Post by Mr.Ego on Mar 23, 2024 20:28:33 GMT -5
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - Chicago, Illinois: Vain Force One
Simon: You seem extremely relaxed, Alan.
Alan is seated across from his friend and advocate, a sincere smile on his face as he looks out into the darkness of the early, early morning Chicago sky. He doesn't even look Simon's way when he responds.
Alan: You're surprised?
Simon nods, as the sound of an incoming text message emanates from Alan's phone. Mr. Ego ignores it.
Simon: To be perfectly honest, Alan… yes, I'm very surprised.
This time Alan does look over at him, but only for a fleeting moment, before then turning and gazing back out the window.
Alan: What is there to be stressed about, Simon? I love my job; I singlehandedly defeated two of the greatest champions to ever step into a UGWC ring; and now I'm flying home to be with the love of my life.
Simon: Singlehandedly, you say?
Alan pays him no attention, which is the same reaction he gives his phone, which is going off once again to indicate an incoming text. Simon, however, doesn't ignore it this time.
Simon: Are you going to check that, Alan?
Wallace shrugs him off, not taking his gaze off the darkened sky.
Alan: Probably just a fan blowing me up, wanting a personal autograph session or something. You know how they are.
He then turns and looks over at Simon, before breaking into a large grin.
Alan: Then again, maybe you don't. You never had any fans, did you?
Simon: I had the respect of the boys and girls in the locker room, Alan. Fans were nothing more than an inconvenience.
Alan: Keep telling yourself that, Simon. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
His phone dings again, multiple times in a row this time. He continues ignoring it. Simon smirks as he leans forward in his seat.
Simon: Maybe it's a fan trying to contact you to ask you why you needed help from Dark Destroyer and Err Bear tonight?
Alan's head snaps over towards Simon, his eyes wide.
Alan: The World Champion doesn't need help, Wellington!
Simon: Doesn't he? From my vantage point in the back, Lucy and Sebastian were having their way with you until the Err Bear showed up and Dark Destroyer hulked out.
Alan's phone is now a continuous string of dinging.
Alan: That was a show more for the crowd than anything. Something to shock them, considering everyone in attendance knew how things were going to turn out.
Simon: Is that so, Alan?
Alan: Of course it is. Lucy is used to me pinning her shoulders to the mat in matches she most assuredly 'should' win, yes?
Simon: I think the biggest question here is whether you're ever going to check your phone and stop that incessant noise.
Alan: Is it an annoyance? Is it bugging you, Simon?
Simon scowls at the remark but says nothing. Alan is all smiles as he grabs his phone and taps on the screen a couple times. The smile immediately fades from his lips, as he quickly rises to his feet.
Alan: Simon, inform the pilot to go as fast as this thing will take us.
Simon rises to his feet, concerned.
Simon: What's wrong, Alan?
Alan: It's time…
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - Miami, Florida: Mount Sinai Medical Center
Alan: I'm so proud of you, my dear.
Alan is shown standing over a hospital bed, lovingly glaring down at his wife. Nestled in her arms, and wrapped tightly in a pink and white blanket, is the newest addition to the world, and the first addition to the Wallace/Worth household.
Celeste: I'm just glad that you were able to be here. Considering your flight hadn't been in the air long when my water broke, I worried you would miss it.
Alan: Well thank the gods you were in labor for over twenty-one hours then, right?
Celeste offers up a slight chuckle, but the exhaustion in her eyes is evident. A fact that Alan hasn't overlooked.
Alan: Why don't you let me take her for a little while, my love? You look like you could use some rest.
She offers a weary smile.
Celeste: I would, but I know that we are nearing the time of her next feeding, Alan.
Alan: I think I'm perfectly capable of feeding my daughter, Celeste.
Celeste: Yes, I forgot that both of our breasts were filled with milk right now. How silly of me.
Alan sheepishly looks down.
Alan: Oh, well, yeah. You're right.
Celeste smiles as she reaches over and pats him on the hand.
Celeste: We still need to settle on a name, Alan. 'Baby Girl Wallace' will only be cute for so long.
Alan: Ah ah… 'Baby Girl Worth-Wallace'.
He leans down and kisses her lips, as the baby begins to stir.
Celeste: Assuming everything looks good for both of us, the nurses have said there is a slight chance we could be released tomorrow.
Alan: That's spectacular news, my dear! And have no fear, the help is working hard to ensure everything is ready for our arrival.
Celeste: Did you force Simon to help them?
Alan barks out in laughter, the noise startling the six-pound thirteen-ounce little bundle of joy that is resting in Celeste's arms.
Alan: Of course I did.
The baby begins to fuss, so Celeste maneuvers into a better position to feed her. The child immediately calms down, as Alan smiles.
Alan: Yahtzee!
Celeste: Oh grow up, Alan.
Alan: Yes, dear.
Celeste: Oh, before I forget, I have been speaking with the nursing staff here, and assuming that we are released tomorrow, our first appointment will be on Monday. We will have to call about the time.
A look of concern forms on the face of the World Champion.
Alan: Monday is no good, Celeste. Synergy.
Celeste: I thought you said that you weren't booked for this coming week?
Alan: I did.
Celeste: Then what's the issue?
Alan: I still must be in attendance. Mr. Knox has requested my presence.
Celeste: I think you have more pressing concerns now, Alan. You know, a newborn daughter?! Matt Knox can wait!
The outburst startles the baby, who now begins to cry.
Celeste: Now look at what you've done!
She begins to lightly tap the baby on the bottom, as she tries to get her to latch again in order to keep nursing.
Alan: Nothing is more important to me than you two, Celeste. You know that. But as the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, I have professional obligations as well. And I have already agreed to meet Mr. Knox on Monday.
She says nothing for many moments, silently fuming while still successfully calming the baby down. Finally, she looks up at Alan.
Celeste: Fine. I'll make other arrangements.
She snaps her head down and gazes upon the baby, as Alan walks over and looks out of the window, peering into the night sky.
Alan: Not smart, Alan. Not smart.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Miami, Florida
Simon: I can't believe that you didn't tell Celeste that you wouldn't be flying back to Miami until this morning. What is wrong with you? Did you not piss her off enough by going to Chicago in the first place?
Alan peers out the window of the limo as it makes its way towards Vain Manor. He looks tired, dejected, and maybe slightly guilty.
Alan: I know, Simon… I know. But I needed sleep. All the baby does is cry.
Simon: Yes Alan, that's what they do.
Alan: And she has her days and nights mixed up, so when I tell you we are getting no sleep, it isn't an exaggeration.
Simon: The struggles of parenthood. That still doesn't excuse you for not letting Celeste know that you wouldn't be back before now.
Alan: Sleep deprivation, Simon. It can cause a man to do stupid things.
Simon: Do me a favor, Alan. Please let me be there when you use that as an excuse. I can't wait to see Celeste's reaction.
Alan glances over and sneers.
Alan: Bite me, Wellington.
They enjoy the ride in silence for a few moments before Simon crosses his right leg over his left and places his hand on his knee.
Simon: You better get things situated soon, Alan. Matt Knox will be no slouch at Alchemy.
Alan: Oh, I am very much aware of that fact, Simon. Knox is a hell of a competitor and would make for a great champion. And hearing what I heard last night, he is definitely in the right mindset for our match here in a couple of weeks. I know I need to bring my best when I face him.
Simon: It isn't just Knox that you have to contend with, Alan. I just looked at next week's card. You're in a triple threat match.
Alan sighs but continues looking out the window.
Alan: Lemme guess… Mr. Everette-Bryce and Ms. Wylde again? No, that wouldn't make much sense, not this soon after I've already beaten them.
Simon: Ms. Wylde is challenging for the Conquest Championship, so it isn't her.
Alan: I know! Matt Knox and whoever Ooley feels would be best to really screw his champion over one week before the pay per view?
Simon: No, Mr. Knox isn't on the card this week, Alan.
Alan: Of course he isn't. Ooley will do everything in his power to ensure whoever stands across from me in that ring is as rested as possible when they challenge for my title. So, who is it that I'll be in the ring with.
Simon: Trent Steel.
Alan furrows his brow and slightly tilts his head.
Simon: And Zane Scott.
He now hangs his head, shaking it from side to side.
Alan: So, a man who knows me better than anyone, and who I consider to be my only real friends in this industry… and a man who is little more than a wild rabid dog whose only goal seems to be hurting people as painfully and as thoroughly as possible?
Simon: Correct.
Alan: Well that's… awesome.
Simon: To be perfectly honest with you, Alan… I don't see how you can manage to come out victorious on Monday.
Alan: Gee, thanks Simon.
Simon: I don't mean it as a slight to you. Everyone knows how capable you are when you are in the ring. But you have a lot going on at home, and your mind won't be one hundred percent on wrestling. Nor should it be. Becoming a parent is the most important and rewarding thing in the world-
Alan: Says the guy who never had children.
Simon: But if you go into your match this coming week, or the title match the week after that, and you aren't completely focused on the task at hand… you're not going to enjoy the end results, Alan. I'm just shooting straight with you.
Alan: Yes. Clearly.
Simon: Zane Scott has known you for what, almost two decades? He's been both friend and foe, and I'd be hard-pressed to name anyone who has shared the ring with you more times than he. He has had ample time to study your strengths and your weaknesses over the years, and he is more than capable of defeating you on his own. Which he has done multiple times over the years.
Alan: Has anyone ever told you that your pep talks absolutely suck, Simon?
The limo begins down the long winding driveway that will ultimately lead Vain home, which may or may not be an improvement over the current situation that he finds himself in.
Simon: Then you throw in the ultimate wild card in Trent Steel, and all bets are off, Alan.
Alan exhales loudly as he sees Vain Manor appear in the distance.
Simon: Trent Steel is a violent, vicious man, Alan. He doesn't have many friends from what I have gathered, and I think he honestly prefers it that way. He wants to come in, inflict pain and suffering, and then leave everything in ruins as he walks out the door. And from what we have seen in recent memory… it's good that you and Celeste went ahead and started the family. If history is any indication, Trent Steel may relish in attempting to take that possibility from you if given the chance.
Alan: Funny you mention that, because I have a feeling the biggest ball-buster I have to worry with is through that door we are looking at.
The limo has come to a halt, and both Alan and Simon open the doors and step out.
Alan: I know I need to focus, Simon. And I know what lies ahead when I step into the ring. I'm not stupid. But it's easier said than done.
The two men begin making their way up the steps and towards the door, when it flings open. Alan is taken aback, as it isn't the face of an incensed Celeste Worth that is there to greet him, but the face of a furious old lady.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Alan Wallace" Xandy says, as she glares at him in disgust. "What in the hell is wrong with you?!"
Alan: Why are you in my house, Ms. Burke?
She says nothing, quickly turning and walking in the opposite direction. The sound of her heels clicking off the wood of the steps indicates that she is heading upstairs, causing Alan to wheel around towards Simon.
Alan: What in the utter hell is going on right now, Simon?!
Before Simon can answer, the clearing of a throat is heard coming from the kitchen area, and then the sound of a bottle being opened.
"Get your ass the fuck in here, you arrogant douche" a throaty voice is heard, followed by multiple gulps and then the sound of a bottle being tossed into the trash can. "Right fuckin' now!"
Alan: This is a goddamned nightmare.
Simon: Yeah, you have fun. I have zero inclination to want to see that bastard.
Simon opens the door and steps through, shutting it behind him. Alan stands there a moment, before the voice in the kitchen booms out once more.
"I ain't got all fuckin' day, Wallace" he says, before the sound of a second bottle being opened is heard. "Don't make me do this the hard fuckin' way!"
Alan: Well shit…
FIN
Simon: You seem extremely relaxed, Alan.
Alan is seated across from his friend and advocate, a sincere smile on his face as he looks out into the darkness of the early, early morning Chicago sky. He doesn't even look Simon's way when he responds.
Alan: You're surprised?
Simon nods, as the sound of an incoming text message emanates from Alan's phone. Mr. Ego ignores it.
Simon: To be perfectly honest, Alan… yes, I'm very surprised.
This time Alan does look over at him, but only for a fleeting moment, before then turning and gazing back out the window.
Alan: What is there to be stressed about, Simon? I love my job; I singlehandedly defeated two of the greatest champions to ever step into a UGWC ring; and now I'm flying home to be with the love of my life.
Simon: Singlehandedly, you say?
Alan pays him no attention, which is the same reaction he gives his phone, which is going off once again to indicate an incoming text. Simon, however, doesn't ignore it this time.
Simon: Are you going to check that, Alan?
Wallace shrugs him off, not taking his gaze off the darkened sky.
Alan: Probably just a fan blowing me up, wanting a personal autograph session or something. You know how they are.
He then turns and looks over at Simon, before breaking into a large grin.
Alan: Then again, maybe you don't. You never had any fans, did you?
Simon: I had the respect of the boys and girls in the locker room, Alan. Fans were nothing more than an inconvenience.
Alan: Keep telling yourself that, Simon. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
His phone dings again, multiple times in a row this time. He continues ignoring it. Simon smirks as he leans forward in his seat.
Simon: Maybe it's a fan trying to contact you to ask you why you needed help from Dark Destroyer and Err Bear tonight?
Alan's head snaps over towards Simon, his eyes wide.
Alan: The World Champion doesn't need help, Wellington!
Simon: Doesn't he? From my vantage point in the back, Lucy and Sebastian were having their way with you until the Err Bear showed up and Dark Destroyer hulked out.
Alan's phone is now a continuous string of dinging.
Alan: That was a show more for the crowd than anything. Something to shock them, considering everyone in attendance knew how things were going to turn out.
Simon: Is that so, Alan?
Alan: Of course it is. Lucy is used to me pinning her shoulders to the mat in matches she most assuredly 'should' win, yes?
Simon: I think the biggest question here is whether you're ever going to check your phone and stop that incessant noise.
Alan: Is it an annoyance? Is it bugging you, Simon?
Simon scowls at the remark but says nothing. Alan is all smiles as he grabs his phone and taps on the screen a couple times. The smile immediately fades from his lips, as he quickly rises to his feet.
Alan: Simon, inform the pilot to go as fast as this thing will take us.
Simon rises to his feet, concerned.
Simon: What's wrong, Alan?
Alan: It's time…
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - Miami, Florida: Mount Sinai Medical Center
Alan: I'm so proud of you, my dear.
Alan is shown standing over a hospital bed, lovingly glaring down at his wife. Nestled in her arms, and wrapped tightly in a pink and white blanket, is the newest addition to the world, and the first addition to the Wallace/Worth household.
Celeste: I'm just glad that you were able to be here. Considering your flight hadn't been in the air long when my water broke, I worried you would miss it.
Alan: Well thank the gods you were in labor for over twenty-one hours then, right?
Celeste offers up a slight chuckle, but the exhaustion in her eyes is evident. A fact that Alan hasn't overlooked.
Alan: Why don't you let me take her for a little while, my love? You look like you could use some rest.
She offers a weary smile.
Celeste: I would, but I know that we are nearing the time of her next feeding, Alan.
Alan: I think I'm perfectly capable of feeding my daughter, Celeste.
Celeste: Yes, I forgot that both of our breasts were filled with milk right now. How silly of me.
Alan sheepishly looks down.
Alan: Oh, well, yeah. You're right.
Celeste smiles as she reaches over and pats him on the hand.
Celeste: We still need to settle on a name, Alan. 'Baby Girl Wallace' will only be cute for so long.
Alan: Ah ah… 'Baby Girl Worth-Wallace'.
He leans down and kisses her lips, as the baby begins to stir.
Celeste: Assuming everything looks good for both of us, the nurses have said there is a slight chance we could be released tomorrow.
Alan: That's spectacular news, my dear! And have no fear, the help is working hard to ensure everything is ready for our arrival.
Celeste: Did you force Simon to help them?
Alan barks out in laughter, the noise startling the six-pound thirteen-ounce little bundle of joy that is resting in Celeste's arms.
Alan: Of course I did.
The baby begins to fuss, so Celeste maneuvers into a better position to feed her. The child immediately calms down, as Alan smiles.
Alan: Yahtzee!
Celeste: Oh grow up, Alan.
Alan: Yes, dear.
Celeste: Oh, before I forget, I have been speaking with the nursing staff here, and assuming that we are released tomorrow, our first appointment will be on Monday. We will have to call about the time.
A look of concern forms on the face of the World Champion.
Alan: Monday is no good, Celeste. Synergy.
Celeste: I thought you said that you weren't booked for this coming week?
Alan: I did.
Celeste: Then what's the issue?
Alan: I still must be in attendance. Mr. Knox has requested my presence.
Celeste: I think you have more pressing concerns now, Alan. You know, a newborn daughter?! Matt Knox can wait!
The outburst startles the baby, who now begins to cry.
Celeste: Now look at what you've done!
She begins to lightly tap the baby on the bottom, as she tries to get her to latch again in order to keep nursing.
Alan: Nothing is more important to me than you two, Celeste. You know that. But as the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, I have professional obligations as well. And I have already agreed to meet Mr. Knox on Monday.
She says nothing for many moments, silently fuming while still successfully calming the baby down. Finally, she looks up at Alan.
Celeste: Fine. I'll make other arrangements.
She snaps her head down and gazes upon the baby, as Alan walks over and looks out of the window, peering into the night sky.
Alan: Not smart, Alan. Not smart.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Miami, Florida
Simon: I can't believe that you didn't tell Celeste that you wouldn't be flying back to Miami until this morning. What is wrong with you? Did you not piss her off enough by going to Chicago in the first place?
Alan peers out the window of the limo as it makes its way towards Vain Manor. He looks tired, dejected, and maybe slightly guilty.
Alan: I know, Simon… I know. But I needed sleep. All the baby does is cry.
Simon: Yes Alan, that's what they do.
Alan: And she has her days and nights mixed up, so when I tell you we are getting no sleep, it isn't an exaggeration.
Simon: The struggles of parenthood. That still doesn't excuse you for not letting Celeste know that you wouldn't be back before now.
Alan: Sleep deprivation, Simon. It can cause a man to do stupid things.
Simon: Do me a favor, Alan. Please let me be there when you use that as an excuse. I can't wait to see Celeste's reaction.
Alan glances over and sneers.
Alan: Bite me, Wellington.
They enjoy the ride in silence for a few moments before Simon crosses his right leg over his left and places his hand on his knee.
Simon: You better get things situated soon, Alan. Matt Knox will be no slouch at Alchemy.
Alan: Oh, I am very much aware of that fact, Simon. Knox is a hell of a competitor and would make for a great champion. And hearing what I heard last night, he is definitely in the right mindset for our match here in a couple of weeks. I know I need to bring my best when I face him.
Simon: It isn't just Knox that you have to contend with, Alan. I just looked at next week's card. You're in a triple threat match.
Alan sighs but continues looking out the window.
Alan: Lemme guess… Mr. Everette-Bryce and Ms. Wylde again? No, that wouldn't make much sense, not this soon after I've already beaten them.
Simon: Ms. Wylde is challenging for the Conquest Championship, so it isn't her.
Alan: I know! Matt Knox and whoever Ooley feels would be best to really screw his champion over one week before the pay per view?
Simon: No, Mr. Knox isn't on the card this week, Alan.
Alan: Of course he isn't. Ooley will do everything in his power to ensure whoever stands across from me in that ring is as rested as possible when they challenge for my title. So, who is it that I'll be in the ring with.
Simon: Trent Steel.
Alan furrows his brow and slightly tilts his head.
Simon: And Zane Scott.
He now hangs his head, shaking it from side to side.
Alan: So, a man who knows me better than anyone, and who I consider to be my only real friends in this industry… and a man who is little more than a wild rabid dog whose only goal seems to be hurting people as painfully and as thoroughly as possible?
Simon: Correct.
Alan: Well that's… awesome.
Simon: To be perfectly honest with you, Alan… I don't see how you can manage to come out victorious on Monday.
Alan: Gee, thanks Simon.
Simon: I don't mean it as a slight to you. Everyone knows how capable you are when you are in the ring. But you have a lot going on at home, and your mind won't be one hundred percent on wrestling. Nor should it be. Becoming a parent is the most important and rewarding thing in the world-
Alan: Says the guy who never had children.
Simon: But if you go into your match this coming week, or the title match the week after that, and you aren't completely focused on the task at hand… you're not going to enjoy the end results, Alan. I'm just shooting straight with you.
Alan: Yes. Clearly.
Simon: Zane Scott has known you for what, almost two decades? He's been both friend and foe, and I'd be hard-pressed to name anyone who has shared the ring with you more times than he. He has had ample time to study your strengths and your weaknesses over the years, and he is more than capable of defeating you on his own. Which he has done multiple times over the years.
Alan: Has anyone ever told you that your pep talks absolutely suck, Simon?
The limo begins down the long winding driveway that will ultimately lead Vain home, which may or may not be an improvement over the current situation that he finds himself in.
Simon: Then you throw in the ultimate wild card in Trent Steel, and all bets are off, Alan.
Alan exhales loudly as he sees Vain Manor appear in the distance.
Simon: Trent Steel is a violent, vicious man, Alan. He doesn't have many friends from what I have gathered, and I think he honestly prefers it that way. He wants to come in, inflict pain and suffering, and then leave everything in ruins as he walks out the door. And from what we have seen in recent memory… it's good that you and Celeste went ahead and started the family. If history is any indication, Trent Steel may relish in attempting to take that possibility from you if given the chance.
Alan: Funny you mention that, because I have a feeling the biggest ball-buster I have to worry with is through that door we are looking at.
The limo has come to a halt, and both Alan and Simon open the doors and step out.
Alan: I know I need to focus, Simon. And I know what lies ahead when I step into the ring. I'm not stupid. But it's easier said than done.
The two men begin making their way up the steps and towards the door, when it flings open. Alan is taken aback, as it isn't the face of an incensed Celeste Worth that is there to greet him, but the face of a furious old lady.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Alan Wallace" Xandy says, as she glares at him in disgust. "What in the hell is wrong with you?!"
Alan: Why are you in my house, Ms. Burke?
She says nothing, quickly turning and walking in the opposite direction. The sound of her heels clicking off the wood of the steps indicates that she is heading upstairs, causing Alan to wheel around towards Simon.
Alan: What in the utter hell is going on right now, Simon?!
Before Simon can answer, the clearing of a throat is heard coming from the kitchen area, and then the sound of a bottle being opened.
"Get your ass the fuck in here, you arrogant douche" a throaty voice is heard, followed by multiple gulps and then the sound of a bottle being tossed into the trash can. "Right fuckin' now!"
Alan: This is a goddamned nightmare.
Simon: Yeah, you have fun. I have zero inclination to want to see that bastard.
Simon opens the door and steps through, shutting it behind him. Alan stands there a moment, before the voice in the kitchen booms out once more.
"I ain't got all fuckin' day, Wallace" he says, before the sound of a second bottle being opened is heard. "Don't make me do this the hard fuckin' way!"
Alan: Well shit…
FIN