Final Preparations

Early in the evening, hotel staff still working on setting things up in the banquet room, Rob Belote is rushing around, looking into things. As he spots Landon Savage, he motions for him to come over, and then the boss and front office representative have a discussion.

Landon Savage: How are things going tonight, Rob? Anything I can do?

Rob Belote: Actually, yeah, I could use your help because not everything’s going smoothely. I need you to round up a couple of the road agents and tell them I need to talk to them.

Landon Savage: Sure. Want me to call Smithie and get him to help when he gets here?

Rob shakes his head.

Rob Belote: Actually, that’s not going to work, Cartwright’s not here tonight.

Landon’s eyes get a little wider and he raises his eyebrows.

Landon Savage: Really?! I would’ve thought he’d be here early. I was surprised he wasn’t knee-deep in logistics when I got here.

Keeping his head on a swivel, Rob looks for what his next task is going to entail.

Rob Belote: Not tonight he’s not. And do me a favor, give me a call tomorrow mid-afternoon, there’s some stuff I need to talk to you about for STRIFE.

Looking a bit confused, Landon just nods his head, and then Rob walks off.

All except X-Calibur.

Sitting stoically, moving his peas around on the plate with the fork, X-Calibur mulled the oncoming night’s events over and over in his mind. What awards, if any, did he win? What would he say when he went up to the stage to accept it/them? The wounds were still very fresh, and with the likes of Loco Martinez and his group of unstable miscreants watching, they would be infected by the stares of the men who put them there.

As X-Calibur aimlessly played with his food, lost in thought... lost in an unvoiced hatred, he could hear somebody walking up directly in back of him.

Noisily dropping his plate on the table behind X-Calibur, Mirage takes a seat with his back to the former world champion. The other members of the AoD noticeably absent in a rare unprotected appearance, Mirage sits silently for a few moments, and then begins to tap on the table, making his appearance anything but unnoticeable. Mirage suddenly speaks aloud in a slow even tone, to nobody in particular.

Mirage: It's a damn shame what happened...losing his title the way he did. It's too bad X-Calibur didn't have a way to even the odds.

X-Calibur smirked. He dropped his spork down and sighed.

X-Calibur: It’s a damn shame what happened, losing my title the way I did. It’s a shame no one was there to have my back. Being the quintessential lonewolf sure has a downside...

Mirage slightly shakes his head.

Mirage: Being this lonewolf would have no such downside if your opposition didn't use the rules, twist them, and defeat you because of your misguided choice of fighting an inferno with a garden hose.

He thought about it, and nodded his head. Looking down at his peas for a second, X-Calibur tapped the fingers on his free hand against the slightly frayed edges of the cotton table cloth.

X-Calibur: Its funny, I’ve battled many “conflagrations” before in the decade I’ve been doing this. Some hotter, some cooler... and yet, each seemingly indestructible tempest that has reared its ugly head, I have been able to extinguish with nothing but might and valor. But this... this goes beyond might and valor. This goes beyond the norm of victory and defeat. This... this may require something... something different. Something... sinister.

Standing up, straightening his jacket, Mirage reaches into the inside pocket, pulling something out. Buttoning the top button, Mirage takes a step and pauses.

Mirage: Your continued contemplation makes it obvious you're not ready yet, but someday you will wake up and see things for what they truly are, to see your opposition as the superior force it has become. Eventually you will be forced to do what is necessary. Until that time, continue to live this fantasy of playing by the rules set fourth by a corrupt organization that turns a blind eye to those who break them. People...misconstrue my motives, as is their right, but Legacy is no different than countless others. I've left something behind that you may need someday.

As Mirage walks away, a lone business card with the AoD logo on it can be seen resting on an untouched plate of food. X-Calibur doesn’t flinch however, and simply keeps the smirk on his face. Nodding, he doesn’t even bother to look back.

X-Calibur: Rules. Hm...

His eyes glanced to the left, sort of behind him.

As Mirage walks away, a lone business card with the AoD logo on it can be seen resting on an untouched plate of food. X-Calibur doesn’t flinch however, and simply keeps the smirk on his face. Nodding, he doesn’t even bother to look back.

X-Calibur: Hm... "rules". I... I can't go down that road again. LEGACY just isn't ready for it.

His eyes glanced to the left, sort of behind him.

X-Calibur: Then again... since when did giving a sh** do me any good?

Kevin Oppenheimer: So there I was, Notting Hill Gate, and my date kept asking me where Hugh Grant stayed in the movie. It was all I could do to keep myself from tellin’ her “hey, look, it was a feckin’ movie, and only American gits like you get all muppets about the bloke. We’ve got loads of actors much more talented than Hugh Grant”… but then I held meself, ‘cause she did have a nice set of jubblies.

Noticing that Hannah’s not thrilled with the last comment, Kevin looks down at her chest, then back up at her.

Kevin Oppenheimer: No need to sweat it, love, you’ve got the much ampler bossom than she did anyday, and let’s just say that her backyard garden wasn’t nearly as well cultivated as yours is.

Hannah slightly turns her head and rolls her eyes, and before Kevin can continue, Preston Thompkins shows up with a clipboard in hand.

Preston Thompkins: Oppy, I have that information you were asking about…

Kevin Oppenheimer: *addressing Hannah* This’ll just take a minute, love.

Oppy turns his attention to Preston, and Hannah turns slightly, looking away from the duo. Her eyes scan the rest of the area, seeing who’s around, but what she doesn’t notice is Adam Davis coming up from behind her. The Iceman steps up right next to her, leans in and says something just loud enough that it’s audible to the microphones in play.

Adam Davis: This guy: loser.

A sick smirk forms on Adam’s face and Hannah turns slightly to face him, her lips forming into a semi-interested, coy smile. She glances over, and Kevin doesn't seem to notice the presence of the former Tao of Valor Champion.

Adam Davis: You know, whenever you feel like talking with a real man… Come find me. I'd love to take a Cuervo body shot off those abs.

Davis looks at Oppenheimer, who finally realizes the Iceman is talking to Hannah, and then Adam looks up and down Perez, and winks at the Latina beauty before walking away. Hannah intently watches him, and the smile gets a little bigger. Kevin notices that Hannah is watching Adam, and he doesn’t appear to like it.

Klinton Porter: So what’s that all about?

Ron Bailey: Just a difference of opinion. Since we're early for all this and we got more than a few minutes before this whole thing is set to get started, I wanted to kill some time so I told her that I've decided to change my theme music to “Momma Said Knock You Out”.

Klinton Porter: And she doesn’t like that idea?! What’s wrong with using a classic by LL Cool J ?

Ron shrugs and shakes hishead.

Ron Bailey: She says it’s too "old school", and supposedly I need to stay "hip and fresh and new" to help establish myself and my different style of offense.

Klinton Porter: Doesn’t she know that old school stuff like that is hip?

Ron leans in closer.

Ron Bailey: Helena’s got a good head for marketing, but she’s a bit out of touch with what’s cool.

Klinton Porter: So how you gonna compromise on this one?

A grin appears on Ron's face.

Ron Bailey: Well, she’s gonna do some market research, and while she’s doing that, I’m gonna start using “Momma Said Knock You Out”, and when the crowds are all over it, she’ll just forget all about the idea that she was against the idea initially and she’ll just be glad that people are feelin’ me even more.

After a slight chuckle, Klinton starts nodding.

Klinton Porter: Just make sure she don’t find out before you actually give the fans a chance to react to it.

Ron Bailey: Yeah, I told Lando to make sure no one talks to her about it unless she specifically asks.

Something occurs to Klinton.

Klinton Porter: That reminds me, you heard from Cartwright lately?

Ron shakes his head.

Ron Bailey: Nah, I heard he’s on some sort of leave of absence.

Looking a bit incredulous, Klinton follows up.

Klinton Porter: You don’t seem too sure about that.

Ron shrugs his shoulders.

Ron Bailey: Yeah, but I can't remember who Johnny heard it from. I think somethin’s goin’ down that we’re not hearin’ about. He ain’t here tonight, is he?

Giving it a moment’s thought, Klinton shakes his head.

Klinton Porter: Good point, I don’t think he is here… I’ll ask around, see what I can find out.

Ron Bailey: Sounds good. But hey, man, I gotta get back…

Nodding in Helena’s direction.

Ron Bailey: But I’ll catch you at STRIFE if I don’t see you again later tonight.

Klinton Porter: Sounds good man.

Ron and Klinton dap fists, and then Ron returns back to his table where Helena is seated.

Cronos stands at the entrance to the bar area and surveys the room with the axe slung over his shoulder, finding a few road agents trying their best to ignore him and a couple of the new wrestlers in town that haven't seen him yet. When he spots Devastation at the bar ordering a drink, he makes his way toward him. Once he reaches the bar he takes a look at Devastation and looks to the bartender.

Cronos Diamante: I'll take bottled water.

Bartender: Big spender.

The smartass tone caused Cronos to let out a slight cackle, one audible only to the ears of the bartender and Devastation. Cronos thumbs the lid off and takes a big gulp from the bottle then turns to Devastation as he lays the big Labyrs axe out on the bar itself.

Cronos Diamante: Big fancy to do about this award show, Dev. Oh yes, yes, yes… big fancy. You don't look to be enjoying yourself there champ. Oh no…. not one bit. Trouble in paradise for our Tao of Valor Champion?

Cronos smirks as Devastation turns to him, looking at the axe first, and responds.

Devastation: I want to make something perfectly clear to you Cronos. I want you to keep your nose out of my business. Your problem with Entourage and Stephen Rawlings can be dealt with away from my title defenses. I'm not happy about your involvement in my last two matches.

Cronos Diamante: You let me worry about Rawlings and Entourage and when I decide it best to poke my little head out to do my damage, Dev.

Cronos takes a sip of his bottled water, never taking his eyes off Devastation for a second. Cronos drops his right hand on the handle of "Keravnos" and all attention in the room is diverted to the two men.

Devastation: That axe I'm not approving of either Cronos. You want to chop Rawlings up into little pieces, be my guest but don't do it while he's in a match with me. We might just have problems if you do.

Cronos cackles and picks up his axe, slinging it over his shoulder after downing the rest of his water.

Cronos Diamante: Sure, Dev. Whatever you say buddy. Word to the wise; however, be careful who you threaten. I'm not impressed with you one bit; not in the least. Oh no, no, no… not in the least. Enjoy your drink.

Cronos walks off with a grin formed on his face and the axe slung over his shoulder. He exits the bar without so much as a word to anybody else in the room, leaving Dev alone to stare at him.

Voice: STOP IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS NOT EVIL!!

Tyrone glances behind him as he looks and realizes that his acquaintance, Moxley, is fighting through a few people, trying to get to Tyrone. Tyrone shrugs and starts to take the paper off of the cupcake again as Moxley makes it through the ruckus and stops just short of Tyrone. Just as Tyrone is about to take a bite of the cupcake, A sudden FLASH of dim green light and a plastic light saber slaps the cup cake out of Tyrone's hand. Moxley STOMPS the fallen cupcake beneath his boot then lifts his foot to make sure the evil creature is dead. He starts cleaning his shoe with the light saber and looks to Tyrone who has a bewildered expression on his face.

Moxley: Haven't you heard *catching his breath* cupcakes... are evil... ??

Tyrone peers at Moxley then looks down on the ground, a smashed chocolate cupcake smeared all over the floor. He looks at Moxley again... then the cupcake... then Moxley again... then the cupcake... then Moxley again. His bewildered look on his face continues as he shakes his head slowly.

CB: Umm.. dude.. it's just a cupcake.

Moxley: *Grinning* Not everything is what it seems!

Herb presses a button on his toy light saber and is shuts in upon itself.

Moxley: Follow me!

Herb storms off and into what appears to be a janitor’s closet. Tyrone shrugs his shoulders again and follows Moxley to the janitor closet. As he enters, you can hear Moxley SLAM the door right behind him as Tyrone looks around and sees the normal stuff that you would see in a closet: brooms, mops, buckets and various things... but there is one thing that stands out from everything else. On top of a table that is place precariously is.. a lie detector?! Tyrone looks up at Moxley again and starts to pace to and fro.

CB: Umm, Mox dude... what's with the lie detector?

Moxley: Don't take this the wrong way...

Herb gently leads the pacing Crazy Boy to a chair.

Moxley: It's just... with Loco and all...

Herb presses a node attached to a wire to Crazy Boy's left temple.

Moxley: I don't know who can be trusted...

He attaches a second node to Crazy Boy's left wrist. Tyrone starts to get up from the chair, but with Moxley wielding the plastic lightsaber, he thought otherwise. He looks up at Moxley, who is already looking at the paper that is printing out of the lie detector machine. Tyrone nods his head and sighs a little bit.

Moxley: OK. First question. Do you trust me?

CB: Man, Loco must have really got you in a hissy. Yes, Mox. I trust you.

Moxley: Hmm. Wow. You're not lying... ok. Do you think Jen X is hot?

Tyrone holds his head down, his face blushing with embarrassment as he closes his eyes. He can feel his face growing hotter by the second as he nods his head.

CB: Dude, you know I'm engaged and have a kid. I don't know if Cassie would allow me to answer that question. But... if you MUST know.. I find Jen X very attractive..... especially with that.... cheerleader outfit... I wished CASSIE wore a cheerleader outfit..

Tyrone snaps his head up and a frightful look appears on his face.

CB: Wait, what am I saying? That gives me an idea for later.........

Moxley: Well. *muttering and grumbling* You're not lying but I kind of wish I didn't ask. OK HYPOTHETICALLY you have a match against X-Calibur at the big pay per view. Suddenly you and he throw punches a few days before. Then - four referees come out and break it up. DO you proceed to chillax? OR start punching the referees?

Tyrone smirks as the hypothetical is obviously referring to the events of the LEGACY X pre-show occurring between Loco and X-Callibur.

CB: Well, Hypothetically, if X-Caliber threw some punches at me, and some referees come down and break it up, and I wasn't finished? I would attempt to break away from the referees to try to get a couple of shots in, but I would never hit an official. If they just really attempt to hold me back, I would leave without a fuss.

CB looks around then looks at Mox as he nods his head while reviewing the lie detector results. Crazy Boy finds himself looking at a new found buddy.

CB: Dude, Loco has really gotten to you, hasn't he? I know he is an asshole and he was a friend and all of the sudden stabbed you in the back; but listen to me. I wouldn't do that to you. You can trust me on that.

Moxley: Thank you, you have passed the test... I should have known someone kind enough to show that Greyson kid the ropes was worthy of trust. Forgive me for doubting you but truth is I am doubting everything lately... And please understand, with Loco... it’s not exactly like that -- Loco and I are STILL friends. Well, he's still MY friend, anyway. He'll be back to good old Loco soon enough. Just wait, you'll see. Ha-ha. Yeah, any day now!

Moxley nods but not as enthusiastic as he tries to be, and clearly doubting his own hopes.

Moxley: ... You do think he'll become one of the 'good guys' again.. right?

Herb looks at Crazy boy, imploringly. Crazy Boy nods his head and leans back in his chair and closes his eyes again.

CB: Umm.. yeah, I think so...

Moxley smiles.

Smoke suddenly rises from the lie detector. Moxley's smile fades. He pulls out some padded nun-chucks and hands them to Crazy Boy.

Moxley: Thanks for the lie... dude. Take my chucks and follow me - I think there were more cupcakes out there.

With a deft snap of the wrist Moxley's light saber lights up and extends, he storms out of the closet leaving Tyrone alone with a broken lie detector holding the padded numb-chucks. Tyrone looks at the lie detector and the numb-chucks and shrugs his shoulders.

CB: This party has taken a turn for the weird. And how in the world did Moxley get a lie detector in the first place?

Crazy Boy opens the door and peers out as he sees Moxley, light saber wielded, hacking away at some of the cupcakes that remain on the table, shouting some stuff at the top of his lungs. He looks down at the numb-chucks and smiles.

CB: Hey Mox, wait up!

Crazy Boy starts to shout at the top of his lungs as well, waving the numb-chucks around in front of his body as he starts to join the fray of getting rid of evil cupcakes.

Carter Franklin: Hayashi, what’s up fella? I don’t think I’ve met either of these two ladies before…

Osamu’s pace doesn’t change at all.

Osamu Hayashi: You haven’t.

Nodding slowly in acknowledgement, Carter finishes the first part of his thought.

Carter Franklin: But didn’t you introduce me to your fiancé a year ago?

A simple nod is the only response Osamu gives.

Carter Franklin: So… did she go back to Japan after the engagement was called off?

Osamu Hayashi: We called off nothing and she still travels with us on the tour.

More confused by the moment, Carter looks at both of the ladies as they reach the door to the banquet room, and the trio stop at the door.

Carter Franklin: So why are you here tonight with these ladies?

A grin first, then a response.

Osamu Hayashi: Because I can. Being an Agent of Destiny? So much better than being Bushido Buntai.

After a wink, Osamu Hayashi walks into the banquet room with his two lady friends in tow.

Del Carver!

Seated at a table near the front, Benny spots the eye-patched veteran talking on his cell phone. As he watches Del put it away, he realizes this might be a good opportunity, so he sneaks on up to the table and sits down, just as it looks like Del is about to stand up.

Ben Jackson: Excuse me, Mr. Carver? Hi, you don't know me, but I actually work with LEGACY, I'm on the roster, and I was just hoping I could talk to you for a minute.

Diamond Del Carver smiles and slaps Ben Jackson on the back in a friendly manner.

Del Carver: Sure I know you, kid. You fought on the same show as me last week, except as I recall, your opponent bailed out on you in the middle of the match. What can I do for you?

Ben Jackson: Well, I couldn't help but notice how quickly you make friends and fans around here. You just showed up to LEGACY and already everyone is buzzing about you backstage. I realize that a lot of it is based on the amount of time you've been in the business and the things you've done, but I was wondering if you could give me some helpful hints? I've been around for almost six months, and I really haven't found a way to make an impact yet, and I know that the easiest way to get noticed is to do something to get hated, but I'd rather find a way to be loved. Any suggestions?

Diamond Del Carver scratches his unshaven jaw for a minute, and looks at Ben Jackson speculatively. For a few seconds, he surveys the younger man, and then he nods.

Del Carver: Sure, grab a chair. I don't know about you, but I hate these damn shows, and I for one, am having a beer.

Diamond Del Carver grabs a bottle of Bud from the table next to him, twists the cap off, and tosses it aside as he sits down. Ben Jackson sits down across from the veteran, and Carver leans forward and looks intently at him.

Del Carver: You're right, I got a fair bit of attention when I came in here, and I can see where that might rub some of you guys who were already here working your ass off the wrong way. Makes sense. But you're also right, that I get that buzz from what I have already done…not what I am going to do in the future.

Ben Jackson: Oh, trust me, you didn’t rub me the wrong way, that’s not how I meant it.

Carver takes a minute and looks at Ben Jackson again, as if he is sizing him up.

Del Carver: The way I see it, you got a couple of things you need to do, Ben. Firstly, you're young, and you're a good wrestler…no doubt…but your name don't grab me. If I was you, I would think about giving yourself a new gimmick. You're a good wrestler, right? You get a guy on the mat, you keep him down? Bulldog Ben Jackson. You come off the top rope? Benny "The Jet" Jackson. You a tough man? Bad- Ass Ben Jackson. Something like that. You might not know this, but when I wrestled in Japan, I got thrown into a bunch of broken glass. I heard the fans chanting something. When I got backstage, I asked the boss what they were chanting. He said they were chanting about cutting glass. I said, cutting glass…like a Diamond? He laughed, and said sure…that was me…Diamond Del Carver. It stuck. Of course…later on I found out that they were chanting that they wanted to see me or my opponent get cut WITH glass…but by then it didn't matter.

Ben Jackson: That's a tough way to get a nickname...

Ben Jackson smiles and nods, as DDC takes a long swig from his beer, and continues.

Del Carver: Secondly and more importantly Ben, you have to decide what kind of man you really are. Take a look around, brother. There is a lot of bad men on this roster…in this room right now. Worst thing is, they are forming gangs…groups. We got Entourage, The Diabolik, The Agents of Destiny, and now Loco and his boys are shaking things up. Who is standing on the other side?

Ben Jackson looks thoughtful and nods.

Ben Jackson: Not anyone organized, that’s for sure.

Del Carver: The way I see it, X-Calibur is a good man, but he don't work well with others. Mox has some balls, but he's kind of out there. Blade is a damn good hand, and he'll be there if something bad goes down…but he has his hands full right now with Marcus Marion. If nobody bands together and stands up, this whole fed is going to get overtaken by the worst kind of men, and nobody will be there to stop it. I will. Will you? That's what you have to decide. When I was in another organization, I formed a stable of guys called The Law. We stood up to the troublemakers on the roster. I been looking for maybe two other guys to hook up with me here in LEGACY, and form a new version of The Law. I'll probably talk to a couple of old friends of mine, and call in some outside favors, if it comes to the point where I need backup. But I'd rather do it with men right here, who are already part of LEGACY.

Ben Jackson looks seriously at Del Carver, as the veteran slaps him on the back again.

Del Carver: You really want attention, Ben? You want people to notice you? I will tell you one thing that will get you more attention than you could ever dream of. You walk down to that ring the next time we're on television, and you grab that microphone. You take a stand. You tell the fans that you're standing up for them. You tell the office that you're standing up for what you believe in…what you think is right. All you have to do is make the statement that you are going to do the right thing, and these gangs of goons around here will target you. You'll have more heat on you than you could ever think possible. You have to have the courage and conviction to follow it through…but if you have the heart, then the people will make you their spokesman, when you stand up to groups of thugs like Entourage, or Cirque du Mofo. Trust me. It's what I'm going to do, Ben. You decide if you have that desire, and if you do…I'll be there to back you up.

Jessica Stevens: You ready to go in there?

Anselm nods.

Jessica Stevens: I saw Crash when we were walking in the door. Unless he made a pit-stop along the way, he’s probably at the table. Any sign of James?

Gryffin simultaneously shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

Gryffin Anselm: Nope, and I don’t think we’re going to see him. The last time I talked to him, he had some trip planned, and I told him he should be back for this, and he danced around in his response.

Jessica Stevens: Let me guess: he doesn’t think you two are going to win Tag Team of the Year.

Gryffin Anselm: Exactly, and if James doesn’t think he’s going to get the chance to be in the spotlight, he often decides not to show up.

With a small motion of his hand, he signals to Jessica that they should go to the banquet hall.

Gryffin Anselm: I’d be really surprised if he's here tonight at all.

Looking frustrated, Jessica follows Gryffin.

Jessica Stevens: Lou’s not going to be happy with him if he doesn’t…

Shooting her a look over his shoulder and nodding, you can tell that Gryffin agrees with the sentiment.