. “I’m sorry about that - honestly, that’s not a consideration. We’re just looking for the best lawyer, we don’t care about… It’s not about…” Seb blustered, all of his earlier composure fading away.
Maria began to laugh, before climbing to her feet.
“I’m fucking with you.” She said before extending her hand. “Looking forward to working together.”
“Yeah.” Said Seb as they shook hands. “Me too - you won’t have to wait too long, we have a meeting tomorrow.”
“For what?” Asked Maria, her eyes a little wide.
“To finalise the ownership transfer of the Private Security firm Veneras.” Said Seb with a grin.
“I think we have something, sir.” Said Jessops as he stepped through the doors of his employer’s office.
“Hmm?” Asked Sebastian Snr. as he pawed through a broad sheet upon his desk. “What are you talking about?”
“Sloane’s brother, Beckett. He was in some kind of accident, he’s in the hospital.” Said Clemence. “I have people looking into the details. His condition is currently unclear.”
“And I should care about this because?” Sebastian Snr. asked, cruelly.
“I’m merely keeping you up to date. We’re monitoring conversations between Seb and Sloane and if there’s anything you need to hear, I’ll let you know.” Said Jessops.
“You have their phones tapped?” Asked Sebastian with a smirk. “I really should have asked more detail about your previous career before I employed you.”
“Nothing I’d have been able to share would have been of interest, sir.” Said Clemence.
“I’m sure.” Asked Sebastian. “Good work.”
“Thank you, sir.” Said Clemence as he turned away.
“Oh and, Clemence. Let me know if the brother dies - she’ll be vulnerable. Easier to manipulate. I’ll want to pull those strings.” Said Sebastian Snr.
“Of course, sir.” Said Jessops, a cruel smirk of his own upon his face as he turned away.
The next few moments had been a blur, Sloane hurriedly climbing out of the Among Us costume with barely enough time to jump in the car with her mom as she was already backing down the driveway. Nina Taylor’s blonde hair was a mess, held back from her face haphazardly by a few stray clips. Sloane had no idea why she focused on the clips so much as her mother wove through traffic, occasionally laying on the horn and shouting expletives rarely heard from her, but it had been like this when her dad had died. While everything buzzed around her, she could only focus on the most minute of details…
Before she knew it, they were there. She wasn’t even sure which hospital they were at, and only her mother’s repeated shouts of her name had brought her around as they parked.
“Sloane!” Nina shouted again, about to grip her daughter’s shoulders.
Sloane turned wide blue eyes to stare at her mother, not realizing she was already crying. Nina quickly cupped her face, focusing Sloane on her.
“I need you to call Bastian. Let him know what’s happened. Okay? Can you do that? I’m gonna go in and see what’s going on. Just meet me in the ER,” she said, already pulling away and grabbing her purse.
Sloane was out of the car along with her, staring at the phone that was already in her hand.
“I need to call Seb too, I need to –”
“You already did, sweetie, on the way. You talked to Seb,” Nina said, casting her daughter a worried look before rushing through the doors that opened automatically.
Sloane froze in place, staring at her phone and, indeed, the last call had been to Seb.
She had no recollection of it.
“Get it together, Taylor,” she muttered to herself, trying not to think about how her and Kit used to race to see who would get to automatic doors first so they could pretend they used a jedi mind trick on them. “You have to be okay, Kit. You have to,” she whispered to herself and then exhaled sharply before calling Bastian.
Once the call was completed, Sloane set about looking for her mother. It hadn’t been hard to find her, Nina Taylor was still standing at the information desk for the emergency room. When she turned to see Sloane, worry etched her face.
“Sloane! Kit’s in surgery now, but they’re asking if you’re willing to donate–”
“Whatever he needs, he’s got it,” Sloane said before she could finish.
“-- blood, dear. He just needs some blood,” her mother finished. “I’m giving too.”
Sloane was already rolling up her sleeves, but her face blanched upon hearing that.
“Has he lost that much?! What happened?!”
“I don’t know exactly, other than he was walking from work and I don’t know if he was distracted or what happened but he was hit by a car,” her mother rushed out.
Sloane gasped, a rush of guilt and anguish suffusing her. She’d texted him. What if…
“How bad?” she asked, dreading the answer.
“He’s got some internal bleeding, they won’t say anything else,” Nina said before turning a heated glare toward the staff.
“Mom, it’s not their fault, they’re doing what they can. Okay, look, just– I need someone to stick me. Now!” Sloane shouted, holding her arm out. Within minutes she was sat down, her mom beside.
“We have to check to make sure you’re the same blood type first,” the nurse explained. Sloane and her mother both nodded, each of them lost in thought. Sloane barely felt the needle, but about ten minutes later, she felt the moving arm of the chair slide away from her front, the nurse holding it open so she could step out. Sloane frowned.
“You didn’t take my blood,” she said.
“You’re not a match. It’s okay, your mother is,” the nurse said quickly and then turned back to Sloane’s mother, her face white.
Sloane frowned.
“I thought you and dad were the same type and everything?” Sloane asked.
“I… guess I was wrong,” Nina said a little weakly, just as the two of them heard a bellow from the front of the ER.
“That’s Bastian… can you let him back? He’s family,” Sloane said to a tech who was standing nearby. He shrugged and moved off toward the front.
“You can go up to the surgery day room, it’s on the third floor, when you get off the elevators the waiting room is right there across from them. Can’t miss it,” the nurse said helpfully.
“When will we know more?” Sloane pressed.
“A doctor will come out to talk to you when the surgery is done,” she was assured. Just then, Bastian joined them, hugging the two women and uttering his apologies as the three of them made their way up to the waiting room they’d been told to go to. Just as they got off the elevator, Sloane turned to her mom, dread settling in her as she looked at those green chairs just… waiting.
“Mom, I’m gonna go get something from vending. You guys want anything?” she asked, but her mother was already shaking her head and Bastian had made his way over to the coffee pot, sniffing it suspiciously.
Her arms wrapped around her middle, Sloane made her way over to the little alcove where the vending machines were, staring at all the processed food they boasted. Nothing appealed to her.
Kit was hurt. Badly hurt. It was potentially her fault, and she couldn’t even give him blood to help.
Sloane slumped into one of the chairs that sat at the small round tables in the alcove. She considered putting her head on the table, but the sticky cup rings left behind by previous patrons discouraged her. Instead, she pulled out her phone and opened twitter, letting her friends know what was going on. Quickly, support began pouring in, and though she was alone, she felt comforted.
And then came the time to respond to Thaddeus Duke’s expansive promise to both her and Kit. Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. Whatever she or he needed. It warmed her heart, and she typed back instinctively.
Before she hit reply, she paused. No. She knew Thad, he would be there as fast as he could be just to give her that hug, and she couldn’t do that to Seb. Even if the urge to be folded in a pair of arms was strong right now.
Instead she sent back a generic thank you and closed out the app, calling Seb instead.
He’d been in a meeting, and she’d accidentally open mouth, inserted foot, but then as she’d hung up, she’d glanced back down the hallway to see a man in green scrubs and a surgical mask speaking with her mother and Bastian.
Sloane nearly dropped her phone and forgot about vending entirely as she ran down the hall to get to them.
And if anyone had been watching the group from a distance, they would have been startled by her cry of happiness and then her and her mother hugging each other, crying happily. Bastian’s arms enveloped them both, joining the hug.
“He’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna be okay,” Sloane kept saying over and over, and through her happiness, she failed to notice the pressing worry from her mother.
“I listened to the call again.” Said Jessops, quietly as he stood in front of his employers desk, that soul-searching stare burning a hole through him. “And I think there’s something there. I don’t know for sure - I’m not entirely sure how these things work, but I feel like there’s something there.”
“Play it.” Said Sebastian Snr. tapping his fingers rhythmically on the desk as he listened to the conversation between Sebastian and Sloane. “I fail to see what…”
“Wait, here… Listen.” Said Clemence. They paused and listened carefully as Sloane relayed the message that she and her brother had different blood types. The call ended and Clemence allowed the silence to build.
“Could be a mistake, like the girl said.” Replied Sebastian. “Though it would do little harm to check - do we have anyone who can get hold of medical records? Both of her parents?”
“I’m sure we do.” Said Clemence, pausing for a second. “If this is what we think it is…”
“It could be incredibly useful - but we have to tread very carefully.” Said Sebastian Snr. “We have to be sure before we act. And none of your oh-so-charming attempts at dropping subtle hints.”
“Of course not.” Said Jessops, a little annoyed by the jibe. “I’ll let you know when we have anything.”
“I want the results and full set of options - no action without consultation.” Said Seb Snr. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.” Said Clemence with a smile as he turned away from his employer, and moved towards the door.
Sebastian Everett-Bryce had continued to sift through the remaining paperwork with his own personal lawyer, and those that came with Veneras. Thad’s part in the deal for Seb to take over his father’s private security firm had come to an end, save for a final signature. All that was left was for Sebastian himself to sign the contracts that signed ownership over to himself and Sloane. He would then begin the arduous process of trying to find someone to run the business for him - the reality being that Seb had no idea how to run a company. Any company. Nevermind a multi-million dollar security firm.
Most of the existing staff members would be retained, save for those who chose not to continue with the transition from Thad to Seb and Sloane. But there was a gap at the top of the pyramid - one that had been there since the death of Thad’s father. And whilst those still employed by the company had done a fantastic job of keeping the lights on, this was a tanker without a captain moving in circles in the middle of the ocean.
And despite his boat shoes, Seb wasn’t a captain.
He’d discussed at length with the lawyers what he was looking for - someone who he could trust to run the business, but who would agree that he and Sloane were still in charge. That whoever was hired would report to the two of them, and to the two of them alone. And yet, he would have autonomy save for a number of failsafes would be in place to trigger action should specific performance targets be missed, or if particular kinds of business decisions were made. Seb had drawn up a detailed set of conditions that would be monitored by an independent panel.
Thank god for Thad.
The truth was - Seb wanted independence from his family, and Veneras was his way to get that. And one day, when his time in the ring was over, he wanted to be the one sat in the chair in the big office running this vast company. But for that to happen, he’d need to learn. And more importantly he’d need the company to still be standing when he was ready to step in.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, we’ve looked over your requirements for a candidate and the conditions that you would impose, and in truth, we imagine it would be incredibly difficult to find someone that meet your criteria and would also be willing to work under such constraints.” Said the senior lawyer from Veneras. Seb glanced at his own lawyer, who smirked and offered the merest of shakes of his head.
“And why is that?” Seb asked, as he checked his phone waiting for further updates from Sloane. He failed to see how unprofessional this was - and also missed the looks exchanged by the lawyers. “I have lofty expectations, I’ll admit, but there has to be someone out there who would jump at the opportunity. I’m not expecting you to hire Mark Bezos.”
“You mean… Jeff Bezos?” Said the lawyer, with a mocking look upon his face.
“No. I mean Mark Bezos. Jeff’s brother. You think my intention would be to hire Jeff Bezos? The billionaire owner of Amazon? And you’re trying to say my ideas are unrealistic.” Seb scoffed, tossing a “would you get a load of this guy” kind of look over at Maria.
“Sebastian… I’m sorry, do you mind if I call you Sebastian?” Asked Maria. Seb shook his head. “Sebastian is being entirely reasonable - this isn’t a unique scenario. He’s looking for someone who wants an opportunity. And at the end, one of two things will happen - they’ll gain fantastic experience in preparation for whatever comes next in their career, or they’ll be entirely happy with the arrangement and it will be lucrative for all parties involved.”
“We’re just not sure that we can…” Began the lawyer, before Maria stepped in.
“I’m sorry - this is quite a simple question. Do you believe you can find the right kind of person given the criteria set out by the owners of this company?” She asked. Seb was only partially paying attention up until this point, having once again checked the message sent to him by Sloane.
The older of the three lawyers tossed his fellows an unsure look, which was returned in earnest. He then turned back to Seb and Maria and answered.
“No. We do not.” He said. To Sebastian’s surprise, Maria stood up from her seat and fastened her jacket.
“Thank you for your help today in finalizing these agreements.” She said, before stepping aside and showing the lawyers to the door.
“Maria…” Seb said, nervously. These were the company lawyers, and he needed them onside. This, he’d been assured, was crucial to ensure the plan would go ahead without a hitch. Maria cast Seb a look that oozed a sense of knowing precisely what she was doing. Seb cleared his throat. “... Is… Quite right. Thank you gentlemen, you’ve been immeasurably helpful.”
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, we really need to discuss further the next steps in…” Said the first lawyer.
“That will be all, gentlemen.” Said Maria, this time with an air of finality. Seb cleared his throat and smiled as he too joined his lawyer in standing and one by one offered a handshake to each of the three men. One by one they made their way towards the doorway, before the eldest of the lawyers turned back to face Seb.
“I’ve been with this company for many years, Mr. Everett-Bryce. I served another Sebastian as well as I could, and my counsel was always heard and acknowledged. I understand that this is all very new to you, and that there may be others that have your ear, but this is a company that has stood the test of time, and none of us would be happier if it was to be in it’s twilight.” He said. Seb smiled.
“I can assure you, I have nothing but good intentions for this company, and for everyone it employs.” Seb said. “You’re more than happy to spend the evening in the city, or we can make arrangements to fly you all back tonight - “
Seb moved to further thank them for their help, but apparently they’d heard enough. As they filed out of the door of Sebastian and Sloane’s home, Seb turned to Maria.
“I do hope you know what you’re doing.” He said, with no attempt to hide the nerves in his voice.
“Don’t worry, Seb.” Said Maria, with an undertone that her new employer failed to notice. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“I walked into Level Up Wrestling, day one, and I told the world that I was going to change the game. Did I do so knowing that Larry, followed by you, his merry band of misfits went by that very name? Perhaps. But the truth remained evident - Sebastian Everett-Bryce has walked into Level Up Wrestling and changed its face for good. Because in two weeks, I walk into Triforce Heroes undefeated… And I walk out as the Final Boss Champion. Everything will be different after that.” Said Seb with a smile, moving to stand behind Sloane and place his hands upon her shoulders.
“And while my journey may be a few steps behind Seb’s, it doesn’t change the fact that I have earned myself opportunity after opportunity so far. And while I know I’ve fallen short of the standards I’ve set for myself, I still have an impressive list of scalps. One by one they come, one by one they fall. It’s just a matter of time until I feel the cold chill of championship gold in my hands. And when I do, I have no intention of letting that go.” Added Sloane with a glint in her eye. “Because I make my own way, despite my choice of partner. No one fights my battles for me, and no one chooses my path.”
“And I know Larry likes to make you believe that you’re free to succeed where he has failed, but the truth is that… He stands behind you, not to give you freedom to be the first to succeed, but so you can be the first to fail.” Said Seb with the merest shake of his head. “The entire mantra of the Game Changers continues to falter and fade, and the one consistent that your entire group had going for you was that Power Championship that recently faded to Black. And now? The only game that has to change is your own, because somewhere along the line, you lost it.”
Sloane bit her lip.
“I was proud to beat Larry not long after my arrival here in Level Up, and I was proud of how close I came to beating him at Combat Evolved - but Seb’s right. That match against me was less a victory and more about him surviving. He crawled his way out of that arena that night, but everything he had was utterly spent. I wouldn’t for one second suggest that Vhodka wouldn’t have beaten him anyway - she’s a fierce competitor in her own right. But Larry… And by extension, the rest of you?” Sloane tsked. “You’ve been falling away little by little for quite some time.
“Vhodka. Stratford. Wolf. Blackthorn. Donovan. All names with accolades to them since the last time a member of your team last won championship gold. Soon to add Everett-Bryce to that list and the field is set, the light fading on the Game Changers. The nights are getting longer, and the days even shorter as they rely on others to change the game where they failed.” Said Seb with a chuckle.
“There’s no need to be mean, Seb, they can’t help it. They’re trying their best - it’s not entirely their fault that their best falls short of the goals they set for themselves. Oh, and let's not forget to add Taylor to that list you’ve just made, okay?” Sloane asked.
“Of course, love.” Said Seb with a smirk.
“But it’s okay, because this isn’t just an opportunity for the two of us, guys. This is an opportunity for the both of you. Strike back and prove that you’re still the Game Changers of old… Stall Seb’s momentum, keep me held down. I believe in you… Kinda. Well, I would… But you’re facing Seb and me, and honestly my mom always told me that you have to believe in yourself so… I guess… Maybe not?” Sloane said.
“That got away from you a little, didn’t it?” Seb asked.
“A little.” Said Sloane with a giggle. “My point is this, we’re not a rung on your ladder back to the middle.”
“No.” Said Seb with a smile. “You’re a stop on ours on the way to the top.”
“All the way to our Empire in the Sky.” Said Sloane with a wink. “We’ll see you soon, guys.”
“Can’t wait.” Said Seb with a hungry look in his eyes.
“And I know - we didn’t fall, so much as we were pushed, but the sentiment remains the same. Less than two weeks ago, we could have walked out of EXP 31 as the Level Up Wrestling Multiplayer Champions. It was close - oh so very close. And yet, here we are before you all, devoid of those accolades, no matter how hard we tried.” Added Sebastian Everett-Bryce. The camera panned to see him leaning against a desk, his hands in his pockets. While Sloane faced the camera dead on, he looked down at the ground, at ninety degrees to his audience.
“Victory wasn’t enough - it came with a heavy toll for me. This is my third chance at winning Championship gold, and so far I’ve fallen short. I work and I work, and that moment… That shining moment keeps slipping just out of reach.” Sloane said, her staring eyes looking past the camera. “But this was worse because this wasn’t just me, this was Seb too. The man who in another two weeks time steps into Combat Evolved to take his chance at the Final Boss Championship. This hurt more, because it was us.”
Sloane turned her head and looked towards Seb who smiled. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“We stand together, we fall together…” He turned his head to look into the camera finally. “We rise together, and I would hate to be the duo that has to stand in our way this week.”
“Hey there, ISAAC. Drake. Looks like the two of you drew the short straws - you see, people tend to not want to face me and Seb. We’re talented on our own, but we’re dangerous together. Don’t believe me? Just ask Shane and Ava - they noped their way out of their defence last week rather than try and beat us legitimately. The best… team… in… this… company.” Said Sloane, punctuating each word with a jab of her finger into her thigh. “And they decided that they’d rather take the easy way out than try and beat us fair and square.”
“And that’s the cruel truth that the two of you find yourselves facing. That nothing you can do in preparation for this contest will change the fact that when that bell rings on Tuesday, you’re not just facing a Seb and Sloane that have something to win - you’re facing a Seb and Sloane that are hurting after what happened last week. And if you think we were dangerous before, gentlemen, what you’re on the cusp of facing is so much more than that.” Said Seb with a smirk. “An angry Sky Queen, with a point to prove, and a will to get back in the ring with our Multiplayer Champions.”
“A furious Arsonist, willing to burn it all down to maintain his momentum before Combat Evolved and a need to get even with those who ran from us last week.” Added Sloane, not just a little darkly.
“Wrong place, wrong time, lads.” Said Seb.
“Sorry, not sorry.” Said Sloane.
Chicago
“I think I like him. David, I mean.” Sloane Taylor tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she took a seat beside her mother on the steps of her porch.
“Hmm?” her mother responded a touch absently, her fingers holding a glass of moscato, the only kind of wine she would drink, as she lifted her other hand to wave off the car currently backing out of the driveway into the main road. Seeing the wave, the man in the car gave a brief honk, causing Sloane to wave to him as well, a smile on her face.
“Someone’s twitterpated,” Sloane joked, brushing her shoulder lightly against her mom’s, enjoying the pink flush that briefly stained her mother’s cheeks.
“It’s only been a month, stop that,” Nina Taylor scolded her daughter, though there was nothing behind the words, and the smile that tugged at her lips… “I’m glad you like him. I was hoping you would. Kit seems to like him too, but you never can tell with him sometimes.”
“Yeah, I know. Where’s he at, anyway?” Sloane asked, pulling her phone out to text her brother.
“Oh, he must’ve gotten held up at work,” their mother said, taking a sip of the sweet wine. “Speaking of… how are things going in Level Up?”
Sloane’s mouth quirked in annoyance and she sighed.
“They’re… going. I guess. I mean… I’m doing well, well, on the EXP shows, but when it comes to the big ones, to the matches that really matter, I’m just…” she sighed again and placed her phone on the step between them. “And then with EXP 31, I mean, we won, but we lost, but we won–”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Sloane. You’re still learning at this, and where you are now, you got yourself there through your determination and your love for doing what you do. I’m proud of you,” Nina said, slipping an arm around Sloane’s shoulders and pulling her sulking daughter’s head closer so she could kiss the top of it.
Sloane wrapped her arms around her mother, turning the hold into a hug.
“Thanks, Mom,” she said and then sighed again. “I wish Seb could’ve met David.”
“Plenty of chances for that. I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” her mother said with a smile.
“Yeah, I guess there will be,” Sloane said, though she still found herself wishing Seb had been there with her. It was purely selfish, especially considering she knew he would have rather been with her as well instead of the meetings with lawyers that were filling his schedule. Thoughts of Seb led to thoughts of his grandfather, and she giggled. “I’ll see Bastian before my flight back to New York,” she decided aloud.
“Well until then, I’ve got something for you in the guest bedroom–” her mom began, cut off by Sloane’s squeal of excitement as she sat straight up, clapping her hands.
“Oooo, what is it, what is it?!” Sloane asked.
“Why don’t you go see yourself?” Nina responded with a twinkle in her eye. Sloane was up and off the step before she’d even finished, lurching through the front door to the house, her footsteps sounding as she ran to the bedroom.
“3…2…1…” Nina counted down, grinning when she heard the sharp shriek of happiness from her daughter. With a chuckle, she sipped some more wine, glancing down as Sloane’s phone started to vibrate on the step beside her. “Sloane! Your phone! It’s Seb!” she shouted back into the house.
“You can talk to him, I’m trying it on!” Sloane shouted back.
Nina reached over and picked up the phone flashing the words “Honey Bunny” on the screen with little hearts. She rolled her eyes and then answered, placing it on speaker and resting it on her thigh.
“Hello Sebastian,” she said.
“Not the Taylor I expected to answer, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. How are you?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m just wonderful, sitting out here on the porch in my bare feet, waiting for a fashion show from Sloane,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at the door, knowing it would open any minute.
“A fashion show?” Seb inquired.
“I may have gotten her a little something for Halloween. You know how she is about it.”
“I’m aware. She’s been changing her mind daily as to her costume choice,” Seb said with a groan. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there this time.”
“Oh, stop it. Like I told Sloane, David isn’t going anywhere–” she trailed off as a swishing sound was heard and the door flew open. A blur of red shot across the porch and down the stairs, and then… Sloane Taylor was running around in the front yard in an inflatable Among Us costume.
“OHMYGODTHISISTHEBESTTHINGEVERRRRR!!!” her voice came out muffled from the motor keeping the costume inflated.
“Do I want to know?” Seb asked Nina.
“Don’t worry, you will. I would show you now, but that would ruin the surprise,” she said with a laugh, pausing as her own phone started to vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out with a frown, not recognizing the number. In the background, Sloane tripped over her own inflated feet and fell over, laughing as she realized how impossible it would be to get back up again.
“Mom! HEEEEEELP!” she cried.
“Hey Seb, we’ll call you back, I’ve got another call coming through and Sloane just fell down,” she said, smiling at the bark of laughter from her daughter’s boyfriend.
“Alright. Speak soon,” he said, and the call ended as she answered her phone. “Hello? Yes, this is Nina Taylor….. What?! Oh my god, I’ll be right there. SLOANE!” she shouted, getting quickly to her feet and spilling the glass of wine all over the steps.
“What’s wrong?” Sloane called from flat on her back in the grass.
“It’s Kit! He’s at the hospital!”
Sloane found a way to her feet instantly.
London
“Progress has stalled.” Said Sebastian Everett-Bryce II, father of the Seb we know and love. The elder Everett-Bryce leaned back in his leather seat, his fingers entwined. “The Taylor girl should be within our grasp by now.”
“Your son is a hindrance.” Said Clemence, checking his phone periodically. “She’s willing to help us, but only so far as not to upset him. She’s doing this for him. What’s the point if it drives him away?”
“That is precisely what we’re trying to accomplish.” Said Sebastian, a look of frustration on his face.
“I know that, and you know that - but it’s been rather clear at this point that she doesn’t want to play along with our version of events.” Said Clemence, looking down at his phone again.
Sebastian Snr. glanced up.
“Am I keeping you from something?” He asked.
“I’m waiting for an update - apparently they’re not together. Sloane is in Chicago and Seb is in New York finalising the details of the Veneras acquisition.” Said Clemence.
Sebastian tsked loudly.
“And that’s another thing - how have we allowed a situation in which he has that much independence?” Asked Sebastian.
“We have other considerations when it comes to causing problems for your son, sir.” Said Clemence.
“Such as?” Asked Sebastian snr.
“Such as your wife, sir.” Said Clemence quietly. His employer’s lip curled slightly at the inference that any of them should be afraid of Sofia Everett-Bryce and yet…
“She wants him home as much as I do - she’s constantly terrified. That fucking nonsense on the roof almost gave her a heart attack.” Said Sebastian.
“Be that as it may…” Said Clemence.
“Oh spit it out, Jessops.” Barked Sebastian Snr.
“She’s unwilling to risk driving him away for good. She won’t stand by idly if you risk another rift. And let’s not forget…” Said Jessops as Sebastian cast him another look. “She has a fondness for the Taylor girl.”
“It’s ridiculous. What could she possibly have to like about a girl like Sloane?” Asked Sebastian.
“I expect she sees something of herself in her.” Said Jessops, knowingly.
Sebastian turned slowly in his seat, and extended a long finger.
“Watch your tongue. Men have lost more for saying less.” Said Sebastian. “Now get out of my sight. And don’t come back unless you have news.”
“As you wish, sir.” Said Jessops, pulling a cigarette case from his pocket as he turned and left the office.
New York
In the wake of his conversation with Nina Taylor coming to an abrupt end, Sebastian found himself waiting for a call that took longer than expected to come. The news of Kit’s accident was still relatively fresh and despite his entire being wanting to drop everything and fly to Chicago, the reality was that he’d be of little use when he arrived. Of course he could support Sloane, but their future was tied to the work he was doing back in New York.
They were in the final furlong towards the completion of a deal that had taken three months to finalize in which Sebastian and Sloane would become the owners of Veneras - the Private Security firm that had once belonged to the father of Thaddeus Duke. In working through the agreement, it had become apparent that Sebastian was in need of legal representation - and through Thad’s connections he’d been offered the details of the woman he was now due to meet. Maria Richards was a young lawyer, and Seb surmised that the suggestion had been made as an attempt to help her get a firm legal footing. Seb was fine with that - everyone needed an opportunity.
Taking a sip from his coffee, Seb noticed the door of the coffee shop open and a woman stepped inside - she was dressed in a suit with shirt and tie. Completing the look was a leather briefcase and a phone that, having met his father’s lawyers before, was likely stitched to her hand. She glanced around the shop and spotted Seb who climbed to his feet.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce.” She said, extending her hand.
Seb took it and shook it with a smile.
“Seb, please. Mr. Everett-Bryce is my grandfather. Or a cunt, whichever way you wish to take it.” He said.
Maria barely blinked at his graphic language. He thought he liked that.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Maria said. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thank you. I have a coffee and if I drink more than one without at least two cups of tea to balance it out I think I lose my passport.” Seb said with a smile. Maria pulled out the seat and went to sit down. “You’re not getting one?”
“No, I’m good.” She said, placing her briefcase on the seat to the side of them.
“Alright… Well… I suppose I should start by giving you some background on me…” Seb said.
“Your name is Sebastian Everett-Bryce - formerly the third, but more recently you’ve decided to shed the generational numbering because of the difficult relationship you have with your father. You’re a professional wrestler, and the current reigning UGWC Chaos Champion - almost two hundred days now. You’re also the number one contender to the Level Up Wrestling Final Boss Championship. And in a few weeks time you’ll face Duncan Ryder for that Championship. You’re in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Sloane Taylor, and you’ve both recently moved to New York City. Chelsea to be more specific.” Said Maria with a smile. “I’m not sure I need the background.”
“... Well…” Said Seb, clearing his throat. “Alright.”
“I’m not here to waste your time, Seb. I’m a good lawyer, I assume you were given my credentials.” She said. It wasn’t a question so much as a statement.
“Maria Emily Richards, born in in Dayton, Ohio. Raised by your mother and grandmother. Rejected the chance to attend Harvard, Yale, Stanford in order to live closer to home to help your mother look after your grandmother through her illness. You graduated third in your class, but the reality is that you were most definitely top of your class you had… Distractions. You lost your mother four years ago, and since you’ve been bouncing from firm to firm not quite able to rise up the ladder quite as fast as you’d like. You were recommended by an associate of Thaddeus Duke who worked with you just after graduation. It’s a favour.” Said Seb with a smirk. “It’s not my time you’re worried about wasting. It’s your own. If this isn’t real, then you need to move on to the next thing before what little capital you have left runs out and you end up working pro-bono just for reputation's sake.”
It was Maria’s turn to be caught off guard. She took a deep breath as if trying to steady herself before she continued.
“Well…” She said. “Thank you for meeting with me, at least.”
“You’re talking as though the meeting is over.” Said Seb with a smile, leaning back in his seat. “Have you changed your mind about potentially working for me?”
“No… But I just thought…” Maria began.
“For the record, that display of knowledge was little more than me reading a script that was prepared for me by Thad. You see, he and I share the opinion that sometimes people need an opportunity. But he’s not about to let me sleepwalk into a problem. So, he helped me to get some background on you in order for Sloane and I to make an informed decision.” Seb said with a smirk.
“And that decision is?” Maria asked.
“We would be happy to give you a chance.” Seb said with an assured nod. “God knows I wouldn’t be sat here having this conversation with you if someone hadn’t done the same for me.”
“Thank you…” Maria said, and Seb could have sworn he saw tears in her eyes for just a moment. “I promise I won’t let any of you down.”
Seb nodded as his phone began to vibrate.
“I’m sorry, I just need to take this.” Seb said, lifting the phone to his ear. “Hey, baby - how’s Kit?”
”We’re waiting to find out. He’s in surgery now.” Sloane said. “I just wanted to let you know that I might have to fly directly into Indianapolis. I don’t want to leave my mom for too long. She donated blood, and depending how things go she might need to donate more.”
“Of course not - look, I can cancel these meetings - they can wait a week. I can fly out to Chicago and then…” Seb began.
“I love you for offering, Seb, but there’s no point in you flying out here just to wait around.” Sloane said.
“I could make tea…” Seb said quietly.
“The hospital has machines. It’s free.” She added.
“Never say anything like that to me again - good lord, Sloane, at least take a flask or something.” Seb said.
“Okay, okay.” She replied. Seb was happy to hear a small chuckle despite her worry.
“I’m surprised you let Nina take the hit. I’d have imagined they’d have had to stop you donating all of your blood.” He said, smiling at a confused looking Maria.
“I’m not a match.” Said Sloane. “Mom said that she must have gotten confused about dad’s type or something. But at least she could donate.”
“Yeah…” Said Seb quietly.
“Just… Close off the deal. That way we have one less thing to worry about.” Sloane added.
“Alright… I’m just meeting with Maria.” Said Seb smiling and nodding at the lawyer, not just a little awkwardly.
“Oh! What’s she like? Is she pretty?” Sloane asked.
“What part of “just meeting with Maria” didn’t you understand?” Seb asked.
“Like… right now? Oof. Then fine. Don’t answer that question.” Sloane said. “Is she wearing a suit? No, sorry, don’t answer that either. I’m going to let you get back to it - I’ll call you later?”
“Looking forward to it.” Seb said with a smile. “I love you, Taylor.”
“I love you too, Seb.” Sloane replied. Seb pulled the phone away from his ear. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.” Said Maria, looking up at him mischievously. “Should I be offended that you didn’t answer the question about whether I’m pretty?”
“Oh god…” Seb said. “I’m sorry about that - honestly, that’s not a consideration. We’re just looking for the best lawyer, we don’t care about… It’s not about…” Seb blustered, all of his earlier composure fading away.
Maria began to laugh, before climbing to her feet.
“I’m fucking with you.” She said before extending her hand. “Looking forward to working together.”
“Yeah.” Said Seb as they shook hands. “Me too - you won’t have to wait too long, we have a meeting tomorrow.”
“For what?” Asked Maria, her eyes a little wide.
“To finalise the ownership transfer of the Private Security firm Veneras.” Said Seb with a grin.
London
“I think we have something, sir.” Said Jessops as he stepped through the doors of his employer’s office.
“Hmm?” Asked Sebastian Snr. as he pawed through a broad sheet upon his desk. “What are you talking about?”
“Sloane’s brother, Beckett. He was in some kind of accident, he’s in the hospital.” Said Clemence. “I have people looking into the details. His condition is currently unclear.”
“And I should care about this because?” Sebastian Snr. asked, cruelly.
“I’m merely keeping you up to date. We’re monitoring conversations between Seb and Sloane and if there’s anything you need to hear, I’ll let you know.” Said Jessops.
“You have their phones tapped?” Asked Sebastian with a smirk. “I really should have asked more detail about your previous career before I employed you.”
“Nothing I’d have been able to share would have been of interest, sir.” Said Clemence.
“I’m sure.” Asked Sebastian. “Good work.”
“Thank you, sir.” Said Clemence as he turned away.
“Oh and, Clemence. Let me know if the brother dies - she’ll be vulnerable. Easier to manipulate. I’ll want to pull those strings.” Said Sebastian Snr.
“Of course, sir.” Said Jessops, a cruel smirk of his own upon his face as he turned away.
Chicago
The next few moments had been a blur, Sloane hurriedly climbing out of the Among Us costume with barely enough time to jump in the car with her mom as she was already backing down the driveway. Nina Taylor’s blonde hair was a mess, held back from her face haphazardly by a few stray clips. Sloane had no idea why she focused on the clips so much as her mother wove through traffic, occasionally laying on the horn and shouting expletives rarely heard from her, but it had been like this when her dad had died. While everything buzzed around her, she could only focus on the most minute of details…
Before she knew it, they were there. She wasn’t even sure which hospital they were at, and only her mother’s repeated shouts of her name had brought her around as they parked.
“Sloane!” Nina shouted again, about to grip her daughter’s shoulders.
Sloane turned wide blue eyes to stare at her mother, not realizing she was already crying. Nina quickly cupped her face, focusing Sloane on her.
“I need you to call Bastian. Let him know what’s happened. Okay? Can you do that? I’m gonna go in and see what’s going on. Just meet me in the ER,” she said, already pulling away and grabbing her purse.
Sloane was out of the car along with her, staring at the phone that was already in her hand.
“I need to call Seb too, I need to –”
“You already did, sweetie, on the way. You talked to Seb,” Nina said, casting her daughter a worried look before rushing through the doors that opened automatically.
Sloane froze in place, staring at her phone and, indeed, the last call had been to Seb.
She had no recollection of it.
“Get it together, Taylor,” she muttered to herself, trying not to think about how her and Kit used to race to see who would get to automatic doors first so they could pretend they used a jedi mind trick on them. “You have to be okay, Kit. You have to,” she whispered to herself and then exhaled sharply before calling Bastian.
Once the call was completed, Sloane set about looking for her mother. It hadn’t been hard to find her, Nina Taylor was still standing at the information desk for the emergency room. When she turned to see Sloane, worry etched her face.
“Sloane! Kit’s in surgery now, but they’re asking if you’re willing to donate–”
“Whatever he needs, he’s got it,” Sloane said before she could finish.
“-- blood, dear. He just needs some blood,” her mother finished. “I’m giving too.”
Sloane was already rolling up her sleeves, but her face blanched upon hearing that.
“Has he lost that much?! What happened?!”
“I don’t know exactly, other than he was walking from work and I don’t know if he was distracted or what happened but he was hit by a car,” her mother rushed out.
Sloane gasped, a rush of guilt and anguish suffusing her. She’d texted him. What if…
“How bad?” she asked, dreading the answer.
“He’s got some internal bleeding, they won’t say anything else,” Nina said before turning a heated glare toward the staff.
“Mom, it’s not their fault, they’re doing what they can. Okay, look, just– I need someone to stick me. Now!” Sloane shouted, holding her arm out. Within minutes she was sat down, her mom beside.
“We have to check to make sure you’re the same blood type first,” the nurse explained. Sloane and her mother both nodded, each of them lost in thought. Sloane barely felt the needle, but about ten minutes later, she felt the moving arm of the chair slide away from her front, the nurse holding it open so she could step out. Sloane frowned.
“You didn’t take my blood,” she said.
“You’re not a match. It’s okay, your mother is,” the nurse said quickly and then turned back to Sloane’s mother, her face white.
Sloane frowned.
“I thought you and dad were the same type and everything?” Sloane asked.
“I… guess I was wrong,” Nina said a little weakly, just as the two of them heard a bellow from the front of the ER.
“That’s Bastian… can you let him back? He’s family,” Sloane said to a tech who was standing nearby. He shrugged and moved off toward the front.
“You can go up to the surgery day room, it’s on the third floor, when you get off the elevators the waiting room is right there across from them. Can’t miss it,” the nurse said helpfully.
“When will we know more?” Sloane pressed.
“A doctor will come out to talk to you when the surgery is done,” she was assured. Just then, Bastian joined them, hugging the two women and uttering his apologies as the three of them made their way up to the waiting room they’d been told to go to. Just as they got off the elevator, Sloane turned to her mom, dread settling in her as she looked at those green chairs just… waiting.
“Mom, I’m gonna go get something from vending. You guys want anything?” she asked, but her mother was already shaking her head and Bastian had made his way over to the coffee pot, sniffing it suspiciously.
Her arms wrapped around her middle, Sloane made her way over to the little alcove where the vending machines were, staring at all the processed food they boasted. Nothing appealed to her.
Kit was hurt. Badly hurt. It was potentially her fault, and she couldn’t even give him blood to help.
Sloane slumped into one of the chairs that sat at the small round tables in the alcove. She considered putting her head on the table, but the sticky cup rings left behind by previous patrons discouraged her. Instead, she pulled out her phone and opened twitter, letting her friends know what was going on. Quickly, support began pouring in, and though she was alone, she felt comforted.
And then came the time to respond to Thaddeus Duke’s expansive promise to both her and Kit. Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. Whatever she or he needed. It warmed her heart, and she typed back instinctively.
Before she hit reply, she paused. No. She knew Thad, he would be there as fast as he could be just to give her that hug, and she couldn’t do that to Seb. Even if the urge to be folded in a pair of arms was strong right now.
Instead she sent back a generic thank you and closed out the app, calling Seb instead.
He’d been in a meeting, and she’d accidentally open mouth, inserted foot, but then as she’d hung up, she’d glanced back down the hallway to see a man in green scrubs and a surgical mask speaking with her mother and Bastian.
Sloane nearly dropped her phone and forgot about vending entirely as she ran down the hall to get to them.
And if anyone had been watching the group from a distance, they would have been startled by her cry of happiness and then her and her mother hugging each other, crying happily. Bastian’s arms enveloped them both, joining the hug.
“He’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna be okay,” Sloane kept saying over and over, and through her happiness, she failed to notice the pressing worry from her mother.
London
“I listened to the call again.” Said Jessops, quietly as he stood in front of his employers desk, that soul-searching stare burning a hole through him. “And I think there’s something there. I don’t know for sure - I’m not entirely sure how these things work, but I feel like there’s something there.”
“Play it.” Said Sebastian Snr. tapping his fingers rhythmically on the desk as he listened to the conversation between Sebastian and Sloane. “I fail to see what…”
“Wait, here… Listen.” Said Clemence. They paused and listened carefully as Sloane relayed the message that she and her brother had different blood types. The call ended and Clemence allowed the silence to build.
“Could be a mistake, like the girl said.” Replied Sebastian. “Though it would do little harm to check - do we have anyone who can get hold of medical records? Both of her parents?”
“I’m sure we do.” Said Clemence, pausing for a second. “If this is what we think it is…”
“It could be incredibly useful - but we have to tread very carefully.” Said Sebastian Snr. “We have to be sure before we act. And none of your oh-so-charming attempts at dropping subtle hints.”
“Of course not.” Said Jessops, a little annoyed by the jibe. “I’ll let you know when we have anything.”
“I want the results and full set of options - no action without consultation.” Said Seb Snr. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.” Said Clemence with a smile as he turned away from his employer, and moved towards the door.
New York
Sebastian Everett-Bryce had continued to sift through the remaining paperwork with his own personal lawyer, and those that came with Veneras. Thad’s part in the deal for Seb to take over his father’s private security firm had come to an end, save for a final signature. All that was left was for Sebastian himself to sign the contracts that signed ownership over to himself and Sloane. He would then begin the arduous process of trying to find someone to run the business for him - the reality being that Seb had no idea how to run a company. Any company. Nevermind a multi-million dollar security firm.
Most of the existing staff members would be retained, save for those who chose not to continue with the transition from Thad to Seb and Sloane. But there was a gap at the top of the pyramid - one that had been there since the death of Thad’s father. And whilst those still employed by the company had done a fantastic job of keeping the lights on, this was a tanker without a captain moving in circles in the middle of the ocean.
And despite his boat shoes, Seb wasn’t a captain.
He’d discussed at length with the lawyers what he was looking for - someone who he could trust to run the business, but who would agree that he and Sloane were still in charge. That whoever was hired would report to the two of them, and to the two of them alone. And yet, he would have autonomy save for a number of failsafes would be in place to trigger action should specific performance targets be missed, or if particular kinds of business decisions were made. Seb had drawn up a detailed set of conditions that would be monitored by an independent panel.
Thank god for Thad.
The truth was - Seb wanted independence from his family, and Veneras was his way to get that. And one day, when his time in the ring was over, he wanted to be the one sat in the chair in the big office running this vast company. But for that to happen, he’d need to learn. And more importantly he’d need the company to still be standing when he was ready to step in.
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, we’ve looked over your requirements for a candidate and the conditions that you would impose, and in truth, we imagine it would be incredibly difficult to find someone that meet your criteria and would also be willing to work under such constraints.” Said the senior lawyer from Veneras. Seb glanced at his own lawyer, who smirked and offered the merest of shakes of his head.
“And why is that?” Seb asked, as he checked his phone waiting for further updates from Sloane. He failed to see how unprofessional this was - and also missed the looks exchanged by the lawyers. “I have lofty expectations, I’ll admit, but there has to be someone out there who would jump at the opportunity. I’m not expecting you to hire Mark Bezos.”
“You mean… Jeff Bezos?” Said the lawyer, with a mocking look upon his face.
“No. I mean Mark Bezos. Jeff’s brother. You think my intention would be to hire Jeff Bezos? The billionaire owner of Amazon? And you’re trying to say my ideas are unrealistic.” Seb scoffed, tossing a “would you get a load of this guy” kind of look over at Maria.
“Sebastian… I’m sorry, do you mind if I call you Sebastian?” Asked Maria. Seb shook his head. “Sebastian is being entirely reasonable - this isn’t a unique scenario. He’s looking for someone who wants an opportunity. And at the end, one of two things will happen - they’ll gain fantastic experience in preparation for whatever comes next in their career, or they’ll be entirely happy with the arrangement and it will be lucrative for all parties involved.”
“We’re just not sure that we can…” Began the lawyer, before Maria stepped in.
“I’m sorry - this is quite a simple question. Do you believe you can find the right kind of person given the criteria set out by the owners of this company?” She asked. Seb was only partially paying attention up until this point, having once again checked the message sent to him by Sloane.
The older of the three lawyers tossed his fellows an unsure look, which was returned in earnest. He then turned back to Seb and Maria and answered.
“No. We do not.” He said. To Sebastian’s surprise, Maria stood up from her seat and fastened her jacket.
“Thank you for your help today in finalizing these agreements.” She said, before stepping aside and showing the lawyers to the door.
“Maria…” Seb said, nervously. These were the company lawyers, and he needed them onside. This, he’d been assured, was crucial to ensure the plan would go ahead without a hitch. Maria cast Seb a look that oozed a sense of knowing precisely what she was doing. Seb cleared his throat. “... Is… Quite right. Thank you gentlemen, you’ve been immeasurably helpful.”
“Mr. Everett-Bryce, we really need to discuss further the next steps in…” Said the first lawyer.
“That will be all, gentlemen.” Said Maria, this time with an air of finality. Seb cleared his throat and smiled as he too joined his lawyer in standing and one by one offered a handshake to each of the three men. One by one they made their way towards the doorway, before the eldest of the lawyers turned back to face Seb.
“I’ve been with this company for many years, Mr. Everett-Bryce. I served another Sebastian as well as I could, and my counsel was always heard and acknowledged. I understand that this is all very new to you, and that there may be others that have your ear, but this is a company that has stood the test of time, and none of us would be happier if it was to be in it’s twilight.” He said. Seb smiled.
“I can assure you, I have nothing but good intentions for this company, and for everyone it employs.” Seb said. “You’re more than happy to spend the evening in the city, or we can make arrangements to fly you all back tonight - “
Seb moved to further thank them for their help, but apparently they’d heard enough. As they filed out of the door of Sebastian and Sloane’s home, Seb turned to Maria.
“I do hope you know what you’re doing.” He said, with no attempt to hide the nerves in his voice.
“Don’t worry, Seb.” Said Maria, with an undertone that her new employer failed to notice. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“I walked into Level Up Wrestling, day one, and I told the world that I was going to change the game. Did I do so knowing that Larry, followed by you, his merry band of misfits went by that very name? Perhaps. But the truth remained evident - Sebastian Everett-Bryce has walked into Level Up Wrestling and changed its face for good. Because in two weeks, I walk into Triforce Heroes undefeated… And I walk out as the Final Boss Champion. Everything will be different after that.” Said Seb with a smile, moving to stand behind Sloane and place his hands upon her shoulders.
“And while my journey may be a few steps behind Seb’s, it doesn’t change the fact that I have earned myself opportunity after opportunity so far. And while I know I’ve fallen short of the standards I’ve set for myself, I still have an impressive list of scalps. One by one they come, one by one they fall. It’s just a matter of time until I feel the cold chill of championship gold in my hands. And when I do, I have no intention of letting that go.” Added Sloane with a glint in her eye. “Because I make my own way, despite my choice of partner. No one fights my battles for me, and no one chooses my path.”
“And I know Larry likes to make you believe that you’re free to succeed where he has failed, but the truth is that… He stands behind you, not to give you freedom to be the first to succeed, but so you can be the first to fail.” Said Seb with the merest shake of his head. “The entire mantra of the Game Changers continues to falter and fade, and the one consistent that your entire group had going for you was that Power Championship that recently faded to Black. And now? The only game that has to change is your own, because somewhere along the line, you lost it.”
Sloane bit her lip.
“I was proud to beat Larry not long after my arrival here in Level Up, and I was proud of how close I came to beating him at Combat Evolved - but Seb’s right. That match against me was less a victory and more about him surviving. He crawled his way out of that arena that night, but everything he had was utterly spent. I wouldn’t for one second suggest that Vhodka wouldn’t have beaten him anyway - she’s a fierce competitor in her own right. But Larry… And by extension, the rest of you?” Sloane tsked. “You’ve been falling away little by little for quite some time.
“Vhodka. Stratford. Wolf. Blackthorn. Donovan. All names with accolades to them since the last time a member of your team last won championship gold. Soon to add Everett-Bryce to that list and the field is set, the light fading on the Game Changers. The nights are getting longer, and the days even shorter as they rely on others to change the game where they failed.” Said Seb with a chuckle.
“There’s no need to be mean, Seb, they can’t help it. They’re trying their best - it’s not entirely their fault that their best falls short of the goals they set for themselves. Oh, and let's not forget to add Taylor to that list you’ve just made, okay?” Sloane asked.
“Of course, love.” Said Seb with a smirk.
“But it’s okay, because this isn’t just an opportunity for the two of us, guys. This is an opportunity for the both of you. Strike back and prove that you’re still the Game Changers of old… Stall Seb’s momentum, keep me held down. I believe in you… Kinda. Well, I would… But you’re facing Seb and me, and honestly my mom always told me that you have to believe in yourself so… I guess… Maybe not?” Sloane said.
“That got away from you a little, didn’t it?” Seb asked.
“A little.” Said Sloane with a giggle. “My point is this, we’re not a rung on your ladder back to the middle.”
“No.” Said Seb with a smile. “You’re a stop on ours on the way to the top.”
“All the way to our Empire in the Sky.” Said Sloane with a wink. “We’ll see you soon, guys.”
“Can’t wait.” Said Seb with a hungry look in his eyes.
