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**** The following is brought to you by VIP. **** “Your ineptitude pales only in comparison to our greatness.” Bright lights. Big City. A Stretch Denali and a red carpet just waiting for them. The door is opened. The cameras flash. “The Iceman” Adam Davis. “Ledge” aka Nick Ledgerwood. VIP has arrived. They step out on to the red carpet, and what better place for VIP?
Davis and Ledge glance at one another with knowing smiles. They take their time in front of the Denali. Davis – a silver gray suit, blue tie – befitting his Iceman moniker. Ledge – staying classic with the black on black suit. The moment is just seconds away. Davis: Are you ready? “It’s our night.” Ledge: Yeah, but you know they aren't ready. “It’s our night.” Davis: Fitting way to get a year off that is going to be covered in VIP fingerprints. Ledge: Probably around its throat. “But there is room for a select few - or at least one more in this elite family.” With that Davis and Ledge spread, smiling out with arrogant sneers as The Outlaw himself emerges from the vehicle. Adam Davis: LEGACY … your hero … your icon … is now right where he belongs. Ledge: Case Closed. With that the flash bulbs explode and the headlines are already being written – and the night has only just begun.
Walking into the hotel bathroom, Gryffin Anselm needs to make a pit-stop
prior to the awards ceremony. With some of the long-winded A thought crosses Gryffin's mind, and his eyes start glancing to the side and slowly drifting downwards. UP. Nope. Inappropriate. Look at the ceiling, Gryffin, nothing else. You're really not THAT interested. But, seriously, with all the battles... His eyes begin to drift down again from the ceiling, making their way down... Considering how bad it would be if he were caught, Gryffin quickly
averts his gaze and looks straight forward again. Finishing up
his Gryffin Anselm: I know some of your in-ring history,
all the bloody battles
you've been through... and I can respect how tough you are... Kenji’s eyes slowly wander to Anselm wondering if he really just said what he thought he said. His hands quiver into tightly packed fists. His eyes flared up and his teeth could be heard gritting hard even with his mouth closed. His whole body seems to tremble with rage and contempt for the man standing in front of him right now. Kenji grabs Anselm by the collar of his shirt and brings him face to face, Kenji’s face a deep shade of red and his eyes a horrific bloodshot red as he stares right into Anselm’s very being. But, after a moment Kenji lets go of Anselm. Kenji turns the nearby faucet on and drenches his face in a handful of cold water and SMASHES his fist against the glass mirror shattering the lower corner of it. A blotch of blood is left on the broken mirror as Kenji storms out of the bathroom. Turning and looking directly into the camera, Gryffin breaks the proverbial "4th wall" and addresses you - the viewers. Gryffin Anselm: What, like you didn't ever wonder that sorta thing about THAT guy?! We hear a cough, and Anselm looks over to notice that Preston
Thompkins, LEGACY's oldest road agent - well into his 60's -
had Preston Thompkins: Damn, I nearly pissed myself. You realize Kenji probably thought about slitting your throat for asking him that?! Anselm nods. Gryffin Anselm: Yeah... and I guess it seems like maybe Kenji has changed a little bit, after all. Preston Thompkins: Well he didn't do a Lorraina Bobbit on you, so I guess so! Shaking his head, Preston Thompkins walks past Gryffin, shaking his head about what kind of violence we almost saw.
Black suits – check. Black ties – check. The World Tag Team Titles – all in good time. Even without the gold, Domination is still looking good as the two man wrecking crew with Trent Logan step into the hotel lobby. VENOM and RAGE, now-clean cut, tower over Trent as they survey the room, which brings a bit of a smile to RAGE’s face. RAGE: You know some things never change. VENOM: I loved the tour man, but it’s good to be back in the USA for now. Has Trent heard back yet about how much longer we’ll be on tour with LEGACY International? RAGE: The tag tournament went well, so they want us back, it’s simply a matter of finding the right opponents for us to make it worth our while. VENOM: Well it has been worth it man – I think we’ve learned a lot being overseas, and I’m itching to get back inside of a LEGACY ring here in the States and see if we can put into action what we’ve learned to get our belts back. RAGE: I hear you there, man, but for right now we have the evening to relax, and hey, who knows, maybe our record setting title reign will have us in the running for a few more awards. VENOM: Maybe, but it’s kind of an “out of sight, out of mind” kind of thing at times – but I’m sure we’ll be able to remind everyone soon enough about how good we really are. RAGE: Well even the best need some downtime, let’s hit the bar … Trent you want anything? Trent Logan: Sure – grab me my usual, and I’m going to go grab a seat at our table and check-in on some messages. I’m still hoping to hear back from LEGACY International with dates before the awards. VENOM: You’ve got it – come on RAGE. The two monstrosities begin to head from the ball room for the bar and allow Trent to take a seat at Domination’s table, but as RAGE and VENOM turn they see a well-dressed but still masked Lucien Gray. RAGE: He’s coming this way. VENOM: What in the hell could he want? Trent Logan: I don’t know, but let’s just see where this goes, so keep it calm guys. Lucien arrives at the table, and while his size and appearance is always threatening his tone is almost … pleasant. Lucien Gray: Gentlemen. Pleasantries aside, I speak on all matters of AoD affairs tonight, and I also speak on behalf of Mirage himself. Lucien gazes at the former champions with what some could call a look of respect as the three members of Domination pay close attention to what he’s about to say, trying to gauge the sincerity of what he has to say. Lucien Gray: First, and no matter what you may think or may have heard, the AoD, specifically Mirage, respects you for the champions you will always be. As you already know, Mirage sustained injuries at the hands of "the good guys", X-Calibur and his sidekick weasel Cade Sydal after their recent loss, and because of that, any and all rematches for the AoD Tag Titles will be delayed until things can be sorted out and Mirage can return at 100%…let's face it, fighting the likes of Domination at anything less would make it a handicap match. And believe me, I know what it's like to fight the likes of you. Lucien takes a deep breath, the low growl in his voice tinged with anger at the mention of X-Calibur in specific. Trent Logan: When the time comes for a rematch, I’m sure in speaking for both RAGE and VENOM we do want it to be when all involved are at their best. As two-time Tag Team Champions we want to make a statement, and there is no statement to be made we were to punk out Mirage after he became X-Calibur’s human piñata. Trent smirks, perhaps enjoying ever so slightly the fact that X-Calibur did mop the floor with the guy who screwed Domination out of the belts. Lucien Gray: Well it wasn't for X-Calibur clearly being the sore loser he is, you could be speaking directly to Mirage this very moment, and your rematch would have been a foregone conclusion. But I guess that's the way of it…Mirage is hated for the things he does, shunned by the masses, and discarded as evil…yet X-Calibur and Cade are cheered for being no different. The only problem the AoD foresees now is that Legacy will see the big money in the rematch between X-Cal, Cade and the AoD, and send you guys packing on another tour just to keep you out of the tag title scene… With that, RAGE and VENOM give each other a bit of a look, perhaps almost wondering if there is a bit of truth to what Lucien is saying. Lucien nods toward the members of domination and begins to walk away, when he suddenly stops, looks back at Trent in specific, and says one final thing. Lucien Gray: If I were you, I'd do something about that…if anyone deserves a rematch first…its Domination. With that Lucien takes his leave, and as soon as he’s out of ear shot, RAGE speaks. RAGE: I still hate that guy, but maybe he’s right. I do want our belts back, and it’s not like VENOM and I have any loyalty or any fear for that matter of X-Calibur or Cade. VENOM: He’s right Trent –maybe we need to bust a few heads to get what we want – maybe we’ve been out of sight for too long. Trent can sense how “stirred up” the guys are, and raises a hand. Trent Logan: Patience guys, patience … all in good time. Both of his fighters look at him wanting more of an explanation. Trent Logan: Look, go ahead and get the drinks, and we’ll talk when you get back. RAGE and VENOM nod and finally head for the bar, and Trent Logan mutters under his breath, cursing Lucien Gray.
The scene opens up in the reception room. There are groups of people mingled together, talkin amongst themselves, the racket of talking to a soft roar. There is a camera set up to take care of all the action of the festivities as it turns to the glass sliding door as it opens up and the former No Limits Champion, Tyrone "Crazy Boy" Smith comes waltzing into the room. He is wearing a pair of khaki pants and a black button up shirt with a red tie. His long, blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail as he bops around to his own rhythm, listening to some tunes on an I-pod. He looks around the room, not noticing anything extremely interesting as he walks up to a table and looks around at some of the food that is placed out. He takes a couple little cubes of cheese and a glass of punch as he walks away from the table. He doesn't seem to be paying a whole lot of attention when something catches the corner of his eye. He turns his head slowly and notices his mentor, Greyson Blade, with the members of VIP. Tyrone shakes his head in astonishment, wondering why Greyson is with Davis and Ledge as he starts to walk toward the trio. Out of the corner of his eye, Blade sees Tyrone coming, and he makes a move towards him, motioning to the others he was going to go speak to Tyrone, and although Ledge looks a bit perturbed by Tyrone heading towards them, Davis was more than happy to let Blade deal with the urchin, and told him they'd see him later. Just as the groups split, Blade greets Tyrone, perhaps a bit more "friendly" than usual. The Outlaw: Hey, Tyrone, how are doing tonight? How are things going? Tyrone takes the earpieces of his ipod out of his ears and sticks them in his pocket. He looks at his mentor and smiles, nodding his head. CB: I'm doing well. I can't believe another year has gone by here in Legacy. It just seems like yesterday when I went down that ramp for the first time, an unknown. It seems like I can't go anywhere now without someone stopping me, asking to take a picture with me or an autograph or something. It's crazy. The Outlaw: Well this business can be crazy some times - I'm sure you are learning that now dealing with Mason Bishop. Tyrone frowns at the name of Mason Bishop and shakes his head again, keeping a keen eye for any surprise attack by his newest adversary. CB: Yeah, Chivalric is a coward, that's for sure.
I still cannot believe he just up and ran out of our match during the
Darkest Days Pre-show. I haven't seen hide or hair of him since then,
but if and when I find him again, Chivalric is not going to be able
to hide away from me that time, you know? You haven't seen him around
by any chance, have you? The Outlaw: No, I haven't Tyrone - and if I did, I'd probably kick him in the teeth for you. He and I had our own go round back when TTW was still kicking - so I know exactly what you're dealing with right now. That gets a little chuckle out of Tyrone as his smile returns. CB: I'm sure you would, Greyson. So how's things been treating you? I know that you've had your hands full with Kidd and whatnot. I'm still surprised that he actually stepped in that ring. I seriously didn't think he was going to be able to. It was refreshing and monumental to see him doing what he loves again. The Outlaw turns away a bit and shakes his head. The Outlaw: I guess when you aren't the guy involved
it can seem that way Tyrone. This whole deal is complicated. Greyson looks back to where VIP were and have now gone, and then nods his head. The Outlaw: They are, Tyrone. You see, just like Kidd and I - I know Davis and Ledge from a few years back, and let's just say this business while kind to them professionally, hasn't been so kind to them personally, and this family business that I've been going through with Kidd? They understand what can happen when family and the business don't play well together. Tyrone nods his head slowly, with a little bit of thought, yet concern on his face. He rubs his chin thoughtfully and looks back to Greyson. CB: I'm just saying. Can't you two work it out? I hate to see all of this family bickering and fighting. I saw enough of it in my life. Hell, I've seen it happen in front of my own eyes. CB stops a moment, trying to chose his words carefully but who is obviously concerned. CB: I already watched Cronos make a terrible career choice, and although I've always looked up to him as well, it's just not the same as with you, you know? I mean, you took me under your wing and molded me into who I am today, and because of that I feel like I should say something to you. I just don't want to see you go down that same path as Cronos did and make a similar decision that you will regret. Greyson remains silent for a moment, realizing the student is reaching out to the teacher - noble, but naive. Looks CB in the eye, and speaks authoritatively. The Outlaw: Tyrone, you're still young yet, and I'm not telling you this to brush you off or put you down, but when you finally do get married, your world changes. It becomes much more complex, and then you add a child to that mix? In my case, I have a second family in a sense with Kidd and Jessica and their child. It's not so black and white doing what's best for all of them, and what's best for the family isn't always what's best for business. I hope you never have to be in a position that I'm in right now because it sure as hell isn't easy. I made the tough choices that a lot of guys wouldn't make. I know you don't like it CB, and I know this isn't easy for you to watch - but at the end of the day we all have to make our own decisions. CB: I understand, Greyson. I just don't want to see you suffer in silence, you know? You've always helped me out, in more ways that I can count, and I feel like I can return the favor and help you out, should you need it. The Outlaw: I understand CB, hey enjoy the rest of the night? CB nods with and pats Greyson on the shoulder as he puts his earbuds back in and takes his leave. Greyson watches him leave and shakes his head. At least CB came to him like a man, instead of all of the whispering and the disrespect. Hell, it was a lot more respect that Kidd had shown him. As CB fades from site, for just a moment he wishes he were that young again - before a wife, a child, a friend, and a Killshot.
Both wearing trenchcoats - his black, hers charcoal, John Thomas and Anastasia Ewing walk into the lobby. The weather outside is a bit chilly, but from the looks on their faces, you can tell that things between the duo is potentially colder than the air temperature outdoors. Anastasia Ewing: If you would've just shown up, we wouldn't be in this position. John Thomas: And if you would've been paying attention when I told you about my day-trip, you would've known to not schedule the interview in the first place. Anastasia Ewing: What, am I supposed to be some kind of personal assistant or something?! You expect me to remember EVERY appointment you make? 'Cause I can't be expected to have all of your mani-/pedi- appointments tracked. John Thomas: This was a little different and... The duo is interrupted as Landon Savage appears. Landon Savage: You two ready? We have all the details you'll need. Anastasia rolls her eyes and John sighs, then the trio walk off together.
Stephen Rawlings is sitting in his seat before the ceremony starts.
He looks incredibly board Road Agent Preston Thompkins walks up to him.
We see Loco Martinez standing in line for the Men's room. He looks
annoyed at the long line in stretching out in front of him. He mutters. The two men stare intensely at one another for a few moments, and you get the feeling that the Year End Awards Ceremony is about to degenerate into pier 6 brawl. So has every passer by for the last few minutes and X and Loco find themselves at the center of a slowly growing crowd, salivating for another go round. Loco and X slowly turn, each one noticing the crowd they've amassed. Loco chuckles. Loco Martinez: I think they expect something to "go
down". Loco Martinez: I wouldn't want to mess up this nice
suit... plus I'm way to savvy to know we don't give away "THIS"
*points between himself and X* - for free! Turner looks at X and Loco incredulously. Bouncing his focus back and forth between the two. Chris Turner: WHAT?! I SPRAYED! As proof, Turner pulls a Lavendar scented airosol can out of a pocket and shows it to them. Shaking his head, X-Calibur takes a step forward past Turner. Looking back at Loco, X holds his breath, talking in a strained manner like he was about to burst from lack of oxygen. X-Calibur: When... ya gotta... go.... ya gotta...
ugh... go....
We are shown in another part of the backstage, where the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place. You can see various Legacy Superstars and fans talkin amongst themselves as the camera zooms in on a particular individual, seen as the former No Limits Champion, Tyrone "Crazy Boy" Smith. He is at the catering table, grabbing a few sandwiches and a cupcake (no, they aren't evil anymore) and turns around to stare at a few of the people talking amongst themselves. Tyrone smiles to himself as he walks away from the table and looks out in the distance as he sees someone that he didn't really want to see on this spectacular night: The new No Limits Champion, Thomas Manchester Black. Tyrone shrugs his shoulders and works his way to the crowd and makes his way slowly behind Black, almost within earshot of his coversation he is having with a young female. After a couple of moments he walks up RIGHT behind Thomas and starts to speak. CB: Well, lookie here. If it isn't the "Champ."
What's up Tommy-Boy? How's life treating ya? CB: Washed up eh? You
and everyone out there knows that I would have beaten you at the Supercard
if it wasn't for Chivalric interfering with the match. I had you on
the ropes. But the past is the past. At least one good thing came out
of this, Thomas. Ethan Leers is no longer champion and now when I finally
get my chance for a rematch, I can face someone... let's see, dare I
say it..... worthy? CB: You know as well as I do, Thomas, that in the
end, I'm going to be the one that takes that title from you. I don't
know when it will be, as I have more pressing matters to attend to with
a certain coward that walked away from my match. In fact, I will be
rooting for you on the sidelines, Thomas. I WANT you to win, defend
that title against anyone that goes against you. It will make our match
and my inevitable victory that much sweeter. You know that I deserve
a shot above anyone else, Thomas. I have never gotten my proper rematch
since I lost the title. You do not have to give it to me now, hell,
I don't want you to. I want you to have that aura of false hope surround
you and I want you brimming with confidence when we finally DO meet. CB: We'll see, Tommy Boy. We'll see.....
The scene is the hall-ways of the auditorium where we see Justin Moreno
talking with Allison and Jade. We notice Justin is still on crutches
and is wearing dress pants and a white button-up shirt with a black
Kangol wool Ivy-style hat. Suddenly we see Rob Belote walk up in the
distance as J-Mo speaks to Allison for a moment. |
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